The Strongest Signal of All

Hermione stood next to Hermione as she spoke. Harry had to admit, she had control of the whole Wizengamut. As Pansy’s council, she kept her client away from the hearings, while she was petitioning the Ministry to clear the formal charges. Pansy only need to be there is she was defending herself. If Hermione had her way, the situation would never get to that point.

She had spoken for over an hour and had shown the court documents from Neville as well as Lucy’s pensive. Harry himself spoke as well, about the order for medical attention being overlooked when he ordered it. He had a feeling it was ignored. The guards on duty at the time were all married.

“Miss Granger, murder is not the answer to a bad marriage.” Harry let out an audible groan. Several members of the Wizengamut shifted in their seats.

“Honorable chairman, this is not murder. Murder requires premeditation and planning. From the memories you’ve seen and the documents signed by Healer Longbottom, Pansy Brames acted in self defense. There was no sign of a bad marriage from Pansy’s point of view. She had no idea she was being watched so closely by her husband, so for her she wasn’t in a bad marriage. There was nothing to escape from as far as she knew. She defended herself against a single attack.”

“Miss Granger, who is to say that Lucy was not told by Mrs. Brames to give the story she did.” Harry felt like laughing, but held his tongue.

“Madam secretary, a pensieve that has been tampered with has certain characteristics. The state of the memory itself would have a different appearance, the effects when the pensieve is viewed would have been obvious as well. The curse breakers used by the Ministry itself inspected it and the memory is authentic.” Several of the council members nodded in agreement.

“The injuries to Mrs. Brames cannot be ignored either. The damage done has confined her to St. Mungo’s on the order of Healer Longbottom. Self defense is never punished but Mrs. Brames is willing to take Veritaserum when the healers have cleared her.”

Veritaserum was another matter. If she was willing to take it without the Ministry mentioning it first, then she must stand by what she says. Several members were thinking the same thing. They had to review all the material again, slowly and carefully. If they let this case persist and it was an obvious self defense they would lose credibility and the press would have a field day.

They knew from experience that Hermione Granger was one who knew how to use the press to her advantage. She would have no problems letting photos of Pansy slip out. The Ministry would be considered heartless to put a battered woman on trial. Especially when the whole story came out, and its mistake of not seeing to her injuries would be exposed. She knew what information to give as well. The Ministry had more then once had it’s decisions backfire. Every member knew it had to tread carefully.

“Veritaserum will not be necessary Miss Granger. The Wizengamut will deliberate and contact you when we have reached a decision.

“One more thing you should know before we conclude for the day.” She had their complete attention. “Pansy will not agree to lesser charges, if you wish to charge her it will be on the current charges. She will also not make any agreements or deals of any kind. A full murder trial or nothing at all.” Hermione took her satchel and walked out with Auror Potter behind her. The Wizengamut was nervous now. If they had thoughts of speaking with Pansy, they were gone now. It was murder or nothing, and there was a lot at stake.

Bringing her to trial would be risky. If she was cleared then the Ministry could look forward to media harrassment in nearly everything they did. If she was found guilty, Hermione Granger was then at liberty to speak to anyone she wishes and documents would become open to the public. This would not be an easy decision.


Harry and Hermione walked down the street past the Ministry‘s last building. Do you think she has a chance?” Harry asked.

“Oh yes. I know a victory when I smell it.” She said. Harry loved seeing her an adrenaline rush.

“That sure of yourself?” He asked teasing her. Hermione stopped and looked at him.

“Harry, they may come up with asinine and unnecessary uses for record breaking amounts of parchment but I am GRANGER!” Harry laughed as she tossed her head and sent her hair flying, before doing her catwalk stride down the street.

“Where’s Ron?” He asked.

“At St. Mungo’s.” She answered, done with her stride and walking normally.

“Has he left?”

“No, he’s been there every since she transferred.” She said.

“Do you think there’s a chance?” He asked.

“Oh gods. I hope so. They need each other.” She said. Harry agreed as they walked on.

He had been there when they feel in love. He knew they were right for each other. Ron looked at Pansy the way Harry looked at Ginny. He knew Ron found what he needed in life. He knew Pansy did too, but she wasn’t aware of what the first few years would be like. She let it affect her. It affected Ron as well.

He had seen his friend nearly loose himself over the divorce. No one but Harry had seen him cry. He was partially alive when she left. He could only hope that life would give Ron and Pansy another chance.


Ron in the meantime hadn’t left her side. He helped administer her potions, and helped her eat. Feeding her himself when the pain was too much, or she was just too exhausted. Pansy felt her heart healing. She looked at Ron and smiled again.

“You need a shave.” She said.

“I thought I might try to win you back with the rugged look.” She joked with a wink. She gave a chuckle for a moment then fell silent. “What is it Pansy?”

“I’m afraid Ron.” She whispered.

“Why?” He asked sitting on her bed and holding her hand.

“Because I have a reason to be happy. I’m going back to a place where I was once happy and looked forward to so many things. I know at the end it was bad and I made it difficult, but when we first married it was wonderful wasn’t it?”

“Yes it was. My dream had come true.” He said.

“I’m afraid that they will send me back to Azkaban and I won’t be able to go to that place. Then everything in me that feels happy will be sucked away. They may even sentence me to the kiss.” The tears began to fall.

“That won’t happen. Hermione is working hard for you and when did you ever see her fail at a goal?” He asked.

Pansy gave another chuckle. “Never.”

“That’s right. Don’t worry now, everything will be alright.” He kissed her gently and helped her take her potion. He watched her drift off to sleep, just as he did for the past two days. He didn’t give her what she needed the first time and he would make sure he would give her everything this time. Nothing would take her away from him.