Chapter 21. Tarnished Trio
GOLDEN TRIO TARNISHED?
Ladies and gentlemen, witches and wizards, I, Rita Skeeter, your ever-diligent correspondent, have a scandal for the ages as I uncover the horrific and terrifying truth behind the brutal attack of the "Brightest Witch of her Age" herself, Miss Hermione Granger! Brace yourselves, as I delve into the gruesome details of the night and report on all the exclusive interviews I was obviously granted, being the esteems journalist you all know and love. Let's take a look at what Miss Granger had to say about the night in question.
Tell me about that night.
I don't even know where to begin.
Lets start with that first argument, we've been told part of it, but what was it really about?
I'm not at liberty to discuss part of the argument, as it contains information that is not mine to give, but Ronald was very displeased with the fact that I was at the ball with Viktor. He has always been this way, feeling slighted, or like he should have had something given to him that he didn't work for. He was angry that I wasn't there with him, but he never even tried to ask me, just like every other time. He felt trapped in the shadows of Harry and his siblings but was never willing to put in the effort to make something of himself.
That piece of information you are withholding, I reached out to Mister Krum for any comment about that night and he wrote me back with a letter he asked for you to read. He gave permission for it to be done during the interview. Would you please read it?
Malka ptitsa, I am sorry that I have not yet been able to visit you since what happened at the ball. I have officially moved to Norway. It was unexpected, but I was offered a position with the Norwegian National Quidditch team. I tell you this because I want you to know that I am now safe, and you can tell the Wizengamot and the Prophet about all parts of that fight with Weasley. I hope you are healing well and I am so happy for you and Malfoy, as soon as quidditch season is over I will come to visit you. Take care malka ptitsa. With love, Viktor Krum.
You and Mister Krum seem to share a deep bond.
Yes. Even after we ended things when he returned to Bulgaria after the Triwizard Tournament, we kept in touch very frequently, exchanging letters several times a week. But it wasn't until about a year ago when he came out to me and told me about his boyfriend Erik that we really bonded. He had asked me to keep it secret until he could move safely to Norway. That night at the ball, Ronald told me he had found the letters, and then he proceeded to threaten to expose Viktor to the world. So I sent him home and that was when I hexed them.
Do you think he would have exposed Mister Krum if he hadn't left?
I don't know what he's capable of anymore. That day I would have possibly said no, but I wasn't willing to risk it and gamble Viktor's safety.
Do you remember anything about the attack?
Not that are my own memories. While I was in the coma my mind kind of merged in a way with Draco's and I experienced his memories from when he found me, but I don't remember anything after he grabbed me outside the Great Hall. Thankfully the memories are there, the DMLE was able to retrieve them, but I can't seem to pull them forward much, just flashes now and then. They think they might fully appear to me one day, but I almost hope that they don't.
What do you hope will happen at the trial?
I want Ronald to go to Azkaban. I can't imagine him walking free to possibly do this to someone else. What if next time its worse. What if next time he kills them?
What do you have to say to those who claim he was framed by Mister Malfoy and Mister Nott?
I refuse to even entertain those people. Draco and Theo are the best people I have ever known! To overcome what they have and still have the capacity to love and care for others is just a miracle! So anyone who dares to speak ill of them must not know me very well, because if they did they wouldn't risk letting those words slip past their lips.
What do you have to say to Mister Potter who has been very vocal in his voicing Ronald Weasleys innocence?
Nothing. I said all I needed to say when he decided to show up here in my home and attempt to stun me and drag me back to the Burrow. He picked his side, and his decision doesn't surprise me, and I don't have it in me to care anymore. Harry will learn what the truth is eventually and when he does he will realize his mistake, but it won't matter cause I don't care anymore. At all. I have better friends now who will fight for me as I will for them.
Once I had concluded my interview with Miss Granger I spoke with Mister Malfoy about his account of the night in question.
Tell me about what led up to the moment you found Miss Granger.
Where would you like me to start?
How about we start with her first argument with Mister Weasley and Mister Potter?
I only heard part of it. He was yelling at her, calling her a traitor to her school for attending the Ball with Viktor Krum.
Then what happened?
I saw her send Viktor away, I found out later from her that it was to protect him from the things the weasel was saying. She then screamed at him and hit him with a bat-bogey hex. It was brilliant! I followed her out, and she was crying on the stairs. I couldn't let her night end that way so I gathered up all the gall I could find and asked her to dance. We talked, I shared this memory with her of when I first really noticed her, it was during the Quidditch World Cup; I did everything in my power to make her feel important and special in a way those twats never did. We kissed and our soul bond ignited.
You and Miss Granger have a soul bond? How?
When we figure that out we will let you know. There's been very little research conducted on it, because most people don't find their soul mate so they don't know that they have one.
Does everyone have a soul bond?
I think many do, but it could be everyone, again it's impossible to know. Hermione and I plan to study it extensively once she is cleared to do research and NEWTS are over.
So tell me what occurred when she left with Mister Weasley.
I was already uneasy. I could feel her nerves through the bond, influencing my own emotions. When that nervousness turned to terror I bolted from the Great Hall to find her, Theo following right behind me. I don't know how I found her, the accepted explanation for now is the bond, but it could have also just been pure luck.
And when you found her, what was the state of things?
She was unconscious and naked, and the weasel was on top of her. Blood was pooling around her head, leaking from every inch of her. I couldn't feel her bond anymore so I thought for sure she was dead. Theo was the one to realize she was still alive and began healing her as I dealt with subduing Weasley. Once he was secure I sent an urgent Patronus to McGonagall and Pomfrey calling for their help.
That must have been horrible for you. To discover something wonderful like a soul bond to then have it ripped from you I'm the same night.
I don't like to think about it. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have the chance to be with someone half as wonderful as Hermione. And as she laid there, all I could think was how she wouldn't be in this position if I had just stayed away. It was her closeness to me that made him attack her, at least that's how it feels.
It wasn't your fault. He would have done this anyway, maybe not that night, but eventually, and it could have been at a time when you were not feeling that bond or she was completely alone…she could have been somewhere heavily warded with no way to rescue her. So I understand why you feel guilty, but you shouldn't. You and Mister Nott saved her life.
I will always save her. No matter what.
You said you produced a Patronus. That's a difficult spell for someone labeled a dark wizard and a death eater.
I was a marked death eater because I had no other choice. They would have killed my mother if I hadn't. As for the Patronus, I didn't even know I could produce one until that night, it's even possible that I couldn't before sharing that evening with Hermione.
What is your Patronus?
It's a Ukrainian Ironbelly
Now that is curious. Your corporeal Patronus is a Ukrainian Ironbelly, the same species of dragon Miss Granger released and rode on the back of to escape Gringotts.
She did what?
Oh. A wartime tale starring the Golden Girl that you haven't heard. You should ask her about it later. It's quite a thrilling story. Now. I just have one final question. So you share a soul bond? Does that make it impossible for you to have been the true culprit in this crime?
No. The bond only activates when both parties are vulnerable to one another and open to connection. The bond does not prevent hatred or violence, it only guides you when you both allow it.
Don't they just scream "power couple"? I cannot wait to see what these two are able to accomplish together as a team! Next I spoke to the Weasley women and got their opinion on the event. Let's start with the matriarch of the family, Molly Weasley.
What do you have to say about the accusations against your son Ronald Weasley?
It breaks my heart to know that these horrible things are being said about my son! He doesn't have the capacity to harm anyone, he can't even cast a decent hex because his heart just isn't in it! He wants everyone to be happy!
What did you think when you first found out about his arrest?
I thought for sure there must be a mistake! Knowing Hermione wasn't awake, I hoped that when she came to that she would clear Ronald's name, but she hasn't, and I don't understand why! Why Hermione? What did we ever do to you?! Please let my baby boy come home!
Considering the extent of her injuries and the memories provided by multiple sources, don't you think the charges hold some form of validity?
My son couldn't even hurt a fly! He's the kindest, and most caring of all my children! Hermione's injuries are a tragedy and I hope the truth is revealed of who caused them, but it was not my Ron!
Next I spoke with the youngest child and former friend to the Golden Girl, Ginny Weasley.
What would you like to say in regard to your brother's arrest?
It's [REDACTED]! That [REDACTED] will say whatever she can so long as her Death Eater [REDACTED] still walks free! Doesn't even have the guts to face us and say her [REDACTED] to our face! She hides behind her [REDACTED] snakes, who probably take turns with her anyway. Ronald did [REDACTED] all to her and she knows it!
You sent Miss Granger a pretty nasty howler while she was in hospital, was that an appropriate reaction to a fellow student and friend who was recovering from a near fatal incident?
How else was I supposed to talk to her? The [REDACTED] snakes kept her under lock and key, because they knew that if I got to her, I would get the truth out and they would be carted off to Azkaban where they belong!
Your disdain for Slytherin's is pretty strong. Don't you think that that hatred is just as dangerous as hatred for muggles and muggleborns?
No! What a stupid question! Hating people who chose to be [REDACTED] is not the same as hating people because of how they were born!
Not all Slytherin's are bad. Not all Slytherin's were Death Eaters, and many who were did not choose to be.
[REDACTED]! It's all a lie to get out of punishment!
As you can see dear readers the Weasley's had very colorful opinions on the events of that night, but they were not there to witness it. I spoke next to the two best friends of Draco Malfoy, one of which was paramount in saving Miss Grangers life that night. We will start with Mister Theodore Nott.
You helped to heal Miss Granger while waiting for Madam Pomfrey to arrive. How did you become so adept at such powerful healing spells?
Well. When your father is a Death Eater, who regularly beats you as a child, you learn to heal yourself.
In your opinion, how bad were Miss Granger's injuries?
Look. I've done a lot of healing in my life. Sometimes when Draco had been through a particularly gruesome session of training with his aunt, or was punished by Voldemort he would come to me to heal him. I've seen him near deaths door more times than I can count and none of those instances compared to what I saw that night at the Yule Ball. I did my best to stay strong for Draco, but I was confident she wouldn't survive. The fact that she did is nothing short of a miracle.
Mister Malfoy informed us that he and Miss Granger share a soul bond, do you think that aided in her survival?
I wouldn't have any clue, but I know they want to study it, and as I plan to become a healer, I want to put in my own research to help. If we can determine that it did help, and we could figure out how to discover bonds in people, it could change the face of healing.
Do you have a statement you would like to make in regard to the counterclaims that you and Mister Malfoy coerced Miss Granger into framing Ronald Weasley?
I would tell them to [REDACTED] right on off and [REDACTED] themselves! If they weren't there, sitting at her side each and every day, watching over her and helping with her care, they don't get to have a [REDACTED] opinion! Cause I was there! Draco was there! Pansy was there! Where the [REDACTED] were her "friends"?! They should have been there, groveling on their knees, begging her for forgiveness!
You barely know Miss Granger, so why help her? Is it all a ploy to gain trust in society?
Does it look like saving her life has gained us any favor in society? No! You're right, I barely know Hermione, but she is the most kindhearted, strong, and courageous person I have ever met. She is the textbook definition of what a Gryffindor should be! And anyone who is gifted an opportunity to be considered her friend should consider themselves the luckiest witch or wizard in the world! They should kiss the ground she walks on! A ploy to gain trust… what a joke!
Next I spoke with the other member of the Green Trio, Miss Pansy Parkinson. Take a look at what she had to say.
You were one of the three to sit by Miss Granger's side as she recovered, what do you have to say about the extent of her injuries?
I was raised by Death Eaters, I think the world is aware of that. I witness countless amounts of torture and death living in the vicinity of crazed lunatics, but even I was sickened by what I saw when I got to the hospital wing. She was unrecognizable! And knowing that it was done to her by someone she had trusted, by someone she called her friend just makes it that much more horrific! But she is recovering now, and we will keep her safe!
Like I asked Mister Nott, you were not even an acquaintance to Miss Granger, so why the change of heart?
Hermione is like a beacon of hope. She believed in us when nobody else did. She fought for our second chance and so I will fight for hers! She's the most amazing friend anyone could ever hope for and if anyone tries to hurt her again, I will take them out! I will go to Azkaban for her, they better remember that!
That's a pretty serious claim Miss Parkinson.
Someone has to fight for her. Her "friends" wouldn't so we will. Draco says she deserves to be surrounded by people who will choose her and only her; By those who wouldn't even look at a second option because she was the one and only. So that's what we did, we picked her, and we will burn the world for her.
It would seem that Miss Granger is in great hands with the abundance of new friends she has acquired recently. One can only hope that these new friends make better decisions than friends of the past. Now with all the claims back and forth, the bickering and finger pointing, I felt that it was important to hear the story from Hogwarts Headmistress Minerva McGonagall and her head healer Madam Pomfrey. I began with the infamous Headmistress.
What all did you witness the night of the Yule Ball?
I witnessed her argument with Mister Weasley at the beginning of the Ball, unfortunately I was too far away to hear the words they exchanged. However, later on, I very clearly heard Mister Weasley's vitriol in regards to Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy's
dancing together. Once she left the Great Hall with him I didn't know anything had happened until Mister Malfoy sent me a message via Patronus. When they came into view… when they came into view and I saw Miss Granger naked, being frantically healed by mister Nott and Mister Malfoy, and Mister Weasley restrained against the wall, I was… at a loss. I didn't know what to think, I just had Hagrid gather Weasley up and contacted the Aurors and Mister Malfoy took Miss Granger to the hospital wing.
You got a bit emotional, could you tell me what you're feeling?
Guilt. I'm drowning in it. I knew how angry Mister Weasley was but I let her walk out with him. I thought Miss Granger would be able to defend herself. I didn't take into account him using physical force on her. And I gave Mister Weasley the benefit of the doubt. Best believe I won't make that mistake again. I will never be able to rid myself of the images of Hermione lifeless on my floor.
In your opinion, do you believe Miss Granger and Mister Malfoy's story? Do you have doubts?
I have no doubts in regards to their story. The evidence is clear. The level of brutality inflicted upon her would leave traces and Mister Weasley was covered in it. His hands were bruised and split, his pants were undone, exposing himself, his wand was tested and the previous spells match for someone trying to keep someone quiet as they assaulted them.
Now let's see what the opinion of Madam Poppy Pomfrey was on Miss Granger's injuries.
What were the extent of Miss Grangers injuries when you came upon her?
Miss Granger should not have survived the attack. The severity of the damage to her body was like nothing I had ever seen before in a living patient. Her face was crushed, her windpipe compromised, her skull was fractured and she had massive levels of internal bleeding. Had Mister Malfoy and Mister Nott been unable to find her, this would be a very different story. Mister Nott's proclivity for healing spells was our saving grace.
Mister Nott mentioned to me that he had seen Mister Malfoy near deaths door many times during Voldemorts reign and he said he had still never seen anything to the extent of Miss Grangers Injuries before that night.
I would have to agree with Mister Nott. And whilst I would call her survival a miracle, I have to give so much credit to Mister Nott as well. He worked equally as hard as I did on her for hours, refusing to stop until she was stable. He will lead the medical field into a new era, I am sure of it.
Some people are claiming that Mister Malfoy must have Miss Granger under some form of influence, either potion or spell. Did you notice any signs of a love potion or an unforgivable that might have influenced Miss Grangers actions or put doubt into their story?
Once she was stable, she was tested extensively for signs of curses or potions. I found nothing present and sent that data to the DMLE. I understand that society doesn't want to imagine that a war hero and member of the Golden Trio could commit such a heinous crime, but I will never be able to forget that night, and I imagine anyone else who saw her, or saw the way Mister Nott healed her, or the way Mister Malfoy begged for us to save her, will be able to forget it either.
And finally ladies and gents, we have the chosen one himself, savior of the wizarding world and former member of the Golden Trio, Mister Harry James Potter.
Do you have an opinion on what occurred that night at the Yule Ball?
I think Hermione has been manipulated and coerced into believing this false narrative that Ron attacked her. They had a small disagreement near the beginning of the ball and I think the snakes used that to their advantage to trick Hermione into getting him arrested. He's my best friend and he's loved her since we were 11, he's not capable of harming her.
Miss Granger was also your best friend, shouldn't you have been by her side at the hospital if you were so concerned about the "snakes" as you call them?
She is still my best friend. I didn't visit her in the hospital because I didn't see the need. She was alive and well. All my showing up would have done was cause a fight with Malfoy and I didn't want to risk Hermione's safety. Who knows what they would have done to her if they thought I was onto them?
Alive and well? Mister Potter do you understand the extent of her injuries? Do you know any details about how she was discovered?
I did not get the full details, but I know she was put into a medical coma for a while to speed up her healing time.
Why don't you let me read you a few of the confirmed injuries and you tell me what you think about them. Sound good? I'll start from the least severe and work my way up. 43 individual abrasions across her back, 4 contusions in the shape of handprints, 2 on each arm, with puncture wounds from the nails digging into her skin. An internal laceration in her vagina from forcing his digits inside of her, 3 bite marks on her breasts, and 2 on her neck. Another handprint shaped contusion from a hand wrapped around her neck squeezing the life from her! 2 shattered orbitals! 1 fractured zygomatic bone on the left, that's the cheekbone Mister Potter if you are not privy to medical jargon! 2 separate linear fractures to the skull on either side resulting in a severe intracranial hemorrhage Mister Potter! A medically induced coma? No! Your best friend, as you like to call her, is very, very lucky to be alive!
Denial, betrayal, disloyalty; these are the words that flash across my mind as I type up these interviews. A golden girl trapped in the middle, suffering at the hands of those she trusted above all others. Mister Potter's level of denial begs the question of if he knows more than he might be even willing to admit to himself. Stay tuned for more updates, and rest assured that I, Rita Skeeter, will be the first to bring you all the new details of this tragic story!