Hermione's small stiletto's clicked up to the large gate of Malfoy Manor. Inwardly, she remembered what happened in there all those years ago, and she subconsciously touched her scarred arm.
Dementors swarmed a few hundred feet above the manor. So far away, yet close enough to feel their icy presence. The Manor is protected by them, along with Aurors who check on Malfoy every so often. They can't stop him from using wandless magic, if he's even capable, and they can't hold him in Azkaban until his trial. After the war, a new law was made that a defendant prior to their court date can't be held in Azkaban. No plans have been made for a lesser sort of holding facility, so this was the next best thing. A charm was set on the house so that no one can apparate inside the gate.
Did Malfoy even know that Hermione was coming? Or would It be a surprise? He must know he's going to receive representation for his case, that someone would come sooner or later.
Nerves shot through Hermione as she opened the gate and walked through. The crisp Spring wind ripped through Hermione's hair, making it as unruly as ever. Using the palms of her hands she tried to flatten it down, not sure why she felt the need to be presentable. Malfoy has always been judgmental, she supposed. What would he think of her now? With her ministry job, and the fact that she is on his side, for once. It was a peculiar situation that left the woman with knots in her stomach.
Hastily she knocked upon the large manor doors, wanting to get out of the vicious winds. Minutes passed as she knocked again and again. Faintly, after about ten minutes, she heard a grumble and footsteps shuffling to the door. It opened to a man, who was nothing like the boy she used to know.
Malfoy's cool grey eyes were tired, purple bags underneath them. His usually shiny hair was disheveled. Along with the ungroomed facial hair, and wrinkled black silk robe, he looked like a proper mess. Malfoy's glare hardened, and whatever grumpy mood he was in before obviously tripled.
"Granger." He spat, looking the woman up and down. Hermione gulped slightly, her wand already unintentionally at her side, ready to defend herself if he used wandless magic. Hermione reminded herself that it was just a case and nothing more.
"Mr. Malfoy, you obviously know who I am. I am sure you are aware that you receive an attorney regarding your case, number 453976. I will be your acting attorney." Hermione formally greeted. She internally seethed at the mere thought of being so polite to him, but she kept reminding herself that this was the path to becoming Minister of Magic. Malfoy could only stare at her for a few moments.
"What makes you think that I need help? I can represent myself, Granger." His words were hot yet icy at the same time as he sneered down at her, being a good head taller than her.
"If that's what you wish, Mr. Malfoy, you can defend yourself in court. However, I have been an attorney for a couple of years now and when my clients refuse my help, they often lose the case." Malfoy looked down in annoyance. "Look, I know we have our differences, but I am the best person for the job. Even if you did or didn't do it, I can defend you."
"Typical perfect Granger to speak so highly of herself." He scoffed, folding his arms.
"Just think about it. I would hate to see you go to Azkaban, despite our... differences." Hermione's mind wandered to the countless times he's called her filthy names. Malfoy's face softened slightly. She took that as her que to leave. Taking a chance, she turned her back on him, and began to walk back to the front gate. The man didn't stop her.
Hermione sat at her desk, reviewing anything she could about the case. But there was nothing to be said, Malfoy made no statements when he was captured by the Aurors. She gave him two days to think it over, hopefully he'll agree to her help. No matter how much she despised herself for thinking it, she couldn't help but mean what she said. She honestly didn't want to see him in Azkaban. Deep down, he was just a troubled boy. Who had an emotionally abusive father, who was shoved into being a death eater. There were so many times in school were his maliciousness showed, but also so many times where he hesitated, fear showing in his eyes. If only he could shed his ego and take Hermione's help.
Hermione packed her small briefcase which she shoved into her purse, as she does with everything else. The nerves hit her almost harder this time as she apparated to the manor and looked upon it's looming presence. Opening the gate, she slowly strides to the front door, taking in the scenery this time now that the wind was calm. The greenery around the house was all dead, looking to not be taken care of for quite some time. It didn't help that the dementors presence sent a soft frost over the remaining life. With a heavy sigh, Hermione knocked upon the door. After only a minute this time, it opened.
Malfoy stared at her, no shock in his eyes, no malice like before. Clearing his throat he said, "Let's get this over with."