"Potions it seems you knew about but chose to tell no one of them," Dumbledore said. "How could Arthur and Molly know they needed to act?"
"Though it is none of your business," Harry said. "We've already explained our reasons to Arthur."
"And hopefully they get Ginny some help," Hermione added hoping to get a reaction from Dumbledore.
"That would only bring the matter to the authorities when it is obviously just a crude attempt at snaring a tempting target by an infatuated lovesick teen," Dumbledore replied. "I understand you, yourselves were wanting to avoid it becoming a matter for the Ministry."
"A crude attempt?" Harry asked. "Those potions were from a highly advanced potions book from the restricted section of the Hogwarts Library. There was nothing crude about the attempt," Harry fought his temper down again and then continued. "It's true that we don't want her charged with a crime, but Ginny needs help."
"I've looked into the matter, and I assure you as I have assured Arthur and Molly, Ginevre only needs a few calming droughts and she'll be fine. She's disappointed of course, as can be expected when a teen is suffering from unfulfilled infatuation. But she's young and the young always recover faster than we think."
It was only a sharp, "HARRY NO!" from Hermione that kept Harry from leaping off of the sofa in anger and frustration. "It won't do any good. He's made up his mind and no matter what we say; he's not going to change it. Hopefully Fleur talking to Bill will help or Ginny can get help once Voldemort is dead, but right now Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would follow Dumbledore off the proverbial cliff."
Harry gritted his teeth as he glared at the Headmaster. Finally he calmed enough to nod. "We're married, Ginny's in need of calming drafts and my Aunt and Uncle are in Australia, got anything else to discuss with us?"
"Harry I am just trying to help, why must you be so hostile?" Dumbledore asked. "As I explained, I do feel you should have told me of your marriage so I could ensure Hermione's protection as well as your own. I went to great trouble to safeguard your relatives who, though you experienced hard times with them, I'm sure you'll want to reconcile with someday and you must see that had you brought your suspicions of Ginny and Ronald to myself or someone else, we could have prevented all that happened this morning from happening."
"If you say so sir," Harry replied through gritted teeth. "Is there anything else? We would like to get back to our studying."
"Ah, speaking of studying," Dumbledore said. "Minerva informed me of her plan to remove Ronald from being a Prefect. I truly feel that would be a mistake."
"MISTAKE?" Hermione roared. "He's an incompetent prefect, a lousy student and he tried to give me potions to influence my feelings for him."
"I think your current feelings are causing you to exaggerate Mr. Weasley's prefect abilities. You expressed none of these complaints during the last year," Dumbledore said. "I understand he is jealous of your relationship, but again I think had you told him of your bonding, your disagreement would never have occurred. Besides, would you really throw away years of friendship with someone because of a simple mistake on his part? Are you really turning your back on a friend at the very moment he needs your support?"
"Simple mistake?" Harry asked incredulously. "Trying to potion my wife is not a 'simple mistake'. Besides sir," This time the 'sir' had a distinct tone to it. "This isn't the first time he's been jealous of me."
"And the two of you were able to see past those differences and return to being the best of friends," Dumbledore replied. "Something I'm sure you can do again."
"Something that will NOT happen again," Harry exclaimed.
"But surely..."
"Sir," Hermione cut off the Headmaster, "Neither Harry nor I wish to continue our friendship with Ron. What he did this time is unforgivable. Now if you're serious about keeping Ron as a prefect, then you will need to find a second one as well. For if you truly consider Ron a representative of the Professors of Hogwarts, then I'd feel insulted to be considered the same. He refuses to take any of the responsibilities being a prefect requires while abusing the powers he receives. Then again maybe he does represent at least some of the Professors of Hogwarts. Professor Snape and Lockhart come to mind."
"It was a trying year for all don't you think?" Dumbledore asked. "He might not have lived up to the expectations but I'm sure with the..."
"Sir, it is your choice what you do," Harry said holding up his hand. "But I will say that Ron would be happier as Quidditch captain than as a Prefect. If you truly want to give him incentive to be better, that is the way."
"Ah, so you do still care about the young man," Dumbledore smiled. "Well if that's what it will take for you to mend your friendship, I will discuss it further with Minerva."
"He's delusional," Hermione exclaimed to her husband. "Why is he trying so hard to push our friendship with Ron? Do you think he blames himself for the horrors done by Grindelwald because of their lost friendship? Or maybe Ariana?"
"I don't know, maybe. But it could be he wants the Weasleys to continue to be an influence on me and without Ron, it might slip away fast," Harry replied and then to Dumbledore. "You misunderstand me sir, I will not, in any way, ever allow Ron Weasley near my wife again. Our friendship will never be mended. You do what you must, but if he is a prefect, Hermione has already told you she will not be. If Ron sits near us, we will leave. If he speaks to either of us, we will ignore him. If he ever threatens Hermione or me, then...then he will regret it. Do I make myself clear?"
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