Hermione stood between Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey in the hallway outside Dumbledore's private downstairs offices. Her heart was beating fast because she knew at this very moment, somewhere not too far from the very spot she was standing, Scabior was also about to be questioned.
Professor McGonagall led them down the hallway and magically unlatched a door and stood outside, ushering Hermione and Madam Pomfrey inside.
"He is going to try and make you sound incompetent, Miss Granger," she cautioned, as Hermione heard footsteps outside and a knock on the door.
"Come in," Madam Pomfrey called, giving Hermione a sympathetic glance.
"Albert," Professor McGonagall nodded at him.
"Minerva…Poppy," he acknowledged them both before seating himself on one side of the large table in the center of the room. He gestured to Hermione, who approached and sat opposite him.
Scabior leaned back in his chair tilting his head at the too-low ceiling he was being questioned in, someplace deep in the bowels of Hogwarts. Corbin Yaxley was asking the appropriate questions but obviously on his side.
"Do you know why you're here?," he started.
"Not really. Snape showed up and asked me questions about the girl," Scabior responded, his hair wild about his face.
"And did he mention anything else about it?"
The corner of Scabior's mouth twitched slightly. "He thinks I 'ad my way with her."
"Well that is one of the matters."
Scabior's eyes narrowed. He leaned forward, challenging Yaxley to keep talking. He didn't and neither man spoke.
"Aaaaaaaaand?" Scabior continued.
Yaxley smirked at him. "Let's just get to the official questioning, eh?"
Scabior shoved his chair back, obviously annoyed.
"So, she was in your care, eh? The girl."
"Yeh, I told you already, Yax."
Yaxley leaned in close to Scabior's ear and whispered. "Can't do that, it's gotta be official."
Scabior rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. "Yes, I had the girl in my…care."
"And did you ever lay a hand on her?"
Scabior seemed to ponder this a moment, then replied simply, "Nah."
"Did you rape her? Did you hold her down?"
"Nah."
"Did you coerce or threaten her?"
"No."
Yaxley set his own chair back, screeching it across the floor.
"I'm satisfied then. I'll go bring my findings on. Stay here and don't bother anyone."
Scabior resumed looking at the ceiling as the door closed behind Yaxley. He tugged at the fingers of his one glove and removed it, placing it in his pocket. He thought about Hermione, the girl with the big, doe eyes and said to himself, "Hope I'll be seeing you soon, my lovely."
Albert Runcorn was a giant arse. That's what Hermione concluded from his pestering line of questions about her blood status. It was so odd to see him again, since Harry had Polyjuiced himself into Runcorn. Hermione had done a double take at first.
Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey were both present during Hermione's…interrogation, and it was obvious neither of them thought much of his callous demeanor either.
He looked over his glasses at her and began his new line of questioning.
"I understand that this may be difficult for you, Miss Granger, and I want you to rest assured the Ministry takes this matter very seriously. If you are prepared, we can begin."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, thank you."
"Hermione Granger, do you assert that you were raped and are now pregnant by a man that is known to you as Scabior?"
Hermione's cheeks turned pink and she immediately looked down. Well, when you say it like that…
She looked over to the two women in the room with her. McGonagall had her eyebrows raised and looked like she was not amused.
Hermione cleared her throat and began.
"Well…I-," her voice trailed off and she noticed her hands were shaking. She exhaled slowly.
"I did not want to have sex with him, no."
Runcorn continued. "Good, so you told him 'No', then?"
Another deep breath. "I- I don't know if I ever specifically said 'No', but I-,"
"Did he hold you down?"
Hermione glanced quickly to McGonagall. "Well, no- I mean he didn't force me down or anything-"
"He didn't force you? I don't understand," he said, his face like a stone mask.
"I believe she's saying he did not physically force her but she did not consent," Professor McGonagall stated.
Hermione nodded at her, "Yes, I think that's what I'm trying to say."
Runcorn leaned back in his chair.
"So, he didn't overpower you and you never told him 'no' but he was…supposed to read your mind and know you did not want to engage in intercourse with him?"
Hermione's eyes flashed angrily as he continued.
Madam Pomfrey spoke this time. "Albert, I would be quite careful with your…demeanor in this line of questioning."
"Poppy, the fact is that she did not tell him to stop, or 'no', and he wasn't physically forcing her either. Seems simple to me." He stood up.
Professor McGonagall rose as well. "Yes, it would seem simple to you, as you are so simple."
Runcorn looked at her angrily. "I'll note your response in my report."
"Yes, please do." she said.
Hermione spoke angrily. "What am I to do now?"
Runcorn got his briefcase together as he spoke. "You will await further instructions from the Ministry pending our decision on the investigation."
"But I need an answer now-"
"Yes, I do understand the urgency Miss Granger. I'll make every attempt to expedite. I am going to speak with Mr. Yaxley right now. We will confer and may or may not be able to get you an answer today."
Before even letting any of the women get a word in edgewise he had packed his briefcase and exited the room.
