Dramione - Fire and Ice

Chapter 12 (Hermione)

"Criminal trial on the twenty-fifth of December," started Kingsley, a hint of displeasure in his voice at the date. "For Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, death eater and loyal follower since the first Wizarding War. Interrogators: Kingsley Rakifi Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic; Auror and lead investigator - "

Hermione was not a coward, but when Draco's father was led into the courtroom and caught sight of his son's arm around a famous Muggleborn... the phrase 'if looks could kill' should be taken quite literally.

Even more unnerving was the fact he didn't look anywhere else but at her. Hermione knew he was weakened from his magic, but this did little to assure her. She wasn't sure what to expect, but his unwavering glare for the entirety of his trial wasn't it.

Draco's arm held her to his side tightly, not blind to his father's gaze but his face was impassive and eyes empty.

There was a difficult conversation they'd had about the war over a month ago how Professor Snape was giving him Occulumency lessons to protect his thoughts from Voldemort. She had a feeling he was doing this now.

Hermione listened to the list of charges, looking anywhere but Lucius Malfoy, and holding back a flinch anytime there was a mentioning of Muggle torture.

She was shoving her feelings as best she could to the back of her mind. This wasn't about her. This was about supporting Draco who was watching his father being criminally tried and hadn't seen due to staying the last 7 months in Azkaban.

She absentmindedly rested her head on Draco's shoulder as evidence was presented to the Wizengamot, and soon felt his face burying into her curls.

"Draco,' hissed Lucius, startling them both and everyone else in the courtroom.

"How dare you delve comfort from a mudblood whore you insolent disgrace of -"

"Enough!" bellowed Kingsley, cutting through his tirade and the surrounding whispers.

To her horror and hurt, Draco stopped touching her altogether as if repulsed and continued looking impassive, not even giving her a reassuring glance.

Did the disapproving words from his father truly make its mark? Hermione apprehensively went to touch his arm but he shrugged her away without a glance.

Godric, she shouldn't have come. She should've backed out when given the chance.

Hermione felt nauseous at Lucius' now pleased demeanor. His bloodshot eyes were looking at her triumphantly and his lips were curved into a cruel smirk.

She was so lost in thought and a swirl of hurt she didn't even realize someone was calling her name and the eyes of the Wizengamot were upon her.

"Pardon?" she asked quietly, her cheeks flushing.

"I was wondering on your opinion as to the fate of Lucius Malfoy?" wheezed a short wizard a few rows in front of her, raising a brow.

Hermione stared.

"I am not here to decide any wizards' fate. That's your job with the evidence presented. My opinion shouldn't be and is not relevant," she said coldly.

The wizard looked taken aback and, with obvious embarrassment, turned away. Kingsley gave her a small nod in approval before drawing the attention away from her.

She glanced at Draco, anxious on his take of what she said but he was still impassive, not looking at her. Narcissa however was giving her fierce scowl, disappointment in her eyes for not defending her husband.

"We will come to a vote in one hour, " declared Kingsley. "The room is to be cleared until then."

As soon as Lucius was taken out of the room, she bolted from her seat and made her way to the exit, ignoring Malfoy's calls for her.