June 1, 1998
Harry woke slowly, the sunshine coming through the window hitting him in the eyes. Hermione was warm in his embrace, her weight against him comforting. He leaned his nose into her unbound hair and inhaled her sweet scent. She shifted her arse against his erection in her sleep and moaned softly. Harry smirked to himself and pressed a soft kiss against the side of her neck before sliding his hand over the curve of her hips and arse.
Harry found her as warm as it always was. His fingers teased her folds, slicking them in the growing arousal fluid. Hermione moaned again, this time rocking against his hand, searching for friction. Harry gave her just enough to make sure that she was dripping for him. He dipped two fingers inside her, pumping in and out slowly and let her fuck his fingers in her sleep. He pressed soft kiss after kiss against the bare skin of her shoulder, his tongue flicking out to taste her occasionally.
Harry let his thumb drift towards the top of her slit, brushing ever so slightly against her nub. Hermione woke with a gasp, her hands clutching at the bed sheets in surprise. She continued to rock against him, tiny gasps escaping her lips every few thrusts. After several minutes of this, Harry decided that he was ready to take the next step. He pressed his thumb against her pleasure pearl roughly as he bit down on the soft skin of her shoulder. Hermione shuddered against him and cried out, her pussy clenching around him, trying to suck his fingers in further. She laid there, catching her breath for almost a minute before she spoke.
"I can't believe you did that. Seriously, the best way to wake up in the morning," she said honestly.
Harry shifted behind her, moving until his face was just above her quim. He threw one of her legs over his shoulder and gave no quarter. He traced her folds yet again, this time with his tongue. Her liquid desire was addictive; he cleaned her up quite thoroughly with his tongue before turning his attention to her nub. Her hands clutched roughly at his hair but didn't guide him in anyway, just as he had taught her.
Harry wasn't gentle this time, sucking hard on her clit and flicking it with his tongue. Her back arched off their bed with the intensity of her orgasm and Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at how utterly sated she looked. This time, he didn't let her recover. He rose to his knees and slid his cock inside her, filling her to the brim while she stretched around him. She whimpered at the intrusion as he started to move.
"I don't think I can go again, Harry, my body is too sensitive," she pleaded. Harry just grinned at her. They both knew that she could take much more, he just usually gave her more of a recovery time. He reached down and rubbed her nub gently while he thrust into her roughly. She was already mewling with need again and that's just how Harry liked her.
"You can do it and you will. You're going to take all that I give you, 'Mi. Our bodies were made for each other," he told her. Hermione was already starting to tighten around him so Harry committed himself to giving her two more orgasms. He reached down and tweaked her abused nub again and she exploded around him, soaking him with her fluid. He fucked her through it, prolonging her pleasure, until she begged him to stop.
"Please, Harry, I can't," she told him but he knew her better than to believe her.
Harry continued to fuck her, the head of his cock bouncing off what he was sure had to be her cervix. Her entire body was quivering below him, quivering with need and want. Deciding he wanted to wring every bit of pleasure from her body that he could, he pinched her pleasure pearl at the same time he tweaked her nipple. Another orgasm ripped through her and Harry exploded inside her coating her cervix in white. There were three more mini-pumps inside her before he finally stilled. Harry looked up to see tears running down the side of her face and into her ears. He instantly felt terrible, gathering her in his arms and kissing them away.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione, I should have listened to you," he apologized. She shook her head and huffed a little as she chuckled.
"No, it was wonderful. I'm glad you didn't listen. These were good tears," she promised him. He grinned down at her before finally kissing her softly. When he pulled away, he could see that she was about to drift off again. He rubbed his nose against hers as he chastised her.
"No going back to sleep, 'Mi, today is trial day. We need to get ready for the day," he told her. Hermione groaned but sat up so she could begin getting ready for the day.
Harry watched her make her way into the bathroom so she could shower so he stood and picked out the robes that he was going to wear for the day. Hermione never took long to shower so by the time he had made it through numerous sets of robes that Kreacher had gone out and bought him, she was walking through their room wrapped in towels. Harry playfully swatted her bum as he passed her on the way to his own shower.
Harry showered off quickly, spelling his face free from hair and moisturizing his skin as Hermione demanded that he do. He used a spell to dry off and didn't bother with the towel when he walked out of the bathroom. Hermione was seated in front of a vanity that Kreacher had found her, using her wand on her curls. She was still naked but Harry knew that they didn't have time for them to get distracted again.
Harry dressed as Hermione finished whatever charms she was casting on her hair. She moved onto the few makeup charms she used while he headed for the stairs. Kreacher was sure to have tea and breakfast ready; the elf was well-aware that they were headed to Draco's trial that morning. He found breakfast under a stasis spell when he sat at the table. Kreacher was prattling around the kitchen doing Merlin knew what.
Hermione came down from dressing when he was halfway through his meal of eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast. She sat down next to him and immediately started in on her toast, porridge, and fruit. Since Kreacher and Dobby had come around, Hermione no longer had to suffer eating breakfast she didn't particularly care for. Harry read The Prophet while he waited for her to finish eating.
Skeeter had printed quite the story about the spectacle at Ginny's funeral. The reports of Molly Weasley blaming Harry and Hermione for Ginny's death were splashed across the front page, a photo of the red-headed matriarch pointing her wand at Hermione, the entire family gathered around while Harry stood protectively in front of his omega. Much to Harry's surprise, the article had been entirely accurate as to what happened, something he had yet to see from Skeeter when she wasn't being blackmailed.
He had been inundated with letters from people asking what exactly had happened to Ginny Weasley; Harry had promptly burned each and every one, including the ones from his friends. There had been another article a week later when a photographer had caught sight of Harry and Hermione dining with Bill, Charlie and the twins at a fledgling restaurant on the Alley. Everyone was doubting that Harry had had anything to do with the youngest Weasley's death once they saw that there was no ill will between them.
Still, speculation was rife and since that dinner out with the Weasley siblings, Harry and Hermione had tried to keep a low profile. Eventually they would have to deal with it but until that day came, they were happy to just stay in their happy bubble. Harry figured that if anyone deserved time to rest, relax, and regroup, it was him and Hermione.
The clock chimed and Harry looked up to see that Hermione had long since finished her breakfast. He gave her a smile and stood, holding his hand out for her. They were both nervous about today's events; they hoped against hope that they could free Draco from any time served in Azkaban.
The pair headed to the apparition point on the front step. Hermione put her hand in his and let him take control. He twisted on the spot and looked around the Atrium of the Ministry. It was crowded with people and Harry had a feeling that they were there for the kick off of the Death Eater trials. Even though Harry and Hermione planned to testify for the youngest Malfoy, he was still technically a Death Eater. People were bound to flock to the trials to see justice done.
Harry led Hermione to the lift and they got in together, the crowd pushing to join them, some hollering out questions about Ginny. Hermione waved her wand and a barrier appeared at the entrance of the lift, barring anyone from entering. Harry kept his face as impassive as he could as the lift began to move. Once they were moving downward, he let out a breath of relief. Hermione squeezed his hand.
"Do you think they're ever going to stop?" she asked quietly. Harry shook his head.
"No, probably not. I'm sure that it will eventually get out, what really happened that day. Kingsley has assured me that there will be no repercussions; I was defending my omega during battle. Any alpha would understand exactly how I reacted. I was just hoping to save the Weasleys the bad press. It wouldn't be fair for them to suffer because of Molly and Ginny's actions," Harry told her. Hermione nodded understandingly.
When the lift stopped, the pair headed for Courthouse Ten. Harry recalled it perfectly from just before his fifth year when he had been put on trial for underage use of magic. Draco's solicitor gestured for them to take seats directly where Draco would be sitting; Daphne was already seated there. Much to his surprise, so was Neville.
Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulders, drawing her close, as the room began to fill with the audience. There was a low hum in the room, indicating that everyone was trying to speak at the same time. Almost everyone had found seats by the time the Wizengamot filed in the courtroom, taking their appointed seats, adorned with their family crests. Harry strained to look at the empty ones, searching for one with the Potter family crest. He found it on the very back row, next to Augusta Longbottom and the empty Black seat. Kingsley came in next and took the seat at the front of the courtroom.
"I am taking this seat today since we have yet to appoint a Chief Warlock. The names have been submitted and after this trial, I ask the members of our esteemed body to stay and vote," Kingsley toned, sounding almost bored. He met the eyes of the auror that was guarding a small door and nodded.
"We are here today to hold a trial for Draco Lucius Malfoy, accused of being a Death Eater and the many war crimes that followed his induction. Please lead the defendant in, Auror Smith," Kinglsey said. The door opened to reveal Draco, wearing the standard black and white stripes that the Azkaban prisoners wore, fine blond hair plastered to his head due to lack of washing. While he most certainly didn't look good, he didn't look unhealthy either. He hadn't seemed to have lost any weight and his eyes didn't hold that feral look that Bellatrix had.
Harry watched as he was led to the defendant's chair and chained to it. It had to be a horrifying experience, one that both Severus and Narcissa were going to have to go through as well. However, Draco endured it well. He lifted his chin and straightened his shoulders, sneer in place. He looked very much the spoiled aristocrat in that moment, masking his nerves and fear.
"Mr. Malfoy, we're here today to try you for you having the Dark Mark on your arm plus any war crimes you committed in your service to that mad man. How do you plead?" Kingsley asked. Draco's voice was clear and concise when he answered.
"Not guilty," he said. Kingsley eyed the young man carefully.
"We're going to start with the crimes we are aware of. Unless, of course, you're willing to take the required amount of veritaserum and allow us to question you to prove your innocence," Kingsley said, giving him the option. Draco's eyes widened slightly but looked to his solicitor. They had a whispered conversation that took several minutes but his solicitor stood once more with a frown on his face.
"I have advised my client to deny the use of truth serum but he insists that he has nothing to hide. He wants the veritaserum," the solicitor whose name Harry had already forgotten, told the court. Harry watched as Auror Smith bustled back to the door and was handed a vial. He returned in short order and stood before the court.
"I'm going to dose myself with this to prove that it is indeed veritaserum. Minister, I'd like you to ask me something and I will attempt to lie," Auror Smith told them. After watching him put the required number of drops of potion in his mouth, he turned to Kingsley expectantly. Kingsley was grinning at the man unrepentantly.
"On your first day of training, Auror Smith, why did we have to stop the first mock battle?" he asked laughingly. Smith turned a violent shade of red and glared at his ex-boss.
"Mad-Eye fired an exploding curse and amplified the sound. I shat myself because I wasn't expecting it to be so loud," he muttered. There were titters of laughter around the room and Harry felt bad for the man having to openly embarrass himself like that. Kingsley appeared to barely be holding his own laughter in so nodded quickly.
"The potion is valid. Auror Smith, please administer it to the prisoner," he ordered. Everyone forgot Auror Smith's embarrassment as soon as the required drops had been administered. The prosecuting solicitor from the Ministry stood and made his way in front of Draco, glaring at him in disgust.
"Do you bear the Dark Mark?" the solicitor said. Harry thought his name was Matthews. Draco nodded.
"Yes, I do. I received it when I was sixteen. My father was in Azkaban at the time," he answered promptly. There were severals quiet gasps from the audience.
"Why did you join? Your father clearly didn't make you," Matthews questioned. Draco cocked his head to the side just a little.
"I always wanted to be a Death Eater. I grew up with the knowledge from my father that it would bring me pride, power, and prestige to serve the Dark Lord. After my father went to Azkaban, my beliefs faltered. I was still willing, I just wasn't sure about how the Dark Lord punished his followers. I was called before him and told that since my father had failed him so spectacularly in retrieving the prophecy from the Ministry, I was to be marked and given a mission of my own. He made it very clear that the health and happiness of my mother was going to depend on my accepting his offer and doing well on the mission. I was ready to join but ultimately joined to protect my mother. I had already seen what he had done to my father," Draco admitted. There were soft murmurs through the crowd but Harry kept his eyes trained on the proceedings.
"Tell us about this mission. Your very first. Did you complete it to keep your mother safe?" Matthrews inquired. Draco shook his head.
"No, I didn't complete it. My first mission was to kill Albus Dumbledore by the end of my sixth year at Hogwarts. I tried to send him a cursed necklace that instead injured Katie Bell. I then tried to poison him through a bottle of mead, only for Ronald Weasley to drink it instead. I had decided to fix the vanishing cabinet in the Room of Hidden Things since there was a sister cabinet at Borgin and Burkes. I was able to repair it and let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts at the end of my sixth year. I had Dumbledore cornered on the Astronomy Tower, ready to take him down. He was weak and didn't even attempt to fight back; I knew in that moment that I was done. I couldn't do it. I was lowering my wand when Severus and the others burst in. In the end, it was Severus who killed Dumbledore, due to an Unbreakable Vow he had made to my mother and the order from Dumbledore himself to kill him when the time came, sparing my soul. Chaos ensued as we fled the school," Draco explained.
"You're telling us that Severus Snape had been ordered by Dumbledore to kill him when the time came?" disbelief colored Matthews voice. Draco nodded.
"Yes, Severus confessed it to me one night when he was so slobbering drunk he couldn't even remember his own name, let alone mine. He's my godfather, I kept his secret until today," Draco told them. Matthews scoffed quietly but continued.
"What happened after you returned to Tom Riddle's side?" he asked. Draco shuddered involuntarily and Harry knew that it was going to be bad.
"That night, despite his elation at his nemesis being dead, Riddle stripped me naked in front of all his followers and tortured me. My mother became sick at the sight of my blood and was stunned and bound by Bellatrix. I'm not sure how I even survived. I ended up passing out and waking up in the dungeons of my home, still naked, and locked in a cell. I was fed regularly but the other Death Eaters were given dispensation to practice their torture skills on me. Even my own father saw me a couple times, taking his anger out on me for my poor showing. I don't know how I survived the two week period I was at their mercy. Finally, the Dark Lord had me brought before him and after a final session with him, told me that he had forgiven me and would allow my father and Bellatrix to train me so it wouldn't happen again," Draco confessed, his facial features set in stone. There were several people in the crowd that were openly crying now, Hermione had her arm around Daphne's shoulders as they shook with tears. Matthews voice was unsteady as he continued.
"What happened with your training? How did you cope? Explain it to the court please, Mr. Malfoy," Matthews requested.
"I was forced to train with my father or Bellatrix for several hours a day; I was still healing so I wasn't very fast. Every time they bested me, I had to kill a muggle. It was what they called motivation; I was weak and couldn't handle killing so they made it my punishment. I did better the further I went on, once I was finally fully healed. It took several months for them to tell the Dark Lord that I was at a point where I didn't need training anymore. It was then that I decided to run, take my mother and run to the Order and beg for protection. There was nothing left of pride then, I would have done anything to get away from my family home," Draco said. Matthews was quite sober when he continued.
"Why didn't you do that?" he asked softly. Draco's eyes flashed with an unknown emotion but Harry understood completely. Speaking of such things was extremely personal.
"My mother reminded me that my own omega would suffer if I ran. She feared that her father would keep her from me and I didn't want her to go mad with need when she went into heat again. Therefore, I made a plan of my own. If I couldn't escape, I was going to start taking them down from the inside. I was portrayed as weak and ineffectual; nobody would ever suspect me," Draco revealed. Harry knew the question was coming.
"How did you go about doing that?" he demanded after the court had quieted some. Draco sighed.
"You need to give me more serum, I can feel it starting to wear off," he told the court. Auror Smith gave him an incredulous look but stepped forward and gave him another dose. Harry doubted that it was wearing off, Draco just wanted to ensure that nothing could be said against the fact that he was telling the truth.
"The first was Gibbons. We were sent out on patrol of Hogsmeade and its surrounding areas. We were put up by the caves north of town. I took him out with a slashing curse, cut deep into his neck. Once he was dead, I used the same curse to cut up the rest of his body. I told the Dark Lord that we had been attacked by a large cat, suspecting an animagus. I produced a fake memory of trying to kill the beast but just wasn't able. I'm quite skilled in occlumency, you see. The Dark Lord believed me, tortured me for a few minutes, and then sent me on my way," he toned. There were shocked gasps throughout the courtroom but Draco just continued.
"Next was Selwyn…"
Harry listened raptly as Draco spent the next hour telling the court of how he had killed each Death Eater he had attacked after realizing he couldn't leave Daphne behind. After knowing everything that Draco had suffered, despite it being from making a bad decision, a newfound respect for the young Slytherin grew. A man that set on protecting his omega was a man he could certainly try to be friends with, something that he was sure he wanted to do now. Finally, Matthews had exhausted Draco's part in Death Eater's deaths and moved onto Malfoy Manor.
"I have in my paperwork that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were going to testify for you here today. What brought that about? Start at the beginning please," Matthews requested. Hermione stiffened next to him and Harry pulled her from Daphne to wrap her in his arms.
"I was at the Manor when the alarm sounded that Greyback and the rest of the Snatchers had brought in prisoners. It turned out to be Harry, Hermione, and Weasley. To make a long story short, they found a Sword on Granger and my aunt was enraged. She demanded that I identify them but I refused. I wanted the Dark Lord dead as much as they did, I wasn't going to lose the light side's only chance because my aunt demanded it. She threw Potter and Weasley in the dungeons with the other prisoners. We could all hear Potter going mad, it just made the other Death Eaters laugh.
Bellatrix tortured Hermione Granger to near death. She used the Cruciatus liberally, as well as her knife. Hermione never broke. After she told the bitch to fuck her broom and die screaming, she vanished her clothes and told the Death Eaters to fuck her to death. Greyback descended and in that moment, I knew I couldn't let it happen. She was an omega, even smaller than my own. They're powerful in their own right, I strive to never anger mine, but they're physically weaker than most everyone else. She was no match for a full grown werewolf. I stunned Greyback just as Potter and Weasley burst into the room. I rushed forward in the mayhem and shoved Greyback off Granger, taking the cursed knife used on Granger to stab him in the chest. After Potter killed Bellatrix, they decided they weren't going to harm me. They took Granger and were gone," he concluded.
The courtroom went wild and Harry could see Hermione doing her best to remain strong. She leaned into his side but her shoulders were back, her spine straight, and her chin lifted. She looked ready for battle, truth be told. Kingsley was banging with the gavel trying to restore order. It took several minutes before that was accomplished. When the court room was quiet once more, Matthews looked to Draco.
"Continue with the Final Battle," he demanded. Draco gave a curt nod of acquiescence.
Harry didn't bother listening to this part of the story. He knew it all too well, he had witnessed it all. It took nearly another hour to get through this part of the story and Harry could tell that the crowd was getting restless. He hoped that that meant that opinions were swaying in favor of Draco; after revealing all he had, it would be tragic for him to be sent to Azkaban after all.
Finally, it was all over and the courtroom was silent. Harry hoped that it was in awe. Matthews took his seat and Kingsley sighed before looking his way.
"Mr. Potter, I know that you are now no longer required to testify since Mr. Malfoy agreed to the truth serum but the court has a question to ask of you and Miss Granger. Will you allow it?" he asked formally. Harry looked to Hermione and she gave him a small smile. He looked to Kingsley and nodded while answering.
"Of course, Minister," he replied. Kingsley didn't beat around the bush.
"To your knowledge, is everything Mr. Malfoy said in regards to your actions with him the entire and complete truth?" he asked. Harry made a split second decision and disentangled himself from Hermione so he could stand and raise his wand.
"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my magic that everything Draco Lucius Malfoy has said here today in regards to myself and my omega is the complete truth. So mote it be," he replied formally. The crowd gasped yet again as a blue light flashed as the oath took hold. Harry waved his wand and silently cast a patronus. Prongs took a few steps before stopping to nuzzle Hermione's chest. When he disappeared, Harry took his seat. Hermione was glaring at him but he expected that. However, since he had set the bar so high, she had to follow. She rose to her feet and produced her wand.
"I, Hermione Jean Granger, swear on my magic that everything Draco Lucius Malfoy has said here today in regards to myself and my alpha is the complete truth. So mote it be," she said. Again, the blue light flashed and she followed his lead. Her otter appeared from her wand and swam around him playfully. When it disappeared, she took her seat. Harry pulled her close once more. Kingsley just shook his head at the both of them and turned back to the Wizengamot members.
"We've heard all we're going to hear here today. We'll take an hour break to discuss the verdict," Kingsley ordered.
At once, everyone stood and started to exit the court room. The trial had already been several hours and he was sure that most people needed a drink and to use the loo. He and Hermione remained where they were, as did Daphne and Neville. Harry was quick to introduce the two of them and explain the importance of both of them being there. Neville had agreed to testify for his part in watching Draco try to save Hermione from Nagini's attack and Daphne was going to be a character witness that would tell everyone just how much Draco had wanted out after failing his first mission.
The four of them made small talk the entire hour. Daphne had thanked both of them for their efforts in saving Draco from prison. Neville stayed quiet for the most part, analyzing their interactions and making his own judgement. It seemed like ages had passed before people started to filter back into the courtroom to take their seats. Once everyone was seated, the Wizengamot and Kingsley followed suit. Kingsley looked to the Wizengamot with a serious expression on his dark-skinned face.
"The court asks it's governing body what their verdict is in the case of Mr. Draco Malfoy," he said formally. Harry thought the over-formality of these events would get old quick. An old man, even older than Dumbledore stood. He appeared to be the eldest member which was probably why he was elected to speak. He introduced himself as Tiberius Nott.
"Minister, after much consideration, the governing body of the Wizengamot has found Draco Malfoy guilty of war crimes associated with being a Death Eater. We find him guilty of bearing the Dark Mark by his own admission. However, since these are special circumstances, we the body have decided that as long as he agrees to return to Hogwarts this coming year and complete his education, there will be no time spent in Azkaban, no probation period, and no fines levied against the Malfoy fortune for these crimes," Nott said imperiously.
Harry was elated. Yes, he had been found guilty but he wasn't going to go to prison. Daphne was squealing next to Hermione, hugging her around the neck with a wide smile on her face. Neville was calm as he sat next to Harry, the corners of his mouth upturned just a tiny bit. The chair released the chains on Draco and he stood as regally as he could. Harry watched him shake hands with his solicitor and finally turned to them. Daphne didn't even bother giving them a chance to speak. In her elation, she ran for him and threw herself in his arms, sobbing in his neck. Draco comforted her with soft words in her ear, his hand stroking her spine slowly to calm her.
"You two really came through for me. I can't thank you enough," Draco told them over Daphne's head. Harry chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder.
"You saved yourself. Besides, you saved Hermione. I told you we owed you. Besides, there are no debts between friends. I'm hoping that's what we'll come to be?" Harry said genuinely. Hermione wrapped an arm around his waist to show her support of that decision and Draco actually smiled.
"It would be nice to have friends since I'm a convicted Death Eater now," he said gamely. Hermione laughed as well and saw that Daphne was dying for time alone with her alpha. She couldn't say that she blamed her.
"It would be nice if we could meet up for lunch in a few days. Let things settle for the both of you and you can spend time together. I'm sure that Draco would like to go home and relax, truly relax," Hermione compromised. Both Daphne and Draco nodded enthusaistically.
"That would be wonderful," Draco replied. Harry stepped forward and offered his hand to Draco, an iconic moment for them both. Draco reached out and grasped it, shaking it firmly.
"You're a free man now. Your parents and Snape's trials are set for the eighteenth. We plan to be there. Has a solicitor been hired for them?" he inquired. Draco nodded.
"Yes, Hawthorn is going to represent them too. It's been taken care of. I don't expect Lucius to escape Azkaban, though I am hoping Mother does. She doesn't bear the Mark and never took action against anyone unless they made her," he confessed. Harry nodded again.
"I'll be testifying for her as well. She saved me in that forest, you know. Without her playing her part, I would have lost," he confessed. Draco gave him a respectful nod.
"I appreciate that. For now, I'm going to go home and take a shower. I feel disgusting," he confessed with a smile.
With a wave, Draco and Daphne headed off, his arm around her shoulders and holding her close much the same way Harry did to Hermione. He looked down at Hermione and found her beaming.
"I think we made the right decision," she told him. He kissed her forehead.
"I think we did too."
-O-
Hermione was thrilled with the outcome of the trial. Sure, Draco had been found guilty but he truly had been guilty of them, just not in the spirit that the court had meant. It was nice to know that true justice could be given after such dark times. She beamed at Harry but noticed that Neville was looking at them confused.
"Are you two friends with Malfoy now?" he questioned. Harry blew out a quick breath and smirked.
"We're going to try to be. He deserves that much after all he did for the war effort. You realize he probably killed more Death Eaters than Hermione and I combined. Think of the lives saved. Yes, he made a mistake in taking the Mark but once he realized he had done wrong, he did all he could to right it while keeping those he loved safe. Pretty brave if you ask me," Harry told him. Neville seemed to ponder his words for a few moments before nodding.
"I can see that. Well, if you need another couple for lunch, let Luna and I know. It would be nice to have friends that understand what it's like, being what we are," he revealed. Harry nodded his head and smiled.
"Sure, Nev, we'll let you know. I think Malfoy is going to need all the friends he can get once we get back to Hogwarts," he told him. Neville raised an eyebrow.
"You're going back to Hogwarts?" he asked curiously. Harry nodded.
"Yes, we both want the experience of being seventh years. We want another year before we have to decide what to do with our lives," Harry told him. Neville gestured with his head that he understood.
"Well, you'll see both Luna and I there. Since Luna isn't of age, she has no choice. She became my ward when her father was killed. Therefore, I'm going with her. I hope to apprentice under Sprout after graduating," he told them. Hermione hugged him quickly.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Neville! You would be great at that," she complimented him. However, Neville was saved from a response by a deep, baritone voice interrupting their conversation.
"What's this talk about Hogwarts? You're all going back?" Kingsley asked. He couldn't keep the disappointment out of his voice. Hermione nodded immediately.
"Neither of us are sure what we want to do with our lives. Another year at school would look good for us and give us the time to decide what we want to do," she informed him. Kingsley sighed heavily but nodded his head.
"I can't refute your logic in that. I just came over here before the meeting to elect a Chief Warlock to see if I could offer either of you jobs. I gave Ron the same offer and he quickly jumped on board to become an auror. Knowing Ron as I do, I'm not sure if he'll make it through academically, but I hope that he surprises me. I want you both to know that any job in the Ministry is up for the taking after you graduate from Hogwarts," he offered magnanimously. Harry reached out and shook the man's hand.
"I might be interested in becoming an auror but for the moment, I've had enough of dark wizards to last me a lifetime. Give me a year to get bored at Hogwarts," he said jokingly. Hermione shook his hand next.
"I'll consider your offer as well. I really have no idea what way I want my life to go right now. Hopefully, after a year, I'll have a better idea," she said. Kingsley just laughed.
"You two are going to take the Ministry by storm, aren't you?" he asked rhetorically. He turned to Neville and sized him up before speaking.
"The same offer stands for you, young man. I heard what you did in Hogwarts last year. You were the leader of a very successful group of young people who fought back against oppression at Hogwarts. You also killed Voldemort's snake, in a very badarse way I might add. Come see me after graduation if working at the Ministry interests you," he told Neville. Neville beamed under the praise and nodded.
"I'll do that, sir. Thank you for the opportunity, you honor the House of Longbottom," Neville told him.
With a wave, Kingsley melted back into the courtroom and Hermione took Harry by the hand while smiling at Neville.
"We'll get ahold of you when we meet with Draco. We'd love to stay and chat but I suddenly feel the urge to speak with my mother," she told Neville. Neville quickly bid them good day and Harry turned her way.
"We just saw your mum last night. What do you need to see her for now?" Hermione gave him a wolfish grin.
"Nothing. I just want to go back home and pay you back for this morning. You ambushed me and I think I have the right to do the same to you," she said seriously. Harry broke out laughing and pulled her to the apparition point, completely ignoring the press and the people calling out questions.
"Now that is something I can get behind, kitten. You ambush me all you want," he growled lowly in her ear. She yelped in surprise as he pinched her arse before pulling her into apparition.
Hermione was going to prove to him that paybacks were indeed a bitch.