Parts 5-10

Severus had not moved since she had left; he remained slumped in a heap on the cold, stone floor, his breathing ragged as shameful tears dripped from his eyes. Damn her to hell and back. He had been a fool for ever thinking that she had truly loved him. Harshly wiping his eyes with a tattered sleeve, he pushed himself to standing before stumbling to the cot. His emotions now spent, he lay down, staring unseeingly at the ceiling, his mind a confusing jumble. Yes, he was certainly a fool – for even as he hated her, he still loved her.

***

Hermione was not certain if her nausea was due to the lurching of the boat in the choppy water or from her guilt. Leaning over the edge of the wooden vessel, she heaved until her stomach was empty. The ache and nausea remained; it was the guilt, then. How could she have been so stupid to trust that Harry’s intentions were honourable? She inhaled sharply. No – she would not blame Harry for her actions. She had known she was betraying Severus … and she had done it anyway. The salty air stung her eyes. What kind of monster had she become?

***

Night in Azkaban was horrifying, the screams and shouts echoing through the ancient walls. The Dementors might no longer be present, but the isolation remained oppressive, causing many to lose what little sanity they had left. Tossing and turning on the small cot, Severus vainly attempted to sleep. Every time his eyes slipped shut, he would see her – her eyes darkened with desire as she watched him, her hands caressing her breasts as she wantonly rode him. Cursing his traitorous mind, he deliberately forced the image to change until all he saw was his betrayer. Satisfied, he slept at last.

***

Her flat was quiet, the only sound coming from the ticking of a Muggle clock. Hermione slept fitfully, visions of Severus in his dark and dingy cell as he raged at her filling her dreams. She awoke with a start, hoping it was only a dream, but knowing it was not. The crushing guilt overwhelmed her once more. He had known betrayal his entire life and always from those who said they cared for him. Now she was amongst that number. She returned to sleep, only to be haunted by a deep, velvety voice murmuring of his love and adoration.

***

He was led into the courtroom in chains and pushed into a chair. The guards bolted him in place, restraining all movement. Severus snorted. As if he would try to escape. He had nothing to return home to – he might as well live out the remainder of his days in Azkaban. Without Hermione – or who he had believed her to be – his life was desolate and lonely. He had completed his task before she had betrayed him, and that was all that mattered. He had nothing left now. He watched impassively as the Wizengamot entered. And then, he saw her.

***

Hermione entered the courtroom alone. Harry waved a greeting, and she walked toward him. She slid a hesitant glance at Severus. He looked tired and dishevelled, but otherwise appeared to be his usual sardonic self. She felt her heart clench – she had seen his face open and happy and … She closed her eyes. She could only hope that today would repair some of the damage she had done. She sat next to Harry, Severus’ journal upon her lap. With a deep breath, she prepared herself to testify. After betraying the man she loved, betraying her best friend would be easy.

to be continued ...