"We told Professor McGonagall as soon as we realized it," Hermione added. "We asked her not to tell you."
"But why?" Dumbledore asked.
"I think we've already covered that," Harry replied. "When we know someone is hiding critical facts and changing memories, it doesn't go very far in allowing me to continue to trust that person. Throw in the fact you've been manipulating me for my whole life..."
"As I have already explained, I did what I thought was appropriate and necessary for your safety. Even if I did regret any of my actions, I can't change what has happened," Dumbledore replied. "But I had thought we'd worked past that."
"Are you saying you've told us everything that might concern us in regards to Voldemort?" Harry asked bluntly.
Dumbledore paused for a beat but then replied. "I have told you everything I feel you need to know. After a lifetime of experiences, I have come to know much. It would not be possible to convey all of that to you, nor would it be prudent."
"Then you must understand when we feel there are things that aren't 'prudent' to tell you sir," Harry replied as he took Hermione's hand. "What happens between us is personal. Or do you think we owe you a bloody explanation every time we kiss?"
Dumbledore sighed as he lifted his cup of tea and took a sip. He then turned his gaze back to Harry and Hermione, "As I explained, I am very much concerned for the possible peril this might have placed the two of you in. I am only trying to look out for your safety."
"Starting now are you?" Harry snorted.
Dumbledore ignored the jibe as he turned to Hermione, "In regards to this development Miss...Mrs. Potter, I think it is best if you remain here at Grimmauld place for the rest of the summer as well."
"What?" Hermione asked in disbelief.
"When this news gets out, you will be in grave peril," Dumbledore explained. "Here you'll be safe."
"I won't do it sir," Hermione answered in a firm voice. "I have spent too little time with my parents in the last few years and I refuse to surrender what little I have this summer. Or do you think the wards you placed around my parent's home are inadequate?"
"I truly must insist..."
"INSIST?" Hermione exclaimed. "Insist on what? That I remain a prisoner?"
"Sir," Harry started a voice steeped in barely controlled fury. "I told you that you will not control me anymore and the same goes for my wife. You may suggest and you may give your advice, but the next time you insist on anything when it concerns Hermione or myself, you'll find just how rebellious I can be."
"Harry please be reasonable," Dumbledore pleaded. He then eyed Sirius. "Can you not explain it to him? Surely you can see the danger he and now Hermione are in."
"What I know is Harry and Hermione have been ambushed twice in the past couple of weeks," Sirius replied. "In those ambushes, Voldemort has lost quite a few men who will not be killing anyone else. I'd say the kids can take care of themselves."
"And that doesn't bother you? The deaths? I understand that Harry was defending his friends and the ones he loves, but do you really want him to have to continue to murder people? Continue to have blood on his hands?"
"Killing someone and murdering someone are two entirely different things sir," Hermione replied coldly. "We aren't actively seeking out Death Eaters, but if they choose to pursue us, then we will defend ourselves anyway we have too."
"That is why I implore you to stay here at Grimmauld place so you aren't faced with that danger."
"Sir, I am spending a great deal of time here as I'm sure the Weasleys have informed you," Hermione said. "I also have had Sirius escort me to and from my parents since the attack, but I will not give up my time with my family. If you think the wards you have put up there are faulty then I suggest you improve them. If you'd like to provide me AND my parents with emergency portkeys, I will be glad to accept them, but do not attempt to dictate where I shall spend my time."
Miss Gran...Mrs. Potter, when word gets out about your marriage, Voldemort will seek you out as he has sought out Harry."
"We aren't advertising our marriage," Harry said. "Besides us, very few people know of it. Madam Bones even made the information level two, whatever that means. But it supposed to make the records unavailable. So unless you plan on telling Snape or if you think the Weasleys will spread the word, I see little danger of the knowledge of our marriage getting out. At least until we get to Hogwarts. The world knows we are boyfriend and girlfriend and that's exactly how we want it for now."
Dumbledore sighed as he picked up his cup of tea again. His eyes continued to gaze at the teens over the lip of the cup as he took another sip. Finally he sat it back on its saucer before replying. "It is obvious I cannot change your minds in this matter, so I will consider your recommendations and we may need to discuss it further at another time. Now may I ask why you found it necessary to attack Mrs. Weasley this morning?"
"Attacked Mrs. Weasley? Her daughter was caught trying to potion Harry and she's complaining about a flock of birds?" Hermione rolled her eyes but then continued, "Let's see, outside of the fact I was startled awake by an ear piercing scream after a long... long day of studying," She just avoided saying a long day at Alton park. "only to find several people staring at me with Molly Weasley calling me some very unkind words and trying to order me out of Sirius' house? Did she mention she tried to stun me?"
"She was only trying to defend herself," Dumbledore replied. "But did it not occur to you that she had reasons for her words?"
"Reasons to call me a scarlet woman? A harlot?" Hermione replied in indignation. "What reasons could she possibly have had for insulting me like that?"
"She had no idea you were married. I'm sure if she did, she'd have never said those things. Surely you must realize your actions in being in the same bed with Harry would be frowned upon."
"By whom?" Hermione asked. She could feel Harry was about to explode and squeezed his hand in an attempt to calm him. "It is none of Molly Weasley's business what Harry and I do. My mother knew I was in that bed and Sirius knew as well. THEY are the only people Harry and I have to answer to. What Molly Weasley should be concerned about is her daughter trying to give my husband potions while her son did the same to me."
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