The Ministry of Magic had not been this full in years.
Golden benches of the Wizengamot curved like a dragon's spine around the central floor. Ancient runes glowed faintly beneath the polished marble, reacting to truth, lies, and intent.
And today—
Intent was sharp.
Arrival of the Players
Lucius Malfoy arrived first.
Cane tapping.
Chin lifted.
Mask of arrogance firmly in place.
But his eyes flicked—just once—toward the Peverell delegation.
Yasaka sat calmly, tails hidden, presence regal.
Nagini beside her, silent, unreadable.
And at the side—leaning against a pillar like she owned reality itself—
Bayonetta.
She smiled.
Lucius felt cold.
Very cold.
Narcissa Black entered next.
Elegant.
Controlled.
No fear in her steps.
Behind her—
Andromeda Tonks.
Head high. Spine straight.
Ted Tonks at her side, briefcase in hand, eyes sharp with legal hunger.
Some portraits whispered.
Others watched.
None dared interrupt.
⚖️ The Trial Begins
The Chief Warlock struck the staff.
"This court convenes to determine the legal custody and inheritance rights of Draco Malfoy."
Ted Tonks stepped forward.
"Or," he corrected calmly,
"Evelyne Malfoy, firstborn child of Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black."
A ripple ran through the chamber.
Lucius stiffened—but said nothing.
Ted opened the briefcase.
Scrolls floated up.
Birth certificates.
Medical records.
Timed documentation.
He spoke clearly.
"Evidence shows that during Lady Narcissa's marriage, Lucius Malfoy engaged in an affair with Lisana Selwyn."
Another scroll unfurled.
"And that Lisana Selwyn was pregnant with Cassian Malfoy while Lady Narcissa had already given birth to Evelyne."
A pause.
"Therefore, this is not a matter of succession confusion."
"It is a matter of infidelity and deception."
Murmurs exploded.
🐍 Lucius Pushes Back
Lucius finally spoke.
"I will not relinquish my heir."
Ted nodded pleasantly.
"Then we request full financial compensation, damages for abuse, and custody transferred to the Black family."
Lucius sneered.
"No."
Exactly as Lucien predicted.
Ted smiled again.
"Then we offer a second option."
Silence.
"Complete custody transferred to Narcissa Black alone."
Lucius hesitated.
Then—
"I agree."
Gasps.
"But," Lucius continued smoothly,
"Draco Malfoy must complete Hogwarts under the Malfoy name."
Narcissa, Andromeda, and Ted stiffened.
They understood the meaning.
Remain 'male' until seventeen.
Narcissa closed her eyes for a heartbeat.
Then nodded.
"So be it."
⚖️ Judgment
The Wizengamot voted.
Unanimous.
"Custody of Draco Malfoy is hereby transferred fully and irrevocably to Narcissa Black."
The gavel struck.
Lucius did not look back as he left.
Bayonetta waved sweetly.
🌙 Andromeda's Moment
As the chamber emptied, a Wizengamot elder asked softly:
"Lady Tonks… why defend the same family that cast you out?"
Andromeda turned.
Her voice was steady.
"Even if my family didn't need me," she said,
"I will protect my sister."
"And my niece."
The chamber fell silent.
Then—
Respect.
The next morning, wizarding newspapers exploded:
"TONKS FAMILY WINS MALFOY CUSTODY CASE" "ANDROMEDA BLACK: A WOMAN OF HONOR" "BLACK FAMILY RESTORES LOST DAUGHTER"
By unanimous Black family decree—
Andromeda Tonks was reinstated as Andromeda Black.
Public opinion shifted overnight.
No scandal.
No backlash.
Only admiration.
Elsewhere, in Hogwarts…
Lucien sat beneath a tree, eyes closed.
A breeze rustled crimson hair.
Bayonetta appeared beside him.
"Everything unfolded perfectly," she purred.
Lucien smiled.
"I know."
Far away—
Evelyne Malfoy slept peacefully.
For the first time—
Safe.