Ch.12
"Hey you, you alright there?" Reuben asked.
"Yes, I am now that I am here with you. The war is over my friends are safe, well some are at least, but I am glad I am here with you" I told Reuben.
"I am sorry… but boy am I glad to see ya" Reuben said and gave me a peck on the lips.
Reuben took my hand and we walked around. The alley ways were still pretty dark and gloomy like the war never had ended. Doors were locked and windows were bolted shut except of course the pug and a new restaurant that opened up.
"Are you hungry? We can eat hear if you like" Reuben said.
"I don't think we have a choice, but this looks very pleasant" I said.
We walked in and we were greeted by a very happy and excited host. But then again who wouldn't be. Voldemort is dead and businesses are rising again.
"Hello, my name is Kristy and welcome to Turner's Tasteful Wishes is it just the two of you?" She asked.
We both nodded our heads
"Great! Follow me please. We have great food here, and right now we have a great deal with our three dish cuisine. ½ off appetizers, an entree dish, and dessert is free. We have to celebrate now that You-Know-Who is gone and defeated" Kristy said.
"Yes we do. We both needed to get out and relax and enjoy ourselves. The battle was rough but it was worth it" I said.
"Oh, you two fought against You-Know-Who? Do you know Harry?" Kristy asked.
"Umm yeah, he is my best friend why?" I asked.
"Tell him that food is on us from now on when he eats here. OH and drinks are on us thank you for your brave service you two. Would you like a butterbeer?" Kristy asked.
"Yes please" we both said.
She nodded and walked away to get our drinks.
Reuben and I looked at each other with stunned belief. I shrugged it off and looked at the menu I quickly decided on the Salmon with broccoli and jasmine rice.
"Do you like calamari?" I asked Reuben.
"I do is that what you would like?" He asked.
"Yes I do" I said sweetly.
"Here you are. Are you ready to order?" Kristy asked.
"Are you ready?" Asked Reuben.
"Yes, we will have the calamari for the appetizer, and I will have the Salmon with jasmine rice and can I have the mix vegetables instead of just broccoli?" I asked.
"Of course you can" Kristy said.
"Great I will have that then" I stated with a smile.
She smiled back and looked at Reuben.
"I will have the Ribs with baked potato everything on it, and mixed vegetables" He said.
"Great, I will put your order in" Kristy said.
"Wow…she is cute and funny" I said.
Reuben laughed.
"So I got great news about your father. I was talking to Kingsley about my job choice and he told me to tell you to be alert of a letter tonight, and that they found a great defender for your dad. They are looking for the punishment approach. No wand kind of stuff vs. being locked up in Azkaban. Anyway, I heard the great news for you. I am proud of you" Reuben said.
"Yea, I am a little nervous I am defending Draco and Mrs. Malfoy. Mr. Malfoy can rot" I stated.
"I think you will do great you were always a great negotiator, a great motivator, and you are passionate" Reuben said.
"Thank you love, so what job choice are you thinking about" I asked Reuben.
"Well, I was an intern at St. Mungos and I would switch back and forward from the ministry and the hospital. At the ministry I would write up the patients and submit them to the minister. Explain and chart diseases, or accidents. Simple things like that, and Kingsley promoted me as healer, but a junior one for now. I treat patients will accidents, or simple illnesses" Reuben told me.
"Reuben! That is great I am so happy for you" I told him.
He smiled brightly. "You know don't look, but Kristy and the cooks and other waitresses are looking our way. It is kind of putting me off a bit" he whispered.
"Don't worry she probably is just telling them we fought in the battle" I told him.
"Good point there" Reuben said.
We smiled at each other and Kristy brought us another round of butterbeers even though we didn't finish the first round.
"Your dinner should be done in about five minutes" Kristy said.
"Okay thank you very much Kristy" I said.
She smiled and nodded her head.
"Cheers" I said and we clanked our glasses together and took a sip.
Reuben grabbed my hand. "I love you Elle" he said with a sweet smile.
"I love you too" I said and leaned over to give him a kiss.
When we broke apart our food came.
"Here you are guys. Enjoy and let us know what else you need" Kristy said.
"Thank you Kristy" Reuben said.
She smiled and took another customers order.
Reuben and I did not talk for a good 10 minutes. The food was so delicious I had to share some with Reuben. Reuben did the same.
"Wow the salmon is really good. You can taste the pepper, lemon juice, and garlic" Reuben stated.
"Yeah and your ribs have a nice balance of sweet and spicy. I love that the meat just falls off the bone" I said.
We kept eating until we finished all of the food on our plate, and completed the calamari.
"Hi guys everything okay? Just to let you know that you have four desserts to choose from. We have key-lime pie, mud cake pie, vanilla ice-cream with chocolate chip cookies, and apple cobbler" Kristy said.
"Oh I forgot the free dessert. Umm I will have the Key-lime pie please, and can we have the bill please after you deliver our dessert?" I asked.
"Of course and what would you like sir?" Kristy asked.
"Apple cobbler" Reuben said.
"Of course and would you like whip cream on top or ice-cream, or none" Kristy asked.
"None please" Reuben said.
Kristy nodded her head, and she quickly got the bill and desserts to the table. I looked at the bill and in writing it said 'On us thank you for all you did'
"Reuben, give her a really nice tip please. Our dinner is on them" I told him.
"What?" Reuben said and quickly grabbed the bill.
"Alright will do" Reuben said and grabbed a bunch of coins enough to cover a month's rent.
We quickly ate our dessert and I wrote a note to Kristy.
Kristy,
Thank you for your great service. The food was delicious, and we will definitely come back here. I will also spread the word how great Turner's Tasteful Wishes is. Thank you for the free dinner, and please accept this tip.
Reuben and Ella
I grabbed the coins and folded them in with the letter and went to Kristy.
"Hello Kristy thanks for everything. Since you waved the fees please accept our tip. I will see you around" I said and handed her the money and left.
Reuben took my hand we stopped right in front of an old ma and pa shop full of beautiful antiques, jewelry, and special herbs.
"Wait here I have to pick up something" Reuben said to me.
I nodded my head and he went inside. I looked up and far ahead was Hogwarts castle. My heart dropped at the sight of it. It was not beautiful and majestic like it use to be. It looked deserted and fallen apart. It reeked of death and loneliness. Flashbacks of Unlce Remus, Tonks, Knox, and Fred flashed before my eyes. I sighed at the thought losing my family.
"You alright buttercup?" Reuben asked.
"Yes, it's just sad to see the Castle like that. I always called Hogwarts home now it is depressing. It reminds me of death now. I can't go back and finish my year. Not after I got the job offer. I just know every time I set foot in the great hall flashbacks of Tonks, Lupin, and Fred's lifeless bodies will get stuck in my brain. It is too painful. I feel responsible for Knox's death too. Blowing up that bridge seeing my father and Knox I just can't do it" I confessed.
Reuben's eyes widened. "Elle, Knox made a choice and I am sure you didn't know until it was too late. I know you were close to him, and I know he loves you a lot just by the way he looked after you. I think he will kick ya if he saw you blame yourself for his death. So stop beating yourself up okay? Here I got you something this might cheer you up" Reuben said giving me a small gift.
I looked up at him surprised at the sweet gesture. I read the note 'to my love; forever' I smiled up at him and undid the bow, and opened the box. My jaw dropped at the sight of the necklace. It was a Ruby and when it turned in the light you can see hints of green. On the back it said 'family is forever no matter what color blinds you'
"This is sweet Reuben. You are pretty much saying that no matter what house you're in family is forever and should be with you?" I asked.
"Pretty much, the Ruby represents your mother's side, Harry, Hermione, and The Weasley's, and the hint of green is Scabior and his better side of the family, Knox, and me. I only did the hint because your heart is as beautiful as a Ruby, powerful, vibrant, and strong. I honestly won't be surprised if you bring all the houses together. You are willing to help the Malfoy's it's also a reminder that be you, but you are part slytherin don't forget your heritage regardless who is in your family tree. I don't care that you are related to that evil dark butt, and I am sure people will realize that too when you are ready" Reuben said.
"You are so sweet I love it" I told him. I had Reuben put the necklace on me.
Reuben is right I should be proud of who I am. He knew I was afraid that I was related to Voldemort, and he made me realize that because what I believe in I am not like him nor will I ever be. I should embrace my family and I think he knew that more considering I just found out who they were… boy do I love this man.
"Reuben what time is it?" I asked.
Reuben took out his pocket watch "It is 8:00 my love" he told me.
"It is getting late. Would you like to come and meet everyone? Properly this time I need to plan my interview questions for tomorrow as well. Harry is testifying on their behalf I need to work that around as well" I told him.
"I would love to meet them. And maybe your owl is there with the letter and everything" Reuben said.
"Good point. Are you ready?" I asked.
"Ready as always" Reuben teased and I apperated to the burrow.
"Hey guys I am back, and I brought Reuben to meet everyone" I told everyone in the living room.
"Oh, welcome come in come in would you like some tea?" Asked Mrs. Weasley.
"If it is already made I would love some. Thank you" Reuben said.
Harry got up and shook Reuben's hand "Nice to meet you mate. Thank you for fighting along with us. Welcome to the family" Harry said.
"Yeah whoever Ella is fond with we are too…erm that didn't come out right. A friend of Ella's is a friend of ours" Ron said while shaking Reuben's hand.
"Only you would say that Ronald. I am Hermione Granger please to meet you. I am glad to finally meet you once again properly. Ella told me a lot about you" Hermione said shaking his hand. I blushed a little at what she said.
"Oh? Hopefully they are good" Reuben teased.
"Oh believe me they are, welcome" Hermione said.
I blushed even more "Um has a letter been sent to me yet?" I asked.
"Yeah here it is" George said and handed me the letter.
"Hello again, will you be staying for the night? You can take my room for the night if you need to stay. Ron and I will be at my shop tonight we need to organize and fix things. It had been under attacked" George said.
"What? When?" I asked.
"A while ago of course. You were gone hunting for things" George retorted.
"Oh, you can stay if you want Reuben" I told him.
"Of course you can here is your tea sweetheart" Mrs. Weasley said.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley" Reuben said.
"Call me Molly dear" She said.
Reuben nodded and I went to my letter.
Ella,
Please come see me tomorrow morning at 8:00 for the committee. And around 8:30-9:00 I am going to talk to you about the trial. We can discuss what should be done. The Malfoy's know that you will be representing them. Mr. Malfoy is not pleased, and Draco seems a bit annoyed but what do you expect. You will meet with them and interview with them tomorrow at 10:00 so far here is the list of people on the committee.
Me, Harry, You, Ron, Hermione, Arthur, Molly, Ginny, Minerva, Filius, Hagrid, Horace, Neville, Reuben, Reena, Rory, and Dean as well as a few of my colleagues.
See you tomorrow,
Kingsley.
"I didn't know that you were a part of the committee" I said to Reuben.
"Yes, as well as my sister Reena and brother Rory" Reuben said.
I smiled at him "Where are they? Maybe we all should stay here and apperate together" I suggested.
"What a lovely idea go owl them dear" Mrs. Weasley said to Reuben.
Hermione sat next to me. "Molly is doing such a good job losing Fred and all" I whispered to her.
"Molly loves helping others even if she is suffering. I think this is her way of coping the lost of her son" Hermione whispered back.
I nodded and decided to draft some questions. Once I was done with that I looked up and saw Reena and Rory in the living room.
"Hi guys glad to see you are alright" I told them.
"You too, thank you for your hospitality" Reena said.
"Of course sweetheart, now Reena dear you will stay with Hermione, Ginny, and Ella they have the biggest room. And since George will be gone Rory and Reuben you can take George and….And…Fred's bed" Mrs. Weasley hesitated.
"Well then, anyone wants some tea" She asked.
Everyone said no thanks and went into their rooms to sleep.
I multiplied the mattress and blankets and pillows and put it on the floor.
"Reena you can have my bed if you like. I will most likely be up early anyways I don't want to wake you up when you are on the floor" I told her.
"Oh are you sure?" She whispered.
"Yes, and don't need to whisper she took a sleeping drought" I pointed out while picking up the empty bottle.
"Oh, well I don't know" Reena said.
"No I insist. Please take my bed and here are pajamas" I said giving her a pair of mine.
"Thank you Ella. I am glad Reuben had found his match" Reena said.
I blushed at her statement and Hermione smirked at me.
"When's the wedding I am in it right?" Hermione teased.
"Of course you are. As well as Luna and Ginny and of course Reena" I said smiling.
She smiled back and went into the bathroom to change. I quickly put on my pink silk pajama bottoms with yellow ducks on them and took off Ginny's pink sweater off.
"That necklace is beautiful did Reuben give that to you?" asked Hermione
"Yes, I love it" I said.
Hermione smiled and Reena came out of the bathroom with silky light blue pajamas with clouds and moons on them and she sat on my bed.
"So Reena what year did you graduate?" I asked.
"I didn't this would be my 7th year but my dad pulled me out, and Rory and I fled from then on. Reuben and Ross took off too I am in Ravenclaw as well as Rory. Ross and Reuben were in Slytherin" Reena said.
"Oh, I hope we find your brother Ross Reena" I told her.
"We are Harry is on it first thing tomorrow. Well that is what he said at least" Hermione explained.
"Thank you guys" Reena said.
"Do you know Luna?" I asked.
"Looney Lovegood? She is so sweet. Although the things she believes in are weird, but she say things that are odd but fit. I befriended her my second year. I helped her search her things when our house thought it would be funny to hide her things. She is a great friend I was glad to see her at the great hall after the battle" Reena said.
I smiled at her. Her long silky light brown hair matched her tan skin. She was tired yet still youthful. Her light blue eyes had life in them even though a big bruise covered it, and her rosy lips had a cut on them.
"Did you hear about a D.A.?" I asked.
"Yes, I didn't want to be a part of it. My father is a sticker to rules and is a tough person. Luna helped me anyway a long with Cho. My patronus is a Lynx" Reena said.
"That explains it. I saw you fighting you were graceful yet powerful, and very stealth like. They didn't know what was coming, and it was like you know who was coming at you" I said.
Reena smiled. "What is your patronus?" Asked Reena
"Mine is a wolf and Hermione's is an otter" I said.
"Oh, I can see that. Hermione you are very smart and independent. They are also very curious creatures and very territorial. They protect the things they love the most. And you Ella, a Wolf! They get bad reputations. They are actually wonderful animals. They are loyal and don't want to fight. They try to avoid it as possible, but if anything harms the pack they go crazy. They are strong and are like teachers. I saw you with Draco a few years back. You taught him something as well as you standing up to Neville" Reena explained.
"Yeah not to mess with me" I retorted.
"Yes, but I saw something else. You explained what happened that night and it hit. You also taught him that bravery is something different" Reena explained.
I thought about it and it hit. He was taunting Neville that the sorting hat put him in the wrong house. I jinxed Draco where he couldn't move or say something but only hear. I didn't even beat him up. I just comforted Neville saying that the fact he went to the ministry knowing what could happened and you were terrified you went anyway. That is a true hero.
"You know what? You are right. Well I am going to bed now we have to be up early in the morning" I said.
"Good night Ella" Reena said
Hermione was already out. I turned off the lights and I fell asleep instantly, but that soon would interrupt once a lovely dream decided to come. I was falling and falling which seemed endless. Knox and Scabior looking down on me and there was an explosion.
I woke up with a start and looked at the time and it was 6:00 in the morning. It didn't seem like I slept that long. I quickly got up and showered. After 10 minutes I got out and quickly blow-dry my hair. I quickly put on a silky red shirt and black skirt.
"You look very pretty today" Reena said.
"Thank you I can't find my black high heel shoes though" I said.
I accioed my shoes and they came flying right in front of me hitting me in the face
"Owe merlin's beard son of a dementor! stupid shoe!" I bellowed out.
"That will be a shiner" Hermione said annoyed and quickly walked in the bathroom to shower.
I sighed and put my shoes on and walked out to have breakfast. Harry and I were the only one that was dressed nice, but then again we were offered professional jobs.
"What happened to you?" Asked Harry
"Don't ask" I retorted.
"She couldn't find her shoes and she accioed them. But she didn't realize they were underneath a pile of clothes that she was pretty close to. Needles to say the shoe hit her in the face" Reena said.
"Thanks" I said a little annoyed.
I glared at Harry who was trying to stifle a laugh.
"Eat up we need to be there in 30 minutes. You look lovely dears" Mrs. Weasley said to Harry and me.
We all ate silently for a good 15 minutes. We all were a bit nervous and what will happen. Everyone was here besides Ginny. Mrs. Weasley decided not to wake her up.
"Are we all ready?" Asked Mr. Weasley.
We all nodded and we apperated behind the alley way so muggles won't see us. We expanded the phone booth and went in waiting for Mr. Weasley to push buttons to allow us in the ministry. Kingsley was there waiting for us.
"Good morning guys come follow me please" Kingsley said.
We walked through the halls and we came across two big golden doors and he opened them. It was a huge conference room full of chairs.
"Harry and Ella here will be are monthly meetings since you guys are second leads in your department. You will be here a lot considering our committee will be meeting every other week" Kingsley said. We both nodded.
We sat down and notice Neville and Dean were here as well as Mrs. McGonagall, Hagrid, and Mr. Flitwick.
"Ginny is exhausted she won't be here today, but she will for the next meeting" Mrs. Weasley said.
"That is alright I understand. I thank you guys coming here on such short notice anyway. I should have requested you guys for a meeting in a week. Now I would like some ideas that you would want to provide" Kingsley said.
"No more dementors and open more job departments. For instance, we can use a better journalist we can keep that awful Rita Skeeter, but just like the quidditch department let's have one for the Aurors and law enforcement. Do we have a secretary?" I asked.
"Uh not all do so no" Kingsley stated.
"Have all departments a secretary or two" I stated.
"Laws for house elves they should not be treated poorly" Hermione said.
We all stayed quiet. We knew better not to push Hermione's buttons.
"Better Auror training" Reena suggested. Kingsley nodded his head and wrote it down.
"Better teachers at Hogwarts and let us choose who will be the next headmaster" squeaked Flitwick.
"Yes, I want to change the education system where all houses need to unite. I am sick of the Slytherin and Gryffindor rivalry" Mrs. McGonagall said.
"I agree with Mrs. McGonagall. Have them do team building exercises or community service perhaps have some muggle devices at Hogwarts. The ones that is important of course like a microwave. We shouldn't over kill it the thing I love about Hogwarts is how magical it is, but we need to accept muggles too" I said.
"I agree with Ella, muggle creations could be useful and it will help understand them more" Mr. Weasley said.
"Alright any other ideas?" Kingsley asked.
"Everyone gets a fair trial, and as Ella said no more dementors. I want the Aurors to go through training. Battles and skills, and how to approach and investigate properly" Harry said.
"Alright anymore? If not I will owl you all the list of things we thought up of until then everyone but Ella and Harry are dismissed" Kingsley said.
"Good luck" Reuben whispered and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Reena just smiled at us and I blushed a little.
"Thank you I am really nervous" I said.
"I know you will do great I am pretty sure that Kingsley would not of agreed with your choice if he knew you would not do good. You have everyone supporting you" Reuben said.
I smiled and hugged him. Soon it was just Harry and I in a big empty room with Kingsley.
"So I had the department rearranged. Ella and Harry you have the biggest office only because you are sharing with the head department Auror along with Ron. The head law-enforcement really likes the idea of combining, but said that he will oversea what's going on it is all on you Ella. You go to him for questions and work with him as well as the Aurors. These will be two completely different departments you will work along with the defendants as well. Understand?" Kingsley said.
Harry and I both nodded are head yes.
"Are you prepared Miss. Robertson?" Kingsley asked.
"Yes, I wrote some questions here" I said handing him the paper with the list of questions to ask.
Kingsley smiled. "I think you are well prepared for this Miss. Robertson. Sorry to be so formal but now that you are working at the ministry it is important that we should do this" Kingsley said.
"I understand perfectly sir" I said.
"Good, Miss. Robertson and Mr. Potter please come with me I will show you your office" Kingsley said and we both got up and followed him.
The room was huge. There were about 10 desks in the office for just Aurors. To the left was another room Kingsley opened it. There were four desks in the room with names on the table. Ella Robertson, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Robert Griffin. I made a mental note to add two small desks for secretary's. To our right are two closed doors head department for Aurors and head department for Law and defense. Just on cue a man came walking in.
"Ah this must be Ella Robertson you were talking about Kingsley. Hello my name Samuel Doyle your boss. If you need any help I will be assistance" he told me while shaking my hand.
"Thank you sir, I did think up of some questions I would like you to look at them" I said giving him the list of questions.
"Well, looks like you don't need my help. I would like a follow up though" Mr. Doyle said.
"Of course sir" I said. He smiled and walked into his office.
"Good luck guys but I have to make sure things are all set in other departments. I want to get hold of some past workers and see if they would like to work again. Sadly, we lost so many people" Kingsley said and he closed the door.
I looked at Harry and he looked upset and hurt.
"Don't Harry it is not your fault. Regardless if the prophecy was predicted Voldemort would have been on the rampage of killing all muggleborns and blood-traitors. You would never had mattered to him. Also, remember that Neville could have been the—
"But I was the chosen one and these people died because of me" Harry said.
"No Harry. These people died because their blood status didn't matter. You had no control over that. Like I said Harry, if that prophecy was never predicted you wouldn't matter" I told him.
"My parents would still be alive" Harry said sadly.
"Perhaps but we can't change the past. Harry until you have kids of your own you will understand what your parents sacrificed for" I told him.
Harry grinned a bit in realization. "You are right just like Mrs. Malfoy and your father"
"What do you mean my father?" I asked.
He lowered his voice so Mr. Doyle won't hear "You are not suppose to know this, but Scabior is willing to give up everything just to be with you and have a normal family life again" Harry said.
I was shocked and surprise at the news I just heard. I accidently looked at the time and it read 10:15
"Oh, I have to meet up with the Malfoys at 10:30 will you like to look over the questions and add anything?" I asked.
Harry nodded his head and looked at the least.
"This is good follow up and everything. I am willing to testify for you Ron said he will too but he really hopes that he doesn't" Harry stated.
I laughed a little and went to knock on Mr. Doyle's door.
"Come in" He said.
"Hi sir, I just want to let you know that I am leaving to interview the Malfoy's I will write up the summary of what they said once I am done and hand it in" I told him.
"No need to do that you just talk to me after you are done and we all work together on collaborating and summarize it to hand to Kingsley" Mr. Doyle said.
"Oh, alright well I am leaving now" I told him.
"Alright I will see you later then" He said smiling at me.
I closed the door and looked at Harry he handed me a recorder. "You may need this" he said.
"Thanks Harry, wish me luck" I said.
"Good luck even though you don't need it" Harry said
I smiled "What are you going to do right now?" I asked.
"Trying to find Ross your boyfriend's brother" Harry said.
"Oh, right, thank you for doing that" I said.
"Ella it's my job. It's what I want to do" Harry pointed out.
"Right, well I will see you once the interview is over" I said.
He nodded his head and I closed the door and started walking towards the jail cell to let the Auror's know that I need to speak to the Malfoy family to interview them.
"Miss. Robertson? We sent them with the Aurors to the conference room. I am sorry for the inconvenience we thought it would be easier that way" said the guard.
"Oh, I was not notified. Next time please let me know what is going on" I said and walked away towards the conference room.
I opened the door and saw the scared Draco Malfoy, the calm Mrs. Malfoy, and of course the superior Mr. Malfoy. I walked towards the table and Mr. Malfoy spoke.
"It must be nice to be handed down a job just because you fought for the right cause" Mr. Malfoy said.
"Well, it is better than trying to work your way up with bribery and lies Mr. Malfoy. Don't start with me you are lucky that I am trying to get you off with a lighter sentence. If I had my way I would have Draco and Mrs. Malfoy walk free while you rot in a cell. Now, are you done throwing insults or are you willing to work with me on this case?" I asked.
"With all due respect I would like my good friend to fight for me; us the whole Malfoy family" Mr. Malfoy.
"Absolutely not, you can have your friend but I am fighting for Mrs. Malfoy and Draco" I told them.
"As a family we—
"Lucius please she is doing us a favor. She will fight for Draco and I no exception" Mrs. Malfoy said.
"Thank you Mrs. Malfoy now I will tell you why I want to fight for you two. I don't want interruptions this is just how I feel you can put your input later. This is a recorder it will record everything we say and plays it back" I told them I hit the recording button and started to speak.
"Now, I believe that Draco and you were forced into this. I am guessing through your actions in the past years. You only accepted because of your husband Mrs. Malfoy. Harry told me what happened that night in the forbidden forest. He said that you told you-know-who that he was dead even though he wasn't. Regardless the fact that you wanted to know if Draco was still alive you put your life on the line. I bet you didn't realize that your action helped bring the Dark Lord Down? You did and I am going to focus this on our case" I told them.
"It's true, I never wanted this in my life, but I love my husband, I love my family, I am very loyal. Whatever my husband says whatever makes him happy I will do. I support the beliefs of blood purity but never ever agreed in killing them" Mrs. Malfoy said.
"In my defense it is what I had to do. The Dark Lord thought highly of us what he says I do or it is me and my family on the line" Mr. Malfoy said.
"So are you saying that you only did this out fear of losing your family?" I asked.
"No, it is great honor to stand a long with him. Although I did have enough of it towards the end I wanted him dead" Mr. Malfoy said.
"Do you still think it is a great honor to stand a long with him?" I asked.
"Somewhat" Mr. Malfoy said.
"Tell me; were you very proud to stand along with him? Were you grateful for his presence like your sister in-law Bellatrix? Or were you afraid of him? I think you and I know very well that he doesn't care about loyalty he will kill you regardless. Was Snape loyal?" I asked.
"Yes, very loyal" Lucius said.
"And where is he now? He was murdered by your precious Dark Lord all because he thought the Elder Wand answered to Snape and not him. So you tell me does he care about loyalty?" I asked one more time.
"No" Lucius said.
"I advise you to express how truly you feel. Put your pride to the side because that may be your only hope Mr. Malfoy. Let's see here… charged for conspiracy, was sent to Azkaban two years ago for breaking and entering as well as stealing leading this to being charged for assisting murder, and assaulting under aged minors, torturing a muggle, and following the Dark Lord who was for wiping out muggleborns and killing innocent muggles. You tell me Mr. Malfoy does this look good?" I asked.
"No" he said.
"Then cooperate with me. You will not get off the hook with you bragging that you followed You-Know-Who" I stated.
"With all due respect Miss. Robertson, but weren't you there that night at the ministry?" Asked Mr. Malfoy.
I gave him a small smirk "Yes, I am sure your Dark Lord told you the connection between Harry and him. That Harry can feel and see what You-Know-Who feels and sees" I said.
Lucius shook his head no. "Oh really? Well I did know that he only gave that bit of information to his trusted followers. I thought you were one of them, but I guess not that is a good thing though. We can manipulate that to make it seem like you were drifting away because you were afraid. But you only staid for the fear of losing your family" I told him.
"How do you know that he will divulge information to his trusted followers?" Draco asked.
"Snape, he was a part of the order. He was a double agent and dam brave man if you ask me. The point is You-Know-Who knew that Harry can see his thoughts. He tricked us thinking that he captured Sirius and tortured him. We came there to save Sirius but it was a trap to get to Harry. I thought you already know about this" I stated.
"Maybe it is a good thing that you are not defending me" Mr. Malfoy said.
"You are right. I am still bitter about Sirius death and you putting me in a choke hold and leaving a scar on my neck" I shouted showing him the scar.
Lucius and Draco flinched and Mrs. Malfoy gasped.
"I was only trying to prove to them that I was bad" Lucius said.
"But are you?" I said.
"Now Draco I have a few questions for you" I said.
"Go on" Draco said hoarsely.
"Draco, did you really want to be part of this was it your dream?" I asked.
"I was raised on it but I wanted out once I knew how bad it was. I couldn't handle seeing death" Draco said.
"Why didn't you leave?" I asked.
"My mother, I didn't want to leave her, I didn't want the living human snake to kill her or torture her if I left. I didn't want her to stress over me either. If I have been killed or if I was safe or taken care of" Draco said.
I was surprised and his statement. He wasn't cold and senseless like his father. His voice was not icy it was love and passion. He was being serious and losing his mother scared him to death.
"Why did you take on the task? Did you have no choice?" I asked.
"He had no choice it was to punish me for not succeeding the task" Lucius stated.
For once I saw guilt written on his face. "For not bringing the prophecy to him" I asked.
"Yes, he forced Draco and told him if he failed he will kill us all. In his eyes it was a sacrifice for his family, and I am sure he did it out of fear" Lucius said.
I nodded my head. "Yes, I agree because he could not kill Dumbledore that night. That leads me to my next question. That night when snatchers brought Hermione, Ron, and Harry why didn't you tell them it was Harry Potter?" I asked.
"I don't know fear I guess I couldn't really tell" Draco said.
"Well Draco tha—
"No you know what I did know it was him. The scar and the eyes he was with Granger and Weasley that was a dead giveaway. Everyone knows that you four are always hanging out…say why weren't you there?" Draco asked.
"A snatcher decided to keep me at his camp" I stated.
"How awful" Mrs. Malfoy said.
"Not really turns out he is my father. Anyway let's get to the point please Draco continue" I suggested.
"Right I knew it was him. I wanted to get out of that hell hole. Innocent people are thrown into dungeons and murdered all because they don't agree with You-Know-Who. I get nightmares I still hear their screams of being tortured. I witnessed our Muggle Studies teacher die a—
"Miss. Burbage is dead?" I asked.
"Yes, the point is I wanted Harry to win I wanted You-Know-Who to die I wanted all of this to be over, and that is why I lied to everyone in that room saying 'I don't know I can't tell' But I knew it was him. We all knew he was a key to destroy and take him down. When he announced that he supposedly died I was upset. I felt a little bad but it was mainly because I was afraid that I would be stuck in this hell forever" Draco explained.
"I see. Do you have any regrets of what you had done?" I asked.
"You mean helping the deatheaters get in to Hogwarts? Yes and I still have nightmares of Dumbledore's death I am not proud of what I did" Draco admitted.
"Can I go I don't want to talk anymore" Draco said.
"Guards please take him to his cell. Draco, please do remember that your trial is in a week and I may see you time to time until then rest" I said.
"But Miss. Robertson I got instructions that I take them once everything is done" the guard said.
"And I am done, with Draco at least. I do not want to pressure him any further. Rest Draco and I will see you in a few hours to tell you my plan alright?" I told him.
Draco nodded and got up. As he got up he stopped and said something that I never thought I would ever hear him say. "Thank you for everything even though I made your school years hell. I am also sorry that you lost your uncle and friend in the battle" said Draco and he walked away.
I had pure shock on my face and I turned around to see the Malfoy's. Mrs. Malfoy seemed please but Mr. Malfoy seemed disgusted.
"Mrs. Malfoy let's continue please. So, if you are found guilty, I believe your punishments will be very limited. I don't think you will get Azkaban. You have to work with me on this follow through with my questions when you're on the stand. Let me see your left arm please" I asked.
Mrs. Malfoy was hesitant at first, but she rolled up her sleeve slowly and as I expected nothing. No scaring no ink she was not a sworn deatheater. I smiled.
"Perfect this will seriously get you off the hook. You were no deatheater yet you followed only because you wanted to be with your family correct?" I stated.
"Correct. Honestly fear took over us" Mrs. Malfoy admitted.
"Yes, fear is a strong enemy. Some are quicker to give in and others not so much. I will admit there were times when I just want to give up. If surrendering is the only choice granted it would have been the sake of my friends just like yours was your family. Mainly Draco" I confessed.
Mrs. Malfoy gave me a small smile and I returned it to her.
"Listen I am draft this all up work with my team and we will see each other again" I said.
"What about Draco? He has the mark" Mrs. Malfoy
"Not to be rude about your husband but people believe he was forced to do this because of his family. Why on earth would they recruit a 16 year old to kill Dumbledore? Aurors are smart…well some…the point is they argued that because of Mr. Malfoy's mistakes You-Know-Who did this to punish you guys. He knew that Draco would fail and as punishment to you he would murder your son" I stated.
"And my husband?" She asked while I got up.
"What about him? I am not defending him I can't say what his plans are. All I have to say is he does not have a fair chance. We have to go with the punishment route. If he agrees with certain punishments he may get off the hook" I stated.
"Like what?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"Things like breaking your wand, house arrest for a certain amount of time, have aurors on guard at all times, or can never work again. Or all of the above" I stated.
I started walking away and the guards took them back to their cells.
I had a smirk on my face after the interview. It went better than I thought it did. I couldn't wait for Harry and Ron to hear Draco's confession, and I am excited to start trial soon. I never cared for Draco, but the fact that Dumbledore cared for Draco that night at the Astronomy tower I thought he was nets. Draco was always bragging about death eaters. I knew for the fact that he would want power and the credit. But my thought quickly was shot down when he lowered his wand. Draco was no murderer and I was wrong, and at that moment I had pity on him. He was scared and I strongly believe in fighting what is right regardless how our past was. I quickly barged into the room. A few Aurors already showed up to work started staring at me with weird looks plastered on their faces. The look of what is she doing here. I walked into my office and sat down on my desk smiling up towards Ron and Harry.
"So less stress on me I don't have to fight for Mr. Malfoy that one would have been hard. But I have a good confession from Draco" I said with excitement.
I replayed the conversation I had with Draco. Ron was shocked and Harry nodded his head.
"I knew he knew it was me, and I knew that he wasn't up for this deatheater business either. What about Mrs. Malfoy?" Harry asked.
I played her confession and Harry smiled a bit.
"Perfect" Harry said. I got up and knocked on the door where my boss was.
"Come in" He said.
"Oh hello back already?"
"Yes, and hear is the tape recorder. This little muggle gadget comes in handy very well" I said.
Mr. Doyle chuckled a bit "Yes, only thing we really like here that is muggle crafted. I insisted that they should give Mr. Weasley a pay raise. It made things a lot easier for us with this gadget. Although, we could always use our wands, but if we have to work with the muggle prime minister we send this to them" Mr. Doyle said while pointing to the recorder.
"We have to work with the muggle prime minister?" I asked.
"Oh yes, we need to keep him up to date on things. We wipe his memory once he leaves office and a new person comes in. With all what happened in the past years we needed to keep him updated. He was startled at first, but he slowly warmed up to the idea" Mr. Doyle said.
"Oh, it makes sense" I said.
Mr. Doyle nodded and looked at the time. "Oh, noon take your lunch break and come back in an hour" He said.
"Don't you need to eat sir?" I asked.
"I came in later I will start mine in an hour in a half. In the mean time I am going to draft this up, look over it with you, and you work on your case with me alright?" Mr. Doyle said.
"Yes of course, I hope my questions help" I told him.
"Miss. Robertson I am sure they are just fine, and if it isn't enough we have four days to complete them. Next week is their hearing so I am sure they will cooperate. Now go and eat please" said Mr. Doyle.
I nodded and walked out and no one was in their office. I grabbed my stuff but I wanted to stop by somewhere first. I walked up towards the cell and overheard someone talking.
"I wouldn't worry kid. My daughter is one of the greatest well I am sure you know that already by going to school with her and all. The point is I have faith in you two kids, and I really do think you have a chance my daughter will not stop until she gets what she wants. She is one determined, loud, annoying, person with a good heart" said the man.
"Tormenting my client are we now dad?" I said but he grinned. The guard to my right shifted uncomfortably
"You look great Ellie I am so proud of you. Do you know if you will be doing my case?" Scabior asked.
"No, they think it will be too biased for me to do it. But we have a great defender for you and Harry insists on being on the stand" I told Scabior.
"Guards may I please hug my father?" I asked.
The guard looked uncertain but I gave him a small smile.
"Don't worry you can have your wand on us, and if he does anything he will lose my trust completely" I told him.
The guard nodded and he motioned another guard to do the same. He opened the cell and I was greeted with a big hug.
"Oh Elle, I miss you and I am happy you are doing well. How is Reuben?" Scabior asked.
"He is doing great. We all are dad and what do you mean I am loud and annoying?" I said.
I heard four laughs from everyone but me in the cellar.
"Well… it is true especially when you hang with that Granger girl" Draco said.
"Hermione her name is Hermione we should be on first name bases Draco" I told him but soon was interrupted by a cough.
"Minister how do you do?" I asked.
"Fine…what is this I hear that you will not be doing Lucius Malfoy's case?" Kingsley asked. The guards motioned Scabior to go back in his cell and he obeyed.
"With all due respect sir, my father insisted on having his friend do the case. My mother and I would care a less if he does. We however, like Elle to be our defender. I don't want your pity, but it is nice to have someone that you know defending you. Especially since she stood up for me at Hogwarts even though I made her and her friend's life hell" Draco said.
I looked at him surprised and I nodded my head towards him.
"Very well, if he insists and you are okay with it he can have his friend defend him" Kingsley said.
"Oh I am okay with it, I insist" I said smiling at him sweetly. The guards stifled a laugh.
Kingsley looked at me and shook his head with amusement. "Have you eaten lunch yet?" Kingsley asked.
"No" I said.
"Let's go and eat, and make sure Scabior and Draco eat as well guards" Kingsley said and I followed waving goodbye to my father.
We walked into the conference room and Harry was there as well. Sandwiches were on the table with a fruit tray and vegetable tray.
"Have a seat everyone else will be here in about five minutes. I just want to let you know what is going on here. Harry kindly offered his house at Grimmauld place for your father to stay until his hearing. That way you are able to spend time with him still" Kingsley said.
"Oh Harry, thank you so much! That is so sweet of you!" I said.
"Yea, well you have been looking for your dad forever, and now you have, I am just sorry that he was a snatcher. You're my best friend and I want you to be happy" Harry said.
I smiled at him. With all the terrible things he had been through he still thinks about his friends first. I knew right then and there that Harry and I will be close for a long time.
"Thanks again Harry this means so much to me" I said.
Harry smiled and nodded his head at me.
"Minister I want to let you know that I truly believe that the Malfoy's had change. Well, at least about realizing that they were following the wrong cause. Mr. Malfoy broke, Mrs. Malfoy was very honest even with her husband by her side, and Draco completely fell apart" I told Kingsley.
"Yes, Mr. Doyle told me that you had great feedback. Well done Ella this is not an easy job and you did great for your first time. He is writing the draft right now and we will be discussing it soon" Kingsley said.
"Pefect" I said while smiling.
We sat in silence eating our food until we were interrupted by a door opening and closing. In came our bosses Mr. Doyle and two other men. One man looked about in his late thirties and looked tired and rugged. The other one looked very smart but very nice. He had black glasses and long blonde hair.
"Ah Ella glad you are here. This is great and I am really excited to be working with you. This here is Robert Griffin and he will be working with you on the case" Mr. Doyle said. The blonde hair guy nodded his head slightly to me and offered his hand and I took it. He then shook Harry's hand.
"And Harry, this is your main boss Richard Cummings. He is a head department of Aurors" Mr. Doyle said.
"Pleasure is mine Mr. Potter, I am really looking forward to working with you and Mr. Weasley. As well as you Miss. Robertson I really like the idea of having Aurors working with other law enforcement official's good idea on your part" Mr. Cummings said.
"Thank you sir" I said beaming.
We were in the room debating and deliberating on what should be on trial or not. Minutes turned into hours and we finally agreed on what we should do.
"Miss. Robertson if you like you can talk to Mrs. Malfoy and Draco tomorrow about what may happen until then goodnight and I will see you tomorrow morning" Mr. Doyle said.
"I will first thing in the morning. Thank you all for your help and input. I have a good feeling about this case" I said.
"I too Ella" Robert said.
"Yes, I am looking forward to this. Not only to see what you can bring Ella, but I just want these trials to be over" Kingsley said.
Harry and I smiled and said our goodbyes and walked out to the lobby together.
"Did you find anything yet on Ross?" I asked.
"Nope nowhere close. I don't have much information though. I would rather interview the family instead of just gathering leftover information. I guess I can gather the information and see if I can tweak it a bit for them. Just to get some lead on the case. Do you think they are willing to work with me?" Harry asked.
"I know Reuben would and I am sure Reena too. I am not sure about Rory though. Just let them know that you are working on the case, and say when you are ready come see me. That way you are not only showing that you want to help find their brother, but that you are respecting their space and their feelings" I told Harry.
"Good point. Are you ready to go?" Harry asked while holding his arm up.
I nodded my head and took his arm. We landed in front of the house that I am too familiar with. I beamed at Harry and he couldn't help but smile along with me. Right in front of me was Grimmauld Place.