Can they make a difference?
Chapter 19: Mistakes, I've made a few
Pairings: Goku/Vegeta, Harry/Draco, Severus/Remus, Ron/Hermione
Disclaimer: I own nothing except newborns and OCs
WARNING: Go back to chapter 1
/ Thoughts /
: Telepathy :
Now, on with the story. Enjoy!
oOoOoOo
The Potions Master was seated beside his lawyer. The new Minister of Magic entered followed by the Governors. The twelve were acting as jurors, but before either attorney could call their first witness someone shouted, "That's Lucius Malfoy's lawyer!"
A multitude of protests flooded the courtroom as Arthur banged his gravel for order.
"Mr. Bodelyn, in light of the startling revelation, I regret to say that you must remove yourself from this case."
The prosecuting wizards were pleased. They knew that no one else would risk their reputation by defending a well-known Death Eater. Plus, there was no way Snape could afford such a pricey lawyer considering his employment at Hogwarts.
Lucius casually looked down at his timepiece. It was almost eleven o'clock. He looked to the doors as if he was waiting for something to happen.
Metallic eyes drifted back to the arguing attorneys when the chamber doors burst open. /Ah, right on time/ the pureblood thought, silver orbs glittering with delight. In stepped a tall handsome Muggle teen, about nineteen or twenty years of age.
"ORDER! ORDER!" Arthur reframed from rubbing his forehead. "I don't know how you got here young man but you must go back-"
"Gomen, I'm late Your Honor but I was held up," the young man said. He went to sit down next to Severus and Bodelyn after shaking a stunned Kerouac's hand.
"Who the devil are you?" Kerouac asked. He wanted to win this case and no upstart kid was going to prevent him.
"My name is Son Gohan, and I will represent Professor Snape. My associate Mr. Bodelyn should have informed you of this."
Actually, he did but Arthur had forgotten when Kerouac started the argument about Bodelyn and how unethical it was for him to be Snape's lawyer when Lucius was on the board and acting as a juror.
"You are not authorized to be here! You are a Muggle! How in the hell did you find this place!" Kerouac was seething.
"Here is a contract, signed by my client, retaining my services during his brief stay in Japan." Gohan handed a copy to Arthur and to Kerouac.
Arthur quickly read the document. "Fine, I see no reason not to allow Mr. Son to represent Professor Snape."
"Come-on Arthur! You can't be serious?" Kerouac began to protest.
"If you continue this behavior, I will hold you in contempt Mr. Kerouac and fine you for disorderly conduct. Now, call your first witness."
Kerouac was ready to spit nails. "I call Mr. Harry Potter to the stand."
Harry was given a dose of Veritaserum before taking a seat. The potion would last up to 24 hours just in case he was called back to testify.
"Please state your full name for the court."
"Harrison James Potter."
"Mr. Potter could you tell us of your relationship with Professor Snape?"
"He's my Potions instructor at school, sir," Harry answered in a dull monotone voice.
"And has Professor Snape been instrumental to your education?"
"No," Harry replied automatically.
"Could you explain why?"
"Professor Snape has hated me from the first day he laid eyes on me."
"Mr. Potter, did Professor Snape give any reason as to why he hated you?"
"I'm James Potter's son and a Gryffindor, sir. Everyone knows that he favors his own house."
"What do you mean by his own house?"
"Professor Snape is the Head of Slytherin."
"Do you believe that Professor Snape is a Death Eater?"
"OBJECTION!" Gohan shouted, drowning out Harry's response.
"Sustained. Mr. Potter, do not answer that question. Please strike the question from the records. Kerouac, please rephrase your question."
"Do you believe that Professor Snape has done any type of illegal activity regarding You-Know-Who?"
"No."
"I have no further questions, your witness." Kerouac sat down in a huff. Potter didn't provide any damnable evidence.
"Mr. Potter," Gohan said standing in place. "Please tell the court what happened in October of your first year at Hogwarts. You were playing your first game of Quidditch; your broom was jinxed was it not?"
"Yes, at first we thought it was Professor Snape trying to kill me by jinxing my broom."
"We?"
"My friends Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley, but when I confronted Professor Quirrell in the dungeons he admitted to being the one to jinx my broom. Professor Snape was doing a counter-curse to keep me from falling off."
"Thank you. I have no further questions."
Kerouac stood calling his next witness. "I call Prince Vegeta."
Vegeta took his seat casually folding his arms and waited for the Veritaserum to take effect, concealing how much he resented being required to take the drug.
"State your name and title for the court."
"Vegeta, Crown Prince of the planet Vegetasei."
"What is your relationship to the defendant?"
Vegeta struggled not to answer, but without success since he had been given a triple dose of Veritaserum. "He…is…my cousin."
Snape's obsidian eyes widened as he muttered under his breath, questioning how that could be possible.
"Are you trying to tell the court that you are a wizard?"
"No."
"Then what? Professor Snape is a pureblood wizard. How could he be related to you?"
"Hai, he is a full-blooded Saiyan prince with well developed magical powers." Vegeta could just beat himself up for not having control over his tongue but the damn potion made him have loose lips. He didn't want Snape to find out about bloodline in this type of fashion.
Arthur tried to regain control of the courtroom after a loud uproar broke out after Vegeta's admission, banging his gavel repeatedly.
"One more out burst like that and I will clear this courtroom!" Arthur looked pointedly at the shameful faces letting them know he was serious. "Now, Mr. Kerouac, please continue."
"Right…Prince Vegeta what was your impression of Professor Snape when you first met him?"
Again Vegeta struggled not to say anything damaging but the answer tumbled out of his mouth. "I sensed something dark behind his calm exterior."
The prosecutor gave a slimy grin. "And when you say 'dark' – do you mean that he's a Dark Wizard?"
"No. Something has happened to make him not want to let anyone get close to him." Vegeta frowned as the answer came unbidden, the potion forcing him to reveal secrets he would rather keep.
"He's like me in that respect. Being hurt by your so-called friends. Never being able to openly have the one person you desire the most because of who you are – what you are. Letting others know you felt love or compassion would mean death for yourself or anyone you loved. There is no room for love. Your enemy treats you crueler than the Devil himself, and the only way to protect them and yourself is to deny it and close off every single emotion."
Kerouac didn't know how to come back from a statement well said. He nervously swallowed, tugging at his suddenly too tight collar.
"You said 'something' - by that do you mean Snape took to the Dark Mark?"
"OBJECTION!" Gohan exclaimed.
"Overruled. I will allow this. Mr. Kerouac, please bear in mind that you are already treading dangerously," Arthur warned. "Prince Vegeta, please answer the question."
Vegeta knew exactly why the ningen was asking the question.
"I wouldn't know."
Kerouac fumed. "I have no further questions."
Gohan stayed seated, declining to question his father's lover. To do so would probably end up damaging Severus' case more than helping it.
"Since there are no further witnesses to be called at this time, we shall recess for lunch and reconvene in two hours," Arthur concluded the first session.
So far Kerouac was building a small mountain before he went in for the kill.
Next door, in an empty hearing room, all of Severus' family and friends were growing nervous about what Gohan was telling them.
"No! Are you out of your bloody mind!" Severus nearly shouted.
"Be reasonable about this Professor. The only way we're going to win this trial is if Remus takes the stand."
"He is not going to be badgered by that asshole, Kerouac. He's too far along to be put under any type of stress. Besides, what point would there be for him to testify?"
"What would you have me do? I just came back from meeting with Kerouac and Judge Weasley and it is looking grim. Kerouac is determined to prosecute. He won't settle for less than a guilty verdict and a sentence of the Dementor's kiss. Whatever that is, it doesn't sound like he wants you go on a pleasure cruise.
"If I put you up there, you are good as dead. Whatever this Dark Mark is he keeps harping on about will without a doubt be the final nail in your coffin."
Severus sighed. Gohan was right. There was no possible way to get out of this if he was called to the stand. No matter how bad the situation was, he was not going to allow his husband to be bullied by Kerouac, who was…
/Oh, shit, why didn't I think of this sooner/ Severus scolded himself. "Maybe there is a solution," he said. His arrogant confident tone sending shivers through all of them. "Why not give them want they want?"
Severus then told everything about Voldemort's Inner-circle.
oOoOoOo
"I call Ms. Bulma Briefs."
Bulma was given the Veritaserum. Vibrant cerulean orbs glazed over as the potion work its magic.
"Please state your name and title for the court," Gohan asked politely.
"Bulma Briefs, sole heir to the multimillion dollar corporation Capsule Corp."
"And Ms. Briefs could you tell the court how you met Professor Snape?" Gohan asked.
"He arrived at my compound needing information about Vegeta," answered Bulma in a flat monotone voice.
"Why?"
"Vegeta's mood swings were becoming unbearable and they didn't know how to deal with him."
"And why was that important?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore had no current data on how to deal with a pregnant Saiyan. Not only did Snape have to worry about the male in question but also his mate."
"So, you're the only person on the planet who knows anything about Saiyan biology?"
"OBJECTION!"
"Overruled." Arthur was interested in the blue-haired Muggle and Saiyans.
"It was believed Vegeta and Goku were the last two full-blooded Saiyans alive until recently. As Vegeta stated earlier Professor Snape is a full-blooded Saiyan."
"OBJECTION! Minister, I don't see the reasoning of this Muggle's 'story' in regards to Professor Snape being a Saiyan. What does it have to do with him being a Death Eater?" Kerouac argued.
"I will allow the question."
"Ms. Briefs please tell the court if Professor Snape is capable of violent or murderous acts?" Gohan asked.
"All humans are capable of violent or murderous acts – magical or non-magical," she answered.
"Please explain the professor's most recent behavior?"
"Professor Snape grew-up around humans – raised as a wizard. Unlike Vegeta, he can't even form a ki sphere let alone fly. His need for any type of violence had been repressed, until recently," Bulma explained.
"Thank you. I have no further questions."
"Ms. Briefs, you said 'recently' by that you mean a few years – correct?"
"No. I mean only within the past couple of months. Professor Snape just went through a heat cycle and claiming ritual, which brought out his fighting instincts and protectiveness. He is very aggressive when it concerns his family but the craving to fight has been dormant until he had mated thus waking-up his innate tendencies as a dominant male to protect his mate and family," Bulma explained further.
"So, Professor Snape is as you say a…uh…'Dominant male'," Kerouac asked with a condescending sneer.
"Hai, and because of that he will do everything in his power to protect his family from harm."
"Even kill?"
"Hai, even kill and if need be sacrifice his own life."
"Thank you Ms. Briefs."
Gohan remained seated as he called his next witness. All eyes were on the wary face of the werewolf. Remus was given a special blend of Veritaserum, since some of the main ingredients could harm his unborn children.
"For the record could you please state your full name," Gohan calmly asked.
"Remus John Lupin-Snape." (1)
"Mr. Snape, please tell us how you are related to the defendant?"
"I'm his husband."
"For how long?"
"Six months."
"And during that time have you known your husband to be involved with any suspicious activities as a Death Eater?"
"No."
"How would you describe his behavior?"
"Severus is very private, but since it became public knowledge I am pregnant he has been increasingly possessive."
"You nearly miscarried almost a week ago – why?"
"My husband and I were visiting with friends when I was abducted. I didn't know where I was until I saw Lucius Malfoy."
"Did Mr. Malfoy have anything to do with you being kidnapped?"
"No. Mr. Malfoy was just as surprised to see me as I was him. He didn't know why I was being held against my will and tried to have me released immediately."
"Did he know your husband is a Saiyan, Mr. Snape?"
"I don't know."
"Did you know what would happen if you weren't released?"
"Yes."
"But you weren't alone were you?"
"No. I guess after a few days, maybe even a week, someone was thrown into the cell with me."
"And who was it?"
"Prince Vegeta."
Whispers about this news were startling.
"And then what happened?" Gohan encouraged.
"I found out from Pansy Parkinson that Prince Vegeta and Severus were wanted by Voldemort."
"Why?"
"He wanted Severus for betraying him and he wanted Vegeta because he's a telepath."
"I have no further questions," Gohan finished then turned to Snape.
"Well, how convenient for you to say that your husband betrayed his Master, Mr. Snape."
"I never said 'Master' you did," Remus countered.
"In fact the baby you are carrying isn't Professor Snape's is it?"
"That's a lie!"
"OBJECTION!" Gohan shouted. "Minister, need I remind the court and the prosecutor that my client is a full-blooded Saiyan and would see Mr. Kerouac's line of questioning as a threat to his mate."
"Sustain. Mr. Kerouac, please refrain from verbally attacking the witness."
"I have here as evidence subpoenaed records of Professor Snape's recent medical file from Hogwarts."
Name: Severus Snape
Age: 35
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black
Gender: Male
Spouse: Remus John Lupin
Diagnoses: Severus has been subjected to multiple dark curses. Also, he has had several broken ribs, and some internal bleeding. It has also been brought to my attention Severus has expressed the possibility of siring children with his husband. To date, it is not possible because of the low sperm count (due to the curses). However, since my patient has a naturally quick healing ability – Severus should be able to conceive with his husband some time in the future.
"Mr. Snape, are you denying that You-Know-Who sired your child?"
"Yes."
"Come-on now Mr. Snape – your husband was in the service of the Dark Lord. He knew that the child was not his and threatened his Master-"
"No," Remus whispered, tears spilling from his golden eyes. He was rubbing his stomach trying to calm his babies but they knew he was upset.
"OBJECTION!" Gohan yelled again. "OBJECTION!"
But his pleas went unanswered as Kerouac continued badgering Remus.
"ORDER! ORDER!"
"Minister!" Gohan screamed.
The shouts from Gohan and the others fell upon deaf ears as Severus leapt over the table to get to his victim. No one moved as the Potions Master held the prosecuting wizard by the throat.
"See Severus...I just proved my…point," Kerouac choked out.
"No – the only point you've proven is how utterly stupid you are. You were warned about verbally abusing my husband. It would give me great satisfaction to crush you, but I think we both know your Master is going to extract his own painful brand of punishment from you once he learns you fucked-up – again," Severus hissed. He spoke so low no one else could hear except those of the non-human category.
Aurors surrounded Severus and his 'hostage' with their wands drawn.
Gohan turned to he father. "Dad, Vegeta, do something."
"No, boy. The ningen got his ass into a sling let him-"
"Vegeta!" Gohan chastised, making the ouji smirk.
""Nani?" The young half-Saiyan stared at his father's mate for saying such a thing.
"You're not helping," Gohan complained.
"I know. Besides, I taught Snape a new trick I want to see him use it."
"Tell the professor to calm down. This isn't going to help him."
"Hai, it will," Vegeta argued.
The trio of Saiyans turned their attention back to Severus.
"Remus – come to me. You're finished answering this idiot's ridiculous questions."
The werewolf promptly obeyed. However, he didn't step far as one of the Aurors cast a body binding spell at him. Severus reacted swiftly, diving in front of his mate only to get hit with the charm himself. Remus moved from under his lover's heavy form.
"Well, Snape maybe we should just end this all right now?" Kerouac mocked as he reached for Severus' left sleeve with the intent to rip it off.
"NO!" Kerouac yelled in surprise when Severus grabbed his wrist.
"And how would you know where to look for the Dark Mark, Kerouac? Unless you have one yourself."
Kerouac scurried away from the professor screeching and holding his head in pain, blood trickling from the wizard's nose and eyes. Snape held a menacing gaze on Kerouac, ignoring the chaos in the courtroom. The Aurors tried once again to restrain the wrathful Saiyan-wizard. Severus did a reverse thrust kick to the Auror on his left, and then quickly delivered a mid-strike to the other Auror's stomach, knocking both of them unconscious.
:Tell them Kerouac or I will: Snape threatened inside Kerouac's head.
"Go to hell Traitor!" Kerouac coughed up blood, unable to prevent Severus from ripping his left sleeve off. In the same manner Severus ripped both his sleeves off his own shirt. An ugly tattoo of a black skull with a snake coming out of its' mouth stood out against pale skin on Kerouac's forearm.
"I think we've seen enough," one of the Governors said. "We, the wizards and witches of the jury, find Severus Snape not guilty of any wrong doings in connection to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Also we extend our apologies for causing you and you family any grief."
"Grief! You almost caused my husband to lose our child! This is not over!" Severus seethed as he snatched his wand from a cowering Auror.
As soon as Severus came in contact with his wand, a burst of golden energy rippled through the courtroom, which was enough cover for Kerouac to sneak past them unnoticed. Vegeta stood, followed by Kakarott and Gohan. Dumbledore was beaming happily as he approached his 'son' along with the students and Sirius and Bulma.
Turning to Vegeta expecting an answer as to what just happened, but the prince merely smirked not saying a word.
The doors opened suddenly as a timid house-elf staggered in carrying what seemed to be a sword. The bubbled-eyed creature nervously handed the weapon to Vegeta.
The ouji shared a conspiratorial look with the Headmaster. With a series of wrists movements, Dumbledore conjured Vegeta's formal armor and spandex suit as well as Kakarott's.
A procession of Muggles (much to some of the wizards' disgust) arrived, dressed similarly to the Saiyan royal. What no one could comprehend was the Potions Master. Not only did the wizard captivate all the wizarding population in the courtroom, but Dumbledore had also conjured armor for the professor matching Vegeta's exactly.
Medical staff had to be summoned once males and females began fainting from severe nosebleeds after taking in an eyeful of the sexy Potions professor.
Vegeta unsheathed his sword. The Saiyans behind him dropped to one knee – a right fist over their heart and heads bowed.
Somehow, Severus knew what do, an ancient language inside his mind guiding his actions. Vegeta gently touched the blade to his cousin's shoulder. Another burst of energy flowed through the room and with it, three figures emerged from the light. Vegeta nearly dropped his sword when he recognized two of them.
Obsidian orbs filled with tears as Vegeta whispered, "Mother, Father." An affirmative response was all he received before the female hugged him. "But how?"
King Vegeta almost laughed but kept a stern expression.
"Somehow, Professor Dumbledore and King Yemma have a history of owing each other favors," his mother replied. "But we are here for a very short time. Your Father and I have some unfinished business here."
"Hai, but that can wait. Right now your cousin needs to meet someone," King Vegeta said as he turned to the Saiyan female behind him.
She stepped to Severus, almost the same height as he was. The Potions Master gazed into soft, loving, onyx eyes. She wore a long sleeved spandex body suit. Her hair was chopped to her shoulders and an auburn tail wrapped around her petite waist. She held out long slender fingers to him and he knew.
"You're my Mother," he whispered.
"Hai, I am." Unable to contain her tears, she cried into his chest when Severus embraced her.
Flashes from camera brought them back to their senses. Their moment of reuniting was over. King Vegeta took up where his son left off.
"This has long been in the House of Vegetasei and an honor to bestow upon you, Severus, your birthright…" King Vegeta retrieved the headdress from his sister-in-law and placed it on Severus' head. "Let it be known to all who bear witness today that another heir to throne is revealed – Severus, Crown Prince of Vegetasei!"
Albus was openly grinning from ear to ear. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco were clapping and cheering while Sirius, Bulma, and Remus (as best as he could) bowed with the other Saiyans.
The outside spectators stood gaping at the scene: Snape – a prince!
Arthur Weasley recovered from the shock first. "As Minister of Magic, I am honored to extend the hand of friendship to continue our alliance to you, Prince Severus and Vegetasei."
Severus appeared shock as people lined up to shake his hand and offer congratulations. Ultimately, he did the only thing possible on such an awkward occasion, escape, vanishing from sight with a slight shimmer.
"Shit, Kakarott!"' Vegeta growled to his mate. "Since it was your technique you go and find him."
"Oh, come-on, Geta. How was I suppose to know that he would freak and IT out of here?"
"That's just it you baka! Besides, us and your brats, Snape is probably the fifth most powerful Saiyan there is. He is unstable right now - especially with his magic and emotions running unchecked." Vegeta turned to Bulma. "Onna, do you still have a sedative on hand?"
Bulma nodded in response. "Hn, hopefully we're not too late."
Vegeta turned back to his parents. "Gomen. I wish-"
"Shh, Vegeta – you don't have to say anything," his mother reassured him giving him one last hug.
Goku laid his hand on his mate and shimmered from sight, leaving everyone staring after them.
oOo TBC oOo
(1) John is Remus' middle name. Found at the Harry Potter Lexicon website
A/N: Well, tell me what you think? Your comments and suggestions are greatly welcomed. So, the cat is out of the bag, but how? How did Severus get off? Something happened, well to find out stay tuned for the next chapter.
oOo Teaser for Chapter 20 oOo
"How can you? You have who you want! I can never be with him, so there's no point in embarrassing myself."
"That's where you're wrong. I let the one person I could ever love walk out of my life without telling him that I love him knowing I will never see him again,"
Huh? Well, Gohan wasn't making any sense. He's happily married to Videl with a baby on the way, so who could he possibly be pining over? Trunks couldn't remember the older half-Saiyan dating anyone except Videl. There was one time when they stop seeing each other when…
"Mirai."