Chapter 17
Molly Weasley wanted to have the entire family over Sunday night for dinner to support Hermione but Ron nixed that idea. He knew Hermione didn’t want that but he also knew she would never want to insult his mother so he intervened. So, Sunday they had an early dinner with just those living at the Burrow and then Ron and Hermione retired to the orchard for some quiet, alone time.
Hermione was tense, of course, so Ron rubbed her shoulders trying to help her relax.
“I don’t know what to say, Hermione,” Ron admitted, “But I love you.”
Hermione turned to Ron and smiled, “That’s all you need to say, Ron.” She leaned up and kissed him and he wrapped his arms around her waist. In that moment, they were typical teenagers, snogging on a summer night. And she wished she could stay in that moment forever but she knew she and Ron had to have a difficult conversation. When Ron went to push her down on the blanket she gently pushed back on his chest. He looked confused but when he saw her serious face, he knew the snogging was over.
“Ron,” she started, “We need to talk.” She shifted away from him and sat cross legged while he leaned against the tree trunk and crossed his legs at the ankles. He didn’t say anything but waited patiently for her to begin.
“Look, Ron, the trial starts tomorrow and Edith assumes it will take 3-4 days so we need to have a serious discussion. And we need to have it now.”
“Ok,” he nods, “What do you want to talk about?”
“Ron”, she rolled her eyes, “You know what I want to talk about. We need to talk about what happens if I’m convicted.”
“That’s not going to happen.” He said with solid confidence.
“We don’t know that,” she replied.
“Edith is a brilliant solicitor. I have faith in her.”
“Yes, Edith is great at what she does and I know she is putting together a strong defense but,”
Ron continued, “And the press has shifted in your favor which as much as we hate it, we know matters.”
“I know but,”
“And Percy has been prepping me for my testimony so I won’t embarrass you.”
“Of course, you won’t, I know that Ron,”
“And you’ll have the entire family’s support,”
“RON!” She interrupted because she knew he would not stop until he was forced to stop.
“Ron, I love you and your support. And your positive attitude is so helpful. But we have to plan for if it goes the other way.”
“I don’t know why we have to,” he said in a quiet but tight voice.
“Because I did break the law, Ron! It doesn’t matter that I didn’t know that Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne was illegal when I used it. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t do it with vicious intent. I still broke the law and I could still go to Azkaban for it.”
Ron didn’t respond to this. He, of course, knew it was true but he tried not to think about it. If he thought too much about those simple facts he would fall apart. And she needed him to be strong.
She got up, sat next to him and took his hands. “I’ve been thinking of a plan for if I get convicted and I want to run it by you.”
Ron nodded but didn’t respond. “First of all, Ron,” she said though her voice was starting to crack, “I need you to know that, well, that I would understand if, you know, if,”
Hermione rarely stumbled over her words like this and it surprised Ron, he looked at her and saw tears swimming in her eyes. And it dawned on him, she was about to give him an out.
He used his hand to tip up her chin and make eye contact with him.
“Hermione, don’t even think about it.”
“What?”
“I know where you’re going and stop.”
“Ron, please, I don’t want to drag you down.”
“Drag me down!?! How could you ever drag me down Hermione!” Ron didn’t want to raise his voice but he can’t help it.
“Ron, you are about to be an Auror in training. How will it look if your girlfriend is in prison in Azkaban?”
Ron laughed, “I don’t care how it looks. I don’t care about anything but you. If you are convicted, I am not leaving you. End of discussion, Hermione.”
She opened her mouth as though she was going to continue but he stopped her, “No Hermione. Now that I have you, I am never letting you go. Please don’t bring it up again.”
She saw the love and earnestness in Ron’s eyes and agreed to stop that part of the discussion.
“Ok, Ron, but I have more things to talk about. And you have to let me.” Ron nodded.
“If I am convicted, I would likely get 18 months in prison. And I think you’ll be pretty busy in that time training in the Aurors and then starting your career. When I get out, we know I won’t be able to get a decent job in the Wizarding World so I’ll have to go to the Muggle world.” Hermione feared Ron’s response to this but he nodded as though it made a lot of sense so she continued, “I don’t know what type of job I’ll be able to get but at least I won’t have to tell any Muggle employers that I am a felon.” She felt embarrassed at even the thought of being a convicted felon and how ashamed her parents would be. Ron noticed that her mind went off somewhere else for a moment and intervened.
“Hermione, I actually have given this a lot of thought. Hasn’t McGonagall done paperwork for Muggle borns before for them to go on to Muggle, what it’s called?”
“University.” She smiled in response.
“Right,” he said, “She would do that for you. And when you get out you could apply to University, get into the best one, graduate top of the class and get any Muggle job you want. You can work in the Muggle world and come home to the Magical world. It’s not unheard of.”
Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed, “You would be ok with that, Ron? You’re really ok with me spending my days in the Muggle world and the rest of the time in the Magical? I know it’s not unheard of but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.”
He leaned down and kissed her, “When have things ever been easy for us?” She chuckled. “Hermione you are my world and I’ll do anything to make it work. It won’t be easy and I can’t promise that I won’t be a prat here and there. But there is nothing more worth it than making us work.”
She was crying now but smiling too as another thought occurred to her, “There is something else.” He looked at her, urging her to continue. “Well, Harry said something to me that has really stuck with me. He said me at Azkaban would make you feel like you were perpetually in that dungeon at Malfoy Manor.”
Ron didn’t respond nor did he make eye contact with her because it was true even though he wished Harry hadn’t said that to her.
“Ron, promise me, if I’m there, you’ll take care of yourself? And let other people help you? I know you like to take care of everyone and you aren’t good at asking for help when you need it. I saw it after Fred died; you were so busy taking care of everyone and worrying about how they were feeling, you didn’t take care of yourself. It finally took that row by the pond for you to open up. You can’t do that this time; you need to ask for and accept help. Please?”
Immediately after the Battle of Hogwarts and the death of Fred, Ron stretched himself so thin taking care of everyone, especially his mum, George and Hermione. She was worried about him and asked him about it which led to a row but eventually he fell apart and allowed her to take care of him. It had been not only a turning point in Ron’s grieving process but in their relationship as well. Their bond really deepened after that row. That was only two weeks before she was arrested.
“I promise, Hermione. I promise I won’t let myself get as bad as last time. But don’t ask me not to worry about you. That’s impossible.”
“Ok, I won’t ask the impossible,” she smiled at him, “How did I get so lucky?”
He captured her lips, “We’re both lucky and we can’t ever forget it.” She returned her lips to his and deepened it.
“But,” Ron said, “I don’t think we’ll have to do it. I believe you’ll be free.”
“I hope you’re right.” She again returned her lips to his and when he wrapped his arms around her waist this time and he lowered her body to the blanket she didn’t stop him.
***
Monday morning at 8:30am, Hermione and Ron waited in the lounge of the Burrow for Edith Cumberland. She would be escorting Hermione through the press and into the Wizengamot court room while Ron, Harry and the Weasleys would come separately. Hermione’s right leg bobbed up and down and she was chewing nervously on her bottom lip. Ron placed his hand on her right leg to calm her nerves and then grasped her hand.
“Love, it’s going to be ok.” And he kissed her temple. She gave him a weak smile but appreciated his calming support.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered the lounge ready to floo to the Ministry and Hermione and Ron rose from the couch.
“Hermione, dear,” Molly said, “You look lovely. And we’ll be right there the entire time supporting you.” Hermione nodded, afraid to speak in case tears fell instead and happily welcomed the maternal hug she was given. Then Harry and Ginny entered; they would stay until Edith arrived and floo to the Ministry with Ron.
“Are you two sure,” Arthur spoke to Harry and his son, “That you don’t want to use the floo into my department instead of into the Atrium? The press will be all over you.”
Harry shook his head vigorously, “No. I want the press to see me and I want to vocalize my support for Hermione. I understand why I have had to stay quiet until now but I won’t shy away from them.”
Arthur nodded though he was still nervous at the thought. And Ron agreed with Harry, “And don’t worry Dad, we won’t let them bate us or egg us on. We’re ready for this.” He squeezed Hermione’s hand, which he had not let go of it since sitting on the couch.
Just then the floo came to life and Edith was in the lounge. “Good morning. We all look smart and ready, I see.”
“Yes, Ms. Cumberland,” Arthur said, “Molly and I are flooing over now, into my department and then we’ll see you in the courtroom.” He hugged Hermione, “Stay strong, Hermione, we’re all on your side.” The elder Weasley’s smiled at Hermione once more and flooed away.
“I suppose I still can’t talk you three out of going through the Atrium?” Edith asked though she was sure she knew the answer.
Harry and Ron simultaneously shook their heads. “No point asking again Ms. Cumberland,” Ginny added, “Stubborn as bulls these two.” She took Harry’s hand and led him to the fireplace, “We should be going boys.”
Ron embraced Hermione and whispered in her ear, “I love you. No matter what happens, I’m here for you.” She fought the tears as he bent to gently kiss her. “I’ll see you there.”
“Thank you, Ron,” She squeezed him a final time, “And keep your eye on Harry. I know you’ve been working on your temper but I don’t know that he has.” Ron winked at her.
“I got him, don’t worry.” He gave one more chaste kiss, “Ok, let’s do this.”
“We love you Hermione,” Harry said. Ginny nodded and smiled as well. And they all flooed away.
The lounge was dead silent for a few moments.
“Hermione, we really should get going,” Edith started, “I’m sure the boys are getting inundated by the press and your arrival will lighten that a bit.”
Hermione nodded not at all looking forward to entering that atrium where hungry vultures were waiting to peck at her. Edith took her hands.
“We have a solid case, Hermione. And we are going to fight furiously for your freedom. Do you trust me?”
Hermione swallowed the lump in her throat, “Yes, Edith, I trust you.”
Edith smiled, “Then let’s go fight.”
***
The first day of the trial started out a bit dull; it began with introductions, a reading of the charges, explanations of how the proceedings would go and Edith’s opening argument in defense of Hermione. Somehow, all that took nearly two hours. But finally, the first witness was called before the Wizengamot, Franklin Hodgekins the Auror that arrested Hermione, Charlie Weasley’s old classmate. His testimony was quite standard; he recalled Hermione’s arrest and delivery to the Ministry jail. When asked how she responded to the warrant and charges, Hodgekins said that she was calm and respectful if not slightly frightened.
The next witness was, Jeremy Plante and Edith was looking forward to questioning him. The Wizengamot questioned him on how he found the Grangers and how he discovered their memories had been altered which he explained. A member of the Wizengamot that Edith knew was no fan of Muggle borns asked a follow up question to Plante.
“Auror Plante, how did you discover that Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne has been used? It’s not a common curse and famously difficult to detect.”
“I specialize in curses, sir,” Plante said in a smug tone, “Once we knew their memories had been altered we feared it had been done by Death Eaters so I looked for every curse I could think of, especially the nasty ones. That’s when I discovered Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne.”
“And how did you discover the curses had been done by a relative?”
“A simple tracing spell. And we knew, as Muggles, their only magical relation was their daughter, Hermione Granger.”
“Thank you Auror Plante.” The Wizengamot member smiled. No other members requested to question the witness so Edith was given permission to do start her questions and she didn’t ease into, she started strong.
“Auror Plante, why was the first person you informed of the discovery of Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne and its caster not your superiors at the Australian Ministry? But to your cousin, Edward Roebuck in the British Auror Corp?”
Plante was not expecting that question, he blanched and had to cough to cover. There were many confused faces in the Wizengamot but Ron smiled and leaned over to Percy, “Damn, she is good.” Percy only nodded but inside he was smiling.
“I,” Plante stumbled, “I don’t recall contacting Auror Roebuck.”
“Well, your wand was given as evidence and we tracked a patronus sent from you to Edward Roebuck 15 minutes before you returned to the Ministry to alert your superiors. So why did you do that, sir?”
“Again,” Plante responded, irritation coming through in his voice, “I don’t recall.”
“That’s fine,” said Edith in a nonchalant tone, “We’ll just asked Auror Roebuck when we question him.”
That was a surprise to Plante and to Charles Beaumont whose faces both showed they were unaware of Roebuck’s summons.
“Auror Plante,” Edith continued, “You tracked the Grangers for several days before approaching them. Can you tell us how they were? Did they live in a good area? Have jobs?
Plante, still shaken by the information that Edith already seemed to know stumbled a bit but gathered his composure, “Well, Ms. Cumberland, I don’t know the couple but they seemed fine. Their home is in an upscale neighborhood. And their Muggle business, teeth healers or dentists, seemed very successful.”
“So, for all intents and purposes, they were safe and thriving?”
Begrudgingly Plante had to answer, “It appeared that way.”
“Thank you Auror Plante.” Edith returned to her seat next to Hermione. Hermione wanted to smile at Edith but she had told her during their prep not to show too much emotion while sitting at the defense table. So, Hermione simply nodded at her brilliant solicitor.
After Plante the next witness was a rather dull memory specialist who explained the Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne curse, the difficulty of it and why it was eventually outlawed. Edith didn’t plan to ask many follow-up questions but she did have a few.
“Sir, does Memoria Impedimentum Sempiterne cause any pain and suffering to its victims?”
“No, ma’am. Honestly the curse is more often used to harm the person removed from the victims’ memory; to cause them pain.”
“So, you are saying that person removed from the memory suffers far more than the person its used on?”
“Yes, I would say so.” Hermione didn’t try to hide her tears at this because she knew all too well the truth behind that.
Edith ended her questioning there.
Minister Shacklebolt called an end to the day’s proceedings and said they would reconvene the next day at 9am. He reminded Hermione that she was on bail and was to not leave the confines of the Burrow.
“Say nothing to me or anyone else until we are safely back on the Burrow. I need to make a statement to the press, stand next to me silently.” Edith whispered to Hermione as she ushered her of the courtroom. The Weasley’s and Harry close behind as the press descended.
“How did you know about Auror Plante?” The first question was thrown immediately at Edith.
“Hard work and brilliant investigation. Hermione Granger deserves nothing less.”
“How did you feel day one went?”
“We are very confident that Ms. Granger did nothing wrong and every day we will continue to prove that. Hopefully she can get a fair and honest trial. That’s all for today.” She moved Hermione to the closest apparition point and left with a pop.
The family all gathered in the kitchen and Edith addressed their anxious faces.
“In my opinion, day one went well.”
“The way you stumped Plante was brilliant!” George responded.
“Well, it had its intended effect. But harder questions are coming and tomorrow, Ron is going to be called. Are you ready?”
The entire room turned and looked at Ron who stood taller and said, “Yes. Percy has prepped me well. I’m ready.”
“Great! Now, everyone eat a hearty dinner and get a good rest. See you here at 8:30 again tomorrow.”
“Won’t you stay for dinner, Edith?” Mrs. Weasley asked but Edith shook her head.
“Thank you but Faye is waiting for me at the office with take-away and prep for tomorrow.”
“The glamorous life of a solicitor?” Ginny joked. Edith chuckled.
“Exactly. But thank you to all of you, your support of Hermione will go a long way. Hermione, will you walk me to the floo?” Hermione walked with Edith into the lounge where the solicitor turned to her client.
“Day one, in my opinion, was a success but it will get harder from here. It’s ok to show some vulnerability like you did today but stay strong, ok?” Hermione nodded. “Now eat and get some rest, don’t stay up late snogging your boyfriend.” Edith winked and Hermione chuckled though the blush rising on her cheeks may have revealed a part of her evening plans.
“Good night Edith, you were brilliant today.” Edith smiled.
“Good night.” With that Edith flooed back to her office and Ron entered the lounge.
He came behind Hermione, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her temple. “If I promise to get you to bed early tonight, can we still do a little snogging?” Hermione laughed and leaned into him.
“I’m counting on it.” She replied. Ron kissed her neck and said,
“Come along, dinner is ready.” He took her hand and led her into the kitchen.