Chapter Text
Leaning over the desk in the Potions Master's office (blissfully free of Slughorn), Severus bore his eyes into the Pensieve. The Headmistress was thoughtful enough to let him borrow the basin. The last thing Severus wanted to do was analising his most crucial memories in Minerva's office right in front of the portrait of Albus Dumbledore.
He has already stood there for at least an hour and half reliving his memories of Lily, painful memories he had been avoiding for years. He watched himself call his friend a mudblood. He saw her refuse to accept his apology. The awkward pretending they don't see each other when walking past each other in the corridor. Ignoring each other during joint Gryffindor-Slytherin classes. Having finished their education Lily and Severus found themselves on the opposing sides of the war, which hadn't given them many opportunities to bump into each other. The lack of any hints deeply irritated Severus. With the trial scheduled for the following day, it was likely Severus wouldn't have any chances at finding the answer to the question of Potter's spawn genealogy. Primarily, if he was Potter's spawn at all.
The wizard clenched his fists resting on the sides of the Pensieve. Severus would not have been such a valuable pawn in Dumbledore and Dark Lord's game if not for his ability to hide the truth when it was not supposed to be found out. Severus was also very knowledgeable wizard, and this time it rather posed an issue rather than an advantage. It was likely that somebody, perhaps even Severus himself, had Obliviated him and then added false memories to hide any of his relations with Lily Potter née Evans during the war. And if the witch or wizard who cast those spells was skillful enough there was a chance Severus was never going to recover the true memories.
On the other hand, there was a good possibility of no such an event having taken place and the potion had been faulty from the start. Severus rubbed the bridge of his nose with a groan. Nothing about his memories made him question their authenticity – he found no skips, no sudden repetitions, no hazy memories. Severus was too professional in that area to think it was enough to rule out the possbility of them having been artificially implemented into his mind.
In the third hour of staring into the misty substance in the basin Severus gave up. He spun his wand above the surface and from a distance it might have looked as if he were mixing basin's contents. Silvery smokeish threads gravitated towards the tip of the wand, concentrating around it. Severus in a graceful gesture raised his hand and the memories attached to the wand left the Pensieve. Then he used a wordless spell to return the memories to their rightful place in his mind.
Subsequently Severus focused on the memories he had shared with The-Boy-Who-Lived. After all Minerva lent him the Pensieve believing the wizard was going to use it to prepare for the trial. Keeping in mind Headmistress' kindness Severus would have loathed to betray her trust and arrive at the trial unprepared. Even more so as it he had a feeling she cared more if he ended up in Azkaban more than he had.
Furrowing his forehead he extracted the memories wincing in the moment when the memories left his mind and poured them into the Pensieve.
--
Testifying in the Draco's trial had been a strange experience. Even more so considering Harry had been a witness testifying in Draco's favour. The boys pretended not to see each other even though they were maybe four feet apart. If somebody had told him a year ago he was going to stand up for Malfoy, he would have thought that person had lost their mind. Harry's noble (Hermione's words) or insane (Ron's words) attempt at achieving what Dumbledore had given his life up turned out to be quite successful – Draco was sentenced to a year of house arrest. After that the blonde was going to be a free man and if he committed no crimes in the span of five years after finishing his punishment, he was going to be cleared of charges as if he had never joined Death Eaters. In the eyes of the law at least – Harry knew the Mark was never going to disappear from Draco's forearm.
Following Draco's trial Harry had a week to prepare for Snape's. Naturally Harry had begun thinking of his strategy much earlier. He asked Ginny, Ron and Hermione to testify as well since they were looking together for arguments in Snape's favour.
As much as Harry wanted to save his teacher from the horrors of Azkaban, there were people he wouldn't dare to ask for help. While Neville had spent his detention with Ginny in the Forbidden Forest instead of with the Carrows, so he could be a valuable witness, Harry didn't want to force his friend to meet with the man who was his boggart. And as far as Harry knew Neville he wasn't going to say 'no' if Harry asked him.
There was also the Weasley clan. As the members of the Order of the Phoenix, there were aspects of Snape's involvement in the war that they knew more about than Harry. The thing was, following the accidental cutting off of George's ear by the former spy, the clan, well, actually mostly Molly Weasley, was overtaken by the hatred for the man to the point that it seemed even the revelations of Snape's true loyalties weren't enough to dispel it. Harry didn't want to admit it to his girlfriend and his friend, but he was afraid the testimony of their relatives could make Snape's situation worse.
Finally the 6th of July arrived. The group of four was aiming for dressing in their finests clothes to make the best impression on the Wizengamot. Hermione Apparated in the Burrow's backyard, where she travelled from her parents' home.
''Ronald Weasley, what have you put on?!'' she yelled upon spotting her boyfriend. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and smirked. Hermione in that moment truly reminded Mrs. Weasley.
Ron furrowed his eyebrows and looked down at his robes. ''What do you mean, Hermione? Bill borrowed me this robe. It's fine!''
''It's dirty and unironed,'' Hermione nagged and took out her wand, making Ron cringe as if he was expecting his girlfriend to curse him. With a flick of hand the spots from Ron's robe vanished and creases smoothed out.
Ron sighed with a silly smile on his face. ''Thanks, Hermione. What would we do without you?''
Ginny giggled. ''You'd walk like a fool in the Ministry.''
Mrs. Weasley run through the door, holding a small wooden box. ''Oh, Ginny, thanks Merlin you are still here! Hermione, it's so nice to see you!'' she smiled brightly and rushed to hug the brown-haired girl.
''Mooom,'' the two youngest Weasleys complained at the sight of Hermione patting woman's back fully aware there was no way she would be let out before the woman decided so.
Harry fidgeted with the sleeve of his robe, or rather a robe borrowed from Percy. ''Uh, Mrs. Weasley, we really need to go,'' he urged warily. ''We shouldn't risk being late.''
Molly Weasley freed Hermione from her embrace. ''Oh, yes, naturally, dear. Ron, Ginny!'' she handed her daughter the box. ''Your dad has forgotten his lunch! Would you be so nice and pass it to him since you're going to the Ministry?''
Ginny nodded and took the box, not bothering to argue they might not have enough time before the trial to look for their dad.
''Best of luck,'' Mrs. Weasley tactfully avoided speaking of the reason why they were heading to the Ministry. ''And I want you to return before the dinner!''
Ron sighed with his shoulders slumping and Ginny rolled her eyes.
''We'll try, Mrs. Weasley,'' Harry nodded with a tight smile on his lips.
''Ready?'' asked Hermione and the group Apparated, leaving the woman alone in the backyard.
--
The morning was chilly for July. Minerva wrapped her tartan robe tighter around her body, the clinking of her shoes echoing down the corridors of the castle. She had expected to find Severus in the Great Hall. She only found Filius and Sybill eating their breakfast. The seer, already drunk as Minerva didn't fail to notice, informed her that ''I haven't seen that rude eavesdropper today, but I do sense great danger ahead!''. Thanking Sybill for her assistance and reminding Flitwick to arrive on time at the Ministry, Minerva headed for Severus' chamber.
She knocked on the door. Hearing no answer, she slowly walked in. The room was empty, not that she was surprised – Severus was a morning bird and probably had had his breakfast while Sybill had been busy taking care of a bottle of some beverage.
Her next stop was Potions Master's office. The fact the only person in the room was Horace Slughorn, slightly concerned the Headmistress.
''Truth be told, I haven't seen the boy today,'' retired Potioneer said. Minerva could imagine Severus' scowl upon being called 'boy'. Whether Severus liked it or not, from perspective of the oldest staff members he was nearly a child, the youngest of them. Even Albus had tended to call Severus that way when students weren't around. ''Well, but today's a big day, isn't it? He's probably preparing for the trial,'' Slughorn reasoned. ''I'd look for him either in the library or in the storageroom.''
Unfortunately Madam Pince hasn't seen the ex-Potions Master in her realm of books that day. She didn't fail to mention Severus would come to the library nearly on daily basis.
By the time she opened empty storageroom Minerva was gritting her teeth and her nostrils flared like those of chimaera's. Has Severus lost his mind? Now wasn't the time for hiding on one of numerous rooms and chambers of the castle like he had in his teenhood! Of course a chance of her colleague escaping Hogwarts in hopes of avoiding the trial hasn't crossed her mind. Never again would she accuse Severus of cowardice, but having lost at least an hour running around the castle asking everyone if they had seen Severus made her want to tell him off like some unruly student. On her way to the DADA classroom a dark spot outside the window drew her attention. She stopped to take a closer look. Next to the white tomb of Albus (how fitting his name!) stood the black-haired wizard clad in black. Minerva felt her anger evaporate as she exhaled. She blinked the tears away and walked downstairs.
From the distance Severus might have looked peaceful, but as soon as the Headmistress was within hearing distance she heard the wizard's attempts at arguing with the tomb. Rather audible attempts.
''I won't even bother asking if you ever planned to tell me Potter was a horcrux,'' Severus sneered, clenching his fists ''You old senile fool! Did you know the brat was going to return or you just placed a bet?'' With each step towards the man, the words in Minerva's ears grew louder. ''Don't you think you've asked too much of me?! First kill you, then let Dark Lord kill the boy?! Were we all pawns in your game, yourself included? Oh, how adequate to get yourself of the equation so you don't have to take the responsibility for your actions! So that you don't have to suffer from your own stupitidy,'' he huffed, still oblivious to woman's company. Minerva made no move to catch his attention. ''What would have become of Lily's legacy if the brat hadn't returned? I did this all for Lily, that was the deal,'' he spat hatefully. ''And you used me well aware you couldn't keep yours end of it. You were so full of secrets, secrets you've kept from your deputy, the Order, the brat and me, that I'm beggining to question whether you knew Potter-'' Severus quickly turned his head, finally noticing the witch.
Minerva folded her hands in front of her, a smug smirk appearing on her face. ''So that's how you've spent this lovely morning, Severus? And there I was thinking you had nothing to say to Albus,'' she raised an eyebrow.
''I am glad to see you too, Minerva,'' the wizard kept a straight face. If he was embarrassed by the emotional display, he made no show of it.
''I understand that you need someone to vent your frustration on, but you really should be preparing for the trail,'' she pointed out, briefly glancing at the white marble. She also had questions she wished Albus could give her answers to.
Severus held his hands behind his back. ''I am ready, Minerva. I do not tend to walk unprepared into a battle.''
The Headmistress was about to order him to at least eat something before the trial, but reminded herself the wizard wasn't a child. Sure, he was rather scrawny and since the battle of Hogwarts eyebags were an obligatory element of his looks (or if she were honest with herself – since the events of the Astronomy Tower if not earlier), but stress was justified in his case. She nodded instead. ''Do you require much more time with Albus?''
''No, I was already finishing. I think you would agree that conversing with a block of stone is rather... pointless,'' he spoke calmly and turned towards the castle.
Minerva joined Severus' on the walk towards the castle. ''Oh, then you are mistaken. Quite the opposite – I think one can find wisdom in stone even if it keeps its silence.'' The ex-Headmaster and the Headmistress walked slowly and the morning breeze became warmer, a promise of warm summer noon.
---
The quatro Apparated in an alley not too far from a telephone box. Even though Harry was already a skilled practioner of the art of Apparition, he still loathed the feeling when his whole body compressing and decompressing. His stomach seemed to be especially fragile to this mean of travelling. Harry leant against a wall, waving his hand to chase away some irritating fly.
''You're OK, Harry?'' Ginny squeezed his shoulder.
Harry swallowed and nodded. ''Yeah. Yeah,'' he repeated looking at his girlfriend. ''Just need a moment to catch a breath.''
''Mate, don't tell me you're nervous. You were here last week and well, it's only the greasy git, so-''
''Ron!'' Hermione showed the red-haired wizard. ''How can you say something like that?''
Ron shrugged. ''I'm just a realist, Mione.''
''Go, I'll catch you,'' Harry said and his friends headed for the telephone box. ''You still have that lunch to pass, right?'' he forced himself to smile.
''Ah, finally she's gone,'' he heard a female voice behind his back. He knew that voice too well. Furrowing his eyebrows Harry turned around to meet Rita Skeeter. He should have figured out this buzzing around his ear wasn't a coincidence. ''So, Potter, an interview?'' she offered with a voice so sweet Harry wanted to visit a dentist. ''I didn't have luck catching you before young Malfoy's trial, but nothing's lost – this one is even better.'' Her Quick-Quotes Quill was floating next to her head and it seemed that it was eyeing him as studiously as its owner. ''So, Harry – or should I name you the saviour of the wizardkind? So, Harry,'' she wrapped her arm around his shoulders. ''You were so gratious with sharing so many fascinating stories with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named-''
''You can call him Voldemort,'' Harry said boredly.
''And with the crowd of onlookers, but won't spill the tea for old Rita?'' she tutted. ''Now, what's the story with your mother and Snape? You claimed Snape loved her to the point of betraying You-Know-Who.''
''That much is obvious. Can you let me go now?''
As Harry was trying to go away from Rita, she stood in his way. The journalist put her hands on his shoulders and landed her piercing gaze on his face. ''Hm, hmmm,'' she bit her lower lip. ''Black hair – check. Hm, green eyes,'' she grabbed his chin and raised it.
''I'm really in hurry, I don't have time for your games, Skeeter,'' Harry hissed and if he still could talk in Parseltongue, he most likely would have. He decided to face Rita like a man. ''Hermione!'' he called hoping the girl hasn't entered the telephone box yet.
''Har-?'' he heard Hermione's worried voice. ''You!'' she exclaimed eyeing Rita like a cat eyed a bird before jumping at it.
Rita's fake smile just turned even sweeter. ''Now, there's no need to be so agressive. Well,'' she grabbed her quill and run the feathered end down Harry's face much to his disgust. ''I think I shall be going.''
Hermione moved to stand as an obstacle between Harry and the journalist. ''And if you even dare to write anything about Harry or about professor Snape's trial, I will tell the whole Wizengamot you are an animagus!'' she warned.
''Thanks, Hermione,'' Harry said following his friend to the telephone box.
Hermione turned around with a disappointment on her face. ''Really, Harry, you need to learn to stand up for yourself around Rita. She's not going to leave you alone any time soon.''
Hermione and Harry entered the telephone box. Harry dialed 62442 and explained they came to serve as witnesses during a trial. The two took their badges and the floor beneath them dropped down, bringing them to the Atrium, where they joined the youngest two of Weasley siblings, who had passed the lunch box to their father. Soon the group was directed towards the Courtroom Ten. Harry knew the way – he wasn't surprised to hear Snape was going to be heard in the same room as Harry and much earlier the Lestranges.
Outside the dungeon that served as a courtroom they met familiar faces of professor Flitwick and professor Slughorn.
''Harry, my boy!'' Slughorn brightened up.
''We're not late, are we?'' Hermioned asked concerned.
''Professor Snape and professor McGonagall are already inside, but the trial hasn't begun yet,'' explained Flitwick to Hermione's relief. ''We are going to be asked to testify individually.''
''Hagrid isn't coming with us?'' Ron looked around trying to spot the half-giant, which usually wasn't a difficult feat.
Slughorn theatrically cleared his throat. ''Well, hm, we have discussed the matter with our Headmistress and came to a conclusion that our Care of Magical Creatures professor should refrain from testifying in front of the entire Wizengamot for professor Snape's good.''
---
Kingsley Shacklebolt, recently officially appointed as the Minister for Magic, stood in the middle amongst the Wizengamot. ''Criminal hearing of the 6th of July, into offences committed under the Sorcery Penal Code and European Penal Statute for Magic by Severus Snape, resident at Spinner's End, Cokeworth. Interrogators: Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister for Magic; Ellias Tornrug, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Cynthia Pebblepetal, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Court Scribe, Gawain Nortooth. Witness for the defence, Minerva McGonagall. Severus Snape, you are accused of the murder of Albus Dumbledore, allying yourself with Lord Voldemort, being a Death Eater and treason. What do you say of this?''
Snape was sitting in a chair and McGonagall was sitting to his right. ''I think, Minister, we should go through the offences one by one. I'm afraid some details of my role in the recent events might be confusing,'' he spoke calmly. ''To understand their nature, to receive the most faithful overview and to deliver the judgement that is going to grant the honoured members of the Wizengamot a clear conscience,'' he said the last part with a grimace forming on his face. ''The facts in the case should be established first.''
Shacklebolt nodded. ''And what is the witness for the defence' opinion on the matter?'' he looked at the Headmistress.
McGonagall straightened her back in the chair. ''I support defendant's motion. Therefore, I ask to hear witnesses first and the defendant as the last before the Wizengamot reaches its verdict.''
''Very well. Name your witnesses.''
McGonagall fixed her glasses, making them glint threateningly in the process. ''Filius Flitwick, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Horace Slughorn, Ginevra Weasley, Ronald Weasley and myself, Minerva McGonagall. Furthermore I would like to file a motion to incorporate into today's hearing the transcription of Narcissa Malfoy's testimony from page seven to page nine from the trial of 23rd of June, the transcription of Draco Malfoy's testimony from page nineteen to page twenty-two from the trial of 29th of June, the transcription of Alecto Carrow's testimony from page three to page six from the trial of 8th of June and the transcription of Amycus Carrow's testimony from page five to page seven from the trial of 12th of June, all with an emphasis on passages relating to the death of Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape's work as the Headmaster of Hogwarts and mentions of the defendant being, to quote, 'a traitor', 'mudblood-lover' and 'blood traitor'.''
Kingsley turned towards the scribe ''Mr. Nortooth, please incorporate the aforementioned passages and hand the copies to the Wizengamot.'' Then his gaze landed again on Minerva. ''Do you have a preferred order of hearing witnesses?''
''The defence would like to hear Mr. Flitwick first, followed by Mr. Slughorn, then Mr. Weasley, Ms. Weasley, Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter and myself at the end before hearing the defendant. Moreover, if I may, I would like to ask for a copy of the aforementioned passages for the defence.''
The look on Kingsley's face told Minerva she might have asked too much of the Minister, but the man said nothing against the motion, only waved his wand making a copy of parchment find its way to the Headmistress hands. Severus merely raised an eyebrow sparing the parchment a glance.
Short, round wizard got up. ''Why do we need to hear all of these witnesses? The case is simple – the Carrows and young Malfoy testified it was Snape who murdered Dumbledore! He is a bearer of the Mark! It is merely a waste of Wizengamot's precious time,'' he scoffed.
''We will hear all the witnesses even if they keep talking until next morning, Ellias,'' Kingsley looked at the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. ''Because in darkness light shall prevail, as would have said the great Headmaster of Hogwarts, just mentioned by you. We cannot hope to reach a just verdict without hearing from witnesses. Be doing so we would not be any better than the dark forces we have defeated. Mr. Nortooth, please call Mr. Flitwick.''
The tiny teacher sat on the third chair. He stated his name, age and profession before he dwelled on Snape's record as a teacher – of his involevement in protecting the Philospher's Stone and having been of most trusted Dumbledore's subordinates. Then he moved onto the matter of Snape's reign as the Headmaster and his escape.
''Thank you, Mr. Flitwick, you are free to go. You may leave – then you are asked not to communicate with remaining witnesses through the rest of the trial. Alternatively, you may take a sit in the gallery,'' the Minister waved his hand towards the empty section of the podium.
Charms Master bowed. ''I'd like to stay during the trial, Minister.''
''Naturally,'' with a flick of Kingsley's wand staircase appeared and Flitwick climbed to the gallery. When he sat down, the stairs disappeared.
Subsequently, Slughorn was called. The elderly wizard was generous in flattery for Snape's deeds and his bravery, said that he was proud to call him his colleague and successor in the occupation of Potions Master. Slughorn also opted for sitting in the gallery, awaiting the verdict.
Then Ron came. His short and not too detailed description of Snape's involvement made Minerva question why she bothered calling him as a witness. Afraid of the red-head speaking something he shouldn't have and thus shrinking Severus' chances at acquittal, she quickly informed the Wizengamot she had no further questions for the witness. Given a choice to leave or sit in the gallery, Ron looked around somehow confused before finally choosing to join his teachers, probably anticipating his friends making the same choice.
His sister entered the courtroom next. Ginny's testimony was more beneficial for Snape as she talked of her, Neville and Luna's attempt at stealing Gryffindor's Sword and the punishment that awaited them.
''At the time we were too scared to think about it and we were so relieved to spend our detention with Hagrid, that we didn't ask ourselves what prompted professor Snape to serve this kind of punishment instead of detentions with the Carrows. I've had some doubts, but never shared them with anyone, I deemed them silly. We all thought professor was the bad guy, there was no point in questioning it,'' the read-head say.
''And do you question it now?'' asked a witch, whose cyan robe was peaking out from her Wizengamot garment.
Ginny shook her head. ''No. I don't need to question it. I know I was wrong.''
''How do you know?'' Cynthia Pebblepetal went on.
Ginny looked at the interrogating witch. ''It makes sense. Professor didn't want the Carrows find out Harry needed the sword, so he found a mean of punishment that reduced the risk of us being tortured and betraying the secret. If the Carrows heard of the importance of the sword, they might have figured out it was swapped for a counterfeit.''
As Ginny took a sit next to her brother, Hermione walked in. Her answers were at the same time precise and very detailed, as if the hearing were an exam. She didn't fail to mention similarity between Snape's and Branford Donnersberg's cases. She even made a reference to Sirius' trial and the outcome being a completely wrongful verdict. Then she moved onto the subject of Snape's role in the Order.
And then finally came Harry. The courtroom was as stressful as he remembered it. He looked right and saw his friends and teachers in the gallery, Ginny offering him an encouraging smile. Yeah, that about explained why no one had left the courtroom yet. He didn't recall there being a gallery, he realised. Maybe he had been too busy not getting expelled from Hogwarts last time to notice, maybe it was a new addition. There was some comfort in the thought he would be allowed to watch the Wizengamot reach its verdict instead of waiting outside to find out the fate that awaited the man.
He took the empty chair next to professor McGonagall, thankful he didn't have to sit next to the git he owed so much.
''Your name?'' the Minister asked.
''Harry Potter,'' Harry tried to remain calm.
''Age?''
''Seventeen.''
''Occupation?''
''Er... student,'' Harry swallowed feeling the eyes of the entire Wizengamot scrutinising him.
Shacklebolt intertwined his hands. ''What do you know about the case of Severus Snape?''
''What do I know...'' Harry wondered aloud. ''A lot, I think. Where do I begin-''
''Try to be concise if you will, Potter,'' Ellias Tornrug grumbled. ''We don't have a whole day for this farce.''
Kingsley's face hardened as he turned towards the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. ''Ellias, once again I am asking you to let the witness speak,'' the calmness of his voice contrasted with his face.
''I'll start with that I was wrong about professor Snape, like we are were,'' Harry made up his mind. ''He's been protecting me ever since I set a foot in Hogwarts. For example when professor Quirrel jinxed my broom. He was following professor Dumbledore's orders to secure the Philosopher's Stone.'' And Harry told the Wizengamot about Snape brewing the Wolfsbane Potion for professor Lupin and his attempts at warning students. He spoke of Snape warning Dumbledore of Voldemort's return and in turn Dumbledore ordering Snape to rejoin Death Eater's ranks. Without dwelling into details, Harry also recalled Occlumency lessons, which were supposed to prevent Voldemort from entering Harry's mind. The boy, however, decided it would be for the better if he omitted how poorly it had ended. He mentioned Snape trying to put a stop to the curse that attacked the Headmaster and working as a double agent under Dumbledore's instructions. ''I didn't know why professor Dumbledore cast Petrificus Totalus on me and hid me-'' he hesitated for a moment and went on without mentioning the Invisibility Cloak. ''I didn't understand at the time. I think he wanted me to see it was what he wanted. He didn't want Draco to become a murderer, so he left the task to professor Snape. You should know that professor Dumbledore's arm was blackened from the curse. I tried to deny it, but deep down I knew how it was going to end – even if the Headmaster had survived the battle of Astronomy Tower, he would have died soon anyway. With his death he killed many birds with one stone – he prevented Draco from committing a murder, he strengthened professor Snape's position among the Death Eaters and I think he spared himself much worse death,'' Harry counted on his fingers. ''I believe that's what he truly wanted. You didn't see him back then – I had. He was so miserable, ready to give up on his life. He was ready to meet his death. I thought he was begging Snape for his life. I was wrong – he was begging for his death. I only wish the mission with the locket wasn't a fiasco. Professor drank the drink of despair for naught. Regulus Black took it in hopes of destroying it,'' noticing stunned faces of the Wizengamot, he said. ''You didn't know? Regulus Black, Sirius' brother, betrayed Voldemort. He sacrificed his life hoping that it would put a stop to the bestialities-''
''Mr. Potter,'' Cynthia Pebblepetal rose up. ''Could you get to the point?'' she asked impatiently.
Harry awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. ''Right. So,'' he coughed and resumed the story. He spoke of the silver doe and of the Shrieking Shack. And then he recollected Snape's memories. He tried to keep them brief, feeling not authorised to talk about what perhaps were the man's most profound memories.
The question that Harry was afraid of and which he expected to hear arrived. ''One cannot deny that Severus Snape is a talented wizard. As far as we are concerned, he may be able to alter his memories without leaving a trace of any interferention. How do you know you were not given false memories, Potter?'' Ellias Tornrug asked.
Harry clenched his fist on his knees, sweat running down his back. He didn't have an absolute proof that the interrogator expected to hear. He only had his faith in goodness, a firm belief that the man that nearly had lost his life had done it for greater call. Belief in the power of love. In forgiveness. Snape had tried to teach him Occlumency and failed, accusing Harry of being too emotional. Hadn't Dumbledore said it was what had in the end protected Harry from Voldemort's possession? Suddenly he was struck with an enlightment. ''I know it, because professor Snape loves my mother,'' he said realising he felt no shame in admitting that someone other than his dad loves his mom as well. Similarly, he had felt no shame or embarrassment while revealing the truth to the darkest wizard of the century, but back then Harry had acted high on adrenaline. The majority of people would be repulse to the idea of acknowledging someone else beside their father having romantic feelings for their mother. Deep down inside Harry had expected himself to grow repulse as well, but now, two months after the battle he still found no negative emotions concerning that matter. On the contrary, he found the thought weirdly warming for some reason. ''I know it is true, because I saw his patronus – a doe, just like my mom's. You can't probably think it is a coincidence. It is not. Professor Snape has done all these heroic things to honour my mom's memory,'' he said firmly. ''And that's why Voldemort lost – he couldn't wrap his head around the idea of anyone sacrificing their life for love, or anyone finding love more important than power. That's why he wasn't able to see past professor Snape's play until the very end,'' he looked left and the black eyes of Severus Snape met the green ones of Harry. For a fracture of a second Harry saw an emotion pass through the dark eyes of his teacher. An emotion he could not figure out. He could swear he saw Snape's eyes soften for a moment... maybe he was imagining stuff. Harry looked away suddenly afraid in that moment of the things he could possibly find in his teacher's eyes.
Ellias Tornrug scoffed. ''That is not any evidence at all. You might be even right, Potter. This does not mean he loved Lily Potter. He could have been born with a doe as a patronus. And even if he loved your mother, it doesn't change the things he had done.''
''Tonks'- I mean Nymphadora Lupin's patronus changed when she fell in love with Remus Lupin. Patronuses can change! I don't believe professor Snape's patronus is just a coincidence,'' Harry protested clenching his fists on his laps.
''Patroni,'' Harry heard lecturing silky whisper to his left. He turned his face to see professor McGonagall eyeing Snape scrutiningly for not being able to stop himself from correcting Harry. The boy wasn't in the mood to fight back and argue that professor Lupin had used the 'patronuses' plural form. Fortunately it seemed that the Wizengamot hadn't heard Snape.
''My patronus is a stag, just like my dad's because of my love for him, even thought I've never really known him,'' Harry reminded and looked right into Tornrug's eyes, challenging him. ''I don't believe in this kind of coincidences. And if you sentence professor Snape, you will be sentencing an innocent man, just like you had in my godfather's case,'' he said firmly.
''Mr. Potter,'' Pebblepetal's high voice lectured him. ''I do not recall the Wizengamot asking you for your opinions.''
Shacklebolt stood up. ''Do you have something more to say on the matter?''
Harry hesitated. Yes, he had to say so much more on the matter were he given all the time in the world. No – his line of defence relied on his belief he hadn't been fooled by his teachers. The Wizengamot was growing bored by his testimony, he saw it on their faces. ''No,'' he decided.
''Thank you for your time. You may leave the courtroom or remain in the courtroom in the gallery.''
''I wish to stay,'' Harry spoke before joining his friends. When he sat down, Ginny grabbed his hand and reassuringly squeezed it. He repaid her with a tentative smile.
Then the time has come for McGonagall's testimony. The Headmistress spoke about Snape's role in the Order, the trust Dumbledore put in the spy and the secrets the former Headmaster kept from his colleagues. She talked about her hatred for Snape when he took Dumbledore's life and later his position. And she spoke of her regret over the feelings upon finding out the truth. Even though her hands slightly trembled, her gaze was fierce and fiery.
At last Snape's turn arrived.
''Severus Snape, we have heard testimonies in your case. How to you plead?'' Kingsley asked.
Snape's face was devoid of any emotions. ''As the Wizengamot had heard, I have killed Albus Dumbledore,'' he spoke calmly.
''There you have it!'' Ellias Tornrug exclaimed, pointing his fat finger at the man.
''Murderer!'' seconded Elphias Doge.
''Is he nuts? Why we had to say all that stuff if he admitted killing Dumbledore?'' Ron wrinkled his nose, offended his teacher has so rudely wasted his time.
''Ron!'' Hermione whispered angrily and rolled her eyes. ''How would it make professor Snape look to deny doing something everyone, including Harry, Death Eaters and Draco, have testified he had done?''
Ron scratched his ginger hair. ''Not too good, I suppose,'' he admitted meekly not too sold onto the defence strategy Snape has chosen.
''However,'' Severus went on ignoring the tumult. ''I have done it on Dumbledore's clear orders. I was repulse to the idea of taking his life, but that's what he expected of me. He also wanted me to aid Draco in his efforts wtih a condition that I would not allow the boy kill the old man. Complying with Narcissa's and Dark Lord's wishes in Headmaster's mind was supposed to build my reliability in the eyes of Death Eaters. Furthermore, I am Draco's godfather – I could not leave him all alone. I also admit I had joined Death Eaters. Being young and stupid is no excuse of such a reckless decision and if I could go back in time, I wouldn't have repeated the mistake. Alas, I cannot and I am going to live with the Dark Mark as a reminder of my greatest mistakes until my last dying breath. Maybe,'' he made a pause and repeated putting an emphasis on the word. ''Maybe I would have remained faithful supporter of the Dark Lord if not for Lily. Yes, it is me who had relayed the prophecy to the Dark Lord. As soon as I learnt the Dark Lord meant to take life of Lily's son I begged him for her life. Then I ran to Dumbledore and begged him to protect him... and then all the Potters. Following sixteen years I have spent as Dumbledore's agent. Would I have realised what a twisted tyrant the Dark Lord had been if it hadn't been Lily's life at stake? I will not try to fool you – most likely not. I know nothing I will do or say will bring her back. I don't ask you for mercy. I only ask for justice. It is your responsibility to decide what is justice in my case.''
Minerva stood up.''All you've heard today sums up into a coherent, logical story. Have you found any spot in testimonies of witnesses? Do you sense a deceit in their words? Do you think I would lie to you?''
''He is a murderer!'' Ellias Tornrug cried out. ''He said so himself!''
''If you do not believe the witnesses testifying today, all adamant that the defendant is an innocent man, believe the disgust this man had awaken in Death Eaters you claim the defendant to have supported,'' Minerva picked up the parchment with one hand and fixed her glasses with the other. ''To quote Alecto Carrow: 'We should've listened to Bella – she knew he was a fucking mudblood-lover' page three; 'She tried to warn to Dark Lord. She was only one who didn't buy Snape's story' page three; 'We were too blinded by his smooth pledges of alliegance to the Dark Lord to see what Bella saw – the man who had spent so many years in Dumbledore's pocket had to be working for the old fool' page five. To quote Amycus Carrow: 'I hope I will meet Snape in Azkaban. I don't need my wand to make him beg for mercy for betraying the Dark Lord. I will make the fucking traitor wish I were casting Cruciatus' page six; 'We shouldn't have trusted the fucking half-blood whore, his blood is as dirty as the mudblood he loved' page seven'', she read out. ''Trust Narcissa Malfoy when she spoke of the Unbreakable Vow the defendant made to her. Trust Draco Malfoy when he admitted he had told Severus Snape to break the vow and die, because he didn't want his help. Finally, trust Dumbledore's trust put into Severus Snape. And if your minds are still too thick to see the truth that shines as clear as day here in this room, trust your hearts. Trust in love this man has for Lily Potter, for the witness for the defence has one last evidence in the case,'' Minerva's eyes narrowed in determination.
''And that may be?'' the Minister asked.
''I knew Lily Potter. Indeed, her patronus was a doe. Perhaps I should remind you doe is an uncommon form of patronus? Two wizards or witches sharing such a patronus is an extremely rare occurence that never comes without a reason if the said wizards or witches have lived in the same period. Give Severus Snape his wand and let him cast the Patronus Charm. Let the Wizengamot see his patronus and deem in your hearts if it can be a mere coincidence,'' she urged.
Ellias Tornrug abruptly stood up. ''This is an outrage! To give a man accused of murder and treason a wand?!''
''I'm sorry McGonagall but you surely understand you ask too much of us. I have to agree with Tornrug – the offences Snape is accused of are too dire to return his wand to him,'' Shacklebolt said.
Minerva neatly folded her hands on her lap. ''Very well, Minister,'' she nodded. ''Severus, please take my wand,'' she presented her wand to the black-haired man, who seemed to be as startled by the offer as the Wizengamot. ''I trust you to be able to cast a corporeal Patronus even with my wand.''
''Minerva!'' Elphias Doge roared. ''This is a madness. You can't-''
''You are mistaken, Doge. I can and I will. I respect you for your life-long friendship with Albus. All I ask you to is to rely on the trust he had put into Severus.''
Doge's face turned red. ''And where that trust had led Albus?! I will never trust the man who murdered my friend! He should rot away in Azkaban!''
''I choose to trust Severus like Albus had. I give you my word of the Headmistress of Hogwarts that Severus will not use my wand to cause harm. Now, Severus, don't make me wait, my hand is becoming numb,'' Minerva urged her colleague.
Snape carefully took the wand from Minerva's hand and nodded maintaining the eye contact with his superior. He stroked the wood, feeling its foreign texture under his tips. Then he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. He opened them once again and said ''Expecto Patronum''. The incantation was firm, but not as loud as when Harry said it. Silvery shape emerged at the end of McGonagall's wand and a doe hopped down the courtroom before jumping through the closed door.
''Thank you, Minerva,'' the spy said calmly, returning the wand to its rightful owner, as if ignorant to the shock on faces of several members of the Wizengamot.
The Headmistress proudly straightened her back. ''Have you ever seen a Death Eater capable of casting a corporeal Patronus?'' she asked rhetorically. ''Now, the defence believes it has stated its views on the matter clearly enough. We rely upon the Wizengamot's wisdom,'' she tactfully bowed her head.
Heart in Harry's chest hammered anxiously as if it were his own trial. His stomach clenched as the boy recalled all the things he ought to have said and hadn't. He should have mentioned his mom and Snape growing up together and having been friends even before attending Hogwarts. He knew what happened now.
''Raise your hand if you think the defendant should be cleared of all charges,'' ordered Tornrug.
Harry saw many hands going up in the air – newly appointed Minister's and his Senior Undersecretary's hands included. Many, but Harry wasn't able to tell if enough. Unfortunately just like his own hearing he was not given the time to count the hands.
''Raise your hand if you think the charges were proven to the defendant,'' said the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Again, numerous hands were raised up, among them the hands of Tornrug and Doge. Harry felt the sweat forming on his forehead and Ginny squeezed his hand once again. Hermione's gasp didn't help to ease the knot in his stomach. He wasn't able to tell if his friend gasped of joy or of outrage.
Shacklebolt stood up, ordering silence in the courtroom with a gesture of his hand. ''Severus Snape, by the verdict of the Wizengamot you are cleared of all charges,'' he announced not bothering to hide his own satisfaction.
Hermione threw her arms around Ron as if Gryffindor had just won the final Quidditch match. Or maybe even more enthusiastically in her case – after all the girl wasn't too interested in the game. Harry smiled brightly at his own girlfriend. They did it! Severus Snape was a free man.