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Narcissa used the break to talk to family friends, leaving Draco with his friends. If she didn't like his company, she didn't say anything.

"That went well," said Neville and everyone agreed.

"Didn't look so well yesterday but I think he convinced the Wizengamot," Draco said.

"What do you think he's going to do if they free him of all charges?" asked Astoria.

Draco shrugged, then smiled. "Probably go to the Quidditch Worldcup."

They all laughed.

Out of the corner of his eye, Draco saw Dumbledore.

"Excuse me guys, I need to go to the bathroom," before anyone could say anything, he had disappeared in the crowd.

"Headmaster," he greeted Albus Dumbledore.

"Ah Mr. Malfoy. What a pleasure to see you here," said Dumbledore good naturedly.

"I know what the-" Draco stopped, looking around the room. It wasn't very Slytherin of him to blurt things out like that but he had been dying to talk to someone about it since he had found out. "I know what He has made. I know what-"

Draco stopped when Dumbledore waved his wand.

"Muffliato?" Draco asked.

"One of your godfather's finest, if I may say so. Now we can speak freely."

"Speaking of my godfather," Draco furrowed his brows, "did he testify unsolicited?"

Dumbledore smiled. "A little persuasion on my part might have been involved."

"How ever did you end up in Gryffindor and not in Slytherin?" asked Draco, but only got an annoying twinkle in return.

"I know what Horcruxes are," he finally said what had been on his mind all break.

"Ah," Dumbledore said, not seeming surprised at all, "maybe not something we should discuss here."

"We could have discussed it last semester," Draco hissed, "if you'd just told me what they were. I am a grown up, damn it, I can handle things like that!"

"My apologies. Join me in my office at the beginning of the new school year and we shall discuss the matter."

"Fine," Draco grumbled. "I hope you realize that we will accomplish more if I work with you and not for you."

"I will tell you everything you want to know come September."

"Alright," Draco thought for a while. "Have you done anything about Moody?"

"I have put him under constant surveillance. Crouch will be arrested as soon as he shows himself."

Draco nodded his head. That sounded good.

"Will he still be Defense Professor?" Draco asked.

"All in due time. Patience is a virtue, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco sighed in annoyance. "Good-bye, headmaster," Draco said, having had enough of Dumbledore's cryptic behavior and his twinkling eyes.

Maybe the old coot thought that because his way had defeated Voldemort once, it was the only way to do things. But that wasn't why Draco was here. He wanted to change things, so the headmaster had to learn that they were equals. Or maybe not equals, Draco had to admit he would never be as wise or as powerful as Dumbledore. But still closer to being equal than the old man obviously thought.

When he found his friends again, they were animatedly discussing the trial with the golden trio, which Draco found amusing. It was good to know that Astoria and Daphne would be on his side if it came to another war.

His side, Draco mused. This must have been the first time he actually thought of the light side as his side.

"Oi, Draco," complained Neville, "what took you so long?"

"Got a little lost," he shrugged his shoulders.

"They let you in here?" complained Weasley and was promptly elbowed by Granger.

"The trial is open to the public, Weasel. Besides, it was my mother who got things into motion so how about you show a little more gratitude?"

Ron glared at him, but Draco mostly ignored him. He knew how deep grudges could run and he knew that during his first two years in school he hadn't given Weasley any reason to like him – quite the opposite, actually. Gaining his trust would take some time.

"How comes you didn't testify?" Ron suddenly asked, "If you and Sirius are such good pals?"

Draco flinched. Mentioning his father was probably not a good idea.

Potter and Granger looked uncomfortable.

"Maybe we should head back in? They must have come to a decision by now," Daphne interrupted, obviously trying to defuse the tension.

"Sure, let's head back in," Draco agreed, walking past Weasley without looking at him.

Back inside he found his mother talking to Severus Snape.

"Good evening, godfather," Draco greeted him.

"Draco," Severus inclined his head. "How has your summer been so far?"

"Quite pleasant. Yours, sir?"

"Busier than usual," his godfather frowned. "I am afraid I must leave now. Have a nice evening, Draco. Narcissa."

"Don't be a stranger," his mother said, smiling.

Draco set down next to his mother and was soon joined by his friends.

Waiting for the Wizengamot to return, Draco realized how nervous he actually was. Not guilty would not only mean that he had saved Sirius, it would also mean that he was actually able to change the past in a significant way. Saving Sirius might mean he would also be able to save others.

Ten minutes later, the members of the Wizengamot reconvened. Amelia looked at the people gathered in the courtroom.

"Members of the Wizengamot," she began, "have you reached a verdict?"

One of the members who had been appointed spokesperson stood up. "We have. On the charges of treason and murder," Draco held his breath, "we find the defendant not guilty."

At first, there was silence. Then, a deafening cheer rose from the audience. Draco could see Potter, surrounded by the smiling Weasley family, beaming as he jumped up and applauded. Narcissa clapped her hands and smiled at her son.

Draco felt a smile creep onto his face, when he was suddenly crushed in a tight hug. He turned his head to see that it was Daphne. Soon Astoria and Neville joined in, turning it into a group hug.

"He's free," mumbled Neville, "we won."

"We did." Draco beamed.

They made their way through the crowd to Sirius, who was surrounded by the golden trio, a few Weasleys and Dumbledore.

"Draco! Neville!" Sirius was ecstatic and pulled them into a bear hug. "Thank you, guys. I couldn't have done this without you." He then smiled at Daphne and Astoria.

Draco's mother joined them. "Congratulations, Sirius," she said smiling and Sirius embraced her, too.

"Thanks, Cissy," he mumbled.

TBC