CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

I was awakened by a guard. A doctor was outside, and he watched me carefully as I took small spoonful s of soup. When I convinced him I was strong enough, the guard led me out onto the streets.

It was very cool, and I knew that night had fallen. A wet breeze was in the air as well: It would rain soon. I hoped to be inside for the shower, I thought, doing my best not to shiver as we entered a building.

But it was fairly warm where I was taken. I was in a large space, and I realized we were on the ground-level of a stadium for some kind of test. The judging officials were seated on the players' benches on the right of the field, and both lawyers were present on the left. Severus and Lucius were not present, but Dumbledore was allowed to watch. But there were more people with him, so I assumed he was being heavily guarded.

"Clarissa, we're going to begin the examination now. First, we'll cover basic spells. Walk towards my voice," a man said. He had identified himself as a Ministry of Magic official, someone who often proctored exams for advanced students as well as criminals.

He directed me towards a table and allowed me to touch the objects. One was a candle, the next was a toad, and the last was a mortar and pestle.

"First, I want you to light this candle," the proctor said. I did it just how I remembered. The flame was strong, but not as hot as the flame I could produce on my own. "Now, I want you to transform this toad into something. I want you to go to your most advanced transfiguration for this, nothing simple."

I did as I was told: I transformed the toad into a lamp, which was a fifth-year spell. I'd never studied any further in that subject because I couldn't get one of their textbooks to study. But the proctor seemed happy anyway.

"Please transform this mortar and pestle into something. Again, go as advanced as you can," the proctor instructed. I nodded, pointing my wand in its direction after touching it to find its location. I transformed it into a working alarm clock. The bells rang loudly, scaring me slightly. "Can you go on?" the proctor asked.

"Yes. My ears are just sensitive, is all," I grinned.

The guard took my arm and led me further into the field. I was closer to the judges now, but also someone else. The proctor introduced him.

"This is Leonard Howard, a wizard from Wales who specializes in defense training. He's going to start with some basic stuns and maneuvers that are very weak. He'll gradually increase the strength and complication. Can you perform this test with your disability?" the proctor asked.

I nodded, carefully remember Severus's training as I drew my wand and prepared for the hit. The proctor and guard moved away, then Howard announced that he was about to begin. I was already ready, so his first stun was easily deflected to the side of the stadium. The second came at me, and I was able to jump to dodge it.

The third was spiraling towards me, and I forgot that this was a wand-based exercise. I sent a fireball into the stun, and gasps came from all directions.

"What is she doing?" Pomphrey yelled: It was his time to grow loud.

The leading official was able to calm things within a few moments, but the damage was done. I was led into an inner room of the stadium along with the lawyers, the leading official and another judge, as well as Dumbledore. The proctor was there momentarily, but after handing a piece of paper to someone, he left without speaking.

"Albus, did you know about this?" the leading official asked.

"Yes," he whispered.

"And that's what Severus meant in his notation?" he asked. I nodded quietly. "We can't hold it against her. American witches are allowed in British schools, and they are allowed to practice both types of magic without prosecution. This news does not leave this stadium though."

"I object to that!" Pomphrey exclaimed. "The courts should know that Severus Snape was protecting a powerful student! No wonder the Death Eaters wanted her."

"Her abilities were never mentioned in their meeting," Lawson said sarcastically. "He's been protecting her for years! He probably didn't even tell Dumbledore: He had to discover it himself."

"That's right: I knew her name's origin, but I wasn't sure until I saw her use her abilities," Dumbledore replied. "And Severus did protect her: Only he and I knew about her abilities until this moment."

"And you're sure of this?" the leading official asked.

"He is," I replied. "I can sometimes focus on conversations and overhear them. Severus never mentioned my powers to anyone. He knew I trusted him, and he didn't want to betray that."

"What about their meeting? Did you overhear that?" Pomphrey asked excitedly.

"It doesn't matter: I can't allow that kind of testimony in my courtroom," the leading official said fiercely. "I think we've heard enough from them. I'll see you all in court tomorrow morning. And if anyone speaks about this, I'll have them imprisoned!" he spat.

I exhaled with relief: The premonition had come true, but things had worked out alright, at least I hoped so. Tomorrow would tell if things really were going to be okay, and if Severus would finally be allowed back into Hogwarts.