Sooo sorry about the April's Fools thing guys! This is the real thing now ;)
Ahh god so many things to say! First of all, guys your responses on the previous chapter was just... wow... moving and heart warming! Thank you soooo much! And also thanks for sticking around! As promised, better times are ahead, thought not yet the happy end you (we) all anticipate.
I also started another story related to this, Untold Secrets of Midnight. It will contain missing scenes that couldn't fit here, like their first meeting after Dawn Desolation, or Harry spotting Severus on Albus' funeral, short stuff like that.
Aaand, art. Done by me. One is the cover: lizzy0305 *dot* tumblr *dot* com / post/82118859623/rating-explicit-archive-warning-underage
The other was a gift for my awesome editor Sexy. Lil. Emo for being... well awesome. And nice. It's Severus and is connected to this chapter: lizzy0305 *dot* tumblr *dot* com / post/82119981483/gift-for-my-precious-m-y-p-a-s-s-i-o-n-s-that-i
Hope you will like them.
Explain me why I'm not able to write short chapters anymore?
Well, I do hope you will like this and it's not going to be disappointing. Read on, my Lovelies!
Secrets of Midnight
- Morning Memories -
The rain that morning arrived quietly but it turned all the louder during that short hour Harry was getting ready to face this important day. He showered quickly then brushed his teeth while staring mesmerized through the open window at the thunderstorm that seemed to come from nowhere. He had been awake for hours by now. His dreams were not the usual frenzied images of something, which could have been either his past lives or just void memories but rather a hazy mixture of sensations, reminiscences and frantic visions that had not allowed him a minute of peaceful sleep. All night he had turned on his bed waking from one delusion, relieved that it wasn't reality, just to shift back into another, where he would be lost once again.
Thunder cracked all over London but Harry couldn't see the lightning. Its sound however, crept into every tiny crevice and resonated there for a second. Harry rinsed his mouth and spat the water into the sink before he walked back to the open bathroom window again. The fat, grey clouds covered the city like a suffocating blanket but the air tasted finally fresh and clean. Harry welcomed the rain, since the previous days had been scorching hot, making London almost inhabitable. The sun blazed all day, the asphalt and the glass all reflected the heat and no one had a chance of escaping it.
Harry often found himself wondering how it would be to spend these days between Hogwarts' thick stonewalls, hidden from the burning rays, concealed from lurking glances and amazed gasps. He wished to go back to his school that he had called home for six years. He wished to help Her return to Her former glory; whatever She needed, Harry was ready to offer: magic, sweat and blood, all Hers. But She had to wait for Harry's help for a couple more hours.
Harry had something important to attend to this morning for one last time. Something he worked hard for a month after he had finally arrived home, tired of hard work and constant spell casting on Hogwarts. But he wasn't the only one who had put so much effort into this matter. Many others helped, people Harry wasn't even expecting and they were all welcomed. This was after all, something very significant for Harry, something that he wanted more than anything else right now.
Weeks and weeks of preparation could go in vain on this rainy morning and Harry wouldn't have the power to change it. Not this. However, if things went as they hoped, he could finally free a man completely.
And even this wouldn't be enough to repay everything to the man, who owed his life to.
Harry wondered if he should take this sudden thunderstorm as premonitory sign that would show the outcome of this final day and all the relentless work behind it. Lighting slashed through the gloomy sky and it burnt a zigzagging line onto Harry's retina that didn't go away even after a few blinks.
"Premonitory sign, my ass. You're just a thunderstorm." He growled to the heavily falling rain leaning out of the window. The next thunder snapped loudly and from closer. "Right?" He murmured then a bit more shyly. Then he shook his head and closed the window. He watched the people walk on the street below, clutching onto their umbrellas tightly. Why did this day have to be this gloomy?
Why couldn't the day of the verdict be a sunny one, just like that morning, long months ago?
A heart-warming sensation hit him as he remembered back to that one sunny morning. The memories drifted back like clouds floating in the sky.
Harry was sitting on the demolished stairs of Hogwarts with his two best friends right next to him. Their silence was comfortable and peaceful even though the world around them seemed like it was going mad. Parents were mourning their children. Teachers and ministry officials were searching the ruins for the living, who were trapped or the dead, who were unable to scream for help anymore. Fred and George were carrying the lifeless bodies from the last battle into the Great Hall for easier identification, while Molly and Arthur were helping the injured people. Harry couldn't see the rest of the family but he knew they were safe somewhere, probably helping.
No words could describe the grief everyone suffered through in those moments. They should have felt victorious but the war had taken many casualties and Harry couldn't feel happiness, not even relief that it was over. Unknown faces came and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, grasping it wordlessly then going away. Harry knew the three of them should be helping out too but he promised himself just one more minute before he had to deal with all the loss face to face. There was one thing he had to do, one body he had to collect but the thought itself paralysed him.
The memories that were not his own still swirled in his mind, relentlessly as if they were trying to descend into the river that was Harry's remembrance but some of them would not find its place. But some settled in just fine, connecting and completing the final truth that Harry apprehended at last. The truth, that came too late in some aspects. The truth that roiled Harry now, made him uneasy and uncertain about so many events when others became clear as the sun.
The small pocket watch in his hand was warm. He couldn't look down at it as his hand was still covered in blood that wasn't crimson anymore but brown. His blood, Harry thought and his fingers tightened around the magical device. He'd been holding onto it since he saw those memories, sometimes he tapped it with the Elder Wand until Hermione put a calming hand on his. He was too afraid to open it, to see the small hand on the word 'Dead'. He studied the gold and silver watch and the six words that were engraved in it.
'Not everything is as it seems.'
Harry smiled as he remembered the man who had given him the watch. Well, actually it was that man's phoenix, who delivered the gift on his seventeenth birthday. It was something Harry had never expected given Dumbledore was already dead.
Murdered.
By the hand of Severus Snape, the very person whose demise the young man was mourning at that moment.
Harry had been surprised when he saw that Snape also had a hand on the magic clock. Next to Hermione, Ron, Sirius and Remus. His closest family. And then Severus Snape. Why, he had wondered back then with Fawkes sitting on his shoulder, trilling. But the bird remained silent and hence the mystery lingered on.
Now, it was clear though. All so very clear. It was a hint, planted by the genius that was Albus Dumbledore. A hint no one could figure out until it was late, until Snape was stained with blood, broken on the dirt covered ground. Too late to be saved, too live freely without masters controlling him, without the past haunting him.
Harry snapped up the lid with a swift movement. He needed confirmation. Or evidence. Or anything that would help him cope with the loss he wasn't expecting to feel.
But it didn't come.
Five hands were previously all on 'Mortal Peril'. Since Voldemort's death, four moved to 'School'.
The fifth though.
The fifth stayed where it was. Harry jumped up from the stairs.
"What's wrong mate?' Ron asked, standing up too. Harry turned around and looked over the school. Was the clock wrong? Was it possible that he broke it during the fight with Voldemort or...
"Merlin Harry!" Ron shouted suddenly pointing a shaking finger at something behind the black haired man. "I don't bloody believe it!"
The moment seemed to freeze. Harry spun around but it looked as if his body was unable to do anything fast. Nor was the world, it appeared. As the morning rays broke through the clouds, they illuminated the tiny dust particles that were scattered around the courtyard. The diminutive elements of the school stopped their unhurried drifting in the air, creating a hazy and vague atmosphere. Maybe that was why Harry didn't believe his eyes at first.
Or maybe because what he saw was impossible.
A black figure emerged from the mist of the last battle, tattered and broken, but Harry's heart still missed a beat. A phoenix swayed elegantly behind him, his fiery red wings outstretched and almost curling protectively around the dark man.
Fawkes trilled and the Elder Wand slipped out from Harry's shaking fingers, while his left hand tightened around the clock. It wasn't broken, Harry realized. It worked perfectly. The world around them seemed non-existent as he stepped hesitantly towards the man who, by all means, was supposed to be dead.
When the delusion didn't dissipate, Harry's tentative move turned into hurried and determined strides that broke into running. Black eyes snapped onto him and the gaze burned him, a sensation he thought he would never have to endure again. But he welcomed it now as it came with a sudden sense of relief, so strong, Harry felt his chest would burst in a second.
Severus Snape was alive. His black robes were bloody but his wounds healed. His eyes slightly dim but still cautious. Still alive.
Alive; the world echoed in his fogged mind and a realization struck him that he, too, felt once again alive and breathing and feeling, not just an empty shell of flesh and a shattered soul.
Snape reached for his black wand under his cloak and it slid out fast like a snake ready to bite and tear into flesh. Harry slowed down but just a bit, his fast pace still firm and unwavering. Snape stepped back slightly and Fawkes's singing became louder.
When Harry was just five steps away but still not slowing down, Snape raised his wand and cast a shield around him. Harry brushed it away with a wave of his hand. The blunt black eyes seemed scared for a second.
Two more steps.
His hand was already reached out so he grasped the professor's neck and pulled him closer. Their bodies clashed against each other and Harry clutched into the torn fabric on the man's back. Snape wasn't moving, he remained still but Harry could hear his surprised gasp as he stood in Harry's strong embrace.
"You're alive..." Harry sighed softly and he sensed his magic prickle under his skin like millions of tiny bugs trying to break out from their hold and rush onto the surface until he felt a hesitant touch on the small of his back. As Snape patted his waist, his magic eased out, waving serenely deep inside him, relaxed and tranquil.
"Harry?" A voice snapped behind them, demanding but confused.
He held Snape in his embrace for a moment longer than necessary then took a deep breath before he let his arm fall to his sides. He turned around to face Minerva and was surprised to find her pointing a wand at them. Bewilderment reflected on the many faces that gathered around them.
Harry tensed and stepped back, closer to Snape to cover him with his body, before Professor McGonagall could reach him with her wrath. "Step away Harry!" She commanded, sparks flying from her wand.
"No," Harry refused, reaching a hand behind him, searching for Snape's arm to hold him still before he could flee. "He's innocent."
"He murdered Albus." Minerva hissed, her lips thin like a razor.
"By his orders." Harry shouted so that everyone around them could hear him. "I can explain." He stated calming now. "He did everything under Professor Dumbledore's orders, everything."
"He was dying, Minerva." Snape spoke behind Harry, his usually deep and smooth voice sounded croaked and defeated, merged with immense sadness and remorse.
"Shut your mouth, Severus!" Minerva shrieked shooting a red flash towards Snape. Harry's shield came up immediately and vibrated between the woman and them, while the red spark of involuntary magic bounced off with a sizzling sound.
"Put down your wand!" Harry bellowed. "He's telling the truth!" A weak hand grabbed his shoulder and he felt Snape collapsing behind him. He turned around swiftly and put his professor's arm on his shoulder, while he put his hand around the man's back to hold him steady. Snape painfully moaned something, probably Harry's name, his eyelids closing. "Do you think I would protect him if I didn't have proof that he's innocent?"
It was Hermione, who put a gentle hand on McGonagall's arm and repeated soft, "They are telling the truth, Professor. Please, let them explain."
"We don't have time," Harry groaned urging. "He needs a Healer! Fast!"
"Mister Potter, that man you are protecting is a tr-" Minerva started sharply but Harry cut in his words.
"Exactly Professor, I'm protecting him, me, who saw it all happen, remember? Me, who killed Voldemort! Please Professor trust me!" Harry cried desperately as he felt Snape's body becoming weaker and weaker.
"He killed Albus Dumbledore, Potter, what could he bring up as an excuse for that?!" Minerva shook down Hermione's fingers and raised her wand again. "I should-"
"This man," Harry flared up, "is under my protection! No one is to lay a finger on him, or harm in any way!" His shield pulsated with his every word. "If you don't believe me, Professor, look at the phoenix! Fawkes only comes to people who prove their loyalty to Dumbledore and he saved Snape! Isn't that proof enough?"
Minerva's eyes snapped at the bird, who landed gently on Snape's shoulder and trilled encouraging while brushing his soft head to Snape's black hair. This act seemed to have convinced her as she lowered her wand and stepped away. Harry's shield disappeared and Hermione rushed to them. She casted Snape's body feather light to make it easier for Harry to carry him.
"Thank you Professor," Harry nodded towards the woman, "Come with us, I will explain everything in the Infirmary but we have to get Madam Pomfrey for him first." He put his hand on the back of Snape's knees and lifted the weightless body into his arms. He marched up to the Hospital Wing as fast as he could with Ron, Hermione and Minerva on his heels and Fawkes flying over them.
"Get him a bed and get me Madame Pomfrey. I think... he's dying." He ordered Ron with trembling voice, who ran forward.
They rushed through the corridors wordlessly. Ron was waiting for them at the doors. "Follow me," he said, leading them towards the end of the Infirmary where Madam Pomfrey was waiting for them with a bed separated from the others. Two other Healers were with her, both from St. Mungo's.
Harry placed the professor gently onto the bed and looked at Madam Pomfrey. "You will treat him with your best effort, because if he dies, an innocent person's soul will weight yours, Madam Pomfrey."
The woman and the two other Healers looked at him with despise. "He could even be The Dark Lord himself, Mister Potter, I would do my absolute best to heal him." She scoffed.
"I'm glad we agree." Harry sighed, stepping away from the bed.
o.O.o
Severus walked in the Ministry's corridors with his head bowed, not willing to look up at the many wizards and witches around him. His steps were noiseless but his travelling cloak swished behind him with every movement, like a black cloud that followed him everywhere. And given his current mood that would not even be a surprise. Even the weather agreed with him. The sudden thunderstorm that had appeared out of nowhere this morning was like a mirror of his current temper. His morning ritual that consisted of a cup of black coffee and a short walk was interrupted with a deafening crack of thunder, which slashed through the dark morning sky.
He had to admit a thunderstorm on the day of the verdict was almost poetic. It hummed as perfect background music to his final judgement, when the Wizengamot, the full Wizengamot, would finally decide if Severus deserved Order of Merlin or a life sentence in Azkaban for his duties before and during the war. Severus personally believed it was the latter they would decide on and, if he wanted to be completely honest with himself, he also considered that was what he actually merited.
He wouldn't be shocked if the two Aurors standing just outside the courtroom would be waiting for him on this dark morning. Surprisingly however, there was one man who would be very astonished if he were to be sentenced to live the rest of his shallow life in the Wizarding Prison. Long nights preparing for the trials, justification for every charge against Severus, evidence for every argument and most importantly, the Saviour of the Wizarding World's plea of Severus' innocence would all be for nothing. He had to laugh at that. He, innocent? Severus Snape? Who killed, tortured and did everything else, what was necessary or needed to please the Dark Lord? Only Potter could say that...
Well, Potter, his team of lawyers and his other loyal minions with Granger and Weasley in the lead. Severus was still incredulous when he remembered all the people who had pledged on the stand for his innocence. The two faithful followers of course, surely ordered by Potter, in the name of friendship swore that without Severus Snape they would have never been able to destroy any Horcruxes, as it was the professor who lead them to the realization of what could kill a Horcrux. Not to mention providing them with the sword of Godric Gryffindor.
It was Minerva, and Severus couldn't express his gratitude enough over this, given the woman's relationship with Albus, who affirmed that Severus was doing the best he could at the time to protect the children in Hogwarts while being the Headmaster. She told the Wizengamot that without him there would have been a massacre of the Muggle born students. She also declared that Hogwarts would have never let Severus sit in the Headmaster's office if he were to have any intention to harm the children in any way. "The school and her protective wards, you see," she said and Severus frowned because he did not have any recollection of these protective wards even though he was Headmaster for one year. And what a glorious year that was, full of Dark Magic and Crucios, tormented children and Death Eaters with murderous intentions...
Minerva's testimony was however, when Severus started to realize that Potter, while firmly believing in his innocence, also knew that making the Wizengamot believe that he was acting on Dumbledore's order might have been a bit trickier than it first seemed. The whole Wizarding World lived in the knowledge for more than a year that he was a murderer and not just any, but the one who had killed Albus Dumbledore. They had to wash that off him in order to win his case.
Potter earned his respect when his layers called Lucius Malfoy to the stand. His friend of almost thirty years, the man he lied to during the last eighteen. Potter's lawyer asked two questions from him. One was if he could explain how Voldemort rewarded his most trusted servant, Severus Snape. Malfoy recalled the numerous tortures and bloodshed that occurred whenever the Dark Lord received bad news, had mood swings, or was simply bored. And Severus realized what Potter's tactic was. The boy was trying to make him into a martyr. And it worked; he could see the pity in the many eyes that riveted on him. Now pity was a despicable thing when it came from a person like Potter or Black and Severus would have never allowed that to happen. But it was an entirely different thing coming from the people who would vote on his prison sentence.
The second question asked from Lucius was, what was the first order his sixteen year old son, Draco Malfoy, got after he survived the initiation into the ranks of Death Eaters. To kill Albus Dumbledore, was all Lucius had to say. After the astonished gasps had quietened, it was his godson's turn to take the stand.
And didn't the little Slytherin perform just impeccably, telling everyone how Severus tried to get any information out of him to "help". But of course Draco never told him anything; not because he was proud of his task or because he wanted to earn his place among the dark followers all by himself, but because he did not trust his own godfather. Interestingly no one asked about the Unbreakable Vow Severus made with Narcissa. As it later transpired that was because, interestingly Potter forgot to mention that. He did not forget to mention or rather show the Wizengamot that one particular memory however, in which Severus informed Albus about what the Dark Lord plotted against him. Potter particularly highlighted the part when Dumbledore ordered Severus to kill him instead of letting the boy do it. Severus almost laughed out loud when his voice, intensified at least ten times, shouted at the Headmaster in the memory, "And my soul, Dumbledore? Mine?" The dead silence that followed was beautiful, and Potter's sly grin almost heart-warming. Severus never believed Albus when he mentioned that Potter was almost sorted into Slytherin up until this point.
Oh but the biggest performance was yet to come of course. They left the best for the last day. Potter and Severus, right after each other. Severus accepted that for him to be released it was necessary to reveal his so well hidden adoration of Lily. He never wanted anyone to know that but now he was ready to expose this tiny detail. As it turned out, Potter was not. He never mentioned the deep friendship between Lily and Severus, he almost made it look like Severus returned to the Light because of regret of ever joining the Dark Lord's ranks. Which was true again as Severus did join Dumbledore because of remorse. But it was what happened to Lily that he regretted the most and made him turn sides, not just the fact that Severus realized that his Lord was an utter nutcase as Potter had put it.
Then the lawyers asked more and more, and Potter answered and showed everything including even him being one of the Horcruxes, almost all the memories the professor left for him and Severus was convinced the boy was a true Slytherin. No one could notice the little secrets he hid in his testimony. Potter claimed he would have been dead if Severus hadn't saved him in his first year. He never said that at that time he himself believed that Severus was behind the attacks. He also mentioned an old book from his sixth year that was even taken as evidence. Severus' Potions book, he recognized it of course, stating that without the Professor's book half of his friends, two Weasleys, Granger, Longbottom, Lovegood, Potter listed the names, interestingly all heroes and heroines of the war, would have died during that dreadful night Albus was killed. Potter enumerated all the spells and hexes they had learned from the book that helped them survive while searching for Horcruxes and even after. He again, forgot to mention that he also almost killed Draco with one of the spells.
They asked about the night of the war, about what had transpired in the Shrieking Shack another thing Severus did not want to hear and yet he couldn't tear his eyes away from the green eyes that clung to him while Potter spoke about Voldemort and Nagini's attack. The acting was again beautiful, several people in the Wizengamot shed tears as they listened to Potter recalling every tiny aspect from Voldemort's cold voice, to the snake's angry hiss or the stingy smell of the venom, the crimson blood that flooded out of the deep cut on Severus' neck and soaked his robes. Potter went into incredible details his voice becoming more and more monotonic as he sank deeper and deeper into the horrible events. Staring at something on the ground, Potter's attention shifted, he was lost in his memories. The lawyer offered him a cup of water and Severus took a mental note to congratulate later on to Potter about his performance. But then he saw the boy's shaking hands clutching at the glass of water and the lawyer tapping him on the arm reassuringly before asking, "Could you tell us what happened then?"
"He asked me to look at him. Then he... died." Potter answered with soft voice, pressing a gulp of water down his throat. Severus' eyes widened. Did he really ask the boy to do that? This was new. He did not remember this. Was this another trick or...? He waited for Potter to look at him with a touch of a small smile glinting in his eyes but it didn't happen. Even when Potter was finally released from the stand and walked past Severus he didn't look at him, though Severus watched him intensely. The boy just walked past the chair in the middle of the room, a fingertip gently brushing Severus' hand.
There was a slight murmur in the room then everyone turned towards Severus. Before the lawyers could ask anything from him Fawkes appeared in a burst of flame then landed softly on Severus' knee. The professor watched the bird in amazement, suspecting that maybe somehow Albus was reborn in this phoenix, as no one else would have the guts for such dramatics, not even Potter. The bird looked back at him knowingly, then trilled and pressed his feathery head to his neck, right where his scar was. Fawkes had definitely learned some tricks from Dumbledore.
"Animals are not allowed in the courtroom!" A witch shouted from somewhere in the left.
"Don't you know what bird this is?" Someone shouted back, a wizard this time. He sounded quite familiar to Severus. "That's Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes."
"That can be any phoenix." The witch said to the man, who now stood up and Severus recognized him as Ollivander.
"Oh but it couldn't," The wand maker chuckled mysteriously. "I would know that bird even with my eyes closed. We had a bit of an argument you see, back when I took two of his tail feathers." He held out a hand to show an old scar on his right arm that looked as if something bit a piece out of him. Fawkes meanwhile tweeted apologetically. Severus patted the bird's head and looked behind him, searching for Potter. If this was yet another tactic, it was again, brilliant. But Potter wasn't in the room only his redhead friend.
"Animals are still not allowed in the courtroom." The witch insisted.
"Excuse me," stood up a young wizard. "As you may know I'm a Magizoologist and uhm... arguing about whether we let Fawkes stay or not is not really an issue here, is it. You see, you can't command a phoenix. If he wants to stay, he will."
"Well now dear Rolf, are you telling me if we put that bird outside of the room it will come back again?" The witch asked incredulously. Severus frowned, how people in the Wizengamot could be so dim like this woman.
"Oh yes, if he wants to come back, he will. He did just show up a minute ago, did you not see, Mrs. Williamson." Rolf pointed out the, Severus thought, very obvious. Fawkes, as if trying to join the conversion spread his wings and disappeared from Severus' thigh, leaving behind only a bit of cinder scattered in the air. The phoenix reappeared right in front of Mrs. Williamson, who jerked back in her seat with a yelp.
A quite laughter ran though the Wizengamot and Severus massaged his temple in irritation. "Not helping..." He murmured to the bird and there was no way he could hear Severus' sigh but Fawkes turned around with an elegant swish of his great wings and landed yet again gracefully on Severus' leg.
"The bird shall stay!" Shacklebolt boomed almost laughing from the centre of the courtroom. "Tell me something Mr. Scamander, aren't phoenixes supposed to be loyal creatures?"
Rolf Scamander laughed out loudly. "Yes Minister, you could say that. But it would be like saying that the new Silverthunder is a barely adequate duster. Phoenixes are the most loyal beasts we know of. Their powers are incredible and we barely know anything about them. If you don't mind me saying we learned most of it from Professor Dumbledore's studies on this very bird right here. There aren't many left in Europe, you see. What I would do to-" Rolf's voice died off and he blushed and pulled his hand back. Fawkes seemed to have noticed the interest in him and flew over to the man, who gasped then slowly petted the bird.
"Mr Scamander, this is courtroom not a Menagerie." Kingsley roared, almost smirking. "If you care to elaborate on that? We all know that the Silverthunder is the best and fastest racing broom on the market right now. Which means, you are telling me that phoenixes are the most loyal creatures, and yet this one here is sitting on the leg of the very man, who had killed his owner? That seems contradictory."
Severus gaped. It was one thing from Potter to get all these witness behind him and convince them to swear on his innocence. However, what Kingsley was doing right now, this transparent yet somehow honest looking inquiry about phoenixes? It was so obvious where it was going yet no one seemed to be offended that the Minister for Magic, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot was deliberately steering the questioning in this unbelievably blatant way. Severus looked behind him yet again, his eyes looking for Potter. He was in the room again, leaning against the door watching intently the conversation, but still pale as a dead body. Granger was holding onto three of his fingers, her thumb gently soothing Potter. Something cold and bitter swept through Severus and he turned around looking for Dementors but the unearthly creatures stayed away from his trial. His gaze shifted back on Potter, who was now watching him. But as their eyes connected, Potter seemed to pale even whiter and looked away.
"Pardon me Minister," Scamander started hesitantly, "but not owner, more like partner if you will. There is no owned when it comes to a phoenix, as I said you cannot command them, they are not like dogs. If a phoenix wants to stay with a witch or wizard they can, or cannot if they decide that the human doesn't deserve them, the same way as a human can or cannot accept the friendship of a phoenix. Now this friendship, if you will, grows with time of course and slowly turns into more. A bond perhaps would describe it. That is why a phoenix, after being bonded with the wizard or witch can appear to anyone showing loyalty to their bonded one."
"So in our case, and please correct me if I'm wrong Mr. Scamander, I am after all just an inept bystander when it comes to Magizoology, Albus and Fawkes are bonded, so Fawkes can appear to anyone in need who is truly loyal to Albus, am I right?" Shacklebolt asked as if he would be confused.
Rolf nodded determined. "Exactly Minister. Now to the part as of why is Fawkes protecting this offender, that is quite the question, Sir. Well, the obvious answer would be because Professor Snape has proven his utmost loyalty to Albus Dumbledore. With why, we cannot know for sure. But given Mr. Potter's earlier statement I would suggest, dying for an order given by Professor Dumbledore could qualify as showing utmost loyalty. Hence Fawkes cured him as much as he could in the Shack. We all read the report from St. Mungo's, they found traces of phoenix tear in the Professor's blood, not to mention the fact he survived the attack described in depth by Mr. Potter earlier today."
"Hold on a second," another witch stood up not far from Mr. Ollivander. "Are you telling me that we could actually consider the behaviour of this beast as evidence toward Severus Snape's innocence?"
"That," Rolf took a deep breath, "is my opinion, yes. And..." He looked at the two Aurors stationed at the door not far from Potter, "Gentlemen, correct me if I'm wrong, but Fawkes had not just cure Professor Snape, he also... attacked some of the Aurors who tried to arrest him, is that true?"
One of the Aurors cleared his throat awkwardly before he answered, "Yes, Mr. Scamander, that is true."
"The most loyal beasts..." Rolf murmured once more, tapping Fawkes' sharp yellow beak gently, before he sat back and Fawkes returned to Severus and perched himself on the professor's shoulder.
Footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, which dragged Severus back to the present with an awful shove. A clap of thunder shook the building and he looked up to the figure approaching him. It was Potter, who else would it be, soaking wet as if he walked all the way here from Grimmauld Place. He wanted to feel surprise to see the boy here, on the day of the verdict but unfortunately he couldn't. Not anymore. Not with all that was behind them already, with all the help Potter gave without even asking Severus if he wanted it.
The blasted boy came to the verdict and Severus knew he should feel relieved that he didn't need to face this alone but he couldn't repress the bitter feeling of shame building up in his stomach. After all Potter did, he couldn't imagine how the boy would endure the negative outcome of the trial.
But it was all Severus' fault, wasn't it? His testimony in the end that swept aside all the good Potter had done. Severus swore to himself that he would not lie or deceive anyone when he would be called to the stand. He would give the most honest answers to every question, no matter what they would think of him. And he ruined everything with that, he knew it, he could feel it in the court and he could sense it when he looked at Potter and the boy turned around, pale as a ghost, and walked out of the room. But he owed this much to himself and to Albus' memory.
Severus knew why Potter was doing all this, the boy felt personally responsible for everything, idiotic that may seem, as it was all done to protect him and him only. Despite of all the hatred and other much more positive feelings he harboured for the boy lying hidden and enclosed, he wasn't willing to let the Hero suffer any more. Potter lived through enough loss and watching his Potions Master, who dedicated half of his life saving him, go to prison was something Severus did not want to put through this boy.
Severus didn't want to go to Azkaban, but that would be what he truly deserved. Potter however would never let him go to a place like that. The boy would fight until his last breath as he did during the war but Severus couldn't let him do that.
o.O.o
Harry walked with steady steps towards Snape, who was standing in front of the courtroom with the two silent Aurors. He took a deep breath then exhaled slowly. The plan was in motion. No matter what the outcome of this trial would be, Professor Severus Snape would not go to prison, the thought itself calmed Harry. They were ready for every possibility, even if they had to force Snape to run away and leave London behind him and live a quiet life in the countryside maybe, or wherever he wanted. Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, Fred, George, Ginny, Charley, Bill, Dean and Seamus where waiting invisibly on their designated posts ready to attack if it was needed. Yes, Harry was willing to protect Snape no matter what, even if it cost his own freedom.
Fawkes appeared and trilled right over Harry and the young man smiled at the bird. "Welcome to the team." He winked and the phoenix chirped happily.
"Get that blasted bird away from me." Snape welcomed them with a sneer and Harry almost laughed at him.
"He's here for support, Professor."
"Support, Mister Potter? In what manner could this bird support me? Or is he here on your behalf?" Snape raised an eyebrow.
"I believe for both of us, but if you prefer I can say he's here for me. But willing to give you a helping... wing were you in need of it." Harry smiled secretively.
Snape eyed him for a second then scoffed. "What are you doing here anyway, Mister Potter?"
Harry felt taken aback for a second. Shouldn't that be obvious? "I'm here because of the verdict, maybe?" He answered slowly with a sarcastic expression and a raised eyebrow.
"The verdict is neither your concern nor your business, Mister Potter. Surely the Hero of the Wizarding World has better things to do than visiting a courtroom at nine in the morning."
"Not my business, is it now, Professor Snape?" Harry frowned. "I do recall your trial being pretty much my business during the last couple of weeks as I spent most of my time helping you out." Harry glared at Snape, his anger boiling already. Only Snape could make him feel this heated within only moments of meeting the man.
"And I do not recall ever asking you to do it. I do recall however an argument that occurred on your doorstep after I delivered you back your lawyers." Snape remarked coolly.
Harry inhaled again, trying to remain calm. He knew this would happen, he knew his Professor well enough that this conversation would surface yet again but he really hoped to avoid it.
"Professor," He started putting up a hand in surrender. "I just wanted to help and that I still want to do. You don't deserve to go to Azkaban. Whether you want me to stay or not, I will stay here until... it is necessary."
Snape watched him and for a second Harry held his gaze but he remembered that the man excelled in Legilimency, so he quickly averted his eyes somewhere else.
"You are plotting something, Potter!" Snape snapped at him quietly enough so that the Aurors at the door wouldn't hear him but his tone still managed to make Harry feel like a schoolboy in his first year doing something wrong. He sighed in resignation then looked back in the black eyes that mirrored anger.
"Nothing special, it's just a... safety net. I will not let you get into Azkaban for saving the Wizarding World."
"No! Absolutely not!" Snape hissed silently. "Whatever your intensions are I do not care, I do not wish to take part in any arrangement of yours."
Harry shrugged. "We can do it even without your consent. You shouldn't be punished, Professor, not you."
"Potter you idiot, don't you see? I wouldn't be punished for Saving the Wizarding World, I would be punished because I killed Albus Dumbledore with my own hand. And many others as well."
"You were ordered." Harry insisted.
"Potter listen to me, because I'm not going to say this again. Whatever the outcome, you will do nothing. If I'm sentenced to spend the rest of my life in Azkaban, you will quietly walk away and never, I repeat never see me again. If you do anything else, I swear to Merlin I will hunt you down myself."
Harry smiled at that. That would be quite the hardship given he would be either dead or sitting in a not so comfortable cell in the depth of the Wizarding Prison where he would certainly be put if he were to rescue Snape from the Ministry. Nevertheless, Snape was welcomed to try. He shrugged again and turned away from his professor but Snape pulled him back by his arm.
"Look you idiot brat, I don't need you to sacrifice your life for me, do you understand? I don't need your help, I don't need anything from you Potter, not now, not ever!" Snape declared paling slightly.
"Well," Harry snapped angrily, "I didn't want your help when I was in my first year or third or fourth or fifth or sixth. I never wanted any help from you when I was out there with Ron and Hermione looking for Horcruxes while people were literally hunting us! I never wanted you to risk your life every single day spying on a lunatic! I never wanted any of this!" He growled motioning around them. "And yet it happened. And you helped me. You saved my life more times than I can even recall. Sir, I don't even know where I would be without your help. I'd be dead, most likely. You risked your life for me, Professor, and you almost... you almost... If it's not for Fawkes, you would be..." But Harry couldn't finish the sentence. He still shuddered every time he had to talk about that night he received Snape's memories. During the trial, when he had to talk about it in detail he had felt so bad, he had to vomit after his testimony.
"Yes, Potter, I'm perfectly aware of what situation I would be in if the blasted bird did not come to my rescue." His grip on Harry's arm tightened. "And my situation was different, I made a promise. You on the other hand-"
"I made a promise too." Harry stated firmly interrupting his professor.
"Yes, indeed you did. To a damn bird." Snape sneered letting go of Harry's hand.
"That promise wasn't made to Fawkes, Sir." Harry admitted quietly.
The door to the courtroom opened and Harry didn't say what was on his tongue. Of course he didn't make that promise to a bird but the man who it was meant for, had been lying unconsciously on a hospital bed for two months already.
Snape was transferred to St Mungo's about two weeks after that bright May morning and Harry followed him without any hesitation. By that time, he had managed to convince most of the people around him about Snape's actions during Voldemort's reign. Minerva was among the first who accepted the man again, but Harry knew she felt slightly betrayed for being left out all these years. But she also admitted she felt remorseful as she believed she should have taken much more care of Severus during the last year as he was Headmaster and even years before that. Harry was sure, Professor McGonagall regretted not keeping at least one of her sharp eyes on Severus Snape from the very moment she put the Sorting Hat on his head.
Convincing Sirius and Remus was hard enough, because Harry wanted to leave out the part about Snape's feelings for Lily, as he suspected that would just aggravate the hatred between the three men. He informed Kingsley too, who promised Harry to make Professor Snape's trial as smooth as possible. He visited the two Malfoys in Azkaban and revealed Snape's motives in exchange for their help during the court case. Harry realized he had to get some Death Eaters on the stand too, and who would be better than these two. They agreed, because Harry wouldn't be ungrateful; Malfoy's hearing would be held in a week and their wealth, including every account they had in Gringotts had been frozen the moment they were charged. They had to face a full Wizengamot without a proper lawyer and someone from the Light Side to support them. Harry was ready to provide both.
While in St. Mungo's, Snape was closely monitored. The snake venom in his system did some pretty serious damage in his head and other organs, something not even Fawkes was able to heal. The Healers were all faithful to their vows and did everything they could to help the sleeping man. Snape was held in a potion-induced coma for more than a month so that the potions could heal his insides and his brain. Harry checked his watch daily but Snape's hand was still constantly on 'Mortal Peril'. After June, they had stopped with the sleeping potions but the professor still didn't wake up. Harry was furious. He even accused the Healers of intentionally delaying the healing process. Hermione was the only one who could calm him down when she showed him the script of the Unbreakable Vow the Healers had to take; it prevented them from ever harming anyone intentionally or else they would break the Vow. And Harry knew what that implied.
Snape had two constant companions in his silent healing period. Harry and Fawkes. The bird never left the man's side, he trilled and chirped occasionally, he sometimes flew out of the window to stretch his wings, but only when Harry was in the room too. They never let any stranger close to Snape, Harry and his friends stood constant guard over the man as Snape received more threatening letters now than Harry ever did, mostly from Death Eaters who knew about how the man betrayed and tricked their so beloved leader and helped the one who killed him in the end.
This was the period when Harry grew even closer to Hermione. Ron was mostly working on rebuilding of the school but she stayed with Harry if she could. Moreover, she was the only one who never questioned why Harry spent so much time with Snape's unconscious body, watching over him, reading to him or just sitting next to him, petting Fawkes. It was a good thing, because Harry did not have an honest answer for this. Whenever someone asked why he stayed beside the Professor, he just shrugged mentioned the memories, murmured something about sacrifice then quickly started talking about the fine summer weather. After a few weeks people accepted it and left him alone. Hermione, she never asked. So it was Harry who bought the topic up first. They were already in July, the weather was nice and warm, and Fawkes was out for a fly when Hermione arrived to the small hospital room. Harry was sitting by the window, reading The Prophet loudly.
"Afternoon," The girl smiled brightly. "Here, coffee for you and flowers to the Professor." She always bought a single Tiger Lily and put it on the windowsill in a small vase. "Any change?"
"Thanks," Harry accepted the coffee with a grateful smile. "And no, still nothing. But Miriam says he's looking better. I don't see any change..." Harry confessed ruefully. "Do you?"
"Did she now?" Hermione raised an eyebrow while she sat down in the other chair in the room. She looked at Snape and shrugged. "Honestly? I don't. Perhaps she just wanted to be encouraging, you know how she is."
"Like a mother hen, most of the time." Harry laughed. "She wanted to cut my hair today."
"Well Harry..." Hermione grinned bashfully.
"What, it's not even that long..." Harry dug into the mess that was his hair and waved, "Nah, it's fine."
Hermione just laughed and opened her book. Harry wanted to return to the newspaper but his eyes got stuck on the girl.
"Hermione..." He asked hesitantly after a few moments.
"Hmm?" She answered not even looking up at him.
"Why have you never asked why I'm doing this for... him?" Harry queried gently.
Hermione froze for a second then she closed her book and raised her hazel eyes at the young man. "Because I was waiting for you to tell me." She smiled softly. "I think... I think I know why but... I needed you to figure it out. Did you?"
"I... don't know." Harry admitted. "At first it was just the memories. I could... feel them inside me and I just couldn't leave him, not with knowing everything he'd done for me, not after how he felt for mom. But then," Harry faltered not knowing how to express himself, "after his memories settled and calmed it became something else. Hermione I think... I think I care for him."
"You mean..." Hermione started just as Fawkes flew back in the room. He landed on the girl's lap and tweeted softly.
"Well I mean I don't think I ever felt happier than the moment I saw him alive?" Harry more like asked than stated this. "It was just such a relief, I mean... I saw him... die. And then he showed me all the memories and finally I understood it all but he was gone. And then suddenly he was just there again. And, and since then he's just lying here. I don't know, Hermione, it's so confusing."
"You will figure it out, Harry. He will wake up soon, then you will see more clearly."
Two men burst into the room that felt immediately crowed. One held a scroll towards Harry.
"Mr. Potter, I am Auror Robards and I came here on the notion of placing Severus Tobias Snape under arrest. The charges brought against him include cooperating with the Dark Lord, committing treason against the Order of the Phoenix and the murder of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. You can see the full list of accusations in the letter provided."
"You what?" Harry jumped from his seat and shouted at the man almost twice his size. "This cannot be true!"
"I can assure you, Mr. Potter, it is true." Robards bowed his head slightly towards him before he turned back to his colleague. "Help me with the man."
"Don't you dare lay a hand on him!" Harry yelled stepping between the Aurors and the professor's bed. "The Minister for Magic himself guaranteed Professor Snape that he can defend himself without going to jail. His bail was settled. He's not going anywhere."
"The Minister for Magic has no authority concerning the incarceration of a criminal and murderer." The Auror stated firmly.
"It was a signed decree from the Minister, of course he has authority-"
"No Mr. Potter he has not. This man is a murderer and he will be transferred where he belongs. To Azkaban."
"You can't be serious!" Harry roared, taking a desperate look at Hermione, who tried to sneak out of the room to get some help. "This man is sick, you can't put him in Azkaban! He has to stay here!"
"Unfortunately, Mr. Potter, no one knows when he will wake up, if ever, but he is currently under arrest. He does not need medical help, he is only under surveillance. Therefore, he can be transported where he should be, namely in prison."
"You are out of your mind! With this logic you could arrest even me for killing Voldemort!" Harry was pleased to see that the name still made the two Aurors shudder in fear.
"You don't make sense, Sir. We don't have any business with you, we are here on behalf of Mr. Snape."
Harry knew he wasn't making sense, he was just trying to get some time until Hermione would get back with either Kingsley or the lawyers.
"Get out of here both of you!" He pointed at the door. "Severus Snape stays here. This man is under my protection everyone knows that. I vouch for him until he wakes up to do it for himself."
"If he wakes up, Mr. Potter, if." Robards said with a sly smirk on his face.
Harry was about to hex the man outside but before he could reach for his wand a red blur rushed past him and the next thing he knew was that Fawkes was shrieking over the two Aurors, his claws slashing the red robes or whatever he found. The two Aurors covered their heads with their arms as the phoenix clattered his sharp beak right next to their ears.
Robards sent a Stunning Spell towards Fawkes but missed him and the hex flew right next to Harry, so close, he could feel the warmth of the magic. It disappeared out the open window, who could tell what stopped it eventually. Harry dodged a blue light that was aimed right at him, right after he pulled a shield around Snape. He casted a Disarming Spell on the Auror that had remained silent during the whole conversation and was pleased to see his wand fly out of his hand and roll under the small cabinet in the corner.
Fawkes meanwhile retreated and was circling over their heads.
"Potter, I highly recommend you cease firing, or else..."
"One of you is already unarmed; do you really think this is a good time to make threats?" Harry retorted with a grin.
"I can handle a boy like you with my hand tied behind my back!" Robards laughed.
"Well, let's see that!" Harry took the opportunity and casted a silent and unseen Incarcerous.
"Why are you even protecting a foul creature like that?! He betrayed everything he once believed in! He tricked everyone who believed him! He's a liar and a killer." Robards jested not noticing the ropes that sneaked around the man's legs and tied him firmly. The Auror fell over but he was still capable of sending a curse towards Harry, which this time hit him on his side. He felt his warm blood gush out of the cut and he staggered backwards until he hit Snape's bed. His hand grasped for something he could lean on and found his Professor's leg first. As he touched the man, a sudden rush of warmness awakened in his body, followed by a slash of pain in his head, but he didn't waste any time.
"Stupify!" He screamed, pointing his wand at the two men and the spell that burst out from the tip of his wand knocked out both of them.
"He is a good man." Harry groaned, as he dropped on his knees and already felt his vision blur. Fawkes trilled over him, his music recalled the warmness he sensed previously. What the hell was that anyway? The thought became quite fuzzy soon enough and clutching his side, he fell on the ground. Fawkes' head brushed against his face before the bird started singing again and suddenly Harry's vision became more focused and after a minute or so, even the pain subsided.
When Fawkes stopped his music, he pushed himself up. His shirt was still wet and bloody but his cut healed; only a faint white scar reminded him of what had just took place in the ward. The phoenix chirped and Harry looked at him.
"Thanks Fawkes. Again." He grinned. "Nice job, by the way." Harry smirked looking at the two numb bodies by the door, which were lightly bleeding from several scratches.
Fawkes trilled and stretched his neck towards Snape. Harry's shield died away while he was on the ground but Harry knew nothing went through it beforehand. Snape was still okay.
"Don't worry, Fawkes, he's safe. I'll protect him."
Fawkes looked at him dead in the eyes and Harry was surprised for a second. His yellow eyes saw through Harry's soul at that moment, and then the bird tilted his head and chirped again.
"Yes, that's a promise." Harry answered the unasked question. The bird tweeted acceptingly then leaned his head to Harry's pocket. "What... What do you want Fawkes?" Harry asked when the phoenix repeated the motion. He dug into his pocket but there was nothing inside, just the watch Dumbledore had given him for his birthday.
Fawkes trilled happily. "What? This?" Harry examined the watch but it wasn't any different than usual. He opened it but before what he saw could register in him, someone spoke in the room.
"Mister Potter," drawled the deep voice behind him. "To which deity should I pray to finally get rid of you?"
Snape's hand on the watch moved from 'Mortal Peril' to 'Hospital'.
"P-Professor?" Harry jumped up but he was still a bit wobbly. His hand again searched for support and found Snape's leg. "You're awake!" Harry grinned, relief and happiness washing through his system like a tidal wave.
"Obviously." Snape sneered and Harry was glad to see the scorn on the man's face. "Were you defending my honour just now, Mister Potter?" Snape croaked with a raised eyebrow tilting his head towards the unconscious Auror. "How remarkable. Without doubt, the world has changed since The Dark Lord's demise. However, Mister Potter, I must insist you remove your hand from me, as I firmly believe cursing the Saviour would not do any good to my image you just protected, ever so vehemently, I might add."
"Sorry, Sir." Harry said gripping onto the bed instead of Snape's leg. Fawkes jumped up the sheet and walked up to Snape's stomach. He pulled his wings tightly under him and nestled on the Professor. "How are you feeling?" Harry reached for a glass of water and handed it to Snape who accepted it with a slight nod.
"Bearable, given the circumstances." Snape sighed lightly. "Explain o me three things if you will, Mister Potter. One, why did you feel the need to attack an Auror just now? Two, why on Earth are you covered in blood yet again? And three, why the bloody hell is there a bird sitting on me?"
o.O.o
Once again the Full Wizengamot was present but Severus did not expect anything else. One of the Aurors who was stationed outside previously, motioned him into the chair in the middle of the courtroom. He sat down and felt Potter stand right behind him. It wasn't actually the boy, he sensed, but his magic that seemed to stroke him every time they stood close enough. Being aware of Potter's magic stirring against him was something Severus wanted to un-notice, if there was such thing even possible. Ever since he felt the warm magic caress him in the hospital when he first woke up with two unconscious Aurors, a bloody Potter and an immortal fiery turkey in the room, he felt uncomfortable with Potter in his close vicinity. If Potter was aware of this aspect, it remained a mystery, Severus never asked, too afraid of the answer.
"We gathered here today," Kingsley Shacklebolt stood up from his chair, "to announce the verdict in the case of Wizarding World contra Severus Tobias Snape. The charges against Mister Snape are as follows: treason committed against the Wizarding Word, conspiracy with Lord Voldemort, complicity in felonies committed by Lord Voldemort, endangerment and torture of the students in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while operating as Headmaster, filtering the Order of the Phoenix and committing espionage against said organization, and for last premeditated murder committed against Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
Severus stomach clenched as he listened to the list that seemed excessively short given all the terrible deeds he had committed during all those years. Potter grasped his shoulder but he did not have the power to tell the boy off. He welcomed the warmness that spread through him, even thought he would regret it later.
"In the accusation of treason committed against the Wizarding Word," boomed the Minister, "the Wizengamot found Mister Snape..." Severus heard Potter take a deep breath behind him, "not guilty." The air Potter exhaled brushed against his ear and somehow felt like a gentle caress. "In the accusation of conspiracy with Lord Voldemort: not guilty. In the accusation of complicity in felonies committed by Lord Voldemort: not guilty. In the accusation of endangerment and torture of the students in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while operating as Headmaster: not guilty. In the accusation of filtering the Order of the Phoenix and committing espionage against said organization: not guilty." Kingsley looked up from the scroll he was reading and his gaze searched for the Potions Master's. When the two pair of black eyes met across the courtroom, Severus saw only sorry in them. Kingsley's deep voice became softer. "In the accusation of committing premeditated murder against Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," in that one second long hesitation, Severus experienced a lot of things simultaneously. Kingsley gulped heavily, his Adam's apple bobbed visibly under his black skin; Potter tensed, his grasp on the professor's shoulder tightened even more; the courtroom seemed to vibrate with anticipation. Severus only felt emptiness. He knew what was about to happen. He closed his eyes as he waited for that one word. " Severus Snape was found... guilty."
Murmur run through the room and it was so loud for a second that Severus couldn't hear the Minister's voice, who tried to continue speaking, however in vain. Suddenly another whispered voice spoke but from closer, and more discrete.
"If they want to send you to Azkaban, get ready." Potter mumbled close to his ear. "Fawkes will take you away to someplace safe."
"Potter!" Severus growled as quietly as possible so that no one would hear him. He couldn't say anything else, because Shacklebolt knocked down his hammer three times and the court went silent again.
"I can't let you suffer any more." Potter whispered inaudibly before Kingsley started speaking again.
Severus clutched the arm of the chair tightly. He couldn't let Potter do anything stupid. He didn't sacrifice more than half of his own life for this boy to let him take Severus' place in Azkaban in the end. He turned halfway back towards Potter, who just cleared his throat while his fingers dashed into Severus.
"In the name of the recent discoveries concerning the terminal illness Albus Dumbledore received as a curse planted by Lord Voldemort, and knowing Mister Snape's involvement in extending the victim's lifespan, also given the fact that according to numerous Healers at the time of his death Albus Dumbledore had only days to live, tortured by the poison he voluntarily and willingly took, Severus Tobias Snape is herby sentenced to pay a fee of One Thousand Galleons to any Charity Program and spend six months in house arrest, with limited amount of magic allowed. After three months he is eligible of parole in case of agreeing to obey the Magical and Non Magical Law, refrain from any Magical or Non Magical Drug, Alcohol and Potion use, with a few exceptions that must be inspected by the Probation Officer. During his six-month house arrest, Severus Snape is obliged to report to his Probation Officer weekly and to find employment. The Ministry of Magic is willing to help with this given the circumstances, in case Mister Snape does not find a suitable workplace during the first two weeks." Kingsley finished, scrolled up his paper and sat down.
Severus couldn't move from the shock. That was all?
"That's... not bad. Right?" Potter asked hesitantly.
Not bad? Severus thought. How could Potter be this idiotic, this was nothing compared to what he truly deserved. Six month in house arrest? That wasn't even a problem if they let him brew a few potions for St. Mungo's for instance or for selling. Brewing did not require magic. Even that one thousand Galleon fee could be covered by what he saved during the seventeen years he was employed in Hogwarts.
Fawkes disappeared in flames as Severus stood up. Shacklebolt came down from the platform and walked towards them. He smiled as he took Severus' hand in his and shook it with a smile.
"Congratulations, Severus." He boomed. "Six more months and you are a free man."
"Thank you, Kingsley." Severus nodded gratefully towards the black man, who just laughed.
"Don't thank me, Severus. It's all Harry's merit." He noted turning towards the grinning boy. "That was quite the case, Potter. You and Miss Granger would do well as a lawyers too."
Severus rolled his eyes at that but still looked at Potter with appreciation. Before he could say something, even though he wasn't sure he wanted to say anything at all, Kingsley lowered his voice and grunted something to the boy.
"Get your people out of Ministry, before they are noticed. I would rather not have more cases with you involved, Harry."
"You know about them?" Harry whispered astonished. Severus almost fainted. If the boy got arrested after he was almost acquitted, he would go after Potter and kill him with his bare hands.
"I don't know where they are or what your plan was, but I was sure you would be up to something. Call it an old Auror's gut instinct." He winked at the boy then turned back to Severus.
"I believe it is high time, that we give this back to you." Shacklebolt reached into his pocket and pulled out a black wand. A relieved sigh escaped Severus' lips as he took his wand in hand. He felt the wood warm up in his touch and an eerie silvery light broke out of the surface for a second, then it was gone.
He was about to thank him for everything but Kingsley held up a hand.
"Don't." He murmured ruefully. "It should be me, who says thanks to you Severus Snape. We would have failed without you and also I must apologize for ever having doubts in your loyalty. In the name of the Ministry, we thank you for your help, Severus. I'll arrange for your house arrest to be as comfortable as possible. When the six month is up, you will receive your Order of Merlin, of course."
"Kingsley, you have done enough already." Severus shook his head.
"No, Severus, all I did was to keep you away from Azkaban until the trial. You would have died in there within a week we all know that. Everything else was..." He looked at Potter again who seemed to blush slightly. "I need to go now; we still have to work out the details of your house arrest with your Officer. She will be your connection to the world during the first three month. Don't worry, you will like her. She doesn't talk much." Kingsley winked at him before he turned on his heels and walked away.
There was a loud sizzling noise and Severus looked around, wand already in hand just to see his least favourite burning turkey return. He was carrying something between his claws, like a bag, and a card in his beak. He landed in front of Kingsley's table, dropped the bag, then jumped back in the air. He dropped the card right over Severus, which drifted precisely onto the professor's reached out palm, then the bird had the nerve to land with his weightless body over Severus' shoulder.
"What is this?" Kingsley asked opening the bag. Huge golden Galleons emanated from the brown sack giving him an answer.
"Potter!" Severus snapped facing the boy. "I don't need your mo-"
"That's not me, Professor." The boy stated right away, looking at the bag with the same amusement as the Minister.
"There's a sign." Kingsley pointed out a black mark on the sack. "A number and a logo. 787 and... yes, it's faint but I think it's the Gringotts logo. Yes that's certainly a G and I suppose that's a Goblin."
"787, that's not my safe." Severus announced, looking still suspiciously at the boy.
"Not mine either." Potter added without hesitation.
"Then whose is it, Mister Potter? One of your friend's, perhaps?" Severus queried sneering.
"No offense, Sir, but none of my friends would be able or willing to pay that amount of money."
"Do you know how much is in here, Harry?" Kingsley asked, frowning.
"Obviously," Severus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "it's going to be exactly one thousand Galleons. The fee I am to pay."
"We have to verify where it is from." Kingsley declared. "Percy will you-"
"Yes Minister, I am already searching. 787 is an old safe, registered for... for... oh."
"What is it, boy?" Severus urged the Weasley. The bloody phoenix that saved his life trilled on his shoulder. The phoenix, that bought the money and the card. The phoenix that belonged to... "Oh, indeed."
"What?" Potter hissed slowly.
"I only have initials but... A. P. W. B. D." Percy looked up. "I only heard of one person with those initials."
"So did we," Kingsley said looking around the shocked courtroom.
"Are you telling me that Dumbledore is paying for his fee?" A witch asked somewhere but Severus wasn't listening. "How is that even possible?"
People around him started shouting to each other across the room but he did not hear a word. He watched the card in his hand. It was a picture actually, not a card, of a nice wooden and stone cottage somewhere in Scotland, right next to a huge cliff. The green grass was dancing in the gentle wind, while the wild flowers behind the white fence waved at Severus in a friendly manner.
"What is it?" Potter asked softly and Severus found himself answering in the same gentle tone.
"Home."
He turned the picture around just to discover two short lines, written in narrow and loopy handwriting. It said:
Thank you, Severus.
You know where to find the key.
Albus
Severus had to grasp into the boy to remain standing and Potter supported him until the shaking subsided. The solace those words provided meant much more for Severus than anything else in that moment. As far as he was concerned, he could be in Azkaban as long as he could hold on to those two words from Albus. These few sentences felt like an amnesty issued by the man he had to murder and therefore it was more meaningful than a court verdict could ever be. Because no matter what the Wizengamot or Potter or anyone else believed, he was guilty. No matter what the circumstances, he killed a man, his only friend, and the remorse was eating him up bit by bit. But this note might help change that.
"He has forgiven me." Severus whispered numbly to the only person who would hear him and understand. He looked down and stared into the green eyes that watched him intently. "Tell me," Severus ordered with husky voice," tell me, Potter, this is not one of your carefully elaborated plans."
"No," The boy smiled and Severus let the warm sensation wash through him. "It's him. It's always him." Potter tried to fish something out of his pocket. It was a golden pocket watch with silver lines and curves engraved in it. "He does this, you know. He leaves behind notes and signs and you can't know what else you might find out. He gave this to me on my seventeenth birthday. Fawkes delivered this too. Take a look at it." The boy dropped the watch in Severus' shaking palm.
"Not everything is as it seems?" Severus frowned.
"Open it. You'll see what he meant."
"Why do I have a hand too?" Severus queried quietly and astonished after a moment. Why was he next to Granger, Weasley, Lupin and Black, the people Potter loved most in his life?
"It was his way of telling me to trust you. To believe in you. This is why I stood up for you. Memories can be altered but this, this was evidence." Potter sighed. "Everyone knows he has forgiven you except you, Sir. The remorse doesn't let you realize it. But now, you have your evidence."
For a second Severus wanted to embrace the boy with his gentle words and kind eyes. But instead he just nodded to him then straitened himself. He gave back the pocket watch and looked at Kingsley for further notice.
"Well, it seems the forfeit you were expected to pay has been disbursed." Shacklebolt grinned. "Which charity woul-"
"Hogwarts." Severus declared before the Minister could even finish the question.
"Of course." Kingsley nodded. "Minerva will be glad to hear about this. Wizards and Witches, the court is adjourned." He announced smashing down his hammer.
o.O.o
The rain seemed refreshing after the sickening summer heat that had attacked London that week and Severus drew deep breathes while exhaling slowly. They were standing outside the Ministry, Potter only a few metres away, wordlessly waiting for something. Fawkes disappeared and Severus at first hoped it would be forever then soon he found himself missing the warmness from his shoulder and the occasional pleasant chirps.
"Fancy a walk, Mister Potter?"
The boy looked up to the dark sky, heavy raindrops were spotting his glasses fast. A thunder rumbled somewhere far away and he shrugged, "Why not."
They walked close to each other, closer than what was usually acceptable for Severus and considering it was Potter next to him, this could even be qualified as intimately close.
"What are you going to do now?" He asked the boy who seemed lost in his thoughts.
"I'll go back to help rebuilding the school. Minerva said we could be completely ready by April. Probably while there, I'll even finish my last year. I need the NEWTs if I want to be an Auror. What about you?"
"Probably start my own business, if that will be acceptable to my Officer." Severus sneered. "Until then, home I believe."
"Can I... see it?" For a second Severus thought that was not how Potter wanted to finish the sentence. He reached into his pocket, took out the picture and showed it to Potter. "It looks... familiar." The boy reacted hesitantly, and then started massaging his temple with two fingers.
"Headache?"
"Uh... yeah."
Severus searched his other pocket. Headaches were his constant companions but he knew how to handle them. "Drink this." He advised holding out a small bottle towards the Gryffindor, who arched an eyebrow but took it and downed the potion in one gulp.
"Do you always carry potions with you, or is this my lucky day?" Potter grinned.
"I am afraid, lucky won't be the adjective you could use to describe this day." Severus mocked lightly. "The Saviour of the Wizarding World is not the only one who can suffer from headaches. They are quite common problems, Mister Potter."
"Don't tell me mundane maladies like a headache dare come close to you as well, Sir." Severus had to stop walking from disbelief. Did he hear it correctly? Was Potter actually teasing him? What terrible deed has happened to the world?
"Insomnia, if not treated, can cause quite agonizing headaches, hence the constant need for accessible remedy." Severus answered lightly, his head tilted slightly to the right, studying the boy. He had grown a lot during this summer, not just physically.
"I could... help..." Potter stuttered, snapping his bright green eyes away from Severus' intent gaze.
"And in what manner would you like the help me with my insomnia, Mister Potter?" Severus smiled as a nice blush crept up on Potter's neck.
"I meant... khm... If you ever wanted to talk to someone... You know where to find me."
"As you may remember I won't be leaving my house quite so often in the next couple of months. One of the hindrances of a house arrest, I'm afraid."
"You can always send an owl." Potter grinned cheekily now. The blush was nowhere.
"Is this your not so subtle way of asking me to by your pen friend, Mister Potter?"
"Pen or otherwise, but that would be... nice, Sir."
Severus had to repress his laugh. He and James Potter's son, friends? What madness.
"Mister Potter, when you know you can't tame a dragon, why try? Sometimes we just have to accept that some things are impossible."
Potter smirked. In drenched robes, his ink hair wet and flat but still looking unruly, raindrops streaming down his cheeks, right over his pink lips, the Potter boy smirked at him. That usually would have angered Severus, but not today. Today it was... different.
"You forget I was basically raised by Hagrid." Potter emphasized, his tempting smirk unwavering under the intense gaze Severus was giving him. "And I live in the impossible."
"And, pray tell, why exactly would you want that?" Severus asked honestly, starting to walk again.
Potter shrugged as he gave him back the picture. "Nice place, by the way."
Severus paused for a second. "Thank you." He said gently, keeping his eyes firmly on the few strangers around them, avoiding looking at the boy.
Severus could sense Potter's hesitation too, not sure whether Severus meant thank you for the compliment or thank you for keeping me out of Azkaban. He didn't rush to help him clarify it as he didn't know himself. He felt confused. For years, he had to hate the boy; for years, he simply couldn't. Not since his fifth year, something changed there. Something was different.
A headache threatened to visit again so he brushed away the thought. Potter was watching him.
"I'm just glad I could help." The boy shrugged again. "You helped me out so many times; I don't like being in someone's dept."
"You thought..." Potter was a bigger idiot than Severus had ever thought, if that was why he helped. "You never owed me anything, Mister Potter. I was paying for a huge and terrible mistake I committed when you were just a baby."
"Look, Professor," Potter stopped and grabbed Severus' arm to force him to a halt too. Pleading green eyes dug into his black ones. "Can we just... could we just leave that behind us? All of that? We survived a war, which is a miracle on its own. I'm not saying to overlook that, just... all the bad things, can we forget that? Like the hatred and... and the guilt. Can we forget that?"
There was something in those green eyes, something untold and Severus felt like he should know what Potter meant with the unspoken words. But he didn't recognize any of it.
"I feel like I have forgotten already too much, don't you, Mister Potter? Sometimes I look around myself and I feel... there is something missing. Like a sensation that elapsed, a word I wanted to say but it slipped from my mind... a memory I wanted to cherish but I can't recall." The grip on his arm tightened. "For some reason, I am not fond of forgetting, Mister Potter. Accepting is something different though, that I can attempt to do."
"Accepting?" Potter asked one step closer.
"Yes, accepting. Accepting what I have done, and live on with it. Accepting what we had to endure and survive it. Mister Potter, I can't promise you to forget why I hated you in the past but I can promise to try to accept you for who you are in the future."
"I believe..." Potter thought loudly, "I already accepted the fact that you are a snarky, sarcastic, witty enigma, wrapped in black robes. But I'm sure I can live with that."
Severus snorted and felt a sudden urge to either slap the boy or kiss him senseless. The revelation hit him like a hammer, or maybe it was the headache, which redeemed its threat, and surfaced like millions of stabbing knife in his mind.
He forced his arm out of Potter's touch just to reach it out towards the boy. "I feel like it is time for our goodbyes."
Potter's hand was cold and wet from the rain yet a jolt of warmness spread through Severus' system as their bare hands touched. It was a short handshake, just a second longer than usual. But to Severus it seemed nothing in this day could be described as usual.
He turned around and waved his hand once, while uttering a soft, "Potter," as his farewell.
"Professor Snape," came the answer and Severus knew the boy was grinning again.
Tempted to see that stirring smirk just once more he stopped and turned halfway around. Yes, Potter was smirking, just as Severus anticipated he would. He let his own lips mirror the teasing gesture before he repeated thoughtfully, "Professor... Formalities like that... never suited you, Potter."
The grin became even wider. "See you then, Snape."
"Maybe, Potter. Maybe..." He nodded then disappeared.
The wind was wild, so was the sea right under the cliff. Waves clashed against the rock wall, the noise a loud frenzy, but to Severus it was calming. He was finally home.
He fished out the photo once again and looked at the picture then his eyes returned to study reality. Yes, it was much better even though this was stormy and darker. He turned around the paper and only then realized the small postscript on the bottom left corner of the picture.
Just one line, written by the same loopy and narrow handwriting he knew so well.
PS: Do not forget to remember.
"I know, Albus."He whispered desperately to the paper, his other hand clutching into a small golden ring under his robes. "I know I have to remember something. But what? And how?" He groaned, as the headache just got more painful. He put away the picture and walked towards the house.
"And why the bloody hell do you always have to be this mysterious?" Severus sighed exasperated to himself. Or maybe to the phoenix that was sitting on the white fence.
A lot of people told me that they would like to kill Albus. Please don't. He's doing his best to help them even from beyond his grave, as you can see.
I swear I'm going to stop this jumping in time soon. Well, actually from the next chapter the story will be continuous again. Just one (big) jump left.
So uhm what do you think? How did you like the court scene? Sorry I'm not a lawyer or anything like that! What about the memories? Do you like Fawkes as much as I do? Please review! I'm dying to hear what you think!