Project 137.43.M.D.

LVII. | LEX SPECIALIS

LVII.
LEX SPECIALIS
(special arrangement)

Dear Miss Granger,

after an extensive deliberation at the recent Wizengamot conference, we would like to inform you that your motion for a new trial in the Case 137.43.M.D. has been accepted. Although the reasons have already been explained to you, we would like to point out once again in writing that your own testimony cannot be taken into account within the above-mentioned court proceedings.

The witness you named, Mrs. Pansy Nott, née Parkinson, will be summoned for questioning before the Wizengamot tomorrow, Wednesday.

Likewise, the Wizengamot will listen to Mr. Draco Malfoy himself. As you have proposed to our representatives, an interrogation under the influence of Veritaserum will take place immediately after Mrs. Nott's witness interview. This procedure is a special arrangement, for which the members of the Wizengamot voted democratically, since otherwise, given the missing evidence memory, no legal proceedings would be possible at all.

As Mr. Malfoy's former Mentor, you are free to attend both interrogations. In his capacity as Head of the Auror Office, Mr. Harry Potter will also be present.

For the time being, the proceedings will be limited to private hearings to protect Mrs. Nott's anonymity. After a discussion with our special advisor, Mr. Elphias Doge, the Wizengamot also approved your application for witness protection.

Mrs. Nott and Mr. Malfoy will be informed separately about the commencement of proceedings.

Sincerely

Ophelia Waters
Member of the Wizengamot
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
British Ministry of Magic
Order of Merlin, First Class

***

Hermione was just climbing the stairs to her apartment. When she saw him leaning against the frame of her front door, she stopped on the penultimate step.

"How did you get in?" she asked in astonishment and pointed vaguely towards the stairwell behind her.

Draco's lips curled into a grin. He shrugged innocently.

"Let's call it good timing," he said, pushing himself off the doorframe. "I would have preferred to surprise you in your apartment, but unfortunately my hands are tied without a wand. At least if I don't want to risk one of your Muggle neighbors calling the Muggle Aurors."

„You mean the police," Hermione corrected with an amused chuckle, taking the last two stairs with one big step.

"Yeah, whatever," Draco replied, rolling his eyes.

Hermione allowed herself to take him in for a few seconds. It was another comfortably warm day and Draco was wearing denims and a black t-shirt. His hair was a little messier than usually, but she couldn't say it didn't suit him. Rather the opposite. There was something bold about it, and Hermione felt a tug behind her navel as his sharp gray eyes came to rest on her.

Only when she got closer did she notice something unusual. In addition to his aftershave and his own scent, which she had become so familiar with, the faint smell of alcohol reached her nostrils and Hermione wrinkled her nose. Draco raised an eyebrow at her facial play, but since she refrained from commenting, he stayed silent as well.

Hermione rummaged in her bag, found her keys, opened the front door and quickly stepped into the hallway. She was just thinking that the silence was becoming kind of uncomfortable, when she felt Draco's hand on her lower back.