Drarry - It Was All Just a Game (REWRITE - MATURE VERSION)

CHAPTER 78 - THE SENTENCE

They didn't get much sleep that night. Draco, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Blaise and Pansy sat with Pumblechook, as he wrote his opening and closing statements, helped them phrase what they were going to say, and practice questioning.

"These were the questions I planned to use against you, Mr. Malfoy." Pumblechook gave him a paper. "If you can get around these, you'll undermine the defense. I doubt the Ministry's lawyer would sway away from them since I helped draft them, and there isn't enough time to make up new ones."

And Draco could get his way around them as he practiced. By telling the truth.

Before they left for trial, Harry helped him pick out his suit and gave him too many kisses to count.

"Are you nervous," Draco asked Harry.

"Oddly no. I'm bored with things happening to us. Ready to get it done with so we can let it go. I'm actually happy for you to be able to get to do this."

"Why's that?"

"Because your name will be cleared legally. You won't feel guilty, like you're manipulating the system. You're up for your due justice, and a court will decide. You'll never be able to call yourself a criminal again."

"So long as the verdict is that way."

"It will be."

Harry hugged him and rubbed his back. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

They all left via the Floo in McGonagall's office and once at the Ministry, there were lines of reporters all with big flashing lightbulbs, which reminded Harry of Sirius's death.

Draco reached for his hand and squeezed it tightly. They did their best to keep their heads down as the reporters shouted at them. They followed a path along the newly refurbish fountain, which had a new statue of people holding hands in unison instead of a solitary leader, or 'Muggles in their rightful place.'

Maybe Kingsley was doing a good job, but Harry couldn't quite think about it as bright flashes blinded the both of them.

They only met peace in the elevators, though there were still Aurors in it with him.

"So much for leaving us alone." Harry said. "We're moving so far away from here after graduation."

"Agreed," Draco swallowed. So long as I make it out.

They descended to the courtrooms where witnesses and the press went one way, and lawyers and the accused went a different one.

Draco and Harry gave each other one last look. They squeezed each other's hands, nodding at each other.

And then they let go and separated.

As Draco approached the bottom floor, two aurors met him.

"All Death Eaters wear cuffs," the Auror barked.

"He's not a Death Eater," Pumblechook walked up behind him, looking through a few pages of notes. He said it so casually, it was like a dream.

"If he's marked, he's in chains."

Draco hid a smile as they cuffed him. He wouldn't let himself look at Pumblechook until he stepped on the platform beneath the cage which he would be raised into.

When their eyes met, Draco's throat tightened. Of course he was nervous. 

"It'll be okay," Pumblechook said.

"Why do you say that?"

"It's all just a game."

"What is?"