Seventeen

Ministry of Magic

Docket # 327589

Regarding: Severus Snape and Hermione Granger

Testimony given by Harry Potter, Order of Merlin, First Class, friend of Hermione Granger since 1991

September 18, 1998

Hermione [Granger] is one of my best friends, and I would never want any harm to come to her. I do not consider her to be in any danger from her husband [Severus Snape], as he seems to love and care for her a great deal. In the list of questions I have been asked, one sprang to mind immediately, involving Snape trying to keep her from her friends. On the contrary, Snape has actually been willing to share her with us [regarding Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, Molly Weasley, and Arthur Weasley], and has told me himself that he understands her attachment to us. If you are asking my opinion as to whether or not they should stay married, I don't see why not, if they want to.

Signed, Harry James Potter

Testimony given by Ronald Weasley, Order of Merlin, First Class, friend of Hermione Granger since 1991

September 18, 1998

Yeah, Hermione [Granger] seems to like [Severus] Snape, so if she wants to be with him, I say let her. I've never known Hermione to do something she didn't want to do, if that helps, so if she's still with him and appealing this annulment, then that's what she wants.

Signed, Ronald Bilius Weasley

Testimony given by Ginevra Molly Weasley, Order of Merlin, First Class, friend of Hermione Granger since 1992

September 18, 1998

I've known Hermione [Granger] for the past six years, and have shared a room during holidays with her for the past three. I can honestly say that I have never seen her quite as happy as she is now with Severus [Snape]. I have read through your checklist thoroughly, and will go through each item specifically.

1. Is he jealous, does he attempt to keep her from family and friends> I have only seen Severus react jealously once, and I think he had good cause. Hermione never behaves Jealously over Severus.

2. Blames others (including you) for his faults. They are generally too busy berating themselves over a mistake, that they forget there's even anyone else in the room. No for both.

3. Blames circumstances for his problems. As an ex-Death Eater, Severus could easily blame others for his problems. Instead, he became a spy against Voldemort, and never bemoaned the danger he was in. Likewise, Hermione could easily claim prejudice at every corner, as she is a Muggle-born witch. She instead works past that. No on both counts.

4. His behaviour is unpredictable. This is a warning sign? Who's behavior isn't unpredictable? However, predictability is something that we have all come to expect from both Hermione and Severus.

5. He belittles you verbally. Hermione is always fair and thinks before she speaks. I have never known her to react angrily unless provoked. Severus...no comment.

6. He cannot control his anger. I think it's a testament to his control over his anger that Severus has not hexed even one of his students for the stupidity they often display in his class. Severus is a powerful wizard, and he understands this. Therefore, he keeps control of his emotions. With regards to Hermione...no comment.

7. He always asks for a second chance. Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance?

8. He says he'll change, that he won't do it again. Severus did change, and he changed his life. As for Hermione, I can't think of anything other than forcing everyone to study exhaustively for their N.E.W.T.s. And she's never promised to not do it again. Without Hermione, most of the Gryffindors would never have graduated, Harry Potter especially.

9. His family resolves problems with violence. I actually don't know Severus's family, but Hermione says that he is nothing like any of them. As for Hermione's family, they are all loving and kind.

10. He plays on your guilt. No for both of them.

11. His behaviour often worsens when he uses alcohol or mind-altering potions. Neither of them imbibe to excess.

12. He is close-minded. His way is the only way. Both Hermione and Severus are open to new ideas and different ways of seeing things. The extensive research that each goes through before even presenting a hypothesis is incredible. No for both of them.

Signed, Ginevra Molly Weasley

Note from the Ministry Of Magic-As Ginevra is still in the process of being educated and an under-age witch, it is our belief that her testimony be removed from the following proceedings. –Frederick Fletcher, Interrogator for the Wizengamot, Department of Mysteries

Decision: As Ginevra is a recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class for her acts in defeating He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, it is our decision that her testimony stand, but with the caution that she is immature and unable to understand what love and marriage are truly about. –Grizelda Marchbanks, Interrogator for the Wizengamot

Testimony of Albus Dumbledore, Order of Merlin, First Class, and Grand Sorcerer; Founder and Secretkeeper, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, educator of Hermione Granger since 1991

September 21, 1998

It is my opinion that Severus Snape, and Order of Merlin, First Class recipient is faring well now that he is married to Hermione Granger, an Order of Merlin, First Class recipient. I have never had any doubt once I found out that they were engaged, that they would live splendidly together. In a world where opposites attract, Miss Granger and Mr. Snape are a testament to those who prefer partners with similar intellects and interests and get along swimmingly. I am exceedingly happy for both of them, and can only surmise that if their marriage is annulled, that they will simply remarry in a Muggle fashion as soon as they can without changing any aspect of their lives at all. I recommend that you not annul their marriage. I can testify first-hand that Severus is happier than he has been in decades.

Signed, Albus Dumbledore, etc.

Testimony of Thalia DeWinter, sister to Severus Snape

September 21, 1998

Since Severus [Snape] became engaged to Hermione, I have been very happy for both of them. I find your "checklist" to be offensive, especially considering that the abuser is referred to as "He" rather than a more diplomatic "They". It automatically brings one's thoughts towards my brother as the abuser in the relationship, though I can tell you firsthand that neither he nor Hermione [Granger] would ever put up with any sort of abuse whatsoever. Severus is a loving and sensitive brother, and I could not ask for a better one.

Signed, Thalia DeWinter

It is the opinion of the Wizengamot that Mrs. DeWinter's Testimony is biased in her brother's favor and will not be considered in our final decision.

September 23, 1998

The finding of the Wizengamot for Docket number 327589.

It is the decision of the Wizengamot that Hermione Jane Granger remain married to Severus Salonius Snape. No further inquiry into this marriage is required. Hermione Jane Granger's name shall forthwith be changed to Hermione Jane Snape.

Grizelda Marchbanks, High Inquisitor

Hermione and Severus waded through the many parchments that had been sent to them until they reached the findings. Each breathed a sigh of relief and fell against each other for comfort.

"I was so sure that we would win, but I could not be easy until I finally saw this."

"Me as well," Snape answered, kissing her forehead.

Hermione turned and climbed into his lap, straddling his hips and kissing him soundly on the lips.

"Now that we're married again, don't you think we should have sex?"

Snape smiled at her, a sight that had become rare in the past weeks. "I believe it is tradition to consummate a marriage in such a way."

Hermione began unbuttoning his robe and giggled. "Oh, I love it when you talk to me like you're still a professor. Take points from my house."

He looked as though he was about to comply when he suddenly stopped. "Where's Crookshanks?" He looked around the room.

"Sleeping on our bed," Hermione whispered, grazing her teeth against his neck. She didn't stop when her husband lifted his wand and locked and warded the bedroom door.

"That furball isn't going to ruin this for us," he grumbled. "Now, where was I?"

Hermione smiled and pulled her robe open. "You were about to take points from my house if I don't..."

She loved the mischievous smirk that his lips formed. "Ah, right. Ten points from Gryffindor if you don't remove that blasted bra this instant."

The door began to pound as though a very heavy hand were knocking upon it.

"We know you're in there!" someone called through the wood.

"We kin hear yeh breathin'!" Hagrid's voice called out next.

Snape sighed a long-suffering sigh and buttoned Hermione's robe back up, then opened the door with a flick of his wand. Instantly, Hagrid, Harry, Ron, Bill, Fred, George, Lupin, Shackelbolt, Tonks, and Molly and Arthur crowded in to their tiny flat, offering congratulations and bearing food. Hagrid was carrying a cake that was nearly too large for him to carry.

"I'm so happy for you two! Really, it's wonderful!"

"Oh, set that down over there, Hagrid. I'll conjure some plates."

"Where should the sandwiches go, Mum?"

"George, stop trying to hide things inside the custards!"

"Ginny, come sit with me at the table!"

"Remus, don't drop the platter."

"Hermione, Crookshanks is locked in the bedroom, did you know?"

"Hold it!" Hermoine called, standing on the sofa to make herself taller. "Wait! Wait! Everyone! Severus and I are the only couple so far that has been granted a hearing by the Ministry of Magic. If you insist on staying here," she looked very hard at Harry and Ron, no doubt remembering their lack of enthusiasm regarding S.P.E.W., "then you'll help me plan a campaign to get every couple heard."

Snape almost groaned. Only five minutes before, he had been VERY ready to consummate his marriage. Now he was going to be dragged into helping others remain married.

"We're behind you, Hermione," Tonks said as she knocked over a pitcher of lemonade. "Whoops!"

"Yeah, totally. What they did was so wrong," Harry agreed.

"Besides," Ron put in, "after Voldemort, this oughta be a snap."

Hermione sat back down and beamed at her friends. "And you, Severus? Will you help me?"

He looked her up and down for a moment. "Of course I will."

Hermione positively glowed at him.

Conclusion:

The Daily Prophet

January 17, 1999

Last Hearing Held For Marriage Law

The last couple protesting their separation from the Marriage Law, Emmeline Tetchner and Gustav Jagermann of Brunswick, have had their hearing before the Ministry of Magic. From a unanimous vote, it has been ruled that Mr. And Mrs. Jagermann are allowed to remain married, thereby ending all mention of the marriage law, save for anecdotes over dinner, and the occasional write up in history books. "By far," the Minister of Magic was quoted saying this morning, "it is not the worst blunder The Ministry has made, and I am proud of that fact."

We are all very happy that the Minister has managed to keep his sense of humor through this trying time. Particularly given his outspoken opposers, it had been doubtful whether the handling of the Marriage Law would drive Minister Agnew from office. Hermione Snape, a young witch forced to marry along with many others, directly after graduating from Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and then forced several months later to divorce.

"The Marriage Law was ludicrous, but we went along with it," Hermione Snape said in an interview after Mr. And Mrs. Jagermann left the Ministry yesterday. "Then they decided to split us all up, with no chance of ever being able to marry the same person again. My life had already been turned over once, I wasn't about to sit by again and have this happen. I learned to love my husband, as many others had, and we needed to be heard. I was happy at the repeal, but saddened at how it was handled. This day marks a triumph for me in the power of protest, and the power of the people to make a difference in this world."

Mrs. Snape is also an activist for House Elve's rights.

-Colleen Clark, Special Correspondent For The Daily Prophet.

The End

"What do you mean, "The End"?" Hermione asked. "You put nothing in there about the rights of House elves!"

"Oh, come off it, Hermione! They're happy that way!"