Chapter 10
Severus paced in front of the fireplace waiting for the clock to reach ten. It had been two weeks since he received the letter from the Child Services Department at the Ministry telling him the date of the custody battle, and he was a bundle of nerves. This was his last chance at getting his daughter back and he was scared of losing her forever.
Harry sat on the couch watching his normally calm Professor pace frantically. Harry knew Severus was nervous, he was too, but panicking wouldn't help Hermione. Harry then stood up and walked in front of his Professor, stopping him in his tracks. Severus stared momentarily shocked at Harry before heaving a great sigh.
"I'm pacing again aren't I?" Severus asked. Harry nodded before looking Severus in the eye.
"Sir, I know you're nervous, I am too. But panicking won't help Hermione. She needs you to be a strong, calming presence today, so please try to relax."
"I'll try. Thank you Harry." Severus took a deep breath and glanced at the clock on his wall. He sighed again, "We better get going Harry."
Harry nodded and stepped into the fireplace next to Severus and grabbed his arm. They were instantly engulfed in green flames and transported to the Ministry. They walked towards the courtroom doors and were asked to present their wands for identification. After the security check they walked into the surprisingly quiet courtroom and took their seats by the Malfoy's. More people started to file into the courtroom as the clock got closer to ten-thirty. As people began to take their seats the doors opened again to reveal Hermione and her relatives. Her Aunt and Uncle walked forward towards their seats with a malicious glint in their eyes. Hermione followed behind them, her head down. It took everything in her to not run to Severus and hug him. As they sat down Amelia addressed the court.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot, we are here for the custody battle of one Hermione Jean Ganger between one Severus Tobias Snape and her Aunt and Uncle, Juliet and Andrew Smith."
There were murmurs among the Wizengamot members, some concerned about the outcome others expressing their distain for the muggle relatives. Amelia banged on the gravel and brought attention to the court.
""First we will hear from the relatives of Miss Granger and any support they have." Amelia said formally. Andrew Smith stood first to address the court,
"Honorable members of the court, I wish for you too think about the decision you have to make. I have lost my sister and brother-in-law. My niece, Hermione, is my last connection to them and I do not wish to lose her too." Andrews plan was to quilt trip the court into seeing that Hermione's best interest was with him. He pretended to be too choked up to continue and let his wife, Juliet, continue.
"As my husband said, we don't want to lose our beloved niece. Here is a man who has no association with Hermione other than being her Professor and he wants to take her away from us. Why should he have the right to take her away from us?" The fake water works had started and her husband guided her back to their seats.
Whispers broke out amongst the court. Many were slightly nodding in agreement with what was said, although some were more reluctant to do so. Hermione began to panic when her Aunt and Uncle made their performance. She was scared with what would happen as she didn't think she would live if she was sent back with them. Severus was also nervous as he watched the man and women present their case. He was afraid that no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn't be successful. But he had to try.
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith," Amelia said, drawing the courts attention, "Are you able to provide Miss Granger with an ideal living? She has been abused if you remember and will need some counseling to heal. Can you provide her with that?"
"Of course. We will do whatever it takes to get her the counseling she needs." Andrew stated with mock passion.
"Is there anyone else here to speak in your favor?"
"No ma'am."
"Very well. We will now hear from Severus Snape." Severus took a deep breath before standing up and making his way towards the center of the room.
"Members of the Wizengamot, I hope to not waste your time today, but my reasons for fighting for custody of Miss Granger are not based on formalities, but through personal obligation," Severus paused to make sure he had everyone's attention before continuing, "When Miss Granger told me of her home life I was the first to know and at this notion I felt that I had an obligation, not only to protect her, but to care for her as well. So I took it upon myself to do just that. I promised her that I would care for her throughout the trial as well as provide comfort and support well after. I had also began the healing process with her to help her overcome the trauma she had been put through. I fight for her today so as I do not break those promises to her."
By the end of Severus' speech there are very few dry eyes in the room. It took a moment before Amelia could continue her questioning.
"I'll ask the same question as before. Are you able to provide Miss Granger with an ideal living? Can you provide her with the counseling she will need?"
"Yes Madam Bones. Not only do I have personal counseling experience, but I also have a friend who is a mediwitch that will be more than willing to help." This answer received many nods of approval as they felt more comfortable with the child being seen by one of their own.
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"Very well Mr. Snape. Is there anyone else here to speak in your favor?"
"Yes ma'am. Lord and Lady Malfoy have come."
"Alright, Lord and Lady Malfoy, could you please step forward."
As Severus took his seat next to Harry as Lucius and Narcissa stepped forward.
"Lord and Lady Malfoy, based on your relationship with Mr. Snape, how do you feel he'll do in raising the child?"
Lucius answered first, "I believe Severus would do an excellent job in raising Miss Granger. Being a Potions Master and having Healer Mastery training, Miss Granger's medical health will be well taken care off."
"Not to mention all that he's already done for her," Narcissa added, "Severus has already started the healing process with the child and I believe that removing her from a source of connection that she already has will hinder her progress."
More muttering occurred among the Wizengamot members. They agreed that removing the girl will do nothing but reverse the healing process and she would have to start at square one.
"Thank you, Lord and Lady Malfoy. you may sit." Amelia said serenely. Lucius and Narcissa sat back down behind Severus and Harry. Before Amelia could continue someone else stood and spoke.
"Madam Bones, may I speak?"
Everyone turned their heads to find a young boy standing beside Severus. He held a pleading look in his eyes as he scanned the room. Severus was unsure of what Harry was up to, but trusted him enough to not say anything.
"Of course young man. Please step forward." Harry steadily walked forward towards the center of the room and waited to be addressed, "What is your name young man?"
"Harry Potter, ma'am."
"What do you have to say Mr. Potter?"
"I wish to speak on behalf of Mr. Snape."
"Please, continue."
"Honorable witches and wizards, I wish to inform you of more than just your support for Mr. Snape. I believe Mr. Snape to be an excellent guardian. He's very kind and cares for Miss Granger a lot." Harry paused for a moment thinking of his next words, "Hermione has been my best friend since first year. Now you may say that's not a very long time, but we grew really close and I want what's best for her. Hermione has told me about her extended family and from what she has told me is not good. Her Aunt and Uncle have a daughter, Susan, and she has done nothing but torment Hermione. Her relatives just stand by and do nothing. Hermione almost drowned once because of her cousin and I don't wish for that to happen again."
Furious whispers rang around the court as Harry finished and sat back down with Severus. It took Amelia a couple minutes to calm the courtroom down before she could speak.
"After hearing both sides claims and hearing from their supporters it's time to decide. As the child is twelve years-old she is not of age to decide on her own, so the Wizengamot will take a vote. All those in favor of Miss Granger returning with her Aunt and Uncle, raise your hand." Not a single was raised. This made Hermione's relatives angry, but they held their temper, "All those in favor of granting Mr. Snape full guardianship of Miss Granger, raise your hand."
Every hand was raised, surprising Severus and his group.
"Then it is decided. Miss Granger shall be under full guardianship of one Severus Snape."
The court broke out in cheers, but only one voice registered to Severus.
"Daddy!" Hermione cried. He lifted his head to see Hermione running towards him, tears in her eyes. Severus stood up and rushed forward. Hermione flew into his arms and he lifter her up. Nothing else in the room mattered to Severus as he held his daughter close to him, not wanting to let go.
Hermione was so happy. She was back with her daddy and nothing else mattered. She was finally safe from those who would hurt her. She was going to be with her friends, the one's that have become her family. She was finally going home.
My Mischief is now Managed
A/N: Hey everyone! I'm sooooo sorry it took so long for me to get this up, the past couple months have been hectic with school ending and all. But I am pleased to present the final chapter to Helping Hermione. I hoped you all enjoyed it and I want to thank everyone who has followed this story until the end and shown me such support.
On another note, I'm contemplating on whether or not to do a sequel to this. If you want me to do a sequel or if you have any ideas please PM me and we can talk about it. Again, thank you everyone.