Chapter 16

The trial ran all morning and into the afternoon. Three times during the first hour, Lancaster disrupted Auror witness testimony and Hermione's evidence presentation. After the third outburst, Kingsley ordered an Auror to magically silence him. It was just past 2 p.m. when Hermione stated that the prosecution was concluded.

"Very well, Miss Granger. Once the defense has concluded their case, you may make your final case statement. "

The defense recalled two more prosecution witnesses for repeat testimony before they rested their case. Hermione stood to make her statement.

"Minister, Interrogators, and Wizengamot members, today we've heard oath-rendered testimony and saw evidence of the heinous torture and murder of not just someone named Auror Macmillan; he was Ernie, who was also son, a brother, a friend. He was deprived the privilege of a long, fruitful, promising life and was the last Macmillan male of his line. The testimony you've heard is irrefutable, as is the trail of evidence and past criminal history of Addison Lancaster, the accused sitting before you today. He has expressed absolutely no remorse for his crimes, and we believe he is a hazard not fit to be set loose on society. To that end, the prosecution asks for incarceration in Azkaban for the rest of his natural life, with no possibility of parole. Thank you for your time."

She took a seat and sipped from a glass of water. The defense advocate made his statement and Kingsley announced that a verdict would be returned within the hour, and for all parties to return in that time. She sighed and took a seat. The Aurors took Lancaster from the chambers.

"Let's get something to eat," Hermione said.

While they were waiting in line at the canteen, Harry joined them, greeting Hermione with a quick kiss.

"Lunch is on me, for these two fine ladies of the law," Harry said to the cashier.

"I had the biggest, best steak of my life when I went to Las Vegas. I wish they had that here for lunch," Hermione said, "but for now, sandwich and crisps will suffice. They might come back with a verdict soon."

Harry chose his usual sandwich and soda, while Clarice chose a curry rice dish. They sat and chatted while they ate.

"Why did the advocate call those two Aurors back for questioning? He asked the same questions as before," Clarice pointed out.

"Defense tactic, to have us wondering why he called them back, to see if they'd say something different. Or to stall," Hermione said.

"So it happens often?" Clarice asked.

"Yes, but we have a rock-solid case, there's no legal holes for him to poke," Hermione said. "He's under obligation to defend his client as vigorously as possible."

"Even when it's obvious he's guilty as sin?" Clarice asked.

"That's the life of a defense advocate," Hermione said with a shrug.

"Are you going to eat that?" Hermione asked, gesturing to Harry's uneaten sandwich.

"Not really hungry as I thought," he said. "Seeing those pictures was unsettling."

She squeezed his hand in sympathy. It couldn't have been easy for him to see the pictures of an old Hogwarts mate and veteran Auror, eyes that were once a vibrant blue now staring blankly in death. It wasn't easy for anyone, but necessary. Percy Weasley, a Wizengamot official, came into the canteen and surveyed the diners. He spotted the three and made his way to their table.

"Hermione, they've returned with a verdict," he said, glancing at the other two.

Harry ignored him and took a sip of his soda. The Weasleys may have forgiven him for his past behavior, but Harry wasn't sure he ever would forgive him for treating his own family the way he did.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Hermione replied.

Percy paused for a moment at the formal address before leaving the canteen. Apparently, Hermione had a hard time forgiving him as well.

"That was quick, only twenty minutes," Clarice said.

"Let's hope it's a good quick," Hermione said.


Minutes later, the defense and prosecution stood as the Wizengamot members returned to their seats. Kingsley nodded to the clerk and spoke.

"Mr. Cudney, Miss Granger, you are to be commended for your handling of this difficult case."

He indicated for the Aurors to bring Lancaster to his feet.

"Addison Lancaster, the Wizengamot finds you guilty of the highest degree of assault and murder of Auror Ernest Macmillan. As such, you are hereby sentenced to Azkaban Prison for the entirety of your natural life, with no possibility of parole. This sentence is to be carried out immediately and your wand will be snapped in half and burned. Let this be recorded on the 30th day of October in the year 2009. This trial is concluded."

Hermione and Clarice arrived back at their office to general applause. Allbright brought them into his office, got their impressions of the case, and gave them the rest of the day off. Hermione gathered her things and sent Harry a message that she would be at home. At her flat, she flipped through the stack of mail in her owl post bin and set it aside to read after a nap. She went to the bedroom to find her costume hanging on the wardrobe door. She read the note attached.

Herms-
I hope you like it. It's perfect, something that no one would ever see you wearing! Take a picture, or better yet, I'll drop by before the party.
Ginny

She changed out of her work clothes, took a quick shower, and laid down for a nap. The flat was quiet, which caused her to sigh. She had come to like having her parents and the baby in the house. Alone again.

After his work day was done, Harry stepped through Hermione's Floo. In her living room, her robe and handbag were on the couch. Her shoes were beside the easy chair and Crooks was standing in the corridor. The cat gave him a soft meow in greeting and went to the bedroom. He followed the cat, who leapt to the bed and sat beside his mistress, casually licking his paws. Hermione was asleep, sprawled out in a dressing gown, her hair spread all over the pillows.

He carefully sat next to her so as not to jostle the bed too much. He was content just to watch her sleep, but Crooks wasn't. He wanted her attention and food. He licked her hand, nudged her hip with his head, and moved to nuzzle his way through her hair to lick her ear. She sighed and swatted at whatever was on her ear before she woke. She rolled her eyes at that fact that Harry was just watching the scene with a grin on his face.

"I suppose this amuses you?" she asked as the cat continued to lick her ear. "He'll do this until I feed him."

"Then let's get him fed, then I get can get his mum fed," he said. "We have a date at Aberdeen Steak House tonight. I've got a hankering for New York Strip."

"Prime Rib and strawberry cheesecake for me," she said dreamily.



October 31, 2009

The light of the sunrise peeking through pale peach drapes found two lovers being woken by a cat.

"I'm shutting the door from now on," Hermione mumbled.

"I dunno, I think it's better than a noisy alarm clock," Harry said.

"It's early Saturday morning, there should be no fussy feline or alarm clock," she said sleepily.

"If it's any comfort, you look rather fetching first thing in the morning," he said.

Crooks pounced on Hermione's hand that moved under the duvet.

"All right, cat! I'm up," she fussed and summoned her dressing robe, mumbling as she shoved her arms into the sleeves.

"I'll start a shower," he said, chuckling at her morning grumpiness.

She returned from the kitchen to find him in the shower, surprising him a bit when she opened the door to find him stroking himself.

"I should have tossed the cat out the door and taken care of that in bed," she said.

"You can come in here and take care of it if you'd like," he said.

She shrugged off the dressing robe and eagerly joined him in the shower.

**

"Sure you don't want some?" she asked.

He eyed her large bowl of muesli and yogurt with a moue of distaste and patted his box of Weetabix Chocolate Crisp cereal. "I'm good with this, thanks."

He watched her scrape the last of the yogurt from the bowl and wipe her mouth.

"You know how I visit my parent's grave every year on this day?" he asked.

She nodded and squeezed his hand.

"I usually go alone, but I'd really like it if you'd go with me this time," he said. "I mean...I don't want to bum you out or anything by going to a graveyard, and--"

"Love, of course I'll go with you. Say no more. We can get a beautiful bouquet of flowers to leave with them."

They dressed warmly after breakfast and went to Godric's Hollow. There were several bunches of flowers already at the Potter graves. A reporter for The Daily Prophet was also there, standing outside of the graveyard gates, taking notes as the couple approached. When the reporter opened his mouth to say something to Harry, Hermione whipped out her wand and cast a silencing charm on him. Harry smirked at his look of outrage.

"It'll be easier to ignore him," she said and the two continued through the gate, paying no more mind to the outraged reporter.

He placed the large bouquet of lilies, daisies and gladiolus above their graves.

"Mum, Dad, I brought along a visitor today. You know Hermione, I've talked about her a lot over the years. The last time she was here with me wasn't such a good time, but now it is. Times are good, especially when you're with someone you love, but you already knew that, didn't you? You're together in peace, I know you are, and that's the reason I'm able to get through this day."

Hermione draped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.

"Dumbledore once said that the ones who truly love us never really leave us. It's true, you know. I see it here, I see it everywhere. Your love started it, and it's the reason I'm standing here today with someone I love. I guess that's it until next year. I love you, bye."

As the two left the graveyard, two spirits appeared at the Potter grave and saw Harry and Hermione looking at the statue of James, Lily, and baby Harry.

"You don't think the Samhain legends are true about today, do you? About the spirits of loved ones crossing over?" Hermione asked.

"Has a spirit ever paid you a visit? On this day or any other day?" Harry asked, amused at the question, this from the smartest, most logical person he knew. "It's a myth, but it would be nice to see them, if only for a little while."

The two left with a pop of Apparition.

"We love you too, sweetheart," the red-headed spirit whispered.


That night...

Ginny was helping Hermione get her costume properly arranged. Ginny found it hilarious that she had to do it, but because it was Hermione sporting the kit, it was necessary. At a sound from the lounge, both stopped and listened.

"Was that the Floo?" Ginny asked.

"Can you go and see who it is? If it's Harry, I want to make a grand surprise entrance," Hermione said, tugging at a thick piece of leather at her elbow.

"It'll be a surprise all right," Ginny said and left the bedroom.

She came to a skidding stop in the lounge at the sight of Harry. "Well, don't you look...dashing!"

"Mr. Granger helped me with it," he said as Ginny examined his uniform from all angles. "So it looks all right?"

"I'll be out in a minute!" was heard from the bedroom.

"I had to help her with her costume, you'll know why when you see her."

"Now I'm curious," he said.

They heard the bedroom door open. Both Hermione and Harry looked at each other, gobsmacked at each other's appearance. Harry burst out in laughter.

"Now that is something I never thought to see you in!" he exclaimed, marveling over Hermione's incredibly realistic professional Quidditch player's uniform.

"It's my old kit, without all the Harpie's stuff all over it, down to the elbow pads and bootlaces!" Ginny said proudly, as if she were presenting Hermione in a bridal gown.

"Of course I would never wear something like this, but that's kind of the point tonight, isn't it? The chance to be someone else, if only for a bit. What about you, Corporal Potter?"

She agreed with Ginny. He did look quite dashing in his Royal Marine Commando camouflage uniform. He took off his helmet and adjusted the sling of his fake weapon. She took measure of him, examining him from head to boot.

"Actually, I can see you doing that! You're already kind of like a commando, a wizard commando."

"You two are going to be the hit of the party!" Ginny said.

"You're not going?" Hermione asked.

"Wayne's on shift tonight, so I'm not going," Ginny replied. "Let me get my camera."

She dug in her handbag and had them stand in front of the fireplace. "Big smiles now, say banshee!"

**

Chapter End Notes:

Flower meanings:
Lillies (duh)
Gladiolus- strength of character
daisy- fidelity