The French judge with the white mustache stood before the court and read out that they had reached a conclusion about Draco Malfoy's sentencing in absentia.

"If still alive, Draco Malfoy is sentenced to two years in Azkaban. He is to turn himself over to the Ministry immediately upon receipt of this verdict."

There was ringing in her ears. She swayed on her feet.

Shrapley had told her that an acquittal was impossible. "He'll serve some time," he'd told her. "Make no mistake. Our goal is to make that number as low as possible."

What were two years to the rest of your life?

She pressed her fingertips to her lips and looked at Shrapley. He nodded to her, with a pleased expression.

The court adjourned, and Hermione didn't spare a glance at anyone else as she crossed the room to thank him.

"I can get the sentence lowered in appeals," Shrapley said. "I'm sure of it." He shook her hand and said, "I'll be in touch, Miss Granger. A recommendation to law school, perhaps?" He lifted his brow at her and led her out of the courtroom.

She followed him out into the corridor. Hestia stopped her to arrange a visit to the Ministry that Friday to discuss her offer, and Hermione caught up to Shrapley in time to admire the way he answered a reporter's questions without a pause in his steps.

"Of course we plan to appeal. I'll have him out in 14–16 months."

He tossed Hermione a smile as they exited the building together, and disappeared into the shouting crowd without another word.

Hermione raced down the Manor's drive, bursting through the Manor doors and running to the drawing room. She pushed the doors open and froze, her eyes searching for Narcissa's. She took one look at Hermione's face, and began weeping.

They celebrated with champagne again. After Narcissa had gone to bed, and the alcohol had stopped warming her skin, she took the long way back to her bedroom, passing the library and her marble bust. She stared at Lucius's smirking face and whispered the good news before dragging herself upstairs.

Thursday's Prophet announced Draco's sentencing with a detailed article summarizing every step in the trial, apart from the sealed information about the Horcrux. They'd included a picture of Shrapley making his way out of the courtroom, capturing his quote about having him out in 14–16 months.

What the Tribunal had been unwilling to say about Draco Malfoy's role in the war, the press now was. Hermione was smiling down at an article about the trial when her eye caught on something strange buried in the middle.

Provisional Government to Obliviate Remaining Edinburgh Muggles

Hermione tossed the paper back on the desk as if it had burned her. She sat on Draco's bed, trying to rationalize, but her blood continued boiling in her veins.

She finished reading the article, and it took her less than a split-second to decide. She threw on her clothes, strode down to the Manor drive, and Apparated to the Ministry.