Chapter 10 – Wizengamot's Most Sincere Apology

a/n: Alright here it is. The verdict. I've teased you enough. I'm sorry.

-Kt

Draco

"On the 27th day of this month of November, the Wizengamot courts issue their most sincere apology"

Kingsley paused for a moment, and I almost died. My vision started to swim.

This couldn't be happening! They couldn't be sending me back there!

"to young Mr. Malfoy, for wrongly imprisoning him five years ago. We would like to formally ensure your release from Azkaban."

I let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding.

"Today marks the first day of your newfound freedom Mr. Malfoy."

Kingsley took this opportunity to smile warmly at me. a strange feeling, having the minister of magic smiling down at you in the Wizengamot courts, especially since it didn't happen very often. At least not with our previous ministers. Maybe Kingsley was different. I liked him already. However that may have something largely in part to do with the fact that he has just handed me back my freedom after five years.

"Your entire estate that was seized and frozen by the ministry, will be returned to you within the month and you will be re-integrated into the wizarding society of England. For the time being, we have decided to place you under the protection of Mr. Potter, for your own safety, but we hope to have you living your own, normal life as soon as all threats have passed."

Kingsley continued to rant and outline the particulars of my release but for the moment my head was swimming with thoughts of freedom. And Harry. How could my thoughts not be swimming with him right now? I have just been entrusted to his care for an indeterminate period of time. I wonder how he feels about all this.

I carefully examined him out of the corner of my eye but I couldn't get a proper handle for how he was feeling. He seemed relieved almost.

"and so Mr. Malfoy, it is with this that we send you off with our best wishes to number 12 Grimmauld Place"

I'm free!

Wait.

What?

Grimmauld Place?

That's.

Oh shit.

Harry

Once Kingsley had confirmed Malfoy's release, I let out a huge shuddering breath. With an opening like that I had to restrain myself from hexing Kingsley on the spot. It sounded like he was sending Malfoy right on back to Azkaban.

I was more than relieved when they confirmed his release and explained to him about his estates and freedom. I was more than a little nervous about my part in this whole plan, and waited anxiously for Kingsley to get on with his damn speech.

"For the time being, we have decided to place you under the protection of Mr. Potter, for your own safety, but we hope to have you living your own, normal life as soon as all threats have passed."

Alright I had expected about this much. I had to work for – with? – Malfoy for an undisclosed period of time. Likely until I or Kingsley decides that the public has simmered down enough to not be a threat.

"Malfoy you will be asked for the time being to live in Mr. Potter's home, at least until your estates are back in order, and Mr. Potter and yourself have managed to establish the proper security measures."

Hold the phone. What? Malfoy living with me? Kingsley gave me an apologetic glace that seemed to say "Sorry Harry, it was the only way they would agree" I suppose of all things that could have happened this was, not the worst. It just meant Malfoy and I would need to learn to not kill each other for a few days, weeks, months. Who knows how long it was going to be.

"Harry we are asking you to temporarily allow Draco asylum in your home was well as becoming his guardian. We are also asking you take leave from your usual Auror duties at least for the time being. We are paying you at your regular Auror rates plus overtime for your understanding and co-operation"

How on earth was Malfoy taking this whole deal? I examined him out of the corner of my eye. He seemed completely distant. In a far off world no doubt reveling in his freedom. He seems distinctly undisturbed about this whole ordeal.

Kingsley began to slow and finally wrapped up the proceedings

"And so Mr. Malfoy, it is with this that we send you off with our best wishes to number 12 Grimmauld Place"

And then the look of sheer panic I had been expecting began to show itself on Malfoy's face.