Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Jo's characters, places, things, etc. Obviously.
… … … …
Eighteen year old Leila Potter lay on her bed staring at the canopy that hung above. Something about the emerald color brought no comfort to her today; instead, it brought a rather queasy feeling to her stomach. Holding her stomach, she walked over to the window in her bedroom that overlooked London. After the Battle of Hogwarts, she, Harry, Remus, and Teddy made their residence at number twelve Grimmauld Place, despite Mrs. Weasley's many invitations for them to all stay at the Burrow. But just as Remus had promised them after the Battle, they wanted to be their own little family and seeing as Harry already owned Grimmauld Place; it seemed like the perfect place for them to start their new family. After Kreacher had shaped up, the place seemed to shine. The House-Elf heads were removed from the wall and the place was almost completely renovated. The only unwanted thing that remained was Mrs. Black's annoying portrait; but they learned to ignore Sirius' mother.
"Leila, are you ready?" Harry called up the stairs.
"Just about," Leila yelled back.
Leila quickly walked over to her floor-length mirror to examine her appearance one last time. She nervously ran her fingers through her shorter shoulder-length straightened hair, readjusted her blouse and pencil skirt, and put on a pair of silver flats before exiting her bedroom. Slowly, she walked down the stairs to find Harry waiting rather impatiently by the door. He looked up to meet her and offered her a half-smile, which she attempted to return. Harry silently handed Leila her jacket which she put on as her brother opened the front door. Leila followed her brother out the door as they walked toward the Visitor's Entrance into the Ministry of Magic. Today, they had business to attend to at the Ministry. Not exactly the way she had hoped to spend her eighteenth birthday; but then again, she hadn't had many 'normal' birthdays to begin with.
Today was another day of trials for Voldemort's former supporters; but that wasn't what made today nerve-wracking. No, what made Leila nervous about the trials was that today was Draco's trial. Clearly switching his allegiance, destroying a Horcrux, and the words branded into his arm weren't enough for some people. They had insisted on bringing him to trial because of the fact that he had been a known Death Eater. The Ministry wasn't taking any chances like they did last time after the First Wizarding War. Leila wasn't sure what made her more nervous…the fact that Draco was standing trial or the fact that over the past few months since the war, she had hardly seen Draco. She didn't have a good reason for not talking to him much or hardly seeing him. That's just how it happened. Not to mention that they had both been so busy mourning the deaths of their loved ones and trying to establish their new lives, that they didn't really have much time to see each other anymore. She wanted to give him his space to grieve how he wanted to and she knew that he was doing the same; but the awkward part was finding who they were together after the war. Their entire relationship had been defined by the war. She loved the boy to death, she would freely admit that. But as much as she loved Draco, she had actually somewhat enjoyed the past few months becoming independent. Especially since he had been her constant companion the past year and the newfound freedom caused a slight feeling of guilt and uneasiness to control her stomach.
"Leila, are you all right?" Harry asked.
"What?" Leila questioned coming out of her reverie.
"I asked if you're all right. I think you're cutting off the circulation in my arm," Harry said.
Leila looked down at her brother's arm which she was clutching tightly. She loosened her grip and gently patted his arm.
"Sorry," Leila apologized.
"You haven't talked to him recently, have you?" Harry asked.
"A couple days ago," Leila shrugged.
"Try two weeks ago," Harry said.
"You know how crazy things have been. Besides, why did you ask a question you already knew the answer to?" Leila questioned.
"Because he's your boyfriend, not mine and I talked to him two days ago," Harry said.
"Does he know that we're coming?" Leila asked attempting to somewhat change the subject.
"Dunno; but I asked Hermione and Ron to meet us there," Harry responded.
"They're coming too?" Leila asked.
"I figured the more support Draco had, the easier it would be to clear his name," Harry answered.
"I still can't believe that there are people hell-bent on seeing him incarcerated," Leila muttered.
Harry sighed and looked to his sister. He really felt like he was put in an awkward situation between Leila and Draco. Leila was his sister, but Draco was also his friend. The thing he knew about them both was that they were both stubborn and avoided confrontations until absolutely necessary and by that point they both usually lost their tempers. Harry shook his head as his thoughts turned to meddling in their affairs. A year ago, if anyone would've told him that he'd be thinking about meddling with Leila and Draco the way he was…well, he simply wouldn't have believed it. Harry opened the door to the bright red telephone booth that they had used a couple of times during their fifth year to enter the Ministry. Leila should be thankful that she didn't have to flush herself like the last time Harry had broken into the Ministry. She definitely wouldn't have liked going in that way. Harry politely let his sister enter first before he closed the door behind them. He dug into his pocket and quietly cursed.
"Damnit, I forgot my Muggle money. Leila do you have any?" Harry asked.
Leila dug into her coat pocket and found a few Muggle coins dangling at the bottom. She handed them over to Harry who dropped them in the coin slot on the phone. Harry then held the receiver up to his ear and dialed 6-2-4-4-2, or MAGIC, before a woman's voice began to speak loud enough for both the Potter twins to hear.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and your business."
"Erm-Harry Potter and Leila Potter, we're witnesses in Draco Malfoy's trial," Harry answered.
"Thank you," the woman's voice said. "Visitors, please take the badges and attach them to the front of your robes."
The phone clicked and rattled before two badges popped out of the slot where coins normally came from. Harry grabbed the silver badges and handed Leila one. Leila examined hers: Leila Potter, witness in the trial of Draco Malfoy. She exhaled slowly before she pinned the badge to her blouse as the woman's voice spoke once more telling them to present their wands for registration and to be searched. Suddenly, the floor began to sink. As they were lowered into the depths of the earth, Leila began to breathe harder. She was nervous; but really, she shouldn't be this nervous. After all, she wasn't the one on trial; but Draco was a part of her. Even though they hadn't discussed his trial much, she knew he was nervous, which made her nervous. Harry gently patted Lela's arm to offer her some comfort. He easily noticed Leila's discomfort at the situation; but Leila attempted to offer her brother a reassuring smile.
After they had their wands registered, Harry and Leila headed into the Atrium to meet Ron and Hermione. It seemed like the Ministry was somewhat back to 'normal' with all the people bustling through. Harry made sure to keep a firm grip on Leila's elbow so that he wouldn't lose her in the crowd. Harry spotted Ron and Hermione standing by the water feature in the middle of the atrium. Leila had never seen the previous water feature, but from what Harry had told her, the feature under Voldemort's anti-Muggle regime had been a statue of Muggles being crushed. Ron and Hermione were examining the new water fountain as Harry and Leila approached them.
"Can't say that I like it; but it looks better than the last time we were here," Harry said.
"That's for bloody sure," Ron commented.
Hermione instantly turned around and hugged Leila tightly, giving her a knowing glance. Leila wasn't sure what Hermione thought she knew, but she knew a sympathetic glance when she got one. Hermione then released Leila and hugged Harry while Ron smiled and nodded at them. After she released Harry, Hermione took a step back from the Potter twins and folded her arms across her chest.
"You're nearly late," Hermione reprimanded.
"Aw c'mon Hermione, Draco's trial isn't for another fifteen minutes," Ron groaned.
"If we want to appear credible we need to make a good impression which starts by being early," Hermione retorted.
Hermione then looped her arm through Leila's as she led the small group to the elevators. The four entered the already packed elevator and headed down for the courtrooms. Once they got off the elevator, Hermione noticed a scroll of parchment tacked to the wall which listed the trials for the day and where they were located. Today was the first day of trials for those convicted of being Death Eaters. Unlike last time, the Ministry was giving those convicted ample time to prove otherwise. They weren't simply sending people to Azkaban without a fair trial, like they did to Sirius; but Leila knew this to be because Kingsley was named Minister of Magic. Kingsley was a fair guy and seemed to follow the mentality "innocent until proven guilty."
Leila silently followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione into the proper courtroom. Her stomach was churning even more than before as she walked across the floor of the familiar courtroom. She had been in this very courtroom when Harry had his hearing for underage magic before fifth year. As she walked, Leila noticed that the members of the Wizengamot had found their seats. Daphne Greengrass, dressed in long sleeved blouse with a collar to cover her scars from where Greyback mutilated her, was seated with her sister, Astoria, in the corner of the room. Leila nodded her head in their direction as Harry led them to where more supporters for Draco sat: Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan…Leila had to admit that she was quite surprised to see such a large showing for those in support of Draco; but then again, Draco had proven himself, especially to the Gryffindors. Which made the fact that he was on trial seem utterly stupid. Just as they took their seats, Kingsley took his spot among the Wizengamot, acknowledging their presence with a nod. Leila almost did a double-take. Didn't Kingsley have more important work to attend to as the Minister of Magic?
"Why is Kingsley presiding?" Leila whispered to Hermione.
"As you know, Draco's trial is a rather controversial one," Hermione whispered back. 'Kingsley saw to it himself that he was the one presiding so that he knew the trial would be a fair one."
Suddenly, the doors swung close with a bang. Leila's attention turned to the door where Draco walked into the courtroom with his mother and his Aunt Andromeda. She knew that Narcissa and Andromeda had been spending more time together since they were both in the same situation: widows. The women were ushered to chairs in the front row while Draco walked to the chair in the middle of the courtroom. As he walked, Leila caught his eye. He stopped for a moment to look at her as she offered him a weak smile. Leila could tell that Draco was nervous as he attempted to pull his left sleeve down farther. She knew it wasn't the faded Dark Mark he was trying to hide…but the words etched into his arm. The words which she knew tortured him that could very well be his saving grace. Draco ran his fingers through his hair as he sullenly sat in the chair before he looked up at Kingsley, awaiting his fate.
"We are here today for the trial of Draco Lucius Malfoy, who stands before the court an alleged former Death Eater, a follower of Lord Voldemort," Kingsley's bass voice spoke.
The room was silent. Leila noticed Draco slightly fidget in his seat before she quickly scanned her eyes across the court. She groaned. There were plenty of people sitting on the Wizengamot whom Lucius Malfoy had pissed off or threatened. At that moment, Leila knew that this was going to be an uphill battle. This trial wasn't about Draco, it was about many members of the court finally getting even with Draco's' father. It wasn't so much about proving that Draco had switched his allegiance than it was about proving that Draco wasn't his father. Leila knew that Draco wasn't his father, despite Lucius's last minute change of heart; but Draco didn't have to convince her…he had to convince them.
"All right, let's begin…" Kingsley began.
An elderly wizard on the Wizengamot began to pound his cane against the wood flooring, interrupting Kingsley. Kingsley turned his attention to the man who held no emotion on his face. Leila could immediately tell that this old man was one holding a grudge against Lucius Malfoy. For what she didn't know; but she could tell that he was going to take his grudge up with Draco.
"Yes, Olaf?" Kingsley asked.
"Minister, several of my associates and I, knowing that this would be your first trial and seeing as you haven't fully come accustomed to them; we've come up with some…guideline questions for you to follow," the old man spoke.
The old man, named Olaf, snapped at the person sitting next to him, who happened to be Elphias Doge, to hand Kingsley the parchment he had in his hand. Doge looked to the man before he reluctantly handed Kingsley the scroll of parchment. Kingsley opened the scroll and read through it before he shook his head.
"With all due respect, Olaf, but these questions…" Kingsley began.
"Are ones that we want answers to. That we need answers to so that we can form an appropriate verdict," Olaf interrupted. "I think you'll find many members of the court in agreement."
Kingsley looked around to the members of the Wizengamot with nearly a dozen of them nodding their heads in agreement. This trial was going to be much harsher than any of them anticipated. But how was this fair? Lucius Malfoy was dead. They shouldn't be allowed to take out their anger against him during his son's trial. Leila could tell that Kingsley wasn't happy about being forced into the position he was in. She knew he didn't appreciate being used and if Leila knew anything about Kingsley, he would try his damnest to give Draco a fair trial despite any obstacles those ornery old men tried to throw in their way.
"Mr. Malfoy," Kingsley began. "Do you admit to having formerly been one of Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters?"
"I do," Draco responded firmly.
"Members of the court wish to know why you became a Death Eater, Mr. Malfoy." Kingsley continued.
"The values of the Dark Lord were the very same values instilled in me as a child. At the time, it was what I believed was the right thing to do," Draco answered.
"And you have since changed your beliefs?" Kingsley asked.
"Excuse me, Minister; but if we asked that question to all of those convicted as Death Eaters they'd all surely answer that they had changed their ways. We don't want them manipulating us again…like last time," Olaf interrupted. "I'd stick to the suggested list if I was you."
Kingsley muttered something under his breath as Leila's stomach lurched. Draco slightly hunched his shoulders, but he didn't appear too surprised by the turn of events. He had to have already known what he was up against. Leila looked to her brother as he sat with his head in his hands. She had a suspicion that Draco had confided his fears of the court to Harry, which was why he had insisted on their group attending the trial. Leila also felt a slight pang of guilt. It should have been her that Draco told; but that wasn't his fault, it was hers. But it wasn't like they had been completely out of contact since she had seen him. She owled him every day; but something like that probably wasn't easy to put to writing.
"Mr. Malfoy…do you…admit to having been at Voldemort's…loyal bidding?" Kingsley asked with reluctance evident in his voice.
"Yes, I do," Draco answered.
"Draco, I have here a list of crimes for which you have been accused," Kingsley said as he made eye contact with Olaf who nodded for him to continue. "Do you admit to allowing Death Eaters entrance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on Lord Voldemort's orders?"
"I do," Draco stated.
"And how did you manage that, boy?" Olaf interrupted.
"Now see here…" Kingsley began.
"I'll answer," Draco began. "During my sixth year at Hogwarts, I mended the Vanishing Cabinet in the Room of Requirement. Its twin was at Borgin and Burke's which was where they were allowed passage."
"And do you admit to having attempted to assassinate Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore on Lord Voldemort's orders?" Olaf baited.
"I do," Draco said sternly.
"And what about the kidnapping of Leila Mae Potter on Lord Voldemort's orders?" Olaf hissed.
"Yes, that was me too," Draco sneered.
"Enough!" Kingsley shouted. "I am the one presiding over this trial and I will ask the questions. I ask the court to disregard Senior Member Olaf Meadowes' baiting."
"If I recall correctly, Minister," Olaf argued. "But members of the court are permitted to ask questions should they feel that the person presiding isn't questioning the accused adequately."
"Olaf, I'm not going to tell you again, let me do my job," Kingsley said lowly.
The old man held Kingsley's gaze for a moment before he settled himself back in his chair and looked straight to Draco. Draco looked sourly toward the old man who was trying to convict him.
"Mr. Malfoy, I am required to list the rest of the grievances against you. If any of these are inaccurate please don't hesitate to tell the court otherwise," Kingsley said.
Draco nodded his head. Kingsley started to list more crimes for which Draco had been accused. Each time, Draco solemnly responded that he had taken part. Leila knew that for most of the crimes, Draco had simply been present but he hadn't the guts to do torture or kill. Looking at Draco, she could tell that he believed himself to be in a no-win situation, especially with those ornery old owls. Kingsley must have noticed Draco's lack of fight too.
"Draco, now would be the time for you to add anything to try and clear yourself of these charges," Kingsley said.
"What's the point?" Draco scoffed. "You aren't judging me for who I am now. I'm being judged for the person I was. I made my mistakes, everyone here knows that. I just ask that you consider being fair and just, the principals that this court was built on."
"Anything further, Mr. Malfoy?" Kingsley asked.
"No, sir," Draco sighed.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," Kingsley said. "Now, I speak to those present in the courtroom; if there is anyone who wishes to speak in defense of Mr. Draco Malfoy, please stand now."
Hermione gave Leila's hand a gentle squeeze before the girls stood up. They were quickly followed by Harry, Ron, Neville, Luna, Dean, and Daphne. Neville kicked Seamus' shin before he stood up to join the group. The group looked to each other as they seemed to release a simultaneous sigh. Kingsley attempted to hide a smile on his face, but Olaf Meadowes wouldn't have any of it. He stomped his cane against the floor.
"A group of his playmates is hardly credible," Olaf scoffed.
"I'd hardly call us his playmates," Seamus said. "I didn't even like the bloke until the battle at Hogwarts."
"And yet you're here to defend him?" Doge asked curiously.
"I think each one of us had our differences with Draco in the past," Harry began. "But I think we all agree that Draco deserves to have the charges against him dropped after the intricate part he played in bringing down Voldemort."
"They're children yet!" Olaf barked.
"They're of age," Doge argued.
"Out of my way you blithering idiots," a familiar voice shouted from outside the courtroom.
Everyone looked to the door which swung open to reveal a rather perturbed looking Professor McGonagall. One of the wizards who was standing at the entrance to the courtroom moved to stop her, but she gave him a rather stern look. The wizard must have had McGonagall at Hogwarts because by the look on his face, he knew not to mess with the new Hogwarts Headmistress. Professor McGonagall looked around the courtroom at all the eyes on her before she looked to Draco and stiffly nodded at him.
"Sorry I'm late," Professor McGonagall began. "It's been an absolute nightmare trying to track down the Muggleborns who were supposed be allowed entrance into Hogwarts last year; cleaning up the mess the Ministry made of things."
Professor McGonagall looked straight ahead to the members of the Wizengamot with a stern look on her face.
"Glad you could make it, Professor McGonagall," Kingsley said.
"I'm here to testify in Mr. Malfoy's defense," Professor McGonagall stated.
"Is she credible enough for you, you old bat?" Doge asked Olaf.
Olaf muttered something under his breath with a sour expression on his face.
"Then if you'd please have a seat until we call you," Kingsley said. "And Mr. Malfoy, you can find a seat beside your mother."
Professor McGonagall sat stiffly in a chair behind the Narcissa and Draco Malfoy. As Draco sat beside his mother, he turned around and whispered something to Professor McGonagall. The older woman responded with a curt nod of her head. Then Kingsley began calling them to testify on Draco's behalf. He started from with the group Leila sat with, starting from the opposite end. The short Gryffindor boy shuffled to the chair in the center of the courtroom.
"Please state your full name for the court," Kingsley said.
"Seamus Niall Finnigan," Seamus answered.
"Mr. Finnigan, can you please tell me about Mr. Malfoy's character?" Kingsley asked.
"He was a right foul git for most of the time I've known him," Seamus started. "Until a few months ago I never thought I'd say the words I'm about to say; but Draco Malfoy's a pretty decent bloke."
Seamus turned around and offered Draco a grin, which Draco returned with his attempt at a smile. The boy testifying on Draco's defense then turned around to face the Wizengamot once more.
"Why did your opinion of Mr. Malfoy change?" Kingsley asked.
"He helped to plan the defenses we put on Hogwarts before the battle," Seamus answered. "It was his idea to take out the ol' wooden bridge with the Snatchers on it. You should've seen the wicked explosion. Magnificent, it was."
"So you're saying we should add destruction of property to Mr. Malfoy's charges?" Olaf questioned.
"It was actually me and Longbottom that blew it up…sir; but you can't deny that Malfoy's plan was bloody brilliant. Kept Hogwarts safe from more attackers if you ask me," Seamus answered.
Olaf scoffed as Kingsley asked Seamus a few more questions. After Seamus answered his questions honestly and showed Draco in a good light, he returned to his seat. Then going right down the line, Neville was asked to come forward. Leila watched as Neville approached the seat in the middle. He was looking rather lanky compared to the somewhat chubby boy she had used to know. The war had taken its toll on all of them; especially Neville, yet he had almost always remained positive. Just like he did with Seamus, Kingsley asked Neville to state his full name for the court.
"Neville Frank Longbottom, sir," Neville answered.
"Mr. Longbottom, what do you care to say in Mr. Malfoy's defense?" Kingsley asked.
"I know Senior Member likes to think that Draco would say he's changed just to escape punishment; but that's just not true," Neville started. "When we were at Hogwarts last year, Draco stuck his neck out to let me talk with Leila on multiple occasions knowing full-well that I was heading up Dumbledore's Army at the time. Like Seamus said, he helped us come up with some wicked defenses for Hogwarts using his knowledge of Voldemort. He was also right by my side when we stood up to Voldemort when we thought Leila and Harry were dead…Voldemort wanted to make an example out of him. If Voldemort no longer saw him as one of his Death Eaters, then why do you?"
"We're not the ones being questioned boy," Olaf said shaking his head.
"It's still a question you should take into consideration," Neville added.
"What's of this court's concern are the crimes Mr. Malfoy committed while he was a Death Eater. Can you deny that he was a Death Eater?" Olaf hissed.
Neville didn't answer Olaf's question. The old man raised his eyebrows before he sat back in his seat once more. Doge asked Neville to retell the story of when Draco had stood up to Voldemort. Neville retold the story with great detail of how even when asked, Draco refused to go back to that side even though he had seemingly lost what he was fighting for. The way Neville spoke of Draco, you'd think they had been friends for years, rather than just a few months. Leila knew that Neville trusted Draco and the feeling was mutual since Neville had spared Draco's life from Nagini. Neville's testimony about Draco made her heart swell because he really had changed; but she knew that still didn't change the fact that Draco had once acted on Lord Voldemort's orders. When Neville had finished he went back to his seat and Kingsley called Luna to the center of the courtroom. Luna's Dirigible plum earrings swung as she walked across the floor to the stage. She took a seat in the chair before she started swinging her feet.
"Name?" Kingsley said.
"Most people at Hogwarts like to call me Loony," Luna said airily.
"So your name is Loony?" Olaf questioned.
"Unless you talk to Peeves. He calls me Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…" She broke to cough. "ooooooooooooooooooooooooony Lovegood."
"For Merlin's sake, what's the blasted name your parents gave you?" Olaf hissed.
"You should have asked that to begin with," Luna said. "My mother named me Luna Laurel Lovegood. And I don't have my spectacles on me, sir; but I think you have a terrible case of Wrackspurts, Mr. Meadowes. They've been known to make one ornery and prone to mood swings."
Almost everyone in the courtroom erupted in laughter except for two people: Luna, because she was being dead serious and Olaf because he appalled by the girl.
"A nut case if I ever did see one. What the bloody hell is a Wrackspurt," Olaf muttered.
"I think the girl's got you pegged," Doge chuckled.
After the laughter had died down, Kingsley redirected Luna in a more appropriate direction of questioning. Luna told of how she never thought Draco to be evil and how she was a very good judge of character. She told of how even when Draco would taunt her at Hogwarts, she knew that there was something good in him waiting to be awakened. She mentioned how during their sixth year a change began within him. Leila hadn't realized how perceptive Luna was about Draco. Then again, it always seemed like Luna knew something you didn't; no matter how crazy she seemed, she usually ended up being right. While Luna was very sweet about the whole thing, Olaf seemed to question her sanity and along with it her credibility. When Luna had finished, Dean Thomas testified in Draco's defense. Dean didn't have much to say beyond the fact that Draco had saved his life by helping him escape from Malfoy Manor. When Dean's short questioning was finished, it was Harry's turn to take the stand. Leila was slightly nervous, recalling the last time Harry had sat in that chair; but Harry sat there cool, calm, collected, and composed which was strange to see her brother that way. Kingsley asked Harry to state his name for the court.
"Harry James Potter," Harry answered.
"Mr. Potter, when did you start noticing a change in Mr. Malfoy?" Kingsley asked.
"I'd probably have to say sixth year. Now I had my suspicions that he had joined the Death Eaters; but I knew it was something forced upon him. He didn't choose it," Harry answered.
"What makes you say that?" Kingsley asked.
"Erm—well, if you remember at the end of my fifth year there was a break-in at the Ministry," Harry began. "Several Death Eaters were incarcerated, including Draco's father. Lucius Malfoy was supposed to bring Voldemort a prophecy, which he failed to do…along with getting locked up. Voldemort knew that Mr. Malfoy—erm Lucius's weakness was his son. Since he couldn't exactly punish Lucius with him being in Azkaban and all, he went after Draco. That night on the Astronomy Tower, I believe Draco would have accepted Dumbledore's offer for protection had the Death Eaters not found us."
"Death Eaters he let in!" Olaf argued.
"Because if he didn't Voldemort was going to kill him," Harry argued. "But becoming a Death Eater wasn't the only change in Draco that year."
"What else changed?" Kingsley asked.
"Something Dumbledore had faith in: love," Harry answered. "Draco found love and Light in my sister Leila. Voldemort thought love was a weakness. He never counted on it to be his undoing…again."
"It very well could have been an act," Olaf scoffed. "He's probably just as slippery as his father."
"You're wrong," Harry argued. "If Draco was as slippery as you think he is, he'd be dead by now. Draco and I entered into an Unbreakable Vow on Christmas Eve that he would in no way jeopardize us to Voldemort. The fact that he isn't dead should say a whole lot."
"Out of curiosity, may I ask who was the bonder of said Unbreakable Vow?" Elphias Doge asked.
"Leila," Harry answered. "She had seen one done before, not to mention that she was the only one who cared for both Draco and me."
Harry turned around and looked at Draco. She could see Draco nod at her brother. Leila wondered if Draco was somewhat overwhelmed by the support. All these people didn't have to testify in his defense but they wanted to. To some degree, they would probably all call Draco a friend. Funny, Leila remembered telling Draco sixth year that he didn't have many friends; just people who were scared of him and they didn't count as friends. But now, these people were here because they wanted to be here; because they had seen a change in Draco, a good change. Just like she had. Kingsley continued to question Harry a little longer, Olaf Meadowes looking utterly unamused during the testimony. Kingsley finally thanked Harry for his statements before he excused him from the bench. Ron was next. Ron shuffled over to the chair in the middle of the room and sat in a slouched position as Kingsley addressed him, but Ron spoke up with the answer to a question he already knew was coming.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley," Ron muttered.
"Mr. Weasley, why are you here today?" Kingsley asked.
"I thought it was obvious; we're all here to talk about Draco," Ron answered.
"Yes, yes we are," Kingsley chuckled. "What would you like to share about Mr. Malfoy?"
"Now it wasn't always sunshine and daisies with Draco, you see. Part of it was his fault; part of it was probably my fault, I'd say Harry deserves some blame, Leila too, Hermione…but—erm, I'm not here to discuss whose fault it was we hated each other when we were younger and immature. What I'm trying to say is that I trust Draco Malfoy with my life, literally. He pushed me out of the way of a knife that was headed straight for me. I'd probably be dead right now if Draco hadn't taken that knife for me," Ron began to ramble. "He almost did die…"
Suddenly there was a loud gurgle from the center of the courtroom. Ron's face flushed a bright red as he looked down to his stomach before he looked back to the Wizengamot sheepishly.
"Sorry, 'bout that," Ron said patting his stomach.
"Always thinking about his stomach," Hermione muttered.
"Where was I?" Ron asked.
Kingsley chuckled before he asked Ron to talk a little more about Draco. Leila found it heart-warming, listening to Ron talk about Draco. If there was one person in their small group who had been the most resistant to Draco joining them, it was Ron. But that changed when Draco saved Ron's life, or at least that's what Leila liked to think. After their stay at Shell Cottage, the five of them had formed a tight-knit group. A group that Leila loved. Ron's stomach growled once more during his testimony before Kingsley excused him and Hermione took the stand. Hermione sat in the chair with a rather stiff posture but she was wringing her hands.
"My name is Hermione Jean Granger," Hermione said solemnly before Kingsley could even ask her name.
"Very well, Miss Granger," Kingsley said seriously. "Please describe your relationship with the accused."
"Like everyone who has testified before me, Draco and I also had a rather rocky beginning…" Hermione began.
"What is your blood status?" Olaf interrupted.
"Blood status is no longer a concern of the Ministry," Hermione retorted.
"Miss Granger is right," Doge said. "After last year's witch hunts…"
"I'm not about to persecute her, you oaf. It's a viable question and I'd appreciate if the girl would humor an old man," Olaf responded.
"I'm a Muggleborn witch, something I'm positive you already knew, Mr. Meadowes," Hermione stated.
"The very group Mr. Malfoy hates. Were you on the receiving end of Mr. Malfoy's taunts?" Olaf questioned.
"Well yes, but that was before…" Hermione began.
"So you don't deny that Mr. Malfoy…" Olaf began.
"Meadowes…" Kingsley began.
"Now listen here, Mr. Meadowes" Hermione interrupted Kingsley. "While some of Draco's antics in the past emotionally scarred me for a while; they seem fairly minimal compared to the emotional and physical scars that Draco will probably carry with him for life."
Draco fumbled with his left sleeve pulling it down as far as it would go.
"A Dark Mark wasn't the only thing scarred onto Draco's left arm, see for yourself," Hermione said.
"I hardly see how this is appropriate," Olaf said.
"Mr. Malfoy, please pull up your left sleeve," Kingsley commanded.
Draco's eyes instantly shot up, wide with shock. Leila knew that Draco hated that scar on his arm. It was something that would forever be with him. No matter how much Leila had tried to prove him that his scar was a sign of his bravery, it still brought back the horrid memories of the torture he received from his crazy aunt. Kingsley repeated his request before Draco looked to Leila. Leila nodded her head, giving him whatever assurance he was looking for from her. Draco then slowly began to roll up his left sleeve. The Dark Mark that had blemished his arm was practically faded; but the words BLOOD TRAITOR were easily read even from a distance. Draco looked to his arm, trying not to show his emotions as the Wizengamot began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Mr. Malfoy, how did you receive that scar?" Kingsley asked.
"Minister, Mr. Malfoy had his chance to testify," Olaf sneered.
"Then I can tell you," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "Draco's maniacal aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange etched those words into his arm when he refused to give us over to Voldemort when we were held captive at Malfoy Manor. He had a chance to betray us, but he didn't…"
"Can anyone else verify this?" Kingsley asked.
"Leila," Hermione answered.
Leila could feel the eyes of the Wizengamot move to her as she blushed under their gazes. She looked to Draco who was pushing his sleeve back down as Hermione continued to talk about Draco's good character. If there was one person in this room who had a right to hate Draco, it would be Hermione; especially after the way he treated her because she was Muggleborn. Granted, Leila wasn't completely innocent. In her younger years, about the only thing she somewhat liked about Draco was the fact that he despised Hermione nearly as much as she did. And despite all that, Hermione had been the first one to believe her about Draco; the first one beside her to believe he had changed. When Hermione had finished talking, she walked back to her seat as Leila stood up. Leila was about to walk down to the chair when Kingsley surprised her and summoned Daphne down. Daphne adjusted the collar on her blouse before she walked down to the center of the courtroom, the heels of her shoes clicking with every step. As Daphne sat down, her hand went to the French braid plaited down her neck which she pulled to her left shoulder before Kingsley asked for her full name.
"Daphne Lysandra Greengrass," Daphne answered.
"And how long have you known Mr. Malfoy?" Kingsley asked.
"I've known Draco for as long as I can remember, probably even before. We would play together when we were little and then we were sorted into the same House at Hogwarts," Daphne responded.
"And did you ever notice a change in Mr. Malfoy?" Kingsley continued.
"Of course; knowing him as long as I have, I couldn't exactly miss it. Looking back on things, we were manipulated into what our parents wanted us to value. Breaking away from what our parents instilled in us isn't easy. Learning to form your own opinions rather than just believing what we were told to believe. Draco overcame his upbringing, something that not many of us are able to do because of the fears of complete isolation," Daphne explained. "If Draco is guilty of anything, it's learning to finally think for himself."
Leila was surprised when Kingsley excused Daphne. Her testimony was rather short, but also very poignant. If anyone understood the position Draco had been in and the change he had gone through, it would probably be Daphne. Leila made a mental note to see how things were going at home for Daphne. While Daphne's mother had yet to be found in conjunction with the Death Eaters, she knew that Camilla Greengrass valued what the Dark Lord did. Evander Greengrass, Daphne's father, had laid low for most of last year, not sticking his nose into things that weren't his business. Mr. Greengrass still worked at the Minsistry even after Voldemort's downfall; but Leila could imagine that tensions were high in the Greengrass family. As Daphne walked back to her seat, Leila watched her friend who was looking rather thin. But Leila didn't get a chance to catch Daphne's eye because Kingsley called her to stand before the court. Leila stood up and adjusted her skirt before she walked for the center of the courtroom. She caught Draco's gaze out of the corner of her eye and sighed.
"My name is Leila Mae Potter," Leila said calmly. "But I can assume that you all already knew that."
"Miss Potter, why do you think Mr. Malfoy should be cleared of the charges before him?" Kingsley asked.
"My reasoning is pretty much a mixture of everything you've already heard," Leila began. "Draco isn't a bad person; he's just done things that he was forced in to. I know for fact that most of what you're accusing Draco of, he couldn't actually stomach. He witnessed it, but he couldn't kill or torture innocent people."
"And how is it that you know this?" Kingsley questioned.
"Until the Battle of Hogwarts, I spent every day for nine months straight with Draco. It wasn't a subject we often talked about; but there were a few times when we did. Voldemort considered it to be a weakness of Draco; but he didn't expect Draco to turn it into the bravery to defeat him," Leila answered.
"How so?" Kingsley asked.
"He destroyed Ravenclaw's Diadem," Leila said.
"Another charge of destruction of property," Olaf sneered. "That was a historical artifact that belonged at Hogwarts."
"It was a bloody Horcrux! Hardly something to keep on display in a school," Leila scoffed. "Besides, if he hadn't done it, for all we know Voldemort would have won the war. Tell me, Mr. Meadowes which would you prefer? A desecrated historical object and no Dark Lord or a pristine Horcrux diadem and a living Dark Lord. The choice seems rather obvious to me."
Leila heard Ron snort from his seat while she got a few chuckles from the Wizengamot, specifically Elphias Doge. But she wasn't done yet. Leila sat up a little straighter in the chair and looked straight at the Wizengamot once more.
"Dumbledore once said that we must choose between what is right and what is easy," Leila began. "Once Draco figured out what to believe for himself, he realized that choice and realized the importance of doing what is right. He couldn't always do that, out of fear for his life. I can guarantee that most of you seated on the Wizengamot, if given the choice between doing what will save your life or kill you, more often than not would do what would save your life. For the longest time Draco chose what was easy; but he finally learned to do what was right, thus helping in the defeat of Lord Voldemort. Like I said before, without Draco's help; we'd be living in a much different world right now."
Leila sighed after her speech; but it was worth it. It was for Draco. Kingsley excused her from the center of the courtroom before she turned around and looked to Draco. Leila's heart skipped a beat as his icy eyes met her emerald ones. Her cheeks flamed as she began to walk away from him toward her seat beside Hermione. When Leila had taken her seat once more, she looked to the center of the courtroom to see Professor McGonagall there. Her former Transfiguration professor pulled her spectacles from her pocket and placed them on her nose. Kingsley addressed the older woman and she soon began.
"I have known Draco Malfoy for nearly the past seven years; but you Meadowes, I have known much longer," Professor McGonagall began. "You want to punish him for the sins of his father, Meadowes. Then why can't you also take into consideration the good deeds of his mother. If my information is correct, Narcissa Malfoy lied to Lord Voldemort, telling him that the Potter twins were dead when she knew full well that they were alive. If children are going to be held responsible for the actions of their parents then it's only fair to consider both sides. Why do we need a trial to judge Draco Malfoy because of his parents? Don't think I don't know what you're trying to do here Meadowes. What would your daughter think of all this? "
"I wouldn't know what she'd think now would I? Voldemort killed my Dorcas and I know for damn certain that Lucius Malfoy was there!" Olaf shouted.
"Lucius is dead. What good will it do to punish his son?" McGonagall continued.
"The boy is just like his father…" Olaf began.
"You biased buffoon, have you even listened to a word they've been saying? Draco Malfoy is not his father," McGonagall continued.
"And what proof do you have that he did this all of his own accord and not for his own benefit?" Olaf scoffed.
"Mr. Malfoy, please come here," Professor McGonagall said.
Draco's eyes shot to Professor McGonagall as he looked to her hesitantly. McGonagall motioned for him to come to her once more. Draco looked up to Kingsley who nodded his head signifying that Draco had his blessing.
"Do you need to see proof that Mr. Malfoy is not his father?" McGonagall asked. "We can show you."
"How?" Olaf scoffed.
"Now forgive me for the history lesson, but I'm an educator and I think it's been quite some time since most of you had History of Magic," Professor McGonagall began. "According to legend, there once lived a Dark wizard named Raczidian. For many years he got along quite harmoniously with the villagers nearby until lust entered his heart…"
"Where are you going with this?" Olaf asked.
"Well, Raczidian found a young woman he wanted to make his wife. He gave the young girl's parents an ultimatum to either give him her hand in marriage or he'd send his Dementors to destroy the village until Eliana was brought to him. Well, the villagers decided to put up a fight. At first their fight seemed to prove in vain, until a young man named Illiyus, whom the elders thought was too feeble to be of use, cast his Patronus. His nimble mouse shone brightly and brought the dementors to an abrupt halt. Raczidian became so enraged that something so small should thwart him that he decided to try his own hand at a Patronus in attempts to best Illiyus's. Does anyone remember what happened to Raczidian when he did this?" Professor McGonagall said.
The room was silent. Professor McGonagall looked around the room as if this was her classroom, waiting for someone's hand to shoot up. She specifically looked to Hermione, who normally knew the answers to these types of questions; but even the former Miss-Know-It-All appeared baffled. Then Professor McGonagall turned toward Leila. She took a few steps toward the younger Potter before she adjusted her glasses. At Hogwarts, Leila normally would have been quite nervous to see this look, especially if Hermione didn't know the answer; but this wasn't Hogwarts and Leila also happened to know the answer. Silently, she thanked her lucky stars that she had paid attention in History of Magic last year, when she had been forced to go to Hogwarts.
"Miss Potter, what happened to Raczidian?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Maggots shot out of Raczidian's wand, engulfing him before devouring him until he was no more," Leila answered.
"That is correct, Miss Potter," McGonagall said with a slight smile. "It also tells us that Dark Wizards, those who are not pure-of-heart such as Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, are unable to produce a Patronus; nor do they attempt to do so for fear of ending up like Raczidian. I, along with several others in this room, have seen Mr. Malfoy produce a Patronus. He would not be able to do so if his heart was a corrupt as some members of the court are claiming. Mr. Malfoy, if you would, please?"
"I forgot about the maggot thing," Draco whispered.
"Have you become a Dark Wizard between then and now?" Professor McGonagall questioned.
"Of course not," Draco quickly responded.
"Then you will be fine," McGonagall reassured him. "Let's not waste any more time with this ridiculousness."
Draco nodded his head at Professor McGonagall as she approached Kingsley to take possession of Draco's wand which was taken him upon his arrival into the courtroom. He had never really thought that the educator before him cared much for him. He was a Slytherin after all. But there was one thing McGonagall was known for and that was being fair. Unlike when Snape had taught at Hogwarts, she didn't care if you were in Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin when it came to matters of discipline and learning. Quidditch on the other hand was a different story. But still, Draco found it hard to believe that the old woman would be here in his defense. Draco then looked over to Leila who looked at him with a soft smile on his face. If it wasn't for her, he wouldn't be who he was today. If it wasn't for her, he wouldn't have the support of the very people he taunted for years. It was true what they said: one person can make a difference in someone else's life. Leila was proof of that.
Professor McGonagall returned to the spot where Draco stood with his wand. She handed him the wand which he accepted with a deep exhale. Draco looked once more to Leila, focusing on her eyes. He then shut his eyes, remembering what Leila's eyes looked like. Especially what they looked like the night she had told him that she loved him. Her eyes had practically shone in the starlight that night. Despite all the pain and anguish Draco had felt over the past few months since the war had ended, he let this happy memory fill him. He needed this, not only to clear his name; but to clear his mind. Draco said the words that had once been foreign to him. For the most part they were still foreign. The last time he had used them at been during the Battle. He only hoped that he would produce the same results. Then again, as long as maggots didn't come flying out of his wand to consume him, the Wizengamot should see that he wasn't his father.
Suddenly, a silver ferret burst from his wand and danced through the air. It headed right for Leila. It circled around the girl he loved, which caused her to giggle, before he released the charm. He sighed contentedly before he handed his wand back to Professor McGonagall. Draco then looked to the Wizengamot, most of whom looked pretty impressed by what he just did. Now they couldn't deny that he was pure-of-heart. He wasn't his father.
"What further proof do you need? We've all done things we regret, Mr. Malfoy included; but I think the court can agree with me that his role in leading to Voldemort's defeat was greater than his role as a Death Eater. I implore you to see that Mr. Malfoy is not his father, nor does he have any intention of becoming him. Therefore, I ask you to clear Mr. Malfoy of the charges not based on prejudices, but based on the overwhelming amount of information you've seen today telling you otherwise."
Professor McGonagall then sharply turned on her heel to return to her seat. Members of the Wizengamot began to talk amongst themselves when Kingsley finally called them to order. They were going to take a vote. Leila knew that there was 50 members on the Wizengamot and if there was a tie, Kingsley would have to break it.
"Those in favor or conviction?" Kingsley asked.
Olaf slowly raised his hand along with several other hands. Leila began to count the hands: one, two, three…twenty, twenty-one. They needed twenty five to pass the conviction. So far, they were in the clear as long as everyone voted.
"Those in favor of clearing the accused of the charges?" Kingsley continued.
Doge raised his hand as he nodded at Draco. Leila began to count: one, two, three…twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three…twenty-nine votes total. Kingsley didn't even have a tie to break; but the vote was still too close for Leila's comfort.
"Draco Malfoy, you have been cleared of all charges," Kingsley said with a smile.
Draco sighed in relief, while some in the courtroom clapped at the verdict. Despite their drifting, Leila couldn't contain her excitement that Draco had been cleared. She jumped over the railing and ran to Draco. Without even thinking twice, she flung her arms around his neck and held onto him tightly. Draco held onto Leila just as tight. He beat this…they beat this. With Leila in his arms, Draco turned around to look at Professor McGonagall. The older woman looked to Draco and nodded her head.
"Thank you," Draco said.
"Just don't make a habit of this," Professor McGonagall responded.
"Yes ma'am," Draco nodded.
"I need to be leaving; I have a meeting to prepare for," Professor McGonagall said before walking away.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville walked up to them. Ron slapped Draco on the shoulder which Draco returned the favor to Ron. Draco then thanked each of them for testifying on his behalf. Leila chuckled as she remembered a time when those words never would have graced Draco's lips to them. As the group continued to talk, Elphias Doge walked up to them and stuck his hand out for Draco to shake. Draco shook the older man's hand as he thanked him for believing in him.
"It wasn't me, son, it was you. From what I've seen and heard you've done some growing up," Elphias said. "You've become a fine young man."
"Thank you," Draco muttered.
"And don't you worry about Meadowes' ornery old arse," Elphias continued. "Just continue doing what you're doing and prove him wrong. Now, if you'll excuse me. I'd like to get a bite to eat before my next trial."
Doge moved to leave the courtroom. Ron looked after the old man and patted his stomach.
"Doge's got the right idea, I'm bloody starving," Ron said.
"We know," Hermione retorted.
The group began to walk toward the door when Draco pulled Leila away from the group. Leila giggled as Ron turned toward them; but Harry pushed Ron forward, leaving Leila alone with Draco.
"While I'm grateful for the rest of them, there's only one person I'd like to dine with. What'd you say? Where would you like to go?" Draco asked.
"Normally, I'd say I love to; but I have a meeting I need to get to," Leila sighed.
"A meeting with whom?" Draco asked.
"I'll tell you later," Leila smirked. "Tonight, to be exact."
"Why would I be seeing you?" Draco grinned.
"Because Remus is a bloody awful surprise birthday party planner," Leila chuckled.
"Is that so? Well, it looks like you'll just have to wait and see," Draco smirked. "Happy birthday, by the way."
"Thank you," Leila whispered.
Leila pressed a gentle kiss against Draco's lips before she pulled away. She entwined her fingers with his as they walked out of the courtroom together. After everything they had been through, it seemed like they could get through anything as long as they were together. Draco made her a better person and she made him a better person. Leila kissed Draco goodbye before she walked to the fireplaces, to Floo to her destination..