A/N
ARE YOU GUYS READY FOR THIS ONE?! It's the trial chapter! Feels like it's long awaited, eh? You will ready various testimony's throughout the chapter so I hope you like it. It's honestly not very exciting, but it's definitely necessary!
Also sorry for the long awaited update- virtual learning got very stressful, then after a few weeks I returned to work and still did an hour with my daughter every evening which took up all of my time- but she's back to school tomorrow (cue happy dance!) and life is going back to normal. I really wanted to sit down and write today and voila! I'm starting the next chapter now, so hopefully a quick update will be in the future (you'll want it, trust me!)
Anyways, please R&R!
Hermione sat anxious in her seat on the defendants side of court room ten. As she looked around the room she felt anxious for Draco- the entire Wizengamot was present on one side of the room, while nearly half of the ministry employees sat in the stands to witness the case. Glancing over at the opposite end of the room she spotted the Weasley family huddled together and she couldn't help the surge of guilt that overcame her. She was sitting here, to be a support system for Draco who had no one, while her friends and those she thought of as family sat across from her. It wasn't right.
In the past few weeks that everything had been going on Hermione had avoided the Weasley's. She didn't know what to say to them without accusing their son, despite the fact the evidence clearly pointed to it. She and Ginny had grown close during the time at Hogwarts and over the past few years, as well, since she and Harry had officially become a couple. Mrs Wealsey had all but adopted Hermione into the family, especially after she had failed to restore her parents memories. Guilt weighed on her as she thought about the possible consequences that would come from this trial. She wished it didn't have to come to this.
She felt someone sit beside her and felt herself gasp as she glanced over and saw Narcissa Malfoy sitting rigidly straight in the spot that had previously been vacant. The blonde turned her head ever so slightly towards her and cocked an eyebrow. "Mrs Malfoy. I didn't expect to see you here."
Narcissa turned her head so she was staring straight ahead again. "My son is on trial, Miss Granger. Why wouldn't I be here to support him?"
"He- he did kill your husband," Hermione pointed out. She felt Narcissa tense next to her. "And I know for a fact that you haven't entered the Ministry in three years."
"Draco had no control over himself," Narcissa stated through tight lips. "I don't blame him. As for your final statement-." She turned to study the brunette again. "The last time I was here was for my own trial. I sat in that very chair- the chair my son will once again occupy- I didn't feel the need to return again after that."
"Of course," Hermione agreed, her heart heavy. "This entire ordeal is-."
"Is my son going to get off, Miss Granger?" Narcissa asked, facing forwards once more. "That's all I need to know, all I want to hear from you. I want your assurance he will get off."
"Draco did nothing wrong, Mrs Malfoy," Hermione stated firmly as Kingsley entered and a hush fell over the muttering court room. Hermione's last words came out in a quiet whisper, one she wasn't even sure Narcissa would hear. "He's going to be just fine."
The doors at the back of the room swung open. The first to enter were a few Aurors, ones Hermione recognized from the Ministry that day, along with Ron who was looking smug, but his smile quickly slipped into a frown when he spotted Hermione sitting on the wrong end of the room. His eyes narrowed as he passed but he didn't say anything, just took his seat on the Ministry side and stared straight ahead. Harry sent her a small smile and a shrug and Hermione simply nodded; she'd been expecting this.
The next time the doors opened it was Blaise and Draco, both walking with their heads held high and shoulders thrown back. Hermione could tell the dress robes Draco wore were new, and expensive. He was trying to make the best impression he could. His eyes found hers and she smiled softly, sending her reassurance to him. They had this. He was going to be okay. His eyes flicked to his mother and gave her a small nod as well before walking passed them to take his seat directly in front of her, so close if she reached out she could touch him- but she knew that wouldn't be appropriate.
Kingsley cleared his throat and every eye turned to him as he stood, holding a piece of parchment in his hand. "We are gathered here today in order to settle the case of the Ministry of Magic Auror department, by way of Ronald Weasley, against the Wizard Draco Malfoy for destruction to the Ministry Law Enforcement and assault to a Ministry employee." Kingsley paused and glanced at Draco. "Please state your name for the record."
"Draco Lucius Malfoy." Draco stated in a clear voice from where he stood.
"And your date of birth."
Draco's shoulders tensed slightly, but Hermione was sure only she noticed. "It's tomorrow sir- June 5th 1980."
Kingsley nodded and glanced at the paper work before him. "On the day in question, Mr Malfoy, please state the events that led up to the attack."
Draco swallowed hard and nodded. "I arrived at the Ministry that morning and stopped in to see my friend, and now attorney, Blaise Zabini. I was looking for someone and I knew he could help me find them."
"And who were you looking for?"
"Hermione Granger."
Hermione felt eyes glance briefly at her before turning back to face the Minister, but as she looked around she spotted Mrs Weasley was still staring at her in accusation. She frowned and glanced forwards again; why did she feel as is Mrs Weasley blamed her for the entire thing?
"Why is it that you were looking for Miss Granger?" Kingsley asked, continuing with the questioning.
"She'd been staying with me for a few months- her investigation on house elves led her to my estate where I have a large dwelling of them working for me. We- we connected during her stay but she felt the need to check in with her loved ones. I didn't want her to go, and a little after she left I went looking for her."
"So you thought to check the Ministry?"
"I knew she worked here," Draco confirmed. "I just wasn't sure where her office was, so I asked a friend."
"What happened next, Mr Malfoy?"
"Blaise told me her office was on the second level, the same floor as the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, so that's where I went."
"And that's where you ran into Mr Weasley?" Kingsley inquired, glancing over at Ron whose face was beat red; Hermione could see his teeth were clenched tight, fighting the urge to scream at Draco. She sighed as she waited for Draco to answer the question.
"Not at first," Draco stated. "First I met Hermione's assistant elf who led me to her office. She wasn't there so I left a note."
"And that's this note?" Kingsley asked using his wand to levitate a piece of parchment up and towards Draco to read; Hermione could see his writing on it from her seat.
Draco nodded, "that's the one."
"And then?" Kingsley prompted, summoning the letter back to his side.
"Then I left hoping she'd find the note and meet me at a later time."
"And did that happen?"
"No sir."
"And why is that?"
"I was attacked, sir." Draco stated clearly. Mutterings echoed through the chamber and Kinsgley had to wave his wand to silence everyone.
"What do you mean you were attacked, Mr Malfoy?"
Draco straightened his tense shoulders and held his head a little higher as he said, "as I was leaving, the lift opened up to reveal Mr Weasley- he wasn't happy to see me. He attacked first, sir. I merely defended myself."
Hermione glanced at Ron who's face was now purple, then turned to looked at his family- Ginny was tight lipped, George had a sneer on his face, but it was Mrs Weasley's narrowed eyes that broke Hermione's heart the most.
"If you simply defended yourself, Mr Malfoy, how is it that Mr Weasley was found laying on the ground? Why did Mr Weasley accuse you of attacking him and destroying Minsitry property?"
The room was silent as every eye turned to Draco as if daring him to get out of that- the majority of the witnesses present had no idea the evidence collected in favour of Draco.
"Mr Weasley's attack on me triggered accidental magic, sir. I had no control over the blast that erected out of me. Mr Weasley attacked me, and made the initial hole in the portrait- he is the one who should be on trial here."
Ron couldn't hold in his anger any further as he opened his mouth and yelled, "Bullocks, Malfoy! How dare you-."
Kingsley waved his wand and demanded silence again and the angry mutters that had been echoing around the chamber went silent once more.
"Thank you Mr Malfoy. You may be seated."
A few aurors took the stand and gave their stories- how they heard commotion in the halls but when they arrived on the scene both Draco and Ron appeared to be worse for wear. They trusted their colleague's word and arrested the suspect- Draco Malfoy. Ron looked smug again but Hermione knew he wouldn't look that way for long.
She knew she would be called to the stand soon enough- and what she had to say would surely wipe the smile off of his face. It broke her heart but she had to stand on the side of justice- Ron had wrongly accused Draco, and Draco didn't deserve to suffer through any more torment because of it.
"It is time to call witness for the defence: Hermione Granger to the stand- please take a seat." Kingsley's voice rang out and Hermione stood, her heart racing, as she took the few steps forwards and sat down on the chair for her. The chains had been removed- they hadn't needed to be used since the days of Voldemort. Taking a deep breath she confirmed her identity and waited for Kinsgley's questions.
"What is your relationship with the defendant, Miss Granger?" Kingsley asked.
Hermione knew the question was coming and she had talked about it at lengths with Blaise- once she told their story their relationship would be public; there was no going back. Everything was about to change for Draco Malfoy.
With a deep breath she said, "Mr Malfoy and I went to school together."
"And were you friends?"
Hermione smiled a little and chuckled, "A muggle born in Gryffindor and the pure blood prince of Slytherin? Hardly."
"When did your acquaintance start, then?"
"I was working on a case- my department is run by me and my elves and we advocate for house elf freedom. Whenever I come into a large dwelling of them I want to ensure they are being treated fairly. My case had been stale for a while until I received an anonymous Owl hinting at a large dwelling in some woods in Britain. I hadn't been to that specific area before so I thought it was worth checking out.
"My journey led me to an Estate home which was seemingly abandoned. I broke the wards and entered the house."
"And were there, indeed, elves present?"
"There were." Hermione agreed.
"And did they belong to a master?"
"They did."
"And that master was?"
"Draco Malfoy." Hermiome stated. "The Estate was where he had been living for the past few years."
"What happened when you discovered this?" Kingsley asked.
"I was going to leave. Mr Malfoy and I had never been friends, and given his past I wasn't quite sure I wanted to involve myself with his elves. I tried to leave."
"Tried?"
"The Estate had locked me in."
"You mean Mr Malfoy locked you in?" Kingsley specified, but Hermione shook her head.
"No, sir. The Estate locked me in. Draco had no control over it."
"What do you mean, Miss Granger?" Kingsley asked.
Hermione looked around at the disbelieving faces around her and settled on Draco's, who sent a small smile and nod her way. With a breath she said, "The Estate wielded magic over Draco- like I said he had no control over it. In fact, his wing of the estate was filled with evidence of accidental magic."
"Are you saying you can provide evidence that suggests Mr Malfoy, in fact, had no control over the magic that attacked Mr Weasley?"
"Yes, that is what I'm saying." Hermione confirmed. "In fact, if you look into the history of the Malfoy family you will find that nearly every heir to the Malfoy name has had this same uncontrolled magic until their twenty first birthday- it is the curse that was set upon their family centuries ago."
Disbelieving mumbles broke out with Hermione's words, which was to be expected, but it made Hermione's heart clench. She was excused from the stand and reclaimed her seat, ready for the next witness.
Ron sat in the chair, his face pink as Kingsley confirmed his identity and began the questioning. "What is your relationship with the defendant, Mr Weasley?"
"There is none. He's pure blood scum," Ron spat glaring over at Draco.
"Meaning what?" Kingsley asked in an irritated voice.
"Meaning he made my life hell at Hogwarts."
"And outside of Hogwarts?"
"I hoped he was dead," Ron shrugged indifferently. "I hadn't seen him in three years."
"Until that day at the Ministry?"
"Hermione showed up at the Chudley Cannon's quidditch party my brother George had after being gone for weeks! That was normal for her- she travelled a lot to get evidence for her cases."
"And your relationship with Miss Granger is-?" Kingsley asked.
"She's my girlfriend," Ron stated. "Er, at least she was. I mean- she's a girl, who's my friend, and-."
"The two of you dated?"
"Yeah, after the war."
"So when she showed up and told you about the fact she'd spent the last few months with Mr Malfoy-?"
"I was angry," Ron spat. "Malfoy was horrible to her at school! I knew he'd had to have done something to her head."
"Are you accusing Mr Malfoy of bewitching Miss Granger?" Kingsley asked in a sharp tone.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Ron grumbled. "He can't be trusted. He's a Death Eater after all!"
Mumbles broke out and Kingsley waved his wand to silence them. "I don't appreciate that statement being used in the court room, Mr Weasley."
"But, Minister, it's true! You know! You tried him three years ago!"
"Mr Malfoy was excused after Mr Potter brought forth evidence in support of Mr Malfoy. Are you saying that Mr Potter was wrong?"
Ron gulped and glanced back at Harry who was shaking his head in disbelief. Ron looked forwards again. "Um, no, I trust Harry, but-."
"Than that statement was be erased from the record," Kingsley stated firmly. "What happened when you saw Mr Malfoy at the Ministry the day in question, Mr Weasley?"
"He attacked me!" Ron stated quickly. "He all but admitted to bewitching Hermione to be with him- I held my wand in defence, ready in case I needed to use it but he assumed I was going to attack him and hit me first! I tried to defend myself, but then he blasted me to the ground!"
"When did the damage to the Ministry occur?" Kingsley asked after glancing at his notes for a moment.
"Malfoy did it, sir."
"That doesn't answer the question, Mr Weasley."
Ron's eyes narrowed slightly as he mumbled, "my defensive shot may have caused a bit of repairable damage but Malfoy's blast ensured it was irreparable."
"Our report shows your magic was traced to the damage- that your blast initiated it."
"Like I said, it was in defence and was completely repairable. I didn't mean to do it, sir."
"Do you believe Mr Malfoy when he says it was accidental magic that was out of his control?"
Ron scoffed, "no, sir. It's a convenient lie. Who's ever heard of an adult with accidental magic?"
Kingsley nodded. "You're excused, Mr Weasley."
It was Blaise's turn to defend Draco now. Hermione had to admit she was impressed with the way his voice rang out with authority as he spoke. He stated how he and Draco had talked, he confirmed the curse and his knowledge of the family's history, and he spoke about the investigation he had led over the last few weeks.
He called Harry forwards; Harry had had a difficult time agreeing to testify, but since he had been involved in the investigation he agreed to present the evidence he'd found- that didn't mean he was going to support Draco completely.
"You were part of the team involved in breaking the wards at Mafloy Estate, correct?" Blaise asked.
Harry nodded, "Hermione asked me if I could gather my team to help her."
"Even if it meant implicating your friend?" Blaise smirked.
Harry glared. "That wasn't my intention."
Hermione sighed wishing Blaise wouldn't be an instigator. "What happened when you arrived at the Estate?"
"The wards were stronger than we anticipated. It took nearly all day to get through them."
"But you did?"
"Yes."
"Was anyone hurt in the process?"
Again Harry glared, "a few of the aurors were injured in the process- nothing serious. They were sent immediately to St Mungos to be healed."
"And when you got passed the wards?"
"We met a few creatures but Hermione managed to get us passed them."
"What were you looking for at the Estate?" Blaise asked as if the presence of magical beasts was nothing.
"Hermione was looking for tomes to use for Malfoy's case."
"And did you find them?"
"Yes."
"What else did you see at the Estate?"
"I saw the wing Malfoy lived in- and it was a mess. Blast marks covered it."
"In your opinion, Mr Potter, were these done intentionally?"
"It didn't seem like it," Harry said with a shake of his head. "As an Auror we have brief training on magical blasts. Some of these marks were sporadic, the blasts uneven. If they were done intentionally they'd be more precise."
"With that being said, Mr Potter, do you believe that Mr Malfoy intentionally attacked Mr Weasley or was his magic uncontrollable?"
"I wasn't present at the scene, myself," Harry said. "But when I saw the marks- it was too uneven to had been done on purpose."
"Thank you, Mr Potter."
"Miss Parkinson," Blaise said as Pansy now sat in the chair. Her hair was slightly curled and she donned a bright red lipstick for the day whilst wearing deep red dress robes. She titled her head up and smiled at Blaise. "You're an expert at detecting magical traces, are you not?"
"Yes," Pansy said easily. "My grandfather trained me. He's one of the best detectors in the country until he was forced to retire a few years back. He was deemed 'untrustworthy' by the Ministry," she glared at Kingsley before turning back to Blaise. "So he trained me, said I was a natural- which I am, of course."
"Can you tell us what you learned about Mr Malfoy's magical trace when you visited him at Azkaban prison?"
"He's attuned to accidental magic, that much was obvious," Pansy shrugged. "I had been privy to the magic from the scene, but the reports made by the Ministry were scarce and since so much time had passed since the incident the trace was no longer strong. I could detect both Mr Weasley and Mr Malfoy's magic, though."
"And when you compared them to those from Azkaban?"
"The accidental magic trace was dominate."
"In your expert opinion this means-?" Blaise trailed off as Pansy grinned widely at the term 'expert'.
"It means that Draco's accidental magic was definitely present at the scene. Had I been called the moment it happened I would have been able to tell you, hand down, what happened. But since the trace was so faint I can only give my best guess- that Mr Malfoy did wield controlled magic, but that he also let off an uncontrollable surge as well."
"Thank you Miss Parkinson."
"Miss Granger- I am sorry to call you to the stand once more," Blaise began as Hermione forced herself to smile and nod; this had been the plan. Everyone else give their testimony and Hermione return to the stand to present the tomes and evidence they had uncovered, locking in Draco's innocence. "I just want a little more information on the investigation that was completed at Malfoy Estate. Mr Potter says you found some tomes- what was inside those books?"
"The history of the Malfoy family," Hermione stated. "As well as history on the Estate house, and the Malfoy family curse."
"Can you tell us more about this curse? I know you touched on it briefly earlier when the Minister questioned you, but I'm curious to hear more."
"Certainly," Hermione stated. "Centuries ago- leading back to the eleventh century I believe, an heir to the Malfoy family fell for a muggle born and wanted to wed her. His family disapproved and forced him to leave the girl- so she set a curse upon him and any heir that was born to the Malfoy name."
"What was the curse?"
"That they must find their one true love by their twenty first birthday. Over the years the words were mistranslated and mistaken- after countless hours of research I've come to the conclusion that the true curse stated that the heir must profess his love to his true love, and that they must profess it in return, in order for the curse to be broken."
"And if the curse is successful?"
Hermione's eyes flickered to Draco who nodded, mouth set in a straight line. She took a breath and said, "if they didn't- the heir would lose his powers forever and wind up a mere muggle, ending the Malfoy family line."
Surprised mutters broke out across the courtroom and Kingsley silenced them with his wand, nodding at Blaise to continue.
"What are the side effects to the curse?"
"Well, to start the curse is tied to a stone dragon statue who's eye gleam with emeralds. The dragon has the power to detect who the heir's true love is. The dragon is fairly lethargic lest the soul mate is present. The dragon controls the heir- his master. Once the heir reaches adulthood he must reside in Malfoy Estate until the curse is broken- then he can move on, but in most cases the heir resides in Malfoy Manor fulfilling his proper spot as head of the family.
"The biggest side effect, however, is that the heir begins to lose control of his magic once he moves into the Estate house- especially if he hasn't met his soul mate. The more time that passes the less control he has, to the point where strong emotions can set off blasts unexpectedly."
"Are you saying that's what happened with Mr Malfoy?"
"Yes."
"Am I correct to assume that- based on everything you've just told us- that you are Mr Malfoy's soul mate?"
A soft smile graced Hermione's face as she locked eyes with Draco and nodded. "I am."
"Then why would he still lose control of his magic?"
She turned her eyes to Blaise and said, "Draco and I- we haven't had the chance to break the curse as of yet. His arrest sort of got in the way of that."
"Didn't Mr Malfoy say his birthday is tomorrow? His twenty first birthday?" Blaise asked.
"Yes- which is why this is all nonsense. The evidence clearly points to the fact that Draco had no control over his magic- there's no reason he should spend another moment of his life in Azkaban!"
"What about the fact that he killed his father?"
Hermione's eyes narrowed- she hated the fact that Blaise had to bring that up, but she knew it was necessary. "Evidence should prove that the same magical trace of accidental magic was found in and around his cell that night- Lucius Malfoy insulted me in front of Draco- emotions took over and magic blasted out of him. How else would Draco have been able to perform magic in his cell? He's no more to blame for his fathers death than he is to attacking Ron."
"Thank you Miss Granger. That will be all, Minister." Blaise and Hermione both returned to their seats as Kingsley rose to his feet.
"The Wizengmot will take a break to go over the evidence we have heard here today. You are all dismissed."
Hermione paced outside, wishing she could be in the small chamber where Draco was being held. Unfortunately they only allowed Blaise and family- which meant Narcissa- to enter. Blaise had tried to get her access but since she and Draco weren't married, or even engaged, the Ministry simply wouldn't allow it.
Across the hall she could see the Weasley family all gathered together, Ron in the centre. Her heart longed to be with them but she didn't feel as if she was welcome, not after the testimony she gave. She wondered how they were so open to Harry being there, his arm wrapped around Ginny's waist as he nodded to something Mr Weasley was saying.
As if sensing her eyes on them Mrs Weasley glanced at her, causing her footsteps to halt. She stared, hoping Mrs Weasley would call her over or acknowledge her at least- but instead she simply turned her back on Hermione and began talking to George. Tears sprang to Hermione's eyes and she spun so she wouldn't have to face them any longer.
A hand landed on her shoulder causing her to jump and face the person, eyes glistening. It was Harry and he looked sad. "You okay?"
"Fine," she sniffled.
"She'll forgive you."
"Are you sure?" Hermione mumbled. "I sided against Ron, Harry- I've done nothing in his favour during this case. Everything I've done has been for Draco."
"Mrs Weasley's just upset she might lose another son."
"The worst that'll happen to Ron is he'll be held at St Mungo's for treatment. That's hardly losing him. They allow visits."
"I know that, and you know that- but that doesn't make it easier for her."
"I know." Hermione let out a long breath. "Thank you for testifying, Harry"
"Zabini's a devil," Harry grumbled.
"It was very unfair of him to throw that in there," Hermione agreed.
"He better hope it worked. If I did all of this for nothing-."
"We'll find out soon enough, won't we?" Hermione nibbled on her lower lip. "Why is it taking so long?"
Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders and brought her in for a hug. "Trust Kingsley to do the right thing, Mione."
Hermione nodded as the door to the court room swung open and Kingsley's voice echoed into the hall.
"A decision has been made."
