BIGGER THAN US
Chapter 25
Two days later, Hermione received the following owl:
JANUARY 19, 2002
TO: HERMIONE J. MALFOY
IN ACCORDANCE WITH WIZENGAMOT CHARTERS, YOUR REQUEST TO REPRESENT NARCISSA R. MALFOY HAS BEEN APPROVED. AN APPEAL OF THE CONVICTION: CONSPIRANCY TO COMMIT DEATH EATER CRIMES IS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD APRIL 1, 2002 AT NINE A.M.
PLEASE SUBMIT A LIST OF WITNESSES, IF ANY, WITHIN A WEEK OF DATE OF THIS NOTICE. AS YOU ARE NOT A LICENSED BARRISTER, IT IS ADVISED THAT YOU RESEARCH WIZENGAMOT PROCEDURES BEFORE THE HEARING. THE WIZENGAMOT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR ANY CONCERNS YOU MIGHT HAVE. BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR ENDEAVORS.
Esther McFee, Wizengamot Administration Chief
"April Fools Day, why am I not surprised?" Hermione asked and handed the letter to Narcissa. "I have work to do."
She notified Professor Vector that her apprentice studies were on indefinite hiatus. The professor assured her that the position was hers whenever she wished to return. Albus, who would be presiding over the Wizengamot for the hearing, sent her the following letter:
Hermione-
As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I must insist that all contact between us cease until the time of the hearing, to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I can assure you that Madame Malfoy will receive a fair hearing and every opportunity to appeal her sentence of guilt.
As a friend, I applaud this brave step to once again help a person once considered an enemy. I am uncertain of the outcome, but confident that you will represent Madame Malfoy admirably.
Best wishes, Albus Dumbledore
"That's kind of him," Narcissa said after reading the letter. "Now, what can I do?"
"Prepare a list of witnesses on your behalf," Hermione said. "I also want to ask one more time: are you sure about the Veritaserum? They can't compel you to take it. What if it affects the baby?"
"They won't be able to cast doubt on the truthfulness of my testimony without it," Narcissa said. "It's to my advantage to offer to take it, to show that I have nothing to lie about."
"Very well," Hermione said.
Over the next couple of months, Hermione could be found in the parlor with books and stacks of parchment about Wizard law, Wizengamot rules, the record of Narcissa's original trial and the entire fifty page decree detailing the conviction. She was still concerned about the Veritaserum, but after consulting Severus it was found that no element in it that would be harmful to a fetus.
The Malfoys thought it priceless how she practiced on the babies. She asked them questions, read legalities to them and practiced her "game face" on them. The almost 4 month old babies merely gurgled at her. There was an article in The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler announcing the appeal. After the ninth howler, she refused letters from anyone other than family or friends. Narcissa received her fair share of hate mail too. Hermione shrugged it off. "I was expecting it."
A week before the trial, Hermione was as versed as any barrister. She reviewed the hearing procedure again for Narcissa, who sat patiently in the parlor while Hermione paced back and forth and spoke.
"You will want to wear your best Muggle clothing; that will best show them how well you've made the adjustment and that it hasn't been so…distasteful. When you stroll into Courtroom Ten, I want you to strut. "
She took a deep breath and continued.
"You know that you're innocent, show them that confidence! Chin up, I want you to own the room! A little condescension is called for in this instance; show them the error they made pronouncing you guilty. Narcissa, you have a gift; your demeanor. Well-placed words with only a look will say loads more than frantic, arm-waving assertions."
April 1, 2002
"Is this necessary?" Hermione asked angrily as shackles were placed on Lucius. "Do you think they plan to make a run for it?"
"Madame Malfoy, they are convicted criminals. It's proper procedure," an Auror said in exasperation.
Hermione knew that, but as acting barrister, she was making her objections known the second the Aurors made their appearance. It was a small comfort that Harry was there, he agreed for Hermione's sake to escort Narcissa.
"Sorry," Harry said softly as he placed the shackles on Narcissa. It tore at Draco's heart to see his mother in shackles. A small part of him would never forgive his father for this injustice done to his mother.
"Quite alright, you have a job to do," Narcissa said. Harry placed the shackled on her as loosely as possible.
Their arrival at the Ministry of Magic was more than she could have hoped for. There was no way for this to be kept quiet. Dozens of reporters were on the scene, taking pictures and shouting questions.
"Ignore them," Hermione said quietly.
They made their way to Courtroom Ten. The witnesses would be sequestered in an adjoining room until they were called. They were to wait outside the courtroom until summoned. At five minutes to nine, a Wizengamot clerk called them in.
"Let's set you free," Hermione said and swept in, Narcissa strutting behind her, head held high, looking calmly at the Wizengamot members.
Harry escorted her to the chair where the accused sat. Narcissa took her seat, crossed her legs and placed her hands in her lap. She had to appear as if the whole matter was a formality. Albus cleared his throat and started.
"We are gathered this morning to hear the appeal of Narcissa R. Malfoy regarding her conviction of guilt of Conspirancy to Commit Death-Eater crimes. Representing Madame Malfoy is Hermione Malfoy."
Albus addressed Narcissa.
"Madame Malfoy, do you affirm a Wizard's Oath that your testimony this morning to be the truth, so help your soul?"
"Objection," Hermione said and stood up. "Madame Malfoy no longer possesses magical powers, as sentenced by this court I might add, so she cannot be compelled to affirm any kind of magic."
The Wizengamot members looked at each other curiously. She was right.
Well done Hermione! Albus thought.
"Noted and sustained, Madame Malfoy," Albus said.
"Then how do you propose to verify the veracity of her testimony?" one witch asked haughtily.
"Madame Malfoy has agreed to testify under Veritaserum. It is her right under Rule 92, paragraph 3, section A of the Wizengamot Charter," Hermione stated and held up a paper. "You can administer it yourself, madame," Hermione told the haughty witch. "In addition, every single witness today has agreed to testify under Veritaserum."
Albus held back a grin. This court wouldn't know what hit it.
"To avoid any appearances of duplicity, I have requested doses of Veritaserum used in interrogations at Azkaban brought here this morning. As you well know, I was required to request it through official channels, and it is required to be transported by an Auror guard from Azkaban. That guard is waiting outside. May he bring it in and administer it?"
"Certainly," Albus said.
Hermione signaled to the door and Harry let the Auror in. He knew nothing of the case, only that he was to take a container of Veritaserum to Courtroom Ten at nine a.m. this morning.
"You may administer it to the witness," Hermione said to the Auror.
The Auror gulped when he saw that the witness was Narcissa Malfoy. Three drops later, a slightly dazed Narcissa looked at Albus.
"She's dosed," the Auror said.
"Very well. Madame Malfoy, I will start with the obvious question. Have you ever conspired to commit death eater crimes?" Hermione asked.
"Certainly not."
"You plead innocent to the crimes, did you not?"
"I did."
"Have you ever witnessed a death eater crime?"
"No."
"Have you ever taken part in any death eater activity?"
"Absolutely not."
"Is your husband guilty of death eater crimes?"
"Regretfully, yes."
"Did you ever try to stop him?"
"I begged and pleaded for him to stop."
"So you did not agree with what he was doing?"
"Of course not, Voldemort was insane."
"Thank you Madame Malfoy."
Hermione turned to the Wizengamot and said, "Your witness."
Albus spoke. "Madame Malfoy, would you elaborate about trying to stop your husband?"
"I begged, screamed, and cried repeatedly. I threatened more than once to bodily bind him; I did anything I could that would delay his leaving the manor," Narcissa said, a tear falling down her cheek.
"What does your husband think of-" another wizard asked.
"Objection," Hermione interrupted. "This isn't about her husband, and you can't presume her to know another's thoughts. Stick to relevant questions if you would."
"Sustained," Albus said.
"Why did you not choose Azkaban, Madame Malfoy?" another witch asked.
"For my son, my sanity, my life."
"Can you elaborate?" Albus asked kindly.
"Azkaban is living death. I would have never seen my son again, and I'm fairly sure that I would have went insane."
"How is your life today?" Albus asked.
"Comfortable. I have my home and family."
"How do you feel about not having magic?" Albus asked.
"At first like half a person but I have grown accustomed to it."
Another witch was about to ask something about Lucius, but knew Hermione would jump on it, so she refrained. They would get their chance, Lucius was a witness.
"If your appeal is successful, what are your plans?" Albus asked.
Good question! Why didn't I think of it? Hermione silently admitted.
"I am with child and I plan to offer photography services."
"Madame Malfoy, did we hear correctly, you are with child?" a witch asked.
"Objection, asked and answered," Hermione piped up. Hermione wasn't giving them an inch. The courtroom fell silent.
"Are there any more questions for the witness?" Albus asked.
"Permission for redirect?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, you may ask another question," Albus said.
This was the question Hermione was saving for last.
"Madame Malfoy, to the best of your knowledge, are there any other witches or wizards in your situation?"
"Yes, many."
"Thank you Madame Malfoy, I have no more questions," Hermione said.
"We will take a ten minute recess before the first witness," Albus said.
Narcissa was led to a holding cell for the duration of the hearing. Albus observed his former head girl in quiet admiration. She was calm, cool and collected through the ten minute recess as she perused her notes. She would make a formidable barrister or prosecutor were she to take that route. Albus reconvened the proceedings and called forth the next witness. It was Severus. He was given the oath, administered Veritaserum and Hermione started.
"Professor, I know that you are a busy man and today was an inconvenience, but I beg your patience a bit longer."
"Of course."
"How long have you known Narcissa Malfoy?"
"Since the age of twelve."
"What is your age today?"
"42 last week."
"In all the years you have known her, to the best of your knowledge, has she ever committed a crime?" Hermione asked.
"No."
"Your role in the war against Voldemort is well known documented fact. During that time, did you ever witness Narcissa Malfoy conspire to Death Eater activities?"
"No, certainly not."
"Were you ever a witness to her attempts to stop her husband?"
"On many occasions."
"To the best of your knowledge, do you believe Narcissa Malfoy to be innocent?"
"Yes."
"I have no more questions for the witness," Hermione said and took a seat.
"Professor, to the best of your knowledge, are there any other allegedly innocent witches or wizards who were pronounced guilty?" Albus asked.
"Yes."
"To the best of your knowledge, how many?" a witch asked.
Severus thought for a minute.
"Sixty at the least."
The members of the Wizengamot shifted in their seats. They were uncomfortable, and Hermione planned to keep them that way.
"Do any members have any further questions for the witness?" Albus asked.
I dare say not! he thought.
"Thank you professor, you are excused," Albus said. "There will be another ten minute recess before the next witness."
Hermione nibbled on some chocolate, took a swig of water and flipped through her notes during the ten minutes. The next witness was her "impact witness" as she called it. The members took their seats and looked to Hermione.
"I call Rose Parkinson," Hermione said and signaled to Harry again.
He opened the door and two Azkaban aurors walked in with Rose Parkinson. She looked awful, as any Azkaban prisoner would. The doors shut on the commotion in the foyer. The chains in the witness chair secured Rose. She was given Veritaserum and quieted. The Auror nodded at Albus.
"Prisoner Parkinson, do you know why you are here today?" Hermione asked
"To tell you what I know of Cissy."
"Do you mean Narcissa Malfoy?"
"Yes."
"How long have you known Narcissa?"
"Since I was five."
"And your age?"
"39 I think."
"In all the years you have known her, to the best of your knowledge, has she ever committed a crime?" Hermione asked.
"No."
"Have you ever witnessed Narcissa Malfoy conspire to commit Death Eater activities?"
"No, never."
"Did you ever try to convince Narcissa Malfoy to join in Death Eater activities?"
"Many times. She refused."
"What were her reasons?"
"She said that it was absurd and that our Dark Lord was insane."
"To the best of your knowledge, is Narcissa Malfoy innocent of her crimes?"
"Of course, you twit."
"I have no more questions for the witness," Hermione said and sat down.
Albus knew what the answer was, but asked anyway. "To the best of your knowledge, are there any other allegedly innocent witches or wizards that were pronounced guilty?" he asked.
"Yes, many."
"Are there any more questions for this witness?" Albus asked.
The only answer from the court was silence.
"Very well, there will be another ten minute recess before the last witness," Albus said.
Albus sighed and paced the front row of chairs. He saw Hermione talking quietly to Harry by the courtroom doors. He was a little more than impressed by today's events. Bamboozled is more like it! he thought. Hermione resumed her place at the front and gave Albus a quick smile and tapped her watch. Albus quirked his lips and nodded.
"Ahem, if everyone would take their seats," he said.
"I call Lucius Malfoy," Hermione said.
There was more commotion from the foyer when Lucius Malfoy was escorted to the witness chair. He knew without a doubt that he was totally and absolutely guilty of his crimes, but Narcissa should not have borne this burden. He hoped things had gone well that day. He took his seat and looked at the Wizengamot. He was administered Veritaserum and a passive look overtook his face. The Auror nodded at Albus.
"Are you the husband of Narcissa Malfoy?" Hermione asked.
"I am."
"How long have you known Narcissa?"
"Since her third year at Hogwarts."
"In all the years you have known her, has she ever committed a crime?"
"No, she has not."
"Has she ever participated in any Death Eater activity?"
"Certainly not."
"Has she ever conspired with you or anyone else to commit Death Eater crimes?"
"Certainly not."
"Why?"
"She thought the activities distasteful and V-Voldemort insane."
"Did she ever try to stop you from joining in the activities?"
"Yes, to the point of begging, crying, screaming and throwing objects at me. She once threatened to bodily bind me."
"Why didn't you listen?"
"I was a stubborn, misguided arse."
There was murmuring from the court. Even under Veritaserum, Lucius was still, well, Lucius.
"Why didn't you choose Azkaban?"
Lucius thought for a minute then spoke. "Narcissa vowed to stay with me no matter what. By some miracle, the woman loves me. Had I chosen Azkaban, she would have as well. I could not bear the thought of my innocent wife in that wretched place."
"Do you believe Narcissa to be innocent?"
"I know that she is innocent."
"Do you love your wife?"
"With all that I am."
"I have no more questions," Hermione said and sat down.
"To the best of your knowledge, are there any allegedly innocent wizards or witches that were pronounced guilty?" Albus asked.
"Of course there are. My wife included."
"No more questions, the witness is excused."
When Lucius was led away, Albus told Hermione, "You may make your closing statement."
Hermione took a deep breath and clasped her hands behind her back and took a long hard look at the Wizengamot.
"Suffice it to say, the further travesty of justice can be prevented by granting Narcissa Malfoy her freedom. I will be the first to admit that I hungered for justice those days after the war. However, I will not admit to blind justice, the absolute kind that turns a blind eye because of a name, which is exactly what happened in this case. Narcissa's only fault is having the last name Malfoy, which by default pronounced her guilty in the eyes of this august body. Tragically, we cannot give restore her magic, but we can restore her freedom. I implore you, I beg you to examine your hearts, your minds, the evidence and the irrefutable testimony heard today. I will leave you with the image of a woman, sitting on a blanket under a tree on a warm summer day, holding a baby, pointing out the shapes of the clouds as they pass. Narcissa's wish is to be that woman. She can't do that if she's a prisoner in her own home. Thank you for your patient attention."
Hermione took a seat and a sip of water.
Twenty minutes later, an Auror told Narcissa that the Wizengamot had come to a decision. She was led from the holding room back into the courtroom. Hermione was returning to the courtroom as well, fighting through a crowd of reporters. Narcissa took her place in the witness chair. Hermione stood behind her, a hand on her shoulder.
They came to a quick decision, is that good or bad ? she thought. Narcissa was shaking.
Albus stood and spoke. "Narcissa Malfoy, this court wishes to reverse its previous judgment of guilt and now pronounce you innocent of all charges. Furthermore, as of this minute of this day, your full rights as a witch are restored. I wish the best for you and the child you are bearing. You are free to go madame."
Narcissa slumped in the chair and cried. Hermione hugged her and cried with her. A few members of the Wizengamot lingered to watch the scene before they left. They had voted unanimously in favor of her innocence. Draco was waiting outside the courtroom about ready to wet his pants in anticipation. He heard that the hearing was over, but what had they decided? The heavy oak doors opened and a tearful Hermione and Narcissa walked through.
"I'm free," Narcissa cried and embraced her son.
Draco caught his mother in a twirling hug. The reporters gathered around Narcissa and a barrage of questions began. Hermione slipped away to join Harry down the corridor, away from the crowd. This was Narcissa's moment. She sat down next to Harry and nibbled on her chocolate bar.
"Mione, what you did today, that was a miracle," Harry said quietly.
"No it wasn't Harry, I just made them listen and see," Hermione said. "Before, they were listening but not hearing. Before, they were looking, but not seeing."
Evil triumphs when good people do nothing...