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Stealing from Thieves
All Change Is Tinged With Melancholy
The box contained the ring. I breathed out with relief. You would think that telling her I wanted to take her to Australia to fix her parents' memories would be easier than asking her to make a lifelong commitment to me, but it really wasn't. I slowly took the small wooden box out of the larger wrapped on.
"Did Minerva ever tell you she had a daughter once?" I asked Hermione.
Hermione shook her head no. "I suspected she did though once, or wanted one but couldn't have one. There was something there."
"Yes," I concurred. "There was something there indeed."
I was stalling, but I felt it was important that Hermione understood the whole story of where the ring came from before I gave it to her. It seemed like we had shed more than a lifetime's worth of tears over the course of the last few days. Her eyes were wet and shining and she kept exclaiming things like "poor Minerva" throughout my speech. I hoped I did the story justice, but the effect on me was not what I had expected it to be. Retelling it put the whole situation into perspective, and made me understand that no matter what Hermione's reaction was, both of my gifts were related to the story. When I finished I slid the other box back across the table and told Hermione to open it.
Hermione did slowly and when she saw the two round trip tickets to Australia in there the tears building in her eyes fell. She dropped the tickets back in the box.
"Severus, I understand why you are trying to do this, but can't you just let me be a coward about this one thing?" she cried.
"No, Hermione," I said sternly. "I'm not sure that I can."
She let out a small sob and I was by her side instantly I wrapped my arms around her while her floodgates opened. I thought she'd been talking to people about this problem and I was hurt thinking that she was leaving me out, but it was clear that this was one thing she'd kept bottled up. I held her until she'd regained some control over her emotions.
"Severus, I know what you were trying to say to me by telling me that story about Minerva. She'd already said as much when she told me that I couldn't erase my mother's heart."
I leaned back to look in her face. "Doesn't that make you feel stronger? Doesn't it make you feel a little more confident that she will be happy to see you again?"
"A little," Hermione admitted.
"I didn't tell you what Minerva said at the end of that story." I hoped it was okay that Hermione was hearing this little bit from me, but I wanted her to hear it. "She said that if her daughter had lived to grow up, she would have considered herself very lucky if she had turned out like you."
"She didn't say that," Hermione chided. "Now you are just trying to convince me."
"I would not lie about that, Hermione. I know too many people who have lost their families to much worse than some miles and a few memory charms, and not a single one of them is in a position to get their families back, myself included." I had stood up and picked the tickets up out of the box. I waved them in her face. "You alone can have them back and yet you are afraid that they will reject you, a daughter they loved and cherished. How dare you insult your parents by thinking that they will not be able to take you back? They did just fine when they discovered you were a witch didn't they? If they need time, give it to them. If they completely lose it, we can re-modify their memories and we will pick up the broken pieces, but you have to try. You will never be truly happy until you do."
"You make me sound so selfish," she said. "I make a lot of mistakes, Severus, and sometimes I get afraid."
I took a few deep breaths and tried to eliminate the anger from my voice. "We all do, and sometimes when we are faced with dangers we cannot avoid we misplace our fear by avoiding things that are not really dangerous."
Hermione reached out and took one of the tickets out of my hand. "These are for Easter break."
"Yes, I thought the sooner the better."
Hermione picked up the other envelope that had been sitting in the box. "I'm almost afraid to open this."
"Are we going to go?"
Hermione looked at me for what felt like a long time. Once again I was pressed with the urge to delve through her brown eyes and penetrate her mind. The urge was so strong that I actually got as far as feeling how overwhelmed she was before I pulled back. I slipped the ring box into my pocket.
"Yes, we'll go," she said quietly, almost resignedly.
I sighed with relief. "The other envelope is just information, nothing that we have to do, only something to think about."
She opened the envelope slowly and slipped out the papers.
"London Seacoast Estate Agents?" She thumbed through the other leaflets and papers. Some contained listings of places I thought seemed interesting.
"I don't ever want to leave you out of a decision like that again," I answered.
"Really?" she said sarcastically holding up a plane ticket.
I frowned at her. "I can't force you to go and I won't, but you know how I feel about the issue."
Hermione put everything back in the box and put the lid on. "I'm gob smacked, I have to admit."
"I can see that I have overwhelmed you," I said sadly.
"You've certainly given me a lot to think about. I suppose it is time I returned the favor," she said.
"All right," I answered warily. Was she about to tell me she was pregnant or something? We'd been really careful.
"I have decided that if, for whatever reason, you have to leave the school before the end of term, I will be going with you in solidarity," she said.
"Hermione," I breathed out in a rush of air. Thank Merlin she wasn't up the duff. I wanted it, but not yet. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around you leaving at the end of term to go to school. It's logical and I believe a good decision, but what about Minerva?"
"She's already looking for a new Transfiguration teacher. It won't be hard; there are plenty of skilled applicants out there. She understands," Hermione said. "She actually seemed kind of glad."
"I'll bet."
"I just want you to know that I support you all the way."
"I know you do, and you will do a fine job of it from the castle," I replied yawning. I was knackered from the last night already and it was very late. "Please help Minerva by finishing out the year not matter what happens to me. I beg you."
"You, beg?" she asked teasing me. "I don't want to be in the castle without you."
"If it happens, it won't be for long. Now take me to bed."
"Wait, what about my other gift?" Hermione asked gesturing to the empty box on the table.
I didn't want to give her the ring. The moment for it was completely gone. I could have just proposed and avoided the whole Australia business until later.
"You're not going to make me wait until after the hearings like you originally planned are you?" she asked.
I shook my head. "Why don't you go get some overnight things and sneak away with me to my room? I will give it to you there."
As soon as she left the room I did some quick, but elaborate, wand work and soon had a matching box that held a pair of green emerald earrings. They would match the ring at least. I just hoped Hermione didn't notice the missing paperweight she'd had on corner nook. I'd never done earrings before, but I thought they would suffice.
Once we were settled into my bed I offered her the newer box. "I guess this gift is not as complicated as I led you on to believe. I just preferred the other one."
Hermione took the box and opened it. "Severus, they're beautiful. Really beautiful."
They weren't real gems being created by magic, but I hoped she couldn't tell. I know that she was far too tactful to mention it if she did. I still could not shake the feeling that I'd gone and botched up another proposal and that the evening sort of ended on a low note. We didn't even do anything in bed that night just held each other and got some sleep. I wasn't complaining, but Hermione knew something us going on with me and like always, had the good grace to play along.
The day of the Malfoy's hearing dawned clear and cold. My morning lessons were somber and I was grateful I would not be teaching any in the afternoon. There were plenty of murmurs in the hallways and Great Hall, but nothing more. Just before noon I went to Minerva's office to tell her I was leaving. Fortunately no one from the Board of Governors was there, but several teachers, Hermione, and Potter were.
"Having a party?" I asked.
"We are here to wish you luck, Professor," Harry said.
I shook hands all around and thanked everyone for their support. I was appreciative of their support, but I was confident I was making the right decision. Even with all the congratulations I had managed to get to the Ministry and get transported to Azkaban by 12:30. Lucius had been allowed to clean up for the event and Draco had given him fresh clothes to wear. His hair looked less greenish and was tied back with a piece of leather cord. He still looked gaunt, but much better.
We did not say anything as the guards escorted us to the Ministry. In the courtroom the full Wizengamot was seated. Lucius was led to the chair in the middle of the room and the chains snaked around his arms and legs loudly in the quiet room. Outside the room reporters waited for the verdict. Draco was allowed inside because he was family. He sat expressionless and stared at his father. Lucius looked at him and offered him a small smile.
"Return it," I ordered. "It will look better for the family if you appear to support him."
"I do support him," Draco said.
"Then show it."
At precisely one Kingsley Shacklebolt stood and the hearing commenced. After the usual statements were made and oaths sworn Kingsley listed the offenses Lucius was originally jailed for.
"At the behest of Severus Snape, your self-appointed solicitor and representative we have agreed to review new evidence that may not have been available at the time of your original hearing," Shacklebolt said.
I fought back a snort. All the information was certainly available before. I caught Molly Weasley's eye in the crowd and she held my gaze for a moment. Her expression was unreadable.
Kingsley went on to read the new plea that Lucius claimed.
"Do you have anything you would like to add, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked when he was through. I had told Lucius not to add anything if he asked him after his plea bargain was read out. I told him to only answer specific questions.
"No, Minister," Lucius said in as strong of voice as his fear and shame would allow.
"Counsel, do you have anything to add?" the Minister asked me.
"No, Minister," I said in a clearer and stronger voice than Lucius managed.
Kingsley Shacklebolt gathered his papers together and tapped them on the podium to even the pile.
"Mr. Malfoy, the Wizengamot has reviewed your case and is agreement that your Death Eater activities over the last few years were committed under duress." Draco gasped and Lucius sat up straighter. Kingsley cleared his throat and continued. "There has been sufficient evidentiary support to indicate that your wife and son did what they could to sabotage the efforts of Voldemort during his swift, but terrible rise to power. Your actions are less clear, but based on review of the previous trial we are prepared to vote to exonerate some of your charges. All I can hope for you is that if you are given a second chance you do some good with it. The Secretary of the Wizengamot will read each charge and will vote on each one, after which we will recess to vote on your new sentence. Once you are sentenced again, you will have the right to appeal. Do you have any questions?"
"No, Minister," Lucius said again, but this time with more vigor.
I interjected with a raised hand. Kingsley motioned for me to come forward. "We are agreed that any guilty charges found today that are consistent with the original verdict will not result in an increased sentence due to the law of double jeopardy, correct?"
"That is correct," the Minister replied.
Molly Weasley stood up and cleared her throat.
"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, has been charged with harboring a dangerous fugitive in his home, all in favor of guilty, say aye."
A handful of people said aye, but not half. Molly counted the raised hands and moved to the next charge.
"Those in favor of not guilty say Aye," she said. It was a clear victory.
"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy has been charged with breaking out of prison. Those in favor of not guilty say aye." The results were unanimous this time. He was not guilty. I knew that one was coming.
"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy has been charged with knowingly aligning himself with the known criminal organization known as the Death Eaters. Those in favor of guilty say aye," Molly said.
This time the vote was for guilty, but that was all right because they could not lengthen his sentence due to the dropped charges. Draco was fidgeting in my seat, but the whole affair had taken less than fifteen minutes. We were escorted to a chamber away from the reporters until the sentencing decision was complete. Draco, Lucius, and I sat in silence for a minute.
"I wonder how Muggle trials work," Draco mused. "Granger said they are quite different."
"Granger?" Lucius asked. There was no malice in his voice, only curiosity.
Draco stared his father down testing him. "Yes, Granger."
"It looks like things will go well for you today," I interrupted. "This has been rather anticlimactic don't you think?"
"That suits me perfectly," Lucius answered.
Fifteen minutes later were directed back to our places. Molly stood up to read the sentencing. In the case of aiding a fugitive his sentence was reduced to time served and the same for breaking out of Azkaban. For knowingly involving himself with the Death Eaters he was let of with time served and one year of house arrest. He was also ordered to pay a fine of ten thousand galleons to contribute to the rehabilitation efforts. For Lucius, that was chump change.
We were about by two o'clock after denying any appeals. When we walked out of the courtroom and into the throng of reporters, Lucius Malfoy was a somewhat free man.
"How do you feel knowing that Severus Snape gave up his position at Hogwarts to be here today?" one reporter asked Lucius pushing his way up to him.
I had not told Lucius about Hogwarts. We did not have enough time and I was not going to concern him with the details when he already had enough on his mind. Draco would not have been able to fill him either, and he would have only known if one of the family friends that still held a position on the Board of Governors told him. By the look on his face I assumed he did not know either.
"My position at Hogwarts has not been publicly determined and has no bearing on this case whatsoever," I responded for Lucius and pushed through the crowd.
Rita Skeeter popped out of nowhere and chased us through the hall.
"Don't answer a single question," I reminded Lucius. He had nothing to worry about. Rita's questions were all for me.
"Do you deny that you were to attend a disciplinary hearing before the Hogwarts Board of Governors today at one o'clock?" Rita asked.
That bitch. I was coming after her with that jar after all. I said nothing and kept walking. The Ministry guards attempted feebly to hold the reporters at bay.
"Is it true that you may be terminated from your post for your connections with a convicted Death Eater?" Rita pressed on.
Lucius took a small step toward her and almost opened his mouth, but thought better of it at the last second.
"I acted in the best interest of a friend whom I believe to be in a position to rehabilitate completely. My actions were borne out of a desire to see justice done and to heal a family. If my actions are deemed inappropriate by the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Board of Governors then I am prepared to accept that as a consequence for my decision. If I am asked to leave the castle it will be with the full knowledge that the Board wishes to make an example of me in order to ease the minds of the population that still doubt my loyalty to any party against the late Lord Voldemort and his supporters." That statement would have to suffice. I had very publicly stated exactly how I felt about the situation and hoped it would be enough to allow me to walk out of the castle with some of my pride intact.
While Lucius was being processed out of Azkaban I explained to him the whole situation.
"That's bollocks," Draco stated flatly. "You've done nothing but help people."
"I appreciate the sentiment, Draco." I left them at the Ministry with the promise that I would visit them all at my first opportunity, perhaps as early as that evening.
I Apparated into Hogsmeade and walked to the castle slowly. The air was still brisk and the sky was a crystalline blue. The snow was blinding as the sun bounced off its diamond studded surface. I tried not to dread what I was about to walk into, but the nearer I got to Minerva's office, the heavier my heart grew.
The halls of the castle were deserted. Students were all in lessons at that time, and the professors with them. I still sensed a different sort of energy in the air. I was at the stairs leading to the Head Office's floor when I was accosted by Harry.
"Professor Snape!" he exclaimed. "How'd it go?"
Harry fell into step beside me. I gave him the brief rundown of hearing.
"That's really good," he said. "I knew there was some sort of hope for them, even if I don't like them."
"That's very mature of you," I was only half sarcastic. "Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
"Sure, we all are, but we're not." Harry gestured ahead of him when were rounded the corner to the hallway Minerva's office was located. There were over fifty students milling about in the hallway. Most of them were sixth, seventh, and repeating seventh years.
"We support you, Professor Snape!" a few called out and they cheered for me as I gave the password to the Gargoyle.
Ron Weasley walked up to me and offered his hand. "Thanks for everything."
I shook his hand nonplussed and moved to the automatic steps. Harry stepped on with me followed by the throng of students. "The teachers all went to their lessons because Professor McGonagall ordered them to. We all skipped class to stage a sit-in to prevent the Board of Governors from being able to go into McGonagall's office."
"Where on earth did you get this ridiculous idea?"
"From you. You said, and I quote, 'why don't you get my fan club to help.' I bet you didn't even know you had one." Harry smiled sheepishly.
I shook my head. "Where is the Board of Governors now?"
"They arrived by floo. We didn't think of that, but we still stuck around for support. I'm just glad we were able to catch you or else this whole thing would have been a shambles." Harry reached out and knocked on the door before I could. "This ought to surprise them."
Harry and I entered the office closely followed by the students.
"What is the meaning of this? Padma? Parvati?" Patil sputtered when he spotted his daughters in the crowd.
Padma stepped forward with Ron. "We are here to show support for our professor. We respectfully disagree with the Board's allegations and feel that while the parents may be acting in our best interest, they have failed to take our actual interests in account."
Well said, I thought.
"Headmistress, I order you to remove these students from this meeting or there will be consequences. The Ministry will be happy to step in if necessary."
Minerva blanched at the threat. "Please do as Mr. Patil asks or each of you will receive a week's detention and a twenty-five point deduction."
The students all started complaining at once that it was not fair and that were not leaving. I know Minerva did not want to punish a single one of the, but keeping the Ministry out of the school as important.
I turned toward all of them and ordered silence in the commanding voice that always garnered it in previous years. I had everyone's attention.
"I cannot express my gratitude at your warm support, particularly after I have made many of your lives very difficult for some time now, however, now is not the time. As we rebuild from a horrible war it is truly uplifting to see so much House unity in the castle, but your efforts are needlessly wasted on me. I planned to make this announcement later and to the whole school at once, but regardless of what the Board decides for me today this will be my last year at the castle. I have already submitted my resignation," I said to the deadly silent group.
"Then you have to be allowed to stay at least the rest of the year!" Ron shouted.
"Your support has been noted. Please do as the Headmistress says and go back to your classes. If you wish to show your support, please do so by respecting my wishes," I ordered. Without directly glaring at them I tried to express that they needed to obey. No student flat out disobeyed me in the past and I was not about to let them start.
Harry gave a sharp nod. "He is right, you lot, let's go. Good work all of you."
Minerva had her hands clasped to her chest and she breathed a sigh of relief. Her job was only going to get more difficult. Being Head of Hogwarts is never easy.
"May we get to the business at hand?" Smith asked angrily. "I believe we have been kept waiting long enough."
I glanced at my new watch. They had been waiting precisely ninety minutes. I wanted to remind them that no one made them wait, but managed to keep my mouth shut.
"The Board of Governors has elected to terminate your position at Hogwarts." Patil said without sympathy.
The words were a crushing blow even though I had expected them. I kept my face as calm as possible. Not even in my visits with Voldemort had it been more difficult to remain emotionless.
"Certainly you will take the appeals of the students into account?" Minerva asked. "And how do you expect me to replace him this late in the year? I had a most difficult time getting Slughorn to agree to stay long enough for Severus regain consciousness."
I still hated Slughorn and that was about all there was to say about that.
"He is prepared to finish the school year in Snape's stead, during which time you are required to find a suitable replacement or the Ministry will appoint one."
"The students will surely protest," Minerva pointed out. I was still speechless.
"We expect you to maintain order," Smith interjected. "We must act to ease the minds of the parents we represent."
"What of those parents who disagree with you?" I finally found my voice. I had not intended to speak in defense of myself, but I wanted to know how many people out there were really against me.
Patil and Smith looked at each other. "The Board of Governors has voted and their decision is final."
"You didn't want me to be reinstated in the first place," I pointed out coldly.
Patil nodded his head. "It took a considerable amount of convincing and the Ministry's endorsement. They will not intervene for you this time."
Smith started to gather up his documents and then hesitated. "We are doing you a favor now. There are still plenty of students here who do not wish you to be here and have been trying for some time now to get you sacked. You have been accused of gross favoritism, of turning on your own House, and of violently overreacting to incidences of schoolyard bullying. All of these are direct violations of your probationary reinstatement and had we investigated them all your termination would have come at a much swifter date. By using the Lucius Malfoy trial as an exemplar we are aiding you in protecting your reputation and that of the school's."
There was nothing about Hermione in the accusations. Thank Circe for small favors.
"Let it be known that I believe this is all very unjust," Minerva countered. "There is no accuracy to any of those accusations and we all know it. Very well then, Severus, it has been a pleasure working with you all these years and I wish you the very best of luck in all that you do."
Minerva was struggling to maintain her composure. The portraits in the room were all muttering amongst themselves in disbelief. I looked at Dumbledore's and he winked at me.
"Snape, you will be allowed to make an announcement to the school today if you wish, but you must vacate your classroom immediately in order to make room for the new teacher." Smith had risen. His final words spoken.
"Severus, do not feel you need to hurry to vacate the castle. If you will excuse us I have some unfinished business to attend to with the governors." Minerva led me to the door her face set in determined grim lines. Smith sat back down exasperated.
"What are you going to do, Minerva?" I hissed. "It is over, let it be. I made a statement earlier today that will be in the papers that puts the Governors in a less than positive light. Let that be all."
"I'm sorry, Severus, but I cannot let that be all," she followed me out the door. "You are an inspiration, Severus Snape."
"Minerva!" I gasped. "You cannot resign in protest! I already went through this with Hermione; I am not going through it with you too."
"Go, Severus," she pushed. "I know what I am doing."
I stood there staring at the door for several minutes after she closed it in my face.
Ron, Ginny, and Harry were waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. They had been joined by Hermione. I was through keeping my face impassive.
"You got sacked didn't you?" Harry asked sadly.
I nodded. Hermione stepped up and wrapped her arms around me in quick but tight hug. I returned it quickly without thinking.
"Hermione!" Weasley gasped when she stepped back. Ginny looked at me and then Hermione and I could see the light bulb switch on in her brain.
"Shut it, Ron. We are very sorry to see you go Professor, er, Mr. Snape," Ginny said.
"Is there still time to stop it?" Harry asked. "Are they still here?"
Harry made a move to go past the Gargoyle. I grasped his arm and stopped him.
"Please, just let it rest," I deplored. It was over. It was all over, except for whatever it was that Minerva planned to do. I was beginning to feel numb inside. Pain would follow, but soon even that would pass. It always takes longer overcome the little insults in life than the big ones, and like Dumbledore's death and my childhood, this pain was rather cumbersome. I had survived thus far, and I would continue to do so.
"I still think we should do something about it," Ginny said. "Perhaps a more organized protest."
Harry blushed at his lack of careful planning.
"No, Miss Weasley," I said. "My words from before still stand. Do not cause any more strife in the school, especially not because of me for it will be at the expense of the students who are affected by your actions."
Heaving a great sigh I began to walk away from them. I had a lot of packing to do and classes were emptying throughout the school. It was the last thing I wanted, but I found myself trapped in a throng of students all the way to the dungeons. My throat closed around the bittersweet thought that it would be for the last time.
A/N: Uh oh, I wonder what McGonagall is up to… I hope you liked this chapter. It was difficult to write because so much was going on and it is one of those pivotal/transitional points in a story that just needs to get out. Thanks again to all my reviewers and readers. I adore your support!