Chapter 2

Disclaimer: The characters in the story aren't mine. I'm borrowing them from JKR, as you all know already, and I am not making any money with them...just having a bit of fun.

Thanks go to amsev for beta reading this. Cheers. And thanks also to Felicius21 for helping out.

The man looked up anxiously, his pockmarked face contorted into a hopeful expression. "Please, I hope you consider releasing me to my family. You know me...all of you! I worked with you for years at the Ministry."

"Indeed we do know you, Rookwood, and that is why we're deciding what is to be done with you," said a blond wizard from the middle of the room.

"I didn't murder anyone! Ever!" he said heatedly, suddenly looking frightened.

Kingsley Shacklebolt cleared his throat before speaking. "Augustus, you worked with us and passed information to You-Know-Who, and those actions alone led to the demise and injury of many people."

"Aye," said a large witch with orange hair. "Me sister and her family for starters. Ye can rot in hell for all I care."

"I...Elladora, you know I would never..." He clamped his mouth shut quickly.

"Wha's this? Kneazle got your tongue, does it?"

"Likely remembered he took Veritaserum and prefers not to answer," taunted an older man from the back row.

"That will do," Kingsley said, voice deep and authoritative. "Rookwood? Do you deny any of the accusations brought up today?"

"N-no," came the soft reply, the man's head again bowed in defeat.

"Minister?" Kingsley asked, looking to Scrimgeour.

"I've nothing more to add." He quickly marked something on a parchment. "We will take all that you've said into consideration...your testimony and that of your witnesses."

"And also the testimony of those against ye" said the orange-haired witch again.

"You will refrain from interrupting me," Scrimgeour admonished before continuing. "Guards, ready him to be returned to Azkaban."

"Minister, please," Rookwood begged.

"You will be brought back once we've reached a decision."

Hermione gave Harry a sideways glance and saw that he watched Rookwood until he left the room. Before she could ask what was on his mind, Scrimgeour addressed him.

"Potter, comments on Augustus Rookwood?"

Harry stood and made his way to the chair that Rookwood had just exited so he could address them. "He says he never murdered anyone, but it wasn't for lack of trying. My friends and I fought against him here... in the Department of Mysteries, and he was throwing all sorts of hexes our way." He looked around to make sure everyone was listening. "When he finally did get caught, he tried to finger an honest man...anything so as to not go down alone." He grinned. "You all remember Ludo Bagman?"

There was a mass nodding of heads and some murmurs of assent. Hermione's heart swelled with pride as she listened to her friend speak, and she knew that he'd one day be the person that everyone would turn to when they wanted something answered. It occurred to her suddenly that it was already happening. That was exactly why he'd been called in to these special meetings.

Giving Ron a sideways glance, she saw that he, too, was impressed with the way Harry was handling himself and the new confidence he exuded. Nobody had asked Ron or Hermione much, but when Harry had asked for their statements to confirm something, both quickly added their say and returned to their seats to watch their friend in action. So far, all of Harry's suggestions had been met with agreement...as far as Hermione could tell anyway. But she worried about what would happen next.

Severus Snape was next in line to be called. Harry hadn't mentioned to either of them if he'd considered her request from the day before. Part of her was sure that he would vouch for Snape because he was the only man who might know how to help Ginny, but another part of her was afraid that Harry's mind was so twisted with revenge that he'd try to do everything possible to see Snape rot in Azkaban for the rest of his days.

As if reading her thoughts, Ron reached over and squeezed her hand. "All right?"

"Yes," she said softly. "Just a bit nervous."

With a nod, Ron released her hand and sat back, watching as Harry made his way back to them. "All right, Harry?"

Harry either didn't hear or chose not to reply. He sat down and eagerly watched the door that Snape would be entering. If worse came to worse, she would stand up and speak for Snape herself, and she knew without a doubt that Ron would back her...it was his sister's life at stake after all.

"Who's next?" Scrimgeour asked, shaking his thick mane back from his face while lifting a parchment. "Ah, yes, Severus Snape." His expression became a sneer, and many people began whispering excitedly to each other. "Bring out the traitor."

Kingsley motioned for the guards to open the door and bring their prisoner in. He stood and said, "Severus Snape claims no wrongdoing...other than working for the organization known as the Order of the Phoenix, which was organized by Albus Dumbledore to fight against the late Lord Voldemort."

"Aye, working under Dumbledore's orders to kill him as well, I suppose," said Scrimgeour with a sneer.

"That is his claim," said Kingsley with a nod.

This statement was met with snickers from most in the room. Hermione was certain that things didn't bode well for Snape. Her gaze lingered on him for a long moment, and she noted that even in such a state of dishevelment, he was able to keep his indifferent demeanor and didn't respond to the unkind words of the guards or the comments from those present in the room. Instead, he sat down, turned his head, and looked straight at Harry until Scrimgeour spoke again.

"Very well, Snape. We're here today to hear testimony for and against you and to ultimately decide how severe your punishment will be and how to integrate you back into society."

"I've said all that I am going to say on the matter when we last spoke," he said, voice rough. "I believe you can easily pull up your records if you've the need to refresh your memory."

"This attitude, Mister Snape," said an older woman, who sat at Scrimgeour's right, "is not helping you. Speak while you've the chance."

"My testimony has already been given. I have requested to have my charges dismissed already." His eyes narrowed. "I will not stoop to begging, which I know is what you're looking for."

With a snort, Scrimgeour said, "If that's how you want it. You've not listed any witnesses that I see here."

Both Hermione and Ron turned to look at Harry, who was watching Snape intently. She wondered if he'd even been paying attention to the exchange, or if he had heard and simply refused to speak for Snape...even knowing what Dumbledore's portrait confided and even after what he'd done to help them!

"So you'll be sent back to Azkaban while we..."

"Hold," said a deep, smooth voice.

"Yes, Kingsley?"

"I will speak for him."

"You?" the Minister asked incredulously.

"Yes, I," came the smooth reply. He stood and went to the center of the room, all eyes wide and following his confident movement.

"What have you to say on this?"

"I've worked with Severus for many years in the fight against Voldemort. Dumbledore vouched for him all the years of his life, and even now, his portrait still vouches for him."

"Yes, but he was getting on in age...." someone pointed out.

"And a bit dotty."

"I don't believe Albus Dumbledore's mental state is being questioned here," Kingsley said, adding, "and we all know that he was right about many things, especially this."

"How can you say that?" Scrimgeour asked in confusion. "Snape killed Dumbledore and now has the gall the claim it was asked of him."

"It was," said Harry, finally rising to have his say.

"Potter?"

All eyes were on Harry now, and Hermione smiled encouragingly when he looked at her and Ron. She nodded minutely once the room quieted.

"It's true," he said, making his way to where Kingsley stood at Snape's side, gazing down into Snape's eyes, loathing evident between them. "Professor Dumbledore was dying and would have died a year before if Professor Snape hadn't stoppered death for a while."

"What's this you say?"

"Remember his withered hand?" When there was a murmur of assent, he continued, saying, "Well, that poison would have quickly spread throughout his body if Snape hadn't stopped it."

"That's all well and good, but..."

"It gave the headmaster time to put his affairs in order. When he found out there was a plot afoot to take his life, he requested that Professor Snape do it, which happened just as I reported it earlier. This enabled us to keep our spy, though we didn't know it right away." He frowned. "I don't like the man, that's no secret, but there is a way he can pay for the things that he's done, of which the good outweigh the bad...surprisingly."

Kingsley nodded. "It's true. All of it."

"What do you suggest, Mr. Potter?" an old wizard asked.

"Professor Snape has extensive knowledge of Potions and Dark Arts. Some people, such as Ginny Weasley, have been affected by curses and potions that even St. Mungo's can't cure. I think that's where Snape's penance should be paid."

"You think he should work at St. Mungo's?"

He shook his head. "No, I think he should be released into the custody of Hermione Granger, where he will work under her to find a cure that may save some or all of these people." Gazing back down at Snape, whose lip was curled in distaste, Harry added, "It's the least you can do."

"We shall take this into consideration and read through his previous testimony again before making a decision," said the Minister.

Harry started to walk away but stopped. "I'd just like it noted that this is my request, and it's what I would like to see done...if nothing else. It's very important to me."

"Noted. Thank you."

Hermione wiped her wet eyes and smiled at Harry again, feeling her chest swell with pride. He'd done the right thing after all...hadn't truly wanted to, but had seen the sense in it.

"Good job, mate," Ron said quietly.

At that moment, Hermione looked over to where Snape was sitting and saw that he was gazing at her almost angrily. You'd think the git would be happy that someone stood up for him...Harry even! Was being put into her custody truly such a bad thing? One would think that he thought Azkaban was the better option.

Narrowing her eyes and lifting her chin, she glared right back...better to show him now that if the Wizengamot did decide to honor Harry's wishes, he'd not be intimidating her. She could deal with him fairly and firmly if she had to. There was just too much at stake. Only when the guards moved in front of him to guide him to the exit did their eye contact break. She shivered slightly, suddenly wondering if she'd been mad to suggest such a thing.

"All right?" Ron asked, looking at her worriedly. "Have you changed your mind? Not too late to ask for him to be put with me."

"No, it's fine."

"Well, I hope it is," Harry interrupted, "because everything depends on it."

The Minister spoke again. "Next... Travers, is it?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione watched Ron pace the floor a few times before finally asking what he was so obviously bursting to say. "Something wrong?"

He stopped to face her, eyes alight with anger. "For a minute there, I thought Harry wasn't going to say anything for Snape."

"Same," she said softly. She'd truly doubted Harry for a moment. She wondered if Kingsley hadn't bravely stood up for Snape if Harry would have said anything at all. "I mean, I'm sure he would have," she added quickly.

"You'd think he'd want to do anything possible to help Ginny."

"I'm sure he does, Ron," she said, rising and moving to him. "You know the history he has with Snape."

"Yeah, and I know the history he has with Ginny, too."

"The last thing we need right now is you two getting in a row about this. There's a time and a place for it, and..."

"Oh, there will be. I'll see to it, and I'm also going to let my sister know how important she was to him."

"That's not fair, Ronald!" She crossed her arms in front of her. "We don't know what's going through his mind, and we can't be sure that he wasn't just making Snape wait it out. Maybe he wanted to talk to the Wizengamot after Snape was taken from the room to make him think nobody would stand up for him."

"Maybe," Ron said with a nod. "I hope because if he's... Ah, forget it for now."

Beaming brightly, Hermione hugged him. "Thank you, Ron. I understand what you're feeling, but I am so proud of you for being so... mature about things.

"Surprising, that, isn't it?"

"Ar-are you doing this for me?" she asked suddenly, thinking back to the last conversation they'd had about possibly resuming a relationship together. The way he flew off the handle at things was one of the main reasons she and he had decided to take things much slower.

"I'll admit that you set me to rights when you ended things that night," he began with a wry smile, "but the more I thought about it, the more I knew you were right. So, you could say this is because of you, but it's mostly for me. I need to learn to be more responsible now that I'm a man." His chest puffed out slightly. "No matter what happens with us down the line, I'll be a better person because of you."

"Oh, Ronald," she whispered softly, moving closer and intending to kiss him, but the opening of a door drew them apart.

"It's done," Harry said with a small smile. "Snape's all yours, Hermione."

"Well, that's good then! Although, I don't know how happy he's going to be about it."

"Doesn't matter. It's going to keep him out of Azkaban," Harry replied with a shrug. "And if he truly is who he says he is..."

"You mean on our side," Ron interrupted.

"Yeah. If he's truly been on our side all along, then he'll do what he can to help Ginny and the others."

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand affectionately. "I'm so proud of you for making certain to add those other people into the deal." She bit her lip and looked at Ron. "I'll admit that I'd only been thinking of Ginny when I suggested it, but that was a brilliant idea, Harry."

"Right. Good call, mate," Ron agreed.

"Well, I'd talked to Kingsley abou..."

"Hang on. You knew that Kingsley would stand up for Snape?"

"Yes," Harry said, adding, "he and I decided we'd speak for Snape if it seemed we had to. I talked to him this morning when you and Hermione had gone to get our coffee. Sorry I didn't mention it, but when you came back, we had to hurry in."

Ron's face reddened, but Hermione could see the tension leave his body and the relief light his eyes. "'S all right. Never had a doubt," he said quietly.

"Well, of course not. After I thought about what Hermione said, I knew she was right." He looked to Hermione. "Thanks. Don't know what I'd do without you two sometimes."

"Not a problem," she said warmly, happy that an argument wouldn't be developing and feeling slightly guilty about doubting her friend. "So, what are the particulars?"

"Oh, well, Snape gets released to your custody. They're putting a charm on his wand now so that it can't be used to do certain things. It's for your safety...as well as anyone else. Just in case."

"I can understand that. I just hope he will."

"Especially if the bloke's innocent," Ron piped up.

"He can't leave the house without Hermione unless it's during the day, and even then, he won't be allowed to Portkey or Apparate anyplace farther than a certain distance without her." He smirked. "That's so he doesn't slip off."

"And how long is he to stay with me?"

"Until we deem him able to leave."

"We?"

"The three of us," Harry said firmly. "I know how soft you are, and I don't want you saying he's all right on his own until he's done what we want him to do...or has at least tried."

"You don't trust me, you mean!"

"She wouldn't do that, Harry," Ron said, trying to defend her.

"This is the girl who tries to free house-elves, Ron. We can't be sure, and besides," Harry said, gazing at them both unabashedly, "the Wizengamot feels this is a good idea. They want me to be involved in the progress of most of them. They think it'll sit better with the public that way."

Hermione frowned, still displeased with what he'd said. She wouldn't have done that! Would she? Remembering Snape's glare earlier, she decided that she would keep her thoughts to herself for now, though she didn't appreciate the lack of faith he had in her.

"Well, lucky for them you're so eager to help now," Ron said, sounding a bit bitter.

"Don't you see? We, us three, get to have a say in things. We know these sods better than they do."

"We? You said they wanted 'you.'"

Harry softly said, "I thought you knew that I don't work without you and Hermione. It's what I told them." He looked between the two of them. "Seems like you lot have something you want to say to me."

"No, really..."

"It's not like that."

"What's it like then? I can tell by the way you're looking at me and the things you're saying. I'm not out to... take all the credit or leave you behind. We're a team. Thought you'd know that by now after all we've been through."

"I'm sorry, Harry," Hermione said honestly, feeling slightly guilty. "It's just that so much has been happening, and if misunderstanding your intentions is the worst of it, I'd appreciate it if you'd cut us a little slack. It's not like you've not done the same with us."

"Fair enough. Ron?"

"Same. I'll talk to you before jumping to conclusions, but you might want to explain yourself better." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Earlier today, I didn't think you'd speak for Snape. I did believe you were letting your past get in the way of things that might help Ginny." At Harry's expression, he quickly said, "It didn't seem like you were going to say anything until Kingsley got up. You said yourself you'd meant to tell us. What were we to think?"

"All right. Good point." He held out his hands, one to Ron and one to Hermione. "We need to try to communicate better because no matter what happens, you're my family and the ones I'm closest to. I don't want to ruin that with misunderstandings."

"Agreed," Hermione and Ron said in unison, taking his hands.

After a moment passed, Hermione asked, "So... when does Snape come home with me?"

"Today. After his wand is processed. I told them we'd need to go to your flat first and get it ready. That all right?"

"Yes, definitely. I hadn't thought of that."

"Say, who are you taking in, Harry? Where are the others going?"

"I've got Pansy Parkinson," Harry said in annoyance, face turning red.

"Why'd they give you that slug-faced cow?" Ron asked, indignant for his friend.

"Because they thought it would do her good to be in a new environment, and since you and I live together, they thought it would be best if we both sponsored two who aren't likely to make any plans to escape or overpower us." His eyes narrowed. "You've got Daphne Greengrass!"

"What?" Hermione and Ron both said.

"Yeah, we've landed with those two, and they weren't even full Death Eaters, mind." Voice rising, he added, "After all we've done, it's like they still think we can't handle anyone more dangerous."

"That's not it," said the deep voice of Kingsley from behind them.

"What is it then?" Harry asked irately, spinning around.

"Harry, after all you've done, you deserve to be able to relax a little. The both of you." He pointed between Ron and Harry. "And you two will have your hands full with watching out for Snape and Hermione here."

"Not that I need help," Hermione put in.

"If the two of you are going to do this, finding these cures, you'll need some help, Hermione. It's no slight on what you can or can't do. Harry and Ron...and their wards...can all help with things. If you think of it, wouldn't you trust one of those girls before you would someone else who's actually been a Death Eater and taken part in atrocities?"

What he was saying made sense. She looked over at her two friends and saw that they understood as well. "Fair enough, but if they help, it's how I say. I like things done a certain way, and they aren't all that known for being neat or following proper procedure."

"That's between the three of you," Kingsley said with a smile. "However, I am sure that Severus does things his own way. You might want to speak with him about how he wants to work. He is the expert in this."

"Of course," she replied, feeling a bit silly for not thinking of that herself. How would she and Snape agree to work? Could Harry and Ron even help out without rows breaking out every other minute? That was something she'd have to take up with her charge, but like it or not, he would have to accept that she was the one who had the final say in things. "I'll have a discussion with him about this as soon as he gets settled in."

Southern's Notes: And here is the second installment! More up soon. Teehee. We'll see how Snape and the others are taking things.