A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything
folder
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
Views:
5,803
Reviews:
9
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
Views:
5,803
Reviews:
9
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Lucius Malfoy sat stiffly, barrister at his side and glaring at the polished wood where the Council would sit. The audacity, to publically accuse him as an unfit parent. Draco was his property, by blood and family. What he did with the boy was no one’s business but his own. It had been drummed into him by his own father...and so on. And he was truly interested in finding out who orchestrated this.
The camera snapping behind him caused him to stiffen even more but he refused to turn, silently waiting for this circus to be over and done with. His weak little spawn would be sorry for being so foolish. Seven members entered the courtroom, the mistress of the Council looking down her nose at the reporters filling the courtroom and eagerly waiting, “Mistress! Do you have anything to add before the trial begins?”
Her green eyes flashing, “This is not a media circus. This is a serious matter concerning a minor under the age of 14. A matter that will be sealed from all eyes to protect the child. All reporters are banned from these proceedings. Aurors, I want this court cleared!”
There were angry shouts and dragging feet but soon the courtroom was clear and silent. She took out her wand, casting a privacy ward to ensure listening devices were all rendered useless. All of the council were surprised at the circus that had spontaneously erupted from this. Yet it did make sense. This was a matter concerning one of the oldest and most influential wizarding families. Nodding to the two Aurors guarding the side door, it opened, Albus Dumbledore entering and his barrister behind him. Lucius narrowed his eyes and ground his teeth, barely restraining himself as Albus sat down. Dumbledore would pay.
Only to ensure that the proceedings run smoothly did Albus not turn or he might have done something rash to Lucius. Instead, he remained poised of calm and respect, “Very well. This hearing concerning the well being of the minor Draco Black Malfoy, age ten, is now in session.” She motioned with her left hand and the gavel struck the podium, “Now, in the past these proceedings have been led by a political bureaucracy. Believe when I say that time is over.” She smiled, showing pearly white teeth, “You have, I believe, evidence to substantiate the claim that Lucius Malfoy is an unfit parent, as well as witnesses from these Aurors of crimes...wait, I’m quoting...” She picked up a piece of parchment, reading it word for word, “Atrocities against common decency that must be held accountable for the sake of an innocent.”
The court appointed barrister standing, “I have.”
“Proceed.”
“A writ was carried out on Malfoy Manor this morning, procuring for evidence the testimony of house elves on events that have transpired for the last ten years. Tools of torture, bearing the child’s blood were discovered in a warded area of the house. And most grievously, testament of sodomy of the minor.” The entire council stiffened, “With the court’s indulgence, we are prepared to show a memory recording of the interview...”
***
Draco was biting his nails down to the quick, fidgeting and clearly nervous. Severus sat next to him, back straight and patting the boy’s knee every once in a while. Draco would give him a small smile every time, then go back to chewing. Minerva sat across from them on the other bench, Harry and Hermione sitting next to her and quietly waiting.
He wished that Pansy could be here with him, if not for witness than just for moral support. But the Headmaster had been rather firm. One Slytherin missing would not be as noticeable as two. He hated the stereotypes of his house, even if some of them were true. But he’d lost that particular battle with the old man.
It was all a matter of belief. These proceedings could be very quick, the Council only wishing to witness the recording spell and the Aurors testimony. However it could also be lengthy, demands for validation from the witnesses up to and including Draco himself being put on the stand. Although his line of questioning would be protected from the courts, most probably a private interview with the mistress considering his age.
Harry sighed softly, “How long will they take?”
Draco looked up curiously to listen, “Unfortunately there’s no way to know.”
“But the Headmaster as advocate should speed things along, right Professor?”
Snape sneered at the girl, “Do not underestimate Lucius Malfoy, Miss Granger. You will find he has resources in many areas of the wizarding world. In this case it may come down to a question of politics, depending on who this new mistress is.”
Minerva frowned, “I wasn’t aware of a new appointment to the Council.”
Severus nodded, “She’s been making her way quickly through the ranks...far too quickly for someone so young. She was appointed mistress two weeks ago and from my understanding, she follows the letter of the law. That may work favorably for us, or it may stalemate it.”
Alarm flashing across Draco’s face, “I might have to go back?! After...he’ll kill me!!” The three Gryffindors jumped in surprise, staring at the boy that had been so quiet these last few days.
Stilling his godson, looking into his frightened grey eyes, “I swear this to you Draco. If it comes to
it, I will steal you away or kill him myself but you will never go back...do you understand?” Draco shivered
before nodding slowly. His godfather had never, ever lied to him. If told the sky was pink, he could and would
expect it to be. He closed his eyes, curling up alongside his godfather to seek comfort. Severus put an arm
around him, glancing at Minerva to impress refraining from talking about the trial in front of him. Draco’s
hold on his emotions was simply too tenuous.
***
All seven members of the Council were pale and nauseous, Lucius doing a good job of sneering to belie
the tremble of fear that his fortune and power would not be able to stop this. This time the freight of ruin
was running full tilt and there didn’t seem to be a means to stop it.
But it would be up to the mistress. She and she alone would have to have the strength of character to
weather the political firestorm that would occur by seeing justice served. The mistress stood up slowly,
disgust and fury in her eyes, “Lucius Malfoy...there have been many fathers and mothers, and I use the term loosely, to come in this great court and sit in the very seat you are in right now. They are accused of neglect. Of harsh words or too firm a hand. But never, has a man, again a loose term, such as yourself come before us. The Aurors may stand down, I have no need for witnesses or questioning of the child, we have seen enough.” Lucius felt relief for a moment. Dismissed so quickly, “You will rise.”
Malfoy’s barrister rose, “Your honor, I have statements as character witness and the Minister of Magic would like-...”
Swiping at the air with her hand, “No. You will simply rise.”
“But the Minster-...”
She sneered at him. The Minister of Magic for the last week had been trying to politely and not so politely force her to dismiss the case. She honestly didn’t care about politics and if she were voted out next year then so be it, “Do I look like a political lapdog? My word is law in this court.”
“I must object-...”
The gavel slammed into the wood once, silencing him, “You seem to be of the impression that this is a trial of some kind. That you are the defense and they are the prosecution and if by the preponderance of the evidence you provide sufficient doubt this matter will end. You are sadly mistaken. This is a formal meeting for the protection of a wizarding child of minor age where I act not only as judge and jury, but until the matter is settled I also act as parent over said child in protecting him from any matters that might cause him harm. I will listen to the testimonials as I see fit. Nothing more.” She made an upward gesture with a raised eyebrow. Lucius glanced to his council before silently rising to his feet, his lawyer looking grim, “Lucius Malfoy, the charge of neglect and abuse upon the wizarding child in your care stands and your full legal rights to that child are to be stripped immediately.” Lucius paled and clenched his fist silently, “As his mother could not even bother to be present, her rights will be taken just the same and the child will be placed within immediate protective custody until a suitable guardian may be found.”
Her eyes glinting and she leaned down, her body barely contained from flying over the podium and throttling him, “Furthermore, it is the charge of this court that criminal intent was made on a minor under the age of 12, as such you will face said charges with all the swiftness of our great legal system, not limited to the sexual assault and sodomy of a minor child, the use of a minimum of four unforgivable curses on said child, and the assault with intent to harm/kill this child. You will be placed in custody immediately and shipped to Azkerban to await trial... may you never see the light of day. So say the court, so shall it be.”
The gavel landed heavily, Lucius staring without comprehension as he was roughly pulled around, his wand taken and broken to his astonishment, shackled and escorted out to the apparation point where he would be shipped off to await trial, “No! I have...I have to see him...this can all be-...”
“Mr. Malfoy, if I have my way, and I will, you will never see that child again.” The door slammed shut,
Arthur Weasley’s eyes shining with vindication. This moment made it all worthwhile. The mistress turned her attention back to Albus. The old wizard was waiting calmly, his confidence never once fading. She gave him a knowing nod, her body relaxed, “Headmaster, I am sure you are here more than just to see justice delivered. Now, how may this panel help you?”
Albus nodded slowly, “With all do respect, I have come to petition for the child on behalf of his Godfather.”
A grin tugged at the corner of her mouth, “As Headmaster I would expect nothing less. However, in light
of his Godfather’s...associations, I cannot grant custody to him. To be a Death eater is not a crime but it would be yet another vicious cycle I cannot repeat... ...therefore another guardian will have to be appointed since his parent’s wishes cannot be maintained.”
Albus was more than a little startled, both from the conversation and the tone. This was indeed a powerful witch, if indeed she was one. He had his doubts as to whether she was human or not but that is not what he focused on. From what he had been told and the feelings projected to him, he would have to become the father that Draco had always needed. But he was an old man, never having children of his own. Was he capable of such a feat? Eyes hardening in determination, he slowly nodded once more and the mistress smirked in victory.
***
The door opened smoothly, each of the Council members taking a moment to look the blond boy over, now sleeping peacefully against Snape’s leg. There were nods of acknowledgment from each of them before they disappeared down the corridor. The mistress stayed the longest, she crouching down to carefully tuck a loose lock of hair behind his ear. Whispering softly, “We will be watching your future most curiously, young Malfoy. May you do more with your gifts than your predecessor.” She gave a small smile to Severus and disappeared with the rest.
Albus came out a moment later, a delighted and relieved expression on his face, “Albus?”
“A success. They didn’t even hesitate and now Lucius Malfoy will be fighting an entirely different legal battle in the near future.” He looked around, noticing that all three children were fast asleep, “Perhaps we should continue after putting them to bed.”
Draco shifted and sat up slowly, trying to blink his sleepiness away. Yawning, “Did we win?”
Nodding slowly, “Yes, Draco, we won.”
The blond gave a happy cry and sprang up from his seat, wrapping his arms around the Headmaster in a joyous hug. Dignity and poise be damned, he would not be stopped. Hermione and Harry both startled awake, banging their heads together and groaning, rubbing their sore spot. Draco spun around, running up to his Godfather, “We won!”
Severus smiled just a bit, more than he ever had which just proved how happy and relieved he was, “It certainly seems that way, but what happens now, Headmaster?”
Draco seemed to mentally become aware that he was not in private and hastily sorted himself out, smoothing down his robes and face carefully blank even as he listened with both ears, “Now, I will collect any things that you may want from the manor, Draco, and you will be taking up a permanent residence at Hogwarts.”
Draco frowned a little, inching back towards his godfather, “Sev is my guardian, right?”
Dumbledore frowned in disappointment that he couldn’t have accomplished all of his goals, “No, Draco, I’m sorry but they couldn’t agree to that.” Snape bit back the sharp remark he wanted to utter, but he’d never held any hope that Draco would be placed with him. However, he knew the old man would never keep Draco from him so he was appeased, “However, they have agreed to make myself your guardian, so of course you may be with your godfather whenever you wish.”
Severus squeezed his shoulders, “I’ll never be far, Draco.”
It wasn’t the same. Not in his heart. But he would get to stay. He could visit Snape anytime he wanted to. He’d never have to go back to Malfoy Manor ever again. As far as he was concerned it wasn’t a perfect ending but it was definitely the best gift he’d ever been given.
Oh, that was satisfying...I need a cigarette. Next up: last days of school and Pansy makes contact.
Lucius Malfoy sat stiffly, barrister at his side and glaring at the polished wood where the Council would sit. The audacity, to publically accuse him as an unfit parent. Draco was his property, by blood and family. What he did with the boy was no one’s business but his own. It had been drummed into him by his own father...and so on. And he was truly interested in finding out who orchestrated this.
The camera snapping behind him caused him to stiffen even more but he refused to turn, silently waiting for this circus to be over and done with. His weak little spawn would be sorry for being so foolish. Seven members entered the courtroom, the mistress of the Council looking down her nose at the reporters filling the courtroom and eagerly waiting, “Mistress! Do you have anything to add before the trial begins?”
Her green eyes flashing, “This is not a media circus. This is a serious matter concerning a minor under the age of 14. A matter that will be sealed from all eyes to protect the child. All reporters are banned from these proceedings. Aurors, I want this court cleared!”
There were angry shouts and dragging feet but soon the courtroom was clear and silent. She took out her wand, casting a privacy ward to ensure listening devices were all rendered useless. All of the council were surprised at the circus that had spontaneously erupted from this. Yet it did make sense. This was a matter concerning one of the oldest and most influential wizarding families. Nodding to the two Aurors guarding the side door, it opened, Albus Dumbledore entering and his barrister behind him. Lucius narrowed his eyes and ground his teeth, barely restraining himself as Albus sat down. Dumbledore would pay.
Only to ensure that the proceedings run smoothly did Albus not turn or he might have done something rash to Lucius. Instead, he remained poised of calm and respect, “Very well. This hearing concerning the well being of the minor Draco Black Malfoy, age ten, is now in session.” She motioned with her left hand and the gavel struck the podium, “Now, in the past these proceedings have been led by a political bureaucracy. Believe when I say that time is over.” She smiled, showing pearly white teeth, “You have, I believe, evidence to substantiate the claim that Lucius Malfoy is an unfit parent, as well as witnesses from these Aurors of crimes...wait, I’m quoting...” She picked up a piece of parchment, reading it word for word, “Atrocities against common decency that must be held accountable for the sake of an innocent.”
The court appointed barrister standing, “I have.”
“Proceed.”
“A writ was carried out on Malfoy Manor this morning, procuring for evidence the testimony of house elves on events that have transpired for the last ten years. Tools of torture, bearing the child’s blood were discovered in a warded area of the house. And most grievously, testament of sodomy of the minor.” The entire council stiffened, “With the court’s indulgence, we are prepared to show a memory recording of the interview...”
***
Draco was biting his nails down to the quick, fidgeting and clearly nervous. Severus sat next to him, back straight and patting the boy’s knee every once in a while. Draco would give him a small smile every time, then go back to chewing. Minerva sat across from them on the other bench, Harry and Hermione sitting next to her and quietly waiting.
He wished that Pansy could be here with him, if not for witness than just for moral support. But the Headmaster had been rather firm. One Slytherin missing would not be as noticeable as two. He hated the stereotypes of his house, even if some of them were true. But he’d lost that particular battle with the old man.
It was all a matter of belief. These proceedings could be very quick, the Council only wishing to witness the recording spell and the Aurors testimony. However it could also be lengthy, demands for validation from the witnesses up to and including Draco himself being put on the stand. Although his line of questioning would be protected from the courts, most probably a private interview with the mistress considering his age.
Harry sighed softly, “How long will they take?”
Draco looked up curiously to listen, “Unfortunately there’s no way to know.”
“But the Headmaster as advocate should speed things along, right Professor?”
Snape sneered at the girl, “Do not underestimate Lucius Malfoy, Miss Granger. You will find he has resources in many areas of the wizarding world. In this case it may come down to a question of politics, depending on who this new mistress is.”
Minerva frowned, “I wasn’t aware of a new appointment to the Council.”
Severus nodded, “She’s been making her way quickly through the ranks...far too quickly for someone so young. She was appointed mistress two weeks ago and from my understanding, she follows the letter of the law. That may work favorably for us, or it may stalemate it.”
Alarm flashing across Draco’s face, “I might have to go back?! After...he’ll kill me!!” The three Gryffindors jumped in surprise, staring at the boy that had been so quiet these last few days.
Stilling his godson, looking into his frightened grey eyes, “I swear this to you Draco. If it comes to
it, I will steal you away or kill him myself but you will never go back...do you understand?” Draco shivered
before nodding slowly. His godfather had never, ever lied to him. If told the sky was pink, he could and would
expect it to be. He closed his eyes, curling up alongside his godfather to seek comfort. Severus put an arm
around him, glancing at Minerva to impress refraining from talking about the trial in front of him. Draco’s
hold on his emotions was simply too tenuous.
***
All seven members of the Council were pale and nauseous, Lucius doing a good job of sneering to belie
the tremble of fear that his fortune and power would not be able to stop this. This time the freight of ruin
was running full tilt and there didn’t seem to be a means to stop it.
But it would be up to the mistress. She and she alone would have to have the strength of character to
weather the political firestorm that would occur by seeing justice served. The mistress stood up slowly,
disgust and fury in her eyes, “Lucius Malfoy...there have been many fathers and mothers, and I use the term loosely, to come in this great court and sit in the very seat you are in right now. They are accused of neglect. Of harsh words or too firm a hand. But never, has a man, again a loose term, such as yourself come before us. The Aurors may stand down, I have no need for witnesses or questioning of the child, we have seen enough.” Lucius felt relief for a moment. Dismissed so quickly, “You will rise.”
Malfoy’s barrister rose, “Your honor, I have statements as character witness and the Minister of Magic would like-...”
Swiping at the air with her hand, “No. You will simply rise.”
“But the Minster-...”
She sneered at him. The Minister of Magic for the last week had been trying to politely and not so politely force her to dismiss the case. She honestly didn’t care about politics and if she were voted out next year then so be it, “Do I look like a political lapdog? My word is law in this court.”
“I must object-...”
The gavel slammed into the wood once, silencing him, “You seem to be of the impression that this is a trial of some kind. That you are the defense and they are the prosecution and if by the preponderance of the evidence you provide sufficient doubt this matter will end. You are sadly mistaken. This is a formal meeting for the protection of a wizarding child of minor age where I act not only as judge and jury, but until the matter is settled I also act as parent over said child in protecting him from any matters that might cause him harm. I will listen to the testimonials as I see fit. Nothing more.” She made an upward gesture with a raised eyebrow. Lucius glanced to his council before silently rising to his feet, his lawyer looking grim, “Lucius Malfoy, the charge of neglect and abuse upon the wizarding child in your care stands and your full legal rights to that child are to be stripped immediately.” Lucius paled and clenched his fist silently, “As his mother could not even bother to be present, her rights will be taken just the same and the child will be placed within immediate protective custody until a suitable guardian may be found.”
Her eyes glinting and she leaned down, her body barely contained from flying over the podium and throttling him, “Furthermore, it is the charge of this court that criminal intent was made on a minor under the age of 12, as such you will face said charges with all the swiftness of our great legal system, not limited to the sexual assault and sodomy of a minor child, the use of a minimum of four unforgivable curses on said child, and the assault with intent to harm/kill this child. You will be placed in custody immediately and shipped to Azkerban to await trial... may you never see the light of day. So say the court, so shall it be.”
The gavel landed heavily, Lucius staring without comprehension as he was roughly pulled around, his wand taken and broken to his astonishment, shackled and escorted out to the apparation point where he would be shipped off to await trial, “No! I have...I have to see him...this can all be-...”
“Mr. Malfoy, if I have my way, and I will, you will never see that child again.” The door slammed shut,
Arthur Weasley’s eyes shining with vindication. This moment made it all worthwhile. The mistress turned her attention back to Albus. The old wizard was waiting calmly, his confidence never once fading. She gave him a knowing nod, her body relaxed, “Headmaster, I am sure you are here more than just to see justice delivered. Now, how may this panel help you?”
Albus nodded slowly, “With all do respect, I have come to petition for the child on behalf of his Godfather.”
A grin tugged at the corner of her mouth, “As Headmaster I would expect nothing less. However, in light
of his Godfather’s...associations, I cannot grant custody to him. To be a Death eater is not a crime but it would be yet another vicious cycle I cannot repeat...
Albus was more than a little startled, both from the conversation and the tone. This was indeed a powerful witch, if indeed she was one. He had his doubts as to whether she was human or not but that is not what he focused on. From what he had been told and the feelings projected to him, he would have to become the father that Draco had always needed. But he was an old man, never having children of his own. Was he capable of such a feat? Eyes hardening in determination, he slowly nodded once more and the mistress smirked in victory.
***
The door opened smoothly, each of the Council members taking a moment to look the blond boy over, now sleeping peacefully against Snape’s leg. There were nods of acknowledgment from each of them before they disappeared down the corridor. The mistress stayed the longest, she crouching down to carefully tuck a loose lock of hair behind his ear. Whispering softly, “We will be watching your future most curiously, young Malfoy. May you do more with your gifts than your predecessor.” She gave a small smile to Severus and disappeared with the rest.
Albus came out a moment later, a delighted and relieved expression on his face, “Albus?”
“A success. They didn’t even hesitate and now Lucius Malfoy will be fighting an entirely different legal battle in the near future.” He looked around, noticing that all three children were fast asleep, “Perhaps we should continue after putting them to bed.”
Draco shifted and sat up slowly, trying to blink his sleepiness away. Yawning, “Did we win?”
Nodding slowly, “Yes, Draco, we won.”
The blond gave a happy cry and sprang up from his seat, wrapping his arms around the Headmaster in a joyous hug. Dignity and poise be damned, he would not be stopped. Hermione and Harry both startled awake, banging their heads together and groaning, rubbing their sore spot. Draco spun around, running up to his Godfather, “We won!”
Severus smiled just a bit, more than he ever had which just proved how happy and relieved he was, “It certainly seems that way, but what happens now, Headmaster?”
Draco seemed to mentally become aware that he was not in private and hastily sorted himself out, smoothing down his robes and face carefully blank even as he listened with both ears, “Now, I will collect any things that you may want from the manor, Draco, and you will be taking up a permanent residence at Hogwarts.”
Draco frowned a little, inching back towards his godfather, “Sev is my guardian, right?”
Dumbledore frowned in disappointment that he couldn’t have accomplished all of his goals, “No, Draco, I’m sorry but they couldn’t agree to that.” Snape bit back the sharp remark he wanted to utter, but he’d never held any hope that Draco would be placed with him. However, he knew the old man would never keep Draco from him so he was appeased, “However, they have agreed to make myself your guardian, so of course you may be with your godfather whenever you wish.”
Severus squeezed his shoulders, “I’ll never be far, Draco.”
It wasn’t the same. Not in his heart. But he would get to stay. He could visit Snape anytime he wanted to. He’d never have to go back to Malfoy Manor ever again. As far as he was concerned it wasn’t a perfect ending but it was definitely the best gift he’d ever been given.
Oh, that was satisfying...I need a cigarette. Next up: last days of school and Pansy makes contact.