I am back again with another brand new sparkling chapter. Now for a status update, I think the next chapter may come out a little late than the usual because I have been... procrastinating. And there was a demon project after my very own life. Also, I need my muse back. Right now, she's busy making my head bubble with Dramione plots and Supernatural crossovers. *smiles like Cheshire Cat*

Anyways, thanks to my bestest friend in the world, Puj and hugs to my soul brother, Shubham (yes, such things exist. Even I was surprised with my find) and lots of thanks to all who have favourited and followed this fiction and the precioussss reviewers. Thanks all.

Chapter 3

It had been almost a week since Bellatrix's death and the killing finally seemed abated, but Harry couldn't get rid of the nagging voice in the back of his mind. He sent an emergency memo to the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt. He couldn't keep this inside him anymore. And…and the killer needed help as she was a fully functional productive magical citizen only with this annoying flare to kill people who pissed her off. She needed help, and immediately. It can't be helped if someone irked her or just annoyed her with their breathing. Harry almost shot out of his seat when he got the permit memo to meet the Minister of Magic; if his hunch was right then her next kill could be Ron if he went beyond his normal ability to have an emotional range of less than a teaspoon.

"Are you certain about this, Auror Potter? This is some really grave accusations against the supposed killer," Kingsley said doubtfully.

"I am like ninety percent sure about this. It has to be Hermione. No wonder we could get the hair or the hide of this killer. She's- she's bloody smart and brilliant. But she has this vicious side that rarely emerges and when it does it makes Voldemort look tame. Her ways are insidious and effective. But I never thought that she would get to this," Harry explained, tiredly rubbing his hands on his face.

"Did you any hint that she could act like this?" Kingsley asked, still not believing that Hermione was their killer.

"We drifted apart, that's what happened. And by the looks of the situation at hands, the situation pushed her beyond the line of…insanity. Controlled insanity," Harry said exasperatedly.

"How is even possible? Controlled insanity? Are you just trying to paint someone responsible for something like this?" Kingsley retorted.

"I questioned the mind healer who was supposed to treat Hermione. But she never went to him or so he said. Instead, I found she had oblivated the healer. On Hermione's appointment day, the Healer seemed to have fuzzy and blurred memories for some portion of the day. But these were not completely wiped out that the healer would find them standing out like a sore thumb. I have no idea why she is doing this. I just need the permission to question her with Veritaserum. Though I am not sure if that will work on her or not," Harry said apprehensively.

"Harry—"

"Please trust me. Just once for this. If it is indeed Hermione then think of the help we can provide her with. Wouldn't she have done the same for me?" Harry implored.

Kingsley was in a dilemma. But it was easy to see what her answer would be.

Draco and Astoria were lounging in their dining room with their guest of honour, Meow. Hermione and Draco's relationship was a very uncommon one and one that was formed in the strangest situation. She needed help to kick off her business and he was looking for a way to apologise to the witch he had tormented for years. She was the most wonderful work partner one could ask for. And she was a diligent and cunning lawyer he had ever met. There was yet to be a case that she hadn't won. Her success had made her firm the go-to-place when in trouble. Just as he had started admiring the fierce witch, he had fallen for her too. But he wasn't a sappy 'Puff to quote poetry or turn into a lovesick puppy. He loved her in his own way- he made her more cunning and sneaky in her ways. And she appreciated that. Her thank you that came in the form of a tryst in the middle of the office had his world tilt off its axis.

Though sex was mind blasting, they both knew they couldn't support each other in the way they needed it. He wanted a snarky socialite wife; she needed a mind that matched her level of crazy. They both knew their relation could not face their personal demons and Draco was ashamed to say that Hermione's demons made his look like a dust speckle in a hurricane.

When he had tried read her mind when she had slipped into a nightmare that had her go unresponsive, Draco was scared out of his mind with the type of trauma he found there and he knew he wasn't strong or fearless enough to brave it along with her. He tried to help her, he did. But it was of no use. And Hermione and he put a stop to their… whatever that was. It was awkward for a long time until Astoria came stumbling into his office having tripped on the carpet end with her high stiletto shoes. The glare she gave the offending piece of décor made both Hermione and him chuckle after a long time.

And he slowly fell for the angry kitten and Hermione found a confidant in her. In fact, Hermione helped their relationship bloom into a beautiful and strong bond that could survive the harshest weather of life. It was on their third date that Draco revealed that he was intimate with Hermione with emphasis on 'was'. Her face lost all its joy and excitement on hearing that, but she didn't create a scene or get silent angry or cried out right. She listened to it all, calmly he must add, and said that she would judge it herself and appointed herself as their joint personal secretary. Needlessly to say, they got married within five months of Tory's joining the office. And one day Draco found Hermione eating popcorn and watching them with undivided attention when she found Astoria and him having sex in their sitting room. The resulting embarrassment would haunt both of them forever but Hermione said that their performance was pretty amazing- much much better than those fake orgasms they show in those porn videos (her words!) - and she was sorry for not getting to see it from the beginning.

But they got along like house on fire despite all the crazy things they did together. She was a constant in their life and a guide despite being a little on the crazy side but who's he to complain. His wife liked her, hell she adored her.

Happy wife, happy life.

They were having a peaceful dinner, but for the first time, it was a tensed atmosphere. Tory looked almost on the verge of tears and he wasn't exactly okay. Only one was unruffled having her dinner was Hermione. But he would be surprised if something was able to ruffle her feathers-literally (she was fucking peregrine falcon animagus) - these days. As he slowly chewed his seemingly tasteless food, Mimpsy, his house elf popped in.

"An owl for Missy Meow," she declared as she presented a letter seal with Ministry's seal on it.

"Huh! That was fast. I thought it would take them more time. I guess Harry isn't as clueless as he used to be," Hermione said as she took the letter and thanked Mimpsy who bowed and popped away.

Astoria, outright, broke into a flood of tears and Draco clenched his fork, his knuckles turning white, as Hermione tore the envelope to read the letter.

To,

Hermione Jean Granger. (It read on the envelope.)

Mione, ("God, doesn't he know I hate that nickname. I mean come on, idiot. It's been what twelve years," Hermione commented.)

What I want to tell you next is a groundbreaking information. So I want to meet you at the Ministry for this. I hope you will co-operate with me for this. Please, this is the last favour I ask of you. Please owl me back your reply. I expect you as soon as possible.

Harry.

"It's half ordering me and half begging me. Harry seriously needs to work out his tone. He'll always stay confused otherwise," Hermione said after she read the letter out loud.

A sob replied Hermione back. She got out of her seat and went to hug the crying woman.

"Tory, please don't cry. It's just a matter of few months then I'll be back. It's not like they can send me away forever," Hermione tried to placate Astoria.

"What-sob-what- if they send you to-to Azkaban?" Astoria's question ended in a wail.

"If they wanted to, they would have sent a barrage of Aurors to capture me. Trust me. This secretive way means I'm going to be shipped off. But I am pretty sure Kingsley would like a word with me, preferably after I have had three drops of the Veritaserum. It's nothing I can't handle. What most people don't know is the after effects of the Cruciatus. I am certain I can explain it to them so that I remain the only torture, enhanced witch. Mwahahaha!" Hermione ended with a villain's laugh.

"That wasn't even remotely funny," Tory sniffed.

"This I agree with," Draco replied with a scowl marring his face.

"Pretty boy, get ready to defend me. It will be a tough case for you. And remember to execute my will. I want to go under lock and key while knowing that my godchild will be well looked after," Hermione replied with her chin raised.

"That was probably the most horrible excuse I ever heard come out of your mouth," Draco said with disbelief. "I will let you know that my vault alone holds more than a billion Galleons thanks to our booming business."

"I have got two million and fifty thousand Galleons and growing in my vault," Hermione countered.

"I said in my vault alone," Draco retorted.

Hermione merely smirked at him with her raised chin at him.

"Fine! You win," Draco conceded.

"Draco will go with you as your lawyer," Astoria commanded.

"I can take care of myself," Hermione replied.

"Let me save the day for once!" Draco exclaimed.

"I won't hear anything. It's either a visit accompanied by Draco or we are chucking you to Russia," Astoria said with determination.

"Meow, for once in your life trust. Trust us. We won't let you down. Whatever happens. We will be there with you," Draco with steel in his voice.

His earnestness got Hermione to agree to it. And then Totslee, the study room elf, was called to provide a parchment and self-inking quill along with their family owl, Mercury.

Harry,

Let's meet. Say at 11am tomorrow at Minister's office.

Hermione.

The morning was terse one for the Minister. The shiniest war hero was going to be called in for questioning in regards of the serial killings. This particular news could cause a huge amount of panic in public. It would be like finding a wolf in sheep's clothing. Kingsley rubbed his palms on his face. The situation was a very delicate one. He never wanted to be a politician but now that he was in this he better be the best ever like he always does. And with the elections nearby, he just couldn't allow this 'incident' to be known by the public. Harry had said Hermione would arrive at 11am sharp. It was ten thirty now. The waiting game had begun.

Harry arrived with Hermione in tow right on time but following them into the Minister's office was a stoic Draco.

"What is he doing here, Potter?" Kingsley asked as he rose from his seat.

"Just dropping in to check on the friendly chat between two old friends which had to take place in the Minister's office. Surprising. But then again the perks of being the Saviour of the Wizarding World, eh?" Draco mocked the two men as he took a seat beside Hermione in the plush seats.

Kingsley looked at Hermione for an explanation.

"What? He insisted that he wanted to come with me. So I thought why not," Hermione answered while Draco smirked.

Harry raised his hands, midway, in the air and let it drop in defeat. Harry opened his mouth to speak but Kingsley interrupted him.

"Hermione, I will be very frank with you. Being the smartest person this magical community, you deserve to know this first hand," Kingsley paused and looked like he was gathering his strength to say the next words. "Harry here has brought some grievous charges against you." Then Kingsley waited for Hermione to explain it.

There was an awkward pause as Harry and Kingsley waited for Hermione to reply. But she merely looked at them as if they were boring her. Draco was examining his manicured nails as if they were the most interesting thing in the world.

"So?" Hermione finally asked.

"What do you mean so?" Kingsley asked as he could no longer hold his curiosity.

"I meant so what?" Hermione explained as she gave them an incredulous look.

"How is this news not affecting you, Hermione?" Kingsley questioned her further.

"Hellooooo… Painted a scarlet woman at the age of fourteen, undesirable no. two by the age of eighteen. Do you expect me to gasp and widen my eyes at the news of accusations? Then my bed would have been made when people scandalised me in the court just to defend their clients. So I'll ask again why you have called me here. I haven't got much time on my hands, so you better not waste it," Hermione snapped while controlling her temper which was already on the edge.

"You killed them, didn't you?" Harry retorted unable to hold back the accusations anymore.

"You have to be specific, Harry. My records haven't been very clean since the first year," Hermione replied with a sigh.

"Those muggles, Lavender, Bellatrix. You killed them, didn't you?" Harry asked, this time angrily.

There was a pregnant pause and then,

"You missed the bubotuber pus woman," Hermione corrected them in her know-it-all's voice.

Kingsley pinched his bridge of the nose in defeat while Harry just raised his arms in the air only to drop them in exasperation. Draco smirked but there were a wariness and caution behind his eyes.

"And Rita Skeeter," Hermione continued nonchalantly.

"What? But… it was never registered…" Harry's voice drifted away as he tried to recall.

"Well, no one misses a beetle. Neither anyone mourns the death of a beetle," Hermione said cryptically.

"What did you do, Hermione?" Harry demanded.

"After Ron and I broke up, I had bug inflation in my apartment. I though the bug repellent I used in fourth year would have been sufficing, but unfortunately it wasn't. so I created a chamber spray system for bugs and every flying insect. It was fun. To watch them hit the gas curtain and then fly dizzily for some moment and then land on their backs on the floor with their legs twitching. Then they went still. But twitched again. Then silent forever. But this particular beetle held some respect in my eyes for its tenacity. And I appreciate a struggle where I see one. After all, I struggled too. So I took mercy and decided to give it an honourable death. I stupefied it and stuck its wings to my pin board and then systematically plucked out all it legs. Then preserved it with the permanent stasis spell and then gave its body a good polish and turned its inside to stone and attached it to a clip," Hermione explained it all while her audience listened raptly. Except Draco. He already knew it.

"Then what? What did you do?" Harry asked.

"It's Ginny's favourite hair clip, now," and the cruel smile that found its way on Hermione's face didn't seem so out of place on her anymore.

The gasp of horror that Harry emitted wasn't so surprising anymore either.

"You do know this confession to murder can get you to Azkaban for the rest of your life," Kingsley said darkly.

"Confession of what, Mr Ministry? The process of murdering an attractive blue beetle and making it into an ornament?" Draco countered.

"And on what basis can you convict me of all those deaths? What's your proof?" Hermione demanded.

"I know you, Hermione. That's why you have to drink this," Harry held up a phial of clear liquid, " and then answer our questions."

Hermione looked at him critically and then replied, "Fair enough," at that Harry gave a sigh of relief. "But I have a condition."

"And that is?" Kingsley asked.

"For every question you ask, I'll ask one in return," Hermione stated her condition.

"What could you have to ask of us?" Kingsley asked curiously.

"That's for me and my lawyer to see," Hermione replied sharply.

Harry and Kingsley looked thoughtful for some time, but Kingsley minutely nodded his head and Harry agreed grudgingly.

"Let's begin this twenty question session," Hermione crackled.

"Why did you kill the muggles?" Harry shot.

"The million dollar question. Why done it? It was who dunit some years back, wasn't it, Draco?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, it was," Draco drawled.

"Just answer the question, god damn it!" Harry shouted.

"Patience, Boy-Who-Lived. This ain't your story to tell," Hermione snapped.

"Hermione, feed the dogs," Draco said in a bored tone.

"Okaaaay. So, Jason was this bastard who pushed me into the puddle because I was a freak. It didn't bother me much after I got into Hogwarts but I met him some time back and he tried to hit on me. I brushed him off. Well and good. Untiiiiiil, he pushed me into an alley to have his wicked way with me. That sailed his ship," Hermione answered.

"What of those books that you leave behind?" Kingsley asked in a muted voice.

"Books are always a good compensation for just about anything," Hermione answered indifferently.

"You do know this conversation can be presented in front of the Wizengamot," Harry said in cold voice.

"For what? Tea party conversation material about why Hermione Granger, Mudblood extraordinaire, likes books as compensation or why her muggle bullies ship sailed to New Zealand when he got her into the alley," Hermione shot back, half crouched in her chair defensively.

"Listen, Head Auror Potter and Minister Shacklebolt," Draco began as Hermione sank into her seat, "This is not a confession. Neither is this a session to affirm whatever you think you what to affirm. This is, plain and simple, a personal chat between three people and a lawyer who agreed to preside over it."

"Hermione, please listen to me. You…you need help. You are not okay. It is not okay to off people if they piss you off. You are supposed to contact the Aurors who take of problems like this," Harry pleaded.

"Draco, the papers please," Hermione said as she extended her hand towards Draco in a sharp movement.

Draco handed her the paper and Hermione began reading.

"This is a complaint form filled in the month of February against harassment by Muggle. The authority answered to not muck with filth as they have an annoying tendency to spatter filth on the people who come in contact with them," Hermione then shoved the paper towards Harry. "Surprisingly, it was signed seen and approved by the newest Head of the Department, Harry J. Potter." Hermione then pulled out another form, "This is one that states a witch has been sending me bubotuber pus as hate mail as a form of protest against the client I was forced to represent in the court. Fortunately, our firm's mail filter snagged this mail but the next few mails were the exploding type and my secretary got badly hurt by it. I filled a complaint but the handling Auror told me tit for tat. His words. Again it was signed seen and approved by the newest Head of the Department, Harry J. Potter," Hermione explained as her breath came in angry huffs.

"Then we found out there was a special system assigned by the department itself for "useless" complaints like these were that were considered time wasters and they were handled by the desk job Aurors instead," Draco added.

"We need to accept that there are flaws in every system—" Kingsley began.

"My turn for questions. What happens wheeeeeeen a person is hit by the cruciatus curse?" Hermione asked in a sing-song voice.

The question had Harry and Kingsley reel back but then Kingsley answered,

"It is a torture curse. It makes the nerves think they are being hurt. Badly," Kingsley answered solemnly.

"Except it doesn't. it actually hurts the nerves. If it only provided an illusion of pain, wouldn't Neville's parents have been cured already? It actually hurts. Like hell," Hermione said but her voice broke a little at the end.

"Hermione, our mind healers are one of the best in the Wizarding world—"

"They are useless, Harry. When they first enter my mind to check, they faint or they cry or they get petrified in fear. I had to oblivate every one I had a meeting with. Out of pity, of course," Hermione said with a shrug.

"These killings. Did you mourn or regret any murder that you did?" Kingsley asked.

Draco immediately froze in his chair, his façade of boredom and indifference dropped off. Hermione snuggled into her chair more and wrapped a tendril of her rebellious hair around her finger and twirled it.

"I didn't kill no one," she answered meekly, "When I was with 'em, they were alive. When I left 'em, they were alive. So whatever happened after that, it's none of my concern."

"You still need help," Harry murmured, realising that this was an argument that he could never win in this lifetime.

"And who can help her? Look at her. She's perfectly okay. She functions normally, she's wonderful lawyer and businesswoman. There's nothing wrong with her," Draco reasoned.

"Awwww. Thank you, sugar," Hermione chimed with a pout.

Kingsley was silent and was thinking thoughtfully.

"We have work to do. So are we excused?" Draco asked.

"You can go. But you have to come if we call you again," Kingsley replied.

"Got it," Hermione answered as she got up from the chair and pulled up Draco from his seat.

"Ciao, fellas," Hermione said as she gave them a small salute and with a parting wink at them, the duo went out of the office.

Harry sighed and Kingsley kept rubbing his palm on his face when the office door whipped open to admit Hermione's head.

"Forgot to tell you. I have two questions left to ask of you. Just wanted to remind ya," Hermione said all the while tilting her head at an impossible angle.

"Yes, yes. You can ask them when we meet again," Kingsley replied hastily.

Hermione giggled creepily and was suddenly dragged out of the door frame by Draco.

Harry let out a sign again. Kingsley closed his eyes and shook his head slowly as if to dislodge this whole encounter like a bad daydream.

"She has gone off her rockers, right?" Harry asked.

"This type of insanity is the most dangerous. She's normal, but at the same time, she's not. Her insanity is kind of partial. She's like a ticking bomb waiting to explode then shuffle back into herself. No one knows when she might explode again," Kingsley said, "This community lost more than just a brilliant witch. It showed the world again what some sadistic curse can turn a person into."

"And we are as much as at fault as that curse. If only we had paid some attention to her. Then we wouldn't have to see this day," Harry said with a sob, "I lost not only my best friend. I lost my sister. I may have been busy with my life, but I thought she was busy as well. Not…"

"I cannot remember at this moment but there is an institution for people like Hermione. And I have heard they can cure this. After all, this is partial insanity. All they've got to do is separate the insanity that has bleed into her sanity," Kingsley answered while he called his secretary to bring in a file.

"Is this as simple as you say it is?" Harry asked doubtfully.

"I hope it is," Kingsley replied.

A week passed by with occasional call from the Minister of Magic. Hermione was unperturbed and had her bags packed with everything she might need. Her bottomless Louis Vuitton trolley bag had all her books which were a feat in itself. And the tote bag had all her clothes.

"Think of this as a required vacation. I'll be back for my brat to be born. Trust me, I'll be here to hold him in my arms right after he's born," Hermione placated a sniffling Astoria.

"For a vacation, a person knows where they are going. You don't know where you are going!" Astoria cried.

"I know, I know. I am a muggle born. I know news about my muggle world. I know where I am going," Hermione replied.

"How do you know?" Astoria asked.

"I might have copied the file that Minister Kingsley may have requested for after I came out of his office," Hermione replied.

"And where would that be?" Draco asked as he joined the girls.

"The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane."

T.B.C...