Ginny was reading a book in her bedroom when her mother called her down. Her Mum sounded worried which naturally had Ginny worried. Ginny knew that things were not going well, that day by day the Dark Lord got more and more power. So, her Mum’s worry worried Ginny, because what more could happen?
Still Ginny went downstairs to the kitchen where her mother and brother were seated at the kitchen table. Opposite here was Dumbledore looking calm as ever, but there was a tension in the room that Ginny didn’t like at all. Her mother was tense and looked like she wanted to start shouting at someone or something.
‘Miss Weasley how are you feeling?’ asked Dumbledore.
‘Alright,’ shrugged Ginny not meeting the headmaster’s eyes.
‘Good,’ Dumbledore said. ‘Now we don’t have much time. Amelia has gotten permission to use Veritserum on Dedalus and Sturgis. It will only be a matter of time before the Aurors come for me.’
‘But they can’t!’ shouted Ron shouted. ‘You’re Dumbledore!’
Ginny nodded, ‘we need you.’
‘Voldemort has them fooled,’ Dumbledore said with a sigh.
‘Where will you go?’ asked Mum.
‘I think it is best if you don’t know,’ Dumbledore said, ‘so you cannot reveal if you are questioned.’
‘We would never betray you!’ Molly said horrified.
‘You would under Veritserum,’ Dumbledore said gravely.
Molly looked away, ‘what can we do?’
‘The only thing we can,’ Dumbledore said. ‘We need to remove the memories of the true circumstances of Ginny’s pregnancy from all three of you. As far as you will be concerned you are unaware of whom the father is.’
Ginny frowned, ‘but what if I don’t want to keep it, not knowing how important it is.’
Dumbledore blinked.
‘Ron and Ginny will not be subjected to Veritserum as minors,’ Molly said.
Dumbledore nodded, ‘then Ginny’s memories should remain intact. Where is your father?’
‘At work,’ Ron said.
‘Not ideal, but there is not anything we can do about him now,’ Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore obliviated Mum and Ron of the details of Ginny’s pregnancy and the meeting today. Then left the Burrow quickly. It was a good thing to because about an hour after Dumbledore had left, Auror Perkins arrived.
‘Mrs Weasley, Mr Weasley, Miss Weasley, I would like you to come down to the Ministry to answer some questions,’ Auror Perkins said. ‘You are not being arrested, but it is a formal interview, so you are welcome to seek legal counsel.’
Mum shook her head, ‘we’ll come. We have nothing to hide.’
ooo
Ron was seated in one of the interview rooms when the elderly Auror who had request them to come in for an interview. He was followed by two witches of Charlie’s age: one a woman with bright turquoise hair and a plain looking dark-haired witch. Ron scowled at the three of them who were trying to stop Dumbledore from doing what was right and proper.
‘Formal interview of Ronald Billius Weasley, suspected on charges of knowingly profiting from embezzlement and known associate of Albus Dumbledore. Conducted by Senior Auror Gregory Emil Perkins, and Auror Nymphodora Tonks. Interview started on sixth of August at seventeen-thirty-two,’ the old Auror said. ‘Mr Weasley has turned down the offer of legal representation. Miss Ernestine McLaggen,’ Perkins said gesturing to the plain woman, ‘has been provided by the Department of Magical Children, to be Mr Weasley’s adult. Unless there is anyone else you would prefer?’
Ron scowled, ‘it’s fine.’
It’s not like he was going to say anything whether or not he had a real adult representative. No matter what happened history would show that they were heroes. Besides they had done nothing but try and stop the rise of another Dark Lord.
‘Okay,’ nodded Perkins. ‘When was the last time you saw Albus Dumbledore?’
Ron shrugged, ‘not since school let out.’
Of course, that was a lie Dumbledore had called an official Order meeting a couple of days ago when the news of Harry’s pregnancy dropped. It had half the Order up in arms that Harry was clearly being abused, and the other horrified that the Slytherin line was being propagated for another generation. Of course, Ron and Ginny weren’t allowed at that meeting, but it wasn’t difficult to listen from the twins’ room where the floors were the thinnest.
‘So, you mean to say that Mr. Dumbledore has not been to see you to discuss the embezzlement charges that you have all been charged with?’ asked Perkins disbelievingly.
Ron shrugged, ‘Mum’s dealing with that stuff. Anyway, it’s not like Slytherin needed all that money! We needed it more than he did.’
‘Are you confessing to embezzling from Heir Hadrian Slytherin?’ asked Auror Tonks looking so shocked that her hair turned white.
Ron clamped down glaring and crossed his arms, ‘no.’
Perkins sighed, ‘the embezzlement case is not why we called you here. Mr. Dumbledore has escaped arrest for conspiracy to commit murder. We are talking to all known associates, as a known collaborator of Albus Dumbledore that means you. When did you last see Dumbledore?’
‘At Hogwarts,’ scowled Ron.
‘Really, we have statements from seven different people that Mr. Dumbledore has been seen at the Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon – your home on multiple occasions since Hogwarts term ended,’ Perkins said. ‘Would you like to rethink your statement. Or would you like obstruction of justice to be added to your charges?’
Ron scowled, ‘I didn’t see him.’
Perkins sighed, ‘were you aware of the plan to assassinate Heir Hadrian Slytherin on the first of August 1995?’
Ron scowled and shrugged preferring not to say anything. If he did, he would tell them that Slytherin’s death would be best for them all and they should be lauding Diggle and Podmore as heroes. And him of course he had to pretend that he was that evil git’s best friend for almost four years.
‘No,’ scowled Ron. ‘But he deserved it.’
Beside him the McLaggen witch, gasped sounding horrified, but she recovered quickly afterwards and said nothing. Fat lot of use she was – wasn’t she supposed to be on his side? Well, it wasn’t surprising that the Death Eaters had fixed it against them. For all he knew she was a Death Eater.
‘Why?’ asked Tonks sounding horrified.
‘He’s You Know Who’s son, and he killed Hermione,’ Ron spat out.
‘Why do you believe that?’ asked Perkins.
‘Dumbledore told me,’ retorted Ron.
Ron only realised he had said something wrong when Perkins eyes glittered, ‘so you have been speaking in confidence with Dumbledore.’
‘I … no … at Hogwarts …’ Ron stuttered out.
‘Is there anything else that Mr. Dumbledore has told you?’ asked Perkins.
Ron shook his head, ‘no. I mean Dumbledore doesn’t tell me things … we … he knew that Hermione meant a lot to me … thought I deserved to know the truth …’
‘Just because Albus Dumbledore says something, doesn’t mean it is the truth,’ the McLaggen witch said gently.
‘Yes, it does,’ Ron snapped back. ‘Professor Dumbledore is the greatest wizard of the century. He’s the reason You Know Who was defeated!’
Perkins snorted, ‘he was losing … we were losing … if it hadn’t been for a miracle the Dark Lord would have taken over. Now, did you know that Dumbledore was planning Heir Slytherin’s death because we have a statement saying you and Miss Granger were discussing killing him to get his money.’
Ron gasped, ‘how did you know that?’
‘So, you admit to conspiring to kill him?’ asked Perkins.
‘No,’ Ron said. ‘I mean I wanted him dead … but I wasn’t planning to kill him … didn’t know that Diggle and Podmore were going to do it. Wish I had.’
‘Would you have helped them if you had known?’ asked Perkins.
‘Of course,’ Ron said.
‘Okay, so do you know where Mr. Dumbledore is now?’ asked Perkins.
Ron shook his head, ‘No. and I wouldn’t tell you anyway. He’s a hero. You’ll see that in the end. You all will!’
‘Okay, interview terminated at seventeen-thirty-six,’ Perkins said.
ooo
Ginny was seated in an interview room when Amelia Bones and two women. The younger of the two sat beside her whilst Bones and the other Auror sat opposite her looking serious. Ginny was tense knowing that she had to hide her pregnancy from everyone. Time to pile on the innocent, traumatised young girl that always had her father and brothers giving her whatever she wanted.
‘I want my Mum,’ Ginny said eyes watering.
The young woman with dark red hair and tanned skin beside her, ‘your mother – and father – are being questioned, Miss Weasley. I am Erma Dumont of the Department of Magical Children. I will be acting as your adult figure. Unless there is someone else that you would prefer.’
‘Professor Dumbledore,’ Ginny said.
‘Dumbledore is wanted for conspiracy to commit murder – and missing,’ Bones said crisply.
Ginny pretended to look shocked at this news. She had to remain clear of all charges for the case of the Slytherin brat that she carried. That was what Dumbledore had told her to do so she had to say and do to keep herself safe.
‘Elphias Doge,’ Ginny said.
Ginny had considered using Snape but there would be too many questions why a Gryffindor would want the Head of Slytherin house here. She had then considered McGonagall, but she sympathised to much with Hadrian Slytherin’s plight. That left Doge who was loyal to Dumbledore and the case, even if he only knew a few things.
‘That can be arranged,’ Bones said. ‘Would you like legal counsel?’
Ginny nodded, ‘yes, please.’
ooo
An hour later and Amelia Bones and her flunk were back. Ginny had Elphias Doge on her right looking as dull and serious as ever, and on her left was a young man who had introduced himself as Lucanus Mopsus, her lawyer. He was a weedy looking young man with strawberry blonde hair, pale skin and pale grey eyes who probably had only got his Masters, this year, so fat lot of use he was going to be.
‘Formal interview of Ginevra Molly Weasley, suspected on charges of knowingly profiting from embezzlement and known a associate of Albus Dumbledore. Conducted by Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Auror Malandra Gosforth. Interview started on sixth of August at 17:54. Master of Magical Law, Lucanus Mopsus advising Miss Weasley. Lord Elphias Doge is acting as Miss Weasley’s appropriate adult.’
‘When was the last time you saw Albus Dumbledore?’ asked Bones.
‘You don’t have the answer that,’ Mopsus said.
‘No, but any help Miss Weasley can provide will look favourably on her,’ Bones said.
‘Are you charging my client with something?’ Mopsus asked.
‘Not currently,’ Bones said coolly. ‘But should it become clear that she has been conspiring with Albus Dumbledore, a known terrorist.’
‘Professor Dumbledore’s not a terrorist!’ Ginny said shrilly.
‘He had his people attack a crowded pub with the Killing Curse, and four people died,’ Bones said sharply. ‘If it had been Death Eaters, we would have definitely classed this act as terrorism. Why is it any different that it is Albus Dumbledore? Now, when was the last time you saw Dumbledore? I am not asking whether you conspired with him, just when was the last time you saw him?’
Ginny shrugged, ‘at school when I was sent home early.’
‘And why was that?’ asked Bones asked coolly.
Ginny forcibly did not move her hand to her stomach, ‘one of my best friends went missing, I was upset! Professor Dumbledore was worried about me so sent me back home.’
‘No other reason?’ asked Bones.
‘No,’ Ginny said frowning.
Did she know?
‘So, you are saying that the last time you saw Dumbledore was in June?’ asked Bones.
‘Yes,’ Ginny said.
‘Professor Dumbledore has been observed at your home since then,’ Bones said.
Ginny shrugged, ‘he was probably seeing my Mum – they’re friends, but I didn’t see him.’
‘Were you aware of the plan to assassinate Heir Hadrian Slytherin on the first of August 1995?’ asked Bones.
‘You don’t need to answer that,’ Mospus repeated.
Ginny shook her head, ‘of course not. Why would Professor Dumbledore tell me anything? I can’t even use magic outside of Hogwarts.’
‘And he didn’t discuss it afterwards?’ asked Bones.
Ginny shook her head, ‘no. Why would he?’
‘Or where he might be hiding?’ asked Bones.
Ginny shook her head again, ‘no.’
‘And there is nothing else against the law that he has asked you to do?’ asked Bones.
Ginny shook her head, ‘no!’
‘Really, because your brother claims that you were plotting to commit murder and line theft against Heir Slytherin,’ Bones said.
‘Then he’s lying,’ Ginny said.
Ginny felt irritated at the fact that her stupid brother had repeated such things to law enforcement. They were just lucky that Ron had been Obliviated of the fact that they had successfully got Slytherin’s seed and she was pregnant with his child. As long as stayed just Ron’s word she couldn’t be charged, even if it got out, she was pregnant they couldn’t prove that it was anything more than childish foolishness.
Bones continued to ask questions, but Ginny clammed up and said nothing more. But she was scared. Bones knew far too much about the plans to commit line theft. Had it really been Ron who spilt the beans? Or did they already know? Maybe Fred and George had informed on them.
But what could she do now? Her mother and brother had no idea what was going on anymore. Dumbledore was gone and hadn’t left anyway for them to get into contact with him. In fact, the only person left was Snape, and Ginny was loath to go to him!
‘Madam Bones,’ Mopsus finally said. ‘Either charge my client or release her.’
‘I think the press would be very interested to hear you are badgering a thirteen-year-old girl on such baseless charges,’ Doge agreed.
Bones sighed, ‘interview terminated at eighteen-eleven.’
ooo
Arthur Weasley had been in his office when the Aurors came for him requesting that he come to their department for an official interview. It hadn’t been his first one since the news had come out that Molly, Ron and Ginny had been stealing from Harry (amongst other things). But it was the first since the news of Ginny’s pregnancy had come out. Please, Merlin let them not know about that otherwise all four of them were dead.
He had immediately requested legal council and had been introduced to Master Caesar Heap, an elderly man in his sixties. Heap worked Defence cases for the DMLE for suspects who couldn’t afford their own lawyers. He seemed competent, so it was a surprise he was still working for the DMLE. Usually, it was young lawyers with little experience who worked for the DMLE and jumped ship as soon as they were offered a better alternative.
‘So, tell me everything,’ Heap said.
Arthur sighed, ‘if I tell you, you are bound to keep anything I say confidential.’
‘My Oath of Themis will not allow me to say anything you do not personally give me leave to say,’ Heap said. ‘If anyone tries to give me Veritserum to force my tongue the Oath will kill me which is why it is illegal to give a law counsellor Veritserum. What is it you want to discuss?’
Arthur sighed, ‘Dumbledore and Molly have been embezzling from Harry – Heir Slytherin’s account. They confessed to me, eventually. Dumbledore has Molly thinking that what she was doing was for the greater good of the Wizarding World.
‘Dumbledore has been holding Order meeting at our home, and Molly has been attending meetings with Dumbledore … I’m not sure that she was involved … but she has made comments about wanting Harry dead. I’m sure she just feels betrayed by Harry …’
But it made Arthur uncomfortable, whatever else Harry was, he was still a teenaged boy. He needed help to heal from his upbringing and to be gotten away from negative influences of Lucius Malfoy and He Who Must Not Be Named. But that wasn’t going to happen if the Order got to him, because they would kill him.
‘But you don’t know for sure?’ asked Heap frowning.
‘No,’ Arthur shook his head.
‘And you haven’t said anything?’ asked Heap still frowning.
Arthur shook his head.
‘You could be charged with withholding information that has led to the deaths, or possibly conspiring to commit a murder if they believed you knew and did nothing,’ warned Heap. ‘Luckily, for you they are not after you – they are after Dumbledore. If you have any information on Dumbledore, you should make a deal and hopefully be shown leniency.’
‘There’s more,’ Arthur sighed. ‘My daughter is pregnant she says the father is Harry – that they were in a relationship … but the dates don’t make sense. Harry was already involved with Malfoy at this point and knew that Ginny was stealing from him.’
‘Do you think that your daughter committed first class line theft?’ asked Heap frowning.
‘No … I thought … I thought someone used polyjuice to deceive her …’ Arthur said,
But now that Heap said it, he couldn’t help but think that also made perfect sense. If the Slytherins died, then Ginny would become regent and gain access to Harry’s fortunes. And if it was true then his wife and daughter had committed one of the gravest sins known to wizardkind. If it was discovered then they would be killed, and if Arthur knew and did nothing so would he.
‘Are you sure?’ asked Heap gently.
‘Molly wouldn’t do that,’ Arthur said.
‘Are you sure?’ asked Heap. ‘From what you’re saying and what I have read of your family’s … situation, your wife has been involved in a kidnapping plot which kept a child in an abusive environment, embezzling from said child, and by your own admission wishes to see young Heir Slytherin die. Do you really think she’d not miss a chance commit line theft in order to ensure she got her hands-on Heir Slytherin’s fortunes?’
Arthur closed his eyes and put his head on the desk not wanting it to be true, wishing that Heap was making less sense. He needed to go home and talk to his daughter and wife. To ask them to tell him it was all a lie. That they couldn’t have done something as illegal, dangerous and damned right suicidal as first-class line theft.
‘What am I going to do?’ whispered Arthur.
‘What I would suggest is you confess what you know, save yourself,’ Heap said.
‘Then Ginny and Molly will be sentenced to death,’ Arthur said.
‘Yes,’ agreed Heap. ‘And if it is discovered and they find out that you conspired to commit line theft, so shall you be.’
Arthur closed his eyes, ‘so be it. No matter what happens none of this is to be mentioned.’
Heap nodded, ‘okay, if that is your choice.’
Senior Auror Gregor Perkins, and young Nymphadora Tonks, entered the room. Arthur tried to smile as though this was a normal day. He had known Gregor Perkins for year, as he was his boss’ younger brother. And Tonks had dated Charlie for about a month in their fourth year.
‘Gregor, Tonks,’ smiled Arthur.
‘Formal interview of Arthur Septimus Weasley, known associate of Albus Dumbledore. Conducted by Senior Auror Gregor Emil Perkins, and Auror Nymphadora Tonks. Interview started on sixth of August at seventeen-fifty-three. Master of Magical Law Caesar Heap acting as Mr. Weasley’s legal defence,’ Perkins said.
‘Firstly, when did you last see Dumbledore?’ asked Perkins.
Arthur sighed, ‘about a week ago. He called an Order meeting after Dedalus and Stugis were arrested.’
‘And what did he say about that?’ asked Perkins coolly.
‘He said they were being framed, that it had been Death Eaters who had done it, that they had been the defenders,’ Arthur said.
‘And did you believe him?’ asked Perkins.
‘I don’t see how that is relevant,’ Heap interjected.
‘I wanted to,’ Arthur answered. ‘Dedalus and Stugis are my friends. I didn’t want to believe they were capable of such things … but I know they were advocates of killing Harry.’
‘And why did you not report that they were threatening to commit murder?’ asked Perkins.
‘I … I thought that they were just mouthing off,’ Arthur admitted. ‘We were all shocked about Harry’s parentage.’
‘So, you were not involved with the plans to kill Heir Hadrian Slytherin?’ asked Perkins.
‘No, as I said I though it was all talk,’ Arthur repeated.
‘And if you had known it was more than that would you have said something?’ asked Perkins.
Arthur looked down lying, ‘yes, of course.’
‘Did Dumbledore share with you any plans for the future?’ asked Perkins.
‘None that he shared with me,’ Arthur said calmly.
‘Or where he might go, if he was under threat?’ asked Perkins.
Arthur shook his head, ‘no, I’m sorry. I wish I could help.’
‘Is there anything else you wish to disclose?’ asked Perkins.
Arthur shook his head, ‘no, I’m sorry.’
‘Interview terminated at seventeen-fifty-nine,’ Perkins said.
######################
Molly was sat in the interview room. She had turned down the request for a lawyer and resolved not to answer any of the questions put to her. So, when Bones, and a young-looking female Auror entered Molly pursed her lips and glared at them. She shouldn’t be here – they had not committed any crimes. They had fought to prevent the Dark side from taking over and destroying their world. They should be celebrated! They would see in the end; they would all see.
‘Formal interview of Molly Isolde Weasley suspected on charges of knowingly profiting from embezzlement and known a known associate of Albus Dumbledore. Conducted by Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Auror Malandra Gosforth. Interview started on sixth of August at eighteen-thirty-six. Mrs Weasley, are you sure you don’t want a counsellor?’
Molly sniffed, ‘I don’t need one, I have done nothing wrong.’
‘Alright, them,’ Bones said. ‘When did you last see Dumbledore?’
‘I don’t see how that concerns you,’ huffed Molly.
‘Do you know where he has gone?’ asked Bones.
‘No, and I would never betray Albus Dumbledore,’ Molly said harshly.
‘Even after he attempted to have a child killed?’ demanded Gosforth.
Molly sneered, ‘the Slytherin brat should never have been born! It would be better for everyone if he was dead!’
Bones inhaled sharply, ‘did you have anything to do with the assassination attempt on Heir Slytherin’s life?’
Molly refused to answer.
‘I know you spoke with Dumbledore afterwards about it? Did he tell you anything?’ asked Bones.
Molly refused to answer again.
‘Is there anything else that Dumbledore has told you, or had you do that is illegal?’ asked Bones.
Molly refused to answer again.
‘Mrs Weasley, Dumbledore is going down – we have three witnesses that tie him into masterminding the attack on the Three Chasers. He is going down for conspiracy to commit murder which alone will have him sentenced to a lifetime in Azkaban. Your loyalty to Albus Dumbledore will do neither him nor your family any good.
‘You should focus on protecting yourself, and your family. At the moment you are already looking at charges of accessory to a kidnapping and embezzling. Your husband has already told us that you were present when Misters Diggle and Podmore spoke about killing Heir Slytherin, alongside your other crimes against Heir Slytherin, it will not be much of a stretch that you and your husband knew about the plot against Heir Slytherin.
‘Do you really think the Wizengamot will not see you sentenced for that as well? You will both be looking at a lifetime in Azkaban. Then what will happen to your son and daughter with your older children having no legal claim to them? If you cooperate, we can take the accessory charges off, and you will only be sentenced for embezzlement charges – that carries a maximum sentence of nine months. You could be out before your son turns sixteen!’
‘I will not help you,’ Molly said. ‘Dumbledore is protecting the Wizarding and Muggle worlds from the Dark side. He may be playing nicely for now, but he will show his true colours, and when he does you will be begging for Albus Dumbledore to come and save you!’
‘Not likely,’ muttered Gosforth.
‘I don’t make a habit of begging murders for anything,’ Bones said crisply. ‘Mrs Weasley, you have made your bed … I hope you are ready for the consequences of that.’