Happy Sunday lovelies!
I'm going to take a break from posting for the next few days, but expect the next chapter by Thursday! I really hope you all enjoy this chapter, there are a lot of interesting and fun interactions in it! Also some much deserved retribution!
Please leave a review and let me know what you think x
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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.
Harry officially moved into the Manor after Graduation. Luna and Daphne spent so much time at the Manor that they might as well have done the same.
Ron and Padma had moved in together, into a small house in Bath. It was close to Padma's parents' home. Their floo was directly connected to the Burrow and Potter Manor.
Ron had been over for dinner once in the past three days since Graduation, but Hermione wasn't surprised that she hadn't seen more of him. He was learning to balance his time between his family, Padma's, and his loved ones at Potter Manor.
Hermione also knew Ron was sleeping in on a morning and enjoying his brief respite before the rigorous Auror training that awaited him at the end of the summer. Harry was not joining him.
Harry was puzzled over his next steps, the entire world was his for the taking. However, he didn't want to chase Dark Wizards anymore, he'd had enough. Hermione assured him that he didn't have to decide just yet, he could take his time figuring it out.
When Harry moved in, he claimed a large room in the same wing as the Ballroom on the furthermost side of the Manor. Daphne wasn't as comfortable with the proximity and casual affection the pack operated with, so they respectfully afforded them their space.
Daphne's mouth had dropped open on more than one occasion at breakfast with the pack. Hermione revelled in it every time. Sometimes Harry's cheeks still pinked whenever Tonks or Hermione wandered around scantily clad in the early morning hours, but he was getting used to it. Hermione was glad Harry was opening up more around them.
Hermione's eyes were glazed over as she gazed out the window across the room. The sun was rising so the soft blue sky was tinged with the yellows of the sunrise. Remus stirred beside her, and drew her attention down to him.
"Are you sure you'll be okay, my sweet Moon?" Hermione asked gently, brushing the sandy blond hair off Remus's clammy forehead.
"M'fine, Mione," Remus mumbled, rolling onto his side, and cradling his head in his hand. "You'll be late if you don't go now, love."
Remus curled his other arm around his slumbering son. Teddy's hair was changing back and forth from sage green to pastel pink in his sleep. His little hands were fisted under his chin, and he smacked his lips together.
Hermione smiled tenderly at the sight. Teddy insisted on staying by his Father's side this morning. Hermione had woken up her friend to take his pain potions and final dose of Wolfsbane before the full moon tonight.
Remus's pre-moon symptoms were normally not as extreme these days since his hormones were balanced, and he had more pack members around. However, the stress around the outcome of Lucius's re-trial was getting to all of them. He also mentioned this full moon felt different.
Hermione pulled the lilac sheets up to cover the pair, and stroked Teddy's cheek affectionately. The boy may be Remus's, but he was also theirs, and they were his. It was the way of the pack.
Draco had been silently standing beside the bed, carefully watching his friend. Draco placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder and squeezed. "We need to go, darling."
"He's right. Go on, we'll be fine," Riley called from the doorway. Her hands were braced on her hips, and she was wearing a loose, pink cotton tee and faded denim shorts with jaggedly cut edges.
"You'll only be gone for a few hours. I'll take good care of them. When Teddy wakes up, I'll take him into the gardens and he can help me start laying out plots," Riley said. Hermione stole another glance at Remus before she rose from his bed. Her fingers brushed against the back of Draco's hand as she strode over to Riley.
"Don't push it, please," Hermione implored her friend, shooting a meaningful look at Riley's belly.
"I'm pregnant not—"
"Glass, I know. Regardless, please be careful," Hermione pleaded. Hazel met hazel, and Riley huffed out a sigh. She half-raised her hands in surrender.
"I know my limits, Mione. I won't go past them. But, I do want to make some headway," Riley stated. Hermione nodded.
There was a wide open area not far from the pool round the back that Riley had set her sights on. The intent was to grow potion ingredients, herbs, spices, some root vegetables and assorted produce if possible. Eventually, she wished to install a greenhouse to house rarer and more temperamental magical plants and fauna.
"You'll thank me when you open up your apothecary," Riley grinned.
Hermione snorted. "Yes, I will. I've started properly running the numbers with Lucius's help and it's a bit steeper than we were expecting. Especially if we are trying to find a place in Diagon Alley."
It was no secret amongst the pack that Hermione and Draco were trying to open an apothecary, but they also needed to find a suitable location. Lucius was a great help in that department, although his assistance was limited due to his current situation.
We really should go, the others have already left, Hermione thought. Please let things work out today.
Hopefully by the end of the day, Lucius Malfoy would be a free man.
Monday, June 28th, 1999
Underground of Whitehall, Westminster, London, UK
Ministry of Magic
Wizengamot Chambers
Full Moon
Draco would have to petition to make the large dungeon—the Wizengamot chambers— more pleasant. It was a horribly dreary and ominous space. The air tasted stale and thick. At one point, centuries ago, these conditions were most likely highly desirable.
Needs a fresh set of paint to start with, Draco thought as he took in his surroundings. He hadn't been in this room since Draco Malfoy's trial where they had kindly chosen to not throw him in Azkaban.
There were several Wizengamot members who were not satisfied with the outcomes of his or Lucius's trials. He couldn't imagine they'd changed their minds in a year.
Walls made of dark stone, dimly-lit by torches. Empty benches rose on either side of them, but on the far side, in the highest benches of all were many shadowy faces.
The torches flared brighter and the light within the circular space grew to a more palatable level.
"Over here!" Came from the right-hand side of the room. Draco's family awaited them in the long, curved benches he previously thought to be empty.
Sirius was seated beside an ashen Narcissa, hands covering hers, whispering comforting things. Harry was to Sirius's left, elbows digging into his thighs, leaning forward, the lower portion of his face resting in his hands. The boy looked highly uncomfortable, there weren't any pleasant memories associated with this room for him.
If we didn't need him here, I would have told him to stay home with Riley and Remus, Draco sighed internally.
Noticing how silent Hermione was, Draco peeked behind him and saw that she was intently staring at the gathered wix across the way. All wearing plum-coloured robes with an elaborately worked silver 'W' on the left hand side of the chest.
There are around forty Wizengamot members currently sworn in. There used to be over fifty. Another example of the damage the war had afflicted upon them.
Desperate to fill their seats and regain some semblance of order, a flurry of their peers had claimed their Houses seats last summer, House Greengrass, Longbottom, Nott, Parkinson and Zabini amongst them.
Theo's Father was a Death Eater, but he wasn't, so it was reluctantly allowed. Pansy may not have been in public favour at the time, but since she was in a similar situation to Theo, she'd been given her Father's forcibly vacated seat.
Neville had always intended on taking up his family seat once he came of age, and it was expected of him, so he did in the weeks after the war concluded. He had offered to hand it over to his Father's care for the foreseeable future if he wished, but Frank had amicably declined. Frank was more than happy to allow Neville to properly settle into his role as Head of House Longbottom.
There hadn't been any fuss when Daphne was gifted her house seat, her Father was alive and respected in their community, but wished to hand it over to his daughter. He'd decided she was ready, especially since she had allied herself with some of the most powerful families in Wizarding Britain.
Daphne had quietly told her Father that wasn't why she had started dating Harry, but he wasn't too concerned with her reasons, just that it benefited their family. That their legacy would carry on even if he couldn't find a favourable match for Astoria soon.
Daphne had pulled Hermione aside the day after she'd graduated and magically swore fealty to House Potter. She wanted to promise Hermione—through the old traditions—that she would remain loyal to their House until she died, regardless of whether she and Harry ended up together or not.
Then, Hermione and Daphne sprinted out into the gardens in only their undergarments, chasing after one another with raucous laughter before jumping into the pool. Harry had stumbled across them shortly thereafter, surprised by how uninhibited his girlfriend was acting.
Blaise's Mother had essentially forfeited hers, so it was easy for him to petition and claim his family seat.
Tiberius Ogden and Griselda Marchbanks had been reinstated since their resignation. Their resignation was done in protest of Fudge's abuse of power in making Umbridge High Inquisitor at Hogwarts.
In the middle of the front row sat Kingsley. His head was bent as he glanced over the pieces of parchment neatly spread out in front of him necessary for today's proceedings. His brow was furrowed. Draco doubted he noticed them come in.
Percy was on Kingsley's left, whispering harshly and pointing at something with the tip of his raven quill clasped in his left hand.
Draco bumped Hermione with his shoulder, she gave him a curt nod, and pried her eyes away from the distant wix. She quietly followed him up the narrow, floating wooden staircase that led them up to the second row, where their family was seated. A few unknown wix were further up, hidden in shadow.
Hermione and Draco subtly made note of them and exchanged meaningful words with their eyes. Draco silently threw up a protection charm threaded with a shield charm. It wasn't strong enough to ward off multiple attacks, but it would alert them if anything was amiss.
Can never be too careful, Draco mused. He sent an amicable smile and nod towards their shadowed friends before he sat down beside Harry.
"Anything happened yet?" Draco asked as Hermione settled in beside him. Harry shook his head.
"No, but Aunt Dromeda is about to hex Umbridge's eyes out of her sockets."
Andromeda was on the other side of her sister. The normally warm-natured witch barely spared them a glance.
Andromeda was standing, fingertips pressed into the short wooden surface that extended from the back of the bench in front of them—it acted as a table of sorts. The woman's gaze was searing hot and she was staring directly at Dolores Umbridge.
Dolores hadn't changed since the last time Draco laid eyes on her. Her appearance brought to mind a large, pale toad. She was squat, with a broad, flabby face, a short neck that seemed nonexistent between her chin and shoulders. Her mouth was very wide and slack, her eyes large, round and slightly bulging. A little pink velvet bow was perched on top of her short curly hair, it matched the garishly bright pink robes she was wearing.
"That bitch tried tried to lock Ted up for stealing magic right after young Bill and Fleur's wedding," Andromeda hissed. "She was fully cooperating with Voldemort and his filth, but claimed it was an Imperius, so she bloody got away with it."
There wasn't enough evidence for them to launch a formal investigation, especially with the chaos their world had been thrust into after the war. There were so many trials and dark wix being imprisoned or punished, Umbridge slipped through the cracks. A single pensieve memory or legilimens would have provided the truth about Dolores.
"Lucius did the same after the first war," Narcissa said dully. She was attempting to maintain a calm exterior, however this hearing would decide her long-term future, and whether her husband would be free. She was days away from her due date. This was the last place she should be considering it was a stress-inducing situation, but she was adamant that she was present.
"Luckily for Lucius, I like him a fair deal more than Madam Umbridge. I willingly break bread with your husband. I would be remiss if I didn't slip poison into that cow's food and drink if I was ever given the opportunity," Andromeda snarled.
Andromeda snuck a glance at Harry's hand where silvery pink words were forever carved into his flesh. "That woman deserves a world of pain and suffering after all the agony and torture she inflicted on Muggleborns, Half-bloods, blood traitors and Muggles during the war. An Imperius curse cannot cause someone to find joy in hurting others."
Kingsley had wanted to have Dolores tried before the Wizengamot, but Cornelius Fudge used the last bits of sway he had to prevent that from happening.
"Calm down, Dromeda," Hermione said quietly, without an ounce of emphasis. They all turned to look curiously at her. "I have plans for dear Dolores."
Hermione wasn't given a chance to expound on her statement as an unnatural quiet overtook the room. Jameson and Tonks were ushering in Lucius. The chains binding his ankles and wrists were attached to each other, and their clanking and clanging echoed sharply around the vast room.
The man moved resignedly over to the chair in the centre of the room; its arms were covered in chains. Chains that sprung to life when prompted and bound the person seated in the chair.
Lucius was a dignified figure dressed in prussian blue robes with white, geometric embroidery down the front and along the sleeves. The man held an esteemed air about him, in spite of his chains, in fact, with his chin held high, he could be a bound yet proud king.
Lucius briefly glanced at them over his shoulder before he sat down. His emotional state was secured behind a fortress of crafted nonchalance. The dim light caught in the pale strands of his hair, enveloping his head in a temporary, silvery glow.
Draco nodded once at his birth father, communicating a multitude of things with the gesture. We're here for you, and we're going to make sure you're free by the end of the day. For Cissa and your unborn child's sake.
Lucius reluctantly sat down and the chains sprang to life, attaching themselves to the ones already around his wrists, pinning his arms down.
"I apologise for the chains Lucius, unfortunately, they will have to stay until we reach a verdict," Kingsley sighed, his voice carrying around the room effortlessly.
"It wasn't Kings's decision," Hermione noted softly. "He was most likely pressured by Fudge and Umbridge." Draco narrowed his eyes at the far end, trying to see if he could find any of their friends. They were probably relegated to the back, the senior members deeming them young and lesser than them.
Percy pushed his horn-rimmed glasses further up his nose and began to jot down notes.
"Before we move onto the business with Minister Malfoy, there is other business to be dealt with," Kingsley announced. Several members erupted into a buzz of whispers. "It's a bit of a formality, but the seats for Houses Potter and Black have been reinstated and claimed. May those members come down to the front, please."
Draco bumped Harry's shoulder and met Sirius's gaze. The other two wizards nodded in understanding as the three of them stood up and shuffled past Hermione. They descended the staircase and crossed the stone floors until they passed Lucius.
Let the show begin, Draco thought.
Draco smoothed down the front of his viridian blazer and crossed his arms over his chest. Now that he was closer, he could barely make out the outline of his friends. The seats used to be organised by surname in a show of fairness, it appeared those rules had fallen by the wayside. They were at the very back, clustered together.
Blaise had lit the tip of his wand and held it beneath his chin, he stuck his tongue out before extinguishing his wandlight and disappearing from view entirely; swallowed by the shadows.
Definitely need to add some bloody proper lighting in here, can't even see Blaise for fuck's sake, Draco frowned.
Daphne primly smiled, Pansy was worrying her bottom lip, Neville appeared the most calm and collected, Theo was callously assessing those in the benches below them, and Arthur was leaning over and whispering into Theo's ear. Arthur was determined to not allow the other members bully the newer ones into submission, so he was dutifully explaining things to them as they unfolded.
They may have been groomed to inherit these seats amongst other things for years, but Arthur's practical experience was an invaluable resource.
"The Wizengamot recognises Sirius Black, Harry Potter, and Draco Potter." Whispers picked up again, blatant confusion at Draco's presence appeared to be making the rounds.
Kingsley didn't have to ask Percy if he was ready, he was primed to thoroughly document the proceedings, but he still waited for Percy to give him a short nod before he began.
"In order to make this short and sweet, so we can get onto the other business, I will simply have Harry step forward, and repeat after me, and then Draco and Sirius will follow suit. Sounds good?" Kingsley asked. All three men nodded. The whispers grew louder as the confusion seemed to be clearing up.
Everyone present knew that the Potter's seat had been vacant since Charlus's passing, and that someone was meant to take it up today, however, Kingsley had neglected to mention just who that someone was. Most of the wix assumed it was Harry Potter.
"I, Harry Potter, Heir Apparent rescind my rights to the Potter seat and elect to pass it on, and designate it to Draco Potter," Kingsley stated. The resounding silence was deafening. Harry maintained a cavalier attitude as he repeated the words.
Hermione, Draco and Harry still needed to complete the blood ceremony that would officially make Harry the Head of their House. Kingsley was aware of that, so he was meticulously careful with his wording.
"Now, Draco—" Kingsley began, but a shrill voice shrieked out a protest. Dolores Umbridge.
"What is the meaning of this farce? You mean to permit that boy to take up the Potter seat?" Dolores snarled.
"It's his right," Harry said sharply, bright green eyes ablaze in the torchlight. He was no longer a fifteen-year-old boy that she could terrorise as she pleased. He was Harry Potter, saviour of the Wizarding World, beloved by many, and about to be the Head of House Potter. He had never cowed before her, and he certainly wouldn't begin now.
"What right? He is Malfoy scum, he may have changed his name but that doesn't make him a Potter!" Umbridge protested loudly.
"Dolores, I suggest you curb your tongue and keep your opinions to yourself," the witch at the end of Kingsley's bench to the right piped up. Emma Vanity.
Emma was a Slytherin who was in Gideon and James Thomas's year. She'd been Slytherin's Quidditch Captain for a few years. Draco never interacted with her outside of Quidditch games.
The witch was almost six feet tall, with cropped brown hair and dark brown eyes. Her skin golden brown, her nose long and hooked. A mole was beneath her right eye. She was Irish, but she had Egyptian roots on her Mother's side. Her muscular, formidable stature intimidated most of her peers.
Emma had been elected as the new Head of the DMLE almost unanimously. It was a testament to her talent and the respect she commanded amongst her peers.
Emma's eyes sparkled with curiosity and amusement as she briefly met Draco's gaze. She made a nod of recognition in his direction, and he returned the gesture.
"Dolores. Draco Potter was magically adopted by Dorea and Charlus Potter. Which makes him a Potter," Fudge hissed, tugging on the woman's skirts and urging her to sit down.
"No it does not. Not according to our laws. He is not a Potter by blood! Nor is that conniving Mudblood Granger! It is an insult to this court that we are even entertaining this!" Dolores huffed in her high-pitched voice.
"I don't know about all of you, but the only insult I am aware of is your incessant whinging, Dolores," Lucius sneered from his seat. "It will do you well to not utter another defamatory word about Lady Potter in my presence."
Kingsley's mouth had parted to speak in Hermione and Draco's defence, but Lucius had beat him to it.
"Minister! I suggest we gag him for his impertinence!" Dolores said, blinking rapidly as she stomped her foot thrice.
"Careful, Dolores, before I suggest you be gagged for yours. Impertinence? I was merely pointing out that we have gathered to settle a serious matter, and you are conducting yourself in an unbecoming fashion," Lucius drawled, quirking a brow.
"I am inclined to agree with Mister Malfoy," Emma said with a wry twist of her lips.
Cornelius tugged on Umbridge's skirts once more. Umbridge swatted his hand away, but finally sat down with a dark glare at Kingsley, her face ripe with indignation.
"Continue, Kingsley. Let's finish the swearing in so we can get onto the actual business at hand," Emma said, waving a hand in Kingsley's direction. She was twisted in her seat and staring at Umbridge with heady distaste.
Kingsley inclined his head in her direction. "As I was saying before. Please repeat after me. I, Draco Potter, accept the Wizengamot seat offered to represent House Potter and all of its kith and kin."
Draco repeated the words. Sirius was prompted to do the same for his own House, and consequently he was also sworn in as a member of the Wizengamot.
"You may either join us on this side of the courtroom, or you may return to your seats in the onlookers area," Kingsley said.
"We'll return to our seats for now," Draco said with a crooked smile. He winked at Dolores, and the woman sputtered, raising a meaty finger as she went pink in the face. Fudge had a vice grip on her forearm, and was speaking furiously into her ear. He halted any further outbursts for the moment.
As Draco, Sirius and Harry returned to their seats. Kingsley addressed the room.
"Criminal Re-Trial of Lucius Malfoy, Twenty-Eighth of June," Kingsley began. Draco leaned forward in his seat, eyes narrowed, intent on following every word said. Kingsley listed the numerous crimes Lucius had been convicted of the first time around.
"Interrogators: Kingsley Elias Shacklebolt, Minister for Magic; Emma Marie Vanity, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister." Kingsley paused after the last part, the brief disgruntled frown on his features made it abundantly clear how he felt about the position Umbridge had managed to cling to.
"Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley," Kingsley finished. Behind the scenes he was attempting to remove Dolores from her position and have Percy take up the mantle.
Percy practically did Umbridge's job for her these days as she took brief sabbaticals every other month. She claimed she was recuperating from the stress and torture she had endured under the Imperius during the war.
The remainder of the trial wasn't as eventful as the beginning. Multiple witnesses were called forth, including Andromeda to speak to Lucius's change of heart and betterment. Minerva arrived shortly after Lucius's trial began. An incident in the Hogwarts' Greenhouses had delayed her. Pomona needed an extra set of hands to subdue a plant that had gone out of control.
Minerva spoke on Lucius's behalf. She was considered to be a pillar of their society when it came to honour, fairness and virtue. She would not commit perjury.
Select memories and instances of Veritaserum were used at appropriate times. Overall, the process was almost three hours long.
Even Sirius was called to speak on Lucius's conduct in his presence.
"Lucius will always be a pompous arsehole, but he isn't evil. He's served his time, and he already spent a stint in Azkaban. He's a reformed man. Trust me, if I sensed even an ounce of ill will from the man, I would be the first to toss him back in prison," Sirius said. He'd approached the members of the Wizengamot with a charming, devastating smile.
Sirius ruffled Lucius's hair, and his parting words were, "it's about time Lucy is free to walk amongst us mortals once more." Sirius retired to his seat.
Draco poked Sirius's side as he moved past him. "You could have left out the pompous arsehole bit," Draco lightly scolded.
"Wouldn't have been as believable if I just blew smoke up his arse," Sirius pointed out.
"He's right," Hermione murmured.
Draco turned his attention back to the ginger man now addressing the room; Jameson.
Jameson was the Auror officially assigned to Lucius's case. The pair had weekly meetings to determine Lucius's state of mind, the likelihood that he would commit further crimes, and other minute details. Thankfully, his findings were favourable.
"With that, we have heard all the various testimonies, accounts and received relevant documentation and evidence for this case," Kingsley announced.
"Unfortunately, due to illness, Remus Lupin cannot be here today, so his wife, Nymphadora Narcissa Lupin will be voting on his behalf." Kingsley tacked on, he pointed his wand upwards and a burst of ice blue sparks burst from the tip.
After Lyall's passing, his Wizengamot seat had been handed down in his will. Remus hadn't bothered to show up after he'd been sworn in.
After he was outed as a werewolf, he wasn't welcome at meetings and wasn't told when they were holding court. It was one reason why he hadn't been at Harry's hearing in fifth year, the other was Dumbledore requested he stay away.
Now, with other members of the pack sworn in, that sort of trickery wouldn't stand.
Dolores made a snide comment that echoed through the chamber; she wanted everyone to hear her. Hermione snarled beside him, her raven curls sparking as she clenched her fists in her lap.
"Not yet, my love," Draco said soothingly. He tugged on a curl. Hermione's fists unfurled and her posture visibly relaxed. Her hazel eyes were glowing.
"It won't be a fraction of what she deserves," Hermione growled.
"No, but it will be extremely gratifying," Draco said. Hermione grunted, gaze fixed on Kingsley, raptly listening to every word. Lucius's fate would be decided within minutes.
Something drew Draco's attention away for a moment as he realised it was the first time he had heard Tonks's middle name. Narcissa was shell shocked. She grasped her sister's hands and asked under her breath, "you named her after me?"
"It was a way for us to remain connected even though we had to live apart. That way, you were always with me. Most importantly, I thought it would serve her well to be named after a strong witch I admired," Andromeda explained softly. She hugged her silently weeping sister into her side.
"We will now commence the voting! Those who wish to exonerate Lucius Malfoy will raise their wands and emit green sparks. Those against, will emit red sparks. As always, please maintain your vote until they have all been counted." Kingsley cleared his throat, turned in his seat, and faced the rest of the Wizengamot.
"The conditions of Mister Malfoy's release into general society will be regular, unscheduled wand checks, and visitation from the Aurors at their discretion for a two year probationary period."
The lack of movement of nonverbal cues from the Wizengamot members concerned Draco.
"Now, the voting will commence," Kingsley declared.
Draco, Sirius and Tonks didn't hesitate to emit green sparks. Nor did their allies in the back row, including Arthur Weasley.
Emma Vanity was facing backwards, staring Dolores directly in the eye with a broad, slash of a smile as green sparks emitted from her wand's tip.
Fudge and Dolores were predictably emitting red ones. As were a number of the Malfoy's longtime enemies.
Draco shifted his eyes, eager to count the numbers for himself. His eyes darted across the opposite side of the room. He didn't see many red sparks.
Percy and Kingsley were each responsible for counting. They would write the numbers down on a piece of parchment each, and hand them over to Emma. Who would verify that the votes matched. If they didn't, then she would prompt them to count again, once more without conferring or looking at the other person's.
The minutes were arduous as the votes were counted. Draco waited with bated breath. He swore they had a majority, but from this distance some of the sparks were blending together.
Percy and Kingsley finished their mental tallies, and with quills in hand jotted down the numbers. They passed them to Emma Vanity.
Emma unfolded the pieces of parchment, flattening and smoothing them out with both hands, her wand tucked behind her ear. The silence was deadly and the tension was palpable.
The witch's eyes rose, and she stood. She braced herself on the short wooden surface before her, her lip curving upwards. "The votes have been counted. With a majority of twenty-seven to sixteen, I hereby declare that Lucius Malfoy has been exonerated of his crimes."
Not a soul dared breath, neither to celebrate their triumph nor commiserate their loss.
Emma cleared her throat. "On behalf of the Department of Law Enforcement, I will state that the terms of his release have been laid out by us during these proceedings. A list of any further details and restrictions for the next two years, will come from the Auror department by tomorrow morning."
Emma glanced at Kingsley and nodded respectfully before she lowered herself to her seat once more.
"This is preposterous! An outrage!" Dolores went red in the face as she flew to her feet. She stomped her foot and her arms flailed around like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
Hermione raised her finger to her neck, "sonorous." She wanted to ensure everyone heard her. Hermione pushed her shoulders back, and looked down her nose at the horrid woman across the way.
"Fudge. I suggest you muzzle your bitch, before I am forced to come over there and do it for you."
Cornelius's eyes nearly popped out of his head as he gaped at her. Andromeda sent the younger witch a wolfish grin.
"That's my girl," Andromeda smirked. The witch warmly reminisced on when Hermione Potter stunned Bellatrix at Narcissa's wedding. Now that she had more context for that moment, it was even more impressive.
"You filthy Mudblood!" Dolores screamed. "How dare you speak to me like that!"
"Fudge. I won't repeat myself again. You won't like what happens if I have to come over there."
Draco grinned. Paws' pride was glowing in his chest at their mate. It wasn't often that Paws' emotions poured out, since he wasn't as separate an entity as Moony was for Remus, he was merely an extension of Draco.
"You—"
"Dolores, I suggest you sit down," Emma commanded. "The Wizengamot has come to a decision. All forty-three of us voted, and the majority voted for Lucius's release."
The man in question was reclining in his seat, looking like the cat who had nabbed the canary. He was observing the chaos unfold with glee. Hearings were rarely this entertaining. If it came to blows, he was certainly looking forward to Hermione defeating Umbridge without breaking a sweat.
"I second that notion. Miss Potter is quite the formidable foe," Lucius smirked. "You aren't doing yourself any favours."
"Formidable foe? She is a frivolous girl with a heap of dumb luck. I'm surprised she didn't die during the war," Dolores sniffed. Lucius's smirk grew with devilish delight. Clearly, Umbridge hadn't read the Quibbler article.
"Fuck it," Hermione said. She nudged Draco and jumped up from her seat. "Finite."
Draco sighed. Change of plans, it seemed the beginning of their payback for everything Dolores had inflicted on their pack and countless others was set to begin.
"Dolores Umbridge. True or false, did you harm the Heir to my House?" Hermione accused as she strode towards those gathered.
Their kin in the back rows had gotten up from their seats and were now gathered on the staircase toward the front. They wanted to get a good view of Hermione in action.
"What are you talking about, girl?" Dolores sniffed, her arms folded over her chest.
"Kingsley, release Lucius's chains for goodness sake," Hermione said calmly as she reached her future Father-in-law.
Kingsley waved his wand, and all of Lucius's chains fell from his person. The man rubbed at his wrists, and crossed one leg over the other. He was content to stay right where he was. He had the best view.
"I'd forgotten that you are quite dotish. Did you or did you not use a blood quill to permanently scar the heir to House Potter?" Hermione prompted, she clasped her hands behind her back.
Dolores's lips were pressed into a thin line.
"It's a simple yes or no question, Dolores. If you refuse to answer then I request the use of Veritaserum."
"You have no right to make such demands," Fudge said, pointing his finger at Hermione in feeble protest.
Draco cleared his throat, and shoved his hands into his pockets. "She might not have the official right, but I do." As a member of the Wizengamot, he more than had a right.
"If it is believed that the heir to a house has been harmed in any manner, it is the right of their head of house or their proxy, to investigate and dole out punishment to the convicted offenders as they see fit," Hermione said with a sweet smile.
"With agreement by a majority vote as reached by other members of the Wizengamot. That, or you duel to the death," Emma added. She cocked her head to the side. "Nice to see you alive and kicking, Potter."
"You as well, Vanity. Tonks says nice things. Mentioned you make scrumptious scones."
"I dabble," Vanity said with a wicked grin. They might not have spoken much in school, but there was a mutual respect formed between the witches. Especially since she'd witnessed Hermione besting her upperclassmen more than once.
Those who had attended Hogwarts at the same time as the Potter siblings, knew that it was best you avoided vexing Hermione Potter. Before you ended up on the other end of her wand. Dolores had missed the memo, and all of Hermione's unbridled ire was about to be levied at the toad-faced witch.
"How would you like to proceed, Dolores? Duel to the death or Veritaserum? You should think carefully before you make your decision. Personally, I know what I would pick," Hermione said. She shook her head in a mocking yet sympathetic fashion, one hand to her chest. Vanity snorted at the sight.
There was leftover Veritaserum from Lucius's trial. In a flash Dolores would be able to take a dose.
"I can show you the scars, if that is what is required to get things moving," Hermione stated coldly. "One way or the next, you are going to pay for the crimes you have committed, Dolores."
"Your reluctance, Madam Undersecretary, is indicative of your guilt," Lucius purred. "I say we bring it to a vote, and whilst we are at it, we should uncover the truth of Miss Umbridge's involvement in the war."
"What do you mean, Malfoy?" Fudge spat. "Madam Umbridge was under an Imperius curse cast by one of your lot."
"No, I don't believe she was. Don't take a reformed Death Eater's word for it, but Madam Umbridge was never afflicted by an Imperius curse. Every atrocity she committed both willingly and of sound mind." Lucius cavalierly examined his nails as he spoke.
"He's lying," Dolores hissed between her tightly-clenched teeth.
"Prove it," Draco declared. "This is no longer a request. You have spilt the blood of the heir to our house and perjured yourself before this court. It only stands to reason you be questioned in regards to these claims."
"Before we move onto that bit of business, what terms and retribution would you like to seek on behalf of the heir apparent of House Potter?" Emma asked, she waved a finger around absently, dark eyes glinting with vicious laughter.
Not many people liked Dolores, but she had gained status and power alongside her ally Cornelius Fudge. She wasn't the easiest person to take umbrage with. Emma was gleefully taking the opportunity that had been gifted to her.
"Dolores Umbridge should be stripped of her title as Madam Undersecretary, along with her immediate removal from the Wizengamot," Hermione paused and the Wizengamot members seemed to think she was done.
Hermione cleared her throat. "I also propose that we empty her vaults and have the funds distributed to the werewolf sanctuaries to aid with reparations for the discriminatory legislation that she's been spearheading for years."
At that, protests kicked up. Werewolves were feared by the general population. Greyback's influence and leadership of packs of desperate, starving, oppressed werewolves in the war didn't help.
"They were pushed to the brink by the legislation Umbridge put into place. She headed initiatives to take away their ability to get jobs, medical attention and thus feed themselves. She backed them into a corner to the point where they craved salvation. Greyback was despicable but he gave them hope and ruled through fear," Hermione snarled. Her hair was floating and sparking at the ends.
Dolores refused to meet anyone's eye, her nose thrust haughtily into the air and you could see straight up her nostrils.
"Finally, I request that she spend a minimum of a year in Azkaban." Hermione said, no room for argument in her tone.
"I must say, things are never boring when you are around, Miss Potter," Lucius smirked.
"Azkaban, that is outrageous, you cannot possibly wish to send her to Azkaban," Cornelius whispered in horror. The portly man had gone ghastly pale, yet splotches of pink were on his rounded cheeks.
"Cornelius, I recommend you remain silent, before I request that you are also thrown in Azkaban for the wrongful imprisonment of Sirius Black. Wrongful imprisonment where the man was not given a trial, a luxury that I am sure you will be afforded in the future." Hermione snapped, slivers of her ferocious rage slipping through the cracks.
Cornelius's mouth cemented shut instantly; eager to save his own hide. Dolores was afloat in Hermione's raging seas in a sinking ship with no allies left.
Dolores was not content to remain silent a moment longer. She withdrew her wand from her robes, her eyes bloodshot and bulging as she aimed her wand in Hermione's direction. "How dare you, girl! You think you can spout rubbish and have everyone follow along with your nonsensical ideas?"
"Lower your wand, Dolores," Kingsley warned.
Tonks and Jameson's wands were in their hands in the blink of an eye, but Emma subtly shook her head. They couldn't involve themselves yet.
Hermione flicked up the edge of her cherry red flare skirt and slipped her wand from its holster. "If toad-face wishes to play, we can play."
Dolores stepped down to the front bench, to the left of Emma. Hermione carefully side-stepped until they were face-to-face. Hermione settled into a loose, defensive stance.
"Hermione," Kingsley warned. Emma held up a hand.
Draco ignored Emma, his heart was pounding in his chest. He knew Hermione could handle herself, he knew Dolores could not hold a candle to Hermione's talent and magical capabilities, but fear still threaded his veins.
"Love," Draco said gently, holding his hands out towards her.
"I did not start this fight, Kings. I am merely finishing it."
Hermione didn't tear her eyes away from Dolores. "Draco, love. I will be fine."
"Let the record show that both parties are entering into this impromptu duel willingly, and no criminal penalisation will befall either of them whatever the outcome," Emma said in a harsh whisper, gesturing at Percy. Percy huffed, and muttered under his breath, but made the notes as she requested. Worry was in Percy's eyes.
Their friends gathered on the staircase were all solemn-faced and clinging close together. Paternal concern puckered Arthur's brow.
"You little whore. You sullied yourself with a werewolf, and now you disgrace this institution with your presence," Dolores snarled, her eyes flashed before she yelled, "incendio!"
Draco's heart stopped beating for three rapid breaths.
Hermione's lip curled in delight, and she soundlessly flicked her wrist to the right and made a smooth, circular motion. Hermione captured Umbridge's flames, and wove them into a whip that obeyed her command. Hermione pointed her wand, flicked her wrist to the left, and a brilliant, hissing whip of flame lashed against the front of Dolores.
Hermione's control was so precise that no one else was caught by the whip of flames. Dolores's skin sizzled and the scent of burning flesh filled the room. Dolores let out a great shout in terrible agony.
Hermione dispelled the flames. Dolores stumbled back and fell against the bench, groaning and moaning. The whip had made a diagonal slash from the left side of her forehead above her eye to her right hip. Her clothes were scorched, and in tatters but still covering her modesty. Several layers of skin had been burned off, and it was bubbly on the surface.
Fudge was at her side in an instant, hands hovering over her wounds. He couldn't heal her without permission.
Draco's heart galloped in his chest, and he fought to steady his breathing. Bloody witch is going to be the end of me, Drack thought.
"I, Emma Vanity state that Dolores Umbridge will be taken into custody and questioned to determine the validity of the claims lobbied against her. Pensieve memories should reveal the truth," Emma said with a sneer in Dolores's direction.
"The rest of the Potter's requests will be reviewed and voted upon at a later date after Madam Umbridge's interrogation.
Kingsley dragged a hand down his face haggardly. "With that, I believe our business for today has concluded. Mister Malfoy expect to receive an owl from the Auror Department tomorrow with the terms of your parole."
Normally, members of the Wizengamot would disperse at this point. Their responsibilities finished. No one moved a hair, too enthralled by the events transpiring before their very eyes.
"She may receive medical treatment, but make sure it scars," Hermione growled as Emma gestured for Tonks and Jameson to take Dolores into custody.
"How generous of you, Potter. If it turns out that she was a willing participant in the atrocities she committed during the war, a scar will be the least of her worries," Emma eyed Hermione carefully. "You knew it would turn out this way."
Hermione smiled softly and softly shrugged. "Lucky guess."
Sirius swept past Draco and headed over to Hermione. "Hermione Jean Potter," Sirius said directly into Hermione's ear. Cinnamon and leather caressed her nostrils. He swept her up into his arms, hands cradling the back of her head, the other secured around her waist. "You mad, brilliant witch."
Draco was rooted to the spot. Breathing evenly was a challenge; his heart was still racing.
"Hermione did all of that for Remus and I," Harry marvelled lowly as stopped beside Draco. He threw an arm around Draco's shoulders and tugged him towards him.
"You're family, there's nothing we wouldn't do for you," Draco heaved out. He dropped his head against Harry's, and lazily put a hand around Harry's waist.
Behind them, Andromeda and Narcissa strolled over to Lucius arm-in-arm. Lucius reached for his wife with an openly-soft expression. She sat sideways in his lap, an arm around his neck, playing with his fine, silvery blond hair.
Lucius rested a large hand to her swollen belly, his thumbs stroked up and down. He gazed down in wonder as the baby kicked.
"Congratulations on your freedom, Lucius," Andromeda smiled, resting a hand on her sister's shoulder.
"Thank you, Andromeda. I do have a measly favour to ask of you."
"Go on," Andromeda said with an indulgent smile and raised eyebrows.
"May we stay with you tonight? The bloody sand at the cottage is horrendous."