Parts 11-20

Severus stoically watched the proceedings, his eyes steadfast on the members of the Wizengamot. In his peripheral vision, he could just make out her profile. His jaw tightened and clenched, his teeth grinding together. If they would have allowed him to remain in his cell for the duration of this farce of a trial, he would have done, if only to avoid being in the same room as her. He listened to the testimony of Harry Potter, head Auror, of how he had suspected Severus of participating in illegal activities and so had sent in his best operative – Hermione Granger.

***

Hermione’s eyes narrowed as she listened to Harry’s testimony. Just as she had expected, he was neglecting to mention vital information. He likely thought she would “forget” about it, too. Once his testimony was complete, Harry returned to his seat next to her, grasping her hand in his own in a show of solidarity … or perhaps it was a warning. Either way, Hermione was not pleased. She did not appreciate being used; Harry had unwittingly made her decision much easier to bear. Her name was called, and clutching Severus’ journal to her chest, she made her way forward to testify.

***

He had no choice but to look at her now, although he refused to meet her eyes. She looked … unwell. Her hair had been pulled back severely, accentuating the paleness of her face and the dark circles under her eyes. Surreptitiously, he inspected her appearance. She had lost weight and appeared perilously thin. Was she ill? He was in the midst of running through possible diagnoses when he realised what he was doing. Straightening his spine, he hastily shifted his gaze away from her. She had broken his trust and his heart; her well-being was of no concern to him.

***

“I do so swear,” Hermione said, vowing to tell the truth during her testimony. She gave the basics of her mission, careful to leave out the bit of information Harry obviously did not want shared. “I was asked to befriend Mr Snape and determine by any means necessary if he was involved in any illegal activities.” She held up the journal. “After I had gained his trust – ” She paused a moment, swallowing her guilt. “I gave him this journal, the pages of which have been soaked in Veritaserum and then Charmed. Only truth can be written in its pages.”

***

Severus closed his eyes in an effort to keep his emotions in check. He vividly remembered the night she had given him that journal, telling him it might help him to heal if he were to write down his most honest emotions. The pages would not accept even an unconscious lie, but would only allow him to write the raw, unvarnished truth. She had told him it had been Charmed so that only he would be able to read it. Trusting her, he had filled the wretched book with his deepest secrets and horrifying memories. Her betrayal knew no end.

***

“I led Mr Snape to believe that he alone could access what he wrote in the journal; however, I am keyed to it as well and can both read and write in the journal. I have released the Privacy Charm to allow the Wizengamot to read the pages that contain the information relevant to the charges in this case.”

The Chief Warlock interrupted. “Are you saying, Miss Granger, that we will not be able to read the journal in its entirety?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes, sir. I see no reason to invade Mr Snape’s privacy any more than is absolutely necessary.”

***

What in Hades was the witch playing at? Grudgingly, he supposed it didn’t matter. She had protected the sanctity of his memories and emotions. Not that he believed for a single moment that she didn’t have some ulterior motive. He had trusted her once, and he would not make the same mistake twice. Still, had she truly wished to pour salt in the wound, she would have let the world see his sentimental ramblings in all their embarrassing glory. What could she possibly hope to gain by this action? Curious, for the first time that day, he met her gaze.

***

Quickly looking away from Severus, Hermione handed the journal to the Court Scribe. There was silence as the evidence was read aloud – a list of names and Severus’ very own admission that he had created, and was distributing to the people listed, a potion which would permanently hide the Dark Mark. A liquefied variation of a Glamour Charm, it was absorbed into the Mark itself and rendered it undetectable by even the strongest of magical means. “As you have heard,” Hermione said carefully, “it appears that Mr Snape has been helping some who have the Dark Mark to escape prosecution.”

***

“Mr Snape, is this true?” an Interrogator in the back asked. “You would do such a thing, even after this very same court exonerated you due to your heroic efforts on behalf of the Light?”

Severus gritted his teeth. “Yes,” he ground out. There was no point in denying it, and he no longer cared.

There was murmuring amongst the Interrogators as they conferred and discussed this newest revelation. After a few moments, the Chief Warlock spoke. “Severus Snape, given the evidence against you, this Court has no choice but to pronounce you guil-“

“Wait!” All eyes turned to Hermione.

***

Hermione felt a swirl of magic around her and breathed a sigh of relief. “I have further evidence to present to the court.” Out of the corner of one eye, she saw Harry lean forward in his chair, his mouth silently forming the word, “no.” With a deep breath, she was finally able to look at Severus. “I am so sorry, Severus. So very, very sorry.” She turned to the Chief Warlock. “Sir, I apologise for not giving you all of the evidence earlier, but I was bound by an Unbreakable Vow.”

“With whom?” a grey-haired witch asked.

“Harry Potter.”

to be continued …