The Arraignment

~o0o~

Day 27

Hermione took a few minutes to check herself in the mirror as Snape changed into his robes. Harry had sent a message on her Galleon yesterday afternoon after Margaretta Grunmaker had left, confirming the arraignment time and telling her that he couldn't change the order to have Aurors escort Snape to the Ministry. However, Kingsley did impress to the Aurors that Snape was still recovering from 'serious injuries' and he wasn't to be chained or treated roughly. Hermione hoped that the two Aurors would remember that. Ron had sent a message saying he'd arranged for the Aurors to pick them up in a Ministry car. Hermione had smiled at her friends' arrangements, although Snape had been unhappy about it.

That wasn't all he had been unhappy about. Hermione had insisted that he wear his best robes, but Snape claimed not to have any, other than his professor's robes. To his annoyance she'd scrounged through his upstairs wardrobe and brought down the best he had, which happened to be the ones he'd worn to the Yule Ball. However, they were simply newer professor's robes just made from a nicer quality of wool, with a dark green waistcoat that had a slight sheen to the fabric, but that was so dark it might as well have been black. Still, she insisted he put them on so that he would look his best. After much debate, he finally relented to wearing the dark green waistcoat and newer frock coat under his robes. Standing in front of the mirror, he looked almost handsome, fully rested, hair clean and combed. Even his skin had lost some of its sallow appearance. With the exception of the thin line of white at his collar and sleeve cuff, he still looked like he was dressed in all black. "You look handsome," she remarked as she walked up to him.

He scowled at her. "Utter nonsense, Miss Granger. I look the same as I always do," he stated.

"Well, at least you took a bath last night," she mused as he walked slowly toward the front door.

"Only because you wouldn't let me go to sleep otherwise," he said, tucking the fifteen-inch birch and dragon heartstring wand into his sleeve. He'd been insistent on carrying this one from his school trunk instead of his fifteen-inch black walnut and dragon heartstring one that she was more familiar seeing him carry.

"What is the difference?" she'd asked when he'd insisted that she bring him this particular wand from his old school trunk.

"In case they snap it of course," he said resolutely. "This was my first wand. I don't have as many fond memories associated with it." He turned to appraise her appearance.

After the fuss she'd made over his own clothes, he'd been rather surly about the clothes she'd chosen to wear. The ones she'd worn to the Yule Ball were much too fancy and the one she'd worn to Bill and Fleur's wedding had seen better days, so she'd simply pulled out her best Muggle jumper and jeans. He scoffed at her, flat out insisting that she go to a robes shop and buy 'appropriate wizarding wear' or he'd hex her.

Hermione had told him she didn't have the money.

He'd said he'd pay for them.

She'd refused, stating that she couldn't impose on him.

He'd scoffed at her and asked her what the last month had been if not an imposition.

They'd had argued until finally Arimus, flapping his wings and screeching at them to get them to quiet down, made Snape and Hermione stop arguing. Actually, Hermione had started laughing, and Snape had stood there, leaning against the kitchen counter, watching her with a scowl. "At least allow me to buy you the robes as remittance for all the work you've done, cleaning my home and assisting me with my potions. That was above your 'duties' as my personal Healer. Would you at least accept new robes on those grounds?" he'd asked when she'd finally stopped laughing and Arimus quieted down again.

To avoid any more fighting about it, Hermione relented and went to Diagon Alley that afternoon after tea to buy new robes. At his urging to 'please choose anything other than red,' and since he'd paid for the robes, she'd asked the assistant for green ones. The shop assistant had read Snape's letter Hermione had given her, nodded with a big smile and proceeded to show her several lovely robes. In the end, the choice had been easy.

The dark forest green color of the robes she'd selected were edged in dark blue embroidery that complimented her coloring well. She'd added a simple dark blue dress to wear underneath, both the dress and the robes costing more than she would have ever spent on herself. But the new outfit looked good and made her feel pretty, and had even elicited a smile from him twice so far.

"Are we ready to go, Miss Granger?" he asked, sounding a bit hesitant himself.

"Yes," she said, biting her lip. "Kingsley said he'd send a car. Someone named Wellings and Durnike are meeting us on the street. How far do you want to walk to meet them?"

"The corner," he said, opening the door.

As far from his house as he could go and still be on his street. "We still have half an hour," she said, stepping out into the misty morning air. I'm glad I braided my hair today, with this mist I'd look a fright in fifteen minutes.

He looked at her and laid a hand on her arm. "No matter what happens, I know you tried. I will never forget that."

*

Hermione walked with Snape down a long corridor, followed by Wellings and Durnike. The rough stone walls were sufficiently lit by several torches spaced evenly along the wall in brackets. It reminded her of the corridors in the dungeons at school.

Harry and Ron stood conversing softly and looked up when they approached. Both wore new robes of dark blue that looked very nice on them. Wellings and Durnike spoke to Harry a moment and moved to stand against the wall to wait.

What? Like Snape is going to make run for it with his walker? Hermione thought, ruefully. He's not evil. We have to win this... we have to. He deserves more than to be treated like a war criminal. We have to win this....

Ron walked over and hugged Hermione. "We're next; they are just finishing a case. Turned out well."

"Are you ready?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded nervously, but Snape simply closed his eyes and grunted his assent. Harry opened up a heavy wooden doors and allowed Hermione and Snape to enter in first, followed by Ron.

Hermione gasped, although Snape was quiet and calm. She remembered that he'd been in this room before. And for the very same reason, too... she thought and grimaced. The courtroom was huge and foreboding. The walls were dark stone, lit by torches mounted to the walls and floating glass orbs. There were rows of benches that nearly filled two full walls. Professor McGonagall, Hagrid, Madam Pomfrey, Professor Hooch and Madam Rosmerta were sitting in the rows of observers' seats. Hagrid waved at her, and Hermione waved back, just catching Professor Flitwick's waving hand from where he was sitting beside her huge friend. He was so dwarfed by both Hagrid and Professor McGonagall and her tall pointed hat that she hadn't seen him at first glance. It was encouraging to Hermione that they were all there. Margaretta Grunmaker sat with two wizards in lime green robes and a wizard in a darker green with a young witch, in St. Mungo's Healers' robes and smock. Further down the rows, in the far corner of the room she could see Neville Longbottom, sitting with Lavender Brown and nearly fifty other students, most of whom she didn't know. The only person she regretted seeing was Rita Skeeter, her quick quotes quill at the ready and scribbling away. The other reporter, quote quill in hand, sat patiently waiting, obviously here to report the proceedings as they happened, not as a gossip piece, judging by his pose.

Harry guided Hermione and Snape to the side of the room to wait. There were two tables in the middle of the floor. They faced a bench that took up most of one wall on her left. There was a woman standing between the two tables in front of a chair that had several chains attached to it, tears streaming down her face as two other wizards tried to shake her hand. Hermione's eyes fell on the tall high-backed chair, watching the chains slide and undulate like snakes, and she knew that Snape was supposed to sit in that chair. The very thought sickened her. She looked up at Snape, but his face was a stony mask of indifference.

She turned to look at the people that were there to pass judgment on Snape. The benches reminded Hermione of Muggle court, except that there were three large chairs in the center and about fifty others spread out behind them all filled with people in purple robes. The bench took up the entire wall on that side of the courtroom. Several of the people were talking amongst themselves while others simply sat and waited, all with varying expressions of curiosity and animosity, while many looked strict or somber. A few were watching Hermione with similarly austere expressions.

Kingsley sat in the middle of the high bench, Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden on one side of him, Sturgis Podmore and Cornelius Fudge on the other. Like the others on the bench, they all wore plum-colored robes with an elaborate silver 'W' embroidered on their chests. Kingsley, Mrs. Marchbanks and Mr. Ogden wore a type of round, purple and silver-corded hat. Among the fifty others present, she could see Mr. Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Dedalus Diggle, Bill Weasley, Amos Diggory and Charlie Wesley. The members of the Order who Hermione recognized were all in the front and to the right side of the three, slightly taller, head chairs.

Snape was stone-faced and his posture stiff as he braced himself with his walker. She knew that pose. It was his 'face-what-I-have-to' pose. Only Harry knew that he had the Crutch-Support Spell on him, which was allowing him to walk so far and stand for so long.

Aruidus Raithwright, of Witch Weekly, walked past Hermione, sat down next to Rita Skeeter, and pulled out a pad of parchment with his quill, ready to take dictation, too.

Finally, the witch was escorted from the room and Harry and Ron indicated that Hermione and Snape were to take their seats. Hermione flicked her wand, thickening the cushions on the high-backed chair, eliciting a snicker from someone on the bench and two people from behind her, but she didn't care. Snape gave her a small smile and a tiny shake of his head, amused by her actions and sat down gingerly. Hermione took his walker, placing it beside the chair and as out of sight as she could. She pulled out the chair Harry had indicated for her and sat down at the table on Snape's right, moving closer to him for support. He didn't acknowledge it, but looked straight ahead at the wood paneling of the bench rather than at anyone up there.

Harry and Ron stood at the larger of the tables on the other side of the chair with the magical chains, facing the raised benches. "If it pleases the court; I, Harry James Potter, as defense investigator, do request that the accused, Severus Edgar Talfryn Snape, be allowed to remain unchained due to his physical health."

Snape turned slightly at the sound of his full name, and although Hermione couldn't see his face, she was sure he was scowling.

"Do you agree?" Kingsley asked as he turned to Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden. They both nodded. "The court will so allow the request." The chains on the chair fell to the floor, silent. "Severus Snape, you are being charged with crimes to Wizardkind, criminal association with Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle, otherwise known as the Dark Lord, the murder of Albus Dumbledore, and acts of cruelty and harm to your fellow wizards and the community at large. This hearing is to determine if these charges have any grounds. How do you plead?"

Harry and Ron both stood up and to Hermione's amazement, Harry reached out a hand, placing it on Snape's shoulder indicating that he didn't need to stand as well. "Please, Professor, be comfortable, okay?" he asked.

Snape simply glared at Harry's hand, then up at Harry, but Harry was looking up at the bench. "According to official Ministry records, Severus Snape was in fact a Death Eater. His association with Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle is a documented fact. However, these same records from Dark War I clearly indicate that Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, vouched for Mr. Snape's association as a spy, giving invaluable information on Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle and his Death Eaters. He was cleared of all charges from Dark War I. Furthermore, I intend to prove that Severus Snape continued in this role as spy and informant during Dark War II as well as contributed greatly to the wizarding community over the last four years."

Shacklebolt laced his fingers together on the bench before him. "Thank you, Mr. Potter, so noted." He opened his hands and stood up. "I shall be deferring my chair to Cornelius Fudge for this case due to a conflict of interest. I believe Mistresses Edthyl and Edithe Rogers, and Mr. Arthur Weasley have asked for the same indulgence." Kingsley, Mr. Weasley and two elderly witches, who almost looked like twins, all rose, exited the benches, walked across the courtroom and sat down behind Harry and Ron. Apparently, her friends expected them to. Hermione turned around and saw the two matronly women smile and wave enthusiastically at her.

"Right then, for the record," Cornelius Fudge stated formally. "I, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Acting High Chair, acknowledge Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden as Wizengamot Elders, and we shall be leading interrogators for this case. Court Scribe shall be Melissa Melbright." There was a murmur of assent as well as dissent from the bench. Fudge ignored the mumbled protest and continued. "Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley have presented a list of witnesses for the defense which has been approved. So, we shall proceed."

She looked over at her friends, noticing the large amount of files and folders they had both placed on their table. There were several murmurs and groans from the onlookers.

"Mr. Potter, as lead for the defense you may proceed," Fudge said.

"My first witnesses are Healer Margaretta Grunmaker and Master Harold Grunmaker," Harry said, loud and clear.

Margaretta Grunmaker and an elegantly dressed wizard in lime green robes came down to the floor and sat in two chairs Ron conjured, facing both the bench and the defense tables.

"Please state your names for the record," Fudge said in a ringing voice.

"I am Master Harold Grunmaker, Master Brewer in Charge, Potions Department, St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries," Mr. Grunmaker stated in a strong voice. "And this is my wife, Margaretta Grunmaker, Healer from the Spell Damage Ward – retired."

To Hermione's right, all three reporters' quills began making soft scratching sounds, well, Rita's had never actually been quiet since she sat down.

Snape looked briefly at the Grunmakers with an expression of respect, then lowered his gaze.

"Mr. Grunmaker, are you acquainted with Mr. Severus Snape?" Fudge asked.

"Master Severus Snape, and yes, I most certainly am." He looked up haughtily at the bench. "We've been acquainted for years."

"In what capacity?" Tiberius Ogden asked politely.

Master Grunmaker looked up at the bench with an air of pure confidence. "Severus has on numerous occasions assisted St. Mungo's when we encountered complicated poisonings and Dark Arts Potions our Healers couldn't identify or reverse. His expertise in the area of poisons and cursed potions has benefited my patients and staff for several years now." Hermione smiled at his statement, catching Margaretta's gaze as she did so and she smiled back, giving Hermione a slight nod of acknowledgment.

"Can you elaborate, for us please," Griselda Marchbanks asked.

"Certainly," Master Grunmaker stated. "Severus frequently sent potions and antidotes of potions He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his Death Eaters used to St. Mungo's during the last four years. Likewise, he was frequently a consultant for complicated poisons and Dark Arts Potions that our Healers couldn't identify. His potions and antidotes always came with proper dosing instructions and directions on how to reproduce them. I've given a list of examples to Mr. Weasley. Master Snape's continued assistance to St. Mungo's has saved many lives and eased the suffering of many more."

Ron stood up holding a long parchment. "If it pleases the court I have submitted a copy of Master Grunmaker's list in my case file."

"Yes, yes, we have it," Fudge stated, waving his hand to indicate that Ron should sit down.

Hermione was momentarily angry and embarrassed for Ron and noticed that his ears had turned pink. She looked at Snape, but he was still quietly staring at the wood paneling of the bench, although she saw a slight twitch in the corner of his mouth.

"Mrs. Grunmaker, do you have anything to add?" Harry asked politely addressing the couple.

Margaretta smiled at Harry then turned to address the bench. "I have known Severus for years. I was a Healer on the Spell Damage Ward, and Severus had on several occasions provided potions and antidotes that either reversed certain Dark Magic spell damages or helped my patients' live healthier and longer lives. Severus also saved my son, Kevin, from a terrible snakebite. I owe Severus so much for saving my son's life."

"What was this snake, do you know?" Harry asked, opening a file from his pile.

"I was told it was a cross between a cobra and a python and had venom similar to a basilisk," Margaretta said solemnly. "When Kevin woke up, after days of Severus' potions and anti-venoms... He said the snake was... He said it belonged to You-Know-Who and that Severus had done something to save him, although Kevin would never tell me what all transpired that night. I learned later that it was Severus who brought my son to St. Mungo's."

"Thank you, Mrs. Grunmaker, Master Grunmaker," Harry said. "Unless the bench has further questions, I'm finished with these witnesses and submit their statements into evidence." There was a general buzz of assent. Mr. and Mrs. Grunmaker rose, and Snape turned to look in their direction. Margaretta made a slight wave to Snape and Mr. Grunmaker nodded in his direction, which Snape returned before he straightened his head, closing his eyes for a brief second. Margaretta looked briefly at Snape, concerned, placing her hand on her husband's arm. He patted it, smiling fondly at his wife, then at Hermione and Snape, and together Mr. and Mrs. Grunmaker left the courtroom.

"My second witness is Potions Master William Egbert Kirkwell," Harry said, even before the doors closed.

Two wizards in lime green robes walked forward, one very old wizard with a cane, on the arm of a much younger witch. There was a buzz of whispers from the bench, and a few leaned down to take a closer look at the elderly wizard as he made his way slowly to the witness chair. Hermione noticed that Snape sat up straighter when the man's name was called.

"Please state your name for the record," Fudge asked, making a notation on a parchment, before Master Kirkwell even sat down.

Snape turned to watch the old wizard as he made his slow progress to the witness chairs.

"You heard the boy, it's William Kirkwell," the older wizard answered loudly, looking at the chair. "I teach Potions at St. Mungo's for the Potions segment of the Healers' training program. Used to brew potions for years; got too slow though. Severus was one of my best." He turned around, standing in front of the chair facing Snape. "Sorry to hear about your death, son. Did you get that straightened out yet?"

Snape turned slightly to Master Kirkwell. "Yes. Your wife has been most helpful in that regard, thank you."

"Can't say she did much, they disregarded her signature, son," he said to Snape, still standing next to the witness chair as if he was still considering how best to ease into it. "Wiped it clean off the death certificate... She's been a Knarl ever since." There were several snickers around the room at his comment.

"Please address all comments to the bench," Fudge admonished Master Kirkwell. Hermione's eyes narrowed at his curt tone with the elderly wizard.

The elderly wizard glared up at Fudge in a way that nearly rivaled Snape on a bad day. "You watch your manners, young man. I've known this boy since he left Hogwarts. Can't say he's always made the best choices or decisions, but in the end I know he came around. I've been right proud of him. Well, most of the time." The young Healer offered her assistance, taking Master Kirkwell's arm. "There was that one time, you know...." The young Healer finally managed to get him to sit down on his chair. "Thank you Helena. Darn it – forgot..."

Hermione smiled. This man's a hoot. She wondered what Harry was going to ask this old wizard. Snape obviously respects him, judging by his posture. She couldn't see his face, but he was paying close attention to this man.

"Master Kirkwell, if you could please tell this hearing how you are associated with Severus Snape?" Harry asked with a tone of respect.

"I told ya, I've known this boy for years. Did some years apprenticeship with him," Master Kirkwell responded. "Severus sent potions and antidotes to me for years. Usually some nasty poisons, some rather nasty potions... Was right grateful for the antidotes. Brilliant intellect that boy's got. After that final battle at Hogwarts, Severus still sent potions for some of the victims we had in the Poisoning and Spell Damage Wards. He always knew what curses and Dark Magic was used. Sent me whole boxes. Even brewed a few potions we were in short supply of... let me see... there was Muscle-Strengthening Potion... that one's complicated... don't like making it myself. Healing Salve, Skin-Regenerative Salve... that yellow one... can't remember what it's called... Ah, well. There was Blood Replenishing, Skin-Regeneration – tricky one that is... Skele-Gro, Tissue Rejuvenation Potion, Deep Tissue Regenerative Potion, not too many can make those well.... go wrong if you're not careful."

Hermione was gobsmacked. I made those! Snape had me brewing many of those he just mentioned!

"He's real good at the Re-Growth... course you gotta know which body part to re-grow. Don't want to re-grow the wrong one... Sent about eight a day recently as I recall, even though he was dead. Glad you're not, though, son." He smiled up at Snape. "Course you like the tricky ones don't you, son... always did."

"So that I may confirm your statement for the record," Harry said, grinning. "Severus Snape was still sending you much needed potions throughout Dark War II and up until recently?"

"Isn't that just what I said? He's been sending me potions – every one of them I asked him too. Excellent quality, not that I'd expect less coming from him. One thing I could always count on from you, son, excellent quality and prompt. Can't see how you did it though, son. You must have had six to eight cauldrons brewing at the same time – but that would be impossible, even for you. You still amaze me, son. Yep, still amaze me. Course you and I could have done that together in our younger years – couldn't we?"

Harry smiled at the elderly wizard. "Thank you, Master Kirkwell, you may go. I have no more questions for this witness."

Master Kirkwell nodded at Harry and looked at the cane in his hand. The young witch stood and offered him her hand. "Hold your Hippogriff, I can't move that fast...." The young Healer waited until Master Kirkwell reached to accept her assistance. "Nice to see you, son," he said to Snape as the young Healer helped pull Master Kirkwell to his feet. "Got a list for you if you've the time.... I'll owl you...." He turned to the Healer, "I'm coming... I move slow."

"Master Brennan Davies and his wife, Leann, were unable to come today due to conflicts in their schedules," Harry said, loud and clear. "Mr. Brennan is the Healer in Charge of the Spell Damage Department and Board of Healers of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. I have here his wand-verified statements in regards to Severus Snape's many years of assistance to his patients on the Spell Damage wards. They agree with what Mrs. Margaretta Grunmaker testified to earlier."

Griselda Marchbanks shifted a folder in front of her. "I have that in my file. Shall we go on."

"I call Mr. Arthur Weasley," Harry said, checking his list.

Fudge held up his hand. "No need for him to testify. We have the medical report here. He was bitten by You-Know-Who's snake, am I correct?" There was a shuffling up on the bench and several soft protests.

"He saved my dad's life," Ron said, incensed. "Professor Snape made the potions that saved my dad's life when he was bitten by Tom Riddle's snake."

"Yes, that's true." Mr. Weasley stood up behind Ron. "I was in St. Mungo's a week and getting worse! With Severus' potions and salves, I was cured in eighteen days and able to go home. The healers on the Dai Llewellyn Ward for Serious Bites had a Bludger of a time finding a way to heal the wounds. We even tried stitches! I was drinking potions all day until Severus delivered ones that worked!"

"According to our records Mr. Weasley was in St. Mungo's nearly a month. Can you explain his?" Tiberius Ogden asked Snape, ignoring Fudge's glare. "Why did you delay so long in providing Arthur his potions?" There were murmurs of assent and several uttered questions wondering the same thing. Fudge had to call order so that Snape could be heard clearly.

"I had to convince the Dark Lord to allow me to milk Nagini," Snape responded his voice even and calm. Several people on the benches leaned forward to see him better. "Her venom was a rather tricky venom to counteract, and it took me several tries to obtain a viable antidote. That, and her venom eats flesh as well as acts like a neurotoxin so I had to create an antidote and Regenerative Potions that would address both issues. I was able to deliver the necessary potions by Christmas."

Hermione remembered that was when Mr. Weasley seemed to begin recovering.

"Without those potions I would have died. I owe Severus my life," Mr. Weasley stated.

Griselda Marchbanks raised her hand. "So noted, Mr. Weasley. Do you have you anything else to add?"

"Yes," Mr. Weasley stated. "I received numerous messages from Severus during the times of You-Know-Who's rise for power, both during Dark War I and Dark War II. I had even received numerous warnings and reports of Death Eater activities that usually proved to be quite accurate. Even before the night of Dumbledore's death and for several months that followed, I received warnings of attacks and several attempted poisonings and cursed artifacts being sent to Muggle-borns. These warnings of cursed artifacts often described the curse and gave directions on how to counter the curses – if he knew of them. The poisons often came with antidotes or regrets that the sender couldn't make the antidote in time. There was real regret in those messages. Throughout the last eleven months, I'd received many such notes that I believe came from Severus – each one providing us time to rescue the families or individuals being targeted. I've given these messages to both Harry and my son, Ronald."

Fudge glared at Mr. Weasley. "And why would he send these warnings to you and not to the Auror or Law Enforcement Departments?"

"I worked in the misuse of Muggle Artifacts office for years. I assume that these warnings were sent to me because many of the warnings I received were for Muggle-born families and Muggle-borns. Also, the Ministry was overrun with Death Eaters, and they were rounding up Muggle-borns and Muggle-born sympathizers," Mr. Weasley stated, uncomfortable with Fudge's tone. He obviously wanted to raise his voice at Fudge, but was refraining from doing so. "It is well known that I like Muggles and respect Muggle-borns. That may have been his reasoning."

Fudge looked down at Snape. "Mr. Snape, can you clarify this?"

Snape paused for a moment, then answered in a deep, even drawl. "It is as he says. He has an affinity for Muggle-borns, and I felt that he would act upon my warnings appropriately. Many of the Dark Lord's intended victims were Muggle-born or from Muggle-born families. I knew that Mr. Weasley would take my warnings seriously."

"I have over eighty messages that were on file. Warnings about attacks, all in Snape's writing," Harry stated. "Before you ask, I know his handwriting. I had him as a professor for six years." Harry picked up another very thick folder. "These notes – although, many are unsigned – are from him. Each one gave the Aurors plenty of warning before an attack. According to these files, this anonymous informant saved numerous lives, and the Aurors trusted each message that arrived, enabling them to save the intended victims and their families. I now know that Severus Snape was the author of these warnings and messages."

"I can attest to that," Kingsley stood up. "Harry, if you'll indulge me." Harry nodded, and Kingsley walked over to the witness chair. "As many know I was a confidant of Professor Dumbledore and I worked with him during both Dark War I and Dark War II to eliminate Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle as a threat to Wizarding kind. I can attest that during both wars, both times Riddle rose to power, Severus Snape did in fact act as informant and spy for Dumbledore and myself. Many of these warnings that Harry mentioned had been in fact sent to me, and I either acted on the warnings myself or passed them on to other Aurors in the department that I knew would still defend innocent lives. I'd like to also point out that Severus has never denied that he joined up with Riddle during his first rise to power. Nevertheless, it is public record that he turned sides, was working with Dumbledore during Dark War I, and continued to act as informant to both the Auror office and Dumbledore during Dark War II." Kingsley looked up at Fudge and his eyes narrowed. "You yourself are quite aware of his record and the account of his activities."

"But he killed Dumbledore," Fudge said angrily. "How can you say he was Dumbledore's man, and yet, he killed the man?"

"I have the proof of that," Harry said, addressing Fudge. "There are memories in a Pensieve on my desk that a few of you have witnessed, you, Mr. Ogden and Mrs. Marchbanks, included. Dumbledore was dying. There was a plot to make Draco Malfoy kill Dumbledore or his family would be murdered. Draco did try to kill him, but he really isn't a cold-blooded killer. I was there, on the tower that night. Draco couldn't do it. However, Severus Snape was under an Unbreakable Vow to complete the task Draco was given by Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle if Draco couldn't do it. Dumbledore knew this and had Severus Snape vow to follow through with his Unbreakable Vow if Draco failed. Dumbledore didn't want Draco to kill him, but Dumbledore was dying. He had suffered a terrible curse that was eating up his arm and that Severus Snape couldn't reverse or stop. That night, the night of Dumbledore's death, Dumbledore drank a poison. He had asked me to bring him back to the castle because he was too weak to make it on his own. He barely had enough strength to fly up to the castle from Hogsmeade. Dumbledore was dying. He would not have survived long. Possibly not even the night."

There were angry murmurs and whispers in the room from the bench and from witnesses. Tiberius Ogden addressed Snape. "I'd like to hear about this from you."

Snape took a deep breath and slowly raised his eyes to meet Mr. Ogden's. "It is how Mr. Potter said." He paused, obviously not wanting to discuss this in the courtroom.

Hermione remembered how much the memory bothered him the day they'd spoken about it.

"Dumbledore had tried unsuccessfully to break a cursed artifact. The curse was, in fact, destroying him slowly. His right hand was blackened and dead the beginning of term that year, and it was progressing faster than I could abate it. It was in fact killing him. The night on the... tower, Dumbledore was very weak. I did not know about the potion until he allowed me to see the image through Legilimency." Snape paused again, lowering his gaze to the floor and then back up to the bench. "Yes, I had made an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy: to protect Draco, to assist him in whatever task the Dark Lord had given him and to do this task should Draco fail to do so. It was a mother's plea for her son. I, of course, warned Dumbledore that the Dark Lord had plans to kill him that year and told him about the vow. He made me swear that I would be the one to kill him should Draco fail. I was bound by two vows that in essence held the same promise. I was to kill him. Me."

The murmurs in the room escalated and Fudge was forced to demand everyone to silence. "You are saying that you killed Dumbledore because he made you vow to?"

"Yes," Snape said, his shoulders relaxing in defeat. "He was dying. He was weak. He couldn't even stand. Mr. Potter was correct, I knew that he would not have lived the night. Draco lowered his wand because he could not kill Dumbledore – so I did it." There was a slight edge of revulsion in his voice.

The courtroom broke out into an uproar. "SILENCE," Fudge bellowed, his voice magically enhanced. "This only proves that he killed Dumbledore to save his own hide. He can be absolved if the memories in Mr. Potter's Pensieve prove that Dumbledore himself forced you into such a vow. But this shows little that the man acted in any way other than as a Death Eater. Still his actions are nothing more than self-interest. Mr. Snape can very easily prove that he is a qualified Potions master. However, this does not answer the charges of acts against the Wizarding community in general. Did he or did he not kill others simply because He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named told him to? Did he do anything that didn't serve his own self interest?"

Ron stood up. "In answer to that question, I would like to call Edthyl and Edithe Rogers to the stand."

Hermione recognized their names suddenly as the two Ministry witches that had written the ridiculous letters about Snape's arraignment date. The two nearly identical elderly witches who had dismissed themselves at the start of the trial immediately stood up when Ron said their names and hurried to the witness chairs, both giving little waves toward Snape. They both obviously liked him very much.

"Please state your name for the record," Fudge said kindly to the women.

"Edthyl and Edithe Rogers," they said in unison. Hermione looked at them curiously, and one waved at her with a delighted smile.

"And how do you know Severus Snape?" Ron asked.

"He saved my family," the one on the right stated, looking up at Fudge as she spoke, then turned to smile at Severus.

The witch on the left nodded. "Got us a message in plenty of time to leave."

"Our little charges were all safe and relocated, thanks to him," the one on the right added, scrunching her shoulders like a little girl.

The witch on the left spoke up quickly. "Not once – but twice."

"Helped set wards on our third location," the other finished.

"A nice Muggle camp ground," the one on the left answered as soon as her sister finished her sentence, making them seem to run together like one long sentence. It reminded Hermione of Fred and George.

The one on the left continued, interrupting Fudge. "The kids love it. It has a playground, and a pool, and a lake... and boats! The cabins don't leak when it rains like the first house did."

"No, that place was a mess, but Severus came and helped us move the kids to that... mobile home?" the one sister asked, moving her finger in a circle while looking at Snape.

"Kids like the camp much better. We still live there," the witch on the right said, gazing at Snape.

"Got all those kids to care for until they can go to Hogwarts," the witch on the left said as her sister nodded.

"Thanks to Severus," they both said in unison again, looking at Snape as if he were a saint.

"Thank you ladies," Ron said, smiling at them fondly. "This testimony clearly shows that Severus Snape was not acting like a self-interested misanthrope, but evidently for the benefit of these kids and these two ladies. I have their wand verified report as to the day Severus Snape entered their house, issuing warnings that a Death Eater attack was imminent and provided assistance in quickly Apparating the entire family to safety. According to Ms. Edithe Rogers, she was just being removed by Severus Snape when the attack began. Is that right, Edithe?"

"Yes, It was awful!" the witch on the right said, shivering.

"He just burst in on us as we were settling the kids down for their bedtime story," Edthyl, the witch on the left, added.

Edithe looked up at Ron, tears in her eyes. "Didn't even have time to pack a thing."

"But I went back months later to get our family album," Edthyl stated, placing a reassuring hand on her sister's arm. "The house was a shambles. I packed what I could and slipped out."

"Mostly wanted the children's clothes and toys." Edithe looked up at Mrs. Marchbanks. "Children need their clothes."

"So, Mr. Fudge, their testimony has nothing to do with self interest at all," Ron said, before turning his attention back to the sisters, "and yet, Severus Snape saved, how many kids, Edthyl?"

"We now have twelve," Edthyl said.

Edithe quickly counted on her fingers. "But at the time we only had six."

"No, I believe it was eight," her sister corrected her.

"That's right, the Devlon kids," she said, looking up at Ron. "Severus brought those two during our second move."

"Right, they're two Muggle-born kids... vanished during an attack," Ron said. "Miss Skeeter wrote an article about their disappearance and then reported that they showed up mysteriously at your place. Yeah, here's the article. Nicely done by the way."

'Thank you," Rita piped up from her chair. "My readers of the Daily Prophet really liked that piece. Of course I'll have to update it now that the truth is out." Her quill scribbled away frantically.

Hermione cringed, wondering how the woman was going to twist this story. Poor Snape!

"But there were people you are accused of killing or allowing to die," Fudge argued. "Explain that."

"Sometimes I was unable to give advance warning in a timely manner," Snape stated. He was starting to perspire and Hermione quickly did a Scourgify and Freshen-Up Charm on him secretly from under the table. He gave her a subtle look of gratitude before continuing. "Frequently, the Dark Lord planned things out in advance but did not always tell me or inform me ahead of time. It was regrettable and unavoidable."

"And yet you came through this war unscathed," Fudge challenged.

"Hardly," Hermione exclaimed, her attention riveted to Fudge. "He's hardly come through this unscathed! He nearly died!"

"As a traitor." Fudge looked down at her in annoyance, and then looked back at Snape. "There is evidence that you were in Tom Riddle's inner circle. You were named as one of his favorites. You must have been working for him."

"He was a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. I can vouch for that. He spied on Voldemort and the Death Eaters at great personal risk to himself." Shacklebolt stated loudly.

"Great personal risk, and yet you managed to spy unharmed for several years," Fudge said sarcastically.

"I hardly came through unscathed. Each time the Dark Lord's plans failed, someone paid – dearly. He used the Cruciatus Curse on us frequently. Occasionally he would get creative. Fawkes, Dumbledore's familiar, used to heal me," Snape said wearily.

Harry looked at Snape with an odd expression, half gobsmacked and half elated. "Can you elaborate on that?"

Snape turned to Harry, but when spoke his voice carried a quiet resolve. "When I'd Apparate to the forest to return to the castle, or use a Portkey to return to Dumbledore's office, hurt or cut, his phoenix would heal me, either with his song or with his tears. Phoenix song has remarkable recovery powers for the Cruciatus Curse. On more than one occasion, I'd send a signal and Hagrid would come and assist me to the castle."

"Who knew that Fawkes would fly to you?" Harry asked, his expression becoming extremely expectant.

"Hagrid, Poppy Pomfrey... Fawkes came to me on occasion in the hospital wing," Snape stated, and Harry smiled.

"My second year Fawkes came to me and cured me from a basilisk fang," Harry said, addressing the entire bench. "Dumbledore was very pleased that Fawkes flew down to me and assisted me in the Chamber of Secrets. He said that, and I quote him; "I must have shown him real loyalty down in the chamber, for only that would have called Fawkes to me.' If Fawkes came to assist Snape, he must have been loyal to Dumbledore. Fawkes would only come to the aid of those who were loyal to Dumbledore."

"Harry's right!" Hermione looked up at Mrs. Marchbanks and then over at Mr. Ogden, avoiding Fudge's eyes. "According to Magical Creature of Mythology, the Phoenix rarely attaches itself to an individual as a familiar. When they do, they are immensely loyal. Loyalty is a trait of the bird. It will only heal a person that is loyal to the witch or wizard they have bonded to. I think that I also read somewhere that a phoenix can be 'called' to someone in time of need if that person makes a declaration of loyalty or has proven to be loyal to their familiar witch or wizard. All Magical Creatures Great and Small, I believe... Yes, it's in there. Also according to Great Creatures of the Ages, a phoenix rarely heals humans unless they are truly remorseful or are injured during an act of bravery. It also said that phoenix song could give persons who are weakened renewed strength..." She turned to Harry, and said softly, "I read that in your books, at your house."

Fudge shuffled his papers. "But we only have his account that Dumbledore' s Phoenix did these things."

"Then I ask Rubeus Hagrid and Madam Pomfrey to give testimony," Harry said, turning to them. Hagrid stood, nearly knocking the people in the chairs behind him off their own chairs as he did so. Madam Pomfrey rose gracefully and walked past Professor McGonagall. They both walked over to the witness chairs and sat down. Hagrid looked really nervous and toyed with a handkerchief in his hands.

"Please both state your names for the record," Fudge said, his voice loud and clear.

"Rubeus Hagrid," Hagrid nearly shouted in his nervousness, drowning out Madam Pomfrey as she said, "Healer Poppy Pomfrey."

"Oh, sorry abou' tha' – you go firs' please," he said to Madam Pomfrey, blushing.

She gently patted his hand. "It's all right. I expect you're a touch nervous." She looked up at Fudge calmly. "Healer Poppy Pomfrey."

"Thank you both, for coming," Harry said. "Hagrid, let's start with you?"

Hagrid nodded, still looking up at Fudge. "All righ' if yeh wan', Harry."

Harry stood and turned to Hagrid, "If it will be easier, Hagrid, you can address me." Fudge bristled at the suggestion, but Harry simply continued. "Hagrid, it's been said that Snape did all his spying without any risk. What do you think?

Hagrid looked at Harry, then Snape and back to Harry. "Yer know wha' he's like, Harry. He's was a mean, evil wizard, You-Know-Who was. Ah, heard stories, sure, we all had. Even you said You-Know-Who was cursin' his own followers. Said so yerself, fourth year as I recall – could've been yer fifth.... Yeh, I think with all Snape' did to throw off You-Know-Who's plans, he'd have done somethin' to him. There were plenty o' times he came back ter the castle barely able ter walk. Knew somethin' was up."

Hermione was stunned to hear Hagrid admit this. She'd always seen Snape standing firmly and proud, tall and strong, his black robes billowing behind him as he walked. Hurt and staggering wasn't a picture she'd ever considered. There were whispers along the bench and a few from behind her.

"Did you ever ask him what happened to him, Hagrid?" Harry asked.

Hagrid shrugged. "Never questioned 'em, abou' it. I suppose he would've told me if 'in he wanted to." Hagrid looked over at Snape and seemed to relax a little.

Harry smiled, opened a file and then looked back at Hagrid. "And Severus Snape would have you help him to the castle when he'd return from meeting with Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle?"

"Ah, Harry don't say his name, would yeh. Call him You-Know-Who, all righ'?" Hagrid asked, still ill at ease when hearing the name. A few people chuckled at Hagrid's discomfort. Harry smiled at Hagrid and he continued. "Dumbledore would ask me ter keep an ear out for him. So I'd open me back door. Snape used the 'ole wood cutter's trail ter Apparate when he needed, just down behind me house. He'd come back from You-Know-Who hurt sometimes, that's righ', he would. Sometimes You-Know-Who would really do him one. He could hardly walk. It wasn't so much as I seen him cut or anythin' just he'd come back all weak like an' Fawkes would come down from the Headmaster's window an' sing for him. Make him stronger an' he'd walk with me up ter the castle. I suppose jus' hearin' it really made him stronger."

"And you actually saw Dumbledore's phoenix fly out to Severus Snape?" Harry asked, turning a page in his file.

"Sure I seen him, like I said. Hard ter miss tha' bird. Real pretty like. Not tha' you can confuse him with no other bird." Hagrid looked over at Snape again with a little smile. "I kinda liked haven 'ole Fawkes singing softly on me shoulder as we walked up ter the castle together."

"Thank you, Hagrid." Harry looked over to Madam Pomfrey. "Madam Pomfrey, can you add to what Hagrid has stated. Have you ever seen Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, come to Severus Snape's aid?"

Madame Pomfrey sat up straight and looked Severus in the eye. "You know I never divulge my patients' trust. I take the Healer – patient confidentiality seriously."

"It's all right, Poppy," Snape said softly.

Fudge looked greatly annoyed. "You shall answer the questions that are put to you. We don't want to be all day about this."

Madam Pomfrey looked at Severus, and Hermione noted a slight nod of his head. "Yes, Severus would come to my hospital wing on evenings when You-Know-Who had summoned him. Yes, occasionally Dumbledore's familiar, Fawkes, would fly in and either cry for Snape and heal cuts and wounds with his tears or he'd sit and sing. I truly loved that bird; such a beautiful sound, phoenix song."

"So, Dumbledore would send Fawkes to the hospital wing to assist Severus Snape?" Fudge asked, twisting her words.

Hermione bristled, angry at how he was conducting Snape's arraignment.

Harry crossed his arms regarding Madam Pomfrey. "How do you know that Dumbledore didn't send Fawkes to assist Snape, or does he fly in on a regular basis to heal students and staff?"

Hermione stifled a giggle. Harry had spent so much time in the hospital wing he'd know that Fawkes didn't just fly down there whenever he felt like it... In fact, no one ever mentioned seeing Dumbledore's phoenix in the hospital wing!

Madam Pomfrey smoothed out her robes across her lap in irritation of Harry's question. However, her voice was polite and professional when she answered him. "Headmaster Dumbledore was quite confident in my abilities, as you very well know, Mr. Potter, since you were a frequent patient yourself. However, Headmaster Dumbledore, on the occasions that Severus was unable to go to his office directly, would come down to my hospital wing and meet with Severus there. His look of surprise at seeing his phoenix perched at the foot of Severus's bed singing was priceless."

"So, Mr. Fudge, Madam Marchbanks and Mr. Ogden, it is quite clear that Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, came to Severus Snape of his own accord, according to my witnesses. It would be clear to anyone who is familiar with phoenixes that Severus Snape must have shown true loyalty to Albus Dumbledore in order for the phoenix to recognize him and willingly fly to his assistance."

There was a rumbling from the bench. "Besides the testimony today, I have many messages and warnings sent to Ministry personnel, warning us about Death Eater activities and the plans of Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle. Most are clearly in his handwriting and would be easily recognized by anyone who had Professor Snape as a teacher. While I am in no way denying that Severus Snape was a Death Eater, his subsequent actions clearly indicate that he was Dumbledore's spy and his loyalties were to Dumbledore. He did agree to do whatever Dumbledore asked of him – even the request of a dying man to spare him a long painful death and to kill him. I, for one, was furious at Severus Snape for killing Dumbledore, but I cannot deny the fact that Dumbledore was dying that night. Dumbledore knew of the plot against him, knew that he would not live out the year... he even told me so – although I didn't want to hear it."

Harry turned to Severus Snape. "I have never really liked you – in a friendly way. However, I have respected you. I may not have always trusted you when I was a kid, although now I do understand the role you played and how you tried to save my parents' lives by telling Dumbledore about the plans to kill them."

Harry turned to face the bench again. "If you still need proof that Severus Snape was carrying out Dumbledore's plans – even after his death, I'd like you to recall that during his term as Headmaster, Severus Snape was able to keep the Carrows, known Death Eaters, from doing any torture or harm to his students while he was Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Harry turned back to Snape. "Isn't it true that the vow you and Professor Dumbledore had not only specified that he wanted you to kill him instead of Draco Malfoy, but that he wanted you to return to Hogwarts to try and protect the students from the Death Eaters, Dumbledore knew Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle would place in the castle?"

"In a matter of speaking, yes, he did," Snape said, refusing to look Harry in the eye. "More than once."

"Explain, then, what was the vow you had with Dumbledore," Harry said.

Snape raised his eyes to the bench, sweeping his gaze at those sitting there, and then turned back to Harry. "Dumbledore knew that if the Ministry fell to the Dark Lord, he would place the Carrows and possibly others in the castle in order to control the school. Dumbledore told me that if Draco managed to do what he had been instructed to do, breach the castle and find a way for the Death Eaters to enter – if that happened, I was to keep Draco from committing murder. By killing Dumbledore, the Dark Lord would want to reward me – which he did. I was offered my choice of assignment, whichever I desired – exactly as Dumbledore predicted. Dumbledore bade me to take his place, to become Headmaster of Hogwarts. There were things in his office, objects he did not want the Carrows to have. And I was to protect the students from harm. He wanted me at Hogwarts – to protect the students he loved and to try and assist you, Mr. Potter, in any way I could."

Ron looked at Snape, smiling. "By giving us Godric Gryffindor's sword?"

"Seeing that the sword fell into your hands, yes," Snape said to Ron. "I was also to give you the Sorting Hat or access to the Pensieve and to provide what you would need when the time came."

Harry stood for a moment, looking at Snape as if they were sharing something, possibly using Legilimency on each other. Finally Harry nodded and turned back to the bench. "As proof of these statements I can call each and every one of these students, and question them about the detentions Severus Snape assigned them." He pointed behind him where Neville, Lavender and about fifty or so other students sat together, all looking at him, bewildered. "Many of these students were given detentions and a few of them multiple detentions during the school year. I have each of their detention cards here, thanks to Headmistress Minerva McGonagall. On each card a more severe punishment had been noted as being their due, crossed out and reassigned by Severus Snape." Harry pulled out a detention card. "Shall I begin with Neville Longbottom?"

Neville suddenly looked very nervous. Apparently, he wasn't aware of what Harry had planned. Several of the students were squirming and whispering loudly as were several members of the Wizengamot. "Neville Longbottom, Gryffindor. It reads – for defacement of school property. Writing 'Dumbledore's Army' on the wall, first corridor near the stairs – flogging, thirty lashes... the flogging was crossed off and in Severus Snape's writing it reads: Detention with Hagrid, ground keeping duties. Here is another – incitement of a fight – flogging, forty lashes. Again, flogging is crossed off and the card reads: Detention with Hagrid, ground keeping duties. Not the kind of punishments a Death Eater would have assigned. I have about a two dozen cards for Neville Longbottom alone. Nearly nine for Miss Lavender Brown, Gryffindor, six for a Miss Jamie Waters of Ravenclaw, twenty cards for Miss Ginny Weasley, Gryffindor, sixteen for Mr. Dennis Marchbanks, Hufflepuff, seventeen for Mr. Seamus Finnigan, Gryffindor..." Harry was drowned out as the noise level in the room escalated.

Hermione turned around, Neville looked gobsmacked. The other students were all talking about their detentions, she supposed, since she couldn't hear them talking through the conversations coming from the bench. Griselda Marchbanks, Tiberius Ogden, Sturgis Podmore, and Cornelius Fudge were all arguing. Fudge looked adamant, but Mr. Ogden was pointing his finger in his face clearly emphasizing his opinion. Mrs. Marchbanks was nodding and shaking her head so fast, Hermione couldn't tell if she agreed with Mr. Ogden or Fudge. Sturgis kept trying to add his own comments, his face getting red.

Hermione looked at Snape. He was sweating again and Hermione cooled him off with the Scourgify and Freshen-Up Charms and conjured him a glass of water. He simply shook his head. "Thank you, no, Miss Granger."

Finally Kingsley stood up and pointed his wand at his throat. "SILENCE! PLEASE COME TO ORDER!" The room fell silent. He stood looking at Fudge. "As Minister of Magic I put forth the following question. Will the respected members of the Wizengamot please indicate by a show of hands? If there is reasonable doubt that this man was in fact guilty of all charges, and acted solely as Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle's man and loyal follower, please indicate be raising your hand."

Several hands went up in the air.

"Thank you. If there is reasonable doubt or belief that this man was Dumbledore's man and acted as spy and informant to help bring down Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle and his Death Eaters and should be acquitted of all charges, please raise your hand." Griselda Marchbanks, Tiberius Ogden, Sturgis Podmore, nearly every member of the Order still on the bench and many others raised their hands.

Fudge looked up and down his bench at all those who had chosen to acquit Snape. "Fine, all right. Severus Snape, you are hereby acquitted of all charges of murder, crimes to Wizardkind, criminal association with Tom 'Voldemort' Riddle otherwise known as the Dark Lord, and acts of cruelty and harm to your fellow wizards and the community at large. This hearing is now over, you are free to go. Congratulations."

"YES!" Hermione screamed, jumping up.

Severus Snape turned to look at her and cocked his eyebrow.

Harry turned to Snape and extended his hand. "Congratulations, sir."

Snape looked at Harry's hand, accepting it, then looked up at his face. "Thank you, Harry Potter."

"You're welcome," Harry replied just before Hermione flung herself into his arms, hugging him. "You did it! He's free!"

Author's note:

I have a great deal of gratitude for Ladyinthecloak and Machshefa for beta reading this for me. You ladies are great and I really appreciated you doing this. Thank you.