Chapter 8
Hermione had been waiting in her cell for nearly three hours. No other prisoners came in but Jenkinson checked on her periodically and brought her water and tea. She was praying that the Weasleys were able to find solicitor willing to help. Though she had no clue how she would pay for one. The last of her money was in her beaded bag that she’s using for bail. Her account at Gringots is frozen and even if the Goblins released the funds to her, it wasn’t much. Her parents preferred her money stay in a Muggle bank.
Her parents, oh Merlin, her parents. At least she knew they were alive and well in Australia but now if she goes to jail it will be even longer before she can even attempt to retrieve them. And what if they don’t forgive her. Hermione took a few deep, cleansing breaths; unfortunately, she can’t think about her parents right now. They are safe and that’s what matters.
But how long would she be safe? Azkaban is a full of Death Eaters who likely blame her for their downfall; she would be a helpless target there. Could she even survive there? Another cleansing breath; one step at a time.
Luckily a few minutes later Jenkinson came by to inform her that her solicitor would be here momentarily. She let out a grateful breath.
Fifteen minutes later, a tall slender woman with a chic blonde bob and classic blue pinstriped skirt suit arrived at her cell.
“Hermione, my name is Edith Cumberland. Percy and Ronald Weasley have hired me to be your solicitor.”
“Nice to meet you,” Hermione said through the bars. Jenkinson unlocked the cell door so Edith could enter. The women shook hands.
“So, we don’t have a lot of time in this first meeting, we can get into all the details once we get you home. First and foremost, the bail hearing. At the hearing they will ask for your plea and then set the bail. I suspect somewhere in the range of 1500 – 2500 galleons. Do you have access to that?”
Hermione tried to do a quick conversion in her head, “Yes, I believe so. A friend was meant to exchange Muggle money into galleons for me and if my conversion is right, I should have just enough.”
“Good. Now the hearing isn’t until 9am tomorrow so you’ll have to sleep here. But once you are out on bail you have to follow strict rules. You have a place to stay?”
Hermione hadn’t really considered that. Does she? Can she ask the Weasleys to put her up like that? Is it fair? But then again, her parent’s house hasn’t been clear for habitation yet as we know dark magic attacked it. Maybe Harry would let her stay at Grimmauld Place?”
“Yes, I think I have a place.” Hermione answered.
“Hermione, I assume the Weasleys will want you to stay with them.” She nodded but wasn’t sure that was fair.
“So, as for your plea. I am required to ask if you want to plea guilty or innocent. I suggest innocent.”
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Edith cut her off.
“Plea innocent so we can get you home, Hermione. I only know the bare bones of your case but I suspect it’s more complicated than it may appear. You’ll plea innocent.”
Hermione nodded.
“I have asked Ron to get some fresh clothes for you to wear tomorrow to the hearing and I can bring them in them in the morning. I don’t see any reason why you won’t be back with your friends before lunch tomorrow.”
Hermione nodded and tried to smile though worry was etched all over her face. Edith took her hand.
“Hermione, I won’t lie. This is a serious charge against you not to mention all the media attention and I suspect politics as well. It’s going to be a rough road but I am ready to fight for you.”
Hermione could not help the tears that started to fall. She’d been holding them in since the Burrow.
“Hang in there, ok.” Edith said with patting her hand. Hermione smiled and wiped the tears away.
“Thank you, Ms. Cumberland.” Edith stood and picked up her briefcase.
“I’ll be here tomorrow around 8am with your change of clothes. Try to get some rest; I know it’s not ideal but try your best.”
“I will.” As Edith turned to call Jenkinson to open the cell door Hermione remembered something, “Oh, Ms. Cumberland, I suppose we should talk about your fee. Honestly, I’m using the last of my available Muggle money to pay for bail. But if I can get access to my Gringots account and the account at my parents Muggle bank I should be able to cover it, I think.”
“Hermione,” Edith took her hands, “Please don’t worry about that. Look, I’m a Muggleborn. These last few years have been awful. I even forced my parents to relocate to North Carolina where my Muggle sister lives. What you did for us is worth more than any money. I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for you and Harry Potter and Ron. So, let’s not worry about that, ok?”
Hermione was shocked at this kindness, so much that she hugged Edith which took her completely by surprise.
“Mr. Jenkinson,” Edith called once the hug ended. “I’ll see you in the morning Hermione. Hang in there.”
Jenkinson let Edith out and lead her out of the cellblock. Hermione let out a deep breath, feeling a bit better.