Harry was torn, it was the day after his princess was brought home to him, and Harry only put her down for sleep. He had not allowed anyone to hold her, and had her crib in his room, and warded the door and window, not feeling safe, even at Spinner's end. He knew he was over the top, and Ron was in a cell, but until this was over, he was not sure he would be at peace. The others understood, and while they wanted to see the baby they too had missed, they did not push it, knowing Harry needed this. Harry needed time to know she was safe and would not be taken from him at all.
He now faced having either to leave her, or not be there for the trial, and to confront the man who had taken her from him. Being who he was, not only the boy who lived but holding two seats on the Wizengamot, had perks, including the aurors had come to him.
Shacklebot made an offer. "If someone will stay with her, they can use my office. She would be in the center of the auror department."
Molly spoke up."I will stay with her, as I know the others will not want to miss this. You know she will be safe with me."
For a moment it looked like even this would worry him, taking the baby from the safety of home, but Harry knew he was being foolish in this The baby would be in the center of the auror department, surrounded by people who protected others for a living, and Molly. The woman had never forgiven herself, that the baby had been taken from the house under her watch, even if Harry did not blame her for it. Arthur and she both felt it; Bill had to remind his mom she had not been able to hold the baby, not because Harry blamed her for this, but because he let no one.
Harry took some time to leave when he saw not only Molly but Percy with her, but he wanted to be at the trial. He was to be allowed to see Ron first, accompanied by Severus and Bill for support. Draco understood, the only good from all of this, had been how close Harry and Bill had become.
Ron sneered when he had come into the room. "Come to gloat that I am in prison? Not bad enough you ruined my life, but now want me in prison as well."
Harry nearly hit him. "You kidnapped my daughter, and if you had your way, I would never have held her again. You deserve worse then dementors."
Ron reminded Harry there was no worse, and he would never see a black cell for this, reserved for killers and such. At worst he would be in medium security for five years, this was not even kidnapping and Harry knew it full well. Ron would not be a sacrificial lamb; he would not rot in prison, because Harry was some hero.
Harry smirked at him. "I would not be counting on that Ron. I promise you there are worse things than dementors, and I am sure you will know soon enough."
Ron tried to make a grab for him, but he was shackled into place. "I will get out, and that little girl will be mine."
It took both men with him, to remind Harry that Ron was only trying to make him do something foolish, so he too would be in prison. Harry knew they were right, and he was not lying for he had spoken to Amelia about the options, and he would be taken into account. Harry was led from the room, and he knew as much as he wanted to castrate the man and make him eat his own parts, he could not. His daughter needed him, and he would not do anything to risk being there to raise her.
Ron seemed cocky as ever through the trial, even if he was alone, not showing any reaction when the evidence was shown. Harry was shaken by Ron's memories, a reminder of how close he had come to losing his baby. Ron's cockiness vanished, when he was found guilty of all three crimes.
Madam Bones spoke. "You are hereby sentenced to a twenty year split sentence. Ten years to be spent in a muggle prison, and ten in Azkaban."
Ron knew enough about muggles to know what it would mean." you can't do this to me, she is my child. This is a farce and you know it."
Harry was flooded with relief when he was taken, he would be locked up for twenty years, and Remy would be safe. Ron may not be a molester, but his crimes would be seen by prisoners as being as bad as abuse, and Ron would be lucky to survive ten years. If he did, he would be haunted by those memories, for ten more years. Amelia had told them, Ron would not face a black cell, and this seemed the best alternate.
Molly was waiting to hear, and while she went pale when she was told but she knew her son deserved it. As she watched Harry with his daughter, she was not sure she could forgive Ron for what he had done to them all, but hoped they could help Harry move on.
Harry looked up when Fred commented at home maybe he could hold her now. "I know I have been crazy and unreasonable but I just need it right now."
Andromeda kissed him on the head. "You take what ever you need; this is about you and her right now."
None of them could even start to know what this could feel like for him, never in his shoes before. Molly had always been an over protective mother, she would have done the same if it had been her baby, and understood more than the others, what he needed of them.
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Harry was more at ease after Ron went to prison, but was not totally calm, until he was home in France. Harry felt better with her in her own nursery, and back in the home and life they had there. All but Harry had to return to work, but Sev worked from the house, and in the weeks to follow, Harry had taken walks with the baby. They had company for a belated nineteenth birthday for Harry, and they were all happy to see Harry once more at peace.
Bill had spent so much time at the home, he practically lived there, and was considering finding a house close by to purchase. He and Harry had never been on a date since this all happened, and he hoped with the family there, Harry would agree. He was a bit reluctant, but he missed it too.
Bill showed up with roses this time. "So Draco can not call me not romantic this time."
Harry had been out since the spa, but the pickles were the only bouquet he had ever received. "I preferred pickles before, but thank you."
The two of them were only heading for dinner, Harry would not leave any longer then that, but it was a nice break. Bill took Harry to a nice pub, which reminded them, both of back in the UK, and while Harry could not drink as he was nursing, he approved of the choice.
Bill smiled and actually fed Harry a French fry. "You know we should do this more often, both going muggle, and out."
Harry nodded."I agree on both, I know it has been a while, but I have missed doing this with you."
Having their dinner, and even playing some darts and pool, for the first time in a month, Harry let his hair down for real. Harry agreed for another date in a few days, and this time a movie and not simply dinner, knowing Remy was well cared for if they went out.
Bill kissed Harry at the door."I mean this so much more than ever, I want to marry you one day, and be her Papa. I love and want you both."