Draco Malfoy, Broken

***TRIGGER WARNING FOR A MINOR PANIC ATTACK***

12 - The Hearing

Harry jumped up when Hermione burst into the room. "I did it Harry! I got the appeal!" she said, hugging him.

"Great! How's it look?" Harry asked, ignoring Malfoy's flinch to her sudden entrance.

"I think it's good Harry, but there's a problem. The Chief Warlock is hellbent on conviction, but I gave him the noose to choke himself on. He's such a nasty jerk that even the other diehard anti-Death Eaters don't want anything to do with him. He disrespected me, my age, my parents... he made Daphne and Theo cry."

Malfoy stood up. "What?"

"It's okay, Malfoy, I took care of them."

"Theo came?" he asked, surprised.

"I told you last night."

"I didn't believe you."

"Well, your friends showed up and went to the mat for you. But we don't have forever. Harry... you might have to do what we talked about."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, it'll work, but only if you really want to make him squirm."

"Come on, let's go. You ready?" Harry asked.

Malfoy gave a curt nod, he was shaking like a leaf.

"Oh wait, here I made this last night. Drink it," Hermione ordered.

"What is..." he started.

"It's a Calming Drought. It should stop the tremors and ease your anticipation."

Malfoy gave Hermione a look of gratitude that she couldn't help but see. "Thank you," he said, drinking it. Immediately, the shaking subsided. "Really... thank you."

"No problem, Malfoy."

"Let's go," Harry urged, escorting them back into the courtroom.

Malfoy kept his eyes on the floor, again, regardless of the Calming Potion. He was too afraid to look his jurors in the eye. He sat in the only chair, the ones with chains on it and looked as though he was about to bolt if they moved. He wanted nothing to do with being restrained.

"Chief Warlock, the defendant Draco Lucius Malfoy is present and I will act as arbitrator and witness to the defense, Warlock Harry James Potter."

"Warlock Granger sit down or leave. Only one arbitrator is needed," the Chief Warlock growled.

"Actually, there's been several precedents where..." she began.

"I don't care! Sit down or leave the courtroom."

"I'll sit for now. I'm still a warlock," she said and entered the bench area sitting next to Professor Flitwick.

"Can you make this quick Potter? It's nearly lunch," the Chief Warlock grumbled.

His hand rested on the fat budge of his stomach. Corpulent bastard, Harry thought. He was the block he'd been fighting against since it started.

"No, I will not make it quick. I'm going to draw this out for as long as it takes, McLaggen!" Harry growled. Malfoy looked at him astonished. Of course, he had no idea what Hermione's plan was.

"How dare you talk to me like that! I can hold you in contempt!"

"Go ahead. I'd love to see the headlines. Picture this 'Old, pudgy Chief Warlock throws one of his own court members, the Savior of the Wizarding World, into Azkaban... what were they arguing about? See page 2, 3 and 4 for the shocking reveal into the Wizengamot proceedings!' Has a nice rang to it, don't you think?" Harry sneered. Malfoy froze, waiting for the fallout.

"You-You," spluttered the Chief Warlock. Several Wizengamot members laughed at him.

"Easy now. We wouldn't want to cause a scandal. I'll have my say one way or another. You're the one pushing this."

"I should throw you out, whippersnapper! You dare to call me pudgy!"

"Sure. I know you earned it hiding in one of your safe houses while your brother and nephew fought Voldemort," Harry growled and the Wizengamot held their collective breath.

"I WILL NOT BE TALKED TO LIKE THAT!" he roared.

"Like what, the truth? See, I didn't know the whole truth at first... I actually ran into your nephew at the Hogwarts reunion... he had some interesting opinions on you."

"I supported a free ministry. I left to avoid being killed."

"You left because you were a coward and this Hogwarts attendance list from 40 years ago, puts you in Slytherin. Another lying politician."

The Chief Warlock paled and said, "This changes nothing!"

"I have a feeling I'll be calling for a vote of no-confidence in your leadership, Chief Warlock McLaggen."

"You won't. You can't. They wouldn't remove me!"

"I have Warlock Granger to second. Do you want me to ask for a third? Insulting me and my friends is a sure way to lose everything. But I might be willing to not call for it and avoid causing a media uproar over you being forcibly removed from the bench."

"I won't be exhorted. I still hate Death Eaters! I won't free him over this threat!"

"I didn't say that. I want you to recuse yourself from this case. You obviously can't be impartial. You been shoveling your agenda into this room enough times that I don't want to hear your fat lips move anymore. Leave. I want to have a trial under a competent judge, without your blustering."

"You little shit!"

"Your choice, McLaggen. You can walk away, now, or we can throw you out in disgrace."

"This isn't over! Half the people in here won't side with you!"

"Wanna find out?" Harry threatened.

The Chief Warlock looked to his right and left at the rows of unimpressed warlocks, now judging him. McLaggen stood up, throwing his cloak over his shoulders dramatically, and walked out of the court room.

Mafalda Hopkirk stood up and said, "As second to the Chief Warlock, I will take over the proceedings, unless there are objections?"

"None at all, Acting Chief Warlock Hopkirk," Harry said and the firm, yet sensible woman nodded. 

"The Chair will now hear testimonial from the defendant. Is there a statement you would like to make?"

"Yes," Harry said. He knelt down and whispered. "It's your turn. Just tell them what happened."

Malfoy nodded still looking a little pale from what jut transpired. His voice was soft and quiet, when he started.

"My...name is Draco Malfoy. I was 15 when Lord Voldemort arrived at my house to stay and not too long after is when he started to use Cruciatus Curse on me. But he didn't start doing regularly until after I turned 16. My father had been arrested after the failed raid at the Department of Mysteries. Voldemort took it out on me and my mother. He decided to have me take the mark... his mark, but I didn't want it. He tortured my mother in front of me until I said yes.

"It burned for days. He wouldn't let me heal it. Then he gave me my... mission. He told me I had to kill Dumbledore. He said I had to do it... or he'd kill my mother. He said every week that Dumbledore was arrive he would torture her. But I had no idea how and I didn't want to do it," Mlafoy said to the floor, tears coming out of his empty eyes.

He spoke of how he planned the murder attempts, cast the Imperious Curse on Madam Rosmerta, how he fixed the cabinet and trapped Dumbledore. How he couldn't kill him, even though he and his mother might die. He just told them that they both were punished and say that he had tortured his mother. He told them about the constant beatings and torturing, by Voldemort, his father, his aunt and the other Death Eaters. Finally, he made it to when he saved Harry and confirmed that he took down the wards. What Voldemort did to him and the others and then lastly talking about the Battle of Hogwarts. He left off a few things there, too. Like that he saved Ginny and how Fred was killed.

"And then we were arrested... I plead guilty... because I didn't think anyone would believe me. I had no hope. I was...unable to even protect myself. I just wanted to die. I thought you'd kill me like my father... but no I went to Azkaban. They put a dementor outside my cell. Every day it'd come in and take more out of me and plunge me into my darkest memories. I stopped eating. A guard named Anthony Vance kept me under the Immobulus and Silencing Charms for 2 days while he force-feed me nutrient potions. He took away my voice for longer. When he heard Po-I might be getting released, he started to torture me, too, every day for over a week, so I wouldn't tell anyone what he did. That was yesterday."

Malfoy's voice was dry and rough from speaking. Despite the potion, he was shaking, again. He looked pleadingly at Harry, who nodded.

"That's our statement. You can see the report from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement that they took Vance into custody as well as his wand. Inspector Baker said that the Cruciatus Curse was used on Mr. Malfoy 63 times in varying durations."

Malfoy went rigid and froze, the sheer number of curses was sure to have upset him. Harry considered consoling him, but that would not have been appreciated right then.

"Breathe," he ordered, before addressing the court. "Your Honor, we request that under these circumstances a retrial be granted. There are clearly extenuating circumstances that the Wizengamot did not take into account during the sentencing."

Warlock Hopkirk read the report from the Auror Division. "There are issues that the court was not made aware of, most of which were hidden by the defendant."

"He didn't get a chance to speak," Harry started.

"And judging by his statement, he probably wouldn't have. But Mr. Malfoy... are you trying to admit to the court that you were lying when you said you were guilty? That you are not guilty of the crimes you were accused of?"

"No, your honor," Malfoy said in a clear voice. Harry made to interject, but was waved off by Madam Hopkirk.

"Then what are you saying, Mr. Malfoy?" she asked, sternly.

"I did do what I'm accused of. I almost killed two people and endangered the whole school. I did it to protect myself and my mother. I won't say I'm not guilty. I took the Dark Mark, I tortured Voldemort's supporters when he ordered me, too. I am guilty. I'm not going to hide that fact. I can only ask for mercy. I didn't want to do any of it... they tortured me and did things that I can't even...." Malfoy trailed off, shaking.

Harry almost hugged him. The raw anguish in his voice was evident for the whole court to hear. Malfoy looked away and froze. Harry knew he was locked in another flashback. He hoped it was a short one.

He stepped forward. "I believe I can safely state that he was not guilty of any crimes from the Battle of Hogwarts. He defected and was actively trying to fight Voldemort's supporters, almost getting killed several times and saving others. I can add my own testimony to it as well. When I was captured by Greyback and taken to Malfoy Manor, he lied to his aunt and father about who I was. He knew exactly who I was and, if he hadn't, they would have called Voldemort to me, right then and there. My friends and I would've died."

"I also was there at the Astronomy Tower when Albus Dumbledore was killed. He had Professor Dumbledore trapped, disarmed, and he still wouldn't kill him, even at the cost of his mother's life. He paid for doing the right thing, for not trading another man's life for his own. Voldemort and his supporters brutally tortured him for it. He suffered for our cause, our side, and how did we repay him? You all chucked into Azkaban to be feed on and tortured by the guards that are supposed to be watching him!"

"Easy, Warlock Potter. That should not have happened and how were we to know? He plead guilty," Acting Chief Warlock Hopkirk said.

"You could have listened to me," Harry seethed.

"You're nothing but a boy," Warlock Edgecombe spat. She had been firmly on McLaggen's side of the fence. 

"I'm Harry Potter. I fought Lord Voldemort and won. I've faced him more times than anyone and died for it. I've seen Dumbledore die, and my parents, my godfather, Cedric Diggory and Fred Weasley die in front of me. If you think I'm not mature enough, you've got the wrong impression of me."

"My daughter was nearly killed fighting the Death Eaters, Potter. She lost one of her eyes for you!" she shrieked. "Not to mention that hex she got from your club."

Hermione smirked in the front row, but Harry ignored her.

"I'm sorry. You forced her to tell Umbridge. I was teaching her how to defend herself. If she survived the battle, I'm guessing she remembered some of the things I taught her. She still lives and none of this has anything to do with Draco Malfoy."

"Potter..." Warlock Edgecombe growled.

"Enough. Mr. Malfoy?" the Chief Warlock asked, but he didn't answer.

"Draco?" Harry whispered and put his hand on Malfoy's shoulder. He had to come back.

Malfoy jumped and looked around. He saw Madam Hopkirk looking at him expectantly. He had issues opening his mouth, but managed to say, "Y-Yes?"

She gave him a full look over, frowning. "I want to ask you some questions about your actions...."

Malfoy nodded and Harry did not like the mental state he was in. His eyes were glassed over. He looked ready to crack at any second.

"You cast the Imperious Curse on Madam Rosmerta, correct?"

Malfoy nodded.

Warlock Hopkirk pursed her lips on his lack of response. "Was that your first time using the spell?"

Malfoy shook his head, still not using his voice.

"Would you care to elaborate?"

"I-My father used it on me, then he had me do it on animals and the house elves for practice."

"Your father used the Imperious Curse on you? For what?"

"When I was younger... he didn't want me to embarrass him at parties or events. He made sure I didn't. Forced correct behavior."

The court members were muttered to each other, surprised by this revelation. Voldemort's return hadn't started the abuse of the Malfoy heir.

"And the Cruciatus Curse?"

"I've only used it when Voldemort told me."

"Did your father teach you it?"

"By teach, do you mean used it on me? Then yes. I was 12 when he first did it to me. He wasn't happy about my standings in school. It happened more frequently as I got older," Malfoy said, his matter-of-fact tone was chilling. He still stared at the floor.

"You had bad marks?" the old head of the Improper Use of Magic asked, looking at his file confused. She was now in charge of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, having replaced Yaxley after the Battle of Hogwarts.

Hermione's face had turned deathly pale. She understood what had happened before Malfoy said, "I was second best. Malfoys can't be second best to...."

"Yes?"

"A muggleborn. He was a pureblood fanatic," he said, clenching his fists.

Warlock Hopkirk tutted, disapprovingly. "And Avada Kedavra?"

"I've never killed anyone or anything."

"Very well. What exactly was your plan when you let the Death Eaters into Hogwarts?"

Malfoy lowered his head, guiltily, "I-I didn't think I'd corner him alone. I opened the passage way and I thought it'd take all of us to capture him. I actually didn't think it'd work at all. I mean... he was Dumbledore. We set the Dark Mark and I guessed that he'd come to the Astronomy Tower because that's the highest point. I didn't expect I'd actually disarm him. He didn't even put up a fight. But I couldn't kill him. Even when the others came and told me to do it. I'm not going to lie, I was praying that they would do it. Snape did. I did nothing to stop him."

"And you knew that you were letting some of the most dangerous Death Eaters into the school?"

"I k-knew my aunt was coming."

"And Greyback?"

"No! I didn't know he'd come. I would have never... not him... especially not him."

"Especially?" Warlock Hopkirk asked, interested.

Malfoy started shaking and clenched his fists so hard they were white. Harry watched his reaction with horrible thoughts forming. He was more frightened of Greyback than Voldemort or Vance.

"Because he was a werewolf?" the Chief Warlock asked.

Malfoy's grey eyes watered. "Because he hunted and ate people. They made me watch. He...."

Malfoy's shoulders dropped and his eyes dimmed as he was pulled under, again. Shit, Harry thought.

"I think he's answered enough questions, Chief Warlock."

"I was trying to elaborate on the extent of his transgressions, Warlock Potter. Unforgivable Curses are called unforgivable for a reason. He's used them several times, by his own admission. The law is clear." Several of the hard-liners were nodded in agreement.

"I've used Unforgivable Curses. No one seems to have cared."

"Well, you're...."

"Exempt from the law?" Harry growled, that shut the murmurs up. "The reasons behind the crime matter. If the punishments are automatic, why bother with a trial? Why do we even show up? We have a responsibility to weigh the facts in the case and give a just verdict and sentence."

"You are giving us a civics lesson?" Madam Edgecombe sneered, now the acting Head of the Department of Magical Transportation.

"I guess I am. I fight for what's right. I fight my for friends and the people who support me. I died for them, did you forget? Draco Malfoy is one of those people. He was trapped and he helped me-us the only way he could without dying. It was easy for us, right? Voldemort wasn't in your house threatening to kill your family if you didn't follow his commands? But Voldemort was living in his house, torturing him and he still choose our side! What the hell would all of you choose if you were in his place? Die out of spite? Let Voldemort kill your family... your mother, father, sister, brother, or your children to defy him?"

The Wizengamot was silent. He heard nothing but their heartbeats and shocked breaths. He stared them all down and dared anyone to speak. He was Harry Potter, battle-hardened, twice-killed, and the Chosen One. He took shit from no one. He turned to look down at Malfoy and was surprised to see his startling silver eyes staring at him in awe. Malfoy's mouth was open slightly, as though he couldn't believe what he heard.

"You speak forcibly, Warlock Potter. Does anyone else want to speak before we began deliberations?"

"I have something to say," a familiar voice said.

Harry saw Ron's red hair as he stood up from the corner he was hiding in. Harry gulped. He sent the letter after all. Ron was wearing the plum colored Wizengamot robes. Apparently, he changed his mind about being a warlock. His expression was grim. Harry knew the entire Wizengamot knew they were fighting and Ron had turned him down flat.

"You sent me the letter, Harry. Why?" Ron said, avoiding looking at his somewhat girlfriend.

"I owe you that much, Ron. We used to be friends," Harry whispered.

"Used to be?" Ron repeated. His voice sharp. "You choose the ferret then?"

"I've made my choice. It's on you, Ron."

The ginger's face twinged red and finally looked at Hermione, her eyes wet with apprehensive tears. He sighed and then looked at Malfoy, who immediately lowered his eyes.

"You're a right git, Malfoy. Me and you ain't done. But I will not dispute your... whatever this is."

"Appeal?" Harry supplied, feeling better immediately.

"Yes," Ron said, looking at Malfoy, still. "We are square for whatever that bullshit was about you helping Hermione. The rest of it... we will just have to see about."

Malfoy nodded.

"So you're saying, you're not saying anything?" Madam Edgecombe said, annoyed.

"I'm saying that I'm not pressing any charges or asking for him to be punished for what he did to me. You can take that for whatever its worth."

"Noted," the Chief Warlock said.

"Thank you," Harry said. But Ron did not reply. He went over to sit with Hermione and she took his hand.

"Anyone else?" Madam Hopkirk asked, but there was no response. "Take the defendant outside the courtroom, Mr. Potter. Is there someone else to...."

"Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood are waiting," Hermione said, loudly. Harry smiled at her preparedness.

"Very well," she said. "We will wait your return, Warlock Potter."

"Yes, thank you, Chief Warlock," Harry said and waited for Malfoy to get up before leading him out of the courtroom.

****

Luna was the first one Draco saw when Potter led him back into the small waiting room.

"Hi Draco!" she greeted him and then immediately hugged him.

He tried not to flinch. Luna was too nice to hurt him. Neville "the Squib" Longbottom held out his hand in friendship. Draco took it. Behind them was Theo, Blaise and Daphne. Daphne's eyes were still red from crying and Theo looked pissed.

"They'll watch out for you. I'll be back," Potter said, patting his back. He winced from the contact, yet, again. He was getting annoyed with Potter constantly touching him. Even if it did help.

"I think I can handle you leaving for a few minutes," Draco drawled.

"Ha... we'll see. Take care of him," Potter scoffed, as he walked back to the courtroom.

Draco turned at met Theo's black eyes. Theo moved forward and held out his hand, Draco took it and pulled him into a hug. They broke apart and looked into each other's eyes. Theo nodded, accepting his thanks.

Blaise huffed indignantly, "Do I get a hug, too?"

"Heck no. I'm not going to forgive you for telling Potter."

"Oh, he told me, too," the squib commented. Draco eyed Longbottom with some amount of fear. "I won't tell anyone, Malfoy."

"What that you're gay?" Luna asked, loudly, earning some raucously laughter from Theo and Blaise.

Draco winced. How the hell did she know? he wondered.

"Draco's still "in the closet" as the muggle saying goes," Blaise chuckled.

"What's the wizard saying for it?" Luna asked, tilting her head.

"In the broomshed?" Theo offered.

"You guys are dicks," Draco muttered.

"I am not," Luna insisted.

"Of course, not. I'm sorry," Draco murmured, quietly.

"Apology accepted!" she said, smiling widely. She hugged Draco again and he froze. "It's okay, Draco. We're friends!" 

She rubbed his back reassuringly. He relaxed despite his intolerance to touching. Luna was such a bright, carefree person that he didn't feel threatened by her. She had said it like it was a standing fact. The way Potter had just declared to the whole Wizengamot that he considered him his friend. The both of them were mental. Who'd want to be friends with him?

"She's okay. I didn't know you had Gryffindor and Ravenclaw friends," Blaise chuckled.

"Neither did I."

"Of course, we're friends, Draco! You're such a nice person!" Luna said and Draco froze.

"Well, I don't know about nice, but you tried to stop me from getting myself killed. Luckily, Harry fixed that issue or I would have been dead," Longbottom commented.

Draco lowered his eyes and turned to him. He'd bullied Longbottom more than any other. "Why would you speak for me?"

"You did the right thing in the end. Plus, you didn't ever Crucio anyone in detention. I respected you for that. You could have ran Hogwarts last year, but you knew it was wrong. I saw that."

"But I was such an asshole to you."

"You toughened me up. Hey, I stood up to Voldemort and killed his pet snake. I don't need you to trouble yourself over what happened," the snake slayer said, with a happy smile.

"Thanks... and thank you for killing that snake, too."

"Don't like snakes? You're not a Slytherin anymore!" Blaise joked.

"I don't mind snakes, I just didn't like that one," Draco said, shuttering, trying not to think of it.

"Harry gave me one mission. Kill the snake. I made sure that happened," Longbottom said, proudly.

"Yep. Didya know he's going to teach at Hogwarts?" Blaise said, impressed.

"Really?" Draco said.

"Just first and second year Herbology. I'm still being trained by Professor Sprout."

"Congratulations Neville! But you should really take care of the Etlfriz in greenhouse one. They probably went wild after the battle," Luna said.

"I'll do just that," Longbottom said, but Draco ignored them and was looking over at the last person in the room, sitting in a chair.

"Daphne?" Draco called to her. She wiped her tears away.

"I'm sorry, Draco. I shouldn't be so... I should be happy that you might get out, but...."

Draco went over and knelt in front of her. He took her hands. "Don't worry about me, Daphne. I'm fine. I'm so sorry about your sister. You didn't have to come for... me."

"I did. You... oh Draco! I missed you so much. I thought I'd never see you again. You jerk!" she punched him in the arm.

"Ow. I'm sorry."

"Guilty? You idiot. I've seen your scars, you git. I've comforted you when you've cried. Those two have held you down when your nightmares take you. How could you just say you were guilty?" she said, angrily.

Draco lowered his head as she chastised him and revealed more to his two new friends. "I'm sorry... it was too much. I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to..."

"What?"

"...go on," he whispered.

She slowly wrapped her arms under him. She could feel him resist her embrace, but knew to hold him tighter. They had been friends the whole seventh year, after Pansy ditched him for Crabbe, of all people. She knew what they had done to him. Blaise and Theo might have suspected, but thankfully never said anything. She let him go and punched him hard in the arm, again.

"Ow! Damn it! I bruise easy, girl!" he growled.

"Oh, I know. That's for giving up. You better hope Potter pulls this off or I'll really beat the crap out of you!"

The others laughed, Luna held it the longest.

"Harry will. He always comes through," Longbottom said, wistfully.

"He does have a point," Theo agreed.

Draco swallowed, hard. The glimmer of hope that had only been stewing to this point, was rapidly becoming a boil. He was right. If they failed, it would crush him. The walls were closing in on him. He was trapped. He needed to get out of this small room. Trapped like he was in that prison cell. He was going back. Nothing but pain would await him. The dementors would rip the rest of his soul out. 

His heart rate near exploded.

"Oh, shit," Theo muttered. Blaise looked at him, too, also worried. But Draco was spiraling.

"Here, take my hand, Draco," Luna said, grabbing his hand that was freely shaking, now. "You're with friends, Draco. We got you."

Longbottom looked confused, before he realized what was happening. He pulled out his wand. That did it, he pulled Luna behind him and backed into a corner, away from Longbottom. Theo, Blaise and Daphne watched him, sadness evident on their faces, but Draco eyed the cherry wood wand in anticipation of pain.

"Take it easy, Draco," Luna said, her head directly behind his.

The squib frowned, but still pointed, his wand at Draco, who pushed back into Luna harder. "Aspecto!"

The room and everyone disappeared. Draco was on a beach alone. He could feel Luna behind him, but there was no one there.

"No one do anything," Longbottom's voice came from somewhere in front of him.

Draco was now more concerned that he was hallucinating than his mental breakdown. "What is...."

"It's okay. Draco, it's an illusion. It'll dissipate soon. You were hyperventilating," Longbottom's surprisingly gentle voice explained.

Draco didn't relax. He had enough problems separating reality from... everything else. Still, the gesture did reach him. The walls he could still feel them, but they weren't as close. He took in a deep breath and exhaled, slowly. His heart started to return to a normal rhythm. The beach evaporated away and his friends were looking at him, sad and concerned. Longbottom still had his wand out. Draco tried to ignore that.

"Umm... Draco, can you let me go?" Luna said, from behind him.

Draco slowly made his muscles move and eased up. Luna came out and pulled his head down to look at her.

"Shh... you're here... with us. We won't hurt you, Draco," Luna said, her eyes, a swirling light silver, peered into his. The last remnants of his panic attack subsided. "There see, all better."

Draco nodded. "Thank you."

Luna traced the scar on his forehead that he had received from Vance. He had tried to ignore it earlier after he showered. He shuddered under her touch. "Are you trying to be like Harry? He doesn't really like his scar either."

Draco smirked. "Yeah, you caught me."

Luna gave him a brilliant smile that lightened his heart. "You two are so alike... it's funny that you both are marked now."

Draco retreated inward at her words and subconsciously rubbed his forearm.

"I meant your scar."

"We aren't alike."

"You're both loyal, brave and kind. You can be a little moody though, but so can Harry."

"A little moody?" Blaise huffed.

Draco gave him a look, but glanced at Longbottom. His wand was still out. "Thanks for whatever you did."

"Mental escape. I went to a mind healer when I was younger. It was a way to calm down when I got overwhelmed," the Gryffindor admitted.

Before Draco could respond he heard movement in the hallway and the door opened. Draco openly trembled, his heart seizing. Potter appeared and he smiled. Draco felt his heart unclench. Potter didn't say anything, just let Draco absorb the news through his smile. He was free, he had to be. Potter motioned for him to follow.

"We'll be back shortly guys," Potter said, pulling Draco back toward the courtroom.

"What happened?" Draco breathed.

"We won. You're not going back!" Potter announced and Draco hugged him, crying out a breath of relief. Potter squeezed him hard, patting his back, reassuringly. "See, I told you not to worry. But they still want to, you know, put the fear of Merlin in you, so you have to come back in."

Draco nodded and let him go. "Harry...."

"Don't... let's get you out of here first. Come on," he pulled him into the courtroom. Draco took his seat in the binding chair. Thankfully, it still didn't grab him.

"Mr. Malfoy, as I'm sure Warlock Potter has already told you that your appeal has been granted. The Wizengamot feel that you were innocent of all the charges relating to the Battle of Hogwarts and charges were reduced on all your other crimes. We have decided to augment those sentences, instead of issuing you a retrial. We decided to list all of those charges as time served...."

Draco let go of the breath he had been holding. He bowed his head. There had to be something else. The silence was growing.

"...with the exception of one charge: conspiracy to commit murder of your former Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore."

Draco tightened back up. Potter had mentioned that they were going to put the fear of Merlin in him.

"That will carry a sentence of 5 years," the Chief Warlock said in a clear, ominous tone. "However, Warlock Potter has convinced us to suspend that sentence in lieu of probation. One year, Mr. Malfoy. You must stay clean for one year, with monthly check-ins with your assigned probation officer. Any illegal activities, offensive spells or fighting and your probation can be revoked and you'll return to Azkaban for a 5 year sentence. Do you accept this judgement?"

"Y-Yes... your honor... thank you," Draco said, quietly, keeping his eyes down.

"There is one more requirement of the court..." the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement paused, bringing Draco's head up, "...as there are concerns over both the lightness of your sentence and of your own future, we have also mandated that you complete your education. Headmistress McGonagall has agreed to allow you to return to retake your seventh year and take your NEWTs. Based upon your academic records, you must obtain at least Exceeds Expectations in all of your NEWT level exams."

Draco felt a thump in his throat. That was no easy task. Potions was the only thing he knew he could get without a ton of effort.

"Will you accept this condition of your probation in lieu of jail time?"

Draco had no choice but to nod in affirmation.

"Let the record show that the defendant has accepted the terms of probation. This hearing is adjourned."

This chapter was a long one. Some fluff is finally coming though! I tagged this a slow-build for a reason!