My Godfather is an Innocent Convict (Rewrite)

The Kids aren't Alright: Exhibit B

"It's not Weasel, is it?" Harriet asked, before she could stop herself. She made a face for good measure.

Draco gave a shakey laugh. Relief washing over his features. "No. I still have taste."

"Then who?" Harriet asked him, giving him a light punch to the shoulder. "I don't care if its a guy! In case you didn't notice, my godfathers are literally gay!I'd just like to know who has my best friend this messed up."

Draco's laugh turned slightly watery. "Thanks," he sniffed, "for not caring."

"I literally have two godfathers," Harriet shrugged, "You still haven't told me who it is!"

Draco sighed and tilted his head back to stare at the cieling.  "It doesn't matter," he said softly. "He's taken. I saw him kissing his girlfriend last week!"

"Should I kill her?" Harriet offered.

Draco shook his head. "No, she's in our friend group."

In their friend group? Who was dating in their friend group?

"Holy Morgana!" Harriet exclaimed when the penny dropped. "You have a crush on George!"

"Please don't tell him!" he pleaded, looking desperate.

"I won't," Harriet rolled her eyes, "Seriously, who do you take me for?"

"Thank you," Draco said. "It's not like I stood a chance anyway."

"Draco, I can barely deal with heartbreak. Don't put yourself down like that. I am definitely not qualified to give uplifting speeches." Harriet told him firmly. "Besides, the two of you are completely different. I can't compare you to each other. You're both your own people. Now, let's bottle this potion before this gets any wieder."

Walking back to the common room, Draco seemed a lot happier. Harriet smiled to herself. While she was in no way qualified to deal with emotions, she did appreciate it when her friends trusted her.

She mulled everything over. It was high time they wrapped up everything. Exams were approaching fast and she would really like to catch Pettigrew before study-season began.

Maybe getting a cat or letting Medusa loose wasn't such a bad idea? Perhaps Hedwig would also be interested?

No, they needed him alive. It was really a shame. This could all have been over quickly.

Maybe she could buy a cage and catch him that way? Perhaps she should gather up the evidence and notify Professor McGonagall?

It wouldn't be a terrible idea. Professor McGonagall was scarily good at dealing with problems. Absolutely terrifying. Harriet hoped they were never on opposing terms.

She walked to the dorm to mull it over. Amina was sitting on her bed fiddling with something.

"You okay?" Harriet asked.

"Not really."

Harriet thought for a second. "Alright, I'm not qualified to do this, but do you want to talk about it?"

Amina sighed. "My parents have a trial coming up."

"Wait, what? How? Weren't they given a life sentence?" Harriet sat down opposite her friend, a worried expression on her face.

"They managed to get themselves a hearing for parole." She gave a wry smile.

"How?" Harriet asked again, not quite believing it.

"I don't know, but they could be coming back!" Amina sniffed.

Shoot! Was she going to cry? Harriet awkwardly handed her a box of tissues.

"Any news on your godfather?" Amina asked dabbing at her eyes. Apparently she needed a short break.

"I have evidence of his innocence." Harriet smiled. "We should be able to get him out of trouble before long."

"That's good, right?" Amina asked.

"Yeah." Harriet nodded.

They sat in silence. The quiet giving room to their thoughts and fears.

"How do you think the trial will go?" Harriet asked Amina.

The other girl gave a humourless laugh. "Honestly, I hope they both stay locked up where they can't hurt me."

An image of Vernon Dursley flashed through Harriets mind. "Understandable," she said.

"I have to testify in front of them," Amina choked out, tears pouring down her face. "I have to face them at the ministry and - and I have to tell everyone what they are like!"

If she had been crying a river before, there was enough water to fill Neptune now.

"I don't know what to do! If I tell the truth then - then they'll hate me and if - if I don't then I have to live with them again and I can't do that."

"I read somewhere that they give you veritaserum in court," Harriet said evenly.

That just made things worse. Amina Cheng fell apart in upset. This was her worst nightmare. There had been a reason she had hid in the back of the room when facing the boggart.

Harriet reached out and awkwardly patted her on the shoulder. "Do you want me to come with you?" she asked.

"I don't know if that's allowed." Amina sniffed.

"If it is?"

"I - I don't know." More tears.

Harriet felt an ache in her heart. She understood. If she had had to face Vernon she would have probably been in a similar state.

"That's okay. It'll all be okay," she told Amina softly, rubbing her back.

"I don't know." Amina whispered again, curling up to her.

"I know." Harriet began making circles with her hand, "Just let me know what happens. I'll hide you if I have to."

"Thanks."