Rewind for Reprieve

May 2, 1998 

Voldemort has just been defeated.

Roars around Hogwarts were heard. People hugged, kissed, and cried tears of joy. Hermione was supposed to roar with them, hug Harry and Ron for achieving the victory they have been longing for. The victory that they worked hard for.

Yet, as the atmosphere of victory enveloped the school, she just stood there in the middle of the Hogwarts ground. Her attention was drawn to the once composed Narcissa Malfoy who is now hysterically crying. Lucius on her side, just staring. Hermione’s gaze then shifted at the lifeless form in Narcissa’s arms.

Draco Malfoy is dead. His once ice gray eyes that sparked with mischievousness, authority, complexity, arrogance, and even innocence were now nowhere to be found. His already pale complexion appeared even more ghostly.

A heartbreaking plea “Draco please! Don’t leave me!” cut through the air. Amongst the roars of glee, Narcissa’s cries is what Hermione heard the most.

Their triumph was bittersweet, once that had come at the high cost of Draco’s life. Hermione has always felt an indifference to him, occasionally even allowing herself to feel a pang of resentment. However, Draco’s final act had shattered her preconceptions, leaving her with conflicted emotions.

Why did he have to make such a sacrificial choice, she wondered, altering her perception of him in the process?

She in fact saw how Draco died. Everybody did…

In a climactic moment, just as Harry leapt from Hagrid’s arms, Draco threw his wand towards Harry. However, this treacherous betrayal didn’t come without a cost. In response, Voldemort mercilessly killed Draco.  

Hermione didn’t even notice a single tear escaping her eye.

“Hermione,” a voice called. She turned her gaze to the right and saw Harry making his way toward her. 

She wanted to respond but no voice came out.

“She saved me” Hermione shifted her attention, observing that Harry's gaze was fixed on the Malfoys. Puzzled, she asked, “Who?”

“Narcissa, she saved me. Voldemort asked if I was alive and she lied.” A sharp gasp left Hermione as shock ripped through her.

“But why did she do that?”

“Because I told her that Malfoy is still alive”

Harry’s words fell upon Hermione like a cascade of stones, shattering her emotional defenses she had painstakingly maintained. The weight of all she had held inside came crashing down, rendering her legs weak. Grief, gratitude, and the complex web of emotions woven throughout the war welled up and overflowed.

At that very moment, Hermione's will to survive crumbled, and she started sobbing violently. She sobbed for the dead, for their sacrifices, and even for her adversaries who had, in the end, come around to their side of the battle.

July 10, 1998

The courtroom brimmed with wizards and witches from different parts of the world. Flashing lights from cameras and journalists filled the room. Today, they were there to spectate the trial that will be deemed significant in the history of the Wizarding world.

The trial of the Malfoy family.

Once revered for their association with the Dark Lord, they now stood before the collective judgment of the magical world. They belonged to a family of death eaters to say the least.

At the center of the courtroom, Narcissa Malfoy sat.  Her presence had diminished from what it had once been—the picture of poised elegance. She was now disheveled. Her eyes red, her lips breaking, and her figure thin.

The room fell into a heavy silence as the doors at the back of the courtroom swung open, revealing a procession of Aurors, the clinking of their boots against the marble floor formed a solemn march. Among them walked Lucius Malfoy, his face was gaunt, and his once-arrogant posture now replaced with an air of resignation.

With a hush that the trial commenced. The now Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, took his place at the podium as the presiding judge.

He began by stating different evidence against the Malfoys including association with dark magic, support of Voldemort's regime, and complicity in acts of violence during the Second Wizarding War. There were even testimonies from former death eaters who unveiled their sins.

As the trial unfolded, collective gasps can be heard every other minute when recounting their exploits. On the side of the courtroom, Hermione watched. If people heard her thoughts then they would be shocked. Every testimonies she hears, she will immediately think of a counter to defend Narcissa.

Narcissa and Lucius were not given a right to have a lawyer. The only thing they can do is answer when asked about questions regarding their involvement in death eater activities.

Narcissa was the first one to be asked on the stand “Do you have any evidence that can refute all the allegations against you, Mrs. Malfoy?” Asked Shacklebolt, his voice with stern resolve.

The air hung heavy with exhaustion and weariness as the woman lifted her head, her response a mere whisper of sound that barely crested the waves of tension. "None" she murmured, her voice strained from the weight of the proceedings.

“Pardon, could you repeat?” 

“NONE” said Narcissa, louder this time.

The Minister's gaze lingered, his brow furrowing in an unspoken question that hung between them. "By forgoing a defense, you do realize that it may contribute to a presumption of guilt?"

The room held its breath as Narcissa stood silent.

Clearing his throat, Shacklebolt asked again “Are there any witnesses you wish to call to testify on your behalf?”

A beat of silence passed, then a single word carried through the air.. “None”

The minister nodded in acknowledgement. He began to announce the impending recess, where the verdict against Narcissa will be decided, when suddenly a hand pierced amongst the sea of spectators.

Hermione’s heart raced within her chest, the beat was so fast that her fingers trembled while her hand was raised in the air. Her hand symbolled an act of defiance against the unforgiving eyes of people who seek justice against the woman on stand.

Shacklebolt’s gaze locked on Hermione’s outstretched hand. 

“Is there a matter, Miss Granger?” he asked curiously, his eyes questioning the sudden interruption in the trial.

“Yes there is. I want to present myself as a witness on behalf of the accused, Narcissa Malfoy” In an instant, flashes of cameras erupted. Murmurs and whispers were everywhere. Hermione shook the entire courtroom with just a sentence.

But the chaos was quelled by a commanding voice “QUIET OR EVERYONE WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE!”

Everyone settled and all gaze fell upon the source of the disruption –the golden girl of the wizarding world, Hermione Granger.

The air seemed to hum with intrigue and curiosity. Why would a war heroine now step forward and defend one whose name has been on the side of the very thing they fought against. The question hung heavy, all eyes waited for an answer.

"Miss Granger, by offering your testimony in defense of the accused, you are indicating that you possess evidence that can exonerate her from the charges. Are you absolutely certain of this course of action?" Shacklebolt’s question carried gravity.

Hermione drew in a deep breath, channeling the courage she had mustered on countless battlefields. She was no stranger to adversity; this, she reasoned, was no different. The stakes were high, but she had faced worse.

"Yes, Minister," she replied, her voice steady and her resolve unwavering.

Everyone watched in anticipation, the minister nodded and called Hermione to the stand. 

She navigated the spectator seats with measured steps, the echo of her shoes a solitary sound amidst the silent expanse. As she drew nearer to the stand, she passed by Narcissa Malfoy, her tired eyes meeting Hermione's gaze. She offered the woman a reassuring smile.

As Hermione settled into the witness stand, the trial again began. 

“Please state your name,” A representative of the ministry instructed.

Hermione’s fingers curled around her jeans, anxiety building up. A moment of anticipation was felt before she spoke, “Hermione Jean Granger.”

The representative’s gaze held with formality as they addressed Hermione. "Miss Granger, you are undoubtedly aware of the allegations that have been leveled against Mrs. Malfoy. Is that correct?"

Hermione nodded in affirmation, “Yes” .

The inquirer leaned slightly forward, their eyes locking onto Hermione's with a mixture of interest and curiosity. "Can you provide insight into the evidence you possess, evidence that could potentially aid in Mrs. Malfoy's defense?" The words were articulated with precision.

Hermione shifted in her seat, the quiet rustling of fabric like a symphony of determination. She met the representative's gaze with unwavering resolve, her thoughts crystal clear.

"I cannot, and will not, defend her for the actions she committed in service of Voldemort" she began, “However, my defense stands firm for the actions she did for us, for our victory, for our freedom.” 

“During the war, when Harry went to the forbidden forest and faced Voldemort, the dark lord casted an unforgivable that’s meant to kill Harry. However, Harry lived.” Hermione paused but continued. “In that moment, Narcissa Malfoy did something that altered the course of history. She approached Harry and checked his condition. Despite knowing that Harry is alive, she lied and deceived Voldemort himself! She claimed that Harry is dead, the turning point for us all” she finished. The courtroom was still, absorbing all the things that were just said.

The representative’s expression remained impassive. "And what, Miss Granger, would be the motivation behind such an act? What would drive Narcissa Malfoy to defy Voldemort himself?"

Hermione's voice choked at the question and her gaze met Narcissa’s.

She knew that answering this question would be inevitable, however, the look on Narcissa's face made her want to weep right there at the stand. Hermione inhaled and tried to keep her composure.

“She whispered and asked Harry if her son, Draco, is still alive, to which Harry responded with a nod” She finally answered. Narcissa’s bloodshot eyes flowed with tears just by hearing her son’s name. 

“Miss Granger, you do know that Draco Malfoy is dead?” The representative innocently asked.

But as if the question had torn through an invisible barrier, a primal cry pierced the air, shattering the delicate balance that had held. It was the wailing of a mother who had just felt the crushing weight of losing her son.

Hermione experienced a sensation similar to having her lungs drained of air. The realization hit her with a force that was almost physical – her words, her presence on that stand, had summoned the very specter of grief that she had hoped to ease.

A moment passed before Narcissa calmed down, her husband Lucius, casting a sorrowful gaze at her and glaring daggers at the representative who had asked such an insensitive question.

Hermione's fury erupted as she berated the unresponsive representative before her “Draco died while at Hogwarts, this happened at the forbidden forest which is before his death. Are you even listening to me?!” Her voice reverberated with intense anger.

The representative and the people at the courtroom seem to have been surprised by Hermione's sudden burst of emotion. Then, Kingsley interjected “Miss Granger, how would we know if everything you said was true?” she stared at Kingsley, offended, why would she even lie?

Her hands trembled with anger as she began to speak “I stand before you as Hermione Granger, recognized by many as the brightest witch of my age. I am there during the heart of the war. I have seen things you wouldn’t even imagine. Yet, my presence at this trial is not that of a war heroine, but that of an advocate for the voiceless. My purpose is to introduce Narcissa Malfoy to society anew - this time not as a follower of Voldemort, but as a mother who has sacrificed everything for her son.” Hermione's gaze swept across the assembled individuals in the courtroom, flames of determination in her eyes.

“And her actions during the war didn’t end with her, her son also did something that I want all of us to remember. Let us pay tribute to the name Draco Malfoy, who in the end undertook an act of heroism that none of us will ever muster. He stood there with Voldemort and yet he gave our hero, Harry, the chance to fight. He selflessly handed over his wand, rendering himself defenseless, and ultimately sacrificed his life in doing so." Hermione’s gaze then locked onto Narcissa’s.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is those very actions that qualify both him and his mother as heroes and not criminals."

Silence enveloped the courtroom, residual flashes from cameras as a testament to the recent revelations. Everyone was speechless to everything that was just said. And the woman she just defended finally showed a reaction other than grief, it was...gratitude.

“If my presence here alone is not something you deemed worthy to trust” Hermione’s voice resounded, and from the pocket of her jeans she took something. “Then take this. This contains Harry’s recollection from the forbidden forest and the final battle at Hogwarts.”

All eyes converged on the container that the Golden girl had placed upon the podium. Yet, despite the intrigue that pulsed through the room, not a single soul dared to seize it.

.

.

Narcissa's trial had just concluded, and the judgment would be delivered concurrently with Lucius's trial. Throughout Lucius's trial, he was subjected to the same questioning as Narcissa. However, the gravity of Lucius's case was considerably more significant, given his full-fledged support for Voldemort.

When once again prompted about the possibility of calling forth any witnesses to testify on his behalf, Lucius responded with a firm "None."

This time no hand was raised to alter the course toward the imminent verdict.

Meanwhile, Hermione remained within the courtroom, patiently waiting until she heard Narcissa’s fate. Until finally, Kingsley sat at the podium, his throat cleared as a hushed anticipation fell over the room.

“Wizards and Witches of the magical community, we find ourselves at a juncture where justice must be served. After a careful consideration, a verdict has been reached.” He began, Hermione's grip on the chair tightened, the anticipation in the room palpable as everyone awaited the impending pronouncement. Cameras poised, ready to capture the pivotal moment for their headlines.

“First, I will announce the verdict of Narcissa Malfoy” He paused, but continued “Mrs. Malfoy, you have been accused of participating in activities that have caused harm to both the wizarding and muggle world. Your involvement with the dark forces cannot be dismissed” In contrast to Hermione's visible tension, Narcissa showed no emotion, although the fatigue in her eyes spoke volumes.

“Therefore, I must announce that the verdict of the Wizengamot is” Kingsley gazed at Narcissa with authority in his eyes. “Guilty”

In that moment, Hermione's heart seemed to explode, a surge of panic engulfing her, causing her to rise from her seat unconsciously. All her efforts went to waste. The courtroom buzzed with chatter, some even clapped. And no one can even see anyone from the lights of the cameras.

“HOWEVER” Kingsley continued, making the noise mildly disappear “We also recognized her and her son’s efforts that lead the wizarding world to victory. And so, we acknowledge the potential for redemption. Therefore, you shall be sentenced to one year's confinement in Azkaban. Subsequent to that, a rehabilitation process will be initiated, aimed at guiding you towards a future of positive enrichment within our society.”

Hermione was soon able to sink back in her chair as her breathing became stable. She could feel tears forming in her eyes, ready to fall at any second. She then gazed at Narcissa, who despite the verdict, revealed no emotion.

As the announcement progressed to Lucius's case, Hermione, battling the oppressive atmosphere, excused herself silently and slipped out of the courtroom. The air felt dense, suffocating even, and her heartache was alleviated only by the knowledge that Narcissa had received a fair trial.

Finding herself on the first level of the Ministry, Hermione navigated her way to the fireplace, sucking her in.  With a deep breath, she opened the door of the toilet and left the bathroom with the busy streets of London greeting her.

.

.

Hermione took the bus home, she finds comfort doing muggle activities rather than just simply apparating. Exhausted, she knocked at the door and her mother greeted her with enthusiasm.

After the war, Hermione went to Australia and with the help of a few healers, they were able to bring her parents’ memories back. At first, they were angry with Hermione for erasing their memories but after she explained everything, they seemed to understand. Eventually, a mutual decision was made that the family would return to the comforting embrace of London.

“Sweetie, just look at you, you had a tiring day. I had a feeling this might happen, so I prepared your favorite dinner” Her mom said as she hugged her. Hermione was thankful that her parents were there, without them, she wouldn’t live by.

During dinner, Hermione recounted the entirety of the trial to her parents, both wholly engrossed in every word that escaped her lips. Her mother's eyes even welled with tears as she absorbed the details of Narcissa's demeanor during the proceedings.

“Being a mother is an ultimate sacrifice, I couldn’t imagine the pain of seeing your child die” Her mother commented, tears in her eyes. “And that Draco – he’s shown the measure of a true man.” her father added.

I just wished I knew him better to commemorate everything he has done , Hermione thought.

June 11, 1998

The next day, Hermione decided to visit the Weasleys and Harry at the burrow. After the war, it seems that they’ve rebuilt it.

Molly Weasley's words rang true as she remarked that it felt as though the tragedies of the past had been erased, replaced by a semblance of normalcy. Despite the lingering sorrow from the loss of Fred, the family displayed warmth and offered genuine smiles in their interactions with Hermione and others.

As she entered the Burrow's welcoming embrace, the news of the trial appeared to have preceded her arrival. Ginny, seated amidst the cozy atmosphere, was engrossed in the pages of the Daily Prophet, the paper's headline featuring Hermione's face and a title that says ‘A War Heroine and A Death Eater Defender?’  

“Hmm looks like news got here before me”

Ginny jumped from her seat and was surprised by the sudden interruption, but as soon as she realized it was Hermione that she immediately shot up and enveloped her in a tight hug.

“My goodness Hermione! I never knew you were such a…” the girl paused, hand on her chin while carefully thinking of the words to describe her.

“Such what?”

“Such a badass!” Ginny eventually exclaimed, Hermione chuckled at this unforeseen description of her. Eventually, the two young women settled back into the seats Ginny had been occupying earlier.

“Seriously! you did well at that trial” Ginny exclaimed, she then rose from her seat, perfectly imitating her at the trial, “If my presence here is not something you deemed worthy, then take this” With a theatrical gesture, she mimed retrieving something from her pocket.

Hermione couldn't help but grin at Ginny's antics and her perfect recall. "Where on earth did you learn that from?" she asked, still amused.

Ginny's grin matched Hermione's. "The Daily Prophet laid out every single detail of what went down in that trial. Your defense of Narcissa and your exit as soon as her verdict was delivered were front-page news."

She was rather surprised that someone even included her leaving the trial, but she brushed off the thought.

Ginny settled herself again beside Hermione and leaned in conspiratorially. "Want to know the outcome for old Lucius?" she teased.

Hermione considered it for a moment. The charges against Lucius Malfoy were undeniably grave, and she found herself intrigued. Finally, she relented. "Alright, tell me."

Ginny's expression turned more serious. "Guilty. He's going to be rotting away in Azkaban."

Hermione wasn't surprised by the verdict, given the seriousness of his crimes. But a pang of sympathy for Narcissa flickered within her. To think that she would be left all alone once she was released to Azkaban was undeniably a sad thought.

Afterward, they transitioned the discussion about the ongoing reconstruction occurring at Hogwarts. Ginny also mentioned the existence of a mural where the names of all those who had perished in the war were written—a heartfelt tribute solely to the individuals who had fought alongside them.

She wondered, is Draco’s name there?

Her train of thought was cut short when two figures suddenly popped inside the burrow – Harry and Ron. Hermione's face lit up with delight upon seeing them, and she was on the verge of embracing them warmly until she caught sight of Ron's scowling expression aimed in her direction. In contrast, Harry offered her an apologetic smile.

“Really, ‘Mione? Defending death eaters is your forte now?” Ron angrily said, his face catching up with the redness of his hair.

The witch seems to be taken aback to his rudeness. “Ron the ‘Death Eater’ you’re referring to is the same person who saved Harry’s life!” she exclaimed with a mixture of frustration.

“Then must you give that speech of yours pretending they're the heroes you paint them to be, just because they switched sides when the war was nearly over?!”

"Those final acts that they undertook played a crucial role in securing our victory. It's rather narrow-minded of you!" Hermione's voice matched Ron's in its intensity, her anger now rising to match his.

Harry and Ginny appeared flustered, unsure of how to respond as the heated exchange unfolded before them.

“RONALD WEASLEY!” The sharp exclamation caused all four of them to turn their attention to the voice's source. Molly was striding purposefully toward them, her arms tightly folded across her chest.

With a stern expression, Molly addressed the situation, her words directed at Ron. "Cease this rudeness toward Hermione. Redemption is a possibility for anyone who proves themselves worthy of it." Her statement held a firm conviction, but Ron's brows remained deeply furrowed.

"Mum, those people took Fred away from us!” Ron retorted, his voice carrying the weight of his anger and pain.

Everyone fell silent. Fred’s death was still a sensitive topic. Hermione's heart sank with guilt for not thinking of the family’s grief.

She could only thank Harry when he cut the silence, “Is this a bad day to announce that Ron and I got a job at the ministry?” His attempt at humor cracked through the somber atmosphere, earning surprised glances from the others. Soon, laughter rippled through the Burrow dispelling the tension just moments before.

“That’s great for the both of you!” Hermione happily said. Harry responded with a proud grin, what a show off . Ron on the other hand still did not face her. The boyfriend he is, he’s such a git sometimes, Hermione thought.

After the war, Ron and her confided in each other and eventually formed a relationship. It was an expected development, with Ginny commenting that it was about time. Hermione did occasionally feel a little out of place, though, as if she didn't quite fit in. Still, she decided to stay because of the comfort he offered. If not him, who else?

Molly eventually invited them to eat lunch as she just finished cooking a stew. Hearing that made Hermione’s stomach cheer. She must admit that the woman’s cooking never took second place to others, even her mother’s cooking didn’t compare.

During the meal, Ron sat beside her although she could still feel his irritation from what happened earlier. Surprisingly, she felt his hands on her knees, although uncomfortable, Hermione let him be.

As Molly excused herself, mentioning some unfinished chores, the three of her friends proceeded to talk about quidditch, a topic that held little appeal for her and often left her uninterested.

Hermione was so engrossed with her trains of thoughts that she never heard her friend call her. “HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER” Ginny loudly said, this time finally capturing her attention.

"Must you always resort to such aggressiveness, Ginerva?" Hermione responded, her tone carrying a mixture of amusement and mild reprimand. Her statement earned a laugh from Harry and seemed to amuse Ron, although he chose to keep his amusement to himself.

“That’s my nature, Hermione. Anyway, we’re just talking about our plans now that the war is over”

“Ron and I will become Aurors. And I remember the Ministry offered you a position as well, so what’s your plan?” Harry chimed in.

Since the war ended, Hermione had given it considerable thought. Of course, she was interested in the prospect of working for the Ministry. But she couldn't help but think of making things fair. She pondered the thought of how others had diligently completed their full term at Hogwarts before entering the workforce, also, she felt that she still had much to learn.

Finally, she answered “I’m going back to Hogwarts”

“As expected from the brightest witch of our age” All three of them said, their words echoing in unison, a testament to their shared admiration for Hermione's determination and intellect.