Dramione: Chosen You

Chapter 44

Chapter 44: He really is innocent, Minister!

" We'll come with you." Hermione said stubbornly.

"Fine." Harry agreed. He, Hermione, Ron and Ginny were standing outside the entrance to the ministry. They all squeezed into the telephone booth while Harry began picking up the phone and entering some numbers.

 
When the four had entered the ministry, they found it filled with people of all sorts from short, grumbling goblins to tall witches and wizards with briefcases.

"Bloody hell. How are we going to get through this-" Ron started but was cut off mid sentence as Harry shouted, " Excuse us!"

  Everyone stopped to look at him while whispering to others. They made way for the four and the sound of the elevator's doors closing could be heard as the four disappeared from the sight of the ministry workers.

" We're here to see the ministry records." Harry told the receptionist in a business-like tone.

They were approved and were let in. The first thing they saw was a big board with changing dates - the days of the current year.

" Three months ago... That would be September." Harry said. The pages of the board flipped to the month of September, listing names in alphabetical order.

" Astoria Greengrass !" Harry said. The board did not move.

" Astoria didn't come." Hermione said in a disappointed tone. Suddenly, the four heard a booming voice.

" What are you looking for?" the Minister for Magic stood in front of them.

" Oh nothing. What are you here for, Minister?" Harry asked.

" I have something to discuss with you but it could wait... Ron! Finally healthy again, I see. Strange thing huh, you came right three months ago before you got sick and had to take leave once again. By the way, the case for Draco Malfoy is still progressing. It might take a while. At least you got Hermione back, I suppose." The Minister offered Ron a kind smile.

Hermione's head turned to Ron the fastest compared to Harry and Ginny. Ron was about to defend himself when they heard another voice.

"Minister!" Another voice shouted.

 "Draco Malfoy?" The minister said, surprised.

 His hock was not short lived and with a wave of his wand, the Minister had Draco handcuffed.

 "Minister! No! He's innocent!" Hermione cried out.

 "He is." Harry said quietly.

"Astoria Greengrass was controlling Ron Weasley... she made him come here and convince you that I had kidnapped Hermione." Draco said.

"That's... that's not all... Astoria has been working together with Pansy Parkinson." Draco added. Hermione was too shocked to even gasp. 

"And what do they want to accomplish?" The minister asked carefully. There was a moment of silence. No one knew what to say. Were they to tell the truth? Or lie?

"They... they want to split me and Draco up."Hermione finally answered. "Because... because we love each other."she added.

"Ah...love...It is a beautiful thing. But is Draco worth breaking the law?" The minister asked Hermione, who had gone red. "Yes. Yes, he is." Hermione whispered, turning her head away. "How did you find all this out, Draco?" The minister asked Draco.  Draco stood quiet for a moment. "I... I used veritaserum on Astoria." Draco admitted.

"He is really innocent, minister!" Hermione exclaimed, looking at the glint in the minister's eye.

"Well,  we would have to find Greengrass and Parkinson to confirm that it is true. If it is, I'm afraid to say that Greengrass would have to go to Azkaban for using the imperious curse on Ron. But if what Draco is saying isn't true, I will put him in Azkaban. Right then, you five may go now. Keep an eye on Malfoy here for me." The minister said, sighing.

Hermione gave Draco a weak smile and walked out of the room with the others. As Draco was about to close the door, he could have sworn he saw the minister smile at him.
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A/N*
Hey guys, this is the second last chapter so just to let you know, the last chapter will be out on 31 December.

Until then, reader...
Until then.