CHAPTER 25

A/N: Hello loyal readers. Wow you guys, I've got over 2,000 total hits and reads for this story. I'm so happy. Cookies for everybody! I also must take a moment to again thank reviewer "danidropdead"—Thank you so much. I love reviews. I know Scrimgeour died in book 7. Everybody died in book 7(lots of crying on my part)- Fred died and he's back too. I have many many opinions on book 7, but this is neither the place nor the time to address those. I mean really, who kills an owl… sorry.

On with the next installment of my fun little story. I tried not to make this a "filler" chapter, but we'll see what you all think.

Enjoy. Happy Reading!

Mackenzie awoke contentedly wrapped in the arms of her favorite person. She had no desire to move at all. She had another hour before the two had to remove themselves from the comfort of their bed. So when she kissed his arm, causing him to hold tighter, she happily rested back into him. Feeling his wrap tighter, Mackenzie turned her head, smiling when she saw him smiling back at her. It would've been the perfect start to morning if not for the fact that they were facing yet another exhaustive day of accusations, and doom set on the horizon.

"Good morning." She said in a bright cheerful voice.

George chuckled. "You sound very optimistic this morning. Upbeat."

"Why shouldn't I. I've just had a spectacularly perfect night of shagging my husband." She replied, kissing him again.

As she bit onto his ear again he groaned. "Don't start that Kens. We haven't got the time."

Mackenzie looked sadly back at him.

"No." He firmly told her. "We can't. It's not that I don't want to, but we'll be late today."

Mackenzie gave her best agreeable sigh as George kissed her sweetly before jumping out of bed, swiftly going in to the shower, avoiding his wife's demands. She for one was not going to allow him to really do that. She would have her way. Once she heard the shower started, she set to climbing out of bed. She was still mostly undressed after the night, so it wasn't long before she joined in on his shower.

He had expected her, he had hoped for her, he had wanted her to come and find him. In more ways than many, Mackenzie had turned out to be George Weasley's saving grace, and he of all people sang those thoughts, those words from the topmost mountains. His every desire resided in her, with her, and would forever be her. There were many reasons why he never thought to deny his wife anything. Not simply because she was so good at arguing her way into her favor, but because what George denied her, he denied himself.

With the hearing ongoing and having the threat of losing what contact they shared, forfeiting what essentially would feel like the ability to breathe was inconceivable. George did not ever want to waste one moment, one thought he had with Mackenzie on not exploring the depths of their connection. So, when he heard her expected arrival into the shower they shared, when her arms wrapped to his stomach, her bare body pressed to his, he did not hesitate to begin exploring once more, diving in deep to numb their pain, and to momentarily forget about what their future together would bring.

The two managed to finally drag themselves from their shower after quite awhile passed. They were still concerned with the days events, but had a much more relaxed sense of reason to start their day. They dressed in a reasonable amount of time, quicker than usual as they were late, and were out of their bedroom within fifteen minutes.

Grabbing her files, legal documents, and her purse, Mackenzie met up with George in the front room to see him quietly talking with Harry.

"Good morning Har. Are you ready for today?" She asked him, but set her belongings down on a chair when she saw his expression.

"What's wrong? What's happened?"

George and Harry both looked at the woman and grinned. "You have a day off. The trial has been postponed until tomorrow afternoon. I've just come from the Ministry to tell you both." Harry told her.

Mackenzie smiled. "That's great. Harry, come in." She punched his arm as he entered past her.

The three went into the kitchen laughing. Mackenzie put together three cups of coffee, handing the men each one as she took position on her husbands lap. After a few minutes of conversation and family gossip, Harry pulled out his copy of the Daily Prophet from his side robe pocket. He set it onto the table in front of the couple.

"Page four." He mentioned.

Mackenzie grabbed the paper and flipped to page four as she and George read.

In my first and what was promised to be one of multiple interviews with Mackenzie Chase-Weasley, I gain answers and insight into the secret world of the a couple who by all accounts believe they have done no wrong, although Mackenzie also admits that Mr. Draco Malfoy has also done nothing wrong. She says that:

'Although Draco has brought my somewhat unwise method of marriage to light, I do not begrudge him anything. He as well as many others happen to have a misconstrued idea of what I have chosen, and yes again, the method in which I've chosen to uphold my choice.'

Ms. Chase-Weasley details during our conversation the true concepts of love and chance that she has found throughout her relationship with George Weasley, admitting that if it were not for George, her life with its many opportunities would be taken with less humility, courage, and fire. She is very adamant to tell me that her earliest thought to marry George Weasley was not brought on by a misguided sense of judgment or an error on the part of others coming between their relationship, but by given fact that she and her husband knew they would be together. She states that

' from day one, it has been me and George. Whether we are against the world, the public around us, or even members of the families, we stand by each other.'

When questioned about the nature of her relationship with her new family members, Mackenzie is wary to answer. And when finally able to do so, she says all is well, while giving a somewhat hidden glance into the reality of life behind the curtain. Is life as well as it seems to be? I would say not. Pushed further to respond honestly and fairly, Mackenzie then gives the answer we have waited for. The truth, at last.

'I cannot deny that our families are to some extent weary of the attention caused by our marriage. We've placed not only ourselves, but our friends and families under microscopes. But neither George nor myself are willing to surrender to provocation or bullying under the threats of Draco Malfoy. Draco is a good person. Despite his flawed attempts at attacking my family, I wholly believe that he is a good natured human being and wizard. His tactics for finding love however, leave much to be desired. Underneath it all, I love Draco Malfoy as my friend. Because through this ordeal, at the beginning, Draco and I were friends, and that still stands. It always will.'

Mackenzie stopped reading and smiled up at her husband.

"What did you say to her?" Harry questioned his sister-in-law.

"I told her the truth, veiled by a slightly indifferent manner of apologizing to Draco. And that's what people will read last. I made her think that I am repentant. I've hurt Draco, and although I truly do feel very sorry for that, the public now knows that although I stand by my choices, I regret the way that I've hurt my friend. They see that I will not regret my marriage to George, but my harmed friendship."

George chuckled and put an arm around his wife. "I cannot believe how deceptive you really are sometimes. You have a way of manipulating everyone. It's truly a gift when placed in your hands. Just promise me you will never use your power for good."

Mackenzie laughed. "You have my word."

"Harry! George!" The men and Mackenzie all heard the man shout out as he arrived at his son and daughter's home earlier than normal, and very unexpectedly.

"Dad." George greeted with a smile, the same smile disappearing as he saw his father's grave expression. "Dad, what's wrong?" The men moved to where Arthur stood.

Mackenzie stood up, moving to the man as well.

"Hello Mackenzie dear." Her father-in-law kissed her cheek. "Perhaps you should come too. All of you, come on, let's go."

"Go?" The three looked confused, questioning in unison.

"Go where?" Harry asked.

"The shop. There's been an accident at your shop George." Arthur told his children.

Without a second thought, all three had their wands in hand, and were following Arthur through the floo, coming smack into their other family members, and many Aurors surrounding the shop when they arrived.

"What happened?" George questioned as he walked further into the shop.

"George, don't…" Fred and Harry had both tried to stop their brother as he entered into a scene that he only thought possible in those muggle horror films his wife raved about.

Mackenzie wasn't far behind as she held tight to George's hand. Both she and George stopped dead still when they entered into the main centers of the store. Neither could speak at first. But George did not hesitate to hold tight to shield his wife when she quickly turned her head and body to him, hiding her eyes from the gruesome scene in front of her, burying the vision of Angelina Johnson lying on the floor, surrounded by store items, books, and fallen shelves, her body contorted in a strange manner, her eyes closed, her face looking peaceful, but showing nothing. She was dead. Cursed. There was passing talk as they stood of an "unforgivable".

George guided his wife to a separate area of the shop, sitting her in a chair, making certain she was no longer near the setting now overtaking the building. Once he was sure his wife was relatively calm, and not going to have a mental breakdown anytime soon, George went straight back out to what he now heard Aurors, including Harry calling a crime scene. Those two words just didn't seem to fit. He was stopped by Fred who first questioned him about Mackenzie's state.

"She's just seen…this. All of this. How do you think she is Fred? What happened? Why was Angelina here in the shop? Who did this? Why?"

Fred grabbed hold of his brother's shoulder, stopping the stream of questions flying from his mouth.

"You should get Mackenzie home. She shouldn't need to see this. No one seems to know what happened yet, or why she would be here. Perhaps she was looking for you or Mackenzie. Your other questions are the same as mine. I have no ideas. Go and take your wife home. I'll stay and let you know if they figure anything out."

"I can't…"

"Go home George." Arthur and Fred both agreed.

"Mackenzie will need you. This can't be good as added stress on you two with the trial ongoing." Arthur reasoned with his son. "Go and take care of your wife son."

George nodded, turning to return to Mackenzie who was clearly still sitting where he'd left her. She was talking to the Minister who had arrived minutes before the couple. He helped her to stand as they talked. He made his way over to them.

"Oh, this is just awful. What would make someone attack her? She's dead, and someone has done this to her." Mackenzie kept herself from turning hysterical over the point that Angelina was dead, and it was very realistic that she had been killed by someone. "Daddy, what will happen?"

"Mackenzie dear," Samuel kept his voice lowered. "I think this tragedy is partly my doing."

"What do you mean daddy? Why is it your fault?"

"Well, "The man quietly shifted his body, blocking any others who could listen in. He dared not use any spells for fear of what it could do to his daughter's trial. "After I heard her testimony yesterday, after I heard that she was in your home, spying on you kids, I put a tail on her. I had some people keeping an eye on her. I only wanted your safety sweetheart. I'm looking out for your interests. If someone thought that Angelina was being followed after her confession…"

"Being followed daddy…" Mackenzie seemed almost outraged. "No one knew of her admission to spying on me except those in the courtroom."

"Exactly Mackenzie." The Minister acknowledged his son-in-law as George stepped into the room beside his wife, pulling her swiftly to him.

"My first concern is for you kids, and if…"

"Daddy, I don't want to think about this. I can't deal with something like this right now." Mackenzie insisted, stopping the entire conversation. She looked down at the floor, focusing on her breathing. She had never experienced an actual crime scene. Pictures and diagrams were used during her law study, but nothing detailed or realistic.

"Nothing explains what possible motive someone would have done this. There is no logic behind it. Not unless someone at the Ministry had a hand in pushing this action."

"Mackenzie…" George said, just as shocked by her accusation as she was.

"I'm sorry daddy. I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I…"

"You're in shock. I suppose I have to understand, but you have my word that not I myself, nor anyone connected at my hand had anything to do with this awful disaster." Samuel wrapped his daughter in a tight hug. "You should go home and rest for the day as the circus has also been postponed."

"I think I'll do that."

The Minister nodded, moving out of the way as George now guided his wife back to the floo.

"I'll be in touch with you." Samuel mentioned to George who nodded in acceptance. "See that you are both safe."

"Hey Mackenzie." Samuel called out to his daughter before she and George stepped out of sight.

She turned to see her father now smiling.

"Nice work and quick thinking on that whole reverse the bad press idea. But I must know how you knew it would start to turn things so rapidly."

"I didn't daddy. I already told you, it was a risk. And Rita Skeeter has never been one as I'm told to get a story out slowly or without its lack of facts. I only gave her what she wanted while also giving us what we need." Mackenzie told her father honestly. Because that's really what this whole test in her life was about. Risk.

She and George arrived back to their home to find another visitor awaiting their return.

"Percy!" Mackenzie excitedly greeted the man.

The two hugged as Percy and George nodded acknowledgments to each other before George disappeared off into the house and back into the bedroom, closing the door. He fell onto the bed, covering his eyes with his arm, unwilling to deal with anything at all. He knew that his wife would need his support and comfort, as well as him needing hers, but right now he only wanted to sleep. He ignored the conversation being had outside of listening ability between his brother and wife.

"I think he needs some time to sort this out." Mackenzie quietly said as George maneuvered passed the two.

"Yes, the news of Angelina is all over the Ministry this morning." Percy mentioned.

"Is that why you've come?"

Percy shook his head. "No." His voice lowered as he covertly looked back to the area where George had disappeared. "I came to give you this." He handed Mackenzie a scroll, holding upon it the Malfoy family crest.

Mackenzie swallowed hard. "What is it?" She took the scroll into her hands.

Percy shrugged. "I didn't ask. He was at the Ministry earlier this morning to learn that the hearing is postponed. He handed this off to me. I guess he figured that I could get it to you, seeing as we are family."

Mackenzie smiled at him before opening the rolled parchment. As she read through his writing, her hand ran through her hair, showing her apprehension.

"What does he want?" Percy questioned his sister.

"He wants to see me. He wants me to go and meet him."

"What? You can't go see him. He may hurt you. We can't trust that…"

"He wouldn't hurt me Perc." She said. "And really, what choice do I have. I have to go and see him."

"We always have a choice Kenny. My own life is proof of that."

Again his sister smiled at him. "George needs to rest. I will be back as soon as possible. Please stay with him." She placed a hand to Percy's shoulder.

He nodded as she turned and took the floo network to Chase Manor. Draco had requested she meet him at Malfoy Manor, but Mackenzie was not at all daft. She would meet the man on neutral territory. She fire called to him after arriving and asked him to meet her instead.

Her request was naturally met by indifference and disinclination, but ultimately agreed to. Draco arrived at Chase Manor minutes after while Mackenzie moved around inside of the Parlor. She smiled when he was shown into the room, receiving only a standing cold stare from the blond. She handed him a glass of iced tea, motioning him to sit with her. He did.

"Why did you want to see me Draco?" Mackenzie kept her tone light and friendly. She had already provoked him enough by letting him in on the knowledge of her marriage. He'd had enough. She could attempt a cease fire for the time being if he could.

"My attorney advised me not to see you, or to request to see you, but I thought it only appropriate to do so after…"

"You heard about Angelina then?" She asked, watching his head lower.

"Yes. Scary business all of this. It wasn't supposed to get this out of hand Mackenzie."

"It's been caused by your hand Draco. What did you expect to happen?"

"I did not cause this. This whole thing is your fault. I…"

"What do you want Draco? If you've come to cause more of a fight, I really don't have it in me today."

Draco shook his head again. "No. I just wanted to discuss with you that my attorney intends on calling upon me to detail our fraudulent relationship in the next day or so, whenever the hearing picks back up."

"Yes, I've seen the witness list Draco. I'm on it as well. So?"

Draco's tone seemed to soften a few degrees. "So, one of the questions he plans on asking is first why I pushed so desperately to marry you specifically. The other question he will ask me is why I am doing all of this now."

Mackenzie was now the one to sound distanced by their conversation.

"I'm hard-pressed to expect real answers to either question Draco."

Draco cleared his throat, the compliant demeanor gone again as he took her response as unwelcoming. "Well, I just thought you should know that I'm not doing this because I want to marry you anymore. That ship has so obviously sailed. I couldn't possibly be married to someone who has shagged a Weasley."

"Quite often" Mackenzie mused aloud with a smile.

"Don't joke Kenny. I'm being serious."

"So am I Drake." She placed a hand over his. "I wish you knew what it feels like to love just one person with every part of you, so much that losing them, or the thought, the threat of losing that single person would destroy the best parts of you, the parts that make those little insignificant in-completions whole for the first time. I wish you knew what it feels like to know that you are meant for one person in this world and that they can only belong to you in return. Do you get that Draco?"

"No." He replied to her, pulling his hand away.

"No. No, you don't. And that is where your problem is manifested Drake. Until you understand how it feels, it will be your fatal flaw. It explains just why you and George are both so different." She watched his eyebrows lift in question.

"George has never treated me as if I am a prize he has won. Because I am the one who was lucky enough to win him."

Draco was quiet, listening to her, contemplating both her words and the language in her voice. Still it further angered him to hear her go on. His attack on her was on principle, not love. So why should it matter if he loved or not? Had he ever loved Mackenzie? Probably not, but love was just a word, and she…she was just a woman.

"I saw your article, the interview you gave to Rita Skeeter." He commented, standing up. He laughed. "And you call me unprincipled." That said, he set down his glass and walked out of the room, leaving Mackenzie sitting alone to consider his comment.

Mackenzie didn't sit for long. Her thoughts were immediately of her husband's well-being once Draco disappeared. She left Chase Manor just as she'd found it, returning to her own home to discover her husband sat with his brother in the Living room as she arrived.

"Kenny, thank god you're back." Percy rushed to her, checking her for anything dark or serious injury.

"I'm fine Perc." She said with a chuckle.

George stood, opening his arm to her. She ran into them, wrapping her arms around him as well.

"How are you?" She asked him, looking up into his eyes.

"I'm fine Kens." He kissed her forehead. "Percy says you went to see Malfoy. Had a right tough time holding me back from following." The two men laughed. "What did he want?"

"To talk." Mackenzie stated. "There were some things that needed to be said between the two of us, and now they have been. Now, I'm hoping he will start to see how much I truly love you, and how much he could love someone if it weren't directed at the wrong person."

"I love you too." George told her.

A/N: I hadn't initially planned to kill off Angelina, but as I was writing, that was the direction this story took. I'm going with it. I have a few new directions to play with, so until next time. I'm off to work on chapter 26. Draco and Mackenzie are going head to head in chapter 26---it should be fun.

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