79

Do I even dare ask what that was about?" Harry said tentatively as she slumped back down in her seat.

"Well, let's just say he was truthful," she replied quietly, running her finger absentmindedly around the rim of her glass, "if a bit blinkered in his assessment of things."

"Blinkered?" Tonks asked curiously, gazing up the table at her. "I thought he was ok with all of this, well, as ok as he can be?"

"Apparently not." She stared darkly at her glass.

"He might have spoken a bit rashly," Lupin consoled her, "you know he can be like that."

"No, this was beyond rash," she shook her head, "he meant what he said."

"Where's he gone?"

"Home. Apparently he could suffer such company no longer."

"It's our fault." Hermione sighed. "We should have told him."

"It's not your fault," Kathryn shook her head.

"But if we'd told him before we arrived, he would have at least been prepared."

"This would have happened anyway, Hermione, it really has little bearing on Lucius' presence." She waved away Hermione's worry. "At least I can gauge what he'll say in front of the Wizengamot, that is, if they wish to hear his testimony."

"I don't know why they'd want to hear from any of us." Ron shrugged. "I mean, it's not like we knew what was going on."

"They'll probably want to know what we saw, and what we suspected." Hermione guessed.

"They'll want me too." Snape finally spoke up. "I'm the perfect character witness."

"Why?" Ron asked in a disinterested tone.

"Because I know a great many secrets." Lucius could not deny that Severus was correct.

"And don't forget the other star of the show." Kathryn made a grand sweeping gesture with her hand towards Lucius. "After all, they've heard all about what happened; now they'll want to know why."

"And that is something only I can tell." Lucius sighed, gazing at Kathryn with apologetic eyes. "Much as I would never like to speak of it again."

"But it might help," Tonks suggested with a tentative smile, "I mean, wanting to know why goes beyond simply wanting to know what went on here. They will want to know why you lied to keep them alive, that's the important bit."

"Yes, I suppose that is somewhat advantageous. Thank you." Lucius gave her a genuinely thankful smile at this comment of support from a young woman who was, technically, his niece.

"Well, that all depends on what Fudge wants them to know, doesn't it?" Kathryn's voice was laced with distrust for the Wizengamot.

"You shouldn't be so cynical." Mr. Weasley advised her. "The pressure you applied brought the trial forwards. It was the worst kept secret in the Ministry that Fudge wanted to delay things for as long as possible."

"I'm sorry," she sighed, "it's just this thing with Sirius, it's put me all off kilter."

"He'll come round eventually." Lupin consoled her with a kind smile. "He's never been one to take an insult lightly."

"It's not an insult!" she retorted angrily.

"No, but he sees it as one," Lupin explained. "All his life, he has been shunned by his family because he didn't agree with their ideas. Ever since he was sorted into Gryffindor he has been the family pariah. His mother made no secret of her preference for her younger son and even now he cannot escape her."

"What does that have to do with this being seen as an insult?"

"Well, when he moved in at your Grandparents', with your Dad, he saw a different world. It was a pureblood family to whom blood did not matter. Seeing you here, comfortably ensconced in this stronghold of pureblood society, is like a knife through his heart after all he has tried to teach you."

"Well, he's not going to listen to me if I try to explain." She sighed. "But I cannot force understanding upon him."

"It may be a case of just waiting." Lupin shrugged. "I think today has just shocked him."

"Yeah," Harry nodded in agreement, "I mean; he didn't expect to find him here. And when he saw you walking over he was just about ready to start hexing left, right and centre."

"Oh dear." She sighed and finished the last of her wine. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

"Nonsense dear," Mrs. Weasley cut in sharply, "we've had a lovely time."

"Really?"

"Oh yes," Kathryn was shocked that Mrs. Weasley considered the afternoon to be so enjoyable, "it is lovely to be able to relax and just enjoy a meal in the company of friends." Had she not been sitting down, Kathryn was sure that final comment would have knocked her off her feet. Of everyone, Mrs. Weasley was the person she least expected to be so accepting, so open minded. Across the table, she saw Lucius' eyes widen with similar shock.

"You'd probably do well not to repeat such a statement beyond this table." Kathryn sighed. "Much as I appreciate it, I do not wish to have you receiving hate mail simply for being open-minded."

"Well, regardless of what they say in the Prophet, you are still the same person." Kathryn could find no reply to such kind words; instead her cheeks went a deep pink as she beamed at Mrs. Weasley.

Conversation continued on from then, about Quidditch, career plans and the upcoming school year, to which Ginny had opted to return to finish her education. The abrupt departure of Sirius, however, hung over their party like a thundercloud in the azure sky. Sensing that his sister might appreciate some time alone with Lucius, Harry bade her goodbye just before three in the afternoon. They all followed suit, promising to see her on Monday and to do their best to try and alleviate the situation with Sirius