Disclaimer; I own nothing

A/N Well, this story will be wrapping up in the next few chapters so expect the unexpected. Happy reading and don't forget to review! I would really like to hit 1000 reviews for this. Help me make that dream come true!

A Visit with Viktor

Standing in the sitting room of number 12 was Viktor Krum. He was chatting with Harry and Ginny when Hermione walked in the front door looking thoroughly miserable. She nearly fainted when she saw him sitting on the sofa.

"Viktor!" she said. "What a nice surprise…I didn't expect you." she was making eye contact with Harry rather uncomfortably.

"Herm-own-ninny!" he said standing up to hug her. "You haff been crying. Vot is vrong?"

"Nothing, its nothing. Let me go change please. Harry can I have a word with you?"

Harry nodded and motioned for Viktor to sit and chat with Ginny.

They got to the upstairs hallway before Hermione broke down.

"I take it that it didn't go well." Harry said soothing her.

She shook her head no.

"I can't face Viktor. He fancies me, and I am pregnant with another man's child." she sobbed.

"I think you need to be straight with him Hermione. Change your clothes and I will tell him to come up for a chat. Don't push away everyone who cares for you. Draco may be a lost cause. Don't ruin another chance at happiness."

She nodded before entering her room and changing into some comfy pajamas. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door.

"Herm-own-ninny? Are you ready?" he asked.

"Come in." she said wiping her eyes and sitting on her bed.

"Vat is the matter? Vhy haff you been crying?" he asked kneeling in front of her on the bed and wiping her tears.

"Can I be honest with you Viktor?" she asked looking into his dark eyes. She wanted to see pools of silver, but they just weren't there.

"Ov course." he told her.

"I am pregnant. The father, who I was in love with, wants nothing to do with me or the baby. And I am scared. That's why I am crying." she said breaking into tears again.

"Shhhh…" he soothed. "Don't cry. How can this be true? The man must be mad not to love you."

"He doesn't matter anymore. He made it clear to me tonight."

"The fool." Viktor said holding her hand tightly in his. "May I make a suggestion? I care for you Herm-own-ninny. Let me take care ov you. No one need know, other than your friends that this is not my child. I love you." he said with such sincerity that she started crying again.

"I am so sorry Viktor. I never meant for this to happen."

"I know." he said holding her tightly. "Marry me?"

The question made Hermione slightly dizzy. Here was a man, a good man who cared for her. Loved her even. There was no hope with Draco. He was lost to her. Her child needed a father. But marry him?

"I can't get married just yet." she said running her hand along his smooth jaw line. "But I would like some help. We can talk about things like that later alright?"

His eyes lit up. "You haff made me very happy! I cannot wait to tell my parents." he smiled and hugged her tightly.

She returned the smile weakly.

Hermione fell asleep in her own bed, still inhaling the musky scent Draco had left on her pillow those many months ago. Every time she thought of the harsh words he had spoken to her she started to cry again. Everyone had been very understanding with her and were almost treating her like she was made of glass. They brought her food and forced her to eat. They made sure she took vitamin potion and got enough sleep. Molly was especially nurturing towards her. Hermione had not told her mother and father yet. No one mentioned Draco at all, EVER, under strict orders from Harry. Viktor had stayed with her, keeping at a respectable distance until she was ready to let him in. Which if you asked anyone living at number 12 was not any time soon.

After another month of living in denial an owl swooped in the window and dropped several letters on the dining table.

"Mail." Ron called out to the house. Harry, Ginny, Viktor, Molly, Arthur and finally Hermione appeared in the dining room to collect their letters.

Hermione's hands trembled as she gripped the letter with the purple ministry seal. Her hands were so shaky that the envelope nearly tore in two. She read through bloodshot eyes.

Hermione Granger,

You are hereby requested to attend a hearing at the ministry of magic next Friday at 9am. The charges are being brought against Severus Snape for the murders of Albus Dumbledore, Neville Longbottom, Minerva McGonagall and the attempted murder of Draco Malfoy. As a witness you will be called and will be asked to tell the story to the Wizengamot.

Thank you for your time,

Rufus Scrimgeour

Minister of Magic

Her eye filled with tears as she looked around at everyone, who had also gotten identical letters.

"Do I have to?" she asked Harry?

"I'm afraid so Hermione. The trial will be highly publicized. And you will be a key witness."

"Will….he be there?" she asked softly.

"Snape?" Harry asked. Hermione shook her head no.

"Possibly. I'm sure he would want to see the person who attacked him sentenced to life in Azkaban."

"Oh." she said quietly. It was the first mention of him since she went to the manor a month or so ago.

"We can ask the court to remove him for your testimony if you want." Harry said.

"No. I'll be alright." she said with that same blank look in her eyes.

"I vill go with you." Viktor told her as he tried to catch her eye.

"Okay." Hermione said. She didn't feel like having a confrontation with Viktor at the moment. She walked silently up to her room not knowing that Viktor was following close behind. Hermione had not told Viktor directly that Draco Malfoy was the man she was in love with. But through the grapevine of the house he knew. But he never mentioned it to her. As she walked in the room she flopped on the bed and sobbed. Viktor closed the door behind him and sat at the end of the bed. He loved Hermione so much that he longed for her to return the feelings. But he would have to wait until she was ready.

"Herm-own-ninny? Vat is the matter? Vat can I do to help?" he said in his soothing voice.

"Nothing. No one can do anything." she sniffed. He was boring holes into her with his deep, dark eyes.

"Let me try." he said reaching for her hand. Surprisingly she did not pull away. He pulled her until her head rested on his chest, and he was stroking her hair lovingly.

"Let me in Herm-own-ninny." Viktor said raising her head to be level with his. Hermione noticed how sincere his eyes were. She needed help. She needed support. And she knew that Viktor would accept any relationship she was willing to give to him.

She ran her hand across his face, and up to his short dark hair.

"Who taught you to be so wonderful?" she asked in a trembling voice. He smiled at her before leaning in for a soft kiss on her cheek. She turned her head at the last second and let her lips graze his lightly. No spark filled her body. It didn't light her soul on fire. It was nice but it was missing something.

"Thank you." she said to him. "For being here. It means a lot."

"You are velcome." he said in reply. "If you need anything, I'll be dovnstairs."

Hermione nodded before lying back on her pillow. She needed something, and Viktor wasn't it. She needed Draco. But Viktor would have to do for now.

A week passed and it was the morning of the trial. Hermione fussed in front of her mirror, pulling her hair into a severe bun at the nape of her neck. She put on a taupe blouse and skirt and tan low heeled shoes. She was the last one to be ready, as was usually the case anymore. Everyone else was waiting in the sitting room for her. They were using the floo to get to the ministry. Viktor took her by the hand and squeezed it reassuringly. She forced a smile before stepping into the flames after shouting their destination.

Viktor and Hermione landed abruptly in the lobby of the ministry. Harry and Ginny had gone before them. Ron and Luna after, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Hagrid was waiting for them near the fountain. Remus and Tonks arrived just a moment later. It was 8:45am. Everyone had arrived and they were waiting to enter the courtroom. It was swimming with people outside. All waiting to get a glimpse of the trial. Fortunately, no reporters were allowed inside. The large group passed by as quickly as possible. The courtroom was empty but for a few people setting up chairs. Hermione scanned the room looking for Draco. He was not there yet. She inhaled and exhaled deeply before taking a seat next to Viktor. He gripped her hand and brought it up to his mouth kissing it sweetly. People began filling the seats around them. More order members, the Weasley twins, Bill and Fleur, Charlie, a few Hogwart's professors, even some Aurors filled in the empty chairs. The Auror Gawain Robards would be handling the prosecution.

"Good, good…you are all here." Gawain said excitedly. "Now I will call you, in no particular order, to testify to what happened. Obviously, two of your ranks cannot be here to testify. And the one survivor does not remember anything, so I am counting on the lot of you to do some damage."

"We understand." Harry said trying to get him off the topic of Draco Malfoy.

"Five minutes." Gawain said giving the group a thumbs up.

Hermione's stomach was full on knots. She felt like she was going to be ill. She inhaled and exhaled deeply. An exercise that Cho had taught her when she felt like she was going to throw up. So far it was working and she was thankful for that.

Just as she was getting over her latest nausea spell Draco walked through the heavy wooden doors. His cold eyes scanned the room, landing on the group of them sitting there. He caught her eye for a brief moment, and for a second she thought she saw some sign of recognition. But just as quickly as it started, he turned to look away, leaving her wanting more.

'I have to keep my composure.' she thought. 'I can't let these feelings keep me from putting Snape in Azkaban for life.' she patted her belly, which was just starting to show signs of her condition. 'That's your daddy over there sweetheart.' she thought. 'Take a good look, it may be the last time you see him.'

At that moment the Wizengamot filed into their respective places. Scrimgeour sat in the middle. Percy Weasley was at his right and Umbridge at his left. Several more witches and wizards sat in the other seats on either side.

"Robards? Please start." Scrimgeour said firmly.

Gawain waved his wand and a cage emerged from the floor. Inside of that cage, which was filled with spikes aimed towards the prisoner, was Snape. He looked ragged. Bags were under his hollow eyes. Hermione shot daggers at him with her eyes.

"This man, Severus Snape, this thing you see in front of you has been accused of many things. The most serious being helping he-who-must-not-be-named to further his evil plans. He murdered, by use of the 'Avada Kedavra' curse, Albus Dumbledore. Headmaster of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Order of Merlin, first class. Supreme Mugwump of the International confederation of Wizards. Chief Warlock of this very Wizengamot. And star of many chocolate frog cards. He murdered Minerva McGonagall. She was a long time teacher and Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry and a high member of the Order of the Phoenix. And Neville Longbottom, a young member of the order, son to Alice and Frank Longbottom; former Aurors. Neville had his whole life in front of him and he fought bravely against he-who-must-not-be-named in a battle just prior to the attack. This man had no regard for human life. And let's not forget his fourth victim. A young man with a promising future. A young man that he slashed with a dark curse leaving him for dead. This young man, Draco Malfoy" he pointed at Draco "was in a coma for three days after hours of potions and mending failed to work. And when he did emerge from his near death experience he remembered nothing of the previous year. He didn't remember Death Eaters killing his mother and Severus Snape standing there ordering it. He didn't remember living on the run for a year hiding out from the Death Eaters. He doesn't remember this young lady finding him in South America and bringing him back here to be cured. He doesn't remember helping Harry Potter find the missing pieces to the puzzle that ultimately led to he-who-must-not-be-named's downfall. And perhaps most sadly he doesn't remember that he fell in love with this young lady and was planning a future with her."

Hermione looked quickly over at Draco. But his eyes stayed straight ahead, and his face was marred with a scowl. He obviously didn't like what he was hearing. She turned her head back to face forward and took several deep breaths to control her tears.

Gawain called Harry first and he told a tale that kept everyone riveted to their seats. Ron was next, followed by Luna, Ginny, Remus, Tonks, Hagrid, and the Weasleys. They each told a heart wrenching tale of betrayal and loss. Molly cried through the last half of her testimony. Then it was Hermione's turn. Gawain called her but she didn't move. She sat there stuck to her seat not wanting to get up and talk in front of this courtroom of people. Especially when she could feel his eyes burning into her.

"Miss Granger? If you please…" he said motioning for her to sit in a seat off to the left of where Snape's cage was. She stood up and walked to the seat, trembling from head to toe. She kept her eyes down, not wanting to see if he was looking at her.

"Please state your name." Gawain said.

"My name is Hermione Granger." she took a deep breath "And this monster deserves to die."