Chapter 11

"That's what mums are supposed to do. They're not supposed to be the cause of your pain, they're supposed to make it go away. They're supposed to hold you and tell you everything is going to be alright. They're supposed to tell you that thunder is angels bowling. And that it's okay to be afraid of the dark, and it isn't silly to think there might be monsters in your closet. And that it's okay if you want to climb into bed with them just this once because it's scary in the room all alone… They're supposed to say it's okay to be afraid, and not be the thing you're afraid of. But most importantly, they're supposed to love you no matter what." (Criminal Minds, JJ)


"Mother," Malfoy carefully pulled Hermione back a little before forcing his shoulder in front of her chest so he was almost between the two women. Narcissa narrowed her eyes, but kept her wand firmly against Hermione's head, satisfied at the rapid, panicked breathing of the younger woman. "You don't need to do this."

"Draco, move out of the way." Narcissa replied in the same, calm tone, her eyes fixed on Hermione's trembling face. "Now."

"No."

She hissed low in disapproval, her eyes flickering in his direction. "Draco, do not disobey me. Move."

"No." He repeated sharply.

Hermione closed her eyes momentarily, gripping Draco's fingers in fear as Narcissa pressed the tip of her wand further into her skin. He squeezed her waist and her eyes opened slowly.

"Go on then, mother," Draco murmured quietly. "I believe you can start your confession. You didn't hurt Hermione physically, did you? That's not the Malfoy way. You hired someone, to stage it as a muggle attack."

"Oh so clever." Narcissa let out a cold, breathless laugh. "Of course, son. Why would I let you carry on with this filth?"

"This isn't you, mother. Please put the wand down and we can talk properly."

"I don't think so."

"Mother-

"-Hold your tongue."

He did so when Hermione whimpered as Narcissa forced her head back with her wand, twisting it into her skin hard.

"You're hurting her," He told Narcissa quietly, looking up at her.

She only ignored him.

"So," Narcissa started conversationally, as if they were not in such a dangerous situation. "I suppose this is the bit where you ask why I would harm someone?"

"Usually, yes. But I already understand why you hurt Hermione. But why Blaise?"

"Ah, yes. Zabini. I forgot."

"This is so absurd," Malfoy suddenly yelled, sitting up so he was eye level with her. "I'm your son, what the fuck is this? Your in my room about to curse us to shit!"

Narcissa ignored his use of language and smirked. "Oh, don't worry, Draco. I only want to kill the mudblood."

Hermione shivered and tried to move back, only to hit Malfoy's chest. She sunk down into it, feeling utterly useless without her wand. She had never been so vulnerable before. Never seen Narcissa so driven to accomplish something. Her throat was screaming but when she opened her mouth, no sound came out.

"Well you can't kill her without hitting me," Malfoy pointed out with a hiss. "So I suggest you re-think it."

"You-

Suddenly, Draco plunged himself into his mother, forcing her to be thrown backwards onto the floor with a scream whilst his other hand pushed Hermione aside and off the bed. Hermione had quickly recovered to reach forward and snatch the wand from Narcissa's pale hand, standing quickly to point down at the pair on the floor.

"No!" Narcissa screamed as Draco swiftly moved and held Hermione's wrist to stop her from doing anything yet. "How dare you-

"-Why did you hurt Blaise, mother?" At this, Hermione gave Malfoy the wand silently and stepped back. "The truth. Now."

"You won't hurt me," She hissed, but stopped when he pointed his wand down at her.

"Laya!"

With a quick pop, a house-elf appeared in the room, startled by the scene but too trained to say anything but: "Yes, Master Draco?"

"Fetch me Veritisum from my father's potion stock, please. Don't be seen."

"Very good, Sir." She was gone with another quick pop. Narcissa narrowed her eyes at Malfoy.

"That elf has no right-

"-I pay her, mother. She's very much my elf. Not fathers'."

Laya suddenly re-entered again and handed Malfoy the small vial of clear liquid to which he thanked her, ignoring Hermione's small murmur of "Draco…" He bent down and looked at Narcissa directly.

"I don't want to force you to drink this, mother. So just tell me and spare yourself the trouble. Why did you want to hurt Blaise?"

"I meant… to warn you."

"Warn me? With a curse to his head? He could have died-

"-My instructions to the servant were not sinister. I only meant to give him a fright, so he would tell you and you would be alert. The servant got too eager."

"It's all very dramatic isn't it? Because I'm getting a divorce? Because I'm dating Hermione? Come on, mother, there must be something else. You wouldn't just do this for something so little. It's low, even for you. Tell me." At her silence, he added: "Now."

Her head snapped up. Moments passed silently as they looked at each other daringly, nothing but the ticking of the grand clock echoing through the walls. Finally, Narcissa spoke.

"Pansy is pregnant with Lucius' baby. It isn't yours. It never was."


"I knew she was a threat." Narcissa continued calmly, yet not able to look at her stunned son and choosing to avert her gaze to the carpet. "Lucius…" She broke off, her beautiful eyes creased with pain. "Lucius and I are not the same anymore. Not after the War. And a young woman like Pansy… I felt…"

"Threatened," Hermione finished for her, her voice surprisingly shaky. Lucius? Pansy and Lucius? The image was too ludicrous for her to imagine. For Malfoy's own father to sleep with his wife… it was beyond crude.

Narcissa only nodded briefly. "Yes. What do I have? Without your fathers' protection I have nothing. I... I need him."

Malfoy had stepped away, his mouth slightly open in shock as he gazed down wordlessly at his mother. He swallowed hard before recovering. "So…So why…"

"I needed you to keep her as your wife." Narcissa bit her lip, looking almost a child: so very vulnerable and naïve. It was as almost as if her and Malfoy had switched positions- he the adult and she the confessing child. "I persuaded Pansy all would be forgiven if she do as I said, if she asked for a simple DNA test to prove the baby had Malfoy blood. The Healer only picked up on that, she wasn't instructed to delve any deeper. You bought the lie. Then your lawyer threatened her, so I hurt Granger. Then a court date was fixed. You watched Granger. You were careful to watch her, I knew that. So... I chose Blaise. There's no one else you care for deeply. Pansy then told me you'd threatened her to sign the papers. So: I came here." She finished with a small, cruel laugh, covering her eyes with her hand as she closed them in pain. "I came here." She repeated.

Hermione realised she had been holding her breath for the duration of Narcissa's speech and blinked rapidly, but the mess before her hadn't disappeared. She was too stunned to speak, only able to look at Narcissa and think how crazy this was, how ridiculous it all sounded… But then why was she feeling sympathetic? This woman had planned to kill her: twice. Yet she could not help but lower her wand and bite her lip.

Stupid stupid stupid.

Malfoy let out a long sigh, before sitting down on the bed, his thoughts whirling about him.

"I don't believe this," He let out a shaky laugh as he stared blankly at his mother. "I really don't believe what a fucked up family I have."

"Draco... What do we do now?" Hermione whispered, her wide eyes never leaving Narcissa's pale face. She flinched when Narcissas' head shot up to look up at her, her grey eyes that were so similar to Dracos' own probing into Hermiones' toffee coloured ones. Hermione forced herself to look over at Malfoy, but found he was staring at Narcissa too.

"I don't know," He said finally.


"Mrs Narcissa Malfoy, on the charges of involvement with the assault of Hermione Granger, how do you plead?"

"Guilty."

"On the charges of involvement with the assault of Blaise Zabini, how do you plead?"

"Guilty."

"On the charges of threatening and conspiring against your son, Draco Malfoy, how do you plead?"

A pause. "Guilty."

Malfoy let out a shaky breath- whether it was relief or shock, he couldn't tell. More to the point, he didn't exactly care. His mother had pleaded guilty. She had done everything he asked her to, yet he didn't expect her to do so. Why would she, after all she wanted to do? It made no sense, he thought to himself as she made her way down from the box and took her seat, barely looking at anyone. It made no sense she had tried every trick to keep her father for a husband and now...

Then he understood. Narcissa Malfoy was no fool. She knew the evidence was piled against her. She knew she stood no chance. If she pleaded guilty, the sentence was lower.

And Malfoy was pretty certain that a sentence in Azkaban would actually be desired by Narcissa. He had seen his father, who did not look at all surprised by Narcissas' actions. Instead, he had offered her his lawyer and announced he had business abroad.

Malfoy had not failed to miss the pain in her eyes.


"The prosecutor calls for Pansy Malfoy to come to the stand."

Draco Malfoy watched as Pansy shakily got to her feet and made her way to the stand, raising her chin slightly to try and show she was unafraid. Fabius raised an eyebrow at her.

"Mrs Malfoy, you are pregnant, are you not?"

"Yes."

"With Lucius Malfoy's child, correct?

She hesitated, her eyes flickering up to connect with Malfoys'. "Yes."

"Did you lie to my client at first, claiming it was his child?"

"Yes." She was becoming increasingly more irritated now, her eyes narrowing. Fabius smiled at her charmingly. That's right, Parkinson. Get used to my questions.

"And yet you still want to stay married to him after your actions?"

"Objection," Pansy's lawyer, Percy James, stood. "Your Honour, this is unfair and unethical. Mr Fabius has no right to ask-

"-I have every right, Your Honour, as I need to establish just why my client wants a divorce-

"-Your Honour-

"-I'll allow him to continue," The judge interrupted, his lip curling with disapleasure when Percy threw him a scathing look. "Watch yourself, Mr James, or I'll not allow you to have a say."

"My apologies, Your Honour."

"Mrs Malfoy," Fabius continued, taking a few steps towards her casually as he surveyed her. "Were you involved with the attacks towards Hermione Granger and Blaise Zabini?"

"-Your Honour, objection!"

"Overruled. Answer the question, Mrs Malfoy."

Pansy did not blink. "No, I was not."

"So you weren't?"

"No. I wasn't."

"Are you sure?"

"Your Honour! I must insist the inappropriate-

"-Sustained. Move on, Mr Fabius."

Fabius was not phased, only nodding. "Of course, Your Honour. Mrs Malfoy, what is your relationship with your husband like?"

"We're… close. Very close."

Malfoy snorted, before swiftly pretending it was a cough when a mass of faces looked in his direction. Mr Fabius hid a smile before turning back to Pansy.

"Oh really? Funny that you're getting a divorce then. I think, Mrs Malfoy: that you're lying."

"Your Honour-

"-Sit down, Mr James. Mr Fabius: Continue."

"Mrs Malfoy, why are you so against this divorce?"

"Your Honour, objection. It's a fairly obvious answer."

"Overruled." The judge looked towards Pansy for her answer.

Pansy glared at Fabius. "Because I want and believe my marriage can work, and he wants a divorce on unfair grounds."

"How are they unfair?"

"Objection: Your Honour, we are getting off the point. This is a trial, not a discussion."

"Sustained. Move on, Mr Fabius."

Fabius gave Pansy one last, lingering look. "No more questions, Your Honour."

"Mr James?"

"No questions, Your Honour."

"Very well. You may step down, Mrs Malfoy. Does the defence or prosecution want to call anybody to the stand?"

Both of the lawyers shook their heads, allowing the judge to nod. "Very well. The jury will make its' decision and we will call back in an hour. We're adjourned."


Malfoy moved over to Hermione, who was rubbing at her temples soothingly. Gently, he took her hand and squeezed it as he sat down next to her. "You alright?"

She nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes, thoroughly exhausted. "I'm surprised I wasn't up there for long."

"You didn't need to be." Fabius stated shortly as he joined them, glaring at Mr James. "We only needed confirmation of how you heard Pansy's threat."

"What were you trying to do with Pansy?"

"Weaken her. Get the jury to dislike and doubt her… subtly."

Malfoy snorted. "That probably wouldn't take a lot."

All of their gazes swiftly switched towards Pansy, who was sitting there glaring at them. Hermione fidgeted uncomfortably but stopped when Malfoy bent down to kiss her forehead. She looked up at him with a questioning gaze.

"It's alright," He murmured to her, stroking her hair gently. "It's all going to be over soon enough."


"Harry?" Hermione's face broke out into a smile when she spotted the familiar, messy black-haired figure with wonky glasses grin at her. She walked towards him, throwing herself into his tall body as she hugged him tightly before rising on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "What are you doing here?"

"Yeah, sorry I'm late. Thought I'd pop in for moral support though." Harry's grin widened, holding her tightly. Malfoy raised an eyebrow.

"Aw, thanks Potter."

"Not you," Harry rolled his eyes, causing Malfoy to chuckle.

"Yes, I know that Potter. Honestly, you really are stressed out."

"Weddings take a lot of stress."

"What a revelation; I had no idea."

Hermione ruffled his hair. "Aw, the big day is only a week away. How's Ginny doing?"

"She's freaking out." Harry admitted, biting his lip. "Apparently I'm no help."

"I'm sure she's called you every name in the book."

"Pretty much," He sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "Honestly, Hermione, I know you've been through a lot but you should talk to her when you can. Get her to relax."

"Easier said than done. But I'll try."

"Silence in the courtroom please," The clerk called as the judge sat down. Everyone instantly started to hush and Hermione squeezed Malfoy's hand before he took his place next to Fabius, his eyes intently staring up at the judge.

The judge removed his spectacles and looked down at them all, releasing a sigh. "Frankly, this is the most ludricous case I have come across in my thirty years of this profession. Narcissa Malfoy, stand."

She did so, trembling a little but lifting her head and staring up at the judge directly.

"You have pleaded guilty, so I took that into consideration. But the fact that you were the reason that the two individuals were attacked and fail to tell us who you hired, I am forced to sentence you, Narcissa Malfoy, to three months in Azkaban. I also advise you see a counsellor. Your motives were driven by a deep level of anxiety that must be fixed, for your sake as much as anyone else's. Draco Malfoy, stand please."

Fabius nodded at Malfoy who immediately stood, his fingers lacing together in apprehension. From the corner of his eye, he saw Pansy leaning forward as she strained to hear everything.

"As for the divorce, it is granted. I also think the terms are fair: Mr Malfoy, you may keep your property whilst the rest is left to your ex wife. I suggest to you, Mrs Malfoy-or should I say Miss Parkinson- that you ensure Lucius Malfoy takes responsibility for your child. You are also cleared of all charges. That is all. You are all dismissed."

Draco didn't even know people were talking and leaving. All he knew was that one minute he was looking at the judge, and the next he was turning and seeing Hermione's bright, happy face. He felt himself gravitating towards her instantly before reaching for her hands and pulling her towards him, enveloping her in a bone-crushing hug as his nose delving into her thick, sweet-smelling tresses.

"We did it," She murmured into his ear as, slowly, he started to sob into her shoulder, stroking his white-blonde hair. "We did it."


"I wish you'd stop staring."

Malfoy chuckled, curling a lock of her hair with his long, thin finger as he smiled down at her. "I can't help it."

She sighed, closing her eyes as she relaxed back into the bed whilst he hovered over her, leaning only on his elbow. His hand traced gentle circles in her plump cheek before lightly tickling down the crumpled sheet that covered her body, causing her body to buck unexpectedly at his touch. She opened one eye in amusement and his eyes twinkled back at her.

"Aren't you tired?"

"Not particularly."

"Well, you're depriving me of sleep."

He only gave her a lop-sided grin, his delicate fringe falling gracefully over his smoky grey eyes. "Oh well."

She sighed again, before curling a hand around the back of his neck and tugging him down, ignoring his yelp of protest. "Draco, sleep. I have work in the morning."

"That hurt," He whined, but happily buried his face into the crook of her neck, kissing down along it. She closed her eyes in pleasure.

"Oh well," She repeated mockingly with a happy sigh, bursting into peals of laughter when he poked at her ribs. "Hey!"

He lifted his head to kiss her soundly, grinning when she too, smiled into his mouth. He snaked his hand down to her thigh, lifting it before pulling his lips from hers to lean back and bend his head to smother kisses along her leg. She rested it properly on his shoulder before leaning back, mewling happily as he progressed up her thigh, his beautiful fingers stroking her teasingly...

Pop.

"Holy shit!"

Hermione lifted her head, her mouth dropping open in horror just as Malfoy yanked her leg down and threw the cover properly over her before leaping from the bed, holding the sheet around his waist. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Potter?"

"I'm sorry!" Harry had covered his eyes with a groan, his back to the blushing couple. "Your house elf said it'd be okay to come in if I knocked-

"-I didn't HEAR a bloody knock!"

"I was knocking, but now I see why you probably didn't hear-

"-Maybe you could've just left instead of apparating into my bedroom?" Malfoy threw his shirt to Hermione, quickly slipping into a pair of silky boxers. "Merlin above!"

"You should be flattered, Malfoy, I thought something had happened so came in to check! With the case and everything, I thought…I heard…" Harry broke off with another groan. "…Moaning."

Malfoy placed a hand over his forehead just as Hermione blushed so her face coloured into a deep tomato red. Harry bit his lip before turning around, his hand still over his closed eyes. "Can I look?"

"You already got a glimpse," Malfoy pointed out, irritated. He looked over at Hermione and frowned when she saw she was stifling laughs into the bedcovers. "Granger, do you think this is funny?"

Harry opened his eyes and the two men looked at each other in confusion as Hermione threw back her head, clutching at her side before she doubled over shakily, her body racking with laughs. Malfoy looked at her before looking back at Harry, glaring at him and mouthing 'This is your fault'.


"And you had to tell me this now?"

"Well, it's important." Harry defended himself, rolling his eyes.

"But…" Malfoy frowned, puzzled. "Why me?"

"Because Ginny wants it. She thinks it's a good idea. And the more I think of it, it is. You don't want Hermione matched with some other groomsman do you?"

"We're not best buddies, Potter, why the fuck do you even want me to be your groomsman?"

"All you have to do is put on a suit. Just say yes, Malfoy, I have things to be doing."

Malfoy hid a smile, examining his nails indifferently. "Whatever. I suppose I... could."

"Good."

"But just so you know I'm not doing this for you, Potter, it's just I have nothing else to do that day so I suppose I could make your wedding a little more exciting with me in it." Malfoy snapped.

Harry only rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say, Malfoy."

They sat there awkwardly, neither knowing how to continue. Harry stood up suddenly, causing Malfoy to follow. They regarded each other, before Harry held out his hand; Malfoy shook it.

"Thanks," Harry told him curtly, before swinging around to leave.

From her position in the corner, Hermione could only chuckle.


A/N: I'm so sorry this is late. I just had so much work and didn't want to rush anything, but I hope you're not too disappointed. Thank you so much for all your reviews, you are all amazing! A shout out to:

blueidpanda, WaterAngel35, flower123, Courtney, Epixie, anotherwatson, purpledarknessvampyr, native-kitten, HotWolfGirl, BeneHime1124, Ceralyn, 27, love-them-all10, nature love 95, BellasBeingBad, CheshireCat23, ebm56, Orange-Coyote, sarah, haileydelacour101, KekeKoorime and Sarah Liz.

I have never received such a response and it still amazes me. Thank you very much! Some notes/thoughts, as usual, instead of me repeating myself:

- Sarah Liz: Please don't apologise. Your review was extremely fair, I thought you made good observations, so if it helps, this is what I think:

Narcissa is, to me, a character that could go either way (as many of you have pointed out). She could either be sweeter than Lucius, or just as evil (probably even more so). I think, however, that she's a very proud woman, but would do anything for her son. In her eyes, that would mean getting rid of Hermione as she is a muggle-born and would tarnish their reputation- and therefore, even Blaise is a culprit. As you discovered in this chapter, she only means to scare him a little but the attacker got carried away.

I definetely think has an attitude towards class/race: Why else would she be so cruel about her own sister (who is Tonks's mother). Yet I think she can be a woman to sympathise with... when someone is so used to affection from a partner which suddenly is taken away and feels trapped, things do happen.

Some of you were surprised it was her, some of you weren't: It wasn't really my objective to surprise you with the actual culprit. The point was- as Ceralyn pointed out- that her actually coming to the house is rather disturbing.

Reviews, as always, make me a happy person. Look out for chapter 12! (The drama does not end here, I promise...)