Pending

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that you recognize. Please don't sue.

The wizarding world allotted any inmate two appeals. Unfortunately, the accused had to wait six weeks between the trial and any subsequent appeals.

Hermione had spent at least some time each day for the last eleven weeks submerged in a Pensieve watching her husband's trial and first appeal. She would take notes on people's reactions, what information was the most condemning and how to counter it. And lastly, Severus's reaction to each person's testimony. The appeal had been held in the same courtroom as his trial, but the general public had not been allowed to attend.

His reactions to the testimonies and questions were the most intriguing to her. She'd noted during the trial that he was still except during Lucius Malfoy's testimony. This was true for the most part. The other person that had the most effect on Severus was Draco Malfoy. Severus looked like he had also been holding his tongue during that testimony. Hermione suspected that her husband's similar reactions were brought on by opposite emotions.

She really wanted to talk to Severus. The Ministry allowed her and Ernie one visit per week. Since it was two weeks before the last trial, Hermione was trying to get permission for two visits per week. So far, she had been completely unsuccessful. She told herself that her reasons weren't selfish, but all she really wanted was to spend more time with Severus. Ernie insisted on always having at least one question that needed to be talked about while they were there, but he would also give them privacy to talk about whatever they needed. Hermione felt they were much better prepared for this appeal than they had been for the trial and the first appeal. The extra weeks had been immensely helpful.

Also, to Hermione's surprise, they were getting help from a few unlikely sources. Arthur Weasley, who had been present at the trial, has been campaigning for Severus's innocence. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by the Ministry. But the biggest surprise had come from Rita Skeeter; she had turned her slander campaign around after the trial. Rita took up the torch of Lucius Malfoy being the guilty party. Her main sources for information were none other than Draco Malfoy and Severus himself.

Hermione, for the first time, looked forward to reading the Daily Prophet. More days than not, Rita wrote a new article proclaiming Severus's innocence and wrongful imprisonment.

The morning of her scheduled visit to Azkaban, Hermione opened the paper to find this article on the front page:

The Consequences of Our Misdeeds

By Rita Skeeter

This reporter knows firsthand that misdeeds receive due consequences. I will say woe be to the Ministry and Wizengamot when the consequences of their recent actions are realized.

The conviction of Severus Snape will probably carry longer lasting effects than can be imagined. An innocent man is sitting in a cell in Azkaban Prison while a murderer walks free. We heard testimony that Professor Snape would not have murdered Anna Bloom in such a brutal fashion because he is too vain. No matter the reason, I agree with his innocence. (Continued on page 2.)

Granted, Hermione didn't agree with everything Rita had to say, but the general idea was there. If the media was on their side, Hermione was more confident than ever of their possibility for success.

Around midday, Ernie arrived to escort Hermione to Azkaban.

A different guard than normal led them to Severus's cell. This guard had the presence of mind to wait in the corridor instead of hovering.

Hermione noticed that Severus looked healthier than she had seen him since his arrest. There were no visible marks of abuse or neglect.

"Hermione," Severus said by way of a greeting. He moved closer to the door of his cell.

"How are you feeling? You look better than you have in a while."

"They are learning new tricks. I haven't been physically beaten since the trial. Now they are using more subtle forms of abuse."

"What do you mean?" Hermione said as she took a seat in front of the cell.

"They enjoy informing me how splendid you look now that I'm out of the picture. Things that simpletons think of, nothing more."

Hermione made a small sound of disbelief in reply.

"Think nothing of their harmless words."

"Severus, what would make them cause to say such things?"

He looked grateful at Hermione naiveté. "You looked stunning at my trial and appeal. They are simply voicing their jealousies."

"Oh." Hermione looked sheepish.

"Now, Professor, we have some questions that we would like to ask for the upcoming appeal," Ernie broke in from his position behind Hermione.

Severus nodded.

"Do you know what sparked Draco's desire to testify?" Hermione asked.

"Not for certain. Though, he has it in his head that he owes me a life debt."

"Really?" Hermione was intrigued. "What would prompt him to think that?"

"My most shameful act," Severus replied without looking at either of them. "Draco was the one appointed to murder Albus. When he started to falter, I had to step in and finish the job. If Dumbledore had lived, the Dark Lord would have killed Draco for his failure. In normal circumstances, this would qualify as a life debt. But, since I was working under other pressures, mainly the desire to save myself, the life debt should be void."

"That would explain many things." Ernie looked troubled. "So, young Mr. Malfoy really wasn't in Voldemort's service?"

"No more than I was at the time."

"Severus, why did you have to hold your tongue while Draco was speaking? He was defending you and you looked as if you wanted to silence him."

"I don't want to see the boy dead. His testimony could well rouse the attention of many unwanted parties, especially Draco's admittance that we were in Voldemort's camp but not his service. I merely wanted him to stop incriminating himself."

Ernie nodded and, having no more questions, left to wait in the corridor.

"Hermione, be careful of Lucius. I am sure that he is the one responsible for Miss Bloom's murder. I'd even go so far as to state that everything he testified was true except for the detail that he committed the murder instead of me."

"I agree. I always suspected it was Lucius, but I have no way of proving it. I've tried everything I could think of. Have you been able to view the Daily Prophet at all?"

"No, why would I read that rag?"

"You'll be glad to know that they're on your side. Rita Skeeter has completely changed her attitude. I haven't told you before now because I thought it was some hoax. Every few days she writes an article proclaiming your innocence. One came out this morning."

"That is good fortune. Maybe the Wizengamot will take into consideration that Rita Skeeter of all people is on my side," Severus said with humor.

"I'm glad to see you in better spirits. I was becoming rather worried about you," Hermione said, her tone sincere.

"The end is in sight. We had more votes in our favor at the last appeal. They should tip into 'not guilty' easily enough this time around."

"I will see you next week. I'm still attempting to persuade the Ministry into allowing me an extra visit, but I've been less than successful."

Severus caught her hand and brushed her knuckles with a kiss. "Thank you for the visit."

Hermione smiled and made her way out to meet Ernie.

Later that day, Hermione received a polite reply from the Ministry stating that extra visits were against policy, but thank you for bringing it to their attention. They promise to look into changing the rules.

Hermione scoffed and threw the letter into the fire.

On the morning of Severus's second appeal, Hermione woke with the dawn. She was nervous, but it was more a feeling of anticipation. Ernie would come by later to escort her to the Ministry. She chose to wear wine colored robes because red was a confidence color. She wanted to be seen as confident and collected.

While she had been dressing, the Daily Prophet had arrived. She was startled to see a picture of herself from Severus's trial on the front page.

Hermione Snape: Woman on a Mission

By Rita Skeeter

In conjunction with today's appeal for Severus Snape's wrongful conviction, I will be taking a look at the woman behind the infamous Professor.

Hermione Snape has been in and out of the public eye since her days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Take my word that this witch can be a formidable opponent when people she cares about have been wronged. She has been an assistant to former Hufflepuff and current lawyer Ernie Macmillan in defending Professor Snape.

If this appeal doesn't have a pleasant outcome, I would hate to be the one on the receiving end of her wrath. (Continued on pages 2, 3, and 6)

'Wow,' thought Hermione. She had never read an article by Rita that was so complimentary. She would have to contact her and thank her for her efforts on Severus's behalf.

As she was folding the paper, Ernie came through the Floo. He smiled as he dusted himself off.

"What a nice article in the Prophet this morning," Ernie said with a wink.

"It was. Hopefully, the Wizengamot will have read it and taken it to heart."

Hermione stood and made her way to the fireplace.

"I can't wait to have my husband back," Hermione said just before tossing in the Floo Powder and vanishing.

Ernie appeared a moment later in the Ministry's Atrium. Hermione took his arm and went to register her wand.

Visitors' badges in place, they made their way down to Courtroom 3. It was the smallest and the one use most often for appeals. The only people who would be present were the Wizengamot, the prosecutor, the defense and Severus.

Hermione took a deep breath as she opened the door. Everyone was seated except for the two of them and Severus. He looked out of place in the brightly lit courtroom, Hermione noted.

As soon as they reached their seats, Severus took his.

Rufus Scrimgeour stood and addressed them, "We are gathered to hear the last appeal of the accused and previously convicted, Severus Snape. What further information does the defense have on behalf of the convicted?"

"We have further information regarding the testimonies of others from the trial," Ernie said.

"Proceed." Scrimgeour sat.

"Draco Malfoy, the witness most distrusted, testified on his own volition. He does not owe Severus Snape any kind of payment or life debt; therefore, his testimony should be taken on good standing," Ernie explained. "Also, George Epps has been treated for a reoccurring Confundus Charm. His testimony cannot and should not be held in good standing because of this condition."

Hermione was impressed. Of course, she had foreknowledge of all of this, but presented to the Wizengamot it seemed much more profound.

Whispers had broken out among the Wizengamot. "How was the Confundus Charm found?" asked a witch from the back of the last row.

"I knew what signs to look for, and when we questioned George again, I noticed the symptoms," Hermione replied.

More whispers ensued.

"Very well, are there any other comments that need to be made?"

"Sir," Dawlish addressed the room, "we don't know when the Confundus Charm was placed on George Epps. With that uncertainty, he may still have been completely under his own faculties at the trial."

"So noted. The Wizengamot will now deliberate."

Author's Notes: We are nearing the end. I have to thank my wonderful betas, Zen Lady and Sophi, for their marvelous work. Thank you, ladies!

Feedback and reviews are very welcomed and much appreciated.