There's Love in Information
C21: Closure and Healing
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
It was two weeks after their talk with Madame Bones that Fabian and Nymphadora got the summons for the trial of both William and Charlie Weasley, which made them both excited and anxious at the same time. "I can't believe it's time for this chapter to come to a close. It feels so surreal after being a part of my life for so long." Nymphadora said softly while they were getting dressed.
He smiled and pulled her into his arms. "It's high time they pay for what they've done to you, and we will be there to watch them get the punishment they deserve. I have full faith in Kingsley and Madame Bones that they will do the right thing and send them both away for many years."
She smiled at him as she pulled his arms around her even more. "I know, it's almost surreal that the day finally is here. I have waited for this day for nearly five years and now that we're so close to getting justice, I can't help but feel excited about it all."
"Then we should probably hurry, because we wouldn't want to be late for such an important day, and since we do have to actually work afterwards it might do us good to be on time." He said with a soft smile.
Nymphadora nodded and smiled at him as she turned to kiss him softly. "We have plenty of time, since we don't actually have to go through the visitor's entrance this time. We can just Floo into the office and then make our way to the courtroom from there. It's barely a five minute walk."
He smiled and returned the kiss as they continued to get dressed, both of them making sure that they both looked appropriate for court and could go straight to work afterwards without having to change clothes.
Once they were both ready, they made sure they had everything they needed today, which was mostly some files they had taken home to read through last night, knowing that there would be hell to pay with Andromeda if they didn't bring them back.
As they Floo'ed into the office, they were surprised to see that they were the only ones there. "That's odd. I would have expected everyone would be here by now."
"We're early love. I'm sure that they'll be in soon, but we really have to go, otherwise we'll be late for this important moment, and I doubt Kingsley will postpone this if we're late." She said with a soft smile.
He nodded and gave her a quick kiss as the Floo'ed downstairs and made their way to the main courtroom, where to their surprise the entire Department was waiting for them. "Don't look so shocked. We're all here to support you. You both have said that we are a family, so this shouldn't be a surprise." Fleur said with a soft smile.
Nymphadora smiled at them. "Thank you all so much. It means a lot to me that you all are here for me."
"Dora, you know that this was the only place we could be once you told us when that trial was going to take place. We all felt that we need to be there for you today and be here we shall." Andromeda said with a soft smile.
"Thanks Mom. It means a lot to both of us that you all are here for us. It's going to help a lot in my future healing, and when we're back in the Department, I have a little announcement to make." Nymphadora said with a soft smile after sharing a quick look with her boyfriend.
Everyone smiled and nodded at her before they all made their way inside, with Fabian and Dora being guided to the witness stand while the rest of their family took a seat in the public stands, Ginny sitting down with the rest of the Department to make a point.
On the other side of the room were Molly and Arthur, who were openly glaring at their daughter. "Well, I suppose I made the right decision to move in with you baby." The redhead said softly.
Pansy smiled and pressed a kiss to her girlfriend's cheek. "I am inclined to agree with you babe. At least the twins think we are a cute couple, right?"
Ginny smiled and nodded as Kingsley walked into the court room, everyone standing in a show of respect as he took his seat. "Please be seated. On the docket today is the case of Ms. Nymphadora Black versus William and Charles Weasley. Madame Bones, the charges if you please."
Amelia nodded and stepped forward. "Of course Minister. They are both charged with the rape of Ms. Black on the eve of the twenty fifth of August nineteen ninety four while on a night out with fellow Aurors. They are also charged with the rape of a government official on that same night. Both have pled guilty to both charges. We also have in evidence the Pensieve memories from that night provided by Ms. Black."
Kingsley nodded at her. "I don't think we will review this evidence in public. Thank you Madame Bones." He said before turning to the two men who were glaring at Nymphadora. "Is there anything you wish to say in your own defense? Since you have turned down the offer of legal counsel."
"We did nothing wrong. She deserved it for spurning our advances when she was so willing to bed anyone else." Bill said with a sneer.
Molly actually looked proud of her son when she said this, but that look quickly vanished when Kingsley spoke again. "Ms. Black, do you wish to make a statement?"
Nymphadora smiled and nodded as she stood and made her way to the speakers podium. "Yes I would Minister. I would merely like to say to them that you two haven't broken me despite your best efforts. Today I will finally rid myself of your vile acts against me and my family. When you sit in your prison cell with your brothers next to you, I want you to remember one thing, never in my life will I ever spare either of you another thought."
Kingsley nodded at her. "Very well. After hearing your may I say vile statements, I will now continue on to your sentencing. I sentence William and Charlie Weasley to spend their natural lifetimes in prison, with no possibility of being released. Crimes against women are vile in their own right, but to perpetrate them against a member of this Ministry is beyond every conceivable notion of decency. I hereby adjourn this court." He said with a tone of finality, after which the two redheads were led out of the courtroom by the Aurors, one of them surprisingly being Harry Potter.
After that everyone filed out of the courtroom, both Nymphadora and Fabian making sure they were the last ones out and that they stayed behind the rest of their family, since they didn't trust Molly Weasley to try something if she caught them alone.
…
When they were all back in the Department, Nymphadora gathered everyone's attention in the center of the Department, with her mother and boyfriend next to her. "I said that I had an announcement to make, and since there is no easy way of saying this, I'll go ahead and say it. I'm pregnant."
There was a moment of silence before Andromeda threw her arms around her daughter's neck. "Congratulations sweetie. I had all but given up hope to be a grandmother." She said through her tears.
Nymphadora smiled at her mother and returned the hug. "Really Mom? With how addicted Fabian and I are to each other, it was only a matter of time. I know you're going to be a great grandma."
Andromeda smiled and pressed a long kiss to her daughter's cheek before stepping back so the rest of the family could give them their congratulations. "Congratulations Dora. I know you two will be amazing parents." Fleur said with a soft smile as she hugged the increasingly more redheaded witch tightly.
Nymphadora smiled at her ex-girlfriend. "Thank you Fleur, I know we talked about our future at some point, and for what it is worth, I am sorry I couldn't be the woman that you needed me to be."
The blonde smiled at her as she took a side glance to her mate who was talking animatedly to her brother. "If things would've been different, I have no doubt that we would've stayed together, but Luna is my mate just as Fabian is yours. You of all people know that I never did put much stock in my Veela heritage, but Luna made me a believer, and from what I've had the pleasure to witness between you and Fabian, I can tell you two are just as meant to be. I will gladly settle for becoming Auntie Fleur, if you are okay with becoming Auntie Nym in a couple of years."
Dora smiled at her. "Of course I don't mind that, you two will make amazing babies together. I just know it. They will be both intelligent and beautiful."
Fleur smiled and pressed a kiss to the Metamorphmagus' cheek. "I just know the same will go for you and Fabian."
Nymphadora smiled at that. "Can you just imagine in a couple of years when both of us will be chasing after our children trying to keep them out of trouble. Because we both know that they will be thick as thieves from the moment they'll be able to walk and talk."
Fleur smiled and nodded at that. "I have feeling they will be as close as Fabian and Luna are. Which is both a bit frightening and exciting at the same time."
Nymphadora nodded at that. "I know exactly what you mean Fleur, but at least we'll both know that they will have a lifelong friend, which will help them a lot in their early years."
"Knowing that the only possibility for Luna and I is to have girls, I have a feeling that no matter what you and Fabian end up having they'll be a lot closer than we think they might be." Fleur said with a soft smile.
Nymphadora only nodded at that as Bellatrix gathered her niece in a fierce hug. "Congratulations Dora. I always knew you two would be parents before Hermione and I. It was simply impossible to think otherwise."
"Well, you two have the first wedding of the decade, at least in our family, so we figured it was only fair if we announced the first pregnancy." Dora said with a similar smile to that of her aunt.
Bellatrix smiled at that. "I have a feeling Hermione and I won't be far behind after our wedding. Cousins shouldn't be too far apart after all." The raven haired witch said with a wink.
Dora smiled and nodded at that as Hermione came to give her a hug. "You two will be great parents, and I hope you know that I plan to properly spoil those babies once they are born."
"I wouldn't have it any other way Hermione, and I think you know that we will do exactly the same for any children you have with aunt Bella." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
Hermione smiled at that as she looked over to Bellatrix, who gave the brunette a loving smile. "I have a feeling it won't take too long after our wedding until I'm pregnant, so there is a big chance we're going to enjoy pregnancy together."
"To be honest, so far there is little to be enjoyed Hermione. It's just morning sickness at this point." Dora said softly.
Hermione smiled at that. "I figured as much, but you know what they say, it's better to suffer together than to suffer alone."
Nymphadora just shrugged and smiled at the brunette. "I suppose you have a point, and I'm looking forward to having someone to share the eventual misery with. Which also reminds me we should probably start thinking of some sort of child care section of the Department, since I know from experience that women in our family are very possessive and protective of their children."
"I know, Bella has made me very much aware of this already. She told me that she didn't let anyone come close to Fabian for the first week after he was born." Hermione said softly.
Nymphadora grinned at that. "Not while she was awake anyway. As with all new mothers she was tired a lot in those first few weeks, so whenever they had the chance Aunt Cissa and my mother would make sure to take care of Fabian for a few hours, and of course me being me I was insanely curious about this new addition to our family, which led to some cute moments according to my mother. Apparently they found him in my arms with both of us sound asleep."
Hermione just smiled at the Metamorphmagus, who was clearly more tired than she let on, so Hermione made sure to slowly move them to her office so Dora could take a seat.
…
A couple of days later the entire Department was once again in the courtroom, only this time, there was no one sitting in the opposite benches. Lucius Malfoy did not deserve an audience after all.
Both Aurors and Agents filled most of the prosecutors benches and for this particular trial the entire Wizengamot was present, which was a rarity in post war trials.
The only one still absent was Lucius, who was escorted to the court room by four Aurors, and although the verdict was already agreed upon by the Wizengamot, most of them had not heard of the full scope of things he was charged with.
Kingsley had made it abundantly clear that he had every intention of having him thrown through the Veil today and that while this would be nothing more than a show trial, it was important for the entirety of the Wizengamot to hear exactly how far his attempt at a coup had come.
When Kingsley entered and took his seat, he took a moment to speak to the gathered members of the Wizengamot. "Today we have gathered to pass judgment over Lucius Malfoy, who besides prolonging the Death Eater movement with full intent on continuing their Master's work, also attempted a coup to take over the Ministry. Because of this, his past involvement and all of the information that you have been able to read in the reports send to you a week ago, I think you will all agree with my verdict of the Veil today."
All of the gathered members of the Wizengamot nodded their agreement at him after which Kingsley gave a signal to the waiting Aurors to escort Lucius in.
Lucius Malfoy looked nothing like his usual well put together self, having a heavy stubble and a deranged look in his eyes as he was chained to the podium.
"Well Mr Malfoy, we find ourselves here once again. You are charged with planning a coup against the Ministry in an attempt to continue the work of the Dark Lord Voldemort. You are also charged with continuing the Death Eater movement with the express intent of causing chaos and destruction. How do you plead to these charges."
"It does not matter how I plead. You have made your mind up anyway, and that will be part of your downfall. Do you really think I am the only one who believes that this new world you all are trying to build should fail? If I am to be thrown through the Veil today. I will have the knowledge that I took a stand against this new system of oppression." He said with a sneer.
Kingsley glared down at him. "You call it oppression, we call it progress. But you are right in one thing. You will be sentenced to the Veil, and that sentence will be carried out today." He said as he adjourned.
Lucius said nothing as he was led out of the courtroom by the four Aurors, who would hand him over to the specially selected team to deliver his sentence.
"Now that the sentence has been delivered I want to personally thank everyone who has made this possible. Last year I approached some heroes of the War to head a new Department dedicated to gathering information and intelligence of present and future threats. This Department will continue to work on this as we move forward but since everything we have accomplished when it comes to the Death Eaters in recent months is all thanks to their information, I think we all owe them much gratitude, as well as the Auror Corps, who were instrumental in the success of the trap that caused the arrest of Lucius Malfoy and the rest of the so called inner circle." Kingsley said in his heavy baritone.
At this proclamation the entirety of the Wizengamot stood and applauded both Departments, which while awkward, was very much appreciated by both Departments, and after this proclamation from the Minister both Departments were released to tend to their affairs once again.
Amelia had asked if it was okay if she could say a few things to the Department, so with that she followed them up to their offices. "Now that the craziness of the trial is over with, I have an announcement to make. As of today Harry Potter will no longer be a member of the Auror Corps, himself stating that the things he has done to members of the D.M.I.I. are inexcusable and unacceptable for a member of the Auror Corps. He wanted me to convey his apologies and will contact those that he has offended through a letter in the near future. He also stated that he does not expect forgiveness but also did not feel right by letting things fester as they have been. He specifically stated that he wanted to apologize to Ms. Granger and Bellatrix in particular for his words against them."
Hermione and Bellatrix shared a look at that. "If he is sincere in his apology, we're of course willing to listen to him. We'll await his letter." Bellatrix said softly.
Amelia smiled at them. "Honestly I think it is generous given how he spoke out against you. I think he'll appreciate the chance."
Bellatrix and Hermione smiled and nodded. "Well, with that said, I will leave you to your celebrations, because I think we've all earned it."
"That we have, and I'm already looking forward to the next time we can work together on a case." Fabian said with a smile.
Amelia only smiled and nodded at them as she took her leave. "Now that we've finally closed this first major chapter of our Department, and given how many hours we've all put in over the last two weeks I think we've earned a few days of rest. It'll give us time to catch up on the paperwork that we didn't have a chance to get done while working to spring the trap and prepare for the trial. For the next couple of weeks I don't want to see anyone putting more hours than absolutely necessary. We've all earned a bit of break."
Everyone smiled and nodded at him. "Also, as Madame Bones suggested. Today is mostly going to be a celebration for the successful closure of our first big case. As a matter of fact, I've arranged for refreshments and drink to be brought up in an hour. So until that time, feel free to do whatever, although I believe Fabian and I have an interview later today."
Fleur smiled at that. "So Gabby is coming in today. It will be lovely to see her again."
Dora smiled at the blonde as she led her ex-girlfriend and future sister-in-law to one of the desks so they could talk a bit more.
…
Later that afternoon Fabian and Dora were waiting for Gabrielle to arrive, who was brought up to the Department by her sister, and as they had promised the older blonde, they would make it quite the stern interview, which given the day would be quite difficult with everyone running high on the results of the trial.
"I know we made a promise to Fleur, but I have a feeling both of us will be having difficulty keeping a straight face today." Dora said softly as she tried to adopt her most professional face.
He smiled at that. "I think we'll manage love. We don't need to put her off, we're just going to try and make her a little bit nervous like Fleur said. It'll be a benefit to us all if we get honest answers from her."
Dora nodded at that as they saw the two blondes enter the Department, Fleur having a bit of a mischievous smile on her face as she led her sister into their office. "Director Black, Ms. Gabrielle Delacour has arrived for her interview."
"Yes, thank you Agent Delacour, please send her in." He said with a stern look.
Fleur nodded and stepped aside so Gabrielle could enter the office, looking very nervous already. "Good afternoon Ms. Delacour. I trust today finds you well?"
Gabrielle smiled kindly at him. "Yes Director Black, I'm quite well, thank you for asking. Thank you for giving me the chance for an interview."
"Your sister speaks highly of your abilities as a Potion maker, and it is something we lack a dedicated employee in. So please, tell us a little about your Potion abilities." Nymphadora said with a similar stern expression
Gabrielle visibly swallowed before she spoke. "I have received high praise for my brewing of Veritaserum with alternative ingredients, which worked better than originally intended and I have also received commendations for my memory potions."
Both Fabian and Nymphadora nodded at her. "So we see, tell me, what do you think you could add to the Department?" He asked softly.
"I have a firm belief that I can be of use in multiple ways. As you yourself said, you lack a dedicated Potion Master, and while I am no Master, I finished with an Outstanding in the subject and everything that I need to learn can be learned on the job, as I am a very fast learner. I also am quite proficient in administrative tasks if there is a necessity for that." Gabrielle said with confidence.
Fabian and Dora shared a look before smiling at her. "We're sorry Gabrielle. We tried to honor our agreement with your sister, but we can't be those stern people. Of course you have the job. Fleur merely wanted to make you nervous during the interview."
Gabrielle let out a loud breath. "Oh thank Merlin. I'll be honest and say that you succeeded in making me nervous. I really had to make an effort not to start sweating."
They both smiled at her. "You can take that up with your sister. I'll also be very honest and say that we have just closed our first high profile case, so the work for the next couple of weeks will be more laid back. It will give you plenty of time to integrate and work with my Aunt Narcissa to get you up to speed with our potion necessities and to get everything in order. As you might have noticed we have a very distinct dress code in our Department, which we will provide for you, along with the address of our Department tailor. The rest of the supplies you will need we will also provide, as well as give you a copy of our Department's handbook, which we will expect you to have read before you start coming Monday. I think four days will be plenty of time to get up to speed, right?" Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
The blonde nodded and smiled at them. "That is plenty of time, so where do I sign?"
Fabian turned the contract towards her. "Right here. Take all the time you need to read through it. Afterwards we'll introduce you to the rest of the Department."
Gabrielle nodded as she read through the contact. "Wow, there are a lot of perks here. Is there any particular reason for this?"
Fabian nodded at that. "There are times where everyone is required to put in massive amounts of overtime, which is why it is so well compensated. When we're working on a high profile case it might happen that we put in over ten hours a day for several days in a row."
The blonde nodded before signing her name under the contract. "If it helps keep everyone safe from threat, I will gladly put in as much hours as I need to."
"Then welcome to the Department of Magical Information and Intelligence, Gabrielle. I'm sure you'll fit right in with everyone." Nymphadora said with a soft smile.
Gabrielle smiled at them. "I heard a little bit from Fleur on how your Department runs, but I think she made it seem more formal than I think it is to make me nervous, which she always enjoys doing. I'm very excited to see how this actually is run."
"We very much act like a family, because we have to put that trust in each other in the field. It was one of the things we were all very adamant about when we got asked to build this Department. It is also probably one of the reasons most of us are dating someone within the Department." Fabian said kindly.
Gabrielle smiled at him as they led her into the pen, where they spent an hour introducing, or reintroducing the blonde to the Department.
…
After a long day at the office, both Fabian and Nymphadora were very happy to be home after such a long but very satisfying day. "I'll be honest love, I love our job, but I'm also very happy that we finally get to relax a bit. These last few weeks have been way too long for my liking." Dora said as she cuddled into him.
He smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. "I know exactly what you mean love, although I have to can't say that I know exactly how you feel right now. I can't imagine what all that stress has done for our little one."
Dora smiled and kissed his cheek. "I think they'll be fine love. Which reminds me, we have our first check-up tomorrow. Want to come?"
"Of course I do. I want to be there every step of the way if at all possible." He said with a soft smile.
"I know you want to, but we won't always be able to schedule those appointments around work, and we can't both be absent, even now that we're going into a bit of a calm period of work. But having said that, I will of course tell you whenever it is an important appointment, like when we're getting to know the gender. Because I know you're just excited as I am to find out what we're going to have." She said softly.
He smiled and kissed her softly. "Of course I am. Honestly I can't wait for every milestone. The birth, their first steps, their first words, everything."
She smiled at that. "I know you are, and I doubt I will be the only woman you'll be so excited for, because you can deny it all you want, I just know you'll be just as excited for Luna when she announces her pregnancy."
He blushed a little at that, because it was completely true. "I probably will, and I will apologize in advance for that."
Dora smiled at that. "I won't mind love, and neither will Fleur. We actually had a talk about that a couple of days ago and we know that you and Luna will always be closer than other siblings. You're soulmates of a different kind. Fleur senses that, and that is why her Veela isn't threatened by you being so close to her mate, or why I am not more possessive of you around Luna, because Fleur felt what I knew a long time ago. We are soulmates, we were always meant to be."
"I've had the same thought for a very long time now, even before we got together I knew there was something more between us than just the lust and love that has driven us our entire lives. I knew it was something pure and genuine, something I couldn't have with anyone else." He said as he pulled her into his lap.
Nymphadora moaned softly as she felt his dick graze against her butt. "Have I ever told you how much I love the fact that you were willing to take a chance on this whole nudist thing with me? Because I seriously do."
He smiled at her. "It was a matter of convenience given how addicted we are to each other, my love. Even if we wouldn't be nudists we're without clothes more often than not. Plus your body is and will forever be a massive turn on for me made the decision all the easier to make."
Dora smiled as she straddled him. "While I think we can both feel what those sweet words do to me, I think we're both way too exhausted to do anything else but cuddle and make out at the moment."
"Then how about a nice hot bath, Nymmie? That should turn our sore muscles into jelly and warm us up nicely before going to bed tonight." He said softly.
She smiled and nodded. "I would love that, you know that I can't ever resist cuddling against you in the tub."
He just smiled and picked her up as he stood, with Dora immediately wrapping her legs around his waist as they made their way upstairs.
As they entered their bedroom, Dora flicked her hand to the bathroom to fill up the tub while Fabian selected some bath salts for them, since they had found that helped them relax even more.
When they were in the tub a few minutes later Dora sighed contently as she placed her hands on his arms that were once again locked around her waist. "I know I haven't said it much lately, but I really do love you Fabian."
"I love you too Nymmie, and you don't have to say it, because you show it every single day how much you love me, and I try to show the same to you every single day." He said softly.
She smiled and kissed him softly before resting her head against his chest, both of them more than content to stay exactly like they were until they were ready for bed.