Happy Saturday, my freaky darlings. To those on FanFiction, hello, long time to speak. Glad notifications are back. Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans. Enjoy Veronica's criminal trial.

Chapter 32 Reckonings

The divorce proceedings ended by establishing Ron's paternity of Hugo. His second birthday came and went before her trial began. Hermione gave birth to Aurora Grace and Kaia Maeve on April 31st. Kingsley and Octavia wed in a small ceremony a few days before Christian Shaklebolt made his grand entrance into the world.

The aurors released Veronica into the custody of her parents. She attended every visitation even if she simply sat there and let him prattled at and play. One early visit she wore an inappropriate dress she thought made her look desirable. She then used Hugo to convince Ron to stay, to be a family again, even for just a moment. Unable to disappoint his son, he stayed and endured two hours of her attempts to flirt and manipulate him. After that, he asked his parents to take Hugo. Never again.

The criminal case progressed slowly, as such cases do. Numerous witnesses were called and then cross-examined. Harry remarked Veronica was certainly getting her money's worth. The man attempted to break apart everyone's story. The ministry prosecutor, Miles Bletchley, used Hermione to establish a pattern of behavior. The defense flashed her a feral grin. Veronica smirked at her. Hermione wondered what the two thought they knew that could cause her testimony to turn this around for Veronica.

"Miss Granger," began the defense solicitor.

"Objection," Miles Bletchley stood, "the witness has been married for over a year and uses her married name personally and professionally. The defense referring to her by her maiden name is antagonistic and meant to upset the witness needlessly."

"Sustained, please address witnesses appropriately."

"Mrs. Flint, how well are you acquainted with the defendant?"

"Barely. Despite belonging to the same extended family we rarely interact beyond greetings and her making sly digs at me."

"Why is that?"

Hermione's eyebrow twitched, "Because she fucked my fiance, got herself pregnant, demanded he marry her or she would leave the country and keep the baby from him."

Vern Rollins frowned but kept going, "And your fiance, Ronald Weasley, was in the mindset to cheat because you received word you were infertile?"

Hermione's eyes narrowed dangerously, "I am not on trial. My medical information is no one's business. And nothing gives someone permission to cheat. That's why it is called cheating. We were not in an open relationship. But I will answer. I was not infertile. Due to damage sustained fighting a war as a child," she spat out the word child, "having children would take planning and effort."

"But you believed you were infertile?" he persisted.

Hermione looked at Bletchley, "Did I slip into a foreign language? No, it would take potions and planning. Not impossible, just labor intensive." She rolled her eyes.

"What did Mr. Weasley think?" Rollins asked.

Bletchley stood up again, "Objection. Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Flint are not on trial. This pointless line of antagonistic interrogation will make the witness hostile."

"Sustained," the judge looked annoyed, "if you have a point, make it."

"You admit to barely knowing my client, and we can agree you have reasons to dislike her, correct?"

"Yes."

"So, you would be inclined to think the worst of her?"

"Mr. Rollins, I am rapidly losing my patience and respect for you. I worked hard to rise above the betrayal, insults, and her behavior not to lose my only magical family."

"That does not answer the question."

"It does, but it isn't the answer you want. I don't need to make assumptions about her character. I've had a front seat to her misdeeds, either first-hand observation or her own confession." She wondered if he was stupid enough to ask her to elaborate. "But it isn't a crime not to like someone."

The judge interjected, "Mrs. Flint is correct. Do you have a point to this line of questioning?"

"To establish Mrs. Flint's inability to see the bigger picture when it comes to Mrs. Weasley for the jury."

The judge simply stared at the man before addressing Hermione, "Mrs. Flint, perhaps you would elaborate on the events that have not been entered into evidence. Then maybe we can lay this to rest."

"If the defense insists." Mr Rollins nodded. "No, say the words."

"We have no objections to the judge's suggestion. Please, elaborate."

"After Ron confessed his indiscretion he admitted he'd seen the woman before. She often flirted with him and propositioned him. Ms. Weasley confessed she wore charisma potions, took fertility potions, and liquid luck with the goal of sleeping with Ron. This means everything was premeditated. She took great pains to seduce a man in a committed relationship and get pregnant. Four months after the event she shows up pregnant declaring Ron the father. Which he was. But then she drops the other shoe. If he doesn't marry her she will disappear and keep the child from him. Once he agreed to marry her, Ron and I divided our assets. Veronica demanded to stay in our flat. She threw a wobbly there in the living room because I asked Ron to buy me out. She screamed, threw things that did not belong to her, and stomped her feet because I would not just hand over my home to my ex for him to share with his affair partner for free. She threw another when I removed my money from our shared vault. Not half like she sullenly suggested, though she seemed to think I should leave it all because 'Ron had a family to provide for.' She promised to ruin my life for not, and I quote here, 'going away like the pathetic excuse of a woman I was.' In front of the Weasleys, she used her potions and pretended to be sweetness and light. She suggested Ron should make me the godmother of their affair baby." She paused, "Is that enough to establish her character or should I keep going?"

"No, that is enough. No further questions." Mr. Rollins looked pale and unsettled. He had asked questions he thought he knew the answer, to.

After calling the proceedings to a halt for the day, the judge asked to see the defense, "Do you have any defense that does not require you to anger and demean every war hero connected to the Weasley household?"

"Barely," admitted Rollins.

"Then encourage her to change her plea to guilty and let's be done. If she refuses, then you need to rest."

The next morning Rollins interviewed a few more people who supported the idea that the attack on Jeffery addled her memory making her believe things that did not occur. He rested that morning. The jury took less than fifteen minutes to deliberate, returning a guilty verdict. The judge released them, announcing the sentencing would be in a month. Bletchley caught Hermione as she exited the courtroom, "The judge wants you to write a victim impact statement."

"Okay."

He hesitated then pushed on, "Will you help Ron? I don't think he's in the right mind to do it properly."

"I will make sure he gets some guidance."

"Thanks."

She enlisted Harry to invite Ron over. Malin took Hugo to help make popcorn chains for the Christmas tree. She saw it on the telly and became obsessed. The trio sat around the kitchen table, Ron's head rested in his hands. "What the hell do you put in a victim impact statement?"

"Exactly that: how her actions impacted you."

"Like she took advantage of a low point and her continued actions stole the life I wanted?"

"Yes, stuff like that."

"And what kind of father does that make me?" shouted Ron.

"No one said you can't positively mention him," soothed Hermione.

"You know what the worst thing about all of this? I still don't know why me?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably, sighed, and spoke, "Malin had a knowing dream. She dreamed that Veronica told Jeffery. They couldn't be together because he wasn't wealthy enough or famous. When he laughed and suggested she chase after men instead, she said I didn't go to bars alone. If I was drinking Ginny was with me."

Ron nodded, "I suppose that does make sense." They sat in silence for a few minutes before he asked, "Do you think you and Gin would still be together if not for Veronica?"

Harry considered the question, "Yeah, probably. Our problems started because she spent so much time with Veronica or at the Burrow. We drifted apart."

"Should I add that?" he asked sounding lost.

Harry shrugged, "If you want. This is your letter."

Hermione patted Ron's hand, "We're here to help because Bletchley worried it's too raw for you to focus. We're not writing it for you. These are your words and feelings."

"Should I mention the impact on Hugo?"

"I would," said Harry, "he can't speak for himself, but her actions against Jeffery affected and will affect him." Ron nodded again. Harry and Hermione offered him some privacy. Ron took his time drafting the letter.

A month later the Weasley family began the new year reading letters to the judge and Veronica. Her parents read letters singing her praises. Jeffery Tyler's parents spoke of their son's loyalty and loving personality. How he no longer remembered them and feared her. How her desperation to hide her misdeeds cost them their son and his future. Last Hermione and Ron addressed the court.

Hermione went first, "Ronnie, I address you as Ronnie because your favorite form of disrespect you hid in attempts at familiarity. You knew I hated the nickname Ron and Harry used, that I tolerated it from them because of our history. I repeatedly asked you not to, but you kept using it. But heaven forbid someone call you a nickname. No matter how I reacted or treated you, you had to get a dig in. Despite never meeting me you concocted me this competition when Ron was the prize. And you had to keep winning.

You had to be the center of attention at every event. Between shopping sprees, constant remodels, and events you slowly destroyed not only my life but the lives of my best friends.

"You are always quick to call others selfish. So, what does that make you? You systematically stalked and seduced my fiance to steal him. You demanded he kick me out of my home. You were upset I expected to take my money out of the shared vault and be bought out of my investments." Hermione looked up at Veronica for the last part, "You made sure to constantly rub your pregnancy and baby in my face. You used questionable methods to ensure everyone put you and your son first. You convinced your sister-in-law to push back her wedding by years so he could be her ring bearer, despite plans to ask the groom's godson.

"The last abuse I endured was when I was invited for a blessing by an international group. You threw a wobbly because I didn't instantly invite my ex. Because you deserved my blessing. Had I done this before you demanded, you would have raged I was forcing Ron to miss his son's first Christmas. I was supposed to put your demands before my feelings. Ron and I have come to peace, but we will never be as close as we were before you. But I can confidently say, I was here before you, and I will be here long after you have gone. You will be a distant memory. Goodbye and good riddance." She giggled to herself as Veronica fought and failed to keep the glare off her face.

Ron looked straight ahead as he took the stand. Steadfastly refusing to look in his ex-wife's direction, he began, "Three years ago I had nearly everything I ever wanted: a fiance, an exciting career, and the beginnings of a loving home. And I lost it all because you schemed to be rich and famous without having to do any work to earn it. At a low point, you took advantage of my drunken state. Even if you hadn't gotten pregnant, your influence would have unraveled my world. The only happiness you care about is your own.

"Nothing was ever enough. You had to redecorate the flat because Hermione's choices were too frumpy. You constantly shopped. I saved most of my Order of Merlin money for the future and you spent it in two years. On frivolous junk, you didn't need. But with a steady supply of potions, you kept me ensnared. Whatever you wanted, however, you wanted.

"You took and took. You had no interest in putting in the work to build anything solid. Even with Jeffery, you took the easy way out. Your lies caused me to leave behind my career. A career I built, that I enjoyed. Because I thought I made you a target. That someday you, or Hugo, could be killed because of me.

"I feel compelled to mention our son and how this will affect him. He doesn't understand why you are not home, why he only sees you at the 'play place?' But the worst part is someday he will. He will know everything you did. Then he will feel all the pain and doubts I have. The only explanation I will have is you are selfish and I was famous and stupid. I hope someday someone uses you like you used me. I hope they leave you as broken as you left us." Again without looking at her, Ron left the stand.

The judge looked at Veronica, "Have you prepared a statement?"

"Yes, your honor," she rose and took the stand. "These past months have given me cause to time to reflect on my actions. How I hurt those around me. I looked into the mirror and realized I don't like what I saw. My actions led to this. I used this time to change my ways and to be a better person for myself and my family. I beg leniency from this august court and throw myself on your mercy."

"We will have a brief recess I would like to see Mr. Ronald Weasley, Mrs. Flint, and the Tylers in my chambers, please."

The four joined them the judge. "The four of you deserve a say in her punishment in my opinion."

Mr. Tyler seethed, "She as good as killed our son. He may live and breathe, but everything that made him who he was is gone. Everything that made him who he was is gone. He doesn't even know us."

"Do you have any idea how heartbreaking this is?" wailed Mrs. Tyler. "It feels like the first wound every time." Her husband consoled her.

The judge looked at Ron, "Your thoughts, Mr. Weasley?"

"I want to be done with her. If I never see her again it would still be too soon. I don't really care what happens."

The judge nodded, "Mrs. Flint?"

Hermione frowned, "I found her statement interesting. She never once apologized or expressed regret, other than perhaps getting caught. She used pretty buzzwords to avoid lying, but she deserves as much compassion as she's shown to others. That is to say- none."

"A rather astute observation, Mrs. Flint. I shall take all of this under advisement. Thank you."

Fifteen minutes after they exited the chambers, the bailiff recalled them. "Ms. Weasley, after listening to the statements, I wish to remark on the lack of remorse you expressed. At no point have the words, sorry, apologize, or regret passed your lips. In the face of this, I sentence you to the maximum sentence of fifteen years in Azkaban."

"Noooo, no, please. Ron, please don't let them do this. We were happy once."

"Correction, you were happy, I was hoodwinked. Pretend to have some dignity and go quietly." Ron turned his back and walked away. The rest of his family followed him out. He turned to Bill, "Could you make arrangements to sell the flat?"

"Sure. Furniture, too?"

Ron nodded, "I need to check if I'm obligated to take Hugo to see her."

"You can't," Harry reminded him, "even if dementors are gone, children still aren't allowed in Azkaban."

"Good." Ron ran his hands through his hair, "What do I tell him? He's only two and a half."

"Follow his lead. If he asks explain she had to go away for a while," said his mother. "As he ages you can explain she did a bad thing and so on." Ron nodded and let her lead him from the building.

Hermione watched them walk away, "I should feel bad, but I don't. They both did this to themselves."

Marcus wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "You're not wrong. Their actions hurt you deeply. Changing the subject, when are we meeting your parents and grandparents?"

"Four o'clock at Hyde Park, why?"

He looked at his watch, "We should get going then. Be that time before we know it."

"I suppose, you're not wrong. Time to put this all behind us." She wrapped her arm around his waist and they left the courtroom.