A/N - Hi everyone! I tried very hard to get Hermione telling Lucius about her pregnancy in this chapter but my Muse would not allow it. There were too many other things to cover first. But it will definitely be in the next chapter as I've already written a big chunk of it. I hope you like this chapter and thanks for reading and reviewing!
Chapter 46
Liberating Azkaban
Kingsley rubbed his forehead tiredly. He had gotten all of three hours' sleep last night and that had been on the couch he had transfigured in his office. He would have liked to return to his home that he hadn't seen in almost two years but did not have the time. Besides, he had been informed by his head of security that his home would have to be properly searched and warded before Kingsley would be allowed to return there.
Even if his house had been ready, he doubted he would have gone home. There was just too much to do. He had spoken to St. Mungo's yesterday about the prisoners he intended to release from Azkaban today. Kingsley wanted to be sure that there were enough beds for them as he was certain they would all require medical attention. Given the influx of patients with the rescues of the hostages from the Death Eaters homes, the hospital had needed to do a bit of reconfiguring and decided to empty an entire ward to use just for the hostages and prisoners. This had involved moving other patients around and he had just gotten the call that St. Mungo's was finally ready.
Kingsley himself would lead the team to liberate Azkaban and banish the Dementors, over the strong objections of both his security team and the DMLE. Kingsley would not be swayed, however. He had spoken extensively with a few Unspeakables about how to combat the Dementor problem. The Dementors needed to be kept away from any populated areas, of course. The problem with this was the longer they went without being able to feed, the more restless they would get. Meaning, the Ministry had to find a way to bind them to wherever they were banished.
There were a variety of theories on how to do this, but they were just that, theories. No one had ever seriously taken on the Dementor issue since Eldritch Diggory had been Minister in the seventeen hundreds and so the research was not as thorough as Kingsley would have liked. It had finally been decided that they would banish the Dementors to a smaller island near the prison. Kingsley's main objective was getting them away from the prisoners for now. A team of Unspeakables would work on keeping them there. It would take a few weeks, at least, before the Dementors became too restless and would begin to try to escape. Kingsley hoped that by then, the Unspeakables would have come up with a permanent solution. He had made it the highest priority.
Once the prison had been emptied and the Dementors removed, Kingsley had ordered that Azkaban be cleaned, repaired, and upgraded. While the government still intended to utilize it, he would not have prisoners dying of illnesses that could be easily prevented given decent conditions and adequate medical care. They were prisoners, yes, but that didn't mean they should be treated inhumanly.
The biggest issue facing the prison, besides getting rid of the Dementors, was that it would now be staffed with witches and wizards. Kingsley knew that it would take time to hire and train enough people to do this but planned to use Hitwizards and Aurors in the interim. He had given the DMLE emergency funding in order to expand their department for this purpose.
There were a few prisoners that had been incarcerated before Voldemort took over, however Kingsley had reviewed their files and they should have all been released sometime in the last year. Therefore, the prison would be completely emptied after today. There would be no need for guards until the trials for the Death Eaters and other Ministry personnel began.
Which, Kingsley hoped, would be shortly after Azkaban had been liberated. All of the Death Eaters had been questioned and a few of the Aurors were following up on the information Lucius had provided, which was extensive. The rest were continuing to clean out the Ministry along with a few trusted employees that Kingsley had recruited. Voldemort had replaced the heads of most departments when he took power, however, many of the former heads had remained, simply been demoted. Kingsley had restored most of their positions and had instructed them to aid the Aurors on cleaning out their own departments.
Scrubbing a hand down his face, Kingsley rose from his desk. It was time to meet with those from the DMLE that would be accompanying him to Azkaban. Kingsley had also requested Healers and mediwitches and wizards from St. Mungo's. They would be arriving shortly. He drank the rest of his coffee, pulled on his Ministry robes, and left his office.
Hermione wandered aimlessly about the grounds. She hadn't slept well again, her mind too busy with all that was going on for her to get any kind of restful sleep.
She still hadn't spoken to anyone about her pregnancy. Poppy had given her some potions to take each day but other than that, Hermione had kept the information to herself. After her conversation with Luna yesterday, Hermione suspected that the blonde knew, but then Luna seemed to know a lot of things without having to be told.
Hermione wanted to tell Lucius first but it wasn't looking as if she were going to have a chance to do that anytime soon. Despite Kingsley telling her he would try to get her in to see Lucius, she knew Kingsley was extremely busy rebuilding the government. And that should take priority. It didn't help her any, though.
She really needed someone to talk to, someone other than Poppy. The problem was Hermione didn't know who to confide in. There was no way she was telling Ron. Despite their tentative truce the day before, he was not in any way prepared for this kind of news. She thought of Ginny, but the younger woman was so distraught with Draco being arrested and the state Bill and Fleur were in, not to mention George's impending release from Azkaban, Hermione couldn't add to her burden. Luna was always a possibility but Hermione needed someone a bit more direct than Luna just now.
Hermione found herself at the stables and was trying to decide whether to go in or continue with her walk when Katie came outside.
"Morning, Hermione," she said with a smile. "There's still a bit of breakfast left if you're interested."
"Thanks," Hermione said. "But I ate in the house." Liddy insisted on bringing Hermione breakfast in bed each morning.
"How are things?" Katie asked.
"All right," Hermione said. There must have been something on her face though because Katie frowned.
"Are you sure?"
"I don't know," Hermione admitted with a sigh. Maybe she could tell Katie. She knew the other woman would keep her confidence and maybe be a bit more objective than others might be.
"What's wrong?" Katie asked. Hermione bit her lip at the tears that were suddenly threatening. Katie moved towards her, putting a hand on Hermione's arm.
"Can I, I need to talk to you about something," Hermione said.
"Of course," Katie replied.
"Not here though."
Katie studied her for a moment then nodded. Hermione led Katie towards the small flower garden a fair distance from both the house and the stables. It was much smaller than the one at Malfoy Manor but it would do. It also allowed them to still be seen should anyone be looking for them.
They settled on a bench and Hermione wished she could cast a privacy charm, just in case. Katie, though, seemed to read her mind and cast one herself.
"What going on, Hermione?" Katie asked in concern. Hermione pulled in a breath and blew it out.
"When Poppy ran her scan on me yesterday, she found something."
"What?" Katie asked worriedly. "Is it your magic?"
"No," Hermione said. "It's, I," she shook her head and bit her lip.
"Hermione, please tell me," Katie said, putting a hand on her arm again. "Whatever it is, I want to help." Hermione looked up at her.
"I'm pregnant," she said quietly. Katie stared at her for a few moments, eyes wide.
"Oh, Hermione," she said and gathered Hermione into her arms. Hermione hugged her tightly, allowing the tears she had been holding in to escape. After a few minutes, Hermione pulled back and wiped at her face. Katie conjured a tissue and handed it to her.
"Thanks," Hermione said, blowing her nose.
"How do you feel about this?" Katie asked.
"Honestly?" Hermione said. "I'm terrified." Katie reached over and took her hand.
"Do you know what you're going to do?"
"I know what I want to do," Hermione said, biting her lip again.
"You want to keep it," Katie said and Hermione nodded.
"It's crazy, I know," she said with a half strangled laugh.
"I'm guessing Mr. Malfoy doesn't know," Katie said. Hermione shook her head.
"It didn't show up on the other scans," Hermione said. "Poppy said it wouldn't have until the embryo implanted. It was very…recent. I was taking the potion before but I guess we hadn't been keeping very close track with all that was going on."
"Understandable," Katie said. She smiled wryly. "I'm honestly surprised there weren't more of us in the same position." Hermione allowed herself a half-smile.
"I just, I don't know if, if I can," she stopped and shook her head. If Lucius didn't want this or he was sent to Azkaban for an extended period of time, could she do this alone?
"Hermione, no matter what happens, you won't have to do this alone," Katie said seeming to understand what Hermione was thinking. "There are so many people that love you and will support you."
"There are plenty that won't," Hermione said.
"Well bugger them," Katie said and Hermione choked out a laugh. Katie smiled at her. "Honestly, Hermione, what other people say doesn't matter. As long as you're happy, that's all the counts."
"I just, I wish I knew what Lucius would want," Hermione said. There was silence for a few moments before Katie spoke again.
"Look, I have no idea what the relationship is like between the two of you. But from hearing Ron constantly ranting about Mr. Malfoy not leaving your side when you were unconscious, it's seems pretty clear that he loves you." Hermione smiled slightly.
"He does," she said softly.
"Well, that sounds like a good starting point." Katie smiled at her and Hermione nodded.
"I told Kingsley I needed to see him."
"What did Kingsley say?" Katie asked.
"He said he would see what he could do," Hermione replied.
"You could write a note," Katie suggested. "At the least, I would think Kingsley would be able to get it to him." But Hermione was already shaking her head.
"This isn't something I want to tell him in a note."
"No, I suppose not," Katie said. Her brow furrowed in thought. "Even if Kingsley can't get you in to see him, you should be able to talk to him before his trial."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"My mum used to work for the Ministry," Katie said, "in Wizengamot Administrative Services. Before their trial, prisoners are allowed to meet with their solicitor, if they have one. There are small rooms off the courtrooms for that purpose. You should be able to see him then. The Minister can authorize visitors."
Hermione's brow furrowed. She really didn't want to spring this news on Lucius just before his trial. She had no idea what his state of mind would be after telling him and didn't want it to affect his testimony.
"I really hope I can see him before that," Hermione said. "But that's good to know."
"Everything is going to be all right, Hermione," Katie said, smiling at her friend. "You'll see."
"I hope you're right," Hermione replied. "Thank you, Katie." She hugged the other woman again.
"I'm sure I don't have to ask but-"
"I'm not going to tell anyone," Katie said, squeezing Hermione's hand. "Not even Oliver." Hermione laughed lightly.
"If you need anything, you can talk to me," Katie said. "I mean it."
"I know," Hermione replied with a soft smile. "Thanks."
Kingsley disembarked from the boat that had carried them across the sea to Azkaban. He looked up at the formidable fortress and internally shuddered. Although he had been here many times over the years, delivering prisoners, he still hated to look at the place. There was a perpetual mist that hung over the island, a combination of being in the middle of the sea and the Dementors' presence.
They walked up towards the prison and reached the warden's office, one of only a handful of human workers at the prison. The office was on the main floor of the prison. No prisoners were housed there and the Dementors were not allowed on this floor. They mainly stayed to the upper levels where the highest security prisoners were housed. The floors with those that had committed more minor offenses were not often visited by the Dementors as the draw was not as great as those who were sentenced to life.
"Williamson, Proudfoot," Kingsley said and the two Aurors opened the door, surprising the man behind the desk.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"Aloysius Moore, you are hereby relieved of duty and remanded into DMLE custody for questioning," Proudfoot said, waving his wand and placing magic dampening cuffs on the warden.
"How dare you?" Moore snapped. "I'll have your badges for this!"
"I don't think so," Kingsley said as he stepped into the office. "As they are acting on my orders."
"It's Shacklebolt!" Moore shouted. "Arrest him!"
"I hardly thing we're going to arrest the Minister for Magic," Williamson said dryly. Moore spluttered in confusion as Kingsley smirked.
"Voldemort is dead, Moore," Kingsley said. "And your days at the DMLE are over." He nodded to Williamson who ushered the man out of the office, binding him and leaving him in a corner to be watched over by one of the Hitwizards. They rounded up the other two wizard guards on duty and similarly bound them, leaving them with Moore as well. Moore, a particularly nasty sort, had been put in place by Thicknesse after Voldemort had taken over the Ministry. Kingsley had already replaced him; however, the new warden would not arrive until after they had cleared the prison of the Dementors.
"The list, Proudfoot," Kingsley said. Proudfoot rifled through the desk until he found the list of prisoners and which cells they were being kept in. He passed it to Kingsley who looked it over while the Unspeakables got to work.
The process didn't take as long as Kingsley thought that it might. The Unspeakables were able to cast the banishment spell, sending the Dementors to a small island west of Azkaban. Binding wards were cast around and over the island, creating a dome from which the Dementors could not escape. They left the Unspeakables to create the research facility they would use to study the Dementor's behavior along with an emergency Portkey should something go wrong and the Dementors escape. It would take whoever was on the island immediately to the Ministry. Kingsley certainly hoped that the Unspeakables' theory was correct in that after being denied food for long enough, the Dementors would simply die, or cease to exist as the case may be.
"All right," Kingsley said, once the Dementors were gone. "We start on the top floor and work our way down." The group of Aurors, Hitwizards and Healers followed him to the lift. As soon as they reached the top floor, Kingsley cast a Patronus just in case there were any Dementors that had managed to evade the banishment charm. His Aurors followed suit, as well as one of the Healers.
The stench was the first thing that hit them and a Hitwizard, never having been to Azkaban before, turned and lost the contents of his stomach. Kingsley continued down the corridor glancing into cells as he did so. Some were empty, but many were occupied. As Aurors stopped to release prisoners, Kingsley continued down the row of cells, searching for a few people in particular.
"Minerva," he breathed when he finally came upon her cell. She slowly raised her head and looked at him.
"Kingsley?" she said, clearly confused. She had always been thin but Merlin, she was nothing but skin and bones now. Her cheeks were sunken and there were deep purple circles under her eyes. Kingsley was sure that he would be able to count every rib had she not been wearing prison robes. Her hair was tangled and matted, her robes filthy.
She was more alert than he had expected though and he wondered if she had been shifting into her Animagus form as Sirius had. Kingsley waved his wand and opened her cell door, calling for a Healer.
"The boys," she said.
"Boys?" Kingsley echoed.
"Help the boys first," she said, waving her hand across the corridor. "And Pomona." Kingsley took a few steps down and saw the Pomona Sprout was in the cell next to Minerva's. She looked much worse off, staring off at nothing and not reacting when he said her name. Looking across the corridor, Kingsley realized that George Weasley was in the cell across from Pomona's and Neville Longbottom was next to him.
"George," Kingsley said. A head raised off the cot, squinting at Kingsley. "It's Kingsley, George. I'm here to get you out." George stared at him for a moment before lying back down on the cot. Kingsley suspected he thought it was just another hallucination. Leaving George for a moment, he moved to Neville's cell.
"Neville," he said. Neville's reaction was the opposite of George's. He shot up on his cot, head whipping around to see who was talking to him.
"It's Kingsley Shacklebolt, Neville," he said.
"What," Neville rasped, then swallowed thickly. "How are…you here?"
"Voldemort is dead," Kingsley said and Neville flinched at the name. "We're here to get you out." Neville stared at him in disbelief until Kingsley opened his cell. And then he began to weep. Kingsley walked inside and put a hand on the young man's shoulder. Neville shied away from the touch.
"It's going to be all right," Kingsley said quietly. "A Healer will be here in a moment. I'll be right back."
Kingsley moved back to George's cell, opening the door and stepping inside. George didn't move.
"George," Kingsley said. Once again, George slowly raised his head from his cot. "I know you don't believe that I'm here, but I am. Your mother is waiting for you."
"Mum?" George mumbled. His brow furrowed as if he were trying to remember who Kingsley was talking about.
"Yes," Kingsley said. "A Healer is going to look you over and then we'll take you to St. Mungo's. Your mother will be waiting for you there."
"Mum," George said again, sitting up fully on the cot. Kingsley glanced behind him as a Healer walked in.
"George Weasley," he said quietly to the Healer.
"Hello, Mr. Weasley," the Healer said. "I'm going to cast a diagnostic charm if that's all right?" George looked at her in confusion. "It won't hurt and I won't touch you." She waited for a few moments but when George made no protest, she drew her wand and cast the spell.
"Dehydrated, malnourished, start of pneumonia. Poorly healed broken wrist and ribs. Missing ear?"
"That happened before Azkaban," Kingsley said. The Healer nodded and continued reading the diagnostic.
"Similar results to most of the other prisoners," she said. "He appears to be in fair condition, all things considered."
It could have been worse, Kingsley knew. Minerva looked on the brink of starvation and Pomona was certainly worse off. The Healer finished her cursory examination and then nodded to Kingsley, moving on to Neville's cell.
George remained sitting on his cot, looking as if he weren't sure what was happening. Kingsley squatted down in front of him and took his hand.
"Mum?" George said again. Kingsley felt a pang in his chest.
"Yes, George, we'll take you to see your mum."
In all, they liberated forty-seven prisoners. Eleven had been at the Battle of Hogwarts and were housed on the top two floors. Most of the rest, such as Xenophilius Lovegood, had been incarcerated at some point during Voldemort's reign and had been charged with some infraction against the regime. The prisoners on the first floor that had already been in prison for more minor crimes when Voldemort assumed power did not need much medical attention and so were going to be taken to the Ministry to sign paperwork and then be released.
The rest would be going to St. Mungo's. To save them having to make the trip across the sea in boats, they had prepared Portkeys to take them straight to hospital. Once everyone had been examined, Kingsley dropped the anti-Portkey wards and they began the process of transporting forty-one people to St. Mungo's.
Once all the prisoners and Healers had been transferred, Kingsley raised the wards on the island once again. Taking one last look at the facility that he hoped would look much different when he returned, Kingsley climbed into the waiting boat for the return trip to the mainland.
"Mrs. Weasley?" Molly looked up as a mediwitch called her name. "You may see your son now." Molly jumped up, her children following suit, but the mediwitch shook her head.
"I'm sorry but we're only allowing one visitor at a time for now." Molly turned as Charlie slumped back into his chair. Ron was glaring, looking as if he were moments away from exploding. Molly put a hand on his arm and shook her head slightly. He sighed and Ginny wrapped an arm around him, leaning into him as tears ran down her cheeks. She squeezed Ginny's free hand and followed the mediwitch to George's room.
All of her remaining children were suffering, in one way or another. Molly knew they would all have a long, hard road in front of them and there were times when she wasn't sure how she was going to do it on her own. Her heart still ached for Arthur every day. He had always been her constant, her silent strength.
It was no secret that she was opinionated, independent and had a strong personality. But as strong as she was, she had still needed someone to lean on. Arthur had been that for her. He knew how to temper her outbursts and soften her edges. Now, she was going to have to try to do that herself and she was terrified that she was going to fail miserably.
"How is he?" Molly asked just before they reached George's room.
"He's being given fluids and nutrient potions," the mediwitch said. "The Healer will have to vanish two of his ribs and the bones in his left wrist and regrow them using Skele-gro. They were fractured at one time and healed badly. But he wants to wait until George is stronger."
"What about…mentally?" Molly said as they reached the door. She wanted to know what state her son was in before she saw him. She needed time to prepare.
"Being around the Dementors has affected him," the mediwitch said, looking serious. "He seems confused quite a bit and we have to repeat questions. He has been asking for you though, which is a good sign. Many people recover from Dementor exposure and lead perfectly normal lives." The unspoken 'some people don't' hung in the air but Molly did not acknowledge it.
"We find it's best to talk to the patient about ordinary things, their family or friends, for instance. I understand that you've lost a few members of your family to the war." Molly nodded, throat tightening. "It's probably better not to discuss that just now."
"All right," she said and the mediwitch led her into the room.
"George," the mediwitch said, smiling down at the man on the bed. "Your mother is here to see you."
"Hello, Georgie," Molly said, walking to the side of George's bed and sitting down on the edge. Her breath caught in her throat at how thin he was, how haunted he looked. His freckles stood out in stark relief on his pale face. They had cut his hair; it couldn't be more than half an inch long now. Molly wanted to gather him in her arms and sob.
"Mum?" George said, his brow furrowing as he looked up at her.
"Yes, sweetheart," she said, taking his hand in hers. "How are you feeling?"
"Mum," he said again, staring up at her. Molly smiled down at him, forcing her tears back. She didn't want to upset him.
"Are you…here?"
"I'm here, sweetheart, I'm here." She squeezed his hand.
"Missed you," George said.
"Oh, love, I missed you too," she said, her eyes glassy with tears. She blinked a few times, wiping at them surreptitiously. And then George started to cry silently. Molly pulled a tissue from her pocket, wiping his tears away as they slid down his temples.
"It's all right," she said softly, ignoring the tears that were running down her own face. "You're going to be all right now, Georgie." He nodded and then his eyes fluttered shut, the grip he had on her hand eventually grew slack as he fell deeper into sleep. She stared down at him, her tears continuing to flow unchecked down her cheeks.
"Give me strength, Arthur," she whispered. "Please let me help our babies." Because they were going to need her. All of them.
Hermione was back in the library. She had been retreating here more often since Pippen had shown her where it was.
Ginny had asked if she wanted to go to St. Mungo's with them but Hermione thought that George would likely be overwhelmed with just his family. So, she had declined, telling Ginny she would check in on Bill and Fleur and visit George when he was feeling more up to it. There were others that Hermione wanted to see as well, Neville and Professor McGonagall, but knew that it would be best to wait until they were a bit stronger. Luna had gone with them though as her father had been in Azkaban too.
Hermione hadn't heard anything from Kingsley, not that she had expected to given all that he was dealing with. She was thinking of offering to help him at the Ministry in whatever capacity he needed her. Poppy had yet to release her to use magic though. As soon as she did, Hermione intended to talk to Kingsley. The fact that she would be in the same building where Lucius was didn't enter into it. Much.
Hermione had been thinking more and more about the prophecy and wondered if they hadn't had it a bit wrong. What was more 'when two become one' than a baby after all? She laughed to herself as she imagined how they both would have reacted if they had thought that's what the prophecy meant from the beginning. They would have been equally horrified, she was sure. She doubted either of them would have gone through with it.
She thought again about what had happened when Voldemort was in her head; that pause before she had finally been able to drive him out. Could he have discovered she was pregnant somehow? Did her body already know something the scan wouldn't for a few more days? If he had, it certainly made the bit about defeating the darkness all the more poignant. If Hermione hadn't had those few precious seconds to gather all her memories and her strength, she wasn't sure if she could have driven Voldemort out at all.
She sighed, wishing again that she could talk to Lucius about all of this, wishing that she knew how he would feel about her being pregnant. Would he even want a half-blood child? She knew that he loved her but loving someone and having children were two different things. She wanted to believe that it wouldn't matter to him, that none of that mattered to him anymore, but she just needed to know.
Hermione looked around the library, wanting to do something. She had been so consumed with their research into destroying Voldemort for so long that it was odd not sitting at a table and taking notes. She didn't know what she would research now, though.
Although, she knew very little about wizarding law. Hermione sat up straight as she thought about it. Perhaps she could find something that would help Lucius' case. What, she didn't know, but there had to be a section on wizarding law somewhere in the library. It would keep her busy until she could use her magic again and hopefully convince Kingsley to let her help out at the Ministry.
Standing from the window seat, Hermione walked determinedly into the library, scanning the shelves as she passed.
"How's George?" Hermione asked Ginny that evening at dinner. They were eating in the stables with the rest of the Resistance whose numbers were slowly dwindling as people left to return to their homes. The Patils had left this morning, Hannah and her father shortly after, and many more had followed suit throughout the course of the day. Hermione expected that by the end of the week, she and Luna might be the only ones left.
The Weasleys hadn't discussed returning to the Burrow yet, but Molly had spoken to Poppy about transferring Bill and Fleur to St. Mungo's. It would obviously be easier for the family if they were in the same place so they could visit all of them throughout the day.
"He's…confused," Ginny said. Her eyes were red and Hermione knew she had been crying. After Molly had spent some time with George, Charlie, Ron, and Ginny all got to take a turn seeing him as well.
"Sometimes, he doesn't think we're real," Ginny continued with a sniff. "And he kept asking where Fred was." Hermione felt a lump form in her throat.
"What did you say?" she asked.
"The mediwitch told us we shouldn't tell him just yet so we just sort of brushed over the question every time but," Ginny paused and shook her head. "I don't know what's going to happen when we tell him."
"Maybe he'll remember on his own," Hermione said. "The longer he's away from the Dementors, the better he'll get."
"Yeah, but he doesn't know about Percy and I don't know if he even remembers what happened to, to Dad. George didn't seem like he was really taking anything in after, after Fred."
Hermione put her arm around Ginny's shoulders. Ginny leaned into her and sniffled.
"I wish Draco was here," she whispered. Hermione had to blink quickly to keep her sudden tears at bay.
"I know," she said. As much as Ginny seemed to be all right most of the time, she had her own trauma to deal with and it was no secret that Draco helped her a great deal in that regard.
"How's your mum holding up?" Hermione asked. Molly Weasley was one of the strongest women Hermione knew but she had lost her husband and two of her sons in quick succession. And now she had to deal with the aftermath of Bill and George's imprisonment.
"She's good at hiding how upset she is," Ginny said. "I don't think the boys realize, but I can see it. Charlie and Ron were talking about going to the Burrow tomorrow to check things over. I don't, I'm not sure if Mum can go back there without, without Dad." Ginny sucked in a breath and Hermione could see the tears forming in her eyes. She wrapped her other arm around Ginny and pulled her friend into her arms. The two women hugged one another for a few moments until Ginny pulled back, wiping at the tears on her face.
"What about you, Hermione?" Ginny said when she'd composed herself.
"What about me?"
"Are you planning on staying here?"
"I," Hermione paused, biting her lip. Truthfully, she hadn't thought much about it. Her childhood home was long sold but even if it hadn't been Hermione didn't think she could ever live there again without her parents. "I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."
"You know you're always welcome at the Burrow," Ginny said.
"I do, thank you," Hermione replied with a smile. She wasn't so sure that was a good idea, given how things were between her and Ron. And once everyone knew about her pregnancy, well, the offer might just be rescinded.
Hermione realized she needed to start thinking about where she was going to live. She couldn't stay at Theo's forever, nor could she go back to Malfoy Manor, not without Lucius and definitely not without being asked first. She would have to start looking for a flat.
"I'm going to take Mum some dinner," Ginny said. "Sit with Bill and Fleur for a bit."
"All right," Hermione said. Ginny hugged her once more and then stood and left. Hermione sighed and stood herself. She wanted to get back to her research for Lucius.
Kingsley rubbed tiredly at his eyes with thumb and forefinger. He had just received word from St. Mungo's that Cho Chang had died. She had been Macnair's prisoner and had been in the worst shape of any of the prisoners when she had been rescued. She had been near death when they'd found her, mostly due to starvation. Kingsley cursed the fact that Macnair's was not one of the homes he had immediately searched. The man had been married, which was why Kingsley hadn't gone there at first. He didn't know that the man's wife had left him just before the Battle of Hogwarts. So far, everyone else was holding their own, although Susan Bones and Angelina Johnson hadn't been in particularly good shape either.
The Healers were worried about a few of the Azkaban prisoners as well. Pomona Sprout still hadn't spoken and appeared to be catatonic. She couldn't follow even simple directions. The Healers were concerned she was headed for the Janus Thickey ward. They would give it some time, of course, exposure to Dementors wasn't something that was healed overnight.
Neville, on the other hand, was doing surprisingly well. Kingsley had found out that Minerva had indeed often shifted into her Animagus form while imprisoned. Not only that, but she had also gone into the other cells and attempted to comfort the other prisoners. According to Minerva, Pomona always insisted that she help the students first, likely why Pomona was in the condition that she was.
There was a knock at his door and Kingsley bade whomever it was entry. His secretary had long gone home for the night. Robards stepped into Kingsley's office.
Kingsley's relationship with the acting Head of the DMLE had been a bit contentious since Kingsley had been named Minister. Not that Kingsley was surprised by that given their earlier heated exchanges. The fact that Robards now had to answer to Kingsley obviously rankled the man. Kingsley really couldn't find it in himself to care.
"Gawain," Kingsley greeted. "What can I do for you?"
"The room you requested is ready," Robards answered.
"Fully warded?" Kingsley asked.
"Yes," Robards replied.
"Excellent," Kingsley said as he rose from his desk.
"I want it on record that I do not think this is a wise idea," Robards said.
"Duly noted," Kingsley replied, attempting to hide his smirk. Robards' mouth thinned.
"Their wands have been confiscated for a reason," Robards said.
"And as I've said before, if you have anyone proficient in Fiendfyre on your staff, I am happy to allow someone else to do it." Robards remained silent. "Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape have offered their services and as this is something that has already been put off for too long. We are accepting.
They will be under guard and when they are finished, will surrender their wands once again. As for Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott, their aid in allowing us to get to this point deserves a bit of a reward, don't you think?"
"I don't think this is an event that should allow spectators," Robards ground out.
"I disagree," Kingsley said, moving to the door of his office. He waited by the door for Robards to follow, then ushered the man out.
In truth, had Kingsley been able to figure out a way to get Hermione, Charlie, Ron and whoever else from the Resistance that cared to watch the destruction of the last bit of Voldemort's soul, he would have done so. As it was, he felt he had pulled enough strings allowing the Malfoys, Severus, and Theo to take part. Given there were other things he still wanted to do, such as getting Hermione in to see Lucius, Kingsley decided to leave it at just those four. He would happily provide a memory to anyone from the Resistance to watch, should they wish it.
Lucius stood with Severus outside the small, warded room. On a small plinth inside, sat the copper box that contained what remained of the Dark Lord's soul. He would have liked to have been able to practice the spell before unleashing it on the box. It had been years since he had cast it and even then, only a few times. The Dark Lord had once trained his followers in all manner of Dark spells and Fiendfyre was no exception. However, Severus was with him to help contain the fire. And Lucius was not about to pass up an opportunity to finally follow through on the promise he had made his late wife.
Draco and Theo were being allowed to watch, something Lucius was grateful for. His son deserved to see this very fitting end to the madman that had killed his mother.
Lucius' thoughts settled on Hermione and he was honestly unsure if he were upset that she was would not be allowed to observe the destruction or relieved that she would not see him casting that kind of magic. Lucius knew that she had witnessed Fiendfyre before, the ill-fated choice of young Mr. Crabbe in the Room of Requirement. But it would be another thing all together to watch Lucius do it. Still, she would be helping in her own way. It would be the thought of her that would keep Lucius from giving into the Darkness of the curse. She would keep him anchored to his task.
"Gentlemen," Shacklebolt greeted as he walked into the corridor. He turned to the Aurors that were flanking them. "Remove their cuffs please."
The Aurors released Lucius and Severus from the magic dampening cuffs. Lucius felt an immediate surge of his magic and hummed in relief. They were presented with their wands and the feeling of rightness returned to Lucius. Nodding to Shacklebolt, Lucius and Severus entered the room holding the box.
The room was warded to keep the fire inside. It could not escape and destroy the Ministry. However, there was also a chance that if Lucius lost control of it, the Dark Lord's soul would not be the only casualty. There was a small area in the room that was similarly warded and would protect them should they reach it. But Lucius could not cast the spell from behind the wards, nor could Severus attempt to cast the counter-curse. They settled for standing as close to the warded area as possible.
At Shacklebolt's nod, Lucius raised his wand and pointed it at the box. He whispered the spell and watched as the flames shot from the end of his wand, vague shapes of creatures in its midst. He directed the fire to the copper box and it was encircled, the fire flaming higher and higher as it engulfed the metal. The box began to disintegrate and Lucius saw a small whisp of black emerge and immediately be destroyed by the flames. Lucius watched, entranced, feeling the tug of the Dark Magic whisper over his skin.
"Now, Lucius," Severus urged, his own wand still held at the ready, but allowing Lucius to attempt to end the spell himself. The call of the Dark Magic sung to him and Lucius gritted his teeth, pulling Hermione's face to the forefront of his mind. The deed was done, he had to end the spell if he wanted to see her again. The fire formed into a chimera and whirled on them, its great jaws snapping as Severus raised his wand, the counter curse on his lips.
Lucius repeated Hermione's name in his mind like a mantra and finally called out the spell to end the fire, holding his wand steady. It began to retract immediately, rushing backwards as if diving back into the end of his wand. With one last gnash of its teeth, the chimera disappeared into nothing and the room was silent once more.
Lucius stumbled backwards, panting. Severus gripped his arm to aid him as Shacklebolt and two Aurors rushed into the room. The Aurors cast a variety of spells over what remained of the box and the plinth, which was not much. They nodded to Shacklebolt who blew out a breath, all tension leaking out of him at once. Lucius could not say that he did not feel the same.
"Thank you," Shacklebolt said and held out his hand. Lucius shook it and gave a nod of acknowledgement.
"I'm sorry about this," Shacklebolt said as the two Aurors stepped up, snapping the magic dampening cuffs back on Lucius' and Severus' wrists. Both men surrendered their wands and were led out of the room.
None of them said anything as they were brought back to their cell. Lucius lay down on the cot, physically spent.
"Father," Draco said and Lucius cracked an eye open. He could see the sheen of tears in Draco's eyes, although he knew, without a doubt, that his son would not let them fall, not here. Lucius reached out and grasped Draco's hand, giving it a squeeze.
"She has been avenged, Draco," Lucius said and Draco gave a nod.
"Thank you," Draco said and Lucius squeezed his hand once more before closing his eyes and succumbing to sleep.
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Defeated
Kingsley Shacklebolt Named Minister for Magic
Hermione read through the accompanying article in the Daily Prophet. She had convinced Liddy that she was well enough to eat breakfast in the dining room this morning and had found the Prophet lying on the table.
The article was relatively factual, although it didn't give any pertinent details. Hermione was sure that was Kingsley's doing. The DMLE had started calling in members of the Resistance for questioning about that night. Hermione was sure that the Ministry wanted all the information before they released it to the press.
"Good morning, Hermione," a voice said and Hermione looked up to see Poppy walking into the dining room. She looked tired and Hermione couldn't say she was surprised. The woman had been working nearly nonstop for the last week.
"Good morning," Hermione replied, passing the Daily Prophet over to Poppy. The mediwitch perused the headlines but did not read the story. Instead, she smiled gratefully at Pippen who brought her a plate of breakfast and tucked in.
"I want to scan you again after breakfast," Poppy said. "You may be able to start using magic today."
"Thank Merlin," Hermione said and Poppy chuckled.
"Only simpler spells, mind," she said. "Nothing that requires too much power just yet." Hermione made a face and Poppy smiled.
"Just be patient a bit longer," Poppy said. After glancing around the room, she cast a privacy charm even though they were alone for the moment. "Being pregnant uses more of your magical core than you realize. I don't want you overdoing it."
"I understand," Hermione said. "Have you had word from St. Mungo's?"
"Yes," she said. "They have beds for Bill and Fleur but I'm concerned about moving them. Fleur is still extremely skittish and I don't know what the change in circumstance would do. While the Healers at St. Mungo's are more than competent, they have many patients to deal with. They might not be as…patient with her as they need to be." Poppy sighed. "I know that Molly would really like them in the same place as George though."
"Maybe George could be moved here," Hermione said. "Once he's recovered a bit physically."
"Perhaps," Poppy said, appearing to consider this. She shook her head a few moments later. "It would take a few days, in any case." The two ate in silence for a few moments.
"What are your plans, Hermione?" Poppy asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you intend to stay here?"
"I don't know," Hermione said honestly.
"I'm sure Luna would enjoy the company. She's told me that her father said that their home was partially destroyed during the war." Hermione nodded; they'd been there when it happened.
"What about you?" Hermione asked.
"I'll be here as long as I have patients," Poppy said. "After that, well, I suppose that I'll see if my cottage in still standing."
"Will you return to the school?" Hermione asked. "Next year, I mean."
"I honestly have no idea. I don't know who they have hired in my absence and if they will want to stay or not. It will be up to the next Headmaster or Headmistress. Perhaps it is just time for me to retire."
"Not that you haven't earned it," Hermione said. "But it will be Hogwarts loss if you do." Poppy smiled and patted Hermione's arm.
"Thank you, Hermione." They returned to their breakfasts.
"Letter for Miss," Pippen said and Hermione looked up to see Pippen walking towards her with a letter on a silver tray. Hermione saw the Ministry seal immediately.
"Thank you, Pippen," she said. Opening the letter, she saw, as she had suspected, her official summons to come to the Ministry for questioning about the night of Voldemort's destruction. Her heart leapt. Perhaps she could convince Kingsley to let her see Lucius while she was there.
"Questioning?" Poppy asked and Hermione nodded.
"Late this afternoon. I'm all right to go, aren't I?"
"By Floo, yes," Poppy said. "No Apparating, however, no matter what the scan shows today. In fact, you won't be able to Apparate at all much longer."
Another consequence of pregnancy, witches were told not to Apparate after about ten weeks or so. Given the sensation of being squeezed through a tube, Hermione couldn't say that she was surprised. It did make things more difficult, however, if you weren't traveling somewhere there was a Floo connection. Although, after being on the run for almost two years, Hermione had no real desire to go anywhere there wasn't a Floo connection.
A small chime sounded and Poppy sighed, rising from her chair.
"I have a few potions to administer," she said. Hermione was glad the woman had gotten to eat breakfast at least.
"Shall I find you in a bit for my scan?" Hermione asked. Poppy nodded.
"I will be ready in about ten minutes," she said. "Besides Bill and Fleur, only Alicia is still here." The rest of the men and women rescued from the Death Eater homes had been released from Poppy's care. They had either gone home or were down on the grounds with the Resistance members that were still here.
Alicia, though, had been pregnant as well, after being raped repeatedly by Marcus Flint. She had insisted on terminating the pregnancy and had been given the requisite potions the day before. Poppy was monitoring her for the next couple of days to be sure there were no complications.
"All right, I'll be up soon," Hermione said as Poppy left the dining room. Hermione looked down at the letter in front of her again. She was determined to see Lucius today.