As I had predicted, the next time I saw him was when we were locking wands. When we found ourselves on opposing sides for the first time."
"You actually found yourself face to face with him in a combat situation?"
"Oh yes," she replied without hesitation, "I had always expected it. I had never doubted that there would come a time where we would find ourselves like this. I had always worried about it; wondering what he would do, what I would do. Wondering whether everything would be forgotten or whether he would hold true to everything that had happened between us."
"And did he?"
"Well, I ended up cornered by Bellatrix Lestrange and he stepped in and sent her off on her merry way; telling her that he would take care of me."
"What did he do in reality, seeing as you obviously lived to tell the tale?"
"Well, at first I was terrified that he was actually going to fight me as he didn't lower his wand." She said honestly. "So I readied myself for a fight. As it turned out, he was just teasing." She explained with a dry smile. "He was quite grateful that I was still safe."
"Did he say anything?"
"Well, I told him not to do anything stupid and get himself killed. He told me he would only do that if I took the same precaution. Of course, that was quite a task considering what I head ahead of me at that point."
"You refer to your eventual confrontation with the Dark Lord I presume?" she clarified, apparently quite interested as she was making many notes as Kathryn spoke. "As for your other confrontations with Death Eaters, how many of them do you take credit for?"
"How is that relevant?"
"I'm just curious."
"Well," Kathryn took a deep breath, unsure how the gathered spectators would react to hearing what she had done, "I pretty much dispatched of McNair, with some help from Hermione, and I took on Rowle and won. Dolohov scarpered but I got him too."
"Rowle and Dolohov are now being treated for severe burns in Azkaban," she supplied, "are you aware of the fact that you nearly killed him?"
"It was war, there are losses," she shrugged, "anyway, to continue; I killed Avery just out of sheer luck. I just pointed my wand behind me and hoped it would hit a mark."
"Anyone else?"
"I believe I severely wounded Goyle Senior."
"How?"
"I transformed and bit him in the neck." She said in an offhand manner. "The best way to incapacitate an enemy. There were a few others that I think I hit or helped to incapacitate, Greyback for one, but it's hard to keep track of these things when you are trying to stay alive." There was nothing offhand about that statement. "Oh, and of course, there is the small fact that my brother and I killed Voldemort."
"But you had no problem killing?"
"I tried not to kill if I could but these things happen. You have to remember that these people would not hesitate at the thought of killing you so you have to respond with the same ferocity in order to stay alive."
"Interesting." She mused.
"No, not interesting," Kathryn countered, "just plain true. It was war; kill or be killed."
"But, as reports of the battle have told us, you and your brother were believed dead." She looked down at her papers. "It was believed that You-Know-Who had triumphed."
"I will not go into the details, as I wish that they remain private, but you are right when you say that we were presumed dead."
"Only presumed?"
"Voldemort's curse did not work. For the second time, Harry and I survived the killing curse." She explained. "We fell to the ground but we came-to moments later."
"And this went unnoticed?"
"Voldemort had also fallen and the rest of the Death Eaters were too busy making sure that their Master was alright to bother with us." Her memories of how terrifying that had been were still fresh and clear in her mind. "Eventually, he sent one of his Death eaters to check that we were dead. He sent Lucius."
"And Mr Malfoy lied to his master."
"He did." Kathryn nodded. "He lied because he knew I was alive. The man that you chain down is the reason that Voldemort did not triumph, the reason that you are now not under the thumb of the most evil wizard we have ever known."
"Thank you for clearing that up, it was most enlightening information."
"My pleasure." Kathryn replied dryly, smiling briefly down at Lucius.
"Might I just ask you one more thing?" she rifled through her papers once more.
"You already did but I'll humour you." Kathryn replied dryly. She appeared to have gone sporadically deaf as she made no sign that she had heard her.
"What is your opinion on the obvious age gap between yourself and Mr Malfoy?" Kathryn grimaced slightly, not really knowing how to answer such a question as she had never really thought about it.
"Well," she began, although not really sure how she was going to continue, "I suppose it was more than a bit strange at first because the father of one of the people I most hate was raping me."
"And now?"
"Now," she took a deep breath, "now I couldn't give a damn." She finished quickly. "I mean, he may be twice my age but what does that really matter? Something like that shouldn't really matter in the grand scheme of things."
"I think it is of great matter considering the situation."
"Well, I see why it might be relative in terms of your forming opinions of his conduct when this all began." She compromised. "But in considering where we stand now, age is immaterial."
"Do you find Mr Malfoy attractive?"
"In what way?"
"Both physically and materialistically." Lucius thought he saw a faint blush creep into her cheeks when she realised what she was going to have to say.
"Well," she said slowly, determined to keep them hanging on her every word, "I suppose from a purely selfish standpoint, Lucius is a perfect choice for any woman wanting to secure her place in life. He is more than adequately equipped to keep someone, or several people for that matter, in substantial comfort for a prolonged period of time."
"Was this reflected in his treatment of you?"
"At first no but, as things ran their course, I got to experience things that are the sole preserve of the obscenely rich."
"Such as?"
"He took every opportunity to lay diamonds around my neck," she shrugged, as if it was nothing spectacular, "he bought me beautiful clothes and expensive gifts for no apparent reason. I also found that he had bought cases and cases of wine just because it was my favourite."
"Anything else?" she could see people's faces and all she could see was shock.
"Well, you never eat badly and you get very used to the best in terms of cuisine."
"What about physically, Miss Potter, do not avoid the subject." She pushed the other half of the question. "He may have all these material qualities but he is still much older. I am in serious doubt as to the physical attraction on your part. Is his tendency to lavish gifts upon you meant to make up for his physical shortcomings? Is it a bribe to make you stay?"
"You are quite mistaken," she said with a satisfied smirk, "even if he didn't give me gifts or take me to spectacular places, I would still stay." People might not have believed her but for the look of pure sincerity in her eyes. "Whilst he may be older than the companions of some of my peers, he is certainly not physically lacking in any way. I find him utterly handsome." She said in a dreamy voice, her eyes losing their implacable front for just a moment as she spoke of the man bound to the chair before them. "I like tangling my fingers in his hair; I like curling up in his arms at night. I like waking up next to him in the morning and staying in bed until noon. I like knowing that I'm the only one that matters and I love that it is forbidden." She finished zealously.
"So the forbidden aspect of your relationship, as I assume that it is now a relationship, is what makes it exciting for you?"
"No, it simply adds another dimension to it that other relationships do not have. For example, the fact that my brother is going out with Ginny is perfectly acceptable but then that relationship lacks that indescribable frisson that comes from knowing you are doing something you shouldn't."
"What about as a lover?" Kathryn couldn't believe that she dared touch on that subject.
"I don't see how it is of any consequence."
"I'm asking all the same, Miss Potter."
"Fine," Kathryn replied shortly, "as you wish." She took a deep breath before speaking again. "I admit that everything began under less than pleasant circumstances, but that has changed. I am no longer an object for him to use and abuse. I am someone for him to please, I am an equal."
"Please," she interjected with mild scorn, "I doubt that Lucius Malfoy considers anyone as his equal."
"I do not think that you are in a position to make such a claim."
"Why? Are you?"
"I am privy to many things. Things about which most can only speculate."
"Do enlighten us."
"I am aware of the exact amount contained in the Malfoy vault at Gringotts. I also have complete access to all Malfoy funds; I am not just in a symbolic position. That doesn't strike me as a duty he would bestow upon someone he did not consider an equal."
"So you are actually in control?" she asked inquisitively. "We were curious as to who has complete control as his attorneys have been keeping tight-lipped over the issue."
"I have not broadcast the fact and did not wish to but, seeing as you wish proof, I have no choice."
"Well, aside from that information, would you please return to the original question." She asked, not meeting Kathryn's eyes as she wrote furiously.
"Yes, alright, yes!" Kathryn answered in an exasperated voice. "He is a fantastic lover. He knows exactly how to please me and I am glad for it. It has been quite a learning curve but I have not had to endure the messy, adolescent fumbling of my peers. True, I have nothing to compare him to but I think it is safe to say that it is good." She smirked at him down in his chair and he smirked back up at her. "Very good." She embellished. "In fact, I cannot imagine anyone else and I care not for your scorn or your disapproval."
Lucius thought she was very brave to go that far and, although he tried not to show it, he was very proud that she thought that he was that good. What she was saying was very true. Things had started off badly, true, but she had grown so much in the two years that he had known her. She had undergone an incredible transformation; from a terrified, but none the less passionate, young girl into a fiery young woman who could silence a room with a look and who was certainly his equal.
"So you care not for how this affair has damaged your standing in the eyes of society?"
"I think I have already demonstrated that." she replied coolly.
"But you have lost your status as a hero. Even though you are the other half of the duo that finally defeated the Dark Lord, you have been barely recognised by the press, and your brother has received the most recognition."
"That does not change the fact that it was still me. No matter how many disparaging editorials and articles they print, it will not change the fact that it was my brother and I who defeated Voldemort. I do believe you have forgotten that, if it were not for the actions of a certain Death Eater, we would not be alive now. Considering what I have learned about how long it took to sort out everything that was happening in the Great Hall, I would have died from my injuries before they got to me."
"I find it surprising that you had not succumbed to them before you reached the Dark Lord."
"Well, I think it helped that I had been building up to that moment my entire life. Also, armour made out of Hungarian Horntail dragon hide did help stave off most of the minor curses." She explained.
"And so, for this unworthy, wicked, evil man you are willing to risk everything?"
"I am." She said determinedly. "He is the principal reason my brother and I are alive. He lied to Voldemort even though being found out would cost him his life. Worthiness is entirely in the eye of the beholder."
"Thank you." She motioned to Cornelius Fudge to indicate that she was finished.
"Well," the Minister for Magic shuffled his papers back into a neat stack, "I believe it wise to conclude this session here in order for the Wizengamot to reflect upon what they have heard." There was a muttering of agreement form his colleagues. "We shall reconvene tomorrow at eleven."
Without a further word, the entire Wizengamot stood and left the courtroom. The sound in the courtroom immediately rose to a roaring din as everyone began to talk at once, paying no mind to the fact that the objects of their gossip were well within earshot. Instead of remaining where she was, like she had done previously, Kathryn practically ran down the stairs, coming to stand next to Lucius. He remained chained steadfastly down and, although she barely looked at him as she glared at virtually everyone leaving the courtroom, Harry noticed the way her hand that bore the eternity ring was gently entwined with his.
"You know I'm not leaving Scrimgeour so you might as well stop waiting." She said dryly as the Aurors made no move to release him. Rolling his eyes, Scrimgeour motioned to one of the guards to release Lucius from his bonds. Once the shining chains had disappeared, Lucius stood and, after flexing his stiff muscles, wrapped his arms around her.
"Good finish." He whispered in her ear.
"It was true." She murmured back. "Not a word of a lie."
"Had I the opportunity to speak, you would have received that same praise back."
"Enough of the touching sentiment." Scrimgeour snapped cruelly. "I am not here to pander to your every whim."
"As I understand it," she retorted acerbically as they started to walk towards the doors, "you are here because your administration failed to bring any hope and, during your brief tenure, Albus Dumbledore was thought lost. You are here because you failed."
"That may be so but you are here because you are a traitor." Scrimgeour countered. "I think I have the better deal."
"No. I am here because I got caught doing something I shouldn't." She corrected him coolly. "Whether I did anything traitorous has yet to be determined."
"Oh please," Scrimgeour sneered, "I doubt that people will see what has happened as anything other than treachery."
"Don't be so sure." She replied in the same cool, aloof tone that she knew would incense Scrimgeour because she wasn't rising to his bait. Scrimgeour didn't reply, instead waving his wand to open the concealed doors through which they had emerged that morning. "So you're not taking the public route this time?" she commented.
"Not after your little show last time." Scrimgeour snapped at her. "And this is a route you cannot take."
"Oh don't worry," she shot back in an airy tone, "I only take the path I decide." Giving Lucius one final, smouldering kiss, she swept back up the stairs and left them to wherever they were going.
She declined taking the lift, instead using the time it took her to walk up the several flights of stairs to reflect on the day. She thought that it had gone well but the proof of that would be in Rita Skeeter's summation of what had happened in the Prophet tomorrow. It was likely to be a painful reading experience, she knew Rita Skeeter well enough to be assured of that fact. What was a more unknown quantity was how Fudge was going to try and discredit her. There hadn't been an ounce of falsity in what she had told the court over the past few days yet she knew that Fudge would exploit every perceived crack in her defence or any topic that she found uncomfortable.
The Atrium was, again, heaving as she emerged from the stairwell and she had to fight her way through the crowds as flashbulbs went off in her face. Without Lucius, or anyone for that matter, at her side they seemed to think that they now had leave to swarm around her. She kept her head down as hands pulled at her and tried to stop her from leaving. Screwing her eyes up in concentration, she focused on the wand that she held in her hand and hoped that her plan would work. Raising her right hand as far as she could, given how many people were crowded around her, she brought the silver tip of the cane down as hard as she could on the floor whilst concentrating on the incantation she needed. Seconds later, the crowds of people all around her were thrown back with incredible force as her spell worked. Taking a deep breath, she straightened herself out and walked briskly away before they could work out what had happened and get up again.
Falling into the back of her car, the driver seemed to sense that she needed to leave as a matter of some urgency and instantly sped into the London traffic. After negotiating small lanes and a gridlocked city centre at speeds that she didn't like to think about, they were soon on the motorway back home. She spent the entirety of the journey in contemplative thought and she did not smile once. As soon as she got back to the house she shed her cloak, shoes, waistcoat and trousers before she collapsed onto a chaise lounge in the study. Pulling a velvety throw over herself, she closed her eyes and drifted off into an exhausted sleep.
Later on that day, after having been let in by a House Elf, Harry Ron and Hermione climbed the stairs and took the appropriate turning for the study. The House Elf had told them that she was in the study but had given them no information as to what she was doing. Harry tapped lightly on the door and, after getting no response, pushed it open to survey the room inside. The sight that met their eyes shocked them all. A trail of clothes led over to a chaise lounge where Kathryn was lying, one arm lolling over the side, her head buried in several cushions. Her legs were askew and a dark green throw was over her, although half was falling off. Her hair was messy and it was hard to distinguish her head beneath the masses of jet black waves. If Harry hadn't known better, he would have said she had fallen asleep whilst drunk. All that was missing from the picture was an empty spirit bottle dangling from her hand.
"Kathryn." Harry called quietly, not wanting to startle her. Unfortunately, it did not have the desired effect as she jumped violently awake, rolled over and, tangled in the throw, landed with a thump on the floor. Groaning in pain, she pulled the throw up over her face and curled up on the rug.
"What do you want?" she asked from beneath the throw. "You scared me, thought you were Death Eaters or something."
"We just wanted to see if you were ok, you just looked exhausted when you left." Hermione explained, kneeling down next to her on the floor.
"Well, as you can see, you were right." She remarked dryly, pulling the cover off her head and sitting up. "I must look like I've just woken up after a rough night." She added, swiping her hair out of her face.
"Do you want a cup of tea?" Hermione asked helpfully.
"What time is it?" she rubbed her eyes and straightened her glasses.
"It's almost eight." Harry told her as her stomach gave a large rumble. "Food might be in order too."
"Have you eaten?" she asked, standing up and wrapping the throw around her.
"Are you kidding," Ron laughed, "Mum was cooking as soon as we got in the house."
"Well, I haven't so I hope you don't think me rude if I eat whilst you talk." She said, clapping her hands sharply, a House Elf instantly appeared and bowed low.
"What can I do for mistress?" she squeaked.
"I need some dinner," she said quickly, "just anything you can make. Nothing special."
"Yes mistress." The House Elf disappeared with another crack.
"I'll be two seconds." She disappeared out of the door, the throw dragging out behind her like an elaborate gown.
"How much of this do you think she can take?" Hermione whispered as soon as she was gone. "I mean, it's only been three days and she's already exhausted. How will she cope because we all know that this will go on for weeks?"
"She coped with everything before this, I mean, the thing she did to her it's amazing she hasn't had a breakdown or something." Harry replied quite frankly. "But I'm worried about tomorrow. Tomorrow she'll have to cope with Fudge trying to discredit her."
"If she's told the truth she should have no problem with that though." Ron shrugged.
"But it's the way he'll do it," Harry explained, "he'll pick on what he thinks is a weakness and exploit it."
"Like what?"
"Like the fact that she hasn't told anyone how she feels about him now. She has kept her heart quite guarded."
"Rightly so." Hermione sniffed.
"But it makes her look as if she is hiding something."
"Well couldn't she just explain how she feels and then she won't appear suspicious?" Ron asked. "That gets rid of that problem."
"She doesn't even know, that's the point." Harry sighed. They did not have the chance to discuss this further as they heard a set of footsteps coming down the hallway. Kathryn appeared in the doorway moments later swathed in her favourite dressing gown of green velvet. Harry had to admit that she looked quite distinctly regal, yet rumpled at the same time. The large necklace was still sitting round her neck but she had added a pair of black drawstring pyjama bottoms to her ensemble for modesty's sake.
"You coming?" she asked. "My dinner's ready." They all followed her down the hallway and into a room they had never been in before.
"What's this?" Harry asked as they stepped into a small, tastefully appointed room that was hidden behind a barely noticeable door.
"The family dining room." She explained. "You don't think I eat in the main dining room all the time do you?"
"Well, we just assumed that it was the only one." Ron shrugged.
"It's depressing to eat in such a large room all by yourself." She said; sitting on one of the chairs with one leg crossed beneath her. Taking the steaming bowl of pasta that had been waiting for her on the table; she rested it on her knee and delved in with a fork.
"I can't believe you went back to him after what he did to you." Harry said quietly, not looking her in the eye, after she had taken several mouthfuls of pasta.
"It's complicated." She sighed. "I don't know why I went back." She took another few mouthfuls of pasta.
"I think that everything about this is complicated." Harry corrected her as she continued to eat.
"Never." She drawled, rolling her eyes. "Thank you Mr State-the-obvious."
"Well, it is." Harry shrugged.
"I know." She sighed. "But there you go; Fudge is just going to try and rip it to shreds."
"If it's true then you should have no problem." Hermione reminded her kindly.
"I know it should be no problem but it's what he says that will be the problem." She replied between mouthfuls. "He can still discredit me in the eyes of the public." She set the empty bowl back on the table and walked over to the large window that overlooked the gardens. "And that, at the end of the day, is what will really matter."
"That's ridiculous." Hermione exclaimed. "They should come to their decision in a fair and impartial manner, not influenced by the ranting of the press."
"They say that they do but, with people like Rita Skeeter stirring up public opinion, they are hard pressed to come to a neutral decision."
"The decision won't be for weeks yet anyway." Harry shrugged. "You know it's going to be a drawn out battle. This is one Fudge won't be able to dispatch easily."
"We all know what the verdict will be though." She spat bitterly, not looking any of them in the eye. "His guilt is assured."
"He's Lucius Malfoy," Hermione reminded her, "he's wormed his way out of these things before."
"Everything I have said has condemned him." She shook her head. "Even with no other evidence they will find him guilty. I have handed them proof of his Death Eater activities to them on a platter."
"These things can be overturned." Hermione said hopefully, although knowing there was little chance of such a thing.
"You say that," Kathryn replied quietly, "but I know that it is the last thing you want to see happen." Her voice was pure ice, completely devoid of emotion. "You would be perfectly happy to see him rot in Azkaban for the rest of his days or, better yet, see him kissed."
"We never said that." Ron replied in a calm, but slightly terse, tone.
"I know but it's implied, I mean, you can't pretend that you really accept this." She shot back.
"Well obviously." Harry retorted. "How can you expect us to be happy?"
"I don't." She swept out of the door, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. They followed her at a run as she strode towards the main staircase.
"After all he's done, everything we've found out, you do not want to see him punished?" Harry cried out after her, trying to make her stop. "After what he did to you?" he baited her some more. "Are you just going to forget all the people that died because of him? All the people that died because of the ideals he stands for? Are you going to forget our parents?" he wished he hadn't said the last part as soon as the words slipped through his lips. She froze half way down the stairs and turned to face him, fire blazing in her eyes.
"How dare you suggest such a thing!" she replied quietly, her voice shaking with anger. "I would never forget them but what do you expect me to do?"
"Forget him! Forget all this and come home!"
"So you can watch me pine away without leaving the house?" she shouted back, tears now welling properly in her eyes. "Or would you rather I pined away here, to remain forever lonely and unhappy; forever waiting for a knock at the door or an owl bearing news? I have no desire to live such an empty life. "
"We just want you to come home."
"This is home." She said softly, not looking him in the eye. "Do you think I wake up every day in awe of this place? It's just a house." She turned away and swept down the remaining stairs, knowing that she was lying when she said this it was just a house. It would never be just a house to her. It held far too many memories to ever be anything as impersonal as 'just a house'. True, not all of the memories were pleasant, but they were memories all the same and they were forever embedded in these fine rooms. They were still following her as she walked through the concealed door beneath the stairs and hurried down the steps into the cellars.
Not a word was said as she selected a bottle from the rows upon rows in the wine cellar and returned upstairs. She could see Hermione's disapproving face as she opened the bottle and poured herself a healthy measure.
"Why are you still here?" she asked after taking a long drink.
"Let's just say we've gotten used to your fluctuating mood." Harry replied dryly, although he still looked angry.
"I'd rather be left alone." She sprawled herself out onto a chaise lounge and gazed languidly into the burgundy liquid.
"We don't hate you, you know." Ron told her, sitting down with Hermione opposite Kathryn.
"But you do not approve." She shot back. "And that is what will be said when Fudge inevitably calls you up to testify."
"How can you expect us to approve?" Harry asked coldly. "When you are hanging off the arm of a Death Eater?"
"I do not hang off his arm." She snapped back. "He considers me his equal, not his inferior."
"Oh please," Harry drawled, "you as good as hang off his arm."
"When have you ever seen me like that?" she retorted, anger very obvious in her voice. "All you have ever seen are the pictures in the papers when I had to pretend. All you saw was what I wanted you to see."
"I doubt that even he could've orchestrated such a thing." Hermione replied with a shake of her head.
"Not at first, but after a while it became a mutually agreed charade." She shrugged, sipping her wine. "A mutually desired charade."
"So you were quite happy to deceive everyone?"
"I didn't want you to get hurt." She snapped fiercely.
"The Order could have protected you well enough; you didn't need to keep it a secret." Hermione pointed out.
"Well I am sorry for not thinking logically." Kathryn replied dryly. "Of course, after a while the charade became a necessity not to protect you, but to protect us. Like I said, the best place to hide something is right under someone's nose." She paused for some more wine. "You were bound to suspect something if I just walked up to him and talked to him so I made you believe that I was keeping him satisfied to protect the school; any suspicions you had were, I assume, thwarted by the fact that I had mentioned such an idea."
The three of them didn't know what to say, for someone they knew to be wilful and passionate; this seemed incredibly cold and calculated. Harry was beginning to wonder if he even knew his sister at all, considering this new side of her that had been revealed. Harry watched her for a moment as she drained the last of the wine from her glass and stood up.
"Do you love him?" he asked abruptly, hoping that she would answer.
"I'm going to bed." She told them, apparently having gone sporadically deaf. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Do you love him?" Harry asked again, determined to get an answer. Pausing in the doorway, she turned round and looked at him sombrely.
"I don't know." She replied quietly.
"Then what does that ring mean?"
"I don't know." She repeated in the same quiet voice before disappearing out of the door.
Sighing, Harry rose and walked over to the fireplace. Mr Weasley had been able to arrange Malfoy Manor to be connected to Grimmauld Place through the Floo network so they wouldn't have to apparate all the time. Disappearing in a whirl of flame, the three of them left with more questions to trouble their thoughts.