End of the Line

Chapter 10

– CHAPTER TEN –

And Everything Goes Tits Up

Time passed. Ron and Hermione were back of Hogwarts, learning for their NEWTs. Harry

remained at Grimmauld Place, independently studying. In other places, however, things were

changing. People were not happy with the decisions that the Trio had made, and were determined to

make sure that things went to 'the way they should be.'

Molly sat in the kitchen, waiting patiently for her youngest son to arrive, and let phase two of

her latest plan begin. Behind her, stood next to the fireplace, the slight shimmering of a

disillusioned person moved to the far side of the fireplace, making sure they were out of the way.

The flames rose, filling the kitchen with a sickly green light as three people appeared in the

fireplace. Harry, Hermione and Ron stepped forward, joining hands, with Harry in the middle.

Behind the fireplace, there was the slightest sound of hissing, which abruptly stopped. Fortunately,

the scuff of a shoe on the rough stone floor masked it.

Molly stared imperiously at the Trio, her expression giving nothing away. Harry stood on the

other side of the table, staring intently at Molly. Ron and Hermione, taking their lead from Harry,

followed suit. After a moment, Molly glanced away. "Won't you please sit down?" She said

formally.

Harry released his lovers' hands, standing behind one chair, and pulling out the one on either

side, so that Ron and Hermione could sit first. The hesitated for a moment, until a nearly-

imperceptible nod from Harry made them sit. Harry pulled out his own chair and sat down, his

hands folded in his lap. Ron placed a hand on Harry's thigh, silently showing support, an action

mirrored on the other side by Hermione.

"You asked for this meeting, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said politely. "How may a representative of

House Potter be of assistance to Clan Weasley today?"

Ron gasped slightly at the formal tone taken. This was not a conversation between a concerned

mother and their offspring's partner. This was a formal meeting, where the protocols of the old ways

had to be observed. He stole a glance at Hermione, who was looking at him with the same

trepidation. Being the vociferous reader she was, she recognised the ancient pureblood custom as

well as Ron, even though she knew it hadn't been used in centuries.

Molly was as taken aback of Ron and Hermione. She barely remembered these old forms... she

only knew that she had to be very careful. An incorrectly worded statement could result in House

Potter, a noble and very powerful House, declaring a blood feud on Clan Weasley, a far smaller and

much less prestigious family, which the Clan would not survive. She decided to play the concerned

mother card.