AN: Thanks once again for your patience. We really are almost finished now! Can you believe it? This is a long chapter, so even though we had to wait a bit for it, I think it delivers :) A special thank you to my wonderful and very speedy alpha: LaDeeDaa and beta: Astrangefan who make this story possible. Enjoy
The Waiting Game
It took a full week for the Wizengamot to reach a decision about the sixty-three total cases that had been quickly tried and convicted in the days after the fall of Voldemort. It was a matter more complex than even Hermione or Stellar Prim prepared for. On top of the Death Eaters caught red-handed committing atrocities, there was the issue of mental deterioration for some of the prisoners who'd been incarcerated longer than others. It was decided that after proper evaluation from mind healers, those with significant mental deficits would be transferred to a secure psychiatric ward to be determined. St. Mungos' was still on the fence about its oath to treat all members of society.
They had produced a list of those to be retried. Draco, Theo, and Narcissa were on the list of course, along with Lucius Malfoy, Augustus Rookwood, and a handful of others. Hermione read through the list of those who would not be receiving new trials but whose sentences would be revisited. The list seemed sound. She wrote to Stellar in Geneva to explain the individual circumstances of these prisoners. The Carrows, for instance, had been tried quickly, but the number of witnesses that had accused them, in detail, of torture of children as young as eleven was enough to have garnered a conviction under any circumstances. Dolohov, besides having nearly killed her fifth year, was deemed guilty by the memories and testimony of Professor Flitwick who was the one to apprehend him in the battle. Realistically, she did understand that some of these people got quick trials because the evidence was overwhelming. And many of their sentences might well stand. That was fine. The point, though, was that they would serve their sentences in a facility that wasn't a human rights atrocity.
"Hermione, put the paper away and eat," Padma admonished, smearing jam on her scone and eyeing Hermione closely.
Hermione's eyes flitted over The Prophet coverage:
Malfoy Gets Second Chance at Imperius Defence
Former Warden Forms Citizen's Group Against Prison Reform
No Comment from Hermione Granger on Affair with Death Eater
She'd rolled her eyes at the last one. Was it any wonder she preferred to be home? While The Daily Prophet had decided that the public had been outraged by the conditions at Azkaban - and therefore changed their opinion on the matter - they still had no love for her - or what she was trying to accomplish. They walked a fine line of supporting the reforms but hating the leader of the reform movement. They were also irrationally obsessed with her love life. Some things never changed.
"It's all rubbish anyway," Padma added, as Hermione tossed the paper aside and sipped her tea. "And no, tea is not food. Eat."
"Yes, mum," Hermione replied with a huff, picking up one of the croissants Padma had brought with her when she came that morning.
"You know, you are incredibly bossy," Hermione pointed out primly.
Padma laughed, "You are one to talk. Besides, you look like you have lost half a stone in two weeks. It won't do. Not at my sister's surprise engagement party!"
"Do you really think Parvati is going to be surprised?" Hermione asked.
"Not even a little bit. Saviour of the Wizarding World though he might be, Harry Potter is not at all clever with secrets. Besides, do you really think my mother would let her be photographed for some of the most important pictures of her life without warning her first? None of us want to face the end of a bat-bogey hex!" Padma exclaimed.
Hermione laughed. That was true. Parvati would kill them all if they let her engagement announcement end up in the papers and her wearing something that only made her look her usual, everyday beautiful and not the most stunning woman on planet earth. "Were you ever jealous of Vati growing up?" Hermione asked, suddenly realising that it might have been difficult to be the twin of a star that shined as bright as Parvati.
"Not really," Padma said, picking at her scone. "I mean, the night I was stuck as Ron's dance partner at the Yule Ball while he sulked about you all night - meanwhile Vati got to dance with a Triwizard Champion! There was a little jealousy. But look, Parvati and I are just - different. If you asked her, she'd tell you that she envied the way academics came to me so quickly and the praise our parents heaped on me for my high marks. The grass is always greener, right?"
"Fair enough," Hermione agreed with a nod. "For what it is worth, you are also a stunningly beautiful woman."
"Well, thank you, Hermione, but I believe you are taken," Padma quipped.
Hermione snorted at that. "Anyway, I'm very happy for Harry and Parvati. If anyone deserves happiness, it's them."
"Frankly, we all deserve a bit," Padma remarked. "I do hope Ron stops hiding his girlfriend from us soon. I understood while we were in the midst of a crisis, but really, it's getting ridiculous."
"Ah! So he is still seeing the mystery woman!" Hermione cried. "He won't tell me anything."
"Strange bloke," Padma supplied. "Think he's a bit worried about jinxing it."
"Idiot," Hermione said with a shake of her head.
The Engagement Party had been lovely. Parvati acted sufficiently surprised, Harry had beamed when she agreed to marry him, and he slipped the Potter Heirloom ring on her delicate brown finger.
There had been some notable absences. Katie Bell, of course, Hermione had not expected to come - or probably be invited given the nature of their current relationship. She felt uneasy about that. Katie had been friends with Parvati. In fact, she'd also been pretty close friends with Ginny - the two of them continuing quidditch long past Hogwarts. She didn't want to be the reason they were no longer friends.
Missing, too, were the Browns - Parvati had stayed in touch with Lavender's family after her death. It could have been a coincidence. She didn't know, exactly. But she couldn't help feeling like her friends, remaining close to her, were required to make sacrifices. She hated that.
But she chose to focus on the good. Harry was getting his happy ending. She'd cornered Ron at some point and insisted he find his as well - to take the risk. She hoped she'd gotten through.
When she got home to her empty house - it really was her house at this point - she climbed up the stairs to check her notebook. Draco had been allowed to keep it. She would once again be allowed to visit him soon, but until then, they communicated by notebook. She flipped it open.
How was the party?
Lovely. Harry and Parvati will cover all the newspapers tomorrow, I'm sure.
Wonderful. Maybe they'll stop writing lies about us.
One hopes.
I love you.
Love you too, Draco. See you soon.
Closing the notebook, she made her way to the shower and washed the long day off her before climbing into bed and falling fast asleep.
At first, Avis Lacewood didn't instill a great deal of confidence. When she walked into his office, Hermione noticed he had only one legal assistant and his desk was an absolute disaster. She understood organised chaos but this - it was something else entirely. She could barely see him behind legal papers and briefs.
He had, however, come highly recommended by Stellar Prim's Swiss mentor. She'd keep an open mind.
"Mr. Lacewood," she greeted, trying to see around a particularly large pile of self-filing parchment.
"Miss Granger, I assume," he greeted, standing up and coming out from behind his desk. His robes were askew, but they were clean which was something.
"Yes," she replied. "I'm here about the new trials for those convicted after the War."
"Yes," he nodded, "do come sit." He indicated the chair in front of her desk, and he waved his wand, banishing the filing papers to another corner of the room where they continued to file themselves.
"I admit, Hans sent me a message a few days ago explaining that you might reach out, so I did some preliminary work to learn more about the cases," Avis explained.
Impressive.
"I appreciate that," Hermione smiled. "Yes, I have particular interest in three of the trials. Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott Jr, and Narcissa Malfoy. I might be inclined to ask for your assistance with Lucius Malfoy - but that is not a priority for me.'
"It would certainly be the hardest of the four cases. I wouldn't hold high hopes for acquittal his case," Mr. Lacewood advised.
Hermione nodded emphatically. "I certainly do not. I haven't spoken to Narcissa nor Draco about it yet, and I don't know what they might want to do - since Lucius has been entitled to a new trial." Avis nodded and remained silent. She assumed that meant he intended for her to continue.
"I understand that you do this kind of work - assisting in the mounting of a defence for alleged criminals. I would like to hire you to work on these cases, and I have mountains of evidence to help you along," Hermione explained.
"What kind of evidence? I've been reading the preliminary files. I can't figure out what in the world they convicted the Nott boy on other than that he possessed a Dark Mark. Narcissa Malfoy is another case that calls me to question the judgement of the entire system. At worst she was an accomplice to lower crimes - certainly not a case for Azkaban Prison! Draco Malfoy, on the other hand - it's tricky. I see both sides of that case." She could tell the entire thing piqued his interest and she was grateful for it. It would mean he'd dedicate the time and energy to the cases, and since he was one of the best…
"Yes, I understand," Hermione agreed. "Draco has the trickier case, but I think if you get a look at the whole picture from all sides, you'll see that coercion was at play. He has committed crimes - crimes for which I understand he owes society repentance - but with regards to the worst of the charges, I don't think you could consider him a willing party."
"Why don't you tell me everything you know, Miss Granger," Avis prompted.
"So, you'll take their cases?" She asked hopefully.
"Oh, my dear. That was never in question." Hermione let out a sigh of relief and got comfortable as she started from the beginning.
Hermione bit her lip as she considered how to broach the subject with Draco about his father's trial. She had been told by Kingsley that while she wasn't strictly forbidden from seeing Draco, Theo, and Narcissa any longer, it was not 'good optics' for her to be at the Ministry in the detention cells more than she needed to be. So, she was still communicating through the notebook until the trials got closer.
So…I have to talk about Lucius.
She decided direct was the course of action. She waited for a response. It didn't take long.
What about Lucius?
She sighed. Then, she continued.
I spoke with a solicitor today. It occurred to me that you and your mother might want to enlist his help in your father's defence. I didn't want to make the call for you. He seems willing, if you'd like to add him to the slate of clients that Avis Lacewood will help defend, all I need do is let him know.
There was a long pause before Draco finally responded.
No. Lucius is guilty and I see no reason to waste Lacewood's nor the Wizengamot's time pretending otherwise. As long as he gets the mental health evaluation and serves his sentence somewhere that isn't like Azkaban, my mother and I are prepared for the fact that he might never leave prison.
Hermione let out a breath she had been holding and nodded. She was relieved. While she would have done whatever Draco and his mother wanted, she was glad she didn't have to. Lucius was a bad man. He might not have always been, he might not have been fully evil, but he was a bad, ambitious man who couldn't really be trusted with freedom.
Okay, love. I will come visit the three of you next week. Kings has given every indication that they plan to start trials as soon as logistically possible and that the three of you are at the top of the list. I miss you.
How much?
A smile spread across her face.
Very much. I wish you were here.
And if I was there…
Are you attempting to get me to write the naughty things in my head down on this paper, Draco Malfoy?
Of course.
She laughed out loud.
Too bad. I won't be telling you how I came in the shower thinking about you rocking in and out of me from behind. Absolutely not.
There was a pause in writing.
Bloody hell, Hermione. You are going to kill me.
I think you'll live. Sweet dreams, Draco.
They will be now. Goodnight, love.
The day of the Ministry visit, Hermione was a bundle of nerves. She'd been so wound up to see Draco - and Theo and Narcissa too, to be honest - that she was a ball of nervous energy all morning. She barely slept the night before.
Ron had offered to walk her from his office to the detention chambers - and hold onto her wand since she wasn't allowed to bring inside any of the areas that detained prisoners.
"Harry's just thrilled with being sent to scout out new prison locations. Over the moon," Ron answered sarcastically when Hermione asked about Harry. She snorted a laugh.
"Well, at least they put him in charge of the location and not the transfer," she pointed out.
"Oi, you think we were going to let anyone but the rookies take that job. We were not born last night, Hermione," Ron explained. "Jones has agreed to oversee the whole thing, but it's going to be Fife, Blaggert, and Pence who actually have to move the prisoners either into the loony bin or the new prison."
"Ron, I hate when you call it that," she chided.
"Fine, the nut house, then," Ron said with an incorrigible smile. "You know I'm only joking, Hermione. Some of the mind healers delivered early findings, and it's actually incredibly shocking some of the serious mental issues some of them have. I mean, they didn't go in all that sane in the first place, did they?"
"Right," Hermione agreed. "And the prolonged mental torture would only make things worse - even in their physical health. Unfortunately, for most of them, the mental decay will be permanent."
Ron shifted awkwardly next to her but nodded. He didn't know what to say. She knew that. Ron was a good man, and he did understand second chances, but he also believed in punitive punishment much more than she did. Torture? No. But the idea of Antonin Dolohov getting to have a nice clean bed, three square meals a day, and a view from his potential hospital bed after the man had once nearly killed his best friend didn't sit right with him - internally. Still, Hermione appreciated that he tried to understand and that he wasn't nearly as bullheaded as he'd been in their youth.
Between the three of them - Harry, Ron, and Hermione - she was clearly the bleeding heart. She was the one who knitted hats for house elves for Godrick's sake. Ron was the traditionalist - black and white thinker. Harry was somewhere between the two. They complimented each other, and they also helped each other grow. Ron sometimes needed to tell Hermione that ideals are fine, but we live in reality. Hermione had helped Ron see things from another point of view and cultivate more empathy. Harry had been well served to have both of them by his side like two perspectives ever present on either shoulder helping him make important decisions.
"They are down this way," Ron said, using his wand to let them through the wards. "The rooms are not bad. Technically, most people who stay in them are not yet convicted, so they are kept relatively habitable."
Good to know.
Ron waited outside as she visited with Narcissa first. She was glad to hear that Draco, Narcissa, and Theo were not being kept entirely apart. They were able to eat together and enjoyed one hour of recreational time together a day. Narcissa looked much better than she had the last time she laid eyes on her. Her skin looked healthier, and she'd put back on some much needed weight.
They talked a bit about the new trials. Narcissa assured her that she didn't expect anything from her regarding Lucius, but she did wonder how he was doing mentally. Hermione swallowed hard but agreed to check on him. And she would, even if she didn't go herself.
Theo was reading when she visited him. She'd had a number of books from her own collection sent to him to pass the time. The way his face brightened when she walked into his room melted her heart. If the Wizengamot could look at that face and come to any other conclusion than full pardon - well, they were clearly inhuman.
"What are you reading now?" she asked, unable to see the cover.
"Count of Monte Cristo," he replied.
"Appropriate," she said with a snort.
"I promise not to plan an escape," he quipped.
"Best not," she agreed. "You are mere weeks from freedom. Don't go screwing it up because of Alexandre Dumas."
"Promise," he replied with a faux seriousness.
They talked for nearly a half hour, at least ten minutes on the blooming flowers in her garden alone. Then he bid her to leave him and go see Draco 'to put him out of his misery already.' Hermione chuckled but agreed, pulling Theo close for a long hug before insisting he reach out if he needed anything.
She took a deep breath outside Draco's room before turning the knob and stepping through the threshold. She looked up just in time to see Draco stalking with purpose to her before pressing her against the door, his hot mouth on hers within seconds.
She immediately melted into him, her arms - at first poised for defence - slackened and wound around his neck, feeling the soft hairs at the base of his skull. She idly thought he might need a haircut, but the intrusive notion was pushed from her mind the second his tongue invaded her mouth.
"Mmmm," she could hear her own wanton moan as he pressed her full against the door, his body flush against her own.
"Hermione…" he breathed against her lips before capturing them in his own again.
She knew the rooms were monitored, but she couldn't think of a single good reason to pull away as she let him plunder her mouth with his own. She wanted him to crawl inside her forever. She felt his hands move up her sides cupping her through her shirt, and she moaned again. Merlin, she missed this.
All too soon, Draco pulled back slightly his intense, grey eyes staring into hers. "Hi," he panted through swollen lips.
She grinned, pushing off the door where he gave her room to make space between them. "Hello to you too," she said, letting her hand wander down to take his hand in her own. She entwined their fingers and pulled him toward the chair by his writing desk. "Miss me?"
"What do you think?" Draco replied with a roll of his eyes.
"I missed you too," she admitted. He sat in the chair and pulled her into his lap.
"I had intended to talk to you about your defence…" she started but he stopped her with a finger on her lips.
"Later," he said. "It's been weeks. Just talk to me about anything else first."
She agreed, telling him about her visits with his mother and Theo, the garden, how she'd resorted to peanut butter and jelly for nearly every meal now that his leftovers were gone.
"Well, I suppose we should address the elephant in the room. If I'm never freed, you'll be malnourished and we can't have that," Draco quipped with a sarcastic smile.
Hermione rolled her eyes, but she was happy he had decided to at least allow her to talk about the new trial a bit. Her anxiety would not let her leave things unsaid.
"Your mother and Theo…"
Draco put his hand up to stop her before she even had a chance to start. "I've read the papers. Even The Prophet seems to understand they were mistreated in the rushed trials. I don't doubt with the right solicitor Theo could even sue for damages - not that he ever would. I'm loath to have hope, but after the tone of the Wizengamot to you, and the shutting down of Azkaban, I think they will be okay."
Hermione nodded. "I'm inclined to agree. I, also, do not want to get ahead of myself. But the facts of their cases simply do not merit prison time - let alone the five years of torture they've already served."
"Me, on the other hand," Draco said, a nervous bob of his adam's apple indicated he wasn't as unaffected as he was trying to seem.
"Draco, we just don't know what their judgement will be. We will put our best foot forward, you will say your piece and offer your story and we will place it in their hands. I will point out - as will your solicitor - that your actual crimes were all committed while you were underage, and there are international standards on punishment for underage wizards - standards the Wizengamot chose to ignore the first time. Unlike Muggle courts, the Wizengamot has wide latitude to use their personal judgement both on guilt and on punishment. I just can't…" she sighed in frustration. She'd been over it a million times in her head.
"We just can't know," Draco summed up with a nod of the head. "Yeah."
"We also don't know who will show up to the trial. If Madam Rosmerta or K-Katie decide to show and say their piece…"
Draco looked down at his lap. "I cursed them, Hermione. They should be there. They should have their say."
"I know," Hermione sighed. "Logically, I know that both of them have every reason to hate you. Every reason to want you punished - but knowing what I know about the last five years of your life, it seems like unnecessary vengeance to seek more punishment."
"You are biassed," Draco pointed out.
"It's not like you never hurt me," she began but Draco shook his head.
"I hurt you. I hurt your feelings. And I'm not downplaying that. The things I said to you…the things I believed about you. I'll never forgive myself for them. The look on your face when I called you that word for the first time - it haunts me. But you are a resilient witch, and in some ways you utilised my horrendous behaviour for fuel to be better, stronger, and show everyone they were wrong about you. I cursed them, Hermione. I forced Madam Rosemerta to bear a cursed necklace to a child - a child she cared for. And Katie could have died. I could easily be on trial for murder if it hadn't been for you and Potter," Draco explained. "That's not something I expect anyone to forgive. My only regret is that my actions have made things hard for you."
He was right, of course. What he did to them was unforgivable, but it didn't stop her from hoping they'd forgive him anyway. "You cursed them," she allowed. "You did. You could have killed Katie. You almost killed Ron. But there is a reason these were passive assaults. You are not a killer. If you were, Dumbledore would be dead by your hand."
Draco reached over and rubbed his hand up her thigh and took a deep breath. "Maybe," he finally agreed, and she figured it was the best she was going to get.
Instead of belabouring the point, she leaned in and kissed him, slowly this time, and she let him kiss the breath from her body for an unknown number of minutes before Ron knocked at the door indicating her time was up.
Nott Jr Exonerated in New Trial
In just under two days, The Wizengamot heard the Case of Theodore NottJr with evidence presented by solicitor Avis Lacewood, memories collected by the DMLE, eye-witnesses at the Battle of Hogwarts, and testimony from three former schoolmates.
New evidence proved that Mr. Nott was inducted into The Death Eaters under duress. Besides possession of The Mark and membership in a known terrorist organisation, no other crimes could be linked to the man.
The Wizengamot reached an agreement with Mr. Nott at the end of the trial that would allow the body to avoid further civil litigation if his family estate was returned to him and his conviction removed from his record.
Mr. Nott couldn't be reached for comment but was led out of the chamber with his solicitor and Hermione Granger - the activist who demanded his new trial. The Wizengamot spokesperson released this statement immediately following the decision: As a body, we take our job very seriously. If our judgement was compromised, it is right and proper that we rectify the mistake. Theodore Nott Jr. was only a Death Eater under threat of extreme bodily harm and subject to untold abuses before that. He does not belong in prison and poses no threat to society.
Continue reading The Daily Prophet for more coverage of the upcoming trials.
"It's more than I ever hoped for," Theo said, a beaming smile plastered on his face. The summer sun was just setting as Hermione, Pansy, and Theo sat on the porch overlooking the garden - a garden that was now blooming with more flowers than Hermione could count. She still couldn't believe that Theo had done all of that. It seemed he could barely believe it himself. When she Apparated in the garden with him she watched as his eyes lit up like it was Christmas taking in the fruits of his labour.
"They had no business holding you in the first place," Pansy countered. "Don't be grateful that they fixed a five year long mistake."
"Pans," Theo chided. "I don't want to hold onto anger. Do I wish I had those five years back? Yeah. Absolutely. But if I sit here and feel sorry for myself or dwell on the time I lost - I'm still back there in that cell. Those five years are gone. And I'm probably going to need years with a mind healer to process what happened to me there, but I'm not going to give Azkaban or The Wizengamot one more day of my life. Can you understand that, Pansy?"
Hermione watched as Pansy's usually severe features softened and she cupped Theo's cheek. "I understand, Theo," she said softly. "I will try."
Hermione smiled to herself at them. She'd agreed to allow Theo to stay at the house until he got his affairs settled. He needed a wand. He also needed to get his accounts sorted at Gringotts. He planned to sell the Manor. There wasn't a single happy memory in that place. It had been uninhabited as it was Ministry property, and no one really knew what to do with it - as was the case with a lot of the old Death Eater Manors. He knew that a lot of the money had been taken as restitution for the War, and he didn't mind that. He just needed a little to get back on his feet and find a new place to live. But a wand, that was the first thing they needed to work out. She knew he kind of wished he could get back the one he had on loan while they were at Hogwarts. That was a conversation for Harry and Ollivander to have. Either way, he'd find something. He was free. No strings. Hermione was happy.
Narcissa Malfoy to be Granted Clemency
While Madam Malfoy's chargers were not entirely dismissed, she admitted to lesser offences and was granted clemency from the Wizengamot this afternoon. Found guilty of harbouring known terrorists and accomplice to one act of torture, Mrs. Malfoy's original charges were lowered from de facto membership in a terrorist organisation and accomplice to multiple crimes against humanity
While she was originally set to spend a minimum of ten years in Azkaban - the now closed maximum security prison - The Wizengamot took into account Mrs. Malfoy's admittance of guilt, public statement of apology, and the testimony of Harry Potter to come to the conclusion that while she had committed crimes, she was no longer a threat to society. Moreover, it had been her actions that saved Harry Potter's life and allowed him to defeat You-Know-Who. Therefore, it was decided she should be left to live her life under yearly reexamination of her mental and ideological state.
The Prophet will continue to follow this case closely.
Narcissa stared at the long thin black wand in her hand. "Mr. Ollivander, I…" There were tears in her eyes and Hermione could see the tremor in her fingers.
The older man smiled kindly at Narcissa. "It is in the past, Narcissa," he assured. "I know that we were well fed entirely because of you. I do not hold ill will for you or Draco."
The tears flowed then, and Narcissa gripped the wand tighter. She took a deep breath and let the magic wash over her. Hermione was worried she might fall over, but after a moment it was as if the wand gave her renewed strength. 'It feels good,' she admitted. "What is it?"
"That's Black Walnut, Dragon Heartstring, 10 inches," Ollivander clarified. "A very strong wand, meant for a witch or wizard of high integrity and excellent for charms work."
"This is it," Narcissa said, looking to him before locking eyes with Hermione. "This is the wand."
"Alright," Hermione smiled. "We'll take it."
"For the love of Godrick, Hermione, please stop."
In a show of support every single one of her friends showed up at the Ministry before Draco's trial. Harry had pep talked. Ginny had told obscene jokes. Ron had fetched her coffee and a scone. Neville had distracted her with the changes he'd made to his syllabus for the coming year. Luna had told her about a half-dozen of nonsense creatures that were indicating that Draco would be fine. Parvati had fixed the buttons on her robe countless times, and now Padma was at her patience' end.
"You have got to stop pacing. It's making me dizzy," Padma added.
"Sorry," Hermione muttered. She stopped pacing but started picking at her nails which was likely to send Parvati into a tailspin next. She clenched her hands together.
"Okay, everyone go in. We've got it from here," Harry said, indicating for the group to make their way into the chamber while he and Ron stayed back with her.
"'Mione…" Ron started.
"I hate when you call me that," she said, distracted. The thing was, her whole life rested on this. What if the Wizengamot - who, up until this point had been doing exactly what she hoped they would - decided that Draco's actions were a bridge too far?
There had been some mutterings that The Wizengamot was being 'too lax' in these new trials. She knew a lot of that was 'law and order' hot air - people who never felt 'safe' unless people were being locked in cages and subjected to harsh punishment for the whole world to enjoy. Judging by the tightrope The Prophet was walking, more people were in favour of the reforms and the judgement of The Wizengamot than were not. But the problem was - what if the minority got loud? What if they got demanding? It was a major reason she wanted Theo, Narcissa, and Draco at the top of the list rather than to sit on the docket and wait for public opinion to sour.
"Hermione, deep breaths," Harry instructed. "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it. We always have."
"Hermione," Ron said, "Worrying isn't going to change anything. Let's just go in and face it."
She took one more deep breath and nodded, feeling more confident. "Thank you," she said to both of them. "I don't know what I would have done if you…neither of you had to support me, and you did. I know how you feel about Draco…"
"Eh, he's not so bad," Ron said. "But if you tell him that, I'll deny it."
She laughed.
"Could be worse," Harry agreed. "Cormac is the absolute worst person you have ever dated. Hands down."
"Dated," she snorted. "One party is hardly dating."
"Still," Harry said with a shrug. "You've done worse." She rolled her eyes but hooked her arm through his on one side and Ron's on the other and let them lead her into the chamber.
Just like in Narcissa and Theo's trials, Draco was already seated in the seat at the centre of the room and The Wizengamot was already assembled by the time the public was allowed to enter. Avis Lacewood was also already in the room, seated at a small table with various files and about twenty or so tubes of what Hermione knew were memories.
Kingsley quickly called the room to order and so it began.
Hermione watched as various eyewitnesses testified on Draco's behalf - about how he couldn't kill Dumbledore, about how he'd changed sides in the middle of the Final Battle, and in the case of Ron and Harry how he'd been instrumental in the final defeat of Voldemort.
Avis was doing a very impressive job, but the fact of the matter was - there were key facts that no amount of character witnesses could change. Draco used an unforgivable. Draco cursed Katie Bell. Draco poisoned Ron. And Draco let Death Eaters into a school full of children.
And as much as the memories indicated his induction into The Death Eaters was potentially under dubious consent, as much as people made the case that he was a scared kid trying to make it out alive - those facts didn't change.
The point became clear as Madam Rosmerta was called to give her testimony. Hermione clinched her hands in her lap so tight her nails bit into the skin, leaving little crescent shaped impressions as Padma wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"Ms. Gappleford, we've called you here to offer your perspective. Tell us what happened to you in 1997 involving Draco Malfoy."
Hermione watched as Rosmerta stared daggers into Draco before turning her attention to Kingsley. "I was working in the bar. It was busy because the kids from the school were down for their Hogsmeade weekend. I don't know where Malfoy came from, but as I went to the back to drop off some empty mugs he was there, wand aimed at my neck."
Hermione's eyes slid over to where Draco was sitting, his face impassive as he listened.
"He cast the Imperius on me," Rosmerta bit out. "I felt it wash over me and I could feel him. He was in my mind. He made me…"
She shuddered. Hermione had to admit, she was a convincing witness.
"He made me take the cursed necklace. He instructed me not to touch the wrappings. He insisted I give it to a student and tell them to hand it off to Dumbledore."
A hand went in the air from The Wizengamot. Kingsley called upon a tall woman with chin length black hair. "Mr. Malfoy, do you dispute this account?"
Hermione held her breath.
"No," Draco's clear voice rang out. "It happened how she said it did."
There was a mumbling between members of the Wizengamot before they turned their attention back to Rosmerta.
"Is there anything else you'd like us to know?"
"Yes," Rosmerta replied quickly. "Draco Malfoy would do anything for himself. I wouldn't doubt if he seduced the most vulnerable of the 'Golden Trio' for the exact purpose of getting his new trial. A trial where he could be painted as a tragic character in a melodrama where he was a poor innocent kid dragged into all of this against his will. It would be fitting with his character. Malfoys will do what they must to survive. He handed off a cursed necklace to a kid though me to survive. He poisoned another kid to survive. If you remember anything else, remember this."
Hermione felt the air sucked out of her lungs. Padma held her tight as blood trickled down her palms.
Katie's testimony was less personal but just as damning. She didn't offer any extra opinion or testimony on Malfoy's character, but Hermione could tell that her vulnerability and her emotion as she relayed the pain she'd been in for weeks was heartbreaking for everyone in the room. When called upon to corroborate her testimony, Draco offered another one syllable affirmation that Katie's story was correct.
Ron's testimony was slightly less damning - at least for Ron. The poison was an accident that Draco could not have foreseen. And Ron did add that Draco saved his life so they were 'square'.
It was Avis' suggesting that Hermione not speak on Draco's behalf, and as frustrating as that was, she agreed it was the right call. Her word was not worth a great deal since the nature of her relationship with Draco was no longer much of a secret.
The Wizengamot did however, want to hear from Draco. It was only natural that the accused ought to speak for himself, offer an excuse or explanation for his crimes, and appeal for mercy. When Kingsley asked Draco if he had anything to share, she watched as he took a deep breath and stood.
"I can offer no defence for my actions," he began.
Fuck.
"I did curse Madam Rosmerta, who bore a cursed necklace to Katie Bell. I did procure a poison that almost killed Ronald Weasley. I became a Death Eater. I agreed to the task laid before me - even though I knew I'd fail, even though I knew it was wrong."
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
"I could tell you I was terrified. I could tell you that The Dark Lord lived in my house, his presence was killing my mother's spirit and that I felt like I'd been thrown to the wolves with only one way out. But these are excuses. Those things are true, but I did the things I stand accused of. I put myself first. I put my family first - even when it meant that other people would suffer. I…"
Hermione watched him falter for a moment and hoped it was the point at which he'd mount an actual defence for himself.
"I can tell you that today I would have made different choices. I would have sought out Dumbledore as he'd all but begged me to do a dozen times. I can tell you that I'm not that seventeen-year-old kid and, in some ways, I don't even recognize him. I can explain that the bigotry and hate that I was raised with felt as real to me then as it feels absurdly false to me now. But what will that do?"
Merlin's beard.
"Whether I regret my actions - and I do, with everything inside me - it won't change that Madam Rosmerta was violated by me. It would undo the trauma Katie felt when that necklace fried her nerve endings over and over for weeks. It won't bring back Dumbledore, nor restore the innocence of all those kids that were hurt because of my role in defiling Hogwarts. So, I offer you only this." She watched as he stood up taller and seemed to gain his confidence.
"I am guilty of crimes - the kinds of crimes that deserve punishment. But if I were faced with the same choices today, I'd make different ones. I can change. I have changed. If that is enough to grant a misguided, selfish, mean kid a second chance, I'll use it significantly better than I used my first chance."
Hermione let out a breath. Well, it was a defence of sorts. She felt a squeeze from Padma as The Wizengamot adjourned to discuss the case.
"HERMIONE!" She whipped around when she heard her name and saw Katie Bell jogging toward her.
"Katie!" she was surprised to see her. The group had filed out of the chamber to stretch their legs along with most of the audience.
"Hermione," Katie said again when she reached them. "What Malfoy said, I…Well, I wasn't expecting that."
"Nor was I, to be honest," Hermione admitted.
"It was…" Katie seemed to struggle with what she wanted to say. "I don't forgive him. But…What he did - taking ownership of his actions - that was very un-Malfoy."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, he's a very different person than he was when he was sixteen."
"I wanted to say, I'm sorry for what I said. It was mean. I was trying to hurt you, and I might not ever come to a place where I can forgive him, but I understand. I get it now. He isn't the same," Katie clarified.
Unbidden, Hermione's eyes filled with tears, and she pulled Katie into her, hugging her close. "Thank you," she said. "It means…thank you."
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Deliberations went well into the night and by the time The Wizengamot had come to a decision, it was the next day. The crowd was even larger than before - many showing up after reading the media coverage of the trial.
Kingsley cleared his throat and read the decision. "Draco Malfoy has been judged guilty of casting an Unforgivable curse, dealing in and distributing Dark artefacts, dealing in and distributing poisons, attempted murder, and criminal trespass."
Hermione literally stopped breathing. Harry gripped her hand while Padma pulled her close. They were all leaning in as if to shield her from the words leaving the Minister's lips.
She knew it was a lot of charges; she tried to add up in her head what a sentence might look like for such crimes. It could be years, it could be a life sentence. Her legs felt like jelly.
"It is the judgement of the Wizengamot that mitigating circumstances can be applied to all these charges. Given the age of the convicted at the time the crimes were committed, the dubious consent under which the convicted was engaged in Death Eater activity, the memories compiled of his mental state at the time of committing the crimes, as well as the many, many people who chose to provide personal statements upon the accused's behalf we have reached a decision on sentencing that takes these factors into account."
Hermione prayed to a God she did not believe in as she held her breath.
"Given the five years served in Azkaban Prison," Kingsley continued, "It is decided that Mr. Malfoy will spend a further one year on probation, enrolled in weekly meetings with a mind healer, and with restrictions on his magic. Any violations of Wizengamot and probation rules will result in a reexamination of this sentence."
Hermione felt the air leave her lungs all at once. Someone was pulling her to her feet, but she felt like she was already floating to the ceiling. No more prison. No more cages. A year of probation and then - free.
Her eyes immediately moved to where Draco was, he was already searching the crowd for her. When he found her, she saw the dumbstruck look on his face. He really didn't believe he was going to be shown mercy. Hermione realised it was precisely the fact that he didn't expect or feel he earned it that he got it.
She looked around. The Prophet writers were scribbling furiously. The entire room was in shock, some happy and some less than happy. She didn't care. She pulled away from her friends and made her way to the floor.
Give them something to write about.
She ran to him, taking the stairs two at a time until she could reach him. She pulled him to her. He was dazed, still processing what had happened. "I love you," she breathed against his lips before kissing him. She heard the flashes of cameras but she no longer cared. What could they possibly do to her now?