Severus paced the floor of his cell. It had been two months since he had been in Azkaban. He was grateful he was able to get mail from Hermione, but he forbid her to come to the prison. He didn't want her around the death eaters not with her carrying Damon. Mad Eye Moody was frequent "visitor," to his cell. Even with Head Auror telling him not to but the ex-auror did it anyway.

Tonks walked up to Severus's cell and he stepped back and Tonks walked into the cell. He turned around and the auror cuffed his hands with magical cuffs. She led me from his cell.

"It's time for your trial Severus." whispered Tonks. "Hermione's going to be there."

"I don't want her traveling." whispered Severus. "Hermione's too far along."

Tonks and a group of aurors left Azkaban with Severus.


The Wizengoment sat around the courtroom. Hermione, Jamie, Remus Ginny and Harry sat down in front row with John and Ellen sat behind them. It had been two months since she had seen her husband. Minerva quietly sat down on the left side of Hermione and gently patted her hand.

The visitors and members of the Wizengoment began to whisper when the aurors entered with Severus. They placed him into a chair in front of the witches and wizards and chained him so couldn't move.

Severus turned and saw Hermione in front row and his black eyes softened at the sight of his wife. He could tell she was holding back her tears. She had masked her emotions, but he could read her like an opened book.

"Severus Snape," said the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt. "you are to stand trial for the murder of Albus Dumbledore and active death eater." Severus looked at the Minister when had heard his name. "Do you have anyone to speak in your defense?"

Harry rose from the bench and walked onto the floor his black robes blowing behind him. "Harry James Potter here to speak on the behalf of Severus Tobias Snape." he said his voice rang throughout the room.

The courtroom broke out into whispers of shock. They couldn't believe someone was going to help the murder and death eater. Kingsley himself was stunned beyond words.

"Very well Mr. Potter you may continue." said the Minister once his shock had worn off.

"Witches and Wizards of the Wizengoment, we can't deny that Severus Snape was in fact an active death eater within his youth. But unto no ones knowledge that he was in fact under is father, Tobias Snape's influence at the time. We all know at that time no one could defy their father. It was after all Wizarding Custom." Harry told them walking around the circler room.

"How did Harry learn all the formal customs?" whispered Hermione.

"He had lessons by Albus for the past two months. Harry has his father's talent at law." whispered Minerva. "James was a member of the Wizengoment." Hermione beamed at the headmistress.

"Is this true Severus Snape that you were forced by your father, Tobias Snape to join Voldemort?" asked Madame Bones.

"Yes. I was 15 at the time."

"Did Tobias Snape threaten anyone if you defied him?" she asked.

"Yes. My mother, Eileen."

Madame Bones brow frowned. She had been a friend of Eileen's during their Hogwarts years.

"Do you have any memories to share?" asked Kingsley.

Harry pulled out a vial that contained a slivery blue liquid that resided inside it. "The memories you've asked for Minister." said Harry walking up to him and Kingsley took them from the young man.

"Thank you."

"May I warn you that these memories contain abuse and well…murder." whispered Harry.

"Yes thank you for the warning." He told Harry and Kingsley walked down the steps and onto the floor. He pulled out his wand and made a large penseive for the Wizengoment to view at once. "Aurors remove the prisoner until we are through with these memories."

The aurors walked over to Severus removed him from the chair. He turned and looked at Hermione and mouthed, "I love you," just as the aurors removed him from the room.

The members of the Wizengoment followed the Minister of Magic into the large penseive. The room broke out into whispers wondering what the memories held. Harry sat back down on the bench next to Ginny.

Hermione played with her hands. She knew what the memories contained. Severus had showed them to her several years ago. He wanted her to know the full truth of how he became a death eater.

"Everything well be fine Hermione. You'll see." said Jamie reassuring her little sister. Hermione only nodded.

An hour later the Wizengoment and Minister returned to the courtroom. Kingsley told the aurors to bring Severus back into the room. They nodded, left the room and quickly returned with Severus in tow. They placed him back into the chair.

"The evidence of Severus Tobias Snape was indeed forced into taking the dark mark and becoming a death eater. The death of Eileen Snape shall be placed on the record of Tobias Snape." said the Minister.

Severus closed his eyes with a small smile. He could finally let his mother rest in peace. He opened his eyes when he heard his name being mentioned once again.

"The murder of Tobias Snape shall be filed under Severus Snape in the second degree." Kingsley informed the crowd.

Hermione slowly covered her mouth in shock. Her husband wasn't just going be charge with the murder of Dumbledore but also of his father. Severus turned his head and saw his wife in tears. He wanted to hold her and comfort her. He wasn't truly surprised he was going to be charged with his father's murder.

"The evidenced of the accused changing side with the statement of an Unbreakable Vow will be taken into a count, but without any further of evidence Severus Snape shall returned to Azkaban for the maximum of 40 years."

Harry rose to his feet. "Minister permission to speak upon Mr. Snape defense."

"Permission granted Mr. Potter." said Kingsley.

Harry walked out onto the floor just as he heard Hermione sigh in relief. "So it be that we do have more evidence to be shown. The memories of Albus Dumbledore."

The room busted out into conversation. Kingsley called order for Harry to continue.

"The late Headmaster wanted them viewed."

"Very well, Mr. Potter. This court will reconvene tomorrow morning at nine a.m." said the Minister. "Severus Snape will be taken back to Azkaban." He motioned the for aurors to take the Potions Master from the room.

Hermione stood up from the bench just as they released her husband from the chair. The aurors put the magical handcuffs on his wrists.

"Remus protect her." said Severus. Remus nodded. He turned to his wife. "I love you."

Hermione let the tears finally fall. "I love you too. I'll wait for you. So will Damon." Severus smiled and let the aurors take him away from courtroom.

Hermione turned to Jamie and she buried her face into her big sister's shoulder. She rubbed her back and told Remus that they needed to get her back to Prince Manor. They nodded and the "family," left the courtroom and Minerva returned to Hogwarts.


Hermione quietly walked along the beach like she and Severus had done so many times over the years. She needed to be alone. Her husband had been returned to Azkaban. Harry stood on the patio watching Hermione walk down the beach. He was worried for his "sister," because she was nine months pregnant and he feared Severus wouldn't be there for the birth of Damon.

"I'm so worried Professor McGonagall." said Harry turning his head to face Minvera.

She patted Harry on the back. "You did well. Your father would be very proud of you. I think it would wise for you to show your own memories to the Wizengoment."

Harry looked at the waves breaking at the shore line in thought. "I believe that is a wonderful idea. Thank you so much."

Jamie stuck her head outside and told Harry supper was ready. He nodded and asked Professor McGonagall if she'd like to join them, but she declined but offered to go get Hermione. They thanked her and watched the witch walk down the beach.

Minerva walked up to Hermione and stood on the shoreline letting the waves break around her ankles. "Things will be just fine Hermione."

"I don't know anymore." whispered Hermione. "They have too much evidence against Severus. You heard Kingsley. Severus was charged with Tobias Snape's murder."

"Oh dear girl. Severus had a feeling that would happen." whispered Minerva. "Now come along Jamie has supper ready." She only nodded and the women walked back to the manor.

Minerva left the manor soon as she helped Hermione into the house and told her that she'd see them tomorrow. Hermione nodded and went into the dinning room. She joined Jamie, Remus, Tonks, Harry and Ginny. They ate in silence all wrapped up in their own thoughts.


The courtroom was once again full with guest and the Wizengoment. Severus sat chained again to the chair. Harry stood next to Severus. He had to admit that the young man was doing a wonderful job.

"Albus Dumbledore wanted his memories of the events to be shown." said Harry, pulled out a vial of memories from his robes pocket. "I present to you the memories of Albus Dumbledore," and handed them to the Minister of Magic.

Harry took a seat next to Severus, that had been placed by one of the aurors. Kingsley waved his wand and made a penseive appear big enough for the Wizengoment to enter. The Minister poured the memories slowly into the basin.

Kingsley turned and said to aurors, "Please escort the prisoner from room."

They nodded released Severus from the chair and left the room. Hermione watched the group vanish into the basin. She wonder what memories held.

The Wizengoment and Minister Shacklebolt stood in the Headmaster's Office.

Albus stood over Severus with cold blue eyes listening to him begging to change sides of the war. He made Severus take an Unbreakable Vow to work and spy for him and to do as he said.

"We saw this yesterday." said an elderly man, who stood near the Minister of Magic.

The image changed and they all stood in the headmaster's office several years had pasted.

Albus sat behind his desk. Minerva sat near him. Albus sadly shook his head. Severus paced the floor in front of the fireplace. Minerva had her hand over her mouth at the news that Who-Know-Who was back.

"Severus are absolutely positive?" asked Albus.

Severus stopped and walked up to the headmaster's desk and lifted his left sleeve. "It's true."

"Than my boy you're spying will begin. I remind you of your vow to me Severus." said Albus and Severus nodded. "You must get back into Voldemort's good graces. Do anything must, but you must get close to him. Get into his inner circle."

Severus only nodded and swept from the room slamming the door behind him. Minerva looked over at Albus. He kissed on the forehead and reassured her that Severus could be trusted. She only nodded and left the office.

The imaged changed Albus and Severus stood in the potions classroom. Hermione stood on the far end of the room working on a potion.

"Voldemort has made many horcuxes. It's dark magic Headmaster. The Dark Lord made them so if his body dies his sprit lives on." whispered Severus. "And the only way to destroy the Dark Lord is to get rid of the horcuxes." explained Severus.

Albus stood in thought and looked over at Hermione and smiled. "Miss Granger shall help you develop a potion to get rid of these horcuxes." Severus sneered at the headmaster. "Your vow Severus keep that in mind while you work."

"Yes Headmaster." growled Severus.

The image changed Severus stood next to Albus on the Astronomy Tower. The elderly man looked out at the setting sun and sighed.

"Why must you had placed that damn horcux on. It's slowly poisoning you." hissed Severus.

"It needed a sacrifice. I've been showing Harry memories of Tom Riddle. It's the only insight I have of letting Harry know what kind of man he was." said Albus.

"You and your damn noble actions." hissed Severus.

"I've found another horcux. I don't know what it will pertain to Severus. But I hold you to your vow. If I tell you to kill me you shall do so."

"No I can't. I won't do it." said Severus, his wedding shined in the sun. "I have Hermione to care for."

"You gave me your Unbreakable Vow. Harry must do this without me. I trust you to help Harry the best as you can. Just don't blow your cover Severus. Remember the murder must look believable. Do not hastate. It will seem like you have second thoughts."

Severus rubbed his left forearm where the dark mark laid. "Very well."

The members of Wizengoment and Minister of Magic returned to the courtroom; which was filled with different conversation. They didn't interrupt the guest because they were discussing the memories.

The Minister nodded and they all returned to their seats. The room got quiet and the aurors brought Severus back into the room. They placed him back into the chair.

"Anymore statements before sentence is carried out?" asked Kingsley.

"Yes Minister." said Harry standing up from his seat beside Severus. "If it pleased the court I'll be happy to present my own memories of the account."

"That will not be needed. We believe we have enough evidence. Thank you Mr. Potter." said Minster Shacklebolt.

Harry only nodded and returned to his seat. The entire room sat in silence. Hermione prayed her husband wouldn't retrun to Azkaban.

"Severus Tobias Snape, you are accused of the murder of Albus Dumbledore in the first degree." said Kingsley and heard a sob leave the crowd. He knew it had been Hermione. "But we have decided through the evidence that it was a planned out murder. We, the Wizengoment give the sentence as time severed. Severus Snape you are free to go. Court is adjoined," and chains clicked from Severus's wrist and he rose from his seat.

Severus walked over to Hermione and pulled her into his arms. She buried her face into his chest and cried. He would be there for the birth of Damon. He pulled back and kissed Hermione gently and passionately on the lips.

"I'll get be with you when Damon's born." whispered Severus and "family," smiled grateful that Severus was out of Azkaban.

"Which is now." said Hermione just as her water broke.

"Then we need to get you to Prince Manor." said Ellen calmly.

Severus wrapped his around Hermione's waist and helped out of the courtroom followed by the family.


Hermione laid on the large king size bed. Severus leaned back against the headboard to support her back. He rested both of his hands on her stomach feeling Damon move inside her womb. He watched Jamie, Ellen and Minerva get things ready, while he kept Hermione's breathing in line.

"I'm glad you're home." said Hermione between breaths. She grabbed Severus and breathed through the contraction.

"Me too love." he whispered soothingly in her ear. "Breath in and out." He gently ran his hands along her shoulders, hands and along her back. "Just let the pain leave your body." Hermione sighed and sank into his strong arms. "Just let it go."

Ellen smiled when she saw Hermione relax completely. She checked on Hermione's progression. "She's doing fine. Just keep her relaxed and Damon will be here soon."

Severus nodded and kept whispering soothing words.


Harry paced the living room floor. He had never been so nervous. Nothing compared to it. Not quidditch, appearing in front of the court. It was the idea of his best friend bringing a life into the world.

"She's not screaming her head off." said Remus with a smirk. "I remember Lily screaming like mad to get you out of her."

Harry stopped pacing and looked at his friend and chuckled. He winked at Ginny but continued to pace.

"Harry you might want to sit down. The first time labors can last several hours." said John. "Ellen was in labor with Remus for 12 hours. She wanted a natural birth."

Ginny patted the cushion next to her and Harry sat down and she took his hand in her own. Remus kissed Tonks on the forehead.


Severus looked at the clock near the bed. Hermione had been in labor for five hours. She grabbed her husband when extremely sharp contraction hit.

Minerva smiled. "Alright Hermione push."

Jamie grabbed Hermione's left hand and smiled. She was going to be aunt. Hermione leaned forward and pushed. Minerva counted to ten and told Hermione to relax.

Severus moved a wet curl from Hermione's cheek and soothing rubbed her head. She leaned back breathing heavily. She turned her head side to side in pain.

"Hermione push." instructed Minerva and Hermione took a deep breath and pushed. She counted to twenty. "Good. The shoulders are out. Relax and breath."

"I can't I need him of me now!" screamed Hermione.

"Than push Mrs. Snape." said Minerva while Ellen held a blanket ready for the new born.


"You're dead Severus!" Tonks, Ginny, Harry, John and Remus heard Hermione yell.

John chuckled at the groups facial expressions. "Oh memories. They're worth the swearing and being yelled at. Trust me."

The men looked at John like he had two heads. Tonks and Ginny laughed hoping they'd be screaming off their heads at their hope to be husbands.


Hermione sank down into Severus's arms when she heard a loud cry that only belonged to their son, Damon Severus Snape. Ellen took the baby from Minerva and carefully cleaned him off.

"Say hello to Mommy and Daddy, Damon." said Ellen as she handed Hermione her son.

Hermione tearfully took her son into her arms. Damon had a head full of black hair, fare skin, black eyes with a few freckles on his button nose.

"He's beautiful love. Beautiful." whispered Severus gently rubbing his thumb over his son's hand.

"I'll tell the others." said Ellen and she left the room.


"We have a healthy baby boy. He weighs 6 pounds and 8 ounces and 18 inches long. Damon was born on June 30th at 8:15 p.m." said Ellen. The family smiled. "Come on but you can't sat long. Hermione's needs to rest."

Harry and Remus were the first one's to their feet and they all followed Ellen to the last door on the right. They stepped over the threshold.

"Everyone say hello to Damon." said Hermione with a tired but happy smile. Ginny, Tonks will be Damon's godmothers?"

"Yes." they said at once and they each took turns holding their godson.

"Harry, Remus will you be Damon's godfathers?" asked Severus.

The men looked at Severus and nodded dumbly. Severus couldn't help but laugh and handed Damon to Harry. Harry handed him to Remus. Hermione and Severus's life couldn't have gotten any happier than at that very moment. Every person they cared about most in the world was in that one room.


Hit the button and tell me what you think!

AN: I fear the next chapter will be our last in the this story!