Announcements and Tidings

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Announcements and Tidings

~S~

Once again, Auror guards roused Severus from his cell and pulled him roughly up the stairs to the interrogation room. He sat in the chair facing the door to await his visitor and wondered who had arranged to see him this time. He could rule out Hermione, although seeing her again had been the focus of several dreams he'd had lately.

He was rather bemused to see when Harry Potter and Kingsley Shacklebolt walk in through the door. "Well, this is an unpleasant surprise. Come to gloat, Potter?" Severus asked, leaning back in his chair.

"No," Harry stated, shaking his head. "I don't care whether you believe me or not, but I want to see you freed from here."

Severus crossed his arms, regarding Potter warily. "Really?"

Harry pulled out a chair, turning it as he did to straddle it, resting his arms on the back of the chair. "Yes. Look, Snape, we've done all we can for you. We've had all the evidence Dumbledore saved from his memories and have taken extensive notes from his portrait. The problem is that you have to change your plea and confirm the statements in order to get out of here."

"Severus, please," Kingsley pleaded, sitting down. "My friend, Holden Goldstein, has informed me that you have not been cooperating with him. I personally asked him to oversee your case. José Aladama is so far impartial, but he's a good man, too."

"And I'm to believe that having an MLE that thinks I should be locked up for life is a benefit?" Severus asked with a smirk.

"Holden is a good man, Severus, although truth be told, he was uncertain of your loyalties," Kingsley explained. "I chose him because he has personal reasons to want to see you remain here, locked away for life, as well as to have you freed. He didn't want to take the case at first because of his uncertainty. Remember his sister, Melissa Bennett, mother of two?"

Severus nodded, remembering the raid well with a sense of regret. He'd sent word, but knew that he was too late to save the woman and her two children.

"Holden and I intercepted the owl warning us about her attack, but as you know, we were too late to save her," Kingsley said, echoing his thoughts. "He blamed you for her death, and for Charity Burbage's demise. However, he also knew that you saved Marilyn Brodie and her husband, and that you sent the warning about the attack planned for the Kinderfields. José is only going by what evidence we've gathered, but he's a fair man and very thorough."

"You don't get it do you?" Harry said, sounding every bit as arrogant as he did when he'd been in school. "We've convinced them, all of us, Me, Hermione, everyone from Dumbledore's Army, the Order, and even your colleagues at Hogwarts. There is enough evidence to prove your loyalties, and to prove that you fought against Riddle from the inside."

"And just like that, I walk out of here." Severus looked away to hide the anger in his eyes. "Forgive me if I find this hard to believe."

"All you have to do is corroborate the evidence, Severus. We need you to declare yourself innocent, and take down your deposition," Kingsley stated. "Holden and José will be here soon, and I have a Wizengamot recorder coming as well. We can take your statements, enter them in the preliminary findings report, and this can all end. You'll be free. I can assure you that."

"Can you?" Severus asked.

"You said you were guilty, Severus," Kingsley roared, hitting the table with his hand. "Even as Minister of Magic, I cannot grant you a pardon as long as the accused declares himself guilty. I know what you had to do in this war. I know sacrifices had to be made. I know you had harsh choices. But the collative evidence shows that you were fighting against Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle from the inside, from within his inner circle. We would not have won without you."

"I was never given the opportunity to say I was guilty!" Severus said angrily with a sneer. "Your Aurors arrested me, booked me in, asked a few questions, and locked me up. Everyone I've spoken to is under the assumption I'm guilty – so I'm guilty. Isn't that how the system works?"

"No, you're responsible, not guilty," Harry said, obviously trying to control his temper. "There is a difference."

"Of the list of crimes I'm being accused of, which are untrue, Potter? I killed Dumbledore. I allowed innocent people to be tortured and killed. I created poisons and potions that killed and destroyed lives. I allowed Death Eaters to run the school and torture students. I'm guilty of everything they accuse me of and more..." He found he was having difficulties maintaining the usual control of his emotions.

"Let the Wizarding community forgive you," Kingsley said fervently. "There is a lovely witch out there that loves you, that wants to see you free."

"Snape, look! Yes, you killed Dumbledore because you made a promise to kill him. He was dying anyway, and he didn't want to fall into the hands of the Death Eaters, especially considering how weak he'd become from the curse that was eating him alive. He also drank a potion that day; one he made me feed him, which was also killing him. So, you and I killed Dumbledore, and like you, I have to live with that," Harry said, sounding impertinently in Severus' opinion, as he apparently tried to make him see reason.

Severus ground his teeth as Potter continued. "Yes, you allowed innocent people to be tortured and killed, but your actions, and your warnings, saved hundreds of lives. Yes, you created poisons and potions that were downright bloody evil – but you also created antidotes and restorative potions to counteract their effects – again, saving lives. We have the statements in the records from your contacts within St. Mungo's. And I have statements regarding how you tried to protect students from the Carrows' tortures."

"So why you, Potter? Why are you in on my investigation? I'd have thought you'd be glad I'm in here." Severus sneered venomously, not at all surprised to see Potter's hands clench as he tried to rein in his temper.

"Severus," Kingsley said softly. "I've brought Harry in on the case."

"You've handed this case to an Auror trainee," Severus snarled.

Kingsley started to laugh. "I asked the boy who defeated Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle to join the case, yes. Harry's support will work in your favor, believe me." Kingsley watched Severus scoff as Harry looked back at Severus with a smug smile, laughing at the exchange with a knowing smirk. "Harry isn't the only one I hand-picked for this investigation, Severus," Kingsley continued, making Severus turn his attention back to him. "Holden lost a sister and several friends to the Death Eaters, and yet the evidence swayed his opinion of you. Oswald Grunthyme lost family and friends in this war, and in Riddle's first rising, yet he's reviewed the evidence, and he is willing to consider accepting a pardon. Rolf VanBuren is going to be second chair, and you know him from the Order. I cannot make this any more favorable without actually coming out and saying I personally want you found not guilty. And I do, Severus. I want your name cleared, and to have you reinstated back at Hogwarts."

"They will not reinstate me back at Hogwarts, I abandoned my post," Severus replied, looking at Kingsley as if he'd lost his Gobstones.

"The way I heard it, you had a job to do," Kingsley said with a grin. "I believe Dumbledore told you to get close to Tom Riddle when the end drew near; that when the day of the battle came, you were to help Potter in any way you could."

Severus nodded. "Yes, but..."

"I hadn't found the last Horcrux, and you knew it," Harry interrupted him. "I needed time to find it, and destroy it, before the battle, or all would be lost. Your leaving, joining Riddle, slowing things down, gave me time to find the Horcrux and destroy it, and saved lives."

"You're glamorizing what happened," Severus sneered. "That's not what happened – and you know it."

"Yeah. It was a no win situation. You couldn't expose yourself to the Carrows, and you had kept the other professors ignorant of what you and Dumbledore had planned," Harry said. "Even while dying in the Shrieking Shack, you were more concerned with fulfilling your vow to Dumbledore, giving me your memories so I'd know what to do, than in saving your own miserable neck." Severus scoffed at him, but he continued. "You can't deny it, I've got the memories. They're in evidence now, the ones with you and Dumbledore. We've also seen Luna's memories of that day. She knew what was going on, knew that the Carrows couldn't know which side you were really on, and even she testified that your leaving, however misconstrued, bought us time."

Kingsley shook his head, smiling. "Believe it or not, once we showed Minerva the circumstances, showed the evidence Harry put together of what happened, your actions, and Dumbledore's request, even she agrees, albeit reluctantly, that you had to stay with Riddle in order for us to have won. She admits that she and Filius weren't privy to all that you and Dumbledore had planned. She said that if she had been, she wouldn't have tried to stop you. Your leaving to join Riddle did give Harry Potter time to destroy a Horcrux, and allowed the staff ample time to prepare the castle for battle and evacuate the students. It's called hindsight, Severus, and it's all part of the bigger picture. It's what people will come to believe." There was a knock on the door, and Kingsley turned, motioned and then faced Severus again. "That's Holden and the recorder. Please, Severus, will you cooperate with us?"

~H~

Hermione woke up and quickly dressed, intent on joining Harry and Ginny for breakfast, but Harry had already left for the Ministry.

Kreacher placed a pile of crumpets and bacon in front of her and then promptly left. Ginny smiled as she poured her a cup of tea. "How about you and I go shopping for our school supplies? What say you?"

"Did we get our lists?" Hermione asked.

"No," Ginny said, shaking her head. "But it gives us an excuse to go shopping at Diagon Alley. I for one would love a new robe and a new quill. Besides, Harry gave me some spending money."

"Don't you have to give depositions today?" Hermione asked as she sipped her tea.

Ginny picked at her crumpet, smiling. "Nope. So, we have a day to ourselves."

"Miss, Kreacher bring in your mail," Kreacher said, bowing stiffly to Ginny and handing her several letters and two Daily Prophets. Ginny passed one paper over to Hermione as she glanced at the front page of her own.

Hermione's mouth fell open as she stared the article on the front page. "Oh, this is rubbish! 'The Ministry of Magic is conducting secret hearings regarding the involvement of several known Tom Riddle supporters, including the infamous Death Eater, supposed spy for the deceased Albus Dumbledore and notorious killer, Severus Snape. It is well known that Severus Snape killed Dumbledore, but what is not known is why the Ministry is trying to cover up the hearings and interrogations in the Snape investigation...Could the Ministry be trying to let loose this dark and dangerous killer?' Bloody hell!"

"This isn't any better. Guess who's back on the Daily Prophet staff. Rita Skeeter. She claims the Minister of Magic set an injunction on the manuscript of her book... exposing the facts surrounding Severus Snape," Ginny read and then looked up at Hermione, gobsmacked. "She's still going to write a book about him?"

"Apparently," Hermione said grimly, turning the page. "Listen to this rubbish. The Malfoys are under house arrest pending the conclusion of their investigation. 'At the end of the final battle, Dark War II, the Malfoy family was seen sitting together in the Great Hall with the victors of the battle, mourning the losses of so many fallen friends and relatives...' Oh, that's rich. 'They were huddled at the end of the Slytherin house table,'" she sneered and continued to read, "'looking grief stricken and remorseful... Their present situation is on shaky social standing, but I've been privileged to know that the Malfoys have been providing funds for the victims of the war, and providing much needed financial aid to St. Mungo's...' They bought their way out of Azkaban!" Hermione slammed down the paper. "The Malfoys are living it rich in their huge manor, waited on hand and foot by their house-elves, and Severus is in Azkaban!"

"From what this article says, they have had their wands snapped. Wait, only Draco has had his wand snapped," Ginny said, scanning the article. "But this clearly states that the family is wandless."

"Harry took Draco's wand from him before we escaped Malfoy manor," Hermione replied. "I think Draco said he took his mum's wand with him to school. I don't know what happened to Mr. Malfoy's wand." Hermione looked at Ginny, although her thoughts were on Severus and the fact that the Ministry might snap his wand.

"Hermione, are you all right?" Ginny asked.

Hermione turned her attention to her friend. "Gin, do you think we could have a rain check on going to Diagon Alley?" she asked thoughtfully. "I think I'd like to spend the day away from the Wizarding world."

"What did you have in mind?" Ginny asked.

"Harrods," Hermione said definitively. "How would you like to get away from all this and see how Muggles shop?"

"Are you kidding?" Ginny exclaimed, smiling. "I'd love to! What's Harrods?"

~S~

When the guards brought Severus into the interrogation room, Rolf VanBuren was standing next to Kingsley and Harry Potter. The older wizard looked Severus up and down before nodding and taking his seat. "Severus," he said calmly. "Knew this day would come. Hoped it wouldn't, but nevertheless, here we are."

Severus nodded. "Rolf. How are your boys?" Rolf had been in the Order, but kept a low profile. He worked in the Hit Squads before joining the MLE, warning Dumbledore to what was happening in the Ministry. Severus had sent him several owls following Dumbledore's death of impending Death Eater attacks, knowing he'd at least follow up on them quickly. Rolf's two eldest boys had stayed to fight at Hogwarts in the final battle and Severus knew that the younger boy had died.

Rolf smiled. "No better for wear. Miss thieir brother, but I'm right proud of my sons. The war toughened them up, made them stand up for what was right. Konrad died fighting for what he believed in. Rommauld has decided that he wants to go into the MLE like his old man. The youngest will start Hogwarts when it reopens."

"You must be proud," Severus stated amiably. He watched as the Auror guard conjured three more chairs as Holden Goldstein, Oswald Grunthyme, and a rather prim looking witch entered the interrogation room. As expected, the room seemed to adjust to the needs of the occupants as everyone settled into chairs. The room had magically stretched, neither seeming crowded nor having been filled up at all, remaining with just enough space for everyone to be comfortable. Even the table stretched in length, Severus noted.

"Ahem. Sorry. Right. Shall we proceed then? I, Holden Goldstein of the Magical Law Enforcement and lead investigator into the case of the Wizarding community vs. Severus Snape, and Oswald Grunthyme, member of the Wizengamot, do hereby acknowledge that today, the twenty-second of June, we are accepting a change of plea for the defense." Holden opened his file, and the Quick-Quotes quill hovered in anticipation. "Whenever you're ready, Mr. Snape."

Severus smirked inwardly at the moniker 'mister.' He hadn't been so addressed in over nineteen years. "I'd like to change my plea to responsible, but not guilty due to extenuating circumstances," he stated, and held up his hand before Potter spoke and interrupted him with more contrite babble. "I cannot in good conscious say that I'm not guilty, because I did do these things I am accused of. However, many of these were unfortunately unavoidable; some acts even essential, either to maintain my position as a Death Eater in order to assist the Order of the Phoenix or under oath to Dumbledore... Even the act of killing him. I am not proud of the things I have done, and will carry the weight of the regrets and guilt the rest of my days. Nevertheless, I request that..."

"Yes," Mr. Grunthyme urged him to continue, "go on."

"I request that my plea be changed accordingly." It was the best Severus could give them, knowing he'd have to repeat what he said now under Veritaserum when this came to trial.

Mr. Grunthyme nodded and made a notation on his parchment before looking up at Severus. "Very well stated. I for one am glad you have come around. You are showing true remorse for your actions, and I realize that you'll face the consequences of your actions the rest of your days. Your plea has been accepted and is so noted. Now as chief investigator of your case and member of the Wizengamot, I have a few questions I'd like to clarify..."

Severus nodded, knowing that his expression was one of well practiced indifference, belying the turmoil that he felt inside, and waited for the questions to begin with a sense of dread. He hated confessions, hated being questioned even more, but this was inevitable.

"Right then," Mr. Grunthyme said, looking at his notes.

~H~

Since the final battle, things had yet to slow down. The first few weeks were made up of numerous funerals and wakes, superimposed with the needs of the living, investigations and reconstruction. The Ministry had been extremely busy with tracking down the last of the Death Eaters and filling in positions, which had been vacated due to arrests or deaths. St Mungo's had recruited anyone with a Healer background or even a desire to help the wounded and suffering from the war. The general public wanted things wrapped up quickly, and everyone suspected of being a Death Eater or associated with one to be sent to Azkaban or given the newly discovered Death-Kiss potion that left the victim a mindless shell similar to the Dementor's kiss.

Kingsley absolutely refused to allow the use of the potion except for the truly hardened criminals, insisting on giving everyone a thorough investigation and a fair trial, but even his resources were limited.

As members of the Order and Ministry personnel, Mr. Weasley and Percy were very busy, spending long days at the office, and Mrs. Weasley was still volunteering at St. Mungo's as a Healer. George's defensive line was still booming, but he was having a difficult time keeping up with demands on his novelty items as well, eliciting help as frequently from family and friends as he could.

Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Neville, Luna, Ron, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and even George had all received subpoenas from Oswald Grunthyme and Rolf VanBuren. The committee had viewed nearly every one of their memories involving Severus, taking extensive notes regarding the events seen, and then had the memories copied and returned to them. All three days Hermione had returned to Grimmauld Place from the Ministry, Ginny had been waiting for her with a cold flannel and a Headache Potion.

As was becoming a habit ever since Fred's funeral, and those of friends and comrades, the Burrow was full of people on Sunday afternoon. Although the gatherings still carried the shadow of those lost, and the stress of the added responsibilities many of the family had taken on, the atmosphere was one of loving support and hope. Each person was trying to be caring, compassionate and supportive of each other. It wasn't uncommon to see Angelina Johnson and Lee Jordan attending, and Neville and Luna had become regulars as well.

This particular Sunday, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny had offered to make a detour on the way Ottery St. Catchpole to pick up Mrs. Tonks and Teddy. Mrs. Tonks, Hermione, and Ginny were all lounging in the sitting room, watching Harry play with Teddy on the floor, while Mrs. Weasley busied herself in the kitchen, making lunch. Fleur and Bill were sitting with Mr. Weasley, Ron, George and Angelina in the shade of the oak tree in the back garden, and Luna and Neville were now sitting at the kitchen table, holding hands as Percy recounted his latest attempts at standardizing cauldrons. His new girlfriend, Audrey, listened to him with rapt attention, although no one else was.

Hermione nudged Ginny and pointed to Luna and Neville discreetly. "Look at Luna and Neville. They are so into each other, I bet they haven't heard a word Percy's said all afternoon."

"Know what Luna told me?" Ginny asked, and Hermione shook her head no. "They're going to go on an exploration hike in the Alps for two weeks before she starts school. Neville wants to find some rare flower that only blooms in August, and Luna wants to take pictures of a moongoloth."

"What's a moongoloth?" Hermione asked, scrunching her nose when Teddy repeated, "Moon-goo-loth."

Ginny laughed at Harry's confused expression. "Careful, Teddy repeats everything. I don't have any idea what a moongoloth is, but we're talking about Luna. It may be real, or only real to her."

"Neville, would you be a dear and go tell everyone in the garden that lunch is almost ready?" Mrs. Weasley asked and then turned to the sitting room. "Girls, will you please set the table that Bill and George put up outside?"

"Lunch ready, lunch ready," Teddy started chanting as he threw himself into Harry's lap, making Harry's eyes suddenly widen and tear up.

"Sure, Mrs. Weasley," was echoed with, "Sure, Mum," and "Okay, Mrs. Weasley," as Neville, Ginny and Hermione all sprang to their feet.

Ginny walked over to give Harry a hand up. "You all right?" she asked.

Harry struggled to get up. "Foot in the wrong place," he groaned, moving gingerly.

Hermione turned to hide her laugh, collected the plates, and followed Luna outside. "You and Neville are really getting on well," she said to Luna as they set the table.

Luna looked over at Neville and smiled. "Yes. It was inevitable."

As everyone came to find seats around the table, Neville pulled out Luna's chair, stroking her hair before he sat in the chair next to hers. Hermione had to admit, Luna was looking far better groomed now that Mrs. Longbottom was on about Luna's appearance. Her once dingy hair was now smooth and glossy, at least on the weekends.

The conversations at the table bounced from Mr. Weasley asking Harry and Ron about Auror training, to Neville's hopes of working in a nursery specializing in magical plants, to Mrs. Tonk's and Fleur's random motherhood comments as Bill balanced Victorie in one arm while he ate. George announced that he was once again considering expanding Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and was looking at the old Zonko's premises in Hogsmeade. Mr. Weasley asked Hermione what she intended to do, and she told him that she wanted to return to Hogwarts in September.

Ron quickly swallowed and looked up at her, gobsmacked. "What for?" he asked. "You were given honorary N.E.W.T.s, like Harry and me."

"I turned them down, Ron," Hermione stated. "I want to earn my N.E.W.T.s."

"I think it's great," Ginny declared. "Of course, that means that you and I will be seventh years together, have classes together, and even share a dormitory!"

"What about your husband?" Bill asked. "What does he think about it?"

"I'm not sure what he thinks about it actually." Hermione worried the napkin in her lap. "He wasn't surprised when I told him. I think he still expects me to request annulment."

"Are you?" Mr. Weasley asked.

Hermione turned to look at him and caught Ron's eye. "I don't know yet. I want to wait until Severus' case is concluded and he is freed; then he and I will discuss it."

"If he's freed," Ron said sullenly.

Fleur quickly turned to Angelina and asked her what she had planned to do, and Angelina announced that the Daily Prophet offered her a job as a Quidditch correspondent, which Ron thought was 'wicked,' and Harry declared as 'cool.'

"So I get to go to all the games and meet all the players," Angelina said excitedly. "And, yes, when the Chudley Cannons play, I'll get you autographs, Ron."

Ron face lit up. "How about tickets?" he asked hopefully, and everyone laughed at him.

"I'll see what I can do," Angelina replied smoothly.

"Since this seems to be a day of announcements," Neville piped up from the other end of the table. "I'd like to say something. Luna and I are getting married."

"About bloody time," George stated.

"When?" Mrs. Weasley asked, ignoring George. "Luna, I thought you were going back to school?"

"She is. Felix Marchbanks is leading a three-month expedition of the northern Mediterranean mountains, leaving in mid September, and I've been accepted on the team. If I'm lucky, I'll be included in his winter expedition in January. I'll have loads of rare plants! It'll be great. But Gran just doesn't want us to wait for a whole year to marry – considering... well, since Luna..." Neville tried explaining, but he turned bright red and looked down at his hands in embarrassment.

"She's worried I'll get pregnant, so she insisted on a proper wedding. It's gong to be on the sixth of September," Luna stated as she laced her hand with Neville's, smiling at him, and obviously very happy. "Besides, it's a full moon on September sixth, so we are going to have it outside in the garden."

Ginny clasped her hands together, beaming at her friends. "Oh, that would be wonderful, an evening wedding!"

"Yeah, Luna wanted to pick a date corresponding with the full moon," Neville said. "And it's the Friday before I leave for the expedition."

"Probably because you were matched with the Moon-Song Curse," Ron said, a little bitterness edging his tone of voice.

"Spell," Ginny corrected Ron, frustration evident in her tone. "The Moon-Song Spell."

For some reason, the girls were far more excited about the announcement than the guys and began asking Luna all kinds of questions about what she'd like for her wedding. After lunch, Ron managed to get Bill, Angelina, George, Neville, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny to agree to a game of Quidditch in the orchard, although Luna and Fleur went along simply to watch. After two rousing games, they all returned to the house for Mrs. Weasley's lemonade.

Harry excused himself, disappearing briefly and, returning with a sack, walked determinedly over to Luna and Neville. Hermione watched him from the front stoop as Harry handed the sack to Neville. "I want you to take this and start your own nursery."

"What is this?" Neville asked, as he looked at Harry, confused. Ginny looped her arm around Harry, beaming at them, and Luna looked at her friends, puzzled.

"Consider it start up funds," Harry said. "It's the money I won from the Triwizard Tournament. I gave it to Fred and George to start up their shop, and George paid me back. So now I want to give it to you to start up the nursery you've always wanted."

Neville looked into the sack, then up at Harry and Ginny, gobsmacked, and Hermione smiled, watching his face light up. "Harry, I can't take this... there must be a thousand Galleons in here. It's too much." He thrust the sack back at Harry.

"Consider it a loan if you want," Harry said, shoving the bag back into Neville's hands. "It's blood money to me – I only got it because Tom Riddle killed Cedric Diggory. So, I'm using it for good causes; and you're a good cause."

"Harry, I don't know what to say," Neville said, his voice hitched with emotion.

Ginny smiled at Neville and gave him a one armed hug. "Don't say anything then. But I expect you to make good on this and have a smashing good nursery."

"Oh, he will," Luna said, beaming. "Thank you, Harry."

Hermione walked down to her friends, never feeling more proud for this gesture than any Harry had ever made before. Neville turned to look at her as she approached. "I'm going to have my own nursery."

"I'm glad, Neville. You'll be a smashing Herbologist," she said proudly, giving him and then Luna a hug. "I'm so happy for both of you."

~ T B C ~>

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Author's notes: