CHAPTER 28
"Fred?" Lilah gasped, opening the front door to her cobblestoned country house in Headley.
It was two in the morning and the loud pounding on her door had shot Lilah from her room to the front door in a matter of one minute exactly. When she saw him standing there, he looked bothered, like he hadn't slept in days, like he was lost. It worried Lilah to see the man looking like this. It was nothing close to the high on life, happy, playful man she knew.
"Fred, what are you doing here? How did you remember where I live?"
"How could I not remember where you live?" Fred asked her, looking a little confused by her question.
"Why are you here so early? Could you not sleep? I could help with that." She teased him, pulling at the front of his shirt a little.
She let go when his eyes met hers and told her something was not right.
"There's been an accident." Fred confessed.
"Mackenzie? George?"
Lilah stepped back a foot, looking at him in fear, allowing him into her house instantly. She sat down in the front room with him, pushing him to go on.
"They're both fine." Fred told her. "It was Angelina Johnson."
Lilah's face changed in acknowledgment. "The woman that George was with before Kenny came into the picture."
Fred gave a nod, his eyebrows raised in a sort of temporary amusement.
"She died. She was killed at the shop. George and Kenny were there after the news hit. Turns out Angelina was spying on them. She must've been looking for them there. No one really knows much of anything. There's an investigation going on."
"That's just terrible. Is your brother handling it all okay? I know he and Angelina didn't have the greatest history."
Fred looked amused again. "You know more than you let on beautiful." He was facing her on the couch, twisting her fingers with his, lightly touching them as he talked.
"Not really." She returned to him. "But friends talk. Kenny and I, we talk. You would blush if you knew even half of what I unfortunately know about hers and George's sex life. I am always amazed that those two are never visibly exhausted when I see them."
Fred chuckled. "I probably know more than you think—learned unwillingly by sight, not conversation. The things I've seen…"
"Oh you poor thing." Lilah placed a hand to his face.
"Tell me about it." Fred mumbled.
"I'm glad you came to see me." Lilah mused, her hand still to his face. "I mean while you're upset, I'm glad you figured you could come to see me."
Fred closed his eyes. Her touch was unbelievably strong. Her hold on him had become so powerful over the short period of time they had been together. Her entire presence seemed more vital to his existence. He constantly wanted more of her. Sometimes he felt as though he knew what George and Mackenzie shared when they needed to be with each other so desperately, to simply be near one another.
"I'm still looking for the right way to exact revenge." He said to her.
Lilah moved in closer to him. "Would you like some help with that revenge?" She questioned him.
Fred hadn't realized how close she was until she was leaning in, whispering into his ear, that seductive tone driving a shiver up his spine and through his whole body.
"What did you have in mind?"
Although alone, the couple used whispers to speak, plotting, and planning. If George had thought that his wife was equal in trouble as himself, then he'd be amazed to know that Fred had met the woman who surpassed himself in devious behavior.
Fred was on his way back to Lilah's house now as he recalled the late night rendezvous he'd shared with his girlfriend days before. He had of course seen her since that time, but he enjoyed and appreciated her in so many ways, knowing that Lilah was his safety, his protector as well, and his…he failed to use the word love yet as the two had not yet discussed that particular emotion, but liked the way it sounded in his head. Because it was true, he did love her. He'd kept her safe and frequently made trips to her home to see her throughout the past week and made any excuse to do so. He knew that she too made excuses for him to visit. When she couldn't reach something in the kitchen, messages from those who used magic around her, came to Fred. Mostly the messages came when she missed him terribly and wished to see him. He came running. Yes, it was undeniable. Fred was unconditionally in love with Lilah.
He managed to sneak away from his parent's home after having to listen to Mackenzie and George had a very loud explosive row with his parents. Despite the fact that it was all planned out, in order to benefit the family, it was enough for Fred to need a soothing presence. This being the morning that the trial was set to begin again, Fred was certainly in no mood when he woke to deal with any trouble yet. He and the rest of the family were told without argument to arrive at the Burrow by six sharp this morning. Even the Minister was told by Molly that he would be no exception to the rule.
After spending the night alone in his apartment, he arrived at the home with five minutes to spare after rushing to get dressed, and ran to get out of the shop. Everyone else had already arrived as well he could hear as he walked up to the front door. Just before Fred entered the house, a small light caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see what it was. There was nothing on the porch but a wandering chicken, a couple of empty cauldrons, and what Fred swore was a bird of some sort. It disappeared behind a cauldron before he got a good look. He walked silently over to sneak up on the small animal, but when he moved the cauldron, it was gone. Taking a page out of Mackenzie's book, he swore out loud.
"Birds do not just up and bloody disappear!" He stated. He searched the area for another minute before coming to recall an important conversation he and Mackenzie had had a few days back. He gave up searching an made his way into the house, saying hello to his family, and pulling both Percy and his father off to the side for a moment.
After returning to the group of family laughing and talking now in the kitchen, Fred found his sister in law wrapped between Harry and George as they were going on about some story from when they were all back at Hogwart's. He touched Mackenzie's shoulder.
Her head turned.
"Dad wants to see you a minute Ken." Fred told her. "He's in the Sitting room."
Mackenzie let go of George, staring at Fred in suspicion before he winked at her. She smiled and left to go and find Arthur seated just where Fred said he would be. He was in a chair, a paper pulled up, hiding his face when she entered.
"You wanted to see me Arthur?" She questioned, standing in the archway.
Arthur lowered the paper and looked back at the woman. "Yes. Come in." He instructed.
She did as he requested, entering into the room, standing beside the couch. She stayed quiet.
"Harry tells me that you've decided to involve the Board of Governor's in this case."
She nodded. "Yes."
"Do you think that is wise? Do you think that they can help in any part of this case that matters?"
"I don't see how it can hurt us."
Arthur stood from his chair. "This has gotten far too out of hand. I think you are taking this too far in order to prove a point Mackenzie." His voice was harsh now.
"Prove a point?" She raised her voice, sounding equally as harsh.
"There is too much danger involved in this case. What should've stayed a simple matter has turned into a circus of threats and risks. People are turning up dead, this family has been threatened…"
"You think I want that? You think I wanted any of this to happen?"
Arthur's voice was now raised as well. "I think that you have been blinded by a win Mackenzie. You are blinded by wanting to get your way. I do not think that you can truly see the dangers involved in pushing this any further than it has already gone."
Mackenzie made a slight noise of insult. "You are accusing me of being selfish in order to simply win this case? That is an awful thing to say. I am pushing my hardest through this crap in order to see that George and I, and the rest of you remain happy together."
"This is not happy." Arthur returned.
"No. It isn't." Both turned to see George coming in to rescue his wife. "What is going on? Why are you two yelling at each other? Dad why are you talking to her like that?"
Mackenzie didn't let Arthur answer his son. She didn't either. She went on with her fight.
"It destroys me anytime I think of anyone of you in danger. I cannot imagine putting any of you in danger intentionally."
"That's not good enough." Arthur commanded.
"What do you expect Arthur? What do you want from us?"
"Responsibility." The three heard Molly sternly speak from the entryway.
Mackenzie whipped around to face Molly as she came in to stand beside her husband.
"You think we're not taking responsibility for our actions?" George's voice was a louder protective growl. "That's absurd! This entire ordeal is just that…us taking responsibility for the choices we've made. What's brought on this sudden claim of irresponsibility? You've supported our choice up till now. You're the one's who…"
"She's gone." Fred quietly announced to his parents and Mackenzie. "Percy got a hold of her outside the window."
"What?" George inquired as his family moved around him and Arthur and Molly hugged their daughter.
"What is going on? What was that outburst all about?"
Mackenzie turned to George and smiled, keeping her voice slightly lowered now.
"Rita Skeeter." She stated.
George felt a hand rest to his shoulder from behind him as Fred joined them.
"Kenny warned us that the sneaky little witch might also try spying if she needed another shot at an interview."
"Hermione warned me that she'd try, so I warned Arthur and Fred. We thought we could give her a little show." Mackenzie explained to her husband.
"By having a screaming match with each other?"
"By staging a disagreement before we have to show a united front today. If anyone at the Ministry thinks that any of us can be swayed from the family or influenced to turn our backs, then it in a sense, fishes out those specific parties inside of the Ministry who intend on breaking us."
"I don't totally understand that." George said, "But I suppose I probably shouldn't want to." He smirked at his wife.
Mackenzie turned to Molly and Arthur again. "I'd be almost curious to know what a real argument with either of you would be like if I hadn't just been scared by the staged one just now."
"Don't be curious." Fred warned. "It's nothing to be curious about."
Fred, Mackenzie, and George all chuckled.
"Thank you." Mackenzie said to Molly and Arthur.
The two smiled and nodded.
"Really." She went on. "I mean it. Thank you. You both and my dad have all been so good through this mess. And if it weren't for the two of you, George and I might've struggled to find a way to be happy together. I am so grateful to the both of you, and…"
"That's what family does Kenny." Molly assured her, both women teary as their husbands gathered to their sides, comforting them.
Molly's last comment was what caught Fred's attention as he attempted to leave the room. Family had become the most important thing to all of them, especially Mackenzie, and she needed everyone with her today. She needed ALL of her family. He raced out of the house, with only three hours to go before they would all appear at the Ministry. There was a trip he could not ignore.
So now here he was again, arriving on the doorstep of the woman he loved. He walked up the garden pathway, leading to her door, knocking before straightening his jacket. The Aurors guarding Lilah were not blind to his frequent visits, but allowed it to continue per Fred's demands. The door opened slowly, revealing the angel he'd come to admire and dream of.
"Lilah." He smiled, his breath catching in his throat as it had every other time he'd seen her.
"Fred!" She jumped into his arms, happy to see him. She kissed him fiercely. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too. I only saw you last night and I can't believe how empty it made me feel to leave and be away from you all night."
"I know."
Fred replaced the beauty to the ground, allowing her to lead him further into the house. They stayed quiet as she led him inside. They reached the kitchen and Lilah poured another cup of coffee for the man.
"Thanks." He said.
"How are George and Kenny?"
Fred leaned forward onto his elbows. "That's sort of why I'm here." He went on to explain what had been going on at the house and between George and Kenny, and Malfoy over the past forty eight hours. "I thought you might want to come to the Ministry with us to support Kenny." He finished the conversation by saying.
Lilah stood immediately, kissed Fred's cheek and disappeared through the house, still talking as Fred followed.
"We should bring Bailey too. She'll want to be there. This is important to Mackenzie and George."
Fred agreed. After Lilah threw on her light blue pencil skirt, white button up, and matching jacket, she joined Fred in informing the Auror's of her absence. The two left after that, Lilah at Fred's side as he apparated back to the Burrow.
"Fred, where have you been?" Ginny and Hermione asked as he and Lilah entered.
Both women smiled and hugged Lilah as she motioned for them not to say anything yet. She slid behind Fred, keeping his hand in hers as he walked into the kitchen.
"Before anyone says anything about anything," He stopped the oncoming yelling over his absence from starting as soon as he walked in. "I have a very good reason for disappearing so abruptly." He turned to Mackenzie and addressed only her.
"I couldn't help hearing you and mum going on about family, and I… well… I thought that maybe… you see, I was…"
"Spit it out Fred." George insisted.
Fred stopped speaking and moved off to the side.
"Lilah!" Mackenzie excitedly exclaimed as she saw her friend smiling beside Fred. "You're here. Why are you here? Not that I'm complaining."
The girls hugged and laughed.
"Fred said you needed all of your family today." Lilah said.
"Fred you're the greatest." Mackenzie stated. "I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you."
Fred smiled briefly before her last comment registered. "What? You've said bad things about me? Behind my back?"
She turned to Fred and smiled. "I couldn't very well say them to your face."
Fred laughed and hugged his sister as well while Lilah made her own round of hello's starting with Mackenzie's dad.
"Minister." She greeted.
"Hello Lilah. I'm glad you could be here. Has Bailey come too?"
""Bailey will be at the hearing today." The woman told. "She insisted on making a short stop beforehand." Lilah and Mackenzie connected glances for a second.
"Draco?" Mackenzie asked.
Lilah nodded. "Yes."
"Good."
The two girls quietly excused themselves with their men keeping guard as they talked about everything that had been going on, what Lilah did and didn't know. It was all very intense but Mackenzie was in no position to keep any details out at this point. Their conversation soon turned to Bailey and her own choices.
"She went to see him." Lilah stated in a menacing tone.
Mackenzie could not deny the anger in her friend's tone.
"I know." She tried to settle Lilah. "And that is fine. I want her to go and see him. I especially want her to go and see him today."
"Why?" Lilah sat beside her friend, urging her to give a good reason for her wishes.
Mackenzie sighed. "Because Bay is in love with Drake." She confessed.
Lilah looked scandalized. "How do you know that? Has she told you?"
"No. She hasn't told me anything. But she wouldn't have to. It's sort of like my knowing that you are madly in love with Fred Weasley."
Lilah's eyes went wide, but she blushed brightly. "And how the bloody hell do you know that? I haven't even said anything to Fred."
"Maybe you should." She urged. "It's very obvious that you love that man. I know because I see Fred give you the same look that George gives to me when we see each other. It's not simple attraction. It's inconvenient, irrational, consuming, powerful love."
"That doesn't explain how you know about Bailey. Does she really love the Malfoy brat?"
Mackenzie nodded. "I don't really know for sure, but if I know our friend, and I think we both do, you too should know that Bailey does not walk into anything without jumping in head first full force. I can hope that he has some sort of affection for her even after this ordeal, but I expect that she is also consumed by him."
"You have a lot of hope and expectations Ken."
"True. But I'm not just relying on their feelings."
"You've got a bag of tricks with you then?" Lilah inquired with a smile.
"I've got a bag of magic in me somewhere."
"Apparently so."
Both girls laughed at the intended joke, interrupted by the men who loved them.
"Girls." George said. "It's time to go. We're expected at the Ministry." He held out his hand for his wife.
She stood from where she sat, walked over to him, and took his hand, keeping her hopeful eyes locked with his.
As Lilah joined at Fred's side, the pair heard both George and Mackenzie simultaneously say I love you before chuckling and quickly kissing each other before walking away.
The three words said around them caused a short awkward silence before Fred pulled lightly on Lilah's hand. "Come on beautiful. Let's get this dog and pony show over with."
"So, you've witnessed Kenny during her verbal assaults in court before?" Lilah inquired with a smirk.
Fred wrapped an arm around the girl at his side. "I never want to be on the opposite side again. She had to interrogate me last time and she stayed perfectly on task even though I could see it was hard for her."
"She has Harry first today before Draco. I am curious to see how she does with Draco."
"Yeah, she's slipped Harry a white flag in case she gets too out of control today. She won't do that for Malfoy, or the Malfoy brat as you referred to him." Fred chuckled, turning it into laughter as he was hit forcefully on the arm.
"Ouch."
"You were listening to us?"
"No." He surrendered. "Not intentionally." He was struck again. "George and I were keeping an eye out so that you two could talk privately. We weren't intentionally listening in on your girl-talk."
Lilah shifted as they approached the rest of the family around a large fireplace. "What else did you hear?"
"Nothing much." Fred whispered.
"The Auror team will be waiting on the opposite end of the Floo at the Ministry. No one goes any further into the Ministry before everyone has arrived." Harry firmly instructed all of the family.
Mackenzie caught sight of the baffled look on Lilah's face as family members began catching fire and disappearing. Fred clearly hadn't managed an explanation for Floo travel yet. And so, he got punched in his other arm.
"Bloody Hell! What?" He turned to Mackenzie who looked both worried and irritated.
"You obviously haven't traveled by Floo with Lils."
Fred went to answer, but only shook his head. His eyes turned to her, seeing the horror-struck look on her face. It was a look very similar to the one Mackenzie had displayed during her first "floo witness".
Mackenzie pushed him away, letting go of her husband's hand.
"You guys go through first. We'll follow." She turned her face to Lilah. "You trust me, right?"
Lilah halfheartedly nodded. When the men disappeared, Mackenzie grabbed her friend's hand, and pulled her inside of the confined space. She took a hand full of powder. "Let's get this day over with."
Ministry of Magic!" She called out, and both girls to Lilah's amazement appeared in a different Floo, the family and Aurors all waiting as cameras flashed and shouts rang out around the girls.
As the family expected, their short staged quarrel was splayed over the front pages of the prophet.
Fred took tight hold of Lilah as George did the same to his wife and everyone in a rush gathered together, rushing to get to their destinations. Their private access to their areas had been given. Before separating, the group all wished the couple luck and love. Molly, Arthur, and Samuel all kissed their children before leaving them. Most of the family was able this time to simply sit in the audience section of the courtroom as they were not expected to be interrogated again.
Mackenzie and George were called into the room shortly after the Wizengamot and Rufus Scrimgeour appeared, taking their places. The couple sat again opposite of Draco and Nigel Kearney who looked as smug this time as he had through the last face-off. Family members and friends all sat in the audience. Mackenzie saw Bailey acknowledge her and smile before looking concerned for Draco.
"Hope your prepared today Miss Chase." Nigel mentioned.
Mackenzie's head whirled to look the man straight in the eye. "Shove off Kearney. You're in for a fight today."
**************************
"The Council of Magical Law and High Wizard Court will now come to order. The case of Chase-Weasley versus Malfoy is now in session. I Rufus Scrimgeour preside over this court rooms and its dealings today." Rufus Scrimgerour stated, turning his head to watch George and Mackenzie. "The charges given against the defendants are still effective. We will hear further testimony today, beginning with Mr. Harry Potter, and I would like to get to that quickly today." He urged Nigel Kearney and Mackenzie, who both shrugged. Scrimgeour waved to Mackenzie in his haphazard nonchalant manner.
"Ms. Weasley, I'd like to bypass any opening statements for the day, so call your witness please."
Mackenzie nodded off the blatant disregard held for the rules of law in this courtroom, pushing forward. She stood from her chair.
"I'd like to call Harry Potter to the stand." She said just before Harry exited the witness box, taking the witness chair, facing away from the court audience.
"Mr. Potter." Mackenzie greeted.
"Ms. Weasley."
"Harry." She corrected, pulling a chair from the side of the room, sitting across from him. Her actions gained glares from the former Minister, Draco, and his attorney.
"Hi Harry."
"Hi Kenny."
The two smiled.
"Harry, whether or not it is yet known, or yet to be known, you and I have a secret. Do we not?"
"We do." Harry agreed.
"Our secret is that we took a little trip a couple of days ago to antagonize the Board of Governor's. Before I go any further with that," she lifted her head to see her father shifting in his chair, pleased clearly that his daughter had nearly pulled off her triumph, but frustrated that she'd surpassed the chain of command in this case.
"Harry, I need to ask you if you are aware of any reason I might have asked you specifically to accompany me on my trip."
"The only reasons you gave that day," Harry recalled, "were that you first didn't want to have your "choice" to marry George staring them back in the face, fearing it would damage this case, and because of my position here at the Ministry." He said. "But I'm starting to think now that those excuses were a cover."
"Smart man." Mackenzie commented.
"So, no I suppose I don't know why you asked me."
"You still came along with me. Why?"
"Because," Harry answered her. "You are my sister too. I know what it's like to be singled out by the Ministry because of any "power" you wield. Even when your reasons for doing something you are doing are right, fair, and completely justified, you are harassed and criticized. I don't think that's fair. We're family Kenny and that's what is important."
"Yes it is Harry. And that's why I didn't tell you why I had you tag along with me."
"You were protecting me."
"Yes. I was protecting the entire family. I hope you don't mind. I had to be sure that while you were here on this stand today, that nothing could be misinterpreted or misconstrued as damaging in any way to you or anyone else." She looked meaningfully at him. "No further questions Harry. Mr. Kearney, your witness if you choose to cross-examine my accomplice." She joked. Harry chuckled loud enough for her to hear.
"Yes Ms. Chase-Weasley, I would like to have a few words with Mr. Potter." Nigel spoke after finishing a whispered conversation with Draco.
Mackenzie winked at Harry before going to take her seat beside George who rubbed her shoulders.
"I don't know what he's up to, but this won't be good."
"Keep it together Kens." George comforted his wife.
Both quietly listened to the examination.
"Mr. Potter, would you swear under oath, under Ministry penalty that you had no prior knowledge of plans to accost the Board of Governor's with your sister-in-law?
"Under oath, I had no knowledge of it until she requested that I go with her."
"And you say you had no other reason other than family obligation to go with Ms. Chase."
"Weasley." Harry corrected him.
"That's right." Nigel said. "So, Mr. Potter, you deny any sort of other progressive relationship between yourself and your sister-in-law?"
Harry furrowed his brow and tilted his head slightly.
"I'm afraid I don't understand the question."
Nigel looked straight at Harry. "Your relationship with Mackenzie Chase-Weasley is a close relationship, is it not?"
"I suppose so, yes."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know." Harry mused. "Mackenzie has this special power over people around her. She can make anyone feel comfortable and loved. It's brilliant. She and I have a bond I suppose because we've both been through terrible experiences in our lives that have turned us into the people we are today, and given us happiness beyond hope."
"Bonded." Nigel repeated. "You two have a bond of friendship that has clearly grown."
"Yes." Harry was becoming indignant as the man questioned his friendship with Mackenzie.
"And that is all you share with her is a friendship?"
"Yes of course."
"Then please explain Mr. Potter why there has been talk between yourself and Ms. Chase-Weasley of a secret affair."
Harry laughed, struggling to keep his calm. "You're not serious. My friendship with Mackenzie Weasley is not on trial here." He said loudly. "First Mr. Kearney, I do not know how you heard about that as it is simply a family joke. Second, it is just that. It is a joke. Mackenzie is deeply in love with her husband, and I am connected to my wife in the very same way. We would never do anything to harm those relationships, but as family we can joke."
Nigel stayed stone-faced as he went on. "And the fact that you and your sister-in-law have been seen and photographed holding hands, embracing, and seeming to have more than a close "friendship", is only to be construed as that…as a friendship?"
"Strictly!" Harry affirmed. "We hold hands on occasion. We are protective of one another, we care for each other as family and as friends. As for embracing…" he paused. "I hug Hermione in the same way. Again, we are family. We comfort each other. If someone is upset, you hug them or you can hug those you are close to simply out of that closeness. Mr. Kearney, I'd like to ask you now to back off, quit trying to devalue my relationship with my sister-in-law. Not only does it infuriate me, but I think her husband and my wife look ready to assault you."
And indeed as Harry expected, he and Nigel both turned to see the family holding control by a loose thread. Ginny was being calmed by Hermione and Molly, as Molly was calmed by Arthur. Mackenzie and George both had a hand on their shoulder from Samuel who whispered to the pair, although his words did nothing to appease the couple.
"No further questions." Nigel retreated, sitting back down beside Draco as Harry stayed.
"We will take a one hour recess before returning to determine the verdict of this case. Mr. Potter, you may be released." Scrimgeour said before standing and leaving.
George and Mackenzie stood, joining their family members as they exited the courtroom for the hour they'd been given. Mackenzie spun on her heels when a hand touched her shoulder. Harry stood in front of her now. The two hugged.
"You took me with you so that you wouldn't have to cross-examine me?"
"Yes." Mackenzie said. "Are you cross with me?"
"No. The opposite. I think it was a genius move." Harry confirmed. "But what point did it prove. You only let on that we went to see the Board? How does that help us?"
"Mostly it helped because I want Scrimgeour to know that I'm not an idiot. I do what I do because I'm good at it, not because it's a passing fancy."
"I cannot believe he accused you and Harry of having an affair!" Ginny moved into their conversation. "The nerve of that man."
"Yes, but what I want to know is how he heard that bit of information." George took a serious tone, looking around at the people surrounding him and Mackenzie.
"Rita Skeeter." Mackenzie guessed. "She was there the other day. Or it may have been Kearney himself." She said. "I do not believe anyone here had reason or opportunity to share that joke." She told George. "However," She went on, pacing out of the circle of family. "I don't think either one of them has motive or the logic to pull off coming up with spying like that. Angelina was already spying, and she's…" her sentence trailed as she thought.
"There's another spy, which means that someone is putting this person or persons up to the job!" Mackenzie exclaimed, coming to her conclusion. "I'd bet I'm right." She told George. "And if I am…" She quieted again, thinking. "If I'm right…" she said again, still thinking, tapping a finger to the bridge of her nose. Suddenly, she lifted her head higher. "If I'm right, I know who is behind this and why. But I'm not certain, so not pressing this issue will do for now."
Her entire family stood gob smacked from her final comment. She looked around at them and smiled.
"Just kidding." She said, laughing.
"Ms. Weasley!" Mackenzie's name was called from down the hallway. "Ms. Mackenzie Weasley!"
Mackenzie poked her head away from her family and looked down the hallway. She smiled, wiggling away from her husband.
"Ms. Weasley." A tall man approached her, holding out his hand. "My name is Thadeus Middleton. I'm with the Board of Governor's."
She shook his hand as he greeted her. "Mr. Middleton, it is great to speak with you again today. This is my husband George." She introduced George to the man.
George and Mackenzie followed the man into their private room as the man instructed to speak to them privately. Harry accompanied them as he was on duty to guard them throughout the day.
"Ms. Weasley, I can tell you now that the Ministry only holds jurisdiction over your case because the Board of Governor's did not know of the contracts made for Mr. Malfoy."
"That makes a difference?" George asked.
"It does."
"The Board doesn't just authorize marriages between students for Hogwart's, but also for select witches and wizards in high profile positions." Mackenzie stated. "Am I right?"
"Yes." Thadeus said. "We like to take those specific cases because of the risks involved. Otherwise, things like this can come about. We're far more discreet."
"And if a marriage between two people who are unsuitable for each other is contracted without your consent?"
"We've already taken steps to rectify this situation Ms. Weasley. Lydia Price has lost her job."
"And Draco Malfoy?" Mackenzie fought?"
"Ms. Weasley, I'm afraid that despite Mrs. Price's choice to contract you both, Mr. Malfoy has authorized permission of the Ministry in full to go ahead with this case regardless of who gets fired."
"What does that mean?" George inquired.
"It means that the Board can do nothing more." Mackenzie told her husband. "We're on our own from here. They took out Lydia Price and we must take out Draco Malfoy. Isn't there some sort of clause that redirects or cancels out this contract somehow? In your books?"
"I'm afraid Ms. Weasley that any clause referred to these contracts state that both parties must be legally monogamous for their uses to be effective."
"That's rubbish!" The three heard Harry mumble.
Mackenzie brought him over to sit with them. "So they can't use the clauses because Kenny had George in her bed. But Draco Malfoy has also had other women in his bed. One doesn't negate the other?
"It won't nullify the contracts if both have been unfaithful." Mackenzie finished. "Magical law sucks!"
"It doesn't matter anyway." Harry said. "They're only holding these proceedings to see you found publicly guilty. They want it to be as uncomfortable and difficult as possible. Nothing more." Harry explained his own feelings.
"But we are married. Of course we're guilty of breaking the marriage laws." Mackenzie admitted, sliding closer to George, linking her hand with his. "But that does not for one minute mean that we are about to roll over and die. I'm not going to let some pompous, condescending, ex-minister on a holier than thou power trip dictate who either of us "should" be married to."
"Mackenzie, perhaps you should possibly think about treading a bit more cautiously." The group in the room heard Samuel Chase say as he entered into the room.
Thadeus Middleton acknowledged the Minister and left the room.
"Daddy…" Mackenzie protested.
Samuel held his hand up to stop her. "The members of this court are not like those you've been up against in the past dear. This is not a jury of your peers. The Wizengamot plays under wizarding laws. They are out for blood sweetheart. "Yours."
Mackenzie sighed. "I know. But the problem with the Wizengamot daddy is that all of their laws contradict each other." Her hand fell onto the table in frustration as she again read through depositions given to the court from those who supported and opposed the pair or Draco Malfoy. "It is impossible to beat this now."
"What do you mean?" Harry questioned her.
She picked up to see the encouraging look on his face.
"Well, in this case for example, Wizarding law states that two parties can be contracted into a marriage under duress, and if party one is unwilling to fulfill said contractual obligation, then a marriage between that person and a completely separate party can take place. If that marriage successfully reaches the full time of thirty days according to the Board of Governor's law, before the contracted marriage is to take place, then it is legal and binding under wizarding law. It cannot be undone. That is the case with our marriage. But then, it also says that the contractual agreement entered into between the first two parties must be upheld for the contract to void." She chuckled. "It promotes polygamy. How is that a valid concept of a law?"
"Mackenzie is right." Samuel growled.
The three looked over at him. "After thirty days of marriage, the union between you and George is untouchable." He turned to face his daughter. "This is not about your marriage to George or anyone else Mackenzie. It's also not about your feud with Mr. Malfoy."
Mackenzie furrowed her eyebrows.
"The ex-minister was not pleased to be placed out of office." Samuel explained. "That is not public knowledge. I'm certain that Harry has told you Mackenzie about the events of the war in relation to Rufus Scrimgeour?"
"He told me that he is a coward. Yes." Mackenzie agreed.
"My taking his position, a position he was so secure about was a severe blow to him and his career. I'm afraid it is the main catalyst for the trouble you are having. He is out to show scandal in our lives so that he and his time as Minister look far less inadequate and flawed in the eyes of the public. He is desperately trying to escape the stigma he received after the war."
George and Mackenzie looked at each other, feeling the understanding of what this was now about.
"We may think we are up against Malfoy and his defense team, but the truth is that although he has been the main focus from this end of the spectrum of what hinders you both, our real fight should be with the ex-minister. He is only concerned with making everyone involved look unstable and guilty. That includes Draco Malfoy."
Mackenzie jumped up from her chair. "That's it!" She stated aloud. "I've figured it out!" She kissed her husband, her father, and Harry before racing out of the room. "I'll be right back!" She called as she ran down the hall.
She knew exactly where she was headed. She had to get there as quickly as possible. She ran full speed around corners, not allowing others to acknowledge her identity yet. She only slowed as she arrived outside of the ex-minister's temporary office again. She stood outside of the door for a few brief seconds before grasping her wand, and bursting through the unlocked doors.
"What is the meaning of…" Scrimgeour stood, he stopped speaking when he recognized that Mackenzie had broken through to his office.
"Ms. Chase, really, this is no time for pleading your case. That time has come and gone, and I'm afraid your methods and attempts have done little to sway the decisions made."
Mackenzie scoffed. "That's funny. Because it would seem you have such a big concern to let mine or Mr. Malfoy's cases matter to you."
"You shouldn't be here Ms…."
"Weasley. And where I belong is any place that I can protect my family."
Scrimgeour strode towards the woman, arrogance still radiating from him. "Do you feel that you need to protect your family here?"
"I need to protect my family from those here who mean them or myself harm, those who have already committed heinous acts of violence under the thought that they were doing good."
The man looked puzzled. "Here in this very room? This is where those you protect your family reside?"
"Yes!" Mackenzie said, standing up against the man. She didn't back away when he approached her, coming as close as allowed. "You killed Angelina Johnson." She accused. "You had her spying on us. And now you have someone else to spy on us. I figured it out. During today's hearing, Nigel mentioned our family joke between me and Harry. Someone would've had to be spying to figure that out. There's no way around it. Angelina was the first to spy on us. She ended up dead."
"What does that have to do with me?" Scrimgeour growled at the woman.
"Everything!" Mackenzie excitedly shouted. "You set Angelina on us first, knowing that she and George had a history. Once anyone else found out about her "job", and it got back to George and I, you were forced to remove her from the picture before she gave you away. And now, you have either Skeeter or Kearney doing your dirty work. I'd have suspected Draco first if I didn't think he had a heart or a conscience. However, spending time with him made me see that he surprisingly has both. Plus he's too easy for me to suspect. So who is it?" She asked. "Who've you got listening in on our conversations?"
Scrimgeour only smiled back at the woman. "I'd like to hear your proof for all of this. How can you accuse me of such behavior without proof?"
"I don't need proof. I have better ways of bringing these things to light." She turned away, walking to the door. "Enjoy your last moments as a free man."
She walked out of the door, closing it behind her before she rushed off to find her next antagonistic sparring partner. She was nearly back where she'd started at the courtroom before she stopped at the room just down the corridor from where her husband, father, and friend sat. Before moving any further, she grabbed the nearest object to her, pulled out her wand, and transfigured a "peace offering" for Draco. It was a white box, with a green bow on top.
She walked into the room, her mind set on calmly discussing the case against her, and her concern for Draco in this game played out in trial. She saw the look on his face when she opened the door, pushing past his own security.
"I'm sorry Mackenzie," Nigel spoke, standing up to move her back out of the room. "This is not permitted. You are not under any circumstances allowed near my client during the hearing today."
Mackenzie glared at the man, daring him to touch her. "You should read up on your law books a little closer Nigel. Pay closer attention to laws other than those that are convenient to you. I am aware of my boundaries during this travesty of a trial. But I am also aware that under Ministry law I am permitted to once and only once demand a privately given session between both parties under the parameters of the trial subjects."
Her head shot around to Draco. "I'm insisting on that right now."
He rolled his eyes as she entered into the room.
"Leave!" She commanded the other man.
He left at once, not bothering to be granted approval by his own client. She walked in further.
"What are you doing here Mackenzie? What do you want?"
She moved towards him, causing him to react. He stepped back so that the distance between them stayed. Mackenzie realized how angry or saddened she'd truly made him. There was no trust, no sympathy or understanding. The look in his eyes showed the true antipathy he felt. The friend she'd almost known was no longer reachable today. Still, she had to try to find him. She wanted to find the Draco she once knew and wanted to call her friend, the Draco she still wanted to know better. He was inside of this room somewhere.
"I want to talk to you Draco. There are things you need to know."
"I don't care for your apologies as I've said before. I've no intention of dropping this case or reconsidering marriage between us."
"Please Draco. I in turn do not have any desire to apologize for marrying the one person I truly love. Nor do I expect you to drop this lawsuit."
"Then what do you want?"
Mackenzie smirked for a brief second. She had his attention…temporarily.
"Sit down Draco. I need you to listen to me for five minutes. A second longer and you can leave or kick me out." She instructed, sitting in a chair at the table.
"I'd rather stand." He returned, keeping his cavalier demeanor, but still willing to listen.
"Suit yourself." She leaned back in the chair.
"I swear if you were a guy or anyone I didn't care for, I'd hex you right here and now."
"I know, but this is important." She set a box on the table between them. "This is for you."
"I don't want it. I don't want anything from you. Especially not a bribe."
"It's not a bribe. I just thought you'd like it. You don't have to keep it, just open it."
The box stayed put.
"Scrimgeour is not just out to see me and George go down in a ball of fire, but you as well." She matter-of-factly stated to the blond, changing the subject.
His eyes met hers as the information gained his curiosity. "I've done nothing wrong in this case. I am the victim." He said.
"Doesn't matter. The Minister has given me information that shows that Scrimgeour is being vindictive by taking hold of this trial. He has no intention of giving a fair answer. The fair answer I admit might even be in your favor, but that won't matter, because his response will not benefit either of us."
"And you felt compelled to help me by sharing this information? Mackenzie, you're incredibly clever, but I'm not daft enough to fall for a trick like this."
"This is no trick Draco. I do feel compelled to help you as well as myself. I will not see both of our reputations destroyed. I'm perfectly aware that mine has been regrettably tarnished, but if we can go one or two better than the ex-minister, and beat him at this game he is playing at, then it is not beyond repair. You're right Drake, you are the victim here. But that does not change the fact that I want to do the right thing."
"The right thing Mackenzie?" Draco jumped back. "Mackenzie, the right thing would've been to follow through with our agreement."
"Your agreement." She added in.
Draco turned away from her. "This whole time, you've been married to George and planning to make a fool of me."
She lowered her head. "I couldn't have married you Draco. It has nothing to do with George. Contracts into marriage and arranged marriages are archaic. I could never willingly…" she paused, watching him shake his head, choosing her words as carefully as needed. "If it makes you feel any better, if the roles of you and George were reversed, I couldn't have married him either."
She caught a smile on his face. It disappeared almost instantly.
"It does kind of make me feel better."
"I want to work with you Drake, not against you. And I'd like you to be willing to work with me."
Her request was met with a defensive glare.
"Drake please. This is important. I'm trying to work with my friend. I want you to work with yours. No matter what honey, I am your friend always."
He scoffed.
"Come on Drake." She stood, taking a hold of his hand when he was close enough to her.
"Drake."
"Kenny." He breathed out, closing his eyes, shaking his head.
She linked her fingers with his willingly.
"Draco, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"For what?" He demanded heartlessly. "What are you sorry for Mackenzie? Lying to me? Making a fool out of me? Hurting me? Making me think that we could be friends, or something remotely similar, or more? Are you sorry for breaking my heart?"
"Your heart can't break if you're not really in love with someone." She told him.
"Oh yeah? Try feeling it." He spat back at her. "Just because you're not in love with someone doesn't mean they can't break your heart." He sat down into the chair, looking and sounding defeated.
Mackenzie began to cry again as she watched him, allowing him to make her feel the deep regret she should've felt, and the true degree of pain he was in.
"I didn't want to lie to you Draco. I had no choice. I felt so guilty and wretched the entire time. I didn't want to hurt you. After getting to know you, that was the last thing I wanted. We are friends. I am your friend." She corrected herself. "I know my actions have not shown that recently, but I am. You are still so important to me."
"Don't." He said, pulling away, but not moving away from her. "You can't do that Kenny. You hurt me. You love someone else. No matter what, your actions were cruel and they have their consequences."
"I accept those consequences Drake, but I won't let you get hurt by someone else in the process."
"You love someone else." He repeated quietly.
"So do you." Mackenzie mentioned. This time she placed a hand to his back, standing up straight. "I have to go now. George and my dad are waiting."
"I…who? I'm not in love. You broke my heart, remember?" Draco questioned as she attempted to walk away.
"Never said you were in love with me Dray."
"Just who am I meant to be so in love with then?"
"Think about it Draco."
"Your five minutes is up." Was all he said, stopping their conversation, stopping himself from wanting to think about loving anyone, not wanting to listen to anything else she had to say.
"Alright." Mackenzie surrendered. "I'm going. But please Draco, please think about what I've said. I really am sorry. I miss you so much."
"Go Mackenzie."
And then she was gone. The door closed easily behind her.
Draco pulled the box she gave him closer, removing the top, peering inside. His head and heart both dropped when he saw the "gift" she'd given him. It was a new x-box with the Madden game he had enjoyed with her.
"Damn it Mackenzie." He swore.
The door opened again.
"She's gone?"
"Yes." Draco replied distantly, not looking up.
"What did she say?"
Draco shook his head. "She said she's sorry, she misses me, and that I'm in love. I don't…" He looked into the woman's eyes staring back at him in shock.
"She said you're… what?"
"Yeah."
Both Draco and the woman sat baffled together.
"Maybe…"
"Draco, don't. This is not a time to be cavalier about that or…make a guess of it."
"I'm not being cavalier about it. But I don't want you to be a secret anymore. I've had enough with secrets Bailey. Look at where secrets get you."
When she didn't reply, he went on.
"We should get back into the courtroom before things start again."
"What are you going to do Draco? What are you going to say to her? Isn't she up on the witness stand next?"
"Yes. Nigel will tear her apart. He has been happily looking forward to tearing her down from the start of this." Draco said, moving the woman to the door, leading her out with him. "Come on."
"Draco, are you going to allow him to do this to her?"
"What more can I do Bailey?" He asked.
She only shrugged.
The two were caught entering the courtroom by the eyes of another Weasley and his girlfriend. Neither Bailey nor Draco stopped, but Bailey and Lilah both smiled before Bailey disappeared and Lilah returned to her conversation with Fred.
"Fred, why have you pulled me out here? Kenny and George are going to start again soon."
"Yes I know Lil. But this is kind of important. There's something I want you to know."
Lilah noticed the change in his voice and the change in his eyes. The color had darkened only slightly and he wasn't looking away.
"Fred, is this really the proper time for this?"
He laughed. "Lilah, this is the perfect time. I want to tell you now."
She nodded, as his hand rested to the side of her face. Her eyes closed as she rested into his touch, opening when his fingers touched to her chin, pulling her face in closer to his.
"I love you Lilah." He said before capturing her mouth with his.
The kiss started soft and very slow, building and building into a kiss that Lilah realized was not appropriate for public viewing. She pulled back.
"I love you too Fred." She said as he tried pulling her back to him. "But could that really not wait until after the trial?"
"No." He laughed at her. "It couldn't wait."
She laughed along with him before allowing him to kiss her again. They re-entered the courtroom just as the Wizengamot members were returning to their seats.
"We are back in session." Scrimgeour spoke. His eyes turned to Mackenzie. For a second, she swore she saw his fear. But then it was gone. "Ms. Chase, if you have no further argument, Mr. Kearney has the privilege," he grimaced, "of cross-examining you."
Mackenzie's eyes turned to Draco, who sat collected to the side. "Nothing further." She spoke up.
"Minister, my client has opted to question Ms. Chase himself."
"Mr. Malfoy." Scrimgeour offered, while everyone including Mackenzie sat in shock.
Draco stood, still not looking over at Mackenzie, George, Nigel, or anyone else.
"I only have a few questions Minister."
Scrimgeour nodded. The panel was in an uproar of whispers. "Mr. Malfoy, this is under normal circumstances unheard of. You and Ms. Chase are in contention through these proceedings."
"These aren't exactly normal circumstances sir." Draco mentioned. "My point will be made quickly."
"So be it."
Mackenzie stood, having to force herself from George's grip. She approached the witness chair and sat. She sat quietly, watching him walk away, creating a distance between them again.
"Ms Cha…Weasley." He corrected himself for the first time.
Mackenzie smiled when he lifted his eyes to her briefly, his head still lowered.
"Are we friends?"
"Yes of course Draco."
He nodded. "Did you marry George Weasley simply so that you did not have to be married to me?"
Mackenzie was under oath. She couldn't lie to him. "Not specifically." She said.
"Be more specific Mackenzie."
"Partly." She breathed out. "At the start of this fiasco, it was a means to an end. I was already falling in love with George, but…yes. Partly." She finished.
"It's okay Kenny. I can take it." Draco hid any hurt he may have felt. "Do you love him now? Do you wholly love without condition?"
"Yes."
He sighed and nodded again. "You have been my friend throughout this whole fiasco as you call it. No matter what I've said or done, you have given me the benefit of the doubt. You have as my friend, respected me enough to remain my friend despite so much. I feel I would only like to do the same."
Mackenzie looked apprehensive of his statement.
"Sir," Draco turned to Rufus Scrimgeour. "I would like to know the consequences or penalties to occur for dropping this case in favor of Ms. Weasley."
"Excuse me?" Scrimgeour questioned.
Draco smiled at Mackenzie. "As a friend I should have had more respect for Mackenzie. She only did what she felt was right. I gave her no other option."
She smiled back.
"Perhaps if I'd been a better friend, we wouldn't be in this situation. But now I have the opportunity to redeem myself for a friend." Draco stepped closer to Mackenzie, taking her hand. "I'm sorry. You were right." He mouthed, then looking back into the audience of people, searching for the face he wished to see now. He found her and smiled.
"I'm dropping the case." He announced. "Mackenzie is married to George Weasley and that should remain."
Mackenzie jumped up and wrapped her arms around Draco's neck. "Thank you." She whispered.
"Scrimgeour looked angry, but winced only when Mackenzie's eyes met his. She whispered something more to Draco who took a step back, staring blankly at her. For a few minutes, the two stood quietly whispering, before Draco moved to Nigel Kearney and Minister Chase, who also gave the blond a short appreciative hug.
Draco spoke to the Minister briefly before Samuel began to look enraged. He gathered his composure for the time, smiled, embraced his daughter after the rest of the Weasley clan managed to pull her and George apart.
"The Weasley marriage between George and Mackenzie is legal and binding." Samuel announced by his replaced authority. He excused himself after a few minutes seeing that Rufus had made his own disappearance. Keeping Arthur and Percy with him, Samuel insisted the men escort their wives and Molly home, keeping them unaware of the fire about to erupt.
Once everyone had arrived to George and Mackenzie's home, there was a celebration that continued well into the night. Neither George nor Mackenzie had let their smiles fade an inch. Mackenzie had never been happier. Her elated mood had not lessened even when she caught sight of a familiar face out of the window, coming up the pathway to her door. She temporarily removed George's hold, and then Harry's to reach the front door.
"Blaise." She smiled, greeting him.
She had worried seriously the day that Blaise had accosted her and George in the Ministry, but found out later that not only had Rufus Scrimgeour managed to pull the strings on Angelina Johnson, but he had also placed an Unforgivable on Blaise Zabini, thinking he could be the next inside source. Mackenzie cried when she realized that Blaise might now be dead as well if the former Minister had escaped after the trial. She didn't want that. She liked Blaise.
Blaise smiled. "Hi Kenny." He said. "Look, I'm sorry about…"
"Don't Blaise. Not again. You don't have to apologize to me." She looked around. "Where's Seamus? Hasn't he come with you?"
Blaise nodded. "He'll be along shortly." He handed her a bouquet of very beautiful blue and silver roses. "These are from Drake. He sends his congratulations and well wishes." He then leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"Draco is otherwise occupied this evening then."
Blaise chuckled. "Oh yeah."
"Then I will wait to visit him until tomorrow."
Blaise entered the house to be greeted happily by the others as well, laughing and drinking with his friends when Seamus arrived as well.
Mackenzie and George escaped the arms and eyes of their friends and family later that night once the groups had left, leaving only happy wishes and thanks. Molly insisted on helping with the cleaning, but Mackenzie refused, willing to start a row with her mother-in-law. Arthur and George separated their wives who hugged sweetly before Molly and Arthur left the couple to their night.
George hadn't realized when his wife had disappeared from his sight in the past twenty minutes, but was sort of glad she wasn't around at the moment. He set about cleaning up some of the clutter from the party and transfigured a few items into the room before going in search of his bride. He located her in their bedroom. She was laying on her stomach, on the bed, reading a book. He walked in as silent as possible, coming behind her. He kneeled on the bed, placing his hands to each side of her waist.
"What are you reading?" He leaned down to whisper in her ear. He kissed her neck before leaning back up.
Mackenzie whirled around to see him. "It's another book on magical law. I know all of the necessary muggle laws, but if I'm to work at the Ministry with daddy, I'll have to know magical laws as well."
"Well, take a break and come with me. I have something I want to show you." He took her hand and pulled her up from the bed before she could mark the page she'd been reading. He'd naturally done this on purpose. He led her out of the room, and back down the hallway.
"Did you want to show me the mess still out here? I've seen it." Despite Molly's desire to help clean it tonight, Mackenzie couldn't face it. She needed a few minutes to breathe. "I can't face it yet George. Even with magic, it's too much effort."
"I've already taken care of the mess." George had Mackenzie stand in front of him, her back to him. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder. "See?" He rounded the corner with her.
When Mackenzie turned the corner, viewing the Sitting room again, she couldn't believe her eyes. Tears started to fill her eyes. George never ceased to amaze her, never failed to surprise her with his actions.
"You didn't have to do this." She said, holding back the choking tear filled breath she held.
"You know you said that on our honeymoon too. That's why I did it. I thought we should recreate a few moments over the next…"
"We have years George." Now the tears finally broke through.
"Sweetheart." George turned her around to face him, his hand brushing across her cheek. "Don't cry sweetheart."
"You remembered my favorite flowers. I remember the first time you brought them to me."
"Of course I remembered Ken. That's not something a husband should easily forget."
"Oh! I forgot!" She exclaimed.
George jumped back. "What?"
"I've got something for you. It's a surprise." She backed away, hurrying back down the hall. "Wait there." She disappeared back into their bedroom.
Minutes later she reappeared out of the room. She didn't see her husband standing in the hall anymore. She hoped he'd stayed put in the Sitting room. She made her way down the hall, rounding the corner to see George sitting on the couch beside the fire now going in their fireplace. Mackenzie cleared her throat loud enough to get his attention. When he looked up and saw her she knew she had his undivided attention. She stood in the archway, leaning onto the wall, wearing a tremendously short white and burgundy piece of lingerie. It landed only at her upper thigh. One of the very thin straps threatened to fall from her shoulder. Although George stayed seated, unable to speak or move, he smiled mischievously, conveying his approval of her attire. He opened his mouth to speak, but then she ran a hand through her hair, and all thought left him again. She too never failed to render him completely speechless.
"I found it a few days before our honeymoon, but ended up forgetting it when I packed. Do you like it?"
"No way." He finally found actual speech, words that made sense together. He leaned back into the couch, his eyes not leaving her. "I love it. Come here." He demanded in a soft seductive voice, motioning his index finger towards himself. Even a few feet away, as she stood motionless, the scent of her perfume captivated all of his senses. She slowly walked over to him, mostly because she was trying desperately to keep her dress down. George gave an impatient look, mocking her "shyness", until she reached him. She leaned down, keeping a distance between their mouths, only allowing him to hold her waist, before she kissed him. Making him wait for anything when she was involved, she knew drove him insane. Her hair swung over her shoulders, sending the scent of lilies and lotus flowers into George's sense of smell, making his head spin again. She leaned up and a few inches away from him.
"Would you rather go back and read your book?" He joked with her.
Not one to miss an opportunity to return a cheeky comment, Mackenzie purposely played back into his waiting hands. She stood up straight. "Well, if you insist." She turned and put one foot in front of the other before both of George's arms grabbed her, pulling her down onto the couch.
She laughed, throwing her arms around his neck, allowing him the objective of capturing her mouth with his. His hands swept slowly over her heated body as hers did the same, running up and down now visible pieces of skin.
As George's head stopped spinning, and he could coherently reason how his shirt had already gone missing, Mackenzie was now straddling her husband's lap, driving him to higher levels of craving. His hands grasped tight to her hips as she continued to kiss him with the same force and passion. He would forever be her willing prisoner and she would know that.
"You were saying…" He inquired as he easily removed Mackenzie's garment from her body in one swift movement.
"Nothing important." Mackenzie stated, just as easily removing his belt and trousers.
George shifted upward to better assist his wife's orders to remove his clothing. In just his boxers now, Mackenzie drew herself upward, pressing her palms onto his shoulders, keeping him stayed to the couch.
"It's my turn to have fun." She said.
George searched his wife's eyes, looking for signs of an oncoming prank as he knew now that she was just as evil as he was when the time called for it. He saw no sign, but widened his eyes when from the side table, his beautiful naked wife transfigured a black silk blindfold, tying it snug around his head, hiding his eyes from whatever wicked behavior she had intended for him.
"You'll get no arguments from me." George relaxed into the back of the couch now, allowing her to have her way.
"No talking either." She commanded.
George immediately stayed quiet as Mackenzie slid around to the back of the couch. Her hands moved down the front of his chest as she stood behind him, breathing lightly down the side of his neck and over his cheek.
"Kenny." He breathed out.
"No talking or touching." She stated again. "This is my game." With another agile movement, she jumped back over the couch, sliding down the length of his body, taking her husband in hand first, working her fingers around his hardening cock, gaining choked moans from the man, who did not apologize for the signs of enjoyment.
When her mouth finally mixed its heat to the radiating heat of George's body, George no longer cared to remotely control his reactions. With her mouth now fixed to his member, George grabbed at Mackenzie's body, touching, grabbing, pulling her closer, as she now allowed him to do so.
"Kenny…Oh Kenny…Ah…"
With his body completely aroused, and unyielding, Mackenzie removed her mouth from George again, running her tongue over his tip, causing a full body shiver in him before sliding back up to her waiting husband, whose breathing was slowly returning to normal for the time.
"Your mouth and tongue are a very dangerous combination." He informed her.
She only grinned back at him, running a hand through his hair, pulling at the back of his head, as once more she attacked his neck. She straddled him again, this time insisting on his entrance of her. With one willing thrust and her shifting hips, George entered his wife's body, only to have her express an intake of breath while her hands pressed his shoulders again.
"George…" She sounded out his name in a low moan first. "George…" She then yelled out, quickening her pace to keep up with him.
"Kenny!"
Both were lost in moment after moment of euphoric bliss, enjoying the satisfying sensations of their bodies moving together.
"More George!" The woman still demanded of him.
George obliged her wish.
"More…More…" She breathlessly insisted.
"Everything I have and more." George whispered to her, pressing her close to him.
Their mouths met again with fierce passion, uncontrolled, they held on to one another, feeling the piercing moments being numbered.
"I want you forever." George told Mackenzie, staring straight into her eyes. With a final push into his wife, George cried out her name as she did his.
"Whether it's five minutes, five years, fifty years, or a hundred, George Weasley, you have me forever." Mackenzie said into her husband's ear.
Fin
A/N: The story didn't go as I'd first intended it to, but they never really do, do they…
I am however pretty happy with it. There are some changes I'd like to make, but perhaps I will wait to do that. For now, I will leave you to look forward to the Epilogue. Lots happening at the end there too.
I have two possible stories to post next. The first is a Draco/OC. It's genius. I also got asked to continue with "Revenge ( my Harry/OC one shot.). I can't decide yet, so I leave it up to you, my great readers to choose. Which one should be posted next? You'll have to let me know with reviews of this story.
Thanks for reading and look forward to the Final chapter. My Epilogue to Suspended Reality.