A/N: Thanks to SometimeSelkie, beta extraordinaire.

So my birthday is this week. I will be accepting reviews as gifts. :)

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The Safe House

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Ginny entered the courtroom behind Blaise. He had warned her that Draco would be bound to the chair in the middle of the room, but she still felt tears come to her eyes upon seeing him. She saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione sitting across the open circle. She could feel Harry's gaze following her to her seat, but she refused to acknowledge him. The first day of the trial would consist of Blaise and the Ministry Interrogators, Bennett and Hanson, presenting the case and then the testimony from the accused, Draco. Ginny did not know the Interrogators, but Blaise had informed her and Narcissa that the two older wizards were considered to be very fair. It was another indication that the Ministry did not want to risk any chance for the Malfoys to appeal or to make claims of injustice in the papers.

After the opening statements were finished, Interrogator Hanson stepped forward and gave Draco a vial of Veritaserum. This was not a common procedure, but since it was such a high-profile case, the Ministry had agreed to Blaise's request of Draco being administered the powerful potion. The potion would only last for one hour so the interrogation was swift, beginning with his initiation as a Death Eater. If needed, the potion could be administered once more in order to finish on the same day.

It only took a few minutes for Draco to tell the story of his life from sixteen to twenty-one, when he began working as a spy. At this point, Interrogator Bennett began stopping him with many questions. Blaise would also pose several questions to Draco. Most of the hour was spent on probing him about his activities with the Death Eaters and his interactions with Harry Potter. Draco remained completely calm throughout the entire hour and answered all of the questions with poise and in great detail. He never seemed fazed when asked repeatedly about the same events.

When the Interrogator asked about the list of Horcruxes, Draco acknowledged that he did know the list was not reliable, but it had been the best he could do without risking his position within the Death Eaters. When he was asked about murdering Felicity Cresswell, he replied exactly as Blaise had coached him.

Ginny watched the Wizengamot during this portion of his testimony. This was the one crime that he could not escape. Even if they believed him to be an Order spy, he could still be found guilty of murder. She could see that some of them looked sympathetic, but she could not tell if it was for her husband or the Muggle woman that had been killed.

Finally, Interrogator Bennett moved the questioning into his time at the Safe House. When he was asked about what had prompted his going into hiding, Draco informed the court of his part in helping Pansy Parkinson switch sides. Immediately, the Chief Warlock requested that Miss Parkinson be brought in for questioning. The interrogation continued mostly with questions on how he was being kept prisoner in the house. Even to Ginny, it sounded far-fetched to believe that Severus Snape would knowingly trap Draco in the house for an indefinite amount of time. When it came to Ginny's arrival, he described his shock at seeing her lifeless body in the arms of his godfather, his pleading for Severus to stay or release him, and his accepting that he would stay and protect her. There was not much time for the interrogation to continue so Draco was questioned repeatedly about whether he had performed any dark magic or mind-altering spells on Ginny. He simply answered no to each question. It was the only time he showed any emotion in his eyes since he had stepped into the court.

Blaise quickly stood up and approached Draco. "It was reported by many Death Eaters, including Gregory Goyle, that you received the Curse of the Mark on June the fifth, 2005. Can you explain how you could possibly have survived this?"

"Ginevra was already in the Safe House at that time, and she was able to perform a healing spell during the curse that allowed me to survive."

"Was this curse something you were aware of before you entered the house?"

"No. I had no idea what was happening to me that night." Draco glanced quickly to Ginny, knowing that she was also remembering that turning point in their relationship.

"So Voldemort attacked you months after you had gone into hiding? He clearly did not consider you a Death Eater at this point."

"Yes. It was on my birthday. I believe he wanted to punish me and my family by killing me on that specific day."

Blaise turned to the Chief Warlock. "The court has a transcript of the memories left by Lucius Malfoy that corroborate this story as well as the testimony of several captured Death Eaters who were present the night Voldemort performed the curse."

"Thank you, Mr. Zabini. Mr. Malfoy, the charges that have been brought against you are very severe in nature. The Wizengamot will make their judgement only after we hear further testimony from Order members and captured Death Eaters. I will acknowledge that you have answered every question without hesitation while under the influence of Veritaserum. But I will remind you that your testimony alone will not be enough to clear you."

ooo

Hermione stood in one of the back halls behind the courtroom, waiting for Ron. She wanted to get home as soon as possible. Draco's testimony under Veritaserum had shaken her. He had completely denied everything of which he was being accused. He gave detailed accounts of several meetings he had with Harry whilst he had been working as a spy for the Order. She had also watched Ginny during his testimony, and she couldn't help but notice the love and unwavering faith that shone in the younger witch's eyes. Gripping Ron's hand throughout the entire interrogation, Hermione tried desperately to hold on to something as everything she had believed began to fall apart.

Hermione turned the corner, looking for a loo, when she heard the sound of a child's laughter. She slowly followed the sweet, melodic sound until she came to an open door. She peered into the room and saw two Aurors standing near the door, facing away from her. Beyond them sat Draco, holding Thuban and tickling his tummy. Ginny was seated across a small table from him, smiling warmly at her family. Draco also was smiling broadly, something Hermione had never seen, and he kissed the baby several times before Ginny crossed to him and took their son. She leaned over and kissed Draco once and whispered into his ear. Hermione noticed that he was bound to the seat and attempted, in vain, to move his arms far enough to embrace his wife. Before Ginny could turn towards the door, Hermione quickly retreated into the hall and made her way back to where she had been waiting for Ron.

Once home, Ron embraced his wife and held her close. He knew that it had been a rough day for her, and he could feel her sobbing into his shirt. He softly said, "Just because he believes it to be true doesn't mean anything, Hermione. You know how many Death Eaters have convinced themselves of their lies. This is why Veritaserum alone is rarely used to support cases. Once Harry testifies, you will feel better."

"What if he's not delusional? What if he is actually telling the truth?"

"He's not… Why are you doubting Harry?"

"Ron, I think … I think that maybe Harry is wrong somehow. I saw them today. Ginny and Thuban and Malfoy. They're a family. He loves them. And his testimony was so clear today. I just keep thinking that …" She broke into another sob.

"I can't believe you are falling for it. We know that they love each other, and it has nothing to do with what he did to us."

She looked up into his eyes and bit her lip, worrying over what she was about to reveal. "She's pregnant."

He tilted his head forward and frowned. "What?"

"I saw her touching her stomach several times today, and then in the room, when she picked up Thuban, I could see her belly. She's pregnant, Ron. They're going to have another baby, and I just keep thinking that we're tearing apart a happy family."

"We were a happy family! He took that from us, Hermione. Don't you let him fool you. We have to hold on to what we know. You have to hold on to that. You have to." He gently pulled away from her and began pacing the room, clenching and unclenching his fists. He shook his head quickly and said, "And you can't know for sure that she's pregnant."

"Of course I can!" She ran to him and grabbed his hands. "She's got to be a few months along," she paused and buried her head into his chest and then almost whispered, "She looks like I did." She cried again as she felt his arms tenderly embrace her. He slowly rocked her and kissed her head.

"She testifies tomorrow. I'm sure if you're right, we'll find out then. Don't … don't say anything to Harry about this. He's barely holding on. He needs us to be supportive right now, especially if you're right about another baby. Dammit, Ginny!" He pulled her to the sofa and sat them down, keeping her hands in his. "I found out she's been seen by a court-ordered psychiatric Healer who will also testify tomorrow. If there's been anything done to her, we'll know that as well. Let's just wait until then, okay?"

Later that night just before Hermione was falling asleep, Ron rolled to her and whispered into her hair. "Do you think that she was pregnant when they came back?"

"I don't know. Most likely." She turned to him, and for the first time in many years, she saw tears in his eyes. "Ron, I love you so much."

"I know. I don't know why or how, but I know you do. I love you, too." He pulled her forward and kissed her sweetly. "Harry never tells me anything about Malfoy or the case. He took me off of it the day we arrested him. I only know about Ginny seeing the Healer because I was able to look at the schedule for the trial." He stopped and looked up at the ceiling. He closed his eyes tight and gritted out, "I started to believe Malfoy today, too. I can't believe I'm even saying this, but I don't know what really happened anymore."

Hermione sat up and turned his face towards hers. She gave him a small kiss on the lips. "Tomorrow. We're going to talk to Harry tomorrow."

ooo

"Ginevra Malfoy, you may come to the centre of the court and take the seat by Mr. Malfoy," the Chief Warlock stated. He looked down at the papers in his hand and began reading. "Litigator Zabini has informed the court that Ginevra Weasley and Draco Malfoy performed the Pureblood Binding Ritual on the first of September in 2005. The legitimacy of this marriage has come under question since it has been submitted to the court that Mr. Malfoy may have performed any number of spells and or curses on Miss Weasley in order for her to participate in the Pureblood Binding Ritual. Let it be said that no spells or curses may be used during the actual binding in order for it to have been cast."

The Chief Warlock nodded to the Interrogators and added, "Interrogator Hanson will be performing the revealing charm for this binding before we proceed with this afternoon's testimony. Even if the binding has not occurred, the fact that the two of you have been living as husband and wife and also performed the traditional wedding ceremony, although without witnesses, will be taken into consideration when determining the validity of your marriage. Again, we will wait to make a decision until after hearing today's testimony."

Ginny carefully made her way to the empty seat on the left side of her husband. She quickly glanced up at her mother, who was with her family across the room, and then turned her head to Draco. He looked completely calm, but Ginny could tell that he was also harbouring some doubts about the accuracy of their ceremony. Once she was seated, Hanson stood between her and Draco and quietly uttered the ancient spell. Immediately, glowing red cords began to stretch from the two hands they had fasted during their ceremony. They both turned their heads towards each other and smiled as the cords of light connected above them. The entire Wizengamot seemed amazed at the display of ancient magic and before long the room was filled with quiet murmuring, only broken by the Chief Warlock abruptly standing.

"Thank you, Interrogator Hanson. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, I believe that we have established that you have correctly performed the Pureblood Binding Ritual. Although we cannot annul a marriage created by this ritual, we must still address the charges that concern the nature of your relationship whilst the two of you were in hiding."

At this point, Interrogator Bennett stood up and began, "Ginevra Malfoy, we have heard the testimony of two Healers this morning. Healer Lee claims that there is no evidence of any spells or curses being done to your mind and that all examined memories are intact. It was also presented that you have refused to continue treatment with Healer Cerletti, who stated that you were clearly suffering from PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Will you please tell the court why you have refused to continue working with the court-appointed Healer?"

"Yes, sir. I cannot continue with her treatment because of health reasons. Her techniques involve shock therapy, and I cannot undergo such therapy."

"Is it because you are afraid to reveal what may be hidden in your memories?" he challenged.

"No, sir. I have nothing to hide. The Ministry has also used Healer Lee for many cases. I thought that she would be an acceptable replacement, and my husband's Litigator, Blaise Zabini, filed the paperwork to use her as my Healer for this case."

"That is true, Mrs. Malfoy, but before we continue with your testimony, will you please explain the health reasons for quitting your treatment with Healer Cerletti?" He smiled warmly at her before turning to the small desk at which his partner was seated. Interrogator Hanson handed him a form. He turned back to the Wizengamot and stated, "The paperwork filed by Mr. Zabini," he held it up, waving it slightly, "is mysteriously missing this information, and we cannot count the testimony of Healer Lee until we can properly file this form." He faced Ginny once again and gave her a smug look as the Court Scribe took the incomplete form and handed it to the Chief Warlock.

"Of course." Ginny smiled sweetly at the Interrogators and then at the Wizengamot. "I am with child."

Several gasps could be heard throughout the room, many coming from her left where she knew her family was seated.

"You are pregnant, Mrs. Malfoy?" He looked doubtful. "Is this a recent development?" he quipped.

"Yes, I am." She stood up and opened her thick, outer robe, revealing the swell of her belly clearly showing through the fitted robe she wore underneath. She placed her hands just under her belly, emphasizing its roundness. "I am four months along now."

She looked to her right and smiled warmly at Draco who was bound in his chair. He gave her the smallest smile, and the court erupted with chatter as the flash of a camera broke the stunned silence.

"Mrs. Malfoy, you may be seated."

Ginny sat back down, leaving her outer robes unfastened and her hands placed protectively across her small belly. She discreetly glanced to her left and saw her family sitting in the lower levels of the circular courtroom. Harry was sitting next to Hermione, and he looked pale, as if he were getting sick. She felt a brief flash of guilt looking at Hermione, but the witch did not seem to be upset by the news.

Once the room was settled back down, Interrogator Bennett turned to Ginny again. "Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy, for answering my question. I'm assuming that you have been seen by the proper Healer that can verify your pregnancy, and we will be able to count Healer Lee's testimony."

"Yes, sir. Mr. Zabini has a statement from my obstetrics Healer."

"Of course. Then let us proceed with your deposition."

Ginny's testimony centred on her living in the Safe House and on her marriage to Draco. She also was finally able to explain how she had been able to save him from the Curse of the Mark. She knew that her use of the Sorbere Doloro Spell would be investigated, as it was not intended to be used with a patient that was being actively cursed. She also knew that, if anything, the Healers would be excited to learn of this possibility. Although many would suspect her of playing up her part, she could not stop the tears from coming to her eyes as she described the night she gave birth to Thuban. Blaise had given her approval to talk about Draco's plan to rid himself of his own magic in order to save his family. The Interrogator had jumped on the fact that he had been willing to use dark magic, but she was able to repeat that he would have been sacrificing his magical abilities or even his life if he had performed the spell. The members of the Wizengamot seemed enthralled with her story, and she knew that they were beginning to see that she and Draco were truly in love with each other.

Once Ginny had finished her statement, the Interrogators conferred for a few moments. Finally, Interrogator Hanson stood and faced the Wizengamot. "We would like to make a decision in regards to the charges against Draco Malfoy concerning his relationship with his wife. After hearing the testimony of her Healers and her own account of her time spent with Mr. Malfoy, we recommend that the court acknowledge the validity of the Malfoy marriage and to drop the charges of magical coercion in regards to Ginevra Malfoy."

It only took a few minutes for the Wizengamot to vote in agreement with the Interrogators recommendation. Ginny immediately crossed to Draco, embraced him, and kissed him sweetly on the lips. The guards gently guided her back to her seat, but not before several more pictures had been taken of the couple. Draco simply shook his head at his wife with a small smirk on his face.

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A/N: Thank you for reading. And reviewing in the next few moments. :)

So the trial has begun. I never really wanted to write a trial scene so I can't believe this fic ends with a trial. I hope it comes out okay. I know I didn't write out all of Draco's testimony. It was intentional.

What did you think of the Ron/Hermione scene? Ron is starting to crack a bit. More from the others in the next chapter.