Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, who is the product of J.K. Rowling's imagination. The song, The Noose, and all relating lyrics, which will be listed at the end, are property of A Perfect Circle.

The Noose

Lucius Malfoy sat in a shackled in a chair before Wizengamot. He proclaimed his innocence of the horrible deeds that were done by his name. Imperius, he said. Then he also named names, for what loyal Death Eater would betray Voldemort and his faithful servants. Arthur Weasley growled as Lucius Malfoy was pronounced innocent of all charges. By the slight smile on Lucius's face one would think he would be anything but guilty, but Arthur knew better.

He had known Lucius since childhood; they had been best friends through their first years of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But dark tainted those first years. Each year they grew farther and farther apart as house rivalry grew stronger. Then the shadow of Voldemort fell over the world. Both Lucius and Arthur had to make a choice: between what was right and what was easy. They went their separate ways.

Arthur tried to convince his friend of the errors of his ways, but this just tore them farther apart. Arthur knew the misdeeds of Lucius, how many families he destroyed, people he killed. Arthur wanted to do something, but there was nothing to be done. Rejoice and sorrow caught in his throat when he heard that Lucius had been caught.

Arthur had caught his eye as he was brought before Wizengamot in shackles. Arthur had not much sympathy left for Lucius. No, he did not wish the Dementor's Kiss upon him. He could not, no matter how hard he tried to wish it, but he knew that Lucius could not be let free.

Arthur had grown angry at Lucius's false testimony. He could stand lies and deceit. Furthermore, it had ripped him apart when Lucius had been found innocent. He knew that money had exchanged hands and that infuriated him further. How could money still run the world after all that had happened?

Arthur walked out of the assembly quite upset. Along the way, he ran into Lucius.

"Hello Arthur. Lovely to see you," drawled Lucius.

"So glad to see you well," replied Arthur.

"Yes, I cannot say that I am disappointed."

"You cast your demons out and now you stand reborn before us all," said Arthur with a small smile.

"What? Perhaps your small brain could comprehend that I am innocent."

"Yes, of course, innocent. I must say though, I'm more than just a little curious how you're planning to go about making your amends to the dead."

"What are you talking about?" snapped Lucius. "I have no amends to make."

"Your halo's slipping down, Lucius. Around your neck, to tug you to the ground."

"You have always just been a filthy Muggle-lover. How would you hear such things?"

"Someone else's atrocious stories."

"I am innocent," hissed Lucius.

Arthur just shook his head as his old friend walked away.

Your halo's slipping down, to choke you now.

A/N: Thank you to everyone for reading, which an extra special thank you to anyone who reviews. Thank you also to A Perfect Circle for good music and inspiration.

---Perplexity

PS: Lyrics used are:

So glad to see you well.

You cast your demons out.

and now you stand reborn before us all.

I'm more than just a little curious how you're planning to go about making your amends to the dead.

Your halo's slipping down.

Around your neck, to tug you to the ground.

Someone else's atrocious stories.

Your halo's slipping down, to choke you now.