A/N : not mine, all JK's.

Chapter 2: Appeal in the ministry.

"Blood on their hands, cut family bands

Not enough life without been given the chance

Are we meant to be angels fallin' or do we live to survive?"

A song for the Outcast. Backyard Babies.

"Harry! Ginny! I'm so happy to see you here!"

"You meant relieved, 'Mione." Harry said, half-joking.

"Lovely to see you Hermione," Ginny said, more diplomatically.

"Same." Hermione answered, not without first poking Harry in the ribs. "Yes, relieved too. I admit I'm a bit nervous."

"Who wouldn't?" he smirked.

When they entered the vast room, there were only a few people. Harry and Ginny took a seat in the back while Hermione sat in the front row, waiting for her turn to speak. By the look of it, it wouldn't take long.

"Miss Hermione Granger," a young woman called, seemingly bored with her task. "You appeal to the Court today for the custody of Draco Malfoy, presumed Death-Eater, charged with untrustworthiness and incriminated as a threat to the magical and Muggle world?"

"I do."

"Could you please explain the motives of your demand?"

"He acted as we all did: according to the way we've been brought up and taught to believe in. We went to school together and I firmly trust he is better than meets the eye. He actually turned his back to his upbringing and sought the Order of the Phoenix – and their allies – to help contribute to the war and the downfall of Lord Voldemort. I do believe such an act is worth a chance to be rehabilitated. Moreover, he is still a young man and he should be allowed to make his own choices now that any family pressure has disappeared. He might surprise us. Or so I think."

A younger member of the jury looked at her quizzically, then frowned slightly.

"I thought you were always at each other's throats when you were at school."

"That is right sir. But as you reasonably put it, it was at school. Much happened since then. That time is long gone when we argued on petty problems. The war has changed us all as well as our perspectives. The differences we encountered then can be smoothed over, I think."

"Why do you think you would be adequate for the … job, Miss Granger?"

"I'm a Muggle-born witch. I represent all he's been taught to despise. I'm also an embodiment of the bridge between our two cultures. I can introduce him to the Muggle world."

"And how exactly do you plan to do this?"

"I will temporarily leave my work to live in the Muggle world, using their ways."

"Do you think it will suffice?"

"I think that's a start. I don't know him enough to know if this will work or not. But when your means of living have to be earned, you generally tend to adapt. The question is: how long will it take?"

"What makes you think you can handle this?"

"I'm Muggle-born. I know this world and I have family there. Moreover, I'm not alone. I have friends who support my decision and who will help me if need be."

"Would you mind giving their names?"

"Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley."

"We will consider your appeal, Miss Granger. You'll be notified of our decision in a few days."

A/N : It's Winter Holidays over here and I won't be home. Sorry, I won't be able to update before mid-January. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.