Note: Another update so soon? YES! Let me hear the cheers and applause! Yeah, I got really bored with nothing to do so I figured I would write.
The day of the trial came. I was ready to show my memories and take Veritaserum, and then of course there is the evidence of my being pregnant with his child. I didn't think things were looking so good for the Malfoy family.
I only had two problems. First: a nagging sensation that something was going to go horribly wrong. Second: I had no idea how to handle seeing Satan and Co,.
"Hermione, are you ready for this?" Ginny asked, concern written all over her face. Eyes squinted. Eyebrows raised. Sympathetic smile plastered on her face.
"I honestly don't know." I breathed out. "I am going to have to tell everyone that I am pregnant. What if they get off and try to 'take care' of the baby, if you know what I mean. I might not be keeping my son, but someone wil want him. I couldn't bear the thought of him dead. When I think of parents who kill their children it makes me sick. Like I know sometimes some people can't deal and get abortions, but I am just not that person. Ugh! Ginny, I am definitely nervous. I'm babbling." I sighed and closed my eyes trying to get a grip on myself.
"Mione, it's okay. I am guessing that this is normal. I mean we have no experience with this, or well anything normal for that matter, but everything is going to be okay. So maybe the world will know you're pregnant, but that doesn't mean that things will be bad. Great, now I am babbling."
I leaned my head on her shoulder. I needed support. Even sitting on this bench, I felt my body ready to give way beneath me.
A flash of blonde through the open doors of the court room being seated.
A single tear ran down my face as I whispered, "It's time." I wiped that lone tear from my face and walked with purpose inside to the back of the stadium seating. The entire Wizengamot was overseeing the trial. Many wizards in read an black robes surrounded me, looking from me to Malfoy the younger.
Some looked on with sympathy; others with disbelief. It was obvious that the Malfoys had connections in the wizard court.
I went into this knowing that though. Some of these members were purebloods who stayed out of the war, but still were against Mudbloods. In fact, I could pick out at least five members of the court that I recognized as having come into the slavery ring once or twice.
The minister quieted the chatter and interrupted my thoughts.
"The trial of one Lucius Malfoy, one Narcissa Malfoy, and one Draco Malfoy is now in session. The accused are being tried for slavery, rape, and assault through physical and magical means."
There was some grunting of disbelief through the court at that point. I knew no matter what happened some would try to get the Malfoys off, but I hoped the majority weren't these people. But how could they be? That would just be the worst luck... But knowing me... Possibly... No, I must think positive now.
The trial went by rather quickly my true memories and the Malfoys very well edited memories were shown to the court.
If the memories were different, it meant that they would break out the Veritaserum.
"Mr. Draco Malfoy please step forward." They chose him because they figured him the one most likely to spill all secrets because of a weaker mind, being barely 20.
What happened next was the most horrifying words I would ever hear in my life.
"Was Hermione Granger your slave ever?"
"No." He stated simply. I didn't understand how it was possible. He was lying. The Veritaserum must have been fake or tampered with.
"Did you ever rape her?"
"No. Any intercourse we had was purely consensual."
The court was in an uproar at this point.
"Did you ever abuse her?"
"No more than what she literally asked for."
I stood with indignation written all over my face. My eyes the tiniest slits. Fists clenched. Lips pursed. I walked forward, more accurately I marched and seemed like I flew over.
"He's lying!" I yelled.
He was the one to address me with a hidden smirk that I could still see, and I was only angered more by that.
"I am under Veritaserum. I couldn't possibly lying." He used a haughty tone in his words.
"But, you could take the Veritaserum if you are so sure."
My hand flew to my stomach. If it weren't for my "condition," I would have downed the entire vile.
"I can't. Veritaserum can cause birth defects when pregnant."
A sound of shock and uproar went throughout the court.
"Hermione Granger pregnant?" they all were saying. Some with pure shock that the goodiest two-shoes ever could find herself in such a situation. Some saying it while laughing haughtily, judging me.
"You're pregnant, Granger? Didn't see that one coming. But I can assure this court that it is not mine. A contraceptive spell was used each time you came to me begging for it."
"LIAR!" I shouted the indignation overcoming the humiliation I was feeling.
"Veritaserum." he said.
"I'm sorry, Miss Granger," I heard Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister himself say. "But, we are unable to convict the Malfoys under theses circumstances." He shot me a look saying that this was not over and a thorough investigation would be put into the Veritaserum. He believed me was what that look assured me. He then nodded as if reading my mind.
With the tears filling my eyes, I began to run out of the court. I collapsed in a distant corner of the ministry. Why me? I thought.
"WHY ME?" I yelled. I cried not caring how I looked to those around me staring strangely, but not daring to approach. But one shadow stood over me.
Note: Don't you love cliffhangers? I wish I could do more with the trial, but it was exceedingly hard to write.
Quick update: My grandmother has 3 malignant tomers in her breast. She has a form of heart disease, diabetic high blood sugar, and some possible lung problems. She has to have a mastectomy, but not until her other health problems are taken care of. It's very scary right now. But I will try not to let it interfere with my updating that is infrequent enough as it is.
