I apologize for not updating yesterday! I wanted this chapter to be perfect with all the content organized the right way. I had a chapter already typed up but since I had decided not to post yesterday, I combined it with the new one I wrote today. I hope you enjoy this. It was rather emotional for me but I really enjoyed this one! I hope you love it! And by the way, thank you for your reviews. They really help me keep writing and brighten my day! Love you all!

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The door to his bedroom clicked and opened and woke Snape out of his reverie. He quickly stood up and watched as Hermione came gracefully gliding out in formal robes, appropriate for the courtroom. He sucked his breath in as she smiled and let her thin, silky crème cloak wave behind her as she came forward in anticipation although still somewhat embarrassed from the earlier incident. Her wet hair had been dried and tied into a loose bun at the nape of her neck with curls framing her lovely blushing face and in that instant, Snape had forgotten about everything but the witch in front of him. She sighed and slumped a little, seeming still exhausted from the previous day or just still sleepy from him waking her up.

"Are you ready?" she whispered quietly, looking up to him for comfort and reassurance. Snape composed himself quickly,

"Before we leave, I must speak with you, Hermione." He motioned towards the couch and Hermione gave a brief look of confusion before frowning and sitting.

"If it's about Cho, I honestly didn't know she was coming, she wanted to see if I was alright-"

Snape waved his hand lazily, "That is insignificant at the moment and not what I wanted to discuss."

Hermione slumped forward, relieving her shoulders of the stiff posture she was holding before, "Oh good, I was worried you would be upset."

Snape huffed, "Well I am not happy about finding her in my own private quarters but I will deal with that later," Hermione bit her lip and gave an apologetic glance to him before he continued, "As soon as we leave through that door, you and I will no longer exist. Understand? I will be your professor and you will be my apprentice and former student. Nothing more."

Hermione nodded, "Of course."

He eyed her, "I am quite serious. When we get to the Ministry, one slip up could absolutely ruin everything."

"Yes, Sir." She bowed her head slightly.

Snape slipped a hand under her chin so she would look at him, "No matter what happens today," he breathed, "my feelings will never falter. I cannot stress it enough to you."

She fluttered her eyes quickly, trying to blink away any threatening tears that could come her way, "I know."

"And even if I am sent away-"

"Don't talk like that!" Hermione interjected, upset. She folded her hands together tightly.

He rested a hand over her own and sighed, "It is a possibility. If I am sent away, you must carry on and become what I have trained you for. You must become the next Master and teach the generations of students to come."

She shook her head and gave slight growl that was low and full of hurt, "Not without you."

He raised his voice a little louder and sternly reprimanded her, "Hermione."

She wrinkled her nose and turned from him but he caught her chin and brought it back to him but she averted her gaze stubbornly, "Hermione, look at me."

Slowly, her caramel eyes rested on him and he sighed, "I know I gave you such a terrible time about never amounting to anything, but surely you must know it was all talk," she ripped out of his grasp, not wanting to look at him anymore, but he quickly found her cheek and used it to guide her back to him, "You, my dear, are the only one I would ever approve of taking my post. You are the only one who can fulfill even more and accomplish the impossible of what comes with the position. The only person I want to take my place is," he smiled softly, "the insufferable know-it-all who could never seem to keep her hand down in my class."

Hermione watched him sadly, her breathing was uneven and the mood was grim but Snape brought her hand to his lips and gave her a soft kiss on her knuckles, "Please do this for me if I am unable to come back with you."

She hesitantly nodded silently and Snape pulled her against his chest and wrapped her up in his arms tightly and kissed her head tenderly before loosening his hold on her. Hermione really couldn't cry, but was numb to the situation she was in and could only block out her emotions as the Potions Master did his best to comfort her. She knew it was just as hard for him if not harder to cope with their dilemma considering his past with losing his first love and suffering years alone with heartache and remorse. He exhaled softly,

"I think we should be taking our leave, Hermione." He let go of her and stood up, offering her his hand.

She smiled sadly and took the help, "That is Miss Granger to you, Sir."

He smirked, "How will you ever forgive me for such a travesty?" he sighed sarcastically as he opened his door and led them out into the common room and out the portrait hole into the bustling halls of a busy school day.

Hermione looked around her and saw smiling faces, gossip being spread, tricks being busted, and a crazed Filch following a particular student who had seemed to make him quite angry. She clenched her jaw; everyone was so happy and carefree. If only she could be back as a student on her way to her many different classes, perhaps on her way to a Potions lesson with the infamous bat of the dungeons to turn in her extra credit essay that had never been assigned… as always. How she missed those days and all the immature drama that came with it. Would she be returning to the castle that night with the man next to her? Her Potions teacher? She could only hope and pray that she had luck on her side that day. She rolled her eyes, wouldn't it have been nice to take a felix felicis potion, or liquid luck? That would have been more than helpful if the Ministry had not made it illegal to use any magic for aid and help in trials. How was she going to pass a Veritaserum examination and interrogation? There was no way she could possible do it. Even with proper practice, the most skilled witch or wizard could hardly expect to veer off from it even in the slightest. Could Snape do it? Could he pass without an antidote?

They came to the Great Hall and Snape went to lead them in but Hermione touched his arm lightly and he quickly looked back to see what the problem was, "Something wrong?"

She bowed her head, "No, Sir, I just don't feel up to eating anything today. My stomach is in knots."

He nodded quietly, "Come, we will just meet Minerva a bit earlier than planned, perhaps I can help you calm down a little more. I don't want you being thrown to the wolves the second you step foot into the courtroom."

Hermione followed Snape towards the gargoyle statue to the Headmistress' office, "Strawberry shortcake," he mumbled, despising all of the silly passwords that were used to guard the entrance. They ascended the spiral staircase and were shocked when they were met with almost all of the Hogwarts staff.

"Did I miss a faculty meeting?" he growled but tried to stay polite. Hermione could tell that he knew something was going on but could also sense that he knew as much about it as she did… which was absolutely nothing.

Slughorn turned around cheerfully with his little grin and raised an eyebrow, "Good morning, Severus, Miss Granger." He nodded towards them.

Professor Flitwick nervously waddled over to them, "Yes we were just meeting over Peeves. As of lately he has taken a liking to riling up the students to engage in unauthorized duels. Minerva was just briefing us on the matter."

Snape narrowed his eyes at the Headmistress, she was definitely up to something, "I am a head of house, why was I not notified to attend?"

Professors Sprout, Vector, Sinistra and Trelawney all apprehensively glanced their way while Slughorn chuckled, "Oh come now Severus, it is not like we are plotting something against you."

Flitwick glared at him quickly before shakily trying to shrug it off, "Would you care to join us now that you are here?"

Snape fixed his gaze on McGonagall, "We are ready to leave," he said curtly.

She nodded and sighed quickly, "Everyone… " she motioned for them to leave and they filed out accordingly without hesitation but gave oddly comforting looks to Hermione and Snape which made them a little uneasy. Was there a plan being hatched under their noses? Were they once more going to be treated as fools and be played accordingly to whatever the better good has in store for them?

Minerva turned towards the pair, "I apologize, I was not expecting you so early."

Snape glared at her but said nothing when the Headmistress calmly took her seat and looked up at them, "I still have a few more things to attend to, but I will join you both shortly if you would care to floo now instead of later."

Hermione didn't want the Potions teacher to get too upset; she needed him to keep a cool head as always. She stepped forward, "Of course, Professor, we came to floo a bit earlier."

McGonagall nodded and went about her paperwork as Hermione pulled Snape with her towards the fireplace. They flooed together and landed in a large crowd of people that resembled turbulent rapids in a river. He led them towards the stairs he had taken a month or two earlier and they were able to escape all the commotion and activity from the hallways that led to the elevators. Hermione quickly tried to keep pace with Snape's long strides up the steps but was less than successful and lagged in his wake. Why was he hurrying when they were earlier? It was as if they were running behind on time and that was surely not the case. She was panting as she finished the last step towards the floor that Snape had already started walking through. She paused for a moment, trying to catch her breath, while the man in black turned around to see that he had lost his apprentice. He caught sight of Hermione and briskly filled the gap between them and joined her side. He seemed more anxious than she did. When did Severus Snape ever become so distracted that he had forgotten and left behind something? Hermione did not think it could have happened but for the first time in her life, she caught sight of her teacher's hand trembling violently.

Hermione wanted to kick herself. Of course, he had every right to be nervous! Snape would be most likely taking the blame for their actions. She had started everything but he was the one who had taken action with the Ministry to prove that he had, in fact, not been having inappropriate relations with her. Once they found out that he was lying, he would be punished much more severely than she would. Perhaps he did this on purpose, if they got caught, Hermione would still be able to move on and have a life in the career that had practically been made for her and gift-wrapped as well. She knew her touch always calmed him down, always made him feel better about any situation but they were in public and she could do no such thing, she couldn't even address him as anything other than her teacher. Although she had called him Professor for most of her life, referring to him as Severus just felt so much more comfortable and each time she would say his name, she would see a beautiful smile grace his features.

She straightened out and he silently looked for approval to keep going on their journey to the court room. Hermione gave a small grin that only he could see when Snape decided to continue, much slower this time so that she could keep up with him. She followed him down a long corridor for what seemed like forever until they reached two large oak doors with the Ministry logo, the infamous M, ornately carved into the middle of each panel. He pushed the doors open and beckoned for Hermione to enter. Fire was already burning on the torches scattered across the expansive room. It was very reminiscent of a coliseum-like structure with raised seating surrounding a ground floor with one hard, wooden chair while spectators could watch you from above, making it all the more intimidating. She swallowed hard but felt Snape's hand on the small of her back gently urge her further into the room so he wouldn't have to keep the door open. He motioned for her to sit in one of the spectator seats and he joined her.

Hermione sighed and leaned on the back of the seat in front of her and rested her chin on her folded arms, "Is this where it all ends?" She whispered.

Snape frowned and fidgeted before folding his arms, "Your potions examination will be held today after your trial."

She turned back to him, "How will I take it once they find-"

He interrupted her, annoyed, "You will pass, Miss Granger." He snapped in his usual cold manner.

She realized that she probably shouldn't be discussing anything with him concerning the trial for someone could always be listening. They were not within the safe walls at Hogwarts… anything could happen. Hermione sat back with a huff, very un-lady-like and moaned, "I forgot to study this past week…"

Snape rolled his eyes, "Foolish girl." He mumbled and Hermione had a hunch that he was not acting when he said that last line. For as much as he had been sweet and loving to her, he was still Severus Snape, the man who tolerated nothing but perfection and lived off of sarcasm.

Hermione smirked at the man next to her, "You know that if I do not pass the exam, it will make you look bad, not me. You are my Mentor. You should have faith in me."

Snape tried to hide his amusement and was glad to be saved by the Headmistress walking in, "Severus, Miss Granger," she acknowledged them before sitting next to her colleague.

She wrung her hands in nervousness but no one could comment because two doors opened near the front of the podium where the Minister for Magic would preside and the members of the Wizengamot started to usher in and quickly take their places in almost complete silence. McGonagall grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her out of her seat,

"You must take a seat, Miss Granger, on the floor." She whispered anxiously, pointing towards the single chair below.

Hermione started walking but turned back, in habit, to find comfort in Snape's eyes but at that moment, she found none. She had never seen him more worried and dare she say it, afraid. Although his hard exterior was present, Hermione could see past it into his gaze but there was no solace in the black irises. Just hard reality. She walked down the steps and slowly took her seat in the middle of the floor and looked up to see the members of the Wizengamot staring down their noses at her. They all seemed like snobby pigs, dressed up to graduate at a muggle commencement in education. She now knew exactly how Harry felt when he had been put on trial for producing his patronus to protect his cousin Dudley from dementors. He had expressed to her how horrible it was but they both knew that she would never fully understand what it was like until she experienced it herself. Perhaps she should have listened to Cho's message from Harry. Maybe it was advice on how to manage and keep her fears at bay.

Her biggest fear was failure and the thought of failing the interrogation was more than she could handle although she knew that that was her certain future. Hermione did not have the expertise to outwit a veritaserum potion and knew that her fate was not bright. It would be her fault that they would send Snape to Azkaban. If she had just not asked questions for once in her life, maybe she would be in a completely different situation. If they asked the right questions, Hermione could have very easily passed the interview with flying colors if she had hated Snape as much as she did the day she left Hogwarts. Her heart was pounding through her chest and she could feel it threatening to break free with each rise and fall of her chest.

Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic, stepped in last and slowly took his seat, trying to give her the most compassionate look he could manage. Once everyone had been seated, silence filled the room and the crackling of the fire echoed through off the stone bricks that made up the walls. No one said anything for quite some time while Kingsley shuffled papers, trying to organize himself. Hermione cowered into the chair, uncomfortable to have all eyes focused on her, and she hunched over and tucked her legs underneath the seat and bowed her head. She shut her eyes tight and bit her lip, hoping beyond hope that the time would pass and she could be free of all trespasses against her. What was Snape thinking about? What was going through his head?

Kingsley cleared his throat and Hermione timidly looked up, trying to avoid the ominous stares from the Wizengamot, "We have been hereto gathered on this the nineteenth day of April in the year of Merlin nineteen hundred and ninety-nine to examine the accusation made against one Hermione Jean Granger and one Severus Snape."

Snape watched Hermione's frightened form underneath the scrutiny of the courtroom and he could hardly swallow, his anxiety and frustration was evident on his face and all he wished to do was to take Hermione away. He could comfort her and never let her be afraid again, couldn't he? Yet there he was watching the young witch he loved more than the heart pounding beneath his chest and he was just sitting there… letting her face her fears, alone. What would it take for him to finally defend her and admit that they were in love? He was such a hypocrite! He told Hermione she couldn't run away from her problems yet he was pushing her to do so. He, Severus Snape, had been trying to run all of his life and never accept what was in front of him. Never accept help, love, or kindness. He was even too proud to accept the help of a boy who had done nothing more than be born to the woman he had fallen in love with so many years before.

He was helping Hermione to avoid the pressing issues… they were trying to deny they were in love! Why? They had fallen deeper than anything he had ever experienced and they were lying to everyone about it. How would that solve any problems? If they could pass the examination, would they have to keep their love a secret for the rest of their lives? What had he done?

"Will the Head of the Department of Improper Wizarding Associations read the indictments before them?" Kingsley announced, looking for Beatrice Maddox among the ruby and black robes.

A short woman who was rather over-weight stood up with a shy and anxious grin on her face. Hermione was relieved to see at least one kind face amongst the on-lookers that were filled with distaste and contempt. The witch nervously brought out the scroll of parchment before her and read off the contents of the paper in a shaky voice, "The accused are h-hereby accounted of the acts performed within the ap-appointed apprenticeship: fraud, conspiracy, and f-false pretenses in the workplace."

Snape could see Hermione try to swallow deep but was unable to and looked to be almost sick but she kept quiet as the stout woman in black continued her stuttering, "On November thirtieth of last year, Miss Rita S-skeeter of the Daily Prophet and Mister Rage Graveseeker were s-sent to Hogwarts to fully examine the progress of Miss Granger in her apprenticeship. According to Mister Graveseeker and Miss Skeeter, Miss Granger had b-been showing peculiar behavior towards P-p-professor Snape." Snape saw Hermione's eyes widen at the comment but instantly resorted back to her former expression of indifference, "When questioned and interviewed, Miss Granger showed continued defiance against this accusation instead of laying it to rest. This in turn has made my department, Minister, question the loyalties of this young apprentice."

Kingsley nodded, "May the witnesses come forth for questioning?"

McGonagall stood up forcefully and quickly entered the floor and walked around Hermione several times before hissing in the most frightening tone that she had ever heard the Gryffindor head of house give, "This is an outrage! We were never informed to bring our own witnesses to the court. I ask, Minister, for a postponement of this hearing so that we may have ample time to find the responsible party to testify in favor of my student and colleague."

He frowned and looked to Elba Hobbs before glancing back down, "We will need to cast a vote."

She glared up at the Wizengamot, "How dare you. You are subjecting this poor girl to ridicule by having her partake in such savage and inhumane way of testifying before you! Was Miss Granger not by the side of Harry Potter all through the war? Has she not proven her worth and integrity?" she motioned to Hermione before pausing and lowering her voice to a growl, "And has Professor Snape not given enough of his life to be trusted and valued? He protected Harry Potter throughout all of his school years and even off the grounds of Hogwarts. This is more than unfair,"

McGonagall narrowed her eyes, "It is iniquitous!"

Kingsley sighed, "All in favor of allotting the proper amount of time for witnesses to be called in favor of Miss Granger and Professor Snape?" he raised his hand without question along with Beatrice Maddox, two elderly witches, and someone Hermione recognized as one of many of Albus Dumbledore's admirers, Elphias Doge. The rest of the court remained silent with their hands held tightly in their lap, glaring down at Hermione.

The Minister sadly looked back to Minerva and shook his head, "It is regrettable that I inform you that we will not be allowing more witnesses in this hearing."

Elba Hobbs stood and raised her head upwards, staring down disgracefully at Hermione, "Minister I propose a new vote, I would be willing to allow the opposing party to call for others to testify for them if we can, first, hear the stories of Mister Graveseeker and Miss Skeeter."

The Headmistress's eyes widened in horror, "That is completely insane! I implore all of you to see reason beyond this madness! Are we really accusing Miss Granger for these benign accusations? Or are we attempting to resolve unattended feelings towards Professor Snape for his active role in the war?"

Elba Hobbs growled and folded her arms, "That is an inappropriate assumption, Minerva." She sniffed.

Hermione was perplexed and shocked at the disrespect shown to the Head of Hogwarts by referring to her with her first name. It was, in fact, scandalous and she glared up at the nasty woman. McGonagall stood up straighter and with much pride spoke calmly, "I think it is perfectly postulated, Elba."

"Order, please." Kingsley stressed, "All in favor of Madam Hobbs' offer?" Everyone, save a few who had not even raised their hands previously on the vote before, voted in favor and Kingsley struck the gavel down loudly in affirmation, breaking the thick tension like a knife, "May we call the first witness to the stand?"

The Hobbs woman announced Rita Skeeter to be seated and Hermione was ushered to take a seat next to Snape. She couldn't have been happier to join the man. Snape did not give her a second glance but watched intently at the scene unfolding. Hermione didn't care that he wasn't acknowledging her, she was just happy to be in his presence. Even though he was probably more anxious than she, the aura of safety emanated around her from him and she never felt more secure in her life.

The Headmistress blocked the chair that Hermione had been sitting in and looked up to Kingsley, "This is an unfit witness to testify, all of you," she addressed the court, "know how dishonest and deceitful this woman is. She cannot be trusted and I will not allow her to create some lavish story from a romance novel of the scene she saw between Professor Snape and Hermione, for there was none."

Kingsley nodded, "I am overruling this, the witness shall not come forth out of respect to the courtroom. If we are about to give Miss Granger Veritaserum, then we might as well give it to Miss Skeeter as well."

The court broke out in upset commotion but he knocked down his gavel on the podium and motioned for reporter to be removed from the floor, "Call the second witness please."

Hermione watched as the fat, sweaty man waddled out into the middle of the floor but was interrupted by McGonagall, "I must excuse myself from this, Minister, I can no longer tolerate this abuse against my student."

The Minister looked concerned, "If you were in such objection that you were threatened to leave, then why not tell us from the beginning?"

"Excuse me," the Headmistress briskly exited the room, ignoring the comment made by Kingsley.

Hermione leaned forward to see the older witch angrily storm out of the court and she quickly turned back to Snape, "What is going on? Why did she just leave?"

He kept his gaze forward but softly muttered, once the questioning of Mister Graveseeker started, "I believe it has something to do with whatever she is planning."

Her eyes widened in acknowledgement and she turned back to watch the fat man wipe the sweat that was constantly pouring out of him. Elba Hobbs was starting the first round, "When, Mister Graveseeker, did you realize that something was rather odd about Miss Granger's behavior?"

He huffed and coughed, his wheezing reminded her of a choking cat with a fur ball and recounted his story:

Graveseeker rasped, "Tell me, why would you take an apprenticeship from Severus Snape… given your background and special circumstances…"

Hermione knew he was meaning it as an insult, "Background, sir?" she tested him.

"You're a muggle born."

She clenched her fists, "Why wouldn't I want to learn from him? He is one of the smartest wizards I have ever known."

He didn't looked satisfied, "But your inferior birth has to effect him on some level given he is the Slytherin Head of House. Tell me, why do you think he tolerates you?"

"Sir this is inappropriate! I am severely offended!" Hermione raised her voice but tried to calm down, "Professor Snape does not care about pure blood; he cares about intelligence. That's why he accepted me."

"And why, Sir," Elba continued to question him, "do you think that she was so repulsed by her comment," she turned to the Wizengamot to explain, "for surely Miss Granger must receive normal abuse of this nature on a common basis? Why was she so insulted when this was brought up concerning Severus Snape?"

There were murmurs among the court but they hushed when she resumed her gaze on the perspiring wizard who cleared his gargled throat, "Well, Madam, it seemed suspicious that she could be seeking his acceptance more so on a personal level. Such a personal notion would usually not phase a student and teacher who were merely acquaintances of the most proper kind. No something was definitely eerie about her response."

Hermione looked exasperated and wanted to say something but was stopped when Snape grabbed her hand and squeezed it for only a moment, keeping his eyes on the interrogation at hand. How could they assume such asinine judgments of her character?

"What else did you question her on, Mister Graveseeker?"

He continued with his story:

"Mmm hmm…" he started writing notes down, Hermione tried to peak but he caught her and held up his clipboard of paperwork so she wouldn't be able to see, "And how does he feel about you? Is there something going on that I should know about?"

Hermione looked exasperated, "Sir these are not even questions about my apprenticeship! I don't feel comfortable answering your last question."

Elba Hobbs interrupted him again, "So this is another repeated show of feeling. She continually denied answering simple questions that a normal student would have no problem answering. This is just one more clue as to why we can assume a most probable conviction the Miss Granger did indeed have more than just amiable respect for her teacher."

Hermione balled up her fists and wanted to scream but clenched her jaw to try and distract her from the frustration and fury that was boiling inside of her, "You may continue, Sir," the horrible woman sniffed in the air.

Graveseeker explained more:

"From the reports Professor Snape has given, your marks seem to be average… until recently… what have you done to make him decide to give you higher marks?"

"I just listen to what he says and I obey… but Sir… why aren't you asking me questions concerning my apprenticeship. Nothing you're implying is going on, now please, Sir—"

He held his chubby hand up that reminded Hermione of a marshmallow, "Who is running this examination?"

She sighed, "You, Sir."

"That's right," he smiled sarcastically at her and wiped his forehead from more sweat, "Now you will answer my questions or I will end this now."

"Yes, Sir."

"Do you feel you have learned more from Professor Snape than other teachers? If so then what and how?"

Hermione had to think about it, "Yes, he is a very good teacher… he has limitless amounts of knowledge, but I think I have learned more than just Potions and how to teach a class—"

Elba Hobbs raised her hand for him to stop his testimony and looked back to the Wizengamot, "Did you hear that? She learned more than just Potions and how to teach a class…" she raised and eyebrow and shrugged, "She learned more? Miss Granger said that Professor Snape has limitless amount of knowledge?"

She turned to Hermione herself and sneered, "And what other knowledge has he shared with you? Sexual connotations perhaps? The act of suggestive nuances?"

Hermione stood up and glared at the woman before she felt a tug that pulled her sharply back into her seat. Snape was furious but Hermione could not tell if he was more upset by Elba Hobbs or by her own actions. She looked to the man next to her and frowned before bowing her head. How was Snape able to just sit there and let them disgrace his name and accuse him of such tyranny. He had never done anything inappropriate in the classroom and never suggested anything or tried any advances on her with work involved. It was her own doing that turned Snape to her in more than just a teacher-student relationship and Hermione couldn't just stand by!

Turning back to Mister Graveseeker, she smiled evilly, "And you say that she tried to protect the Potions Master? How?"

"I object to this, Madam," Kingsley snarled, "I was there and heard enough of their conversation to preclude the event and determine that it was, in fact, Graveseeker who was just patronizing Miss Granger for irrelevant information that did not pertain to her curriculum and career."

Elba rolled her eyes indignantly, "Fine, I was nearly finished with my point anyways."

Kingsley rubbed his temples in frustration, "Madam Maddox, would you care to speak before we vote on the standing accusations thus far before proceeding?"

The short and pudgy witch stood up again and folded her hands together behind her back, "I think we should read from the r-rules and r-regulations concerning the Improper Wizarding Associations hand b-book in the two-hundred and sixty-seventh page in the fourth paragraph, starting at the second verse," Hermione was shocked that the woman seemed to have memorized the whole text without stuttering,

"In such occurrences that are unbefitting that teacher and student, mentor and apprentice and trainer and trainee are found in the requisites that will be found in such unsuitable terms will list as follows in the proper standards hereby decreed: within the workplace, underage relations, within term of work, higher positions to threaten, and the advertising of one for amiable conditions." She took a deep breath,

"Within the workplace gives unfitting attention and jeopardizes the program and prospectus for others and the charged involved-"

"Oh do get on with it," Elphias Doge moaned, waving his hand in annoyance. The old man was tired of nonsense words, it seemed.

Beatrice Maddox looked hurt and gazed at the Minister for support with which Kingsley nodded, "I think we understand, Madam, no need to recite the whole book. We thank you for your most… informative words."

He cleared his throat and shook the tiredness off of him and turned to Snape, "Will Minerva be joining us, Professor? We had agreed upon calling witnesses."

Snape gave a look of calm terror, if that was even possible, "I am not sure, Minister."

Elba Hobbs spoke up from the floor, "If she is not here, then we simply must follow through with the voting to interrogate Miss Granger. We cannot be kept waiting."

Kingsley nodded, "We will wait," Elba hissed low at his order, "and give a grace period of five more minutes."

Hermione looked at all the doors, hoping that the Headmistress would come bursting through with witnesses galore. She never saw the doors even budge. Snape held his breath and Hermione could tell that he was unable to exhale with all of the pressure against them. With about four more glances towards all the doors, Hermione turned back to Kingsley who was watching his pocket watch to keep time.

"It appears that Professor McGonagall's absence has lead us to continue with our afore mentioned voting," he frowned and moaned, "All those in favor of inducing Miss Hermione Granger with the Veritaserum potion, please raise your hair in vote."

Hermione watched in horror as every hand in the room besides the Minister's was raised in support of her taking the awful serum. She grabbed Snape's hand and held it tightly in her own. He squeezed hers back and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles in a comfort of the most subtle kind. A dreaded feeling washed over Hermione and her chest dramatically rose and fell in fear and utter terror. Her breathing became labored and chills were sent up and down her spine, over her whole body and she felt helpless to do anything. She couldn't move… if she left where she was, she would never fall back into the Severus Snape's arms. Hermione didn't care who was watching anymore… she frightfully shook her head, trying to tell her conscience that she could not go… she was incapable of leaving the man next to her. If she stood, she would be saying goodbye forever and she knew this for a fact. Once they found out about their charade, Snape would be instantly taken from her. He slowly turned his head and Hermione saw glassy black eyes staring back at her in solemn misery of the acutest kind. How would she ever recover from this tremendous loss?

How would Snape ever recover? He would be sent away and Hermione would have to fill in his position, try to carry on the art he left behind just for her. Everything he did was for her. She finally understood the statement he had whispered that night in her room. Every action, every deed, and every word was for Hermione. And this final act between them, he would be committing it for her, punished… just for her. Tears streamed down Hermione's face as she heard a muffled call for her to stand and join them for the interrogation and sit in the lone chair. She couldn't leave Snape. She couldn't let him slip through her fingers. She had finally found the one man who completed her and loved her with an intensity that no one else could ever match, not even Ron. She loved Severus Snape and she wanted to scream it from the top of her lungs. Hermione wouldn't let go of his hand and he never loosened his tight grip on her. She could sense the overwhelming despair emanating from his figure and Hermione worded to him silently, never let go…

She heard another call for her but she didn't dare break her gaze from the man she loved. After another moment, she felt hands grab her shoulders and lead her to her feet but Hermione had yet to let go of Snape's hand. Everything was happening in slow motion as she was being forced away but not even realizing it as her hand slipped from Snape's. She let out a cry and reached back for it but was pushed away and all she could do let the tears stream as she watched the man slowly fading from her life. That would be the last time she would be able to touch him. That night in her room would be their last act of passion and Hermione despairingly knew that the courtroom would be the last place she would see him. Her sobs were silently wracking her body as murmurs from throughout the room were heard in shock and disbelief as they watched a young girl cry for her teacher.

Snape felt like his heart had been ripped out of him when Hermione's hand slipped from his and he wanted to call out to her but could not find his voice as she was being led away from him. He wanted to tell her that he made a mistake. He needed to tell her that he was wrong! She shouldn't be avoiding this and running away like he led her to. She needed to face the Ministry, tell them she loved him and he would support her, be behind her always for her to fall back on and to protect. They couldn't hide it anymore so why couldn't they fight back for their love? Fight for them to be together? At that point, all he could do was watch as they stole his love from him. They stole the last of him and he could no longer survive without his lifeline. He could already feel his soul shutting down, no more will to live, as he watched Hermione be forced from him. He did not know what else he could do, he could not speak or move. He told Hermione he would always protect her. He promised her that he would never let her go as long as she loved him. She had kept her promise… why couldn't he keep his?

Elba Hobbs glared down at Hermione who wasn't even paying her any attention when she sat down despondently in the hard chair. She was numb to her atmosphere and surroundings as she shut her eyes tightly trying to fight back the urge to scream. How could they do this to them? Hermione felt her head being tilted back and didn't even fight as she let the cool liquid pour down her throat like silk. A door slammed open to the right of her and she heard people rushing in yelling for the interrogation to stop. Hermione's eyes fluttered open and she ripped her mouth away from the vial and choked slightly on the liquid but let her gaze fall on her saviors.