Falling for the Enemy||Draco Malfoy Love Story Fanfiction

Chapter 54

Chapter 54: The Malfoys' trial

When they arrived in the Atrium, Kingsley and Hermione were waiting anxiously with a team of Aurors. Hermione gave a sigh of relief upon seeing them alive, then her eyes grew cold upon seeing the prisoners.

"Well done, Aurors," said Kingsley briskly, giving the Malfoys a look of distaste, "We'll retain them all in cells for now."

"As Minister of Magic, I'll arrange a trial for the Malfoys," Hermione said, "Lock them up."

"Oh, and you might want to dispatch a team to Malfoy Manor," suggested Harry, "We did a thorough search, but a professional team could pick up any secretive clues. And figure out where exactly the Malfoys have been hiding."

"Good luck with that," scoffed Lucius.

"I doubt anyone's going to defend you in your trial," Xander raised an eyebrow, shutting Lucius up.

"Well let's lock them up then." Merielle steered Draco harshly ahead of her, giving him a dark glare. Harry guided Narcissa and Xander shoved Lucius ahead.

"From all your years at the Ministry, you will know that you will not be able to escape, Malfoy," Xander said, "so don't even bother trying."

"What has the Ministry turned into, taking on imbeciles like you?" Lucius sneered in return.

"All bark and no bite," said Merielle loftily, "Save your empty threats. The best you can hope for is less than a lifetime in Azkaban."

"You're no better. You've killed people too. All of you have. All of you are absolute hypocrites," snarled Draco.

"Seems like you're the same as you were in school, Malfoy. And I'm afraid no amount of sugar will be able to sweeten that tongue of yours," Harry bit back. The three Aurors locked them up.

"I'll be looking forward to testifying against you at your trial," smirked Merielle as she sauntered away with the others. She could feel Draco's eyes burning into the back of her head. 

When they approached Hermione and Kingsley again, they were deep in talk with some Aurors and important Ministry officials.

"The other prisoners are being interrogated as we speak," Hermione explained, "but we need to personally interrogate the Malfoys."

"Before or after their trial?" asked Neville. Hermione's brow furrowed.

"Perhaps after is best. They won't tell us anything now, for sure. Besides, I've scheduled their trial for tomorrow at ten a.m. We can wait that long."

"As soon as the interrogation results are back, I will inform you all," assured Kingsley, "Though it may take a while. A couple of days at least."

~~~***~~~

That evening, after work, Merielle went home to Stargline Mansion. The mansion, though still beautiful, seemed to have dwindled in everything other than size. She could feel the loneliness brought on by her mother's absence. Jamal had returned to the States since he was not allowed to stay away from his work for long. He was, after all, the Head Auror. Clarice had gone with him. That meant it was just Merielle and her father. Luckily for the family, Javier had not sunk so far into a state of utter despair and grief that he had resolved to darker means. He was not that kind of person. Though he spent many of his days in his rooms, grieving, he was otherwise alright. But perhaps 'alright' wasn't the right word. He had lost his love, and that kind of pain would never go away. Merielle always felt the ache in her chest that her mother's death caused. But she had learnt to carry on with her life, for she knew her mother would not have wanted her to spend the rest of her days grieving. Merielle had felt pain near this level before. In fact, not just once. She would survive.