AN: Chapter 14 and 15 were posted, but i wasn't happy with them. I reworked them and here is the revised ch 14
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.
"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 impromptu meeting, 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.
At the head of the table, Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt maintained a serious yet composed expression, flanked by Auror Harry Potter and Auror Robards on guard duty. Seated on one side was Mr. Goldstein, Goyle's solicitor, displaying a calm demeanor. Two vacant chairs awaited Greg and Hermione's arrival on the other side.
At the opposite end of the table, Irma Besenmacher, Gregory Goyle's mother, sat wearing an emotionless mask. Standing tall beside her was Gunther Besenmacher, his uncle, his expression stern.
An air of anticipation and gravity filled the room, setting the tone for the situation at hand.
Greg's heart raced, leaving him frozen in the doorway. Hermione sensed his unease and comfortingly took his hand, guiding him towards their seats beside Mr. Goldstein.
"Welcome, everyone," Minister Shacklebolt addressed the gathering as they settled down. "We're dealing with a custody dispute, and I'm confident we can settle it without a full Wizengamot hearing."
"I beg your pardon, Minister, but I fail to see why the Ministry should intervene in this trivial family matter," Irma Besenmacher stated firmly. "The solution is clear; my brother and I should be granted custody of the girl. That has always been the tradition – the second-born belongs with the mother's family unless the first-born, heir to the father's house, passes away. Besides, that girl is a squib. It is my right and responsibility to remove her from the magical community." Her tone exuded a sense of certainty.
As Greg clenched the chair's arms, he wrestled with the impulse to yell and curse her. Despite the inner turmoil, he mustered all his self-discipline to remain seated and keep quiet.
"Madam, I understand your position, but I have been made aware of this matter, and I intend to listen to both sides," Minister Shacklebolt stated with determination. "Though this is not a complete Wizengamot trial, my decision, whether in your favor or your son's, will be definitive. I kindly ask you to refrain from any further interruptions." With unwavering resolve, Minister Shacklebolt rose, daring the Besenmachers to contest him. "Now, are you absolutely sure you do not wish to bring in your solicitor?"
"Nein. We do not require our solicitor today," Gunter Besenmacher said with assurance.
"Alright, you may address the room," Shacklebolt instructed the Besenmachers.
"Minister, I am here to present our case and assert our right to assume custody of Lena Goyle. In accordance with both tradition and legal precedent, the second-born is rightfully placed under the care of the maternal family. For generations, we have upheld the duty of making well-informed choices for those under our guardianship.
"I acknowledge that there may be doubts about our choice to introduce Lena to the non-magical world. Nevertheless, we are steadfast in our belief that this is the most suitable path for her. Being a squib, Lena doesn't find her place within a pureblood family, nor does she fully belong in the magical realm. Our intention is to provide her with an opportunity to reside in a magic-free environment where she can authentically blend in and belong.
"Our intention is to support her financially until she reaches adulthood, covering her needs. We plan to enroll her in school, ensuring she has opportunities for a brighter future. It's worth noting that not all pureblood families would go to such lengths.
"However, it aligns with our family's best interest to maintain no contact with Lena. We are of the opinion that this will enable a more seamless transition, as the muggles often liken it to quickly removing a bandage. Please know that our sincere intention is for Lena's well-being, and we firmly believe that this choice demonstrates responsibility and compassion. We appreciate your time and consideration." Mr. Besenmacher returned to his original position.
While Greg watched his uncle address the gathering, he couldn't ignore the aura of significance enveloping him. His uncle projected self-assuredness and conviction through his words and mannerisms. Intrigued, Greg's gaze shifted to his mother, whose facial expression conveyed a hint of bitterness. It was clear that she held a contrary view about the decision, yet circumstances constrained her from voicing her disagreement.
The Minister conveyed his appreciation to Mr. Besenmacher. He then turned his focus towards Mr. Goldstein and asked, "Kindly present your client's perspective."
Adjusting his spectacles and clearing his throat, Mr. Goldstein commenced, "On this day, I am here to champion the welfare of Lena Goyle and her rightful connection with her devoted brother, Gregory Goyle. We must not overlook the history of neglect and mistreatment inflicted by the mother upon her magical and non-magical children. We possess evidence revealing her intentions to abandon Lena haphazardly in the non-magical realm, leaving her with minimal resources. This is an utterly unacceptable course of action.
"We concur that introducing Lena to the non-magical world can offer her opportunities beyond the magical community's reach. However, severing her familial bonds with the sole individual who has genuinely cared for her contradicts her best interests. Considering the trauma resulting from neglect and mistreatment, Lena necessitates particular attention and assistance, which Gregory is fully committed to providing.
"Lena has endured profound suffering due to her parents' actions, enduring prolonged periods of deprivation and maltreatment. Her education was withheld, and she was compelled to conceal herself from view. Instances when her mother did acknowledge her involved subjecting Lena to verbal, physical, and even magical abuse, including the use of the unforgivable Cruciatus curse.
"Even though he was brought up with pureblood ideologies, Gregory Goyle genuinely cares for his non-magical sister and aims to provide her unwavering support. Leaving her in the care of the Besenmachers, whose plan is just to abandon her in a foreign world, isn't a viable resolution.
"We are of the opinion that Lena's adjustment to the non-magical world should not be hurried. Given the substantial contrast in the curriculum between wizarding and muggle schools, she will require tailored assistance and guidance to bridge the academic gap. Gregory is fully committed to offering her the essential resources and attention to facilitate her successful adaptation and growth.
"To sum up, Lena Goyle merits the opportunity for an affectionate and nurturing environment, and that environment exists within the care of her brother, Gregory Goyle. Our priority is to guarantee her safety and welfare, and it's imperative that Irma Besenmacher is held responsible for her conduct. Your consideration is appreciated."
"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 agreed to wait to see if 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 stood tall, his presence commanding, and with a tone that brooked no dispute, he firmly stated that any offensive language or slurs would not be accepted. He cautioned that those who used such words would be swiftly removed from the premises.
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?"
Mr. Goldstein glanced at Gregory and Hermione, as if to request their approval to continue. Observing Greg's concealed distress, Hermione offered a brief nod of agreement.
Mr. Goldstein turned his attention to Gregory and inquired, "Mr. Goyle, can you describe your sister's initial condition when you assumed responsibility for her, and what notable changes have you observed since then?"
Gregory stood on shaky legs, and began, "When I 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, 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 out of necessity. Though she couldn't perform magic or brew potions, she knew which ones to use when someone was hurt, and could identify broken bones, sprains, concussions and the like. 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 assisted the elves where she could, and stayed with me through the nights. She was only seven or eight at that time. Lena was playing the role my Mother ought to have played during my illness. 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 his 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 asked that I not help 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. Mother would tell us how ungrateful we were. She's better with visitors, especially Theodore Nott and his wife Susan. I believe she's done well with our stay outside the manor and with Hermione here."
"What does that mud….." Irma interrupted. Kingsley stood to speak, but Gunther quickly silenced her.
"I apologize, Minister. She will let my nephew finish. Isn't that right, sister?" He gripped her shoulder tightly. Irma just gave a slight nod.
Greg continued, "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 improved greatly since Mother's absence," he concluded.
"One last question, Mr. Goyle: Given your upbringing solely within the magical realm and lack of exposure to muggle customs and culture, how do you intend to navigate and advise her in this unfamiliar environment?" Mr. Goldstein asked.
Greg opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped when Hermione stood. "My name is Hermione Granger, and" she paused, "I should state my full name for the records, yes?." She looked toward the Minister. His lips quirked a little as if he was going to smile.
"Yes, please," Kingsley said.
Hermione smiled sweetly. "I apologize, let me begin again. 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 muggle-born and am committed to assisting both Lena and Gregory in adapting to the muggle world. We will provide her with muggle 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. She can absolutely become a muggle doctor if she wishes. My parents would be happy to assist her in that endeavor as they themselves are Doctors. If not, we will be proud of her no matter what path in life she chooses. Above all, she will be surrounded by love and care from both of us as well as extended family," 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.
"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, "muggle-borns are the result of pureblood families casting out their non-magical members, unintentionally contributing to our existence. Perhaps some know that truth, and 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, magical or not, will never feel like she doesn't belong with us."
She sat down satisfied. Greg just stared at her mouth slightly agape.