Finally I can see you crystal clear.

Go ahead and sell me out, and I'll lay your ship bare.

Never before had the lobby of the Ministry of Magic seemed so full of angry Wizards and Witches. The result was so unexpected; Aurors were pulled from their duties in order to control the crowd that wished to seek divine revenge upon the arrested group of Death Eaters responsible for killing the symbol for their side of the War. The Daily Prophet's reports of the story had indeed gained a popular following of people for and against the War. Since the arrest of the Death Eaters' locomotive on the night of the funeral of Albus Dumbledore, they believed to have been struck with a blow so mighty that it crippled their resolve against those of the Dark Lord's following.

For awhile, it had.

However, with the statements from the Golden Trio and the brave Ginny Weasley on their side, the Order began to rebuild their determination. Harry's plan had gone through flawlessly when it came to predicting the attitudes of Wizarding Britain. When the murderers and conspiracy planners against Dumbledore were found that night, the Wizarding World wanted to see blood. They wanted each of the Death Eater cretin to suffer for the loss of a great Wizard, and nothing would have pleased them more than to send the message right back at Voldemort for his vile scheme. It explained why today, of all days, the Ministry had been busy. Today was the final trial and sentencing of the youngest Death Eater involved with the macabre affair: Draco Malfoy.

Magical cameras flashed at the scene, taking endless snapshots of the wizards and witches that demanded his head. A few pictures were taken of the current Minister, Rufus Scrimgeour. His statement of the Wizengamot's attempt at a fair trial of the charges brought against the young Malfoy did nothing to quell the demands of the spectators of the trial. "At the Ministry of Magic, we believe that every witch and wizard have the potential to be properly rehabilitated and re-established into society. We do not judge, even during these tribulations, based on the nature of the person. We judge based on the nature of the crime itself. Thus, it is assured that the accused will receive a fair trial to protest against that which is accused of him. The final sentence will reflect the crime's worth."

"That bastard only deserves the Kiss, and nothing more!"

The enraged cry in the crowd inspired many others to repeat and demand their own versions of the proper sentencing of Draco Malfoy. The snapping of the cameras was endless; capturing the audience's fire and feeling their righteous anger for their respective papers. Scrimgeour's eyes observed that of his people, testing and feeling their reactions to the statement as he lifted his hands to place a hush over the crowd. The creak of the Wizengamot's doors were heard then, opening to reveal the courtroom that would hold this year's largest case. As the people began to fill in the seats, reporters and spectators alike, the Minister's attention was drawn to a disturbed presence near his way to the Chambers of the courtroom. Agitated, he stood with a shrouded figure in the hallway, near a private entrance. "Miss Weasley, I have discussed this matter with you once before, but I will tell you again. Yes, he will be tried fairly for his role within the crime. Yes, your testimony will be required for this trial to be complete. Yes, your identity will have to make itself known." The business-like eyes lifted towards the youngest Weasley, who pulled back the hood of her cloak in order to reveal her pallid features.

Dark circles laced underneath her cinnamon-toned eyes, the freckles dusting over her nose standing out in a striking manner due to the pale hue of her naturally peach-colored flesh. It was clear in the way Ginevra Weasley's eyes stared at the Minister in desperation that she was in a world of fear. "I only went this far to better the outcome of the War in our favor, Minister. I did not, however, expect to be extremely involved in the case against Draco Malfoy. My safety is at stake if you place me on the stand, sir. The Death Eaters will know that it was I who revealed their plans." Regardless of these fears, it did not stop the one request that Ginny held on the tip of her tongue; her greatest fear about the situation that was at hand. "You must see to it that the Wizengamot does not lock him away forever because of the public's loathing of Malfoy. Harry and the others will attempt to discredit Draco Malfoy as well, Minister. We must do the right thing, yes? Understand that he was only doing what he believed to be right, as well?" How could she make him - any of them - understand?

"Miss Weasley, if you believe that, then testify within the trial. All sides of the matter will be considered, but do not beg me for leniency where none is available to be offered. It will be as fair as the Wizengamot has always been. Now please, take your place alongside the other witnesses." Scrimgeour frowned at the way Ginny's eyes turned towards her sides, as though she expected someone to jump out at her and silence her for good. The extremity of the situation had indeed gotten to the her. Everyone involved in the case knew that they needed her testimony in order to successfully execute the blow against the Death Eaters. They could not afford for her paranoia to win over her duty.

"Ginny, there you are." A soothing, familiar voice rang down the hall, enough to cause Ginny to turn her attention away from the Minister. Hermione Granger's robes billowed from around her as she slid next to Ginny and placed a careful arm around her, offering a small bow towards Scrimgeour. "Minister. The court is waiting for you now. All are ready to begin. Ginny, come. Did you get the air you needed? It's a bit exciting, I'm sure."

Ginny allowed for Hermione to guide her towards the room where the other witnesses, including Harry and Ron, waited. Her gold-flecked eyes focused onto the ground below with uncertainty. Everything about this trial felt wrong. "I don't know how you could call any of this exciting…"

"This is the right thing, Ginny. Your testimony will help give Dumbledore's death a new outlook to the masses. People will want to do something about what Voldemort and his side have done against us, and it's all -"

"For the greater good - I know that!" Ginny suddenly snapped, pulling away from Hermione as they arrived at the door. "None of them will understand," Ginny cried softly, placing her hands against her face. "Oh, Hermione. What have I done?"

The bushy-haired girl turned to eye Ginny carefully. A frown tugged at her lips as her hand came out to pat gently onto Ginny's shoulder, pulling the girl into a tight, and hopefully supportive, hug. "The right thing, Ginny." Hermione allowed Ginny a few minutes to cry. As difficult as it was to force Ginny to push past the magic that kept the bond between Secret Keeper and the Holder, they had come too far to offer her proper rest. When it was all over, Hermione was sure that Ginny could finally be at peace. Understanding colored Hermione's tone then, but not without a fair amount of stern. "Speaking out against the Death Eaters is a frightful thing for anyone, Ginny, and you're only fifteen. I know this is terrifying for you. Trust me, we understand. You will be protected, Ginny. Please do not be afraid. You are doing the right thing and being so brave. We will protect you and be so thankful. We need you for this."

Exhausted, Ginny allowed herself to be pulled within the witness room in order to await her turn to decide Draco Malfoy's fate.

For the remainder of the trial, the public was forced to remain quiet. Their angry outbursts towards the accused were hushed immediately, lest they'd be removed from the courtroom. With a slight hiss underneath his breath, Draco analyzed the situation in front of him with a dull sensation running through his mind. They had not yet to ask him to speak, only for those to speak against him. The witnesses painted him up to be this ferocious harbinger of Death, a rather amusing thought to Draco. He was nothing compared to the Dark Lord. However, the witnesses believed that nothing better would fit him than eternity in a small, dank cell in Azkaban. The clarity of the situation immediately made itself known: the public cared nothing for the one actually responsible for the command of Albus Dumbledore's death. They only wished to see their version of evil suffer, and Draco was the sacrificial offering to appeal to their demands. With Ron Weasley and Katie Bell speaking against him on the counts of poison and Cursed objects, Draco felt his future sealed in despair. All of their accounts were accurate and true. But, none of this painted him as a murderer; just as a ruthless young man working for the 'wrong' side of the War.

So, where did the information of me killing Dumbledore come from? How is it that any of them are aware that I was responsible for Ron Weasley being poisoned and Katie Bell being cursed? As the trial began to tick by, words and murmurs blended together into a static of white-like noise. This left Draco with nothing but a feeling of dread, his thoughts fluttering through his mind at rapid speed. Bound to the chair until it was his turn to speak, he watched with a vague expression as he tried to comprehend how any of them knew that he was the source of all of this discord within Hogwarts' walls. Potter did not see enough of my actions to conclude that I was the cause of these misfortunes. He caught me a few times in the Room of Requirement; but that's it, so how is it that -

The cameras behind him began to flash with frenzy, and murmurs turned into waves of noises as the next witness was called forth. Preoccupied with his thoughts, Draco hadn't heard the name due to the dramatics. As his heart began to slam in his chest at the sight of the witness, he knew he didn't need to hear it at all.

"Ginny."

The name came out along with an epiphany. After Katie Bell's removal from the stand, Ginny sat down. Her body was hidden well underneath her dark robes. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, showing off the ashen features of her face. Draco could nearly count the rings that had formed under her eyes. She looked gaunt, as though she were haunted by something terrible. Seeing her like this made the pain in his chest increased tenfold. The affection he shared for the Weasley girl had never been brought to light due to possible circumstances like this. Then again, it never needed to be. During times when no one from Slytherin - or anyone associated with Slytherin - were to be trusted, it was for her sake that Ginny never brought to light her ties with Draco Malfoy. It boggled Draco's mind now that she was here, sitting on the stand to testify iagainst/i him.

Despite being bound to the chair, Draco leaned forward as much as he could. All of the white noise from the background blended away, forming a clear silence. He was listening now.

"State your name for the Wizengamot."

"Ginevra Molly Weasley."

Draco noted the way she glanced over at the Golden Trio, sitting away from the Wizengamot's main judges and supposedly calming her with their appraising smiles and gestures. Interesting...

"Ginevra Weasley, will you state the nature of your relationship with the accused, Draco Malfoy, for the Wizengamot?" The prosecutor appeared to be more demanding, rather than requesting, this information, much to Ginny's dismay. Ginny's head fell forward then as Draco observed her slight hesitation.

"Draco and I were... close at Hogwarts. We were dating, but no one knew about us."

She answered that question truthfully, fueling Draco's suspicions. Did they force Veritaserum into her mouth before she testified? He wanted to see the condition of the Golden Trio because of this fact - especially the look in Potter's eyes, knowing that the littlest Weasley had been gallivanting around Hogwarts' grounds with him, as lovers, without anyone being the wiser. Yes, that's right. I had her, Potter. I had her in ways that you couldn't even begin to dream of... Before he could finish the thought, a memory viciously swiped Draco's attention from the trial. He only watched helplessly as the scene unfolded within his mind at magic's beckoning, straining the chaotic emotions within.

The wand that pointed at his Adam's Apple only elicited another chuckle from his throat. He hadn't meant to terrify her from her position of staring up at the moon, but Draco simply couldn't help himself. Her body was covered from head to toe with mud from the Quidditch field and her hair was blowing wildly around her face - Ginny was quite the sight to behold. Instead of going to celebrate with the others members of the Gryffindor Team of their victory to Hufflepuff, she stayed behind to stare up at the moon on her broomstick before landing. Draco was there, watching Ginny with a stirring of fascination in his veins. She had grown, despite looking right at home in the mud. He found to his surprise that she appeared quite attractive in the moonlight.

"You shouldn't point a wand at someone if you have no intention of using it. I could have easily countered you, Weasley. If it's a duel you want..." At the drawl of his voice, he knew that Ginny would recognize who it was that wrapped an arm around her waist. Leaning her grimy head back against his broad chest, he felt the pounding of her heart lower a bit into a more relaxed state. Did he really did frighten her that much?

"Shut up. I just thought you were Dean or Michael - that's all," Ginny said quietly, and Draco's eyes darkened considerably at the thought of her lower-than-dirt ex-lovers attempted to grasp her attention.

"I see your fans are hounding your heels once more. You only have to give me permission, Weasley, and I can assure you that they will never bother you again." His lips brushed against the shell of her ear in affection, large fingers stroking the flat plane of Ginny's stomach in soothing circles. A sigh was rewarded to him for his effort, but still Ginny shifted within his hug.

"You've already enough to deal with, Malfoy." She did it again, putting up the stubborn wall that she knew he hated to see. "Hexing my ex-boyfriends shouldn't be on your mind. I'm just tired of always fighting for everything, even down to my love life. It sucks, you know?" From this, Draco chuckled and received an elbow to his stomach at Ginny's disappointment. "You find this funny? Someone tried to poison my brother today, Malfoy. One of those stupid Death Eater Slytherin friends of yours that wish to blast a hole in the Trio's power, I'll bet. If it wasn't for Harry, he would be…" Ginny choked on her words.

Draco kept his lips tightly closed together at the thought of it. Not that he would mind Ronald Weasley being poisoned to death, but if it hurt Ginny… "How was he poisoned, Weasley? There, there. Pot-head saved the day again. I'm sure you're going to come with a way to thank him graciously for his good service." The words were spat out with contempt, and he waited for the blow that he knew Ginny was going to send his way. Instead, his reward was... laughter?

"There's no reason to be jealous of Harry, Draco. I'm glad he saved Ron's life, but that's all. Someone poisoned him with one of Slughorn's drinks, and he almost didn't make it." Pausing, Ginny's head tilted up towards the moon once more with distress. "I just don't know how I can look at myself sometimes, knowing that I'm supposed to help my brother and Harry and Hermione fight for good, but I'm... I..."

Draco knew of Ginny's indecisiveness all too well. It was one of the reasons she didn't want to give them a chance in the first place. He was aligned with the Dark Lord, following on command because it was demanded of him. Ginny, regardless of feeling affection towards Draco, could never forgive herself for falling for someone so damned. Nevertheless, his name being spilled from her lips warmed him more than any drug. "Shh, Weasley. One of the best ways to feel better is to forget. I'll help you do just that." He'd place his fingers gently underneath Ginny's chin then, tilting her smudged face to stare into his intense eyes. Their lips danced together in a passionate claim, the warmth spreading from his lips down to his chest…

A shock touched Draco, directly at his core, bringing him out of the memory to find himself staring directly into Ginny's eyes. They widened as well; she'd taken the time to look over at him. The memory played across his mind. Was it her doing that brought the scene to his eyes? Did they share it? Was she remembering one of the good times they'd had, despite their collective worries over the War that threatened to pull them apart?

"Answer the question, Miss Weasley. Were you, or were you not, made aware of the night and the task that Draco Malfoy was required to carry out at the order of You-Know-Who against Albus Dumbledore?"

"Y-yes."

At her affirmation, Draco felt his heart drop completely into his stomach. Was this what she was doing? Testifying against him to the death of Dumbledore? Ginny, you know that I couldn't do it. You know how much it shook me up to even think about it. Remember the promise I made you? I/i ami good, Ginny. You know this - you know me. I could never do it, no matter how much I was pushed. Snape had to do it for me... Ginny's eyes remained locked on Draco. For a moment, he believed that his thought went out to reach her, but he felt no pull of Legilimency, no magic working in between them. Only the natural warmth that came with loving her.

"Why didn't you ever bring these plans to the attention of the Order, Miss Weasley?"

"I knew that the Order would condemn Draco Malfoy, regardless of any action he had or had not performed."

"But, he performed those actions regardless, yes? He killed Dumbledore that night, and you knew about it without saying a word to anyone."

The crowd murmured at this accusation, the courtroom stirring with the vengeance that commanded to be released. Draco felt anger flare up his insides. He told his task to Ginny in secret and in confidence, and she was telling the whole damn Wizarding World about it! She was condemning them both while doing it! Why, Ginny? Why?

"I was afraid!" Ginny's eyes dulled then, no longer staring at Draco. They focused instead at the Golden Trio once more.

Nearly seeing red, Draco turned his head to stare towards the three, particularly Harry Potter, who was nodding his head in approval towards Ginny. Any fool with half a brain could see that she was being egged on. This felt rehearsed, yet they were spoon-feeding the public the scenario that Draco assured would put him away into Azkaban for life.

"I came to believe that if he really had killed Dumbledore, he would have not been the Draco Malfoy I knew and…"

"You may say it, Miss Weasley. Loved."

"Yes. " A small pause forced Ginny to close her eyes, her lips pressed together. The courtroom waited. Minutes ticked by before she had found her resolve, breaking through the feeling of wrong that latched onto her subconscious. There were consequences for this. "Dumbledore was his required assignment in order to spare his life, as well as his family's. Draco Malfoy only killed in order to protect his family. You must believe that."

Draco felt disgust crawl through his mouth like a bad taste.

"Thank you, Miss Weasley. That will be all for your testimony."

The crowd murmured loudly towards each other while Scrimgeour ordered for silence. Draco stared towards Ginny in pure disbelief. He kept the secret of their relationship from her goody-two-shoes friends on the grounds of their mutual affection for each other. Yet, in the heat of the War, she turned him over to the Ministry at the first sign of morality struggle. That was how Potter figured out who to pinpoint everything to. That was how the Aurors must've found the train in the first place, knowing to follow Draco's magical trail from the scene of the tower. With him being so frightened, he hadn't been able to properly conceal himself. Drawing everything into one, final conclusion, Draco knew that Ginny had broken the bond of their Secret and their love. Watching with malice, he saw the Golden Trio open their arms out to accept a very shaken Ginny, nearly missing the sentence given to Draco as punishment for his supposed treachery.

"As I stated before, the Ministry believes in the rehabilitation and reformation of each of its citizens. Within this case, the accusations against Draco Malfoy for his role in the death of Albus Dumbledore, amongst other Death Eater related crimes, has been proven just. Seeing as how Draco Malfoy was under the pressure and demand of his family's life, none could expect other action. However, he followed through, rather than seeking assistance from the Ministry or others trusted in Order, including his supposed beloved, Ginevra Weasley. No matter his age, he is solely responsible for the unrighteous act of eliminating one of the Wizarding world's most prominent figures.

"Therefore, the Wizengamot hereby sentences Draco Malfoy to exile and isolation from the Wizarding World. It is a more fitting punishment, rather than sending such a young Wizard to Azkaban, where he would possibly last no more than a year. He will spend ten years, locked away within Muggle London, without access to his magic. Hopefully, Draco Malfoy will return back to society; a better Wizard to a better world."

A hush fell over the crowd.

The sentence was made, and Draco could feel the wind rushing in his ears. He heard nothing, only saw everything laid out before him. People moving and crying out in anger, the Trio taking their turns hugging a very distraught Ginny, and the Aurors of the courtroom walking towards him. Exile. Isolation. No magic. Ten years… ten years…

His mind raced with endless thought - the calm face of Dumbledore, the green light of the Killing Curse, the moonlight illuminating Ginny Weasley's features. Banished from his home, from his magic, from the War, and from her, all because she betrayed every secret entrusted to her out of fear.

"I would protect you to the very end." Draco whispered to himself, the young heart of the teenage boy aching and breaking suddenly with a pull so strong he could barely stand when the Aurors came to lift him. They snapped his wand right there before his eyes, a sickness washing him over with vertigo. "Take it away, let me never feel this again. Never let her feel this again. Feel what you have done to me, Ginevra Weasley. Feel what you have done for the rest of your life." He felt the malice building up with strength, strength that consistently ebbed away the remaining magic that rushed uncontrollably through him. Without his wand to properly manage the energy, all he could feel was the rush of his magic flowing towards his chest. Drawing out the demand of his final spell, cold, steel-colored eyes rested on the figure of Ginny Weasley.

At the side of the courtroom, Ginny cried out and grasped at her chest. Slipping in Harry's arms with pain, the attention of the supporting Weasleys and Hermione peaked as they surrounded her. The burning in Ginny's chest locked her in misery, draining her pool of magic to leave her unprotected in that moment. Ginny looked towards Draco Malfoy's departing figure. She shivered at the look of hatred in his silver-toned eyes, and watched as the Aurors lead him out of the courtroom, away from the Wizarding world.

What have you done to me, Draco? What have I done to you?