Matt and Hermione paced in the entry corridor to the Wizengamot. The lowest courtrooms in the Ministry of Magic were cold and drafty, made even worse by the weather outside. It seemed as though, in retaliation for being pulled away from their vacations, the members of the Wizengamot had chosen not to call for the maintenance department to enchant the hallways and increase the heat. Pacing seemed to keep the chill at bay as the couple waited for the final members to arrive. Hermione knew this was not going to go over well, but they had no choice. If this was to happen, it had to happen today.
Matt glanced at his watch; it was already after eleven at night. They had been informed earlier that day that the Wizengamot had agreed to return for the emergency session. Hermione knew this was a big card to play, and it would likely cost her some votes on her upcoming legislation, but this was literally a matter of life and death. If for some reason the court decided that Malfoy's contract was not malicious and invalid or that their evidence was too shaky, Matt would likely be deported after midnight.
Matt had made some discreet inquiries with Harry the previous day, and Harry confirmed that indeed a Portkey had been created and set to go to Chicago at exactly twelve thirty in the morning on January first of the next year. Fudge sat nervously on one of the chairs outside the courtroom, tapping his foot.
"It's a stalling tactic," Fudge said. "They like to do this when they're disgruntled about something. The only reason anyone's even willing to show up is because it's the Minister himself asking and it's you Miss Granger. Were it anyone else, not central to defeating, well, You-Know-Who," Hermione shot him a withering glance at Fudge's refusal to use Voldemort's proper name, even now "This wouldn't be happening at all."
Finally, the great doors opened, and Percy Weasley stepped through.
"We're ready for you now." He said, exhaustion on his face, but sympathy in his voice. Hermione had sent Molly and Arthur a letter detailing everything that had happened, so they would know what to expect. As Arthur was a member of the so-called Sacred Twenty-Eight, he held a position in the Wizengamot and was crucial to their cause. Not that it would matter, but she and Matt knew he would vote in their favor regardless, she still felt it prudent that he should know ahead of time. Molly's reply was firm and swift in that they had the entire support of the family, but chided that Matt ought to have known better than to get involved with the likes of Malfoy. The question still hung over them as to how exactly Draco had learned of Project Lykos in the first place.
Matt and Hermione clasped one another's hands and Fudge stood as the three of them walked in. Inside the courtroom things looked different than the last time they had been there. The raised seats were entirely full; many faces were recognizable. Amongst them were their old classmate Susan Bones, representing her family, Lucius Malfoy was there, sneering down at them, but Augusta Longbottom was also there, giving the couple an approving nod. Percy was hurriedly sitting down beside the minister, shuffling papers as he prepared to take the minutes for the meeting.
While the minister himself sat at the center of the raised dais, in the center of the room, there were a pair of tables, sets of chairs, and additional pews of seating. This was a far cry from the last time Hermione strode through the room, the center chair with its chains absent, as were the Dementors adding their cold presence to the courtroom. Fudge took his spot on the right-hand side, Matt and Hermione to his right. Across the aisle that had formed, Draco Malfoy sat to the left of Alice Runcorn. Matt scowled, as Runcorn had been making a name for herself in the legal world after graduating Hogwarts with Harry's class. Matt and Hermione were sure she had favored her final year under Snape and the Carrows. Runcorn was dressed in a sharp and expensive set of robes and held her head high, looking striking and powerful. Matt hoped that while it was obvious Fudge's suit was worn and older, that his experience would outweigh her youth.
Surprising no one was, the entire Weasley family seated behind Matt and Hermione, minus Percy who was sitting beside the Minister and Arthur who was up in the gallery proper. Accompanying them were Neville, Luna, Xenophilius, Harry himself, and shockingly Cho Chang. Hannah Abbott was in the gallery, representing her family, and seated next to her was Ernie Macmillan whom both Matt and Hermione were relieved to see. Even though Luna's family was not part of the Wizengamot, having both her and her father there meant a great deal to Matt and Hermione, and they felt bolstered by their friend's presence.
Matt's eyes lifted high, seeing Nikki the receptionist from St. Mungo's but also his boss Healer-In-Charge Bolt sitting on his side. In a further surprise yet, was Zach, who was not sitting behind him, but rather, on the opposite aisle, in the same row as Theodore Nott, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, the Greengrass sisters, and his wife-to-be, Millicent Bulstrode.
"What's he doing here?" Matt whispered to Hermione, who followed his gaze.
"What do you mean? Zacharias Smith? It's not surprising really, he's never liked us well in school and he outright fled the school during the Battle of Hogwarts, he's perfect for Malfoy's crowd. Likely, he's Malfoy's new second, since he lost Crabbe." Hermione replied.
"He's not that bad…I didn't think…" Matt said, pain lamenting in his voice.
"Why on earth are you defending him?" Hermione asked.
"Because…he's my co-worker on Project Lykos."
Hermione sucked in a breath. Fudge looked at Matt gravely and he had come to the same conclusion as Hermione. Zacharias Smith had told Malfoy about the project. Matt knew he had violated protocol as well; however, he knew he could trust the Weasleys, Lovegood's, and Longbottom's implicitly. The same could not be said for the Malfoy's. Draco was much like his father, climbing the social hierarchy and making deals, trading in favors, and gaining money, and influence with his dealings.
"Order!" The Minister said and the entire room fell silent. He stood, followed by everyone else, in the chambers. "This special session of the Wizengamot will now begin." Shacklebolt's voice intoned over the courtroom as he sat, followed by everyone else.
"The first order of the evening is the nullification of a signed contract between Messer's Santini and Malfoy, please stand." Shacklebolt said. Both Matt and Malfoy stood. "It is this courts understandings, Mr. Santini, you signed this contract," the Minister held up the document. "And now wish it to be void, as it was made in bad faith, is that correct?"
"Yes, Minister." Matt replied.
"And Mr. Malfoy, you contend that Mr. Santini was well aware of all the provisions in the contract, and that he has no grounds for nullification."
"That is correct Minister." Malfoy said with a sneer of victory.
"I see you both have representation," The minister said with a nod and a wave of his hand. "Mr. Fudge, you may make your opening statement."
Cornelius Fudge smiled genially at Shacklebolt and the rest of the Wizengamot as he stood. He smoothly slipped around the desk, so he was in the very center of the room, unmissable, unmistakable.
"Minister for Magic, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, what we have before us today is a terrible miscarriage of a legal contract. On the one hand, young, rich, powerful Mr. Malfoy. He's well connected, his family, while disgraced at one point, as proven themselves to be scrupulous once again, making business deals and overall improving wizarding life.
On the other hand, young Mr. Santini, a classmate of Mr. Malfoy's, fought in the war, a foreigner, making his own path in the world, but desperate. Ancient family tradition hanging over his head, like a blade, ready to fall at a moment's notice. Shackled by this, and his ties with his family are the only things that keep him where he is. Desperation, that is what drives Mr. Santini. Working in secret, on a top-level project for St. Mungo's, in an effort than can only be categorized as humanitarian. Working for the better of not just wizardingkind, but for all manners of magical beings.
Mr. Malfoy, oppositely, seems to be falling back onto his old family values, of deception and deceit to get his way. Preying, on the desperations of his classmate to survive, when faced with deportation and imminent death."
Fudge paused to let the words sink in, and there was an audible gasp from the gathered witches and wizards when they heard of Matt's potential execution.
"That is correct, you have made no mistake in what you heard me say. Mr. Santini, if he does not marry, within the next half an hour, will be deport back to the United States of America. There he is without resources, without home, without friendship. Few know of the laws in America regarding wizarding homelessness, but I can assure you, they are strict, stricter than our own. They make no bones that wizards are not to mingle or make encampments amongst Muggles, called No-Majs, there. Anyone found in a No-Maj homeless camp and to be in possession and knowledgeable use of a wand, is brought in, and promptly executed."
Another pause as another set of gasps and low murmurs ran through the crowd.
"That would drive anyone to do what Mr. Santini did. He was approached by Mr. Malfoy with what appeared to be a life preserver. A way for him to survive, even without being married. However! What appeared to be a piece of floating wood by which Mr. Santini could cling to, turned out to be a board full of nails, meant to injure and ruin. Mr. Santini naturally did what we all would do, were we faced with that situation, he signed the deal. Not realizing that in that contract he agreed to, were provisions, designed to ruin his reputation, sully his good name, and whilst ensuring his ability to move his personal vaults to the United States branch of Gringotts, would leave him to start over in a country he hasn't known in decades, and from which he would never be able to reenter his chosen field. A field of expertise, I am told that he's quite skilled. The entire wizarding world, not just Great Britain or America, would feel the loss. Frankly, this scheme to entrap and enact some kind of sick revenge for transgressions at school years passed, is deplorable at best. We have hard evidence with us here tonight, to prove a strong enough connection of love between Mr. Santini and Miss Hermione Granger, that would indeed, negate the marriage agreement he signed betrothing himself to Miss Millicent Bulstrode. Furthermore, we intend to demonstrate that Ms. Bulstrode only agreed to it in order to pay off a debt to Mr. Malfoy, while Mr. Malfoy was poised to profit handsomely from Mr. Santini's research, which he intended to steal. Thank you."
As soon as Fudge was seated again beside Matt, Malfoy was on his feet and screaming angrily.
"That's a lie!" he pointed at the group across the aisle. Meanwhile, Alice stood and attempted to force Malfoy to sit, which he finally relented.
"Your most honorable Minister, The Wizengamot," Runcorn began as she strode out from behind her desk and bowed to Shacklebolt before gesturing with her open palm to the rest of assembled legislature. "My opponent, Mr. Fudge paints a vivid picture for certain. However, his words aren't all full of the exact truth, are they?
While, yes, my client, Mr. Malfoy, has been taking up where his father left off, before the beginning of the second wizarding war in 1996, his dealings have been open and honest. He has been philanthropic with his money and his efforts in helping Muggleborns and the wizarding community, here, in this country, on the whole, like no one has before.
It's well documented, that St. Mungo's research and development projects are not considered top secret. While, yes, there are plenty of secrets that run around with any R&D project, theirs is not so hush-hush as you may think. Anyone could undertake the same project Mr. Santini is doing privately, given the right resources. Mr. Malfoy's contract simply facilitates taking this precious research from the hands of a greedy organization and giving its control over to the people. Open-sourced potions. Cures for everyone. That is what Mr. Malfoy's goals are. Not some overpriced hospital bill, from an organization that'll diagnose anyone with any number of conditions to make a galleon.
Mr. Santini's situation is tragic, and many of us certainly know what it feels like to live up to familial expectations and traditions and not want to follow through with them. What are we, though, if we do not? What keeps our families being recognizable as our families, if not for tradition? It is unfortunate that Mr. Santini is faced with a very difficult situation, but he was given a way out. He took it. And in doing so, didn't. Read. The. Fine. Print."
Runcorn paused in her speech to let her dramatics take full effect, as murmurs ran through the gallery. Matt felt Hermione's hand on his tighten. Molly and Arthur shuffled in their seats behind the couple, Mrs. Weasley looking determined while Mr. Weasley glared at both Malfoys with more contempt than he had ever shown before.
"What Mr. Santini did, was sign an agreement to get him out of his predicament, do the right thing, and give his work to the people, not a corporation looking to make money from it only to further their own goals,"
Matt could hear Healer-In-Charge Bolt muttering behind him,
"This is outrageous! St. Mungo's is not greedy! The board will hear about this…"
"They need to!" Nikki added, shaking her head.
"Mr. Santini, upon actually using that intelligence he got, from who knows where, and reading the contract thoroughly, got cold feet," Runcorn continued, a viscous smile crossing her cold lips "And he did the only thing he could think of: run to the skirt tails of Ms. Granger. We obtained a copy of a letter Mr. Santini sent to her and all their little friends, what do they call themselves? Dumbledore's Army. The anti-ministry movement Mr. Potter formed, allegedly under former Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore. Their intention was overthrowing the ministry, and who led a campaign to invade the ministry, right here, which attracted the attention of Death Eaters and led to the battle that started the second wizarding war. That same group, he asked for help in finding a girlfriend. He couldn't do it himself, some Gryffindor. Regardless, when he met Ms. Bulstrode, she was less than what he was expecting and he decided to have Ms. Granger bail him out, as she had done so many times for Mr. Santini and his cohorts in the past."
Neville was ready to burst from his seat, while Luna looked murderous, shaking in her spot and staring daggers at Runcorn.
"Mr. Malfoy was merely attempting to do the right thing, while Mr. Santini wanted an easier out, the solution handed to him on a silver platter. When he didn't get that, he decided to pull all of us into this little stunt to get his way. Mr. Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot, it is time we put this spoiled little American brat back in his place. Thank you." Runcorn said, her nose in the air as she returned to her seat.
"Well, that was quite the opening statements from you both." Shacklebolt said and leaned forward. "Mr. Fudge, your evidence?"
"Yes, right here." Fudge said as he stood and moved around the table, before drawing his wand and another smaller table floated from the side of the courtroom. On the stand was the blanket Matt and Hermione had recovered from the tent, days before. Fudge pointed his wand at the blanket and uttered the incantation.
"Praeteritum Motus Revelio" as before the two shimmering images of past versions of Matt and Hermione materialized from the blanket, gazed at one another, and embraced, kissing before dissipating.
There were even more murmurs from the Wizengamot. The revelation was shocking to anyone who did not know the spell.
"Excuse me?" came a voice from the gallery. "Might I ask, what is that scrap of fabric and what was that spell?"
"Ah, yes, this exhibit is a blanket that Mr. Santini and Ms. Hermione Granger shared during their secret mission assisting Mr. Potter in bringing down Lord Thingy. This blanket absorbed some traces of their magic and the beginnings of their feelings towards one another. They shared the same bed for several months, sleeping under the same blanket. Albeit new, their feelings for one another were strong enough to pervade their magic and for the blanket to absorb that little bit of essence of them both. The spell I used brought that spark of magic, that trace that was left behind, to light. It allows us to see their real intentions about one another. It, is, in essence, a part of them from the past that shows they were in love years ago, long enough that it would predate that contract he signed." Fudge replied. The murmurs swept through the Wizengamot again.
"When did you say this was?" Runcorn asked, standing.
"They began to share the blanket in the fall of 1997." Fudge replied.
"I see…" Runcorn said "And it just happened to be conveniently stored until then? Were you both not captured and taken to Malfoy Manor the following spring? Does that not mean you lost possession of this blanket? Minister, I move to disregard this piece of 'evidence' as fake."
"Hold on that for a moment, Miss Runcorn," Shacklebolt said, holding up a hand. "I am curious as to how you came by this blanket?" he asked, looking at Hermione. Fudge motioned for her and Matt to stand.
"You see Minister," Hermione began "We have taken the previous two weeks to look for our old tent and this blanket, while simultaneously conducting interviews in wizarding populations in nearby communities in areas we visited previously."
Shacklebolt nodded.
"I see. And these communities, they were werewolf populations?"
"Yes Minister." Hermione glanced at Matt, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Minister, I have been working on an improved version of the Wolfsbane potion, under Healer-In-Charge Bolt and with the assistance of Zacharias Smith at St. Mungo's. I am choosing now to publicly disclose the existence of the program we've dubbed Project Lykos. I fully admit that I did in fact tell certain people outside of St. Mungo's about the project, but no one who knew would use it against me!"
Bolt winced and sighed.
"This is going to be a disaster…" he said to Nikki.
"It'll be rough, but we knew we would have to announce it anyway!" she said back to him.
"But only once we were sure!"
"Quiet!" Shacklebolt called for order before continuing. "And that is why, Ms. Granger, you have been drafting and seeking support for legislation involving the werewolf community. You wish to bolster Mr. Santini's public response to his work favorably."
Hermione nodded.
"Yes Minister."
Shacklebolt turned to Malfoy's side of the courtroom.
"Ms. Bulstrode, tell me, does your family possess the resources to help Mr. Santini push for better lives of werewolves?" Shacklebolt queried.
"No, of course not!" Millicent Bulstrode scoffed. "We're not ones to mingle with that sort."
"I see, so you would not be supportive of your future husband's work then?" Shacklebolt pressed on.
"Well, of course I would. As long as it provides." Was Bulstrode's reply.
"I see, as long as it provides..." Shacklebolt turned to Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy, as I understand it, you would have Project Lykos terminated at St. Mungo's and turned over to you privately. That would also include Mr. Santini finishing this new potion?"
"That's right Minister." Malfoy said, a victorious smirk on his lips.
"And the idea being you would be the only one in possession of it and would be the only one selling it?"
"Yes, that's correct. I've, uh, outlined plans, you see. Plans to open an apothecary shop, my godfather, Professor Severus Snape, he taught me a great deal about potions. I'm confident, once Santini there, has the recipe, I'll be able to brew it myself and sell it to anyone who wants it for a fair price."
Shacklebolt whistled.
"That's not quite what Ms. Runcorn was selling, though, is it? That's not open source, that's merely shifting it from one organization poised to do good with it, to one individual who's going to make a stunning profit. Cunning and ambitious. But not entirely altruistic. Tell me, how did you come to find out about Project Lykos? You don't seem to be in Mr. Santini's inner circle."
Malfoy turned paler than he usually looked at Shacklebolt's question.
"I, uh, can't reveal my source…" Malfoy replied and Shacklebolt leaned forward over the dais.
"Mr. Malfoy, I suggest you reconsider…"
There was shuffling in the back of the courtroom as Zacharias Smith stood up and shuffled out of the pew he was sitting in, making a beeline for the door.
"Mr. Smith!" boomed Healer-In-Charge Bolt's voice. "I believe you have something to answer for?" Bolt asked as Smith froze.
"N-no…" Stammered Smith as he backed towards the door.
"I see…Mr. Smith, please, do not return to work after the new year, I'll be replacing you effective immediately." Bolt said coldly as Smith hung his head and then fled the courtroom.
"I believe we have our answer." Shacklebolt said and sighed. "Anything further, Ms. Runcorn?"
Alice Runcorn looked around the courtroom, stunned. She was sure this was going to be easy, but it was clear that Hermione Granger was playing the part of the devoted lover, whereas Millicent Bulstrode was acting like a greedy pig. She knew her argument was lost.
"No, Minister, nothing further." She said and lowered herself into her seat, Malfoy following her.
"Very well," Shacklebolt said and turned now to the Wizengamot. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe it is time for a vote. Those in favor of nullifying the agreement?"
The members of the Wizengamot began to raise their hands, all but one, Lucius Malfoy did so.
"That is a majority. I hereby nullify the contract between Matthew Lee Santini and Draco Lucius Malfoy." Shacklebolt said and stood. He drew his wand and fired it at the contract laying on the desk between Malfoy and Runcorn. It burst into flames and curled to ash in seconds.
Matt and Hermione hugged each other, sharing a quick kiss as Fudge cleared his throat.
"And there was one other matter to attend to?" Shacklebolt asked as Malfoy and Runcorn departed, their entourage following them.
"Wait!" called a voice from the back of the courtroom. Temperance Bonneville stepped forward, anger in her eyes. "This has gone on long enough, Matt, there is a port key waiting for you. It is midnight and I – "
"No! You can't!" Hermione interrupted her.
"I can! And I will!"
"Miss Bonneville, as you say it is, nearly midnight, but it is not quite midnight yet. We have a minute or two left…" Shacklebolt said.
"What is your point, he is out of time!" Temperance pressed.
"My point is there is just enough time…if Ms. Granger and Mr. Santini are willing?"
Hermione and Matt nodded emphatically.
"Then, we will proceed," Shacklebolt stood and towered over the courtroom. "Beloved friends and family, we are gathered here this evening, to witness the union of two magical souls. Ms. Hermione Jean Granger, and Mr. Matthew Lee Santini. Ms. Hermione Jean Granger, do you take Matthew Lee Santini to be your magically bonded husband, to love and to hold, to cherish in sickness and in health, until death itself rends you apart?"
"I do!" Hermione said staring into Matt's eyes.
"And do you Mr. Matthew Lee Santini, take Ms. Hermione Jean Granger to be your magically bonded wife, to love and to hold, to cherish in sickness and in heath until death itself rends you apart?"
"I do." Matt beamed at Hermione.
"Then by the power vested in my by the Ministry of Great Britain and magic itself, I now pronounce you husband and wife!"
There was a roar of applause as the entire remnants of the courtroom exploded in cheers. Matt leaned down to kiss Hermione, his arms wrapping around her, just as a bell tolled midnight.
"Miss Bonneville, I believe that portkey you requested has left." Shacklebolt said with a smile.
Temperance Bonneville scoffed, looking like she was repulsed by air itself, she turned on her heel and left. Matt and Hermione were clapped on the back numerous times and were hugged all around by everyone present as they celebrated.
"You know, if things had gone too far…" Molly said, pulling out a stack of papers from her bag.
"What's this?" Matt asked, confused.
"Let's just say, Arthur and I talked it over, and we were ready to adopt you on the spot, the moment your mother disowned you. Can't deport someone who's family are legally citizens, can they?" Molly said with a smirk.
"Molly! That's…I'm touched!" Matt grinned.
"Well, we couldn't imagine Sunday dinner without you around." Arthur said as they walked out of the courtroom.
"Thank you, both of you!" Matt said, feeling eternally grateful to them both.
"Just the two of you be happy now! And we'll be expecting some grandkids in a few years!" Molly teased. Hermione and Matt both turned bright red, redder than any of the Weasley family hair.
"Congratulations, both of you!" Harry said as they made their way through the ministry.
"Thanks Harry. We'll have to do a reception or something." Matt said, smiling.
"Definitely! Get a big cake and presents, and dancing!" Ginny giggled.
"Yeah! I would like to smash a piece of cake in my pretty wife's face!" Matt said cheekily to a horrified look from Hermione. "Only so I could lick it off." He whispered to her.
"Prat!" Hermione giggled back to him, with which he replied with a wink.
"You know, I don't like that Runcorn girl, or the Malfoy boy…they're meanspirited." Luna observed. "And your ceremony was beautiful, even if there were nargles."
"Thank you, Luna." Hermione said, smiling at the other girl.
"Yeah thanks. I always value your opinion. And when you're right, you're right." He said and threw a nod over his shoulder to Malfoy, who was getting a stern talking to by his father. The group giggled and chuckled, feeling it very apropos.
"What'll you guys do now?" Neville asked as they piled into an elevator.
"Yeah, what's next?" Ron asked.
"Well…we've got a special night tonight, but then I think we're going to find a spot to move to, in Diagon Alley." Matt replied, smirking.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it." Hermione said, beaming. The group left, waving and hugging as they exited the Ministry to see fireworks over London. Matt had Hermione wrapped around his arm and the couple paused.
"I love you Hermione."
"I love you too, Matt." They both said, illuminated in flashing colors of the fireworks. Their lips met, not for the first time that evening, nor the last.