(a/n) : Thanks for the reviews.

What's up with St. Mungo's? Well, we've heard the official line "Statutes of Secrecy". More on it later.

A couple people were "creeped out" by the Bones residence. Great fun though. I enjoyed playing on her name. And it adds a different dimension to her. Not something to be expected from a Hufflepuff.

Those bottom few sentences that made no sense. Not part of the chapter actually. I left notes for later stuff at the end of the worddoc. So Polyjuice will pop up. And Myrtle.

Fawkes? Well most stories I've read had him always deserting Dumbledore when he goes manipulative.

And, I'd like to acknowledge, yes I did forget the other victims of the Basilisk attacks. Cheers on that point. I'll work that in somehow, at a future time. The same review was, in my opinion, rather harsh towards Ron in COS. Maybe Harry had to practically kick him into the Dark Forest, but he still went. Ron faced down what could probably be called a phobia.

So, before we begin M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S! & H A P P Y C H A N U K A H! & H A P P Y N E W Y E A R!

19 – Summer iii

For his Potions OWL, the requirement was brewing two easy potions plus a complex one simultaneously. Harry had done one better, a Sleeping Potion fulfilled the first need. He earned a solid O brewing two of his favorites. Skele-grow and Polyjuice. Being Muggle raised gave him a huge boost in Astromony where the Wizarding World was relatively backward. He scored an EE with little real work. The biggest problem with Muggle Studies was the reverse thinking every Muggleborn needed to think about their society and discuss it in Wizard terms, not something Harry was great at. An A was fine. For a Quidditch player, getting an OWL in flying was akin to a professional race car driver taking a state driver's exam.

"Well, guess you did alright." Said Ginny Weasley in a dismissive tone, she affected blowing on her fingernails and polishing them on her shirt just above her breast.

Harry grimaced at her and swatted her leg with his broom. "Ami warned me not to show off."

"Well done Harry!" exclaimed Ron, as he and Susan ran up. He clapped him on the shoulder. Susan's exuberant embrace spun them around.

Harry grinned at her and nipped her neck "Well, think I can NEWT in flying." He commented. "Pretty good birthday! Oh damn, things just turned for the worse."

"Harry, surely we can see our way to some common ground." Dumbledore greeted him "For example, on this occasion, I wish you congratulations. Though, may I say, for an accomplished flyer such as yourself this one was certainly assured."

Stiff and cool, he lost all sign of the warm feelings he just had and demanded "What do you want, Judge?"

"We got off course at our last meeting, Harry" said Dumbledore, offering a hand "I wish-"

Harry stepped back out of reach, and Ginny actually got in between them "You wanted me to take a shot at you. That day at The Keep." Harry accused "You were going to Apparate us to Privet Dr. All I had to do was step outside the wards."

"I was, am, and always will be most concerned for your safety, Harry." Dumbledore responded. No one failed to notice that he did not refute the accusation "To that end, I am here to ASK you - For your own safety, to spend the remainder of the summer with your family."

Harry snorted disgustedly "Family? Hardly. This is my family." Indicating those around him "My Regent investigated Privet Dr. and told me quite a bit. Would you care to guess what she learned?"

"Amelia is quite-" began Dumbledore

Harry cut him off with a malicious smirk "That is Regent Potter. Or in her other roles Madam Bones."

"I am quite aware of Amelia's position." The Headmaster said, tonelessly "Regardless of that, she is a talented witch. I am sure Amelia-"

Again Harry interrupted "So how's Snivellus?"

"That is Professor Snape." Dumbledore corrected, automatically and tersely.

Harry asked coldly "See the similarity?" To which Ron, Susan and Ginny hid giggles behind hands or coughs. "Anyway, she told me exactly what she learned. Blood wards are illegal, Judge. Are they enough to put someone is Azkaban?"

"They are an important part of protecting you, Harry." replied Dumbledore "I did what I had to, and would again. If Amelia understood that, then I am sure she explained the absolute necessity of reinforcing them by the presence of the person so protected."

Harry nodded "Oh sure, and I'm even willing under certain conditions. Regent Potter also said that, in this case, not only am I protected but so are the Dursleys."

"That is true." Admitted Dumbledore "Then you can see that not only is your safety enhanced, but so are the lives of others."

Smirking, Harry commented "That's what I just said. Some renegotiating of my living arrangements would be in order. If, and I mean IF I go there I want a UMW. I expect it to be endorsed by the Supreme Mugwump. And just for spite, I'll be sleeping in Dudley's bedroom. Third, I did enough chores in that house to last a lifetime. It's their turn. I'm going to be too busy studying and practicing. And I do want my friends to have unlimited visitation rights. As a concession, we will keep reasonable hours and they will arrive and depart by Muggle means."

"You seem to have thought this through quite thoroughly, Harry." Dumbledore commented. "You may not know, Underaged Magical Waivers are difficult to obtain."

"Well, if you don't have the pull to swing it, check with the Head of the MLE. She might be able to help." He favored Ginny with a wink and took Susan's hand, adding "I had help. And one last thing. My trust vault was tapped quite extensively from 1982 through 1996. I want an up front payment from them of ten thousand Pounds Sterling. Plus two thousand per day, every day I am there. Same drill next summer."

"I doubt the Dursleys would agree to such a thing." The Headmaster pointed out "And, as I know you are quite aware, even that rather considerable sum is a pittance compared to your true worth. I was in fact disturbed when I was informed by Petunia that payment abruptly ceased shortly after your release from prison."

Susan cut in "And exactly why would support payments be needed when Harry was not even there?"

"This is between myself and Harry, Miss Bones." Dumbledore directed an irritated look at her.

Harry took back the conversation saying "Her question is valid. But, you know what? I don't care. You don't have to answer. Just make it fifteen thousand up front."

"Harry, you are being ridiculous." A now angry Dumbledore snapped "And you are violating a solemn agreement between your House and your relatives."

Harry looked at Ron, shrugged, glanced at Ginny, brushed nothing off of Susan's shoulder then replied "Well I did not make that deal. Nor did anyone with the right to do so. Now it's three thousand a day. Wanna go for more? Besides, I'll need the extra money to cover legal expenses. Another murder trial and all."

"We can claim jurisdiction over that, Harry." Dumbledore offered "And, that brings a side note, if you'll pardon the interruption. Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger was most insistent when I mentioned the likelihood of seeing you. She requests that you contact, or visit her, as soon as possible."

Ron shrugged sullenly and replied "I will see Miss Granger at the trial. And I'll be sitting behind Harry. If that's not good enough for her, then too bad."

"So, let's see" continued Harry "You're going to push for taking over the case? Tell me, would that be to get me off? Or are you threatening to get me convicted? No, Judge, I think I'll try the Muggle system. I've already seen how fair the Magical Courts are."

Dumbledore looked disappointed and sad "I have really fallen so far in your eyes? Well, truthfully Harry, after your treatment of Fawkes I am having my own doubts."

"Bloody pigeon tried to attack me on my own property." Harry snapped "And remember, you told him to. In future, I don't think we should be so familiar, Judge. My first name is reserved for friends. You may reach me through my Regent when you've met my terms."

x x x x x

Harry managed to celebrate his birthday in peace after that. The next day, however, found him once again in court.

"All rise!" the court crier ordered "Her Majesty's Court is now in session, the Honorable Sean Biggerstaff presiding."

Harry wondered if the balding, grey-haired judge was related to his former Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. But he was quickly brought out of his contemplation by the start of the case.

"First order of business." Began the Judge "There is a motion from Albus Dumbledore on behalf of the Wizengamot of Magical Britain to transfer jurisdiction."

The Granger lawyer rose and said "Sally Mortemore representing the Grangers. The victims object, Your Honor. The incident occurred in a Muggle location and, while their daughter, Hermione, is a witch they are not. And the status of their unborn son is unknown."

"John Cleese, for the defense, Your Honor" Harry's lawyer rose "We too object to the Wizengamot motion. My client has had a disagreeable experience with Magical justice and is entirely willing to accept The Queen's Judgment in this matter."

Judge Biggerstaff considered, then ruled "Very well, as both sides agree, even if for different reasons, the case remains here. This is a special court. I personally am a wizard, living in the Muggle world. Our court reporter, Natalia Tena, is a Muggle however has a wizard brother and two cousins who are witches. This is in accordance with The Statutes of Secrecy while preserving Royal Authority. Let us proceed."

"I do have an additional objection, Your Honor." Mrs. Mortemore said "The accused is wearing an eye patch with my clients' initials on it. That will, I believe, unfairly influence the Court."

Mr. Cleese offered "I could have my client remove it. Mr. Potter, please."

"Sure" replied Harry, who stood and pulled it off. Then he sneered at the Grangers "Thanks Doctors."

Their attorney's stomach heaved and she protested "Your Honor! That is infinitely worse!"

"Sir, I am unclear as to what they want." Mr. Cleese said sarcastically "Mr. Granger, I note, is wearing a neck brace. Should we remove that? And now my opponent does not approve of Mr. Potter's appearance without the patch. Would she kindly make up her mind?"

Judge Biggerstaff warned "Careful with your tone Mr. Cleese. That aside I can manage just fine. Mr. Potter, please replace your patch."

"Hmpf" Harry grunted as he complied. Looking at the other side, he added "Don't bother my friends, or girlfriend."

x x x x x

Evidence and witness testimony took two days. It was just after 2PM when Harry himself left the stand and the Defense rested.

"We will adjourn for the day." Judge Biggerstaff tapped his gavel and announced "At 9AM tomorrow I will make my ruling."

Ron was cornered in the courtroom by Hermione "I cannot believe you are siding with him!" she snarled.

"Mr. Cleese told me not to discuss the case, or anything else, with you until the trial is over." Ron countered. "Now, either step aside or I'll walk right through you!"

x x x x x

It was 9:16 when the hearing was called to order and Judge Biggerstaff ruled in a lengthy speech "The defendant will rise. This is an incident that should never have happened. By all accounts, it began as a quarrel between two teenagers. Who was right? Who was wrong? To that issue, this Court will not speak. In fact Mr. Potter and Miss Granger had mostly resolved their differences. Testimony has proven Mr. Potter killed the Grangers' unborn baby. Is that Murder? No. Is that even Manslaughter? A four month fetus is incapable of surviving outside the womb. That would be more than sufficient to acquit. Testimony also showed that Mr. Potter repeatedly showed concern for others he assumed were in danger despite a grievous injury. Witness testimony confirms the accused eve called out Hermione on more than one occasion. The ruling of this Court, therefore is to clear the defendant of all charges. Bail will be returned forwith. You are free to go Mr. Potter."

"That's horseshit!" shouted Mr. Granger.

The judge glared at him and ordered "Remain on your feet! Mrs. Granger stand as well! Ian and Michelle Granger, I find YOU guilty of assault against Harry Potter. Nothing I have heard in this trial justifies your unprovoked attack, especially on a minor. You should both be ashamed of yourselves. Loss of the fetus, I think, is adequate punishment. I sentence you both to three years probation. Mr. Potter's Court expenses will be paid by you and reconstructive surgery expenses for Mr. Potter's eye will be borne by you as well."

"Objection! Your Honor!" Mrs. Mortemore protested.

The judge ignored her, tapped his gavel and said "Case closed. We are adjourned. Next case will begin in thirty minutes."

x x x x x

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Cleese and Madam Bones were saying their goodbyes and concluding business "Of course, John" she said "send your bill to me and I will authorize payment at once."

"Thank you, Mr. Cleese." Said Harry, offering his hand "Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope not to need you again."

The lawyer pumped his young client's hand vigorously and chuckled "Couldn't agree more. A word of advice I won't even bill you for. Stay away from that family."

"No problem there, sir." Ron said "Can't believe I dated her!"

Susan was hugging her Aunt "Yes, Ma'am, of course Harry takes good care of me!"

"Harry" Amelia said in farewell "Have fun, and behave yourself."

Ron giggled "Fred and George say that's impossible."

Amelia glared at him, glanced down both ends of the corridor and vanished. Her expression somehow remained in the air for a few seconds.

"Well!" exclaimed Susan "Unlike the grownups, us kids have to floo!" She extended an arm to Ron and pulled him close "Two handsome men! Happy me! Harry, we gotta get him a new woman."

Harry grumbled a bit and a hint of jealousy clouded his eyes. But that never had the opportunity to go further.

"Well! Now that this farce is over … are you available … now … Ronald?" inquired the demanding voice of Hermione Granger.

Harry sneered at her "Anything other than what you wanted, huh?"

"Was I talking to you, murderer?" she fired back "There are things I need to discuss."

Ron had chosen his side "Why Hermione, sure you remember my … sorry …. Our …best friend Harry. Anything you want to say, we can all share."

"Absolutely not!" she retorted "This is strictly between us. Perhaps you remember what happened a month ago."

That actually penetrated, Ron's ears pinked "Err…mayb… Harr…uhh…listen… won't take … see ya's later." He stammered.

"What just happened?" asked an equally befuddled Harry. All he could do was stare as his best friend followed along behind his ex-best friend.

Susan turned her investigator brain to the question "Well? What do we know? Granger and Ron have dated for-"

"Did." Harry interrupted "He broke up with her."

She smiled "Yes, very loyal. Should be a 'Puff. Anyway, before you so rudely interrupted. I perhaps saw things you didn't. Like the blush on the back of his neck and ears. Weasleys, probably redheads generally only get that when we are very angry or very embarrassed. Ron didn't look directly at you, so I believe option #2."

"And, what, Auror Bones do you conclude from that?" asked Harry in a joking tone.

Susan laughed "You know. Hannah asked me that almost exactly the same way when I was investigating your case."

"Well, Hannah's not so bad, I guess." Harry added "Compared to Granger, anyway."

Susan swatted him across the chest and exclaimed "You!" then "Back to business. Right. Given the length of their relationship … almost two years … they've probably slept-"

"Ewww!" he groaned "Not an image I needed."

Susan laughed and ruffled his hair "Poor Harry. Well you can think of it as a preview of us assuming we're still together a couple years from now."

"You're not going anywhere, Sue." He said with great conviction and wrapping both his arms around her waist for emphasis. "But a COUPLE YEARS!"

She pulled his mouth down to hers and, for a few minutes they simply snogged away in the middle of a London courthouse.

"EWW! MUMMY!" a childish voice squealed "That man's trying to swallow a lady's face!"

The couple pulled away from each other.

"No he is not!" a flustered woman rushed around the corner "It is called kissing! I am so sorry!"

Flushed, and lips swollen, Susan said "No, no, we really should not be doing that so openly."

"Well, it was your idea." Harry joked and added "Hey kid! Don't knock it til you tried it!" He ran off laughing with his girlfriend hot on his heels.

She caught him a couple blocks later declaring victoriously "Gotcha!"

"I let you catch me." He countered

She allowed that with a laugh "Of course you did. I'm too beautiful to run away from."

"Who told you that?" he asked.

She glared at him for an instant, then caught the glint in his eye and retorted "My Auntie."

"Hmmm." He considered, while pushing a stray strand of hair off her face "Don't count. She's related. She has to say nice things about you."

Susan smirked at him and replied "Well, there's also this smarmy git. Messy black hair. Dresses like a pirate."

"Whatever." Said Harry with a blush "I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat. So finish telling me about what Granger could want with Ron. He told me he ended it. Ah! Over there! Ever had McDonald's?"

A fast food restaurant in the middle of London, just at lunch time. Susan quickly complained "I think a better term is slow food."

"Funny girl." the tall middle-aged man behind them laughed "Just keep moving forward or you'll lose your place."

Feeling vaguely protective, Harry put his arm over her shoulders and moved Susan in front of him in line. He gave a weak chuckle in response to the man. "Never been to one?" he whispered in her ear. Seeing her nod he suggested "Let me order. Two number ones please, supersize."

"This is a potato?" asked Susan, skeptically, watching her boyfriend stuff another in his mouth. She held a fluffy brown stick to her face and sniffed.

Harry chuckled around his full mouth, remembering the shock he felt when he was introduced to the Wizarding World. "Just bite" he told her "It won't bite back."

"Very funny" she muttered and reluctantly obeyed. After eating, and enjoying a few, she tapped the small cardboard box "And this … a Max? That what it's called?"

With considerable effort, Harry held back a laugh and corrected "A Big Mac, just a hamburger. Just copy what I do. Careful, it might be hot."

"Merlin's Beard!" she exclaimed sharply as her taste buds tried to process the various flavors. "Hang on. You said hamburger. This is beef. And how did they cook it so fast?"

Harry laughed, he'd never thought of the contradiction "Eat, before it gets cold." He ordered.

"You've never been to a McDonald's before?" a nearby patron asked in surprise.

Harry swallowed quickly and lied "Burger King fan."

Susan was smart enough to just nod and chew. Outside, she asked "Burger King?"

"Same food basically." He replied "Different company. We'll try that another time. Bloody! Wish it wasn't so far to The Leaky Cauldron."

She reminded him "Part your fault, you ran the opposite direction. So, anyway, my guess is Granger's pregnant."

"WHAAAT!" Harry screamed, then an incoherent "YAHHHH!" has he tripped over his own feet.

She helped him to his feet, saying "Now we're even for surprising me with that meal. Sorry, Harry, but it's the only thing that makes sense."

"If, if you're right" asked Harry "What does that mean?"

Susan thought about it for a bit as they walked, then answered "Under Wizarding Law, there's a few possibilities. My advice for you, don't get involved. Knowing Ron, I think he would decide on marriage."

"Nothing in my life is simple." Harry complained "And here I thought she was going away. You said other-"

Susan shook her head "You won't like them. Either that, or it could cause a scandal that would leave Ron with about as much status as Amos Diggory. Since she's Muggleborn, he could kill her."

"That has potential." Harry considered.

She looked disappointed "I know you don't mean that. Besides, there's a loophole in that law. It's really meant to protect Pureblood women, but it really doesn't say. She has the right to pick a champion and become the property of the winner."

"She'd never go for that." He said "Remember how she acted when she found out about Dobby?"

She shrugged "I wouldn't be so sure. She could choose literally anyone. You think Ron could take Viktor Krum for example?"

"I see your point." Harry admitted "With choices like that, I guess there isn't really a choice. And he'll have to choose between a happy marriage and his best friend. Me. That sucks."

Susan cuddled against his arm as they continued to walk, just offering silent comfort. In The Leaky Cauldron she nudged him into the fireplace and offered him floo powder "Go on." She ordered "You'll feel better at home."

"Yeah, last night." He grumbled, then he was enveloped in green flame.

x x x x x

And moments later, his vision filled with the amused face of his Godfather "Still floo-hobbled, Harry? Since you're here, congratulations on the win. Tell me all about it."

"Thanks Sirius. Too bad it wasn't total. Ruddy floo! Musta been invented by the bloody Malfoys" Replied Harry, then his eyes flashed to the fireplace and he cursed "MERLIN'S FUZZY BALLS! SUE! SIRIUS!"

But the Azkaban escapee was already acting "Got i-uff" was his half-man half-dog reply.

"Yah!" yelped Susan as she stepped through the fireplace, much more gracefully than her boyfriend could. Her conversation with her Aunt had long prepared her for possibly meeting Sirius Black. Nevertheless, a massive dog, with all the features of a Grim was startling.

Harry caught her as she stumbled backwards. He was in a near-panic at the risk for his Godfather. His brain went into overdrive "Sue, this is Snuffles. My dog."

"Oh" replied Susan, still trying to process the situation herself. She wasn't quite sure how to handle it. "Err… never seen him …uhh… her before."

The dog groaned at the end of her remark.

"Snuffles" said Harry, patting his head and continuing his improvisation "is definitely a HE. Found him on the property … umm … a stray I guess. Err… Snuffles … say hello to Susan."

The dog barked twice, padded over to her, sat, barked again and offered his right paw.

"Nice to meet'cha" she said, rather nervously, taking the paw. She could tell her boyfriend did not like lying to her. That he was made it clear how important the escaped convict was to him. Susan decided to let him know she knew. But she wasn't above having some fun with it "Stray, huh? Then why did you let him in?"

Harry replied "Well, you can see, he looks hungry. He looked worse when I first saw him. And …well … kind of reminded me of how I was after Azkaban." It was almost the truth.

"Oh" she said faintly, that tugged on her heart. Then she decided to reveal her knowledge. Ruffling the dog's hair, she announced "You know … Harry … this really is one seriously!, big black! dog."

Harry just stared at her. He felt his heart jump into his throat. Or was it skip a beat? And still in his canine guise, Sirius' tail stopped wagging and froze in mid-swing. Of course, if the girl's turn of phrase was purely accidental, there wasn't an easy way to explain away their reactions.

"What gave me away?" asked Sirius, after he returned to human form.

Now, faced with the man, it was Susan that was struck speechless. She gulped twice and squeaked out "-hello-"

"HAHAHAHA!" his laughter boomed as he dropped his lean frame into a nearby leather couch "I like her, Harry. Jumping in with both feet. Has about the same hair color as Lily. Perfect Gryffindor."

She protested "I'm a Hufflepuff!"

"So you CAN talk!" exclaimed Sirius "Harry, why don't you sit her down before she falls down."

Harry called out for Dobby and asked him "Some cold water, please?"

"Yes sir, Harry Potter, sir!" the Elf replied. His departing pop and returning pop were almost simultaneous.

After a few sips, Susan smiled, patted his cheek and said "Thanks, Harry. Well! Never a boring date, are we? First fast food, now escaped prisoners."

"Exciting, yes." Sirius drawled out "Surprises… apparently not… Harry, you didn't tell her, did you?"

Harry shook his head vigorously and Susan confirmed "No, we … I mean Hannah and I figured it out although we weren't quite right at the time. Harry, do you remember when Snape dragged us in for spreading Snivellus about?"

"God!" he exclaimed "That was ages ago!"

She bumped him with her shoulder and laughed "Not really. But anyway, here's what happened. I really can't remember what was said right before it, but what stuck was Snape saying 'Yourdogmusthavetoldyou' Because right then you squeezed my shoulder kind of hard. Now a talking dog is impossible, except-"

"For an Animagus!" Sirius cackled away, then he asked "But how did it lead you to me?"

She answered "It didn't. Not then. We knew Snape hates Harry because of his Dad. Everyone in the school knows that. So we figured that Mr. Potter was a dog Animagus. It fit what we knew."

"And you never asked me?" Harry wanted to know "How come?"

Susan shrugged "Well we weren't really together all that long, then. And I really didn't want to put you on the spot like that. You're entitled to your secrets."

"Never mind the mushy stuff!" Sirius complained when Harry kissed her "Back to me!"

The couple laughed with their foreheads pressed together then Susan resumed her tale "The rest of it, Harry gave away over time. I stopped thinking Mr. Potter was still alive after I heard him and Ron talking about you. Most people don't have nice things to say about their parents' killer. So Sirius Black was James Potter's best friend. Professor Snape hated you both. Harry learned about the past from you. That makes you the dog Animagus, QED."

"Hair color's the same." Sirius said, chuckling "Physically, that's about it, but she's as smart a Lily. Harry you're never gonna be able to pull a prank with her at least knowing."

Harry could only praise her "Susan already knows everything I do. But, mostly, I'm glad she knows one thing I DID NOT do."

"Yes" said Sirius softly "I cannot thank you enough. A Godfather's job is to watch out for his Godson. I couldn't do anything so I was thrilled when you stepped forward. Besides, you're a lot prettier than me." He knelt in front of her and kissed her hand.

Must have been a bit of accidental magic, because Susan's face actually glowed red as she muttered "Aww…shucks! And you might like to know that the Director of the MLE has heard rumors that the notorious Sirius Black is hiding out somewhere in the Overseas Territories. Since that covers everything from The Caymans to The Falklands- "

"Your aunt knows?" asked Sirius, with an expression of alarm.

Susan nodded "Ahh…yeah… she was there when we were putting the pieces together. Didn't know where the trail was going. But remember, my Amelia Bones is also his Regent Potter and pledged to act in Harry's best interest."

"Hence the unusual reports of my disappearance from mainland Britain. Well the bad guy has the top cop on his side. I wish McG was on our side in school." Sirius affected an evil laugh.

Harry explained "He means McGonagall. And, Sirius, do you really think you would have gotten away with half what you did in later years if she wasn't catching you all the time at first?"

"I'm not so sure, Harry." Susan put in "From some of Hogwarts records, I think she let them get away with more than they know."

Sirius glared at both teens "You two know how to ruin a kid's childhood." He complained.

x x x x x

"Mum, Dad, say something." Ron Weasley pleaded, he was not having a good day. Oh the day started off well enough with Harry being cleared of all charges by the Muggle court. But Susan's guess to Harry was a direct hit. In duplicate "It's not that bad, really. After all, with the Basilisk money, we don't need to worry-"

Mr. Weasley shook his head "That is hardly the point, Ronald. It was most irresponsible."

"Really Dad?" Ron argued, he'd had enough from the Grangers "Why was Bill born five months after your wedding?"

Mrs. Weasley jumped up from her seat at The Burrow's kitchen table and shouted "THAT IS NEITHER HERE NOR THERE! WE ARE DISCUSSING YOUR SITUATION!"

"NO MUM! YOU'RE SCREAMING ABOUT IT" Ron yelled back, his fist rattled every dish and cup "AND IT'S NOT HELPING!"

Mr. Weasley forced his wife down and said "Right. Calm. Everyone. The difference, Ronald, between your Mother and I, and you and Hermione, is that we were close to graduation and engaged."

"And together since Fifth Year." Ron added "I know all that, it wasn't the first time. She didn't get pregnant with Bill the very first time, did you Mum?"

Mr. Weasley held up a hand to silence his wife "I grant, you have a point. And looking back I guess we should not be surprised to hear you'd been sleeping together. Perhaps we can set that aside. Prior to this you split up. Yes?"

"Yeah." Ron nodded miserably "I wasn't going to abandon Harry like I did over the Tournament. And I wasn't going to lie in that Muggle court about what I saw. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That's what the oath says. That git lawyer didn't want me to say I saw Mrs. Granger hit Harry first."

Mrs. Weasley had a tear running down her cheek "It's just we never thought our youngest son was going to give us our first grandchildren."

"Well Molly, at least we're not having this conversation with Ginny." Mr. Weasley quipped "Son, in the end what we think does not matter. What do you want?"

Ron gave his father a weak smile and replied "Despite everything, Mum Dad, I love her. I think I always have. At least since the Yule Ball. And she's going to have my children. Twins."

"And what about Harry?" Ginny wanted to know. She'd been listening to every word.

Mrs. Weasley glared at her "I told you to stay out of here, young lady."

"Her question is valid, Molly." Said Mr. Weasley "But I don't think she realizes exactly what she is asking. Ron, the time may come where you have to choose between your friendship with Harry and a happy marriage with Hermione. Almost from the start, at least, you're going to probably live two lives."

Ron looked at his parents and sister, muttered incoherently, pushed his chair away and stomped out the back door.