Non-descript mentions of torture and rape in this chapter. We are almost to the finish line! I believe I will wrap everything up in the next chapter. We'll have an epilogue plus a bonus chapter for both PansyNeville and TheoCharlie. Thank you, guys, for sticking with me!!
April 12th
Hermione's POV
The anticipation of seeing her parents in just a short amount of time was comparable to how she'd felt when their memories were first recovered. Anxiety, wariness, and hope stood out prominently amongst her other feelings as she tried to keep herself from melting into a panicked puddle on the floor. She needed to center herself, so she pulled on a few of the breathing and mindfulness tactics Pansy had taught her.
Inhale
Draco is chatting with his mother.
Exhale
I'm wearing a midnight blue cotton dress.
Inhale
They want to see me. They agreed to this.
Exhale
I smell roasted vegetables, chicken, and Draco's whiskey.
Inhale
"Hermione?" She's so focused on her breathing that she doesn't register that Evie has escorted her parents into the sitting room and her father has said her name. She zones in on her father first, noting with some surprise the multitude of gray strands that had worked their way through his sandy hair. Something his mother had always lightheartedly teased him about was how much of a creature of habit he was; his choice of clothing was not excluded from this. If she thought about it, she could admit it's most likely where she got her own taste for simplistic style. He wore simple brown khakis, loafers, and a soft blue sweater that matched the color of her dress. Maybe they subconsciously chose the color because it reminded them of the thing that bonded them: the sea.
She wasn't quite ready to meet his gaze, so she took in the sight of her mother instead. Her mom had always been more extravagant between the two of them, and where the teasing had always been light for her father, she'd felt her mother's comments about her lack of care for her clothing choices were a bit harsher.
You're such a beautiful girl, Hermione; why don't you ever style your hair?
How about a shopping trip? We could update your wardrobe.
Let's do your makeup; it could really accentuate your natural beauty.
Sure, none of the remarks were outright critical, but Hermione had always thought there was a double meaning to her words, and it left her with feelings of self-doubt, which were only exacerbated by the bullying she experienced at school.
Jean Granger's hair was styled into her uniform slick bob, her makeup done to perfection, and a beautiful set of pearl earrings. A black sleeveless blouse paired with matching wide-leg trousers and peep-toe pumps painted the image of a stunning woman who meant business. That was the dominant trait she was sure she had inherited from her mom: her determination to accomplish every goal she set for herself. Not that her father was lazy, but he was the more easygoing of the two.
Gathering her courage, she finally settles her gaze on her father. Gone is the guarded expression that had been present at every visit since they remembered who she was; in its place was a softness only equated to encouragement and acceptance, and it nearly broke her.
Her mother's expression shocked her the most; it held notes of pride and eagerness. The barrage of emotions flying through her brain at lightspeed made her feel lightheaded, so she took a few more steadying breaths and looked to Draco for the support she desperately needed.
"Deep breaths." He whispers in her ear as he bends to take her hand from her sitting position. "You are strong, and you've got this." The confidence he has in her helps break down some of the anxiety building within her. She quickly reminds herself of the things she's overcome and how much stronger she will be for it.
"Dad, Mom." She greets them. She can see they are more receptive to seeing her than previously, but she doesn't want to push them, so she stays seated and offers a simple greeting.
"Hello David, Jean. I hope the Portkey travel wasn't too rough."
"I doubt we'll ever get used to it, but we appreciate you arranging this, Draco." Her mother smiles softly at him in response. Hermione is surprised to hear her use his first name, but what else would she have called him? Mr. Malfoy?
He chuckles lightly in response. "Hermione isn't so keen on Portkey travel herself. Anything that moves too quickly." He teases good-naturedly, earning himself a pinch on the hand holding hers.
"I'll have you know that I rode a dragon and a thestral. I don't like the idea of being on a broom and having it fall out from under me because they are temperamental things." She responds to defend herself but doesn't realize what she's said until it's out. She had never mentioned either of these things to her parents and had no idea how they would take it.
Draco saves her again by guffawing loudly. "You rode a dragon? I suppose I can believe the thestral story, but there is no way you, Hermione Granger, rode a bloody dragon."
"It's true. The thestral was, uhm- fifth year, and the dragon was about five and a half years ago. Harry was there, and I'm sure he'd love to tell you all about it. Adrenaline junky that one."
"Erm, did you say fifth year?" David asks with a little tremble in his voice.
"Ye- Yes. There was a little confusion at the Ministry of Magic, and Harry thought his Godfather was in trouble." She has no idea how to begin to explain this to them. She realizes she's been protecting them a lot longer than just before the war. She's been keeping things from them her whole life because she's been afraid of their response, that they would take this world away from her.
"Wait, wasn't that the year she was injured at school? Something about a lesson in class gone wrong?" Her mother's brows knit together as the pieces fall into place. "There was no accident in class, was there?"
"No. I didn't want to worry you," she says quietly, her head tilted down towards her fingers linked with Draco's as she evaluated how best to proceed. "Look, there are a lot of things I've never felt like I could tell you. I know that isn't easy for either of you to hear but it's the truth. There are a lot of things about my past and about me that you don't know, but if you're serious about wanting to work on our relationship, I'd like to show you who I am now without holding anything back."
"We understand that now, after Draco's visit, we took what he told us, and with a bit of our own research, we realize what a precarious position you were in. This isn't all on you either; as your parents, we should have kept up with everything that was happening in your world so we could adequately protect you." Her father's voice comes out a little shaky as he admits something she never expected to hear. Not one time, growing up, did she think her parents had been neglectful in their care for her, but after hearing things from their perspective, she has to admit there may be a kernel of truth to it. Being a pregnant mother of three, she cannot imagine sending her children off into a world she knew nothing about and just hoped for the best. She'd have dove headfirst into integrating herself into the community as much as possible so she could understand what her children would be exposed to. Yes, she didn't make it easy by keeping many things from them, but they also had a responsibility as her parents to ensure her safety as much as possible.
Draco's parents knew what they were doing when he was forced to take the mark, but her parents were also willfully ignorant of the dangers of her world because they didn't take the time to fully understand. With all of this said, she'd still like to start over because they had both made mistakes.
Hermione stands and reaches a hand forward, offering a fresh start. "Fresh start?" she asks, surprised when her dad yanks her forward into a bear hug.
"Missed you, kid." Between the familiar oaky scent of him and the warm endearment, she was on the verge of tears.
Damn hormones she thinks to herself.
"I missed you too," she says, soaking up his warmth for a moment before letting her arms fall. Hermione watches as her mother hesitates, unsure of what she wants to do.
"Well, I'm glad we can move forward," Jean says as she takes Hermione's hand and squeezes it. She can't help but feel a hint of disappointment at the action but chooses to move past it.
"Yes, me too." She responds before turning to look at Draco. She's grown familiar with this look, and it's one she truly appreciates. Gray eyes roam over her face and body, but there is no heat in his gaze; he is assessing her body posture and facial expressions for signs of anxiety or panic. Besides the slight feeling of needing to move, needing to be doing something she is decides she's okay. Pansy says this is her brains response to stressful situations, a fight or flight response. When she starts to feel cornered or overwhelmed, she notices keeping herself busy will help distract her from the real problem.
"Well, I must say that that was beautiful, truly inspiring." Narcissa thankfully interrupts the building quiet. "Rarely do you see wizarding families, especially purebloods, discuss their issues so openly. We could learn a thing or two from muggles."
"More than a thing or two, mother. We should plan a trip to Muggle London soon; Hermione can be our tour guide. We could all make a day of it if the Granger's would be agreeable to joining us?" Draco offers, and she appreciates that he wants to include her parents.
"Oh, I would love that. Maybe Hermione could take us to her favorite bookstore. Wouldn't that be lovely Jean?" Narcissa gives her mother a warm smile of encouragement.
"Of course, perhaps we could go shopping as well. We haven't done that in ages, Hermione." Ah there it is, Hermione thinks to herself at the perceived subtle dig about her fashion sense.
"Yeah, sure mom, sounds great." Draco gives her a questioning look at the obvious tensing of her body and lackluster response. "Dinner should be ready if everyone is ready to eat." She says while giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.
While Narcissa and Evie led her parents to the dining room, she and Draco hung back for a moment to talk.
"Well, that went better than expected, right?" Draco asks as he refills his whiskey tumbler.
"It did with my dad, but I suppose I should have expected things to flow easier with him. It's the way it's always been. Mom and I will get there eventually. I just needed a moment to collect my thoughts. Are we sure we want to announce the pregnancy to them tonight? Maybe we should wait until after the first trimester."
"I'm proud of you, Love."
"Of course, you are but for what exactly this time?" She tries for a sarcastic tone to mask her rattled nerves.
"For one, you faced your parents today. You made real progress."
"Hmm, that's true."
"Two, you faced my mother despite having only heard bits and pieces from our conversations about my life."
"Your mother is a national treasure, and you can't convince me otherwise." She quips but feels herself relaxing as he plays with her fingers, gently massaging each digit as he makes his point.
"Swear that you will never utter those words to her; she'll announce it in the Daily if you let her. Golden Girl proclaims Narcissa Malfoy a National Treasure. She'd be quite insufferable. Stop distracting me. We are running out of time and I'm not quite finished." He playfully admonishes before continuing.
"Three, you've put in a lot of work on your mental health, and it shows. You are proud of your body, and a lovely body it is. A goddess growing three of our offspring. You created your own business from the ground up, and it's doing so well you are hiring more employees, and you're franchising."
"All fair points. Right, so I shall harness my inner goddess and continue with the self-confidence I've worked hard for. We are going to tell our parents about the babies we are so excited for, and if anyone has anything negative to say, well, they can sod off." Hermione is continuously grateful for the work that Draco has put into his own mental health so he can move forward on this journey with her. Ron had never put any stock into therapy and that was another thing that had stuck like a thorn in her side. Draco wanted to heal himself and see her do the same.
"There's my girl." He gives her his best Cheshire grin before leading her to the dining area.
Draco's POV
"Our Hermione couldn't have a normal tea party. No, she had Mr. Newton the chimpanzee, Ms. Austen the stuffed elephant, and Mrs. Parks the eagle all sat around her little white table, and there our girl sat with a miniature chalkboard and a stack of books as tall as she was at six years old. She'd go on for hours with her little friends, talking about the books she read or what she had learned in school." Her dad finishes his story, cheeks red and smiling to himself as he remembers the days when his little girl had tea parties.
"I knew you were always a swot," Draco teases lightly, pulling at a ringlet before releasing it so he can watch it spring back.
"Oh, now Draco was no better. Granted he was most likely a more mischievous child than Hermione, but he was quite studious. From the time he could read you could find him in the library reading everything he could get his little fingers on."
"Hah!" Draco guffaws before resting his head on the table. His shoulders shake with silent laughter.
"May I ask what is so amusing Darling is?" His mother asks.
"Granger was one of the biggest troublemakers in school. Sure, she rarely got caught but she and the two lackeys were always up to something." He has to hold back a chuckle as Granger daintily brings a morsel of chicken to her lips and chews it slowly, her cheeks turning pink at his accusation.
She clears her throat before turning to face him. "I'll have you know that everything we did was completely justified. I've lost count of how many times we saved that school. You should be thanking me right now." She sets her chin high as if she's made such an obvious point there mustn't be a point in continuing this conversation.
"Hmm what about those late-night trips to the library? I used to wonder how you beat me in every class until I caught you sneaking in and out. I was at the library just as much as you during the day, but you still managed to be,st my scores every time." He's just getting started, but of course, she has a response.
"Well, you can hardly blame me for being such a studious pupil. Most teachers would have applauded my dedication," she quips, as the table occupants watch on as the two continue their mental sparring match.
"Alright, you can have that one. I suppose you don't recall hearing of my struggles in fourth year. Someone charmed all of my underpants to flash "Impotence Prince" in red and gold lettering. Theo and Blaise had quite the laugh over that one."
"I have no idea what you're talking about but if someone did that, you probably deserved it." His cheeks are stretched tight in a wide grin as Granger continues to deflect every accusation he throws her way. This woman was born to be a Slytherin.
"Did you really charm his underpants, Hermione?" David questions and Draco is certain he hears a note of pride in the man's voice.
"That is hardly the worst she's done, David. Third year? Your daughter packs a mean punch. Broke my nose, she did."
"No! Hermione!" Her mother says in shock.
"He deserved it, and there is no way I broke your nose. I wish I had, though."
"It's true. I didn't want to report to Pomfrey lest anyone find out a girl broke my nose. So, I let Theo try and fix it. Still sits a little crooked if you look closely." His story is true, but he takes mercy on his witch, not wanting to add to the rift between mother and daughter. "I will admit that I deserved every bit of her ire and then some. Thankfully I pulled my head out of my arse and mostly straightened myself out."
"Well as long as you treat our girl right, we won't have any problems." Draco tips his wine glass back at David in silent agreement. "Glad to see those lessons were put to use though." He adds as an afterthought.
"Exactly." Hermione agrees primly and her mother just shakes her head in exasperation.
"All of this talk about our younger days sort of brings us to the point of this dinner—apart from Hermione seeing you both, of course." Draco addresses the group as he squeezes Granger's hand.
"Oh?" Narcissa says, arching a brow in question.
"Yes. Uhm- Draco and I have something we wanted to share with all of you. Something we are very excited about, and we hope you are too." Hermione meets everyone's waiting gaze before turning to him. Draco had planned on telling the group himself since he knew Hermione was worried about the response, but she didn't give him the chance.
"In approximately six months Draco and I are going to be parents. We're pregnant. With triplets." A rush of pride and possessiveness floods his system as he looks at the woman before him. He moves to stand behind Hermione before wrapping his arms around her waist to settle his hands against her abdomen.
Draco starts to question whether he's imagined Granger delivering the news, but in the next breath, his mother and Jean release what can only be described as twin screeches.
"Babies!" Narcissa yells. "About bloody time you give me grandchildren."
"I'm going to be a grandma!" Jean exclaims excitedly.
Both women run over to Granger and pull her from his arms so they can embrace her. Draco looks over to David to see him with a look of shock on his face.
"You okay there, Grandpa?" Draco asks.
"Uhm- my baby girl just said she's pregnant. I need a moment or a shot, not in any particular order."
"Take your moment and I'll grab us drinks." Draco offers, finding humor in the fact that most people would have expected his reaction to the news to be more like Dave's. The truth is that he had zero doubts about his future with his witch, despite the fact that hadn't been together very long. Having children with her was more than he could have ever hoped for.
The remainder of the evening with the Grangers was spent between congratulations, plans to visit London together, and mothers repeatedly gushing over becoming grandparents. After seeing Jean and David off with their return portkey, Draco practically had to carry Granger to bed. She was so exhausted; growing three little humans will do that to you. He helped her get ready for bed before pulling her snugly into the cage of his arms.
April 16th
Draco's POV
Granger had joined Draco at the Ministry for the last three days before the trial. Blaise, donning his role as a solicitor, assisted Draco in preparing Granger for what she was about to be put through. They would interrogate her about her relationship with Weasley, make her relive the horrors of her captivity, and Ronald Weasley's representation would do its best to paint him as a victim in this scenario.
The idea that she would be exposed to an intense amount of stress this early in an already high-risk pregnancy put him on age. His hope is that they can help mentally prepare her before the trial to mitigate some of the shock. Merlin knows if he was in her shoes and it was Pansy instead of Weasley putting him in this position, it would be incredibly difficult to face her.
"You have to focus, Hermione. They will not take it easy on you during the trial so I cannot do so now. Now, is it true that Mr. Weasley supported you financially at the start of your relationship?"
"What? No, of course not. I had the reparation funds which I used to open the store and I was very careful with my spending until the shop got on its feet. I never borrowed a galleon of Ron's money."
"Did you ever drug Ronald Weasley with Amortentia?"
"I would never!"
"Were you stalking Mr. Weasley?" Blaise isn't aggressive with his questioning, but he doesn't relent either.
"This is absurd, Blaise. Why would anyone believe any of this?" Hermione scoffs at what she perceives as a completely asinine suggestion.
"Some of them will, Hermione. Molly Weasley and Ron have been spinning quite the tale. Her poor boy left destitute after Hermione Granger dosed him with love potions, used up all of his money and left his mind addled from frequent Amortentia doses. He was not in his right mind when he chose to work with Dolohov." Draco knows that this is probably the exact route the defense will take, and Granger has to be prepared for that.
"Am I on trial, or is Ron?" She questions as she huffs in irritation.
"Don't be naïve Hermione. It doesn't suit you. Molly Weasley will do everything in her power to keep her son out of Azkaban. Even if that means throwing you to the wolves in the process." Blaise explains patiently.
Draco watches the two go back and forth for a while before he cuts in. "Blaise, I think that's enough for today. Will you meet us here before the trial?"
"Of course. Everything will be okay Granger. I'll see you both tomorrow." Blaise says before making his way to the lifts.
"Do you really think they are going to say those horrible things?" Hermione asks after Blaise leaves. The hurt is evident in her tone, and he wishes he could remove another one of Weasley's appendages right now.
"I do, but I don't want you to listen to any of it. It's all a desperate ploy to save that pathetic excuse for a wizard's skin."
"I know that, but I wish it didn't have to be this way. I wish Ron hadn't made such horrendously misguided choices, and I wish Molly wasn't in denial about who her son is. She's different since they lost Fred. Blaise isn't wrong; she will do anything to keep her children safe, even if they are in the wrong. She used to be a strong woman with steadfast morals. None of the kids got anything past her. Now she pretends not to see the way George struggles with depression, Ron and his obsessive and deranged tendencies, Arthur is a lovely man, but he's a ghost of who he used to be, Ginny battles anxiety, she puts a lot of work to combat it, but it's still there. Charlie wasn't as affected as the others by the war since he's been in Romania for years, but the loss of Fred still gets to him. Percy carries a load of guilt that I doubt he will ever lose. Molly just refuses to see all of it because she doesn't want her children to be in pain.
"Not that I have much experience, but most mothers feel that way, right?"
"You never want your child to be in pain, but you also have to teach them to work through that pain, not pretend it doesn't exist. That doesn't help anybody."
"This is just another example of how I know you'll be a good mother."
"Hmm, I hope so. Really, though, my heart hurts for Molly because she's really just a mother in pain. I just wish she handled things differently in the end." Draco doesn't respond but pulls her into a tight hug. Her arms wrap securely around his waist before she rests her head against his chest.
"Draco?" She asks.
"Yes, Granger?" He responds as he runs a hand up her back.
"We're hungry. I think I'd like vinegar chips, Rocky Road ice cream, and mashed potatoes." Her stomach rumbles on queue, and he lets out a chuckle in response.
"You have officially turned into a raccoon, Granger. Let's get you home and I'll work on your list of demands."
April 17th
Hermione's POV
The day of the trial she arrived at the DMLE early with Draco to go over a few last-minute details with Blaise. The trio made their way to the assigned courtroom, where they met up with Harry, Neville, and Pansy. For this specific case the couple had only been asked to provide memories pertaining to Hermione specifically.
"Ready, Hermione?" Harry asks with as much energy as he can muster. Neither of them is eager to see the man who had once been their closest friend. The man who had grown up with them and gone to war at their side is now a shell of his former self.
"As I'll ever be." She responds before taking his hand. Draco trails close behind, followed by Blaise, Pansy, and Neville. They take their seats on the left side of the courtroom and take in the rest of the rooms occupants. Molly and Arthur sit opposite them amongst a handful of other witches and wizards, and the empty Wizengamot seats sit at the head of the room, situated above the rest of the benches. Two podiums stand roughly six feet apart in the pit like center of the room.
Double doors swing open behind the podiums, and a flash of red hair catches Hermione's eye. Ron is led to the podium on the right by Cho Chang followed by what she assumes is his solicitor. His hands are cuffed behind his back with copper links to prevent the use of magic; the red locks she'd first admired in her youth, then ran her fingers through countless times as an adult, had lost their sunburst quality and now hung limp and greasy. Blue eyes once held so much excitement and love for his life, and Family now shifted from person to person almost in a paranoid manner.
Hermione sucks in a sharp breath as Ron's gaze trains on her. She's shocked to see such a hateful glare fixed on his face. Ron had always had a temper growing up, but she'd never seen such animosity in his stare before, not even directed at Draco.
The sound of Draco releasing a rumble from his chest as he realizes where Ron is staring helps to bring everything into focus. Ron is here because he betrayed her in an unforgivable way, and she needed to stop looking for signs of the eleven-year-old boy who was once one of her closest friends.
"Do not look at him, Granger; he doesn't deserve an ounce of your attention," Draco says firmly, lacing their fingers together in an attempt to reassure her.
"Not anymore, he doesn't." She agrees.
The sound of hushed voices and shuffling draws the room's attention as the members of the Wizengamot make their way to their seats through a private entrance. Chief Warlock Aberforth Dumbledore was the last to enter the chamber, the silver of his beard standing out against the plum of his official robes. After the final battle, Aberforth had decided he was done sitting on the sidelines as corrupt politicians continuously poisoned the justice system, so he'd entered his name into the ring to become chief warlock. Yes, he owned the Hog's Head for many years, but he was an incredibly smart and just wizard, and it hadn't taken him long to adjust to his new role.
Aberforth took his seat at the head podium before addressing the court. "We are here for the trial of Ronald Billius Weasley. Mr. Weasley has been accused of aiding in the abduction of one Hermione Jean Granger. We will review the memories provided by Aurors Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, followed by Ms. Granger's memories. Is council ready to proceed?" Aberforth directs his question at Ron's solicitor and Blaise.
Both parties answer with a quick yes before Harry is requested to take a seat at the podium across from Ron. "Let us begin."
For the next thirty minutes, she watches Harry's memories from the day she was rescued being displayed on the industrial-sized pensive. Her chest tightens with mounting anxiety as she watches Harry and Draco finally break through the wards blocking their entry into Malfoy Manner. They had split up early into the rescue, so she couldn't see what was happening with Draco, but Harry and his team of aurors steadily made their way through the maze of tunnels in the Manor's dungeons. They would occasionally happen across a random death eater but dispatched the threat with hard-earned efficiency. There was a reason Harry was Head Auror and it wasn't because he was The Boy Who Lived. He was a lethal strategist and lightning quick on his feet.
She releases a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding as Draco wraps an arm around her shoulders. The shimmering scene unfolds before her as Harry steps through the door Draco had blasted away. He watches as Dolohov apparates away, and Draco rushes to take Hermione into his arms. Seeing herself from Harry's perspective definitely shines a light on the shape she had been in but what causes her breath to hitch in her throat is the look on Draco's face. His jaw is clenched, and his eyes are pinched tightly shut as he clings to her as tightly as she holds him, both desperate for the other's touch.
She remembers the blood soaked over Draco's skin but in the moment, she had only been focused on hiding from her monsters in the safety of his arms. Now, she can see twin tear tracks standing prominent against the crimson on his face, and it nearly breaks her heart to see the pain he'd felt at nearly losing her.
"I'm here, Hermione. We made it Love, and he will never fucking touch you again." Draco whispers in her ear as he tightens his hold on her. The room lightens and the shimmering image fades away leaving a heavy silence in its wake.
"Mr. Barnes, please proceed with your questions for Auror Potter." Aberforth commands.
"Yes, Chief Warlock." Mr. Barnes agrees. Hermione notes now that she has a moment to observe, the man is rather tall, nearly as tall as Draco but that is where the similarities end. Inky black hair is slicked back with too much grease; dark robes hang over his gangly frame. Dark glasses frame brown eyes, and his thin lips are set in a cocky grin as he approaches Harry's stand.
"Mr. Potter, you've known Mr. Weasley for quite some time, correct?" He asks.
"Since we were eleven," Harry responds quickly.
"He was your first friend in the Wizarding community, was he not?"
"No."
"No?" Barnes asks in confusion, obviously not expecting this answer.
"Rubeus Hagrid was my first friend. Ron was my first friend my age."
"Ah, thank you for the clarification, Auror Potter. So, knowing Mr. Weasley as long as you have, what was your first impression of Ronald?"
"I don't see how an eleven-year-old's perception of his first friend matters in this case, Mr. Barnes." Harry quips.
"Please answer the question, Auror Potter. I promise this is pertinent." Barnes replies, ignoring Harry's frustration.
"I would say he was accepting, friendly, funny but he was also- "
"Thank you, Auror Potter. At what point did Hermione Granger become your friend?"
"First year, after the incident with the troll."
"The incident where Mr. Weasley helped save Ms. Granger from a mountain troll that was attacking her?" Barnes's tone is slimy, and Hermione wishes for nothing more than to smack the smug look off his face.
"Yes, but it was Ron-"
"Is it true, Mr. Potter, that in your second year at Hogwarts, Mr. Weasley helped save the school and, in turn, Ms. Granger from a basilisk that was attacking Muggle-borns?"
"It is much more complicated than that but yes, Ron did assist when we entered the Chamber of Secrets."
"Is it also true that in your third year, Ms. Granger was allowed an advantage over the other students in school who worked just as hard as she did? She was given a time turner, was she not?"
"That was approved by the Ministry and Albus Dumbledore."
"Ms. Granger has made quite the habit of getting people to do what she wants, hasn't she?" Barnes presses.
"Really, Aberforth, he's clearly goading Potter." Blaise objects.
"Sit down, Mr. Zabini. You will have your chance to speak." Aberforth commands.
"Thank you, Chief Warlock," Barnes responds too sweetly, which makes Hermione's teeth clench. She can see exactly what he is trying to do, and it infuriates her.
"Let's move ahead a bit, shall we? In your fifth year at Hogwarts, is it true that a girl was cursed with a disfiguration hex to her face, and it was Ms. Granger's doing?"
"Yes, but it was made very- "
"Please Auror Potter, yes or no answers will suffice."
"Fucking git," Draco mutters under his breath next to her. "That twat deserved what she got." If the situation wasn't so severe, Hermione would have laughed at the remark.
"If you would ask questions that actually applied to this case instead of framing Hermione as a manipulative bitch, that would suffice too," Harry responds evenly, fixing a hard glare on the solicitor.
"Again, please just answer with yes or no questions, Auror Potter." Barnes retorts with a thin smile. " Did you believe Draco Malfoy to be a death eater in your sixth year?"
"Yes." Harry answers, surprised at the turn of questioning.
"Did Mr. Weasley believe you?"
"He believed something was going on with Draco."
"Did Ms. Granger believe you?"
"No. Hermione is- "
"Everyone here knows that Draco Malfoy was, in fact, a Death Eater at that point. So Ms. Granger refused to support you and judged you even for believing something that ended up being true. Mr. Weasley stuck by your side through all of it, though."
"Is that supposed to be a question?" Harry asks in irritation.
"No, I just wanted to make it clear for the court."
"Poncy Prick," Draco mutters, keeping up his line of insults as the questioning continues.
"Did it come as a surprise to you when Ms. Granger ended things with Mr. Weasley?" Barnes questions. She's disappointed but not surprised with the line of questioning the defense was going with.
"No," Harry answers after a moment of hesitation.
"Was Mr. Weasley not a supportive partner?"
"Ron was supportive in the ways he knew how to be."
"Did you ever witness physical abuse from Mr. Weasley?"
"No."
"Would you say that he loved Ms. Granger?"
"I would say he thought he loved her." Harry's response surprises Hermione. She had come to that conclusion herself, that Ron thought he loved her because he was clinging to some idea of how things should have been after the war but now how they actually were.
"Do you believe he would have done anything she asked?" Hermione feels her blood boil at this question. All of their friends and family knew that Ron was devoted, and he would have followed her every command, but in the end, she didn't need a servant, and she didn't want to have to tell someone what to do her whole life, she needed a partner.
"Yes, but-."
"That will be all for now. Thank you, Auror Potter."
Blaise stood not in front of Harry but slowly made his way around the room, making eye contact with different members of the Wizengamot. He questioned Harry on Hermione's loyalty as a friend, how she had challenged his beliefs but still stood by his side. He asked for more clarification on why Hermione had ended things.
"At first I was surprised but it makes sense now. Hermione is a brilliant witch; she's head strong and she's kind. She needed someone who could challenge her, but not because they wanted her to dumb herself down to their level or change who she is to fit their needs. She needed someone like Draco who is challenging her to grow into a better version of herself, not a lesser version. Ron would have done anything she asked, but he wouldn't have appreciated why it was being asked in the first place."
"Thank you, Harry. Can you tell me about Ronald's behavior leading up to Hermione's abduction?" Blaise requests, still moving about the room methodically, almost like he's working out an arithmancy problem instead of working a trial.
"Uhm, he was erratic. He had been seeing Lavender Brown, but that ended. I ran into her in Diagon, and she said Ron stopped responding to her owls and wouldn't acknowledge her in public. He would cancel plans at the last minute or not show up at all at times."
"So he did see other people after the relationship with Hermione ended?" Blaise questions.
"Yes, I know he had flings with a few witches, but he dated Lavender for a few months before he stopped talking to her."
Blaise lets this sit in the courtroom for a moment before forging on. "During the investigation into Hermione's disappearance, what was his behavior like?"
"Almost paranoid. He insisted that he needed to help find her, that he needed to be part of the investigation. I felt bad so I let him help where he was allowed. He tried convincing me on multiple occasions that Draco had something to do with her abduction and he was always writing in a black notebook he carried everywhere."
Hermione wasn't the only one who seemed curious about this bit of information. She hadn't heard anything about this notebook before.
"Did you ever find out what he was writing in the book?"
Harry shifts nervously in his seat; not much makes him nervous anymore, but she can tell he doesn't want to disclose this information.
"Yes. He was writing about Hermione and Draco." Harry finally answers.
"Can you tell us a few of the things he wrote about?" Blaise doesn't relent which leads Hermione to believe it must be important.
"He wrote about the things he wanted to do with Hermione once he had accomplished his goal. In his mind, Dolohov was going to return Hermione to him, and he'd take her to live a muggle life. He also wrote his thoughts on how he'd dispose of Draco. He knew that Draco would never stop looking for Hermione, so he'd begun working out plans to get rid of him."
"In your professional opinion, do you believe he would have carried out these plans?"
"I do," Harry says confidently while meeting Blaise's stare, leaving no room for doubt in the room.
Hermione feels as if she's going to be sick, and they haven't even started with Draco's questioning. If Ron had gotten his way, Draco could very well be dead right now. She releases a full-body shudder at the thought of it.
"What were his plans for Hermione once he had abducted her? I know this is hard, but please provide a thorough answer," Blaise asks, pushing for more information.
Harry white-knuckles the podium in front of him before speaking. "His last few entries were common in their ending. If he couldn't get Hermione to see what he thought was reasoning, he planned to drug her with Amortentia. He didn't care how long it took, but he was going to start a family with her. Once they had children, he thought there was no way she would leave him, even if she fought through the Amortentia eventually."
From the way Draco was breathing, she could tell that he hadn't been made aware of this information. His cheeks had reddened, and his grip on her was tight as he glared daggers into Ron's skull.
It was at that moment that Ron turned to meet Draco's stare; his lips were turned up in a faint smile, but his eyes danced with joy.
"Fucking Weasley. If you- "Hermione jerks Draco back down into a sitting position before he can get himself into trouble. Draco was a cold man who kept control in all aspects of his life except for one, and Ron had figured out what Draco's weakness was. All things pertaining to Hermione sent his walls crumbling to dust and Ron was going to exploit that even if there was nothing to gain except Draco's fury.
"You have to calm down, Draco. This is exactly what he wants you to do; can't you see that?" Hermione urges a fuming Malfoy. She sends every bit of loathing she can muster up into a scathing glare. She shoots at Ron, and she's surprised when he has the decency to look away.
"Do you believe that Ronald Weasley was bribed, drugged, or forced in any way in his participation in the plans to abduct Hermione Granger?" Blaise asks Harry.
"I do not. I believe that Ron has a lot of unresolved trauma from the war that he has chosen not to seek help for, and that has impacted his mental health and choices now, but he made those choices of his own free will."
"Thank you, Harry. That will be all." Blaise says as he concludes his line of questioning.
"Draco Malfoy, please approach the stand for questioning." Aberforth directs Draco before addressing the rest of the Wizengamot. "We will review Auror Malfoy's memories from the point of abduction to retrieval. However, Mr. Malfoy has asked to include another memory he feels is pertinent to the buildup of Mr. Weasley's actions." Draco didn't mention a separate memory and she's apprehensive to see which one he has submitted.
The enlarged, shimmering image from the Pensieve displays in the air just as Harry's had, but the scene opens in front of her shop in Diagon Alley. She watches as Draco makes his way down the winding alley as he approaches her store. In the memory, she hears Ron yelling at her. She lets herself remember the accompanying feelings of anxiety that this memory brings on but doesn't dwell on the feelings; instead, she focuses on Draco's memory of the event.
"Let go of me, Ron!"
Memory Draco's feet chew up the last few steps until he's standing in the doorway, taking in the sight before him. Ron's arms wrapped firmly around her body as he tried to force her into submission, not only with his body but with his manipulative words.
"You're hurting me, Ron, please let go!" She watches herself plead with him for a moment before Draco makes his presence known now that he has a complete understanding of what is happening.
Harry had taken Draco's place next to her, and she tucked his hand in hers as they watched the rest of the memory together. She hadn't talked to Harry about this fight with Ron; she didn't see the point of it at the time. Now, she wishes she had. Maybe something could have been done if he had been aware of Ron's building insanity.
She has to remind herself that Ron had already set things in motion at this point but maybe this would have been a crossroads to get him the help he needed. She feels Harry tense beside her as Ron crumples from the blow Draco delivers. Technically, it was self-defense, seeing as Ron swung first, but anyone in this room would say that it wasn't strictly necessary for Draco to attack. She sincerely doubted he would be reprimanded for it though.
The scene shimmered again, and they were watching Draco observe Ron in one of the DMLE meeting rooms. He alternated between pacing and hurriedly scratching into his black notebook. He'd stop when Harry entered the room and rush to his side before whispering furiously into his ear, careful not to let others hear him.
Many scenes like this played out before there was a significant change. Blood-curdling screams ring through the chamber, causing many of the occupants to jump in their seats. It takes only a moment for Hermione to register that the screams of pain belong to her. Harry visibly jerks beside her, and she realizes the last time he heard her scream like that was at Malfoy Manor under Bellatrix's knife.
She gives Harry's hand a squeeze to bring him back to the present. "Breath, Harry." She gently commands and she watches gratefully as his chest begins to rise and fall steadily.
"Fuck! I'm coming, Hermione. Just hold on, baby!" Draco screams as his boots chew up the cobbled stone beneath his feet. Her own heart starts to race as she watches the panic etched across his face and the fear in his voice.
She turns away from the memory to see present Draco watching her. His jaw is flexing, and his eyes are hard as the sounds of her screams continue to stream from the Pensieve, and the occupants of the room begin to look uncomfortable. Some shuffling in their seats and others look at her with pitying looks. She doesn't want their pity, though, so she raises her chin and meets their stares with defiance. She made it out of that hellhole alive, she did what she could to protect her friends, and she was still here despite the things that had been done to her.
Draco must have been watching her show of defiance because when she turned back to meet his gaze he mouths very clearly.
"Fuck. Them." His words remind her why Draco Malfoy is the wizard to stand at her side. He doesn't give a shit about their thoughts or feelings about her. He only cares to remind her that she is a Goddess in his eyes.
She gives Draco a firm nod in agreement before turning back to the memory. Dolohov's voice enters the chamber, taunting Draco behind the wards he knows will keep him safe. Hermione knows he wouldn't be so brave if that wasn't the case, especially with the way memory Draco was blasting spells in rapid fire succession and the fury rolling off of him in waves. He may have gotten the one up on Draco once, but it wouldn't happen again.
"-Quite the screamer, ain't she?" Dolohov's mocking tone makes her ache for a chance to put the sick fuck down herself. Draco's fury is a replica of what she feels inside herself as she hears the powerless screams of herself in his memory.
The memory shifts again after a moment, and she's watching as Draco shoves Ron against the bookshelf of Harry's office. She watches as the fingers that taught her the gentleness of a lover's touch, the simplicity of a friend's comfort, and the solidity of a partner's forever teach her a new lesson. He would happily watch the world burn for her, and he'd be the match that sets the fire.
Should she be concerned that she feels slightly aroused at the way Draco easily holds Ron in place while he demands answers? Probably, but she lets herself sink into the feeling anyway and shifts in her seat before crossing her legs to alleviate the ache building between her thighs. This earns her a knowing upward tilt of Draco's lips and an arch of one blonde brow. He covers his smirk with a slight cough into his hand before taking a sip from the water the court provided.
The git is definitely going to hold that against her later.
"Seems he's been a great help to Dolohov. -" Memory Draco explains to Harry.
She winces at the sight of the slicing hex severing the first of Ron's fingers. Blood splatter paints crimson droplets over Draco's clothes and face. Gasps and whispers break out amongst the crowd, but Molly Weasley's huffs of indignation are the loudest.
"He should be the one on trial here. Not my boy. Just as corrupt as ever, I see." Molly's voice carries over the rest of the chatter.
"Silence! If we cannot have order, I will ask everyone that is not pertinent to this trial to leave." Aberforth's voice booms through the auditorium.
Apart from a look of deep displeasure marring her usually kind face, Molly remains silent, and the shimmering memory continues.
Memory Harry watches as Draco severs another one of Ron's fingers resulting in more broken sobs and begging. The anger that had dulled to a simmering ember in flares back to life when she hears Ron claim her as his own. The audacity he had to make such a claim was downright insulting. The only man who held her heart like it was his home, was Draco. For Ron to not see that showed just how little he really knew her.
Hermione feels a deep sense of satisfaction as Harry's fist connects with Ron's nose when he lunges for Draco. She gives her oldest friends hand a squeeze in appreciation. Harry had always tried to stay out of the disagreements between Ron and herself, but this time, he'd finally chosen her. Ron had not only crossed the line, he'd vaulted over it and staked his claim on the land as his own. This was not something Harry could abide by, and she was grateful for her friend's support.
They watched the memory complete before it begins to shimmer again. Ron had helped Draco and Harry access the wards by supplying his own blood to pass them. She watches as he and Harry split off and there is an instant difference in their journey through the dungeon tunnels. Draco's team encounters a multitude of death eaters as he makes his way towards her, following the sounds of her screams. His wand slashes furiously as he eviscerates everyting in his path, leaving no time for it's victims to defend themselves.
"Hermione!" He yells as he follows the sound of her voice. This must have been when she passed out because she doesn't recall hearing him call her name.
"Draco!" A feminine voice calls out his name and he jerks to a halt and holds up a hand to stop his team of aurors.
"Draco we're in here!" Pansy's familiar voice calls out again and Draco follows the voice down the stone path to the right.
"Pansy? Is that you?" Draco asks as he stops at a large wooden door.
"Yes! Thank Merlin, you found us." Pansy sobs from the other side of the door.
"Are you near the door Pansy?" Hermione knows from her talk with Draco that a simple alohomora wouldn't work on these doors; it was a safeguard in place to prevent prisoners who knew wandless magic from escaping. Unless you had the key to the specific door you weren't getting in. So, blowing it away was the next best option.
"No, I'm chained to the back wall," Pansy responds shakily.
"Bombarda!" Draco casts at the door and watches as it blows inward into large chunks.
"Take care of her; I am going after Granger," Draco commands his team and turns back to the hall. Hermione's screams still float down.
It only takes another minute before he is standing in front of the door the noises are emanating from loudest. Just like the door of the cell holding Pansy, he blasts it off its hinges with a powerful Bombarda. Draco lets out an audible growl as he stops over the splintered wood towards the wizarding, hurting his witch.
"You're a dead man," Draco says, and she realizes again she doesn't remember him saying this.
"What the "Dolohov mutters as he turns to look at the menacing form of a bloodthirsty and furious Draco Malfoy. She is grateful to have the chance to see things from Draco's perspective because she can now witness the look of absolute terror etched on Dolohov's face, and she will take joy in it for years to come.
She takes a quick peek at Draco and sees the same expression on his face that she feels on her own. A broad grin is stretched across his face as he watches the fight unfold between himself and Dolohov. Spells are traded back and forth, and she watches herself helping Neville in the background.
When Dolohov fists her curls and rips her backward against his body, she remembers the pain that had torn through her scalp. The room's occupants, as a whole, audibly gasp when she throws her head back, and blood sprays from Dolohov's nose from the impact.
"You stupid bitch. You've broken my nose." He swears before thrusting her into Draco's arms and apparating away. The scene dissolves before them as the memory fades, leaving the room in silence.
What feels like minutes of quiet but is most likely only moments is broken by the sound of Aberforth's voice.
"Mr. Barnes. Please proceed with your interview of Auror Malfoy."
"Thank you, Chief Warlock." He comments before turning to Draco. "Mr.Malfoy. I assume it's alright if I call you that?"
"It's Auror Malfoy." Draco cuts out, his tone holding nothing but contempt for the man before him.
"Of course. So Auror Malfoy, that was quite the rescue mission. There were a few things I found rather odd, though."
"Is that so?" Draco quips.
"Unfortunately, yes. Why is it that you couldn't access the wards of Malfoy Manor? Are you not the head of the family? It seems to me that you should have been able to get to Ms. Granger sooner and avoided the torture of Mr. Weasley as well."
"Well, Mr. Barnes." Draco says with an icy tone. "If you had done your research, you would know that the Manor is under the Ministry's control and additional warding had been put in place by Antonin Dolohov to prevent access through the tunnels or the manor itself. If Mr. Weasley had been more forthcoming with his answers or, better yet, chosen not to sacrifice one of his oldest friends in the first place, we could have avoided this whole thing." Barnes visibly clenches his jaw a few times in frustration at being called out for his and his client's incompetence. Yet again she finds herself feeling incredibly attracted to Draco at an incredibly inappropriate time.
"Do you find it odd, Mr. Malfoy, that as the sole heir to the Malfoy fortune, one of your long-time enemies randomly shows an interest in you and decides to develop a relationship?"
"Once again, you show your level of dedication to your work, Mr. Barnes. Hermione Granger and I have never been enemies. We were on opposing sides of the war for complicated reasons that are none of your business. I have harbored no ill will toward Ms. Granger for years and have, in fact, deeply admired her. I can't speak for her feelings, but I do not believe she ever truly hated me. Our relationship is not up for discussion either. In case you forgot, which I highly think is a possibility, we are here to discuss Weasley's wrongdoings." Hermione is practically salivating at this point as she watches Draco lay waste to the poor excuse of a solicitor.
"Down girl." Pansy teases from her seat next to Harry.
"Mr. Malfoy-"
"Auror Malfoy." Draco corrects harshly.
"Right. Auror Malfoy. I didn't realize that the use of a slicing hex was authorized for the use of a suspect at the DMLE. Did that policy change recently?"
"Do you need me to tell you the laws now Mr. Barnes? Do I also need to represent Mr. Weasley as his solicitor?" Mr. Barnes huffs in indignation at Draco's response.
"Chief Warlock, the witness is being difficult," Barnes complains.
"He's your witness, Mr. Barnes," Aberforth responds with a nonchalant tone.
"Mr. Malfoy-"
"Auror." Draco corrects again. The Malfoy of their youth is starting to make his appearance as he continues to antagonize the solicitor.
"Auror Malfoy! Did you have authorization to use a slicing hex on Mr. Weasley as an interrogation tactic?!" Barnes rushes out in irritation, his cheeks turning a harsh red color as he huffs.
"You'll have to forgive me, Barny; I simply didn't have time to submit the proper paperwork, seeing as my girl was being tortured within an inch of her life because of Mr. Weasley's choices. I was in a bit of a hurry to get answers."
Apart from the memories being displayed, this whole trial has turned into a joke at the fault of Ron's representative. His ridiculous line of questioning was getting out of hand, and Aberforth seemed to be thinking the same thing as he let Draco continue to play with his food.
"Mr. Malfoy-"
"Auror." Draco cuts him off again.
"Bloody fucking hell! No more questions, Chief Warlock. Let Mr. Zabini deal with him." Hermione chuckles as the flustered man takes a seat next to Ron; his eyes turn towards the floor as he huffs like an indignant child.
"Hello, Draco," Blaise says with an easy smile, obviously enjoying the show.
"Hello, Blaise," Draco responds easily.
"I won't needle you over everything we saw in your memories, it was fairly self-explanatory. I do have a few questions about the aftermath, though."
"Go ahead." Draco encourages.
"In your experience as an Auror, the behavior you witnessed from Mr. Weasley in your first memory and every interaction since. Do you believe Mr. Weasley would have carried out his plans to completion, and if Ms. Granger had been returned to him, would he have abducted her?"
"Yes. Ronald Weasley is not in his right mind and needs serious psychological help. There isn't a doubt in my mind that since he went as far as he did, he would have taken it a step further and carried out the rest of his plan. I've seen other cases of obsessive exes turn out for the worst. We aren't always able to get there in time. Ronald Weasley displays all of the characteristics of a narcissistic male with obsessive and sociopathic tendencies." Hermione's skin begins to crawl as she listens to Draco's testimony. The thought that if Dolohov didn't dispose of her, she would be drugged with Amortentia and potentially raped by Ron at this point made her sick to think about.
"That will be all. Thank you, Auror Malfoy, for your time." Hermione notes with humor at the formal title Blaise gives his old friend, only to irritate Mr. Barnes.
"The court will break for a short recess. Please return to your seats in ten minutes," Aberforth announces, and Hermione doesn't hesitate to rush to Draco's side. He folds her in his arms, and she's enveloped by his familiar smell.
"Are you trying to give the man a brain aneurysm, Love?" She asks as she chuckles against his chest.
He laughs before responding: "Don't pretend it didn't excite you, Love. Wordplay is a kink of yours, and I will use it against you at every opportunity."
"Godric! Can you two leave your kinks at home for two seconds?" Harry groans as he stands at her side.
"If you listen closely, Potter, you might learn a thing or two." Pansy teases him.
The group makes its way back to its seats, where Hermione pulls a few snacks and drinks from her extended bag. They talk about the trial thus far and finish their refreshments while they wait for Aberforth to resume the trial.
Draco's POV
Draco watches as Hermione sits in her seat, her back ridged against the hardwood. He can't help the rush of pride that rushes through his chest at the sight of her. Four months ago, this woman would have been fidgeting in her seat, refusing to meet the eyes of her judges. Now, she stood tall and said fuck you to anyone that dared meet her stare with pity or judgment.
"We will be reviewing the memories of Ms. Hermione Granger from her abduction to her retrieval. Let us begin." Aberforth commands, and the first shimmering memory displays from the Pensieve.
Draco has to fight to keep his occlumency walls down as he watches the torture Hermione endures from the moment, she is taken to the day he finds her. If Granger has to live through this hell again then he would do it with her. His anger builds to frightening heights, and he sees red every time a death eater lays his hands on her. For every scream that passes her lips, he vows to make Dolohov scream louder and feel more pain.
He watches as Cruciatus after Cruciatus is inflicted on her body, but she still fights. She fights through the tears, the hunger, and the pain. He feels hot tears on his cheeks as he watches her sacrifice herself over and over again to keep her friends safe. Always drawing the attention away from them by antagonizing her jailor so she may take their place.
His brave, stubborn, and beautiful witch didn't deserve the pain she was forced to endure, but he honestly couldn't think of anyone but her who might have been able to fight through it. Most would have crumpled under the constant pain, starvation, and dehydration, but Hermione Granger was the strongest witch he knew, and she'd faced worse than Antonin Dolohov and lived through it. As the memory comes to a close on Draco taking her into his arms, he finally lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"Mr. Barnes, proceed with your questions." Aberforth commands and the oily solicitor Draco would love to hex stands before Hermione.
"Ms. Granger. I wish we could have met under better circumstances." Barnes says with mock sincerity.
"I can't say the same for myself." His cheeky witch responds haughtily.
"That isn't very kind of you but honestly, I can't say I'm wholly surprised. You've got quite the reputation if the rumors are to be believed." Draco clenches his jaw at the obvious attempt at leading.
"I don't listen to rumors myself, Mr. Barnes. I find that is a job best left for the simpletons." Draco nearly chokes on his spit as he tries to cover his guffaw with a cough. He's definitely going to reward Granger after this trial is over. Wicked witch, indeed.
"Well, let me enlighten you then, Ms. Granger." Barnes's sickly-sweet tone practically drips with excitement. "Is it true that your business has struggled financially for the last few years, and you went to Mr. Weasley to keep your shop afloat?"
"False. That would make an interesting story for that gossip rag called a newspaper, though. Unfortunately for you and the rest of the simpletons, my business is doing just fine and has been for years. I have never borrowed or taken any money from anyone, including Ron."
"Well, is it true that you had multiple affairs while Mr. Weasley was completely faithful to you for the duration of your relationship?" Barnes is digging in the bottom of the barrel at this point. Draco thinks to himself.
"I was nothing but faithful to Ron. Yet another false rumor, I'm afraid, Barny."
"It's Mr. Barnes, Ms. Granger, if you will. This next one should prove to be false like the rest, I'm sure. Is it true that at the ripe age of seventeen, you obliviated both of your parents and sent them off to Australia?" Draco watches as Hermione's skin turns ghost white. The room is so silent you could hear a pin drop.
"Th- That question has nothing to do with this trial."
"Oh, but you've answered all of the other questions so easily; what makes this one any different?"
"This is none of your business. Next question." Hermione demands with a trembling voice. Draco is half tempted to risk imprisonment just so he can wipe that smug look off Barny's face.
"Are you worried about what the Wizarding world would think if they found out that the Golden Girl wasn't above rooting around in peoples heads and making them believe whatever she wanted?"
Fuck it. Draco thinks as he makes his way from his seat to the flight of stairs that extends to the pit.
"No Draco. Stay in your seat." Granger commands as she shakes her head furiously at him. Knowing he's about to beat the shit out of this poor excuse for a wizard, consequences be damned.
"He has no fucking right-" Draco argues as he continues to roll up his sleeves.
"Let me handle him." Granger's voice has lost the slight waver and she stands a little taller. He takes in the fiery glint in her eye, and that makes him pause.
"Are you sure, Love? A day or two in holding won't be so bad, and it would definitely be worth it."
"I am sure. Go. Sit. Down." She huffs and runs her fingers through her frazzled curls.
"Yes ma'am." He agrees with a nod of his head. Before he turns to head back to his seat, he makes eye contact with Barny. "Fucking watch it, Barnaby."
"Can we please continue this mockery of a trial, or do the children need more time to argue?" Aberforth asks boredly.
"I apologize for the interruption, Chief Warlock. Please continue." Granger responds.
"Same question, Ms. Granger," Barnes asks with a little less bravado as his eyes twitch toward Draco.
"I did obliviate my parents. Unfortunately, that is true. However, I do not believe it to be a rumor. Only a handful of people knew of that, and they wouldn't have disclosed the information. I believe a little red-headed birdy told you that little secret."
"Ah, I can't disclose my source on this one, Ms. Granger.",
"Hmm, well, either way, it doesn't matter. As I said, I did obliviate my parents, but I had very good reason to do so. I am Harry Potter's best friend; I was eventually labeled Undesirable Number Two while Voldemort held power in the Ministry. My parents were a highly coveted prize by the death eaters, and I knew they would come for them. So, I erased myself from their lives to protect them. It's a good thing I did, too, because I later learned that our home was raided, and had they been found, they would have been tortured brutally. Can you say you would have had the strength to do the same for your family Mr. Barnes?" Hermione asks seriously.
"I- I can't say that I'd have the skill to accomplish such a task, Ms. Granger." He says feebly, having been thoroughly put in his place. That's my wicked witch, Draco thinks to himself.,
"Well, that we can agree on at least," she responds with a renewed sense of haughty indignation.
"Erm, Ms. Granger, what-, Can you tell me-, During your captivity- "Barnes stumbles over his questions.
"Is there supposed to be a question in there Barny?" She asks innocently while cocking a dark brow in question.
"Uhm, yes. During your captivity did Mr. Dolohov ever mention his plans with Mr. Weasley?"
"Bloody hell!" Ron says his first words of the trial. "Just fucking hand me over why don't you. Bell end." He grumbles but otherwise remains silent.
"Ah, no, I was kept away from the areas of activity, as you could see in Draco's memory where the cell was. Dolohov never spoke of Ron."
"Right. I think that will be all Ms. Granger. Thank you for your time."
"Proceed, Mr. Zabini," Aberforth says with a wave of his hand.
"Hello, Hermione," Blaise says warmly as he offers her a smile of encouragement.
"Hi, Blaise."
"I only have a couple of questions for you, if that's alright."
"Of course."
Draco is eternally grateful for his friendship with Blaise Zabini at this moment. Despite the fact that he is a ruthless solicitor, he still treats his clients with respect, and he has taken the extra step to treat Granger with kindness.
"First question. Following the end of your relationship with Mr. Weasley, did you ever feel unsafe?" Blaise asks.
"I can't say I ever felt unsafe with Ron, but I never felt heard. I can say that I felt unsafe in the memory Draco provided today. From that day, I felt there was something off with Ron."
"Thank you. Second question, given your longtime friendship, then intimate relationship with Mr. Weasley, do you believe he would have acted on his plans, given the opportunity?"
Hermione sits in silence for a moment before finally answering. "I do. Ron was always impulsive growing up and even more so as an adult after the war. He is careless and has no empathy for others. It took me a long time to realize these traits were dominating his personality, and I couldn't take it anymore. I won't lie and say he had no redeeming qualities because he does, but the good outweighed the bad in our relationship. The Ron is sitting here today and the one who has made these choices is uncaring of how those choices affect others. He is delusional and I firmly believe he would have whisked me away to his fantasy land where we happily lived a life together."
"Thank you, Hermione. That will be all."
The rest of the trial consisted of a handful of memories offered by Neville and Pansy, which lasted roughly an hour to review and question. As the members of the Wizengamot exited the chamber to discuss the evidence provided, everyone chatted while they waited for the judges' return.
It was roughly an hour before the group returned, and an anxious frequency ran through the room while they waited for the verdict.
"Ronald Billius Weasley. Please rise." Aberforth requests.
"In this trial, we were to determine the extent of Mr. Weasley's involvement in the abduction of Hermione Jean Granger. In this, the court has decided that Mr. Weasley is guilty of all charges and is sentenced to ten years in Azkaban, where he will be placed in the mental health ward for further evaluation. At the completion of his ten-year sentence, if he is still perceived to be a danger to society or Ms. Granger specifically, he will be relocated to a home for the criminally insane, where he will be under constant supervision. Every year, he will be reevaluated to determine the progression of his mental health. You will have five minutes to say your goodbyes, Mr. Weasley, and then you will be transported to Azkaban prison." Aberforth rolls his scroll back up, and without waiting another moment, he exits the chamber.
"Fuck me," Draco says in astonishment. He definitely believed Weasley would get some prison time, but he can honestly say he's grateful that he would be placed in the mental health ward. Despite the prison's past reputation, they took mental health very seriously and had a brilliant team dedicated to the rehabilitation of its mentally ill residents. Maybe Weasley would finally get the help he needed.
He turns to pull Granger into a hug but sees she is already wrapped in Potter's arms. Both let tears fall for the sadness of the situation but also for the hope that they may someday get their old friend back.
"Right. I think I'm ready to go home and sleep for three days. Are you ready, Love?" Granger asks as she takes his hand.
"I have a few other activities in mind but that sounds perfect Darling. I'm taking two days off Potter. I'll see you in a few days." He says over his shoulder as he walks away with his witch.
