Chapter 10
Two days had passed and it was now Friday. Hermione, Harry and Barrister Beaumont were waiting to be called for
Hermione's closed-door hearing at the Ministry of Magic for her name restoration petition. Harry had asked
Headmaster Dumbledore to be available for the hearing without giving him any details and out of respect for Harry he
had agreed to make himself available. They would be sending for him when identification was needed. Barrister Beaumont
had met with Harry and Hermione the day before and had carefully interviewed her for any possible problems. Since she
had not taken the name of a known person and was not hiding from any illegal activities in the wizarding world, there
didn't appear to be any stumbling blocks. Both Harry and Mr. Beaumont had been surprised when she answered
'yes' when he asked if she had committed any crimes as Solonge Malfoy. She went on to explain that she had
snuck back into Hogwarts right after she passed her NEWTs and rescued Crookshanks from where he had been staying while
she had been fighting the war and she was pretty sure that was breaking and entering even though the cat was her
property. The Barrister suggested that she not bring that up at the hearing.
Except for when he was home to pick up new clothes and shower, Harry had spent every moment with Hermione. Outside of some much deeper kisses lasting well into the night, their relationship had not become more physical yet. Until this afternoon at the Ministry, they had limited their outings to Muggle London, so it would be the name of Hermione Granger that showed up in the tabloids linked with Harry's. Even though she loved her natural silver grey hair color, she had gone to a salon early Friday morning and had exactly matched her old chestnut brown hair color to help with her transition. Harry had been against the change at first, the silver was so pretty and exotic, but then when he saw the Hermione he knew from school back in front of him, he instantly admitted he had been wrong. Besides, it wasn't like the grey wouldn't grow back.
Harry felt like he was on an emotional rollercoaster. So this was what it was like to be in love with another adult...a woman. Hermione wasn't the only one that had been alone for the past 30 years; she just had less company. He did know love; he had truly felt its depths the first time his oldest child was placed in his arms, but this was so much different.
Harry had a secret. He was also carrying around a 'demon' that he wasn't talking about. The undefined anger that he had thought he had put to rest years ago when he had stopped Voldemort was back...that was part of the rollercoaster. He was angry at growing up without parents, at the Dursley's, and he also felt anger, guilt and confusion that he was unable to sort out over a mixture of his children, Hermione and Ginny and he felt like it was eating him alive.
Harry was looking forward to bringing Hermione to the Burrow tomorrow Saturday for his grandson Michael's birthday party. Hermione had always been like a second Weasley daughter and he knew they'd do the wizard equivalent of killing the fatted calf when they found out she had come back from the dead. Maybe he'd find the time to sneak away and talk to Molly for a bit. Hermione might still be able to do NEWT Arithmancy in her head, but Molly would be able to look at his 'demon' it from the outside and give him some perspective before he exploded.
A door opened. "Barrister Beaumont, please come forward with your client," requested a solemn faced man.
The Barrister, Hermione and Harry entered the office and the solemn faced man shut the door behind them. He then walked over to his desk and they remained standing because he was still standing.
"I'm Judge Hathaway. I'll be hearing your case today. Depending on the evidence, I may be able to make a decision based on the evidence presented, or recommend major criminal fraud charges, do you understand this, Miss Malfoy?"
Hermione looked at her Barrister and he spoke for her. "Sir, in light of the deception in using a different name over the years, my client feels uncomfortable answering to that name."
All three could instantly tell this had been a bad move. "I'm sorry your client feels uncomfortable with doing things legally. This may not be a courtroom, but in my chambers, she will be addressed by her legal name, which is currently Miss Solonge Malfoy."
"Yes, Sir!" Hermione complied.
Judge Hathaway sat allowing the rest to sit as well. "I have already spoken with your employer here at the ministry. He and many others from your department have vouched for your honesty and integrity and the impact that your work has had on history."
Hermione listened to him say such nice things about her, but he still used the same tone of voice one might use when describing rubbish.
He continued. "You are fortunate to have character references like that with both current and ongoing knowledge of your honesty."
Hermione wasn't sure what to do. She knew she was only supposed to answer direct questions, yet this judge was just looking at her. She decided to remain silent. This pleased the judge. He had the twisted idea that the way one behaved in court was another way to measure one's character; and he didn't take into account that not everyone knew the rules.
Judge Hathaway began his questions. "Parentage?"
"Muggle, Sir." Hermione answered.
"Name at birth, birth date and documentation if any?"
Hermione took a deep breath and answered, "Hermione Granger, Sir. 19th, September 1980." Barrister Beaumont handed the judge her birth certificate and a baptismal certificate from the Church of England.
The judge examined the documents. "I thought most Muggles had three names."
"My parents were kind of old fashioned when it came to names for females," Hermione explained. "In many cases after a woman gets married she drops her middle name and her maiden name becomes her new middle name. My parents didn't want to give me a name I was just going to drop anyway..." Hermione's voice began to fade during her last statement as the irony hit her.
Judge Hathaway was right there to rub salt in the wound, "I'm sure they would have been quite proud." The judge focused his attention on Harry. "I know who you are, but for the record, please state your name."
"Harry James Potter, sir." Harry answered.
"And you are positive that this woman was the girl you went to school with?"
Harry answered quickly, "Absolutely."
Judge Hathaway had another question for Harry, "What makes you so sure?"
"We were close friends in school, she remembers moments that only involved the two of us." Harry replied. "Also, since I found out she was still alive and tracked her down, we've been together almost non stop. It's impossible for her appearance to be based on Polyjuice potion or anything like that."
The judge turned to the barrister. "I believe you have a witness that is unaware of the situation that you feel will be able to give the true identity of Miss Malfoy." He handed Barrister Beaumont an interoffice memo form. "Please send for him now."
Barrister Beaumont filled out the form, folded it correctly, and opened the door a bit to let it fly on its way before closing it again.
Judge Hathaway began his questioning again. He moved back to Hermione. "You've established quite a name for yourself in the past 30 years, what have you to gain by changing it, or if you like the name, 'Hermione Granger' so much, why not just legally change it rather than actually reclaim an old identity?" He attempted to even sweet talk her a bit, "If you play your cards right, you might even be able to take this fellow's last name if you fancy a change."
Hermione felt very insulted but she knew she didn't dare express what she felt. She knew she would have recourse in court but in a small informal hearing like this sometimes things got ugly. "I took on a different identity after a silly emotional incident involving failed romance as a teenage girl. Hermione Granger is my true self. I was a proud member of Gryffindor House as a Student of Hogwarts, a Prefect starting in year 5 and I still hold the record for OWL results. I was Head Girl in year 7 until the school closed and I think it's time to put the mistake of an emotional 17-year-old behind me."
At this point there was a knock at the door. Judge Hathaway spoke to Hermione. "Please stand and face the door. Do not speak to the witness until I tell you that you may." He motioned to the Barrister to open the door.
Albus Dumbledore entered the room and had been planning on asking Harry what this was all about, but his eyes gazed upon Hermione. He whispered, "Merlin's Beard..." as more of a prayer of thanks than an exclamation of surprise. He walked over to her and in a very fatherly way placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "Bless my soul, Hermione Granger, where have you been?"
Hermione turned to the judge to see if he would allow her to speak. He made no indication that he would allow her to do so at this time.
"Mr. Dumbledore," Judge Hathaway began, "For the record, it is your opinion that this is indeed, Hermione Granger standing in front of you."
Professor Dumbledore removed his hands from Hermione's shoulders and turned to face the judge. "What kind of nonsense is this; who else would it be?" Dumbledore roared.
Even Judge Hathaway knew that you didn't mess with Albus Dumbledore. "For the past 30 years she has been claiming to be Solonge Malfoy and working for the ministry. She is petitioning to take her name back."
Albus appeared to think for a moment. "Is anyone else using her true name at the moment?"
The judge replied, "No, but that's hardly the point..."
Harry, Hermione and Barrister Beaumont all managed to keep stern faces, but inside they loved every minute of this.
"What else could possibly be the problem now that she has been identified. I'm assuming she didn't commit any crimes as Miss Granger she was attempting to hide from."
Judge Hathaway fumed. "She was posthumously given the Order of Merlin, First Class. There will be paperwork and costs involved to change the award to a living person."
Albus turned to Hermione, "Miss Granger, how are your finances?"
Hermione was too surprised by the question. "Excuse me, sir?"
"Money, dear. The Order of Merlin comes with a substantial cash prize." Albus explained.
Hermione caught on. "My finances are fine sir, any costs incurred by my poor decision as a teenager can be paid out of that and I can cover the difference."
Albus continued, "I can assure you, dear, that will not be an issue."
Judge Hathaway regained the use of his voice. "Now see here! During a time of WAR and CRISIS she took up the valuable time and resources of the ministry staff masquerading as a French Expatriate and Refugee taking advantage of our programs..."
Barrister Beaumont decided to jump in figuring he may never get another chance like this, he purposely flaunted the use of her given name because he felt that he could get away with it. "Miss Granger, did you take any monetary, shelter or physical resources from the French Expatriate or Refugee program?"
Hermione shook her head no. "No sir, nothing but an ID card with a new name. Later I paid the standard fees and took my NEWTs even though I could have had the fee waved with my status. I never had the chance to take them under my real name since Hogwarts had shut down at the time I would have taken them."
Judge Hathaway decided it was time to end this with some semblance of dignity intact if possible. He slammed his gavel down on his desk and demanded order. "Mr. Dumbledore, with all due respect, please sit down." He looked at Hermione but did not refer to her by name. "You should remain staining and please face me. Mr. Dumbledore, because of your unique status in our society I have allowed more flexibility then I have ever allowed in either one of my courtrooms or an informal hearing. I would prefer if news of this was not made public in any way. The woman whose case we are discussing here, and believe it or not, I am not calling her by name at this time out of respect for her wishes because I will not call her by a name that is not her legal name, was of legal age when she willfully committed fraud. She is hereby guilty of that crime and prison is one of the punishments I could impose. However, the little speech given before the star witness entered my chambers touched me, so the punishment for her crime is a fine of 1000 Galleons to be paid immediately. I believe you have proven that you are indeed Hermione Granger."
Hermione beamed! Barrister Beaumont had let her know of the slight possibility of fraud charges and that jail time was a punishment, but no one had even expected it to be mentioned, let alone be threatened!
The judge continued, "Solonge Malfoy also has a long list of accomplishments to be proud of so the records will be merged. You will be responsible for any costs incurred and any repercussions. You have now been found guilty of what I am classifying as a class 3 minor crime. Your Barrister will confirm that I have classified it with the lowest designation possible. If you are found guilty of no other offences, your record will be wiped clean five years from now. You lose no rights, but you must report the conviction it in official records where it is legal to ask for such information." He waved his wand and papers appeared on his desk. "I have three sets of papers here. The first will restore your given name and set the process in motion to merge your records with those of Solonge Malfoy. I'm assuming you would prefer to sign these before hearing about the rest of the details?"
Hermione smiled. She couldn't tell if maybe he wasn't that bad after all, or if Dumbledore had scared the pants off of him, but at this point, she didn't care! "Thank you, sir!" she answered as she stepped forward and signed the first paper. It had a place for two signatures. She signed Solonge Malfoy on one line, followed by Hermione Granger on the next. It disappeared and she stepped back.
Judge Hathaway continued. "From here on out, please use your birth name when signing any official documents. The next document will start the process to review your Order of Merlin standing. I cannot guarantee that you will continue to have that honor, but as I am not a member of the committee that decides such things, my opinion carries no weight, and this form carries no recommendations either way. It only states that Hermione Granger is alive."
Hermione stepped forward and signed it as well and it quickly disappeared.
The judge explained the last document. "Please sit down Miss Granger. This last document will restate the information I previously told you about fraud and a class 3 minor crime. It also explains that I am dismissing any other actions against you connected to this without prejudice."
Hermione noticed that Professor Dumbledore and Barrister Beaumont looked uncomfortable and what the judge had just said.
The judge continued. "This means that if additional compelling evidence comes to light about criminal activities being the true reason for your first name change, the case can be reopened. I'm going to leave the room for a few moments so you can discuss the matter with your Barrister. Please call me when you are ready." Judge Hathaway stood up and so did everyone in the room except for Dumbledore. The judge handed Barrister Beaumont the paperwork and left the office.
Hermione relaxed as she sat back down. She gave Harry a hug and a quick kiss. "I think we won," she commented.
Harry didn't comment. He was too busy watching the Barrister read the document.
Professor Dumbledore spoke to Hermione, "If the second wisest Hogwarts student of the 20th century could return from the dead, I suppose it stands to reason that the number one student would be able to do so as well..."
Hermione thought for a moment, "Neither of us was truly dead."
"Good point, good point." Dumbledore admitted.
Barrister Beaumont finished reading the document. "Everything is appropriate here, Hermione."
Harry started to argue but the Barrister cut him off before he could really get a word in. "Harry, we only have a short amount of time before the judge returns, let me explain." Harry let him speak. "I know this sounds ominous but if he totally closes out the case based only on what is known today, what if it turns out she was a the leader of some big 'eye of newt' smuggling ring and the name change was to hide from that? This clause is usual and customary."
"What if they start coming after her weekly on a whim?" Harry asked.
The Barrister answered, "There is recourse against that kind of prosecution, Harry. Private citizens don't have to put up with it, and someone who is friends with you and your media connections certainly wouldn't have to." He turned to Hermione. "How do you feel about this?"
Hermione gave a half smile. "I would have preferred no crime be involved, but I'm comfortable with it. As soon as the judge comes back, I'll sign."
The Barrister opened the door and noticed that the judge was nearby. He motioned that they were ready. As soon as the judge was behind his desk again, Hermione signed the last paper and it disappeared.
"You have one week to pay your fine." The judge stated. "An owl will be sent with further instructions. Now if you don't mind, I'm about to venture into a legal grey area. I'm heading for the sweet shop and the collectables shop to buy as many Chocolate Frogs as I can afford, and then to buy Hermione Granger Chocolate Frog Cards that still list a death date before this hits the Daily Profit!"
They left the office. Hermione's and Barrister Beaumont's mouths were wide open in shock. Harry was holding back laughter and Professor Dumbledore's eyes were sparkling!
Once the judge was out of hearing distance, Hermione expressed her distaste, "That has got to be the most unethical..."
At the exact same time Barrister Beaumont spouted, "I should report him to the committee on..."
At this point, Harry burst with hysterical laughter to the point where it shut up both Hermione and the Barrister. "WHAT?" They both asked.
Harry tried to calm down; he was almost hyperventilating from laughing so hard. "I didn't have the...heart to tell...him...deserves...what he gets...chocolate stomach ache...Chocolate Frog Cards...Magic...update...magically..." Harry smiled and took a few deep breaths so he could finish his explanation. "In other words, once the Chocolate Frog people update their information, he's going to be stuck with a bunch of cards that have the new information without the death date, just like all the new cards up out after the news gets out. All that money wasted!" Harry laughed.
Hermione giggled for a moment then stopped. "Wait a minute, what do you mean, wasted. He'll have all those cards of me!" She grinned and Harry couldn't resist kissing her. They forgot where they were for a moment, and came back to earth when they heard Barrister Beaumont clearing his throat.
"Excuse us." Harry said as they separated.
Hermione held out her hand and Barrister Beaumont shook it. "Thank you, Sir. For your both your representation and your work in helping Harry find me."
"It was a pleasure. I don't think I was ever part of an investigation that seems to have had such a happy ending." Barrister Beaumont observed. He shook Harry's hand and left the area.
Dumbledore twinkled at the two of them. "I've known thousands and thousands of young people in my time and you two were always special. Harry, you would have been special even without that scar on your forehead."
Hermione contradicted, "We're in our 50's Professor, we're hardly 'young people'."
"I'm 192 Hermione dear, if I wish to still refer to you as a mere child, I would expect you to indulge me. However, I would not subject you to such an indignity."
Hermione questioned, "I always had this feeling deep down that you alone knew I was still out there, but were respecting my need for privacy, is there any truth to that?"
"Perhaps on some level." Dumbledore answered. "Once your whole family and extended family was lost in the war before we could get them to safety I felt extra paternal feelings for you. When word got back and you were gone and the Aurors were unable to recover your remains, I never had a sense of closure with you. I attributed it to our failure with your family and I also knew of Harry's feelings towards you even if he didn't at the time. Then above my personal feelings, there was my feelings of loss for society as well." He paused for a moment. "If I had never allowed myself to feel any sort of personal attachment, I would have instantly known you were alive, but with that connection, I couldn't detach it from human wishful thinking."
Hermione's eyes were watering.
"I also became quite familiar with Solonge Malfoy's work. Not putting it together at that point was another embarrassment, but then I was happy to see the Malfoy name in a good light." Dumbledore. "I now understand one of your next projects is Hogwarts: A History. I'd like to think that I would have put those two clues together, but I'm an old man..."
Harry had a question. "Are there any surviving British Malfoy's?"
"Actually, yes, but not by that name." Dumbledore answered. "Draco went into hiding during the war and didn't join the dark side and never received the Dark Mark. After the war, he became an Auror and now has some sort of desk job. His family fortune was seized during the war, but he is now a typical wizard middle class working stiff and seems to be none the worse for it. He works under a different legal identity for obvious reasons.
Harry thanked Professor Dumbledore. "Thank you for trusting me to arrive without questioning me. We needed a witness with no previous knowledge of the situation. That judge was really bullying Hermione quite a bit too!"
"I gathered that when he didn't allow her to answer my question. Sometimes I miss youth and the promise of years of tomorrows, and there are other times when I just adore being old and being able to tell someone like that where to go in so many words!" Dumbledore admitted.
Hermione asked, "Do you ever wish you had saved a piece of the Philosopher's Stone just to see how things turn out?"
Dumbledore smiled, "Every once in a while, dear. And then people like you come along, and I know the world will be in good hands. And with that, I must take my leave."
This time, Hermione was the one to reach up and kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you, sir. I'd be honored for you to fill a parental role for me any time it's needed."
Harry shook Dumbledore's hand. "Thank you, sir."
"Your welcome, Harry," was all they said. No other words were needed between them.
As Dumbledore walked away, Harry swept Hermione up into his arms in a huge hug and swung her around in a circle!
"We are celebrating!" Harry stated!
Hermione smiled, "That sounds good to me!"
Harry grinned and told Hermione his plan. "I want you to go to Gladrags, and I want you to pick out the most amazing dress you can find! I don't care what it costs. Don't look at price tags, just look at dresses. If after you pick it out you decide it's too much, I'll buy it for you! Buy shoes to match, get your hair and makeup done and have your things sent back to your home and I'll pick you up in front of the store in two hours."
Hermione interrupted "Um, Harry. I will need you to pay, but I can pay you back. I don't have a line of credit in the store under the name of Hermione Granger."
"Good point. OK. I'll come in the store with you at first to set things up so they treat you like a princess once you are in the store."
Hermione's eyes were now wide. "Why?"
"Witches Weekly's 'Most Eligible Batchelor' and Miss Hermione Granger are about to make their debut
for the tabloid paparazzi by having a night of dining and dancing to remember on Diagon Alley!"