Chapter 23 – That Girl

12 April 2010

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England

Harry Potter

I'm look up at the building. It seems time has made it's mark on The Burrow. The garden is overgrown in a few places that it wasn't before. It needs a fresh coat of paint. The ivy on the side of the house is overgrown. There has been an additional room added to the ground floor.

I owled Molly Weasley last week to see if I could meet with her. She owled back and said Monday the 12th would be the best day. She was babysitting all of her grandchildren since Hogwarts was on Easter break. Most of her grandchildren are over three years with the exception of Ron's almost three year old twins, Lilac and Lotus.

Ron trained to be an Auror for approximately three weeks. He said it was too much like school, and quit. He lived off his earnings from the Order of Merlin for years. He milked his "celebrity" status for all it was worth. He had no serious relationships until Lavender ended up pregnant with twins in 2007. He spent the remaining money he had left on a small cottage near The Burrow and Lavender's dream wedding. The wedding had enchanted lavender in all the decorations and the overpowering scent of lavender made everyone lethargic instead of calmed and relaxed. Ron now works for George at Weasley Wizard Wheezes at their Hogsmead location. Lavender works as a clerk at Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. They usually have dinner at The Burrow every night since neither one of them can successfully boil water. Ron just turned 30 and is forty pounds overweight and is showing signs of premature balding. We meet about once a week for lunch, but haven't been close since I broke up with Ginny. We didn't have each other in our wedding party.

I haven't been to The Burrow since we had a graduation party in 1999. I had a lonely three months, but then Blaise Zabini and I became pretty good friends during Auror training. With Blaise came Theo Nott, and surprisingly, Neville Longbottom. Because Neville was good friends with them, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan usually would hang out with us too. Occasionally Malfoy would join us out, but he was always quiet and too pissed to argue with anyone. I always wanted to hex him for the way he treated Hermione, but it would be like kicking an injured puppy. Our friend group also included Pansy Parkinson, the Patils, Luna Lovegood, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott. Pansy started dating Adrian Pucey, and Blaise started dating Astoria Greengrass. When Daphne returned from Paris in 2003, I started dating her. The lot of us have dinner about once a week.

Before the funeral, I hadn't seen Molly Weasley since Ron's twins were born. He named me godfather of Lilac, which surprised me. I'm not invited to birthdays because Ginny is there, but I send gifts and Lilac has a playdate with James once a month.

I guess I should stop stalling. I walk up the trail to the front door and before I knock, Molly Weasley opens the front door. She smiles, "Harry, it's lovely to see you, please come in. I made you Treacle Tart. Are they still your favorite?"

I smile, "Hello Mrs. Weasley. Yes Treacle Tarts are still my favorite. Thank you." We walk into the kitchen and have a seat at the table. She serves me tea and a slice of Treacle Tart.

She takes a sip of her tea. "It's been some time Harry. I understand you had another son recently, correct?"

I smile, "Yes Hyperion Charlus Potter, Hy, he was born eighteen of September. He was 53 minutes away from sharing a birthday with Hermione."

She purses her lips, and then catches herself. "Sons are such blessings."

I nod, "I have been blessed. I love my family very much."

She purses her lips again. "I understand you had some questions for me for an investigation, is that correct Harry?

I nod, "I do. Someone from the will reading found something rather disturbing in one of Madame Dagworth-Granger's vaults. During the investigation, I have had a few recollections that have brought forth some questions. Did Madame Dagworth-Granger leave you anything else in the box you received at the Will reading?"

She winces, but answers, "Oh no, Harry, of course not. My box merely contained the otter broach and the tiara she probably stole from Muriel."

Interesting, "Madame Dagworth-Granger was a known thief, is that what your insinuating?"

She smiles, "Of course not Harry. She married into the Dagworth-Grangers which were known for grey morals when it came to other people's property."

She's lying about something, "Do you believe Madame Dagworth-Granger stole the tiara?"

She shakes her head, "I misspoke. Ophelia and I have a history with a little animosity. She was once quite manipulative and cunning. She was a Slytherin after all. Slytherins cannot be trusted."

I trust my Slytherin wife with my life. "Did she ask you to take Hermione in for summers?"

She smiles, "Of course not Harry. She wouldn't want anyone to know she had a squib for a son."

Why is she lying? "After the Battle at Hogwarts you said to Hermione that you had to put up with Hermione in your home. You accused her of not saving Fred or others. You accused her of not stopping any of the destruction. Why would you say those things to a girl who was obviously grieving?"

She waves me off, "Oh Harry, I don't remember saying anything of the likes. I was very distraught at the time."

I wish I had seen her for what she was when I was younger. "I'm confused. Why would you invite Hermione into your home to begin with? She spent almost all summer with you before Fourth Year and each subsequent summer before we went on the run."

She purses her lips, "Well she was Ron's friend, was she not?

Are they all swore to secrecy? "Of course Mrs. Weasley. Thank you for your time. I must be going. It was lovely seeing you. Thank you for the Treacle Tart, yours is still the best." I smile at her and move to get up. She stands as well and follows me to the door.

She smiles, "As always it was nice to see you, come visit any time, Harry. Good day."

I leave with even more questions than I arrived with.

12 April 2010

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England

Molly Weasley

I close the door. How dare he ask me questions about that girl! She had that time-turner and could have saved Fred. She failed to do that.

The door opens to the ground floor bedroom we had to add to our house and Ginny uses her cane to slowly walk out. My beautiful girl was injured in a terrible quidditch accident in the fall of 2000. She played for the Holyhead Harpies, and was a reserve until that game. It was the first game she started. She lost control of her broom and plummeted fifty feet to the ground. Her pelvis was shattered. Somehow St. Mungo's was out of Skele-Gro and we had to wait 24 hours for St. Mungo's to receive a shipment from their supplier. Ginny's bones started to heal slightly on their own and when she received the Skele-Gro her pelvis didn't heal properly. My beautiful daughter has a constant limp now. They offered to vanish her pelvis bone completely and try to regrow it from scratch, but the procedure was quite costly. We didn't have the galleons for the procedure. We asked George, his store had been doing so well, but he said he didn't have the galleons either. The only person I knew with the money to help, never would have helped me. No she made it clear she wouldn't help me again.

Ginny makes in to the kitchen where I'm standing and asks, "Mum what did Harry want?"

I smile at her, "It was nothing, my dear. I'm going to go lay down for an hour. You can eat the Treacle Tart if you would like." I pat her shoulder and head upstairs.

27 July, 1968

Prewett Manor

Solarium

Marros, Carmarthenshire, Southwest Wales, United Kingdom

Molly Weasley

"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY! ARTHUR WEASLEY AND I ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER. I DO NOT WANT TO GET TO KNOW JOHN ABBOTT! ARTHUR IS MY SOULMATE!" I scream. My mother, father, and Ophelia Dagworth-Granger will not listen to me.

My mother, Elizabeth Prewett, speaks up, "Molly Elizabeth Prewett, you show the decorum I have raised you with. You will not speak to your mother and father in that manner. We have company present I will not tolerate this behavior. Your father and I have every right to choose your future spouse for you. John Abbott is a good wizard. He's strong magically, and highly intelligent. He also has a considerable fortune to keep you in the lifestyle in which you are accustomed to."

I huff, they aren't listening, "I don't care what this crone has to say, she doesn't know me and she certainly doesn't know my Arthur."

Ophelia speaks up. "I don't need to know Mr. Weasley to know that Septimus Weasley squandered the entire Weasley fortune on gambling and other ungentlemanly pursuits. The Weaselys have no money and the highest N.E.W.T score Arthur Weasley received was an 'E' in Muggle Studies. He only holds a Level 3 position at the Ministry. You were not raised to work, Molly, though you received seven Outstanding N.E.W.Ts, you could find a better job than your Mr. Weasley. He will not be able to provide for you and any future children on 31 galleons a week. John Abbott has a Level 7 position with the Ministry. He will inherit the family seat. He is a far better match for you. He is five years older is much more mature to handle your temper tantrums. You may think I don't know you, but I have assisted families for 60 years in finding not only eligible matches, but the most compatible match magically. My ball last Saturday, you were escorted by your Mr. Weasley. His manners were unpolished, his posture abysmal, and his magic is completely incompatible with yours. You danced with John Abbott that same night, and your magic was glowing."

She doesn't understand. "NO HE'S NOT INCOMPATIBLE! HE'S PERFECT FOR ME! YOU COULDN'T POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND YOU DRIED UP HAG! AUTHUR IS MINE!

Percival Prewett, my father, interrupts, "Enough Molly! I will do what is best for you. I am Head of this House and I will take Ophelia's advise into consideration. She is much more powerful than you can imagine. Your mother and I have known her our entire lives. You have known her your entire life. You are acting absurd and childish, and proving to myself and your mother, you are too immature to make your own decisions. You just graduated Hogwarts a month ago. You are much too immature to make a life altering decision."

They aren't listening to me! I will not let them tell me who I can and cannot marry. This is my life! It's not fair! "I am done with this conversation! You will not dictate my life!" I get up and run to my room.

Once I'm in my room I decide to end this argument once and for all. I send an owl to my Arthur.

Dear Arthur,

My answer is yes. I'm afraid we will need to elope. My parents are trying to push me into a contract with John Abbott. Please respond immediately.

I love you,

Molly

I give the letter to my owl, Errol, and released him out my window to await for a reply. I start packing my trunk. I pack all my clothes and included my white debutante dress robes. I pack my bands, mementos, and jewelry. I walked down to my father's study and in the bottom drawer I take the galleons he leaves there for emergencies. I went back to my room and waited.

Finally Errol returned and I took the letter from him.

My Dearest Molly,

I love you so much. I would hate to be the cause of discord in your family. If you are sure we still have time to go to the Ministry and marry today. I am at my flat. You may arrive when you are ready. I can't wait until you are Mrs. Weasley.

Love,

Arthur

I take one more look around my childhood room. I put Errol in his cage and shrink my chest. I sigh and disapparated away to begin my life with my soulmate.

27 July, 1970

Weasley Flat

Diagon Alley

London, England

Molly Weasley

Today is our anniversary. We live in Arthur's studio flat. It's quite small, but we have the essentials. We have a tiny kitchen, a table with two chairs, and a nice two-seater sofa. There is a screen to hide the bed and dresser. We have been married two years and will be having our first child 23rd of November. I'm very excited to be a mother. I will certainly be a better parent than my parents were. I will not hold my children to the restrictions my parents held me to. I will allow them to marry whomever they wish, and support their decisions with all my heart.

I'm still quite angry with my mother and father. My father refused to give us my dowry of 25,000 galleons. He said, "You can consider the 526 galleons you stole from your family the dowry you think you so rightfully deserve." That money was for use for the family, I was family and I used it. They are just angry I did what I wanted to. We have been working on rebuilding our relationship, however they hold nothing but contempt for my dear Arthur. We have dinner every Sunday with my parents, but I can tell they are furious at us. My mother is looking forward to becoming a grandmother. She has softened some since the announcement.

Though I will never admit it to anyone, married life has been rather difficult. Arthur though he is a kind man, he is quite absentminded, and he has no depth. He can be quite insensitive at times. He doesn't read much and isn't very knowledgeable about very many topics. Our conversations are quite stunted. He is an amazing kisser, but I'm not sure our intimate times are what my friends described. I'm just not sure what the hype is all about. I refuse to talk to my friends from Hogwarts. They didn't like Arthur in school, and thought I made a hasty decision in marrying him. They don't understand Arthur and I were made for each other.

Arthur works at the Ministry of Magic in The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. He has started developing a slight obsession with muggle things. It's quite annoying. He talks about muggle things all the time. Hopefully when our sweet baby comes we will have new topics to discuss. I hope I have a little girl.

I tried to work the first year we were married. I hated it. The bosses make unreasonable requests and the hours are too long. I quit my job so I could be the wife to Arthur that he deserves. He doesn't help at all around the flat. He throws his clothes on the floor and never picks them up. I have to do all the washing, cooking and cleaning. Ophelia, that meddlesome hag, gifted me a stack of books on household charms and cooking books. They have been helpful, but if she cared about me at all, she wouldn't have suggested I marry someone else. She never had children of her own, so she tries to dictate the lives of everyone else's children. She's a horrible woman!

This morning I went to Borgin and Burke's and sold my ruby necklace that my father gifted me when I became a Gryffindor. I received enough galleons that I was able to buy Arthur a new tie for our anniversary and purchase ingredients for a rather lavish meal. I do miss luxuries, but Arthur is made for me.

There is a knock on the door, I'm not expecting anyone. Hmmmm. I answer the door and it is Ophelia. What could this woman want? "Madame Dagworth-Granger it's such a pleasure to see you. Won't you please come in?" Uh! She is always overdressed. She always dresses like she's the bloody queen at a formal event. She's so self important it's disgusting.

"Hello Molly, I would love to come in. I have an important matter to discuss with you." She sweeps in and takes a seat at the table.

I walk over to her, "Would you like some tea?"

She smiles, "No, thank you. I just had some before I came to see you. As I said before I have a rather important matter to discuss with you."

I take a seat, "Of course. How may I be of assistance to you?"

She smiles, "How have you been feeling? I understand you had quite a bit of nausea in the beginning of your pregnancy, is that continuing?"

The beginning of my pregnancy was awful. I was sick all the time. They really shouldn't call it morning sickness it more like waking hours sickness. "I'm feeling much better now, thank you."

She smiles, "That is wonderful to hear, my dear. I would hate for you to suffer for long. I understand today is your two year anniversary. Traditionally, wedding gifts began in the middle ages as a way for husbands to celebrate their wives. As the tradition evolved, it was thought these gifts would bring good luck and good fortune to the newly wedded couple. In 1937, the American National Retail Jewelers Association updated many of the traditional gifts with a modern version. For example the traditional gift for a one year anniversary is paper, but the modern version of the one year gift is a clock representing the passage of time. That is why I gifted you a rare magical clock last year. As you have more children, you will be able to add them to the clock and track them if you wish. The pictures on the dials will age with your children. This year for your second anniversary the traditional gift is cotton and the modern gift is china. I researched slightly further and found the second year also has a flower, the cosmos. Before I tell you about your gift, I have something I want to clear up. I am very strong in Spiritual Magic. I have the ability to see auras, magical cores, and magical bonds. John Abbott has a very similar aura and magical core to yours. He was not your soulmate, he was the most positive option. Arthur is not your soulmate either, but I never said he wasn't a good man, just a very different man than you need. Your soulmate is actually a very married man and much older than yourself. I do not give these gifts to you to buy your approval, I genuinely want your happiness. Ginevra Urquhart, who was your maternal grandmother was a dear friend of mine. She was an amazing woman. Your mother-in-law Cedrella Weasley (née Black) was the daughter of one of my very best friends, Violetta Black. When Cedrella was disowned, it was because she married a man who had a despicable reputation not because she married a Weasley. The Weasleys are traditionally very good at inventive magic. Molly you chose the path of most resistance, that doesn't mean it won't be a beautiful life. I have loved you your entire life. I was the third person to ever hold you. Just because you chose a different life doesn't make anyone love you less. Your grandmother Audra Prewett (née Montague) would have spoiled you rotten. We lost a great many people in our world during World War 2. The bombing at the Ministry crippled our society. I take care of the children of the people I have loved most in this life because it is what they would ask me to do."

These damned pregnancy hormones. I can't stop the tears. I've been so awful to her. "Ophelia, I'm so sorry for how I have spoken to you. You're right, you have always been kind to me."

She takes my hand, "Molly, I forgive you. There are very few things I won't forgive someone for. Now about your present, cotton symbolizes the interconnectedness in your relationship, and how you have become more flexible over time. The china symbolizes the juxtaposition of your young relationship being both strong and delicate. Lastly the Cosmos flowers represent order and harmony. Would you like to see the gift I have chosen for you and Arthur now, or wait for him to get home from work?"

I wipe my eyes. "I would like to see it now, please."

She smiles, "Very well then. We will Apparate. It is still safe for you as long as you side along. Come."

She gets up and I stand next to her and close my eyes. When I open them we land outside a very awkwardly shaped cottage with beautiful pink, lavender, white, and plum coloured flowers. Surrounding it. The cottage is five stories tall and appears to be a simple cottage with rooms added on top of one another. It's so unique and simple, but I'm absolutely in love. She takes my elbow and leads me through the pathway.

"These flowers are Cosmos. They are magically planted and blooming right now. You can easily vanish them as you wish. The cottage was a purchase Hector made after The War. We have updated it and you have the option of electricity and muggle plumbing if you wish. There is also a fresh water well for you to use if you wish. Come inside. This is your sitting room. The sofas are new, and fairly comfortable, and I've added cotton covers to them to so you may wash them and not worry about your little one making a mess. In here you have an eat in kitchen and on the table is the china I had made for you. As you can see it is a full twelve piece set. The base is white with silver edging and the Weasley family crest printed in the center. I hope you like your gift."

I take a seat at the table and start crying. I can't believe she did all this for me. I've been so wrong about her. I stand up and hug her, "Thank you so much, Ophelia. This kindness means more to me than you could ever know. Thank you."

She releases me and hands me a folder. "Here is all the information on the house. Let's get you back to you old home, so you can give your husband his anniversary gift."

12 April 2010

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England

Molly Weasley

Later that night when I showed Arthur the house he fell just as in love with the property as I did. We had a total of ten acres. Arthur even had a shed for his muggle things. Upon further discovery next to the Master bedroom was a fully furnished nursery in blue. She had provided a wardrobe for the first full year of the baby's life. The entire home was cleaned and ready to move in. Every year for our anniversary she gifted us very thoughtful gifts. Our last gift, for our twenty-five anniversary was a full silver tea and serving set in 1993. Then she brought that girl into our lives.

When Ophelia swore me to secrecy about her granddaughter, I couldn't believe she had this big secret. No one knew she had a son. She hid him away from wizarding society. When I was younger I had met him. He was about 15 years older than I. He would accompany Ophelia when she took my brothers and I to various attractions across the county. I never questioned who he was to her. He didn't seem different from anyone else. What really upset me was the fact, I knew Ophelia had a lot of money. I was hoping my children would be named in her will. Since she had this granddaughter I didn't think my kids would benefit any longer if she were to die.

I agreed to help with Hermione before I even found out she was Ophelia's granddaughter. She came to me the first time before Ron's third year asking if I would help with a muggle-born adapt to wizarding society. Ophelia said she helps with muggle-borns and knew Hermione and Ron were friends. When she told me Hermione was her granddaughter she paid us 5000 galleons a year to feed her during her breaks. She offered to have Ron educated with that girl as well, but I didn't see a need. My sweet Ronald hardly had anything nice to say about Hermione. He always said, "I guess we are friends, but she's always has to be right about everything." The first time I met her she was extremely polite, but completely arrogant. You could tell she was Ophelia's granddaughter. She tried really hard to be nice to everyone, but I saw through her. She always had her nose in a book, nobody reads that much. She only did it so she didn't have to interact with the my family. Arthur adored the girl, was impressed with how truly kind and highly logical the girl was. Bill and Charlie thought she was a sweet, shy girl who was very smart. The twins adored her, she helped them learn magic they had no business knowing. She is responsible for them not finishing school or taking respectable positions at the Ministry. Percy enjoyed debating with her. Ginny thought she was rather boring, and didn't have any interests outside books like normal girls her age. Ginny didn't appreciate Hermione's relationship with Harry. Harry always went to that girl for advise when it was clear Ginny and Harry were made for each other.

Then there was my Ron. He began to show interest in that girl romantically. I didn't encourage it, but I didn't put a stop to it either. I figured if he could get her interested in him he could marry her and get access to her money she would inherit from Ophelia. Then that girl had the audacity to turn my Ronald down. The girl isn't anything special, but to not find my Ronald interesting enough was the final draw. I had it with that girl.

Then the three of them disappeared for months and when we finally saw them again. She was disgustingly thin, and looked sickly. We fought the battle and at the end, the little bitch almost caused my daughter to die and she didn't save Fred. I don't know what she was doing during the battle, but it certainly wasn't taking care of my family after all we did for her. Of course it was that girl's fault Fred died, she could have gone back and saved him with her time-turner, but she only thought of herself.

2 June, 1998

Dagworth-Granger Manor

Sussex, England

Molly Weasley

Ophelia invited me for tea today. I haven't left my house since the funeral of my Fred. He took all the joy in the world with him. My poor George is barely functioning without him. This has been so hard. To see George without his twin almost makes me thankful Fabian and Gideon died together so one twin would not have to live without the other. Fred and George were so much like my baby brothers. It made the pain of losing them lessen somewhat watching Fred and George grow up. Now Fred is gone and it's all that girl's fault. She's been in hiding. I couldn't believe she had the courage to go to Fred's funeral. I was fuming she was there, she did nothing to save him and pretended she sad he was gone.

I enter the parlor and of course Ophelia is sitting in a settee like she's the bloody queen. I can't reconcile the fact she brought that girl in our lives. I don't even want to be here.

"Ophelia, it's so lovely to see you." I say.

"Molly, I am so sorry for your loss of Fred. He was a dear boy. He and George did wonders with their store. I'm so glad I had the building in Diagon Alley to gift them. He will be missed. How have you been holding up?"

She just had to throw out that she gave them that building. "It's been such a difficult time for all of us."

She frowns, "I quite understand. My son and his wife were killed by Death Eaters on their way out of the country."

Her squib son, it's not like he was a wizard. "I'm sorry for your loss. I wasn't aware of their deaths."

She purses her lips, "I take it you have not spoken to Hermione, then?"

It's always about that girl, "No, I can't say that I have. She did attend Fred's funeral, as you know."

She gives me a hard look, "As you are aware I swore on my magic that I would not tell Hermione of her heritage until the threat of Death Eaters have been eliminated. That is why I asked you all those years ago to look after her. I gave her a time-turner so she could learn all she needed to know to keep herself, Mr. Potter, and your son alive. Which she was able to do."

She didn't keep Fred alive. "Is there a point, Ophelia."

She smirks, "Oh yes I have a point. I asked you to show my granddaughter kindness and common decency so she would have a link to the wizarding world until I was able to fulfill my promise to her. You lashed out on her after the Battle of Hogwarts and made false accusations to her about Fred's death. She had the time turner to learn, not to mess with the fates. You have known about this from the beginning yet you yelled at a grieving girl in front of everyone accusing her of killing Fred. How dare you! Fred chose to fight. If she had gone back in time to save Fred which one of your children would you have sacrificed instead? Cheating death with a time turner always has severe consequences. You are aware of this, correct?"

I don't care, I lost my son. I fold my arms together, "She had the power to save him. I will never forgive her for not doing that."

"Molly what you seem to fail to remember is I am a natural legilimens. I know you only tolerate myself because you wanted your kids to inherit from me. I know you never shown Hermione an ounce of genuine kindness since I asked you to stay in your home. I know you blatantly didn't gift her presents on Christmas, when you doted on Harry in front of her. You purposely did everything you could to discourage her. She is now grieving not only the loss of her parents, but Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks who actually loved her and showed her kindness without milking me for 5000 galleons a year for food. Have I not been generous to you, Molly? Have I not been kind to you over the years Molly? Did I not get Charlie a well paying job at the dragon reserve that I fund? Did I not use my influence with the goblins to get Bill hired on as a Curse Breaker? Did I not gift a nice enough home for him and Fleur to live in when they married? Did I not use my influence to make sure Arthur received a level 6 position with the Ministy? Did I not gift an entire building in Diagon Alley to Fred and George? Have I ever forgotten a birthday, Christmas, or anniversary? Did I not do those things for you? ANSWER ME!"

I sigh. "Yes you did those things for me. I didn't think it made me beholden to you.

She laughs, "No I suppose it does not. You would think that you could show an ounce of decency for a young girl that craves acceptance in a world she has always felt unwelcome in. I suppose, I cannot expect you to show kindness to someone so wholly unconnected to you. However, she is connected to me, and I promised to destroy anyone that ever hurt her. You may not have hurt her physically, but emotionally you have. I suppose Arthur doesn't need his job at the Ministry any longer. I suppose Gringott's may have one too many curse breakers. I suppose the dragon reserve doesn't need so many dragon tamers. I suppose the Holyhead Harpies, which I own will not need a new chaser any time soon. I suppose the building in Diagon Alley could be leased out to someone else since I allowed use of the building, but I still have the title, after all. I suppose I have no need to show common decency at all. After all I'm not beholden to someone so wholly unconnected to me either."

I'm shocked, "YOU WOULDN'T DARE!"

She laughs, "Molly dear, I have done much more to people who have hurt her less."

This is why you don't trust Slytherins. "I apologize Ophelia. I will apologize to her. You're right. I shouldn't have blamed Hermione for Fred's death."

She looks at me, and thinks for a moment. "I would appreciate you apologizing to her. I would like her to stay in our world until I can tell her the truth."

I smile at her, "I'll be happy to help in any way I can. Thank you Ophelia."

I stand and say, "I must get home to start dinner, I hope you have a good day."

I leave and get home. How dare she threaten my family! I'll invite that little bitch over, and she better behave herself.

5 July, 1998

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England

Molly Weasley

I invited that girl over today for a family supper. Ophelia's threats infuriate me. How dare she continue to push that girl on us. That girl is nothing special. Ron says she kissed him in the final battle, and after told him she wasn't ready for a relationship. As if she could do better than my Ron.

She arrives with Harry. Harry is holding her hand. That whore! Harry belongs to Ginny! She politely greets everyone. How can they not see how fake that girl is. She walks up to George and whispers something in his ear and he smiles at her. How dare she make a joke while George is mourning the loss of his brother! George hasn't smiled at anyone in months. What did that girl do to him?

She makes her way through the room and addresses me, "Hello Mrs. Weasley. Thank you for inviting me to dinner today. I really appreciate it."

I hate this girl, "Of course Hermione. You are always welcome. I apologize for saying such upsetting things to you after the battle." She looks taken aback and at that moment Ron grabs her for a hug. Whore.

We finally sit down to dinner and Bill and Fleur come in just in time to sit down with us. They begin polite conversation with that girl. They ask that girl how she was doing. Why any one would care is beyond me. Harry mentions her parents and she tears up. Fleur gets up and hugs Hermione. That girl is only seeking attention. Fleur is too flighty to see through her.

I mutter. "They were only muggles."

Hermione looks up at me and says, "Excuse me?"

I look at her and say, "Yes we are all sorry for your loss, dear. We lost a wizard, your parents were only muggles."

She looks at me for a moment, and nods. Then stands up and says to the room, "Thank you for dinner, it was nice seeing everyone." She walks to the front door and leaves. Good riddance.

"UNBLOOLYBELIEVABLE! Mum you went too far. Fred died, and you have six other children, or have you forgotten? Hermione Granger lost her entire family and you said it doesn't matter because they are muggles. Are you the next Dark Lord, because I'm pretty sure that is the attitude of every Death Eater. No one gets to be as upset about Fred, more than I! Hermione Granger saved me more than once. I owe her my life. She is the first person since the Battle of Hogwarts to treat me like a person and not a broken half of a whole. I'm going back to the shop, I'll come back when you find your humanity." George storms out of the room and goes upstairs.

Harry Potter stands up next, and just shakes his head and leaves. Ginny gets up to go after him. Ron laughs. Bill and Fleur follow suit and leave as well.

Arthur appears upset. "You went too far Molly. Hermione saved Ron and Harry multiple times. She has been a part of this family for four years." He shakes his head, and leaves for his useless muggle shed.

Harry and Ginny come back inside. He looks at me and says, "Mrs. Weasley I owe Hermione my life. She saved Ron and I countless times. Her parents were very good people. I'm sorry you feel this way about Hermione, but she made more sacrifices for Ron and I than anyone." He shakes his head, and turns to leave.

Once we hear the sound of apparation Ginny turns to me, "Mum you have to fix this. Harry said he would never come back to The Burrow after you spoke to Hermione that way! If I lose him, it's all your fault."

That girl just turned my family against me! She is insufferable! She received her apology, that's all she'll get from me.

17 December, 1998

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England

Molly Weasley

I didn't see that girl the rest of the summer. As soon as school started back at Hogwarts, Rita Skeeter started publishing so many articles about that girl. I couldn't help but believe all the things said about her. Rita Skeeter is an acclaimed journalist, she would never lie about the things that were being printed about that girl. That girl played with Harry's emotions in their forth year and was caught in a love triangle with that foreign quidditch player. That girl killed her parents because she was ashamed she came from muggles, and dared to pretend to be upset about it at my dining table. I have written to that girl plenty so she knows how unwelcome she is in my home.

Saturday Ron and Ginny will be home for Yule break. I miss my babies so much. George is holding a grudge on behalf of that girl. I have sent him all the articles so he knows just who that girl really is. Bill and Fleur haven't been back to The Burrow since that day either. That girl has caused nothing but problems for my family. Percy, he's such a good boy comes home every week to dinner. He hasn't said much about that girl, I'm sure he sees what she is too. I knew Ophelia would be angry with me, and I adjusted the wards to keep her out.

I feel a push on the wards, probably a small animal. Then all of the sudden I feel the wards fail. I panic. My wand is upstairs. Within seconds I'm bound to a chair in my dining room and Ophelia in front of me.

She holds out a stack of letters to my face and says, "My dear, Molly, it's been awhile since I have seen you. Look at this stack of letters I have acquired. I had tea with Augusta Longbottom today. Did you know she was one of the few people who know about my son and granddaughter that isn't sworn to secrecy? You see many years ago our community faced a rather extensive squib problem. Augusta Longbottom, bless her soul asked me many years ago if I knew who helped with squibs. As it turns out, her Frank had a twin sister who was a squib. She knew someone help place squibs or assisted with their muggle educations. I helped her. She still is in contact with her daughter. I told her my secret so she wouldn't feel alone. We have become quite close in recent decades. These letters are from her grandson, Neville, such a sweet kid, don't you agree? He has sent a letter to his grandmother begging for her to come talk to you. Do you know why such a sweet boy would want his grandmother to come speak with you?"

I try to answer, but she has silenced me. She looks at me expectantly and I just stare at her. She says, "Right, but before I remove the silence charm, you do understand, I'm in control of this conversation, correct?"

I nod. She waves her hand, and I say, "How dare you!"

I feel the slap instantly, "How dare I? You dare to believe the vitriol of a bitter bitch like Rita Skeeter and sent Howlers to my granddaughter? You told her, her parents deaths didn't matter because they are muggles when you know fully well who they are! Give me one reason not to fucking vanish you right now!"

I start crying, "Please, my children need their mother."

She laughs, "Not good enough, Molly! Your children may be better off without you! You're right though, it would not be fair to George, Charlie, and Bill. Those three are the best of the lot. I'm going to visit each of them. They all defended Hermione, I think that deserves a reward. A reward you will not ever see. If you or any of your other children ever hurt my granddaughter again, I will make them pay in the worst ways. Do you understand me? ANSWER ME!"

I nod, "Yes, I understand."

She huffs, "Now I will leave you with tomorrow's Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter has unfortunately given her official resignation. As of today, you are dead to me. Do not give me one more reason to cause an untraceable accident to yourself or those you love. If you so as much say Hermione's name again, I will finish you! Do I make myself clear?

I nod, "Yes Ophelia."

She smiles, "Wonderful. One more thing," She touches the top of my head and says, " Illa Silebit. I can't have you blabbling my secrets, can I? Good day, Molly."

Then she was gone. It was another twenty minutes before I could move again. I read the article and it discredited everything Rita Skeeter wrote about that girl. I knew I would have to apologize to that girl if I ever wanted in Ophelia's good Grace's again. Maybe a nice care package next week for Yule.

12 April 2010

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England

Molly Weasley

Untraceable accidents….When Ginny started her first game with the Holyhead Harpies, and had that terrible accident, I thought then it was simply an accident. I remember Ginny and Ron coming home from Harry's one night laughing about saying mean things to Hermione. Harry broke up with Ginny two days later. Hermione wasn't heard from again.

Now that I think about it. Ophelia was on St. Mungo's board of trustees. Her company, the Potions company supplies St. Mungo's. How does a hospital run out of Skele-Gro? It's a common needed potion.

Ginny received a new broom before her game. In her contract she signed a risk clause. Stating that players understood the risks involved with playing quidditch and could not hold the owners responsible for any accidents. Oh Merlin!

I go downstairs and Ginny is sitting at the table eating the remaining Treacle Tart. I sit down across from her, and ask, "Ginny, where did the new broom come from that caused your accident?"

She huffs, "Mum, it wasn't the broom. They couldn't find anything wrong with it."

I smile, "I know dear. I just wanted to know where you received the broom from."

She huffs, "The owners gifted the entire team with the latest model of brooms before the game."

I nod, "I see." Yes, I see now.