AN: Published together with the previous chapter.
"Come sit beside me, Bract," I call to my new little friend. He's bouncing all around my borrowed desk at the Ministry. The Aurors crowded into the department offices are trying very hard to be patient with his excitement.
"Find out soon?"
"Yes, I hope so."
We are waiting nervously and impatiently - and for Bract, energetically - for Barty, Harry, and Ron to return from a hearing before the Wizengamot. They have granted the hated and reviled Crouch the opportunity to plead his case given the new evidence provided by our little green friend. Had it not been for Harry's insistence, I doubt that any of the motions I'd filed would have been given a second glance. Backed by the man himself, we'd been granted one hour to present any and all evidence in favor of freeing Bartemius Crouch, Jr, from prison. If he loses, Barty will be sent to a Wizard prison on the continent.
Bract and I gave our evidence half an hour ago. It feels like days. Any moment, the men should return with news of the court's findings. I only hope all three will walk through the door. It is very clear that Barty will not get a second chance. He was utterly terrified. No one, least of all he, has forgotten that his father led the Wizengamot when he was convicted of a crime we now must acknowledge he did not commit.
The moment Harry Potter settled to his feet after Bract disapporated us from Azkaban, he marched us to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Abner Fendiwick crumbled under his accusation. After all these years, finally coming face to face with Barty, the man seemed relieved it was over. He was certainly relieved of his position and stands for a trial of his own very soon.
"Hard to wait," Bract complains as he hops into the chair in front of me. I agree.
"No need to wait any longer," we hear as Barty rounds the corner. I leap from my seat and throw my arms around.
"I am so happy for you," I say with a blush as I take a very professional step back.
"Thank you, Anwen. For everything." He picks up the bouncing fae and smiles.
"Congratulations, Crouch," Harry says. He is obviously uncomfortable, as is Ron. I understand. Old hurts die hard, old anger hangs on. But they are both good enough, strong enough, men to nod their old enemy's way before they leave.
"Thank you," Barty says to their retreating forms. After a still moment of quiet, he turns to me. "Shall we celebrate?"
"You are free?" Bract asks from his hip.
"Yes, my friend. I am free."
"But Barty," I begin then stop, not sure how to say what I need tio say.
"My father?" He asks for me. "Time served. Seems old Abner had knowledge of my father's plan to kill that night. Self defense. They still think I'm crazy, just not guilty. Shall we go?"
"Where?" I ask.
"Anywhere I want. For the first time in a very, very long time, anywhere I want."
We end up at a Muggle pub. Barty is not keen on the idea of just showing in a place full of wizards. It is a bit tricky convincing Bract to stay under the table.
"Can't drink in my own community, but at least I can drink. Always did like a pint."
"Do you think you'll ever try to rejoin the Wizarding world?"
"I don't know." He trails off, deep in thought, then shakes it off. "What about you, Agent Hafgan? Back home to America?"
"Yes, very soon. The case is over. I'm not needed here anymore."
"I doubt that," he says with a lifted brow.
"I have a life to get back to. I miss home, my family more that I thought I would. Honestly, I miss our ways."
"Oh?"
"Too much history here," I confess.
"Indeed," he agrees.
"Why not come with me?" I can't believe I've said it. But it makes sense.
"W\hat?" He sputters through his beer.
"New world, new beginnings. New friends."
He mulls it over, serious in thought. Not sure, obviously, but considering.
"I come, too?" We hear from under the table.
"Yes, my friend," Barty says, laughing as he clasps my hand. "On to a new beginning."
AN: This ending is ambiguous, I know. But that's how they would move forward - unsure of what lies ahead. Thank you for reading. See, Laurie? I actually did it!