Undeniable Truths

58~ Goodbyes and Homecomings

I knew they would have to take him away eventually, but that doesn't make it any easier. It was a whirlwind week. Finding out the arrest was going to take place, planning a wedding in one day, having the wedding, the arrest taking place, and then waiting around for the trial. I went into the office two hours early everyday so I could go down to the holding cells to see Draco.

I hate seeing him in that cell. He looks so defeated. He asked me not to visit him anymore because it's too hard to see me. Of course, I didn't listen.

I sit down in my office and start reading over my files. Another stray Death Eater trying to get the old group together. Another file for the Dark Mark that was cast over a house in Ireland, no body found, but we're still investigating it. My gut tells me it was just an elaborate prank, but still an investigation is required.

"Do you have a minute?" Harry asks from the doorway.

I wave him in. "Of course, come in. Just reading over some cases." I clear my desk and lean back in my chair. "What's going on? What do you want to talk about? I have gum.."

He studies me. "Erm, no thanks. I just wanted to check on you. We haven't gotten to properly talk since the wedding. How're you holding up?"

"I'm fine, I suppose," I shrug and look down at my hands. "It's just so hard not having him around. The hospital has called a couple times asking for him. His lawyer called about the custody battle and I dont know if I should tell them the truth or just lie. If I tell them the truth, he will lose his job and Lyra. But lying isn't good because I don't know how long he will be locked up for."

"I'm sorry, Mione. I've been trying to get Kingsley to give him a short sentence so he can be put in town for the birth of the twins." Harry mindlessly touches his scar. "I wish I could help with everything."

I place a hand on my stomach and try to hold back the tears. "I'm just so scared of doing this alone, Harry. I can't do this alone."

"Hey," he reaches out to me, "you're not going to be alone. I promise, Mione. Luna and I are here for you. No matter what." I nod to him and smile through the tears. "As for Draco, I think I've talked Kingsley into not putting him in Azkaban."

"I just want Scorpius and Selene to have their father. I want Draco to help decorate their nurseries, and pick out their first birthday presents." I finally let the tears fall in full force. "They deserve to have both parents, Harry. That's all I want."

*+*+*

Since I started as an auror, I've been to hundreds of trials. I'd have to say, I'm more nervous for this than on other. The fate of my husband, the father of my children, hangs in the balance. I know Harry says it will be fine, and he's been meeting with Kingsley, but I can't help but worry.

I can't even focus on what's being said. I just sit in the same seat I sit at for every trial and fidget with my ring. I can feel the twins kicking against my hands. I scan the room, I recognize every face in here but can't for the life of me remember their names.

I hear the gavel sound. "I, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, sentence Draco Malfoy to three months in Nurmenguard medium security prison. After he has served his three months, he must report to an assigned auror and serve 350 hours of ministry service. Mr. Potter, do you have any objections the this sentencing?"

"No, sir," Harry states.

Kingsley turns to the Wizengamot. "Are there any objections from the Wizengamot?" He sends a threatening look to the group. "Alright, so the sentence is final. Case dismissed."

The gavel sounds again and I watch everyone clear out. Draco looks up at me and I can tell he's trying to hide his emotions. I watch as Jens and Ilyana lead him out of the room in cuffs.