Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, nor do I own Harry Potter. I make no money from the writing of this fanfiction. Only the original characters and this particular plot line are mine, everything else belongs to JK Rowling.

Trigger Warning: This chapter will contain scenes of Domestic Violence. If this is a trigger for you, please either read with caution or wait until the next chapter. Due to the progressive nature of Domestic Violence, the scenes in this chapter will at times be graphic.

Chapter Twenty Four

The next morning, Amelia Bones stirred her tea absent mindedly as she went over her strategy for the rest of Ronald Weasley's trial. Because Miss Granger had been in the witness box when the continuance was granted, she would need to call Miss Granger first. The pensieve in the courtroom was already spelled to reject a memory that had been tampered with or false, so the only thing she could see Weasley's defense lawyer objecting to would be the fact he didn't get to watch them first before they were presented. She also had the reports from each incident, and was currently reading them over in order to familiarize herself with them. Just how could Ronald Weasley have done all of this and practically everyone turn a blind eye? One thing was certain; even beyond the conclusion of the trial, Miss Granger had a lot of work ahead of her if she wanted to have even a chance of moving on from this experience.

OoOoOoO

In another home several miles away, a family was sitting together and also thinking about the trial that was to continue that day. However, it wasn't a mood of quiet contemplation that held this family still; each member of the family was simply waiting for the latest tirade of the matriarch to be over so they could hopefully eat their breakfast without fear of indigestion.

"We've known this girl since she was in Hogwarts, how is it we've never seen what a liar she can be until now?" Molly Weasley seethed as she handed around plates of full English to her family.

"Now, Molly, are you certain Hermione is lying? After all, Harry did see Ron strike Hermione in the yard; it's why she was in St. Mungo's, after all," Arthur Weasley pointed out, trying his best to head off the tirade before his wife got a full head of steam.

"And I know what I've taught our children, Arthur. None of our boys would raise their hand to a woman. Ronald doesn't have it in him to do something like that."

"Molly," Harry cut in, "Ron has been capable of things like that for years, if his past behavior with Hermione is anything to go by. He was calling her 'mental' during the Sorting in our first year, not to mention saying she was a 'nightmare' on Halloween that year. And you want to believe he isn't capable of doing something like that? I can show you books that describe the patterns of behavior Ron uses with Hermione so well you'll think the authors were actually writing about Ron. He loses his temper when he doesn't get his way, he blames everything that goes wrong on someone else-usually Hermione-to keep from accepting responsibility for his own mess, he storms off in a tantrum like a child when anyone tries to point something out to him, and you think he isn't capable of anything like that? Abusive behavior doesn't start with hitting someone, Molly. Just to prove a point; George, do you remember Hermione talking about any friends that weren't Weasleys or Gryffindors by name?"

"Now that you mention it, there's only been one; Viktor Krum. In the entire time I've known her, that's the only name she's mentioned."

"And I would be willing to bet she doesn't write Viktor anymore. Ron told her at the Yule Ball fourth year that even going to the Ball with Viktor was 'fraternizing with the enemy'. He's even done something similar with me and I never saw it. He decided who the friends Hermione and I made were-meaning only the Quidditch team and Ron in my case, and only Ron and me in Hermione's case-then called us 'traitors' if we tried to make other friends. Do you think isolating someone isn't abusive behavior Molly? Because that's what Ron's actions in school could be called, at least in part."

"Neither of you knew anything about the Wizarding world, Harry, so I can understand Ron explaining a few things to you. That isn't really isolation, it's helping you. Ronald never kept either of you away from everyone; all of you were walking the grounds of Hogwarts daily in school."

"Telling someone to stay away from anyone who is in a certain house because 'there isn't a witch or wizard that went dark' that is from that house is isolating someone, Molly. Andromeda Tonks was in Slytherin House; is she evil or dark? The Sorting Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin, and I asked for Gryffindor purely because of what Ron told me. Am I evil or dark? Peter Pettigrew betrayed my parents to Riddle, and he was a Gryffindor. Ron would pitch a fit any time Hermione or I wanted to talk to someone other than him or his brothers. That's isolating someone, Molly, whether you want to admit it or not."

OoOoOoO

In the holding cells of the DMLE, Ron Weasley was also thinking about that morning's trial continuation. He clenched his teeth as he thought about it.

I can't believe they actually believe that lying bitch. I also can't believe she thinks she can just walk away from me that way. Maybe I wasn't clear enough in my lessons to the bitch. I can fix that easily enough after I walk out of here for lack of evidence. She has nowhere to go in the Muggle world, and she won't be able to do anything in the Wizarding world beyond staying HOME like she's supposed to when I snap her wand in front of her. Let's see her try to replace it. I can make sure she can't pay for anything without my say so once I'm out of here. The wizard has the final say in a relationship; his word is LAW, especially if his blood is superior to the witch's blood. I've ALWAYS known that. And by the time I'm through, Hermione will know that as well.

OoOoOoO

Draco Malfoy stepped through the Floo of the safe house just as Hermione Granger was sitting down to breakfast. A small house elf popped in just as he took a seat across from her.

"Would Master Draco like breakfast?"

"Yes, thank you, Mipsy. Scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage please, as well as tea."

After the house elf popped out, Draco focused on Hermione's face. Dark circles under her eyes, hollow cheeks, and a wariness in her eyes that hadn't been there during school.

"I hope you realize that you have people behind you on this. You in no way deserved what Weasel did to you; no one deserves something like that."

"But I kept making him mad. That's why he kept losing his temper. If I had just done things the way I'd been told…"

"Stop right there, Granger. Do you hear what you're saying? You're more than likely repeating what Weasel kept telling you, because the Hermione Granger I knew in school never accepted anything she had been told on faith alone, let alone took blame for something you hadn't done. I was discussing your reactions with my assistant Chloe Dobkins, and she had many of the same observations I do. She suggested that you might want to consider seeing a Mind Healer after the trial is over, to see if you can begin to rebuild your confidence and break the obvious training the Weasel put you through. If Chloe hasn't got any recommendations on someone you can see, my mother might have a few names for you."

"Your mother knows Mind Healers?"

"Tom Riddle used to live in Malfoy Manor after he regained a body; do you honestly think Mother wouldn't know any Mind Healers? Also, the Janus Thickney ward at St. Mungo's is one of the wards Mother holds a fundraiser for every year."

"Alright, I'll talk to her about possibly seeing a Mind Healer. We're supposed to be in Amelia's office at eight; what time is it?"

"It's just after half past seven, so we have a few minutes before we need to leave. Do you think you're ready for this? At one time, you believed yourself to be in love with Weasel. It's going to take a lot of strength to face him in the courtroom."

"I faced down a troll in my first year, Dementors in my third year, and Tom Riddle. I think I can handle seeing one red haired man who never grew up."

"Then let's go; we need to meet Madam Bones soon."

OoOoOoO

At first glance, the Ministry of Magic was packed with people, yet all of them seemed to know exactly where they were going, keeping crowding to a minimum, much like a hive of bees. Shaking his head at the incongruous analogy, Draco led Hermione to the office of Amelia Bones. Recognizing them, her assistant waved them through.

"Since you were in the witness box when I asked for the continuance, you'll be called to the witness box first Miss Granger, okay? I need to take up where you left off in your testimony with Mr. Stimpton. In fact, since it was Mr. Stimpton who was questioning you at the time, he'll be asking the first questions. Just try to stay calm; he'll be trying for a reaction that lets him paint you as an emotional female who shouldn't be believed, so don't give it to him."

"I understand. If he's convicted, what kind of sentence could he get?"

"Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley is facing at least five separate charges, with multiple counts on a few of those charges. At minimum, the least he could get without imposing prison time is two years wearing a magic suppressing ankle bracelet while he has to donate time in a community service somewhere, with probation for another five years on top of that. If prison time is given, with the charges he has, he could be looking at five years minimum, fifteen years maximum if convicted."

"And would he have to stay away from me during that time?"

"An order could be issued for Mr. Weasley to stay a certain distance from you, yes. It's not often done, since most witches know how to keep a wizard away from them, but they are ordered from time to time."

"Draco brought up the possibility of me seeing a Mind Healer to help me deal with this; is seeing a Mind Healer something else Ron could be ordered to do if he's given what you call the minimum sentence? I can't believe his behavior didn't have a beginning somewhere. Every behavior that's learned can also be unlearned. I'd like to request that if he's given the minimum sentence, that Ronald is also ordered to see a Mind Healer during that time. Is that something that you can ask for?"

"Interesting concept, Miss Granger; help people unlearn destructive behavior and the likelihood the destructive behavior won't be repeated goes up. I like it, and will definitely be putting it forward as a possibility for sentencing."

"That's all I can ask, Madam Bones, thank you."

OoOoOoO

The first person Ronald Weasley saw as he was being led to the courtroom was his mother. In less time than it took for him to blink twice, Molly had crossed the distance between them and engulfed him in a bone crushing hug.

"Oh, Ronald, I can't tell you what it's been like knowing you're here and we can't take you home yet."

"Hopefully that changes today, Mum. I miss your cooking, the stuff I'm given here is hardly enough for a bird to eat."

"If I were allowed to, I would have already brought you a basket of food to keep up your strength. They said it wasn't allowed."

"I know Mum, it's alright. Let's just get through this morning so I can go home."

Entering the courtroom with his family, Ron scanned the area looking for Hermione. He finally spotted her sitting in the section behind Amelia Bones, next to Draco Malfoy. Draco had been doing his own visual sweep of the room, and his eyes locked on Ron's briefly before moving on, as though knowing Ron was in the same room as Hermione was negligible in importance. It was an impression Draco had perfected over the years; keeping people guessing about your reactions could help more than some people realized, since it made you unpredictable. It also allowed him to covertly keep an eye on someone known to be dangerous, which was always a plus in his line of work.

The Chief Warlock chose that moment to bang his gavel, bringing everyone's attention to the present.

"This case is being heard against Ronald Bilius Weasley, who is being charged with assault against Hermione Jean Granger, disregarding instructions as per his condition of release prior to this hearing, impersonating a member of the DMLE, possession of a weapon, and attempted assault with said weapon. Continuing from last Friday. Are the prosecution and defense ready to proceed?"

"Prosecution is ready, Chief Warlock."

"Defense is also ready, Chief Warlock."

"Then we shall proceed from the point at which Madam Bones asked for a recess. I believe Miss Granger was in the witness box being questioned by Mr. Stimpton. Miss Granger, please be seated in the witness box; Madam Bones, please administer the Veritaserum."

After Hermione was seated and had been given the required three drops, Amelia asked the control questions to verify the truth serum was working.

"Please state your name."

"My name is Hermione Jean Granger."

"What House were you Sorted into at Hogwarts?"

"I was Sorted into Gryffindor, although the Sorting Hat told me I would do well in Ravenclaw. I wanted to go to Gryffindor, however, so the Hat placed me there."

Amelia turned her head to the Chief Warlock and nodded, indicating the Veritaserum had taken effect. Once she was seated, Mr. Stimpton got up and walked over to the witness box.

"Miss Granger, you said on Friday that you had reported the alleged incidents of violence on the part of the defendant against yourself to the Aurors. Did anyone ever make an attempt to ask you follow up questions at a later time?"

"No, there was never any follow up to a report I made."

"Is it possible the Aurors felt there was nothing to follow up on, and so declined to do so?"

"Objection! Miss Granger is not an Auror, and is being asked to give her opinion on what an Auror might do. She has no frame of reference to answer that question," Amelia said, standing up.

"I'm going to allow it, Madam Bones. Miss Granger has only been asked if the possibility exists, not whether or not Auror procedure was followed or not. Objection overruled. Miss Granger, please answer the question."

"I don't believe it's possible they felt there was nothing to follow up on. One of the Aurors who took a report also offered to accompany me to St. Mungo's to be examined."

"And yet, there were no follow up visits. Chief Warlock, I'm finished questioning the witness."

"Redirect, Chief Warlock?" Amelia asked, standing.

"Granted. Please proceed, Madam Bones."

"Miss Granger, you provided memories to my office for evidence in this matter, is that correct?"

"Yes it is; at least thirty-six memory phials."

Here Amelia walked over to the prosecution table where a box was sitting. Reaching in, she removed a single phial and walked over to the witness box.

"Miss Granger, do you recognize this phial?"

Hermione reached out and took it in her hand, looking at the shape of the phial, as well as the markings and label.

"Yes, it's one of the memory phials I provided you for evidence. The small design under the name is what I put there to show the phial came from me personally and wasn't a memory collected by someone else."

"I would at this time like to enter these memory phials into evidence, having them marked as Prosecution evidence numbers one through thirty-six, following verification of authenticity."

"So ordered. Scribe, please verify authenticity of the memory phials."

A young man walked over to the phials Amelia removed from the box and waved his wand over them. All of the phials briefly glowed green. He then waved his wand a second time over the phials, and again, they briefly glowed green.

"All of the phials show to be true evidentiary phials used by the DMLE, and all of the phials contain a true memory that is unchanged and untampered with, Chief Warlock."

"Thank you Scribe. Unless the defense has any objections, the memory phials are accepted as Prosecution evidence on through thirty-six. Any objections, Mr. Stimpton?"

"No objection, Chief Warlock."

"Bring in the projection pensieve."

As the pensieve was raised into view, Ron seemed to pale a bit. Glancing back into the visitor's gallery, however, saw him again looking smug.

"I would like to warn you, before I place the memory in the pensieve, that as a projection pensieve it will allow anyone in the room to view the memory, not just people who choose to enter the pensieve."

"We will allow at this time anyone not directly related to this case, such as those in the visitors' gallery, to leave the courtroom at this time. After those wishing to do so have left, you may place the first memory."

Amelia waited a few moments to allow time for those leaving to clear the door of the courtroom, then poured the memory into the pensieve.

**Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence**

Hermione walked into her flat, her new dress for the Ministry Yule Ball in a bag over her arm. She hung the bag from a hook on the wall so she could take down the zipper. Removing the dress from the bag, she held it in front of her, and spun happily in front of the mirror. She had searched for weeks for a dress to wear, and was looking forward to having fun for once instead of always coming home to work and more work. Looking at her watch, she saw she had just enough time to eat something before Ron stopped by. He had mentioned needing to talk something over with her at the Ministry during one of her breaks, and she was curious what that could be about.

She had just finished eating and placed her dishes in the sink when the chime of the Floo indicated someone was there. Crossing the room, she opened the Floo and watched as Ron stepped out. The look on his face didn't appear to be the expression someone would have when seeing someone they cared about; instead his expression was guarded, as though something was wrong.

"You said you needed to talk to me about something today Ron, so what's wrong?"

"I can't go to the Ministry Ball. I'm sorry, but my brother Charlie decided he wanted to come home for Christmas, and I don't want to miss seeing him. So I can't take you to the Ministry Ball. Maybe next year, yeah?"

"It's okay, Ron, I understand. It's not as if we're attached at the hip, I'll just go by myself to the Ball."

"What do you mean, you'll go by yourself? If I can't go, then of course that means you're not going either. Can you just imagine what would be said if you went to a Ministry function when people know we're together and they see you alone? You're not going to cause me to be laughed at in the Ministry, Hermione. You'll stay home."

"Ronald, there is no requirement that says if you can't attend a function that I can't go either. Besides, I already have my dress for the Ball. I have to attend a certain number of functions as part of my job, and this is one of them. Say hello to Charlie for me, and I'll see you after the Ministry Ball."

Red faced from beginning to lose his temper, Ron spun on his heel, raising his wand toward the dress still hanging from the hook. Within a couple of seconds, the dress hung in tatters from the hanger, the result of several cutting curses.

"You can't go to the Ministry Ball with nothing to wear. You'll stay home from the Ball if you aren't coming to the Burrow with me. That is, unless you want your wand snapped for displaying unseemly behavior for a witch."

"What are you talking about? That law only applies after marriage, and we haven't been bonded yet."

"And that's why there's such a long period between betrothal and the wedding, Hermione. So the witch can begin to learn her place and do as she's told by her fiancé or husband."

"You're assuming I've signed the marriage contract, Ron. I haven't signed it yet, because I want to have it looked at by a reputable solicitor."

Hermione was surprised she hadn't seen the blow coming, she really was. When she was able to move her head without the room spinning, she could already feel her jaw swelling. The fact she was on the floor as well only registered after the first kick from Ron's boot to her ribs. Curling her body to attempt to protect herself, she gritted her teeth and rolled away from Ron as best she could. Managing to get to her feet, she staggered on unsteady legs to the Floo, tossing down powder and screaming "Auror office" before collapsing again.

**End of Domestic Violence scene**

The entire courtroom was silent as the memory ended. Uneasily, Amelia cleared her throat.

"Miss Granger, are all of the memories in the phials similar to the one we just witnessed?"

"No, Madam Bones, they aren't similar to that one."

Before Amelia could begin to sigh in relief, Hermione continued speaking.

"Some of them are worse than that one."

"As these are your memories, Miss Granger, rather than watch all thirty-six, are there any that would give us a more comprehensive view of what the treatment you received from the defendant was like on a typical day?"

"I would suggest the memories from August fifth last year, as well as April first of this year. Those two memories are typical behavior from the defendant."

"And a memory you would classify as 'worse' than the one we've just seen?"

"That would have to be my birthday last year. September nineteenth."

"With your permission, Chief Warlock?"

"Place the next memory, Madam Bones."

Ron spat the mouthful of food out into his napkin and glared at her. From the look on his face, it was not going to be pretty.

"How many times do I need to tell you to follow Mum's recipes with no changes? How many times, Hermione? For someone who gets called 'Brightest Witch of the Age', you should be able to remember that. But no, you always find SOMETHING you have to add or take out of the recipe. How are you going to learn to cook the way you're supposed to if you refuse to follow simple directions?"

Tears in her eyes, Hermione got up from the table and began walking toward her bedroom. She couldn't listen to the put downs tonight, she just couldn't.

"Hermione, come back here, I'm talking to you."

"Please, Ron, I don't want to fight tonight; just drop it."

The clang of metal as well as the sound of liquid hitting the floor told here Ron had thrown the minestrone soup to the floor. She would be lucky if it only took her two hours to clean up. The grip on her arm let her know there would be bruises again.

"Fine, you don't want to follow directions of a recipe, you can clean up the mess. I'm going to the Leaky Cauldron; at least there you know what you're getting. I'll be back in an hour, and this had better be cleaned up by then."

"How long did it take you to clean up the mess the defendant made of your home, Miss Granger?"

"It took me close to three hours, Madam Bones. I closed and locked my Floo as soon as the defendant left. I didn't want him in my home again that evening."

"Madam Bones, I don't think subjecting the court to memory after memory from Miss Granger will illustrate any further the kind of treatment she received. Do you have any other questions for the witness?"

"No, Chief Warlock."

"Mr. Stimpton, do you have any questions for the witness?"

"Not at this time, Chief Warlock."

"Miss Granger, you may return to your seat."

"Madam Bones, your next witness, please."

"I call Healer Lucinda Chadwick."

"Chief Warlock, if I may," Mr. Stimpton began, standing up.

"Yes, Mr. Stimpton, what is it?"

"The defense is willing to concede that Miss Granger did receive some injuries while dating the defendant. I don't see the need to drag this case out any longer for the sole reason of hearing something the defense does not dispute. We would respectfully ask to be allowed to proceed with our defense."

"Any objections, Madam Bones?"

"I have no objections, Chief Warlock."

"You may proceed with your defense, Mr. Stimpton."

"I call the defendant, Ronald Bilius Weasley."

Ron smirked a little and walked to the witness box. After taking his seat, he glanced over at Hermione. He couldn't wait until he got out of here. He'd make sure she never lied about him again.

"Madam Bones, administer the Veritaserum."

After placing three drops on Ron's tongue, Amelia waited a moment before asking the control questions.

"What is your name?"

"Ronald Bilius Weasley."

"What House were you Sorted into at Hogwarts?"

"Gryffindor, because if I'd been put in Slytherin I would have asked to be sent home."

Amelia nodded to indicate that the Veritaserum had taken effect.

"Mr. Weasley, will you please describe your relationship with Hermione Granger for the court?" Mr. Stimpton asked.

"It's going well, I think. Another couple of months and I'll have her completely trained into a proper witch."

"What do you mean by a 'proper witch', Mr. Weasley?"

"A witch who will stay at home to do the cooking and cleaning. The wizard is supposed to be the one to earn the money."

"And how are you accomplishing this 'training', as you put it?"

"Oh, that's easy. Since I've already told her I'm the best she'll ever get with her looks, if she doesn't do as she's told, then a slap or two usually straightens out her thinking. Sometimes it takes a punch or a kick, but how else is she to learn her place?"

"And Miss Granger never said she would leave you after enduring this treatment?"

"Oh, she would never dare leave me. If she did, it would let me know who she must be cheating on me with, and I'd snap her wand before following through on what I've told her before; that if I can't have her, no one will."

"Mr. Weasley, would you clarify that last statement please?"

"She's nothing but a Muggleborn, despite how smart she is, so before I let her leave me for someone else, I would either see to it no one else wanted her by making her so disfigured that no treatment would help, or I'd make sure she died. As a Mudblood, she's my property, plain and simple."

The look of shock and revulsion on the face of the defense solicitor prompted the Chief Warlock to speak.

"Mr. Stimpton, do you have any other witnesses?"

Seeing his case in tatters, the solicitor did the only thing he could at that time.

"Ah, no, Chief Warlock, at this time, the defense would like to rest."

"Madam Bones, do you have any questions for the witness?"

"No, Chief Warlock, prosecution has no questions."

"Then I feel a recess for lunch is in order, during which time the panel will review the memory phials and other evidence, and we will render our verdict when we reconvene."

The courtroom began to clear as soon as the Chief Warlock banged down the gavel.

OoOoOoO

Hermione sat still for a moment after she heard the break for lunch announced. After hearing someone who supposedly loved you admit he would rather see you dead than with someone else was hard to fathom.
"Miss Granger, rather than go to the cafeteria in the Atrium would you like to have lunch in my office? I somehow doubt you want to be surrounded by the Weasley family right now."

"Thank you Madam Bones, I'd like to take you up on that offer. I can only imagine the tirade Molly Weasley is planning for me right now."

Amelia nodded and silently led the way to her office for the two people behind her. She never once considered that Draco Malfoy wouldn't come along; shadowing Miss Granger was his job right now.

"I think the lunch special in the cafeteria today is chicken casserole. Does that sound okay to you, or would you like something else?"

Glancing briefly at Hermione, who nodded, Draco answered for both of them.

"That's fine for both of us, thank you."

After calling the cafeteria to request their lunches be brought to her office, Amelia sat back and regarded Hermione intently.

"What do you plan to do if Mr. Weasley is convicted, Miss Granger?"

"It's been suggested I start seeing a Mind Healer to cope with the way Ronald treated me. I think that would be a good place to start."

"It sounds like excellent advice to me. Please let me know if my office can be of any assistance."

After lunch arrived, the trio ate in silence for a few minutes before a chime sounded. Looking at her watch, Amelia opened the door and looked at her assistant.

"Have they reached a verdict already? It's only been a half hour."

Grabbing her information about the case, she tucked it in a pocket after shrinking it and led the way back to the courtroom. The fact that the panel had spent so little time deliberating could mean anything in her experience.

As the panel filed in, Amelia spared a glance at the defense table. She expected the defendant to appear a bit scared, after all, one of the penalties could be time in Azkaban. So the smug look on his face was a little disconcerting. After a moment of quiet contemplation, the Chief Warlock looked at the defense table.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley, please stand. You are charged with assault against Hermione Jean Granger, disregarding instructions as per the condition of release prior to this hearing, impersonating a member of the DMLE, possession of a weapon, and attempted assault with said weapon. This panel has listened to the testimony of the witnesses, as well as reviewed the pensieve memories and Auror reports. Having done so, this panel has come to its conclusion."

Hermione drew in a deep breath, hoping she had been believed, that the nightmare was over.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley, on the charge of assault against Hermione Jean Granger, we find you guilty. On the charge of disregarding instructions as per the conditions of your release prior to this hearing, we find you guilty. On the charge of impersonating a member of the DMLE, we find you guilty. On the charge of possession of a weapon, we find you guilty. And finally, on the charge of attempted assault with a weapon, we find you guilty. Your sentencing will be held in one week's time, at which time you may bring people to speak on your behalf, as well as Miss Granger being given the opportunity to give her opinion on what she feels your sentence should be. Until then, you are remanded to the holding cells of the DMLE, placed there under a three person guard, so the guards themselves can have a normal day. We shall reconvene for sentencing on this case next Tuesday, at nine in the morning. We are dismissed."

Hermione sat still, not quite believing what had just happened. They actually believed her? They were going to punish Ron and not let him hurt her anymore?

"Miss Granger, take Mr. Malfoy's arm and don't let go; we need to get you out of the courtroom without running into any of the Weasleys. From the look on her face, Molly Weasley was ready to fly into a rage."

With Amelia and Draco forming a human barrier between Hermione and everyone else, they eventually got to the public Floos. Double checking that no one was around to see, Amelia stepped aside to let the pair in the Floo. She wasn't expecting Hermione to throw herself at Amelia, grabbing her into a hug.

"Thank you, Madam Bones. I didn't think anyone would ever believe me, and you did. Thank you."

When she was able to extricate herself from the smaller woman's grip, she saw that Hermione was doing her best to hold back tears.

"Ah, I'm just doing my job, Miss Granger. Aurors are supposed to fight for those who can't fight for themselves."

After the pair left, Amelia told herself that the moisture in her own eyes was caused by the cooking smoke from one of the restaurants in the Atrium.