Hello wonderful people! Again, thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments, for following the story, and for choosing it as one of your favorite stories! I am humbled and flattered. Okay, so here is the chapter about the trial, and it is LONG! Should I apologize for a really long chapter, or no? However, I do apologize for any grammatical errors or typos. I try to reread and catch them all, but by the time I finished this chapter, my eyes were tired and probably slightly crossed! Anyway, I know many of you have been itching to see the Grangers get what's coming to them, and to hopefully understand what their problem is for heaven's sake! Albus is still a little bitter he couldn't sentence them himself, but he'll get over it with a few desserts. Uh oh, Severus is giving me that look. I had better let you all get reading!
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Two weeks seemed to pass in a blink. Hermione couldn't remember the last time she had been so happy with life. She and Severus had continued to grow closer, as had she, Albus, and Minerva. Minerva had taken Hermione shopping, and now Hermione had a very nice summer wardrobe of dress robes in case of any special occasions, jeans, dresses, tops, night wear, dress shoes and active wear shoes, and, of course, undergarments and socks. She had been embarrassed to not have nice things to wear, and she had been appalled when she saw the price of her wardrobe that Severus, Albus, and Minerva had paid. She felt guilty for taking so much of their money, but they all had insisted that they were more than happy to provide for her. Severus had had to have an in-depth discussion with her to explain that this is what guardians were supposed to do. Having nice clothes was a basic need. Despite her discomfort at the cost of her clothes, she enjoyed them immensely, and made a note to thank them at every opportunity.
Hermione continued to have nightmares every night. Severus had a routine of going to bed, feeling a subtle pulse of magic that was Hermione's Silencing charm, and then he would spend the next hour or so comforting and talking to Hermione about what her nightmare had entailed. There would be some nights where the nightmares wouldn't be too distressing, and Hermione would need little persuasion to go back to sleep on her own. However, there were other nights where she would be nearly inconsolable. On these nights, Severus would stay with her, playing with her hair, and letting her cuddle. He found that he didn't mind in the slightest.
Hermione had also, surprisingly, insisted that she and Severus continue to have short sessions where Severus would use Legilimency to see more memories. Severus had been greatly surprised and worried that Hermione preferred this method; however, he kept his face impassive to her as he didn't want her to back pedal, and then shut him out for thinking he didn't approve of how she wanted to reveal her past. He was simply grateful that she trusted him enough to reveal anything in any mode. Severus was gentle in his search of her memories. He had seen some situations that weren't bad as much as they were frustrating, some situations where his heart had ached for Hermione, and other situations where he had had to meditate in his Occlumency when he had withdrawn so that he wouldn't scare Hermione by losing control of his magic. Mind, he hadn't lost control since he had attended Hogwarts, but he didn't want to take any chances.
As per the rules of the house, Severus and Hermione talked about their Legilimency sessions and her nightmares. Hermione didn't particularly want to talk and dive into all the emotions she felt about the nightmares or memories, but she knew that Severus would not yield until the discussions were done. Some topics they had touched on had been that she was not worthless or a freak, that she had not done anything wrong, that being herself was not wrong, and that nothing Hermione did could alter Severus' feelings for her. One of their hallmark conversations had been about a guardian's anger. Severus had told her that there will, inevitably, be times as she grew up that he, Albus, and Minerva would be upset with her for choices she had made because that was normal as she grew from a child to a teenager to a young adult. She would make bad choices, she would make mistakes as she learned. However, Mr. and Mrs. Granger's anger was not the norm, and that Hermione would not have to question their love for her in those times as she had had to question her parents' love. Anger from an adult did not equal the amount of love given to the child in a healthy home. In a healthy home, the adult would love the child regardless, and anger would be used as a tool for setting boundaries and teaching right and wrong, not some deranged reason for abuse or an unhealthy outlet. Hermione would believe that when she experienced it, not that she was too eager.
Severus had told Albus and Minerva about Hermione's desire to share her experiences with him through Legilimency. They had been as surprised as he was, but they supported Hermione's decision, especially as Severus still talked with her afterwards. Albus had mentioned that if Hermione was comfortable with Severus extracting memories from her for the Wizengamot to witness, then half the battle was won. When he had asked Albus if he could simply extract his own memories from their sessions, the elder wizard had said that that wouldn't be allowed as the court would want to know that he had not tampered with the memories. They wanted organic memories from Hermione herself. Severus scowled, but had not argue.
Now it was already the night before the trial, with the family sitting down for dinner. Behind Severus' calm and unemotional façade he was anxious. He, Albus, and Minerva had all talked to Hermione about the trial and what to expect. Albus had expertly navigated her through the proceedings, and that they all had been granted permission to sit in on the trial so Hermione wouldn't be alone. Secretly, Albus' explanations had assisted in easing Severus' anxiety as well. Albus and Severus reassured her that she would not be anywhere near the Grangers before, during, or after the trial, but apparently those fears had not been appeased as was evidence in the fact that Hermione was pushing her dinner around her plate rather than her customary ritual of inhaling it.
The adults shared glances with one another as they slowly ate their meals. After a while, all the adults had finished, and Hermione had taken only a few bites. Since it was pointless to wait any longer for Hermione to eat more, Minerva said softly, "Hermione, if you would please accompany me to the library, I have something to show you."
Hermione looked up gloomily making eye contact with Severus, silently asking permission to leave the table. Severus gave her a slight nod in response, and Hermione followed Minerva to the library.
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Minerva sat on the edge of the middle sofa in the library, and patted the cushion beside her. Hermione slowly lowered herself, not making eye contact with the elder witch. Minerva tutted at the little girl's behavior, and put a slender finger under Hermione's chin, forcing her to look into the witch's green eyes.
"Everything will be fine, my darling," Minerva encouraged. "Tomorrow night at this time, you will be here at home…safe."
"What if my parent's win?" Hermione couldn't help but ask, tears welling up in her eyes at the thought. "I would be devastated if I had to leave Severus and you and Albus. Plus, my parents may literally kill me for having put them through all this mess."
"Och, you didn't put them into any such 'mess'," Minerva said, bristling slightly at the idea. "If anything, they put you through all the 'mess' of their deranged and misplaced ire."
Rather than argue all the ways in which it was her fault, Hermione settled for nodding instead. Then remembering the reason for being in the library in the first place, she asked, "You said you wanted to show me something?"
"Yes," Minerva smiled, lightly cupping Hermione's cheek. "Lately Albus has been getting all the glory for performing complex magic that has impressed you, and then I realized last night that I have yet to show you one of the only things I can do that neither Albus nor Severus can."
Despite her anxious mood, Hermione perked up a bit at being shown more magic. Minerva had been right, however, that Albus had wowed her with all the wondrous things he could do with a wand, and Severus had fascinated her every time he did Legilimency, even if the result was seeing memories she would rather forget. Minerva had also taken her by surprise by all the items she had been able to transfigure. At one point, she had transfigured a pillow into a cat. Hermione had begged Severus to let her keep it, but when the cat had continued coughing up pillow stuffing and wanted to sharpen its claws on his favorite recliner, Severus had sternly told her no.
Hermione watched as Minerva winked at her, and then suddenly where she had been sitting, a silver tabby cat with square markings around its eyes took her place. Hermione stared at the cat for a while before asking in disbelief, "Minerva?"
The tabby meowed, and rubbed up against Hermione's outstretched hand, and then head bumped her face. Hermione was beaming at her as she asked in an excited squeak, "You can turn into animals?!"
Minerva cocked her head to the side before returning to her original place on the sofa, and in another blink of an eye, the elder witch was sitting in front of her again. She was smirking, confident in the fact that she had performed the most awe-inspiring piece of magic.
"Only the one animal," Minerva corrected her. "I am what the wizarding world calls an Animagus. I am one of only a handful of witches and wizards registered as an Animagus in Britain."
Hermione's eyes were wide with admiration. She wanted to be an Animagus! How wonderful would it be to be able to turn into an animal, and run away from it all when things got too stressful? To only rely on animal instinct rather than human thought and feeling. To run free and be free. Giving Minerva an excited smile she exclaimed, "I want to be able to do that too! Can I be an Animagus?"
Minerva pursed her lips together. She carefully regarded Hermione before she answered, "When you are in your fifth year at Hogwarts, I can begin to teach you. It requires that a skilled witch or wizard in Transfiguration be there to assist you should anything in your transformation go wrong. Becoming an Animagus is complex magic that requires great skill and concentration. Albus assisted me in becoming an Animagus."
"He helped you become one, but he can't become one?" Hermione asked, slightly confused. She had figured Albus could do anything. Severus too.
"For all Albus' brilliance," Minerva smirked, "he is positively dreadful at meditating which is crucial as you need to be able to focus on your inner animal to become it. He blames it on the excuse that he has such an abundance of knowledge, skills, and ideas bumping around in his head that he finds it nearly impossible to get everything to quiet down so he can focus."
Hermione giggled. Hearing Hermione giggle made Minerva smile. The girl had such a cute laugh. She was happy to see that she had helped Hermione cheer up somewhat. Again, Minerva reached out and cupped the young girl's cheek and said, "You have a wonderful laugh, wee girl. I'm very glad to hear it."
Hermione grasped Minerva's hand on the side of her face as she asked, "You promise everything will be all right tomorrow? I don't want to go back with my parents."
"I promise," Minerva answered without hesitation. "Even if, by some random and inappropriate miracle of Merlin, your parents did win this trial, we would still fight to have your parents give up their rights to you. We would bring you home one way or the other. Never forget that you have people now who will fight for you and love you no matter what."
Hermione offered her a grateful smile, a single tear sliding down her face. Minerva brushed it away, giving the girl a warm smile as she said, "Well, let's get back to the boys so they too can offer you love and reassurance."
"Thank you, Minerva," Hermione said, allowing the witch to take her hand back.
"You're welcome, kitten," Minerva answered her with a wink at her new nickname. Hermione giggled again, and when she looked at Minerva all she saw was the silver tabby. With what Hermione could only guess to be the cat version of a mischievous grin, she bounded off the sofa towards the library exit in a trot, tail curled over her back in triumph.
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Severus and Albus were talking about the trial themselves when they were interrupted by a silver tabby cat jumping up into Severus' lap. He quirked an eyebrow at the cat as he heard Hermione giggle as she entered the living room, and sat next to Albus who automatically put an arm around her and pulled her to him. As much as Severus enjoyed the fact that Hermione seemed to be in a happier mood, he couldn't say that he was happy to have a cat on his lap.
"Minerva, you are shedding all over me," Severus drawled with a slight hint of disgust. "You know my black robes are not cat friendly. How about you go bald all over your husband? I'm sure his lilac robes are much more equipped to hide the copious amounts of fur you lose."
Minerva let out an aggravated yowl as she jumped over to the coffee table, and sat down next to his empty tea cup. Staring at Severus with an intense expression, she extended her paw and slowly pushed his cup off the table and onto the floor without taking her eyes off him. She didn't even flinch when she heard the porcelain break. Walking away from him before he could say anything, she jumped to the sofa on the other side of Hermione and sat, still staring at the Potion's Master with an unwavering glare.
"You do realize that that was completely uncalled for?" Severus bit out. "I don't care that you are a cat. No matter what form you are in, you are not entitled to break my possessions."
Minerva merely flicked her tail as if to say, I don't care. I am queen. Meow. Albus and Hermione could only laugh at the exchange between the two.
"Insufferable woman," Severus muttered under his breath. Waving his wand, the pieces of the broken tea cup came back together and molded flawlessly, settling on the coffee table in one piece as though nothing had happened.
Once Minerva shifted back, and there was peace reigning again between her and Severus, the adults talked some more about everything and nothing as Hermione snuggled into Albus' side. The next thing she knew, Albus was shaking her awake, telling her that he and Minerva were returning home, and that they would see her in the morning. They were Flooing to Severus' house first, and then all together, they were Flooing to the Ministry. Both Albus and Minerva hugged her, telling her to get a good night's sleep, that everything would be fine, and that this would all be over soon. Hermione had only nodded her head at them, and waved as she stood next to Severus and wished them both good night.
When the older pair was gone, Severus guided Hermione upstairs to her room to get ready for bed. As Hermione grabbed her nightgown, she looked again at the dress robes Minerva had set out for her to wear to court tomorrow. They were simple dress robes with the outside of the robes being crimson, and the inside color of the robes being gold. Unbeknownst to Hermione, Severus had sneered at the robes and Minerva earlier, accusing the elder witch of corrupting his charge with Gryffindor regalia. Minerva had scoffed at his accusations, but had not denied them either. As he passed by the robes, he rolled his eyes again careful that Hermione didn't see his distaste this time either. He settled on the side of her bed, and opened their book to the next story. As he waited for Hermione to finish in the bathroom, he looked over at her bedside table, thankful that they were done with the rounds of potions Hermione had had to take. After the trial, the only thing he and Hermione had to worry about was the follow-up appointment at St. Mungo's to make sure Hermione's ribs and body had received the treatment well, and all was mended as it should be.
Lost in his thoughts, he hadn't noticed that Hermione had crawled into bed until she grabbed his hand. He turned to look at her, his impassive, black eyes meeting her warm, hazel ones. The corners of his mouth twitched as he squeezed her hand and said, "If you are settled, we will continue reading the next story in The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Afterwards, I will give a Dreamless Sleep potion as it would not do well to be tired for tomorrow's trial."
Hermione nodded and cuddled in, thankful that she wouldn't be plagued by nightmares tonight.
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The next morning came early for those at Prince Manor as Severus and Hermione had rose early for breakfast. Severus had eaten his breakfast and was sipping coffee as Hermione was pushing her food around her plate. She had barely touched anything as she was afraid that as soon as food hit her nervous stomach, it was going to come straight back up. She knew that Severus, Albus, and Minerva had told her not to worry, but she was going to be talking about her parents to a court! She never used to talk about what her parents did to her because it had been engrained in her not to say a word. It was home talk. What happened at home, stayed at home…or else. She hadn't started talking about her home life until after she met Severus and Albus. It was getting easier to talk about it with them, and to show Severus some of the more intense moments of her parents' treatment of her, but she was about to go into court and talk about her parents' actions in public. She had never done this before, and quite honestly, never thought she would have to. She was going up against her parents which made her feel anxious and excited. She was anxious for all the obvious reasons. If her parents were found innocent of child abuse and neglect, then she would have to go home with them, and she was certain that they would do awful things to her leaving her within an inch of her life. On the other hand, she was excited because her side of the story would be heard. Her parents wouldn't be able to close her away in her room, and over power her when she wanted to tell someone what was going on in her home. She also felt relieved that she may have the opportunity to escape that hell and start life anew with people who loved her. However, she was also feeling guilty because this man and woman was her father and mother, and the people who loved her was supposed to be them. She was a mixture of feelings and a bundle of nerves.
Severus was much the same. He was anxious and excited to put these Muggles away for their sins. He wouldn't confess this to anyone, but there was a small part of him on the edge of his conscious that wondered if they could lose this case. The larger, more rational side of him that was trying to suppress this tiny but mighty doubt he had, kept reminding him that there was absolutely no way that anyone could look at Hermione's memories, or his and Albus', and not question the competence of the Grangers. He was also curious as to what pitiful excuse they could give to rationalize their treatment of their daughter. Their reasoning ought to be rich.
Severus was about to bring Hermione back to the present with his reassurances when the Floo in the living room roared to life. A moment later, Minerva and Albus came into the kitchen locking eyes with Severus, silently asking how he and Hermione were doing. Severus remained impassive which was his way of saying he was prepared and ready to fight, but when he looked at Hermione he furrowed his brow into a soft frown. Albus and Minerva's faces held a subtle look of pity for the little girl.
Hermione hadn't looked up since Minerva and Albus entered the kitchen. Minerva put a finger to her lips to indicate no one should say a word. The wizards watched as she morphed into her tabby form, and then jumped onto the table, bumping heads with Hermione. The young witch looked up and gave a small smile when she noticed the cat, and hugged Minerva to her, softly stroking her fur. Minerva couldn't help but purr. Albus had a twinkle in his eyes as he conjured a chair and pulled it to the table.
Severus was glad that Hermione responded to Minerva; however, he couldn't help but rib the elder witch as he sneered, "It is unsanitary to have a cat sitting on my breakfast table. I don't want to know where you've been before walking and sitting where I and Hermione eat our food."
Like the night before, Albus and Hermione were snickering at the banter between the two professors. Minerva turned to Severus and gave him her best glare as she could as a cat. The tabby stood and walked over to sit in front of Severus. Slowly she reached her paw towards his coffee mug. Quickly grabbing it before there was a replay of the previous evening, Severus threatened, "So help me, you insufferable woman, if you push my mug off the table I will spray you with water!"
Minerva retracted her paw and hissed at him before jumping down to the ground and morphing back into the formidable form of Professor McGonagall. Albus, eyes twinkling madly at their antics, dutifully conjured his wife a chair opposite himself. Sitting down at the table with a sniff, Minerva told Severus, "If you spray me with water, I will march my wet, cat-self into your closet, and I will rub up against all of your black robes."
Severus' face was still stoic even as he narrowed his eyes. Before this silly dispute could go any further, Albus cleared his throat and raised his hands while saying, "As amused as Hermione and I are we, unfortunately, have to focus on the day's major event."
This was enough for the two professors to stop glaring daggers at each other, no matter how playful, and turn to the kindly, old wizard, staring at them both in turn over his glasses. Apparently feeling satisfied that this conversation was closed, he turned to Hermione and said, "Now, pet, did you have any last-minute questions about the trial?"
"When I am answering the judge's questions, will I have to sit up there all by myself?" Hermione asked quietly. She couldn't look at any of them, so to occupy her hands she fidgeted with the hem of her dress robes. She didn't want them to think that she was a coward, but to face her parents' one-on-one was rather overwhelming.
Albus gave her a sympathetic smile as he answered, "Unfortunately, we cannot be on the witness stand with you. However, we will be in the room close by giving you encouragement. Also, when Severus and I must give our testimony, you will be sitting with Minerva. When Madam Bones asks for the submission of your memories, we will ask to do so and analyze them within the privacy of chambers, and then any additional questions may be asked to you on the witness stand."
Hermione nodded. Then before she could stop herself, she asked, "If the judge finds them not guilty, will I have to return home with them?"
At this, all the adults shared a pained look which told Hermione directly that that will be what happens. Hermione let out a sigh that bordered on tears. She didn't know what she would do if she had to go back home. She couldn't go back. She would run away if she had to go back.
She heard shuffling at the other end of the table as someone rose from their seat. Suddenly, Severus was kneeling in front of her, holding her small hands in his large ones and forcing her to look at him, "They will not win, and tonight we will be returning to Prince Manor with you with us. I'll not have it any other way."
Tears started rolling down her face as she launched herself at him, her arms securely wrapping around his neck as she buried her face. Severus ran his hand over hair to help her feel better. Then he thought of something that may help her cope with the stress of the trial, and give her something positive to look forward to.
"You are being so brave today, that I think this deserves a reward," Severus said, continuing to play with her bushy hair.
"It does?" Hermione asked, her voice muffled.
"Indeed," Severus affirmed, "I believe that after this whole affair is over that we take Albus and Minerva and go to the London Zoo. Perhaps while we are there we can charm Minerva so she's stuck in her cat form and leave her in one of the exhibits?"
Hermione, despite her tears, was giggling, Albus snorted with mischief, and Minerva looked appropriately affronted at the idea of being left at the zoo by her family like they were dumping their family pet. Hermione finally looked at Severus, her face tear stained, as she gave him a toothy, watery smile and excitedly squealed, "You mean it?! I've always wanted to go to the zoo!"
Severus nodded his head as he wiped her remaining tears off her face. "Yes, and it should be interesting seeing three grown wizards trying to blend in with Muggles."
"I blend in spectacularly," Albus stated.
This time Minerva snorted with mischief. Without looking at her, Severus said nonchalantly, "I'm not sure what you find amusing, Minerva, as you'll be going as a cat."
"Keep disrespecting me, Severus Tobias Snape, and your hair will turn a brighter shade of pink for every one of your cheeky comments!"
Severus became rigid at the idea of the formidable Potion's Master of Hogwarts, the Bat of the Dungeons, having bright pink hair. He didn't challenge the Deputy Headmistress on her threat.
"Well, Hermione," Albus said after a few seconds of silence while everyone got the image of a pink-haired, Severus out of their minds, "if you have no other questions, we need to be going."
At Hermione's confirmation that she had no further questions, Albus and Minerva rose from the table, Severus squeezed Hermione's hands and rose, and Hermione rose from her chair with Severus. Severus put his hand on the young girl's shoulder, and gently led her to the Floo following Minerva and Albus. Once they had all gathered around, Severus turned to Hermione and explained, "We are taking the Floo network to the Ministry. Usually, we would be unable to get to the Ministry via Floo, but Albus was kind enough to request a connection. Now, Minerva and Albus will go ahead of us to show you how to use the Floo. They will be on the other end to receive you, and I will follow you. Now, it is of the utmost importance that you pronounce your destination clearly, or it is unknown where you will end up. The destination we are going to is 'Ministry of Magic'. It is also important that you keep your arms and hands tucked in so that you aren't injured as you're spinning through various grates."
Hermione's eyes were wide with awe and concern. She was questioning the safety of this mode of transportation, but realized that Albus and Minerva used this mode to come to the Manor and return home, and they always seemed to arrive in one piece. As if sensing her nerves, Albus winked and said, "You'll be fine, pet. Watch me and Minerva."
At her cue, Minerva grabbed a handful of powder, stepped into the grate, and yelled, "Ministry of Magic!" and threw the powder at her feet. In a second, she was engulfed in green flames and was gone. Albus waited until the green flames had completely died down before he imitated Minerva's every step, and then he too was gone. Hermione turned to Severus at which he stroked her hair in encouragement.
"Alright, Hermione. Grab a handful of Floo powder. Good girl. Now, step into the grate, say your destination clearly, and then throw the Floo powder down, and remember to keep your arms and hands at your side. You'll land in the grate at the Ministry, and Minerva and Albus will pull you out of the grate, and then I will come through. This may help as well with the dizziness and the soot so close your eyes."
Hermione nodded before she took a deep breath and yelled, "Ministry of Magic!" and threw her powder down. Before she knew it, she was spinning and whirling past other grates. She tried her best to keep her hands and arms by her side, and she remembered to squeeze her eyes shut as the warmth and a bit of soot was flying all around her. Before she was ready, her feet slammed hard onto the ground, and she stumbled forward before Minerva expertly caught her. With a smile of pride from Minerva, she pulled Hermione out of the way quickly to allow Severus to come through while simultaneously banishing the soot from the girl's robes. Not a minute later, Severus was standing beside them.
As the family turned from the grates to make their way to the courtroom, Severus guiding her, Hermione could look around, and she was amazed. They had arrived in a huge Atrium that was accented with dark wooden floors and dark stone making up the walls and the high ceiling. In the middle of the Atrium was a large golden statue atop a fountain that featured a wizard, witch, and other creatures that Hermione was unsure of what they were, except for the small house elf at the wizard's feet. Behind the fountain from the floor to the ceiling were many small windows that seemed to be offices, and a huge banner of a man looking quite arrogant if Hermione could say so herself with his nose up in the air. Looking up at Severus, she asked, "Who is man on the banner?"
"That," Severus sneered with a roll of his eyes, "is the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge."
"Do you not like him?" Hermione asked, taking in Severus' behavior.
"I suppose he is a likeable enough person," Severus conceded, painfully, "but he would not have gotten my vote to become Minister. He owls Albus almost every day asking for advice."
Hermione nodded, but did not ask any other questions. Minerva and Albus were leading them to a desk with a sign above it marked "Registration". Albus, Minerva, and Severus all produced their wands when the ministry official requested them. He placed each wand on what looked to Hermione to be a scale. The official would read their name, and then their wands' qualities before returning them to their owners. When Hermione was face to face with the officer, Albus told the official, "This young lady has not yet started Hogwarts."
The official nodded, and then silently waved her through. At this point, Albus turned to both Minerva and Severus, and said just loud enough above the din of voices in the Atrium, "Minerva, from here until we leave, you are to appear that you are Hermione's guardian and escort. The court will know, however, that Severus has filed as Hermione's guardian, but those documents are confidential. Regardless, I do not wish for Severus to draw attention to himself in public from the wrong sort of people who are employed here, and I want it to appear that he is only here on my request to serve as a witness. Severus, I need not remind you to be your charming, sneering, withdrawn self while here."
The adults nodded, Severus' face becoming even more impassive than it normally was in public, and thankfully Hermione did not seem to be paying attention to them as she was soaking up the sights of the Ministry. Minerva brought the young witch back to her senses when she reached for the girl's hand and guided her to the lifts with Albus and Severus bringing up the rear. There was a wall lined with lifts with numbers and the names of different departments listed above each lift. All four of them squeezed into a lift that was second from the right, and waited for the lift to fill with other busy witches and wizards oblivious to anyone else before the lift started rising. On each floor, people would come and go, and Hermione stayed attached to Minerva until she was told otherwise. Finally, a cool, female voice said, "The Department for the Protection of Magical Minors."
The gates opened, and Hermione felt Minerva give her a slight nudge to make her start walking. Once the family got off the lift, the lift led into a simple hallway that looked much like the rest of the ministry of dark wood floors and black stones of the walls and ceiling. Along the hallway were a series of doors that were also made of dark wood, and above each door a plaque stating what or who was behind that particular door. Minerva seemed to know where she was going, and Hermione allowed her to lead the way. Finally, Minerva stopped at a door on the left at the very end of the hall. The plaque above the door read Courtroom II. Outside this door was a bench to the left of it which Hermione helped herself to. She started to feel her heart beat rapidly. This was it. This was the moment leading up the event that would decide her fate. She heard the adults talking which pulled her out of her own head as she heard Albus say, "They will not let the Grangers come in until Hermione is safely situated inside. Thankfully we are about thirty minutes early, which gives up plenty of time to get our bearings."
At this all the adults looked down at Hermione sitting on the bench who had gone pale at the mention of her parents. Albus took a seat next to her and put his arm around her saying, "You will be fine, pet. I wanted to go over the Legilimency. Severus will be the one who will extract memories from you for Madam Bones to examine. She will use the Pensieve to initially view your memories, and then she will take pieces of your memories that she wants explored further into court. Those pieces will be the only things shown for everyone to see."
Hermione nodded only slightly understanding. She had no idea what a Pensieve was, or how she would be able to let the courtroom see her memories. She just wanted this to be over. Albus chuckled and briefly hugged her to him before he stood telling the others that he would alert the court that they were present. When Albus had disappeared into the courtroom, Minerva looked between the very pale little girl, and the equally pale grown man. She approached Severus and said quietly, "You do believe what you told Hermione at breakfast, don't you?"
"I do," Severus said, his voice not giving away any emotion, "but I will not lie that there is slight doubt."
Minerva lightly touched his upper arm and squeezed gently before she said kindly, "Everything will be all right. You'll see. Either way Albus and I will be there doing what we can for both of you."
Severus looked at her, inexpressive as always, and gave her a curt nod. Only she and Albus would know what true emotion lay behind that gesture. At that time, Albus poked his head out the door and said, "They are ready for us, and then they will fetch the Grangers."
Shakily, Hermione walked in before Minerva and Severus, nervously taking in her surroundings. The courtroom was just as dark as the rest of the Ministry which did not help her morale. The room was cold with no natural light that made her feel as if she was in a dungeon, and the torches placed along the wall around the room didn't help improve her first impressions. It was a circular room with stadium seating of only a couple of rows lining the wall for spectators. The room had a high ceiling with a dark, metal chandelier hanging low above the center of the room, filled with multiple, flickering candles. Directly below the chandelier were two tables placed with chairs facing a high platform that also had stadium seating of a couple of rows. There was another platform that was set lower to the right of the high platform that must be the witness stand. There was a purple banner hanging in front of the high platform with the crest of the Ministry of Magic upon it, and at the bottom of the stadium seating on the high platform was a tall backed chair that was ornately decorated. Hermione assumed that that was where the judge sat, but why the additional seating behind the chair? Were there multiple judges?
Hermione felt Minerva steer her towards the table in the center of the room that was furthest from the entrance. There were four chairs at their table for her, Minerva, Albus, and Severus. At the other table, there were also four chairs. Did her parents get lawyers? As she and the adults took their seats, they placed her in the third seat away from the door with the order being Albus, Severus, herself, and Minerva. If her parents wanted her, then they were going to have to go through two angry and protective wizards first. Just as they had gotten seated, the judges, and what Hermione assumed were two police officers, filed into the court from the entrance at the top of the platform, and the family rose out of respect. The last to enter was a woman whose robes were much more elaborate than the others who wore plain black, while this woman's robes were black but also draped with a hood and sashes of purple, and a medallion around her neck of a metal that looked like gold to distinguish her as the Chief Witch of the Wizengamot. This must be the lady Albus referred to as Madam Bones. Hermione thought the proceedings and regalia made it look like they were attending a university graduation, not a court hearing. The two police officers walked down the stairs to the bottom of the courtroom, and took up posts on either side of the platform as though to keep peace should any drama take place between the plaintiffs and the defendants. Up on the platform, Madam Bones took her seat, and the other judges and the family followed.
"Before we get officially started," the Chief Witch began, "is Hermione Jean Granger present?"
Albus stood and answered, "Yes, your honor. Please stand, Miss Granger."
Hesitantly, Hermione stood. Madam Bones looked her up and down, and she heard a few of the other judges whispering to each other. Looking back down at her parchment, the Chief read, "We will get the tedious information out of the way. Presenting today is Hermione Jean Granger, a Muggle-born witch, ten years of age, born 19th of September 1979. Born to parents John Eugene Granger and Marie Lynn Granger, formerly Marie Lynn Harris, both Muggles in the profession of Dentistry who reside in the village of Ascot outside of London."
When she was finished, Madam Bones stared back up at Hermione who gave a small, "Yes."
"Very well," Madam Bones finished. "You may be seated Miss Granger while we wait for the Aurors to bring your parents in to court."
Hermione quickly sat and noticed she was starting to shake. Even when she focused on the question of what an Auror was, it didn't help calm her. She felt Minerva take her hand and gently squeeze. The physical touch helped Hermione feel better. She wished she could hug Severus, or at the least take his hand, but he seemed focused and distant now. Was there something wrong?
Before she could seriously dive into what the issue could be, simply to help take her mind off what was happening around her, the door to the courtroom opened. The first person in was a man who appeared to be middle aged and battle worn with multiple scars across his face, and he had his wand drawn. Following him with fear etched onto their faces were Hermione's parents. They looked a bit disheveled as though they had been dragged to court against their wills. They were looking around the courtroom wild eyed, her mother clinging closely to her father. After her parents entered, a woman followed them closing the door behind her. She looked to be younger than the first escort, and had strong features. She gave off an air that no one could mess with her. The two escorts and her parents filed to the first table and stood until Madam Bones silently indicated that they could be seated. Having been hidden by Albus and Severus, her parents hadn't noticed she was even in the room. Hermione wished it could stay that way.
Hermione jumped when she heard the slam of a gavel as Madam Bones formally started the hearing. "Good morning everyone. The hearing today on the 19th of July 1990 is to decide if the defendants, John Eugene Granger, and Marie Lynn Granger, are guilty of charges of child abuse and neglect of one Hermione Jean Granger brought to this court's attention by the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief Warlock Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. The court is aware that Hermione Granger is a Muggleborn, underage witch that has temporarily been placed under the care of Professor Severus Tobias Snape."
At the mention of Severus' name, multiple people in black robes started to whisper amongst themselves. To Hermione, it appeared that Severus did not hear them or was choosing to ignore them. She wasn't sure why they were whispering, but she did know she didn't like it. She started paying attention again when Madam Bones continued, "The plaintiffs will open with their case against Mr. and Mrs. Granger."
At this Albus stood up and addressed the court, "Ladies and gentlemen of the court, Chief Witch, I wish to ask your permission that we review the evidence from Miss Granger in the privacy of the Chief's chambers? Miss Granger would be escorted by myself and Professor Severus Snape, who will be performing Legilimency. For Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Legilimency is the magical ability to extract certain memories from Hermione for a third party, in this case the court, to view at their leisure."
Albus was satisfied to see the Grangers' pale even more in the flicker of torch light. Madam Bones considered this request for a moment, then agreed, "Very well, Professor Dumbledore. You, Miss Granger, and Professor Snape may come with me into chambers."
Albus gave her a slight bow as he stood aside to let Severus go ahead of him, then Hermione. Hermione couldn't help herself as she glanced over at her parents. To say their glare was murderous was an understatement. She followed Severus up the stairs to the high platform, and once at the top caught the eye of one of the ugliest women she had ever seen. This woman reminded Hermione of a sinister toad who was hunting for her next victim to become her meal, and for whatever reason, Hermione felt like the unfortunate fly who would become just that. She quickly averted her eyes, and hurried into the Chief Witch's chambers.
Once the door had closed, Madam Bones waved her wand at the door putting up a Silencing charm, unbeknownst to Hermione. When this was done, Madam Bones' demeanor changed abruptly, "Whew, Albus, I'm not sure how you do this job! Hello Hermione," Madam Bones said sweetly, holding her hand out to the young girl, "it is my pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasure to meet you as well, Madam Bones," Hermione answered back politely.
Madam Bones smiled at her reply as she said, "Alright, sweetheart, have you had any previous experience with Legilimency?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Wonderful!" Madam Bones said, crossing over to some cabinets behind the lavishly decorated, oak desk and pulled out a shallow, stone basin with what appeared to be smoke or water swirling around inside it. She sat it on the desk, and motioned for Severus and Hermione to step forward. Severus had not said a word, but once he was standing in front of Hermione with his wand drawn he asked in a low rumble, "Would you like a chair before we get started?"
"I should be all right," Hermione answered, albeit a little shaky. Severus quirked an eyebrow at her, but she didn't relent.
"Very well," Severus reluctantly continued, "are you ready?"
"Yes," Hermione answered defiantly, puffing her chest out a little to show Severus that she could do this.
Severus raised his wand to her temple as he softly proclaimed, "Legilimens!"
Suddenly she was in a whirlwind of memories from when she was small, to when she was six years old, and older. Every so often, her mind would dwell on a memory, and then they were rushing to another memory. What she didn't realize was that when her mind stayed on a particular memory, Severus was withdrawing silvery wisps from her temple and placing them in separate vials that Albus was handing him. This went on for roughly three minutes, but what felt like Hermione to be an eternity. She felt Severus gently withdraw from her mind, and she couldn't help but sink to the floor as an emotional basket-case. She felt as Severus wrapped his arms around her and rocked her as Madam Bones and Albus occupied themselves by diving into the memories Severus had withdrawn one by one.
"You did a wonderful job," Severus commended her. "You are so brave, Hermione."
Hermione could only cry into his chest. Feeling all those emotions from those memories made her feel hopeless, and that she would never be able to run from her parents' reach no matter where she lived, where she went to school, or what she did with her life. They would always be there in some way to ruin her, and she was powerless to escape.
By the time Hermione was starting to calm down, Madam Bones and Albus were done examining Hermione's memories, and Madam Bones had extracted the pieces she wanted to show in the courtroom. Madam Bones watched as Severus helped young Hermione get herself together and cleaned up, and it warmed her heart to see Severus involved in an endeavor that was far more rewarding, and much more constructive than being a Death Eater. She remembered his trial, and was beyond happy to see that perhaps Albus' absurd trust in the man, at the time, had somehow reformed him. A success story if she ever saw one.
When Hermione and Severus stood, Madam Bones smiled at them both as she asked, "Are you ready to return to the courtroom, Hermione? I will have some questions for you, and some of the other judges behind me may have questions as well. However, your parents will be answering most of the questions."
Hermione nodded. Taking her cue from Severus, she trailed behind him out of chambers, followed closely by Albus and Madam Bones. Hermione could ignore her parents this time as she passed, and she, Severus, and Albus took their seats as Madam Bones did the same and said, "After reviewing Miss Granger's memories in the Pensieve, I have collected a few pieces of her memory that I wish to question Mr. and Mrs. Granger about, and Miss Granger as well. Miss Granger, please approach the witness stand. The court and those present will be reminded that since Miss Granger is a minor, she will not be administered Veritaserum."
Visibly shaking and confused as to what Veritaserum was, Hermione rose from her seat and slowly made her way to the stand. As she had passed Minerva, the elder witch had gently rubbed her arm in encouragement. She cautiously climbed up on the stand, still shaking. Madam Bones leaned slightly over the edge of the high platform so that she could see Hermione as she asked her questions, and she started with, "First, Miss Granger, when did your parents start treating you differently?"
"When I was six years old." Her palms were sweating, and her voice was quivering.
"What caused them to start treating you differently?"
"Something happened at school to a boy in my class who was hitting me with spit wads. He made me angry that he had gotten me in trouble with the teacher even though I hadn't done anything wrong. He suddenly went flying out of his seat and across the room. My teacher called my parents, but the boy wasn't seriously hurt."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Madam Bones addressed the court, "I am going to show you a segment of Miss Granger's memory of the treatment her parents had her endure."
Before she was fully ready, she and everyone in the room was watching her parents' discussion at the table after the parent teacher conference at school, and the beating that followed. There were many gasps in the room, and Hermione was unable to look at her parents' reactions.
There were a few minutes of silence after the segment had ended before Madam Bones asked her next question, "How often did you have to endure this kind of treatment?"
"The average was roughly five out of seven days. Sometimes more or sometimes less depending on their mood."
Madam Bones then played a series of different memories that had the same theme of letting Hermione go hungry or Hermione finding her own food by some other means, or Hermione getting hit or kicked or teased. Hermione was becoming extremely uncomfortable.
"Was your accidental magic mostly always the catalyst for their treatment of you?"
"Yes, whenever I did freakish things, they would become violent. My father more so than my mother."
More series of memories with the theme of abuse after accidentally performing magic in whatever capacity.
"Have you ever needed medical attention because of your parents' treatment of you?"
"Only once was I taken when Albus and Severus took me."
Hermione then saw the projected memory of Albus and Severus tending her in the hospital and taking her home to Prince Manor.
"Thank you, Miss Granger," Madam Bones said kindly, "you may step down and return to your seat."
Even though she was still shaking, Hermione almost ran back to her seat, safely seated between Severus and Minerva, the witch squeezing her hand in pride.
"Professor Dumbledore, will you approach the stand, and willingly be administered a drop of Veritaserum, please?" Madam Bones asked, summoning Albus next.
With a flourish of his canary yellow robes, Albus confidently strode to the stand, and with an air of authority, took his drop of Veritaserum, and sat patiently waiting for questions.
"Professor Dumbledore, how did you become aware of Miss Granger's situation?"
"A former student alerted me to Miss Granger's situation when she was visiting relatives who live in the same neighborhood where Mr. and Mrs. Granger currently reside. This former student told me that she had heard a 'strange commotion' that caught her attention, and she decided to investigate."
"Upon your arrival at the Granger's residence, what did Mr. and Mrs. Granger say to you when you inquired about their daughter?"
"They promptly informed me that no one by the name of Hermione resided there."
"How did you become aware that she, in fact, was there?"
"She called out that she was upstairs. I quickly made my way up to her."
"And what did you find when you reached Miss Granger?"
"She was in the fetal position on the floor in visible pain. She was clutching her side."
"How did you respond?"
"I sent a Patronus to Severus Snape who immediately Apparated to the area to assist me. I had Professor Snape take her to St. Mungo's at once, and I remained behind to talk to the Granger's about our justice system since, as an underage witch, Hermione is a ward and citizen of our society."
Madam Bones paused in her quick succession of questions before she asked, "After Miss Granger was discharged from the hospital, where did she go?"
"She accompanied Professor Snape to his summer home."
"And he has had proper documentation filed to become her guardian?
"Yes, he signed the paperwork within a couple of days of bringing Miss Granger to his residence."
"Very well. Do any of the other judges have any questions for Professor Dumbledore?"
For a few seconds, there was silence until there was a simpering cough from the back as Hermione noticed the toad like woman was raising her hand. Madam Bones stated, "Madam Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, go ahead and ask your questions."
"Professor Dumbledore," the woman called Umbridge began. Hermione winced more at her high pitched, phony, innocent voice, than she had her face. "Did you inform the Department of the Protection of Magical Minors, or the Aurors office, before you removed Miss Granger from her parents' home?"
"No, I did not Madam Umbridge."
"Oh?" Umbridge asked in mock concern. "Perhaps I am not understanding the reason for not following the chain of command and proper protocol?"
"Miss Granger had sustained life threatening injuries as was substantiated upon the completion of her check-up at St. Mungo's. She had suffered broken ribs that were fatally close to puncturing her lung. Had we waited, there is a good chance that Miss Granger would not be with us." Hermione could tell that Albus was enjoying putting this woman in her place.
"That's all," Umbridge finished sweetly, her smile stretching across her face, making her appear more toad like as if she had seen a particularly juicy fly amongst the swarm.
"Any other questions?" Madam Bones asked, surveying the sea of black clad witches and wizards. "That is all, Professor Dumbledore, thank you."
Albus stepped down, and briskly walked to his seat, fingers steepled together in front of him, wearing a benign smile. Madam Bones said, "Professor Snape, would you please take the stand, and willingly be administered a drop of Veritaserum, please?"
In a billow of black robes that seemed to make everyone in the room feel intimidated, Severus took his seat on the stand, and willingly took a drop of the potion. Giving Severus a few seconds to settle, Madam Bones started, "Professor Snape, how did you become aware of Miss Granger's situation?"
"Professor Dumbledore arrived at my home the night before he was going to retrieve Miss Granger, and he enlightened me to her situation," Severus drawled as though he was being asked a stupid question from a first-year student.
"How did he ask you to assist him with taking care of Miss Granger?"
"He asked me to become her guardian."
"I see where you have signed the appropriate documents to become such," Madam Bones confirmed, shifting some parchments around to find the guardianship documents she was looking for, "and do you still wish to become Miss Granger's guardian should the court rule in her favor today?"
"Yes, I do."
"Was Professor Dumbledore's testimony to the diagnosis given Miss Granger while she was at St. Mungo's that her ribs were broken and fatally close to puncturing a lung true?"
"Yes, his testimony is true."
"How were Miss Granger's injuries cared for upon her discharge from St. Mungo's?"
"While she has been staying with me, and being a Potion's Master, I was giving her the required potions daily that were needed to make a full recovery. She has now finished all her potions, and has a follow up appointment next week at St. Mungo's pediatric wing."
"What made Professor Dumbledore choose you as the most appropriate guardian for Miss Granger?"
Severus remained silent for a second before he answered impassively, "Because I am able to fully empathize with her when it comes to parental abuse and neglect, and guide her through her abuse to have a healthy adult life, and can responsibly teach her about her magic."
"Is she being adequately cared for at your residence?"
"Yes, she has her own room, has a set schedule, rules, and expectations; she is fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and she is not beaten when she displays any accidental magic. She is also comforted when she has nightmares, and we talk about her home life to break through any learned thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that were instilled in her through her parents' abuse and neglect."
"Very well, Professor Snape," Madam Bones finished. "Do any of the other judges have any questions?"
Again, Hermione heard that simpering cough, and saw Umbridge raise her hand. This woman was being difficult. Umbridge delicately cleared her throat before asking, "In one of your previous answers, I was positive I heard you say that Professor Dumbledore had told you the night before that he was planning on visiting Miss Granger the next day. In Professor Dumbledore's testimony, he made it appear that he intervened on an emergency basis, which explained why he did not follow the proper protocol. To your knowledge, did Professor Dumbledore create a situation with a Granger family to simply remove a Muggleborn witch from her Muggle parents?"
As much as Severus wanted to sneer at her and throw the insult at her that she was an incredibly stupid and blind person, he remained expressionless as he said in a deadly whisper, "To my knowledge, Professor Dumbledore was already aware of the abusive relationship between Miss Granger and her parents, and saw fit to remove her immediately. To my knowledge he would have followed protocol had the situation not been so dire."
"Had Professor Dumbledore already made plans to remove Miss Granger from the home?" Severus wanted to use an Unforgiveable Curse on her.
"Yes, he had mentioned bringing her to my residence the following evening."
"Surely you know that the order to remove a Muggleborn from his or her parents takes more than twenty-four hours as there must be an assessment, and that step alone can take forty-eight hours to schedule?" She was talking to him as though he was the dumbest person on earth.
"Yes," Severus bit out, "but I am also sure the Undersecretary is aware that depending on the level of abuse, exceptions can be made, and the process can be expedited. So, I am more than confident that Professor Dumbledore could have followed protocol, and still had her had my residence by the evening. He had planned to have her there in the evening anyway, so that makes me think he was going about the proper steps."
Umbridge and Severus stared at each other as though they wanted nothing more than to start throwing hexes and curses at one another. Hermione was looking at Minerva in concern. Minerva was glaring at Umbridge as though she was thinking of attacking the woman's face with her cat claws. Albus, however, was staring up at the ceiling, smiling like a fool who didn't have a care in the world.
"Lastly," Umbridge said tersely with narrowed eyes, "We are aware of your past as a Death Eater, and we all know what Death Eaters and their Master thought of Muggles and Muggleborns. How do we know that you will not treat this Muggleborn as you would have treated others in the past?"
Severus closed his eyes. The Veritaserum would make him answer, and would make him divulge the truth he felt. He would be vulnerable and expressing himself to everyone present which went against all his instincts as a spy, but he had no choice. When he opened his eyes, he looked at Minerva, Hermione, and Albus, all looking at him with furrowed brows. However, he locked eye contact with Hermione as he answered, "Because I love her as though she was my own daughter. To treat her with any less than love would go against my very soul, and I have Albus and Minerva to help me."
When Hermione did nothing but stare blankly at him, he considered himself the biggest fool this side of the Atlantic. Not a moment later, she was positively beaming at him, and he released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding.
"Any other questions for Professor Snape?" Madam Bones asked, briefly gazing over the other judges. "Thank you, Professor you may return to your seat."
Severus abruptly stood and marched back to the table, again in a billow of black robes. Severus was pleased to see that the Granger's couldn't make eye contact with him. Good.
"Now," Madam Bones continued with the proceedings, "we have heard the opening arguments and testimony of the plaintiff. We will now move on to the defense. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, you will be questioned about the circumstances we witnessed in Miss Granger's memories, and you will have an opportunity to defend your actions. As the defendants, you do not have a choice but to take the Veritaserum, regardless of the fact you are non-magical people. Veritaserum is a potion that renders the drinker incapable of telling lies; the drinker can only tell the truth. If you do not willingly take the potion, then it will be spelled magically into your system, so you can either take it with dignity or we will force you. I now wish to take this opportunity to inform you of what will happen to you if you both are found innocent of the charges. Your memories of this trial will be wiped, and all dealings with magic will be wiped as well. Miss Granger will be returned to you, however, since she is a witch, her memories will stay intact. If you are found guilty of the charges brought against you today, you will be escorted to a Muggle prison to serve out your sentence. Since neither of you are citizens of the magical world, we will not imprison you within our prison to face the same fate as magical beings. We have contacts in the Muggle justice system who will work accordingly with us, and see that your sentence is served appropriately. Your memories of this trial will be altered to resemble that of a Muggle trial instead, but any other dealings with magic will be completely wiped. Miss Granger will then be put in the care of Professor Snape, and his application for guardianship will be approved and granted. If Professor Snape and Miss Granger decide to go through with a formal adoption later, that will purely be their decision. We will also be putting a restraining order in place so that you will not be permitted to communicate with your daughter at any time, unless she agrees with her guardian, and has an escort. Do you understand these steps to you as I have read them?"
Mr. and Mrs. Granger silently nodded. Madam Bones gave a curt nod, scribbled something on a piece of parchment, and said, "Very well. Mr. Granger, please approach the witness stand so that one of the Aurors at the front of the court may issue Veritaserum to you."
Mr. Granger slowly approached the stand, as one of the Aurors that had stationed himself to the left of the high platform earlier met him at the stand. He held a small vial up of clear liquid that Mr. Granger stared at for a moment, before slowly extending a shaky hand and grasping the vial. He tipped it back in his mouth, and the Auror watched as his eyes clouded over. The Auror demanded, "State your name?"
"John Eugene Granger," Mr. Granger replied in monotone.
"Have a seat on the stand." The Auror left to resume his post at the bottom of the high platform. Madam Bones started her questioning, "Mr. Granger, are you Hermione Granger's father?"
"Yes."
"Could you explain to the court your reasoning for thinking that you could simply 'beat' the magic out of your child?"
"We have been victims of magic before."
The court buzzed with voices as all the black clad judges talked amongst themselves, and Albus, Severus, and Minerva stared dumbfounded at each other. Hermione was simply frozen.
Madam Bones was frowning as she asked, "Could you please describe your claim of having 'been victims of magic before'?"
"My wife and I, and our families, were victims of a wizard named Gellert Grindelwald."
Again, the courtroom buzzed with hushed and worried chatter. Hermione looked between the adults at the table in confusion, and noticed that for the first time during this trial, Albus looked pale.
"Please elaborate, Mr. Granger."
"My wife and I were born in 1951 and 1952. We both had older siblings that died before either of us were born. My mother was tortured and left to forever be trapped in her mind, my siblings were taken and later killed by this Gellert Grindelwald, and my father became an alcoholic as a result. Grindelwald knew of my family because an older brother of mine was apparently magical, and was killed because he was not of something called 'pure-blood'. My wife's father was tortured as he watched his daughter being killed in front of him. My wife's older sister also displayed signs of magic that led Grindelwald to them, but she was not worthy just as my brother hadn't been. Her mother escaped. Her father later killed himself a few years after she was born. Her mother was unable to care for her after the death of her father. We knew it was this wizard Gellert Grindelwald because my father, and my wife's mother, talked about a man by that name who used a stick to do unspeakable things that they could not protect themselves or their children from. They said he had also attacked other villages across Europe as they would read about strange disappearances and deaths and unimaginable damage from the years of the 1920s to roughly 1945."
There was silence in the court after Mr. Granger's recount of his and Mrs. Granger's childhoods. A lot was making sense to Hermione now. She had always asked when she was younger why she didn't have any cousins at which her parents would hush her and refuse to talk about the subject. She had also asked why she didn't have any grandparents at which they had replied that they had all passed away at an unfortunately young age. This explained the unreasonable anger and fear when she had started exhibiting magic. When they saw magic, they didn't see their daughter. They saw a monster tearing their family apart…again.
Everyone turned to the defendant's table when they heard a sob coming from Mrs. Granger. Clearing her throat, Madam Bones asked, "So, you beat your daughter because she shared a quality with Gellert Grindelwald?"
"Yes. We didn't want her to become a monster."
"So, you became the monster instead to overpower her instead of her being able to one day potentially overpower you." The Chief wasn't asking a question.
"Yes."
Before anyone knew what was happening, Marie Granger was on her feet, pointing her shaking finger at Hermione, yelling, "We had a perfect family! Everything was normal, and my husband and I thought we had finally made the family that had so unfairly been ripped from us! Then we find out that she has magic! Of all things! Magic was what had haunted our nightmares, taken our loved ones from us, kept us from leading normal lives, and hung over us like a dark cloud, forever reminding us of what we had missed! Then we had Hermione, and we thought our lives would be able to go on. We could have what other people had without the fear of magic decimating it! Neither of us had ever displayed magic despite our older siblings being able to, so we were sure that Hermione would be normal. But NO! She had to be a freak like that man who was the cause of all our pain! Yes, we beat her, starved her, yelled at her, we didn't love her because she embodied what had made us miserable for years! So, you all can have her! You all can be with each other because your kind ruins the lives of people who don't deserve it! I don't want or need magic ruining my life again!"
At the end of her tirade, Marie Granger slowly crumpled back in her seat, heaving sobs wracking her body as she let out years of pent up anger, resentment, and fear. John was still clouded from the Veritaserum, but with a nod from Madam Bones, left the stand and went to console his wife. Hermione was leaning into Minerva, silently sobbing herself. She was hated and unwanted for something she hadn't done, hadn't even been alive at the time, yet they still blamed her. Her mother's angry confession solidified that her parents no longer wanted her or anything to do with her.
There was a moment of silence before Madam Bones asked her fellows, "Does anyone have any further questions?"
There was an eerie silence as everyone sat rigid as stone. Even Umbridge was still and silent, no simpering coughs this time. Madam Bones nodded her agreement that she did not have any other questions either, having heard enough between Mr. Granger's Veritaserum confession, and Mrs. Granger's emotion filled confession. Speaking to the court, Madam Bones stated, "Then we as the judges will cast our votes regarding the conviction. As Chief Witch, I will serve as the tie-breaker should there be one, so I will hold my vote until my fellow judges have all voted. So, judges how many of you vote that Mr. and Mrs. Granger are innocent of the charges of child abuse and neglect?"
No one raised their hands. Hermione and the adults were relieved.
"Judges, how many of you vote that Mr. and Mrs. Granger are guilty of the charges of child abuse and neglect?"
All the judges raised their hands. Secretly, Hermione was surprised the toad-like woman voted for guilty as much as she drilled Severus and Albus on protocol. Perhaps her mother's abrupt, hate-filled confession convinced her, protocol be damned.
After looking around, Madam Bones raised her hand as well and stated, "I too, find Mr. and Mrs. Granger guilty of the charges of child abuse and neglect. As was stated earlier to you both, your memories of this trial will be altered, and any recent dealings with magic will be erased from your memory. We will be contacting Muggle authorities, and until they can escort you to your respective prisons, you will be held here at the Ministry in separate holding cells."
Turning to the family at the plaintiff table, Madam Bones said with a slight smile, "Miss Granger you are hereby placed in the care of Professor Severus Snape as he is now your legal guardian. He has rights to make decisions for you until such time you come of age, which in our society is seventeen. Do you have any questions?"
"No, ma'am," Hermione answered softly, still leaning against Minerva.
"Very well, Miss Granger. Do Professors Dumbledore, Snape, or McGonagall have any questions?"
"No, your honor," Albus answered hoarsely, choosing to remain seated this time instead of standing when he addressed her.
"If no one has any other questions or comments to add to the record…" there was silence save for the sobs continuing to come from Mrs. Granger. "Then I will remind the court officials and others present that the details and rulings revealed in this court are strictly confidential, especially as most of these details include abuse of a minor. Court officials you are sworn upon exit of this courtroom, that you cannot utter a single word of this trial or its details to anyone who is not already present here today. Choosing to divulge information to anyone will result in your own trial for violation of privacy, and a revoke of your Ministry position, and possible destruction of your wand depending on their severity of your leak to the public. The only persons in this courtroom who can talk openly about this trial to anyone she wishes is Miss Granger, and her guardian. Does anyone have any questions regarding these rules of confidentiality?"
No one indicated that they did not understand. At that, Madam Bones slammed the gavel down, and said, "Case dismissed. Aurors, take the Grangers to their holding cells, and alert the proper Muggle offices."
Hermione hugged Albus, Minerva, and Severus, excitement and relief flooding her face and leaking out of her eyes. She looked over at her parents as they were being escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs, and before Marie Granger left the room, she threw a disgusted look at Hermione. That was the look her mother gave her to remember her by, and her father simply ignored her with his head down, the Auror leading him out of the room.
After the Grangers had been escorted away, Albus led them all out of the courtroom and into the hall as they all gave a collected sigh of relief. "Well, pet," Albus said, running his hand over her head, seemingly back to his old self "how would you like to celebrate with your new, permanent family?"
"Well," Hermione said, scrunching her face in concentration, "can we go to Sweet Spells again? I'd love some more hot chocolate, and maybe this time I can actually enjoy her food and desserts."
Albus' face lit up as Severus and Minerva shook their heads, slight smiles playing along their faces. "That is a wonderful idea, pet! Let us be off!"
At that, Albus playfully grabbed Hermione's hand and quickly walked towards the lifts, and the happy, strange little family was on their way for a celebratory, well-deserved, dessert sampler platter.