Chapter 12
Ron Weasley wanted nothing more than to wrap Hermione in his arms, carry her to his attic bedroom and snog her senseless. However, that just wasn’t in the cards. They had a lot to discuss with Ms. Cumberland and the sooner the better. So with a regretful groan he released Hermione’s lips and said, “We should get back in. You need to eat some breakfast and we need to start working on your case.”
Hermione nodded sadly, knowing Ron was right. Ron stood up and offered his hand to Hermione but she didn’t grab it. “Ron,” her eyes showed apprehension and curiosity, “Apparently there was some article in the Prophet this morning but Edith wouldn’t tell me what it was. And it must have caused enough of a stir that you couldn’t come to my hearing and we had to use Kingsley’s floo to come here. Can you please tell me what it was?”
Ron sat back down and groaned, “It was complete rubbish, Hermione. Everyone knows it’s rubbish.”
She could tell he was reluctant to tell her which made her even more nervous. “Please Ron.”
He sighed a heavy sigh and frowned, “The article said that you were not on the mission with Harry and I and just showed up for the final battle.”
“Ok,” she replied, “Where did the article say I was?”
“It claimed you were in hiding.” Ron answered but his face was blushed she knew there was much more to it and she was starting to get irritated at being treated like a child who can’t handle the truth.
“Don’t lie to me, Ronald,” she said, “And don’t try to protect me from this, I need to know.”
He huffed, “Fine but know most of the family laughed when they read the story, knowing how utterly absurd it was.”
“Great, I need a laugh.” She said though she doubted she would be laughing.
“It said that you were in hiding among different Order safehouses because you were,” he was clearly uncomfortable and stumbled a bit, “Because you were pregnant.”
She was wrong, she did laugh.
“Seriously? And who was the father meant to be?”
Ron shuttered, “The article said the child’s paternity was in question as you were….um….with many partners,” Any semblance of humor evaporated. “It claimed it could be me, Harry, McClaggen or even Malfoy.”
Hermione was on her feet, pacing now, needing some way to expel the angry energy now coursing through her body. “And what happened to this fictious child?”
“Well,” Ron started, “It claimed you were arrested because you used the Imperius curse on some Muggles to force them to raise your child. And then altered their memory to make them believe it weas theirs. Then you met Harry and I at Hogwarts and fought in the final battle.”
Hermione stopped pacing and wrapped her arms around her torso, trying to keep herself together, “So let me see if I have this straight, according to the wizarding world, I am a slag who got pregnant by who knows who, a liar who tried to claim being a war hero and used an Unforgivable curse on a muggle to cover up my behavior. Is that it, in a nutshell?”
Ron crossed to her and wrapped her in his arms, “No one in their right minds believes that! No one who truly knows you believes it. Honestly, I can’t imagine anyone believing such rubbish.”
“Ron, you know how people are, they will believe it. And now, the Wizengamot could use this against me. Any public support I may have had before is gone now. I’m just a mudblood, slag, liar.”
Ron pulled her away from him and held her by her shoulders, “Hermione Granger, never speak that way about yourself, ever.” He said in a serious, verging on angry tone. “This is nothing but bullshit that was used to sell bloody papers. We need to focus on what’s really happening and prove you innocent of what you are actually accused of. We’ve seen how quickly public opinion can shift. Remember? One day Harry is a nutter, the next he’s the Chosen one. We can’t let this bog us down.”
He pulled her back into his arms and she melted and tears came again. “What if I get convicted? What if I have to,” But Ron put his finger to her lips.
“We cannot think that way Hermione. We have to think positively. I will do whatever is in my power to make sure you never see the inside of Azkaban. You are a good, kind, brilliant and amazing witch and we’ll make them see that.” He leaned down and gently kissed her lips. Though she appreciated his support, his affection and his positive attitude, she just had a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Come on,” he said. “Breakfast and a work session, just like Hogwarts.” He smiled, trying to lift her up ever so slightly. She sighed, took his hand and allowed him to lead her into the house.
As they entered the kitchen, everyone else, including Edith Cumberland were sitting at the table eating a typical Molly Weasley breakfast feast. “Come and eat Hermione,” Molly said as she hugged the young woman, “You haven’t had anything decent in far too long.” Hermione didn’t protest as she was hungry.
Breakfast was a quite affair though which was rather uncommon in the Weasley home but everyone was deep in their own thoughts. Finally, as it appeared most everyone was done, Ron spoke up, “Maybe we should give Hermione and Ms. Cumberland some time alone. I know there is a lot to discuss.” There were various sounds of agreement as the plates started to be cleared and chairs started to move.
“Actually,” Hermione spoke up, “I would rather everyone stay to at least hear my side of the story. I think you all deserve to know but I don’t want to repeat it more times than necessary. Is that ok, Edith?”
Edith nodded as she retrieved a notebook, quill and ink from her briefcase. “This is your case, Hermione, who knows what is your choice.”
Hermione looked at the group which consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Percy, Ginny, Harry and Ron. She knew they all needed to know. Everyone returned to their seats, ready to listen.
Edith began, “Hermione, let’s start with the main question: why did you alter your parents’ memory?”
Hermione took a deep breath, “After Dumbledore died, Ron and I knew we would accompany Harry on his mission. I wasn’t naive, I knew it was going to be near impossible and I knew that I was a target. I’m Muggle born and best friends with The Chosen Ones and a blood traitor, Death Eaters were going to come for me. I’m not proud of this but I had lied to my parents for years about the state of the wizarding world and my involvement in it. If they had been aware they would have pulled me out of Hogwarts, I knew that and I couldn’t let that happen. I considered just sending them away to Australia without altering them at all but I knew they would never go without me. Maybe I was too distraught and emotional but at that moment, with Muggle deaths piling up and knowing the war was starting, I felt it was the only way to keep them safe.”
None of this was particularly surprising to Edith, it made sense. What didn’t make sense was the use of Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne.
“Hermione, per the report from the Australian Aurors there were multiple memories spells used on your parents. Most of those spells are frowned upon but not illegal. Why go the extra step and use Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne?”
“Wait,” interrupted Harry, “Can you explain what this spell even is? I’ve never heard of it?” Ginny nodded in agreement.
“Most memory spells,” Hermione began, “Are rather broad in nature, covering chunks of time or groups of people. Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne is more specific; it’s purpose is to eliminate one person from an individual’s life; erase their very existence from the subject’s memory. And since those memories can go back decades it’s rather difficult.” Hermione choked up a bit remembering how challenging and exhausting that spell was to complete.
“Hermione, I think you are down playing it a bit,” Percy chimed in. “That spell is nearly impossible, others have tried it over the years and failed miserably. Only strong and skilled witches and wizards can do it successfully.”
Ron wrapped his arm around Hermione, usually praise would perk her up a bit but this praise stung.
“There is one more piece,” Percy continued, “Whereas curse breakers could break the other memory spells, only the spell caster can break Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne. That is why that spell was a particular favorite with Death Eaters in the first war, as a way of torturing some families, they would erase the memory of a beloved child or spouse and only that Death Eater could break it.”
Ron knew all off this already as Hermione had told him when she arrived at the Burrow, inconsolable after performing the charms and watching her parent’s flight depart for the other side of the world. But the weight of it didn’t quite register for him until now.
“Is that why you did it, Hermione?” Edith asked, “So only you would have the power to bring yourself back to them?”
Hermione, who had silent tears falling down her face, answered, “I assumed, honestly, that I wouldn’t survive the war. And if I died, they wouldn’t have to mourn me.” More tears fell both for what she did and for the grief she knew Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were still suffering through.
“Wouldn’t the curse have broken if you had died?” Ginny asked.
“Good question Ginevra,” Percy said, “Another layer of this complicated spell, it stays intact even if the caster perishes.”
The room was quite for a bit until Mrs. Weasley got up from the table, “I’ll put the kettle on.” Everyone, even Edith, knew this was an excuse to leave the room and let loose the emotions she was feeling. Mr. Weasley followed, “You all continue.”
“I’m sorry,” Hermione whispered, “I hate upsetting them.”
“Don’t worry, Hermione,” Ginny said while wiping a few tears of her own, “They have each other, thank Merlin.”
Edith scribbled some more notes down and then spoke up again, “Ok, we know why you did it. And quite frankly, I think it was incredibly brave of you,” she patted Hermione’s arm.
“Now, did you know this spell was illegal when you cast it?”
“Absolutely not. I came across it in an obscure text in the Hogwarts library before we left. And nowhere did it mention that it was illegal.”
“When did you find out it was illegal?”
“Not until months later, after Christmas. While we were gone, I got my hands on an early copy of Rita Skeeter’s book on Dumbledore,” she shared a knowing glance with Harry as he remembered Hermione swiped it that terrible night in Godric’s Hollow. “It was briefly mentioned as Dumbledore was one of the main supporters of it being made illegal because it was being attempted by Voldemort’s followers.”
A memory sparked in Ron’s brain, “Is that why you were so upset that day?” He remembered a day in the tent, not long after his return. She still wasn’t talking to him but that didn’t stop him from watching her intently. She was sitting at the table, drinking tea, reading that book when suddenly she gasped, slammed the book shut, got up and started pacing frantically. He asked her what was wrong but she just snapped at him that it was none of his business and went to her bunk where she remained the rest of the day.
“Yes,” she said, breaking him out of his memory, “I was upset with myself for not doing more research before using the spell.”
“Ok,” Edith said, “Unfortunately, ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense of your actions but I think it will help establish the point that you were not using this spell out of malice. I think that is the crux of our case, Hermione. Yes, you broke the law but not to cause harm but to save your parents.”
“Is that enough of a defense, though?” Harry asked.
“It’s not all of our defense,” Edith said. “I think we have to approach this from various avenues. Firstly, your reason for doing what you did. Secondly, we need to get public opinion back on your side. Anyone with any notoriety in the wizarding world that you all know, that will talk to the press on your behalf we need. And no, Harry and Ron don’t count, you are too closely connected. And thirdly, and probably the trickiest part, is dealing with the Wizengamot. Percy has learned that there are a number of members who plan to use this trail as a means to an end.”
“What end?” Hermione asked.
Edith looked at Percy and continued, “There are members who feel they are entitled to know the complete details of the mission Dumbledore entrusted to you three.”
“And how is putting her on trial going to get them that answer?” Ron demanded, “She tells them what they want to know and they just forget the charges? I always knew the Wizengamot was corrupt but this is new level.”
“No Ronald,” Percy interjected, “I think they know that Hermione nor you or Harry would ever agree to that. I believe they plan to use their power to force her to tell them. Any defendant on trial is subject to Veritaserum.” Ginny audibly gasped and the color drained from Hermione’s face. Percy continued, “They need a majority of members to vote for its use and if my calculations are correct, they have just enough votes.”
“Bloody hell,” Ron groaned. He glanced at Hermione and watched as fresh tears ran down her face. The news just kept getting worse.
“What if Hermione doesn’t testify?” Harry asked, “Can they still force it on her?”
“Not only do we need her to testify to explain her reasons for using the spell but even if she didn’t, they can force her.” Edith answered. She looked around the room at the very discouraged faces and she appreciated loyalty but maybe it’s gone too far.
“I don’t pretend to understand what you all promised, Dumbledore,” she said, “But if telling the Wizengamot the details of your mission keeps Hermione out of Azkaban, isn’t it worth it?” The question hung heavily in the air. The trio had been adamant that only Kingsley and McGonagall be privy to all the details. No one wanted Horcruxes to become common knowledge; no one wanted another deranged wizard getting ideas about immortality. But doesn’t this change everything?
No one answered Edith’s question but Hermione did speak up, just as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came back into the room.
“And what if I plead guilty?”
Now the gasp that filled the room came from Mrs. Weasley and Harry interjected, “Hermione, you can’t be serious!”
“Mate,” Ron spoke up, “She needs to know all her options, ok?” Hermione smiled at Ron, silently thanking him for his help but she could see the fear in his eyes.
Edith couldn’t hide her surprise if she tried, “Well, the maximum sentence is 18 months in Azkaban. I may be able to get that number down to 12 months but I can’t guarantee that. But Hermione, if you do that, you’ll be in prison with Death Eaters; evil and angry people who likely blame you for putting them there and for destroying their world. I would fear for your safety.”
“And Hermione,” Percy chimed in, “let’s say you survive your time there, your career options are limited. As a felon, you would never be able to work for the ministry or Hogwarts or Gringotts. Your bright future would be anything but.”
“Hermione,” Edith took her client’s hands in hers, “I appreciate loyalty and as your solicitor, I have to do whatever you decide regardless of my opinion. However, I think we can win. We have a good strategy and Percy has promised to keep working his Wizengamot contacts and maybe there are a few members whose opinion we can flip and avoid the Veritaserum. But if you plead guilty, all your options are gone.”
Hermione nodded and looked around at the room. She knew everyone wanted to know what she was thinking. “I need time to think and I need some rest. Edith, can you come back tomorrow morning and I’ll have my answer?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you,” Hermione smiled weakly, “If you all don’t mind, I think I’ll take a shower and then rest some.”
“Of course, dear.” Mrs. Weasley said gently.
Ron walked her to the stairs, “You go,” he said, “I’ll be up a little later, there are some things I need to do.” He kissed her, “I love you.”
She hugged him tightly, “I love you too.”
She headed up the stairs and Ron re-entered the kitchen where the room was still silent.
“Ron,” Harry finally spoke up, “She can’t seriously be considering pleading guilty.” But Ron didn’t answer Harry immediately as he was going into strategy mode.
“Ginny, I need you to reach out to Luna. We need the Quibbler to do some pieces on Hermione, building up her reputation again. Also, reach out to Neville, he’s been getting a lot of attention after the Battle, I am sure he would do interviews.” Ginny nodded and headed to the lounge to write some letters.
“Harry, I need you to go to Hogwarts and ask McGonagall the same thing; she is easily one of the most respected witches in Britain and I am sure she would speak up for Hermione.” Harry nodded in agreement.
Ron continued, “I’m going to head to Shell Cottage, I need to speak to Fluer.”
“Why?” asked Harry.
“I need to ask her a favor. I should be back soon. Mum, will you keep an eye on Hermione for me?”
“Of course, dear, anything she needs.”
“Excellent plan Ronald,” Percy said, “I’m going to head back to the ministry and try to figure out which members we might be able to bring to our side.”
“Yes,” Edith said, “All of this is great. I’ll go to my office and start researching appropriate case law that could help us. I truly do believe we can win this.”
“Thank you both,” Ron said shaking Edith’s hand and then Percy’s as they headed for the floo.
“Ron,” Edith said before she entered the fire place, “Obviously you and Hermione have a strong bond, please guide her in the right direction.”
“Hermione Granger has her own mind, Ms. Cumberland. But I don’t plan on giving up.”
Edith smiled and hoped that would be enough.