Chapter 5
The parlor at the Burrow was silent for a moment until Harry blinked back to reality. He pulled out his wand and summoned a patronus, “Neville, we need you at the Burrow now. It’s an emergency.”
Then he thundered up the stairs to the room Ginny and Hermione shared looking for that bloody beaded bag they became so familiar with on the run. When he found it, he rummaged through it until he found a bundle of British currency and raced back to the parlor just in time to hear the crack of apparition in the Weasley garden. Neville sprinted; wand drawn toward the door.
“Wands away, Neville,” Ginny said, “Not that type of emergency.”
“I thought the worst,” he responded, “But no one is under attack?” He looked around wildly seeing a room full of stunned faces. When no one immediately responded, he asked, “What’s happening?”
“Hermione’s been arrested,” Harry said, “And we need you to do us a favor.”
“Arrested?” Neville replied, “For what?”
“Not now Neville,” Harry answered, “I’ll fill you in later but right now we need you to go to Gringots and exchange this Muggle money for galleons. Ron and I aren’t exactly welcome there after our last visit.”
“Is this for her bail?” Harry nodded. “Well, of course. I’ll go straight away.” Harry handed Neville the bundle and he headed for the garden.
“Thanks Neville.” Harry said.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” And with that Neville apparated from the garden.
While Harry was talking to Neville, Mr. Weasley sent Charlie to find Bill and Fleur and explain the situation.
“Harry,” George approached, “If Hermione’s Muggle money doesn’t cover the bail, I can help with money from the shop.”
“Thanks George. Though Hermione really didn’t want to burden the family.”
“It’s not a burden,” George said, “She is family. Just keep me posted. I need to head back to the shop. But I’ll close early and come if you guys need me.”
“Thanks son,” Mr. Weasley said. George hugged his mother and Ginny and went to Ron who was sitting silently on the couch. He had not moved or spoken since Hermione flooed away with the Aurors. George gently placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder and said,
“You didn’t let me give up, Ron, when I really wanted to. I won’t let you give up either. Be strong for her, she needs you.” Ron didn’t immediately respond but when George squeezed his shoulder again, he blinked and looked at his brother.
“I will.” Ron stood and George patted him the back before returning to the shop via the floo.
With fresh determination in his eyes, he turned to his father and asked, “How long before she’ll get a bail hearing?”
“I would imagine tomorrow morning.”
“Why not today?” Asked Mrs. Weasley, “It’s only just past lunch time.”
“Well, dear,” Mr. Weasley said, “They usually only do bail hearing from 7am – 2:30pm. Hermione won’t be processed by then. She’ll likely have to spend the night in Ministry holding.”
That news knocked the wind out of everyone’s sails. Ron hated the idea of Hermione sleeping in a dirty jail cell with Merlin knows what types of witches and wizards. But he could not allow his imagination to take over, he needed to stay focused. Just then an owl arrived with a note for Ron. He ripped it open, “It’s from Percy. He says he’s scheduled a meeting with a solicitor for 4pm. He wants me at his office at the Ministry in 30 minutes.”
Ron ran to the stairs, “I’ll shower and change and then head to Percy’s. Hopefully this solicitor can help.” He was up the stairs leaving Harry, Ginny and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in the parlor.
“Well,” Mrs. Weasley said after a few minutes of silence, “We might as well eat lunch and have some tea. I suspect it’s going to be a long day.”
Fifteen minutes later, after a quite lunch, Ron emerged in the kitchen showered, clean shaven and in slacks and a button-down shirt.
“You look very smart, Ronald,” Mrs. Weasley said as she flattened a stray cowlick in his hair, “Though we really must cut your hair.”
“Let’s not fuss at him, Molly,” Mr. Weasley said, “Ron sit down, let’s talk before you head to see Percy.” Ron sat next to his father, across from Ginny and Harry who were also listening.
“Ron, we all know how much you care about Hermione and want to protect her. But it is imperative you keep your cool. Anything you do, reflects on Hermione. That goes for you too, Harry. Our main focus right now is to find a solicitor who will represent her properly and then get her out of jail. I fear this is going to be a long road and we need to stay strong and together. Understood?”
Harry and Ron nodded at Mr. Weasley.
“I should get going to Percy’s office,” Ron said as he stood up from the table.
“I’ll go with you son.”
“Thanks Dad.”
Harry got up, “Should I come along too? I want to help in any way I can.”
Mr. Weasley put a hand on Harry’s shoulder, “We know you do, Harry. But it’s already going to be a commotion when Ron enters the Ministry, I fear you would cause a bigger one.”
Harry ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated that his notoriety was interfering with helping Hermione.
“Don’t worry mate, there will be plenty for you to do once we get her home.” Ron said.
Harry just nodded and didn’t argue.
Mrs. Weasley kissed her husband on the cheek and then hugged Ron, “Good luck sweetheart.”
Ron smiled, “Thanks mum.”
Just as Ron and Mr. Weasley were getting into the fireplace another owl arrived but not carrying a letter.
“It’s a bit late for the paper, isn’t it?” Ginny asked.
Mrs. Weasley accepted the paper and offered the owl a treat which it happily accepted and flew away. As her eyes took in what she saw, all the color from her face drained.
“What is it, Mum?” Ginny asked. Mrs. Weasley passed the paper to her husband who gasped. On the front page of the special edition of the Daily Profit was Hermione being escorted through the Ministry atrium by Roebuck and Hodgekins the headline above stating, “War Hero Turned Criminal!”
“Fuck,” Ron groaned and even his mother didn’t have the heart to scorn his bad language.