Soul Mate - Chapter 8:

Oh, Hermione, look at that ferret’s attitude!

Ron glared furiously at Draco’s retreating back, then turned to complain to his girlfriend.

Hermione didn’t have the slightest interest in continuing that argument.

She looked toward Harry instead. I think I might’ve been wrong.

Wrong? Harry blinked, clearly not following her sudden shift in topic.

Yesterday, I told you both that Malfoy must have come back to school to ask for your help.

But after what I saw today, I think I may have misjudged him.

Hermione’s eyes glinted with thought, bright with the sharp intelligence she was famous for.

I forgot that the Malfoys are pure-bl00d aristocrats.

Their pride wouldn’t allow them to seek help from their enemies no matter how the war ended.

Harry frowned slightly. You mean… Malfoy came back just to study for his N.E.W.T.s?

He’s not going to do anything for his parents’ trial tomorrow?

Exactly. In fact, I think there’s a chance he won’t even show up for it.

If Draco had heard her just then, even he proud as he was would have had to admit

Hermione’s insight was remarkable. From a single brief encounter,

she had managed to read almost the entire situation, and she wasn’t far from the truth.

So, you’re saying he’ll just let his father go to prison? Harry asked, eyes wide.

There’s nothing he can do, Harry. Hermione checked the clock, then started gathering her books.

Even if he fought in the war like we did, his position is far too different from ours.

I heard he asked the Ministry not to involve the children of Death Eaters in the trials.

But I doubt they’ll grant that request. Slytherin’s reputation has always

been poor and after the war, it’s only worse.

You mean the Slytherin students might be tried along with them?

Ron asked slowly. But Professor McGonagall said she wanted them to stay

at school until the end of term.

Hermione shook her head. She did, and the Ministry agreed.

But what happens after the school year ends?

It’s only a temporary reprieve a few months of borrowed time.

Harry suddenly understood. Most Slytherins were Death Eaters’ sons and daughters.

Even those who weren’t were usually related to one.

If the Ministry decided to be harsh, they could easily extend the trials to them as well.

True, Slytherin had stayed mostly neutral during the final battle,

but that hadn’t been true for the whole war and many of their families were still deeply involved.

What’s the worst that could happen, Hermione? Harry asked quietly.

Abolishment. Hermione let out a soft sigh. If the trials expand that far, and the public and the

Ministry demand punishment, Hogwarts might actually shut down Slytherin House.

Ron’s jaw dropped. Abolish the house? You’re joking, right?

Hogwarts’ four-house tradition has lasted for over a thousand years!

I said that’s the worst-case scenario. Hermione rolled her eyes.

Professor McGonagall would never allow that to happen.

The more likely outcome is that anyone too closely tied to the Death Eaters will be tried,

expelled, or if it’s serious enough sent to Azkaban.

That’s bad enough, Ron muttered under his breath.

Hermione gave him a surprised look. You’ve changed, Ron. You’ve never liked Slytherins.

Oh, I still don’t, Ron said, spreading his hands helplessly.

But that doesn’t mean I want them expelled or locked up.

Honestly, what the parents did shouldn’t decide the kids’ fates, right?

Even that ferret over there would probably agree with me.

You’re finally growing up, Ron, Hermione said softly.

Harry listened to them in silence. Slytherin House on the edge of ruin.

His eyes drifted to the empty seat Draco had left behind, and his thoughts grew heavy.

He had spent six years fighting with Slytherins,

the rivalry between their houses stretching back centuries.

If Slytherin really were punished that severely, what would become of them?

Their name was already tainted; once rumors started, they would only grow darker.

And truth be told, he didn’t want them expelled, or imprisoned in Azkaban.

But what could he do? What should he do?

He knew he had more influence now than most people in the Ministry.

If he truly wanted to intervene, they would listen. But as Professor McGonagall had

reminded him not long ago, he needed to keep a low profile after the war.

To publicly interfere with Ministry proceedings would be reckless—and dangerous.

Still, could he really sit back and let an entire house suffer for its history,

just to protect his own future? If he did that, how would he be any different

from the people he’d fought against? How could he face his parents, Sirius, or Remus?

Harry took a deep breath, gathered his things, and said quietly, Hermione, Ron,

I might need to take the day off tomorrow.

Take the day off? Hermione looked up, worried. Are you feeling unwell?

I’m going to the Ministry.

Hermione’s eyes widened in instant understanding. You’re going to plead for Slytherin?

Harry, listen to me—this isn’t your responsibility. You’re still a student.

You haven’t even taken your N.E.W.T.s yet!

Harry gave a small, rueful smile. I know. But if it were you,

could you really stay here and do nothing?

Hermione’s mouth opened, then closed again. She had no answer.

Ron frowned. You really think those Slytherin snakes will appreciate it?

I’m not doing it for gratitude, Harry said softly. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.

If I sit back and do nothing, that’s when I’ll truly regret it.

Hermione exhaled, resigned. All right, Harry. You know I’ll support you no matter what.

Do you want us to go with you when you ask Professor McGonagall for leave?

Harry smiled at her in thanks, then turned to Ron.

Ron lifted his shoulders in a helpless shrug. All right, mate.

I know there’s no talking you out of it. And like I said,

I don’t hate the Slytherins enough to want them sent to Azkaban.

Thanks, both of you, Harry said, his smile deepening.