Draco's Story
Chapter 2 of 10
reader76Draco shares his version of the events leading up to his arrest.
A/N: Nothing you recognize belongs to me.
I've located a beta for this story now. I just want to say thanks to him for helping me break this long narrative into something more readable.
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"Well, Draco, you have my attention. I'm going to need to hear your story, but first, I have a few questions."
"Of course you do, Granger." Draco's tone was neutral, but his eyes showed a spark of amusement.
"Professor Snape is alive? How did that happen? And you've been secretly working with him all this time?" Hermione was rambling and she knew it, but she was still reeling a bit from the shock.
Draco smiled and said, "With the help of Dumbledore's Phoenix and a Portkey to the Manor, Severus survived Nagini's bite. For the past twelve years, he has been living in our guest house and performing innovative potions research. Malfoy Industries has funded him; both he and the company have profited greatly from the partnership."
"Okay, then who is Ms. Malfoy? Surely he's not talking about your mother?"
Draco sighed and spoke, "This is not my story to tell, but you need to understand the basics before talking to Lyra."
He stopped for a moment and looked away from Hermione. She let him collect himself. Whatever he was about to tell her was clearly a difficult subject for him to address.
"Lyra is my sister. She is five years older than I am." He paused for a moment. Hermione could see he wasn't sure how to proceed.
"I don't understand, Draco. Was she sent to Beauxbatons? How did I not know this?"
"No, Hermione, she didn't go to Beauxbatons. She is a Squib. Mother, Father and I all love her dearly; however, they did not really know the best way to care for her when they realized she did not have magic. They did their best. She was educated in one of the top Muggle schools in England. Father encouraged her to attend university overseas for her safety."
"So he sent her away? How convenient."
"Father was starting to fear that Voldemort might return. Look, Granger, my parents made some very bad decisions. But do not," he said icily, "imply that they were trying to dispose of my sister." He paused to regain his composure.
"She returned after the war and finished her education in England. She was trained as a research scientist. She has been working for Malfoy Industries for several years."
"Malfoy, I must say, you make no sense. You have a sister that is a Squib, and you had the nerve to call me a Mudblood? You do realize that her challenges were probably similar to mine, right? Going to school in a world her family didn't understand, never quite fitting in either place?"
"Granger, can we cut the Gryffindor melodrama? I was a spoiled prat. Is that what you want to hear? I was a rotten, immature little punk who thought I was better than everyone else. I have a sister whom I adore who was sent away because of her lack of magic. I was forbidden to speak about her to anyone for fear people would hurt her. Then there you were, and you HAD magic, even though you shouldn't have, based on everything I had ever been taught. And you beat me at every single class. So I treated you poorly. I am sorry. I know my reasons do not excuse my behavior, but I had hoped that the passage of more than ten years and your friendship with Astoria would have helped. Do you really think she would have married me if I were still like that?"
Hermione considered his words. "Apology accepted, Malfoy. You are right about one thing. It is time to move on. You were a child at the time, so I suppose I should be able to let that go."
"Thank you," Draco said, suppressing a smile.
"Now, tell me about the potions. How does Professor Snape relate to all of this?"
"Severus has always been interested in medicinal potions. One of his research techniques has been to examine how Muggles handle similar ailments. Over the years, he created several wizarding potions that have a theoretical basis in Muggle medicine. Severus' name was not used and Malfoy Industries does not disclose that Muggle research was used in development.
"When Lyra returned to England, Severus was still recovering at the Manor. They got along quite well, given their similar fields of study. She was working on her advanced degrees and interested in his research; he was curious about her studies as well. I think Mother had designs on them marrying someday. I know Father did. He thought that the strength of Severus' magic might compensate for her lack of magic and produce magical children."
Draco shuddered; Hermione tried not to laugh at his reaction. At the same time however, she felt a pang of something she couldn't quite place. She dismissed the feeling and turned back to Draco's story.
"Eventually, Severus and Lyra began to hypothesize about reversing the research process. If you could add magical properties to Muggle medicines to create effective potions for wizards, why couldn't you use potion-making concepts in medicines to treat Muggle medical issues?
"When Severus' mother fell ill to a neurological disorder that St. Mungo's had never seen, Lyra and Severus became obsessed with their goal. You see, Mrs. Snape's illness apparently functioned much like a Muggle illness. Severus developed a potion using Muggle medicines that proved to be very effective. Mrs. Snape still has symptoms, but she suffers much less now than before the potion."
"That's remarkable." Hermione was clearly impressed. Draco could see she was considering the possibilities. "What happened next?"
"Lyra refused to accept that Muggles did not have access to a potion that their medicines helped create. She worked tirelessly to try and translate the concept back to something that could be legally distributed to Muggles. She worked within the Muggle system to conduct research studies using test subjects. She developed something that was better than what the Muggles were using, but not nearly as effective as the magical potion that Snape created.
"I was aware of their research, and Malfoy Industries formed a shell Muggle corporation that functions as a pharmaceutical distributor for Lyra's medicine. Everything up to this point was completely legal.
"Still not satisfied that Muggles were at such a medical disadvantage, Lyra convinced Severus to develop a Concealment Charm that would hide the fact that the potion contained magic. He was successful. If a Muggle analyzed the ingredients, they would detect the chemical properties of Lyra's potion. The reason why it worked better would remain a mystery. Our Muggle subsidiary hired the best and brightest Muggle researchers to try and crack the code; none were successful. So, I decided to ignore the International Statute of Secrecy and manufacture the potion for distribution to Muggles. It went through all the proper Muggle testing requirements to become licensed; it was determined to be both safe and effective.
"That was five years ago. Black Pharmaceuticals has been immensely successful. Two other potions were released that have hidden magical properties. They are working on another right now. Two others contain purely Muggle ingredients, but the research process behind them did involve magic. Those will quickly be copied and essentially stolen by other pharmaceutical companies, but the research done by Lyra and Severus probably advanced Muggle medicine by ten to fifteen years. There is nothing illegal about those products."
"Have you been tracking the medical outcomes from these potions?"
"Of course, Hermione. Lyra is a responsible researcher. And have you ever known Severus to be anything less than meticulous?"
She laughed. "No, I suppose not."
"I was not exaggerating, Hermione, when I said these actions had saved many lives." He made eye contact, clearly trying to convince her of his sincerity. She had to admit; she had never seen him look so earnest. Draco Malfoy believed in what he was doing here. He had broken the law for good reason. And the people he was trying to help were Muggles. Hermione was stunned. If he was telling the truth, they had done an amazing thing. Illegal certainly, but Hermione wasn't so shortsighted to not realize the value in the actions, even if it hadn't been executed perfectly.
"That is an amazing story, Draco. Is it true?"
"Every word of it is the truth, Granger. I'll admit that my motivation was more financial than philanthropic at first; however, every precaution was taken along the way to make sure that the medicines were safe. All of the Muggle testing procedures were followed before a single dose was sold to any Muggle."
"And you have records of this?"
"Yes, Granger. Look, go talk to Severus and Lyra. Ask all your annoying little questions and see if it holds up."
"Oh, I intend to, Draco," Hermione said, finishing writing her notes. She stopped and looked up at Draco and said, "You do realize that you could have petitioned for an exception to the International Statute of Secrecy?"
Draco's face fell. "I had no idea that was possible."
"It sounds like you need to hire a better attorney. It's very rare for an exception to be granted, but this might have qualified." Draco looked completely crestfallen.
She continued, "Obviously that would have been a better course of action, but I think we can argue that this was a procedural error. There might be a fine, probably an injunction against future production until you can present this to the international board for their approval. But if what you say is true, I can convince the Wizengamot that this was negligence at worst; and with no measurable harm done, I can hopefully get it reduced down to a slap on the wrist."
"Granger, we should not have to stop what we are doing here."
"No, Draco, and I hope you don't have to. But you need to show proper respect to the Wizengamot. You have to stop behaving like you think you are above the law. After we handle the criminal matter, we'll go after the exceptions that you need to continue production. Draco, think about what they could accomplish if they were able to employ a handful more potions experts or Squib researchers like Lyra. What you've done here is impressive, but the potential here is virtually limitless if done through the proper channels."
"Fine, what else do you need to know?" Draco said, looking tired but more hopeful.
"Oh, there is a great deal more information that I need. But first, I need to corroborate your story with the other two defendants. Assuming it all checks out, I will go talk to the Ministry prosecutor about getting the three of you released until a trial date can be set."
Draco nodded. "Thank you, Granger; I will help you in any way that I am able. Please speak with Astoria as soon as you can. Tell her what you can without putting her at risk."
Hermione shook his hand and knocked on the door. The guard escorted Draco back to his holding cell, leaving Hermione to her thoughts. She knew who was going to come through that door next, and she wasn't sure how she felt about it. Severus Snape had been the one person at Hogwarts whose approval she had desperately wanted, but she could never seem to impress him. She had been the one who had never believed he was as bad as everyone else thought he was. Even after Dumbledore's death, she had tried to rationalize what might have happened. After the battle, she had grieved his death, and she had lamented that she hadn't been able to figure it out. The fact that he had survived was beyond shocking to her, and it stirred up a multitude of questions and confusing feelings.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Security Breach
45 Reviews | 7.42/10 Average
I love a happily ever after!
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Well, glad that's all cleared up then. It's funny how quickly a misunderstanding can get out of control.
Poor Hermione. If she only knew which of her men they were talking about, she would be ecstatic rather than sad. Can't wait to see how all is revealed.
An interesting and absorbing story, the love story builds slowly, and lasts a lifetime. Thank you.
Untill tomorrow? I can't wait untill tomorrow, I must go to the next chapter, NOW!
Loved this story, Hope you will have something new soon.
I was sort of hoping that Lyra would just walk in and tell them to hook up already, lol. Except she doesn't seem entirely keen on the idea.
These two are being silly. I love how those around them notice the attraction, but the two involved have no clue.
I didn't expect to see Percy. What a nice surprise. Well, sort of. He didn't know what hit him after Hermione made her whirlwind tour through his office, lol.
Go get 'em Hermione!
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
No worries there.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
No worries there.
Well, that went better than expected. And is Severus' protective streak toward Miss Malfoy because she is a love interest, or more like a little sister? Off to find out ...
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Severus has had a long time to come to terms with the past. He's still Severus, but he's far more mellow than canon Severus.Lyra is dear to Severus, and he sympathizes with her struggles.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Severus has had a long time to come to terms with the past. He's still Severus, but he's far more mellow than canon Severus.Lyra is dear to Severus, and he sympathizes with her struggles.
You can understand why Hermione is annoyed with Draco's treatment of her, considering his squib sister. You can also see why Draco found Hermione's abilities to be unfair. The Malfoys aren't completely bad people, they just always put themselves first. Looking forward to the Snape meet up.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Yes, Lyra's existence is a bit of irony that Hermione couldn't possibly have anticipated or understood. Draco was a spoiled kid, but I've been kind to him and given a softer reason for some of their anger at Muggleborns.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Yes, Lyra's existence is a bit of irony that Hermione couldn't possibly have anticipated or understood. Draco was a spoiled kid, but I've been kind to him and given a softer reason for some of their anger at Muggleborns.
Miss Malfoy, huh? I'm more surprised by that than Snape (naturally). I look forward to wherever this is going.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Miss Malfoy is a great secret indeed, or at least she was until the fall of Voldemort. Since then, she still keeps a low profile, but she is no longer hidden.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Miss Malfoy is a great secret indeed, or at least she was until the fall of Voldemort. Since then, she still keeps a low profile, but she is no longer hidden.
Awwwww! And they all lived happily ever after. ^_^
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your lovely reviews throughout this story! They have been greatly appreciated.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your lovely reviews throughout this story! They have been greatly appreciated.
I just began this last night. What a clever, believable courtroom drama!! Advocate Granger is brilliant, Percy Weasley is almost smart, and Lyra Malfoy is a great addition. It's fascinating to read an intelligent discourse on one of the implications of the Statute of Secrecy. I can't wait to read the rest.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you!
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you!
This is a very well written entertaining story. I enjoyed it so much that I went searching for it elsewhere. Keep up the writing, it is great.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you so much. I've got another piece in motion, but I'm going to wait to start posting it until it is complete.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you so much. I've got another piece in motion, but I'm going to wait to start posting it until it is complete.
Great job with the court scenes. Loved how she put Percy and Marietta in their places. Seems there's a bit of a misunderstanding with Severus, Lyra and Hermione. I really think Lucius was speaking of Oliver, who perhaps had asked for permission to court Lyra that evening, yes? ^_^
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your reviews throughout this story. Yes, they still are having trouble understanding one another. It's going to take some meddling from someone else to resolve this, I think.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your reviews throughout this story. Yes, they still are having trouble understanding one another. It's going to take some meddling from someone else to resolve this, I think.
Hermione made Percey look like the twit he is. Hermione needs to ask more questions and get the correct answers not just assume who Draco was talking about. Great chapter
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your kind review. This dance they are doing is frustrating, isn't it?She really couldn't ask any questions in front of Lucius. And even though she and Draco have buried the hatchet, he still isn't a confidante, so she wouldn't seek him out to clarify things later.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your kind review. This dance they are doing is frustrating, isn't it?She really couldn't ask any questions in front of Lucius. And even though she and Draco have buried the hatchet, he still isn't a confidante, so she wouldn't seek him out to clarify things later.
There's still much unsettled here.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
The next chapter unwinds the misunderstandings.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
The next chapter unwinds the misunderstandings.
Percy didn't need any help from Hermione, to show everyone what a first class prat he really is. Poor Hermione, she has such a logical mind, but when is comes to love, I think the logic centers of the brain short circuit. I hope the misunderstanding doesn't take too long to resolve itself, for both of them.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
The story is complete in 10 chapters, and the final chapter really just ties up loose ends. I won't make them wait too much longer to sort things out.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
The story is complete in 10 chapters, and the final chapter really just ties up loose ends. I won't make them wait too much longer to sort things out.
It's no surprise, that they are dancing around eachother, given their backgrounds. Hopefully they will be able to overcome the past, and move into a better future.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
They'll get there eventually. Though they will probably step on their respective toes more than once.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
They'll get there eventually. Though they will probably step on their respective toes more than once.
Aha! The left hand (Hermione) doesn't know how the right hand (Severus) feels. And the center hand (Lyra) looks to be meddling. ^_^
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
They are both very cautious in this area. Lyra isn't meddling, but she has reason to be intrigued about Hermione.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
They are both very cautious in this area. Lyra isn't meddling, but she has reason to be intrigued about Hermione.
Hmmmm. I wonder who Lyra's love interest is; I don't THINK it's Severus...
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
I will say that Hermione and Lyra have similar taste in men.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
I will say that Hermione and Lyra have similar taste in men.
Excellent story! I read it all in one go, up to here. I don't know if Lyra really still has motives on Severus, though. I'm getting mixed feelings like old lovers do. It will be interesting to see the new relationship with Hermione unfold.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your kind review. The story is complete and working its way through the queue. The next chapter reveals more of the backstory. You'll learn more about what has happened since the war for Hermione.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Thank you for your kind review. The story is complete and working its way through the queue. The next chapter reveals more of the backstory. You'll learn more about what has happened since the war for Hermione.
Hmmm? Is this the beginning of a love triangle or is Lyra just afraid she's going to lose a friend? *grin* Love the irony of Lucius and Narcissa using a form of Muggle medicine to help them conceive Draco. ^_^
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Lyra's also just a diva. She's used to most people falling all over her, and she recognizes that Hermione could be a formidable opponent, if the two cross paths. She likes Hermione, but she sees her as a possible threat as well.
Response from reader76 (Author of Security Breach)
Lyra's also just a diva. She's used to most people falling all over her, and she recognizes that Hermione could be a formidable opponent, if the two cross paths. She likes Hermione, but she sees her as a possible threat as well.