Chapter 21

It was Hermione's turn to visit Lucius. His sentencing trial was scheduled for the following morning, and after hearing his side of the story from Draco, she needed to hear it for herself from his father. "I understand why you did what you did," she stated as soon as he sat down. "Do you really regret it? Draco mentioned that you seemed uncharacteristically remorseful."

"I do," he replied. "When Draco told us about you and Athena...it was the first time I'd thought of that night in years. That probably wasn't what you wanted to hear, but I tried to put the war and my activities behind me when it was over. It was easier to do when you weren't family."

"I'm still not family," she interjected.

Lucius smiled softly. "Tell that to my son," he retorted. "I do believe you're the only family that matters to him now. He's changed, and it's all because of you. He's a better man than I've ever been."

"We're not here to discuss that though," Hermione said, crossing her arms. "I needed to know that what Draco told me was true. I believe you, Mr. Malfoy."

He looked hopeful as he whispered his gratitude. "That means the world to me, Miss Granger," he added. "I am truly sorry for the part I played in harming your parents. I expect no forgiveness from you, but I hope you know how sorry I am."

Nodding, Hermione stood to leave. "I appreciate that, Mr. Malfoy," she replied. "We'll see you soon."

The next morning, Draco and Hermione sat in the trial hall with Narcissa. Usually prim, proper, and reserved, Narcissa's leg bounced as she prattled on to fill the silence and time. "Athena's asked if I'd like to share her room," she told the couple. "I think she's worried about my living alone once...she thinks I'll be too lonely in that big house. She's such a sweet, thoughtful girl. I imagine she gets that from you, Hermione."

"And yet I got yelled at for taking a piece of her Halloween candy," Draco groused. "You, though, she's willing to let sleep in her room. Clearly, she likes everyone better than me."

"Oh, honey, get used to that," Hermione teased, patting his thigh before returning her attention to his mother. "Has our daughter made any other plans we should know about?"

"Perhaps she's found a new house for us all? Planned a wedding for us? For herself?" Draco suggested.

Narcissa glanced around the room as the Wizengamot slowly filtered in. "No, just that," she assured them. "You don't have to worry. I have no intention of encroaching on your life together."

Hermione reached for her hand, holding it tightly as Lucius was led in. "I have a good feeling about this," she whispered, offering an encouraging smile. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister of Magic, caught her eye and offered an imperceptible smile before he began the proceedings. Draco attempted to ask what she meant, but Hermione shushed him and watched the court.

The facts of the case were laid out in a cold, clinical manner. Hermione's eyes were trained on Lucius, his head bowed, as Kingsley spoke. After the charges were read, the Wizengamot stood to leave and deliberate. "Now, before we continue," Kingsley said, asking them to retake their seats, "a deal, of sorts, has already been arranged. Ms. Granger has asked that the court show leniency to the accused in the case of her parent's attack. I've taken her request into account in determining Mr. Malfoy's sentence.

"Lucius Malfoy, please stand," he continued. Lucius did as he was instructed. "I sentence you to six years probation and three hundred hours of community service. Ms. Granger has already offered to help you with those hours, assisting in her bookshop. If you cannot agree or accept these terms, your six years and three hundred hours will be spent in Azkaban. Do you accept, Mr. Malfoy?"

"I do," Lucius replied, sounding relieved.

The Minister of Magic nodded and smiled, then waved to wand to undo the shackles on Lucius's wrists. "You're free to go, Mr. Malfoy," he said. "Don't make Ms. Granger regret this."

Turning back to look at his family, Lucius swore that he wouldn't. As the Wizengamot filed out of the courtroom, Narcissa, Draco, and Hermione left their seats to greet him. Bypassing his wife and son, he enveloped Hermione and whispered his gratitude in her ear. "Why though?" he wondered.

"I told you - I believe you," she replied. "Don't let me down, Mr. Malfoy."

He smiled gratefully. "I won't."

"You're really going to let him help in the store?" Draco asked, wrapping his arm around her waist. His parents embraced, and Draco was quick to turn them away from it. "I can't imagine my father stocking shelves and checking out customers."

Hermione shrugged. "I was thinking something more along the lines of childcare," she told him. "He good with Athena, and maybe he can make things right with her if they're around one another. Or this whole thing blows up in my face like Neville in Potions class."

Stifling a laugh, Draco assured her it would work out. "She likes to see the good in people, like her mother," he said. "It'll work out."

"Perhaps you'd like to join us," Hermione offered, turning to face the Malfoys. "George and Angelina Weasley are watching Athena today. There's a chance you'll be the only people who can pry her away from their daughter."

Narcissa readily agreed, but Lucius seemed more cautious. "You're sure?" he asked. "I'm not sure she wants to see me."

"I raised my daughter to believe in giving second chances to those who deserve them," Hermione informed him. "Athena loves you, Mr. Malfoy. I believe that in time she'll forgive you."

Nodding, he followed quietly as they left the Ministry and strolled through Diagon Alley until they reached George's shop. Hermione led them to the back office, then up the stairs to the flat above. She let them in and called out to George to announce their arrival. Athena came running with her uncle on her heels. Blue eyes widened at the sight of Draco's parents. "Hermione, Draco," he said courteously. "Could we talk for a minute? Teeny, I believe there are some toys that need cleaning up."

The couple followed George to the master bedroom and waited as he warded it. "I should have let you know they were coming," Hermione said apologetically. "The sentencing just ended, and I thought it might be nice to surprise Teeny. I'm really sorry, George."

Despite a scowl, he shrugged. "So, he's free?" he asked. "The two of you okay with that?"

"It takes some getting used to," Draco replied diplomatically. "If Hermione can forgive him, he's welcome in our lives. I'm not encouraging their constant presence, but a visit once in awhile won't kill me."

George nodded and returned his attention to Hermione. "You really trust him?" he asked.

She smiled, amused by the big brother act George often put on for her. "I believe him about this," she said. George reluctantly accepted her response. "Did Athena say anything about what's been going on?"

"She asked if I thought Lucius deserved your forgiveness," he said. "I told her I don't think he does. I'm not...I'm not going to pull what Harry and Ron did, forcing my opinions on you. Just be careful, the both of you. I've lost enough family to last me a lifetime. I don't want to lose the three of you too."

"You won't," Draco promised.