|| Star-Crossed ||

93

1 WEEK LATER...
HARRY POTTER

Today was the day of Draco's trial. I learned from my trial in 5th year that the Ministry tries to change times to screw people over so everyone woke up early and we arrived the second the Ministry opened. We all sat outside the room where his trial would take place and waited for 4 hours. Me, Theo, Blaise, Enzo, Hermione, Ron, and Max. McGongall arrived 2 hours early as well. We all wore nice clothes but I was sweating. I was a nervous wreck but I wasn't the only one. We were terrified. I read my statement over again, praying it would be enough. It had to be.
When they called us in, Draco was already in the cage in the middle of the room. I saw Theo's face pale as he saw the state of his friend. "What did they do to him?" he whispered to me. I didn't answer. First, the council of the Wizengamot spoke. Then McGongall gave her statement, then Blaise, then Enzo, then Theo then me. I stood up and everyone stared at me. Then I spoke.

"Please state your full name for the record," the man said. "Harry James Potter," I stated. They nodded. "You may give your statement," he said. I nodded. "I'm sure everyone is wondering why I'm here. You all must think certain things about Draco Malfoy and I'll be completely honest, I used to think those things as well- '' I started. Theo gave me a concerned look. "But you're wrong. Draco Malfoy is not a bad person. He is not an evil death eater. He is a victim of circumstance. He took the dark mark at the young age of 16 for the sole reason of protecting not only his mother, but my sister." I said. Everyone started talking and cameras flashed. "Silence!" the man said as he slammed the gavel down. It was quiet. "My sister, Caroline Lily Potter, loved him. She loved Draco Malfoy more than anything or anyone in the world. And he loved her. Everything he did, he did for her. He sacrificed his heart and soul for her. So yes, he made mistakes. He did bad things. But we all have. None of us are innocent in this war. But it's over now. And part of our success is thanks to him. My sister was held captive for 7 months. He kept her alive for those 7 months even though it caused him to be tortured. He actively tried to find me so I could rescue her. He saved her so she could save us. That's all." I said. They all stared at me as I sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Potter for that compelling statement." he said. Then we began the testimonies. Everyone gave their pensive of memories and they used legilimency on Draco. I felt badly for him because it was so invasive but it was necessary. They saw everything. They saw him helping her and loving her. The whole trial lasted 7 hours but at the very end, we all stood up for the ruling. "Draco Lucius Malfoy, on the charge of murder and death eater activity, we find you guilty of all charges." the man said. I froze. "No!" I screamed. I stood up. "My sister died for all of you! She's dead! And her one wish was that he would get to live a life, a happy life. She wanted him to be free. So with all due respect, you have no right to deny her that after she gave her life for all of yours!" I yelled. Hermione and Ron ran to my side and Ron held me back. The man narrowed his eyes on me. "May I finish, Mr. Potter?" he said. I was quiet. "Mr. Malfoy, after hearing all the testimonies and seeing what we saw, we have come to an agreement. If you will serve on probation for a year with no further troubles, your record will be expunged at the end of that," he said. "Probation?" Draco asked. "There will be a trace on your wand and we will have someone monitoring your magical signature. You can't leave the country and if you break any laws, it's straight back to Azkaban," he said. Draco nodded. "I understand, sir," he said. "Good. You will be taken back to Azkaban to be processed out. Some will need to sign for you in about an hour." he said. "I will," I said. "You'll take responsibility for him? He'll live with you?" the man asked. "Yes." I said. I looked at Draco and he nodded. Then Draco was gone. We all cheered and hugged. "I can't thank you enough," Theo said. I nodded. "Thank you. You protected my sister. I owed you," I said. He nodded. Hermione and Ron went back to the Burrow and Max went home. Blaise and Enzo went to Malfoy Manor to get Draco's things. Theo and I went to the office and waited for Draco. He was a mess in rags when he walked out. Theo hugged him anyway and I signed the papers. "You smell vile," Theo said laughing. "I still look better than you," Draco replied with a chuckle. Then he faced me and I shook his hand. "I should have done this in my first year," I said. He laughed. Then went back to Grimmauld Place.