Learned Love Of My Life
“Sir, I am compelled to point out the existence of several conflicts of interest within today’s hearing.” Hermione stood, gesturing vaguely about the courtroom. It was empty, save for the four of them.
“What specifically causes you concern, Miss Granger?” Theo Nott asked her, his voice dripping with sarcasm. She glared at him.
“Whilst I can understand the Ministry’s intent behind placing the best people on this case, you are more than aware, sir, that not only do we share a personal friendship, but your long time partner is the lead witness, and my own partner is counsel for the other side. It’s a farce and you know it.” She said, irritation building as Theo smirked down at her from his seat. Harry, who was sitting to her right, had his head in his hands. Draco was also smirking, his feet propped up on the desk in front of him as he reclined in his chair. She hated it when he did that. It was his favourite tactic, a way to portray confidence and throw off his opponent. Considering that was currently her, she wondered why he was bothering. He whined for nearly an hour this morning until she gave in and made him pancakes for breakfast. She could not be less intimidated if she tried.
“Sir, if I could interject?” Draco called, and she shot him a withering look. He smiled innocently as Theo called on him to speak. “I think we’re all adults here. This case will be pushed back considerably if any one of us is removed from it. It may not be heard again this year. If our respective clients are willing to trust that we will act in their best interests, despite the relations that exist between certain people present, then I believe we are in a position to continue.”
She gaped at him. “My learned friend makes a mockery of the process, sir!” She waved her hand in Draco’s general direction, glaring up at Theo, who was enjoying the scene before him entirely too much for her liking.
“I think we’ve established that he is not only your ‘friend’, Miss Granger.” He drawled, and her blood boiled. Draco barked out a laugh from his bench as she snapped the quill in her fist. “Mr Potter, do you believe that my integrity as a judge is compromised in this situation? I would deem it only fair that all parties involved have ample opportunity to speak.” He smiled down at Harry, who sighed as if he had the entire weight of the world on his shoulders. In some respects, he did.
“Sir, my personal opinion in this matter, and the personal opinions of respected counsel members Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy, are not important. This is a direct infringement of the rules, and I don’t understand how this was posted to the court calendar and not questioned by anyone prior to the start of the hearing. I believe, and correct me if I’m wrong, sir, but we will be able to continue with Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy, but it is your own connection to me that will allow doubt to be cast in respect to your ruling.” He said. Theo fanned himself sarcastically with his hand, and Harry sighed again, rolling his eyes.
“May it go on record that I am incredibly grateful for Mr Potter’s repeated use of my proper title.” He said, and Draco burst out laughing as Harry slammed his head onto the table in front of him.
“At least one of us needs to leave! You’re not taking this seriously!” Hermione exclaimed.
“Learned love of my life, might I ask that you maintain decorum in the court?” Draco said, and she gripped the edge of the table so hard her knuckles turned white.
“Respected member of the counsel who is unable to pick up his own laundry, might I suggest that you have a look through the rules of engagement for Ministry hearings, and retract your earlier statement that we are in any position to carry on, when clearly, these proceedings have already devolved to the point that nothing will be accomplished?”
“She’s got you there.” Theo said, resting his head on his fist as he leant on his elbow.
“Who’s side are you on?” Draco looked up at him, and Hermione groaned in frustration.
“Nobody’s side! He’s the judge! He’s supposed to be impartial!”
“Order in my court! Please contain your hysterics, Miss Granger, or you will be asked to leave.” Theo grinned, and she held up her hands.
“Fine! Let me leave, then this hearing might have a chance of actually getting somewhere without the glaring infringement of procedure!”
“It’s Theo that needs to go. You and Malfoy aren’t technically breaking any rules here.” Harry added, and Theo tutted.
“That is not the proper manner in which to address me when you are in this court, Mr Potter.”
“Might it go on record that the judge is being deliberately vexatious?” He shot back, and Theo nodded appreciatively.
“Somebody’s learned some big words.” He replied, and Draco snorted.
“You can’t say that.”
“Oh, now you’re bothered about what he can and can’t say?” Hermione whirled on him. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were on this case?”
“If I allowed work talk in our house, Granger, you’d never talk about anything else. You’d bring everything back with you and stop sleeping. I’d never see you.” He shot back.
“If you allowed?!” She exclaimed, and Theo winced.
“Yes, if I allowed! I’m not controlling you, Merlin knows nobody ever could, but without boundaries, you don’t look after yourself.” He replied.
Harry hummed next to her. “He isn’t wrong about that, to be fair, Mi.” She scowled at him, even though she knew he was right. Before Draco had started dragging her from the building to various cafes and restaurants, she had very rarely eaten breakfast or lunch.
“How likely is it that there will be another judge free, currently in the building?” Draco asked Theo, who shrugged.
“Who knows? Us judges are laws unto ourselves. I know that’s hard for you to understand, just being counsel.” He grinned at Draco.
“Just remember how you became a judge in the first place, mate. Who’s ancestral Wizengamot seat it is that your arse currently accommodates.” He shot back, and Theo gasped.
“You cannot address me in such a manner!” He proclaimed dramatically, and Hermione counted to ten in her head, breathing out slowly. Harry patted her placatingly on the arm. She took her job incredibly seriously. She was very good at it, too. Respected in her field. She did not have the time or the patience for this bullshit.
“Oh, that isn’t a good face.” Draco muttered as she looked up. “Granger, we’re only taking the piss. We’ll get Theo swapped and crack on, alright?”
Theo stood and nodded, but not before he made a whipping noise in relation to Draco caving so very easily. All three of them scowled up at him.
“Have a good case, all! I’ll send Jacob in, he’s my favourite. I think I saw him around somewhere this morning. Lovely arms.” He said. Harry raised an eyebrow. “Not as lovely as yours, obviously. No need to get all territorial, Potter, even if it is terribly sexy of you.”
“I’m writing you up.” Hermione threatened, knowing that he was deliberately winding her up now, and Theo held up his hands and finally left, a cheeky smile firmly in place.
“When you go into a hearing annoyed, you don’t ever lose.” Draco said, and she nodded.
“Well observed.” She all but growled at him. Harry winced next to her. “Best of luck, Malfoy.”
He sighed. “This is going to be fun for me.” He muttered.
“Hello all. Judge Nott said something about fireworks?” Jacob said, sitting down.
“That might have been a slight understatement, sir.” Harry replied, with a smile.