Paradox | T. Riddle ✔

~•6.8•~

The end of the war brought many complications including the punishment of the Death Eaters. The Wizengamot and the Ministry held trials and all the people who had been part of either side of the war were questioned and inspected to prove their innocence or guilt.

Most of the Death Eaters were sentenced to Azkaban for their heinous crimes. The entire Lestrange family including Bellatrix, Lucius Malfoy, Antonin Dolohov, Yaxley, and the Averys were imprisoned for life, although Lucius had the connections that could eventually get him out.

As a former Death Eater and one of Voldemort's special knights before he betrayed him, Regulus was presented before the Wizengamot too. But his services in the Order to bring down Voldemort ensured that he wasn't sentenced to Azkaban.

The day their trial was arranged, the Malfoys were being trialed too. Eleanor caught sight of Narcissa Malfoy, holding young Draco in her arms. Her son was around the same age as Harry, both boys born to opposing households in the war, both facing the worst they could be dealt with.

Narcissa's features were even paler even though she had been pardoned. She never had the Dark Mark nor did she take part in any of the Death Eaters' killing sprees. She was forced to put up with it due to her husband's involvement and the threat to her life.

However, she couldn't plead for her husband's freedom and as a result, her boy would have to grow up labeled as a Death Eater's son. The Malfoys had truly been brought down from their high pedestal after that war ended in the Order's favor.

As the first series of hearings ended and people began to disperse, Eleanor couldn't help but follow Narcissa as she wanted to talk to her.

"Narcissa, wait!"

The woman paused, surprised that someone had called her. She turned to see Eleanor who had just caught up with her. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the young woman standing before her, the same woman she had helped escape from the Dark lord's clutches.

Her cousin Regulus was close behind her and seeing both of them safe and together left an inexplicable feeling in her heart. They were together but her husband was in chains, disgraced, and imprisoned in Azkaban for life most probably.

"Eleanor Troy," the name escaped her lips, and her eyes flickered to Regulus then looked back at her, "I hadn't expected to see you here."

"I'm sorry," Eleanor reached out and held her arms gently which surprised Narcissa further but she didn't pull apart. "I wanted to testify for your family but Professor Dumbledore refused. He said Mister Malfoy would have to face whatever the Wizengamot decided nevertheless."

"It's alright, dear, I know that," she kept her voice low as she didn't want their conversation to be overheard, "My husband chose his side and played his role. It would have been easier if he was let off but I won't stand in the way of justice. Neither should you."

Eleanor's gaze traveled to the one-year-old in Narcissa's arms, his platinum blonde hair and tight little frown making him look like a miniature version of Lucius Malfoy. However, his eyes were the same shade as Narcissa's; a light gentle grey that rendered an innocence to his features.

"His name is Draco," Narcissa remarked, and Eleanor looked up at her again.

"He's the same age as Harry," she pointed out and Narcissa nodded.

"Yes, he is," she replied, "I heard you and Regulus have adopted him."

"Yes. He is with Andromeda right now, her daughter adores him."

"Andy..." Narcissa closed her eyes briefly, reminded of her sister who had been disowned after she married a Muggleborn. She hadn't seen her since. "I hope she's doing well."