Chocolate Enchantment

49: Coming Clean and Arranging the Trial

Chapter 49: Coming Clean and Arranging a Trial

Hermione had wanted to stalk to the edge of the wards and Apparate home, but it was impossible to get through the crowds of people around her. Aurors were questioning everyone about the day's events; Order members were congratulating her and each other, mourning over the dead, helping the wounded. Reporters were making their way through the crowd, snapping pictures right and left and harassing people for quotes. She didn't want to talk to anyone, though. Only her husband.

Tonks came over and wrapped Hermione in her arms. "Hey, I saw them take him. It'll be okay. I'll do everything I can."

"What if we can't get him released? What if he goes to Azkaban for the rest of his life? What about our baby?"

"Calm down. I know everything's a mess right now, but I'll make sure they take decent care of him. We'll see if we can get him a speedy trial so he can get out again. For now, why don't you go home and rest. I'm sure you're exhausted. Most of us will meet back at Headquarters later to compare notes." Tonks took her by the shoulders and led her toward the edge of the wards. "You have a baby to take care of, so make sure you do. Otherwise Severus will cuss you when he gets back home, and that man has a formidable temper."

Hermione nodded and followed directions, even though she was far from convinced by Tonks reasoning. She Apparated to the cottage, but after walking around what amounted to being a love nest she had spent so many hours in with her husband, she couldn't stay there. She didn't feel much like talking to anyone either, however, so she walked over to the manor house.

When she left the cottage, Hermione had thought she could use the walk to clear her mind, but when she arrived at the manor, she was exhausted, barely able to lift one foot in front of the other. One of the house-elves whose name she couldn't remember opened the door. "Mistress, you is here." The elf looked Hermione over, seeming to note her bedraggled appearance. "You needs a bath and nap. Brownie will take good care of you."

As if she had been summoned, a small female elf appeared at the front door and hustled Hermione up the stairs and down the long hall to what must have been the master bedroom. All the while the elf fussed over her, commenting on Hermione's appearance, how tired she must be, and how she must take care of the baby. Normally it would have driven her crazy, but Hermione only heard one word in four, she was so tired and in shock. As soon as they reached the room, Brownie waved her hand and water began running in the bathroom. Another wave of her hand and Hermione's dirty clothes disappeared and a robe covered her.

"Where is the master?" Brownie asked as Hermione reached into the sinfully large tub and tested the water temperature.

Perfect, absolutely perfect. How did they always know? "He's been taken to Azkaban." Tears began to flood her face again. She was tired, hungry, and dirty, and her husband had been carted off like a common criminal. Not caring if the entire staff of house-elves was watching, Hermione slid out of her robe and into the water until she was up to her chin.

"No, mistress. He can't be."

"He is. They . . . I can't talk about it now. Later, after I've rested, had something to eat."

"Food, yes, Brownie will gets you food right away."

Hermione spent the rest of the day lounging around in the tub, lying in bed, and eating. She cried throughout the day, not only for her husband, but for the other losses they had sustained that day. Hagrid, sweet, loveable, gullible Hagrid. Hestia Jones, the pink-cheeked, black haired woman who had always had a smile for everyone. How many more were lost whom she didn't even know? How many families had been destroyed today? Not only Order members, either, but those Death Eaters who regretted joining the Dark Lord, but had no way out. Their lives and families would be forever changed.