As the thestral landed in the crumbling courtyard Severus was overcome with a feeling that could only be described as apprehension. Had Harry told Kingsley of his innocence or would he be made to sit in holding till a trial could be held? Did he even want to be there? Severus shook his head. He had come too far to turn back now, and he was no coward.

Luna again slipped off the back of the creature first before extending her arms to catch Severus should he fall. After he was leaning his left side on the ravenclaw, she patted Seth's neck and he turned, flying back to the grove.

"Well, let's get you inside then," Luna smiled. Carefully they walked through the rubble of the courtyard to the entrance of the school and then on to the great hall. The castle was in ruins, a crumbling monument to the war.

Upon walking into the hall Severus was half expecting an uproar of sorts, either in his favour or not. But that didn't happen. Everyone was too busy. Dead were being lifted into caskets transfigured from benches, the injured were being tended to by Poppy and several more gifted students such as Hermione Granger, and several others were moving away rumble and dirt from the floors. No one even spared him a second glance. Except for Harry.

Harry Potter stood next to Kingsley Shacklebolt by a broken windowpane on the farthest right side of the hall. When Luna sat him down on a bench near the entrance Harry turned to him in what was the oddest timing; as if he was aware of his presence. Severus sighed as Harry turned back to Kingsley, said something to him and pointed in his direction.

The two wizards began to make their way over to him and Luna who sat beside him, a reassuring hand on his knee. Had Severus been in a better state of mind he would have removed it, but as it was he was not going to refuse the small comfort despite the eyes of the Minister and the Golden Boy.

"Severus, you've seen better days my friend." Kingsley smiled sadly.

"I think we've all seen better days," Severus chuckled lightly but coughed as a shot of pain went through his neck.

Kingsley nodded, "Yes. Harry has told me you're innocent. I trust his judgement but a formal trial will still have to take place as a formality. I'm sure you understand."

Severus nodded in return, "Of course, thank you."

Kingsley smiled sadly and left to attend other business. Harry stood awkwardly in front of him and Luna. Severus could hear his thoughts swimming as clear as ever. Why is Luna touching his knee? I thought he loved my mother? What's going on? Why am I just standing here? He really was transparent, even without legimency Severus would have known straight away that the boy was once again lost in his delusions.

"Luna, would you mind giving us a moment alone?" Severus patted the girl's hand and she smiled.

"Of course! Call if you need me okay?" Severus nodded and smiled lightly as the blonde girl skipped over to sit next to Neville Longbottom.

Turning back to Harry he sighed, he resolve visibly crumbling. He had no energy to argue or keep up some false image, "Sit down Potter."

Harry sat down silently next to the injured man, awkwardly shifting about in his seat. A whole war and the boy was still as hopeless as ever. Severus almost laughed. "Luna is not involved with me, nor ever has she ever been, nor will she ever be. Do you have any questions?"

Harry spluttered a bit and turned to see Severus smirking in amusement, "What— I didn't— I mean I never…"

"You are no better at occlumency than before Potter, I can assure you of that." Severus smirked.

"But she was stroking your cheek!" Harry whispered sharply.

"Yes, and that automatically makes us involved. Honestly do you know nothing of romance Potter?" Severus replied haughtily.

Harry blushed a deep red that would have made the Weasley's proud, "Um well I…"

Severus chuckled, "Forget I asked."

Harry didn't understand why he reacted the way he did. He chalked it up to post-war trauma and 'Snape-isn't-a-bad-guy' revelations.

"As of right now we both have a lot to take care of. However, if you need me for anything, I will be there." Severus sighed and turned to look at Poppy who was handing out calming draughts from a ministry supply box. "If you could fetch Mme. Pomfrey for me I would be grateful."

It was a dismissal and Harry only nodded as he made his way to the medi-witch.

It would be a year before they saw each other again.