A/N: Welcome readers, new and old. The prompt for this story was from the ever wonderful xxDustNight88 who creates the most brilliant prompts for our group, Dramione FanFiction Forum and it's sister group, Hermione's Haven (both on FB) and has been a fantastic help with this. When I saw the prompt, a little bubble of an idea popped into my head and as I explained it to her, I thought hey, wouldn't it be fun to write this story backwards and she was as excited by the challenge as I was. The prompt words were: Devil's Advocate, Splinter, Antidote and "He told me I should wait for you here."

I plan on posting chapters each Wednesday. Enjoy x

P.S Insert disclaimer here. You know what belongs to JKR ;)

Office of the Minister of Magic

Ministry of Magic

Monday 10th April 2000

9:26am

"He told me I should wait for you here," she murmured, rising from the sofa in the ante office of the Minister of Magic.

Theo rolled his eyes, glancing at Anthony Goldstein, undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who simply shrugged before returning to his paperwork.

"Fine, but you would have been better off waiting for me at home, after all there is a reason why I am the one petitioning him, and not you," he sighed.

"I'll be fine so long as I don't have to talk to him, or look at him," she murmured, returning to the sofa, her gaze flickering everywhere except Theo.

"Granger, look at me," he instructed softly, waiting as her eyes found his. "Stay if you must, but really you should wait at home. We have a strong case...you know we do; we have been working on this for a long time. All we need now is the okay from the Minister, and then we can petition the courts. Then we can bring him home."

Hermione nodded, taking in a steadying breath as she willed the tears that pricked the corners of her eyes not to fall.

Theo took her petite hand and clasped it in his much larger one, giving it a gentle squeeze, his face stoic to anyone who glanced over at the pair, but his eyes conveying the deep concern he had for her. The gesture was small and short-lived before he stepped away from her, three quick strides taking him to the door of the office of the Minister of Magic.

Lifting his hand, Theo knocked firmly twice, before the door swung open and the Minister flashed him his most charming smile. "Hello, Nott. I must say I am looking forward to hearing this petition this morning." He took the paperwork from Theo, returning to his desk.

"Stella, bring Mr. Nott here a drink," he called to the young witch who sat at the small desk next to Anthony's, in the ante office. Her job title was 'Personal Assistant'; however, she was a pretty witch with a simple mind who was called upon for nothing more taxing than fetching and carrying, and making the Minister look good. Theo grimaced at the faux charm as he took the seat that the Minister was gesturing to.

"I was rather hoping Granger would be coming in to discuss the predicament of her boyfriend," he smirked, taking his own seat behind the oversized desk. Theo hid his discomfort behind his mask of stoicism.

"Despite what The Prophet might write, you know there is nothing going on between my client and my colleague," he stated, watching as the corners of the Minister's mouth tightened. "And you well know he is my client, not Miss Granger's," he finished, careful not to inflame the Minister's temper.

Turning his attention to the paperwork before him, he listened as Theo began his speech, explaining the research that he and Hermione had been working tirelessly on for the last 18 months. The Minister nodded occasionally, his smirk slowly fading as he realised their case was solid. Finally, he shut the file before looking resolutely at Theo.

"Well, Mr Nott, you make a compelling case," he stated slowly before fixing his eyes on the lawyer. "You certainly do make a very good 'Devil's advocate'."

Theo fought hard to suppress the glare that threatened to form on his brow at the words.

He tapped his fingers against his chin thoughtfully, calculating his options. He wasn't a stupid man, despite outward appearances; however, he knew his rise to the highest office in the Wizarding world had been less about his mental acuity and more about his political prowess and charm.

Finally, he spoke. "Theo, I will be frank with you. I am not the youngest Minister of Magic for nought. I am aware that my rise to this office was more about the community wanting a pretty face as the post-war figurehead who will keep the Ministry coffers full, all while throwing excellent Gala's that stop people thinking about the bigger issues. So while I commend your efforts, I am not sure how well the community at large would feel about the Ministry releasing one of the most high profile former Death Eaters."

He paused, watching the frown that was slowly developing on Theo's forehead. "That said, I would be foolish not to admit that you are on your way to becoming a formidable lawyer, and Miss Granger a formidable woman, and it is clear to me that neither of you would let this matter rest. I, therefore, accept your proposal to petition the Wizengamot, not for his immediate release, but for the retrial of Draco Malfoy."

Stunned despite his earlier assurances to Hermione, he rose from his chair, buttoning his jacket before extending his hand to the Minister.

"Thank you, Minister McLaggen."

"Please, call me Cormac."

.