Juliet

Chapter 20

Draco stormed into the Puddlemere training building, Ron and a few other Aurors behind him. He reached the receptionist desk and flashed the nervous looking man sitting there a dazzling smile.

"Good morning," he said in a deep husky voice, "I'm looking for Paul."

The man at the desk visibly gulped, "What do you need him for?"

Draco continued to smile, "Oh, we just have a few questions for him," he said calmly.

The man puffed out his chest, "Then you can talk to him after hours. He's currently standing watch on a practice outside."

Draco smirked as he pulled out a roll of parchment from his robes. He cleared his throat and read, "I, the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, give Auror Malfoy and Auror Weasley permission to arrest Paul."

Ron pulled out a second parchment and handed it to the trembling man, "This is a warrant for his arrest from the Head of the Auror Department as well."

"You have no reason to arrest an innocent man!"

Draco sighed, "Unfortunately we can. Ever since the second attack on Mr. Potter's wife, the Minister gave his word we could arrest any suspect that may be involved."

Ron pointed to a door to the side that said Practice Arena, "So we will just go get him now if you don't mind."

The man shook his head and unlocked the door for them. Draco nodded his head to him before leading the team down the hallway.

"You know she's going to kill you when she finds out you lied for her," Ron muttered under his breath.

"I know," Draco said sheepishly, "but I believe her. I don't want to risk this man getting away."

They reached the arena and saw players on the field flying on broomsticks or doing cardio exercises. The man in question was sitting in the stands with his legs draped over the seat in front of him. He had firm eyes on the practice.

"You must admire his dedication," Ron muttered, "He has time to protect these guys and stalk Juli."

Draco felt fury boil in his veins as he watched Paul, "I've never hated someone so much," he seethed.

Ron chuckled nervously and mussed up his hair, "You wouldn't hate him so much if he had nothing to do with Juli. Honestly," he shrugged, "It's cool you guys are so close."

Draco began to walk down the steps towards Paul, "She's Juli," he smirked, "You can't help but love her."

At the sound of the creaking metal steps, Paul turned around and blinked in surprise at the group. He stood up and immediately went on high alert with his hand on his wand, "What's going on here?"

Draco cleared his throat to use his serious voice, "Paul, you're under arrest."

"For what?"

"For attempted murder against Juliet Potter."

Realization dawned in Paul's eyes, "Ah. That."

Draco stuttered, "W-what? What do you mean?"

Paul shoved his hands in the pockets of his robes and leant against a side railing, "As in, I did it. I have no shame. I'm just disappointed it took so long to figure out."

Ron, who had his wand trained on him, raised an eyebrow, "You mean you're not even going to try to deny this?"

"What for? I did all I could and that," he growled, "sick excuse for a human is still alive."

"I thought you liked her? What about Harry?"

Paul laughed coldly, "I loved working for Harry and was genuinely friends with him. Then I found out his ex-girlfriend was Juliet Lestrange. Her mother killed my parents. Her father killed my wife and children. I had to get my revenge by going after her."

"Why not go after Harry?" Draco asked, "Partner for a partner."

"I'm not about that," Paul said honestly, "Go for the direct source."

"She's not like her parents," Draco frowned and began to conjure ropes to tie Paul's hands together, "I'm surprised you didn't figure that out."

"Her family ruined my life. I can't get them, so she's the next best thing."

Draco shot Ron a look, "At least we have you now."

Paul shook his head and smiled, "Doesn't matter to me. I'm ready to go to Azkaban now."

* * * * * * * *

Juliet sat at the top of the Astronomy Tower, watching the stars. She inhaled deeply as a slight breeze blew her hair around her face. She wrapped her cloak tighter to herself as it became chillier.

Strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist and held her, "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing," she mumbled.

Harry hummed in disbelief, "Funny enough, I don't actually believe that."

"I know," Juliet huffed, "you know me too well."

"Is it Paul? I'm sorry about him by the way. If you think about it, it's kind of sad that he went to Azkaban without a trial."

"He didn't want one. He said he did all he could to me and wanted to give up."

Harry sighed and leapt on the edge of the wall next to her, "It's not your faul-"

"I don't care about that," Juliet interrupted him, "I...well I suppose it doesn't matter."

"You miss your mum," Harry said bluntly.

Juliet looked away guiltily, "I told you it doesn't matter."

Harry slung his arm around his shoulders to pull her closer and kissed her head, "It does matter, love. It's fine that you miss her."

"I miss her when I was a kid. She spoiled me so much and I know she loved me."

"I'm sure she did."

"I miss the old her. The memories and what we had. I don't necessarily miss her since she went back to her awful ways."

Harry nodded encouragingly, "It's normal to feel that way, love. She was the most important person to you."

"I just don't think it's fair to miss her after everything she did."

"I don't think it's fair that you don't feel like you're allowed to miss her," Harry said.

Juliet shrugged, "Doesn't matter anyways. I don't have time to miss her, I have all of those kids to take care of."

"They're very lucky to have you," Harry said softly as he smiled.

"As they are to have the greatest Seeker as their Quidditch Professor."

"You're just trying to butter me up."

Juliet smirked and winked, "You know me so well, Mr. Potter."

Harry laughed and kissed her hard.

* * * * * * * *