Weasley Twins - A Fate You Can't Escape

Chapter 123 - Trials and Testimonies

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Sexual Assault/Suicide Attempt

The day after I get back from visiting Harry, Ginny, and Andromeda, I get a letter. I am not surprised by it, but I still feel anxious opening it. From the script on the front, I know it's the summons for Snape's trial.

I read over the letter. They didn't give me much notice. I have to be there on the third of July, which is a week away. I have to figure out what to do with Teddy. Normally I would just have Charlie watch him while I'm out, but that's the wedding weekend, and he'll be busy.

So the first thing I do is write Andromeda. I really hope she's free, because I'm not sure what I'll do otherwise. I guess I'd just have to bring Teddy with me. Would they even allow it? The timing is really messed up for me. Any other Friday, and I'd have several options.

And just not showing up is not an option. Even if I didn't want to try to help Snape, the Ministry's letter said if I failed to make an appearance I would be arrested.

I just hope I can work it all out.

***

Trial day arrives and Teddy and I are standing in the entry hall of the Ministry of Magic. Unfortunately Andromeda was unavailable, like out of the country in France unavailable. So I have Teddy all snug in his ever reliable baby wear. People rush around us, heading to the different departments for their jobs. I am trying to remember how to get to the Wizengamot courtrooms.

"Miss Taylor." A voice behind me says, startling me. I turn, immediately knowing who it is before I even see her.

"Hello Professor." I greet McGonagall nervously.

"You're here for Severus's trial I presume?" She asks, her brow furrowing when she notices the baby.

"Yes, ma'am." I nod. "I couldn't find a babysitter so last minute."

"Wherever did you get the baby in the first place?" She asks gazing at the red hair poking out the top of the baby wear.

"This is Teddy Lupin." I introduce him. "Teddy, this is professor McGonagall."

"Oh!" Her face softens and she bends to get a look at him. He opens his eyes sleepily showing his current bright blue eyes. He does the cutest little yawn before burying his face back in my chest and going back to sleep. "He's beautiful."

"They did a good job." I agree with a sad smile. "I've been in Romania staying with Charlie Weasley as I try and figure this whole parenting thing out."

"I had heard that you vanished from the local wizarding community." She comments, starting to lead me to the elevator.

"Yeah, I just needed some space from everything."

"I can understand why." She gives me a sympathetic look, and I blush, realizing she knows about the wedding taking place tomorrow.

"I'm fine. He's happy and I've got Teddy now. So everything is fine." I assure her. She doesn't respond, but her eyebrows twitch knowingly.

The elevator takes us on a bit of a wild ride, Teddy miraculously sleeping though the whole thing. I follow McGonagall out and to the court room. I suppose she's a witness as well. This whole thing is stressful, and I have no idea what's going to happen. I just hope Snape's okay.

We are taken to a back room where we can hear to proceedings but are still hidden from it. I hear the trial start, and they go through the charges. I sit next to McGonagall, my knee bouncing anxiously.

The door opens and my eyes widen as a familiar face steps through.

"Draco!" I gasp, looking at the young man. He looks a lot better than the last time I saw him. He's got a bit more color and has gained some of the lost weight back.