The battle had been over for a little over a month. The Ministry had gathered all Death Eaters and those that were among the ranks. Athena was among the first group captured. The first captured Death Eater Gordon Yaxley had turned her in for being the queen. Her pleas for mercy were denied. She tried in vain to tell those in charge of her case the truth, that she wasn't willing in her marriage. She kept the existence of her children a secret. The mediwitches were obliviated of them. She feared that if they were found out, they'd never have a day of peace. She felt that as long as they were safe, nobody could truly destroy her.
After her brothers were brought in her fear escalated. She knew in her heart that Rabastan would never allow Kali or Grant to fall into unfriendly hands. Her one doubt was Rodolphus. She never truly knew where his allegiance laid. With his wife dead he could be capable of anything. She was allowed one visitor. The only one that knew exactly what had transpired. Rupert LeStrange entered the cell. The door closed behind him with a loud clang. "Angel, how are you doing?"
"Not well. Nobody is listening to me. They all think me a willing accomplice to my departed husband's deeds."
"Isn't there someone that can testify for you? Mr. Zabini perhaps?"
"Never! I need him where he is."
"Can you think of anyone else?"
"Yes I've thought of two people actually."
"That is good isn't it?"
"Not really… They are both dead."
"Are they allowing you, your potions?"
"Hardly… Do you think they care about my well being? To them I am a monster that deserves nothing but their contempt."
"That isn't right. Malfoy got off, you should too. Did they try Veritaserum?"
"I'll not allow that."
"Why not? It would completely vindicate you!" He pleaded to deaf ears.
"Well if I am forced to tell the truth, the world will know about Kali and Grant. What do you think they'll do to my children, to his children?"
"Perhaps if I went to Shakelbolt and explained everything that led to you becoming queen, he'd let you free."
"Brilliant idea father, tell him that you engineered a daughter for Voldemort to rape and impregnate. I hope that you'll enjoy Azkaban as much as I do. Maybe we'll get adjoining cells, so I could tell you everyday how idiotic you were!" she said almost laughing. Finally figuring that she inherited her fathers act now think never trait. "I do have an idea so insane that it might work, if not then as people are so fond of saying the truth will come out."
"What's your idea?"
"You'll see." The guard went to Athena's cell and rapped on the bars.
"Time's up your majesty." She said with venom in her voice. Rupert walked passed the guard and spoke up.
"Please treat my daughter with respect. She has done nothing wrong."
"My cousin was killed by her majesties loyal servant MacNair."
"SHE did not kill your cousin! Is there anything you'd like to add angel?"
"I request a quill and ink."
"Is this acceptable?"
"I guess…" as Rupert left a sudden smirk came upon Athena's face. Her faith was soon to be renewed. Her most recent recollection she hoped would free herself and her brothers. She received her request about three hours later. She set about writing the letters that she knew would free the three LeStranges.
Two weeks went by and she was to have her official hearing. She was to be on trial with her brothers. She was finally allowed to see Rodolphus and Rabastan. It was the first time she had seen them since the battle.
"How did they find you? Why didn't you go to where I've hidden them?" she asked the in a whisper.
"To run would have been to leave you to their judgment. I don't think I could have lived free knowing the cost was your freedom. That and we thought that if we willingly turned ourselves in that you'd be set free." Rabastan spoke.
"How noble of you." She said before being led to the Wizengamot. The three were restrained. Kingsley was the first to speak.
"Mrs. Riddle, you are accused of being a Death Eater, and of participating in the use of unforgivable curses. How do you plead?"
"Not Guilty! Please if the record would show, my name has always been LeStrange, never Riddle."
"Noted...Now Rodolphus, Rabastan you two are charged with breaking out of Azkaban, rejoining the Death Eaters, and continuing to use the unforgivable curses. How do you plead?"
"Guilty!" They both said in unison.
"Are there any present that would like to speak on behalf of the accused before sentencing is handed down?" Three voices spoke up.
"We would." Athena craned her neck and saw three Gryffindors standing at the entrance to the room. The first, a female approached the witness box.
"State your name for the record miss."
"Lavender Brown..."
"What do you have for this court?"
"I was getting attacked before my run in with Greyback. I would have been killed during that duel if Rabastan LeStrange hadn't distracted my attacker. I would like to state it is my belief that he has reformed and was not fighting on the side of the Dark Lord."
"Noted, anyone else want to add anything?"
"I would like to testify on behalf of Rodolphus LeStrange."
"You may approach. Ms. Brown, you may step down." The male entered the witness box as Lavender exited.
"State your name for the record sir."
"Oliver Wood."
"What evidence do you have for this court pertaining to Rodolphus LeStrange?"
"Like Lavender, I was being attacked. Then behind me came Mr. LeStrange. I was afraid he was aiming his wand at me. Instead he joined my duel. He took down Crabbe senior. Had Rodolphus not joined in when he did I'd have lost that duel and my life. He has reformed his ways in my opinion." The court was stunned into silence after the testimonies of Lavender and Oliver. The final person had yet to have his say. Kingsley broke the silence.
"Will you come to witness box sir?"
"Of course…!" He said confidently. He walked passed Oliver as he was leaving the box.
"State your name for the record sir."
"Neville Longbottom."
"Who are you here to testify for?"
"Athena LeStrange."
"What evidence do you have for this court?"
"As the court knows the two men that sit in front of me are partially responsible for my parent's torture. Their sister Athena was my age at the time. What I recall from her at Hogwarts was she was quiet. She rarely spoke to anyone. What I recall clearly is that I told her that she wasn't welcome at the battle. She was hell bent on rescuing her family. She also was instrumental in helping the Order. As we were made aware of the taboo put on a certain name. I spoke to Andromeda Tonks today. She told me that a silver cat told her and her daughter this pivotal information. Without Athena's help the war would have ended with more deaths. To hold her accountable for the actions of her husband would be a miscarriage of justice. Though she was his wife, her actions speak of being forced to be his queen." The court let out after Neville's emotional testimony.
The three LeStrange's were sent back to their cells. They were to await their final verdicts. Athena looked out the window of her tiny cell. The moon was going to be full soon. The court knew that she was a werewolf. In the new regime owing to Remus Lupins contribution to the war, werewolves were no longer hunted or feared.
It was two weeks and one horribly painful transformation later, before the Wizengamot decided to render their verdicts. The three LeStranges were led into the room. They were allowed to remain standing and unrestrained. As before Kingsley Shakelbolt spoke. "In the case of Athena Maria LeStrange we find you not guilty of crimes against wizards and muggles. You are free to go." She sighed and hoped to see her children that day. She spoke out.
"What of my brothers?"
"We find Rodolphus Rupert LeStrange and Rabastan Alexander LeStrange reformed. They are free. With the understanding that if they re-offend they'll serve the remainder of their original sentences! Court is adjourned."
The three LeStranges embraced one another and cried. Athena broke free first. "There is something I forgot in America." She said goodbye to her brothers and ran to the nearest floo line. On her way she recalled that the Ministry had confiscated her wand. So before she could reclaim her children, she had to reclaim her much cherished wand. She walked to the reclamation window.
"Name?"
"Athena LeStrange"
"Reason for repossession?"
"I was detained in Azkaban."
"Okay your name is on the approved list. Sign your name and you'll be on your way." Athena signed the parchment in front of her, and grabbed her query. She shouted thanks as she ran for the floo lines, tripping almost instantly.
"I'm alright." She said as onlookers gasped. She reached a row of fireplaces. Grabbing a handful of the fine powder she realized that she hadn't properly bathed since her time at Montgomery Estate. So she decided that before she could finally reunite with her children and Blaise she needed to bathe. She lifted her hand and shouted "LeStrange Court." The familiar green glow engulfed her whole being. She watched the grates go by. She was finally at her destination. She stepped out of the flames and was greeted by the pools of dark chocolate.
"Mistress Athena! You are home, Master LeStrange will be so happy. Shall I tell him you have arrived?"
"Yes, do that Nadia. I am glad that you are well." She kneeled down and hugged the elf, kissing her on the forehead. "I missed you very much." She rose to her feet and set out for her room. "Tell father I'm bathing, and to meet me in my room. Also please have him bring me the wolfsbane he's got on store."
"Of course I will. I have missed you too." Athena walked slowly to her room, stopping to see the family portraits. She felt for the first time since the nightmare began that she was truly safe. She had known in her heart that one day she'd be free. She walked further and saw the portrait of her mother; she reached out to touch it. She wished that it was her mother and not paint on canvas. "You were right mom. Things did work out. I miss you and promise that I'll live my life making you proud." She went down two more doors and opened her room. She saw the familiar bed and decorations. She sat on her bed and began to remove the clothing she was forced to wear at Azkaban. It was all easily removed. She vowed to burn the clothes at a later date. She was naked except her bra and panties. She looked down at her waistline. "At least the food dropped my baby weight." She sighed. Going over to her dresser, she pulled out a white sweater and black jeans. With all that settled she ran to the shower.
All the taps were turned to volcanic. She allowed the water to wash away her time spent in prison, for crimes she didn't commit. She showered for what seemed like a year. She left the stall. Allowing her body to dry naturally, on her hair she grabbed her wand and used a drying charm. Enjoying the feeling of her magic once again allowed to course through her being. When she was dried and clothed she entered her room. On her bed sat her father, goblet in hand. She ran to him, hugging him so violently that the goblet nearly spilled. "Father, it is so good to see you!"
"You too angel… Here drink this." She drank the much needed potion.
"Thank you, father. I can't stay though. I need to…"
"I know we will have plenty of time for this. Now go bring my grandchildren home."
"I will." She went to her fireplace, grabbed a handful of the powder and said the two words she had been longing to say since the Aurors captured her. "Montgomery Estate!" she felt as though she was in the floo lines for an hour. Her trip concluded itself and she was face to face with her aunt Samantha. Sam ran up to hug her niece.
"Athena, I am so glad you are here. The kids and Blaise miss you so much." The hug continued as Athena gasped for air.
"Aunt Sam, I cannot breathe." Sam released her hold. "Where are they?"
"Nursery…"
"Thank you, for everything."
"I owe your mother a least that much."
"You knew about father's plotting?"
"Only after your birth. Now go. The kids really miss their mother." Athena left the living room and sprinted up the stairs to the nursery. She opened the door and saw Blaise sitting on the rocking chair. Kali was slumbering in his arms. She silently went to Grant's crib. Looking down she saw the reason behind her strife. Blaise reacted quietly to her presence.
"Hello my love."
"Blaise, I missed all three of you. You three are the reason I fought so hard to get out. Thank you my love. You were amazing!" She looked into his eyes never taking them off of him, and her daughter. She bent down to finally hold her son. "We make such a good family Blaise."
"That thought kept me here."
"What?"
"Us… you. Me. Family."
"Why would you want me? I'm not good enough for you, especially after being his wife."
"Stop it."
"Why? I'm no good as a wife. My duty is to be a good mother. That's it!"
"I said stop it. Do you think I protected your children and didn't reveal them simply because I want a friendship with their mother?"
"Why do you love me?"
"I just do. Now Athena Maria LeStrange, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" She placed Grant back into his crib and began to sob. Blaise placed Kali in her crib and held the crying woman. She felt his comforting arms around her and sobbed harder. "So, is that a no?" She relaxed a little and stopped crying slowly. She looked into his eyes and sniffled. She breathed deeply.
"Quite the opposite, I will." He went to the mantle and grabbed a blue velvet box. She held out her hand and allowed him to slip her mother's engagement ring on her finger. "Father gave you this?"
"Yes, and his blessing." The couple kissed and held one another.
"Promise me one thing Blaise?"
"What's that Mrs. Zabini?"
"Please give me time. I need time to heal and fully adjust to being me. I never got that."
"Of course… I promise." She leaned over Kali's crib and finally held her daughter. Kissing her on the forehead, she simply smiled.
"Mommy missed you. I'll never leave you again." She and Blaise spent all night talking. She fell asleep in his arms. They planned to bring the children home the next day.
They were home for two weeks. She told Rodolphus and Rabastan of her engagement. Her brothers loved the idea. Finally her family was whole. Although she missed her mother as she always would. She was now the mother. Rabastan spent hours talking with Athena. He shared all of his memories of Maria. Rodolphus was amazing with the twins. To her it was a shame that he was married to Bellatrix, a woman that never intended to give him children.
Her days were spent talking with her family. Her nights were spent with Blaise. She was busy finishing off her studies, and taking care of her children. She hated only one aspect of her new life, the potion. She took it everyday and loathed it. For her transformations, her father had a small cottage built on the edge of their property.
She sat down on the leather sofa. Grant was in her arms. She looked at her family. Her father was talking intently with Rabastan. Blaise and Rodolphus were busy playing with Kali as she giggled. Looking around she smiled. Finally she felt the peace that had been eluding her for so many years.