Chapter 11: Trial (or: Let the games begin)
Molly made it to the lifts before she broke down. She turned into Arthur's arms and began to sob. Arthur held her tightly.
"Don't worry. They'll come round."
Soothingly he began to rub small circles into her back. Calling her sweet nicknames and whispering reassurances of love in her ear, he succeeded in calming her. After a few moments the sobbing stopped. Molly relaxed completely in her love's arms. Arthur kissed her head and a radiant smile spread across his face when she snuggled closer. To further lighten her mood, he chuckled:
"Have you ever seen McGonagall loose it like that? Her ... what was it called ... ah, yeah ... her Scottish brouque was coming out. It was amazing. And Poppy backing away. For a moment I couldn't breathe. When your mother ..."
"She is not my mother. Arthur, I said the truth. They needed heirs, never children. In the last month Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore did everything to help me. They did more for me than my parents ever did in all my life. But enough of that. What did my father mean when he said you were the culprit?"
"I have no idea. He must have misunderstood something. But don't worry about that. We have to face the Wizengamot right now. You're ok?"
"Yes, I'm fine. You'll stay with me, right?"
"Always, my love."
Minerva came towards them. Still fuming but with a decidedly worried look in her beady eyes. Brushing past Arthur she went straight for Molly.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, Minerva, I'm fine. It was coming for a long time. My parents always behaved like jack-asses. I meant every word I said."
"That's very flattering but ..."
"No, Minerva, you don't understand. I love you and Albus and Poppy like a family. My biological parents have never given me much love and it was ok until I came to Hogwarts. Suddenly I had friends, real friends and not nice-weather-friends. When I fell in love with Arthur I was shocked because I had never experienced a feeling as strong as that. My parents marrying me off like that was expectable. But your behaviour came out of the blue. Please don't shut me out again."
Minerva's heart melted. Gently she cupped Molly's face in both her hands and kissed her forehead. Albus had to blink tears away. When his wife stepped back from Molly again, he embraced her and held her to his chest.
"Molly, I'm deeply moved and touched by your words. I would love to have you as daughter but your parents are right. You are their property, or more appropriately your father's, until you marry. Then you go over into your husband's property."
Molly was saddened by his confession but also very proud because he considered her as his daughter. Being anyone's property was a bit daunting though. She didn't like the idea that her parents had still some power over her. Minerva had tears in her eyes and Poppy was crying unashamedly into her handkerchief. Both women couldn't understand how anyone's parents were emotionally able to put their daughters through all that. Poppy was forcefully reminded on how her own parents had acted. Why had poor innocent Molly to go through a forced marriage too? But Poppy swore that she would not let that happen. Even if it was the last thing she would do.
Arthur just stood back. He had become aware on quite a few occasions of the growing friendship between Molly and the two teachers. Smiling warmly at the scene in front of him, Minerva was now hugging Molly to her bosom, with some difficulty because of her large stomach, and Poppy patting and stroking Molly's back, he couldn't help but realize that Molly had been indeed right. Her teachers were way better at the parenting job than her real parents. Hell, his own parents would never ever force his sisters into an arranged marriage. His parents had married for love and had made damn sure that their kids knew what love was. When he had told them about Molly they had been a little hesitant. Later his father had come to his apartment and asked him if he really loved Molly or just desired her body. Arthur had immediately run to defend his love. Mr. Weasley had smiled and stayed the night, drinking butter-beer and talking.
Albus was reminded strongly of the things his wife had been forced to go through before he had found the courage to confess his love to her. They had married quietly and secretly. But as always it had been revealed by some women who desperately wanted the glory of being Albus Dumbledore's wife. He was grossed out by these women. Minerva was nothing like that and he loved even more for that. Molly was strong and independent like Minerva. She would go through with marrying Arthur and would make a wonderful wife and mother.
But right now they had to face the trial against Lucius Malfoy. And if Albus was not mistaken it would not be what they expected.
----
Down in the courtroom:
Molly held Arthur's hand in a vice-like grip. She was scared. Lucius Malfoy had been brought in and he had sneered at her in a very nasty way. Arthur curled his free hand into a tight fist. In his head he repeated the mantra "Don't kill him, don't kill him!" and he kept a close watch on Molly. She was nervous. Understandably. Facing a room full of ministry workers and members of the Wizengamot was daunting. Arthur was extremely proud of his fiancée for facing them and not running away. She was never a coward.
"Disciplinary hearing on the tenth of May into offences committed under the Decree for the Human Rights by Lucius Malfoy, resident at Malfoy Manor. Offended party: Molly Prewett. Interrogators: Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Bartemius Crouch, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Gerald Diggle, Court Scribe. Witness for the defence: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Deputy-Headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Arthur Weasley, Poppy Pomfrey, Roxanna Hamilton."
So far, so good. Only formalities. That was easy. Molly could handle that. Poppy and Minerva, who were sitting next to her, gave her a thumbs-up. Arthur wrapped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed a little. Albus however did not relax. He had been in too many trials. He had noticed instantly that there was something wrong and he still pondered the things Mr. Prewett had said. There was definitely something underfoot.
"We will hear the offending party first. What do you have to say in your defence, Mr. Malfoy?", asked Mrs. Bones.
"Ms. Prewett is my fiancée. Arthur Weasley had been in a relationship of sorts with Ms. Prewett while he was in school. Now however she is betrothed to me and I believe that Mr. Weasley is jealous of me. I have to admit that we had been rivals in school. Mr. Weasley wanted to take his anger at me out on my fiancée. Luckily I could prevent greater damage."
Molly was stunned. 'I have to make an appointment at St. Mungo's. A hearing test is in order. That's the second time I misunderstood what is said around me', she thought. Minerva was rubbing her ears and obviously thought something along these lines as well. Albus furrowed brows though relaxed and an understanding smile appeared on his lips. 'Ah, so that's what he's up to. I should have guessed.' Albus was grinning broadly now. This lie was easily proven wrong. Malfoy had unknowingly sentenced himself to a more severe punishment as usually handed out in a similar situation. False oath in front of a court? How stupid! 'I'll teach that cocky idiot a lesson', thought Albus grimly.
"I see", said Madame Bones. Then she turned around to face Albus and asked: "I understand that you freed Miss Prewett from her predicament." Albus nodded. "Do you agree with Mr. Malfoy's account of the events?"
"Not at all, Madame Bones."
"Then kindly tell us what happened from your perspective."
And Albus launched into a precise restitution of the events from last week. He told the Court how they had noticed Molly's absence, the note from Roxanne, saying Malfoy had been dragging Molly into a vacated storage room, his and Arthur's rescuing Molly.
"The Court realizes your account, Professor Dumbledore. Do you have witnesses for your story?"
"Yes, your honour, we have witnesses. First Roxanna Hamilton, the owner of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. Second Poppy Pomfrey, healer in Hogwarts, who took care of Molly Prewett after the attempted rape."
Molly flinched terribly at the actual word. Arthur's arm wrapped itself more firmly around her shoulders. She hadn't spoken about what happened. Not to her friends, not to Minerva or Poppy, not to Albus and certainly not to Arthur. It would be pure hell when Madame Bones called her forward to recount the actual events. She was not up to that. She couldn't do that. She...
Minerva noticed that Molly was near full-blown panic. She tried unsuccessfully to get Molly's attention and divert her from the trial. Poppy had her eyes fixed on Molly as well. She had come prepared. A little vial with a calming potion was in her pocket. It was intended for after the trial. Madame Bones was looking at Molly too. She could see the fear in the girl's eyes, her tense muscles, and her obvious panic.
"Before I will listen to the witnesses, I'll question Ms. Prewett."
Molly stepped forward as if heading for the gallows. Malfoy locked eyes with her. He glared at her and looked at Arthur. It was clear that if she didn't stick to his story, he would hurt Arthur. Panic constricted her throat. Albus had seen this little byplay and when he looked up to Madame Bones she nodded. It was not the first time a convict wanted to intimidate a witness.
"Aurors, please escort Mr. Malfoy outside while we hear Ms. Prewett's rapport."
Molly nearly collapsed with relief. Malfoy wouldn't be in the same room with her. It made everything easier. 'No, not really', said the little inner voice, 'Arthur's still here and will hear everything that happened to you. What will he do when he knows the details? It's one thing to imagine it, it's another thing entirely to know.' The panic was back. Molly remembered Poppy running from the room after tending to Molly and throwing up in her office. Minerva had been worried sick. Albus priming with power. Arthur slamming the bedside table. Molly was trembling.
Madame Bones looked down upon the trembling form in the middle of the room. She could only imagine what went on in the girl's head. Gently she asked:
"Do you want the others to leave too?"
Molly looked up. Could she face the Wizengamot alone? 'Hell no', supplied the inner voice, screeching. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. 'No panic, you can do that. Just shut everything out. Just tell her what happened. No one's in the room except you and her.' Almost inaudibly she began to speak:
"Malfoy send me a letter. He had faked Arthur's handwriting and asked me to come to Hogsmeade for a date. I didn't want to go at first. It didn't seem like him to ask for something like that. But I had a fight with Professor McGonagall and felt rebellious. So I went. When I reached Hogsmeade I was grabbed from behind. The last thing I remember is a voice crying 'Anaesthesia'. then everything went black."
'Take a deep breath and tell her the rest. It's only her in the room. It's only...' It didn't work this time. Molly's eyes kept flickering towards Arthur, begging him to understand. Albus stood up and walked down to her. Taking her hand, he said quietly:
"Being afraid is normal and not at all shameful at a moment like this. Nobody blames you. Look at me and tell me what happened. I promise not to get angry." He smiled warmly down at her. Molly was close to tears from gratitude. Albus would be here for her. A sort of father would be by her side and protect her from all evil. He said it was ok. He said that he didn't blame her or that he was angry at her. She could do it.
"When I came round again I was in a cellar. Malfoy had chained me to the wall..."
Fixing her gaze to Albus', she told the Wizengamot everything. She didn't hear Minerva crying or Poppy trying to calm her friend or Arthur's sharp intake of breath or the furious scribbling of the scribe's quill or Madame Bones' huffing or the gasps of the rest of the Wizengamot. Her gaze was held by Albus' and he gave her all the understanding she needed. At that moment Albus Dumbledore became her father.
----
Later Poppy and Arthur were called forward to make their statements. But for Molly all that was a haze. She was snuggled against Minerva, breathing in her scent and feeling her heartbeat. Minerva held her close and no harm could reach her. When Arthur returned to her side, she peeked at him from the safety of Minerva's arms. Molly expected him to be angry and repulsed after all. But when she looked at him he was smiling. Carefully he reached for her. Minerva loosened her arms around Molly and let Arthur wrap his around his love. Closing her eyes, Molly relaxed even further. It was finally over. He still loved her. Everything would be all right in the end. Or would it?
Lucius had been brought in after her questioning. He had been mute throughout the questioning of the witnesses but now he piped up again.
"You don't really believe that bullshit, your honour, do you? I mean what utter nonsense is that. I am the only son of one of the richest wizarding families. I'm pure-blood. My father donates a lot of money to the Ministry. You can't condemn me! I'm a Malfoy!"
Madame Bones narrowed her eyes dangerously at Malfoy. She hated nothing more than rich kids who thought their fathers' names and money could buy them free of everything. This boy needed a reminder that there were laws and that these laws applied for me too. She looked at her colleagues. They were all enraged. Murmuring had sprung up everywhere.
"Those in favour of clearing the witness of all charges?" asked Madame Bones.
No hands were raised. Everyone was quiet again.
"Those in favour of conviction?"
All hands went up.
"I hereby sentence you to a month in Askaban and then another month of service in St. Mungo's. There you will help the healers to care for the victims of rape and abuse. Case is closed"
Malfoy started to protest but couldn't voice any of his arguments because the aurors were already dragging him from the room.
