Harry finds himself asking for mercy for an unlikable family.

character(s): Harry, Kingsley, Arthur, Malfoy family.

"...Narcissa..."

Harry jumped as he heard a name that drew him from his barely conscious state.

Harry had just come from Fred's funeral, and the echoing sounds of terrible sobbing had left him hollow and weary. He was currently sitting inside the Weasley's front den, unable to sit in the tent with Ron and listen to him and his family weep. Desiring a moment alone, Harry found himself inside the Weasley home. With Ron outside, the family was often out in the back, rather than their own home. Bitterly Harry couldn't help but think he'd robbed the Weasleys of their son and brother, as well the comfort that the Burrow used to bring. No matter what the Weasely's told him, the sting of guilt and cold shame clung to him tightly making Harry feel weak. Harry wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to think of all those lives lost, and somehow not blame himself.

He had been sitting still for hours, feeling numb and weak, when a name caught his attention.

Getting to his feet he wandered to the front door of the burrow to see Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley were talking, Kingsley keeping a supporting hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"So they'll be arrested then?" Mr. Weasley was whispering, his voice raw from the crying he had been doing hours earlier.

"Yes. The courts were lenient in the past, but it being the second time around...well the whole Malfoy family may be facing time," Kingsly answered softly.

"No," Harry found himself interrupting, startling not only the two men, but himself as well. Approaching the two older men he respected, Harry cleared his throat. He couldn't quite meet any of their eyes. The Malfoys were certainly not liked by anyone here, and a cruel part of Harry thought they'd be getting what they deserved if they faced arresting... but it wasn't right. Harry had known for a long time now Draco Malfoy wanted no part in what his family had been involved in. And Narcissa Malfoy had saved his life back in the dark forest. Her love for her son was evident back in the Forbidden forest as she desperately whispered for her son's whereabouts.

She has saved Harry's life by lying to Voldemort, and whether if was for the good of everyone, or to see her son again, the reason didn't matter.

Narcissa had helped destroy Voldemort by concealing Harry's state back in the forest, and that couldn't be forgotten.

"Please...is there anything we can do? Narcissa risked her life by hiding the fact Voldemort hadn't killed me back in the Forbidden forest. And...Draco," Harry swallowed, his school rival's name suddenly hard to say, "I've seen things that would prove he didn't want any part in what he was forced to do. He too also saved my life when snatchers captured us. Even if he did not actively free us, you could argue that his actions save my life, Hermione's and Ron's."

Kingsley and Mr. Weasley looked to each other, and then to Harry.

"Well your story is not yet known," Kingsley began slowly, "You'll have to give a testimony, and you may need to speak on their behalf sharing everything you know. In all likeliness your words will be listened above everyone else's testimony. They will carry a lot of weight, so you must be sure that they are deserving of your defense. The Malfoy's have gotten away with crimes before, and their racism against muggle born witches and wizards has always been clear..."

"That..." Harry took in a deep breath, and looked to Kingsley and Mr. Weasley, "It doesn't matter what they did in the past, or even their racism. They may have been supporters of Voldemort in the past, but it was clear to me that at least Draco and his mother wanted no part in what was happening now. They are unlikable, but not evil. I can't speak fully for Lucius Malfoy, but I can say when the Hogwarts battle was at their climax that both he and Narcissa were looking for their son. Not looking to hurt anyone."

Both Kingsley, and Mr. Weasley shook their heads, seeming to accept Harry's words. Mr. Weasley smiled, and reached out taking Harry's shoulder. He have Harry's shoulder a squeeze and said, "It takes a big man to defend someone you don't like...you're bigger than I Harry. I don't know if I could defend Lucius!" Mr. Weasley chuckled, and the sound made Harry want to cry.

Harry had thought he'd stolen any chance for happiness from the Weasley family. And to know he'd made Mr. Weasley proud, and that the man had even managed a laugh and make a small joke... it gave Harry hope that things would get one day be better. That there was a dawn after all this darkness.

Kingsley clapped Harry's arm, "Sometime before the week is out I need a statement, and maybe even a Pensieve."

"Yes sir," Harry said with a nod.

Kingsley turned to leave, "Good lad! You'll be a great Auror one day, just and fair! The Ministry sorely needs more wizards like you Mr. Potter. I expect to see you with us, one day soon!"

Mr. Weasley squeezed Harry's shoulder with affection and pride, and Harry couldn't help but allow him self a small smile.

End