Conviction

Chapter 14: Decompressing

xXx

Crookshanks looked up as he heard the key in the lock. He stood from his place curled up on the sofa and jumped down just as the door opened to reveal his favorite person.

Hermione pushed through the front door without a word, leading her father's in. She stooped down as Crookshanks padded up to her, scooping him up off the floor and burying her face in his fur as she hugged him against her chest.

"Why don't we order take away and watch a movie?" Sirius's voice was soft as he stepped up behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. Hermione nodded.

"Okay." She replied dropping Crookshanks back on the sofa. "I'm going to go get a shower." She continued, heading for the back bedroom. They waited until they heard the door close before moving around the flat.

"I'm going to call the airline and cancel out tickets. We can go to the beach house once everything settles." Remus explained fishing his cell phone out of his pocket.

"Alright. You know, after everything Hermione's been through we should take her with us."

Remus snorted. "She'll never go for that, but if you want her to be mad at you feel free to offer. I'm sure there's nothing a little girl dreams of more than going on her fathers' Honeymoon with them.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Point taken."

xXx

Hermione stood in the shower, the hot water pounding down on her shoulders. She took in deep calming breaths trying to fight back the image of that gun pointed at her, of the resolute look in Greg's eyes as he stared her down, heedless of the gun pointed at him as well. One thing was for certain, Greg knew he was caught and he was determined to take her with him.

But why? Why her? Why not Draco or Pansy? Not that she wanted anything to happen to either of them, mind you, but she was nothing to him. He'd spent most of the afternoon complaining about Draco and desperate to get his wife back but in his last stand he decides to take her out. "It doesn't make sense." she muttered to herself.

Could it really be so simple that he wanted to hurt Draco on his way down? Sure he'd admitted that Draco had a crush on her in school and she had one on him too, though she'd never admit it out loud, but was a school days crush really justification for killing someone to hurt someone else? Ignoring the fact that they'd had a very interesting evening-and morning-the week before, because quite frankly no one knew about it except the two of them, what exactly did Greg hope to accomplish? She supposed he had proven he wasn't entirely stable today but the look in his eyes in those final moments told her that he knew exactly what he was doing, exactly what he wanted.

Hermione cut her thoughts off as bile rose in her throat. She slammed the knob off and forced the glass door open, just barely managing to get the toilet lid up before retching. As the nausea passes a weary feeling seeped into her muscles and Hermione had to force herself to her feet to dry and dress in her ratty old pajamas, throwing a hoodie she stole from Harry years ago on top.

The flat was mostly quiet when she stepped out of her room. She could hear movement from the kitchen, but it was muted, and across the living room the sofa in front of the television was pulled out into the sofa bed. Crookshanks was curled up in the center and Hermione climbed up, curling herself around the old cat and burying her face in his fur once again. Crookshanks began to purr then, soothing her into a light doze until she became aware of the bed beneath her shifting.

"Hey kitten." Sirius greeted her softly as she looked up at him, his hand gently running through her wet curls. He was smiling at her in that way that always made her feel better, no matter what she had been through. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Hungry. And tired." she replied through a yawn, pulling Crookshanks closer.

"Well, I ordered from your favorite place down the street. It should be here soon. In the meantime what do you want to watch?"

Hermione thought about it for a minute before; "Something stupid."

Sirius chuckled.

xXx

Narcissa was just hanging up her cell phone when she entered Draco's room, drawing his attention away from the television mounted in the far corner.

"How's Pansy?" he asked as she reclaimed her seat beside his bed.

"She's alright. Inspector Weasley agreed to stay with her until we get home tomorrow." she explained.

"You should go home now, mother." Draco argued lightly. "There's no need for you to sit up with me all night."

"Oh don't be ridiculous." she waved a dismissive hand at him. "It'll be just like when you were a little boy and you had the flu."

Draco huffed a laugh, knowing there wasn't anything he could do to dissuade her. She'd made up her mind and she wasn't going to change it anytime soon. With a sigh he looked back toward the television, flipping through the channels slowly, stopping only once he'd come across a news report of the incident that morning. Police were still around the courthouse, police tape everywhere as officers came and went from the scene collecting evidence and taking statements.

"I wonder how Hermione is doing?" Narcissa asked absently.

"Probably getting ready for work tomorrow. She's got a talent for pretending nothing is wrong."

Narcissa hummed. "She's takes after Sirius in that regard." she told him. "I remember when we were kids. He used to be so dramatic-"

"-Used to be?"

"-He'd complain about every little thing his mother did, but you'd never hear a word about the things that really bothered him."

"That doesn't surprise me."

Narcissa chuckled. "Did I ever tell you about the time Sirius wore a Metallica t-shirt under his suit jacket to a family function?"

"Oh geez, aunt Walburga had to have loved that."

"Oh yes, he walked into the ballroom of Grimmauld Place with his head held high and smirk on his face. He had on those aviator sunglasses too, I honestly don't know how he could see that house was always so dark. Aunt Walburga was furious, she started yelling at him right there in the middle of the room. And do you know what he said?"

"No, what?"

"You said I had to wear a suit jacket, so just be thankful I decided to wear pants."

Draco couldn't remember the last time he'd laughed so hard. He could just picture a young Sirius, with his long hair and devil may care attitude, in that massive ballroom surrounded by family and looking so proud of himself as he answered his mother's vitriol with the most logical response he was capable of. He was pretty young when his great aunt Walburga had died but he could still vaguely remember the pinched intolerant look on her face and he pictured it now in response to Sirius' insolence.

"What did Great Uncle Orion do?" he asked.

"Well, he didn't think it was funny but he gave Sirius credit for creativity."

Draco smiled. "Did you ever rebel?" Draco questioned.

"Oh yes." Narcissa replied looking away, her mood shifting ever so slightly.

"What did you do?"

Narcissa finally looked back up at him. "I married your father."

Draco was stunned. "The family didn't approve of him?" he asked confused.

"No, they didn't. Especially my father, your grandfather. I never really understood why. The Malfoy's were everything father wanted me to marry into but," she shrugged. "He just didn't like Lucius. He said he didn't trust him. That there was a shadow cast over that family." Narcissa shook her head. "To this day I still have no idea what he meant. He refused to elaborate."

They sat in silence for awhile, but it didn't last long. The rest of the night was spent telling old stories and Draco realized then that there was so much he didn't know.

xXx

Potter manor was a sprawling estate in Godric's Hollow not far outside London. It had been passed down through the Potter line for generations, currently residing in the ownership of James and Lily Potter. One day when Harry and Ginny were finally settled and began to have children, Lily and James would move out to a smaller place, just the right size for the two of them and Harry and Ginny would take their turn to raise the newest generation of Potter's in their rightful home. In the meantime though, the home still housed the elder Potter couple and anyone else who needed a place to stay or who came to visit.

James led the way through the front door, stopping short as Lily bounded into his arms, waves of relief pouring off of her as he wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in. Harry just managed to get around his parents before Ginny did the same, trying to remain calm as she buried her face in his neck and reminded herself that he was okay.

"Oh thank goodness you're alright." Lily said as she pulled away. Ginny pulled away as well letting the Potter Matriarch hug her only child.

"We're alright mum, barely a bruise. I promise." Harry told her as she stepped back.

"I know, I know, I just get so nervous with you two going off and playing hero all the time." Lily told them.

"Well if it makes you feel better, the team is on mandatory leave until Monday." Harry explained.

"And," James added. "He's agreed to stay here tonight."

"If that's okay with you." Harry directed at Ginny.

"Of course it is." she replied stepping up beside him. Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his side, laying a kiss on the top of her head.

"Well then." Lily finally spoke. "I'm going to make dinner then." none of them wanted her to go to any trouble but the look on her face belayed any argument they may have had.

"I'm going to run upstairs and shower." Harry told them before heading toward the stairs, Ginny on his heels.

When they were gone, Lily turned to James. "How is he really doing?" she asked.

"He shot someone, Lils. It doesn't matter that he was a bad guy or that he was threatening his sister, Goyle is still a human being." James explained.

"Have you heard anything about Greg?" she asked.

"The doctor's aren't hopeful. The shot was close range and Harry hit his mark. It's a miracle Greg's still alive to even go through surgery."

Upstairs in the room Harry called his own while growing up, he closed the door behind Ginny and made his way toward the bed, collapsing back on it in utter exhaustion. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, feeling comfort wash over him as Ginny crawled up next to him and curled up against him. They lie there quietly, the only sounds their own breathing.

"How was the trip?" Harry asked, his voice low, like a murmur in the dark.

"For the first time in months our mothers actually agreed on something." Ginny replied, tracing patterns with her fingertips across his chest.

Harry chuckled. "I'm glad they didn't drive you nuts."

"They were definitely on their best behavior." He could hear the amusement in her voice and then it was gone. "Things got a little heavy when your dad called though. He told us not to rush home, but we were actually flying back when he called." she explained.

"I'm sorry I worried you, love."

"I forgive you." she practically whispered. Harry could tell there was something wrong, something she wasn't telling him. Ginny had never been overly thrilled when he joined the academy but he'd talked about following in his father's footsteps through most of his later teen years and she had always been supportive, even when he knew she was scared for him.

"Ginny," he called out to her gently. "Tell me what's wrong."

He felt her still against him before she heaved a sigh and sat up. He followed her, watching her face as the emotions warred behind her beautiful eyes.

"I love you." she told him.

"I love you too." he replied immediately. He didn't even have to think about it. He'd loved her for years and he would love her for years to come.

"You know I've never liked your job," she continued and Harry nodded. "But I know how much it means to you, so I hold my tongue and smile for you." she took a deep breath letting it out slowly. "When Hermione offered you the job on her task force I was so happy. I thought, what possible danger could he be in looking into old cases instead of out in field,but you're still in danger aren't you?"

"I wish I could say that I wasn't." he replied. "And I'm sorry that I worry you and that my job scares you. I wish I could say that everything is going to be okay, but I can't. The only consolation I can offer you is that this all had nothing to do with my job and everything to do with the people we know."

Ginny huffed, finally smiling if only ruefully. "That's comforting. We're all screwed then aren't we?"

Harry laughed reaching forward and wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her into him and kissed her, trying, if only for a moment to help her forget everything; her worries, her fears. When they pulled away he smirked down at her.

"So, about that shower." he hinted, eyebrows waggling comically.

Ginny laughed, pushing him back and jumping off the bed, disappearing into the en suite bathroom.

xXx

The Leaky Cauldron was a kitschy little pub in the heart of London. The owner, Old Tom as patrons and workers alike tended to call him, had been an artist in his youth and filled the old building with color and ornamentation that was both pleasing and painful to look at.

Hannah Abbot had been beside herself for hours, ever since the news began to circulate. The television behind the bar had been switched off by Tom when he saw how it frayed her nerves and she was both grateful and upset at being cut off.

"He's going to be alright, Hannah, you have to have faith." a coworker told her as she pulled her purse from her locker. She was taking calming breaths as she moved about the back room, trying to fight off the tears and panic that threatened her sanity. With her shift now over, she was headed home, where there would be nothing to distract her from the unanswered questions.

"I know. I know he's strong and smart and he's… well it's silly really. He's okay. He's Neville Longbottom, there isn't anything he can't do."

Her friend smiled at her, but before she could respond another waitress rushed into the room.

"Hannah come quick." she instructed ruining every bit of calm she'd managed to wrestle out of herself. Hannah shared a look with her friend before rushing down the long back hallway and emerging into the main dining room. Relief flooded her as she caught sight of Neville across the room. He was talking with Tom, a bouquet of her favorite flowers in hand.

Tom stopped talking abruptly and looked over Neville's shoulder at her, prompting the young man to turn around. He smiled when he saw her and she rushed through the room, dodging tables until she could throw her arms around her.

"I didn't worry you too much did I?" he asked, pulling away just enough to look her in the eye.

"Oh no, not at all. I knew you'd be alright." she told him. He smiled.

"Well, just in case I did, I bought you some flowers. Your favorite." he told her. "I thought I could drive you home." Hannah nodded, accepting her bag from one of her coworkers before letting Neville lead her out of the restaurant and to his car parked on the side of the road.

The trip was pleasant but Hannah soon realized they weren't headed toward her flat. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"I thought we could get something to eat on the way." Neville told her and she smiled and nodded and soon enough they pulled into the car park of an old familiar diner. "Seemed appropriate." he told her when she looked at him questioningly. It was in this very diner that Neville had accidently bumped into Hannah on her way back to her table. She'd been instantly smitten with his innocent nature and fumbling apologies and before she knew it ten of the most wonderful months of her life had passed. Their schedules were usually pretty packed, what with his work and her schooling and part time job, but they always made time for each other.

Finding a table was easy, it wasn't the busiest place in London and they ordered quickly.

"So, how are you?" Hannah asked him.

"Better than my coworkers." he replied. "Draco's in the hospital overnight for observation. He's got a concussion and I can only imagine how Hermione is fairing."

Hannah nodded. She didn't know what that meant but judging by the way he said it, she wasn't sure she wanted to know. "I'm just thankful you're alright."

Neville smiled reaching across the table and grasping her hands. "Me too." he chuckled.

Slowly the smile slipped off his face and he looked away deep in thought. "Listen Hannah, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about for a while now." he finally spoke up again.

"What's that?" she asked.

"Well, over the last few months I've, well I've really enjoyed getting to know you and I care quite a bit about you. The thing is… uh…" he huffed in amusement, he hadn't been this tongue tied since he was a kid. "Would you want to move in with me?" he blurted out.

Hannah sat stock still for a moment letting his words wash over her. Slowly a smile spread across her face. "Oh thank goodness, for a minute there I thought you were breaking up with me."

Neville smiled. "What man in his right mind would ever do that?" he asked. Hannah blushed.

"Neville, I would love to move in with you." she replied.

Neville grinned.

They ate dinner when it came and when they were finished, Neville drove them back to Hannah's flat. Hannah disappeared into the bedroom, changing out of her uniform before joining Neville on the sofa where they cuddled up together.

xXx

"I'm fine, mother." Blaise spoke into his cell phone. "No, no there's no need for you to come home. I'm alright. Not even a scratch." there was a pause as he listened, then; "I'm sure, you enjoy your vacation with Walter and I'll see you when you get home. And no, I haven't talked to Dad, he's been in meetings all day." a few minutes later he wrapped up the conversation and hung up, slipping his phone into his pocket and returning his attention to his drink. Behind the bar a television ran the news, captions flashing across the screen in lieu of sound.

"Is this seat taken?" a voice called behind him and he turned to find a brunette woman in an expensive black suit standing beside the stool next to him.

"No, it's all yours." he replied and she smiled, taking a seat and ordering a drink. "Crazy what happened at the courthouse isn't it?" she said after a few minutes.

"Yeah," Blaise replied around the rim of his tumbler. "What is this world coming to?"

"Mmm," she hummed. "I'm Claire." she introduced herself in her distinctly American accent.

"Blaise." he replied. "Are you waiting for someone?"

Claire nodded. "I'm meeting some friends for dinner. Apparently I work too much and they've insisted we meet up."

"Oh, what do you do?" he asked, turning slightly to face her better.

"I'm a photographer. Nature photography." she explained. "I travel alot so my friends are a little pushy when I finally come back into town."

Blaise chuckled. "I can imagine."

"What about you, are you meeting anyone?" she asked.

"Oh no, I just got off work. A drink, some dinner and a quiet night at home are in my future." Blaise replied.

"And what do you do?"

"I'm a lawyer." he told her.

"Oh how interesting, what kind of law do you practice?"

"Criminal, I'm a prosecutor." he explained.

"Oh really? You weren't at the courthouse today were you?" she asked concerned.

"I was in the area." he fibbed.

Before Claire could respond her name was called from the entrance to the bar area and she turned to see a group of woman waving at her.

"Your friends?" he asked. She nodded getting up from the stool.

"Well, it was very nice talking to you." she told him.

"Likewise." he replied watching as she dug through her purse. When she seemed to have found what she was looking for she looked back up at him.

"I hope this doesn't seem too forward, but," she pulled out a business card from her purse and held it out to him. He took it. "I'll be in town for a week or two, if you're not too busy maybe we can continue this conversation."

He simply nodded and she walked off.

xXx

Luna stared up at the ceiling, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind. It was nights like these, or rather mornings, that she found her mind straying. With everything that had happened the day before her mind was working over time to piece together the clues Greg had inadvertently left.

"Luna?" she heard called softly beside her. Luna turned her head and smiled at the beautiful woman lying beside her. "Can't sleep?" Dr. Cho Chang asked shifting closer and laying her head on Luna's shoulder.

Luna hummed.

"Are you alright?" Cho questioned pecking her shoulder with a kiss.

"I suppose. Maybe a little worried about Draco's concussion. and, of course, how Hermione's handling everything." Luna replied.

"Well, I can't speak for Hermione but I took a peek at Draco's file when they brought him into the ER. He should be fine, the concussion was mild. His doctor thinks he'll be able to go home in the morning."

Luna nodded, turning to stare back up at the ceiling. They laid in silence for a moment before Cho sighed, throwing the blankets off and sitting up. "Come on." She urged throwing on her sweatpants and a t-shirt.

"Where are you going?" Luna asked.

"I'm hungry." Cho replied.

"It's two a.m."

"When has that ever stopped us?" Cho laughed, leading the way toward the kitchen. "Remember when we were in medical school and stayed up all night studying?"

Luna chuckled. "Sure, we used to eat through that week's groceries in a night and do anything but study."

"Pretty much."

In the kitchen, Cho started pulling leftovers out of the fridge while Luna set about pulling snacks from the cupboard. By the time they were done the island was filled with food. They each pulled up a stood from the breakfast bar and took a seat, digging in.

"So," Cho began. "What's really bothering you?" she asked and Luna took a moment to marvel at how well Cho knew her.

Luna sighed, sticking her chop sticks into her take out box and setting it aside. "Everything about this incident just seems wrong. Goyle was completely unstable, no one can dispute that and yet he supposedly had this elaborate escape plan all along. And there was his insistence on targeting Hermione. He was determined that she die before he got caught."

"Maybe he was trying to hurt Draco?" Cho suggested. "You said they have a history and Greg was there for most of it."

Luna hummed, picking the container back up. "I mean that makes sense. I'm fairly certain they're sleeping together now, but I doubt he would know that."

Cho perked up. "Oh really?" she asked with a sly smirk. Luna nodded.

"What makes you think that?"

"It's very subtle, but there's a slight shift in the way they hold themselves around each other." Luna explained, staring down into the carton and swirling her noodles with her chopsticks. Cho laughed.

Luna sighed. "Anyway, I hope your right. I hope it's as simple as that because from the looks of it someone else was a part of the hostage situation and for what they accomplished they have to be pretty powerful."