Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, and I do not own Harry Potter. I make no money from the writing of this fan fiction.

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to someone who tragically lost her life trying to escape her abuser. She had done everything right, but unfortunately for her, it wasn't enough. It is my hope that others are able to escape and don't share her fate.

In Loving Memory of, and Dedicated to

Brittany Alice Sawyer

1979-2020

Daughter, Mother, Sister, and Beloved Friend

Rest in Peace

Chapter Thirty Four

Arthur finished his Floo calls and wiped a shaky hand over his eyes. The Aurors were still going through everything looking for anything else Molly might have made, and his belief in Molly had taken a definite hit. He knew Amelia Bones; she wouldn't have arrested Molly unless there had been at least some kind of evidence.

Harry and Ginny had agreed to meet him at the DMLE; it was one of Harry's rare days off, but he'd assured Arthur that it wasn't a bother, while also reminding him he wouldn't be allowed to have any more information about Molly than Arthur was told due to Molly being his mother in law. Arthur understood that, since it couldn't be implied that Harry was trying to use his influence to get Molly released. He was worried about Ginny as well; so new into her pregnancy, this kind of stress wasn't good for her. He was startled by a hand on his shoulder.

"Mr. Weasley, if you've finished, you could go to the Ministry to speak to Madam Bones. I can make sure your home is secure when we leave," the Auror said.

"That would be appreciated, thank you."

Arthur walked out to the yard and past the anti-Apparition wards before apparating to the Ministry entrance. He wasn't looking forward to the discussion he was anticipating with Amelia Bones. As Head of House Weasley, he was expected to be able to prevent anything like this happening, and he had failed spectacularly. The fact that Molly had actually tried to harm Hermione, a young woman that his family had known for years, and who Arthur at least, considered a second daughter, turned his stomach. First however, he needed to find out exactly how much trouble Molly was in.

Standing outside Amelia's office, Arthur took a deep breath and knocked lightly on the frame of the open door. Amelia offered him a sad smile before indicating he could enter.

"Arthur, please come in and sit down. I assume you're here about Molly's arrest?"

"Yes, and I'd also like to know what she might be facing for charges in a bit more detail. I'll need to inform a solicitor once I manage to secure one for her."

"Molly is going to be charged with attempted murder among other things. Impeding justice is another. She sent potion laced fudge as well as an actual potion to Hermione Granger, Arthur. Both would have killed her. We have evidence that she destroyed several reports that someone in the department-who has since been fired-sent her that Miss Granger made against your son Ronald before he was sent to Azkaban. At the moment, that's all I can tell you, as the other evidence is still being examined. This is why I said other charges against Molly were pending."

"I'll see about obtaining a solicitor for her. May I see Molly?"

"She's still being processed, Arthur. Come back this evening and you can see her then. Visiting time begins at six."

"Thank you, Amelia."

After Arthur left, Amelia pulled out the files she needed for her meeting with Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. If what she had read in those files was correct, their respective cases were connected, and she needed to discuss their options with them.

OOO

"Harry, I can't believe it. Mum tried to hurt Hermione? I knew she had anger problems, but to actually try to hurt someone our family has always been so close to…" Ginny trailed off, her voice shaking with hurt.

"Sweetheart, I can't imagine it myself, but Arthur told me Molly has been arrested for it. I know Madam Bones; she doesn't allow an arrest to be made without evidence to back it up. Arthur wants a family meeting tonight, so maybe he'll have more information then."

"I hope so; knowing Mum is in a holding cell at the Ministry without knowing exactly what's happening is playing merry hell with my nerves."

"Do you want some tea and biscuits? I also made chocolate chip scones this morning before you woke up."

"Tea yes, but I'd prefer the scones over the biscuits. Thank you, Harry."

"We also need to get you to your checkup; that is why I asked for today off at work. I want to make sure you and the baby stay healthy, Ginny."

"When is the appointment again? I'll need time to get ready."

"The Healer is expecting us at two, so there's time for you to eat and shower before we need to leave. Do we want to know the sex of the baby, or be surprised?"

"I'd like to know the sex; it will make it easier to choose names."

"Good idea. We can also use the information to set up the trust fund at Gringotts. There's also the nursery to decide on a room for and decorate the way you want to."

"Mum was always talking about family being important; now there's a good chance she might not see our first child when he or she is born. She would be in Azkaban for however long they decide on at her trial."

"Ginny, Molly is the one who decided to do what she did. I doubt anyone had her under an Imperius curse to force her to do it. I've heard the American Muggles have a saying: 'Don't do the crime if you can't do the time'. Azkaban will probably not be the worst punishment she gets; her worst punishment would be knowing she can't see the baby until she's released."

"That's true, as well as knowing she can't tell us everything we're doing wrong with the baby."

Chuckling, Harry gently brushed a stray bit of hair away from Ginny's face and smiled.

"I'll get your tea and scones. Then you can get ready to go."

OOO

When Draco and Hermione walked into Madam Bones' office, it was with a sense of trepidation. Neither had any clue exactly why they'd been asked to come in, only that it had to do with Molly Weasley.

"Please sit down, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. There's quite a bit we need to discuss."

After glancing at each other, they each took a seat. Amelia took a deep breath before beginning her explanation.

"After investigating the items Molly Weasley sent to Miss Granger, I took a team of Aurors to her residence for a search. You should know Miss Granger, that both the potion and fudge would have ensured your death. The fudge had been laced with Sleeping Beauty, and as it turns out, Mr. Malfoy was correct in his estimate of what potions might be contained in the phial. The phial was filled with Dragon's Death potion. Mrs. Weasley has been placed under arrest and is currently awaiting trial on those charges in one of the holding cells. However, during the search of Mrs. Weasley's home, one of my Aurors found several envelopes that had been addressed, but not as yet mailed. All of the envelopes were addressed to you, Mr. Malfoy."

"Why would there be letters to me at the Weasley house? The Malfoys and the Weasleys have never gotten along."

Removing an envelope from a folder, Amelia placed it on the desk. Draco glanced at it quickly, and then looked closer. The other letters; the handwriting was the same as the other letters.

"I assume from your expression you recognize it somehow?"

"Madam Bones, the handwriting is identical to the letters I received in the past demanding money, which would then destroy themselves after being read, much like a Howler."

"I see. After we determine just who wrote the letters, I can then determine what charges will be applied, as well as who will be charged. So it appears these two cases are connected. Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, thank you for coming in. Unfortunately until I speak to Arthur Weasley, I can't tell you much about Mrs. Weasley beyond what I've already told you. I hope you understand."

"Thank you for telling us what you have, Madam Bones. I assume we'll be notified if and when a trial date is determined?" Hermione asked.

"You may be sure of it. Until then, take every precaution. We haven't come this far to restore a semblance of law and order since the war only to see it destroyed by a few people who for whatever reason decided that what they wanted was more important than obeying the law."

"Thank you Madam Bones."

"You're very welcome, Miss Granger."