All the Strength and Courage

A/N: Again, a big thank you for my beta, MadBrilliant. And huge thanks to all who have been giving me such lovely reviews. I do hope you enjoy this chapter.

***

Madam Lucking came to Hermione where she was restocking the potions for the infirmary. She had a very serious look on her face, and Hermione immediately sensed the worst.

"What is it, Madam Lucking?"

She produced a scroll that was branded with the Ministry of Magic's seal on it. "You are going to London, Hermione. Auror Banes' trial is taking place on Friday, and you have been called to testify before the Wizengamot."

Hermione read the scroll. Her eyes flew open wide as she read. "I'm to testify about Professor Snape's assault!"

She lowered her hands and looked off into the distance. She knew Harry had to be behind this. Oh, God! Could she begin to hope that Severus might be released? Even if on parole, just to get him out of here! She started nibbling absentmindedly on a fingernail.

Madam Lucking slapped her hand down. "Silly girl! You are so transparent it is just plain sad!"

Hermione looked at her confusedly. "Why do you say that, Ma'am?"

She wrapped her arm around the young girl and gave her a motherly squeeze. Then she whispered, "I know all about you and Severus Snape, you minx! It's the worst kept secret here!"

Hermione's eyes grew wide in horror. No! Could it be that someone saw us? Oh no! Carson! He could lose his job!

"H-how do you know?" she whispered.

Madam Lucking smiled and whispered back, "I am eighty years old, my girl! I have seen how he aids you, helps you around here. He would rope the moon for you if he could. And I see how your face lights up whenever he comes near you."

Hermione knew she was blushing furiously. Madam Lucking laughed. "It's alright. I think the world of Snape. I only know of him through rumors and what the newsrags say, and it's all contradictory! 'Victim or Villain?' All I know is that enough people I trust and believe to be good judges of character think highly of him, and I trust what I experience with my own eyes and ears. He's a good man, not particularly nice, but still a good man."

Hermione laughed. "You're right about not being nice! He has a particular nasty streak and a temper to match, but I do love him, and I never thought after Ron I would be able to love again."

***

Hermione walked into the Ministry of Magic and waited for Harry to meet her. She was so nervous she couldn't eat her breakfast. She also had a fitful night's sleep. She tried her best to look sedate and in control, but she couldn't tell how she was faring. Harry greeted her with a warm smile and a big hug.

"Hermione, you look wonderful. Are you nervous?"

"Is it all that apparent?" she asked with a tremor in her voice.

"A little, but I think it's just because I know you so well. Look, the trial has been proceeding like clockwork. All you need to do is tell your side from a mediwitch's point of view. You'll do fine!"

Before she knew it, she was facing the doors, waiting for her name to be announced. She fidgeted with her hair a little and tugged at her robes. Finally, she was nervously pacing. Harry jumped up and held her shoulders steady.

"Just breathe, Hermione. It's going to be fine," he assured her.

Just then the door opened, and a pleasant looking witch called her name. She walked in with Harry hand in hand until they had to part ways. She sat in the witness chair, facing the Wizengamot, and Harry sat in the gallery. It was a packed house. The accusations of graft and corruption in the Aurory had the nation's entire Wizarding community up in arms.

There was a slight buzz in the courtroom, and Hermione felt intimidated being scrutinized by the entire Wizengamot. She sat with her hands folded together in her lap. She saw Banes sitting at the defense table looking decidedly smug with his solicitor by his side. The solicitor, a middle-aged witch, looked fierce and predatory. Soon, Hermione was clenching her hands hard to calm her nerves. Minister Shacklebolt was in charge of the proceedings and banged his gavel to call the chamber to order.

"Miss Hermione Granger, that is your name, correct?"

"Yes, sir," she answered.

"You are working as a volunteer at the reconstruction sight of Hogwarts Castle in the infirmary, is that correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"You were brought on by mediwitch Madam Pomfrey around three months after the end of the war. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why did you volunteer to work in the infirmary, Miss Granger?"

Hermione took a deep breath and began to speak. "I was confused and upset over the suicide of my fiancé, Ronald Weasley. His brothers encouraged me to help out where I could at the site. My goal is to be a mediwitch one day. When Ronald was in St. Mungo's, I worked there as an assistant. I decided to share my abilities to help with the rebuilding effort and at the same time, hopefully, get my mind off my own pain and grief."

"There was an incident where a prisoner, one Byron Mackenerney, exposed himself in front of you, and he was reported to have been beaten severely by Auror Banes. Can you corroborate this story?"

"Partially. It is true that the prisoner exposed himself in front of me, and Auror Banes dragged him out of the tent rather forcefully. I also immediately started hearing the sound of a whipping and screams...but I saw nothing."

The members of the Wizengamot whispered amongst themselves. Shacklebolt continued.

"Auror Dawlish testified earlier this month to a beating that took place last winter where the victim had been Prisoner Severus Snape. He also testified that he brought the prisoner to you the following morning. Were you the mediwitch assistant who attended to Prisoner Snape?"

"I was, sir."

"Would you please explain the physical findings you assessed?"

"Prisoner Snape was very badly beaten. He suffered multiple contusions, four broken ribs, a broken cheekbone that I concluded came from a boot due to the distinct break pattern, and bruising on his face. His hands were also broken in various places, but the most vile finding was that he had been urinated and defecated on."

The entire chamber gasped, and there was a mixture of cheers and outraged shouts from the gallery.

Minister Shacklebolt banged his gavel. "I will have silence in this court!" he bellowed.

Once the din hushed, he commenced, "Miss Granger, did Auror Dawlish tell you the names of the men involved with Prisoner Snape's assault and also the situation surrounding the event?"

"Not specific names, no. He told me many of the 'younger lads' did this often for a 'bit of sport,' he called it. There was a system in place. He said that he and some of the older Aurors looked after the younger prisoners, whom Auror Dawlish believed were really innocent. He said Prisoner Snape was not a priority because he had been a Death Eater and he had angered so many people over the years."

"So, it is your opinion this assault was an act of vengeance?"

"I believe it to be so."

Shacklebolt sighed audibly. "Auror Carson testified about the events surrounding the admittance of Prisoner Snape and Prisoner Nott. What was the extent of the physical damage Prisoner Nott suffered?

Hermione cleared her throat and willed herself to remain calm. "Prisoner Nott was carried into the infirmary by Prisoner Snape in late January. Auror Carson was present as well. Prisoner Nott was unconscious, suffering from extreme hypothermia. His extremities were frozen, but immediate treatment with Muggle first aid followed by various warming spells, he was on his way to a full recovery. I assessed Prisoner Snape's state as well. He had some minor circulatory problems with his feet, but it was not as severe as Prisoner Nott's. I spent two weeks nursing Prisoner Nott, but before the prisoner was fully recovered, Auror Banes authorized his transfer back to Azkaban."

Shaklebolt continued. "What of any evidence did you see of torture and/or abuse of the prisoners?"

"I saw many instances of the acts of torture and abuse and also treated injuries of prisoners who came into the infirmary under the guise of 'work-related injury.' A medical professional can see telltale signs of abuse rather easily. I saw numerous instances of burns, cuts, bruises, and I did on more than one occasion witness the disciplining of the prisoners.

"Disciplining?" he asked.

"Yes, the prisoners were ordered to stand at attention while the prisoner who had committed an infraction was whipped. It seemed very strange to me that great pains were taken to inflict pain in non-magical ways. I could only assume it was because a wand can be traced, but Muggle methods of punishment and torture can not."

"Thank you for your testimony. Is there anything you would like to add, Miss Granger? Auror Potter has informed the Wizengamot that you would like to plead on the behalf of Prisoner Snape. Due to the testimony of Auror Carson on his actions to save the life of Prisoner Nott and taking into account his exemplary record as a prisoner, I have decided to hear any pleas you may have for his case."

Hermione was excited at the chance to tell all those present what a travesty it has been to keep Severus imprisoned.

"Yes, thank you, Minister. More than 75% of the convicts participating in the Prisoner Rehabilitation Program have been sent back to Azkaban, for reasons that could have been avoided if only proper hygiene, clothing, and food had been available. And I know for a fact that the Ministry provided such necessities, but unfortunately, for the greed of certain witches and wizards, these men suffered unjustly and inhumanely. I have spent a great deal of time with the prisoner, and he has suffered immensely. Prisoner Snape has been a model prisoner and has never caused trouble or dissention and went to great lengths to try and save Prisoner Nott's life. I beg of you, please reconsider his imprisonment. Even if to just release him on parole...he does not deserve to be there, working in that capacity. He can best serve our world by allowing him to resume his work in potion making, using his expertise and knowledge in the rebuilding of Hogwarts. We all know here that Severus Snape is the most gifted Potions master in Britain!"

She stopped talking and allowed the Wizengamot to deliberate amongst themselves. There were a lot of nods and animated whispers. Hermione felt the tide was finally turning. Then the Minister acknowledged the accused's solicitor: Madam Brindage.

Madam Brindage stalked over towards Hermione, her face smiling but her eyes cold as ice. She was a tall woman, with dark hair pulled back into a tight bun. She had a long face with a long thin nose. Her wiry glasses were pulled halfway down her nose. She had thin lips and large eyebrows that moved a lot when she spoke. She wore severe-looking robes, and in a kind of a demented way, her sneer reminded her of Severus. It was apparent she had taken great pains to make herself look intimidating, but she underestimated the young witch. Hermione had faced many things in her young life: from facing a mountain troll as a first year all the way to fighting against Voldemort and now to being in love with the most irascible wizard in creation...well, the woman had her work cut out for her. Hermione was not a woman to be intimidated easily.

She began to speak. "It has been placed before the Wizengamot that you have a relationship with the prisoner that is less than savory."

"Whatever do you mean?" Hermione said coolly.

"I mean, Miss Granger, that Madam Pomfrey testified here that you and Prisoner Snape have been carrying on an illicit affair, and that Aurors Dawlish and Carson had been abetting and aiding you and he in this endeavor."

"What exactly are you accusing me of, Madam?" Hermione demanded angrily.

The severe looking witch peered down her thin nose and replied, "I think you want Severus Snape released because you are besotted with him, or he has deceived you into taking up his cause by manipulating your emotions and planting false memories into your mind. For many years I have represented various persons in front of this court and am very familiar with Severus Snape and his abilities to control weak minds!"

Hermione looked the Minister directly in the eyes. She would not stoop to even look upon this woman! Weak mind, kiss my arse! she thought angrily.

She ignored the haughty witch in front of her and spoke directly to the Minister.

"Minister, I shall not even attempt to persuade anyone here how profoundly misguided Madam Brindage's last statement was! I do care for and respect Severus Snape very much. I have for a long time, since I know for a fact..." At this she glanced around accusingly at the entire Wizengamot with contempt."Yes, it is a FACT that Severus Snape for twenty years worked as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix and risked his life on a number of occasions for our Cause."

Hermione paused. She was furious that she had allowed that old hag to anger her. She felt the older witch's statement tarnished her ability to sway the members of the Wizengamot. She was going to have to do something drastic: very drastic.

"Now, if my word is not enough that I am not having sex with the Prisoner Snape, I will consent to be administered Veritaserum to prove my claim," she said calmly.

Madam Brindage laughed. "Miss Granger, we know very well there is an antidote for Veritaserum. Your relationship with an accomplished Potions master does not quell any doubts I have on the truthfulness of any statements you might say under the potion."

"Very well," Hermione replied smoothly. "A physical examination can prove my virginity, and that is irrefutable evidence."

The chamber went berserk with gasps and yelling. It took a long time for order to resume.

Once he had sufficiently silenced the chamber, Minister Shacklebolt was grave in his next statement. "Miss Granger, we are very aware that some witches and wizards can fight off the effect of Veritaserum, not to mention that an antidote does indeed exist. I assume that is why you would be willing to actually allow a Healer of this court to examine you to prove your word that you are not having relations with the prisoner?"

"I would." Hermione's face was set in stone.

"Preposterous!" spat the older witch. "Young woman, it has been made clear to this court that you and the prisoner have a relationship. You have been seen in his company on a number of occasions with an air of familiarity about you. Countless Aurors and including Madam Pomfrey have testified to this end. You, yourself, have just testified that you care for the prisoner! It does not matter if you are actually having relations or not. It is more than clear that you favor the prisoner, and I believe you will do or say whatever it takes to have him released, even if it means committing perjury against an innocent man!"

"That is quite enough Madam Brindage!" boomed the Minister.

Hermione was livid. Of course, the Aurors who lost their jobs and careers because she had dared to stand up to their cruel mistreatment of helpless people would have been more than happy to regal the Wizengamot with sordid tales of secret clandestine meetings! But, in fact, deep down, Hermione felt guilty. It wasn't as if there wasn't love between them. In fact, twice they had crossed the line into 'sexual misconduct,' as they would call it!

She found her voice again, stood, and challenged her. "I think it is quite abhorrent to waste this court's time with this matter! The physical evidence speaks for itself that Prisoner Snape was tortured, and a trusted Auror, who corroborates my story to the letter, witnessed it.

"In reality the only reason Severus Snape is in prison is because he was found guilty of assisted suicide. We also know from the testimony of Harry Potter and the memories left in Dumbledore's Pensieve that he only committed the act under the compulsion of the Unbreakable Vow! And that he made that vow to protect his cover as a spy for the Order! He not only tried to spare the life of Draco Malfoy, but he worked tirelessly for years protecting Harry Potter's life. And we all know when Voldemort returned during the end of the Triwizard Tournament was when the second war truly began! Acts committed in times of war cannot be held against a solider! If that were the case, we all who fought in the Final Battle against Voldemort should be locked up as well! How many Unforgiveables did you cast, Minister? I know I cast the Killing Curse more than once during the battle! So why not arrest me as well?" Her face was alight in righteous indignation and a pride beyond her years. She was an impressive sight.

The chamber again erupted into pandemonium. The gallery rocked with cheers and shouts of contempt alike. Some members of the Wizengamot were arguing amongst themselves while others stared into the gallery in terror at the outcries.

Minister Shacklebolt fixed his warm brown eyes on Hermione. He was unconcerned with the chaos around him. Hermione felt the entire chamber disappear. She set her face firm and defiant. The Minister regarded her with a look she could not quite place, but it seemed akin to respect. A ghost of a smile played around his mouth. Finally, he tore his eyes off her and banged the gavel, demanding for silence.

Only when the gallery was silent did Hermione realize she had been yelling at the Wizengamot! She meekly sat down and tried to look calm and in control. She did not dare look at Harry for fear it would show on his face that she had gone too far.

The Minister then dismissed her from the court. Hermione walked out into the hall and sank onto a nearby bench, clutching her chest. She was shaking like a leaf. Harry came to her side and saw the Weasley brothers with him. They were beaming with pride at her. She smiled shyly and fidgeted with her robe.

"Did I bollocks it up that badly?" she joked sarcastically.

George sat on the other side of her. "No, Hermione! I think you were ruddy brilliant! I thought I'd never see the old fire in you again." She looked up at him and grinned, her face hot. She knew she was blushing.

She turned to Harry and his eyes were misty. "Hermione, I don't know what has been going on this past year with Snape, but I think it was clear to everyone who knows and loves you that he brought you back to us. And another four years won't change what is real between you. It's okay to love him."

Bill, Charlie, and Percy knelt down and beamed at her. Bill spoke up. "I think I can speak for all the brothers here that we are proud of you, Hermione. We will always remember what might have been for you and Ron, but we all love you enough for you to be happy. You'll always be a sister to us. Always, Hermione."

Hermione burst into tears and allowed herself to be enveloped by the sweet men in her life, the ones who would always remind her of Ron, the Ron she had loved and who had been her best friend. She also was wise enough to know they were giving her their blessing to start over again. As she hugged each brother, she was overcome by the fullness of grace she had been shown. She would have another chance to be with a man who loved her and she him, whenever it may happen, and she would not have to lose the only family she had left in order to do so. She would wait for Severus, but she would not have to wait alone. She was still their sister.