I have returned!
So we're moving on along in this story.
I have very little idea how normal trials or hearings go in the Wizengamot since we've only really seen and read about Harry's in his fifth year and Karkaroff from a memory. There is the short snippet of the blood purity hearing Umbridge held in the Seventh book, but given that this was after the ministry was taken over, I doubt they followed the same proceedings for trials or hearings as they would only be prosecuting innocent people they intended to rule as guilty no matter what.
So I had to invent some proceedings based lightly on how American muggle courts are done. Very, loosely based. Very loosely.
If Someone Cared Enough
Chapter Sixteen: The Hearing
The day of Severus's guardianship hearing started with the Evans family and Severus gathered around the breakfast nook table in a mutual subdued mood. No one knew just how the hearing would turn out. While Wrence was positive he had built up a solid case against Severus's return to his own family, that didn't guarantee he would be place long term with the Evanses.
Some members of the Wizengamot were old fashioned and conservative, so while they may publicly speak in favor of muggleborn children doing things such as attending school and having wizarding jobs, when it came to wizard children of pureblood parents—or just parent—they tended to have rather archaic values. They may feel a child of pureblood heritage would do better placed in a pureblood family. The fact that his muggle father caused the housing displacement to begin with, some of the court officials may not be wary of leaving Severus in the hands of a muggle family.
Wrence warned the Evanses of a rather nasty piece of work who may try to impede them. He wasn't allowed to give names—sworn on oath as a ministry agent not to create bias against any official—but he described her as a short, squat little woman. Using her false cheerfulness and ruthless backhanded tactics to climb to a seat on the Wizengamot, the upstart was known for narrowmindedness that borderlines supremacy, masked by her smiling demeanor and the ever present claim that it was for 'the good of the children.'
"She claims to like muggles but she never goes in favor of them during any voting on trial outcomes," Wrence had told Severus, "Your barrister will really need to drive home the importance of you living with a family you trust in order to outvote people like her."
Waking to Severus's alarm clock in time to get back to her own room before her family awoke; Lily sat beside Severus at the table, both stoically eating their eggs with little enthusiasm. Next to Lily, Petunia nibbled on a piece of jam-covered toast, avoiding anyone's eyes and studying the patterns in the tablecloth. Willow and Hank sat in uncomfortable silence, nervously swallowing down food around the lumps in their throats and valiantly trying to read the paper.
"Simone's father should be here soon," Hank said, breaking the silence.
Willow wiped her mouth, "Yes, her letter said he would arrive at nine-thirty."
Reaching under the table, Lily took Severus's hand in her own, giving it a squeeze, "It will be alright, Sev."
"Simone's very confident in her father's capabilities," Petunia stated, "she doesn't think the Wizengamot would disagree with him."
"You heard Wrence; some of them might," Severus mumbled, "This all rides on getting enough of them to our side."
"And he will," Lily said, feeling less confident than she sounded, "They'd have to be crazy to put you with strangers over a family that cares about you."
Severus sighed. He wanted to believe Lily's words, but it was difficult. Wizarding society had let him down so many in his life; failing to protect him, to understand him. How was he supposed to put his faith in it now?
"It was a lovely meal, Mrs. Evans, but I don't think I can eat anymore," Severus said politely, putting down his fork.
Willow nodded, "I don't think I could either. If everyone is finished, why don't you all head to the sitting room? I'll clean up here."
"I'll help, mum," Petunia offered.
Severus and Lily followed Hank into the living room, neither saying a word. It was as if a dark cloud hung over their heads.
Sitting on the sofa together, Lily picked up a nearby periodical Hank had left out and flipped aimlessly through it while Severus drummed his fingers on the armrest.
After a short while, Petunia and Willow join them and the family of four plus a fifth sat in anxious, worried silence.
A reprieve from the tension came in the form of a knock at the door.
"That's probably Simone's father," Petunia said, getting up from her chair to answer the door.
A moment later, she returned, followed by a man in a gray suit with thin purple pinstripes on it.
There was nothing remarkable about the man at first glance. He was on the short side, probably only a hair taller than Severus, with short blonde hair going snow white at the roots, atop of which sat a gentleman's derby hat. His light skin had the tiniest hint of a tan and his stomach protruded out in front of him. Overall, he looked like an unassuming, plump little man.
He smiled, showing off a set of brilliant white teeth, "Good morning," he said in a loud, jolly voice, "I'm Ashwin Serapeum. I believe you were expecting me?"
"Yes," Hank got up from his seat, coming over to shake the man's hand, "It is wonderful to meet you. Forgive me for this, but I am afraid we're still a little confused by how all this will go."
Willow came over to join her husband, "Yes, we never got to meet you before today. How will you be able to properly represent Severus?"
Ashwin laughed, his belly shaking under his suit, "I imagine you would find that strange. You see, I felt that with Severus going through so many changes in such a short time, it might be better if I didn't visit. He doesn't need another stranger coming round here, prodding him for answers after all he's no doubt been through with Wrence. No, I felt correspondence through owl would do just fine."
"But will that be enough to prepare you both for today," Hank asked.
Another laugh from Ashwin, "Not to worry, my fine man, I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to sway minds and melt hearts. Don't you worry."
Ashwin turned to survey the room, "I already know the lovely Petunia," he said, smiling at the shy wave the oldest Evans sister gave him, "So this must be Lily."
Ashwin walked over to the sofa and offered Lily his hand, "Lovely to meet you, my dear," he said kindly.
"Lovely to me you too," Lily replied shaking his hand.
Ashwin turned to Severus, "Well young man, there's no guessing who you are," He offered his hand to Severus, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Severus."
Severus gave the man's hand a good shake, "You as well, sir."
Ashwin beamed, "Now then, if things are settled here, we should head out. Mr. Evans, I believe we may take your car into London."
Hank frowned, "But it's far too small for all of us," he said, gazing around the room.
Ashwin grinned, "You forget, my good man," he pulled out his wand, "We have magic."
{page break}
Getting into the Ministry of Magic proved to be just as fascinating as riding in an interior enlarged car for the Evanses. After cramming themselves into the phone booth, they were whisked away into the mysterious Ministry, hidden in a space beyond time and reason. It was quite the experience. Ashwin had explained that it was the most common visitor's entrance; Petunia was horrified to learn that employee entrances involved stepping into a toilet bowl.
The Ministry itself was a grand spectacle. From the papers flying to different locations, to the grand fountain in the center of the main lobby, it was truly a sight to behold. The ceiling seemed miles above them, giving the place a cavernous feel. Windows lined sections of the lobby floor to ceiling, a slew of activity happening behind each one. Large rod iron lamp posts stood at every corner illuminating their every step to the main desk.
After having his wand processed and a nametag affixed to his shirt as well as each of the Evanses, Severus was ready to proceed to the hearing. Boarding a golden elevator that seemed to move side to side as well as forward and back, they rode the lift down to the dungeon, where the hearing would take place.
"Why is it in the dungeons?" Petunia whispered nervously.
"Hearings like this are rare," Ashwin explained, "The Wizengamot usually sits in on criminal trials, so the court is within walking distance of the holding cells. Wouldn't want a dangerous wizard to have an opportunity to escape during the transport."
"Why don't they do many custody hearings?" Willow asked curiously.
"Unfortunately, much of our Child Services department relies on gathering confessions and reports from people; and as I am sure you are now aware, most children harmed do not come forward for many reasons," Ashwin side eyed Severus, "so unless the department gets reports deemed valid by the ministry to investigate the claims, there isn't much they can do with their suspicions. Many Purebloods rarely report undue actions against family due to a wish to resolve matters themselves and muggleborns typically have the muggle authorities to handle such matters."
"A lot of goof they do," Severus muttered, "if my mom claimed her black eye was from walking into a door, they let the matter drop."
Ashwin smiled sadly, "Both the muggle and wizard world have a lot to improve upon when it comes to helping others, I'm afraid."
Walking into a large circular room lined with seating, Ashwin directed the Evanses to a row of seats to their left.
Ushering Severus further into the room, Ashwin and Severus sat down at a table clearly brought out for such unique occasions. In the dead center of the room stood a tall back, intimidating looking chair with thick arms.
Severus had never been in court before, but he had a good idea what the purpose of that chair was for.
Soon people began to trickle in. Ministry officials enter in standard black robes, taking seats to the farthest sides of the room. Following them were the Aurors from the investigation launched after Wrence and Dumbledore had contacted the ministry over Tobias's actions.
Wrence and Parish entered together, though the former made no effort to acknowledge Parish, walking in with his eyes forward, all business, and striding over to a seat up front, not far from Severus and Ashwin. At being snubbed, Parish sought out Severus's gaze and rolled her eyes with a half smile. Taking a seat near Wrence, Parish turned and waved to the Evanses.
The next person to enter, led in by a Auror, had Severus's full and undivided attention.
Eileen looked so small next to the Auror guiding her in. She walked in a stiff almost ginger manner, as though she were a porcelain doll that could break at any moment. Hands clasped together and trembling she made minute glances at the room around her, switching between that and staring at the floor. Her hair clean for once and donned in her best dress, she still never looked worst for wear. It was her eyes that did it. The scared, wide eyed, hopeless gaze she gave tore through Severus and left him gutted.
The Wizengamot are the last to arrive. Clad in plum robes and wearing hats reminiscent to judges in France, they marched in single file and in an almost choreographed move, separated into neat even lines to divide to the own rows of seating, the scribe taking a position up front and to the right.
"The Wizengamot will now oversee the hearing of Severus Snape, Minister of Magic Harold Minchum and Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore presiding," said one of the judges.
Harold Minchum was a wizened, prune faced man with wiry hair and little neck. Known for enforcing Dementor based security at Azkaban, he was what one would call a hard-liner, rigid and inflexible when it came to his ideals, ones he would stick to above all else.
Dumbledore emerged from a the same door Severus and the Evans family had come through, a bit unorthodox for a high ranking official, but not unsurprising given Dumbledore's whimsical and odd behavior.
Wearing his usual flamboyant attire, magenta robes with what appeared to be either crescent moons or bananas on them, the headmaster was his usual cheerful and composed self. As he passed Severus, he gave the boy a kind smile before proceeding to the front.
Sitting besides the Minister, Dumbledore nods to Minchum, granting him the floor.
"The Ministry acknowledges Severus Snape and the matter of his custody," Minchum began in an uncharacteristically high baritone, "Is Mr. Snape's legal authority present?"
"I am, Minister," Ashwin replied, the jovial tone absent from his voice to be replaced with a stern, cold one, "Ashwin Serapeum of the Jamestown Serapeums, acting as barrister for Severus Snape."
Minchum nodded, "And the manager for this case?"
Wrence stepped forward, "That would be me, Minister. Melonious Wrence, agent for the department of child welfare." He tapped approached the podium Minchum sat behind and held up his papers, straining to reach the minister.
Taking the proffered papers, Minchum reviewed the case and Wrence's authorization with a grim approval, "Yes, yes, that appears to be in order. Now, is the British Youth representative here?"
"Present!" Came an loud reply from the lower seats of the Wizengamot. A tall boy no more than seventeen stood in regular robes over by the scribe. With a head of straight, brown hair and a bright smile, Severus couldn't help be think the boy seemed awfully familiar.
"Frank Longbottom, sir," the boy said with confidence, "Auror trainee serving as active representative of British youth, sir."
"Well all seems to be in order," Minchum said, looking to Dumbledore for confirmation, "Lord Serapeum, you may begin."
Ashwin smoothed out his suit and strode forward with all the authority and confidence of a king and the strictness of a drill sergeant, "Your Honors, we are here today because of a great injustice committed upon one of our precious youths. A boy, a young man not yet legally able to live on his own, was harmed severely by his own father. His father, Your Honors, a man who should cherish and protect him. Someone who should never have taken advantage of his child's trust and vulnerability, but did so irrevocably. I stand before you today to prove that his household is unfit for children and to urge you to place young Severus in the care of a responsible and loving family, the Evanses."
"I would like to call my first witness forward, if you please," Ashwin continued, gesturing to Parish.
Parish approached the center of the room. Having not been ordered to sit in the intimidating chair in the middle, she remained standing.
"And you are," Minchum asked scrutinizing the woman.
Parish held her head high as she responded, "Healer Caroline Parish. I oversaw Severus's care in St. Mungos after his attack on the Hogwarts train."
"Let the record show that the aforementioned case is to be reviewed at a later date and will not be discussed at any length in today's proceedings," Minchum interrupted, "Healer Parish, the relevance of this statement?"
"It was during treating him that several physical abnormalities were noticed; ones indicative of injuries healing improperly," Parish replied, "Further investigation revealed a variety of injuries inflicted over the course of the past ten years or so, diagnostic spells dating the earliest to be around four or three years of age."
"And what led you to believe these injuries were sustained through abuse," Minchum prodded.
Parish already had her answers lined up, "Many of the injuries noted would take great physical force to inflict, not conducive with the average childhood bruises and scrapes. For example, a set of broken ribs when he was seven would have taken more than falling off a swing set to accomplish. The lack of treatment sought to heal any of these injuries further validated the suspicion that they were purposely inflicted and not an accident."
"And you reported these suspicions?" Minchum asked.
"I did sir. Unfortunately Severus was not willing to discuss matters with Mr. Wrence," Parrish told him.
"Mr. Wrence?" Minchum prompted.
"Sir," Wrence nodded, reaching for his notebook, "Mr. Snape's behavior the day of questioning matched that of cases studied in the past with victims, demonstrating obvious signs of distrust and discomfort, anxiety and heightened stress levels," Wrence produced his wand, "Diagnostics picked up on a change in heart rate whenever he answered a question denying claims of abuse, indicating the possibility of lying."
'He was using his wand on me that day?' Severus thought, outraged.
The hearing went on in much of the same way for some time. Wrence and Parish continued to divulge information about Severus's health and life than he felt comfortable with, while Ashwin interspersed their dialogue with calls for the Wizengamot's outrage at such heinous treatment.
The aurors who had arrested Tobias were asked to step forward and share their version of events, citing Tobias as belligerent and uncooperative with them. They made note of Eileen's state at the time of the report, reciting the list of injuries found on her and treated by healers once Tobias was hauled away.
People came and went with their own recollections, each talking about Severus as though he wasn't in the room.
Parish went into detail of Severus's injuries on the night he was rescued by the Evanses, bringing up that many of them were conclusive of falling down the stairs and the level of bruising on his neck as well as the damage to his windpipe. Wrence provided pictures that were passed among the officials, much to Severus's mortification.
Ashwin gave a very moving speech about the inhumanity of Tobias's actions and how terrifying it must have been to have one's own father try to literally choke the life out of them.
"And what was Mr. Snape's state of being after the attack?" a judged asked.
"He was unconscious for the next 16 hours," Parish informed the judge, "aside from waking him up ever two hours, the Evanses, noted no change in his condition until the potions had kicked in. The injuries were quite severe, sir."
"I believe it would be best to hear from Mr. and Mrs. Evans," Dumbledore said suddenly, making his first contribution to the hearing since it started, "They did after all witness the event."
Minchum thought it over, "Very well," he gestured for Willow and Hank to come forward.
Exchanging nervous looks, Willow and Hank approached the center and stood awkwardly before the court.
"Can you describe the night in question?" Dumbledore asked kindly.
Hank looked at Willow, taking her hand in his, "Well...We had been read in the sitting room when Lily—our daughter—came running into the room. She was crying, you see, and she told us she had just been on the phone with Severus when a big commotion came up on his end and he stopped responding."
"What sort of commotion?" Asked another judge.
"Screaming," Hank answered, "A lot of yelling; Severus told Lily his father was looking for him, that the man was in a right bad mood. Lily told him to call the authorities, but...before he could do anything, his father was there. Lily said there was more yelling and then the phone sounded like it hit something and suddenly Severus wasn't answering her."
Willow took over from there, "We had heard about Parish's suspicions back at the hospital, so we already were wary of Severus's father. The man sounded dangerous. So when Lily came to us, we went right over there."
"And what did you see when you arrived?" Dumbledore inquired with an encouraging nod.
Hank shifted uncomfortably, "No one answered the door; they couldn't hear us over all the screaming. But the screaming was getting louder and no one was letting us in. We could hear Severus's father and his mother but we couldn't hear him and that...well it's worried us. So I...I kicked the door in."
"He was strangling him," Willow burst out, horror and pain filling her face, "That man was strangling Severus; choking him. His own son! Severus was covered was struggling and his movements kept getting more frantic and that man didn't seem to care. It was awful."
Severus shifted uncomfortably under the pitying stares he received from the judges.
From his seat, Frank was staring at Severus in shock, his eyes traveling to the bruised on Severus's neck.
Hank put an arm around his wife, "Tobias was ranting about putting an end to Severus. He was out of his mind. He never even saw me come at him."
One of the judged leaned forward curiously, "What do you mean by that?"
Hank shrugged, "I hit him...I don't know what came over me. I saw a kid in danger, a child I knew. I'd seen Severus grow up and then I see him failing at the end of his father's grip and I just sort of...reacted. I was scared he'd kill Severus."
"You see, Your Honors," Ashwin interjected, "Loving parents saw a boy they cared for being harmed and leaped into action. If Hank Evans had not intervened on that night, Severus would very likely be dead."
A quiet sob came from Severus mother, her face in her hands. Severus's heart ached.
"I brought Severus out of the house and had Hank drive us home," Willow explained, "The poor boy was barely able to stay conscious."
Willow wiped her eyes, sniffling slightly, "I knew we should have never let them send him back to that place. I just knew it. That isn't a home; a place like that is not fit for children."
"Thank you, Mrs. Evans, Mr. Evans," Minchum said, "You may sit down now."
Ashwin waited until the Evanses were seated to speak, "If it please the Wizengamot, I believe it would be prudent to hear from Severus himself on his experiences at home and whom he wishes to live with."
Looking to Dumbledore for his approval, Minchum gestured his assent with a wave of his hand, "We'll allow it."
Ashwin touched Severus's shoulder encouragingly, "The floor is all yours, son."
Severus took a deep breath and stood up.
"Mr. Snape, how would you describe your relationship with your father?" Minchum asked.
"Poor," Severus answered immediately, "Very poor."
Minchum waved him onward, "Do you care to elaborate?"
Severus was all too happy to oblige, "For one, he was always drinking. He drinks away ever cent he makes and leaves us with hardly enough to get by on. He's a sorry excuse for a human being. Flat out drunk every day before noon; pathetic. When he drinks he gets angry; everything pisses him off. Especially me."
"And your father was violent with you?" a judge asked.
Severus cast a wary glance around the room; everyone was watching him, casting their own judgements about him. They were drawing their own opinions about him and what he had been through. Did they pity him? Think him weak and pathetic? He look over at Longbottom; the boy sat there staring at him with the saddest expression on his face, like he was looking at a kicked puppy.
"Mr. Snape?" the judge prompted, "Can you answer the question for us?"
Severus looked over his shoulder at the Evans family.
Lily's eyes met his and she smiled warmly at him.
Severus soaked in that warmth and let it give him strength.
"Yes...my father hit me often," Severus admitted, "It seemed like he was just making up excuses to hit me after a while."
"Mr. Snape, do you fear for your safety in your father's presence?" Minchum asked.
Severus swallowed, his mouth feeling dry, "...yes."
His mother could be heard sniffling from her side of the room.
"And what about your mother?" Minchum prodded further.
Severus hesitated, "...my mother cares about me very much. She usually tries to protect me. I'm not afraid of her."
"And what of the Evanses, how do you feel about them?" Minchum asked.
Severus looked back at Lily when he answered, "I've known them for years, I trust them. They've always looked after me. I know I would be safe with them." He shifted awkwardly, "May I sit down now?"
"You may," Minchum permitted.
Severus returned to his chair, smiling weakly when Ashwin patted him on the shoulder.
"Mrs. Snape, would you please come forward?" Minchum asked waving her closer.
Eileen warily walked to the middle of the room, the Auror who brought her in following. He directed Eileen to sit in the chair and when she did, the Auror drew his wand.
"Restraints will not be necessary," Ashwin stated firmly before Eileen could be magically bound to the chair, "Eileen comes here of her own free will. She is not a prisoner."
Minchum nodded, "Very well. Mrs. Snape, how would you describe your husbands temperament?"
Eileen wrung her hands, staring at the floor, "Well, he's an...unpleasant man."
"And how does he feel about magic?" Minchum inquired.
Eileen bit her lip, shrugging, "He...doesn't like it much, I suppose."
Minchum scrutinized Eileen sternly, "And would you say he is a violent man?"
Eileen didn't answer straight away, staring at her hands, "...I...I wouldn't say he is violent—"
"Mrs. Snape, may I remind you that you are under oath?" one judge interjected.
Eileen flinched at their tone. Chancing a glance at Severus, he son stared back at her pleadingly, willing her to tell the truth.
"He can be rather rough with us," Eileen said finally.
"Can you name some examples," asked the judge who scolded her.
Eileen shrugged again, "He yells...and throws things. He...sometimes hits me..."
Minchum watched her carefully, "And his son?"
Eileen nodded, "Yes...he hits Severus too."
Minchum looked over his papers, "And Mrs. Snape is it also true that you have laid your hands on your son as well?"
Severus stiffened, going rigid in his chair. He turned accusingly to Wrence, but the man just held up a finger him. 'Wait. Just wait.'
Eileen paused. Looking guiltily at Severus, she chewed her lip nervously, hands fidgeting.
"Yes..." she answered, her head down so that her hair hid her face.
"Why is that?' Minchum asked.
Eileen kept her head down, "I was upset...he made Toby mad."
"So you lashed out at your son," Minchum surmised.
"I didn't mean to," Eileen insisted, "I was upset."
Minchum raised an eyebrow, "That's hardly an excuse."
Eileen bowed her head in shame.
Minchum pushed on, "Mrs. Snape, would you care to verify the series of events the Evanses described on the night in question."
"They...it..." Eileen stammered. Struggling for an excuse, she gave up with a sigh, "Everything they said is true..."
"And where were you at the time of the incident?" Minchum pressed her for an answer.
"I tried to stop Toby," Eileen replied, "but he wouldn't listen to me; he wouldn't stop. He-he shoved me away."
"Do you feel your husband was a significant danger to your son that night?" Minchum asked.
"Yes," Eileen admitted.
Minchum looked at the other judges to see their reactions before moving on, "Do you feel your husband is unsafe for your son to be around?"
Sad, defeated, Eileen nodded, "...yes."
"And are you too dangerous for your son to be around?" Minchum asked.
Wrence chose that moment to intervene, "Minister, if you don't mind me saying, Mrs. Snape has some minor issues to address in managing her anger, but it could be corrected. I suggest she attend sessions with a specialist from my department to be reformed. If at a later date she is deemed fit to care for a child, we can revisit the case to see if her son may be returned to her."
Minchum thought this over, "I suppose that could be a possibility." He looked to Dumbledore to see if the suggestion met their Chief Warlocks approval. Seeing Dumbledore nod his assent, Minchum addressed the judges, "All in favor of Mrs. Snape attending behavioral correction sessions?"
A number of hands rose in the air.
Minchum himself had his and raised. Carefully he took count, "All opposed?"
Many hands went up. Minchum counted them off.
Severus took count in his head as well. With a sign of relief, he was glad to see many voted more for the sessions than against it.
"We rule in favor," he concluded, "Mrs. Snape, you are to report to the ministry once a week for the next year. If, at the end of that time, you are deemed fit to have your son back, we may revisit the case. You may go now."
Trembling, Eileen got up from the chair and followed the Auror. She was quietly given the choice to return to her seat, but instead chose to leave the room entirely, sending one last fleeting look towards her son before she was gone.
Severus tried not to let her speedy retreat bother him.
Minchum cleared his throat, "I believe we have heard all the evidence we need. At this time, we shall discuss the matter of Severus guardianship."
"He should go to his grandparents," one judge said.
Another judged snorted, "Need I remind you that the Princes disowned Eileen and her son?"
A third judge shook their head, "It doesn't matter if they did or didn't, the Evanses want the boy, let them take him."
"If I may speak," came a syrupy sweet voice.
Sitting among the judges was a young woman. Squat and full faced, she had a toad-like quality to her, with a bulging eyes and no neck to speak of. Sitting atop her head was a matching plum bow to go with her robes, the over sized accessory giving her a rather childish, immature appearance.
She flashed a wide, toothy smile at the Minister.
"Sir, not to belabor a point, but it was a muggle who inflicted such harm on the poor boy. Would it not be traumatic to place him with muggles after all he's been through?"
"Objection," Ashwin said, "Severus is perfectly comfortable with the Evanses family. He stated so himself."
The woman continued as if he hadn't spoken, "He favors his mother, who is a pureblood. Surely he feels more comfortable with wizards and witches. I just think...perhaps the boy would be better off raised with a pureblood family given the circumstances."
"Ms. Umbridge," Dumbledore spoke up, "As well meaning as your intentions were, it would seem the Evanses family is more than capable of taking Severus in. As it is, should we rule against placing Severus with them, we would need to come up with a pureblood family willing to take him."
Umbridge smiled wider, "But I already have a family for him."
The doors behind Severus opened, prompting Severus to turn around. When his gaze fell on who stood in the doorway, his eyes went wide and the color drained from his face.
Abraxas Malfoy strode into the room. Ever the figure of grace, he moved regally and with authority.
"Mr. Malfoy has so kindly offered his home to Mr. Snape," Umbridge said sweetly.
Mr. Malfoy nodded, "My son was a former classmate of Mr. Snape's before graduating and he took Severus under his wing. When we got word what had happened, Lucius was very adamant that we take the boy in, so that he may have a quality upbringing."
Severus looked over his shoulder at Lily, catching her eye. She stared back just as startled and surprised as he was.
'This is a plot,' Severus thought, 'You-Know-Who told Lucius to do this.'
Ashwin regarded Abraxas with a critical eye, no trace of warmth in his gaze.
"Your Honors," Ashwin said coldly, "While Lord Malfoy's offer is generous, the Evanses have shown more than enough love, and compassion and effort in looking after Severus. Lucius Malfoy has been out of Hogwarts for years; his acquaintance with Severus has long since waned. Evanses know Severus, very well in fact. They are readily available to be the family this young man needs."
"So are the Malfoys," Umbridged said pleasantly, "They have more than enough financial security to keep Severus living in relative comfort."
"Money isn't everything, Dolores," Ashwin said stiffly.
Umbridged narrowed her eyes but her smile never left her face, "But after the squalid life he has led, wouldn't it be nice if poor Severus was well provided for?"
"His every need would certainly be met," Abraxas added smugly.
"If expensive things were the key to raising children I would think some of us here would have turned out better, wouldn't you say, Abraxas?" Ashwin challenged cooly.
Abraxas raised a brow imperiously, but said nothing.
"C-can I say something?" Lily asked timidly.
Lily flushed as all eyes landed on her.
"Miss Evans," Dumbledore said kindly, prompting her to speak.
Looking at Severus, Lily took a deep breath,"I've known Severus since I was seven. We grew up in the same town. We've gone everywhere together and done everything together for years. In the time I have known him, the only true time Severus has ever truly been happy is away from his house...when we were together. My parents have treated him like their own since the day they met him. They've fed him, given him clothes, put band-aids on cuts and scratches and hugged him when they thought he needed it. We care about him. We love him. We're already a family to him...please...let him come home with us."
Lily sat back down, her eyes swimming with tears. Next to her, Petunia patted her shoulder comfortingly.
Minchum thought over everything carefully, "It would seem a vote is in order." He turned to the judges, "All in favor of Mr. Snape being released into Lord Malfoy's custody?"
Hands went up, Umbridge among them, a large smile on her face.
"All in favor of the Evanses?"
Rapidly, an overwhleming amount of hands shot into the air.
Severus felt a smile threatening to creep across his face.
"Well I think we have our verdict," Dumbledore stated, "Mr. Snape's guardianship will be assigned to the Evans family until a time he is deemed able to return home."
Behind Severus, the Evans family breathed sighs of relief, Lily letting out a little cheer and Severus felt a grin fight it's way to his mouth.
Umbridge, meanwhile, looked like she had just swallowed a nasty tasting fly, her face as sour as old milk.
The Wizengamot was dismissed and filed out of the room one by one. As they left, Umbridge hurried to the Minister's side, whispering furiously to him, most likely trying to talk him out of the ruling.
When everyone but Dumbledore, Severus, and his group were gone, Severus turned to Lily with a big grin.
Lily was positively beaming at him. Leaping from her seat, she rushed forward and flung her arms around him.
"You get to stay," she declared happily, "I told you things would get better if you just let us help."
For once in his life, Severus was actually glad someone proved him wrong.
Hank lightly clapped Severus on the back, "Welcome to the family, my boy."
Willow came over and kissed Severus on the cheek, "We're so glad things turned out for the best," turning to Ashwin, she smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Serapeum."
The hearing over, Ashwin was back to his jolly, happy self.
"Think nothing of it," Ashwin said, removing his hat to reveal a shiny bald head, the hair merely a wig attached to his hat. He gave a sweeping bow, "It was my pleasure."
"Things went exactly as I predicted," Wrence said proudly as he approached, "I told you that you were worried for nothing."
"Yes, how foolish of us to be worried about what an indecisive and unpredictable group of old farts might decide on the fate of a defenseless teenager," Parish said sarcastically, coming to stand next to Wrence, "Truly we should always put our faith in you."
Wrence sniffed, "Some of us have the utmost confidence in our abilities. I have a perfect record; I doubt you can boast the same." He turned on a heel and left.
Parish glared after him as he left. Waving to the Evanses and Severus, she wished the boy a fond congratulations and left as well, needed back at work.
With the distractions gone, Lily turned back to Severus, holding his hands in hers, "I'm so happy, Sev. You're safe, at long last." She pulled him into her arms once more and hugged him tightly.
Petunia stood besides them, her arms crossed, "I guess I will have to get used to a boy living under our roof," she said, trying to act aloof.
"As if it will be that bad, Tuney," Lily teased, still wrapped around Severus.
"Well...Mr. Snape, I suppose congratulations are in order," came a cold voice from behind them all.
Abraxas Malfoy strode up to the group, his emerald topped cane echoing a loud clack across the floor with every step.
"It truly is a pity though," he said, "My son was most...eager to see you."
Hank and Willow stood protectively by their family, regarding the man before them suspiciously, "Yes, well Severus will be quite fine in our care," said Hank.
"Yes, thank you for your concern, but he'll be fine," added Willow.
Abraxas looked down his nose at the pair, "I see," he said coldly, "well Severus, if you ever are in need of...more appropriate accommodations, you know who to contact."
He turned to Ashwin, "Lord Serapeum."
Ashwin nodded his head minutely, "Lord Malfoy."
Abraxas turned and left with his head high, his robes swishing behind him dramatically.
Dumbledore came down from the rows of chairs and approached the happy group, "I'd say things turned out for the best, wouldn't you?"
"Better than they could have gone," Severus replied, "Abraxas wasn't acting on his own, nor on Lucius' behalf. You know this."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, "Yes, it would seem You-Know-Who is trying to make contact with you. For what reason is yet to be seen."
"He's mad I turned my back on him," Severus said, "I put two of his recruits in ministry custody."
"That very well may be," Dumbledore agreed, "I believe we must be very cautious for now. That aside...I'd say you have a very pleasant summer ahead of you." He gestured to the Evanses, where Lily was excitedly talking with her mother.
Severus allowed himself a small smile, "Yes...I believe I do."
So there you have it, Severus can stay with the Evanses.
I hope no one minded that Tobias was not brought to trial. Considering that the Ministry doesn't seem to have any legal powers over muggles, the whole arrest of him and conviction had to be done under the table and without much fanfare through muggle law, with some behind the scenes help from magic to unsure he was convicted.
We have now met Ashwin, Simone's father. I had fun creating him and his eccentric appearance. I pictured a portly, jolly man of above average height for the former hufflepuff. You will all meet his wife eventually.
Read and review! :) All your wonderful reviews have really brightened my spirits lately.