Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Trial	By : Dazzlious Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 4116 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from J K Rowling's fantastic books or films, I'm just borrowing and playing with them for a little while and get no monetary reward for doing so.

Chapter List
- 1-Accused
- 2-Decisions
- 1
- 2
There was more uproar in the court as Snape announced the name of his lover, and Hermione could feel herself suddenly blushing. Ron gripped her hand tightly on one side whilst Harry took the other. Not for the first time she was glad that she had her friends to support her, although of course, it had never before been in a situation quite like this.
Understandably, Ron had been less than pleased when he discovered his fiancée had been having a relationship with his least favourite teacher during the last year of school and for part of the following year, although more than anything he was amazed that he and Harry had never realised what Hermione had been up to.
Hermione had quickly explained the situation, making it clear that the relationship had finished well before she and Ron had finally become a couple, and that although she still cared deeply for Snape she had no intention of revisiting the relationship. Shortly afterwards Harry had been apprised of the situation too, and after hurried reminders by Hermione of key dates and times, she had managed to make them realise she was correct. Snape was innocent.
It was a mad dash to the Ministry of Magic to make it in time for the afternoon session of the court, the time when Snape would be giving his testimony. Hermione had apologised to Ron for what he was going to have to go through. She was adamant that she was going to give testimony, however much of her relationship she had to reveal to the court. But Ron, she was delighted to find, backed her solidly, saying he should never have doubted her conviction in the first place. After all, being such a know-it-all surely she would be right about something like that.
Hermione had punched his arm, but only gently. Really, she was touched that he was willing to stand by her, especially as it involved Snape, who he hated so much. Now, as she waited for the court to settle down from the uproar her name had caused, she could feel the hundreds of faces turned towards her. But she saw only one: the beautiful smiling face of Severus Snape.
Of course, he wasn’t really beautiful. Lank-haired and sallow-skinned, his face deeply lined from the years of spying, with yellow, crooked teeth, dark, dangerously glittering eyes, and a huge nose like a beak — he was cruel, snarky, and scowling. But when he smiled — oh, yes, when he smiled, such a rare and wondrous thing — his face lit up and the years melted away. Then he really did look almost beautiful. Hermione smiled back, not caring that everyone was looking, for now, there was no one in the room but her and Severus and her two anchors, Ron and Harry.
The moment was broken by a voice, cold and clear.
‘Miss Granger, are you willing to testify before the court in the matter of whether Severus Snape is a Death Eater?’
Hermione smiled more widely as Ron and Harry squeezed her hands, willing her on, giving her their strength.
‘Absolutely! Yes!’ Hermione said in a strong, warm voice.
There were murmurings around the court once more as she looked once again at Snape before making her way along the row to go down to the courtroom floor.
‘You are aware that you will be questioned under Veritaserum?’ the inquisitor asked once Hermione had sat down in the huge chair in the middle of the auditorium. She suddenly felt very small, but she could see Snape out of the corner of her eye. He was still smiling.
‘Yes, I am aware and am happy to do so.’
‘They won’t need it,’ Ron whispered to Harry, who laughed softly, ‘Hermione’s quite capable of talking up a storm without Veritaserum. Jeez, we’ll be here all week!’
The inquisitor nodded into the shadows and another man came forward carrying a glass of what looked like water. He passed it to Hermione, who swallowed it immediately and handed the empty glass back.
‘It will take a few minutes for the potion to take effect,’ the inquisitor said, ‘so we’ll start with the standard questions.’ Hermione nodded.
‘Can you tell the court your name, please?’
‘Hermione Jean Granger.’
Hermione was pleased to hear that her voice, magically amplified by the auditorium, sounded clear and calm, not almost hysterical as she had half expected.
‘And your age and place of birth, Miss Granger?’
‘I am twenty-one and was born in Lewes, West Sussex, England.’
‘Lewes? That’s a Muggle town, isn’t it?’
‘Yes. I’m Muggle-born . . . which ought to tell you something!’
The inquisitor ignored her pointed comment and asked, ‘And you attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?’
‘Yes, I received the letter when I was eleven. I joined the school the same year.’
‘And did you fit in at the school, Miss Granger?’
‘Yes . . . although . . . at first, I didn’t have too many friends. I was considered a bit of a know-it-all and no one wanted to talk to me.’ She blushed. ‘But after a stupid incident with a Troll, Harry, Ron, and I became friends . . . and they’re still my best friends.’
The man nodded. ‘That would be Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Miss Granger. Was Professor Snape your teacher at school?’
‘Yes. He taught me Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts.’
‘For how many years?’
‘Seven.’
‘And when did you first realise that Professor Snape was interested in you in a more than professional manner, Miss Granger?’
Hermione looked blank. She blinked a couple of times, then said, ‘When I finally managed to convince him to go to bed with me.’
There was a collective gasp of surprise from around the room. Hermione looked at Ron and Harry, who smiled encouragingly, then at Snape, who was still wearing that secret smile.
‘Are you quite sure Professor Snape didn’t attempt to seduce you, Miss Granger?’ The inquisitor’s voice was insistent.
‘I’m absolutely positive. After all, I had to ask him three times before I could even get a semi-coherent response out of him.’ A small ripple of laughter went around the room at this comment. The inquisitor glared around and the room fell silent.
‘So Professor Snape reacted favourably to your request and rushed you into a relationship—’
‘No, obviously you missed my last answer.’ Hermione’s voice had taken on her know-it-all lecturing tone and Ron and Harry smirked, knowing the inquisitor was in for an ear-bending. ‘I asked Severus to have sex with me and he turned me down flat. The second time I asked I hoped he was wavering, but he wasn’t really — he was just trying to be polite to a poor besotted schoolgirl. The third time he actually took the time to explain that I was still at school and it was against the rules, but I pointed out that we were at war and he or I could conceivably die at any time. After all, I had almost died at the hands of Lucius Malfoy at the Ministry of Magic back in my fifth year. I had no intention of dying a virgin, and I had chosen Severus to be the one I was going to lose it with — and I had no intention of changing my mind on that, either. I can be quite stubborn when I put my mind to it.’
‘You’re not kidding,’ Harry muttered. Ron chuckled.
‘Fortunately, the end of the holidays coincided with my eighteenth birthday and then I managed to convince him; because we were out of school.’
‘And where were you?’
‘At the Order of the Phoenix headquarters in Grimmauld Place. At least that’s where we were when I asked him the final time.’ Hermione smiled.
‘And did others see the two of you at the headquarters?’
‘Oh god, yes. There were loads of people there. We were celebrating my birthday and they threw me a party. All the Weasleys, of course. Fred and George gave me an exploding card that really did explode—’ She looked upset for a moment, thinking about the twins. ‘Harry, Remus, Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody—’ Once again she stopped for a moment. ‘Kingsley Shacklebolt, John Dawlish, and Professor McGonagall . . . .’
‘Do you think they would testify to seeing you there?’
‘Yes, definitely, because we were all in the kitchen when one of Kingsley’s Aurors Flooed to say that Emmeline had been killed. We were shocked . . . oh, god, I’d forgotten that.’ Hermione put a hand to her mouth and blushed.
‘Why are you shocked?’ the inquisitor asked, sensing there was something Hermione didn’t want to reveal.
‘I’d forgotten about us being told about Emmeline’s death,’ Hermione replied quietly. Uncharacteristically, she didn’t say any more.
‘And was Professor Snape with you at the time of the Auror’s report?’
‘Yes. He was in the kitchen with the rest of us.’
‘Had he just arrived?’
‘No. He was already there when I arrived. I’d been home for a few days to see my parents and got the train back to London. Kingsley met me at the station and brought me to headquarters. Obviously, I noticed Severus as soon as I walked through the door.’ She reddened again.
‘I still don’t understand your shock just now,’ the inquisitor mused. ‘It was obviously important, the message. Why does the memory of it shock you? What is the significance? Does it make you remember something?’
Hermione shook her head slowly. ‘It has no bearing on this case, at least not exactly.’
‘Explain, please, Miss Granger.’
Hermione was bright red now and looked uncomfortable. ‘I used Emmeline’s death to convince Severus to sleep with me,’ she admitted, looking embarrassed. ‘It was wrong of me, I know, but we were all so shocked by her death. I told Severus that next time it could be me . . . or him. And it could have been. Now I was eighteen, I knew what I wanted, and we weren’t at school, we were in a private house. Why wait? So actually, in one way it does affect the case. Because if Emmeline hadn’t died I probably never would have got Severus into bed that night, and I wouldn’t be sitting here now.’
‘Did you go anywhere else that evening?’
‘Yes, I went to Severus’ home.’
‘Why did you go there?’
Hermione laughed. ‘Why do you think? I’d just managed to get him to agree to fuck me. To be honest, there were rather too many people at the headquarters, a little too much chance of being disturbed. So we went to his home, where we could get it on in peace. We did go back to the party after we had finished.’
‘Did anyone notice you had gone?’
‘Yes. Harry and Ron asked where I’d been. I told them I’d been feeling unwell after the news about Emmeline and had gone for a lie-down. They would never have considered that I would have been with Severus.’
‘Are you saying you can provide an alibi for all the occasions Professor Snape has been accused of, Miss Granger?’
Hermione thought for a moment, ‘Possibly. To be sure, I would need to check the list against my diary for that year, but certainly, we spent a lot of time in bed and a lot of time together at headquarters, so I would say it’s fairly likely.’
‘Why did you spend so much time in bed?’
‘Is this relevant?’ Hermione asked, frowning. Then she shrugged. ‘Severus was spying for the Order, spending a lot of time with Voldemort.’ She noticed that the inquisitor and several of the Wizengamot within her line of sight winced at her use of the name. Even now it still caused people to react in fear. ‘To be honest, it was touch and go whether he would come back alive each time he went to see Voldemort, and when he did we celebrated in the best way we could think of.’ She turned to look at Snape and winked. ‘That was by having lots and lots of lovely sex, just in case you weren’t sure,’ she added mischievously.
The inquisitor frowned primly. ‘Are you proud of your actions, Miss Granger?’ he asked. ‘Seducing a teacher in blatant disregard of school rules.’
Hermione thought for a second. ‘Actually, yes, I am. I’m not usually one for breaking rules, but this one needed to be broken and I’m glad we did it. In fact, if I had to go through it again I’d do exactly the same, although I’d probably proposition him a damn sight earlier, knowing what I know now.’ She smiled wickedly.
‘And are you and Professor Snape still involved in a relationship?’
‘No. As I’m sure you’re aware, I am engaged to Ronald Weasley. I can’t believe you don’t know that as we always seem to be in the newspapers for one thing or another, being friends of Harry’s.’
‘So you’re saying you have no vested interest in vouching for Professor Snape?’ the inquisitor said in disbelief.
‘Only an interest in making sure an innocent man isn’t wrongly convicted,’ Hermione replied coldly.
‘However, we have only your and Professor Snape’s word that the two of you were involved in this relationship,’ the inquisitor said. ‘After all, you said yourself that you pretended to your friends that there was nothing going on between you. How can we be sure there really was a relationship?’
‘Is Veritaserum not enough?’ Hermione asked curiously.
The inquisitor didn’t respond immediately, just looked at her. Hermione turned to look at Snape for a moment, then turned back to the inquisitor.
‘I can provide proof if you really require it,’ she said slowly, ‘although in any normal and fair trial Veritaserum would be considered sufficient proof that I’m telling the truth. Of course, I’ll need some Muggle equipment.’
‘No, Hermione. Don’t!’ Snape called out from his box.
The inquisitor smiled, clearly thinking he had found something. He turned to Hermione. ‘State your requirements, Miss Granger.’
Hermione looked once again at Snape, who was shaking his head unhappily. She turned to look at Ron and Harry, worried now whether she had made a mistake, but Ron smiled encouragingly and nodded. Hermione relaxed. She turned once more to Snape and smiled.
‘It’s fine, Severus, really,’ she said. Then she turned to look at the inquisitor. ‘You’ll need a Muggle television set and a video recorder,’ she said with a small smirk on her face, ‘although whether you want to do this in open court is another matter.’
The inquisitor frowned and called to a clerk. After a few minutes of whispered discussion, he turned back to Hermione. ‘These items can be supplied.’
‘Can you get them to work?’ Hermione asked interestedly. ‘Without electricity?’
The inquisitor smiled coldly. ‘We have all manner of Muggle artefacts, Miss Granger, and plenty of ways to make them work.’
Hermione nodded, still smiling. ‘Good.’ She turned to Ron. ‘Ronald, can you give the gentleman the tape, please?’ Ron nodded gravely and pulled a video cassette from the pocket of his jacket, moving along the row to hand it to one of the court officials.
‘You don’t have to do this, Hermione,’ Snape said urgently. ‘You’ve given your testimony. You don’t have to justify yourself.’
Hermione looked at him, still smiling. ‘I don’t mind, though, Severus,’ she said, ‘Unless you really don’t want it shown. But that isn’t going to benefit you at this stage, is it? I actually think we don’t have any choice.’ Knowing that Hermione was right, Snape gave in, although his habitual scowl had returned to his face and he glowered as he looked around the court.
There was a flurry of movement as a large television set and a video recorder were wheeled into the courtroom. Hermione watched with interest as the equipment was set up, then glanced at Harry and Ron. She was glad she’d had time to tell Ron what was on the tape. At least it wouldn’t come as a complete shock to him, although she suspected it would still be hard for him to watch. She hadn’t really known why she had brought it along; after all, there shouldn’t have been a way to play it. But from everything she had seen of the court so far, they definitely weren’t playing fair in their trial of Severus and she was willing to do anything required to ensure his freedom. She just hoped that what she could do would be enough.
‘I love you, Ronald,’ she whispered under her breath as she looked proudly at her fiancé. He was bearing up well. Snape had been her first lover, but Ron was her soul mate.
She turned back to the television, which somehow had flickered into life. The court clerk was now holding the tape, trying to figure out what to do with it, she guessed. A few minutes later the tape had been inserted into the machine.
‘I should warn you, it’s quite graphic,’ she told the court as the tape began to play.
A few moments later, shaky camerawork revealed Snape sitting on a bed. He was naked and scowling, although it was clear the scowl was for show only. In the bottom right-hand corner of the shot was a date and time strip.
‘And you want to use this thing why?’ he asked warily.
‘So I can watch you when I’m at home.’ Hermione’s voice could be clearly heard. ‘When you’re away from me . . . and just in case I lose you, Severus.’
‘But I still don’t understand why you want to film us having sex,’ Snape said.
‘Don’t you?’ Hermione’s voice was flirty. ‘It’ll be fun. I promise. You wait till you see it afterwards.’
The camera went static as Hermione joined Snape on the bed. She, too, was naked. She ran her hand down his face gently before moving to kiss him, her desire for him evident.
Snape’s hand moved to caress her breast as they kissed, then he pushed her back onto the bed, his mouth trailing kisses from her face down to her breasts, then following his moving hand down over her stomach and between her open legs. Hermione cried out as his hand brushed her pussy, followed shortly by his mouth as he slid between her thighs. For the next few minutes the sound of her whimpers of pleasure and Snape’s moans of desire filled the courtroom.
Once again Hermione looked over at Snape. He was focussed intently on the television, a small smile playing once more on his lips as the film showed him bringing Hermione to climax. Just before she turned back to the court he looked round and his eyes caught hers for a second. She smiled at him, then looked at Ron.
Ron looked pale and his eyes, too, were completely focussed on the television. The court was silent as Hermione’s cries of ecstasy rang out around the room, turning to cries of desire as Snape entered her. His own moans joined hers as they moved together, their bodies matched in perfect rhythm.
‘I think we’ve seen enough,’ a voice rang out throughout the courtroom.
Hermione looked away from the television towards the sound of the voice to see that an old wizard dressed in black robes and wearing a strange-looking hat had spoken. She wondered who he was. The tape was stopped and the equipment quickly removed.
‘I think we have established that Miss Granger and Professor Snape were indeed in a relationship,’ the man continued. ‘Do you have any further questions for the witness?’
The inquisitor shook his head. ‘No further questions,’ he replied curtly. ‘Miss Granger may go.’
‘I’d like my tape back, please,’ Hermione said loudly as she stood to leave. ‘Oh, and if you noticed the date on the film, it coincides with one of the dates you’ve accused Severus of Death Eater activity. I think that should be the positive proof you need that he wasn’t involved.’
She walked shakily back to Ron and Harry, kissing her fiancé on the cheek as he pulled her to him in a tight hug. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered gratefully. Ron squeezed her hand.
‘Do you think it will be enough?’ she whispered to Harry.
He shrugged. ‘Surely it must be. I mean, they know you’re telling the truth because of the Veritaserum, and he clearly wasn’t available for several of the crimes. That must put his participation in the others in doubt, and they can’t convict him if there are doubts.’
But Hermione wasn’t so sure. She had a horrible feeling that someone in the court didn’t like Severus and was working hard with the inquisitor to get him convicted.
‘Harry, I think you might need to say something,’ she said worriedly. ‘If you testify they won’t have any choice but to acquit him.’
Harry looked unhappy at the prospect. ‘To be honest, Hermione, I know you’re right and he isn’t guilty, but I can’t really remember any of the times except the ones you told us about. It would be a bit hard for me to get up there and say I remember when I don’t, especially if they want me to use Veritaserum. Anyway, I really don’t think he’ll need it. That tape categorically put him elsewhere, and you’ve defended him against several of the bigger incidents without even looking at your diary. I’m sure he’ll be acquitted. There’s nothing to worry about.’
Hermione was about to argue further when silence fell once more in the courtroom and the inquisitor stepped forward once again.
‘Do we have any more witnesses for the defence?’ the inquisitor asked, looking a little smug, as he was obviously aware that there were no further witnesses. He waited for a minute, then said, ‘No? Then the case for the defence obviously rests.’
Rising up to his full height, he puffed out his chest to make himself look impressive, then turned in a full circle so the entire Wizengamot could see him.
‘You have heard the testimony of Professor Severus Snape and his witness, Miss Hermione Granger, who have both asserted that he was unable to have committed the crimes that were rigorously detailed in this morning’s session of the court. You may well believe Miss Granger’s testimony that the date on the tape coincided with one of those crimes and that others, including the death of Emmeline Vance, were also covered by the illicit affair the professor was having with his student. However, it should be remembered that testimony was received from no less than nine Death Eaters, all of whom were eager to help the Ministry with their round-up of the Dark Lord’s followers, each stating that Severus Snape was definitely amongst their number during these crimes. Whilst I have no doubt that Miss Granger believes what she has told us to be true, and indeed the Veritaserum proves that to be the case, I put it to you that this is a very clever case of deception by a highly skilled Dark wizard.
‘Memories can be tampered with, ladies and gentlemen, as can Muggle technology such as a video tape. It should be remembered that whilst to most of us these Muggle items are a complete mystery, Professor Snape is a Half-blood and would therefore likely be well aware of such technology. He could probably learn relatively easily how to doctor a tape to show the date and time he wanted it to show. There would be no reason for Miss Granger to be any the wiser as to Professor Snape’s manipulation of her and her memories, thus she would appear to be a credible witness, were it not for the fact that we know better from significantly more reliable witnesses who were with him at the time of the crimes.
‘I, therefore, commend to the Wizengamot that you find Severus Snape guilty of all the charges brought against him and impose the sentence that he managed to evade during his last appearance before this court, for the murder of Albus Dumbledore.’
The inquisitor looked around the room with a smug grin, aware of the angry whispering that had broken out once more at the mention of Dumbledore’s death. Hermione looked at Snape who sat, still as ever, watching the court as they debated. His face was completely expressionless now and she had no idea what he was thinking. But the loud muttering running around the room didn’t sound very hopeful to her. She felt Ron squeeze her hand again and she glanced at him, giving him a small, tense smile.
The old wizard who had spoken before rapped on the podium with his wand and the room fell silent instantly. Hermione realised that he had to be the Chief Warlock. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest as she waited for him to speak.
‘Thank you, Mr Ogden, for your insightful questioning and interesting summation,’ the old wizard said, acknowledging the inquisitor. ‘I think the time has come to make a decision. So, ladies and gentlemen, would all those who believe that Severus Snape is, as has been alleged, a Death Eater and are in favour of conviction, please raise your hands.’
Hermione watched as a large number of hands were raised. She wasn’t sure, but she thought that there were more than enough to convict. The hammering of her heart was so loud and fast now she was surprised everyone in the room couldn’t hear it.
‘And those who believe that Severus Snape isn’t a Death Eater and are in favour of clearing the defendant of all charges, please raise your hands,’ the wizard said. The remaining members of the Wizengamot raised their hands. Hermione held her breath. It was too close to call, but there were a lot. Maybe, just maybe they had done it.
The Chief Warlock stood silent for a moment, surveying the court, and then he turned to look gravely at Snape.
‘Severus Snape, you have been found guilty of being a Death Eater. You will be taken immediately to Azkaban prison, where—’
‘No! Stop!’ Harry’s voice rang out around the courtroom and he stood up. He looked just as shocked at the conviction as Hermione felt.
The Chief Warlock peered at Harry in surprise. ‘You have something to say, young man?’
Harry nodded and brushing past Hermione and Ron he made his way down onto the floor of the courtroom. He looked around at the Wizengamot and then back at the Chief Warlock.
‘My name is Harry Potter. I think most of you here will know me, or at least have heard of my name.’ He waited for a moment as around the room the heads nodded in acknowledgement.
The Chief Warlock smiled at Harry. ‘Of course we know you, Mr Potter. I think I can safely say on behalf of the entire Wizengamot that we owe you a great debt for what you did to save our world from the tyranny of Voldemort.’
Harry gave a curt nod. ‘You are correct. I did rid the world of Voldemort,’ he said matter-of-factly. ‘I also testified on Professor Snape’s behalf at the inquiry into the death of Professor Dumbledore. On that occasion, I told the Wizengamot that Snape is not, and was not during the second wizarding war, a Death Eater. He was a valued member of the Order of the Phoenix and acted as a spy for us in very difficult and dangerous circumstances. He was fairly acquitted at that trial and I do not understand why the issue should have risen again, especially on the testimony of convicted Death Eaters whose only interest is in punishing Snape for his betrayal of them, and reducing their own sentences in return for giving up the names of their fellows.’
The Chief Warlock gazed at Harry for a few seconds then said mildly, ‘Whilst I agree that the matter was comprehensively dealt with at the earlier hearing, Mr Potter, the fact that accusations were once again raised against Professor Snape, regardless of their origin, meant that the Wizengamot had no choice but to bring him to trial. For us not to have done so would have been remiss and would not inspire the public’s faith in our ability to uphold the law fairly.’
‘But your decision is incorrect,’ Harry retorted heatedly. ‘Hermione gave you plenty of proof that Snape couldn’t have done the things he was accused of. That should be more than sufficient to acquit him. The inquisitor’s suggestion of a link to Dumbledore’s death was a low blow introduced at the last moment purely to put doubt of Snape’s innocence back into the minds of those who loved the Headmaster, and it shouldn’t have been allowed to have been included.’
The inquisitor, Mr Ogden, who until now had been watching from the back of the courtroom, stepped forward. He was wearing the same smug grin.
‘I think the Wizengamot would like to know why you didn’t testify on Professor Snape’s behalf on this occasion, Mr Potter. Especially if, as you claim, he is innocent and you are firmly convinced of that.’
The Chief Warlock nodded his head. ‘That is a good question, Mr Potter,’ he said. ‘Why didn’t you testify for Professor Snape? You were given the opportunity to say something, yet you didn’t speak up.’
Harry glared around the room. ‘I hadn’t intended to become involved, because unlike Hermione, I was convinced that the Wizengamot, for all its faults, would eventually see sense and realise that Snape couldn’t possibly have taken part in the crimes he’s been accused of. Any cursory look at the dates involved, with questions to the surviving members of the Order of the Phoenix, one of whom is the current Minister for Magic, would have shown up the accusations for the sham they are. However, Hermione was not so trusting and decided she would put herself forward as a witness, knowing without a doubt that her testimony would secure Snape’s release.
‘Unfortunately, Hermione’s fears have proved to be justified. The Wizengamot has shown itself to be petty and craven in its dealings with someone who should be lauded as a hero for his actions during Voldemort’s second rise to power, not treated as a criminal. Worse still, you haven’t accepted the truth as it was shown to you, even though Hermione took Veritaserum and risked her relationship with her fiancé by allowing a part of her life that should have stayed resolutely private between her and Snape to be seen by you all in glorious detail in order to seal the result. For you to then still find him guilty makes me wonder whether there is some other agenda being followed here today.
‘I tell you now that I am happy to stand up and vouch for Severus Snape. I will state quite categorically once more that he is not now, nor was he during Voldemort’s rise to power or during the second war, a Death Eater and the charges of which he is accused are nothing but a fabrication brought against him by vengeful people whose bile shouldn’t be regarded.’
Mr Ogden smiled more widely. ‘Those are fine words, Mr Potter, but you have nothing to back up your claims except your opinion. Whilst we are all grateful for what you did, it would be very wrong of the Wizengamot to take your word for something just because of who you are.’
Harry stared angrily at the inquisitor. ‘I’m not asking you to accept my word because of who I am. I expect you to do it because of the facts you’ve been shown. As I said, if you check the dates properly you’ll have all the proof you need that Snape is innocent. What is it exactly that the Wizengamot requires to make you see reason about this? Do you want me to get every living member of the Order of the Phoenix here to testify on Snape’s behalf? Because I can guarantee you they will if they’re asked to.’
‘I certainly will,’ Ron said, standing up. His face was red and looked a little strained, but determined.
Hermione looked at him, beaming, her heart swelling with love for her fiancé. Even after seeing the video of her and Snape together, even with his dislike of the snarky teacher, Ron was still willing to stand up and be counted when it mattered.
Before Mr Ogden could respond to Harry’s comment, and suddenly aware that he was on the verge of losing control, the Chief Warlock rapped his wand on the podium once more.
‘Mr Potter, you are quite correct that Professor Snape’s previous conduct should not have been mentioned by Mr Ogden in his summarisation as it has no bearing on this case and he was acquitted fairly. I am equally certain that none of us wishes to prolong this hearing any longer than necessary, and hearing the testimony of every member of the Order of the Phoenix, as you suggest, would take some considerable time to organise. I think we can safely assume that you and your colleague Mr Ronald Weasley provide a more than satisfactory defence on behalf of the Order. I would also agree that the validity of the accusations has been shown by Miss Granger’s testimony to be suspect, at the very least.’
He looked around the room, then continued, ‘I believe that in light of Mr Potter’s testimony and Mr Weasley’s offer to testify, the Wizengamot should consider whether or not the ruling against Professor Snape should be overturned. In deciding this I would suggest to my esteemed colleagues that the Wizengamot would do well to consider the character of both the accusers and the people willing to put themselves forward to defend Professor Snape.’
Mr Ogden looked as if he was about to complain, but the Chief Warlock gave a brief shake of his head to silence him. ‘So once again, ladies and gentlemen, would all those who believe that Severus Snape is, as has been alleged, a Death Eater and are in favour of conviction, please raise your hands.’
Hermione watched, her heart once again hammering. Surely they couldn’t convict him now, could they? She was gratified to see that whilst there were still a number of hands raised, the number was considerably smaller than in the previous vote.
‘And those in favour of clearing the defendant of all charges, please raise your hands now.’
Ron grabbed Hermione and gave her a big hug as the hands that had risen this time clearly showed that Snape would be acquitted.
‘You did it,’ he whispered into her hair. ‘Well done!’
‘You helped,’ Hermione replied happily, blinking back the tears that had sprung into her eyes at the announcement. ‘I think you standing up was what tipped the balance.’
The room was already emptying as the Chief Warlock looked over to where Snape sat. ‘Severus Snape, you have been found innocent of all charges and are free to leave.’ He turned to one of the guards. ‘Please ensure that Professor Snape gets his wand back as soon as possible.’ The guard nodded and hurriedly left the room to do as he was bidden.
Snape, who was smiling again, had stood up and now made his way across the floor to where Harry still stood, ignoring the look of hatred that Mr Ogden shot him since the man was now unable to do anything to him.
‘Thank you, Mr Potter,’ Severus said sincerely as he held out his hand to Harry. He took it and they shook.
Harry looked rueful. ‘You should thank Hermione, really. She was the one who did all this. To be honest, Ron and I were rather easily swayed by popular opinion, I’m afraid, and forgot about the actual facts. But she was determined and reminded us that you couldn’t possibly have been guilty.’
Severus smiled and glanced fondly at Hermione, who was still embracing Ron. ‘Oh, I am sure Hermione is already well aware of the huge debt I owe her, Mr Potter. As you said, none of this would have been possible without her fortitude and determination. I honestly believe she is capable of anything if she sets her mind to it. It wouldn’t surprise me if she were to become a future Minister for Magic.’
Harry grinned. ‘I could see Hermione doing that,’ he agreed, ‘although gods help anyone who tried to disagree with her.’
Snape followed Harry back to where Ron and Hermione stood waiting for them. He shook Ron’s hand, thanking him for his support, then turned to Hermione.
‘Thank you, Hermione,’ he said sincerely, grasping her hands tightly in his, the secret smile back on his face. ‘I really couldn’t have done it without you,’ he admitted. He looked at Ron, who was now chatting to Harry. ‘I assume everything is okay between the two of you? I saw you hugging a few minutes ago.’
Hermione smiled back. ‘Everything’s going to be just fine. Ron is far more understanding than you’ve ever given him credit for and he knows there’s nothing between you and me still. I’ve made it clear to him that it was all in the past.’
‘Perhaps I made a mistake in letting you go,’ Snape said quietly. His hand stroked hers.
Hermione shook her head. ‘I was always meant to be with Ron. If I’m honest, I think I’ve been in love with him almost from the first moment I met him, however much time I may have spent trying to pretend otherwise over the years.’ She reached out to stroke Snape’s face. ‘I really did love what we had between us, Severus, but it was never going to last, you know that. It was a fiery ball of passion that burnt itself out almost as quickly as it started. Maybe if what was going on around us had been different we might have had a chance, but I suspect that without the war we would never have got together at all. I prefer the fact that we did have some time together, however brief.’
She leant forward and planted a soft kiss on Snape’s lips. Then she dropped his hand and turned and walked off to join Ron and Harry. Snape watched silently as Hermione took Ron’s hand and they walked towards the door of the courtroom. He smiled. He was free, and the process hadn’t ruined Hermione’s life as he had been worried it would.
His attention was drawn away from the departing trio by the guard who had returned bearing Snape’s wand. He took it from the man, enjoying the tingling feeling in his hand as he gripped it. He looked back towards the door, but Hermione was gone. Only Snape and the departing guard were left in the now silent courtroom.
‘Thank you so much, Hermione,’ he whispered once again.
Heading for the door himself now, he grinned as he left the courtroom, wondering how many of his students had been hoping he would be found guilty and be incarcerated in Azkaban. Most of them, probably. But at least Minerva would be pleased to see him back. As he walked out of the Ministry into the warm summer sun he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed at his freedom. He was a little ashamed to think that after everything he had been through over the last twenty-odd years, he had finally given in and stopped fighting, convinced that he couldn’t beat the charges that were unfairly stacked against him.
It had taken Hermione, feisty and beautiful as ever, to make him see that his life was still worth fighting for. For a moment his mind turned to the videotape that he had seen for the first time just that day. He now understood exactly why Hermione had wanted to video the two of them making love. It was a beautiful although somewhat bittersweet reminder of the passion they had shared. He wished he could see the whole thing, to enjoy once more the pleasure that he and Hermione had given each other, but like their relationship, that too was in the past now and could never be revisited.
‘Be happy, my love,’ he whispered. Then, turning his mind away from the second love of his life, he began the walk towards the Leaky Cauldron and his journey back home to Hogwarts.
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The Trial