Disclaimers and warnings in Part One
Fugue State 05
*****
The room seemed darker than before after the departure of Snape and the judges. Hermione stared into the space that Snape had vacated until the voices of Colin and Ginny brought her back.
"That was so exciting! Did you know my Dad was going to be here? I didn't. He didn't say anything the other night when I asked him. And Percy too? He's so official looking. I guess we should stop teasing him now. He really does some important work."
Colin laughed at Ginny's comments, put his hand on her arm and began to lead her from the room. "Coming Hermione? I'll treat you and Ginny to dinner at the Leaky Cauldron." Hermione shook her head again and followed the other two out the door, looking back into a room that was much more ominous than previously expected.
The door closed behind the trio with a click that belittled its weight. Gret was waiting for them as they came out. With a slight bow and quick gesture they began to follow him back to the Hall of the Ministry. Unlike Hermione's previous experiences, the trip back seemed twice as long as before. She had once joked to Ron and Harry that time seemed to move differently when you were returning from a trip into the unknown. The journey there always seemed to take a very long time because you weren't sure where you were going, the landmarks were strange and unfamiliar and you were finding your way. The trip back was always shorter, less stressful and an easier ride. The opposite was true in this case. Everything about the hallways she had walked only a short time before were unfamiliar. They seemed narrower, more ominous and not even remotely interesting. They were closing in on her. Hermione quickened her pace to try and get out sooner, but found herself restrained by the fact that she had no idea where she was going. Poor Gret was running in order to try and keep up. Colin and Ginny were lagging behind while they continued to chat and Hermione felt sure that if they separated, she would spend her life trying to escape these walls.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, they reached the entrance hall again. Gret popped out with a bow and a grin. Ginny and Colin continued to make their way to the exit. Hermione followed them feeling rather light headed. The trio made their way through the streets of Diagon Alley, heading directly to the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione quickly excused herself as they found a table and headed to the toilet, where she was promptly and violently ill. She rested her head against the cool wall of the stall for a minute, rinsed out her mouth, splashed some water on her face. Once done, she gave herself a quick look in the mirror. Her face was pale, her eyes bloodshot and her hair a bit wet from when she splashed her face. Thankful for the low light in the pub, and not really feeling up to doing anything about it, she returned to Colin and Ginny.
Hermione stopped off at the bar and asked Tom for some water and joined the others at the table. She sat down and just listened to the two of them.
"Colin, do you miss Hogwarts at all?"
"Ginny, I'm doing what I want to do. Professor Dumbledore is going to let me sit for the NEWTS over the summer, or one at a time. I guess I'll get my certificate at some point, but really, this job with the Prophet is exactly what I want to do. It seemed silly to postpone it." Colin answered.
"Well, I do miss you a bit."
"What if I promise to write?"
"Alright, Ginny giggled.
Hermione had enough of the inane conversation that surrounded her. She took a drink of the pumpkin juice in front of her and interrupted the two. "Were we at the same thing today?"
"What do you mean, Hermione?" Ginny asked, puzzled at the anger Hermione seemed to be displaying.
"That trial was a farce."
"It was fantastic, I got so much material. I'm sure to get the top grade."
"Is that all you care about?"
"It's why we went isn't it?"
"It was horrible. They had decided already. Snape never had a chance."
"A chance at what?" Colin asked.
"At freedom."
"They would never give him that. With all those charges against him?" Ginny stated.
"And you aren't upset? He didn't have a lawyer. He never got the chance to speak in his own defense. He just sat there. The Ministry had already sentenced him. What sort of trial was that?" Hermione said.
"Hermione," said Colin as he tried to placate her, "there were admitted Pensieves. They can't lie. Snape really couldn't say anything in the face of those. He's lucky they let him live."
"Harry didn't even say anything. We were with him for days. He heard us arranging to see the trial. And he never said he was giving evidence against Snape."
"In most of the trials, Harry has given some evidence. His link with Voldemort allowed him to see a great deal of the Death Eater activities. At least that's what he said when I interviewed him for my book." Colin said, proud of the fact that his book on the battle was one of the few that hadn't had a drop in sales. He was still getting fan mail for the book.
"Well, none of the evidence was presented." Hermione continued.
"It rarely is. Most of it is still classified. You can't have just anyone knowing all the details of the Order's activities." Colin replied. "Look, Harry's a hero, he and Dumbledore killed Voldemort. Besides, Harry can't keep interrupting his career to come and testify against the few remaining Death Eaters."
"He still should have said something. We have the right to know." Hermione stated.
"All we have to know is that Snape and the rest of those scum are never going to be set loose in proper society again." Colin said in return.
"Hermione, Snape was a Death Eater. He has the mark. I wonder if he had it while he taught?" Ginny wondered. "If I could get information on that, I'd beat everyone."
"The only way to get that information would be to ask Snape Ginny. And there's no way you'll be able to get to him." Colin replied.
Hermione listened to that last bit and stared into the gloom of the pub, an idea forming in her head.
****
The next day, Percy made his way up the walkway to Hogwarts as he had after every Death Eater trial. Following behind him was a large chest. The snow covering the grounds was white and pure. Against the gray winter sky, the turrets and buttresses of Hogwarts stood in stark relief.
Percy made his way up to the doors of Hogwarts and greeted Professor McGonagall at the door. She led him through the hallways, silent in the absence of the students, scheduled to return tomorrow from winter break. They made their way to the gargoyles guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's office and made their way into the office.
Percy looked around the office, unchanged since he was a student. The office was filled with all sorts of objects and items that caught the eye. The visitor's eyes were constantly drawn to the objects that surrounded them. The effect was to remove one's attention from the man who sat at the desk, Albus Dumbledore: the man who had a hand in the destruction of two of the darkest wizards ever to walk the earth. The man sitting before Percy never displayed the power he held. Much the same as Harry Potter. Who would think that a Seeker on a Quidditch team was one of the most powerful wizards alive? Harry was much more interested in Quidditch, girls and having fun than capitalizing on his victory. Percy would never really understand Potter's lack of ambition. He intended to follow his father into the spot of Minister of Magic. To do so, he would need the support of the wizard before him. So Percy was here, instead of his assistant, as he had done one hundred times before. Because Professor Dumbledore had asked, and Dumbledore needed Percy's help in this. Help that Percy was sure would be appreciated in the future.
And in the long run, no one ever defied Albus Dumbledore.
Percy waited, standing in front of the Headmaster until he looked up and motioned Percy to a chair in front of him. Percy sat down, and set the trunk down at his side with a quick wave of his wand. He'd learnt from previous visits to wait until the Professor spoke.
He waited in silence until Dumbledore spoke. "Did you bring the pensieves?"
Percy nodded and opened the trunk. Nestled within the trunk were the pensieves from Severus Snape's trial. From the Aurors to the spectators, these pensieves had recorded everything in the trial, from all the points of view.
Dumbledore summoned the trunk to his side and looked inside it. He glanced up at Percy and said, "there are two additional pensieves in this trunk Percy, would you care to explain?"
Percy flinched and looked the Headmaster in the eyes. It would not do to show weakness in front of this man, and his father had given his permission. "My sister and Hermione were allowed to witness the trial."
"Indeed?" Asked Dumbledore. "And why did this happen?"
"Ginny was given an assignment by Professor Binns to write about the Professors and Staff at Hogwarts and their roles in the Final Battle. She needed information on Snape to make the report complete. Hermione volunteered to accompany her as my father and I didn't think Ginny should attend alone. They watched the trial. At the end they left." Percy responded, growing uneasy at the look in the Headmaster's eyes.
"That was not my question Mr. Weasley. My question is, why was I not informed prior to the two young women attending this trial."
"I, we, didn't think it was necessary. It was just for a school report. The information won't go anywhere."
"That is your sister. And Miss Granger?"
"What do you mean Sir?"
With that, Dumbledore refused to answer. He drew Hermione's pensieve out of the case and activated it. Percy fought from squirming as the minutes ticked by as the Headmaster was absorbed in the pensieve. After what seemed to Percy to be an interminable amount of time, the Headmaster looked up and adjusted his glasses. "My apologies Percy. It seems we might have something to gain after all. When Miss Granger requests to visit Severus, I want you to allow it."
"In Azkaban? No one ever visits the prisoners." Percy objected.
"Find a way. If you don't mind, I would like to keep Miss Granger's pensieve for a while longer."
"No, Professor. Of course, for as long as you need." Percy answered. Making a small notation in his head to mark that pensieve number 2134 was in the hands of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Strictly for accounting purposes only. Of course.
"You may go now Mr. Weasley. Thank you."
Percy rose to leave and brought the trunk to him. The trunk elevated and following behind him, he made his way to the exit of the office. Percy turned to the Headmaster just before he exited and asked "Headmaster, if I can be so brave as to inquire, what makes you sure that Hermione will ask to visit Snape?"
"Because Percy, it is in her nature. We'll discuss the details after she makes her request. Good day Minister." With that, Percy left the office and the door shut behind him.
Dumbledore watched the pensieve again, repeating again the sight of Snape glancing towards Hermione. "So, Severus. We must find out what you see. And Miss Granger will help us along the way." Once again he replayed the scene. "And beware of what you reveal Severus, for we will be watching. As we have for your life.
With that, Albus Dumbledore shut the pensieve in a drawer in his desk, stood up from behind the desk and walked to the window to look out upon the snow covered grounds of Hogwarts.
*****
TBC...
*****
Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I feel like Sally Field going "you liked it, you really liked it!" But I'm not short, dark-haired or adenoidal, so I'll just have to keep grinning.
Tegan! -Yes, I guess I can write something other than smut... it's just so hard to resist, I keep wanting to declare it a dream and have Severus and Hermione wake up happy and in bed together, but then I go nah and giggle. Your comments have been wonderful.
Aine Deande, Darklady -thanks again, your comments were really appreciated, and the fact that you kept on reading. People who read more than one chapter. Yea!
Veresna Ussep - well... hey, if there is smut in this little one, I'll dedicate it to you. (Keeper of Snape's fascination with...)
Rosmerta -Winner of the best line, 'Poor Sev, Azkabandoned' I was tempted to turn it into a comedy just for that.
Jeesh, I'm amazed at the response. Thanks
Fugue State 05
*****
The room seemed darker than before after the departure of Snape and the judges. Hermione stared into the space that Snape had vacated until the voices of Colin and Ginny brought her back.
"That was so exciting! Did you know my Dad was going to be here? I didn't. He didn't say anything the other night when I asked him. And Percy too? He's so official looking. I guess we should stop teasing him now. He really does some important work."
Colin laughed at Ginny's comments, put his hand on her arm and began to lead her from the room. "Coming Hermione? I'll treat you and Ginny to dinner at the Leaky Cauldron." Hermione shook her head again and followed the other two out the door, looking back into a room that was much more ominous than previously expected.
The door closed behind the trio with a click that belittled its weight. Gret was waiting for them as they came out. With a slight bow and quick gesture they began to follow him back to the Hall of the Ministry. Unlike Hermione's previous experiences, the trip back seemed twice as long as before. She had once joked to Ron and Harry that time seemed to move differently when you were returning from a trip into the unknown. The journey there always seemed to take a very long time because you weren't sure where you were going, the landmarks were strange and unfamiliar and you were finding your way. The trip back was always shorter, less stressful and an easier ride. The opposite was true in this case. Everything about the hallways she had walked only a short time before were unfamiliar. They seemed narrower, more ominous and not even remotely interesting. They were closing in on her. Hermione quickened her pace to try and get out sooner, but found herself restrained by the fact that she had no idea where she was going. Poor Gret was running in order to try and keep up. Colin and Ginny were lagging behind while they continued to chat and Hermione felt sure that if they separated, she would spend her life trying to escape these walls.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, they reached the entrance hall again. Gret popped out with a bow and a grin. Ginny and Colin continued to make their way to the exit. Hermione followed them feeling rather light headed. The trio made their way through the streets of Diagon Alley, heading directly to the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione quickly excused herself as they found a table and headed to the toilet, where she was promptly and violently ill. She rested her head against the cool wall of the stall for a minute, rinsed out her mouth, splashed some water on her face. Once done, she gave herself a quick look in the mirror. Her face was pale, her eyes bloodshot and her hair a bit wet from when she splashed her face. Thankful for the low light in the pub, and not really feeling up to doing anything about it, she returned to Colin and Ginny.
Hermione stopped off at the bar and asked Tom for some water and joined the others at the table. She sat down and just listened to the two of them.
"Colin, do you miss Hogwarts at all?"
"Ginny, I'm doing what I want to do. Professor Dumbledore is going to let me sit for the NEWTS over the summer, or one at a time. I guess I'll get my certificate at some point, but really, this job with the Prophet is exactly what I want to do. It seemed silly to postpone it." Colin answered.
"Well, I do miss you a bit."
"What if I promise to write?"
"Alright, Ginny giggled.
Hermione had enough of the inane conversation that surrounded her. She took a drink of the pumpkin juice in front of her and interrupted the two. "Were we at the same thing today?"
"What do you mean, Hermione?" Ginny asked, puzzled at the anger Hermione seemed to be displaying.
"That trial was a farce."
"It was fantastic, I got so much material. I'm sure to get the top grade."
"Is that all you care about?"
"It's why we went isn't it?"
"It was horrible. They had decided already. Snape never had a chance."
"A chance at what?" Colin asked.
"At freedom."
"They would never give him that. With all those charges against him?" Ginny stated.
"And you aren't upset? He didn't have a lawyer. He never got the chance to speak in his own defense. He just sat there. The Ministry had already sentenced him. What sort of trial was that?" Hermione said.
"Hermione," said Colin as he tried to placate her, "there were admitted Pensieves. They can't lie. Snape really couldn't say anything in the face of those. He's lucky they let him live."
"Harry didn't even say anything. We were with him for days. He heard us arranging to see the trial. And he never said he was giving evidence against Snape."
"In most of the trials, Harry has given some evidence. His link with Voldemort allowed him to see a great deal of the Death Eater activities. At least that's what he said when I interviewed him for my book." Colin said, proud of the fact that his book on the battle was one of the few that hadn't had a drop in sales. He was still getting fan mail for the book.
"Well, none of the evidence was presented." Hermione continued.
"It rarely is. Most of it is still classified. You can't have just anyone knowing all the details of the Order's activities." Colin replied. "Look, Harry's a hero, he and Dumbledore killed Voldemort. Besides, Harry can't keep interrupting his career to come and testify against the few remaining Death Eaters."
"He still should have said something. We have the right to know." Hermione stated.
"All we have to know is that Snape and the rest of those scum are never going to be set loose in proper society again." Colin said in return.
"Hermione, Snape was a Death Eater. He has the mark. I wonder if he had it while he taught?" Ginny wondered. "If I could get information on that, I'd beat everyone."
"The only way to get that information would be to ask Snape Ginny. And there's no way you'll be able to get to him." Colin replied.
Hermione listened to that last bit and stared into the gloom of the pub, an idea forming in her head.
****
The next day, Percy made his way up the walkway to Hogwarts as he had after every Death Eater trial. Following behind him was a large chest. The snow covering the grounds was white and pure. Against the gray winter sky, the turrets and buttresses of Hogwarts stood in stark relief.
Percy made his way up to the doors of Hogwarts and greeted Professor McGonagall at the door. She led him through the hallways, silent in the absence of the students, scheduled to return tomorrow from winter break. They made their way to the gargoyles guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's office and made their way into the office.
Percy looked around the office, unchanged since he was a student. The office was filled with all sorts of objects and items that caught the eye. The visitor's eyes were constantly drawn to the objects that surrounded them. The effect was to remove one's attention from the man who sat at the desk, Albus Dumbledore: the man who had a hand in the destruction of two of the darkest wizards ever to walk the earth. The man sitting before Percy never displayed the power he held. Much the same as Harry Potter. Who would think that a Seeker on a Quidditch team was one of the most powerful wizards alive? Harry was much more interested in Quidditch, girls and having fun than capitalizing on his victory. Percy would never really understand Potter's lack of ambition. He intended to follow his father into the spot of Minister of Magic. To do so, he would need the support of the wizard before him. So Percy was here, instead of his assistant, as he had done one hundred times before. Because Professor Dumbledore had asked, and Dumbledore needed Percy's help in this. Help that Percy was sure would be appreciated in the future.
And in the long run, no one ever defied Albus Dumbledore.
Percy waited, standing in front of the Headmaster until he looked up and motioned Percy to a chair in front of him. Percy sat down, and set the trunk down at his side with a quick wave of his wand. He'd learnt from previous visits to wait until the Professor spoke.
He waited in silence until Dumbledore spoke. "Did you bring the pensieves?"
Percy nodded and opened the trunk. Nestled within the trunk were the pensieves from Severus Snape's trial. From the Aurors to the spectators, these pensieves had recorded everything in the trial, from all the points of view.
Dumbledore summoned the trunk to his side and looked inside it. He glanced up at Percy and said, "there are two additional pensieves in this trunk Percy, would you care to explain?"
Percy flinched and looked the Headmaster in the eyes. It would not do to show weakness in front of this man, and his father had given his permission. "My sister and Hermione were allowed to witness the trial."
"Indeed?" Asked Dumbledore. "And why did this happen?"
"Ginny was given an assignment by Professor Binns to write about the Professors and Staff at Hogwarts and their roles in the Final Battle. She needed information on Snape to make the report complete. Hermione volunteered to accompany her as my father and I didn't think Ginny should attend alone. They watched the trial. At the end they left." Percy responded, growing uneasy at the look in the Headmaster's eyes.
"That was not my question Mr. Weasley. My question is, why was I not informed prior to the two young women attending this trial."
"I, we, didn't think it was necessary. It was just for a school report. The information won't go anywhere."
"That is your sister. And Miss Granger?"
"What do you mean Sir?"
With that, Dumbledore refused to answer. He drew Hermione's pensieve out of the case and activated it. Percy fought from squirming as the minutes ticked by as the Headmaster was absorbed in the pensieve. After what seemed to Percy to be an interminable amount of time, the Headmaster looked up and adjusted his glasses. "My apologies Percy. It seems we might have something to gain after all. When Miss Granger requests to visit Severus, I want you to allow it."
"In Azkaban? No one ever visits the prisoners." Percy objected.
"Find a way. If you don't mind, I would like to keep Miss Granger's pensieve for a while longer."
"No, Professor. Of course, for as long as you need." Percy answered. Making a small notation in his head to mark that pensieve number 2134 was in the hands of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Strictly for accounting purposes only. Of course.
"You may go now Mr. Weasley. Thank you."
Percy rose to leave and brought the trunk to him. The trunk elevated and following behind him, he made his way to the exit of the office. Percy turned to the Headmaster just before he exited and asked "Headmaster, if I can be so brave as to inquire, what makes you sure that Hermione will ask to visit Snape?"
"Because Percy, it is in her nature. We'll discuss the details after she makes her request. Good day Minister." With that, Percy left the office and the door shut behind him.
Dumbledore watched the pensieve again, repeating again the sight of Snape glancing towards Hermione. "So, Severus. We must find out what you see. And Miss Granger will help us along the way." Once again he replayed the scene. "And beware of what you reveal Severus, for we will be watching. As we have for your life.
With that, Albus Dumbledore shut the pensieve in a drawer in his desk, stood up from behind the desk and walked to the window to look out upon the snow covered grounds of Hogwarts.
*****
TBC...
*****
Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I feel like Sally Field going "you liked it, you really liked it!" But I'm not short, dark-haired or adenoidal, so I'll just have to keep grinning.
Tegan! -Yes, I guess I can write something other than smut... it's just so hard to resist, I keep wanting to declare it a dream and have Severus and Hermione wake up happy and in bed together, but then I go nah and giggle. Your comments have been wonderful.
Aine Deande, Darklady -thanks again, your comments were really appreciated, and the fact that you kept on reading. People who read more than one chapter. Yea!
Veresna Ussep - well... hey, if there is smut in this little one, I'll dedicate it to you. (Keeper of Snape's fascination with...)
Rosmerta -Winner of the best line, 'Poor Sev, Azkabandoned' I was tempted to turn it into a comedy just for that.
Jeesh, I'm amazed at the response. Thanks