A/N - Hi everyone! I am pretty sure that there is just one regular chapter left after this one and then an epilogue. I've started the next chapter and it might be longer than usual (which I'm sure you won't mind) but it should be the last one before the epilogue. Then we'll end at 50 chapters total. I hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Chapter 48
Trials
Lucius sat in the small interrogation room waiting for his solicitor. Edward Greengrass had been contacted a few days ago to represent both Lucius and Draco. Draco would have his meeting with the man once Lucius was finished. Theo and Severus had contacted their own solicitors as well.
"Hello, Lucius," Edward said as he was shown into the room. Lucius still wore the magic dampening cuffs, but he was not shackled.
"Edward," Lucius greeted. The man set his briefcase on the table and pulled out a stack of parchment, quill, and ink, then settled into the chair across from Lucius.
"How are you?" Edward asked.
"As well as one can be when living in a holding cell with three other people when it was made for one," Lucius said dryly.
"I suppose it is better than Azkaban," Edward said with a hint of a smile.
"Undoubtedly," Lucius replied.
"The trials are set to begin in two days' time," Edward said getting down to business. "Theodore Nott is slated to be first, followed by Severus Snape, then Draco and then you." He flicked through the parchment in front of him. "According to the charges filed, as well as the amount of evidence that is to be presented, I expect your trial to start in about a week, perhaps a day or two less." Edward looked up from his notes.
"You have given the Ministry quite a bit of information, I understand," he said.
"Yes," Lucius replied.
"They are still following through on some of it, but as of now, it has led to seven arrests and thirty additional charges against those already imprisoned." Lucius was not surprised by this. He had known quite a bit about many people in the Ministry.
"What am I being charged with?" Lucius asked.
"Bearing the Dark Mark, following the Dark Lord Voldemort, terroristic threats, as well as acts. As you had already been tried and convicted of the break-in at the Department of Mysteries, they are not trying you again for that. If you are convicted this time, they will also take into account the year you already spent in Azkaban when they pronounce sentence."
"Meaning they will consider it time served?"
"Yes," Edward replied. That was more than Lucius had expected. "We need to discuss all that has happened since you were broken out of prison." Edward pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and dipped his quill into the ink well, then looked at Lucius expectantly.
"So, you were without a wand the entire year leading up to the battle at Hogwarts?" Edward questioned as Lucius began telling him about what had happened before Draco's seventh year.
"Yes," Lucius replied. "The Dark Lord had borrowed my wand when the Order was moving Potter. It was destroyed in the fight. Although I could have obtained another, it was understood that I would not." Edward nodded. Lucius continued with what had happened after the battle and how he had not been involved in any of the raids or missions after that. Edward stopped him when Lucius began speaking about Draco bringing Hermione to the Manor.
"I'd like to talk about Miss Granger," Edward said.
"What do you want to know?" Lucius asked.
"What is your relationship with her?"
"We are…involved," Lucius said. There was no reason to explain further. Edward understood.
"Voluntarily involved?" he asked. Lucius glared at him even though he knew the man was just doing his job.
"Yes," Lucius ground out.
"And how, exactly, did that come about?" Lucius sighed and explained the prophecy and all that had led up to their first encounter.
"And now?" Edward asked.
"She is carrying my child," Lucius said. Edward looked surprised at this. "I will not allow that to be presented at trial, however. It is up to her if she chooses to tell the public."
"Lucius, this could greatly help your case," Edward said. "The girl is Muggle-born. If you are willing to not only have a half-blood child, but to continue to be involved with the child's mother, that can only show that your views on blood purity have changed."
"I will not allow my relationship with Hermione or my child to be used as a tool to lessen my sentence," Lucius insisted.
"Even if it means you might actually be there to raise said child?" Edward asked. Lucius' jaw clenched. The old Lucius would have said yes immediately, would have done whatever it took to secure his release. He was not that person any longer, however. As much as he wanted to be there, and he did want to, he was not going to exploit either of them for his own gain. He could not.
"No," he said. Edward sighed and shook his head but said no more on the matter. They discussed a few more points and then turned to Draco.
"I do not want my son to have to suffer time in prison," Lucius said.
"Draco has an extremely strong case," Edward said.
"Despite his use of the Imperius?" Lucius asked.
"There were extenuating circumstances," Edward said. "His mother was being threatened and you were in prison. In his mind, she had no one to protect her. Draco was also only sixteen. And all that he has done since the battle at Hogwarts will work strongly in his favor. The Minister himself intends to testify on Draco's behalf. On all of yours, actually."
That did surprise Lucius a bit. He knew that Shacklebolt wanted to help and knew that the man would definitely testify on Severus' behalf given their previous relationship in the Order. Lucius could even understand his testifying for Draco and Theo. That he planned to do the same for Lucius, however, was not something Lucius had expected.
"What is he planning to say?" Lucius asked curiously.
"What he witnessed with Yaxley, as well as your willingness to sacrifice yourself to destroy Voldemort, if need be. Also, the help you provided the Resistance."
Lucius nodded. Perhaps he had a better chance than he thought.
Hermione stepped out of the Floo in the Ministry. She had spent the last two days helping in various departments. It was mostly filing and organizing paperwork but it had kept her busy. Which was a good thing because otherwise she would have just been brooding about what was going to happen to Lucius.
Today, though, she was not here to work but for Theo's trial. Hermione turned to wait for Luna to follow her. Charlie, Oliver, and Katie were also coming but they had Apparated. Katie knew why Hermione would take the Floo, but thankfully the men just thought that she wanted to be sure that Luna arrived safely. Hermione wasn't quite ready to tell anyone else her secret yet.
Not that she'd had much chance to. Between George and Bill and Fleur, Hermione saw little of the rest of the Weasleys. She knew that all of them were improving. George had seen a mind Healer at St. Mungo's and Poppy had convinced another to visit Bill and Fleur at Theo's manor. Hermione certainly hoped that seeing the Mind Healer would help them.
She had stopped in to see Neville again, but he had been much more subdued than the first time she'd seen him. He had found out that his grandmother had been killed in the battle at Hogwarts. Neville had seen her briefly after she had arrived through the passage from the Hog's Head but had lost track of her when the fighting started again. Hermione thought it was likely better that he hadn't known what had happened to his grandmother when he was taken to Azkaban. It had probably saved him from being worse off, like George was, not having been in mourning around the Dementors.
Professor McGonagall was also doing better, although she still looked as if she were wearing the weight of the world on her shoulders. Professor Sprout had improved marginally; she now seemed to understand most of what she was asked to do but the Healers will still not convinced that she would progress much further. Hermione knew that Professor McGonagall felt guilty about that, as she hadn't spent as much time trying to comfort Professor Sprout as she had with George and Neville. However, Hermione was also aware that the Head of Hufflepuff would have insisted that Professor McGonagall do exactly as she had.
Some of the Death Eater's hostages had been released the day before but there were still quite a few that needed more extensive care. Hermione knew that not all of them had even been located. Greyback had been given a few as reward for his pack and he had not yet been found. Hermione shuddered to think what the fate of those students had been.
"Are you all right?" Luna asked, seeing the shudder.
"I'm fine," Hermione said with a smile as they moved to the wand check station. "Just thinking about those that were given to Greyback's pack." Luna did not respond but took Hermione's hand and squeezed it. Luna had been the one to give Kingsley the names of those she remembered that had been taken. Anthony Goldstein had been one, a few sixth year girls that Hermione hadn't really known had been the others.
After having their wands checked, Hermione and Luna moved towards the lifts to head to the courtrooms. Luna seemed rather calm, given that Theo's fate would be decided today. Although, she had seemed convinced that Theo would soon be back at Nott Manor. Hermione wasn't about to question it. She was hoping that Luna was right, after all.
As they boarded the lift, there were a few glances their way. Hermione looked straight ahead, not making eye contact with anyone. She was in no mood to deal with anyone fawning all over her. Whether it was Luna's presence or whatever expression was on Hermione's face, no one spoke to them.
As they left the lifts and made their way to the courtroom, Hermione began to look around for Katie. Instead, she caught sight of Charlie leaning against the wall and made her way over to him. Charlie smiled at their approach.
"Are Katie and Oliver here yet?" Hermione asked once they had all greeted one another.
"They're inside saving you a seat," Charlie said as they began to walk into the courtroom. "I didn't realize there were going to be so many people here." Hermione scowled as she saw how crowded the courtroom was.
"How many of these people do you think lifted a finger to do anything during the war?"
"Not many, I'm sure," he said. He and Luna stopped behind the defense table. Both were going to be testifying on Theo's behalf and would be seated near the front. Hermione made her way to where Katie and Oliver were sitting.
"Everything all right?" Katie asked as Hermione sat down beside her. "You look like you're ready to hex someone."
"I'm fine," Hermione said. Katie didn't look convinced but didn't ask her anything else.
"How's Dennis? Any news on his parents?" The Creevey brothers had left a note for their parents when they had gone on the run to evade the Muggle-born registration commission explaining everything and urging their parents to leave the country. The boys had no idea if the Ministry would do anything to their parents once they discovered that Colin and Dennis were gone, but they wanted to warn them just the same.
"Their phone number was disconnected. I'm saying that right, aren't I?" Katie said.
"Yes," Hermione replied with a smile.
"We took him to his house and someone else was living there. Dennis is contacting all their relatives to see if anyone knows where his parents are."
"And Graham?"
"He hasn't heard anything from his mother," Katie said. "Obviously, she has no idea where he is to contact him but he doesn't want to talk to her just yet." Hermione nodded.
"After we're done here today, Oliver and I are going to check with Child Services and see if we can get guardianship of them, depending on what happens with their parents," Katie continued. At Hermione's surprised look, she blushed slightly. "I know it's strange, I'm only a few years older than them after all but they've become like my little brothers, you know?"
"I do," Hermione said. She felt the same way about the two boys. Oliver put his arm around Katie and kissed her temple, smiling at her.
"We've got the extra bedroom in the flat so why not?" he said with a shrug. Katie leaned her head against his shoulder for a moment.
"Anyway, they'll both be seventeen in a year, so then they can do what they like," she said. Somehow, Hermione couldn't see them leaving Katie and Oliver just because they turned seventeen.
Their attention was drawn back to the front of the courtroom as the Wizengamot began to file in. Hermione glanced at Luna but she appeared as serene and calm as she always did. The Chief Warlock called the proceedings to order. Hermione saw that Kingsley was not sitting in the Minister's seat but with Charlie and Luna as he was going to testify for Theo. He had recused himself from all four of the upcoming trials for that reason.
Theo was brought in and Hermione watched Luna. She brought a hand to her bump and flinched when he was chained to the chair, but otherwise did not react. The charges were read and the trial began.
"Draco," Lucius said after Theo had been taken away for his trial. "There is something we must discuss." Lucius had decided to wait until Theo was gone to bring up Hermione's pregnancy with his son. Severus already knew, of course, but was attempting to make himself inconspicuous in the back corner of their cell.
"What?" Draco asked distractedly. He was very concerned for Theo, they all were. There was also the fact that the outcome of Theo's trial and sentence would give them some idea of what the rest could expect.
"When Proudfoot came to retrieve me a few days ago, I was not taken for more questioning," he said. This caught Draco's attention and he focused fully on Lucius. "They allowed me to see Hermione." Draco's eyes widened fractionally.
"Why?"
"She had come to the Ministry to be questioned about the Final Battle," Lucius said. "She asked Shacklebolt to arrange a meeting as she had something she needed to speak with me about."
"What was it?" Draco asked warily. Lucius met Draco's gaze.
"She is carrying my child." Draco stared at his father for a few moments, then shook his head and gave a derisive snort.
"Bloody perfect," he said.
"I realize this is a shock," Lucius said.
"A shock?" Draco asked scathingly. "No, Father, I'd say this is just about what I would expect." Lucius' brow furrowed in confusion.
"I beg your pardon?"
"It's the perfect solution, isn't it?" Draco said, derision clear in his voice. "Show everyone how evolved you are, how much you've changed by getting a Muggle-born pregnant. And pretending to be happy about it. Not to mention having another heir waiting in the wings to protect the Malfoy fortune should I be sent to prison for the rest of my life. Classic Lucius Malfoy."
"You think I orchestrated this?" Lucius asked in disbelief.
"Come on, Father," Draco said. "Certainly you know how to cast a competent contraception charm? You drilled it into my head enough after my third year. Couldn't have any Malfoy bastards running around now could we?"
Lucius' jaw clenched as he tried to keep his temper under control. He had known Draco would be upset. Lucius had not expected the accusation that he had planned this, however, perhaps he should have. It is something that he might have done in his old life.
"This pregnancy was just as much a surprise to me as it was to Hermione," Lucius finally said. Draco rolled his eyes. "She had been taking the potion, however, given all that happened with my torture and our escape to the lodge, we both failed to recall that she should have taken another dose while we were there. That was why we did not use the charm. We were both under the assumption that she was still protected." Draco's expression faltered slightly.
"As to using this for my own gain, I have told Edward in no uncertain terms that he is not to bring it up at my trial. I have left the decision up to Hermione as to when she chooses to share the information and with whom," Lucius continued. Draco was goggling at him now.
"You are my heir, Draco. That will not change unless you wish it to." Lucius stepped towards his son and put a hand on his shoulder. "And you will not be going to prison for life. Not while I have anything to say about it." Draco looked at the ground for a few moments and then raised his head to meet Lucius' eyes. After staring at his father for a few moments, he gave a quick nod. Lucius squeezed his shoulder.
"And Granger," Draco said. "She…wants this?"
"So she says," Lucius replied. "I warned her of how the news will likely be received but she seems not to care." Draco snorted again but there was no derision in it this time.
"Sounds like Granger," he said. "Gryffindors." Draco shook his head but there was no malice in the gesture. Lucius allowed a small smile. There was silence for a few moments before Draco looked at him seriously again.
"If things turn out how we hope at trial are you going to marry her?"
"And if I were?" Draco studied him. His eyes flicked to Severus in the corner before looking back at Lucius. Draco continued to stare at him for a few moments before he nodded once more.
"Just don't ever use the word stepmother in my presence," Draco said. Lucius chuckled and squeezed his son's shoulder again.
"I highly doubt Hermione would appreciate that moniker either."
"And don't ask me to change nappies."
"That is what House Elves are for, Draco," Lucius said in amusement. There was a snort from the corner of the cell and Draco grinned.
"I want to be there when you tell Granger that," Draco said. Lucius frowned.
"Why?" he asked. He knew that Narcissa had been more involved with Draco when he was an infant than Lucius had, but even she had left certain things to the House Elves. Lucius was sure that his late wife had likely changed a few nappies but it wasn't a common occurrence. Lucius himself never had.
"No reason," Draco said innocently. Lucius' eyes narrowed but neither Draco nor Severus elaborated.
Hermione held her breath as the Chief Warlock stood. The sentence they passed on Theo would be an indication of how things might go for Lucius, Draco, and Severus. The chains on Theo's chair were lengthened to allow him to stand.
"Theodore Nott, we have found you guilty of bearing the Dark Mark and following the Dark Lord Voldemort." Katie reached over and gripped Hermione's hand. "However, we are also aware that this Mark was taken with the intention of protecting Miss Luna Lovegood." Hermione looked down at Luna who was staring serenely at Theo. She didn't seem worried in the least.
"Given those circumstances, as well as your subsequent housing of the Resistance and your part in taking down the Dark Lord Voldemort, as well as his Death Eaters, this body chooses to stay your sentence."
Hermione let out the breath she had been holding.
"You will be put on probation for a period of two years. During this time, you will voluntarily present your wand for scanning every month to detect any Dark Magic which may have been cast. You will agree to quarterly searches of your manor for Dark artefacts. If, at any time during this probationary period, you are found to have cast Dark spells or be in possession of Dark artefacts, your probation will be forfeit and you will be remanded to Azkaban prison. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," Theo said. Hermione could see his hands were trembling.
"You are then free to go," the Chief Warlock said. "You will need to check in with the DMLE to retrieve your wand and arrange the initial search of your home."
"Thank you," Theo said, looking out at the Wizengamot.
"Be sure you do not follow in your father's footsteps, Mr. Nott." Theo nodded and the chains around his wrists released and retracted back into the chair. He looked over towards Luna who smiled at him and stood. Charlie assisted her down the few steps to the floor of the courtroom. Theo hurried towards her and took her into his arms. Cameras flashed as the two embraced. The Aurors gave them a few seconds before they gently took Theo by the arm and led him away.
"Thank Merlin," Katie said. Hermione nodded. Theo's trial had taken most of the day but his had been the least involved. She expected that Severus' might take a bit longer, Draco's and then Lucius' even longer than that.
The fact that Theo had only been given probation boded well for the rest. It meant the Wizengamot was willing to consider what they had done to help rather than just convicting them based on the Dark Mark alone. But Hermione wasn't under any illusions that Lucius would get the same treatment as Theo had. Theo had only been a Death Eater for a few months and had only taken the Mark to try and protect Luna. Lucius was an entirely different story.
"Let's go get Luna," Katie said and Hermione pulled herself from her reverie, following Katie and Oliver down the stairs towards where Luna and Charlie still stood.]
Lucius watched Severus as they ate their breakfast. The man looked as stoic as ever, his posture giving nothing away, but Lucius knew that he was worried. The fact that Theo had only gotten probation was promising but Lucius knew it was no reason to expect they would all get the same treatment.
Personally, Lucius did not think Severus really need be concerned. Shacklebolt was well aware of the real reason that Severus had killed Dumbledore and besides his short stint as Headmaster, Severus had not even been involved with the Dark Lord since the battle at Hogwarts. Anyone with even a modicum of sense would realize that Severus would not have been able to completely rein in the Carrows in their punishments without risking the Dark Lord's suspicion. Had Severus been removed from Hogwarts, the students would have been in even more danger. Lucius could not see the Wizengamot convicting him of anything.
"Mr. Snape," a voice said and they all looked up to see an Auror standing outside the cell. "Your solicitor is here, sir." Severus rose, setting his bowl aside and moved to the door of the cell.
"All will be well, Severus," Lucius said as the Auror opened the cell door.
"I will see you both soon," Severus said, looking between Lucius and Draco. Lucius thought that rather overoptimistic as far as his own fate was concerned, but he certainly hoped that it would hold true for Draco. Severus' wrists were shackled and he was led away.
Lucius turned back to his son. Draco stood leaned against the back wall, eyes downcast.
"Draco," Lucius said. Draco looked up at him. "I meant what I said. I will do whatever necessary to ensure you spend no time in Azkaban."
"You don't have that kind of power anymore, Father," Draco said.
"I still have enough," Lucius said. Draco's eyes narrowed.
"What did you do?" he asked.
"Do not worry about that," Lucius said. "Just be assured that Edward will know what to do should the need arise." Draco studied him for a few seconds before realization seemed to dawn.
"You can't sacrifice yourself for me," Draco insisted.
"I am your father," Lucius said. "I was not there to protect you then but I will be now."
"And your other child? Granger? Who will protect them when you're rotting away in Azkaban?"
"Hermione will be provided for and I trust that you will be there to teach your brother or sister whatever they need to know."
"They need you," Draco snapped. "I won't let you do this."
"It is not up to you," Lucius retorted.
"You told me you loved her," Draco said. "That you wanted to marry her."
"I do," Lucius said.
"Then don't do this," Draco said. He paused and took a breath, blowing it out and running a hand through his hair. "I made my own choices, Father."
"You were forced," Lucius argued. "Your mother was threatened. And you were sixteen years old."
"I could have gone to Dumbledore," Draco said. "I could have asked for help." Lucius was already shaking his head but Draco did not let him say anything.
"I could have, Father. I don't know if it would have changed anything, but I didn't even try. I still regret that." Lucius stared at him as he continued. "Everything I've done since the battle at Hogwarts, it was trying to make up for the mistakes I made. Well, along with the fact that I wanted that madman dead for what he did to Mother. It will be up the Wizengamot to decide if I did enough to counter my mistakes." Draco met his gaze. "But I won't let you sacrifice your future for mine."
"It is unlikely I will escape my fate," Lucius said. "Even with what I've done to help. If I can help you stay out of prison that is what I need to do."
"By all but guaranteeing you'll spend the rest of your life there?" Draco demanded. "Don't think I don't know that you've told Edward you put me under the Imperius Curse to make me go along with what the Dark Lord wanted." Lucius' brows rose to his hairline. He had not expected that Draco would figure it out that quickly. It was not true, of course, Lucius would never cast such a curse on his own child. But the Wizengamot would not have a hard time believing that he did.
"I won't let you do this, Father," Draco said. "You may have to go to prison for a time but you don't have to spend your life there."
"Draco-"
"No, don't argue with me," he said. He stared at Lucius, determination plain on his face. "I don't want to go to Azkaban but I'll take my punishment for what I did." Lucius took a few steps towards his son and put his hands on his shoulders.
"You are a good man, Draco. I am so very proud of you." Draco stared at him for a few moments, blinking in surprise. Lucius thought it might have been the first time he had said those words to his son.
"Thank you," Draco finally said. They had never been much for physical affection and he was not sure if Draco would be amenable to Lucius hugging him just now. Instead, Lucius squeezed his shoulders and released him.
"And Father?" Lucius looked at Draco once again. "You've done quite a bit more to help than you think. Don't doubt that."
"Severus Snape, you have been found not guilty on all charges," the Chief Warlock said. "You are free to go with our thanks for your part in the overthrow of the Dark Lord Voldemort's government." Hermione watched as Severus blinked once and then tipped his head in acknowledgement.
"Please see the DMLE for the return of your wand and personal possessions." The chains retracted and Severus followed an Auror from the courtroom.
Hermione's heart was pounding in her chest. While she hadn't expected that Severus would be given any jail time, he had been freed completely, not even given probation. Of course, the Wizengamot was familiar with his history as a spy which of course had helped. Ginny and Hannah Abbott had also testified on his behalf as to his year as Headmaster and even Dumbledore's portrait had been consulted about the circumstances involving his death. They had also allowed Severus' memory of Dumbledore instructing him on what to do to be shown, after it had been certified as genuine and not tampered with that was.
"I need to speak to Severus," Hermione said to Katie and Oliver. Before either could say anything, Hermione stood and hurried from the courtroom, ignoring the reporters shouting questions at her as she passed. Stepping into the lift, Hermione was glad there was only one other person inside and she studiously ignored them as well.
When she exited the lift on the second floor, Hermione strode down the corridor to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She walked inside and was stopped by a secretary at the front desk.
"May I help you?"
"I'm looking for Severus Snape," Hermione said. The woman looked at Hermione and obviously recognized her. Thankfully, she didn't say anything.
"I'm sorry but Mr. Snape is currently dealing with some paperwork," the woman said.
"I'll wait," Hermione replied. The woman glanced behind her and then looked back at Hermione.
"I don't think he's going to come out this way," she said. Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion. "I think the Minister was going to allow Mr. Snape to leave through his Floo."
"Oh," Hermione said. Of course, Severus would want to avoid the press. She didn't blame him one bit. Hermione thought he would probably go back to Nott Manor, at least temporarily to gather the things he had there. After that, though, she didn't know where he would go. Malfoy Manor, perhaps, or back to his own home. But she really wanted to talk to him and she had no guarantee he would, in fact, return to Theo's home.
"Please, I just need to see him for a minute," Hermione said. She looked at the woman pleadingly, hoping in this instance her fame might help her.
"All right, just wait here a moment."
"Thank you," Hermione said with a smile. She paced the small waiting area while she waited. She had to know how Lucius and Draco were faring. And she wanted to know if Draco knew about the baby. It would make her decision easier. She didn't want to catch him unawares.
"Miss Granger," the secretary broke into Hermione's thoughts. "Come with me, please." Hermione followed the woman into the Auror offices and saw both Severus and Kingsley standing in what looked to be the Head Auror office.
"Hermione," Kingsley asked once Hermione had reached them. The secretary nodded to the three of them and then returned to her desk. "Is something the matter?"
"No," Hermione replied. "I'm sorry but I just wanted to speak to Severus before he left." She turned to her former Potions professor. "I wasn't sure where you planning to go."
"I am returning to Theo's," Severus said. "I will have to check my home at some point but it is an immediate necessity."
"Oh, well, I can wait and speak to you then," she said.
"You are here now," Severus drawled, crossing his arms over his chest and looking down at her. Hermione glanced at Kingsley.
"Use Gawain's office," he said, indicating the office they were in. "I'll wait outside. Hermione you're free to use my Floo as well if you like." He nodded to them both and then left the room.
"What is so important that it could not wait?" Severus asked.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I just, I, how are Lucius and Draco?"
"They are fine," Severus said. "But I do not imagine you were this desperate to simply know about their well-being. You just saw Lucius a few days ago."
"No," she said, biting her lip. What if Severus didn't know yet? Perhaps this wasn't the place to drop such a bomb. She should have waited until he left the Ministry. Severus sighed.
"Hermione, it has been an extremely long day and even longer since I have seen a proper bed or had a decent meal. Ask whatever it is that you wish to ask me. I am losing my patience," he said in a clipped voice.
"Sorry," she said again. "I just need to know if Draco…knows."
"Knows what, exactly?" She looked up at him and while he still stood with his arms crossed, looking as stoic as ever, she could see the glint of something in his eye. She scowled. He knew exactly what she was asking and was just amusing himself by making her say it.
"Does Draco know about the baby?" she asked with a huff.
"He does," Severus said. Hermione worried her lip with her teeth again.
"How did he…take it?" she asked.
"I believe that is something you should ask him. Or Lucius."
"I can't exactly ask them now, can I?" she said hands on her hips. "I'm asking you." Severus stared at her for a few moments before he answered.
"Draco was shocked but seemed to have come around to things by the end of the conversation." Hermione couldn't help her mouth dropping open in surprise. Draco had 'come around'? She couldn't fathom that he would have accepted it that easily.
"What do you mean, he 'came around to it'?" she asked.
"Exactly what I said," Severus said.
"So, he's okay with it?" she said.
"I would not say that he is overjoyed with happiness, however, he is not angry if that is what you are asking." She blew out a breath. She could work with that.
"Why are you asking?" Severus questioned.
"I just, I needed to know," she said lamely. Severus' eyes narrowed as he studied her.
"What are you planning, Hermione?"
"Nothing," she said. It was obvious he didn't believe her but he didn't push it.
"Will this help?" was all he asked.
"I hope so," she replied.
"Miss Weasley can you please tell us what happened to you after the Battle at Hogwarts?" Mr. Greengrass asked. Draco's trial had begun and it was Ginny's turn to testify. Hermione looked at Ginny who seemed to curl in on herself a bit when asked the question. Hermione glanced at Mrs. Weasley and saw the tears in her eyes. She still blamed herself for what had happened to Ginny. She felt that if she hadn't killed Bellatrix, that Rodolphus wouldn't have chosen Ginny. Of course, that didn't mean she wouldn't have been equally as abused by someone else and likely not rescued as early as she had been.
"Voldemort allowed the Death Eaters to take someone that had fought against them as a reward. Rodolphus Lestrange chose me." There was a collective intake of breath from those watching the trial. Hermione scowled at the crowd. She was sitting in the witness area today as she was going to have to testify about Draco bringing her to Malfoy Manor.
"And you spent how long with Mr. Lestrange?"
"Four months," Ginny said.
"And how were you treated?" Mr. Greengrass asked. Ginny swallowed thickly. Hermione saw her glance toward Draco who looked pained. Mrs. Weasley half rose from her seat, only sitting again at Charlie's hand on her arm.
"I'm sorry, Miss Weasley, I know this is extremely difficult," Mr. Greengrass said, no lack of sympathy in his voice.
"I, he," Ginny paused and pulled in a breath. She blew it out and met the solicitor's gaze. "Lestrange raped me. Repeatedly. He beat me and kept me chained up in naked his rooms so he could use me whenever he wanted." Hermione looked at the Wizengamot members, many of whom looked sick. Good, she thought.
The spectators were the same and Hermione felt the same simmering rage that the vast majority of these people had done nothing to help the Resistance or the war effort. She was sure there were a few that might have helped pass along messages or offered help to someone on the run but most had sat safe and snug in their homes doing nothing.
"What happened in September of last year?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
"There was a skirmish with the Resistance and Lestrange was killed," Ginny said. "Draco had brought in a wanted prisoner from the Resistance and Voldemort offered him a reward. He chose me."
"And how were you treated once you were brought to Malfoy Manor?"
"Like a human being," she said. There was an immediate murmuring through the courtroom and the Chief Warlock had to call for order.
"Could you please elaborate on that, Miss Weasley?" Mr. Greengrass continued.
"My mother was there," she said. "I hadn't known, I thought that she was dead or in Azkaban. But she was there and she took me to her room. Draco's father called a Healer for me and then I was left alone."
"No one demanded anything from you?"
"No," Ginny said. "After a few weeks, I started helping my mother in the kitchen. She cooked all the meals. But no one ever told me I had to. No one ever told her she had to either, for that matter."
"Did you consider yourself a prisoner of Draco Malfoy?"
"No," Ginny said. "I mean, I knew I had to stay at the Manor but that wasn't because I was a prisoner."
"Can you explain that?"
"I don't think Draco would have stopped me if I had tried to escape. But he would have been punished by Voldemort if he had found out. I didn't want that to happen to him. Besides, I had nowhere to go. I had no idea where the Resistance was and I had no money, no wand. It was better to just stay there where I knew we would be safe."
"You were never worried that Draco might try to hurt you? Or force himself on you?"
"Never," Ginny said vehemently. "Draco would never do anything like that."
"Were you aware that Draco was passing information to the Resistance?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
"Eventually," Ginny said. "We would talk a lot, about different things. One afternoon he told me what he'd been doing. Someone in the network that passed on the messages had been caught and Draco was upset about it."
"Was he upset because he might have been discovered?"
"No, he was worried that the man would be tortured or killed because of what he had been doing. It was usually what happened."
"Just to clarify, Draco wasn't concerned for himself but for this other man?"
"Yes," Ginny said. "I was worried for Draco but he said the only thing that concerned him about being caught was that he wouldn't be able to get information to the Resistance any longer." Mr. Greengrass let this statement hang in the air for a few moments. The spectators again began to mutter amongst themselves some of them looking disbelievingly at Draco. There were a few on the Wizengamot doing the same but many looked speculative, some sympathetic. Hermione thought that was a good sign.
"What happened when the Resistance came to Nott Manor?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
"My mother and I went to Nott Manor as well. Two of my brothers were with the Resistance and we hadn't seen them for nearly a year."
"Draco allowed you to leave?"
"He encouraged it," Ginny said. "I told him we would come back to Malfoy Manor that evening but he told us to stay. He said that it had been far too long since we had seen our family and that we should spend as much time with them as we liked. His father agreed."
"They were no longer concerned about Voldemort discovering you were gone?"
"If they were, they didn't say so," Ginny said. "My mum and I moved in with the Resistance until the battle."
"Thank you, Miss Weasley. I have no more questions for you." Ginny smiled at Draco as she left the witness chair. He returned her smile and she came to sit between Hermione and her mother.
"You did great," Hermione said quietly.
"I only hope that it helps," Ginny said, gazing across the room at Draco.
"It will," Hermione said confidently.
"Kingsley, can I have a moment?" Hermione asked once Draco's trial had ended for the day. They hadn't gotten through all the witnesses and it would reconvene at nine the next morning. Hermione had testified about Draco bringing her to Malfoy Manor and hoped that it had come across well. Kingsley thought that it had but he knew there were those that would fixate on the 'kidnapping' angle of it all and ignore everything else she had said.
The courtroom was starting to empty but Ginny lingered, waiting for Hermione.
"I'll meet you back at Theo's," Hermione said. "This will just take me a few minutes."
"Maybe Charlie should wait for you," Ginny said brow furrowed in concern, no doubt worried about Hermione having to deal with the press on her own.
"Hermione can Floo from my office," Kingsley said and Ginny nodded.
"All right, see you in a bit." She left with the rest of her family.
"Come with me," Kingsley said, leading Hermione to the side door of the courtroom. They stepped through but instead of moving down the corridor, Kingsley stopped and waved his wand at the blank wall in front of them. A door appeared and when he opened it, they were inside his personal office. She looked at him in surprise.
"I can get to my office from anywhere in the Ministry," he said with a grin. "Comes in quite handy at times."
"I can imagine," Hermione said with a smile.
"What's on your mind?" Kingsley asked, ushering Hermione to the small sitting area in front of his fireplace.
"There's something I need to tell you," she said. "Before it comes out at Lucius' trial."
"All right," he said with a frown. Kingsley thought he knew everything that was going to be presented at Lucius' trial. He had spoken extensively with the man over the last few days.
Hermione was fidgeting in her chair, worrying her lip between her teeth. Kingsley wondered just what it was she wanted to tell him. From the looks of her, it didn't seem to be good news. He was confused. Hermione had been Lucius' biggest supporter so far.
"You know I'm going to testify on Lucius' behalf," she said. Kingsley nodded. The fact that Lucius and Hermione were in a relationship was going to come out and Kingsley had been concerned about that. He was sure the press would have a field day with the information and he didn't want Hermione to come to any harm. He had promised Lucius he would provide her with an Auror guard if necessary.
"There's something that I'm going to say that I think will help his case," Hermione said. "But it's going to shock everyone and I just want my friends to know beforehand."
"What is it, Hermione?" Hermione took a deep breath and met his gaze.
"I'm pregnant." Kingsley stared at her, unmoving. He knew they were together but this was not something he had been expecting.
"Pregnant," he repeated. She nodded, biting her lip again. "And you're going to reveal this at his trial?" She nodded again. Merlin, she was definitely going to need that Auror guard now.
"Why?" Kingsley asked.
"Why am I pregnant?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"No, why are you going to tell everyone," Kingsley clarified.
"I'm Muggle-born, Kingsley," Hermione said. "I'm having a baby with Lucius and he's happy about it. He wants, well, I don't know what he wants as far as the two of us goes but he does want this baby. Lucius Malfoy, Pureblood bigot with a half-blood child that he's welcoming with open arms? That has to help him."
Kingsley couldn't deny that it was brilliant from a strategic point of view. But it was also a personal, private bit of news. She couldn't be very far along. She wasn't showing at all and Kingsley was sure that as protective as Lucius was of those he loved, he would not have allowed her to participate in the battle had he known beforehand. Which meant they must have found out afterwards. Hermione wanting to speak to Lucius about something important made perfect sense now.
"And what does Lucius say about this?" Kingsley asked. Hermione immediately looked at her lap, fidgeting with her hands. "Hermione?"
"He doesn't know," she said quietly. Kingsley blew out a breath.
"Hermione, that isn't a good idea," he said. She looked up at him defiantly.
"He won't do it for himself," Hermione said.
"Of course, he wouldn't," Kingsley said. Lucius, for all he had changed, was still very much a Pureblood aristocrat in certain ways. And one was that private, family business was just that, private. He would never agree to announcing something like this at his trial just to help his case.
"I know he's probably going to be upset with me," Hermione said. "But I don't care. I'll do whatever I have to in order to shorten his sentence or keep him out of prison all together." Kingsley sighed. There was no way he was going to be able to change her mind.
"You should tell him," he said. "I can get you in to see him tomorrow. He has a meeting scheduled with Greengrass after Draco's trial is over."
"No," Hermione said.
"Hermione," Kingsley said with another sigh.
"No," she said again. "He'll just try to forbid it or something and his solicitor will listen to him. And you have to swear to me that you won't tell him either." Kingsley scrubbed a hand down his face. Fucking Merlin.
"He has a strong case already, Hermione," Kingsley said trying a different tactic to convince her.
"Then this will make it even stronger, won't it?"
"He's going to be furious," Kingsley said. She shrugged.
"I'm prepared to deal with that." But Kingsley saw a tiny bit of uncertainty in her eyes. He softened.
"What you said before, about not knowing what he wants for the two of you?" She looked up at met his gaze. "That's not something you need to worry about." A slight blush stained her cheeks but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
"Who else knows?" he asked.
"Draco and Severus, Luna, Katie and Poppy," Hermione replied.
"This really isn't the kind of thing you want your friends finding out at trial," Kingsley cautioned her.
"I know," she said. "I'm telling the Weasleys tonight." She looked extremely unsure of herself and Kingsley leaned forward to take her hand, giving it a squeeze.
"If this is what you want, then I'm very happy for you, Hermione." She smiled.
"Thank you, Kingsley." He stood and pulled her to her feet, then hugged her.
"It's going to be all right," he said. She sighed against his chest and tightened her arms around him.
"I'm not so sure about that," she said. She looked up at him. "Ron hasn't exactly been happy about the fact that Lucius and I are even together."
"He'll come round," Kingsley said. "And if you need anything in the meantime, you can come to me." There were tears sparkling in her eyes now and Kingsley pulled her back into his arms.
"You've been incredibly brave, Hermione," he said. "I shouldn't be surprised that you've decided to do this."
"I have to," she mumbled into his chest.
"I know," he replied. When he released her, he conjured a tissue and handed it to her. She smiled gratefully and wiped at her face.
"I do wish you'd reconsider telling Lucius," Kingsley said, holding up a hand when she went to protest. "But I understand why you're not."
"Thank you," she said. "For everything." With one last hug, she turned to the Floo and spun away to Nott Manor. Kingsley sat down heavily in his chair and blew out a breath. He really hoped this didn't blow up in her face.