A/N: Last week was a big one. Thanks for the reviews, fav's, and follows. Not sure why really, but hope this trend continues.
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12. Draco's Decision
"Are you mental?"
"No... and I think finally I've come to my senses."
"Our legal people can get you off this. The last thing you need is to go to that prison. This will destroy Astoria – and it may destroy you," Narcissa screamed bitterly.
"I don't need your help mother. The rest of this is my decision – my life. Do you understand?" Draco demanded.
"No, I don't understand – any of it," she said and began to sob.
Draco excused himself and left Narcissa to cry alone. Whatever action he took, it would be his decision and his decision alone. He was caught in the middle of three powerful witches and at the moment he was struggling for control of his life.
"And all over a Mudblood," she screamed as he left the room.
‡‡‡‡‡
After hearing Winky tell her story, Hermione had trouble sleeping. In the middle of the night, tossing and turning, she awoke in a cold sweat from a bad dream.
The dream had been terrifying. Being upset with his whole situation, Draco had gone to Azkaban prison by his on accord. Hungry Dementors were gathering around him to eagerly feed on the captive wizard. One by one they took turns extracting their fill of joy and hope from the helpless blonde prisoner. At last, when there was no more happiness to give, they began to go for something much more precious. The unconscious wizard lay on the floor of a dirty prison cell. His mouth gaped open as a little ball of light began to escape from his lips. The precious ball of light was his soul. But it was not just his soul they were after as Hermione could feel her own soul being pulled from the depths of her bosom. The two souls were linked in the dream and she could feel all hope and joy and her very life being pulled away.
Wide awake now, cold and shaking, she got out of bed and struggled to the kitchen for a drink of water. She cradled her glass of water at the kitchen table until the effects of the dream faded. She would speak with Kingsley tomorrow, but she was unsure how much of the story she should tell. Doing her best to clear the bad thoughts out her head, she returned to bed and slept the rest of the night without incident.
Barely finishing her cup of coffee, Hermione had rushed to the Ministry and was clattering down the marble floored halls nearly an hour early. She got a quick note off to Kingsley's assistant and receptionist to arrange a meeting as soon as possible. It was nearly mid-morning before the response arrived. She quickly made her way under the gilded archway and paused in the waiting area in front of Kingsley's office. The perky receptionist was not at her desk but the heavy door to Kingsley's office could be heard to open.
"Right this way Miss – the Minister can see you now," she said, coming out of Kingsley's office with a wide smile.
"Thank you," Hermione said in a professional voice.
Kingsley was standing beside his desk with a curious look on his face.
"Morning Hermione – what's new?" he asked casually and gestured toward the large leather chair.
"Thank you," she muttered in response to the gesture. "I have news sir."
"Really – what kind of news Hermione," he said and returned to his chair behind the large mahogany desk.
"It's about Draco sir," she said and Kingsley returned an expression of scrutiny. "There's a rumor he's considering Azkaban instead of returning to his work assignment."
"What – you mean dropping the legal proceedings for the appeal?"
"It was never Draco that instigated the legal proceeding sir, it was Narcissa Malfoy," she said.
"That's interesting. But how did you come by this information – and can we rely on it?" he asked suspiciously.
"I think so sir. My house-elf is quite familiar with an elf at Malfoy Manor," she said as if letting out a secret. "And I believe they've been keeping a close eye on the situation for some time," she said and took a deep breath.
Kingsley looked away and began to fidget with his pipe, a sign he needed time to reply.
"That may be true Hermione, but there's really nothing we can do," he finally said.
"Nothing we can do – but sir if this is true then Draco had no intention to get off his conviction," she contested.
"I'm sorry Hermione, but this thing has gotten quite a bit of attention lately and it's not just me making the calls on this. No... in one way or another we all work for the governors," he stated and set the pipe back down on the desk.
"You mean I can't get in touch with Draco – and try and coax him back?" she pleaded.
"I'm sorry Hermione," he said. "But we can't put ourselves at risk over the testimony of two house-elves.
"Then, there's nothing I can do?" Hermione asked frantically.
"What if this is just some ploy by Narcissa. She's fooled you once – and she could certainly get the best of house-elves. No, you can't get caught sending an Owl," he said tapping the pipe on the edge of the desk.
"This is horrible sir," she protested.
"The best thing for you to do right now, is to stick with the house-elves. Use them to deliver a message if you must. Their testimony can't be used in court, if it ever comes to this," he said.
"Yes sir," she said sullenly and dipped her head.
"Oh, and another thing," he said and pointed the pipe stem at her for emphasis. "If he volunteers to serve out his time in Azkaban by his own choice, then there's no turning back once he's inside the prison. You need to make that perfectly clear Hermione."
"Yes sir, I'll tell the house-elves to make that clear," she said and rose from the chair to leave.
"And if he does go – he may not be the same man when he gets out," he added sternly.
"Yes sir."
"Sorry we have to be so firm in this Hermione – I really am..."
Hermione left Kingsley's office and tried to hide from him the disappointment she felt. If she had agreed to talk with Draco the night he came by her flat then things might not be in the mess they were now. When she got back to her office, she grabbed a sheet of parchment and quill. She wrote a quick note to Winky, asking her to stop by her flat that night after work.
The slow day had felt much longer. Generally when Hermione felt this way, browsing through books at Diagon Alley was just the cure. If she left early she could go there and get back home in time to meet Winky. When four thirty finally rolled around she peeked out of her office door and saw no one. She gathered up her belonging and took off to get away from Ministry business and life in general. She was almost to the lifts when she heard the call.
"Slipping out are we?"
She wheeled around to see her ginger haired fiance stand in the halls.
"No I was just... well yes, I guess I was. Been a long day you know," she replied.
"How about a bit of dinner and something to drink?" he asked.
"Oh... Ron that's nice of you – but can we do it another night," she asked, remembering her note to Winky.
"Well sure, if you're not up to it," he said, looking a little askance. "Is everything okay?" he asked and raised a brow.
"Just fine Ron," she lied. "I didn't sleep well last night and I'm a little tired, you know."
"Well get some sleep then and we'll make it tomorrow," he said cheerfully.
"Yes, that'll be fine Ron. We'll try for tomorrow," she said and quickly took the lift to the empty Atrium where she quickly headed toward the exits, leaving thoughts of the Ministry far behind her.
Diagon Alley was rather quiet on this evening and Hermione found it to be the perfect getaway for a hour of leisure. Passing Gringotts wizarding bank she was just a few shops away from Flourish and Blotts when she noticed old blind Alice and her basket of Potpourri just a few paces away. Being a little pressed for time, she considered going around the blind witch but decided that would be cruel. Besides, as sharp as Alice was, she'd probably know anyway.
"Good evening Alice," she said.
"Well, Miss Hermione, it's a treat to hear your voice dear," the old witch said.
"Thank you Alice, have you been selling lots?" asked Hermione.
"Not this evening – it's rather quiet, it is. What brings you my way tonight dear?"
"Flourish and Blott's – thought I'd browse around a while," Hermione added.
"Uhmm... How are things my dear? Has the amulet helped – are you wearing it?" she asked with a hopeful smile.
"Yes," Hermione lied cheerfully. " – well no – not tonight actually."
"Well then, are things all better with you now?" Alice persisted.
"Yes – well no, they're not I'm afraid," she said. Alice seemed to think on this a bit before speaking and rubbed her ear buried behind a bun of greyish white hair.
"Well I thought you would be better by now, I did – the rune, it's powerful magic it is."
"I'm sure of it," Hermione said patronizingly.
"Miss, is this about that business in the paper?" Alice asked. Hermione was a little shocked that Alice knew of anything of events in the papers.
"Yes, a little," she relented.
"Well, let old Alice think about that. If it don't get better – you come back and see me," she said with a toothless smile.
"I'll do that," she said cheerfully to pacify the old witch.
"And wear the amulet, it'll do ya good – I promise," she said with a little aimless wave.
Hermione waved back and wondered if Alice could tell. She had more vision than most of those that had perfectly good eyes.
‡‡‡‡‡
Quickly rushing through Flourish and Blotts, Hermione scanned over most of the new books but never forgot for a moment about Winky and the meeting with her later. Kingsley had been right – if she tried to get an Owl or physical message to Draco and Narcissa intercepted it, then this whole problem could get spun up again with renewed vigor. Hopefully Winky would have no trouble in reaching Gilbert and he could deliver a message to Draco.
Winky was dressing the table for dinner when Hermione arrived.
"Good evening Winky."
"Oh, hello Miss. Is you hungry – I've fixed a few things," she said and looked hard at Hermione for signs of approval.
Hermione wasn't hungry at all. "Yes, that'll be fine Winky," she pretended. "I'll be back in a moment." Hermione couldn't think with work-clothes on and quickly disappeared into her bedroom to change.
"Smells good Winky," she said, popping back in a few moments later. Winky had the table set and was waiting patiently.
"You wanted to speak with Winky – is there a problem Miss?" she asked with elf-wide eyes.
"I need to get a message to Draco. Winky can you get this message to Gilbert – so he can tell Draco?" she asked.
"Yes Miss – I thinks I can alright," she said as if the task was too simple.
"Okay – fine. Draco needs to know if he goes to Azkaban voluntarily then he has to stay the full three months. Do you understand Winky?"
"Yes Miss – Winky understands just fine."
"And one more thing Winky."
"Yes Miss?"
"Tell Draco that Hermione doesn't want him to do this. Tell him to please wait and we'll work things out."
Winky smiled a huge smile. "Yes Miss – I'll get the message to him," she said, still grinning.
‡‡‡‡‡
As one last precaution, Hermione put the rune amulet from Alice around her neck before leaving her flat. Hopefully Draco had made the threats about Azkaban in a moment of anger and wouldn't seriously consider subjecting himself to such. At least Hermione chose to think this way as she made her way, weaving through the crowded Atrium, to her office. She was almost at the doorway to the Auror cubicles when Harry stepped out into the hall.
"Good morning Harry."
"Hermione... I was just about to come looking for you," he said.
"Anything important?" she asked with a worried look. He shook his head and grinned.
"Got time for coffee?"
"I guess I could make time – let me check my desk," she said and quickly looked over her desk for messages or notes. Finding none, she hung her coat on the hook and turned toward the door.
"So what's on your mind old man?" she said.
"Well, I can tell you're doing better," he said and bumped her shoulder with his, teasingly.
"Just keeping my fingers crossed actually," she said as they entered the lift.
Harry nodded and looked away. "I've heard some strange rumors," he said at last.
"Yeah... like what?" she asked and stepped out of the lift.
Harry didn't immediately answer and quartered behind her as they entered the canteen. He raised an index finger to signal a pause.
"I'll get the coffee – you find us a seat," he said and disappeared in the serving line. Hermione found a table with cream and sugar on it as Harry returned in minutes with the coffee.
He slid the cup toward Hermione as she looked up, eagerly awaiting her answer.
"Things like, Draco is opting to finish his time in Azkaban – that's what I'm hearing," Harry said and then tested the coffee.
"Yeah, I think I started the rumor. You see, Narcissa found out about our luncheons from Astoria. She was also going through Draco's appointment book and knew exactly when to send Rita Skeeter to take our picture," she explained.
"Wow, that's quite a story," he said.
"Well... now Draco is angry at Astoria and Narcissa and probably me as well," she said with a sigh.
"At you – why you?"
"He came by my flat a few nights ago, but I refused to talk to him. Kingsley said I could lose my job," she admitted.
"So what are you going to do?"
"Don't know for sure – but I've told everyone at the Ministry, if he shows up to let me know," she said and rolled her shoulders into a shrug.
Harry nodded his approval sat quiet for a moment.
"I've also heard news from Ron," he said and Hermione returned a sad smile.
"Yeah... I finally gave in to him," she said and nodded. "I felt like I was running out of legs to stand on."
"You don't look too sure about it," he said.
Hermione shook her head aimlessly. "I'll know when the time comes."
‡‡‡‡‡
Deep into reports of covert Ministry activities, Hermione's morning screamed past until she heard footsteps pause at her door. She looked up, saw Ron, and quickly checked her watch.
"Are we still on for dinner?" he asked and Hermione looked dumb. "Remember yesterday – you said tonight!"
"Oh yeah, that's right Ron. I almost forgot," she said and wrinkled her nose. But what she didn't forget was the new book she was eager to get started. She struggled for words but couldn't find them.
"Uh..."
"I'm one ahead of you – let's make it lunch instead," he said grinning. "And it's almost time."
"Sure – let's do it," she said cheerfully.
"Where to?" she asked as she paused, reaching her coat.
"Please not here – anywhere but here today," he pleaded.
"Well, I don't have much time – we'll have to make it short I'm afraid."
"Okay... how about the Leaky Cauldron. That should be quick enough," said Ron.
"Alright, lets go."
Apparating to the Leaky Cauldron from the alley behind the Ministry building, the two were seated at a cozy table by the fireplace in no time. Hannah had their order taken and was coming back around with the meal in a few minutes more.
"So what's Kingsley got you working on these days," she asked and took a sip of her drink.
"Ah... just some investigation into a few shops in Knockturn Alley," he replied.
"With Harry?" she asked.
"No with Jerry. Kingsley's not sending Harry out on the small stuff," he said and shrugged.
"That's a little odd isn't it?"
"Yeah, a little. But then Harry's been a little odd after – well you know," he said and speared a chunk of meat from his beef stew.
"Oh yeah," she said and shook her head. "He still isn't over her, is he?"
"I'm not sure if it's her or that damned black wand," he said plopped the morsel in his mouth.
At that instant there was a pneumatic pop at the end of the dining room. Winky and Gilbert took corporeal form a few moments later. They looked about the room and Winky ran up to Hermione.
"Winky – what are you doing here?" she asked in surprise.
"Oh Miss, there is news, there is," she said with eyes as big as saucers.
"What kind of news Winky?"
Winky looked at Ron and then back at Hermione.
"Could I speak with you over here," she said timidly and pointed toward the back. Hermione excused herself and went to the room next to the yard. Winky pulled Gilbert by the arm as they trotted to keep up.
"So what's going on Winky?"
"It's Mister Draco Miss – he's done gone off to that prison," she said as tears filled her eyes.
"But Winky that's impossible. I've taken every precaution and no one has mentioned a word of it," she protested.
"He got in another fight with Narcissa and left out early this morning Miss," Gilbert croaked. "Said he was gonna turn hisself in, he did."
"Oh what a mess – how did you find us?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"We tried the Ministry – they said you left for lunch. We was gonna try the Three Broomsticks next," said Winky with large tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Dry your face Winky – we'll try and find him. It's unlikely he'll get processed before noon," she said. "Now just stay here and I'll be back in a minute."
Hermione walked the short distance back to Ron's table. There was something she had to tell him and every step felt painful.
"Ron... I've got to go," she said.
He looked puzzled and worried. "Is there a problem? You need help?"
"No Ron, it's not like that – and I have something else, to say" she added and dipped her head.
"What?"
"Ron, I'm not ready for marriage. You're a fine wizard and I don't deserve you – but I'm just not ready."
Ron thew his napkin in his plate and shook his head and looked back helplessly.
"Okay – fine Hermione. If that's how you feel."
"I'll talk to you later Ron – I've got to run," she said and turned toward the back room. She gathered hands with Winky and Gilbert, and the three disappeared in a swoosh of disapparition.