Divergence

by Rouch

HMS Harmony MAYhem collection prompt: An alternative solution to ending Voldemort. Hermione remembers something from her time at Malfoy Manor that changes her mind about their mission to hunt Horcruxes. Realizing there was another path to victory that might not lead to the death of Harry. She takes matters into her own hands and and changes the course of events.

7. The stars incline us they do not bind us

Chapter 7: Astra inclinant, sed non obligant ~ The stars incline us, they do not bind us

Remus hadn't been wrong. There was more than Hermione realized she'd need to explain to get to the moment in the Riddle mansion. The decision which would be the catalyst that now had the attention of the entire parliamentary body of the Ministry of Magic. There was a glaring hole at the end anyone who pressed would find. Harry and Hermione understood the reason for it, Remus and Tonks could be dangerously close to putting the pieces together with one more question. Delphini. Hermione had told Arthur, Remus, Ron, and Bill about Bellatrix and Voldemort's child. Despite her state of shock after killing Voldemort, Hermione was certain she never said the name or gender. It wouldn't take long for dots to be connected back to Delphini if she wasn't definitive in her story. She also risked the punishments of committing perjury if the line of questioning exposed too much. Additionally, Hermione knew if she came up with a convincing story that protected Delphi, she could still risk exposing the Malfoys to questioning if the Wizengamot learned Voldemort had an heir. She rubbed her face. There wasn't time to consider all the ramifications.

"Hermione?" Remus said. He had been talking and she wasn't listening.

Her head came up. She looked from Lupin to Harry and back. "Remus. What if there's something that has to be left out of the testimony?"

"Something incriminating?" he asked, shifting uncomfortably.

Shaking her head and leaning back in her chair, she wrapped an arm around her tender ribs. "Something that could put a person's life at risk if certain information was divulged." It was unsatisfyingly vague. She could tell from Harry's expression he had caught up. She desperately wanted to talk to Kingsley. Maybe he could obliviate everyone who had been at Shell Cottage who didn't need to know. Then there would be no chance her omission would be suspicious. At that thought, it occurred to her that the minister may have already thought to do so. "At Bill and Fleur's. Do you remember what I said about Voldemort?"

"Of course. The Horcruxes will need to be explained. It will be a critical detail," he said with an air of confusion. They had already talked at length about the discovery of the dark magic, where each was hidden, and how each one was destroyed.

"Not the Horcruxes. How I knew I could get close to Voldemort disguised as Bellatrix."

"Well… no. Did you explain then?" Remus asked, looking uncomfortable as he tried to remember the discussion.

"I guess not," Hermione went along with the premise. "There is an innocent person who could be at risk if I fully explain how I knew Bellatrix could get close enough to take him out. Kingsley knows about them. Can we trust him to redirect the questioning if it gets close to this person? Or will the responsibility fall to me?" Hermione wasn't afraid to misdirect if she needed to, it would just be helpful to know if she'd be on her own.

"He can overrule a question. However, if the goal is to protect this person, shutting down a line of questioning about them will only raise suspicion," Lupin warned.

It was enough for Hermione to believe Shacklebolt had tied up the loose ends. She'd simply confess that she knew Voldemort and Bellatrix were having an affair. There was no need to suggest a child resulted from that relationship. Maybe she could even get through it without lying outright.

"Is there anything else I need to know?" Lupin asked. He stacked several law books he had been referencing in his notes.

A title caught her eye as the spines were lined up. "I think that's everything. Everything we can plan for anyway." Before he secured his books, she held up her hand. "Could I copy those? There are a few things I'd like to look up." Not wanting to draw attention to which title had her attention, she decided it was best to just take them all.

"Of course," he said, letting her access whatever books she was interested in.

A quick gemino charm later she had the specific book she wanted in the stack. Setting them aside, she stretched. "It's late. Do you want to stay here or do you need to get back to Teddy?"

"He's with his grandparents," Tonks explained. "We need to go home to change though. Remus need more formal robes tomorrow."

Hermione looked down at her attire. Her wardrobe wasn't meant for official functions. "I hadn't thought of that. I'm not sure I have anything appropriate. I'll try to transfigure something. Are robes necessary?"

"No robes needed for yourself. Just something that makes you look believable," Lupin told her with a smirk.

Narrowing her eyes, she wasn't sure what type of clothing would convey such a thing.

"I'm joking, Hermione. This isn't a trial, they won't fault you for not being up on the professional fashions. Especially when you provide your opening statement. You'll clean that up?"

She looked at the parchment with the bullet points. She just needed a five minute summary of what her testimony she was ready to provide. It seemed impossible to limit it all to just five minutes. Still, she nodded with confidence. "I'll have it ready."

Harry stood and let them out the front door. Hermione took the time to quickly skim the index of the book Total Law of Contracts, Vows, and Magical Bonds. With her wand she summoned the file with the adoption paperwork to refer to the appendix. Each enchantment was listed.

"Hermione. It's really late. You should go to bed," Harry said, standing between the dining area and the stairs. "We don't know how long Delphi will sleep."

"I'll be right up. I just want to read this."

Harry knew Hermione well enough to know she wasn't about to call it a night until she had studied everything there was to study. Walking up behind her, he placed a hand on her shoulder, tried to massage the tight stress knots at the base of her neck. Spotting the bold letters of the section she was reading, his interest was piqued. "The Familial Bond? What's it say?"

"It's really old magic. It was developed when Pureblood lines were maternal. They could prove the child came from the mother so the magical quorum was dependent on hers. If the father's side was more prominent, they'd change the bonds through a type of vow. It's been enhanced over the years. It doesn't require a blood sacrifice anymore," she said with a shake of her head. "As if it was ever needed. There were loads of superstitions back then. Still today."

"What's it entail? There's no danger to Delphini or us if we agree to the bond?"

"As long as the proper guardians signed the contract first, there's no danger to anyone. Well, except a person who challenges the bond. If someone attempts to call into question the child's lineage and fails to prove the proper line, they risk irreparable damage," Hermione explained, turned the page.

"Does that mean, if someone figures out who she is and can prove it, the bond can be broken?" Harry asked with concern.

"I'm not sure yet. But the Malfoys or Kingsley included additional legal protections. The Familial Bond is the strongest of them. If that's broken, she'll still be our daughter as far as the court would be concerned."

"What if we tell her who her parents are?"

The question was so insightful, Hermione's head shot up and looked at Harry. "I… I don't know. I need to study this more."

"You still have your statement to work out and you can't attend the hearing exhausted," Harry tried to intervene.

Waving off the concern, buried her head back in the book. "I have wideye potion. It'll be just as good as sleep."

Harry knew that wasn't true, chose not to challenge her. "Can I do something to help?"

"Hmm, no, I'll just read this section then come up upstairs," she murmured so engrossed in the text she assumed he already left for bed. Until a chair slid across the floor. Harry was sitting down and grabbing her parchment with her notes for her statement. "Harry, you don't have to."

"I know I don't have to, I want to. If I can at least get this into a draft you won't have much editing to do on it," he explained, quill in hand.

She had to admit, she needed help. Especially with her testimony. Harry would be able to more succinctly say what needed to be said. She'd tweak and it would be done. "Don't make me sound like a hero," she said.

"I thought you were supposed to tell the truth," he responded.

Giving him a proper side eye, she knew what he thought about her actions. "Just stick to the facts. No embellishments."

He nodded his head impatiently and got to work.

Hermione's need to know as much as she could about the bond made her push past her fatigue. As she read, she was acutely aware of the sleeping girl in the nursery. A magical bond wasn't something that should be taken lightly and it seemed incredibly irresponsible to enter Delphini into one before she could make the decision on her own. The more she read the more conflicted Hermione was about everything. Everything except adopting Delphi. Having read enough, she shut the book, studied Harry. He was still writing. She smiled despite her conflict. "I only have five minutes," she finally said.

"I know. I'm just editing. For brevity," he explained and looked up. "Was the book helpful?"

"I'm not sure."

Setting the parchment aside, Harry gave her his full attention. "Tell me."

"The bond starts with the legal guardian or parent agreeing to transfer their child's lineage from one family tree to another. The accepting family and the child must be magical. The spell binds magic together at the most basic level. The bond is so strong, we could be under the influence of veritaserum and swear Lily is our daughter with no adverse side effects," she explained.

"Or testify under oath?" he asked, his hand resting on her written testimony.

"Yes. I won't commit perjury if it comes up." The fact made them both breathe a little easier. "If any party provided inaccurate information when the bond was sealed and a challenger could prove the proper lineage, the bond could be broken."

"Inaccurate. Does the contract list Lily's mother and father?" Harry asked.

Hermione shook her head. "They only list the legal guardians. The law is unclear as to whether or not that's enough. I'm not sure it is. In order to bind her to us, the bonds to Voldemort and Bellatrix need to be broken."

"Isn't death enough to break that bond?"

"I don't know."

It was unsettling. "Is there any other way the bond can be broken?"

"One other way. Lily will be able to when she comes of age if that's what she decides." This was a relief to Hermione. She wanted Delphini to have a choice in the matter. Even if she had to wait to turn seventeen, she would still have a choice.

Harry pulled the adoption paperwork to him and studied each document. "So we have decisions to make."

"We do. Yes. Do we add Voldemort and Bellatrix to the lineage? Do we change her name completely to ensure no one is suspicious enough to question our story? Do we even risk any of this and settle on more traditional legal protections? At least for now." Hermione hadn't felt so much uncertainty since they were planning to infiltrate the ministry. She hadn't even doubted her actions that led to the death of Voldemort as much. Maybe that was because it was only her life at risk in the Riddle mansion.

"Can we do anything to put these documents in a secure place only we can access?" he asked.

"We can get a safe that only responds to our touch. Like flesh memories on a snitch. We can put that in your Gringotts vault," she explained.

"If we can protect this," he said, holding up the bond contract, "I think we add her true parents' names. Make sure it's done properly."

Hermione was inclined to agree. Still it made her feel uneasy putting the truth in writing. There could have been a reason the Malfoys and Kingsley chose to leave that off the document. The desire to talk to the minister grew. She understood why he had chosen to communicate with them through Remus, at least until after the hearing. Even still, it would have been helpful to understand what actions he had taken on their behalf and why. "This is supposed to be easier now that the war is over."

"It will. We just need to get through this transition," Harry encouraged.

She wanted to believe him. It felt like the decisions they would make that night would follow them for years, if not the rest of their lives. Before she could say more, a baby's cry rang out from the floor above them. Harry was about to get up when Hermione motioned him to stay. "Let me," she said, feeling like Harry had been doing more than her since they got home. Walking up the stairs, she silently wished for answers to her questions. For certainty that they were doing the right thing. Finding Lily screaming angrily into the empty room, Hermione nodded in agreement as she lifted the small child up. "I know. Does it help to yell?" she asked, bouncing gently. As Hermione held Lily close, she finally stopped crying, taking in sharp breaths as she recovered. Hermione decided it wasn't answers or logic she needed to do what was best for Lily. It was grace. Sensing movement behind her, she turned to find Harry watching them. "I think we should call her Lily Grace Potter," Hermione said as she met him at the door. "If we decide to tell her about her parents, we can give her an option to change her name back. It's just too dangerous to keep her name. We can't obliviate everyone who might have known about Delphini."

"If that's what you want?"

"It's important. We can't control what happened to her before she was ours, but we can do everything we can to protect her now," she said, watched Lily's eyes drift shut.

Harry led her from the nursery and into their bedroom. "Let's lay down. Get a few hours of sleep."

Seeing the bed, Hermione couldn't argue her body was telling her to rest. Settling Lily down in the center of the mattress, they stretched out on either side of her, facing each other. Harry pulled a blanket up, rubbed Hermione's arm absently.

Hermione was already nearly asleep. "Set an alarm," she murmured before letting the heaviness of sleep claim her.

~~/~~

Harry found Hermione sitting at the table the next morning. Already showered and dressed. Lily resting contently in the bouncer next to a small stack of parchments. "Hey, good morning," he said, concerned she hadn't slept much at all. "You shut the alarm off."

"I did. There's no reason we both need to be taking wideye potion today. And if you're going to be at Lily's mercy alone, I thought the more sleep you could get the better," she explained, her wand working on edits.

Confused by her words, he checked on Lily, put the pacifier back in the baby's mouth which was unceremoniously spit back out onto her chest. Alright then, he thought and sat next to Hermione. "I thought we'd all go to the hearing together. As a family."

"What? No. That's ridiculous," she answered without looking up. "Remus and Tonks will be with me. I'm not sure it's an environment meant for babies."

Setting his hand on her arm, he finally got her full attention. "You're not going there without me and Lily stays with us. If they have a problem with that, they can postpone to give us more time to arrange for child care."

Hermione looked like she was about to enumerate all the reasons why his idea was a terrible one. "I suppose it would make our story more believable. The longer we wait to go public, the more questions people will have."

"It could have the added bonus of catching the Wizengamot off guard. Show them they really don't have a clue what we've been up to over the past year," Harry added.

The corners of Hermione's mouth went up. "I think they know how babies are made. Okay, if you think it's a good idea. I don't think we should bring her there without the paperwork signed. They'll ask me questions and I need to be able to lie without raising an alarm," she said, twirled her wand absently. "Are we ready to do that?"

The paperwork was still open in front of them. Harry pulled it toward forward. "We add Bellatrix and who… Tom Riddle?"

"That's good. Not many people know his real name," Hermione said, leaned back. "There are still questions about his new body. Was that still Tom Riddle?"

"We won't get those answers today. Before your hearing. It will still be signed by Lily's official guardians. Adding Bellatrix and Tom is just a way to provide additional details," he reasoned, knowing it was wholly unsatisfying.

Hermione's face mirrored Harry's dissatisfaction. "Well, we could have a DNA test done. But we can't do it today. I'm not even sure that's a factor in magical matters. The man who was Tom Riddle was the biological father. That should settle the matter."

Harry took out his wand, silently asking for Hermione's approval. With a single nod from her, Harry added the missing information. The true parents' names blazed gold and etched themselves on the parchment. Hermione picked up her wand, changed Delphini's name to Lily Grace Potter on the birth certificate. Then she signed her name on the bond contract next to the block for maternal lineage. Her family tree appeared, dating back three generations. Harry did the same, his family tree appeared next to Hermione's. In a blink, their names were connected and a line extended from the union, listing their daughter, Lily Grace Potter. It wasn't how either of them imagined they would start their families… family. Harry stood, squeezed her shoulder. "We'll put the papers in my vault today on our way to the hearing. If you can buy us that safe you mentioned, we can make it more secure next week," he said, picked up Lily. "I'll get her ready. We should leave soon in case the bank is busy."

Harry left her to finish her statement. Lily reached up for his glasses, he dodged the attempt and playfully caught her hand in his mouth. The girl smiled. "Lily Grace Potter," he whispered, walking up to the nursery. "We need to get you ready for your big reveal," he told her, placed her on the changing table. As he busied himself, his mind continued to wander to the familial bond contract. Had it also bonded him and Hermione? The line was definitive. And it was in a magically binding document. Was Hermione wondering the same thing? Had she known? He decided she likely didn't or she would have mentioned it before he signed it. As Lily squirmed away from her diaper, he was surprised by her dexterity. "Hey now, hold still," he told her.

The thought that somehow he was magically bound to Hermione didn't scare him. In fact, it seemed right. It was crazy. Just a few days ago they thought they were merely friends. It wouldn't look crazy to other people. They'd think they'd been in a romantic relationship long enough to have a two month old. Ron would be a problem. Neither of them had mentioned him yet. Would Ron think they lied to him and Hermione had somehow hid a pregnancy from him? It would certainly be his first reaction no matter what Harry and Hermione told him. Regardless of the math he'd need to do to realize he had already returned when Lily would have been born. It might just be easier to let him think his worst fears were real. It didn't sit right with Harry though. He wanted Ron to know the truth. Then there was Ginny. They had left their relationship open ended despite his efforts to protect her. After the hearing, they'd have to work out a way to explain to their friends how Lily came to be without really hurting two people that they loved like family. It might come to that if they wanted to make sure Lily's secret was protected. It was an impossible decision. Probably not the last.

Snapping the final button, Harry straightened and wiped his brow. Lily looked at him serenely even as he breathed heavily. "Let's get you a bottle," he told Lily. He was surprised to find Kreacher had one already warming in a pot on the stove. "Thanks Kreacher."

The house elf grunted an acknowledgement. He snapped his fingers and two breakfast pockets appeared with a bottle of wideye potion. "If master needs to eat and run. And Master's Witch didn't sleep," he explained before disappearing.

"Her name is Hermione," Harry tried to correct Kreacher. He could order him. Harry hoped he'd come to it on his own. Eyeing the bottle, he had concerns. The last few bottles they gave Lily had been warmed to the perfect temperature with a charm. He worried it might be too hot. Harry tested the temperature of the formula on the inside of his wrist like the books showed. He didn't know what the right temperature was though. Guessing because it didn't feel uncomfortable, he thought it was okay. Not satisfied, he brought the bottle to his mouth and squeezed some on his tongue.

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked, looking in on him from the hallway.

"Making sure it's not too hot," he explained. "Kreacher had it boiling in the pot there."

"I'm just going to grab a few things and we can go whenever you're ready," she said, apparently accepting his explanation and disappearing up the stairs.

"She needs to have more fun," he continued to talk to Lily like she'd take his side.

~~/~~

Walking through the atrium of the Ministry of Magic was surreal. The last time they had been there had been a flight for their lives. Hermione held Lily tighter against her chest in response to her own trauma. It was safe, she told herself. Harry's arm reached around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. They shared a look of concern. There were obviously changes. The fountain had been removed completely. Likely to be replaced at a later date. Kingsley Shacklebolt watched over the everyone from banners above. People seemed to rush where ever they were going. Hermione wondered if that was due to urgency in their jobs or a habit honed over the war to get where they were going before trouble found them. She let Harry check them in, registered their wands and led them toward the lifts. As they moved freely in the world again, the stares didn't go unnoticed. Nor had they at Gringotts. Undesirable number one and his mudblood friend had been displayed prominently on wanted posters plastered everywhere for nearly a year. They hadn't run into anyone they knew yet, which had been a relief. There were things she and Harry had to do and discuss before telling their friends about Lily. Absently, she thought of Ron. They'd have to tell him the truth, she had decided. Not only would thinking she and Harry had carried on an affair under his nose hurt him more than any curse, she obviously had never been pregnant when they were together. He wasn't the most observant of men. He would have noticed that. It would be one more person to know the truth. It wasn't a decision for her to make alone. Finding her parents was the first priority. Not just because they needed to finalize their story, she was anxious to see they were safe. Thinking of them living a life separate from her still hurt. It would be nothing compared to the hurt they would feel when she restored their memories. If she could.

The lift let out an obnoxious ding causing the baby to fuss. "Shh," Hermione comforted stepping out on the lowest level. Her focus had been on Lily, she hadn't noticed a towering figure at the opposite end of the hall.

"Mister Potter. Miss Granger," a voice got her attention.

Hermione turned to see the Minister approaching. There was a small hitch in his step when he saw Lily. She was sure she was the only one to notice and it left her wondering if it had been a mistake to bring her. "Minister," she said, hoping her voice sounded natural. If she could just get five minutes with him, every fear and uncertainty roiling through her could be eased.

"I'm sorry this hearing was called on such short notice. We'll do our best to limit it to one day," he explained. "You understand the urgency and secrecy?"

Understanding his question was layered. She did understand. Her chin went up, she needed him to know she was up for the task he had entrusted to her. "Of course."

Satisfied, he offered a curt nod with a underlying look of regret. Hermione wondered if he had regrets over the lack of information or over what was about to happen.

"Hermione," Lupin called out, pulling her attention away from Kingsley.

It was likely for the best. If anyone thought the Minister wasn't impartial he'd have to recuse himself and then he wouldn't be able to help at all. Looking at Lupin, she was impressed. He wasn't one to spend much time on his looks. Much of it had to do with a lack of steady income. She also thought he wasn't overly vain. Living a life in the margins would do that to a person. There he stood in pristine dress robes and a fresh haircut. Tonks stood proudly by his side. Hermione transferred Lily to Harry's waiting arms and she straightened her skirt and blouse. "Remus, I know this isn't an easy task you have," she started. He tried to brush her off. "No, really. I understand this is an awkward position you're in. It means a lot to me, to us that you're here."

He pulled her and Harry aside, and in hush tones he offered some last minute advice. "I'll do my best to run interference. The more transparent you can be in your answers the faster this will be over. However, if there's a topic of concern, tap your index finger on the table and I'll do my best to intervene."

"I understand."

"If for any reason this takes a turn toward hostile questioning I will put an end to it. You're here voluntarily and I will remind them of that fact," he continued. "You have your statement?"

Pulling the parchment from an inside pocket she smoothed it out. "Right here."

"Do you need a minute before we go in?" Remus asked.

"No, I'm ready," Hermione said with a shaky voice. The nerves were growing. "Just give me a minute with Harry."

"Just take your time answering. Don't speak until you're ready. If you need a break, tell me," Remus supplied.

"Okay, thanks. I'll be right in." Hermione turned toward Harry when they were alone again.

He tucked a stray hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek with his free hand. "We'll be right behind you," he assured her and then kissed her gently.

Her hand rested on his forearm. "You're sure you're okay with everything in my opening statement?" She was second guessing their decisions now that they were there.

Harry nodded, "Yes. I'd say the same thing if they had the nerve to ask for my testimony." Anger flared in his eyes.

Hermione took his hand. She had not regrets over her actions during the war, she hoped she didn't regret this day. They walked into the courtroom together. Every eye was on them. The room wasn't full. A testament to the losses from the war. Either those who fell victim to the Death Eaters or those who found themselves in custody for their actions. A table stood in the center of the cavernous space. Remus was pulling out his notes at one of the two seats. Tonks motioned to a chair for Harry in a small section behind the witness area. With a small breath in, Hermione stepped away from Harry and toward the chair meant for her. Setting her statement down on the immaculate cherry table, she sat. Remus placed a small stack of blank parchment and an inkless quill down for her to take notes if it was needed. Grateful for his thoughtfulness, she offered a nervous smile.

Other witches and wizards in plume robes trickled in, taking their seats in the dais. Remus put a comforting hand on her arm just as Kingsley gaveled in the session.

"The first hearing of the four hundred and fifty fourth Wizengamot is called to order. This session is so ordered by the majority. Due to the sensitive nature of this hearing, it is closed to the public and media. The purpose is to understand the actions and events which led to the end of the Second Wizarding War. The first witness called to provide testimony is Miss Hermione Jean Granger," Kingsley's baritone voice commanded the attention of all in attendance. "Miss Granger. I understand your family is here today."

Her family. It was startling to hear it spoken aloud. Murmurs rippled through the room. She cleared her throat. "Yes, Minister."

"Should you need it, there is a family room adjacent to the court," Shacklebolt offered. "Mister Potter may step out and return to this room freely."

Everyone's attention shifted to Harry who very clearly held a bundle in his arms. The murmurs increased to a restrained roar.

Kingsley tapped his gavel. "Order," he commanded. Once the room was silent again, he continued. "Mister Remus John Lupin. You're representing Miss Granger's interests."

Remus stood. "I am."

"Even though this is a fact finding hearing and Miss Granger is in no legal jeopardy?"

"It's my goal to assure that remains so," he said, standing straighter.

"Is there a reason to believe that may change?" Kingsley asked.

At that, Remus smirked. "Only four hundred and fifty three years of history to guide my concerns."

Someone behind the bench laughed at the insinuation. Hermione tried to find the source. Whoever it was was no doubt an ally.

Kingsley half heartedly banged his gavel once. "Miss Granger. Do you sincerely declare and affirm your testimony today will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

Hermione listened to the oath. She knew from her reading the night before there was nothing magically binding about it. There was a fear that counter magic could be discovered, giving too much weight to the witness's words. It had to be understood that she was affirming her words were truth as far as she knew it. If they weren't the punishments would be more mundane than a broken contract.

"I do," she said with confidence.

Kingsley swept his hand wide. "The floor is yours."

Hermione wanted to look back to Harry, forced herself give the court her full attention. She slid forward in her seat, back straight. She scanned the court behind the bench. Some looked exhausted. They had survived the war while likely being in the world. Being on the run had at least spared her the constant need to hide in plain sight. She had to trust that if anyone was in that room they had been severely vetted. She couldn't rule out that some may have been sympathizers to Voldemort's movement, Hermione was certain anyone who openly supported him were at the very least removed from their ministerial positions. "Thank you Minister. Members of the court. I'll start by acknowledging the need for the wizarding world to know this information. I won't pretend to know why this format was chosen to document my testimony."

Several members of the court shifted uncomfortably. Not everyone approved of the majority's methods.

Taking a drink of water, she steeled herself. "Before Albus Dumbledore died, he entrusted Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and myself with a mission. One so important that if left undone would ensure Voldemort could never be defeated."

Even now, after the wizard was gone, people looked terrified at the mention of his name. Hermione decided she could give them the benefit of the doubt. It took her years to be comfortable saying his name. On top of it, it had been taboo for months. Just whispering it would earn them a visit from Death Eaters. Still, the fear needed to end.

"Voldemort used rare, dark magic to tie his soul to this world. His body could be destroyed, his soul would remain. It was this magic that allowed him to rise again after his defeat in 1981. He intentionally broke his soul into seven pieces to make six Horcruxes, ensuring his immortality as long as they existed. Our mission was to find them all and destroy them. I suspect your first question regarding this mission will be the same as mine. Why would something so important be entrusted to some Hogwarts students? I didn't have an answer to that question until a few days ago. Voldemort may have intentionally made six Horcruxes. There was a seventh even he didn't know about. His soul was so damaged the night he tried to kill Harry in Godric's Hollow, a piece of it broke off when his killing curse rebounded and attached itself to the baby."

Remus and Harry had argued over divulging that information. It was hard enough trying to live a normal life known as the boy who lived, what would happen when the wizarding world found out Harry had been harboring a piece of Voldemort's soul for nearly two decades. Would they believe it was gone? In the end it was Harry who decided the information would get out eventually, this way they could do it on their terms.

"I believe Dumbledore knew that the Horcrux in Harry would provide him some protection and that it needed to be destroyed before Voldemort could be defeated once and for all. All Horcruxes needed to be destroyed. I'm not sure it was every Dumbledore's plan for Ron and myself to join Harry, I do think he understood we weren't going to let him go off on his own. We started our task with two already gone. I am submitting for the record–each object and when and how they were destroyed." Hermione held up a document. The court reporter summoned it. "I'll leave it to this court to decide if this is information should be protected."

"Some of you may know there are few ways to destroy such dark magic. Magic so destructive an object couldn't possibly survive could be used—basilisk venom or fiendfyre. If the Horcrux was stored in a living thing, it would be released when the vessel was killed with no great magic or skill. Or, the creator could choose to mend his soul by feeling remorse for his actions which created it." She allowed Kingsley time to review her evidence. He seemed to be deliberating over it. Finally, he ordered copies to be made and distributed to all members of the court with instructions to keep the information confidential until a ruling could be made on its future classification. "The connection between Harry and Voldemort was a complication Voldemort didn't understand. It blocked several attempts to kill Harry. He thought it was their wands that connected them, twin cores from the same phoenix. This problem distracted him. He learned of a fabled wand known by many names—the death stick, the elder wand, the wand of destiny—he found it three days ago. Our time was up and we had two horcruxes to find, a snake to kill, and the horcrux within Harry to deal with. I decided to buy us time."

Hermione was certain there would be questions about the wand and how they knew so much about Voldemort's actions and thoughts. She'd wait for the question to figure out how to answer. "A month ago I was captured by snatchers and brought to Malfoy Manor. Bellatrix Lestrange tortured me and in the course of that treatment, she left behind a hair I used in Polyjuice potion. Three days ago, I went to Voldemort disguised as Bellatrix, alone, with an enchanted and venom imbued blade. I killed his body, knowing his soul would be protected. I escaped with the assistance of Severus Snape, a double agent for the Order of the Phoenix. I understand he has submitted a complete report on his activities. I can confirm he save my life and was responsible for the destruction of two Horcruxes and the ability to destroy the last two." Hermione wasn't sure she'd ever understand how a man could commit so completely to a role that he was able to stand by and allow acts of atrocity to happen. Or that he'd agree to kill Dumbledore. In the end though, he had played his part to end the war and that mattered.

"During the final battle at Hogwarts, we found what was left of Voldemort in a secret chamber under the school. He possessed Harry. I convinced him that his only chance to survive was to restore what was left of this soul. To feel remorse over the death of Lily Potter. Confronted with Harry's emotions and pain, I believe he was capable of feeling regret through their connection. The soul repaired, he was ejected from Harry, and I destroyed him once and for all with a sword imbued with basilisk venom."

Taking a breath, Hermione felt like she had removed a burden from her shoulders. Retelling it all was a release. She might still have the questions to face, she had gotten that far. "With Voldemort gone, the dark mark disappeared. Death Eaters knew their leader was gone. Our actions were part of a larger effort. I can't speak for everyone, I can only speak for me. I understand there will be questions. I am prepared today to answer those which pertain to my actions and mine alone." Knowing her assertion wouldn't prevent the inevitable interrogation of events that didn't evolve her, she at least had established her foundation for her refusal to answer.

Remus stood. "Miss Granger's statement is submitted for the record," he said, sending a copy to the court reporter.

Kingsley appeared to be processing the testimony along with the other members of the court. He might have known more than most but it was the first time all the pieces were laid out together. "Thank you, Hermione. It's clear we owe you a debt. Members of the court will remember this while we allow for questions—" Several hands flew up. "—in an orderly and respectful manner."

Kingsley called on an ancient looking wizard waving his hand impatiently. Hermione wondered if the Minister called on him to get him out of the way or to give her an easy question first.

"Miss Granger. Please explain how you knew You-Know-Who had possession of the wand of destiny."