Chapter 4
“Minister”, Roebuck said, “We have a warrant for the Granger girl’s arrest and we really do need to get going.”
“Auror Roebuck,” Kinsgley replied, “I am aware of the warrant. Why don’t you and Hodgekins wait out front and I’ll alert you when Ms. Granger is ready.”
“But sir”, Roebuck pushed back.
“Roebuck, I do not know what great hurry you are in. Unless laws have changed, there is not a strict time constraint on executing the warrant and delivery of the prisoner to the Ministry. Now, please wait out front.”
“Yes sir.” Hodgekins said, clearly relieved that he did not need to break up an altercation between Roebuck and the Weasleys.
Hodgekins took Roebuck’s arm and lead him through the front door. Once the door was closed, Kingsley put a silencing charm on the front door. “Percy, put a charm on the back door as well, please.”
Mrs. Weasley brought the minister a cup of tea and he took a seat, urging Hermione to sit across from him.
“I really can’t hold off the Aurors for too long. I can’t seem to be interfering more than I already am.”
“Minister,” Harry said, sitting on the arm of the couch next to Hermione, “What is going on?” What is this curse they are talking about? Hermione never cursed a Muggle.”
“Harry,” Kingsley started but Hermione interrupted.
“But I did Harry,” he looked at her in shock and Ron who was sitting on her other side took her hand, having an idea of where she was going.
“When I sent my parents to Australia, to keep them safe.” Harry’s face lit up at recognition, kicking himself for forgetting.
“I thought you just sent them away under false names, I didn’t know memory alterations were involved?” Mr. Weasley responded, not able to hide his shock.
“I never told anyone but Harry and Ron,” she responded.
“But then how was this discovered?” Mr. Weasley asked again.
“I think that might be my fault.” Kingsley responded, “After Fred’s funeral, Hermione asked me when I thought international travel would be resumed. She went on to tell me how she sent her parents to Australia to keep them safe but she wanted to fetch them as soon as possible. Well, I thought after everything Hermione sacrificed for us, the least the Ministry could do was bring her parents back. I asked the head of the Australian Auror Corp, an old friend of mine, to track them down. He informed me that their memories had been altered; he wasn’t sure if that was from Death Eaters or not so they investigated further and confirmed the wand work was from a relative. I believe an Australian Auror leaked this information to someone here and that’s why we are here now. There are still people in the Wizengamot that feel ‘The Golden Trio’ should be charged for some of their actions during the war but there isn’t enough support for it. This might be that group’s way of punishment in any way possible.”
Everyone sat in stunned silence. Hermione had tears running down her face and was squeezing Ron’s hand.
“I am so sorry, Hermione, I truly thought we were doing something good.” Hermione sniffled and smiled.
“You were, Minister, and I thank you so much. Your intentions were pure. And I swear, I didn’t,”
“I need to stop you there, Hermione,” Kingsley said with is hand up, “I can’t know any more. That is between you and your counsel. Speaking of, you need to find a solicitor quickly. I will suggest a few names to Percy. In the meantime, given the level of your charge, you will be up for bail, I would start working on getting that money together straight away. I am going to talk to Aurors, it will give you a few minutes.”
“Wait,” Ron spoke up, “Where are they taking her? Not Azkaban surely?”
“No,” Kingsley said as he got to his feet, “My last bit of interference in this case will be to make sure she is taken to the interim jail inside the Ministry.”
The Minister took Hermione’s hands as she stood, “I truly am sorry, Hermione. But I have faith you will get through this.”
“Thank you, sir.” He nodded, guilt still etched on his face, as he went outside to speak to the Aurors.
Percy ran over to Hermione and Ron. “I’ll start working on finding a solicitor for you. And remember Hermione, say nothing to anyone until we get you counsel.” And before Hermione could do more than smile, he was in the floo back to the Ministry.
Ron wrapped Hermione in his arms, “You’ll be fine. We’ll figure this out.”
She fought the tears she knew were coming as her brain was working in over drive. She took Harry’s hands and said quietly, “In my beaded bag, near the bottom, is all the Muggle money I have left. Please find a way to get it converted for my bail.”
“Hermione,” Harry said, “I have plenty of galleons, I can handle your bail.”
“No, you can’t. Have you forgotten the Goblins have still frozen our accounts?” Harry had forgotten that, he seemed to have forgotten quite a bit.
“And I don’t want you or any Weasley doing that. Ask Neville if he could convert it for us. Goblins have no issue with him.”
Harry nodded and hugged her tight, “We’ll fight this, Hermione.”
“Alright, Ms. Granger,” Hodgekins said as he reentered the parlor, “Lets come with me.” Ron held her tightly against him and she clung to him.
He whispered into her ear, “I love you. We’ll get you out and we’ll beat this.” She nodded weakly.
“Do you trust me?” he asked. She pulled away from him and looked into his brilliant blue eyes.
“Always.”
“We’ll figure this out.”
“I love you.” She said and Ron lowered his lips and kissed her deeply; something they never did in front of his family, let alone the Minister of Magic and two strangers. But no one seemed to mind.
Until Roebuck cleared his throat quite loudly and they broke apart. Next all the Weasleys hugged her and gave her words of encouragement.
“Thank you,” she said, “I love you all.”
She walked over to Hodgekins who gently took her arm, led her into the fireplace and in a flash of green she was gone.