Hard Time, Chapter 29
Title: Hard Time Ch. 29/30
Author: Juwel (juweldom@yahoo.com)
Pairings: Draco/Harry
Rating: Adult (NC-17)
Catetories: romance, hurt/comfort, angst
Warnings: SPOILERS for DH, compliant with DH except for the epilogue. Warnings for rape (early chapters), submission and domination, and suicidal tendencies.
Archive: just ask.
Disclaimer: The characters in this fic are the property of J.K. Rowling and not mine, sadly. That doesn't seem to have stopped anyone from using them in truly sick and demented ways. No money is being made from this.
Summary: The war is over, and the Death Eaters must do hard time in Azkaban. Draco must vanquish his worst enemy; his own fear.
Notes: Thanks to bdtinkerpot for the beta. There's only one chapter left, which is really more of an epilogue. Thank you so much for all your feedback and reviews!
3685 words this chapter
Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
***
News of Greyback's death naturally made the front page of the next morning's Daily Prophet, along with full coverage of the fact that Greyback had tried to kill Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, heroes of the wizarding world.
Draco was surprised to note that they actually mentioned the fact that he'd been the one to kill Greyback. Somehow, some way, he'd suspected the papers would find a way to attribute this one as well to Harry. Of course, the paper did mention that the reason Draco was there was because of Harry's 'brilliant and original plan to rehabilitate the younger generation with Death Eater ties.' Right. As if there was a whole school of them staying at the Manor.
In light of the increased interest in Draco Malfoy, the trial had been pushed up by a week. This meant that time was nearly out; Draco accompanied Harry daily to meet with the Minister, being coached on how to sit, how to speak--no slouching, no shifty eyes, no sweating. He should appear calm and composed, and most of all, humble and meek. Patiently accepting of the Wizengamot's judgement. It was enough to make Draco pull out his hair.
Harry was obviously stressed, and not only because of the trial. There were dozens and dozens of owls sent to the Manor every day, and invitations to grand events and/or interviews, and knocks on the door by fawning witches and wizards with 'business opportunities.' It seemed that this event had shattered what had been left of Harry's sheltered sanctuary. The mourning period was over. The wizarding world wanted to celebrate. And they wanted Harry to celebrate with them.
The morning of the trial found Draco picking out a pale bluish-grey suit, one that matched his eyes. It was an 'innocent' colour, according to both Harry and Hermione. Shacklebot had said anything but black. Draco had chosen Muggle clothing on purpose; currently Muggles and the Muggle-born were back in favour at the Ministry, and if he appeared to support them, that would be just one more thing to hopefully help his case. Still, his nerves were strung painfully tight. Today he'd have his answer of what kind of a future was in store, one way or the other.
He'd told Harry to forgive him if he broke into tears during the trial.
As Draco headed downstairs to gather up his papers, Harry came up behind him and wrapped his arms around Draco, holding him tight. Draco took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to maintain his calm. His palms were already beginning to sweat.
"It's going to be all right," Harry whispered into his ear. Draco nodded, but couldn't speak past the tight ball of anxiety in his throat. Harry turned him around to look at Draco, and there was something in Harry's eyes, words wanting to be said, an emotion so powerful and deep it took Draco's breath away. Harry's mouth was open, working, but he seemed unable to get anything out.
"What is it?" Draco asked. Harry looked so earnest. And so afraid, at the same time.
"I--" Harry said, struggling, but with what, Draco didn't know. Harry shook his head. "I'll tell you later. Not now."
More mystified than ever, Draco nodded. He only hoped they had a chance to talk afterwards. "Thank you," Draco whispered, dabbing at his eyes. Oh sweet Merlin, he really couldn't start crying before they even left the place! "Thank you, for all your help. It really means a lot to me."
There. That having been said, Draco headed for the door, before he could suffer a complete breakdown.
***
They Flooed to the Ministry building, and not surprisingly, there was security in place awaiting their arrival, along with a hoard of eager journalists and photographers. Draco remembered just in time not to slouch or frown, but smiled hesitantly at the cameras, waving a little as Aurors came forward to take hold of him. His wand was safely in Harry's possession again, for which he was glad. After a quick frisking to be sure that he was unarmed, the Aurors shackled his wrists and led him towards the courtroom, leaving Harry behind to deal with a hundred shouted questions.
Here we go, Draco thought, trying to maintain an air of strength and calm.
They strode into the courtroom chamber, and Draco was surprised to see that it was nearly full, not only of members of the full Wizengamot, but spectators as well, including some familiar faces. He spotted McGonagall there, which he'd expected as she would be testifying, but also Slughorn and Hagrid, which he had not expected. Draco kept his head up (not guilty), and a calm, accepting look on his face, even if his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. He strode with feigned confidence over to the iron chair in the middle of the room and sat down, allowing the chains to bind him, and feeling the effects of a Veritaserum enchantment stealing over his mind. He had to bite his tongue just to keep from blurting out how ridiculous this all seemed. How scared he was.
It couldn't have been more than a few minutes before Harry entered the chamber, along with Ron and Hermione, but to Draco it felt like an eternity. Harry looked fairly calm, which Draco knew now was sheer bravado; Harry had been up almost all night, practising his testimony. He looked at home in the spotlight, however, and Draco wondered if it was simply a gift, or if this was simply the result of too many years of people staring at him. He suspected it might be the latter.
Once Harry took his seat, the rest of the spectators found their seats as well, and Minister Shacklebolt stood up, nodding to the room and tapping his gavel until the buzz of conversation died down and the room was quiet.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, we are here today to hear the case of one Draco Malfoy, son of Narcissa Black Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy. Each of you should have received a copy two days ago of his accounts of his time as a Death Eater and of his incarceration in the juvenile ward of Azkaban. He is here today to renounce all ties to Death Eaters and He Who Must Not Be Named, and to beg the Wizengamot's forgiveness and mercy." Shacklebolt's deep voice reverberated around the courtroom, and Draco could tell every eye was on him, though Draco kept his own gaze calmly centred on the Minister. That just seemed easier than having to cope with dark looks or distractions.
Please, let them just keep me out of Azkaban, he thought.
Shacklebolt continued, "Now as I'm sure most of you are aware, there was an incident at the Potter Manor involving one Fenrir Greyback, notorious ally to Death Eaters and violent werewolf. Mr. Greyback attacked Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter, and was killed by the Death Curse by Mr. Draco Malfoy, who thus saved Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter's lives, but did so by the use of dark magic. I think we should begin today's hearing discussing this weighty matter. I call to the stand Mr. Ronald Weasley to describe the events."
Ron, looking flushed even darker than his red hair, came forward, and with stuttering nervousness, described the attack on himself and Harry. Now Draco dared to glance over at Harry, wanting to see the look on his face, needing perhaps a touch of confidence. Around him he could hear mutters of scepticism; from the corner of his eyes, he saw people staring at him with mixed disbelief and confusion. Well, he certainly hadn't been known for heroics before this. Somehow it wouldn't surprise him if they somehow concluded that he'd tricked Greyback into attacking in order to help his case. The frightening thing was that his father probably would have.
One of the wizards of the Wizengamot questioned Ron, "You say that you had been knocked over by Greyback and your wand was out of reach? When did you see Mr. Malfoy there?"
Ron looked over at Draco. "He'd been apparently hiding behind the bushes, or he'd come back from the rose garden--I didn't see. All I know is, suddenly there he was, pointing his wand at Greyback, and then Greyback was dead. It all happened so fast. He was quick enough that Greyback didn't get a chance to hurt us and turn us into werewolves, and for that, I'm really grateful. He saved our lives."
The wizard, a decrepit-looking old man, stared at Draco, measuring him. Draco fought the urge to cower. "Let's hear your account. What were you doing there?"
Draco took a deep breath. "I was staying at the Manor because Harry Potter believed me when I said I didn't want to be a Death Eater any longer. We'd been outside because I was showing him the grounds a little, but when Ron Weasley came, I didn't want to disturb them, so I'd been heading back towards the house, when I heard Greyback's attack. I hid and saw him knock over Ron, and then . . . he was going to rip Harry Potter apart. I could see it happening. And I couldn't let that happen. So I acted."
"You threw an Unforgiveable Curse. You killed him with your magic," the wizard said in a stern voice. Draco nodded, his throat feeling tight.
"Yes, sir. I'd seen Harry Potter and Ron Weasley trying to stun the werewolf, but he was too fast. Disarming his wand would have been useless as well. I decided it was either his life or Harry's. Anyways, he was supposed to be dead already--they'd killed him at the last battle, or at least they'd thought they'd killed him. They'd buried him! So yes. I used the Death Spell. It was the only way I could be sure he wouldn't hurt anyone."
A hawkish-looking witch looked down her nose at Draco. "But why did you care if Harry Potter was hurt? From all accounts, you had never been friendly. Why such a definitive spell?"
Draco opened his mouth and felt the Veritaserum forcing his tongue before he even had a chance to think. "Because I love him." He watched as Kingsley suddenly covered his face. Oops.
The courtroom erupted into chaos, with several wizards and witches standing and trying to shout their questions at Draco. He would be compelled to answer any he heard, but he couldn't make out individuals in the din, and so he just shook his head, frightened and confused. Damn the truth serum! They hadn't been asking the hard questions that Shacklebolt had warned about. They probably could have gotten through the trial without the mention of what was between them. If only he hadn't been so truthful. Draco glanced at Harry, afraid to see what expression was on his face. This would be it, he thought mournfully. Harry would denounce him, and they'd pass judgement. He'd return to Azkaban, where some inmate would probably kill him. Slowly.
"Order, order!" Shacklebolt thumped the gavel several times, his deep booming voice ringing out over the crowded room. Slowly, things quieted down, though there were several bright flashes which told Draco that he was being photographed. His parents would probably keel over when they read the headlines tomorrow. He didn't want to think about it.
Once things were quiet once more, Shacklebolt looked at Draco. Was it Draco's imagination, or was he disappointed in him? "Now, then. I'll try to sum up the questions I heard. Mr. Malfoy, the court needs you to expand on your statement. How can you say that you love Mr. Potter? Please help us to understand." Something in the way he phrased that told Draco that it was all right; he wasn't angry, but he had a role to perform here, and he had to be neutral. Draco breathed a little sigh. Well here went nothing.
"I can say that, because it's true. I know that in the past, Potter and I were rivals, and we hated each other. I felt scorned because I'd offered friendship and he'd refused. As the son of a Death Eater," Draco inwardly cringed at calling his father the term, but it was true, after all, "I didn't have much of a choice in which side to be on during the war. I had to obey whatever the Dark Lord commanded, or he would have killed me and my entire family. I was sixteen when I was told I had to kill Dumbledore. But I couldn't do it. I know I committed a grave error by allowing Death Eaters into the school, and I'm very, very sorry for that. But I was trying to stay alive. I was a coward. And the longer I had to live in the house where You Know Who was staying, the more I knew I'd picked the wrong side. I was simply too scared to do anything about it. I tried to do as little as I could get away with; I tried to protect Harry when he was captured and taken to my house by pretending I couldn't recognise him."
Though Draco was afraid to see Harry's reactions to his words, he needed to see them, so he turned to face Harry as he spoke the next words. "Despite my cowardice and all my malice against him, Harry saved my life. Three times. Once in the Room of Requirement when my friend cast a Fiendfyre that went out of control. Once when I ran into some Death Eaters in the school during the battle. And last, when he came out of a promise to my mother to check on how I was doing in the Juvenile Ward of Azkaban."
Try as he might, Draco could not hold back the hot tears which began sliding down his cheeks. "Whatever crimes I committed, I think I suffered more than enough punishment for them. I was raped and beaten by my cellmates. It was bad enough that I wanted to die, and so I cut my wrists. They didn't want to help me at St. Mungo's. But Harry offered. He was willing to listen to me, even when I was an arse to him, even when I was angry. I always thought he was proud and full of himself, but I learned he was just the opposite. He's selfless and really cares about others. So how could I not love him? It just happened--I was hurting, and he helped me, in every way. I fell in love with him. And I just want to say that even if you decide to send me back to that hellish prison, it was still worth it, the time spent with him. I'm not a Death Eater. I'm trying to be a better person. So if my actions against Greyback weren't enough, so be it. I'm tired of being afraid." He wiped at his eyes, and it was a marvel to him, but his back was straight and proud. And for once, he actually wasn't afraid. He'd done his best.
Once his eyes were clear and he could see again, Draco saw that Harry's eyes were also moist. He stood up, and the Minister recognised him, allowing him to speak. Harry looked down, blushing a little. "I actually had a whole testimony in my head I was prepared to give today, that I practised over and over. But I think Draco there just summed it up perfectly. No, he and I were never friends in school; we just about hated each other. But things change. People change. And we've both changed a great deal. He was a Death Eater because he had no choice, and he did really only one act that deserved punishment, which was undermining Hogwart's defences. But believe me, he's more than paid for that act. Even if he hadn't acted to save my life, I still would have asked the Wizengamot for mercy in his case. But now, I can't see how you can decide any other way. The Minister has spoken to me about healing our society, about getting past this terrible wizard who split our loyalties. Voldemort's dead now. While it makes sense to lock away his followers who might still be dangerous, we need to also allow forgiveness and mercy for those of his followers who never wanted to follow him in the first place, but were forced to. If we make friends with those wizards, we gain allies to help us with the dangerous ones. If we don't, we just create more criminals."
Harry paused a moment, and looked over to Draco, locking eyes with him. The emotion Draco saw in those green eyes made his heart almost stop. He could see it even before Harry said it.
"I fell in love with Draco too. I don't know why or how. I just did. I realised we had a lot more in common than I'd ever dreamed. We've both suffered a lot because of an insane wizard who tried to take over the world. And if this court decides to send Draco Malfoy back to serve more time in Azkaban, then I think they should be sentencing me as well. Because I used two Unforgiveable Curses in my activities to defeat Voldemort. One was the Imperius, and I felt it was necessary at the time, in order to destroy an object of power that was making him immortal. The other was simply done in anger; I cast a Crucius on a Death Eater. It was just plain wrong. I know other members of the Order of the Phoenix cast the Death Curse at some of the enemies. So we're all guilty. We could say it was for the greater good. But don't forget, that was Grindelwald's motto." Harry folded his arms and glared at the assemblage, as if daring them to condemn him. Draco had never felt so proud of him. Finally he was using that damnable fame of his for something good. Or at least something advantageous. Very Slytherin. And he loved him! Draco bit his lip, afraid he'd blurt out some ridiculously romantic, very untimely thing, because he was so happy.
There was quiet after Harry's words. Harry sat down again, and Shacklebolt proceeded to call on other witnesses. Nothing that anyone else said had the effect or power to match what had already been revealed. The Wizengamot did ask about sleeping arrangements, to which Draco grudgingly admitted, adding that he'd been the one to start things on that path. That didn't seem to go over well, as he'd known it wouldn't. They asked him a few questions about his accounts both of Azkaban and being a Death Eater. Then a short recess was called to allow the Wizengamot to come to their final decision.
Draco was allowed a small lunch, but he couldn't possibly eat. He was still being kept separated from the other witnesses; well, separated from everyone, to be truthful, and kept in chains in a holding cell. He paced the cell in a miserable state of anxiety, not caring if his guards took note of his emotions, not caring about much of anything any longer. He just wanted this to be over.
He clung to the look of love that had been on Harry's face. He had that, at least. Now if only the rest of the wizarding world would allow them to keep it.
It seemed like forever, but it was only perhaps a couple of hours later when he was called back into the courtroom to hear the verdict. He strained to maintain that look of calm confidence Shacklebolt had suggested, but his nerves were raw, and he knew his back was stooped again. It was simply too much. Chewing on his lower lip, he looked around at the faces, but their expressions revealed nothing. He jumped slightly when Shacklebolt stood and rapped his gavel on the podium.
Shacklebolt's face revealed nothing, as he looked down at Draco. "The Wizengamot has studied the testimony given by the defendant and heard from the witnesses pleading his case today, and has reached its decision. Their judgements are as follows. One, the defendant shall be restricted from using any Unforgivable Curse again, unless given express permission by a wizard or witch in good standing with the Ministry--this would include wizards like Mr. Potter or Mr. Weasley. Two, Mr. Malfoy shall remain on probation for two years, will be monitored by Ministry tracking spells, and will periodically meet with a Ministry case worker to discuss his progress. He may, however, attend Hogwarts in the fall. Three, he will provide one hundred hours of community service to help pay for crimes he has committed in the past, by helping the staff at Hogwarts in whatever capacity they may require. Provided that he continue with his good behaviour and reform, there will not be a need for additional time at Azkaban. That is all." He banged the gavel.
The members of the Wizengamot rose and began filing out of the room, while the press went wild, snapping photographs. Draco sat down with a thump, limbs turned to jelly with relief. He hadn't been let off easily, but then he hadn't expected to. The main thing was he didn't have to go back to Azkaban. The restrictions and the service hours he could deal with. He had a chance at life again.
Harry leapt over the railing separating the defendant's chair from the witnesses area, and pulled Draco up into a fierce hug, laughing and grinning. "I told you! I told you we'd win!" Draco nodded numbly; there would be celebrations later, and plenty of them, but at the moment, all he felt was exhaustion.
He mustered up a smile. "Thanks. For everything." It felt awkward talking to Harry now, after what they'd both said. The fact he was aware of a zillion pictures being snapped of them didn't help.
Harry ran a hand up Draco's arm, which sent a thrill clear through him. "I'll talk to you after they've released you--you're coming back to the Manor, aren't you?"
For the first time, Draco realised there had been no specifications about where he had to live, only that he had to keep in touch with the Ministry case worker. He could live wherever he wanted. He was a free man. What was more, the decision today officially ended the Unbreakable Vow on him. He could do anything--well, almost. It was a dizzying thought. "Oh! Right. Yes--if you're inviting me . . ." They hadn't discussed this, he realised. They'd been so focused on the trial, they'd never talked about what would come after. What the decision would mean to them.
Harry gave him a look like he was insane. "Of course you are. You can stay there as long as you like." He seemed about to say more, then glanced at the press. "So I'll see you later? Do you want me to, you know, wait for them to finish things?"
Draco nodded. He just wasn't ready for the prospect of having to walk out the doors alone, having to Apparate back by himself. He still needed Harry. The world was still a frightening place. "Please."
Harry smiled, and stepped back as the guards came to take Draco back for his monitoring spells and final paperwork.
Draco so wanted to kiss him.
***
Chapter Thirty
***
Author: Juwel (juweldom@yahoo.com)
Pairings: Draco/Harry
Rating: Adult (NC-17)
Catetories: romance, hurt/comfort, angst
Warnings: SPOILERS for DH, compliant with DH except for the epilogue. Warnings for rape (early chapters), submission and domination, and suicidal tendencies.
Archive: just ask.
Disclaimer: The characters in this fic are the property of J.K. Rowling and not mine, sadly. That doesn't seem to have stopped anyone from using them in truly sick and demented ways. No money is being made from this.
Summary: The war is over, and the Death Eaters must do hard time in Azkaban. Draco must vanquish his worst enemy; his own fear.
Notes: Thanks to bdtinkerpot for the beta. There's only one chapter left, which is really more of an epilogue. Thank you so much for all your feedback and reviews!
3685 words this chapter
Previous chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
***
News of Greyback's death naturally made the front page of the next morning's Daily Prophet, along with full coverage of the fact that Greyback had tried to kill Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, heroes of the wizarding world.
Draco was surprised to note that they actually mentioned the fact that he'd been the one to kill Greyback. Somehow, some way, he'd suspected the papers would find a way to attribute this one as well to Harry. Of course, the paper did mention that the reason Draco was there was because of Harry's 'brilliant and original plan to rehabilitate the younger generation with Death Eater ties.' Right. As if there was a whole school of them staying at the Manor.
In light of the increased interest in Draco Malfoy, the trial had been pushed up by a week. This meant that time was nearly out; Draco accompanied Harry daily to meet with the Minister, being coached on how to sit, how to speak--no slouching, no shifty eyes, no sweating. He should appear calm and composed, and most of all, humble and meek. Patiently accepting of the Wizengamot's judgement. It was enough to make Draco pull out his hair.
Harry was obviously stressed, and not only because of the trial. There were dozens and dozens of owls sent to the Manor every day, and invitations to grand events and/or interviews, and knocks on the door by fawning witches and wizards with 'business opportunities.' It seemed that this event had shattered what had been left of Harry's sheltered sanctuary. The mourning period was over. The wizarding world wanted to celebrate. And they wanted Harry to celebrate with them.
The morning of the trial found Draco picking out a pale bluish-grey suit, one that matched his eyes. It was an 'innocent' colour, according to both Harry and Hermione. Shacklebot had said anything but black. Draco had chosen Muggle clothing on purpose; currently Muggles and the Muggle-born were back in favour at the Ministry, and if he appeared to support them, that would be just one more thing to hopefully help his case. Still, his nerves were strung painfully tight. Today he'd have his answer of what kind of a future was in store, one way or the other.
He'd told Harry to forgive him if he broke into tears during the trial.
As Draco headed downstairs to gather up his papers, Harry came up behind him and wrapped his arms around Draco, holding him tight. Draco took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to maintain his calm. His palms were already beginning to sweat.
"It's going to be all right," Harry whispered into his ear. Draco nodded, but couldn't speak past the tight ball of anxiety in his throat. Harry turned him around to look at Draco, and there was something in Harry's eyes, words wanting to be said, an emotion so powerful and deep it took Draco's breath away. Harry's mouth was open, working, but he seemed unable to get anything out.
"What is it?" Draco asked. Harry looked so earnest. And so afraid, at the same time.
"I--" Harry said, struggling, but with what, Draco didn't know. Harry shook his head. "I'll tell you later. Not now."
More mystified than ever, Draco nodded. He only hoped they had a chance to talk afterwards. "Thank you," Draco whispered, dabbing at his eyes. Oh sweet Merlin, he really couldn't start crying before they even left the place! "Thank you, for all your help. It really means a lot to me."
There. That having been said, Draco headed for the door, before he could suffer a complete breakdown.
***
They Flooed to the Ministry building, and not surprisingly, there was security in place awaiting their arrival, along with a hoard of eager journalists and photographers. Draco remembered just in time not to slouch or frown, but smiled hesitantly at the cameras, waving a little as Aurors came forward to take hold of him. His wand was safely in Harry's possession again, for which he was glad. After a quick frisking to be sure that he was unarmed, the Aurors shackled his wrists and led him towards the courtroom, leaving Harry behind to deal with a hundred shouted questions.
Here we go, Draco thought, trying to maintain an air of strength and calm.
They strode into the courtroom chamber, and Draco was surprised to see that it was nearly full, not only of members of the full Wizengamot, but spectators as well, including some familiar faces. He spotted McGonagall there, which he'd expected as she would be testifying, but also Slughorn and Hagrid, which he had not expected. Draco kept his head up (not guilty), and a calm, accepting look on his face, even if his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. He strode with feigned confidence over to the iron chair in the middle of the room and sat down, allowing the chains to bind him, and feeling the effects of a Veritaserum enchantment stealing over his mind. He had to bite his tongue just to keep from blurting out how ridiculous this all seemed. How scared he was.
It couldn't have been more than a few minutes before Harry entered the chamber, along with Ron and Hermione, but to Draco it felt like an eternity. Harry looked fairly calm, which Draco knew now was sheer bravado; Harry had been up almost all night, practising his testimony. He looked at home in the spotlight, however, and Draco wondered if it was simply a gift, or if this was simply the result of too many years of people staring at him. He suspected it might be the latter.
Once Harry took his seat, the rest of the spectators found their seats as well, and Minister Shacklebolt stood up, nodding to the room and tapping his gavel until the buzz of conversation died down and the room was quiet.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, we are here today to hear the case of one Draco Malfoy, son of Narcissa Black Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy. Each of you should have received a copy two days ago of his accounts of his time as a Death Eater and of his incarceration in the juvenile ward of Azkaban. He is here today to renounce all ties to Death Eaters and He Who Must Not Be Named, and to beg the Wizengamot's forgiveness and mercy." Shacklebolt's deep voice reverberated around the courtroom, and Draco could tell every eye was on him, though Draco kept his own gaze calmly centred on the Minister. That just seemed easier than having to cope with dark looks or distractions.
Please, let them just keep me out of Azkaban, he thought.
Shacklebolt continued, "Now as I'm sure most of you are aware, there was an incident at the Potter Manor involving one Fenrir Greyback, notorious ally to Death Eaters and violent werewolf. Mr. Greyback attacked Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter, and was killed by the Death Curse by Mr. Draco Malfoy, who thus saved Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter's lives, but did so by the use of dark magic. I think we should begin today's hearing discussing this weighty matter. I call to the stand Mr. Ronald Weasley to describe the events."
Ron, looking flushed even darker than his red hair, came forward, and with stuttering nervousness, described the attack on himself and Harry. Now Draco dared to glance over at Harry, wanting to see the look on his face, needing perhaps a touch of confidence. Around him he could hear mutters of scepticism; from the corner of his eyes, he saw people staring at him with mixed disbelief and confusion. Well, he certainly hadn't been known for heroics before this. Somehow it wouldn't surprise him if they somehow concluded that he'd tricked Greyback into attacking in order to help his case. The frightening thing was that his father probably would have.
One of the wizards of the Wizengamot questioned Ron, "You say that you had been knocked over by Greyback and your wand was out of reach? When did you see Mr. Malfoy there?"
Ron looked over at Draco. "He'd been apparently hiding behind the bushes, or he'd come back from the rose garden--I didn't see. All I know is, suddenly there he was, pointing his wand at Greyback, and then Greyback was dead. It all happened so fast. He was quick enough that Greyback didn't get a chance to hurt us and turn us into werewolves, and for that, I'm really grateful. He saved our lives."
The wizard, a decrepit-looking old man, stared at Draco, measuring him. Draco fought the urge to cower. "Let's hear your account. What were you doing there?"
Draco took a deep breath. "I was staying at the Manor because Harry Potter believed me when I said I didn't want to be a Death Eater any longer. We'd been outside because I was showing him the grounds a little, but when Ron Weasley came, I didn't want to disturb them, so I'd been heading back towards the house, when I heard Greyback's attack. I hid and saw him knock over Ron, and then . . . he was going to rip Harry Potter apart. I could see it happening. And I couldn't let that happen. So I acted."
"You threw an Unforgiveable Curse. You killed him with your magic," the wizard said in a stern voice. Draco nodded, his throat feeling tight.
"Yes, sir. I'd seen Harry Potter and Ron Weasley trying to stun the werewolf, but he was too fast. Disarming his wand would have been useless as well. I decided it was either his life or Harry's. Anyways, he was supposed to be dead already--they'd killed him at the last battle, or at least they'd thought they'd killed him. They'd buried him! So yes. I used the Death Spell. It was the only way I could be sure he wouldn't hurt anyone."
A hawkish-looking witch looked down her nose at Draco. "But why did you care if Harry Potter was hurt? From all accounts, you had never been friendly. Why such a definitive spell?"
Draco opened his mouth and felt the Veritaserum forcing his tongue before he even had a chance to think. "Because I love him." He watched as Kingsley suddenly covered his face. Oops.
The courtroom erupted into chaos, with several wizards and witches standing and trying to shout their questions at Draco. He would be compelled to answer any he heard, but he couldn't make out individuals in the din, and so he just shook his head, frightened and confused. Damn the truth serum! They hadn't been asking the hard questions that Shacklebolt had warned about. They probably could have gotten through the trial without the mention of what was between them. If only he hadn't been so truthful. Draco glanced at Harry, afraid to see what expression was on his face. This would be it, he thought mournfully. Harry would denounce him, and they'd pass judgement. He'd return to Azkaban, where some inmate would probably kill him. Slowly.
"Order, order!" Shacklebolt thumped the gavel several times, his deep booming voice ringing out over the crowded room. Slowly, things quieted down, though there were several bright flashes which told Draco that he was being photographed. His parents would probably keel over when they read the headlines tomorrow. He didn't want to think about it.
Once things were quiet once more, Shacklebolt looked at Draco. Was it Draco's imagination, or was he disappointed in him? "Now, then. I'll try to sum up the questions I heard. Mr. Malfoy, the court needs you to expand on your statement. How can you say that you love Mr. Potter? Please help us to understand." Something in the way he phrased that told Draco that it was all right; he wasn't angry, but he had a role to perform here, and he had to be neutral. Draco breathed a little sigh. Well here went nothing.
"I can say that, because it's true. I know that in the past, Potter and I were rivals, and we hated each other. I felt scorned because I'd offered friendship and he'd refused. As the son of a Death Eater," Draco inwardly cringed at calling his father the term, but it was true, after all, "I didn't have much of a choice in which side to be on during the war. I had to obey whatever the Dark Lord commanded, or he would have killed me and my entire family. I was sixteen when I was told I had to kill Dumbledore. But I couldn't do it. I know I committed a grave error by allowing Death Eaters into the school, and I'm very, very sorry for that. But I was trying to stay alive. I was a coward. And the longer I had to live in the house where You Know Who was staying, the more I knew I'd picked the wrong side. I was simply too scared to do anything about it. I tried to do as little as I could get away with; I tried to protect Harry when he was captured and taken to my house by pretending I couldn't recognise him."
Though Draco was afraid to see Harry's reactions to his words, he needed to see them, so he turned to face Harry as he spoke the next words. "Despite my cowardice and all my malice against him, Harry saved my life. Three times. Once in the Room of Requirement when my friend cast a Fiendfyre that went out of control. Once when I ran into some Death Eaters in the school during the battle. And last, when he came out of a promise to my mother to check on how I was doing in the Juvenile Ward of Azkaban."
Try as he might, Draco could not hold back the hot tears which began sliding down his cheeks. "Whatever crimes I committed, I think I suffered more than enough punishment for them. I was raped and beaten by my cellmates. It was bad enough that I wanted to die, and so I cut my wrists. They didn't want to help me at St. Mungo's. But Harry offered. He was willing to listen to me, even when I was an arse to him, even when I was angry. I always thought he was proud and full of himself, but I learned he was just the opposite. He's selfless and really cares about others. So how could I not love him? It just happened--I was hurting, and he helped me, in every way. I fell in love with him. And I just want to say that even if you decide to send me back to that hellish prison, it was still worth it, the time spent with him. I'm not a Death Eater. I'm trying to be a better person. So if my actions against Greyback weren't enough, so be it. I'm tired of being afraid." He wiped at his eyes, and it was a marvel to him, but his back was straight and proud. And for once, he actually wasn't afraid. He'd done his best.
Once his eyes were clear and he could see again, Draco saw that Harry's eyes were also moist. He stood up, and the Minister recognised him, allowing him to speak. Harry looked down, blushing a little. "I actually had a whole testimony in my head I was prepared to give today, that I practised over and over. But I think Draco there just summed it up perfectly. No, he and I were never friends in school; we just about hated each other. But things change. People change. And we've both changed a great deal. He was a Death Eater because he had no choice, and he did really only one act that deserved punishment, which was undermining Hogwart's defences. But believe me, he's more than paid for that act. Even if he hadn't acted to save my life, I still would have asked the Wizengamot for mercy in his case. But now, I can't see how you can decide any other way. The Minister has spoken to me about healing our society, about getting past this terrible wizard who split our loyalties. Voldemort's dead now. While it makes sense to lock away his followers who might still be dangerous, we need to also allow forgiveness and mercy for those of his followers who never wanted to follow him in the first place, but were forced to. If we make friends with those wizards, we gain allies to help us with the dangerous ones. If we don't, we just create more criminals."
Harry paused a moment, and looked over to Draco, locking eyes with him. The emotion Draco saw in those green eyes made his heart almost stop. He could see it even before Harry said it.
"I fell in love with Draco too. I don't know why or how. I just did. I realised we had a lot more in common than I'd ever dreamed. We've both suffered a lot because of an insane wizard who tried to take over the world. And if this court decides to send Draco Malfoy back to serve more time in Azkaban, then I think they should be sentencing me as well. Because I used two Unforgiveable Curses in my activities to defeat Voldemort. One was the Imperius, and I felt it was necessary at the time, in order to destroy an object of power that was making him immortal. The other was simply done in anger; I cast a Crucius on a Death Eater. It was just plain wrong. I know other members of the Order of the Phoenix cast the Death Curse at some of the enemies. So we're all guilty. We could say it was for the greater good. But don't forget, that was Grindelwald's motto." Harry folded his arms and glared at the assemblage, as if daring them to condemn him. Draco had never felt so proud of him. Finally he was using that damnable fame of his for something good. Or at least something advantageous. Very Slytherin. And he loved him! Draco bit his lip, afraid he'd blurt out some ridiculously romantic, very untimely thing, because he was so happy.
There was quiet after Harry's words. Harry sat down again, and Shacklebolt proceeded to call on other witnesses. Nothing that anyone else said had the effect or power to match what had already been revealed. The Wizengamot did ask about sleeping arrangements, to which Draco grudgingly admitted, adding that he'd been the one to start things on that path. That didn't seem to go over well, as he'd known it wouldn't. They asked him a few questions about his accounts both of Azkaban and being a Death Eater. Then a short recess was called to allow the Wizengamot to come to their final decision.
Draco was allowed a small lunch, but he couldn't possibly eat. He was still being kept separated from the other witnesses; well, separated from everyone, to be truthful, and kept in chains in a holding cell. He paced the cell in a miserable state of anxiety, not caring if his guards took note of his emotions, not caring about much of anything any longer. He just wanted this to be over.
He clung to the look of love that had been on Harry's face. He had that, at least. Now if only the rest of the wizarding world would allow them to keep it.
It seemed like forever, but it was only perhaps a couple of hours later when he was called back into the courtroom to hear the verdict. He strained to maintain that look of calm confidence Shacklebolt had suggested, but his nerves were raw, and he knew his back was stooped again. It was simply too much. Chewing on his lower lip, he looked around at the faces, but their expressions revealed nothing. He jumped slightly when Shacklebolt stood and rapped his gavel on the podium.
Shacklebolt's face revealed nothing, as he looked down at Draco. "The Wizengamot has studied the testimony given by the defendant and heard from the witnesses pleading his case today, and has reached its decision. Their judgements are as follows. One, the defendant shall be restricted from using any Unforgivable Curse again, unless given express permission by a wizard or witch in good standing with the Ministry--this would include wizards like Mr. Potter or Mr. Weasley. Two, Mr. Malfoy shall remain on probation for two years, will be monitored by Ministry tracking spells, and will periodically meet with a Ministry case worker to discuss his progress. He may, however, attend Hogwarts in the fall. Three, he will provide one hundred hours of community service to help pay for crimes he has committed in the past, by helping the staff at Hogwarts in whatever capacity they may require. Provided that he continue with his good behaviour and reform, there will not be a need for additional time at Azkaban. That is all." He banged the gavel.
The members of the Wizengamot rose and began filing out of the room, while the press went wild, snapping photographs. Draco sat down with a thump, limbs turned to jelly with relief. He hadn't been let off easily, but then he hadn't expected to. The main thing was he didn't have to go back to Azkaban. The restrictions and the service hours he could deal with. He had a chance at life again.
Harry leapt over the railing separating the defendant's chair from the witnesses area, and pulled Draco up into a fierce hug, laughing and grinning. "I told you! I told you we'd win!" Draco nodded numbly; there would be celebrations later, and plenty of them, but at the moment, all he felt was exhaustion.
He mustered up a smile. "Thanks. For everything." It felt awkward talking to Harry now, after what they'd both said. The fact he was aware of a zillion pictures being snapped of them didn't help.
Harry ran a hand up Draco's arm, which sent a thrill clear through him. "I'll talk to you after they've released you--you're coming back to the Manor, aren't you?"
For the first time, Draco realised there had been no specifications about where he had to live, only that he had to keep in touch with the Ministry case worker. He could live wherever he wanted. He was a free man. What was more, the decision today officially ended the Unbreakable Vow on him. He could do anything--well, almost. It was a dizzying thought. "Oh! Right. Yes--if you're inviting me . . ." They hadn't discussed this, he realised. They'd been so focused on the trial, they'd never talked about what would come after. What the decision would mean to them.
Harry gave him a look like he was insane. "Of course you are. You can stay there as long as you like." He seemed about to say more, then glanced at the press. "So I'll see you later? Do you want me to, you know, wait for them to finish things?"
Draco nodded. He just wasn't ready for the prospect of having to walk out the doors alone, having to Apparate back by himself. He still needed Harry. The world was still a frightening place. "Please."
Harry smiled, and stepped back as the guards came to take Draco back for his monitoring spells and final paperwork.
Draco so wanted to kiss him.
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Chapter Thirty
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