So sorry for the delay. This chapter just did not want to come. (I think I painted myself into a corner made of smut and didn't want to leave ;)
This is kind of a filler/bridging chapter, but important all the same.
(I've also started a new fic, Hermione X Lucius called Death in the shadows. Check it out if you feel like it)
Chapter Twenty-one
Kingsley needed a drink. A tumbler full of Fire Whiskey that he could chug down and forget that the world existed. If only for a few hours. Instead, he was sitting at his desk preparing to answer questions in front of the Wizengmot. Not that it was officially a trial, at least that's what they'd told him, but he knew enough of legal speech to suspect he'd be judged all the same.
He scoffed as he shuffled his parchment back and forth across his desk, knowing that every single thing he'd scrawled down wouldn't help him in the least. The Ministry had it in for him and he had an awful feeling that today would be the day that they managed to land the killing blow. But in all honestly, he couldn't say that he cared. Seeing Ginny's dead body and the Weasley's grief had almost undone him. But it was Harry's blank gaze that had broken something inside him. The poor boy had been through so much already and he couldn't help but feel responsible. Attacking the Revel had been a mistake. And they'd paid dearly for it.
He'd failed them all. More than once. But at least Hermione knew the truth. Knew what Bella had done. And he had more faith in her abilities to stop her than anyone. He had to. The alternative didn't bare thinking about.
A knock at the door had him forcing his spine straight and arranging his face into one of indifference. "Enter."
The door swung open admitting Pippit. The dark haired Auror looked grave as he regarded Kingsley, "Minister Shacklebolt, I've been instructed to escort you to the Wizengmot."
Kingsley inclined his head, "Of course." Hearing the meaning behind the words perfectly. He was to attend whether he wanted to or not.
Pippit clasped his hands behind his back and waited patiently for Kingsley to gather his papers. "I apologize for my involvement in this, but I was unable to refuse my instructions."
"Of course, I hold no ill feelings towards you." Kingsley rose to his feet, "And I'd rather it were you than anyone else."
The Auror smiled, "then let us go have our time wasted."
A chuckle erupted from the Ministers' chest, "Yes. Lets."
They left the room, walking side by side down the dim hall. Kingsley aware of the covert looks he was receiving from every direction. He knew they blamed him for the disastrous swinside stone circle incident. More than a few Auror's had been injured, some seriously, and the blame was being laid firmly at his feet. The death of Ginny had been the final straw. Not because she died. No, the minister's weren't particularity upset about that, but they were upset that it could have been Harry Potter that was cold and lifeless.
"Are you prepared for the questions they'll ask?" Pippit murmured tilting his head so only Kingsley would hear him.
"As I'll ever be." Shacklebolt replied, "I suspect they'll seek to undermine me to the point that I'll have no choice but to resign."
Pippit scoffed, "Fools, all of them." He turned left, heading towards the wizengmot, "I was sorry to hear of the Weasley girls death. But I'm finding it hard to believe Hermione is responsible. There are whispers of the Imperio being cast upon her."
Kingsley hesitated, unwilling to speak of Hermione's innocence. Even to Pippit who he trusted more than most inside the M.O.M. The truth would only be known between Harry, George, Hermione and himself. And Scabior he supposed, although the thought of the former Death Eater knowing any of their secrets left a sour taste in his mouth.
Aware of Pippit expecting a reply, Kingsley bobbed his head, "Yes." Was all he said.
They continued the rest of the way in silence. Kingsley feeling the sense of dread rising the closer they got. Finally, they reached the door behind which his future was about to be decided. He pulled in a steadying breath before nodding his head to Pippit. The young Auror stepped passed him and opened the door, gesturing for the Minister to enter.
When Kingsley strode into the circular room all of his suspicions were confirmed. Almost every Minister of any importance was in attendance. Each watching him with an expression of glee that made his skin crawl and prickle in alarm. He had been under the impression that this would be a question and answer session, that they would seek a vote of no confidence in him and he would be forced to resign. He flicked a gaze at Pippit's blank face and knew the young Auror had known exactly what he was leading him into.
A sense of betrayal settled in his chest but he quickly thrust it aside, instead raising his head in a regal manner and striding to the centre of the room. Not one friendly face was sat amongst the masses. But in truth the only one he would have wished to see was Arthur Weasley. That was impossible of course, with Ginny's death, Arthur was needed by his family and Kingsley doubted that the Weasley Patriarch even knew what was happening.
He settled his gaze on Minister Newthan, the man he knew was the one who coveted his position the most. He was also the one who was behind most of the rumours that had dogged him since he'd taken over from Scrimgeour. Although now that he thought about it, Pippit had been the one to inform him of most of these rumours. Perhaps he'd also been the one to start them.
He shook the thought aside and brought Newthan back into focus. The grey haired man had a viscous glint to his eyes that let Kingsley know that he was in big trouble.
"I am here as requested," Shacklebolt said fighting to keep his voice steady.
Newthan inclined his head, "Indeed you are. Now, as I'm sure you're aware , we have a few questions for you."
"Then ask. I will, of course, answer them to the best of my abilities." Kinglsey said not letting his eyes move from Newthan.
"Would you care to explain why you made the decision to attack the Revel?" A low murmur circled the room.
Shacklebolt's fists tightened at his sides, hidden from view by his robes, "The information I received indicated that several Death Eaters would be in attendance, I thought it prudent to apprehend them."
"Yes, this information you speak of." Newthan frowned in apparent confusion, "Who gave it to you?"
"I'm afraid I can't relay that," Kingsley said.
Yells of outrage surrounded him. A few words of insult as well.
Newthan raised his hand, an unspoken order for silence that was quickly obeyed. "You refuse to answer?"
Kingsley hesitated, knowing whatever answer he gave would be wrong. "I-"
"We know your source is Hermione Granger. The same Hermione Granger who was involved in the death of Ginny Weasley." Newthan said, "The same Hermione Granger who you gave permission to raid the Ministry vaults. And the same Hermione Granger who is on the run with a known Death Eater, who you, Minister Shacklebolt set free. "
Kingsley's head swung Pippit's way as the room began shouting in shock and anger. The Auror slowly twisted to face him, a small smile gracing his lips. Only noticeable because they were standing so close.
A loud bang brought his attention back to Newthan. The Minister had hit his fisted hand onto the table in front of him. All sound in the room died down. "I accuse you of being in league with Miss Granger, of stealing books on Dark magic from the Ministry," spittle flew from his mouth as his voice rose to a shout, "And of casting spells from those books. Do you deny it?"
The silence was so complete that you could hear a pin drop. Hear every breath that was being drawn. A feeling of helplessness began to rise from the bottom of Kingsley's feet, slowly moving upwards and into his chest. Denial would be useless. They would only have to call for truth serum and his guilt would be laid bare for all to see.
He would not grovel, or plead, or make excuses. He would own this and trust that the Order would come to his aid once they knew all of the facts.
He straightened his shoulders. Head held arrogantly high. "I deny nothing."
More shouts, this time calling for his arrest. It was all so very predictable, almost like it had been planned. Kingsley eyed the young Auror coolly. Not once shifting his gaze as Pippit approached. He stood perfectly still as magical cuffs were applied and his wand withdrawn.
"You will be taken to Azkaban where you will await trail for your crimes against the Ministry and Wizarding world." Newthan's smug voice stroked the air, "Take him."
Kingsley fought to keep his face impassive as Pippit led him away. Thankfully through a private exit. At least he would be spared the humiliation of facing the public. It was one hundred eighty-five steps to the Apparation point that would take them to Azkaban. And a further four hundred and seventeen to reach his cell. He'd visited the prison often enough that he knew what to expect. So the sight of the icy cold stone cell wasn't a surprise. Neither were the shouts of hatred that the inhabitants were currently serenading him with.
He took the steps required to bring him into the cell and turned to face Pippit.
"It was you all along?"
Pippit gave a polite but meaningless smile. "Where's Hermione?"
"Do you honestly think that I would tell you." Kingsley scoffed.
"You will." Pippit stepped into the cell, swinging the door closed behind him, "Given the right incentive."
Kingsley stood his ground, refusing to be intimidated by the younger man. "You mean to torture me." He stated flatly.
Pippit drew his wand, "torture is to tame of a word for what I have planned for you."
Shacklebolt felt the first stirrings of fear, not at the words, but at the cool way he delivered them. Not a hint of emotion present. His lips tightened in a grim line. But still he refused to move from the centre of the cell. Even when Pippit cast wandlessly and broke the bones in his wrist.
The first of many. Pippit didn't once ask another question.
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