SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Looking For The Truth TC \l1 "
Lucius sat at the head of a large oak dining room table. A plate of kippers lay untouched in front of him. The Daily Prophet rested on the right side of his plate as he read a parchment containing a Ministry of Magic seal. Narcissa entered the room wearing a beautiful blue robe made of the finest silk. She also carried a parchment with the Ministry's seal on it. Lucius rose as she entered and helped her into her chair. Before Lucius could return to his seat, a house elf placed a fruit plate in front of her.
"It was lovely seeing the children last night. Leo has grown so much since his birth. I'm pleased Ginevra agreed to live in Black Hall," Narcissa said sweetly.
"Yes, knowing my grandsons will be living in a proper home is marvelous. But they need to be raised properly. Thuban's behavior at the office was unacceptable. Firing a spell at a senior family member…" Lucius spoke lightly but with great anger.
"Do not continue, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy!" Narcissa huffed with malice in her voice. "We discussed this last night. Thuban was protecting his mother and the spell was an accident. You will put it aside now or you will be moving your belongings into the guestroom permanently."
Lucius yearned for his wife to be a little more like her sister at times. Why wouldn't she just hex him and put him out of his misery? He hadn't been allowed in their bedchambers since Monday. She wouldn't touch him and she barely talked to him. The lack of physical contact with his wife was anguish to him. It wasn't sex he missed. It was touching her he desired, holding her hand, the soft touch of his hand on her lower back guiding her along, the soft kiss she placed on his cheek each morning and her back leaning against him every morning.
He smirked as he noticed the parchment at the side of her plate. She had received a summons to Ginevra's trial. Since they would be going into public together he would be allowed to touch her. Narcissa never let the public know they were fighting. He'd likely get a kiss on the cheek also. And if the trial went the way he and Severus thought, not only would Draco have his whole family home with him, but Lucius would also be closer to getting back into his own bedchamber.
He looked lovingly into Narcissa's eyes. "I'm sorry, my dear. Thuban's choice was a little disheartening."
"He did not choose Ginevra above you, if that's your belief. In Thuban's mind, Ginevra needed protection, and you did not. He was very torn."
Lucius nodded his head in understanding and eyed her letter from the Ministry. "You have been summoned to the trial?" She nodded. "Draco, informed me earlier that the children were summoned as well. I believe Severus is going to use Legilimency to obtain the children's memories of the events in question. Once the Interrogators see the facts, Ginevra will be found sane," Lucius said confidently.
"I'm sure you are correct, Lucius. We have to get this nastiness behind us. Ginevra and I have 4 birthday parties and a christening to plan." Narcissa said in a matter-of-fact manner. "And you need to help Draco arrange a suitable anniversary holiday. He must start seeing to his marriage. Merlin knows, she wouldn't have left the Manor in the first place if Draco ever holidayed with her."
"They have been on many holidays, darling," Lucius interjected.
"Family holidays, Lucius. Besides society parties and events, Draco doesn't take Ginevra anywhere alone. A woman needs romance. That can't be accomplished with children under foot," she countered.
Lucius nodded, stood up and walked over offering her his arm. "Shall we go to the Ministry then, my dear?" Narcissa stood and took her husband's arm causing a grin to appear on his normally cold face.
-------*******-------
Molly put the last plate in the sink and returned to the scrubbed wood table in the Burrow's kitchen. Bill, Ron, Hermione and Arthur were already sitting when she placed herself next to her husband.
"Mum, Dad, I know it's hard to believe but I think Malfoy loves her. Didn't you see how he fought for her yesterday?" Bill spoke softly to his parents.
"He was merely trying to get his sons," Hermione interrupted.
"Hermione!" Bill declared in an exhausted tone. "I can understand you are against Malfoy but open your eyes girl. Draco could have fought for his sons, but he fought for Ginny."
Bill turned back to his parents. "I've seen them at society parties, Mum. He's loving and kind. He treats her like a queen. And every time I've seen Draco in the bank with the boys, he's been great with them."
"So, what's you're point, Bill?" Ron spat.
"My point, little brother, is that Ginny ran away to be with him. I have talked to her and I've seen Malfoy interact with Ginny and their boys. They are in no danger with him. If they prove her memories have been modified, we need to support and trust her decision."
Uncertainty was evident on Molly's face. Arthur took his wife's hand and turned to her. "Molly, I agree with Bill. Remember she still has a year to divorce him," Arthur said while lovingly massaging her hand.
"I only want Ginny and her boys to be happy," Molly acknowledged in a shaky voice.
"It's difficult but we have to give him a chance and make sure we are there for Ginny," Arthur added as he kissed Molly's cheek. He helped Molly to her feet. "We must get to the Ministry. I'll Floo everyone tonight," he said before he and Molly Disapparated. Bill said a quick goodbye to Ron and Hermione and Disapparated also.
"I can't believe them. How can they trust the little ferret?" Ron spoke in a sceptical tone.
Hermione walked over to her friend and pulled on his arm. "Come on, Ron. We have a lot of work to do."
"What are you on about, Hermione?"
"If Snape thinks Ginny's memories were modified, then they were. So, it's likely she won't be annulling her marriage. But we have a year to make sure Ginny sees that Malfoy won't change. I have a couple of ideas, but I need your help."
-------*******-------
Lucius and Narcissa stood on the right side of the courtroom doors while Arthur and Molly stood on the left. The two couples did their best not to look at one another. A young child's laughter from down the hall caught both couples attention.
Cam was laughing at an angry Thuban, as they walked in front of a pram, Ginny was pushing. Draco carried Serpens on his hip. They looked the perfect high society pureblood wizarding family. Their traveling cloaks were made of the finest material, each having his monogram below the family crest. The white collars of their freshly pressed starched shirts were a strong contrast to their silk black robes. Each boy, despite being very young, had on custom made, highly polished, dragon hide boots. Their hair lay in place perfectly as if they had just come from the barber. The pram had the family crest on the hood and was covered with flowing material. The chrome wheels were polished to a mirror shine. Although the design looked centuries old, the pram looked brand new, as if dirt or dust were afraid to fall on it.
Draco was dressed in his dark gray business robe; his white blonde hair was parted and feathered back free of gel, the back barely brushing against the collar of his shirt. Ginny was dressed in a coffee colored silk robe. Her long red hair was loosely curled and it had a healthy shining glow to it. Her gold necklace was plain but reeked of wealth. A larger, olive colored heart shaped Peridot brought her outfit together.
The family chatted freely walking down the hall. Draco's left arm was around Ginny's waist and the couple smiled happily at each other from time to time. Cam was the first child to notice his grandparents. He ran over to Lucius and jumped into his arms. "Grandfather, Thuban was scared so he slept with Daddy and Mummy last night," Cam announced with great glee. Lucius hugged the boy and placed him back on his feet.
A scowling Thuban walked up to Narcissa and hugged her. "There was a boggart in my room," Thuban said while giving his brother a look that clearly stated he would be paying for his teasing when there were no adults present. "Good morning, Grandfather," Thuban added nodding at Lucius.
"I imagine your father took care of the problem?" Lucius questioned with a slightly upturned lip. He suspected there likely was no boggart.
"It left my room and Daddy said we didn't have time to look for it. Maybe you should come over today and we could have a boggart hunt?" Thuban added. Boggart hunts were great fun even though they never found one.
"Boggart hunt! Boggart hunt!" Serpens yelled excitedly as he jumped onto Lucius' empty hip when Draco was close enough.
While Lucius and Narcissa greeted Draco and Ginny, Cam had wandered over to Molly and Arthur. "'Mornin, Grandpa. Grandma," Cam said smiling at the couple. He leaned towards them and whispered, "There wasn't a boggart. Thuban just scared like me, that it a dream, Daddy and Mummy being together. You gonna let us stay this way?" Cam pleaded, his sad eyes burrowing into the hearts of his maternal grandparents. Neither were able to find their voices, while the little boy's eyes never left their faces. He was begging without words for them to let him have both of his parents back.
Molly's eyes started to tear. For the first time in over a week she understood what Ginny was talking about. She might never understand what type of love Draco Malfoy and his sons shared, but it was very strong. She sat down on the bench and pulled the little boy into her lap. Tears fell down her cheeks as she rocked Cam in her arms. "I'm so sorry, darling. Grandma never meant to cause you pain. I'm so sorry," Molly whimpered between her sobs. She continued to rock Cam, cry and whisper, "I'm sorry" while Arthur sat next to her and tried his best to comfort his wife.
Molly's sobbing had drawn the attention of the Malfoys. Narcissa stared coldly at the Weasley matriarch. She didn't know why the woman was crying, but she didn't like the fact that Molly was holding her Cygnus. She started towards Molly with the intension of hexing her into next Sunday. Draco restrained his mother and Ginny went to her parents to retrieve her second born. "Mum, give Cam to me, please," Ginny interrupted in a short but direct tone.
"I'm so sorry, Ginny," Molly sobbed. "I'm having a hard time seeing beyond Draco's past. I can't believe a Death Eater could love anyone, especially a Weasley or even half-Weasley. But the children love Draco very much. He must love them and must be a good father."
"He does and he is," Ginny confirmed, her voice still cold. Molly handed Cam to her.
"Ginny, sweetheart, is he good to you? Does he treat you well?" Molly inquired.
Ginny removed a parchment from her bag and handed it to her mother. "Have your lawyer look this over. It's an example of how nice he is to me." Ginny started walking away with Cam on her hip.
"We'll always be here for you, Gin Bug," Arthur added as he offered her a hug.
Ginny paused, and then gave her father a very quick hug. "Thank you for finally seeing things my way, but I'm not ready to reconcile," Ginny declared flatly. She turned and started away again. She had only taken a few steps when she looked back at them. "I'll Floo you when I'm ready."
-------******------
Arthur and Molly sat in a small room with their attorney. The attorney looked over the parchment.
"It's legal," answered their attorney, Matt Bones. "It does have its problems."
"What problems?" Arthur queried.
"Well, let me lay it all out for you," Mr. Bones said while pouring himself a glass of water. After taking a drink he continued. "I'm guessing it's the possibility of divorce that possessed Mr. Malfoy to have his lawyers draw up this document. It is more generous than any settlement she would get from the courts. But it has more restrictions then any court would allow. He gives her Black Hall but she can't sell it or rent it out. And she has to give it to one of their children upon her death."
"Well, it is his mother's family home. I don't see a problem," Molly acknowledged a little annoyed with the attorney.
"Maybe not but the document also states that if Ginevra remarries her new husband cannot live in Black Hall," Mr. Bones added.
"I don't see a problem with that either. It would be her new husband's responsibility to provide her a home," Arthur interjected.
"Yes, yes, I understand," Mr. Bones said impatiently. "But the document also states that if Ginevra divorces Mr. Malfoy, he will provide her with 10,000 galleons a week to support the children and herself and that they will share joint custody of the children. It goes on stating that if Ginevra seeks job training or employment before Leo is attending Hogwarts, the weekly payments will be decreased to 5000 galleons. But if Ginevra seeks job training after Leo is at Hogwarts, Mr. Malfoy will pay for the training and continue the 10,000 galleons a week support." Mr. Bones took another drink of his water. "If your daughter signs the document, she loses all rights to a divorce settlement and/or child custody trials."
-------******------
When Arthur, Molly and Mr. Bones returned, the court mentor, a wizard in a purple robe with a small "W" on the side, was waiting for them. "By the order of the Chief Warlock, attorneys are not allowed inside today," the wizard informed the group. Mr. Bones bowed his head and walked away. Arthur and Molly entered courtroom #2. The room was warm and welcoming compared to the criminal courtroom. There were magical windows on the wall displaying a beautiful spring morning. The other walls were light oak panels. There were four long oak benches separated by a center aisle. In front of the benches stood the witness stand. At the head of the room was a long oak table, which three members of the Wizengamot sat behind.
The Chief Warlock, Tiberius Ogden, sat in the middle. He was a tall skinny wizard with long gray hair and a short beard. To his right was Griselda Marchbanks, a tiny and stooped witch; her face so lined it appeared draped in cobwebs. Interrogator Marchbanks was not only the oldest member of the Wizengamot but the oldest witch in the wizarding world. To the Chief Warlock's left was William Rosier, a stout wizard with short black hair. And standing next to the Interrogators bench to Rosier's left was Severus Snape. The wizard walking with Arthur and Molly sat them in the bench on the right side of the room. Ginny, Draco and the children sat on the first bench on the left. Lucius and Narcissa sat in the bench behind them, with Narcissa fussing over a stray hair on Cam's head.
Once Arthur and Molly sat, Tiberius Ogden started to speak. "We have called you in to explain the extraordinary process we will be performing today. Yesterday, we reviewed the memories of Mrs. Ginevra Malfoy with every member of the Wizengamot. We are in agreement that something is not right with them. Today, along with your testimony we will be asking you to provide your memories of the three events in question." He looked down at the paper in front of him. "With the minor children, Professor Snape will be performing Legilimency to assist in extracting their memories. Serpens William Malfoy will be first, then you will be asked to leave, and only Professor Snape and this panel will be present for the questioning of the others. Mr. Draco Malfoy will you please bring Serpens to the witness stand.
Draco carrying Serpens on his hip approached the stand. Snape walked over to them with a small pensieve in his hand. Serpens smiled at Snape as he approached. It was apparent the small child knew the man. Snape took a sugar quill out of his pocket. "Serpens, be still and look into my eyes. I will give you the quill when we are done." Serpens stared into Snape's eyes. Snape placed his wand to Serpens' temple and removed a single silver strand and placed it in the pensieve. Snape handed the sugar quill to Serpens and walked away with the pensieve, placing it on the table where the Interrogators sat. Draco walked back to Ginny.
The court mentor stepped forward and guided Lucius, Narcissa, Arthur and Molly out of the room. He then went to Ginny and Draco. "They will be taking Cygnus' testimony and memories next but you must leave the room." Before Ginny or Draco could reassure Cam that they would be right outside, he ran to the witness stand.
"I like Fissing Whisbees. You 'member?" Cam asked excitedly in Snape's direction.
"See, Daddy, they do anything for candy. It's a problem," Thuban whispered to Draco. Draco contained his mirth and helped the rest of his family out of the room.
Snape approached Cam and performed the same process, but he removed two silver strands from Cam. He placed the Fizzing Whizbees on the stand. "Cygnus, you need to answer a couple of questions before you may take them," Snape informed him. Cam nodded in agreement.
"Cygnus, have you ever seen your father hit your mother?" Ogden inquired in a gentle voice.
"No" Cam replied shaking his head. "It bad to hit ladies, and Mummy a lady."
"Have you seen your grandfather hit your mother?" Marchbanks asked sweetly.
"No. They yell at each other lots. They pointed their wands once," Cam acknowledged with a little fear in his voice.
"Have your parents or grandparents ever hurt you?" Ogden questioned.
"Not Grandmother, but Daddy, Mummy, and Grandfather spank too much," the little boy nodded in affirmation.
Ogden looked at the court mentor, then back to Cam. "Thank you for speaking with us Cygnus. You may have your candy. Stan will take you back to your parents." Cam placed the candy into his pocket and followed the court mentor out of the room.
Thuban returned with Stan and went to the stand. Thuban stood tall when Snape approached him, but once he tried to make eye contact the boy looked away.
"Thuban, I need you to look into my eyes so I may remove a few memories," Snape requested.
"NO!" Thuban responded emphatically as he turned his head away from Snape. "I don't want you looking around in my mind."
"Don't you want to help your mother, Thuban?" Rosier questioned.
"Yep! But I don't want him in my head," Thuban declared.
"Why would you object to Professor Snape removing a few memories?" Marchbanks inquired.
"He'll see more. There's a lot of things in there, I not wanna share," Thuban affirmed with a tone of concern. He was a very naughty boy at times and his daddy didn't know about most of it. He had stolen potion ingredients from the man standing in front of him a number of times. He also used one of his grandfather's best cauldrons a couple of weeks ago to make a potion by himself, which he isn't allowed to do. Thuban wanted to help his mother but not at the expense of getting the biggest spanking of his life.
"Thuban, please look at me," Snape asked, annoyance very evident in his tone.
"NO!" Thuban said again closing his eyes and placing his hands over them.
"It doesn't hurt, son. And I believe Professor Snape has some Chocoballs for you," Marchbanks added caringly.
"I'm not dumb. I know it doesn't hurt," Thuban acknowledged, as he looked at Marchbanks. He placed his hands on his hips. "I can't be bribed with candy, either. We already have Cam's and Serpens' why do you need mine?"
The Interrogators called Snape over. "Full of cheek, that one. He must rub Lucius' patience raw," Rosier expressed with great glee in his voice.
"Thuban can be difficult at times but all extremely intelligent children are," Snape answered, then smirked. "Lucius cannot mask his exasperation with the child at times."
"Will you be able to extract the memories?" Marchbanks queried.
"I do not believe so. Occlumency is a strong trait in the Black blood. Even without training, I'm sure Thuban could block me enough so that any memory would be unreliable," Snape answered.
"Do you believe he is trying to hide information about his parents' relationship from us?" Ogden inquired.
Snape looked at Thuban, then back at Ogden with a sneer. "I believe his reluctance has to do with the disappearance of his grandfather's best cauldron."
The Interrogators nodded at Snape. Ogden sat back and looked at the young wizard in front of him. He thought this morning would be quick and easy. He grinned at the young boy. "If Thuban does not wish to have his memories extracted through Legilimency we will not force him. I would like to ask him a few questions though. Well, are you willing to answer questions, Thuban?" asked the gray haired wizard.
"Yes," Thuban said with an energized voice. He was very pleased with himself for his victory and decided to continue and press his luck. "My mummy doesn't want to null my daddy. There nothing wrong with her. She's always been that way," Thuban said with great determination.
"Do you mean your mummy doesn't want to annul her marriage with your father, that she wants to stay married to him?" Marchbanks asked.
"Yes! We all want to stay together. We love each other," Thuban confirmed.
"Well, you can help us find out the truth then. Do you know the difference between lying and telling the truth?" solicited Marchbanks.
"Yes, the truth is something that really happened. A lie is something you make up," Thuban confirmed with confidence.
Rosier looked at Thuban. "Thuban, do you remember last April when Cygnus burnt his hand?"
"Yes."
"Will you tell us what happened starting from when the man came to the lake where you and Cygnus were playing?" Ogden stated.
"You mean when Grandfather came?" Thuban queried.
"Was it your grandfather or your father?" Rosier questioned.
"It was Grandfather," Thuban confirmed without hesitation.
"What did he do?" Marchbanks continued.
"He sent Cam and me inside to change."
"Did he say anything to your mother?" asked Marchbanks.
"I didn't hear him, but later I heard Daddy tell Mummy, she should just go buy us play clothes. Instead of fighting with Grandfather over trifal thing."
"All right, now what happened when you got to the Manor?" Rosier questioned.
"Grandmother was waiting, she sent Bubby, a house-elf, up with us to draw our bath. While Bubby was helping me, Cam put his hand under the water when it was really hot. Cam screamed and Grandmother came in. She hugged Cam and tried to fix his burn but he kept crying. Mummy came in and Grandmother hexed Bubby," Thuban informed them. He took a breath. "Bubby works in the stables now."
"Thank you, Thuban." Ogden looked at Stan and nodded. Stan started towards Thuban but Marchbanks stopped him. "One more question if you please, Thuban. Has your daddy ever hurt your mummy?"
Thuban eyes widened at the question and his mind started to race. He couldn't answer it. His father would surely get in big trouble if he did. And maybe he wouldn't be able to live with his daddy anymore. Thuban's eyes saddened and he rounded his shoulders trying to look smaller or maybe even disappear.
"Thuban?" Marchbanks said raising her voice slightly.
The little boy looked up just having an idea. "You can take my memories now, instead of an answer?" Thuban proposed with great hope.
"I'd rather have the answer. You must tell us the truth, Thuban. Has your father ever hurt your mummy?" Marchbanks asked with great interest.
Thuban started to shake, tears forming in his eyes. Why didn't he just let Professor Snape take those memories? He'd be back with his mummy and daddy already. Now, he was going to have to tell on his daddy, he thought. Thuban looked up at Snape for any answer but got none. With tears running freely down his face, Thuban whispered into the floor. "Yes, Daddy gave her a black eye."
Rosier looked at Snape disbelief written in both of their expressions.
Author's notes:
1) According to JK Rowlings, one galleon is worth 5 pounds or 8 US dollars.
2) I put together a website which contains pictures of Draco and Ginny's boys. It's located at http://geocities.com/dagforever01/.
3) If you are pointing out problems with the story, like spelling and/or grammar please sign your review or email your comments to me.
4) I've created a live journal at http://dagforever.livejournal.com/ . You can leave comments about the story over there too. I will be putting reviews of the coming chapter in my journal from time to time.
5) Thanks to everyone who has reviewed this story and enjoys reading it. I'm enjoying writing it and I'm working hard to make it better as it goes along.