AN: The meeting in Kingsley's office will be two parts. This is the first. Still looking for a beta.
The group headed to Minister Shacklebolt's office, where a female Auror stood by the entrance. "Potter, Minister Shacklebolt asked me to look after the girl during the meeting," she said. Greg understood his sister shouldn't be present during a confrontational meeting, so he reluctantly agreed. Harry introduced her as Auror Kelly Murphy, explaining that she was personally asked by the Minister to keep Lena company.
Greg's gaze shifted to Hermione, who tried to offer reassurance, saying, "It will be fine. I trust Kingsley." But he knew she could see right through him, understanding his fear of the potential outcome and the unsettling possibility of never seeing his sister again if things went awry at the meeting.
He wouldn't say goodbye. "Go with the Auror and I'll come get you when we're done here. Okay?" His voice wavered slightly as he hugged her close.
"Promise me you'll come back," Lena asked with concern in her eyes.
Hermione stepped in, reassuring them both, "We promise, Lena. He'll be back before you know it."
With those words, Lena turned and walked down the corridor with Auror Murphy, while Greg gathered his courage and approached the Minister's door, taking a deep breath before reaching for the handle.
The Minister of Magic's office was an imposing chamber, richly adorned with elegant dark wood paneling that extended from the walls to the high ceiling. Large windows on one side were charmed to allow daylight to filter in,. The air carried a faint aroma of aged parchment and sandalwood, adding to the air of authority that filled the space.
For the private hearing, the office had been rearranged to accommodate the gathering of individuals. A long, polished mahogany table stood in the center of the room, flanked by plush chairs on either side.
Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt sat at one end of the table, his expression serious yet composed. Auror Harry Potter and Auror Robards stood guard nearby. On either side of the Minister, three high-ranking Wizengamot members were present to render a decision. Mr. Goldstein, Goyle's solicitor, displayed a composed demeanor as he prepared to defend his client.
At the other end of the table Irma Besenmacher, Gregory Goyle's mother, wore an expressionless mask, while Gunther Besenmacher, his uncle, stood tall with a stern look.
The room was filled with anticipation and gravity, as the Minister's office had transformed into a chamber of justice.
Greg's heart started racing as he stood frozen in the doorway. Hermione's hand slipped into his, guiding him towards their seats next to Mr. Goldstein.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Minister Shacklebolt said as everyone settled into their seats. "We have a custody case at hand, and I believe we can resolve it without convening a full Wizengamot hearing."
"I fail to understand why this insignificant family matter needs the Ministry's attention," Irma Besenmacher stated firmly. "It's straightforward: my son should be arrested for kidnapping, and both my brother and I should be given custody of the girl. That's how it's always been. The second-born belongs with the mother's family unless the first-born, heir to the father's house, dies. Moreover, that girl is a squib. It's my right and obligation to take her away from the magical community." Her tone carried an air of finality.
Greg's grip on the chair's arms tightened as he fought the urge to scream and curse her. Despite the turmoil inside him, he exerted all his self-control to stay seated and maintain silence.
"Madam, I acknowledge your stance, but this matter has been brought to court for a reason, and it will be heard," Minister Shacklebolt asserted firmly. "While this may not be a full Wizengamot trial, the decision made here, whether in your favor or your son's, will be final. I kindly request that you refrain from further interruptions." With a resolute gaze, Minister Shacklebolt stood, daring the Besenmachers to challenge him. "Now, are you certain you do not wish to call in your solicitor?"
"Nein. We do not require our solicitor today," Gunter Besenmacher said with assurance.
"Now you may address the room and present your case," Shacklebolt instructed the Besenmachers.
Gunther Besenmacher took a step forward, waving his wand in a unique pattern that many in the room were unfamiliar with. However, the spell's effect was evident as it became apparent that he had cast a translation charm. Now, his words were perfectly understood by everyone present.
"I apologize, but it is easier to speak in my native tongue. Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the court, I stand before you to present our case as Besenmachers to take custody of Lena Goyle. As per tradition and law, the second-born belongs in the care of the mother's family. It has been our responsibility for generations to make the best decisions for those entrusted to us.
"Now, I understand that some might question our decision to take Lena to the muggle world. However, we firmly believe it is the best course of action for her. As a squib, Lena does not belong in a pureblood family, nor does she truly belong in the magical world. We believe we are
doing her a favor by offering her the chance to live in a world without magic, where she can truly fit in.
"We plan to provide for her financial needs until she reaches the age of adulthood. We intend to send her to school and ensure she has a chance at a better life. Many other pureblood families would not do as much.
"Nevertheless, it is in the best interest of our family to have no contact with Lena. We believe it will facilitate a smoother transition, akin to ripping off the plaster, as the muggles say. Rest assured, we genuinely wish the best for Lena, and we firmly believe that this decision is the most responsible and caring course of action we can take. Thank you for your attention and consideration." Mr. Besenmacher stepped back into his original place.
As Greg observed his uncle speaking, he couldn't help but notice the air of importance surrounding him. His uncle exuded confidence and assurance in his words and demeanor. Curious, Greg then glanced at his mother, whose expression revealed a bitter taste. It was evident that she disagreed with the course of action, but circumstances left her unable to voice her dissent.
While remaining seated, the Minister expressed his gratitude to Mr. Besenmacher. He then shifted his attention to Mr. Goldstein and requested, "Please present your client's case."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, today, I stand here to advocate for the well-being of Lena Goyle and her rightful place with Gregory Goyle, her caring brother. We cannot ignore the mother's past of neglectful and abusive behavior towards both her magical and non-magical children. We have evidence that she had plans to abandon Lena randomly in the muggle world with nothing but the clothes on her back, which is truly unacceptable.
"Now, we do not disagree that Lena should be introduced into the muggle world to lead a better life. However, cutting her family ties with the only member who has shown genuine care for her is not in her best interest. The trauma she has endured from the neglect and abuse requires special care and support, which Gregory is willing to provide.
"Lena has suffered immensely at the hands of her parents, enduring years of deprivation and mistreatment. Her education was denied, and she was forced to hide and remain unseen. When her mother did acknowledge her, it was to subject her to verbal, physical, and magical abuse, even resorting to the unforgivable Cruciatus curse.
"Gregory Goyle, despite being raised with pureblood beliefs, loves his non-magical sister and wishes to support her in every way possible. Abandoning her to the Besenmachers is not the solution. Irma Besenmacher must be held accountable for her years of abuse to both her children.
"Lena's transition into the muggle world cannot be rushed. She will need special care and support to catch up academically, given the vast difference in the subjects taught in the wizarding and muggle schools. Gregory is more than willing to provide her with the necessary resources and care to help her thrive.
"In conclusion, Lena Goyle deserves a chance at a loving and caring home, and that home is with her brother, Gregory Goyle. We must ensure her safety and well-being, and Irma Besenmacher must be held accountable for her actions. Thank you for your consideration."
"Thank you Mr. Goldstein." The Minister said. He turned back to the Besenmachers, "Is there anything more either of you would like to add?"
Irma Besenmacher stood up hastily yet with an air of grace. "My children are my business," she declared firmly. Gunther attempted to restrain her, but she shrugged him off. "My ex-husband and I agreed to grant me full control over discipline, and he never once objected to my methods. We also decided to wait until the girl received her Hogwarts letter before making any decisions about her status as a squib. Gregory displayed magic late, and we hoped the same would happen for her. Unfortunately, a few days ago, on her eleventh birthday, no letter arrived. I visited two days ago to confirm that she did not receive it, as I have been away for the past year.
"Thus," she continued with a sneer on her face, "as per the wishes of the current head of House Goyle, despite his absence, I have decided to remove her from our family and the magical world, placing her in her rightful place among the mud….muggles." She sat down and glared at the room at large.
Kingsley Shacklebolt rose to his full, imposing height, and in a tone that allowed no room for argument, he sternly declared that any inappropriate language or slurs would not be tolerated. He warned the attendees that anyone uttering such remarks would be promptly thrown out.
Once he was sure everyone in the room understood. He sat back down and addressed Mr. Goldstein, "Is there anything further you'd like to add?"
"Nothing further." Greg and Hermione looked to Mr. Goldstein in confusion. He just smiled at them and winked.
Now each deciding member of Wizengamot present may ask either party a question they may have in regards to what they have heard so far."
A short older woman stood. "If custody is given to you how will the child be treated until she begins school?"
Gunther firmly kept his hand on his sister's shoulder as he responded to the question. "I understand the concern, and I can assure you that the child will be taken to our family home, where she will be provided with proper room and board for one to two weeks while we process
the necessary muggle paperwork. Subsequently, she will be enrolled in a boarding school in Germany. I will personally ensure she has appropriate muggle clothing and any other necessities she may require.
"Upon enrollment, she will be introduced to a muggle family that I have carefully chosen, with whom she will stay during her school holidays. If she needs anything during her time with them, she can simply reach out, and her needs will be met," Gunther continued.
"I understand that my sister, Irma, wishes to distance herself from this matter, and I believe it is for the best. She plans to remain in England and will not visit until Lena has left the family home," he concluded.
The woman nodded and retook her seat. Next a man who looked nervous stood.
"Mmm..Mr. Goyle," he said sounding much like Quirral had in their first year, "what was your sister like when you first took over her care, and what is she like now?"
Gregory's nervousness mirrored the anxious expression of the man before him. "When I first took over her care, Lena was quiet, skittish, and withdrawn. She rarely spoke, although she could if she wanted to. But she seemed hesitant. Surprisingly, she would chatter non-stop with the house-elves during my visits, especially with her elf Poppy. Eye contact was difficult for her, and she had accidents almost every night.
"However," Gregory continued, "she learned about healing potions and magic at a young age. Though she couldn't perform magic or brew potions, she knew which ones to use when someone was hurt, and could identify broken bones versus sprains and the like. She would inform Poppy or Izzy, my elf, what needed healing. We had to rely on our elves because Mother and Father never sent for a healer for either of us. I remember being sick with some sort of flu after my fifth year. Lena and the elves nursed me back to health.
I gave her a book on muggle healing, and she seemed to enjoy it. She even asked me if muggles have healers because she might want to become one someday. That's progress, as it means she sees a future for herself." Tears welled up in his eyes, but he took a deep breath to regain composure, wishing not for the first time he had learned occlumency. "Lena has never inflicted harm on herself, to my knowledge. But during one of the last times Mother hurt her, before she left the manor, Lena told me not to help heal her. She said she was useless, so why bother."
"The elves made sure she ate, though she had little appetite. Recently, that's been improving, and she now has a healthy weight for an eleven-year-old. She isn't afraid to ask questions or request things now. Questions or requests were met with a stinging hex or a slap and a rant about how ungrateful we were.
She's better with visitors, especially Theodore Nott and his wife Susan. In the past, whenever guests came to the manor, Lena would hide because Mother told her that squibs weren't fit for company. Now, she sits comfortably with me when I have guests. Lena has come out of her shell, I guess," he concluded, trying to compose himself again.
"Ttt…thank you Mr. Goyle," the man looked pleased to not have to stand in front of everyone any longer.
The last woman stood. She looked stern and not someone to cross. "Mr. Goyle, you are not familiar with muggle culture or traditions. How are you going to guide her in a world you know nothing about?"
Before Greg could answer Hermione stood. "I can answer your question."
"And who, may I ask, are you?" The stern woman inquired.
"My name is Hermione Granger."
Ms. Besenmacher abruptly leaped from her chair, her voice filled with indignation. "Why is this mudblood here? She has no place in this matter! I demand her removal!" Reacting swiftly, Gunther cast a silencing spell on his sister and guided her back to her chair.
"I apologize. I didn't get to state my full name for the records." Hermione smiled sweetly. "My name is Hermione Jean Granger-Goyle. I am Gregory's wife."
A hushed silence filled the room, but it was evident that Greg's mother was seething with anger.
"I am committed to assisting both Lena and Gregory in adapting to the muggle world. We will provide her with two private tutors, each specializing in different areas of education. Once she has caught up with her peers, Lena will be enrolled in school, though not necessarily a boarding school. We will expose her to various new experiences, opening up a world of possibilities. Above all, she will be surrounded by love and care from both of us," Hermione stated with determination.
"I also believe that cutting her off from the magical world is not in her best interest. It's where she was born, and she has every right to claim it as part of her heritage," Hermione stated firmly. She paused, looking around at everyone in the room, observing their puzzled expressions.
"Do any of you know where muggleborns come from?" she asked. Silence followed, with no one offering an answer.
"I researched my lineage on both sides of my family," Hermione continued. "I discovered a squib on my mother's French side and another on my father's British side, both around 100 to 150
years ago. The knowledge of magic was lost in those branches because these squibs had non-magical children, who, in turn, had more non-magical children, and so on. Generations passed, and magic was forgotten. When someone in that line was born with magical powers, it came as a surprise.
"In essence," Hermione concluded, "muggleborns are the result of pureblood families casting out their non-magical members, unintentionally contributing to our existence. Perhaps that's why we're so often looked down upon – we are, in a way, the product of their cast-offs, a constant reminder of their apparent shame." The room was silent. "Lena will never feel like she doesn't belong with us." She sat down satisfied. Greg just stared at her mouth slightly agape.