Chapter 15

"Eternity"

_THE FUCKING TRUTH_

GOOD MORNING LONDON! It's 7am on this lovely 3 of September. As I am sure you figured out I do not have a hangover so you get enjoy me this morning, but I can't say the same for a few people who left last night's festivities a little tipsy. But it was all in good fun, now on to more important news Angelina Johnson finally didn't turn me down for a date and I quote "I'll think about," well think yes girl!

Now on a more serious note, the education of the children, although Hogwarts School is open, the historic institution still needs a lot of work. Hogwarts holds a special place in all our hearts and I encourage everyone to purchase tickets to the Quidditch tournament so we can save the place that we all love so dearly. You can contact Dean Thomas in the Irish and British Quidditch League office at the Ministry for tickets, it really is important that we all pitch in to secure an education for our children and our children's, children.

In Ministry news Death Eaters are still being tried. Why don't they hurry up already! So far convicted have been Avery, the Carrow's, Dolohov, Yaxley, Travers and Macnair. Lucius Malfoy, Crabbe Sr., and Goyle Sr. have all been named redeemed. Still awaiting trial are August Rookwood, Sewlyn, Thorfinn Rowle, Nott Sr., Rabastan Lestrange, and Rodolphus Lestrange. The young Draco Malfoy will be tried today. Unfortunately Rita Skeeter won't be there to get the scoop…

Did everyone see the Prophet this morning? Rita Skeeter is on the front page and not with a completely false article. There is a picture of her checking into St. Mungo's hospital last night! Apparently she ate a box of tainted chocolates and she can't stop puking! I wonder who sent those… Lee laughed, if you don't have a copy get one and frame it, it is absolutely brilliant! Hannah Abbott you are totally amazing, a fantastic scoop this next song is for you "Only one" by the Bent Broomstick because right now you are my only one, this is The Fucking Truth!

_THE OFFICIAL'S ENTRANCE_

Hermione waited impatiently in line to get into the Ministry it was 7:50am and Draco's trial started at 8am. She had planned to get there earlier but over slept then had to go all the way home from Ron's house so she could change. After Draco went with her to her job interview and she was rude to him last night she figured she could at least show up for support and she didn't have to be in the office until nine.

Hermione walked as fast as her legs would carry her down the stairs to the tenth level, to the courtrooms. She stuck her head into a few rooms and when she got to the ninth there were people so she figured she was in the right place. She took a seat in the stands just as Kingsley sat down in the Minister's chair between the Senior Undersecretary and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Narcissa Malfoy sat on the other side of the room and looked at Hermione suspiciously.

_AUROR TRAINING OFFICE_

Harry's head was pounding he had one firewhisky to many and he just started training and didn't think it was right to miss any lessons. He went in through the IN door and went to punch in his time card.

"Good Morning Grace," he said as he put his card into the slot.

"Good Morning, Mr. Potter, I have a message for you," she handed him the piece of parchment.

"Thank you," he said while unfolding the paper, "oh and can you please call me Harry."

Grace smiled, "Alright Harry."

Harry began walking towards the changing room reading the note.

Dear Mr. Harry Potter,

On the third of September your presence is requested in courtroom nine to testify in a Death Eater conviction trial. You have been excused from the morning's trainee meeting.

Sincerely,

Pius Thicknesse

Head of the Magical Law enforcement Department, Ministry of Magic

Ordered By Kingsley Shacklebolt Minster for Magic

Harry stopped in his tracks and looked at his watch. Shit this is today five minutes ago. He walk ran the rest of the hall and turned left then made another left and hastened to the outdoor. It would have been quicker to go out through the IN door but Harry learned why it was so stressed to use the correct door when, Samuel Flemings another trainee was running late and tried to enter through the OUT door and walked around with the word OUT imprinted on his face for two weeks. Apparently it's a lesson that Auror's cannot afford to make the simplest mistakes.

_COURTROOM NINE _

Draco stood outside the courtroom with a guard, this is it… the end… at least I will get to sit in a cell in Azkaban and not be bothered by my parents, anyone's constant pestering, and I'll be rid of Weasels shag carpet.

"BRING IN THE DEFENDANT!"

The guard pushed Draco forward into the courtroom, while walking to the chair in the center of the room he looked around at all the faces of the Wizengamot, he noticed his mother sitting to the left of him… who invited her, he took a seat in the chair.

"Where is the scribe," asked Kingsley looking across Percy to notice the seat next to him empty.

"I have no idea, he's supposed to be here," answered Percy.

Kingsley looked around, "Ah! Miss. Granger, will you please take notes for us today?"

Draco whipped his head around, he hadn't noticed Hermione sitting there, "yes of course," she made her way to the front of the room and took the seat next to Percy, she dug in her bag for her quill and a piece of parchment, as Percy explained to her what she needed to do.

"We are here for the trial of Draco Malfoy vs. State on the grounds that he was involved in the Death Eater organization whose goal was to take over the world. Mr. Malfoy you are a Death Eater. Is that correct?" Began Kingsley

"Yes"

"Have you been given the dark mark?" Thicknesse continued

Draco rolled up his sleeve and showed the courtroom the scar on his arm, "yes"

BANG! The courtroom door slammed closed and everyone directed their attention to the door where an out of breath Harry stood. Narcissa looked shocked at his appearance there.

"Sorry"

"Nice of you to join us Mr. Potter, please take a seat," instructed Thicknesse.

Harry quickly took a seat and Kingsley continued on, they want me to testify in Malfoy's trial? I already told Kingsley everything but I suppose I could just say he definitely tried to kill Dumbledore!

"Last year you were given an assignment by Lord Voldemort himself to kill Albus Dumbledore?" continued Kingsley

"Yes"

"In your attempts to fulfill your duties you put Madam Rosemerta under the imperious curse? Which as I am sure you know is an unforgivable curse and is illegal"

"Yes and yes."

"You also cursed Katie Bell and poisoned Ronald Weasley during these attempts?"

"Yes"

"On the night Voldemort was killed you set a fire in the room of requirement at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry?"

"No, that fire was started by Vincent Crabbe."

"You expect us to believe that he set the fire that took his own life?" commented Thicknesse.

"You can believe what you want but Crabbe set the fire," he stated casually.

Pius Thicknesse leaned back in his chair and stared at Draco pensively.

"And you let the Death Eaters into the school last year through a vanishing cabinet," continued Thicknesse.

"Yes"

"You do know Mr. Malfoy that you are supposed to be defending yourself," Kingsley eyed him carefully.

"Yes, but how do I justify the truth?" He was expressionless

Kingsley smirked, "I have asked Pius Thicknesse to make sure Harry James Potter was present at today's proceedings," he was addressing the Wizengamot, "He was there the night Dumbledore was killed, he was in the Room of Requirement during the fire, with Ronald Weasley when he was poisoned, and ran into Katie Bell on the way back to school from Hogsmead when she was cursed."

"Mr. Potter will you please stand and answer the following questions of the court," Stated Percy. Harry stood, "Where exactly were you when Dumbledore was killed?" Percy proceeded with the questions.

"Frozen under my invisibility cloak, Dumbledore used the only chance he would have to defend himself to make sure I wasn't seen."

"What happened next?"

"Malfoy came through the door to the astronomy tower and disarmed Dumbledore."

"Did he make an attempt to kill him?"

"No, Dumbledore told him that he knew that he had been trying to kill him all year. He knew that Malfoy didn't want to go through with it and would make sure that he and his family were protected from Voldemort."

There were whispers amongst the Wizengamot.

"If Severus Snape killed Albus Dumbledore how did he get there?" Asked Thicknesse

"After Malfoy lowered his wand some other Death Eaters came up to the tower and as they argued over who would actually kill Dumbledore or if they should let Draco do it. Snape arrived," Harry paused he was reliving one of the worst nights ever…

"Take your time Harry," Harry looked up, Kingsley smiled at him encouragingly.

Harry continued on, "Snape went over to Dumbledore without a second thought and killed him."

"Thank you, you may be seated," said Percy with a small smile.

Harry sat down and put his head in his hands, not only was the throbbing still persisting he was thinking about Dumbledore sitting against the wall of the astronomy tower looking weak and frail. He was always so strong, his mind went to Sirius. He saw him as if it were yesterday disappearing through the veil. His eyes glazed over…

"Mr. Malfoy, why is it that you decided not to kill Albus Dumbledore?" Questioned Thicknesse

He shrugged his shoulders, and thought for a moment "I couldn't handle it; I wasn't ready to kill anyone or be a Death Eater. I was not mature enough to understand that this wasn't a game but a way of life. I would always have to live with my actions. I wanted power but this type of power came with too great a price."

There were whispers throughout the courtroom

"What I am about to say is not because I think your actions are permissible in any way! You have committed a severely serious offense! I trust that you know that. I think that your realization has shown a great deal of maturity and is the start to becoming a prime example of a fine young man. One can only be redeemed when they face the truth," stated Kingsley.

Draco stared at Kingsley blankly he couldn't believe someone thought of him as a good example of anything besides what not to do, "thank you."

"Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot, I would like to purpose that today on the third of September at 8:45am, Draco Malfoy be deemed reformed, he has not tried to wiggle his way out of his actions and seems to have an understanding of their severity. I would also like to suggest some kind of community service," recommended Kingsley.

"Perhaps he can help with the Quidditch Tournament for Hogwarts," suggested Percy.

"Good idea," nodded Kingsley.

The Wizengamot whispered among each other, nodding and discussing in agreement.

"All in favor of conviction," stated Thicknesse, he looked around, no one raised their hands.

"Cleared of all charges, Draco, you will report to Percy Weasley the Senior Undersecretary for community service hours. Court dismissed," Kingsley and the other officials began to file out.

Draco climbed out of his seat. He went over to his Mother.

"Hi, mum," he hugged her.

"I'm so happy you weren't convicted," she pulled away to look him in the eyes, "Make sure you show up to all your community service I don't want you back in this courtroom!" she said sternly.

Draco nodded his head in understanding, "How did you know about the trial?"

"Percy wrote to me," she smile, "he said he didn't want you to go through this alone."

"Where's Lucius?" He asked not wanting to even try and comprehend why Percy would do that.

"I have no idea… your father and I…we're taking sometime a part," she looked at her shoes.

"Are you okay?" He put his hand on her shoulder.

She looked up and gave a fake smile, "I'm fine, I asked him to leave, and I just need some time to breathe… I have been spending time with Andromeda."

Draco raised an eyebrow, "really?"

"Yes, she is my sister and I know we see things differently but I have missed her…" She put her hand on Draco's face, "please keep in contact with me, I love you so much."

"I know mum, I love you too… have you eaten breakfast?"

She shook her head no, "great, I'll treat you to breakfast and we can talk."

They walked out of the courtroom. Hermione was leaning against the wall waiting for him…

"Mum I'll meet you in the atrium," Narcissa looked from Draco to Hermione and continued up the hall.

"I didn't know you were coming," said Draco staring at his feet and sliding his hands into his pockets.

"I thought you could use the support… I was quite sure you were going down when you weren't denying anything," commented Hermione watching Draco kicking invisible dirt with his foot.

"What you don't say can be more powerful then what you do say," Hermione was quiet. He stopped kicking at the ground and looked up at her.

"You're full of surprises Draco Malfoy," she said looking into his eyes.

He smirked, "Thanks for coming," he walked away down the hall and up the stairs.

Hermione looked at her watch and her eyes widen, there was no way she would make it up stairs to her office in two minutes but she started running to give it a try anyway, it was only day two and she was determined not to be late!

(***)

When Draco stepped off the lift into the Atrium he was immediately bombarded by reporters.

"Draco how did you get off'

"Mr. Malfoy, were you really a death eater or just pretending?"

"Are you friends with Harry Potter now that he has testified on your behalf?"

"What are the terms of your release?"

Draco kept his head down as he pushed through the reporters who were all talking at once and snapping photos, "No comment!"

He couldn't really tell which direction he was walking in. Through the mob of people he felt someone grab his hand and pull him into a tight space and everything was dark. When light started to fill the space he noticed he was rising to the street, his mother had pulled him into the visitors exit. They stepped out of the phone booth and walked down the street to eat at a muggle place to avoid the reporters.

_RON'S BEDROOM_

It was 9pm and Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in Ron's bedroom looking through every possible book they could get their hands on for a way to track down Hermione's parents.

"At least we know what continent there on," sighed Ron closing the book he was looking through.

"Well it doesn't really matter if we can't find them on that continent now does it Ronald!" Hermione spat heatedly flipping through her book.

"Everyone just calm down, there has to be a simple way to track them down. It's probably so simple we just keep over looking it," said Harry rationally, "Last time we had to track someone down what did we do?"

"We did exactly what the hell were doing right now!" Hermione slammed her book closed in frustration and began to pace.

Ron leaned back in his chair thinking. He looked out the window, which over looked the park. There was a street lamp flickering. His eyes widened.

"I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner!" He turned around in his chair and began digging through his desk drawers.

"Didn't think of what?" Hermione said irritably.

"Harry was right and the answer is simple because I already used the thing we need," he was throwing papers and random junk out of the drawers.

"What is it?" Asked Harry scrunching his nose as a sock that Ron threw over his shoulder landed on his head

Ron stopped digging and pulled out the Deluminator, "It helped me find you guys it will probably help us find Hermione's parents."

Hermione gasped in excitement she ran over and jumped on Ron, "Thank you," she said between kisses, "Thank You"

"Will you two please stop that?" Harry rolled his eyes and left the room, just as he plotted down on the couch the front door opened and Draco came in.

"Hello," said Draco stepping in he turned and looked down the hall where Harry had left Ron's door open, "Yuck! Close the door next time" Draco used his wand and closed the door.

"So you sit out here patiently waiting while they snog their brains out?" Asked Draco

"Seems that way doesn't," he said simply.

"Thank You" Draco stared at the floor, "for this morning."

"I just told the truth, I didn't know what I said was supposed to help you," said Harry smugly.

"Well it did, so I thank you for that," Hermione came running down the hall pulling Ron.

"Let's go now!" She said practically jumping up and down.

"Alright," said Harry standing up.

"I can't" Hermione dropped Ron's hand.

"Why not," she asked angrily.

"I have to go to work, I can't blow it off because I wasn't there yesterday," he said apologetically.

"You're going to choose work over helping Hermione," asked Harry confused.

"I'm not choosing it over her and some of us have to pay rent… "Hermione cut him off.

"Whatever! I really don't care let's just hurry up and go so we can get back," She took the Deluminator from Ron, "Draco you want to go to Australia?" she asked walking to the door.

He shrugged, "sure." He and Harry followed Hermione into the hall.

"Wait a second! Don't you have to go to work?" Ron asked Draco.

"Nope, I had to go to court today so I took the night off," he answered, "I thought I'd be going to prison."

Hermione flicked open the Deluminator and a blue orb appeared it floated into her she grabbed Harry's hand and grabbed Draco's with the other, she scowled at Ron turned on her heel and they disappeared with a CRACK!

Mr. Wong from across the hall quickly opened the door to his flat. "What was that noise?" He looked startled.

Ron shrugged, "I didn't hear anything," he closed the door to his flat.

_SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA_

After about fifteen minutes Hermione felt ground under her feet again and let go of the boys hands.

"Where are we?" Asked Harry

"Sydney," answered Hermione pointing to a sign that said Sydney Guide Maps, "Where are we supposed to look?"

"Well we know that they have to be…" Harry stopped talking.

"They have to be what?" She turned to look at what captured Harry's attention and her mouth fell open.

Across the street there was a shop that sold paintings and sculptures, well what were supposed to be paintings and sculptures. There was this one rather large painting that had a spotlight on it, it somewhat resembled Hermione in a Picasso primary school work of art way. They crossed the street to get a better look.

"Granger your parents are awful artist," stated Draco.

Hermione didn't say a word she stepped back and looked up. It looked like there could be an apartment above the building. She ran around to the side of the building, and began to bang on the door as if someone was trying to kill her. Draco and Harry looked at each other then followed her around to the side of the building.

"Hermione… Maybe you shouldn't bang on the door like that," suggested Harry, but she kept beating anyway.

"Who the bloody hell…" an older man with unruly brown curly hair in blue stripped Pajamas answered the door. He took one look at Hermione and couldn't finish his sentence.

She was breathing heavy and had tears in her eyes.

"Who's at the door dear," said a petit woman coming down the stairs and looking over her husband's shoulder and her eyes widened. "She looks…"

"Like the girl in the painting," he finished.

Hermione gave a weak smile and pulled out her wand "souveniro"

Mr. Granger shook his head, "Hermione dear what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She ran into her father's arms, "nothing anymore," she mumbled into his chest.

"Where are we?" Asked Mrs. Granger looking around, she smiled, "oh, Hello Harry lovely to see you again."

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger," he nodded politely

Hermione let go of her father, "how about you two go upstairs and I'll be up to explain things in a bit."

Hermione's parents went up the stairs chattering back and forth about what was going on.

"Thanks guys for coming, I'm going to stay and return with my parents," She handed the Deluminator to Harry.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Asked Harry concerned. "We can wait?"

"I'll be just fine. This has to be the greatest day ever!" She said beaming, "Can you please explain why I'm not in the office Harry?"

"No problem, I'm glad you found your parents," he stepped forward and hugged her.

"Thank you." Harry started walking towards the street. "Thank you for coming Draco."

He was walking backwards towards the street, "anytime," he waved and turned around.

Harry flicked open the Deluminator and allowed the orb to flow inside him, he grabbed Draco's arm roughly. Draco glared at Harry as he turned and they were gone. Hermione ran up the stairs more excited than ever to explain anything to her parents.

"Eternity" Matt Morris