Let's Try That Again Redux - Chapter 7

Harry slipped between the twins and carefully approached the Weasley patriarch.

"Arthur." Harry spoke softly. "Come inside, so we can talk."

"Harry?" The man's eyes snapped up to him. They were red, filled with tears.

"It's a lot." Harry continued to move closer, holding his hand out with the palm up. "It was for me too. Come inside, we can talk. It's safe."

Arthur straightened up, there was a strength there that hadn't been before. He nodded. The man grabbed the bags and strode purposefully toward the house.

"What happened?" Fred asked, his voice devoid of the usual cheer it had.

"Do you feel any different?" Harry asked.

Fred looked to George, who shook his head. The twins looked back to Harry and shrugged. Ron stood there with a distant look. He didn't seem to actually look at anything.

"Two out of three ain't bad." Harry whispered. "Let's talk inside."

"Harry." Ron stumbled to a stop as they got closer to the house. "Something is wrong."

"Yeah." Harry gave his friend a sad smile. "It is."

"What… is…" Ron scrunched his brow. "What is going on, Harry?"

"Let's head inside, we can talk once we're sitting down." Harry placed a hand on his friends' shoulder. "You're looking a little unsteady."

Vernon opened the door as Arthur got closer.

"Arthur, I believe?" His uncle held a hand-out. "Haven't been properly introduced, Vernon Dursley."

Arthur shot a questioning look to Harry. The young man nodded. Arthur shook the offered hand. Vernon took in the sight of the man.

"You too, eh?" Vernon sighed. "We'll fix you a cup of tea."

Harry headed inside. Ron nodded and let Harry lead him away with the twins a step behind them. Vernon had already led Arthur into the kitchen. Harry closed the front door behind them, then locked it with magic as well as the deadbolt. The twins shared a silent conversation before moving deeper into the house. The group made it into the kitchen just as Arthur and Vernon were sitting down. Petunia humming to herself, reading a newspaper.

The table was able to fit four people, but it wasn't nearly big enough for all of them. Harry held out a hand. The table stretched wider and long enough for everyone to have at least some room.

"Pet." Vernon spoke softly. "Could you make a pot of tea?"

Dobby popped into the room. "Dobby is on tea duty today."

Vernon laughed. "Dobby, my good elf, would you make us a pot of tea?"

"Take a seat." Harry offered the younger Weasleys.

An uneasy silence settled on the room, only broken by the sound of Dobby griping at the electric kettle. The dining table was packed with the addition of Arthur, Fred, George, and Ron even with the expansion.

"I was bitten by a basilisk while rescuing Ginny. The venom killed me for a moment. Instead of dying, it destroyed a horcrux that had latched onto me. Once it was gone, I started to see things, and remember things, that had been kept from me. I spent the last year learning some things in private."

Ron shot him a questioning look. They had spent Third Year together. Hermione had disappeared multiple times through the year due to the Time Turner. That left Ron and Harry to spend most of their time together. Enough time away for that level of independent study didn't add up.

"When I got home, back here, I put wards in place to protect myself and my family. Protection against compulsions, memory charms, and other mental magics." Harry motioned to his aunt and uncle. "You can see how much that has changed things."

"What does that have to do with dad and Ron?" George asked.
"Think you know already, George." Fred whispered.

"The potions, compulsions, and memory charms have been removed." Harry gazed at Arthur. "Temporarily, at least."

Arthur made to speak but had to clear his throat a few times before the words could come out. Ron simply stared off into the distance.

"Boys." The man looked to his sons. "I love you, and your siblings with all my heart. I truly do."

"But not, mom." George whispered.

Ron flinched.

"How do you know?" Arthur shook his head.

Ron looked from Arthur to the twins with growing confusion on his face. His attention drifted in and out of the moment around them.

"Not sure." Fred shrugged.
"Could be the twin thing." George added.
"Can't be compelled." Fred continued.
"Mind games just don't work on us." George nodded.
"We've tried to tell you before." Fred's voice dropped to a whisper.
"You always forget." George matched the tone.
"Always." They said in unison.

"Molly?" Harry asked.

The teacup in front of Arthur shattered. A bubble appeared around the explosion, putting the pieces back together.

"Thank you, Dobby." Harry said.

"One sugar for Vernon, cream for Tuna, and coffee for Harry Potter sir." Dobby moved around the table with ease. "Frog and Gourd want tea? Mister Wheezes? Ronald?"

"No thank you." Arthur managed after a deep breath. "Yes. Molly." The name dripped with venom. "Years upon years. Compulsions, potions, and memory charms." He looked to the twins. "How long would it take me to forget?"

"An hour at most." Fred waved off the cup of tea.
"Most of the time quicker." George nodded, holding up two fingers for sugar.

"Anything from Dumbledore?" Harry looked over to Arthur.

Ron stilled. Harry caught the sudden motion out of the corner of his eye. Arthur shook his head.

"Why would Dumbledore…?" Arthur waved the question away. The dismissal showed that he thought of it as a non-sequitur away. "How long will this… clarity last?"

"If you trust me, there are a couple of options." Harry said. "I can make sure it stays."

"How?" Arthur met his eyes. "My trust is fragile right now."

"Three ways." Harry said. "The easiest, and messiest, would be a divorce. One test from the goblins and it's done. The second, more complicated, would be to create a magical contract that binds Molly for harming others. You would have to get her to sign it though."

"Nothing that can be done before leaving the protection of the wards." Arthur sighed. "Divorce would destroy our family."

"You said three." Vernon spoke for the first time.

"It requires Arthur to trust me completely." Harry kept his gaze on Arthur. "Swear fealty, as the head of House Weasley, to House Potter. You would be under my protection, regardless of where you are."

"That doesn't sound too drastic." Vernon shrugged.

"It would mean that I would control House Weasley." Harry shifted to look at Vernon. "Any attack, from within or otherwise, would be seen as an attack on House Potter and the magic would react in kind."

"It would kill her." Arthur whispered.

"Almost certainly." Harry nodded.

"Well." Fred grabbed the flask from his father's jacket pocket, poured a good shot into George's teacup, and downed it.
"That's some shit." George finished.

"What about the wards you drew around the house?" Petunia asked. "Couldn't you write them on him?"

"They wouldn't work long-term." Harry answered. "Two to four weeks, depending."

"And they need blood." Arthur took the flask back and added some to his tea.

"No." Harry shook his head. "They can be done without blood. Ink works just as well. They would just need to be in a place she wouldn't see."

Arthur chuckled. "Anywhere from the neck down then."

"You two don't…" Harry let the words hang.

"Harry." George scoffed.
"There are certain things a child doesn't need to know about their parents." Fred shuddered.

"No. Maybe for an anniversary or birthday." Arthur smiled at his sons.

"Alright." Harry rubbed a hand across his face. "I'll draw some runes on you. Don't count on them lasting more than two weeks. Is that enough time?"

"It will have to be." Arthur let out a long, tired sigh.

"Whatever you decide, dad." George smiled at his father.
"We are with you." Fred finished.
"Not sure about Percy." George shook his head.
"Not sure what went wrong with that one." Fred shook his head as well, their movements syncing up.

"I have an idea." Ron spoke up.

"Go for it." Harry nodded.

"We invite everyone over for dinner." Ron suggested. "Say that your Aunt and Uncle are trying to make amends. That would put Mum- Molly at ease."

"That's a good idea." Harry nodded appreciatively. "Let's do it. Follow me, Arthur." Harry stood. "We can get this finished and move on to happier things. You're in a Muggle house, surrounded by Muggle things, with actual Muggles to talk to."

"That is true." Arthur gave a muted smile.

Harry paused at the doorway. He looked over at Ron. His friend hadn't said much since he entered the home. He wasn't sure how Ron had been influenced, but it looked like it cut deep.

"We'll look after him." Fred noticed the concern.
"We're used to it." George added softly.

~§~

Harry applied the protection runes to Arthur. Even in such a time, he couldn't help himself. Harry placed the runes on his lower back, effectively giving Arthur a magical tramp stamp. He had to force himself not to giggle. Harry would probably never tell anyone about it, and he doubted Arthur knew what one was. This was little prank just for him.

Arthur and the twins stayed for dinner, much to Dobby's delight. They found that Muggle alcohol didn't has as much of a kick to magical folk. Petunia, Arthur, and Vernon nearly finished off a bottle of fine whiskey Vernon had saved for special guests with only Arthur remaining conscious. The man had a pleasant buzz but was far from knock-out drunk. He had taken the Knight Bus home, just to be careful.

Fred and George were rather impressed with the coffee table battlefield Harry had arranged. Ron took a seat in the room with them to watch. In reality, he just wanted to be close to the others. Ron didn't want to be alone at the moment.

Harry tried to keep their spirits up. The game was the best bet to keep them distracted. With their help, they created five new armies of twelve troops each from random bits and bobs they found. The twins also transfigured the rarely used loveseat into another table. This one was sculpted to have a landscape all its own complete with a couple of small mountains, a forest, and a river. Fred and George could control their troops, Dobby moved his, and Harry moved his own as well as Dudley's. They still took it as a turn-based game. Dobby was the first one out, preferring the tactic of simply charging at whichever enemy was in front of his troops. The elf nearly cackled with glee when he nearly knocked Harry out of the game. His downfall came from neglecting the terrain. Harry's final squad had the high ground. By the end of that skirmish Harry only had three troops left.

Luckily, Dudley was making a rather impressive string of hit-and-run battles with the twins. Naturally, Fred and George teamed up. They had thought Dudley to be easy prey. Unfortunately for them, his cousin had a deep love of military history. He split his twelve troops into pairs, used the forest to spread out their numbers. The twins were so busy focusing on Dudley they didn't realize that Harry had defeated Dobby and was on his way before it was too late. His trio of troopers picked off their soldiers outside of the forest, leaving them fighting a battle on two sides.

Sure, Harry only had three troops, but Dudley had been whittling down their numbers. The twins started out with twenty-four and were now sitting at ten. Dudley had five left, still in the forest, and Harry had three.

Fred and George retreated from the forest. With them each having a turn they were able to leap-frogged through the tree, providing defense to the troops as they moved. Harry used the time to reposition his trio across a stretch of open field, settling in for their final battle. There wasn't enough time to put the river between the approaching soldiers and his or get to a better location. Dudley, continued to harass the fleeing troops, though didn't manage to actually thin their numbers.

The final battle came down to remaining troops from all four armies battling it out on the open ground. Fred and George had the numbers but had to hold off Dudley's commandos and Harry's warriors. The cousins fought valiantly, but in the end, the twins came out victorious.

"Should we clean this up?" Dudley asked.

"It will stay like this for a few more hours." Harry was hit with a wave of exhaustion. He looked at the clock to see that it was nearly four in the morning. "Once it changes back, we can clean it up."

"You know, Harrykins." One of the twins said.

Harry was too tired to care which.

"This is an interesting little game you came up with." The other continued. "Give us a bit of time to work on it and we could take the world by storm."

"Sleep first." Harry yawned. "We can talk after breakfast. Let me show you to your room."

Harry led them upstairs to what had once been his room. Now, it had been cleaned and redecorated as a guest room. The queen size bed had been replaced by two twins for their stay. Harry still had no idea where Dobby slept. The elf swore it was somewhere safe and with enough space. He suspected the attic. As long as the elf was happy, that was what mattered.

"It's been a busy day." One of the twins said. "First you save our family. Then you spoil us with fresh sheets."

For once, the duo didn't finish the others' sentences. The fact that one had passed out the moment he hit the bed probably had something to do with it.

"Not sure I saved your family." Harry whispered. "Felt like I broke it."

"It has been broken for a long time." The still-awake twin said before slipping into bed. "Night, Harry. You're a good friend."

Harry wanted to think his misting vision was due to his need for sleep, but even he didn't believe that. He had potentially shattered the Weasley family, and they thought he was a good friend. Would they think that when their parents split, or worse? In the end, it was up to Arthur.

He wasn't sure how he made it downstairs and into his room. Ron followed him to his new room.

"I've got a bed set out for you." Harry offered. "It's silenced too so your snoring doesn't keep everyone up at night."

Ron gave him a weak laugh. Harry ushed his friend into the room. The bedroom had temporarily been expanded to fit another bed. Ron slipped under the covers without another word.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Harry asked.

Ron shook his head. He closed his eyes and was quickly asleep. At least he pretended to be. Harry laid out on his own bed. He let out a long breath. All in all, it went better than he had expected.

~§~

Harry's next conscious thought was the smell of bacon. Harry got out of bed to find that he hadn't changed out of the clothes he had worn yesterday. He slipped on some fresh ones before heading to the kitchen. Fred and George were sitting at the table, looking much more awake than they had a right to be. Dudley was practically asleep in his chair. Ron sat at the table poking the food on his plate with little interest. Another sign that something was worrying him deeply. His aunt and uncle were elsewhere.

"Dobby, could I have you grab a couple of Hangover Potions." Harry yawned. "They are going to need them once they are up and about."

"Dobby did last night." The elf smiled at him.

"You are amazing, Dobby." Harry returned the smile.

"Now, Harrykins." Fred put down his fork before speaking.
"We're saving up to start our own business." George was practically bouncing with energy.
"Our own shop that will blow Zonkos out of the water." Fred was starting to get excited as well.
"We'd like to add in that game of yours as well." George said.

"When did you come up with this?" Harry asked.

"Last night." George answered.
"About the time Dobby started cackling." Fred added.

Dobby let out another cackle. "Dobby almost had you, Harry Potter sir."

"It was over Dobby. I had the high ground." Harry shook his head.

"Harry Potter sir underestimates Dobbys power." The elf rubbed his hands together. "Next time, Dobby will be victorious."

"Dobby." Harry couldn't help but smile. "I am glad you are on my side."

"Of course, Harry Potter sir." Dobby instantly swapped back to his usual self. "Harry Potter sir is a great wizard and Dobby is honored to work."

A brief flash of holding the lifeless elf in his arms hit him. Harry stood from the table. He pulled a very shocked Dobby into a hug. Dobby happily returned the embrace even if he was confused. The elf pulled a sock from his pocket, one that looked suspiciously like one that Harry had lost a week ago. He held it out to Harry to use as a tissue.

Harry laughed. He took the offered sock and dabbed his eyes. The twins and Dudley watched, more than a little confused. His cousin looked to Fred and George, who shrugged.

"Right." George said once Harry returned to the table.
"We could sell it in different variations." Fred pressed on.
"As well as fold out tables that have a variety of terrain." George said.
"Each set would come with two armies included." Fred looked to his twin.
"Twelve each for the standard game." George pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket.
"These are our notes." They said as one.

"Wow." Harry looked down at the long list. "That sounds great. Give me a chance to read it later?"

"Of course." They nodded, moving in sync.
"Now." George leaned in.
"Do we need to Harrykins the wonders of female companionship?" Fred smiled as Harry blushed.
"You're a young wizard, Harrykins." George pressed.
"Caught the eye of more than a few witches." Fred wiggled his eyebrows.
"Wizards too if you swing that way." George grinned.

"It doesn't feel right." Harry tried to think how to phrase it. "I'm…" He motioned to himself.

"The great and powerful Harry Potter." Fred mock-bellowed.
"The Boy Who Lived." George waved a hand as though introducing Harry to the crowd.

"I hate that title." Harry rubbed a hand over his face.

"There are no birds in the area?" George asked.
"Muggle ladies who don't know?" Fred asked.

"You've got the bad boy rep to back you up too." Dudley added. "Girls love trouble." His cousin motioned to the basilisk bite. "And scars."

"You're handsome too." Ron whispered.

He shot Ron a small, thankful nod. The ginger blushed and looked away. That was odd.

"Fine." Harry groaned. "I'll look for a muggle woman."

He froze when he realized what he had said. The twins shared a devious glance.

"A woman he says, Fred."
"Not a girl, George."
"Harry likes the older ladies."

"Yes." Harry took a deep breath. "I like older girls. Sixth and seventh years, maybe. A bit older than that."

"Say a professor?" Fred grinned.
"Not dear Minnie." George had the same expression as well.
"He did say older." Fred pointed out.

"I meant a little older." Harry held his head in his hands. "Not that old."

"Want to pursue Astronomy?" George pressed in.
"Or Arithmancy?" Fred didn't let up.
"Maybe runes instead?" George leaned back in his chair.

"You two are worse than Petunia." Harry muttered.

~§~

There were certain things in his life that caused instant regret. One of those things was showing the Weasley trio videogames. While they had been interested in the game Harry had inadvertently created, they were over the moon for the SNES. Harry had planned to take them to the cinema, maybe out for some pizza, and show them around the muggle world. The only good thing about that the SNES pulled Ron out of his funk for a brief time. It was a small glimpse at the Ron of old.

Those plans were not going to happen, the twins were hooked. They learned quickly and were trouncing Harry and Dudley in Street Fighter. Only Dobby could defend the honor of Number Four Privet Drive. George and Dobby ignited a fierce rivalry that lasted almost until dawn.

It wasn't until Arthur appeared to get the twins that they finally took a break. The original plan had been for Ron to stay for a few more days. Harry had thought that his friend would change his mind and return home. Instead, Ron decided to stick to the plan and stay. Arthur tried to put on a brave face, but it was clear there was something wrong. Harry told himself that he shouldn't feel guilty, that it was Molly who did this to the family. Still, it hurt to see the man in so much pain.

"Ron had a good idea." Harry gave his friend a gentle squeeze on his shoulder.

"Oh?" Arthur gave Ron a tired smile. "What did you come up with?"

"We're going to invite the family over for dinner." Harry answered once it became clear Ron wasn't going to speak up. "That way we can get everyone through the wards in one shot."

"Hm." Arthur let the idea sink in. "That is a good idea, Ron."

For once Arthur didn't want to go via muggle transportation. Dobby popped them to the Burrow. The elf was gone for a bit longer than expected. When Dobby returned, he looked worried.

"What happened?" Harry asked his friend.

"All the Weasleys are unhappy." Dobby trudged over to Harry and held his arms out for a hug. "Tricky Misses Weasleys is suspicious. Sad Mister Weasleys is trying."

Harry bent down and scooped the elf up, holding him tight. Dobby began to sob loudly.

"Misses Weasley isn't going to be Misses Weasley for much longer." Dobby said after a good long cry. "Arthur is sad, the little Gin is worried, Frog and Ged tried to be happy for the Weasleys."

Dobby began to sob once more. Harry winced as the elf used his shirt as a hanky.

"Did you hear Rons plan?" Harry asked softly.

Dobby nodded.

"We'll need to prepare for their visit.." Harry rubbed the elf's back. "I need you to make sure the room can fit everyone and there will be enough food. Are you ok to do that?"

Dobby slipped out of his grip. The elf straightened up and patted down their uniform to a slightly better appearance.

"Will do, boss." The elf disappeared with a small pop.

"Hey, Harry." Ron spoke up.

Harry jumped at the voice. Ron had been unusually quiet ever since he crossed the wards. Not just his voice. He hardly made any noise as he moved through the house. Harry had found him staring out the window more than once already.

"What's up?" Harry asked.

"You said something about Dumbledore last night." Ron made the statement sound like a question.

"Yeah." Harry nodded. "He was the one who did all this to me."

Ron dropped his gaze to the ground. A myriad of emotions flowed across his face. Harry waited patiently. It was a lot to take in.

"We should invite Hermione too." Ron shrugged. "If he did this to you and me, maybe he did something to her too."

"That's a really good idea." Harry gave the ginger a broad smile. "I'll invite her and her parents for dinner tomorrow. We can focus on you and your family first. Did you want to be there too?"

"Yeah." Ron nodded. "We should support each other."

Harry smiled at his friend. A sense of relief much stronger than expected washed over him. If nothing else, Ron was still his friend. It meant more than he could imagine.