Thank you to the betas of this chapter, icedawn12193, and Willofhounds.

Chapter Twenty-Three - The Finale Say

Severus' heart pounded in his ears as the Judge did his opening speech, saying how hard this case was but he needed to do what was in the best interest of the child. He then went on saying how special Harry was and in complete honesty Severus couldn't care less. All he wanted was to hear the verdict and hopefully take Harry home.

He was doing his best to keep Harry calm who had woken up from his nap the moment they entered the courtroom.

He rubbed Harry's back as Harry chewed on the golden snitch sensory chew that Severus brought with him. He knew it was only a matter of time when the child would go into another melt down and he hoped he could avoid it until they got out of there.

Severus gave a quick look over the room. Minerva had her eyes closed, clearly in the middle of a prayer.

Hagrid sat in the corner which was the only space big enough to fit him. A handkerchief held in his hand as loud sniffles filled the room.

Remus was hunched over in one of the chairs. With the full moon being last night Severus was surprised that the man was able to come at all.

The courtroom was split up into two sides. Those who wanted Harry to end up with Severus and those who didn't.

Signs were made and most of them not in his favour. Signs that said:

"Death eaters shouldn't be parents"

"Save the boy who lived"

"Harry deserves better"

Severus turned back to the judge, unable to look at the hateful things that were written but not before spotting the Weasley family that sat at the very back with their children.

"And another thing, I expect everyone to be civil," the Judge spoke loudly. Making sure he could be heard over everyone.

"This decision isn't an easy one to make but I will make nevertheless. I am ordering th…"

But before the Judge could finish his ruling Harry screamed as he went into a full blown meltdown in front of everyone.

Severus ended up having to restrain the child so Harry wouldn't end up hurting himself and by the sound, some people in the room didn't agree with his methods.

"I'm taking him out of here," Severus said to Minerva as he wrapped his arms around the child, pinning Harry's arms to his chest.

"Severus the ruling," Minerva almost whispered.

Severus shook his head. "Harry can't be here...tell me how it goes," Severus said before picking the child up and making his way out of the courtroom, grateful that the Judge allowed him to leave.

Severus made his way back into the private room, sitting down on the floor with Harry in between his legs before overlapping his legs over Harrys so the child couldn't kick.

"You're alright Harry, you're safe" Severus spoke calmly as he started deep pressure therapy on the child's joints.

"I know it's hard...I feel like screaming to but everything is going to be ok."

It took several minutes for Harry to calm down. Severus smiled as he stopped restraining the child, moving Harry so he sat on his lap before conjuring a cloth and cleaning up the boy's face.

"I want you to listen to me, ok?" Severus spoke calmly.

"No matter what happens I will always love you and I will always be there for you" Severus said, choking back his tears.

"Alright? I will always be there for you...I love you Harry, never forget that. Remember, I will always love you."

…

The Judge watched what happened with the child and how Severus handled the situation, even with everyone here. The man did not yell, he did not aim to harm the child. He made sure the child was comfortable as he restrained him, making sure the child didn't hurt himself.

But what really got him was that the man left with the child. He cared more about Harry well being then the ruling and with that the Judge changed his mind on the decision, admitting that he was wrong.

"As Judge I am ordering that Harry James Potter…"

Everyone held their breath. Minerva quickly reached down and grabbed Poppy's Hand.

"Stays in Severus Tobias Snape's care and that he becomes the legal guardian of Harry James Potter," the Judge ruled.

Minerva couldn't help but to scream out along with everyone else. They won, Harry was coming home and it was almost too good to be true.

"Come on," Minerva said, pushing past everyone and out of the room that was filled with commotion. She didn't care what else the Judge had to say, she needed to let Severus know.

As Minerva and Poppy entered the room Severus could see their big smiling faces.

"He's...he's mine?" Severus stuttered a little, not believing it.

"...Harry is coming home," Minerva burst into tears as she made way over to Harry and took him into a big hug.

"Harry's mine," Severus spoke softly.

The battle was finally over.