A Farce

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything to do with it.

Harry,

And another thing, how dare you slander Minerva’s name in all of this? Think, Harry! Can you honestly believe she would be bought? She was the strictest teacher, beside Severus, that we had at Hogwarts. I simply cannot believe your audacity.

Hermione Snape

She knew it was vindictive to sign her full name, but Harry had to understand that she was, and would always be, standing by Severus.

“Morpheus,” Hermione called a little louder than she had intended. Her movements were jerky as she folded and sealed the parchment.

A moment later, she watched as Morpheus took off to deliver her letter. She wondered when she would hear from Ernie again. After the meeting with the Epps, they had Apparated to Hogsmeade. Ernie had escorted her back to her rooms and told her to get some rest. He said he needed to go over the information that George Epps had given them. At the memory of his tale, Hermione shuddered. George completely believed that it was Severus that he saw in the dungeons, though part of his story didn’t add up.

Hermione sat for a moment and went over the end of George’s statement. He had said he saw a figure in the dungeons that looked like Severus. Before that, he had mentioned that Severus was patrolling a different section of the castle. Fine, a while had passed so maybe Severus had made his way back to the dungeons. What about George’s change of story? At first he found it odd that Severus was in the dungeons and kneeling on the floor, and he had planned to relay that information to Anna the next day. Abruptly after that, he had said it had been, without a doubt, Severus with blood on his hands. This was a rather large change in account.

Hermione quickly got up and went over to the fireplace. She tossed Floo powder into the flames and called for Ernie.

Ernie emerged from the flames a moment later. Dusting himself off, he said, “Hermione, good morning. You needed me for something?”

“Yes, did you happen to notice how George changed his story while he was talking to us?” Hermione asked in a rush.

“I noticed his abrupt change in demeanor, but I hadn’t got as far as reviewing the memory for changes in his story. Rest assured that anything I can find that doesn’t ring true will be looked into. Unfortunately, I have to get back to the house; Hannah needs to run errands, so I am Mister Mom.” Ernie flashed Hermione a smile and made his way back to the fire. “I suggest that if you remember anything else you write it down, and I’ll be by later to discuss it with you.”

Hermione nodded and smiled wearily as he threw a pinch of Floo powder and stepped through the flames. She really hadn’t slept much the last few days and it was catching up with her. Hermione decided to make herself comfortable on the couch and sleep if she was able.

Hermione woke up to an incessant tapping sound. Dragging herself out of bed, she made her way from the sofa to the door to the hall. A house-elf stood in front of the door repeatedly tapping his knuckles to the wood.

“Yes? Why didn’t you simply come inside?” Hermione said, clearly puzzled.

“Madam Snape, I is giving you a letter. I is not entering because you is sleeping. House-elves can’t enter sleeping chambers of Madam.” The elf stood, shifting from foot to foot.

“Thank you. What letter are you supposed to be delivering?”

An official looking envelope popped into existence and hovered in front of Hermione.

“Who is this from?”

“The official. I is being given the letter to hand directly to Madam Snape.”

“Okay, thank you.”

The elf bowed and vanished.

Hermione took the letter and examined the seal, her forehead creasing in confusion. The Ministry symbol had been embossed into the wax. Opening the letter, Hermione quickly scanned the missive.

A trial date. They had finally set a date for Severus’s trial. A week from today. Fear and unease gripped her heart. All of a sudden, she did not feel able to help her husband; images flashed through her mind faster than she could comprehend. The feeling of losing control was almost overwhelming. Hermione desperately wanted to discuss this with someone. Ernie was out of the question, Harry wouldn’t be much help, and she doubted she would be able to put up with him anyway. Thinking through the turmoil in her mind, she tried to come up with people she trusted. Her mind was moving in circles, continually coming up blank. 'Calm down!' she thought. She was annoyed with herself for losing it like this. She started thinking of the people at Hogwarts that she trusted... Minerva! Minerva would listen and probably understand.

With that, Hermione made her way to the Headmistress’s office. The stone gargoyle moved out of the way as she approached.

After riding the moving staircase, Hermione tentatively knocked on the large wooden doors.

“Enter,” came Minerva’s muffled reply.

Hermione opened the door and moved to stand before the large desk in the center of the room.

“Hermione, to what do I owe this visit? Please, have a seat.” Minerva gestured to a chair across from her.

“They have set a date for Severus’s trial. It is a week from today. I–” Hermione swallowed loudly. “I don’t feel adequately prepared. A week? We just talked to George Epps yesterday. How are we going to make a good case with such short notice? Minerva, I fear the outcome of this trial more than I ever feared Voldemort. I feel so lost.”

She leaned down, covering her face with her hands.

“Oh, my dear. I’m sure you and Ernie will come up with the perfect defense for Severus. Granted, he is innocent, which makes your lives that much easier. The Ministry will have a hard time making their evidence stick, especially since the evidence could point to anyone really. Hermione, don’t worry. You’ll have Severus back in no time. Think of that! Just a few more weeks and you can put this whole mess behind you.”

"But who, Minerva? How can I prove that Lucius Malfoy is responsible for this? All I have to go on is my intuition."

"That's not your job, Hermione. Your job is to free Severus. The Ministry is in charge of finding the actual guilty party."

Minerva had said all of this with such confidence and conviction that there was nothing Hermione could do but believe the Headmistress’s words.

“Minerva, you have always had such faith in my abilities. I thank you for that. I guess it’s just hard for me to not feel capable. I’m glad to have your support.”

Without thinking, Hermione stood up and hugged Minerva, thankful for the older witch’s confidence.

“I have faith in you because you have always proven yourself worthy. Do not despair; all will work out in the end. The right man will be brought to justice.”

Hermione smiled. “Thank you, Minerva. You always know how to make me feel better.”

Author's Notes: A huge round of applause to my wonderful betas, Sophi and Zen Lady!

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