Chapter One: After the War
The war is over and the wizarding world is slowly being rebuilt. The Ministry Of Magic has offered Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger the position of becoming Auror without finishing school. Harry and Ron greatly accept the position and are beginning their training. However Hermione always enjoyed school wish to finish her schooling. When most of the Deatheaters were taken into custody Hermione left to go find her parents in Australia, She returned her parent's memories of her and the Granger family returned home with mistrust in their daughter and her magical abilities. Hermione's mother watched Hermione every time she walks down the stairs. Ron and Harry came in through the floo system. Hermione's dad spilled his tea and Mrs. Granger squeaked and dropped a plate of cookies. Hermione apologized to both of her parents and Ron ears turn red as he mumbles an apology and Harry helped to clean up the broken plate.
Harry, Ron and Hermione head up to her room, as soon as the door clicks closed Hermione turns to tell Ron and Harry about her parent's not trusting her anymore. However before she can get a word out Ron starts in on her, "why do you want to testify for Malfoy's release! What the hell is wrong with you?" Harry shakes his head in agreement and crosses his arms. Hermione looks shocked that the boys are ganging up on her. "I saw him, He helped us. He wants to do what is right, maybe he didn't have the chance" Hermione stated as if it was common knowledge. Ron blew up "how has that ferret ever helped us?! He has treated us all like dirt our whole school time, He treated you worst of all! What the hell Hermione!" Tears filled Hermione's eyes as she stared at Ron, "Ronald, I am doing what is right…Harry you know he couldn't kill Dumbledore, because he wants to be a good person." Harry looks in thought…"Maybe she is right Ron." Ron stammered "Wh…What the hell Harry! Are you going to testify for him too?" Harry just looks at Ron "I think it would be best…" Hermione moves to rub Ron's arms and calm him down. "Harry could you give Ron and me a minute?" Harry shrugs and steps out into the hall. Ron looks at the closed door and then to Hermione "I don't understand 'mione" He was so hateful to you" Hermione steps to Ron and places her hands on to his chest. "Ron I am doing what I feel is right, yes he was an awful child but maybe he can be a better man." Ron frowns "I won't testify for him…I think he needs to rot in Azkaban with his father." Hermione just kissed his lips lightly and I would not ask you to…and you will not ask me not to. Three days passed and Hermione and Ron argued over Hermione helping Draco Malfoy yet he never said anything to Harry about his involvement in helping Malfoy.
As soon as the war ended most Deatheaters were arrested and sentenced. Many Deatheaters were placed on trial by Wizengamot, one family's trial has a lot of attention, and this family was The Malfoys. Little to anyone surprise Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to life in Azkaban, His wife Narcissia was not charged with being a Deatheater because she did not bare Voldemort's dark mark. Their son's story made the front page not just because of who he was but for the people who testified for his release. Harry Potter drank the Veritaserum and told what happened on top of the Astronomy tower the night of Dumbledore's death. Hermione took a deep breath as she took her seat in front of Wizengamot, to her right she saw a scared mother and son. The young man did bare the dark mark but his steel gray eyes held pain and innocence. The young man looked at Hermione and she knew what she needed to do. Ron accompanied Hermione to the trial even though he told her to let the ferret rot in Azkaban with his worthless father. Ron and Hermione fought about this for three days before the trial. Hermione watched as some of the Auror's moved Mrs. Malfoy away from her son. Draco stood in the metal cage as it was moved beside the members of Wizengamot. Hermione studied the man in front of her as the potion master gave her a vial of Veritaserum. He was not the boy she knew in school. He looked broken, and sick. He was wearing what looked to be a dirty old prion uniform, his platinum blond hair was streaked with dirt and blood, his face had a slight beard, his steel gray eyes look hollow and lost. No, he was not the boy he once was.
Hermione drank the Veritaserum and looked at the members of Wizengamot. The lead Wizard ask "what is your name?" Hermione looks at him and replies "Hermione Jean Granger" The wizard nods, "why are you here?" Hermione looks at Draco and says "I am here to give my testament to the release of Draco Lucius Malfoy." Ron crosses his arms and rolls his eyes. The wizard looks at Hermione and nods for her to continue. Hermione looks at the Wizard and begins telling why Draco should be released. "Draco was under age at the time of his attempt on Albus Dumbledore life. There has also been proof found that his family was being threatened by Voldemort." Draco winces at the name. "Draco also had the chance to expose Harry, Ronald and myself when we were taken to Malfoy Manor." Hermione pause and touches her scared arm. "He knew it was us but chose to not expose us. He was also asked to aid in my torture but he refused. I saw him when…Bellatrix was…he sent a note with his house elf to find Dobby and get him to help Harry and Ron in the dungeon. I found the note on Dobby before we buried him." Harry and Ron exchanged looks, they knew nothing of the note. "Draco was a young boy in a very difficult place but he showed honor and courage. If he was placed in the same position I think he would make the same choses." The Wizard nodded and looked at the other members. "The last bit is your opinion and will not be taken into consideration. Thank you for your time Miss. Granger, if you would like to stay and hear our decision then you may. We will be deliberating and will resume in thirty minutes." The members of Wizengamot filed out of the room and Draco was lowered back to the ground to wait, he slid to the bottom of the cage and covered his face.
Hermione moved over to Harry and Ron. Ron grabbed and kissed Hermione "You did great, not that you should have but what note were you talking about." Harry nodded in agreement. "I found it in one of Dobby's Pockets…Wizengamot's has it now. Mrs. Malfoy walked over to the Golden trio slowly. "Thank you…no matter what they say…thank you for believing Draco can be a good man." Hermione smiles sadly as Ron rolls his eyes. "I just hope it helps." Harry looks at Draco sitting in the cage. "And I hope he doesn't make us wrong." Mrs. Malfoy smiles sadly and walks back to Draco's side but he doesn't move.
As the Wizengamot members filed back in Draco stood and looked at the man in the middle. Hermione was sitting alone, Ron and Harry had to go back to the Auror's office. The Wizard stood and looked to Draco and his mother. "The case of Draco Lucius Malfoy. You will be released but with conditions." Draco nods first, you must go back to school and take your N.E. , second you will be on probation for the next year, and if you uses any dark magic or socialize with any Deatheaters you will be sent to Azkaban. Is this understood Mr. Malfoy?" Draco nodded "Yes sir, Thank you." With a wave of the Wizengamot member's wands the chains unwrap Draco's cage and the door opens. Draco steps out and his mother throws herself in to his arms and sobs. Draco looks around to see Hermione sliding out the door. He silently whispers "Thank you, Granger" He embraces his mother and they leave together.