Icarus Rising: Chapter 3 by Ryokoblue
Chapter 3: "Icarus Rising 3"
3.
Lucius Malfoy's trial lasted longer than that of any other. As the highest ranking Death Eater still alive, it came as little surprise to anyone. The man was proud and mighty, even as he sat upon the witness stand in defense of himself. Never once did he falter as he was examined and cross-examined by both his lawyer and the prosecution. Even wearing the rather drab clothes marking a prisoner of Azkaban, Malfoy managed to look dignified and haughty.
Harry sat in on the trial every day, but it wasn't until the third day's cross-examination that he truly became interested in the words of the defendant. Minister of Justice, Arthur Weasley, stood strong and steady in front of Malfoy as he questioned him. "Voldemort manipulated magical creatures to serve his purposes, did he not?"
"Yes," came the tight response.
"What types of creatures were you personally involved in commanding?"
"Vampires, Red Caps, Banshees, Veela. We attempted to use werewolves but they proved too unpredictable and often attacked our own ranks."
"Yet you managed to tame Veela."
"We didn't tame Veela. We developed serums to suppress their will when necessary so that they could be used against the enemy. Those of us who had contact with them ingested an anti-toxin to ward off their allure."
"You developed an anti-toxin specifically for male Veela, is that correct? An anti-toxin the other side did not have in their possession."
"They were not aware that we had a male Veela in custody. We did not introduce him to battle until the one in which he was captured."
"Yes, your son. Draco Malfoy, correct?"
"Yes."
"And how is it young Mr. Malfoy came to be such a powerful Veela?"
"My late wife carried the Veela gene. Draco is -- was -- one-eighth Veela. That was enough for the Dark Lord's potion masters to... activate."
"As I understand it, your son is little more than an animal now, right?"
"I object," Malfoy's attorney stood.
"I apologize," Arthur interjected quickly. "Let me rephrase that. Mr. Malfoy, if you could describe your son's current state of mind, please."
Malfoy gritted his teeth under the weight of the Veritaserum in his veins. "My son has no state of mind. He is a Dark Creature. His genetics have been purified to the point where he no longer resembles a common wizard. Male Veela do not naturally display the same characteristics as females beyond their appearance, but Veela traits can be brought out of them with the proper... coercion. Such creatures are extremely rare and highly coveted. We knew the opposing forces would have no defense prepared and, subsequently, would fall to his feet in submission."
"What happened?"
"I don't know," Malfoy admitted. "Something obviously went wrong. He stopped responding to direct commands. Veela are extraordinarily hard to control, but never before had he so deliberately ignored a direct order. He even seemed to... to defend Potter."
"From you."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I could not say. Draco stopped speaking whole words months ago, but you're welcome to ask him."
Harry gripped his nails into his palms until they ached. Remus sat calmly beside him, a comforting arm around his shoulders. Harry barely even heard the rest of Lucius Malfoy's testimony, he was so furious. How could a father do such a thing to his own son? The idea was unthinkable to Harry. And Draco idolized the man, everyone had known that right up until Draco had disappeared from public sight.
The following week after the trial was Draco Malfoy's arraignment. The being in question was seen as unfit to attend the proceedings, a bitter irony as that was precisely the issue to be decided concerning his trial. Harry found himself on the witness stand this time, keeping his gaze focused on the friendly face of Arthur Weasley so as not to get too unnerved by all the unwelcome attention inevitable with his position.
"Could you explain to the court exactly what happened the moment you came upon the younger Mr. Malfoy, please, Mr. Potter?"
Arthur smiled and Harry tremulously smiled back. With deliberate precision, Harry described the events of that night, from saving Ron from Malfoy to the final moments of Voldemort. The courtroom sat still and silent as Harry spoke, hanging on every word he said. The official version of what had taken place had already been released to the press, of course, and most of the members of the court were aware of what had happened even before that, but it was quite another thing to hear the tale from the mouth of The Boy Who Lived himself.
"Given the state of mind Mr. Malfoy appeared to be in, do you see him fit to stand trial?"
"I... yes."
"Why?"
"He... he responded to me. When I spoke to him, he listened. There was understanding in his eyes."
"Why do you think Mr. Malfoy would choose to listen to you?"
"I don't know, sir. But I clearly saw awareness on his part. To imprison him without a trial would be unjust."
"You do realize, Mr. Potter, the extent to the genetic damage that was inflicted upon Mr. Malfoy. He cannot be released into society. He is a dangerous entity."
"I understand that."
"And yet, you believe he can be responsive and communicative enough to present a case on his own behalf."
"I think if the facts are examined as to his involvement in Voldemort's cause, then there would be reason enough to decide that Azkaban is not the proper place for him."
"In other words, you believe he is not a criminal."
"I believe," Harry stated carefully, "that as evil is done, so it can be undone."
"You believe the human part of Mr. Malfoy can be reached."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I... I have communicated with him since then."
Gasps echoed through the courtroom. "You have visited him in prison?"
"Yes, sir."
"His guards indicate he is unresponsive and mute. Is that how you typically find him to be?"
"No, sir. He does not speak, that much is true, but he is very receptive to my presence."
"How so?"
Harry paused, thinking. "He seems to know when I'm coming before I enter the room. He stands at the cell gate as though he expects me to let him out. When he realizes that I'm not moving to unlock the door, he reaches out for me from inside his cell."
"Do you let him touch you?"
Harry shifted in his seat. The question sounded so lascivious. "Not at first I didn't, no."
"But you do now."
"I... it was an accident. The first time. I got too close to the cell and he grabbed my robes."
"Did he hurt you?"
"No, sir. He did pull me to the bars, but once I was there all he did was..."
"Was what?"
Harry blushed and looked down at the floor, mumbling.
"Excuse me?"
"Pet me," Harry spoke louder, utterly humiliated.
Titters resounded throughout the courtroom until the magistrate struck his gavel and put a stop to it. "Could you expand on that, Mr. Potter?"
Harry could feel the heat in his face and neck. "He just likes to touch me, okay? I don't know why."
"And you let him. Why?"
"Because... because when he touches me, it feels like an electric current jolting through my body. I can't move. I have no inclination to move."
"It feels good."
Harry closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "I suppose so, yes."
"Did it not occur to you that he is a Veela and could easily subdue you with his charms?"
"His powers don't work on me. At least, I don't think they do. They didn't on the battlefield, and even now I feel no desire to jump him or anything."
"Have you ever touched him in return?"
"Yes. Just his hair a few times."
"Why?"
"He is most responsive when I touch him. He'll look me in the eye and I just know he's trying to tell me something. Last time I touched his hair, he..."
"He what?"
"He cried."
"Why do you visit him, Mr. Potter? Why testify on his behalf when he is a known accomplice to Lord Voldemort?"
"He saved my life, sir. I don't know what he may or may not be guilty of, but I think he deserves the same treatment as everyone else."
"Thank you, Mr. Potter."
Gratefully, Harry slunk off the witness stand and returned to his seat next to Remus, hoping never to have to go through that experience again. Snape ascended the stand after him and -- between his testimony and Harry's -- the magistrate deemed Malfoy fit to stand trial, setting it for the following week. In the meantime, Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban. As the Dementors had been destroyed during the war, the Kiss was no longer an option and the wizarding community had long since abolished the death penalty.
Harry was a wreck for the entire week preceding Draco Malfoy's trial. He visited him every day, striving to express to him what lay ahead, both his trial and the potential sentence. If the court determined Malfoy to indeed be a Dark Creature rather than a Dark Wizard, wizarding law stated that he could be executed. It was the same law that almost took Buckbeak's life, ironically. Harry tried to explain everything he could to Malfoy, but the Veela never seemed to quite grasp what was happening beyond his cage.
The day of Malfoy's trial, the courtroom was packed. Mercifully, the magistrate had banned the media from the room, declaring that his court was not a 'freak show.' But every witch or wizard who could manage entry came to see the spectacle that was Draco Malfoy. Many in the room had never before been so close to a Veela. Even fewer had ever seen an active male Veela. People everywhere seemed determined to catch a glimpse of this aberrant beast created by Voldemort and subsequently defended by the famous Harry Potter.
The minute three guards brought Malfoy chained into the courtroom, Harry knew he had been sedated. Not only was he calm and complacent, but few in the courtroom reacted to the pronounced presence of a male Veela. Malfoy's wings remained retracted into his back, and there was no sign of his talons or fangs. His hair fell in front of his face in a tangled mess as his head hung low. No one had dared come near the Veela with a pair of scissors.
Unlike his father, Malfoy did not have his own attorney. Arthur Weasley was meant to act as more of a moderator than a prosecutor in this special case. While the Malfoys and the Weasleys had openly feuded for generations, Arthur Weasley was widely respected as a fair and just man, and no one questioned the magistrate's decision to allow this unconventional measure. A wizard had not been tried as a potential Dark Creature since werewolves were determined a danger to the community centuries earlier.
Malfoy's escorts guided him to the witness stand where he sat down placidly, never raising his head in recognition of his surroundings. Arthur approached him cautiously, clearing his throat. "Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Draco Malfoy, my name is Arthur Weasley and I am here to ask you some questions. Can you understand what I am saying to you?"
No response was forthcoming. "Mr. Malfoy," the Minister continued. "Do you understand that you are currently on trial for crimes committed during The Second Great War?"
Still nothing. Arthur decided to switch tactics. "It is my understanding that Mr. Potter has explained to you several times what would take place here today, as well as what is at stake." Malfoy's head lifted slightly, enough for Arthur to take note of the reaction. "Do you recognize Mr. Potter in this courtroom today? Can you point out Harry Potter?"
At the sound of Harry's name, Malfoy's head shot up, eyes darting around wildly. The expression on his face softened as his eyes rested on Harry, sitting in the front row between the werewolf and the youngest Weasley son. Malfoy opened his mouth to speak but made no sound. "The court is aware that you have trouble speaking, Mr. Malfoy, but do you think you could point out Mr. Potter?"
Malfoy's eyes shone, mouth working soundlessly, as he stared at Harry. The Veela became frustrated and furious all at once, arm twitching in his lap but refusing to move. He cocked his head at Harry in silent plea. On impulse, the Auror shot to his feet, feeling every pair of eyes in the courtroom switching to his figure. Arthur turned as well, looking expectantly at Harry to do something. The green-eyed wizard colored under the sudden swell of attention, but kept his eyes trained on the blond. "Malfoy," he spoke, the deep tones of his voice reverberating loudly. "Do you know Harry Potter?"
Malfoy nodded. "Point him out," Harry ordered. Malfoy's arm raised instantly, aiming straight at Harry's chest. Murmurs arose from the audience.
The magistrate banged his gavel. "Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?"
"He, umm... he does what I tell him to do. Sir."
"And when, pray tell, were you going to enlighten the court as to this information?" Harry fidgeted, feeling stupid. "Perhaps," the magistrate continued, "it would be more prudent for Mr. Potter to examine the defendant, as he seems to be the only one to whom Mr. Malfoy will respond."
"What?" Harry gaped.
Arthur took him by the elbow, eliciting a growl from the defendant that neither missed, and guided Harry through the small gate onto the courtroom floor. "It'll be alright, Harry. Here's the list of questions I've prepared. Stick to them and you should be fine."
Harry suddenly found himself thrust in front of a very agitated Veela. "Umm... Malfoy, how long have you known you were part-Veela?" Malfoy kept his eyes fixed on his, saying nothing. Harry tried another question. "When did your Veela powers first manifest themselves?" No response. "Speak," Harry attempted to command. Malfoy's eyes watered as he scrubbed his face with dirty hands.
Harry looked plaintively at the magistrate. "It won't work, he can't speak."
"Let's see if we can't get through the yes-or-no questions first, Mr. Potter."
"Oh, yes, of course. Draco, for as far back as you can remember, have you always known you were part-Veela?" A nod answered him in the affirmative. Good, Harry smiled, they were getting somewhere. "Were you a willing follower of Voldemort?" A thoughtful pause followed, and then a hesitant nod. Harry frowned. "Did you ever kill at Voldemort's behest?" Another nod. "In battle?" Draco shook his head.
"In the final battle, did you attack Ron Weasley with intent to kill?" Yes. "By Voldemort's orders?" Yes. "Both Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy ordered you to attack known Aurors, is that correct?" Yes. "Did you mean to obey?" Yes. Harry blinked. "But you didn't attack, err... me or Ron. Why not?" Malfoy looked frustrated. "Sorry, that wasn't a yes-or-no question.
"Let's try again. When you saw me, did you still want to attack me?" No. "Do you want to attack me now?" No. "Do you still want to attack Ron Weasley?" No. "Professor Severus Snape?" No. "Professor Minerva McGonagall?" No. "Lucius Malfoy?" Harry tried. YES, came the adamant nod. "Lucius Malfoy," Harry repeated, pleased to be getting somewhere. "Because he hurt you?" No.
Malfoy reached out his hand. "Do not touch the defendant," the magistrate ordered.
Harry eyed Malfoy's hand, speculatively. "It'll be okay," he said, almost to himself. "He won't hurt me."
For the first time, their skin made contact as Harry took hold of Malfoy's hand, feeling the familiar jolt run up his arm. This time, however, it was accompanied by a distant voice. Harry?
"I can hear him!" Harry exclaimed. "I can hear him in my head."
The audience erupted into loud whispers, inciting the judge to strike his gavel yet again. "Please explain, Mr. Potter."
"Draco," Harry started, excitedly. "Why do you want to hurt Lucius Malfoy?"
He tried to hurt you.
"Because he tried to hurt me," Harry echoed aloud, confused. "I don't understand, I thought you were ordered to kill me. You indicated that you intended to kill me."
That was before, Malfoy mouthed, as Harry parroted the words out loud.
"Before what?"
Before I saw you. Before I smelled you.
Harry blinked and omitted repeating the last part. "Draco, what did you feel when you saw me?"
Calm. Release. Happiness. Love.
Harry yanked his hand away as he heard the final word, alarmed. Frowning, Malfoy held his hand out and reached to take it back. "What did he say, Mr. Potter?" the magistrate wanted to know.
"He said he..."
Tentatively, Harry took the proffered hand in his again. Draco? he tried, forming the words in his mind. Can you hear me?
Yes.
You... love me?
Yes.
Why?
You are my match.
"Mr. Potter!" the magistrate boomed. Harry jerked, realizing that to everyone present it appeared as though he and Malfoy were doing nothing more than holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. "What did he say?"
"He said I am his match," Harry whispered, uncomprehending.
His voice carried just far enough to be heard in the front row and, from there, the news spread quickly to the back, sending the courtroom into an uproar. The magistrate banged his gavel, but to no avail. "Recess!" he roared.
"I don't understand," Harry was saying, looking into Malfoy's naked gaze. "What does that mean?"
Abruptly, the pair were wrenched apart. Malfoy began to struggle and was immediately Stupefied. Harry wrestled against the arms that held him back. "Wait! What are you doing to him? Would someone please explain to me what is going on?!"
"Not here, Potter," he heard Snape growl behind him.
"Malfoy!" Harry yelled, but the Veela hung unconscious between two guards as they drug him out a side door. That was the last thing Harry saw before a softly whispered spell hit him and he tired, abruptly falling completely asleep.
>>4
3.
Lucius Malfoy's trial lasted longer than that of any other. As the highest ranking Death Eater still alive, it came as little surprise to anyone. The man was proud and mighty, even as he sat upon the witness stand in defense of himself. Never once did he falter as he was examined and cross-examined by both his lawyer and the prosecution. Even wearing the rather drab clothes marking a prisoner of Azkaban, Malfoy managed to look dignified and haughty.
Harry sat in on the trial every day, but it wasn't until the third day's cross-examination that he truly became interested in the words of the defendant. Minister of Justice, Arthur Weasley, stood strong and steady in front of Malfoy as he questioned him. "Voldemort manipulated magical creatures to serve his purposes, did he not?"
"Yes," came the tight response.
"What types of creatures were you personally involved in commanding?"
"Vampires, Red Caps, Banshees, Veela. We attempted to use werewolves but they proved too unpredictable and often attacked our own ranks."
"Yet you managed to tame Veela."
"We didn't tame Veela. We developed serums to suppress their will when necessary so that they could be used against the enemy. Those of us who had contact with them ingested an anti-toxin to ward off their allure."
"You developed an anti-toxin specifically for male Veela, is that correct? An anti-toxin the other side did not have in their possession."
"They were not aware that we had a male Veela in custody. We did not introduce him to battle until the one in which he was captured."
"Yes, your son. Draco Malfoy, correct?"
"Yes."
"And how is it young Mr. Malfoy came to be such a powerful Veela?"
"My late wife carried the Veela gene. Draco is -- was -- one-eighth Veela. That was enough for the Dark Lord's potion masters to... activate."
"As I understand it, your son is little more than an animal now, right?"
"I object," Malfoy's attorney stood.
"I apologize," Arthur interjected quickly. "Let me rephrase that. Mr. Malfoy, if you could describe your son's current state of mind, please."
Malfoy gritted his teeth under the weight of the Veritaserum in his veins. "My son has no state of mind. He is a Dark Creature. His genetics have been purified to the point where he no longer resembles a common wizard. Male Veela do not naturally display the same characteristics as females beyond their appearance, but Veela traits can be brought out of them with the proper... coercion. Such creatures are extremely rare and highly coveted. We knew the opposing forces would have no defense prepared and, subsequently, would fall to his feet in submission."
"What happened?"
"I don't know," Malfoy admitted. "Something obviously went wrong. He stopped responding to direct commands. Veela are extraordinarily hard to control, but never before had he so deliberately ignored a direct order. He even seemed to... to defend Potter."
"From you."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I could not say. Draco stopped speaking whole words months ago, but you're welcome to ask him."
Harry gripped his nails into his palms until they ached. Remus sat calmly beside him, a comforting arm around his shoulders. Harry barely even heard the rest of Lucius Malfoy's testimony, he was so furious. How could a father do such a thing to his own son? The idea was unthinkable to Harry. And Draco idolized the man, everyone had known that right up until Draco had disappeared from public sight.
The following week after the trial was Draco Malfoy's arraignment. The being in question was seen as unfit to attend the proceedings, a bitter irony as that was precisely the issue to be decided concerning his trial. Harry found himself on the witness stand this time, keeping his gaze focused on the friendly face of Arthur Weasley so as not to get too unnerved by all the unwelcome attention inevitable with his position.
"Could you explain to the court exactly what happened the moment you came upon the younger Mr. Malfoy, please, Mr. Potter?"
Arthur smiled and Harry tremulously smiled back. With deliberate precision, Harry described the events of that night, from saving Ron from Malfoy to the final moments of Voldemort. The courtroom sat still and silent as Harry spoke, hanging on every word he said. The official version of what had taken place had already been released to the press, of course, and most of the members of the court were aware of what had happened even before that, but it was quite another thing to hear the tale from the mouth of The Boy Who Lived himself.
"Given the state of mind Mr. Malfoy appeared to be in, do you see him fit to stand trial?"
"I... yes."
"Why?"
"He... he responded to me. When I spoke to him, he listened. There was understanding in his eyes."
"Why do you think Mr. Malfoy would choose to listen to you?"
"I don't know, sir. But I clearly saw awareness on his part. To imprison him without a trial would be unjust."
"You do realize, Mr. Potter, the extent to the genetic damage that was inflicted upon Mr. Malfoy. He cannot be released into society. He is a dangerous entity."
"I understand that."
"And yet, you believe he can be responsive and communicative enough to present a case on his own behalf."
"I think if the facts are examined as to his involvement in Voldemort's cause, then there would be reason enough to decide that Azkaban is not the proper place for him."
"In other words, you believe he is not a criminal."
"I believe," Harry stated carefully, "that as evil is done, so it can be undone."
"You believe the human part of Mr. Malfoy can be reached."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I... I have communicated with him since then."
Gasps echoed through the courtroom. "You have visited him in prison?"
"Yes, sir."
"His guards indicate he is unresponsive and mute. Is that how you typically find him to be?"
"No, sir. He does not speak, that much is true, but he is very receptive to my presence."
"How so?"
Harry paused, thinking. "He seems to know when I'm coming before I enter the room. He stands at the cell gate as though he expects me to let him out. When he realizes that I'm not moving to unlock the door, he reaches out for me from inside his cell."
"Do you let him touch you?"
Harry shifted in his seat. The question sounded so lascivious. "Not at first I didn't, no."
"But you do now."
"I... it was an accident. The first time. I got too close to the cell and he grabbed my robes."
"Did he hurt you?"
"No, sir. He did pull me to the bars, but once I was there all he did was..."
"Was what?"
Harry blushed and looked down at the floor, mumbling.
"Excuse me?"
"Pet me," Harry spoke louder, utterly humiliated.
Titters resounded throughout the courtroom until the magistrate struck his gavel and put a stop to it. "Could you expand on that, Mr. Potter?"
Harry could feel the heat in his face and neck. "He just likes to touch me, okay? I don't know why."
"And you let him. Why?"
"Because... because when he touches me, it feels like an electric current jolting through my body. I can't move. I have no inclination to move."
"It feels good."
Harry closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "I suppose so, yes."
"Did it not occur to you that he is a Veela and could easily subdue you with his charms?"
"His powers don't work on me. At least, I don't think they do. They didn't on the battlefield, and even now I feel no desire to jump him or anything."
"Have you ever touched him in return?"
"Yes. Just his hair a few times."
"Why?"
"He is most responsive when I touch him. He'll look me in the eye and I just know he's trying to tell me something. Last time I touched his hair, he..."
"He what?"
"He cried."
"Why do you visit him, Mr. Potter? Why testify on his behalf when he is a known accomplice to Lord Voldemort?"
"He saved my life, sir. I don't know what he may or may not be guilty of, but I think he deserves the same treatment as everyone else."
"Thank you, Mr. Potter."
Gratefully, Harry slunk off the witness stand and returned to his seat next to Remus, hoping never to have to go through that experience again. Snape ascended the stand after him and -- between his testimony and Harry's -- the magistrate deemed Malfoy fit to stand trial, setting it for the following week. In the meantime, Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban. As the Dementors had been destroyed during the war, the Kiss was no longer an option and the wizarding community had long since abolished the death penalty.
Harry was a wreck for the entire week preceding Draco Malfoy's trial. He visited him every day, striving to express to him what lay ahead, both his trial and the potential sentence. If the court determined Malfoy to indeed be a Dark Creature rather than a Dark Wizard, wizarding law stated that he could be executed. It was the same law that almost took Buckbeak's life, ironically. Harry tried to explain everything he could to Malfoy, but the Veela never seemed to quite grasp what was happening beyond his cage.
The day of Malfoy's trial, the courtroom was packed. Mercifully, the magistrate had banned the media from the room, declaring that his court was not a 'freak show.' But every witch or wizard who could manage entry came to see the spectacle that was Draco Malfoy. Many in the room had never before been so close to a Veela. Even fewer had ever seen an active male Veela. People everywhere seemed determined to catch a glimpse of this aberrant beast created by Voldemort and subsequently defended by the famous Harry Potter.
The minute three guards brought Malfoy chained into the courtroom, Harry knew he had been sedated. Not only was he calm and complacent, but few in the courtroom reacted to the pronounced presence of a male Veela. Malfoy's wings remained retracted into his back, and there was no sign of his talons or fangs. His hair fell in front of his face in a tangled mess as his head hung low. No one had dared come near the Veela with a pair of scissors.
Unlike his father, Malfoy did not have his own attorney. Arthur Weasley was meant to act as more of a moderator than a prosecutor in this special case. While the Malfoys and the Weasleys had openly feuded for generations, Arthur Weasley was widely respected as a fair and just man, and no one questioned the magistrate's decision to allow this unconventional measure. A wizard had not been tried as a potential Dark Creature since werewolves were determined a danger to the community centuries earlier.
Malfoy's escorts guided him to the witness stand where he sat down placidly, never raising his head in recognition of his surroundings. Arthur approached him cautiously, clearing his throat. "Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Draco Malfoy, my name is Arthur Weasley and I am here to ask you some questions. Can you understand what I am saying to you?"
No response was forthcoming. "Mr. Malfoy," the Minister continued. "Do you understand that you are currently on trial for crimes committed during The Second Great War?"
Still nothing. Arthur decided to switch tactics. "It is my understanding that Mr. Potter has explained to you several times what would take place here today, as well as what is at stake." Malfoy's head lifted slightly, enough for Arthur to take note of the reaction. "Do you recognize Mr. Potter in this courtroom today? Can you point out Harry Potter?"
At the sound of Harry's name, Malfoy's head shot up, eyes darting around wildly. The expression on his face softened as his eyes rested on Harry, sitting in the front row between the werewolf and the youngest Weasley son. Malfoy opened his mouth to speak but made no sound. "The court is aware that you have trouble speaking, Mr. Malfoy, but do you think you could point out Mr. Potter?"
Malfoy's eyes shone, mouth working soundlessly, as he stared at Harry. The Veela became frustrated and furious all at once, arm twitching in his lap but refusing to move. He cocked his head at Harry in silent plea. On impulse, the Auror shot to his feet, feeling every pair of eyes in the courtroom switching to his figure. Arthur turned as well, looking expectantly at Harry to do something. The green-eyed wizard colored under the sudden swell of attention, but kept his eyes trained on the blond. "Malfoy," he spoke, the deep tones of his voice reverberating loudly. "Do you know Harry Potter?"
Malfoy nodded. "Point him out," Harry ordered. Malfoy's arm raised instantly, aiming straight at Harry's chest. Murmurs arose from the audience.
The magistrate banged his gavel. "Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?"
"He, umm... he does what I tell him to do. Sir."
"And when, pray tell, were you going to enlighten the court as to this information?" Harry fidgeted, feeling stupid. "Perhaps," the magistrate continued, "it would be more prudent for Mr. Potter to examine the defendant, as he seems to be the only one to whom Mr. Malfoy will respond."
"What?" Harry gaped.
Arthur took him by the elbow, eliciting a growl from the defendant that neither missed, and guided Harry through the small gate onto the courtroom floor. "It'll be alright, Harry. Here's the list of questions I've prepared. Stick to them and you should be fine."
Harry suddenly found himself thrust in front of a very agitated Veela. "Umm... Malfoy, how long have you known you were part-Veela?" Malfoy kept his eyes fixed on his, saying nothing. Harry tried another question. "When did your Veela powers first manifest themselves?" No response. "Speak," Harry attempted to command. Malfoy's eyes watered as he scrubbed his face with dirty hands.
Harry looked plaintively at the magistrate. "It won't work, he can't speak."
"Let's see if we can't get through the yes-or-no questions first, Mr. Potter."
"Oh, yes, of course. Draco, for as far back as you can remember, have you always known you were part-Veela?" A nod answered him in the affirmative. Good, Harry smiled, they were getting somewhere. "Were you a willing follower of Voldemort?" A thoughtful pause followed, and then a hesitant nod. Harry frowned. "Did you ever kill at Voldemort's behest?" Another nod. "In battle?" Draco shook his head.
"In the final battle, did you attack Ron Weasley with intent to kill?" Yes. "By Voldemort's orders?" Yes. "Both Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy ordered you to attack known Aurors, is that correct?" Yes. "Did you mean to obey?" Yes. Harry blinked. "But you didn't attack, err... me or Ron. Why not?" Malfoy looked frustrated. "Sorry, that wasn't a yes-or-no question.
"Let's try again. When you saw me, did you still want to attack me?" No. "Do you want to attack me now?" No. "Do you still want to attack Ron Weasley?" No. "Professor Severus Snape?" No. "Professor Minerva McGonagall?" No. "Lucius Malfoy?" Harry tried. YES, came the adamant nod. "Lucius Malfoy," Harry repeated, pleased to be getting somewhere. "Because he hurt you?" No.
Malfoy reached out his hand. "Do not touch the defendant," the magistrate ordered.
Harry eyed Malfoy's hand, speculatively. "It'll be okay," he said, almost to himself. "He won't hurt me."
For the first time, their skin made contact as Harry took hold of Malfoy's hand, feeling the familiar jolt run up his arm. This time, however, it was accompanied by a distant voice. Harry?
"I can hear him!" Harry exclaimed. "I can hear him in my head."
The audience erupted into loud whispers, inciting the judge to strike his gavel yet again. "Please explain, Mr. Potter."
"Draco," Harry started, excitedly. "Why do you want to hurt Lucius Malfoy?"
He tried to hurt you.
"Because he tried to hurt me," Harry echoed aloud, confused. "I don't understand, I thought you were ordered to kill me. You indicated that you intended to kill me."
That was before, Malfoy mouthed, as Harry parroted the words out loud.
"Before what?"
Before I saw you. Before I smelled you.
Harry blinked and omitted repeating the last part. "Draco, what did you feel when you saw me?"
Calm. Release. Happiness. Love.
Harry yanked his hand away as he heard the final word, alarmed. Frowning, Malfoy held his hand out and reached to take it back. "What did he say, Mr. Potter?" the magistrate wanted to know.
"He said he..."
Tentatively, Harry took the proffered hand in his again. Draco? he tried, forming the words in his mind. Can you hear me?
Yes.
You... love me?
Yes.
Why?
You are my match.
"Mr. Potter!" the magistrate boomed. Harry jerked, realizing that to everyone present it appeared as though he and Malfoy were doing nothing more than holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. "What did he say?"
"He said I am his match," Harry whispered, uncomprehending.
His voice carried just far enough to be heard in the front row and, from there, the news spread quickly to the back, sending the courtroom into an uproar. The magistrate banged his gavel, but to no avail. "Recess!" he roared.
"I don't understand," Harry was saying, looking into Malfoy's naked gaze. "What does that mean?"
Abruptly, the pair were wrenched apart. Malfoy began to struggle and was immediately Stupefied. Harry wrestled against the arms that held him back. "Wait! What are you doing to him? Would someone please explain to me what is going on?!"
"Not here, Potter," he heard Snape growl behind him.
"Malfoy!" Harry yelled, but the Veela hung unconscious between two guards as they drug him out a side door. That was the last thing Harry saw before a softly whispered spell hit him and he tired, abruptly falling completely asleep.
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