Pros & Cons

27. The Truth II

"We need to be at the Ministry soon, is she able to be released yet?"

"Her vitals have improved over night, she should be fine. I should tell you that Mr. Malfoy seemed intent on being brought down here the minute she wakes up, I'm not sure how he'll react if he finds out she's gone"

"Well Mr. Malfoy will have to wait-"

Violet started to stir and the conversation halted. Her eyes slowly parted with heavy lids and she made out the blurry figures of Madam Pomfrey and McGonagall at the foot of her bed.

There were slithers of golden light breaking through the windows, not enough to indicate that it was later than seven in the morning. Violet thought it was only Sunday, her Ministry visit wasn't until Wednesday. Unless she'd slept longer than she thought...

"Miss Gardner, are you awake?" Madam Pomfrey's voice was so soothing Violet was sure she could drift off just from the sound.

Instead she hummed in acknowledgment and pulled herself up so that she was seated.

"I'm sorry to barge in like this Miss Gardner but we have to leave for your final Ministry visit" McGonagall's tone was calm but Violet caught the flicker of panic behind her eyes.

"Is it Wednesday already? Was I out that long?" Violet started to scrabble around her bed in an attempt to get out, before McGonagall placed a hand on her shoulder to settle her.

"No, it's only Sunday. You see the Ministry have moved your final meeting with you brother to today"

"You're only telling me this now! I haven't got my notes-" Violet's eyes started to flick around the room for her bag, which she then remembered to be tucked beside her bed in her dorm.

"We only found out this morning that the time of the meeting had changed" McGonagall reassured.

"Why the sudden change?"

"The trial has been moved forward. The Ministry believe it would be better if the trial was held Monday instead of Saturday"

Violet felt her heart thud against her chest. She'd known it would happen within the week but she thought she'd have more time. Time to prepare, or calm herself or tell––no.

"Monday, as in tomorrow? Why?" Violet tried to settle the panic that she felt flush across her cheeks.

"They believe it to be in your best interest. The details of the trial have somehow been made public and there is already swarms of backlash, not to mention the amount of pureblood families who are expected to come and watch"

"People want to watch? I thought it would go unnoticed" Violet breathed, practically thinking aloud.

"I think you may have underestimated the importance of this trial Miss Gardner. This is a convicted Death Eater, if he becomes a free man many people may no longer feel safe-"

Violet knew where she was headed and felt the need to interrupt,"But he won't cause any harm. He's changed-"

"Not everyone holds the same opinion. Besides if one Death Eater is freed it is public opinion that there will then be hope for the rest of them. That this trial will open some kind of floodgate of freedom" McGonagall had become more stern as she progressed but as she watched dismay wash over Violet's features she softened.

"This way you will be able to get him out without the watchful eye of the public and can conceal your identity until the moment of your choosing." McGonagall's lips pursed in thought for a moment, "I'm not entirely sure they have done this all for you, mind. I think the Ministry holds the same concern over freeing a Death Eater, moving the trial forward might have been an attempt to throw you. Especially now that you are legally and magically bound to your defense position"