A/N Thank you to everyone for waiting so long for this chapter. My husband's transplant went great. He went into rejection for a few days, but they were able to reverse it with meds. Now we are in the inn at the Mayo for his recovery. Will be here about another month. Looks like his release date is mid-March.
Two chapters left; hope you stick with me to the end. The internet here is so crazy, I would write and write, save my work, come back later and only a third of what I wrote would still be there. It made finishing this chapter a real challenge. Hopefully, the next one goes better.
Chapter 38: Forever Mine
The air outside was heavy from morning dew which the sun hadn't yet had a chance to burn away. The sky was bluer than Theo had seen it in a while, not a cloud in the sky. Promise of a lovely day hung in the air. Even though Theo could see the nice day forming outside his bedroom window, he didn't want to get up. He couldn't take his eyes of the sleeping beauty who laid in bed with him. He was still trying to convince himself Daphne being back wasn't a dream. He knew however he would eventually have to get out of bed. Lord Greengrass had asked to him to come over today for brunch. Greengrass said, he and Theo had an overdue conversation to be had and it was high time they got on with it.
He was to meet with the Greengrass Patriarch at ten and it was already almost nine. Tony had brought Daphne's breakfast tray in almost an hour ago. But Theo couldn't bring himself to wake her up. All he wanted to do was look at Daphne. Somehow, they had found their way back to each, or more she had found her way back to him.
His friends and he had planned and plotted in hopes of finding a way to get Lord Greengrass to see the truth about Marcus and let Daphne out of the marriage contract with him. But has it turned out; Daphne's mother had everything under control.
Lords Malfoy and Greengrass with some help had been able to uncover where all the blackmailed gold had gone. It would be recovered and sorted within the next few weeks. Many would get their gold back, but not all. Theo and his friends plotting against Marcus Flint, had managed much more than then Daphne no longer being forced to marry him. Marcus had been arrested for multiple counts of sexual assault. The Cannons Quidditch Star Chaser was now locked away in Azkaban awaiting trial.
Theo knew it was a bittersweet outcome, for the Cannon's anyway. Flint would pay for his crimes, which was good, but one of England's most popular Quidditch teams would lose not one but two of their star chasers since Adrian Pucey had decided to leave the team and move to North America. Pucey's motive was Theo's friend from Texas, Anna. She had stolen Pucey's heart. The team would recover though, always plenty of young players looking for their chance to prove themselves on the big stage.
Theo leaned over and kissed Daphne gently on the forehead causing her to stir. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, and she smiled at him. "Were watching me sleep Lord Nott?"
"I was." Theo's smile went all the way to his eyes.
Daphne stretched a little, then snuggled closer to him. "I missed waking up in your arms."
Theo kissed the top of Daphne's head and wrapped his arms around her even tighter. "I missed having you in my arms."
Daphne kissed Theo on the chest, then trailed the kisses up his neck making him moan slightly before she asked. "What time do have to meet with my father?"
Theo groaned at being reminded of the fact he couldn't just remain in bed. "At ten, which means I need to get up."
"Oh, well then I suppose we will have to continue this once you return." Daphne pressed her lips to his and kissed him deeply.
Theo pulled Daphne on top of him and kissed her passionately for awhile before he pulled away. "I better go Baby, or I won't." Daphne's response was kiss him again.
It took a minute to convince themselves to pull apart, but they finally did. Theo showered and dressed quickly. He had decided on his own to wear a suit wanting to make a good impression today. He wasn't entirely sure what Lord Greengrass wanted to tell him, but he planned to take the opportunity to once again ask for Daphne's hand. When he emerged from the dressing room Daphne was sitting at her vanity unpacking things from a box which they had brought over from her father's estate last night. A wide range of creams and makeup bottles which contained things Theo had no interest in. Daphne could go without make up as far as he was concerned. With it or without, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Telling her that over and over never seemed to diminish the number of potions and Lady Zabini cosmetics that sat on Daphne's vanity though. Theo walked over to her after he finished with his navy blue and silver striped tie. He had chosen a dark charcoal suit and white shirt.
Daphne smiled and looked up at him. "You look very handsome, and I didn't even have to ask you to wear a suit."
"I can be taught." Theo smirked at her then leaned down and gave Daphne a deep kiss. "I'm sure I won't be long."
"Knowing Daddy, it may take all afternoon." Daphne stood and put her arms around Theo's waist.
He smiled at her. "Let's hope not. I have plans to come home, go to bed early and make love to his daughter all night."
Daphne snickered. "What ever you do, don't tell him that."
"I thought I might open with it." Theo said and laughed when Daphne playfully punched him in the arm.
"You will not." Daphne smiled brightly in awe at the fact she was finally here with Theo. Still madly in love after all this time. To many times in the past few years, ending up here had seemed impossible.
Theo gave Daphne his sexy smile. "I will not." He kissed her again lightly. "I love you Daphne Rene Greengrass. I always will."
"I love you Theodore William Nott. I always have." Daphne pulled Theo into a deep kiss, before he finally pulled away picked up his wand and attached it to his holster. He snapped his fingers remembering something and turned back to Daphne. "Don't forget Draco and your sister are coming over for dinner." He winked and headed out the door.
xXXx
Theo was led to Lord Greengrass's study. The older man was sitting at his desk, deep in concentration while he looked at some document. It took a few minutes before he sighed, set the papers down and looked up at Theo.
Greengrass smiled proudly at the young wizard. "Ah, your right on time Theodore, please sit down."
Theo hesitated a moment when Greengrass failed to offer his hand. He didn't know if the lack of the gesture was an act of familiarity, or one that should make him nervous. Instead of overreacting, Theo chose to ignore it and sit down in the chair in front of the large desk. "I am happy you wanted to talk Sir. To be honest, you and I both know I have a question, that has yet to be properly asked and answered."
"We will get to that son." Dalton looked at Theo from over his glasses. "But first things first. You deserve an explanation from me, for the decisions I made over the years."
Theo shook his head. "You don't owe me anything Sir. Daphne has already explained what happened. I understand."
"So, she has. But it would be remiss of me not to offer my own explanation and apology." Dalton took off his glasses and laid them on his desk. "You see Theodore, when Flint first approached me, the second war had not yet begun. Voldemort had not yet let it be known he had returned. Although many of us knew full well he had."
Theo took a deep breath. "You're referring to the year of the tri-wizard championship, are you not?"
"Yes, I am. You see, Flint had already at that time gotten his hands on Yaxley's ledger. Apparently, Yaxley had left it out during a meeting, giving flint the opportunity to rifle through it. It wasn't until some time later, after the war, when Flint used his influence to steal the ledger from Yaxley's home during a raid, according to your friend Macmillan." Dalton rubbed the bridge of his nose. "He discovered my name in the ledger and devised his plan. You and Daphne were so young at the time. It didn't occur to me that you and she were so serious, even then."
Theo folded his hands on his lap to try and hide the shaking. "I understand Sir. Most people drift apart from their school crushes. Daphne and I seemed to grow closer though."
"So, you did." Dalton smiled and sat back a little relaxing. "You see son, as a father you like to think you know what is best, but sometimes, you find you were very, very wrong." He smiled at Theo and took a deep breath. "I am sorry, for the distress I put you and Daphne through over the years however, I would do what I did a thousand times over to protect my family. I do hope you understand."
Theo nodded. "Of course I understand. Daphne and I came through it."
"I am glad for it." Dalton stood. "Come, let's go eat." Dalton led Theo to the small dining room. "Would you like something to drink, tea, water, something stronger?"
"Coffee?" Theo asked and shyly smiled.
"Ah yes, coffee." Dalton rang the little bell on the table and asked the house elf for coffee and tea. Dalton looked back at Theo, gestured to a chair and took a seat. "You know what has gone on the past few weeks so there is really no need to go into it, other then to say how terribly sorry I am for putting you through it. I couldn't be happier with the outcome however."
"I would have preferred you trusted me with the truth Sir." Theo grimaced at the thought of what knowing what was going on the entire time would have been like as he sat in the chair beside Lord Greengrass.
Dalton raised his eyebrows. "Would it really have been better, Theodore? For you to know what was going on, knowing you couldn't do anything about it. Knowing you had to just sit back and watch?"
Theo inhaled sharply. "Perhaps not." He smiled to hide his embarrassment. "I suppose knowing me, I wouldn't have been able to sit back and do nothing. Every smug look from Flint would have resulted with my fist in his face."
"Precisely the reason you were kept in the dark." Dalton paused when the coffee and tea arrived. After pouring a cup of tea for himself and getting Theo his coffee, he pulled his plate toward him. "I wanted to also apologize for not taking you with us to France. Veronica and I did talk intensely about that option for half the night after you wrote."
Theo shook his head as his set his coffee cup back on the table. "You don't need to say your sorry for that Sir. I wasn't your son, therefore not your responsibility."
"You were not Healer Hamilton's responsibility either, yet he stepped up, when I faltered." Dalton allowed himself an exasperated chuckle, then straightened up in his chair. "It should have been me son. I should have stepped up and taken you with us. For some idealistic stupid reason though, I thought as the son of a Death Eater taking you along would give them reason to hunt us down, putting my family in more danger. I never imagined the things you would go through. I am certain, what you have shared with Daphne only scratches the surface of the things your father put you through. For my own arrogance, I am truly sorry."
Theo sighed and thought for second, he looked around the room at all the family photos, his eyes landed on the newest one on the wall. He allowed a small smile as he looked at a picture of a proud Draco holding Astoria close, Theo then turned back to Lord Greengrass. "Apology accepted Sir. Although, you didn't need to give it. I understand why you made the choice you did; anyone would have made the same one." Theo picked up his fork. "Besides, Healer Hamilton and Clair became the parents I never had. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am hopeful they will be able to come for the wedding, that is, if there ever is one."
"Go on Theodore, now is the time. Ask your question." Dalton wiped his mouth with his napkin and sat back.
Theo smiled and laughed. "Yes Sir." He swallowed hard and wonder why now he was suddenly so nervous. "Lord Greengrass, I love Daphne very, very much. I know I can provide for her and make her happy. I would be grateful for your permission and for your blessing to ask Daphne to marry me."
Dalton's smile got mischievous for a second and he leaned forward in his chair. "It would give me all the pleasure in the world Lord Nott, to give you, my blessing. You have it and more. My only regret is that I couldn't give it to you sooner."
Theo jumped out his chair to shake Lord Greengrass's hand. "Thank you, Sir. I promise I won't let you down, I won't let Daphne down."
Lord Greengrass stood up and took Theo's hand. "I know you won't son. Now, eat then go ask my daughter for her hand properly."
xXXX
Daphne added flour to the mixing bowl in front of her. The recipe said to sift it slowly, but she had no idea what that meant. Wanting to surprise Theo with something handmade, Daphne had decided plain sugar cookies were a safe place to start. It was proving to be a little more difficult than she thought it would though. Theo's cook had given her the run of the kitchen for the afternoon, which Daphne was grateful for.
Now as she turned the dough out on the counter, she was almost certain the cookies would be terrible. She gave the dough a good knead, then took a pinch and popped it in her mouth. Pleasantly surprised the dough tasted good, she rolled it out and cut it into shapes. Stars, hearts and what she intended to be the shape of a motorcycle, but once cooked looked more like blobs. The cookies tasted ok, at least the ones she didn't burn.
Daphne was so preoccupied with the cookies, hoping at least one of them would make Theo smile, she didn't hear him come in. When she finally noticed him, he was standing in the doorway leaning on the frame smiling smugly at her.
"You spoiled my surprise." Daphne said and gave Theo a small pout.
He straightened up and walked toward her. "Did I?"
"Yes, I wanted to make you something by hand, without magic." Daphne blushed and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
Theo smiled at her and leaned against the counter. "I love sugar cookies. I don't have very many memories of my mum, but I do remember her loving them also." He picked up one of the cookies. "Clair used to sneak me little Danish ones at night before bed. My Father would have been less then pleased if he had found out."
Daphne looked up at him and gave his arm a squeeze. "I wasn't trying to make you sad. I wanted you to be proud of me."
"Daphne, you always make me proud." Theo said, placed a kiss on her temple, then took a bite of the cookie. The cookie was very dry causing him to swallow hard, it tasted good however, so he smiled brightly at Daphne. "Their good Baby. Need milk, but good."
Daphne started looking over the recipe. "Milk? I added the amount it called for!"
Theo chuckled. "No Baby, a glass of milk. The cookies are great, they are just a little dry."
"Oh no! You hate them." Daphne started to tear up.
"No, I don't hate them Daph. They are good, I promise." He wrapped Daphne in his arms and kissed her forehead then pressed his forehead to hers. "Really good. In fact, they are all I want to eat today. Them and you." Theo pressed his lips to hers. He nudged her lips apart with his gently and ran his tongue along hers when she parted her lips. He picked her up, turned off the stove and took Daphne upstairs to their room.
Theo set her down on her feet and placed searing kisses along her neck and collar bone. His hands roamed her body possessively gripping her waist and hips. He whispered in her ear. "I want you Baby, now."
Daphne pulled away and got on the bed. She backed up to the pillows, bit her lip then crooked a finger at him. "Then come and have me Theo."
Daphne held Theo closely when they were done and whispered in his ear. "I love you Theo. Thank you for loving me."
He propped himself up on his elbows. "You don't have to thank me Baby. I have always loved you, always will. Your beautiful, sexy, smart, compassionate, everything I could want. If either of us should be saying thank you, it's me."
"You? Why would you need to say thank you?" Daphne pushed his sweat soaked hair out of his eyes.
"I am the one with a tainted past. Son of a Death Eater, practically a Death Eater and all that. You could have any man you want, but you chose me, keep choosing me." Theo pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Daphne rolled over to face Theo as he moved on to his side. "Theo, I fell in love with you when we were kids, the day you feel off that silly practice broom Draco lent to you."
"Really?" Theo smiled and put his arms around Daphne.
Daphne relaxed slightly in his arms. "When did you know you loved me?"
Theo shrugged. "I don't know."
Daphne struggled against his embraced as he tightened his grip knowing he would pay for his comment. She playfully smacked his arms. "Let me go Nott."
"Baby I was only joking." Theo kissed Daphne when he felt her relax a little. "I fell in love the same day, when you told me Pansy had left when Draco did, but you had stayed, for me. I just didn't know love was what I was feeling. It took me awhile to figure it out."
Daphne blushed. "I suppose it took me while too. I have loved every minute we spent together figuring it out."
Theo kissed the top of her head. "We need to get up, Draco and Astoria are coming over for dinner."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Daphne kissed Theo quickly and jumped out bed. She flashed him a quick smile. "We shall have cookies and Irish Cream for dessert."
They both quickly cleaned up and got dressed for the night. Theo smiled as he watched her sit down at her vanity to touch up her hair and makeup. As he zipped up his jeans he told her the good news. "Your father gave me his blessing today."
She spun around in the chair. "Oh Theo, finally. I knew he couldn't with hold it forever."
He gave her a devilish smirk, sat on the edge of the bed and started putting on his boots. "I suppose I should give you a ring now, so you and Astoria can start planning both weddings."
Daphne's eyes got wide. "Do not for one second think that you don't have to propose properly Lord Nott."
He rolled his eyes. "I don't have to get on one knee, do I?"
Daphne tossed her brush at Theo. "You better watch it, or I won't say yes."
Theo stood and walked over to Daphne. "Would you really say no?" He took her hand in his and pulled her to her feet. "We live together, we just made love."
"Theo, you know I won't say no and I don't need you on one knee, but..." She trailed off for a second and bit her lip before continuing. "I want to be swept off my feet, like my sister was."
Theo pulled her into his arms. "You will be Baby. I have something planned." He kissed her firmly then rested his forehead on hers. "You won't be disappointed, I promise."
xXXx
The Monday session of the Wizengamot seemed to drag on forever. Fredrick Macmillan had never noticed before how long winded some of his colleagues could truly be. Of course, he never had anything to bring to the high court quite like what he had today. Miss Dunbar had given the ledger to Ernie two days ago, now Monday morning the ledger was burning a hole in his pocket waiting for 'new business'.
When Shacklebolt finally called for 'new business' Fredrick was sitting on the edge of his seat with the ledger in his hands like a cat ready to pounce on its pray.
"Good session today everyone." Shacklebolt said as he started packing up his briefcase. "Any new business?" He asked barely looking up at the other members.
Fredrick jumped to his feet. "Yes Sir, I have new business I would like to address."
Kingsley looked up. "Ambassador Macmillan, you have the floor." Kingsley then sat and folded his hands and placed them on his lap. Christopher Flint stood and started making his way toward the door. Shacklebolt looked over at him. "Mr. Flint, I don't believe we have adjourned for the day. Why don't you take a seat and see what Ambassador Macmillan has to say."
Christopher shot Fredrick a nasty look and went back to his seat. Fredrick cleared his throat and went to the podium. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it has come to my attention, a member of our esteemed high court has been blackmailing a distinguished member of the English Wizarding Community."
The whispers in the room stopped and people quit putting their things away.
Even Shacklebolt leaned forward, intrigued by Fredrick's words. "Who, who has been blackmailing whom and why?"
Flint began fidgeting in his seat clearly uncomfortable.
Fredrick allowed a small smile to cross his lips. "Before I can answer those questions, I must inform you my evidence exposes many people, some sit on this court. Some are elected members of the Board of Elders; some are even Nobility. I have given my word to the Auror Department and the Office of the Prosecution the names in my evidence will remain private. We are to only to use this to decide what to do with our own member."
Shacklebolt stood up. "Are we to understand the person being blackmailed is not pressing charges?"
Fredrick took a deep breath. "No, no charges are being pressed. The Aurors department is also not pursuing the blackmailer because of his past and the part his family played in the war. No one wants a scandal."
Shacklebolt frowned and sighed. "I do not like the idea of someone getting away with blackmail, but unless there are any objections, everyone on this high court is instructed to keep what is heard here to themselves."
"Thank you, Kingsley." Fredrick held the ledger up. "This ledger belonged to Corban Yaxley. During both Wizarding Wars he would take bribes from many people in exchange for things such as allowing their kids to board the train for school or not turning them over to the Death Eaters. He logged all bribes in here and deposited the gold into a vault under the name of Corey X. Albany."
An older Wizard stood up. "A question if I may? Have the Aurors checked to see if this vault really exists?"
"They have and it does. Not all the gold taken by Yaxley in bribes is there, but a large portion is. After we make our decision as what to do with our member who used this information for his own gain, the Aurors will take possession of this ledger and give the gold back to those bribed by Yaxley." Fredrick turned to look at Flint who continued to fidget in his seat.
Shacklebolt sat back down and rubbed his temple for a moment. "Will we ever finally be completely rid of Voldemort?" He sighed deeply. "Please, Fredrick tell us, who amongst us chose to use that information for personal reasons?"
Ambassador Macmillan squared his shoulders. "It would seem ladies and gentlemen, our Mr. Christopher Flint used the information he found in this ledger to blackmail Lord Dalton Greengrass." Fredrick waited a moment for the court to settle down. "Unfortunately, Lord Greengrass was bullied by Yaxley to pay him off in order to keep his daughters from being offered up as...well let's just say as pawns to two waiting Death Eaters because of his refusal to join them."
Another member of the court blurted out. "I would have paid Yaxley as well." Many members voiced their approval of the man's statement.
"Excuse me please." Hermione Granger stood to speak taking many members of the court by surprise. Many people felt her appointment to the court was unfair and happened only because of the part she played in taking down Voldemort, not because she really earned the seat or was even qualified. Having grown up quite a bit since her days at Hogwarts, Hermione tried not to ruffle to many feathers these days, so rarely spoke out. "Flint, what could you possibly be blackmailing Greengrass for?"
Flint stood up. "Why really doesn't matter, does it?" Flint gave Hermione a sneer, then turned to Shacklebolt. "Let's just cut to the chase, how do you all wish to punish me?"
Shacklebolt tapped his gavel on the stand in front of him. "Now now, Flint it matters very much why and for what. Before we can make a decision, we have to have that information."
Flint balled his hands into fists. "My personal life is none of this courts business."
"No Flint, I disagree. You will tell us, and you will tell us now." Kingsley leaned forward the way a father would talking to his son.
"If I refuse?" Flint asked arms crossed.
"If you refuse Flint, I will press charges for Lord Greengrass." Hermione said crossing her arms in front of her.
Flint gave her a dirty look. "Are you always so smug Granger?" He ran his fingers through his hair. "Oh fine, I also was bribed by Yaxley to keep my sons safe. When I found out about Greengrass I thought the two of us could help each other out by joining forces. What is so wrong with that?"
"Nothing is wrong with joining forces." Fredrick interjected. "But Lord Greengrass didn't want to join forces, did he? So, you threatened to expose him as a Death Eater Conspirator, claiming he gave them money willingly to support their cause. You told him you had the proof; in fact, this ledger was your proof. In the hands of the right journalist, you could have ruined Lord Greengrass."
"No, he didn't want to join forces Macmillan. I never would have actually gone through with ruining him however." Christopher scoffed.
"You may not have actually intended to be ruin him Flint, however Lord Greengrass believed you would, or he never would have forced his daughter into a betrothal with your son." Fredrick smacked the ledger on his thigh for effect.
Shacklebolt cleared his throat. "You are aware Mr. Flint that arranged marriages are no longer held up by this court. You must have been rather convincing, to force Greengrass's hand." Kingsley started rubbing his hands together.
"Dalton Greengrass is not the saint you people make him out to be." Flint sneered at Kingsley. "The man ran away, when most of the rest of us, including myself and my sons, fought alongside Potter. Greengrass is a coward."
"I don't consider Greengrass taking his daughters to a location safe from the constant sexual assault Yaxley threaten them with, cowardice." Hermione stood up and stared Flint down. "I went to school with both the Greengrass girls, I also remember the things my sister-in-law said the Carrows did to students, the things Amycus tried to do to the female students. I can only imagine what a creep like him not under the watchful eyes of people like Snape would have gotten away with."
The room filled with the sounds of everyone agreeing with Hermione. Shaklebolt clapped his hands together to get the attention of the room. "So, Mr. Flint let me make sure we all understand, both you and Lord Greengrass paid off Yaxley to keep your family's safe. You found out about Greengrass also being bribed and chose to blackmail him to get his daughter to marry your son. Does that sum it up?"
Flint nodded yes and sat back down, hoping things were over. Hermione wasn't ready to let it go. She may not speak out very often, but when she did, she normally didn't back down, till she got what she wanted. "Why Greengrass? That's what I don't understand. Of all the people who might be in that ledger, why Greengrass? And why only his daughter's hand for Marcus? I mean it must have been Marcus, since Andrew is already married. Why didn't you ask for money, I don't remember Marcus having trouble finding dates for himself?"
Flint jumped back up fuming. "You will never understand the complexities of being Pure-Blood Granger. Greengrass needs a male heir, my son needs a Scared Twenty-Eight bride since his brother didn't marry one. You don't need to understand anything else."
"I believe we have heard enough." Disgust dripped from Shacklebolt's voice. "I am sure I speak for most of the members when I say, I don't condone what you have done Flint. If the Magical Law Enforcement Department and Lord Greengrass do not wish to pursue charges, that is their right. I however do not feel someone still so tainted by blood status belongs as member of this high court. All in favor of revoking Flint's seat on the Wizengamot please raise your hand."
Flint rolled his eyes and stood back up. "Oh, come on! The engagement is off. No harm was done, you can't pull my seat on the court from me over this."
Shacklebolt leaned forward with his hands on his podium. "We can, you know our by-laws. All in favor, hands in the air."
Flint grabbed his briefcase and started pushing his way toward the door. He didn't have to wait around to know the vote would not be in his favor, but turned around to look just to confirm his fears before he walked out. Sure, enough more than half the hands were up.
xXXx
Christopher Flint sat in the public viewing section for the first time in twenty years at a Wizengamot session, almost three weeks later. His wife Helen was beside him, long sleeves and a scarf around her neck. She looked scared, ridged, unsettled. Anyone in attendance would assume her jumpy behavior was due to her eldest son sitting trial for fourteen counts of sexual assault. Anyone except Lady Malfoy and Lady Greengrass that is.
Narcissa and Veronica sat beside each other directly behind their husbands since Veronica's eldest daughter had testified against Marcus. Everyone in the room watched as Marcus was led in. Narcissa and Veronica watched Helen Flint instead. They watched Helen flinch every time her husband spoke to or touched her. As Marcus was sat in his chair Narcissa convinced Veronica they needed to speak with Helen again once the trial was over. Narcissa had used enough Lady Zabini cosmetics to know Helen's use of far too much foundation, could only be to cover up bruises.
Daphne sat on her mother's left, holding her hand tightly with Theo on her left, his arm around her waist, holding her as protectively as he could. Never again would he let Marcus Flint, or any man touch his Daphne. Astoria and Draco sat in front of them, on Lord Greengrass's left. Since Daphne wanted her mother and Theo beside her, Dalton felt better with Astoria beside him, though he had no doubt Draco could protect Astoria just fine.
Marcus's trial took almost two weeks. At best Erine could only get two witnesses on the stand a day before they court was calling for a break. Marcus's only defense was what his lawyer called, 'Consensual Rough Sexual Activity'.
Each of the fourteen women who took the stand, told a different story then the one Marcus told. One that started with attraction and moved to consensual sex. All the stories ended with Marcus becoming rough, cruel and hurtful. Every one of the women said they asked him to stop, slow down or let go, but Marcus wouldn't listen. A few of them even said it seemed like they more they struggled, the more turned-on Marcus got.
After two grueling weeks of testimony, tears and press, the court was finally ready to give a verdict. Shacklebolt called for silence in the court room and cleared his throat. "This court is ready to give its verdict in the case against Marcus Flint."
Marcus sat looking aloof, as if nothing in the world could touch him. His legal counsel had to pull up on the back of his shirt to get him to stand up. Marcus still didn't look at Shacklebolt, instead his sighed and looked at his feet. Still after hearing all the testimony Marcus acted like, he hadn't done anything wrong.
Shacklebolt looked down at Marcus. "Mr. Flint this court has found you quilty in all fourteen counts of sexual assault."
Marcus looked at his fingernails, acting uninterested in the outcome. He looked up at the spectators instead of at Kingsley and winked at someone in the stands.
Shacklebolt cleared his throat. "Mr. Flint are you paying attention to me?"
Marcus's lawyer nudged him with his shoulder and whispered in his ear. Marcus rolled his eyes but looked up at Shacklebolt.
"Mr. Flint now that your finally paying attention, do you understand that you have just been found quilty?" Shacklebolt asked while separating the papers in front of him.
Marcus crossed his arms. "Yes, I heard and understand you."
"Sorry, but you're not acting like a man who understands the gravity of his situation." Kingsley said as he gave Marcus a dirty look.
Marcus shot just as nasty of a look back. "Gravity? You found me quilty of having sex with fourteen women. As far as I understand that is not a crime."
Kingsley smirked at Marcus's ignorance. "You have been found guilty of assault." Kingsley shook his head in disbelief. "Perhaps your sentencing will help you understand." He took a deep breath. "Marcus Christopher Flint you are here by sentenced to two years in Azkaban for each count of sexual assault. That is a total of twenty-eight years. You will not be eligible for parole until you have served the first ten years of your sentence. Mr. Flint do you now understand the gravity of your situation?"
Marcus started breathing heavily and looked at his father, a look on his face as though he was pleading for help. Christopher Flint roughly grabbed his wife by the wrist and moved to leave the gallery.
Helen Flint pulled her hand away still looking down at her son. Her disbelief at what he had become evident in her eyes.
Narcissa jumped up and intercepted them. She took Helen's hand before her husband could with the pretense of wanting to offer condolences. "Helen I am sorry for what you are going through."
Helen put her other hand to her chest, startled by Narcissa's contact. "Thank you, Lady Malfoy."
Christopher grunted to Helen. "Helen, we will only have a short window to see our son."
She nodded to him. "Of course. Sorry Lady Malfoy I must go." Helen pulled her hand away.
Narcissa smiled brightly. "I understand. Please come to tea tomorrow. I won't take no for an answer."
"Helen, now!" Flint barked.
"Yes Chris, I am coming." Helen looked quickly at her husband then back to Narcissa. "Of course, tea tomorrow, yes." Helen ran off after her husband.
Veronica pulled herself away from congratulating Daphne and walked over to Narcissa. "So, will she come over?"
"She said yes." Narcissa shrugged her shoulders. "Hopefully she meant it."
Veronica gave Narcissa a hopeful smile. "Hopefully we will convince her to leave him."
