Chapter 1
It was a beautiful, hot day in mid-July 1998. The war was won but the wizarding world was still desperately trying to put itself back together. All the funerals and memorial services were done but grief still had a firm hold on many lives and families. The Weasley family was no expectation; the loss of a prankster son, brother and friend was deeply felt daily. But like the rest of their world, this family needed to move on or their fragile bond would disintegrate. Slowly, they put the pieces together. And on this day in late July, the mood at the Burrow was so normal one could almost forget the horror and pain of the last year. Almost.
Ron and Harry had gone for a fly on their brooms to enjoy the sunshine as one never can predict English weather. Hermione, no fan of flying, was sitting against a shady tree with a book. And Ginny was laying on a blanket in the sun reading a magazine.
“Girls,” Mrs. Weasley called from the kitchen window, “Can you come in and help with lunch? Charlie and George just owled that they are going to join us.”
“Sure, Mum,” Ginny replied as she stretched her limbs and got up.
As Hermione rose, she asked, “How much longer will Charlie be here?” Everyone in the family was a bit surprised that Charlie had yet to return to Romania and his beloved dragons.
“Soon, I think,” Ginny replied as they began walking to the back door, “I know he’s been helping George with shop along with Ron but I can tell he’s itching to get back.”
As Mrs. Weasley prepared lunch she asked the girls to set the table and pour the pumpkin juice. Just as the last plate was set the floo came to life but instead of George and Charlie, it was Percy who entered the kitchen in a rush.
“Percy,” Mrs. Weasley called, “I didn’t know you were joining for lunch too. What a nice surprise!”
“Sorry Mother but I’m not here for lunch,” he said quickly with a look of intense concern etched on his face.
“What’s wrong?”, Mrs. Weasley asked.
“Two Aurors will be here momentarily.”
“Why?” Ginny asked before Percy could continue, “Are we under attack?”
“No,” Percy said which allowed Mrs. Weasley to let out the breath she was holding, “They are coming for Hermione.”
On the opposite side of the table from Percy, holding a picture of pumpkin juice, Hermione stilled and her eyes grew wider.
“Me?” She said quietly, “Whatever for?”
“To arrest you, Hermione. They have a warrant for your arrest.”