A/N: As promised, a super-speedy update.
I would just like to make a point of saying, I realise I make a lot of references to drinking alcohol - a lot of wine with dinner, and a lot of whiskey after dinner. I am in no way trying to glamourise, or promote, excessive drinking, in no way are the characters in the story heavy drinkers. They simply have a glass of wine with dinner, and a small glass of whiskey as an occasional nightcap. I know I've made reference to an extensive wine & liquor collection in the Granger household - the Grangers often host lavish dinner parties so a lot of wine is often necessary (Think Downton Abbey style, different wine for a different course - the wine is poured but hardly drank lol). These are the habits which Hermione will have grown up with, therefore she has passed them onto Harry, unwittingly, when she moved into Grimmauld Place with him at the beginning of the story.
That's all, now you can read in peace :)
xBx
~ Chapter 6: The Return of the Aldens & Lucius' Trial ~
The next morning Hermione and Harry were in the Drawing room, waiting for the arrival of Andromeda. the pair were sat on the floor with Teddy, who was lying on the rug trying to catch a snitch Harry had conjured, which was fluttering just out of reach of Teddy's tiny grasp.
A little after eleven, the doorbell sounded (no longer accompanied by the scream of Mrs Black, thanks to Hermione's clever suggestion of modifying the muffliato charm and placing it upon the portrait so that it couldn't hear any noise.) and Andromeda was brought up to where the trio were sat.
"Already training my Grandson to be a seeker, Harry?" Andromeda asked with a smile.
Harry grinned, "Well someone has to carry on my legacy in the Gryffindor team, it's never too early to start training."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head at Harry's half-feigned conceit, while Andromeda raised her eyebrows.
"And who says he'll be in Gryffindor? His mother was an asset to Hufflepuff, and I myself was a Slytherin, he could end up anywhere."
Hermione laughed and stood up, "Any house will be privileged to have him." She said smoothly, going over to give Andromeda a hug. "How was the dinner?" she asked.
Andromeda laughed and took a seat on the couch, "It was, interesting." She started slowly; Hermione's eyebrows knitted together in a frown, and Harry's raised in silent questioning.
Andromeda laughed at the response, and continued, "I've never met my nephew before, and he wasn't what I expected. He's certainly changed it seems – he's not at all what I expected from what you have told me about him at any rate. This past year has changed him a great deal I believe, he said as much himself. He's very aware of what his past behaviour has been, and seems anxious to change. But Draco is not the part of the subject you really wish to discuss is he?" she finished knowingly.
"Andie," Harry called her familiarly, "What living arrangements did you decide upon? We need to know."
"After discussing it with Draco, I've decided it would be more practical for me to move to Malfoy Manor. Narcissa will wish to return to her home, and my house lacks the lavish provisions which she has become accustomed to." Andromeda admitted.
Harry nodded, resigned. Hermione took a deep, calming breath and turned her face away from Andromeda to become fully absorbed with Teddy, as if no one else was even in the room.
"I didn't think either of you would be entirely happy with me taking Teddy there" Andromeda continued, hoping to rationalise her decision and quell Harry and Hermione's anxieties at the same time.
"But she is my sister, they are my family, and without the disruptive influence of Lucius and Bellatrix, Narcissa is likely to be a completely different person. Harry, you were at her trial, you saw her sincerity." She urged, hoping he would understand.
"I did, Andie." He conceded, "But that's not the issue for me. The issue is Draco, and the house itself. I've only been there once, a few months ago – I didn't see much of it, I admit – but, from what I did see, it's not exactly a nurturing environment. And I sure as hell do not want Draco Malfoy influencing my Godson."
"I understand, and let me clarify some things on that score. Firstly, Draco isn't going to be there-"
"For two years?" Harry interrupted
"Let me finish." Andromeda begged, calmly. "He won't be there for the first year at least, he will be returning to Hogwarts. He needs his qualifications more than anyone – he wants a career in the Ministry and he needs top grades, because he has his name to work against. He has his work cut out for him to try and get the public to judge him on his own merits and ignore the Malfoy legacy. And once he graduates, it is likely he will rent a small place of his own in London, while he finds his feet in the Ministry." Andie explained, repeating some of the conversation she and her nephew had shared the previous evening.
"With regards to the house," Andromeda continued, "a few months ago, when you were there, the place was housing Voldemort and his Death Eaters – the décor has improved greatly since then I would imagine, though it's still a little dark and unwelcoming at present, I admit. But look at this place!" She gestured around her, to make emphasise the point she was about to make.
"I remember this house from when I was a child, and the current décor of Malfoy Manor is in the same line that this place used to be like. But look at the change you've managed to accomplish here. I can accomplish the same there. In two months time Narcissa wont even recognise the place, I will turn it into a proper home, a welcoming home with a positive environment – I wouldn't want my Grandson raised in anything less." Andromeda assured them.
Hermione sighed, "I know you only ever have Teddy's best interest at heart, but him living in that house, after what happened-" Hermione trailed off, unable to voice the rest of her thoughts.
"I won't be moving there immediately, not until the place is fully ready. You and Harry can come by and look at the place, see the difference, if that will help you feel better about all this" Andromeda offered.
Hermione looked up sadly, "I don't know if I could ever step back in that house, especially not so soon."
Harry put his hand on Hermione's arm, "The best thing for Teddy is stability" He repeated her words from the previous night, "Stability means staying with Andromeda. And look what we did to this place in little under a fortnight, imagine what she can do in two months."
"And Teddy will be solely under my care, as will Narcissa – the negative influences of her past will not even come close to Teddy, I promise."
Hermione smiled, "I don't suppose we have a choice really, I'll be at Hogwarts too come September, so there's no alternative I can propose. It's not like Harry and I can raise Teddy as our own, is it?" she asked rhetorically.
Andromeda smiled, "After the year you two have had, the last thing you need is to have your lives disrupted with a child," she said kindly.
Hermione frowned, and turned to look at Andromeda, "Is that your polite way of saying you don't believe Harry and I would be fit parents to our Godson. Your daughter and Son-in-law named Harry and I as Godparents, they trusted us to raise their son should anything happen to them, they trusted our abilities, why should you question them?" Hermione asked, her temper flaring.
Andromeda held up her hands defensively, "That's not what I meant. I couldn't think of any two people who would raise Teddy better than you two. But as you said yourself, Hermione, you won't even be here for a lot of time. And with Harry starting out at the Ministry, you're lives are going to be so chaotic," she trailed off, and Hermione began to look a little ashamed of herself for snapping.
"I'm sorry, Andromeda, I didn't mean to bite your head off. I'm just mad at myself for committing to Hogwarts so quickly." She admitted.
"It's fine, dear. And I promise to keep Teddy away from the influence of Draco Malfoy as much as I can."
"Can we at least take care of Teddy until you have the Manor sorted out?" Hermione asked, "I appreciate I will have to get used to the idea of him staying there for a while, but I would at least like to keep him out of that place until you work your magic on it."
Andromeda smiled, "Certainly. In fact I was going to ask you if you would. It's not particularly bad at the moment, but as Harry said, it's not particularly nurturing."
Andromeda remained for another hour, talking genially about her plans for Malfoy Manor. Hermione eventually returned to her parents, after having lunch with Harry, slightly dejected, though feeling better about the situation after the full reassurances of Andromeda. Hermione found her parents in the kitchen, discussing a menu for an upcoming dinner they seemed to be arranging.
"Oh, good, you're home. How was your night?" Her mother said, hearing Hermione descending the stairs, and then frowned when she saw her daughter's face, "Is everything alright, Darling?"
Hermione smiled, "It's a long story, but I'm ok." She assured them, but seeing their quizzical looks, she elaborated, "I have a Godson, and his name is Teddy Lupin. His parents died in the battle at Hogwarts, he remained with his grandmother, she looked after him a lot, while Remus and Dora were working for the order, but her living arrangements are changing, and Harry and I – Harry is Godfather, we've had to discuss the arrangements. It's not ideal, the house isn't one I want him to grow up in, but it will only be for two years, and Andromeda is a wonderful parent. And Harry and I can hardly raise the child, I'm returning to Hogwarts so I'm not going to be around, and Harry is still finding his feet. It'll all work out." Hermione smiled, then laughed at her parents' astounded looks.
"Like I said, a lot has changed, and I'll fill you in thoroughly at a later date. What's the dinner you're planning?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.
Victoria shook herself back to the present. "Monday night, we're having the Aldens over for dinner, they want to hear all about our trip, and it's high time you and Richard started reacquainting yourselves."
Hermione didn't even bother to try and argue, she simply rolled her eyes and hopped onto one of the stools at the breakfast bar.
"And what exactly are you going to tell them about your trip?" Hermione asked.
Her father grinned and pulled a map in front of Hermione, "We'll smooth out the finer details tomorrow, but for now we have sailed out of Plymouth, and followed that route –" Anthony indicated the red line he had drawn through the Atlantic Oceans, around Africa into the Indian Ocean continuing on to the Tasman sea, finally stopping in Sydney.
"We'll say we stopped at places which one of us has already been to, so we know what we're talking about, but we'll keep the places minimal – avoiding the big cities and tourist traps. We'll say we wanted to be as far away from civilisation as we could possibly get, just enjoying the serenity of the ocean, only going on shore when it was absolutely necessary" Anthony finished.
"And when people ask about photos?" Hermione asked, wanting to see just how well thought out their story was, wondering if this simple snag had crossed their minds.
Apparently it had, as Victoria grinned and answered, "You're father, in an idiotic moment of severe clumsiness, dropped the camera off the side of the boat about six months into the trip. So the pictures we had already taken, and any others we wanted to take are currently sitting at the bottom of the Indian Ocean." Victoria finished somewhat smugly.
Hermione couldn't help but laugh and nod in approval. "I admit, that does sound like something you would do, dad. As long as you two stick to the same script, you'll do marvellously." Hermione commended. "And now, can I help you with anything? For Monday?" She asked, resigning herself to her fate.
Monday arrived, bringing with it some semblance of normality to the Granger household, the staff that had taken a year's leave returned to the house, and Hermione's parents went back to work, Hermione spent the day with Teddy at the Weasleys, while Andromeda began making a lone start on the revamp of Malfoy Manor as Draco was once again at the ministry, this time sitting in on his father's trial. At 5 O'clock, after Andromeda had called by to pick up Teddy, Hermione returned to her home and began to prepare herself for dinner.
Hermione had insisted on it being a casual affair and dressed in dark skinny jeans and a light, long-sleeved, checked shirt keeping the sleeves unrolled to cover the scars on her arms. Under this, she donned a plain strap top, allowing for the top buttons of the shirt to remain open, without displaying an obscene amount of cleavage. She finished the ensemble with a pair of ankle boots and wondered just how long she would last in heels, havening not worn a pair in over a year.
She descended from her room, heading for the drawing room, she had just poured herself a glass of champagne when the doorbell rang, and minutes later the Aldens were shown into the room.
Hermione couldn't help but smile at the sight of them; she had always been a favourite with Richard's parents, long before Richard and her became a couple, and likewise they had been favourites with her.
First into the room was John: he was of a height with Hermione's father, though slightly less athletic, and an extremely positive person, happiness simply poured from him, and you only had to be in the same room as him for five minutes before your mood lifted higher than it had been before. Hermione couldn't remember him having anything but a smile on his face.
"The prodigals return!" Her exclaimed as he crossed the threshold, going straight to Anthony shaking his hand and pulling him into a one armed hug. "You look good, Tony. That year off has wiped years off your age."
He turned to Victoria, and smiled, "Victoria, you look as beautiful as ever." He said kissing her cheek, Hermione's mother laughed,
"And you're still a charmer, I see, John. Glad to see that hasn't changed." Victoria responded smilingly.
John then turned to Hermione, as his wife began her own greetings with Hermione's parents, closely followed by Richard.
"Hermione, Hermione," John spoke fondly, taking Hermione's hands. Hermione couldn't help but smile.
"John, how are you?" she beamed.
"Wonderful dear. I can't tell you how glad I am, we all are, to know you're back again. I'll admit you had us worried. Richard told us about your goodbye, he said you seemed out of sorts." He said quietly, and Hermione's smile faltered.
"It's a long story, but I'm back now, I'm home. Ready to get back on track." She tried to convince him, or perhaps she was trying to convince herself.
John pulled her into a rib-crushing hug, "Glad to hear it."
John released her and stepped aside, striking up conversation with Anthony, and Elizabeth Alden came to Hermione's side.
"Hermione, Darling." She beamed, pulling her future Daughter-in-law into a loving hug, "How good to see you again."
"And you Liz," Hermione replied with feeling, before she was released, and the next second she was faced with her fiancé.
Richard Alden stood over her, a head taller than her, though a little shorter than Harry, she thought. His physique was as good as she remembered, not too much muscle, but his strength was clearly defined through the shirt he wore and Hermione couldn't help but smile remembering the six-pack she knew was hidden under there. His hair was cut short and was a delicious mixture of brown tones that were only slightly lighter than those of her hair. He looked down at her with hazel eyes filled with happiness at seeing her again, and Hermione couldn't help but grin at seeing him again – despite the impending engagement that she didn't want, Richard was still one of her best muggle friends, they may have blurred the lines of friendship in the past, becoming considerably more than friends for a long time, but their romance was built upon on a solid foundation, and Hermione realised in that second, she had actually missed him.
In that initial moment of seeing him again, her mind involuntarily went back to the last time they had been in the same room together.
(1 year earlier)
Hermione was in her parents study, putting the finishing touches to the generic emails she had written, setting the automatic sending details, making sure the right sets would be sent out at the correct time. She heard footsteps coming through the front door she had left open, treading cautiously into the entrance hall.
"Hermione?" she heard Richard's voice call hesitatingly.
"Just a second," she called back, her voice quivered slightly, and she cleared her throat to try and steady her emotions. She had sent her parents off early that morning, their life packed up and their memories modified, on their way to Australia to begin again. In a few hours time she would be taking part in rescuing Harry from the Dursley's, well aware of the dangers she was facing in the coming months, and still emotional from the happenings of this morning, her nerves and emotions were already fraught. She turned off the computer and left the room; acutely aware the she was turning off the lights and shutting the door for possibly the final time.
Richard was sat waiting for her, at the foot of the main staircase, his brow knitted in confusion and concern. He rose when she came from the study, and walked toward her,
"Hermione, what's going on? My parents got an email last night telling them your parents were taking off on a round the world trip, right out of the blue. Then you message me this morning, telling me you're disappearing as well. You've been acting strange since you got back from school a few weeks ago, what the hell is happening?" Richard demanded.
Hermione took a deep breath, "I am going. Not with my parents though, they've already gone, they left this morning." She started to explain. Richard came up to her and put his hands on her arms.
"How long will you be gone for? Where are you going?" he asked, looking down at her in concern. "Hermione, I'm worried about you, there's something big you're not telling me, I know it."
Hermione raised her face to look him in the eyes, trying to keep her emotions in check, "I don't know how long it will take, I would like to say a year, but it could possibly be longer. I can't tell you where I'm going, I don't even know that myself, yet. And i don't know when it's going to end.."
"Hermione what is going on? You're starting to scare me now." Richard said, his grip tightening slightly.
Hermione raised her hands to his shoulders, "I'm sorry I can't tell you. I wish I could, I really do, but I can't - legally I can't, and" she laughed bitterly, "You wouldn't believe me, even if I did tell you. But more than that, it would be dangerous for you to know." Hermione dropped her eyes, "I've said too much to you already, I shouldn't have even told you this much."
Richard dropped his hands, took a step back, and ran his hands through his hair in frustration, "I was going to propose to you this summer. And I know you know that; given both our parents are pushing for it. But despite that our parents are pushing this forward, I was happy to propose to you, I am happy to propose to you," he corrected, "Because I love you. I love you Hermione. Given that, don't I deserve to know the truth?" He asked passionately.
Hermione ran her hands through her hair, mirroring his frustration, she then stepped up to, put her hands on his face and made him look her in the eyes as she spoke, "That is all the more reason for me to keep you in the dark," She explained, imploring him, with the sincerity in her eyes, to believe her. "Your ignorance will keep you safe. Trust me, please." She begged. Hermione waited a moment, staring intently into his eyes, until Richard gave the tiniest of nods; she let out a sigh of relief, gave a small smile, then stood up on her toes and crushed her lips against his, aiming to pour her goodbye into this one action, knowing full well this could be the last time she would ever see him.
Richard responded instantly, wrapping his arms around her tight as he pulled her closer to him, deepening the kiss. When they finally broke apart, Richard rested his forehead against hers, waiting for his breath to even out, waiting for Hermione to speak first.
Finally, Hermione spoke, "I'm sorry, I have to go. You have to go. I need to shut this place up properly I need to make sure I have everything." She looked up at Richard again, "You need to go." She reiterated.
As she watched, Richard's eyes seemed to go blank, all emotion wiped from them, "So this is goodbye?" he asked, numbly.
"I'm sorry," was all Hermione could say. Richard nodded, then headed for the door.
"I just hope it's not forever," Hermione said quietly as he walked away; she kept her back to the door, so she had no idea if he had heard her. She didn't notice him pause at the threshold and glance back, nor did she hear his whispered, "Yeah, me to."
…
"Hey stranger" Hermione said with a shy smile, as Richard approached her, trying to hide her nerves.
"Hey yourself. I thought you'd abandoned me for good," Richard partly joked, returning the smile.
Hermione laughed nervously, then said quietly, "I told you I'd be gone for a year. And I also told you I'd be back. And here I am."
Richard nodded thoughtfully, "But you didn't seem too convinced at the time, did you?" He reminded her.
Hermione chewed her lip, "Does it matter? It's done now. And I'm back sooner than I anticipated."
Richard smiled, "Do I at least get to know where you went? what you had to do?" He asked, though he seemed to already know the answer.
Hermione rolled her eyes, and was the verge of telling him no, when she decided to change tack, and answered with a smirk: "I went camping," it was after all the truth.
Richard raised his eyebrows, surprised at the lack of 'no' he had expected, "You? Camping?" he clarified.
"Why is that so hard to believe?" Hermione asked in indignation, causing Richard to laugh,
"I guess it's not, but I thought hotels were more your forté, that's all." Richard shrugged his shoulders.
"Now how about the truth?" He asked, thoroughly unconvinced with Hermione's half-truth.
Hermione laughed, "Maybe they are, but despite your conjectures, that is the truth, I did go camping. I went all over Britain in fact, just a couple of friends and I, and our tent, enjoying the wilderness. I'm not afraid roughing it every now and then."
Richard smirked at the last comment, "Ohh, so miss Hermione Granger likes it rough every now and then, does she?" He said, nodding in approval, "I'll drink to that." He winked.
"Oh good god!" Hermione exclaimed at his twisting of her words, slapping his arm and shaking her head, but laughing all the same, "You never change." She scolded.
Richard laughed and the pair bantered for a while longer, but finally fell into a lull.
Their fathers were now talking business and their mothers were talking of everything but. Not particularly wanting to join either conversation, nor wanting to fall into an uncomfortable silence, Hermione suggested a game of pool.
"I haven't played in over a year, but I'm pretty sure I can still kick your ass. How about it?" She challenged confidently.
"Oh, you are so on," Richard accepted, coming to life at the suggestion of competition. Both were equally competitive individuals, and both equally good sports, and many an evening had been spent in healthy competition around the pool table. Richard stood up and handed her his glass, "You fill up our drinks and I'll go rack 'em up."
Richard left the room and went across the hall to the billiards room, while Hermione went to top up her champagne, and pour Richard another measure of Scotch. Victoria joined her in a moment, and when Hermione silently topped up her glass she asked, "Is everything alright? Where did Richard rush off to?" Clearly, Victoria was worried that the reunion wasn't going as smoothly as she hoped.
Hermione smiled, "We're fine. He's in the Billiard room, setting up for pool. I'm going to go kick his ass." she explained.
Victoria frowned, "I wish you wouldn't speak like that, it's not ladylike. I don't like what Hogwarts has done to you."
"I apologise" Hermione placated, "Make sure to tell us when dinner is served."
The game of pool started off to a rapid succession of shots, but as Hermione relaxed, the conversation with Richard began to flow more easily and they began to spend more time reminiscing and less time focusing on their game.
During one of Hermione's shots they began talking about Melissa, Hermione's oldest girl friend, laughing about something the three of them had done one summer a couple of years back, when Hermione and Richard had first become romantically involved. When Hermione missed her second shot, she straightened, took a drink from her glass, and then asked:
"Have you seen much of Melissa, this year? I haven't contacted her yet, but I really should."
She noticed Richard shift in slight discomfort, and give more focus to his shot than he had previously shown, "Yeah, I've seen her…a little." he admitted with an attempt at nonchalance...a poor attempt.
Hermione frowned, fully concentrating on Richards profile,
"Oh yeah? How is she? She good?" she asked, trying not to smirk too much at Richards apparent discomfort.
Richard cleared his throat, and shifted uncomfortably again: "Yeah, she's good." He said, offhand, lining up to take his shot.
Hermione couldn't help but smirk now, she had known Richard too long and could read him like a book, "Uhuh," she said, leaning one hand on the table.
She paused a second, then: "You've been sleeping with her." She stated, timing her words to perfection, just as Richard took his shot. His jolt of surprise at this accurate accusation caused him to accidentally send the cue ball spinning off the table, to Hermione's snort of derision.
Richard stood bolt up, looking like a rabbit caught in the headlights, "I didn't mean…. I never said…" he stuttered.
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "You didn't have to say: it's written all over you face. Now pick up your ball and take your shot again. Man-whore." She added with a smirk, Richard shot her a dark look as he went to retrieve the cue ball and set up for a second attempt at his shot. From Hermione's tone and continual smirk, he gathered he wasn't in any immediate trouble, but he wasn't sure she would forgive him just yet.
"I'm not a man-whore. It was only once-" Hermione laughed in disbelief, "Alright twice,"
Richard caught sight of Hermione's raised eyebrows and hand on her hip: he never could get away with lying to her.
"Alright fine, it happened a number of occasions, a couple of months ago." Richard finally admitted.
"But you had left," He defended himself, becoming suddenly serious, and speaking with feeling,
"And when you said goodbye, it seemed as if you were saying goodbye for a lot longer than one year. I didn't know what was going on with you, but it sounded final, I don't think you expected to be here right now. I never heard from you since then, I had no way of contacting you, it was like you fell off the planet, and it scared me. I was worried, I was hurt and I was angry."
Richard's outburst wiped the smirk from Hermione's face, and she chewed her lip, standing in silence as Richard took his shot. When he straitened up, Hermione looked him in the eyes and apologised, genuinely feeling regret and remorse at how she had left things between them. Once again, she wished she had been able to tell him the truth about who she really was, the one thing she hated doing, more than anything else, was lying.
"I'm sorry, you're right, I did just take off and I didn't expect to be back so soon. Truthfully, I didn't know if I would make it back at all. So, I'm not angry with you: I guess we were on a break. I'm sorry for what I put you through." She told him truthfully.
Richard nodded at the table, "Your shot," he commented.
Hermione took her shot and missed because she was watching Richard out the corner of her eye, who was watching her intently, clearly thinking carefully over her words.
"So, you're not pissed off, that I slept with your best friend?" He clarified.
Hermione shrugged, "Like I said, we were on a break, and you had no idea when, or even if, I was coming back: like you said, our goodbye was pretty final, how were you to know we'd be standing here now? How was I to know? And hey," she added with a sly grin, trying to lighten the conversation again, "I couldn't expect you to stay faithful to me forever in my absence. Your turn." She added hoping to move the conversation along.
Richards eyes narrowed, but a small smile played on his lips, "you slept with someone." He accused, "You cheated on me also."
The smile told Hermione she wasn't in any real trouble, but she took mock offence all the same, "How dare you accuse me so. It's not very gentleman like behaviour to speak to a lady so." She said feigning indignation, "And we we're on a break, so technically it wouldn't be cheating. Your go." She added.
Richard threw his head back and laughed at her sudden airs, "Come on, I'm not exactly a true gentleman am I? And I assume you're using the term 'lady' in the loosest sense possible?" He joked.
"Jerk," Hermione muttered, hitting him playfully with her cue.
"You still haven't answered my question," Richard pointed out, moving around the table to line up his next shot.
"Ask me know questions, I'll thee no lies." Hermione smirked playfully, following Richard around the table to judge his shot.
Richard smiled, and shook his head, "wench" he muttered leaning over to take his shot.
Hermione laughed, "philanderer" she retorted playfully, giving him a nudge, causing him to send his ball off course.
The pair continued to banter until summoned for dinner, neither mad at the other for their lack of faithfulness, as both believed at the time the other was out of their lives forever. They were good friends, and Hermione still found him highly attractive, but the spark they once had was gone – at least for her it was gone, she couldn't say the same for him. Hermione still couldn't escape the fact that she was not in love with this man; she couldn't be honest and open with him, the way she believed she should be with her future husband. How could she marry someone who didn't know the real her? As she preceded Richard into the dining room, she silently cursed the Statute of Secrecy for making this situation more complicated than it needed to be.
###
Monday found Draco once again in the depths of the Ministry, in the depressing dungeons of the courtroom. His father's trial commenced that morning, and had been going all day, with the exception of an hour and a half recess for lunch. So far the trial had followed a similar track to his mothers, however due to Lucius' deeper involvement, the trial was running longer due to the amount of crimes he was being tried for. The morning was spent detailing Lucius' involvement with the Death Eaters prior to Draco's birth, before Voldemort's first downfall.
After detailing his involvement, Kingsley asked, "And how is it you escaped arrest at this time?"
Lucius had the decency to look a little ashamed, "I claimed I was under the imperious curse." He stated, and then taking a deep breath he fully admitted the circumstances.
"Of course, my involvement was so deep that this excuse failed to convince everyone, so I used the long-standing family name, and dipped into personal assets, to help convince those who mattered that my defence was valid."
"In other words, you bribed them to let you walk free?" another member of the Wizengamot clarified.
"I did yes. Prior to the Dark Lord's downfall, I was already well placed in the Ministry: I gave regular donations to certain departments, helped supplement the cost of certain projects. I also made generous donations to the hospital and school. After my arrest, I called in favours with a lot of high ranking officials: I reminded them that without my money, they would not have been where they were."
It was here that the court adjourned for lunch, but when the courtroom was once again in session, the trial moved into the offences committed since Voldemort's return.
"As you may have been made aware, Mr Malfoy, you're wife stood trial last week, and we have already heard her account of events." Kingsley explained. "And as you were involved in everything she was, it naturally follows that any denial of your involvement and a plead of not-guilty to the following charges laid against you will be futile." He warned.
Lucius nodded soberly, "I understand. And I have no wish to deny the charges." Lucius continued on his narrative, fully detailing his involvement with the Death Eaters since the Quidditch World Cup – "I have to admit, the torture of the Roberts Family was my idea, and mine alone: My wife was reluctant to join in the spectacle, but I insisted. The other members of the group were more easily persuaded." He explained.
Lucius then went on to give an account of the night Voldemort returned, a brief detailing of the events, which unfolded in the graveyard, all the while shifting uncomfortably and continually glancing up at Harry Potter, who was watching him intently, betraying no emotions to the narrative.
Draco knew little of what had happened that night, all he knew was that Potter had been there, that the Dark Lord returned, there was some sort of duel, and Cedric Diggory died. His father had kept especially quiet on those details; at least he had done so in front of his son.
Lucius continued his narrative uninterrupted, detailing Voldemort's various plans: The details of his reasons for lying low the first year of his return, the reasons for breaking into the department of Mysteries,
"The Dark Lord wanted a prophecy that had been made about himself and Harry Potter, and that apparently contained the knowledge of his demise. The prophecy, while it was retrieved, was never heard – it was destroyed during our fight with Harry Potter and the other students who attended with him. And then the Order arrived, and we were arrested for trespassing. I then spent a year in Azkaban, I don't know what went on while I was inside and I wasn't told of much when I was released. All I know is that, since the night of his return, the Dark Lord had been carefully planning to infiltrate the Ministry and Hogwarts. Both of which he accomplished before he broke me out of Azkaban, but from that time on I was out of favour with the Dark Lord – he used my home as a base, but his contempt of my family and myself was openly known."
Lucius continued to give an account of the goings on taking place in his home, detailing the frequent – and often long – absences of Voldemort, and what transpired in these times.
"This past year my family and I have been doing all we can to simply survive the Dark Lord's regime. By the time we were taken to Hogwarts, all we wanted was to find our son and escape. Where we were going to go we were unsure of – we all had our own safe-houses, which we could have hidden from the Order and the Aurors, should it have been required. But finding somewhere safe from the Dark Lord was nigh on impossible, but we had to try. In the end, the measure was deemed unnecessary, Harry Potter finally defeated the Dark Lord, and his regime was at an end. We were safe."
Lucius finished; a brief silence followed this final statement, a silence swiftly broken by Kingsley Shacklebolt, ever professional:
"We will require you to submit a list of names of all the Death Eaters who served with you during the regime; we will need as many names as you can provide, detailing how far into the regime they were, whether or not they were branded with the Dark Mark, and most importantly whether or not they engaged in the regime under their own free will. Do you comply with this request?" Kingsley asked formally.
Lucius nodded, and answered with the utmost sincerity: "Of course. I will be happy to help you in any way I can. I fully repent my involvement with the Death Eaters, and I will do all I can to help you find any Death Eater's eluding justice."
Many of the Wizengamot couldn't help but show open surprise at such a statement, and even Draco was shocked at his father's willingness to assist, he exchanged a brief look of incredulity with Blaise, before turning his attention back to the wizengamot.
Kingsley nodded, then glanced at his watch. "Court is now adjourned until the Wizengamot reaches a verdict. As we have run over time, we will return the verdict on the Morrow, where the court will reconvene at 10 am, at which time Lucius Malfoy will give us a complete list of names of all those involved in Tom Riddle's Regime. Mr Malfoy, you will now be escorted to a holding cell below the courtroom where you will spend the night, under constant supervision."
Lucius rose silently from the chair in the centre of room, and was escorted away. Kingsley then turned to the Wizengamot; "We will reconvene here tomorrow morning at 8:30am to discuss the day's proceedings ad reach a suitable verdict. Court Dismissed."
As the crowd began to disperse around them, Draco leaned back in his seat and let out a long breath, then looked across at Blaise,
"Did he sound sincere to you?" He asked.
Blaise shrugged, "Yeah, he did. But it's Lucius; he's an expert at feigned sincerity. How many times has he wheedled his way out of things like this?" he pointed out.
"My thoughts exactly." Draco muttered darkly. "The question is, will the Wizengamot see through it?"
Again, Blaise shrugged, "No idea. But we won't know until tomorrow, will we?" he said in rhetoric.
"Hmm" Draco responded, looking up at the Wizengamot thoughtfully, paying particular attention to Potter in conversation with Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
After a few moments of speculation Draco jumped up, "Come on, lets wait outside." He commanded to Blaise.
Blaise frowned, but followed, as Draco made his way out, and stood about in the hallway, waiting for the Wizengamot to emerge.
"What exactly are we waiting for?" Blaise ventured after a few minutes.
"Potter." Draco said simply, inviting no further questions. Blaise simply sighed and leaned against the wall, a little further away from the door.
Eventually, Potter made his way out of the courtroom, Weasley following close behind, and Draco called over to him.
"Potter, can I have a word?" He asked politely, not a trace of hostility.
Harry nodded, and turned to Ron, handing him a pile of papers, "Do me a favour and take these back to the house for me, I'll follow you in five."
Ron nodded, muttered "No problem, Mate. See you in a few."
Harry disengaged himself from the throng and came over to where Draco and Blaise were standing patiently.
"Something wrong?" Harry asked, matching Draco's civility.
"Not really, I was just wondering, how things are looking, verdict wise?" He asked cautiously.
Harry frowned, "You should know as well as anyone, I can't discuss it with you."
Draco held up his hands, "I know. I just want to know if there is anything you can tell me. I want you to understand," he added hastily, "I'm not about to try and plea for you to go easy on him. I think we can all agree Azkaban will be welcoming him back for a period of time. I was more wondering about the length of said period of time." Draco enquired honestly.
Harry sighed, glanced over his shoulder to make sure he wouldn't be overheard, and turned back to Draco, "You're right, he will be going back to Azkaban for a period – he pleaded guilty so he has to." Harry explained.
"The Wizengamot haven't discussed anything in detail yet, that will be done tomorrow morning, but I think it will depend on how sincere your father was when he offered to help us by naming the others involved. If he agrees to help us locate the Death Eaters evading justice and if his assistance proves fruitful, chances are his sentence could be reduced."
"Reduced to what? And from what? What will the initial sentence be?" Draco prodded further.
Harry frowned again, "I've already said more than I really should. As to that, I don't know yet, not until we discuss it tomorrow. But the initial sentence will probably be pretty hefty – he's not popular in the ministry anymore. It's going to be very different for a Malfoy, around here, from now on." Harry warned tactfully.
Draco smiled ruefully, "Yeah, I figured as much. But, thank you for telling me all that. My mother and I have a real chance at turning our image, our life, around over the next year or so. And I know that it's going to be hard, but it will be a lot easier with Lucius out of the picture." Draco admitted.
Harry raised his eyebrows at Draco's calling his father by his given name, but refrained from comment.
Instead, he simply said, "I will see you tomorrow."
A/N: There we have it, we finally got to see Richard, I want to know what you're first impressions are - he will be appearing a lot more, he's set to be an interesting character and I'm looking forward to writing more scenes with him.
And the story will be moving forward at a little bit of a quicker pace from now on. We are currently only into the beginning of July, but in a few more chapters we'll finally be making it back to Hogwarts and the Dramione will finally get to begin - I realise I'm making you wait a while for it, but it will happen, and it will be worth the wait.
I'll get working on the next chapters later this evening, and I'll hopefully have an update for you sometime in the next couple of weeks :)
Please leave a review, let me know what you think - and please tell me if there is something majorly wrong :)
xBx