Hello Everyone, I know it's been an insanely long time since I last updated. I don't know what to say. I thought that when I got home I would have all this time to myself that I could use for writing, but that has quiet obviously not happened. I really need to find myself a new job. One that doesn't require waking at insaneo'clock in the morning. Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone who reviewed, especially those who took the time to remind me that I was taking so long and get my head out of my rectum and get this chapter up. I really hope you like it. Please let me know what you think and I really will try and get the next chapter up much sooner. Alright. Enough rambling. Happy Reading Everyone, Noterwomann

Chapter Nineteen: Don't Do Anything Stupid

She couldn't move. She couldn't think. She didn't know what to think. For perhaps the first time in her life Hermione's mind had completely shut down. It just wasn't possible. It wasn't. What was Ceemist playing at? He couldn't hand Blake over to the Amadeus like this. It wasn't right. It wasn't legal. This could not be happening.

A distressed whimper had her spinning around to face the man standing next to her. "Ron." She reached for him only to have him step back, her fingers falling short of his arm.

"You…You said…"He shook his head, his eyes staring blankly at her. "You said I couldn't lose. You said they didn't have a chance. You promised me."

"Ron, I…" But she didn't know what to say. What could she say?

From across the room Malacar glared at them, a gleam of smug satisfaction on his lips.

"Mr and Mrs Javed," Ceemist spoke over the raised voices. "If you'll just wait here a moment I can have the child brought to you and you can take her home today."

"Thank you your Honor." Melantha said from where she stood next to her brother. Malacar motioned his sister closer by crooking his finger and she bowed her head close to his mouth. He whispered something in her ear and she nodded, casting a quick glance at Hermione and then the Official.

"Hermione," the brunette turned away from the Amadeuses and faced Harry and Parker who were standing behind her, identical masks of disbelief on their faces. "What just happened?" Harry asked.

She shook her head, doing little to mask her own confusion. "I…I don't know."

"This doesn't make sense." Parker slammed his palm into the rail separating them. "I looked over the material. It was sound. What is Ceemist thinking?"

"Hermione," Ron gripped her arm. "Wha- What just…What the hell just happened?" His stared at her through wet blue eyes, begging her to tell him this wasn't happening, that it was all just a bad dream. She opened her mouth but no words came out. She didn't know what to say.



The doors to the courtroom opened and Ron spun around. He staggered forward a step and reached for the back of his chair for support. "Blake." Her name tumbled out of his mouth at the sight of her.

The small child was looking around, eyes wide and frightened. Her cheeks were slightly sunken and pale, as if she hadn't slept in days. The witch who was carrying her was speaking in soothing tones, running her fingers through the little girl's soft hair in an attempt to calm her.

"Blake." Ron said again, concern for her ragged appearance making him take a step forward.

Blake's head turned sharply at the sound of her name and her eyes lit up when she saw Ron's pale white face. As the woman carrying her drew closer, Blake leaned over and reached for Ron, her small fingers grasping at him. Ron made to take her.

"Ron," Hermione said through her teeth while pushing his arms down. "Don't."

He wasn't listening. Blake screeched with outrage and flung herself to the side trying to reach Ron, her cries instantly getting louder when Ron didn't immediately reach for her.

"Blake." Ron lurched forward only to have Hermione fling up her hands and force him back. "Hermione let me go. Blake needs me."

"Ron, no." She struggled to hold him back. "Don't make a scene. It won't help your case."

Ron's eyes flashed dangerously. "Case?" He angrily batted her hands away. "What case? I've already lost."

"Ron please," she couldn't keep the hurt from her voice. "Listen to me. We can still appeal or..."

"Like that'll do any good."

Sobbing hysterically Blake flailed wildly in Melantha Javed's arms trying to get free, her small hands still reaching for Ron. Without thinking the tall redhead pushed past Hermione, his protective instincts taking over, nearly knocking her off her feet.

"Harry," Hermione called desperately. "Stop him."

Seconds later Harry was over the barrier and between Ron and the Amadeus family, struggling to hold him back. "Don't do this mate. You'll regret it later."

"Harry," Ron's voice had an edge of warning, "get out of my way."

"Don't make it any worse than it already is."

Ron took hold of Harry's robes and pulled him forward so he was right in his friends face. "Move or I'll make you."

"Ron," Parker put a firm hand on his shoulder. "You don't want to do anything stupid."



His fingers curled tighter, pulling the fabric of the robes tight across Harry's throat, beginning to constrict his air supply. "Blake needs me."

Parker attempted with little success to pry Ron's fingers from Harry's robes. "Blake needs you to stay calm so you can fight this."

"But…" The words died on his lips. Melantha drew level with him, stopped a moment, then smirked with satisfaction as she continued past, holding Blake close to her body, restraining the baby's wild movements. Her eyes met Ron's as she pressed a loud kiss to Blake's cheek. Ron lurched forward and it took the combined effort of both Harry and Parker to hold him back.

"Blake! Get your hands off her! You sadistic, spiteful, hag!"

"Ronald Weasley!" Snapped Molly. "Watch your mouth."

"I'll handle this Mrs Weasley." Said Hermione.

"Let me go." Ron continued to struggle against Harry and Parker's hold. "Let me go! Blake!"

Carbonell hurried forward to open the doors of the courtroom for his wife. Melantha stepped through and with a swoosh of her robes she was gone. The heavy panel closed and Blake's anguished cries were cut short.

"Let go!" Ron swung wide, nearly throwing Harry off. "Blake! Blake! Damn it Harry, let me go! I have to stop them! I have to go get her! She belongs with me! I need to…I need to..."

"Ronald Weasley, stop it." Hermione said firmly, putting herself directly in his line of vision. "Stop talking foolish. This isn't helping anyone."

Paxman, who was heading toward the exit, slowed to a stop just behind Hermione's shoulder. His lips turned up in the corner. "I told you they would surprise you."

Ron lunged forward, his anger instantly transferring to the man standing before him. He wanted to beat that smirk off his face. Pummel him until he hurt as much as Ron did.

"Ronald, calm down." Hermione advised, adopting once again the cool tone they used when around others. "Just ignore Paxman. You don't want to ruin your last chance to get her back."

"You might want to listen to your council, CaptainWeasley." Said Paxman. "You don't want to do anything rash."

Ron lurched against the restraining hands. "Rash is what I should have been from the beginning."

"Ron," Hermione whispered harshly, "let me handle this."

"Why?" He snapped, finally managing to fling off the hands that still restrained him. "Because you've done such a bang up job already? She's gone and you promised me. You said you'd get her back for me. 

You promised." Ron took a step away from her, turning his head away as if he couldn't bear to look at her. "I have to go." He pushed his way past Hermione and escaped the members of his family who had come for the verdict, rushing past them before they had a chance to corner him. He fled the room, not even bothering to stop when Molly called his name.

"Harry," Hermione whirled around frantically looking for him. "Harry." She cried with relief when she found him. "Go after him please." She clung onto his arm, her fingers biting into the soft flesh of his wrist. "Go get him. Go get him and bring him back to the Burrow. Don't let him leave. Whatever you do, don't let him leave." She warned. "Keep him there until I arrive. Do you understand me?"

"Hermione, I don't think…"

"I don't care what you think." She snapped. "Just do it."

"But what if he won't come? I think he wants to be alone."

"I don't care if he wants to be alone. You go get him and you bring him to the Burrow. Now. Do whatever it takes. Petrify him. Knock him out. Bind him. Just get him to the Burrow and keep him there or you are going to be missing a very important part of your anatomy." Her eyes flickered down for just a moment.

"Alright, alright." Harry took a hasty step back, unconsciously moving his hands to guard that part of his anatomy. "I'll get him. I'll get him." He repeated when Hermione made for her wand as if she didn't believe him.

"I'll go with you." Parker offered stepping forward.

"No." Hermione flung up a hand. "I need your help for something else. Harry," she nodded him toward the door. With a nod of his own, Harry turned on his heal and hurried after Ron.

"What do you need Hermione?"

Looking around she noticed Paxman was still standing just a short distance away, attempting to appear like he wasn't listening. Taking hold of Parker's arm she led him to the corner where she could be certain they were alone and could not be overheard. "I need you to gather the Alphas." She said in a lower voice. "Get as many of them on this case as you can."

"What are you thinking?"

Hermione looked almost reluctant to answer.

"You think they got to him."

Hermione bit her bottom lip painfully as she glanced to the bench where Ceemist had been sitting not minutes ago and nodded. "It's the only logical explanation." She turned her eyes back on Parker. "I don't think Ceemist wanted to give the Amadeuses custody. He seemed reluctant and his ruling goes completely against his record. And did you hear what Paxman said. He all but admitted they would do 

anything to win. I just…" She took a steadying breath. "Get the team started on this. For Ron. We need to fix this before he does something…"

"Stupid?" Parker offered when Hermione seemed unable to find a word.

She rubbed wearily at her eyes. "I just don't want him getting into trouble. There's simply too much at stake. So many people depend on him."

"After I get the team started on this do you want me to go and watch the Burrow? Just in case?"

Hermione nodded absently. "I think that's a good idea. Harry might need your help. Now if you'll excuse me."

"Where are you going?"

"I made Ron a promise." She strode purposefully towards the door. "I need to start my appeal."

"Don't lurk in the doorway." Liquid swished in the bottom of a bottle. "If you have something to say, come in and say it." Harry pushed open the door and stepped into the nursery. Ron started a moment before he swallowed another gulp of the amber liquid. "Harry. I thought you'd be Hermione."

"Did you?" Ron didn't answer. "She sent me."

"Of course she did." Ron turned away from Harry. "Too afraid to come here herself I expect."

"Ron,"

"Pull up some floor." He cut Harry off, extending the bottle towards him. "Have a drink."

Harry took the bottle and tipped back his head as he sank onto his bottom. He handed the bottle back. "You look like shite, mate."

"And this surprises you?" Ron snarled. "Would you be doing alright if someone took Si or…or Bryony away from you?"

"No." Harry admitted lowering his head. "Of course not."

"Then why don't you keep your opinions to yourself?" He thrust his fingers through his hair and gripped the strands tight. "Merlin help me. Did you hear her crying, Harry? She was crying for me and I couldn't go to her. Why did you have to stop me? Why?"

"Because, Hermione told me to."

Ron pressed the pads of his hands into his eyes as he shook his head. "I can't believe you did that. You're suppose to be my friend."

"I am. But Hermione knows what she's doing."



"Really?" Ron dropped his hands. "Does she? Because from where I'm sitting, I highly doubt that." The redhead took another swig from the bottle. "I should have let Winnie Edgecombe handle the case."

"You don't mean that."

"Don't I?" Ron drew his knees up and rested his wrists across them, gripping the bottle so it dangled from his finger tips. "Where is she anyway?"

"Winnie?"

"No. Hermione."

"Oh. I imagine she's at the Ministry filling out forms for appeal."

"Miss ready for anything wasn't ready for this?"

"She didn't think she was going to lose. Neither did I for that matter. She built a solid case, Ron. There's no explanation for what happened?

"And yet, Blake is still in the hands of Death Eaters instead of here with me."

"We're working on that."

"That's not good enough." Ron pounded a fist against his knee. "We have to do something? Now. Before it's too late. "

"Ron, there is nothing we can do. This is out of our hands now. The only person who can help us is Hermione and I know she's doing everything she can. You just have to trust her."

"I tried that once and look how that turned out."

"Then try it again. Hermione has never let us down in the past. I refuse to believe she'll let this be the first time. You just have to trust her."

Ron lowered his eyes and looked away.

Harry sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hermione told me I'm suppose to bring you to the Burrow and…"

"I'm not going." Ron thrust the bottle in Harry's hands before struggling to his feet.

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not."

Harry climbed to his feet as well. "Look, Hermione told me to get you to the Burrow and to keep you there until she arrives."

"All the more reason not to go."



"What do you mean?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowing. "I thought…"

"Never mind." Ron turned away. "Forget I said anything."

"No." Harry grabbed Ron's shoulder and forced him back around. "I want to know what you meant by that."

Shaking Harry's hand off Ron turned back to the cot and leaned forward bracing his hands on the rail. "I just don't want Fred to be right."

"What does Fred have to do with this?"

"Nothing. Everthing. It's just something he said to me. If I see her again before I calm down there's no telling what I might say. And…"

"Say no more." Harry nodded. "I understand. You've always been somewhat of a hot head where she's concerned. I was just waiting for this side of your relationship to make an appearance. Be that as it may, I still have to take you to the Burrow." He leaned his elbows on the cot rail next to Ron.

"And why is it so damn important I go with you to the Burrow?"

"Because if I don't get you there and keep you there Hermione threatened to jinx my bits off."

Ron's lips twitched faintly in the corners. "Sorry mate, not my problem."

Harry nudged him with his shoulder. "It will be when Ginny finds out why they're gone."

"Oi, Potter." Ron looked at him with disgust. "No."

Harry smirked. "So, are you coming willingly or am I going to have to bind and gag you?"

Ron sighed. "I really don't want to see them right now."

"But they're your family. They want to be there for you."

"Exactly," Ron turned and swiped the bottle from Harry. "I can barely stand myself right now. If I have to put up with hours of apologies and empty words of encouragement I'll go mad."

"Look, Ron," Harry put a hand on his mates shoulder. "I promise I'll make the family leave you alone. We won't talk about what happened today. And maybe we can even play a game of Quidditch. You know, help keep your mind off things for a while. And if that doesn't work, you and I will go out later and get royally pissed."

"Can't we skip right to the royally pissed part?"

"I think you've already had enough of a head start." Harry grabbed the bottle again and set it aside. "Come on, you can't avoid them forever."



"I can try."

"You do realize," Harry said, trying a new tactic, "that if you don't come with me to the Burrow, they'll all be coming to see you here. And this house isn't as big as the Burrow. It'll be harder to hide."

After several minutes of internal debate Ron turned to face Harry. "You'll make them leave me alone?"

"I'll do everything in my power."

"Fine. Let's just get this over with."

The moment Ron arrived in the Burrow's garden he wished he was back at home. His siblings and their spouses instantly fell silent at the sight of him. Some shifted awkwardly while others tried to avoid looking at him all together.

"Uncle Ron." Barron instantly freed himself from his mothers grasp and threw himself at Ron's legs. "Up, Uncle Ron." He demanded. "Up."

"Barron," Fleur hurried forward. "Come. Leave Uncle Ron alone."

"No," Ron put a hand out to stop her when she began to draw her son away. "That's alright. I think this might be what I need." He crouched down so he was at Barron's height. "Hello Little Man." He opened his arms and scooped Barron up in a strong hug. He set him back on his feet and tussled his hair. "So master Barron, what do you want to do?"

Barron scrunched his eyes up in thought. "Color."

"Did you bring your crayons with you?"

"Yes." The little boy nodded eagerly.

"You did?" Ron said overly bright. "Right then. Let's say you and me go inside and draw some pictures."

His face growing bright with excitement, Barron hurried towards the house and his toy bag which Fleur had left near the front door.

Ron straightened to his full height. His eyes made a slow search of the garden. "Would anyone else like to come and draw with me and Master Barron?" There were several nods as the older of the Weasley grandchildren left their parents sides to cluster around Ron. Reaching down he took two small hands and gently turned them towards the house.

"Ronnie," Molly made to stop him, taking a step forward when he drew near. "I really think…"

With one curt shake of the head Ron stopped her. "Not now, Mum." And he walked past her into the house.

Carbonell glanced up when the door to the dining room opened. His wife stepped inside, an annoyed expression marring her sculpted face. "Finally, you got the brat to shut up."

Melantha slid into her chair at the opposite end of the table as her husband. "I put a muffling charm on her."

Carbonell rolled his eyes. "Are they suppose to cry that much?"

"How would I know?" she lifted her goblet to her lips and drank deep of the dark red liquid. "Promise me we'll never have one of those."

"Why did you agree to take her if you didn't want her?"

Melantha sighed heavily as she set down her goblet. "I've already explained this to you. Malacar told me too."

"He can't tell you what to do anymore. In case you've forgotten, he's in prison now. He has no say in your life anymore."

"He's the head of my family."

"I'm the head of your family. You do what I tell you."

Melantha rolled her eyes. "Calm yourself sweetheart. We won't have to put up with her for very long."

"Yes well, what are we going to do with her afterwards?"

Melantha shrugged dismissively. "Does it really matter?" She looked at her husband from beneath arched brows. "Don't tell me you actually care about the child."

"Merlin, no." He straightened in his seat. "I just don't want to give anyone anymore reason to come after us. That blood-traitor looked ready to kill today."

Melantha reached lazily for her knife and fork. "Wasn't that part of the objective? Punish him for what he did to my brother while distracting him while we make our escape? Plus that, there'd always the added bonus of watching him squirm. Weasle bating is fun. We should have tried it years ago. What's the matter dear?"

Carbonell was staring over her shoulder at the closed door, his eyes narrowed. "Did you hear something?"

"No. Why?"

He shook his head before leaning back in his chair. "It was probably just the elf."

"Hmm," Melantha had turned in her seat and was staring intently at the door. "You don't think Weasley'll try and come here and get her?"

"Normally I wouldn't put in past him, but I don't think he'll risk the wrath of that mud-blood bitch he hired."

"Perhaps we should make sure." She put her hands on the armrest of her chair preparing to rise but Carbonell ordered her back to her seat.

"Stop being paranoid. I'm sorry I said anything. We haven't had a proper meal since this whole thing started. Now sit down, shut your mouth, and eat."

Glaring at her husband, Melantha cut into the slice of steak and kidney pie waiting on her plate. She swallowed several mouthfuls before she ventured to speak again. "How long do you think the transfer will take?"

"If everything goes right, a few days, week at the most."

"We don't have a week."

"Do you trust me?"

"I hardly see…"

"Melantha," he said sternly, "Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"Then stop worrying."

She pushed a chunk of potato around her plate. "I don't want to go to Azkaban."

"Do you think I do?"

"Of course not. I only meant-" A floorboard in the hall creaked and Malantha whipped her head around. "Alright. I heard that."

Carbonell pushed back his chair. "So did I."

Together the couple rose to their feet, drawing their wands out of their pockets. Carbonell took the lead, Malantha falling into step behind him. He wrenched open the door and hurried into the darkened hallway. "They have the baby." He yelled, spotting a hooded figure at the end of the hall, the Blythe baby strapped to their back. He took aim and cast a stunning spell. The figure ducked underneath the beam of light, and broke out in a run. Malantha and Carbonell took chase, casting spells and jinxes as soon as the last spell left their wand.

The front door was forced open by the intruder and was blasted off its hinges a moment later by a stray spell. "Don't hit the baby!" Melantha screamed as shards of wood exploded into the room. "We need her."

The figure dashed through the door and down the front steps. "Stop!" Screamed Carbonell. "Stop him! Don't let him get beyond the border!"

Melantha was forced to jump aside as the hooded figure began to throw spells at them over the shoulder. In the faint moonlight they could see the baby's face screwed up in fright, cheeks red, fat tears rolling down her face as she cried in silent fury. With a last burst of speed the adult and child crossed the border with a sudden whoosh were gone.

Melantha and Carbonell arrived where the two had disappeared, faces writhe with anger. "Tell me that did not just happen."

Melantha looked over at her husband. "How did he get in? I thought you warded the place."

"I did."

"Obviously not good enough."

"Melantha, shut up unless you have an idea of what the hell we're going to do."

"We go after him. Bring her back."

Carbonell stared at the ground where they had disappeared, the wheels in his head quickly turning. "Fuck it. Let him have her."

Melantha rolled her eyes. "We need her to make the transaction. They won't let us do it without her."

Carbonell growled with frustration. Whirling around he began to blast the rocks, trees and shrubs that lined the drive. When the dust began to settle it was to find Melantha with her hands on her hips glaring at him. "Do you feel better now?"

"Not really." He jabbed his wand into his trouser pocket. "Alright. I guess we go after her ourselves and…"

"Or," her lips split into a smile, "report him to his precious Ministry. This is perfect. What an idiot. He had to know we would know it was him."

"He never was very bright."

"That mud-bloods going to go mental when she learns what he did."

"Right." Carbonell stepped into pacing. "This could defiantly work to our advantage. Melantha, you go floo the Ministry, I'll wait for them here."

"I don't know this is such a good idea."

"There isn't time to argue." The carrier was unstrapped from one back and put on the other. The child was stunned to make her look like she was asleep then her features transfigured to make her look more 

like her new carrier. Task done, the wand was slipped inside a shoulder bag. "Everything you need is in here." The strap was slipped over the others shoulder and settled into place.

"Are you sure…"

"It has to work. The Ministry is still so close minded, they'll never think to look for you the Muggle way. Now go."

"But…"

"Go!" The pair was pushed towards the waiting taxi. "Don't contact me. Wait for me to contact you." As soon as adult and child were seated the door was closed and their destination given to the driver. The hooded figure waited until the taxi was out of sight before thrusting a hand into one of the robes pockets. Seconds later the figure disappeared as well.

"Ronnie." Molly stuck her head through the door to the family sitting room. "Ronnie? Barron?" Molly knelt beside her oldest grandchild, placing a hand gently on his back. "Where is Uncle Ron?"

Barron, who was lying on his stomach, a bright blue crayon clutched in his hand, tongue stuck out in concentration. He looked up at Molly. "He said he be back."

"Where did he go?"

"Up."

"Up?"

Barron nodded and pointed his finger towards the staircase.

"Ron?" Molly left the children and moved towards the bottom of the stairs. "Ronnie?"

"Coming." He rounded the upper landing and hurried down the steps to where Molly was waiting.

"What were you doing up there?"

Ron straightened his robes. "Toilet."

"Oh. It's time to eat."

"If it's all the same to you," he stepped past her and reseated himself on the floor next to Barron, "I'm not very hungry."

"I didn't expect you would be." She stepped up beside Ron and gently rubbed her fingers through his hair. "However, I'm certain your sisters would prefer their children eat. So why don't you come and join us."

Ron looked for a moment like he would object, but nodded instead. "Come on midgets." He said, getting to his feet. "Nana says it's time to eat."

With Molly's help the crayons were soon packed away and the children were moving towards the back garden. Parents claimed their offspring at the stoop and the group was soon settled around the expanded table. When the last child was seated there were only two spots left. Feeling that he was being reduced to the level of a child, Ron took his seat placed conveniently next to Molly's, relieved at least that Harry was on his other side. The feeling of being treated like a child grew worse when Molly took up his plate and began filling it for him.

"Mum," he placed a firm hand on hers. "Stop."

"I just want…'

"I know." He said over her. "And I appreciate it, but please stop."

"Alright." Sensing Ron's need for normalcy, she placed his half filled plate in front of him before turning and throwing herself into a conversation with Arthur over the state of the back garden, his overflowing tool shed, and the need to clean out both it and the attic.

"You were with the children for a long time." Harry said as he filled his plate.

"They don't look they're going to cry every time they look at me. Or avoid my eyes, afraid I'm going to break down if they say the wrong thing."

"I thought we were going to play Quidditch."

"Hmmm, maybe after we eat."

"You seem distracted."

Ron pushed his plate away. "Do I?"

"You're planning something, aren't you?"

"Of course I am." Ron lowered his voice and leaned in so only Harry could hear. "You don't think I'm actually going to leave her in their hands for long, do you?"

"Ron, what you're suggesting is illegal."

"What? Are you going to turn me in?"

"You know I wouldn't. But Ron, if you get caught…"

"I'll be well out of the country before anyone knows what's happened."

"You would do that?" Harry shook his head with amazement. "You would give up everything? Throw your life away? Your friends? Your family? Your job? Hermione?"

"I can't leave Blake with them. I just can't."

"Well I still think you should let Hermione handle this. If you go through with what you're planning you'll be running for the rest of your life. You realize that?"

Ron nodded. "I do. But at least I won't be alone and Blake will be safe."

"Are you going to ask Hermione to go with you?"

Ron glanced at Fred before returning his focus to his untouched food. "I've been thinking about all my options since the verdict this afternoon."

"And?"

"And I can't lose either of my girls."

"Do you really think Hermione will be willing to go with you?"

"I don't know. I hope so. I have to at least ask her."

"That's asking a lot."

"I know." He agreed.

"I got to be honest, Ron, I don't think I would go with you If I were her. Especially after the way you treated her today."

Ron glanced down the table at Fred who seemed to be watching him with narrowed eyes and felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. Fred leaned forward as he reached for the bowl of mash. "What are you two talking about?" He asked as he scooped a huge mound onto his plate.

"Quidditch." Harry lied easily. He leaned back in his seat and took up his glass. "We were just discussing the Cannon's chances of winning any games this season."

"Yeah," Ron said facing the table. "I was just telling Harry the Cannons have to win at least a few matches this season."

"How do you recon?" Bill asked.

Ron shrugged. "Well, something has to go right for me eventually, doesn't it?"

Silence hung heavy over the table, no one knowing exactly how to respond to that.

"No." Ginny straightened in her seat, shaking her head firmly. "Not a chance. I've been telling you for years Ron, you support the wrong team."

Ron's lips softened into a half-smile with gratitude. "What can I say?" he held up his hands. "I always root for the underdogs."

"Yeah," George agreed with a laugh, "But there are other underdog teams you could support who aren't quite so…"

"Under?" Fred offered when his twin seemed unable to find the word he was looking for.

"Yeah, Fred." George rolled his eyes. "That's what I meant to say. Support an underdog team that isn't quite so under. It's a good thing I have you around. Otherwise I might sound like an idiot."

"You see," Fred toasted him. "You'd be lost without me. I am the smarter half of our duo."

George nodded. "And it's probably a good idea you keep telling yourself that."

"That's enough you two." Molly said, glaring at her sons. "And the rest of you. You've hardly touched your food. Dig in, there's plenty for everyone."

Before anyone could move the garden was filled with the loud cracks that announced arrival by appiration. Several witches and wizards dressed in official Auror robes now stood in the garden, wands drawn. Ron lurched to his feet when he saw Roland Greene amongst them and quickly hurried across the lawn to join him. Harry soon followed. "Where is she, Ron?" Harry heard Roland ask when he stepped in beside them.

"Where is who?"

"Ron, don't do this. If you give her back now I might be able to swing this so you don't lose your job."

"Roland, I have no idea what you're talking about?"

Roland sighed, shaking his head. "I'm talking about Blake. Where is she?"

"What do you mean where is she? I lost the case Roland. Those Death Eaters have her."

"Are you trying to tell me she's not here?"

"Of course she's not here. Why would think that?"

"What's going on Roland?" Harry asked. "What's happened?"

"Harry?" Greene stuck out his hand to take his. "It's nice to see you again. I wish it could have been under better circumstances."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm afraid your friend has gotten himself into a bit of trouble."

"Ron," Harry turned to his friend, "what's going on?"

Roland looked meaningfully at the redhead. "Do you care to tell him, or should I?"



"Roland, I would gladly tell him if I knew what in the hell you were talking about, but seeing as I don't…" His eyes narrowed. "Why did you think Blake was here?"

"Would you consent to letting the Betas search the house and grounds?"

Ron shook his head. "No. Go ahead. I have nothing to hide."

Roland nodded to one of the robed figures standing a few feet away and some of the members disengaged from the rest and moved towards the house.

"Roland, please, tell me what this is all about."

The older man turned back to Ron. "We're investigating a kidnapping."

"A kidnapping? Who do you think …"Ron's eyes rounded in horror. "Blake? Blake is missing?"

"Ron, calm down."

"Blake is missing?" Ron said again, panic forcing his voice to a higher pitch. "For how long? What did they do to her?" Roland stared quietly at Ron, a sad expression on his round face. "You think I had something to do with it." Ron said with realization. "That's insane."

"You're the only person with motivation."

"Maybe. But don't you think that if I'd done it I would be long gone by now, not waiting around for you lot to show up and take me in?"

"So you admit you have motive."

"I can hardly deny it. You saw me in the courtroom. You knew I was trying to adopt her."

"Where did you go after the hearing?"

"Does that really matter?"

"Ron," Roland frowned at him. "Stop giving me a hard time. Where were you?"

"Here, alright? I've been here all evening. So I could not have possible done it."

"Can anyone verify that?"

"Yes." Harry said crossing his arms firmly over his chest. "I've been with him all evening. And if my words not enough there are ten other adults here who have been looking in on him all night."

"Looking in on him?" Greene asked.

Harry's face flushed slightly when Ron glared at him. "He's been watching the children. They were drawing pictures."

Roland watched Ron with disbelief. "Drawing pictures. What are you four years old?"

"Lay off Greene," Ron snarled. "I was spending time with my nieces and nephews, trying to forget the hell I've been through. To try and forget that my entire life is going to hell around me. Is that too much to ask? "

Roland shifted his weight uncomfortably from his right foot to his left. "Ron, do you swear it wasn't you?"

"Yes." He threw up his hands. "I swear it wasn't me. Now can we get back to what's really important here? What are we going to do about Blake?"

"Not so fast Ron. I wish I could say that's all it takes, but you've got yourself into some real trouble here. We're going to need you all to come in and give statements and we're going to have to test your wand."

"There's no need for that." The three men turned in time to see Parker dissolving back into existence. "I can also vouch for him. He's been here all evening."

"Parker?" Ron gapped. "What are you doing here?"

Parker turned an apologetic look on his friend. "I've been watching you, of course."

"Would you mind telling me why you thought I needed a Nanny?"

"It was Hermione's idea. She asked me to come here and watch you, you know, just in case."

Ron stared at his two friends his face expressionless. "Does no one trust me anymore? For Merlin's sake! I'm not stupid."

"No one said you were." Harry tried to sooth.

"I've gotten on just fine the past five years without people watching every move I make."

"Look, we know you can take care of yourself." Harry assured him. "You just..."

"You've just been short on patience lately." Parker finished.

"Parker!"

"No Harry, he has to hear this. Ron, you've changed. Everyone's noticed. You're not the same man that I trusted and admired. You've lost your edge. You're confidence. You're not focused on the job anymore. And I understand that, I do. But you're not thinking like yourself. You've become rash and impulsive and we were worried that you would rush off and do something like this without thinking it through. That's not like you."

"Actually, I think it's exactly like me. I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of being rational. Blake is missing and we have to find her. Roland, you have to let me talk to the Javeds. I don't trust them. They did something to her, I know it."

"Ron, they're the ones who reported her missing."

"It's all a part of their plan." Ron turned and began to pace. "You have to let me talk to them. If anyone can make them talk I can."

"Ron," Roland said, a hint of hesitancy in his voice. "You're not on this case."

The tall redhead froze mid-step. He slowly turned to face Roland, his face a blank mask. "What do you mean I'm not on this case?"

"Jillian Oldham and her team are handling it."

"The Betas?" Ron snapped. "No. I want the Alphas on it."

"That's not your call."

"Then make it my call. I want my team on this case."

"I'm sorry Ron. You know Ministry protocol. You're too close."

"That hasn't stopped me before." He argued.

"Yes, but you've never been suspected of committing the crime before."

"You still think I had something to do with this?"

"We have to cover all possibilities."

"Roland!"

"Ron," the older man shook his head, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, but rules are rules. Parker," he motioned the younger man over. "Can I trust you to escort Captain Weasley to the Ministry?"

"What for?" Ron shook of Roland's hand.

"Questioning."

"This is ridiculous. I haven't done anything."

"Oldham." Greene turned away from Ron when he spotted the Beta Captain quickly approaching. "What did you find?"

"Nothing sir." Jillian Oldham came to a stop at their side, hands clasped behind her back. "The house is empty. No sign of the child."

"Now do you believe me?" Ron snarled. "I told you I didn't have her. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

"Ron," Harry grabbed his arm. "You can't leave yet."

Ron looked down to where Harry's fingers gripped his arm. "Are you really going to try and hold me back again?"

"Hermione said to stay here until she arrived."

"Granger?" Roland asked, a single brow arched. "She sent you here?"

"Apparently."

"Why do you think she did that?"

"That's easy," Parker said. "She wanted to make sure Ron didn't do anything stupid."

"Or," Roland said slowly, "to ensure he had an alibi. Oldham." He snapped his fingers at the Beta captain. "Track down Ms Granger and bring her in."

"What?" Ron looked surprised. "What does Hermione have to do with any of this?"

"I don't know. And that's what we're going to find out."

As suddenly as he had appeared, Rolland Greene was gone.

Ron's mouth gapped open. "What the hell just happened?"

Harry shook his head dumbly. "I think we might have got Hermione in trouble."