Hey, everyone! So, I've been away for a few years. Mostly due to school and somewhat due to me needing to get myself back together and fixing me. I've was upset with myself for leaving this story and the others unfinished. However, I'm back now and wish to finish this story and the others! I'll try to update every week to two weeks. I'm still forming this story in my head, but hopefully, there are still people around to let me know what they think!
Enjoy.
*5 Years Prior*
The Daily Prophet newspapers are filled with stories regarding Harry Potter and his triumph over Voldemort. Other stories regarding Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. Followed by many other stories regarding other people who were involved in the war. While Harry's face was constantly on the front page, another person soon came to take up a portion of the Prophets paper. Severus Snape. A crass, ingenious man who was able to play double-agent for the late Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Initially, there was a lot of issues surrounding Snape and his involvement. However, after Harry Potter and his friends vouched for him in a variety of ways, along with Dumbledore's memories, Snape is allowed to live a free life, with restrictions.
This is where we find ourselves at the beginning of our story.
Following the events of the final battle, a whirlwind of events took place that was not expected by Harry and his friends. For starters, Severus Snape had survived the ghastly attack from Nagini. How? Snape would not disclose publically and the media and the public were left to speculate, which of course started a barrage of rumors. Other surprises revolved around Dumbledore. The Headmaster had the foresight to account for all of Snape's digressions over the years and stated if Snape was to be punished, he should be with leniency. Further, each member received a letter from Dumbledore explaining the situation regarding himself, and the deal he made with Snape, but not all of them were pleased with the development. Harry in conjuncture with Snape, provided Snape's memories alongside Dumbledore's to the court. Leading to a furor of stories about Snape's past and his motivations, none of which Snape would talk about. Snape's hearing began within a month after the events of the final battle. Harry had hired a lawyer who was sympathetic to Snape and willing to defend him.
After a few months of deliberation, the court finally called to order the sentencing of Severus Snape.
"Order!" The courts highest judge, Alexander Rockwell, shouted at the rambunctious crowd.
The noise level quickly died down until the room was silent. Severus Snape walks in with his lawyer, Shane Cornell, and take a seat at their respective table. The council for the Ministry is already waiting in their seats, as the crowd looks on with anticipation. Harry and Hermione sit in the crowd, on the side of Snape, as they await Rockwell to read the verdict.
"Witches and Wizards of the court," Rockwell began as he stood from his chair. Alexander Rockwell was an American Court Justice, who was asked by the Ministry to preside over Snape's case since he would not have any bias regarding Snape nor have too many dealings with what went on during the time of Voldemort.
"Today, after a few long months of passionate and heartbreaking accounts and facts regarding the work of Severus Snape, we are here to decide what happens next. Severus is not without guilt in the matters at hand today, but we must decide to what extent he should be punished, if at all, for his supposed crimes. Both sides have given me and the other justices much too think about in these last several weeks. We see both sides of the story and thus, we have finally come to a decision regarding Severus Snape. Mr. Snape, please rise," Rockwell asks and Snape does so.
Snape's face is passive, neither showing interest or disinterest in the proceedings. While he would never admit this to anyone, he was grateful Potter had given him a lawyer with a fighting chance but part of him lambasted himself for wanting a reprieve and that he deserved death.
"In accordance with the Ministry of Magic and the Laws of England, we the Justices have come to an agreement on the verdicts regarding one, Severus Snape." Deputy Justice Agatha Jones begins while handing Rockwell the verdicts.
Unraveling the scroll, Rockwell begins "We the Justices find Severus Snape not guilty of treason in regards to the Ministry of Magic and to England. We the Justices find Severus Snape not guilty of conspiracy to overthrow the Ministry of Magic. We find Severus Snape guilty of torture. We find Severus Snape guilty of second-degree murder. We find Severus Snape not guilty of first-degree murder. After deliberating on the punishment, we the Justices have agreed that Severus Snape should remain a free man, but with restrictions."
Murmurs could be heard throughout the hall. No one was surprised at the Justices findings after months of watching the case. However, Snape being a free man was enough to start many conversations through the hall. Some conversations were nasty, while others were positive.
"Order!" Rockwell bellows as the conversations begin to become too loud for him to finish the reading.
"As I was saying, Severus Snape will remain a free man, but with restrictions. If Mr. Snape and his team agree to the terms, then we can end this today, if not, the Justices will reconvene and provide another alternative. Thus the terms are as follows: Severus Snape must remain in England for a duration of 10 years; no travel outside this country will be permitted. Mr. Snape must also have a therapist regarding his post-traumatic stress disorder and also to ensure that he will not re-offend. Monthly assessments will be given to the Justices to review. Mr. Snape must have an overseer regarding weekly visitations, finances, and any wish to work. This overseer can be a professional or someone Mr. Snape trusts. Mr. Snape will be required to provide St. Mungo's and Hogwarts with medicines, free of charge, for the next 5 years. Mr. Snape is hereby barred from teaching at Hogwarts or any other magical institutions in England for as long as he shall live. Mr. Snape will issue apologies to all those he has wronged, however, this will be done at the discretion of the families involved. Mr. Snape is required for 10 years, to report his address to the Ministry and allow for a Ministry official visit every 6 months. Failure to comply and to violate any of these conditions and Mr. Severus Snape will be sent to Azkaban for a duration of 75 years, with the possibility of parole." Rockwell lifts his eyes from the scroll to look at Snape, "Do you agree to the terms, Mr. Snape?"
Snape looks at his lawyer, who gives a subtle nod. Returning his gaze to Rockwell, Snape states, "I do your Honor."
The gavel is then hammered down and the court begins to swirl into a frenzy. Severus Snape free! A good deal of people say. What a monster! Others shout from the back. What will happen to him?
Questions and shouting can be heard, but Severus Snape is too focused on the Aurora coming towards him to unshackle his wrist and ankle cuffs. Once free, Snape rubs his wrists, glad to be free of the harsh metal.
Harry and Hermione find their way through the crowd, as reporters swarm them both to get their take and how they feel about the terms. Neither says anything as they approach Cornell and Snape.
