A/N: please note that I will continue to update and edit chapters even after they've already been published.

Thanks for everyone who faved and followed.

This chapter was a little rough to work my way through, it has been weeks and weeks in the making. However! Good news is that it will be a longer chapter, and it keeps getting a little easier each time I come back to write.

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Hermione stood shoulder to shoulder with Harry in the empty hallway, save for the single wizard who stood next to the large looming doors ahead. She reached down and squeezed his hand comfortingly, and he squeezed back. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and turned to look at Ron who stood on her other side. Hermione studied him, his eyes full of worry and his face pinched with words he held back. She was grateful that he kept his feelings on the matter to himself. This was already hard enough without feeling the added guilt of knowing that Ron was upset and didn't understand why she needed to do this. Harry knew. He understood. He understood so well in fact, that he agreed and offered to do the same, as soon as she told them where she planned to spend her day.

She leaned forwards and kissed Ron softly on the cheek. Everyone had expected them to get together after the war ended. Things had fallen into place after their spontaneous kiss in the Chamber of Secrets. With Ron things were easy, familiar. Which is exactly what Hermione needed. She needed his solid, unwavering heart while she helped to rebuild Hogwarts and continued the search for her parents. It felt as though the war had exposed every single nerve in her body and that she was just floating through life.

The night terrors made it impossible to get any real sleep. It was always Ron who shook her awake as she screamed and thrashed. It was Ron who held her as she cried and fell back asleep, only to be sucked into another nightmare. And yet he never complained, for which Hermione was truly grateful.

Taking a deep breath she glanced at Harry whose face was set with determination. Wiggling her fingers in a quick farewell at Ron she turned to face the large door. Harry nodded at the wizard who stood as gatekeeper, who nodded back, before pushing the doors open and ushering them inside.

The large room was filled with members of the Wizengamot and a few select reporters. Heads turned as the doorman stepped aside to reveal Harry and Hermione. They were led towards the few empty seats that remained. A few scattered witches and wizards stood up and clapped for the pair as they walked past. Harry and Hermione hastily sat down, out of sight to avoid too much unwanted attention.

At the bang of the gavel Hermione grabbed ahold of Harry's hand again. He gave it a gentle squeeze, looking at her out of the corner of his eye before returning his gaze forward to the Wizengamot. Madame Marchbanks was presiding over the hearings, Hermione was pleased to see. She would be fair but just. Madame Marchbanks gestured to the Auror who stood next to the steel cell in the center of the room. The Auror flicked his wand and from the depths of the Ministry rose the first Death Eater for whom the trial would be held: Lucius Malfoy.

His face was gaunt and sallow, and he looked as though a strong breeze might blow him over. His face was a indifferent mask, his only emotions were in his eyes that flashed angrily as they read out the laundry list of crimes.

The hearing for Lucius Malfoy went quickly and the court unceremoniously announced the unanimous decision of a life sentence to Azkaban, no chance of parole. He sneered at the room but said nothing as his sentence was read. Hermione stiffened as she met his eyes briefly before he was swallowed again by the bowels of the Ministry.

There was hardly a pause before the next prisoner was brought forwards. Prison had not been kind to Narcissa. Her normally perfectly coiffed hair was hanging raggedly down her back. Eyes bloodshot and rimmed with dark circles. The only indication of her fear was her magically bound hands that shook slightly. Hermione felt her stomach churn with pity for the woman who stood before her, a shadow of her former self.

Madame Marchbanks gazed at Narcissa Malfoy over the rims of her glasses. "The court will now hear the case of Narcissa Malfoy who stands accused of the following: Being an accessory to and participating in the use of unforgivable curses on innocents- including both wizardkind and muggles, harboring escaped criminals: Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rudolphus Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, and convicted criminals: Evan Rosier, Antonin Dolohov, Fenrir Greyback, and Tom Riddle formally known as Lord Voldemort. Mrs Malfoy how do you plead?"

Narcissa visibly inhaled and let out a breath before replying, her voice wavering. "Guilty."

Harsh whispers broke out, bulbs flashed as more cameras went off. Madame Marchbanks banged her gavel again to quiet the court room.

"Mrs. Malfoy, do you have anything to say in your own defense?"

Narcissa shook her head, her lips pressed together so hard that they could hardly be seen. Madame Marchbanks raised her eyebrows slightly and addressed Narcissa again. "Mrs. Malfoy do you have any witnesses with you today?" Narcissa shook her head again.

Harry gave Hermione's hand one last squeeze before clearing his throat and standing up. "I would like to be a witness Madame Marchbanks." His voice echoed slightly across the silent courtroom, Narcissa turned her head to look at Harry, her eyes full of tears.

"The court recognizes Mr. Harry Potter, standing as a witness." Madame Marchbanks gestured at Harry to begin speaking.

Harry fiddled with his glasses, pushing them further up his face and ran his hand through his hair. "I believe that Mrs. Malfoy did all of the things that she stands accused of. But what I do not believe is that she did those things willingly. Mrs Malfoy was forced to host Lord Voldemort in her home, as well as a number of criminals by her own husband. She was also forced under fear of her own life to preform unforgivable curses. Narcissa Malfoy was terrified for her own life and for the life of her child." Harry's voice was strong and determined. "Were it not for Narcissa Malfoy, I believe that we would not have won the war." Whispers broke out from all over the courtroom, but Harry continued on giving no indication he could hear them. "After Voldemort used the killing curse on me and failed, he sent Mrs Malfoy to check to see if I was alive. Mrs Malfoy felt my heartbeat, but lied to Voldemort. The Wizengamot is welcome to my memory of this if they wish to see for themselves."

Harry nodded to Madame Marchbanks and sat down again."Thank you for your testimony Harry, the Wizengamot will take a moment to deliberate whether they would like to see your memory of the event."

A few heartbeats passed as Madame Marchbanks spoke with the head Auror and two other members of the Wizengamot. After a brief discussion the head Auror looked up and motioned for Harry to come forward. He stood up and took the short walk to the front of the court room. The head Auror spoke to Harry in hushed, but sharp tones, Harry nodding emphatically at the wizard before bringing his wand up to his temple and closing his eyes in concentration. Whisps of milky white formed against the wand as Harry pulled it from his head.

Fascinated, Hermione watched. When on earth did Harry find time to learn that spell?

Harry handed the memory over to the head Auror before hastily making his way back to Hermione. They watched in silence as Madame Marchbanks, the head Auror and one of the other members of the Wizengamont placed their heads into the pensive. After 5 minutes, they re-emerged, nodded at each other before returning to their respective seats.

"The Wizengamot and Auror department have determined that the memory submitted by Mr. Potter to be untampered with and correlate with the events described as per his testimony." Madame Marchbanks announced.

Hermione snorted softly at bureaucracy of it all. Yes, the Savior of the Wizarding world would tamper with his memories in order to set a suspected criminal free. Brilliantly done Wizengamot. Harry nudged her shoulder and rolled his eyes.

"We will now vote. All those in favor at a life sentence in Azkaban?" A few hands scattered across the courtroom were raised. "All those in favor of a reduced sentence of a five year house arrest?" More than half of the hands in the courtroom were raised. The gavel banged again. "The prisoner will be released to the head Auror for transportation to Malfoy Manor and will be subject to a two year confiscation of her wand." The cell door opened and the head Auror walked to meet Narcissa, his hand roughly clasping her shoulder as he directed her out of the room. Madame Marchbanks rose from her seat. "We will take a short break before continuing with the trials."

Harry and Hermione stayed in their seats, not wanting to risk the chance at being bombarded by the press. Hermione turned to Harry. "What did the Auror say to you before you gave him your memory?"

"Oh just some bullocks about did I really understand seriousness of submitting my memories and was I sure I wanted to provide evidence in favor of Narcissa, blah blah blah. The old codger was trying to convince me not to do it."

Hermione let out a small noise of disdain. "That's illegal! Why is it that no matter what you do to save the wizarding world they still treat you like some kid who doesn't know his wand from his broomstick?"

Harry shrugged. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked, eyes searching hers.

"No. But I'm going to do it anyways."

Harry patted her leg lightly and didn't say anything else.


They sat in silence as the members of the court slowly made their way back to their seats. Hermione focused on her breathing as the room quieted again, Madame Marchbanks taking up her seat at the head of the courtroom. She nodded to the head Auror once more who sharply swished his wand and another cell was brought to the surface of the courtroom.

Draco Malfoy was even more gaunt than his father. His hands slightly bloodied, and what appeared to be a fresh bruise across his jaw. Malfoy, to his credit did not show any fear, his face blank and eyes hollow as he stared straight ahead, not meeting the gaze of anyone in the courtroom.

"The court will now hear the case of Draco Lucius Malfoy who stands accused of the following: Actively participating in forbidden Dark Arts- including being magically branded a follower of Tom Riddle formerly known as Lord Voldemort, Being an accessory to and participating in the use of unforgivable curses on innocents- including torture of schoolchildren, adult wizardkind, squibs and muggles, conspiring to and the attempted murder of Albus Dumbledore, kidnapping of Garrick Ollivander, Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Mr. Malfoy how do you plead to these charges?"

"I plead guilty." His voice was low and raspy.

Madame Marchbanks had paled slightly but cleared her throat and continued on. "These are serious charges Mr Malfoy-"

Draco cut her off with a harsh laugh. "I'm aware."

Madame Marchbanks glared at Malfoy over the rims of her glasses. "This is a courtroom Mr. Malfoy. Impertinence will not be tolerated."

Draco clenched his jaw but said nothing.

"As I was saying. These are very serious charges Mr Malfoy. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

"No, Madame Marchbanks." His words were meant to be mocking, Hermione was sure, but the usual disdain and bite were missing from his tone.

"Do you have any witnesses to speak on your behalf here today Mr Malfoy?"

"No, I do not." He rasped.

Seconds passed as cameras flashed. Hermione reached blindly for Harry's hand with her shaking one and latched on. She took two deep breaths, steeling her nerves. Abruptly she stood up "Madame Marchbanks, I would like to be a witness on behalf of Draco Malfoy."

The room erupted, no one bothering to keep their voices down now. Hermione was grateful that she was holding Harry's hand as she felt herself swaying slightly and blinked away the spots from the bright flashes of camera light. Madame Marchbanks didn't bother to hide her disbelief.

"Miss Granger are you quite sure?" Hermione nodded, refusing to look anywhere in Malfoy's direction. "Very well then, the court recognizes Hermione Granger standing as a witness."

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot. It is no secret to anyone here that I am a muggleborn witch. To say that Draco Malfoy hated me would be putting it mildly. But in spite of all that, I am here to today to tell you that I believe that the reason I am standing here today is because Draco Malfoy saved my life."

Hermione glanced around the courtroom and saw Rita Skeeter's mouth agape, many members of the Wizengamot staring at her incredulously. She cleared her throat and waited for the whispers to die down.

"While on the run hunting down pieces of Voldemort's soul to destroy; Harry, Ron and myself were taken captive by Snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor. I had cast a stinging jinx at Harry in an attempt to try and keep him from being recognized prior to us being taken. When we arrived at the Manor, Lucius Malfoy called for Draco to come and identify us. Since Harry's face was so disfigured it may have been difficult for him to accurately identify Harry but he would have been more than capable to identify myself and Ron. However when the time came, Draco Malfoy made the choice to not identify us to either his father or Bellatrix Lestrange. I cannot tell you why he made that choice. All I know is that he did."

She felt Harry squeeze her hand, and Madame Marchbanks gazed her Hermione with her eyebrows raised. "Thank you Miss Granger. Do you have anything else to add?"

"I do actually. After Draco refused to identify us, Ron and Harry were both sent down to the Manor cellar while Bellatrix Lestrange kept me in the drawing room. She was absolutely livid, as she thought we had broken into her Gringotts vault. Bellatrix then proceeded to use the Cruciatus curse on me multiple times and mutilate my arm with a cursed blade." Hermione was sure that everyone could probably hear how loud her heart was pounding. "I cannot be sure how long I was under the Cruciatus for, or what was even going on around me. I don't remember much from that day to be honest with you. What I do remember is being in so much pain that I honestly thought it might be better to die and convincing myself I probably would be dying that day. I looked into the eyes of Draco Malfoy and all I saw was my own pain reflected back at me. He was horrified. And all of a sudden it was like someone dumped ice water on me. I was still in pain but it was tolerable. My thoughts were clearer and I felt like I had more control over my mind again. It is my belief that Draco Malfoy used Legilimency on me that day, to stop the pain as much as he could and to keep me from losing my mind."

Members of the Wizengamot were shouting at this point and Madam Marchbanks had to bang her gavel several times in order to silence everyone.

"In conclusion, I would also like to mention that after the Battle of Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy did not run away like the rest of Voldemort's supporters. He stayed behind to help with the clean up and with the injured. It is my belief that Draco Malfoy was not an active supporter of Voldemort or his teachings and that he was forced into taking the Dark Mark by his father. Draco Malfoy is a victim of Lord Voldemort. Just like his mother. Just like the rest of us. Thank you for your time." Hermione sat down as abruptly as she stood up. She felt Harry's arms circling around her shoulders and buried her face in his chest letting out a small stifled sob. She could feel him exaggerating his breathing and eventually she felt herself matching his breathing with her own. Hermione sat up and felt Harry brushing the tears from her cheeks.

She turned to face the courtroom again, and saw Madam Marchbanks staring at their exchange, pity in her eyes. "Thank you Miss Granger for your testimony." Hermione nodded.

Harry raised his arm quickly, waving before they could move on but remained seated holding on to Hermione. "Madame Marchbanks! I would also like to be a witness on behalf of Draco Malfoy. The night of the murder of Professor Dumbledore, I was there hidden. I saw as Malfoy lowered his wand when Professor Dumbledore offered to protect him and his family from Voldemort. And that night in the Manor when we escaped from the cellar, I believe that Malfoy willingly let me take his wand from him as we were getting away. I have dueled Malfoy before and I know that he is quite good at it. It was little effort for me to disarm him that night. I agree with Hermione's statement and I also believe that Malfoy was an unwilling Death Eater just trying to stay alive."

Hermione noticed a small smile flit across Madame Marchbanks' face at Harry's lack to formality with the court. "Thank you Mr Potter for your testimony."

Harry grinned sheepishly and shot a quick wink at Hermione who snorted softly. Cheeky git. Hermione turned her attention back to Madam Marchbanks as she began to speak.

"We will now vote. All those in favor of a life sentence to Azkaban?" Hermione held her breath as only two hands were raised. "All those in favor of a reduced sentence due to the accused being a minor at the time of his crimes?" The rest of the members of the Wizengamot raised their hands. The gavel bangedagain. "Mr Malfoy, your reduced sentencing will include: a probationary period of 3 years wherein your magic and wand will be monitored, mandatory return and completion of Year 8 at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry under the supervision of Headmistress McGonagall, monthly check ins with an Auror who will be overseeing your probation and completing random wand checks throughout your sentence, and as you are now head of House Malfoy due to your father's incarceration you will pay a fine of 1, 000 000 galleons to be directed towards the rebuilding of Hogwarts. Furthermore you are forbidden from leaving the country for a maximum of 5 years, and any new residence must be signed off by your probationary Auror. Should you fail to pass your probationary checks or any of these stipulations breached you will be arrested and sentenced to life in Azkaban. Do you have any questions?"

Malfoy shook his head but remained silent.

"Mr. Malfoy, you should know that the only reason you are leaving here today is because of the testimony of Miss Granger. Do not waste this opportunity to save the Malfoy name."

He raised his eyes to look at Hermione. Hermione raised her chin stubbornly and met his unwavering gaze. Eventually Malfoy broke eye contact as his cell door was opened and he was forcibly removed by an Auror. Hermione watched as he stumbled out his cell, pulling against the rough Auror's hands.

"Let go of me, I don't need to be manhandled like some dog." He spat as he wrenched his arm from the Auror's grasp.

Hermione stood, not wanting to be in the courtroom any longer than she needed to be. They quickly descended from their seats and out of the courtroom.

"Granger! Wait!" Hermione stopped just in front of the doors as a voice rang out, Harry stumbling into her. She turned around and was met with the gaunt form of Draco Malfoy. He looked even worse up close, skin sallow and waxy, face littered with old cuts and bruises.

"Merlin Malfoy, what the hell did they do to you down there?" Harry said, eyes wide.

Draco ignored Harry, but narrowed his eyes. "Granger... you didn't have to do that. You probably shouldn't have done that."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow up. "You're welcome, Draco."

"I didn't say thank you." He scowled.

Hermione shrugged "I extrapolated."

"You're going to be dragged through the ringer for this in the The Daily Prophet, you know. The war hero defending the Death Eater spawn."

Hermione snorted at this. "It wouldn't be the first time they've slandered my name in that rag, and it probably won't be the last."

He gave her a calculated look, his face still a mask.

"Granger, you coming here today and telling them what happened... Well. It was completely daft of you, and you'll probably regret it. But.. for what it's worth you have my gratitude. I would shake your hand but Salazar knows the last time I had a shower."

Harry chuckled at the omission and put a hand on Hermione's shoulder tugging her towards the door. "Come on Mione. I'm sure Ron is waiting for us."

Hermione nodded but didn't turn away. She searched Draco's face, "Why did you do it?"

"Brightest bloody Witch of our Age. I shouldn't be surprised you realized what I'd done." He sighed heavily. "I know exactly how a few rounds of the Cruciatus from Aunt Bella feels, Granger. I wish someone had taken the pain away for me."

Not giving her time to answer, Draco turned and walked towards the Auror waiting to transport him.

"I think Malfoy had one too many knocks to the head in Azkaban." Harry remarked mildly, taking Hermione's hand and leading her out the door.

Ron was indeed waiting for them as they exited the courtroom. He tucked Hermione into his side and started firing questions at them. Harry ran through the court proceedings with Ron while Hermione stayed silent, thoughts racing, contemplating Draco's words.

"... just around the corner. What do you think Mione?" Hermione was startled back to Ron and Harry's conversation by the sound of her name.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Food. There's a new place in Diagon that just opened round the corner from the joke shop."

"Oh, sure sounds lovely Ron."

They pushed their way through the crowds of reporters and into the Floo. Hermione holding both Harry and Ron's hands as they whisked her away from the Ministy, pushing all thoughts of the trial of Draco Malfoy from her mind.