Visits

Disclaimer: Oh, how I wish I owned Harry Potter.

Throughout the next week, Hermione and Ernie met daily to put together a good defense. They found that there were numerous holes in many of the statements given to the Magical Law Enforcement. George's change in story was just one of many similar cases. Hermione actually started to suspect that someone had been tampering with the "witness's" memories. Knowing what she did of Lucius Malfoy, she was not surprised.

Hermione woke the day before the trial feeling much more confident than she had the week before. Ernie was a great lawyer, and he was putting all of his efforts into making sure everyone knew of Severus Snape's innocence.

She hadn't been to the Great Hall for breakfast in a while. As a show of good faith, she decided to breakfast there that morning. Hermione found herself under much scrutiny upon entering the hall. Making her way to the Head Table, she tried to ignore the whispers and stares. The trial date had been made public knowledge at some point during the week. She attributed all the attention to people trying to figure out her role in all of this mess.

Loading her plate with toast and fruit, she immersed herself in conversation with Professor Vector.

"I do wish you the best of luck at the trial tomorrow. I'm sure you and Ernie are well prepared. Tell Severus we're all thinking about him."

"Thank you so much. If I get to see him, I will definitely relay the message."

The morning post was arriving as Hermione finished her conversation. The Daily Prophet arrived along with two letters. She examined the letters first. One was from Lucius Malfoy and the other from Harry Potter. Hermione wondered about both of these correspondents. She hadn't spoken with Harry since his last dreadful letter. 'Maybe he's going to apologize,' she thought. She ran her hand absently over the letter from Lucius. Any correspondence from him was not normally a good sign. After a moment, Hermione decided to forego the letters and read the Daily Prophet. This turned out to be a mistake.

Death Eater, Murderer, Scheming Husband?

By Rita Skeeter

With the trial of former Hogwarts Professor Severus Snape fast approaching, the public should know exactly what kind of man they are putting behind bars.

Since I have already covered Severus Snape's past and present misdeeds, let us focus on his relationship with former Hogwarts student, Hermione Snape nee Granger.

As a close friend of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger was under much scrutiny in the past. Her relationship with Hogwarts's most hated professor has not gone unnoticed.

An anonymous, helpful citizen had this to say of Miss Granger's relationship: "I know from personal experience that Hermione has to be under some spell or potion. Severus Snape is Slytherin enough to slip her a love potion, and no one would be the wiser. I, as a close and caring friend, have tried repeatedly to help her get out from under his controlling ways."

Severus Snape's powers of manipulation have not lessened since his imprisonment. His devoted wife has been doing everything within her power to help this murderer escape justice.

Hermione read the article through twice more before folding the paper and setting it aside, her movements calculated to look calm. She swore to herself that she would make that woman eat her words. Hermione noticed the staff was throwing her concerned glances. With as much poise as she could muster, Hermione stood, gathered her letters, and marched out of the Great Hall.

Upon reaching her chambers, she threw herself into a chair by the fire and cried out all of her frustrations. The fire roared to life and Ernie stepped through. Hermione only noticed him when he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Oh, Ernie, I miss Severus so much. What if things don't go as planned tomorrow? They'll throw Severus straight back into Azkaban."

"We have made stunning progress on our defense. The witnesses have been telling lies or their minds have been addled. There is no way they could possibly find Severus guilty."

"Is there any way we could see him? I've been meaning to ask you all week. I've been sending letters, but I doubt he's received them. I don't want him to feel alone before his trial."

"Actually, that's partially why I'm here. I have already gotten permission for us to see Severus. We should leave now to give you more time with him."

"I have to read these letters before we go. Lucius Malfoy and Harry Potter don't normally write without reason."

She pulled the letters out of her robes, and opened the one from Harry.

Hermione,

Harry

Hermione folded Harry's letter and sighed. She wished that he were on her side for this. Well, on Severus's side; Harry had said he was on hers. Shaking her head, she opened the missive from Lucius Malfoy.

Mrs. Snape,

Lucius Malfoy

Hermione crumpled the letter from Malfoy and threw it across the room. Malfoy was so vile. She had a feeling that his "help" would actually harm Severus in some way. Looking up, she saw Ernie watching her.

"Let's go see Severus. I need to inform him of the letter from Lucius."

Nodding, Ernie held out his arm. Hermione took it and they walked out of her chambers.

The guard had just left to verify Ernie and Hermione's visit. Looking around, she wondered what state her husband would be in when she saw him. Last visit, she had been absolutely appalled at the treatment he had received.

Finally, the guard returned to lead them to Severus's cell. They headed down an innumerable number of corridors before reaching their destination. It was the same cell that Severus had been in on their last visit.

If possible, he looked worse now than he had the last time Hermione had seen him. Ernie was talking the guard into waiting outside while Hermione rushed to the bars of her husband's cell.

"Severus..."

Severus looked up at the sound of his name. Hermione noticed that he had huge dark circles under his eyes and his face had an overall look of despair.

"Hermione," he barely managed to whisper.

Tears welled in her eyes before she spoke, "I am sorry I haven't been by to see you. You haven't been out of my thoughts for a moment."

"You're here. I wondered if you had left me to rot," he rasped.

"Severus, I would never leave you! I wrote you a letter every day, but given the state you're in, I'm not surprised you didn't receive them."

Severus shook his head before asking, "How will my trial go tomorrow?"

"Ernie Macmillan and I have been working tirelessly to find any and all information to help you. We've gathered a good defense; there is no way they can find you guilty."

"There is always a way to find guilt. Though, I won't hold it against you if that happens."

Hermione could do nothing but stare at her husband.

"I have offended you," Severus stated.

"No, you've shocked me. I just figured you would be grateful for all of the work we've done," Hermione shot back with a hurt look.

She was greeted with silence. Hermione moved her gaze to the floor before replying, "I'm sorry. You simply managed to say exactly what I've feared. I would love nothing more than to simply imagine that everything will turn out all right. But, I fear it won't. I fear my work hasn't been adequate."

During her reply, Severus had moved so he was sitting next to the bars of his prison cell. He reached out to take Hermione's hand; it felt cool against hers.

"I don't deserve devotion such as yours, but I will gladly accept anything you are willing to give. I don't say this enough, but you really are a clever witch."

"Thank you, Severus. Tomorrow will be hard but we, Ernie and I, have done everything we can. I cannot guarantee a victory, but I can guarantee that you'll have a fighting chance."

Severus looked into her eyes and nodded.

"I want your opinion on this: Lucius sent me a letter this morning. He sends his thoughts and says this will all be over soon. He is going to be there tomorrow," Hermione said in a rush.

"Do you believe his letter is sincere?"

"No, of course not. I find Lucius absolutely dreadful. I can't help but think that he's up to something."

"It is a good idea to be wary of Lucius, but do not let his presence unnerve you tomorrow," Severus offered as advice.

"I'll have you there to counteract his presence." She smiled at him before continuing, "Severus, promise me you won't lose hope again. I need you to believe in me," Hermione pleaded.

"I do, and I will. I won't let all of your work become a waste of time."

"Thank you. We should be going before that guard gets even angrier."

Before Hermione could stand, Severus raised her hand and kissed it. Hermione stroked his cheek in return.

"My wife, I will see you in the morning. Until then, know I will be thinking of you."

Hermione quickly stood and moved to the door of the hall. With one last glance, she moved down the corridor so her husband wouldn't see her cry.

Author's notes: A huge thank you to Zen Lady and Sophi for beta reading. This story would not be the same without their help.

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