Chapter 10:
The Ministry:
Back at Hogwarts, Severus sat in Minerva's office, one he had been to many times in the past: the small circular room that belonged to the Headmaster. Abbey still clung to him and he was receiving odd looks from those who hadn't known the girl's lineage.
The room was rather crowded since Remus, the Weasleys, and Tonks, Moody and Shacklebolt, who were keeping their wands levelled on Minister Scrimgeour, Malfoy and the rogue Aurors, joined him and Abbey. Minerva was at her desk, penning a letter to the Ministry and an aide waited patiently to take it to the Owlery.
After about ten minutes, Abbey started to complain about being hungry. "It's all right, Severus," Minerva assured him, looking up as she finished the letter and after sealing it, handed it to the waiting aide, who departed once again. "Dobby," she said and there was a crack as the elf appeared.
Draco, recognizing the name, glared daggers at the elf, which began trembling uncontrollably. "Tonks," Minerva said, addressing the witch with bubblegum-pink hair when she noticed the elf's state. "Please remove Mister Malfoy. If you would, remain in the hall for a moment."
The witch nodded as she wrapped her hand around the blond's bicep and pulled him roughly to his feet. "Come on, you spoiled brat," she muttered as she hauled him out of the office.
"It's all right, Dobby," Minerva said, looking to the elf once more.
Dobby nodded and he slowly ceased shuddering as he calmed down. "What can Dobby do for you, Headmistress?"
"Please take Abbey to the kitchens," Minerva answered gently. "She can have whatever she likes; just make sure she has a well-balanced meal."
"Papa," Abbey whispered, holding tight to Severus.
"Its okay, Abbey," Severus murmured. "Go ahead. He can bring you back when you're finished." Abbey nodded and reluctantly released him, sliding from his lap; she took the elf's hand before disappearing with a crack.
"Remus," Minerva said, addressing the man who had been watching Severus and Abbey with a curious expression. The man jumped, turning his attention to her as she continued, "Please inform Tonks that she and Mister Malfoy can return." Remus nodded and headed for the door.
Harry entered, following Tonks, Remus and Malfoy, who glared at him as he walked over to Severus. "Where's Abbey?" Harry asked, ignoring the blond and linking his fingers with the older man.
"She's in the kitchens with Dobby," Severus answered quietly, moving closer to the brunet. "She was getting hungry, so Minerva called him to make sure that she got something to eat."
"Okay," Harry said, nodding his head and looked up in time to see an owl baring the Ministry crest around its neck, swoop in through the open window, drop a letter and fly off. He arched a curious brow as Minerva opened it.
After reading a few lines, she groaned and sat back in her chair, looking irritated.
"Well," she muttered. "We have an appointment with the Wizengamot in an hour; that will give us some time to prepare your defence, Severus." He nodded, squeezing Harry's hand reassuringly. "And their prosecution," Minerva continued, looking pointedly to the Minister, Draco and the rogue Aurors, who shifted nervously.
Under Minerva's instruction, Tonks, Moody and Shacklebolt escorted Minister Scrimgeour, Draco Malfoy and six Aurors, all unarmed, down to the dungeons for safekeeping.
Once they'd left, she and Harry set to work on Severus' defence. Fifteen minutes later, everything was ready and she sent Remus down to meet up with Tonks, bearing word that they were to await the others just inside the gates of Hogwarts.
"Are you coming?" Harry asked, Abbey once more by his side, turning to look over his shoulder as they headed for the door.
"I'll be right there," Severus replied, motioning him to go on. Harry looked at him oddly for a moment, but nodded and departed with Abbey without a word. Severus exhaled heavily, watching as the Weasleys followed. "Arthur," he muttered as the man passed, drawing his attention. "Might I have a word?"
The redheaded man looked at him in bewilderment, but nodded and held back a moment. "Sure," he answered quietly.
"I know that I will most likely be searched once we reach the Ministry," Severus murmured. "I – I was wondering if you could hang on to something for me. It's nothing illegal," he continued hurriedly when he saw the look of alarm on the man's face. "However, I would not like explaining its presence just the same."
Arthur swallowed dryly, but nodded his agreement. "A-all right," he stammered and watched as Severus reached into his pocket and withdrew a small vial of red liquid that he instantly recognized… blood.
"It's Harry's," Severus murmured when he saw the recognition on the man's face. "He had Healer Strout draw it while we were at St. Mungo's. He doesn't know that I have it; however, I did not feel it wise to leave in their care. Healer Strout swore that she would not contact the Ministry or the Prophet concerning my identity, but she immediately panicked when I revealed myself. I could not trust her. I realize how much of a mystery Harry is, and did not think that they would be able to resist the temptation of testing it to find out how he survived Voldemort's attacks."
"Gentlemen?" Minerva asked, drawing their attention to where she waited by the door.
Arthur glanced at her and nodded before turning back to Severus, accepting the vial and sticking it in his own pocket. "A wise choice," he murmured. "It would indeed be a hard mystery to resist." He smiled at the man and patted his arm in camaraderie before heading from the office, leaving them to follow.
Twenty-five minutes later, Harry, Severus and Abbey were walking to the visitors' entrance of the Ministry of Magic, followed closely by Minerva, the Weasleys', minus Percy, Bill and Charlie, but including Hermione; Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Mad-Eye Moody, who were escorting Draco Malfoy, Minister Scrimgeour and the rogue Aurors. To the annoyance of both Harry and Minerva, the reply in response to the requested hearing came signed by Dolores Umbridge and said that although Minister Scrimgeour was out, she would be happy to assist them.
Now, with twenty minutes to spare, they made their way to the old phone booth that was used as the visitors' entrance and with each step, Harry's sense of trepidation grew stronger. "Now, Harry," said Minerva. "You, Severus and Abbey go first. Then, we'll follow in groups to make sure everyone has an escort." She rolled her eyes and motioned with a nod of her head toward the Minister, Draco, and the Aurors. "We'll meet you in the Atrium before you go past the security checkpoint."
Harry nodded, swallowing dryly and followed Severus and Abbey into the booth. He picked up the receiver after closing the door, the phone still appearing out of service, and dialled the number, 62442. A cool female voice sounded inside the booth as the dial returned smoothly to its place.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."
Harry looked to Severus, who nodded encouragingly.
"Harry Potter and daughter, Abbey, escorting Severus Snape to his trial," Harry said somewhat shakily.
"Thank you," said the female voice. "Visitors, please take the appropriate badge and attach it to the front of your robes."
There was a chink and a rattle and Harry reached into the slot where returned coins usually appeared, and pulled out three badges. He pinned one to himself, one to Abbey's robes, and helped attach one to Severus' robes since he was holding their daughter.
"Hey," Severus said gently, noticing Harry's hands trembled as he fastened the badge to his robes. Moving one hand from Abbey's back, he clasped Harry's hand. "It'll be all right." Harry sniffed, fighting back his tears and tried to smile, but nodded just the same.
"Visitors to the Ministry, you are required to submit to a search and present your wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium."
"You were able to find it, right?" Severus asked as the booth shuddered and started its decent.
"Yeah," Harry replied. "It's in my pocket."
"The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day," said the woman's voice.
The door to the booth sprang open, and as they stepped out, a shudder coursed through Harry, remembering the last time he had been there, that fateful night Sirius had died. Looking down the hall to the fountain, he saw no evidence that anything had ever happened, but figured by now, he wouldn't. The statues looked as though they had never been shattered, though he remembered it as clearly now as though it had happened only yesterday.
"Are you all right?" Severus asked, looking at him in concern.
Harry blinked, coming back to the present and took a shaky breath. "Yeah," he answered, still looking at the fountain. He blinked once more and looked to Severus. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just wish they'd take that down."
A ding sounded behind them before Severus could reply, and they turned to see Minerva exit the booth, her arms weighed down by the materials she had gathered for Severus' trial. She nodded to them and walked a little further to give them some time alone. "The others will be here in a minute," she said as she walked by. "Then we'll go in together."
Harry and Severus nodded, and for lack of a better place to sit, headed over to the fountain. "Come here, baby," Harry murmured, holding out his hands so Abbey could move to his lap.
Abbey released her hold around Severus' neck and reluctantly allowed Harry to take her. "What's wrong, Daddy?" Abbey asked, concern etching her small features.
"Harry," Severus said in a warning tone.
"No, Sev," Harry answered. "She needs to know. I will not treat her as Albus treated me, and hide things from her. A lot of what happened could have been avoided, and the people we lost would still be here is he hadn't been so pigheaded and would have just told me what I needed to know."
Severus sighed, nodding his head in defeat and saw their daughter looking from one to the other in confusion. "All right," he said quietly. "Tell her."
"Abbey, remember when I asked you at St. Mungo's if you would hate the person who lied if they did it to protect you?" Abbey nodded. "Well," Harry continued. "We got interrupted before I could explain why I was asking you." He looked up when another ding sounded, signifying the arrival of another group and smirked when he saw Malfoy pushed from the booth by Tonks. Severus cleared his throat; bring his attention back to their conversation.
"Well, Abbey," Harry said gently, though his voice carried through the Atrium. "I haven't been honest with you – about one thing any way."
He looked up once more, saw Tonks shoving Malfoy over by Minerva and smirked when he heard a snippet of what she was saying; 'And tothink I once called you family.' His smirk grew more pronounced when he saw the horrified look on the blond's face.
Turning his attention back to his daughter once more, Harry continued. "I want you to understand something, baby," he said as he gently combed his fingers through her hair. "I was truly keeping this from you to protect you. I didn't know how Draco would react, to you or to me if he knew, but now it's time that you knew."
"Knew what, Daddy?" Abbey asked, somewhat fearfully.
Harry looked up and noticed that Draco was glaring at them for lack of anything better to do while they waited. He turned back to his daughter and in that same voice that carried through the Atrium before, he said, "Sweetie, your name, it's not Abbey." The little girl blinked, taken aback by this statement; for it was the only name she'd ever known. "I hid your real name from you because I didn't want to take a chance that Draco would hurt you or me if it angered him. Only the Ministry knows what your name is – well, and Severus and I, because I told him earlier."
"W-whatis my name, Daddy?" Abbey asked quietly.
"Your name, love, is Harriet Severina Potter," Harry said, his voice carrying through the Atrium and he looked up to see that Draco was now flushed with anger, turning almost Weasley red. Harry held his gaze steadily and after a moment, looked back to his daughter. "I called you Abbey because that represented all my feelings for your Papa; love, safety, peace and happiness. If you want, we can add it to your birth certificate a little later."
Abbey, for that was how she thought of herself, smiled and nodded. "I'd like that, Daddy."
Harry hugged her close and murmured, "You're not mad at me?"
"No," Abbey answered. "I know why you kept it secret. But -"
"But what?" Harry asked.
"I still don't know why we're here," Abbey answered.
Harry looked to Severus and he nodded.
"Well, baby," he said and sighed heavily. "We're here to help your Papa. You see; during the war I fought in before you were born, a lot of people, including me, thought your Papa did something that he didn't do. Like I told you earlier, we're here to try and clear his name."
"Oh," Abbey answered quietly.
Harry sighed and looked to Severus once more, tears once more shining in his eyes. "Abbey, I – I know the lady who will be overseeing your Papa's trial. She's not a nice lady. I -"
"Harry," Severus said in a warning tone once more and shook his head.
"Sev," Harry replied, turning angrily to the man next to him. "I won't lie to her. Given the circumstances, I think you'd agree!" Severus sighed heavily and once more, conceded defeat. Harry turned his attention back to their daughter. "I just don't want you to get too attached, baby," he said softly. "This doesn't mean that Severus loves you any less, but there's a chance that he might have to go away for a long time."
"But," Abbey said, tears welling in her onyx eyes like a child given a new toy, only to have it snatched away again. "But that's only a chance. You said we were going to help him."
"Yes, sweetie," Harry said. "I did. Auntie Minerva and I are going to do everything we can to have him freed."
Abbey nodded firmly, a look of determination on her face. "Me, too!"
Harry smiled and hugged her. "Sweetie, the best thing you can do to help us, would be to stay with Aunt Hermione. I know you don't want to," he said when he saw her face fall. "But there probably isn't much you could do. Will you do that for me, sweetie?"
Abbey sighed and nodded reluctantly. "Okay," she said sadly.
Harry smiled. "Would you mind going over to wait for her by Auntie Minerva so that I can talk with your Papa for a while?"
The little girl shook her head, though she still looked disconcerted. She hugged Harry and then lingered a moment longer, hugging Severus tightly before turning and heading over to Minerva.
"Auntie Minerva?" Severus asked, arching a brow and giving Harry a sidelong glance as he watched Abbey walk over to the woman.
Harry smiled. "Well, Hogwarts felt more like my home than I ever felt living with my relatives, and the staff members were more like my family. Well, most of them," he said quietly. "So, why not?"
Severus shrugged and saw Minerva look down curiously at Abbey, who'd reached her side. "Daddy asked me to stay with Aunt Hermoniny," he heard the small girl say, and couldn't help the smile that crept over his face when the child tried to pronounce the other woman's name. "Is it okay if I wait for her with you?"
Minerva knelt next to the girl and nodded with a smile. "You're Daddy's right, sweetie," she said. "It would be good for you to stay with her while we're here. Of course you can wait for her with me," she murmured and looked up to nod in Harry and Severus' direction; message received.
"Are you all right Harry?" Severus asked, looking at him curiously when he heard him take a shuddering breath and saw him tremble.
Harry sniffed and looked up at Severus, tears rolling down his cheeks. "Sev," he whimpered, moving closer to the man and wrapping his arms around him. "I'm so scared."
Severus sighed and picked the young man up, shifting with him so that he cradled Harry in his lap. He combed his fingers gently through the tousled black hair, placing feather-soft kisses on the young man's temple and forehead. "I know, Harry," he murmured.
Harry buried his face in the crook of the man's shoulder and sobbed. "I don't want to lose you, Sev," he cried. "Not again! Please – don't leave me."
Severus held him tightly, fighting the tears welling in his own eyes as his gaze swept over the members of their small group that had already arrived; his heart breaking, knowing at this moment, he could not make such a promise, for it was not in his control to keep. He exhaled shakily, looking up toward the phone booth entrance when another ding sounded through the Atrium and saw Remus emerge, followed by Kingsley, who held his wand levelled on the Minister.
"Harry," he said, returning his attention to the younger man, who gazed up at him with emerald eyes still shining with tears. "I promise you, if it is in my power to do, I won't leave you." Neither heard the growl emitted from the werewolf's throat as he passed.
"Harry, Severus," Minerva called, drawing their attention and they were startled to see that everyone had arrived. "We're ready."
Harry sighed, nodding as he dried his eyes. Rising to his feet, he waited for Severus and then linked their fingers as they headed for the lifts.
"May I help you?" Eric Munch, the watchwizard asked when they approached the security desk and eyed the way that Harry was holding hands with Severus.
"Yes," Minerva said, stepping forward, blocking his view while Tonks, smiling apologetically, unclasped their hands and instead, wrapped Harry's hand around Severus' bicep, making it appear as though the young wizard was restraining him. "Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts, and Harry Potter, accompanying Severus Snape to trial," the witch said sternly.
"Very well," Munch muttered. "Please submit your wands for recording."
Minerva nodded and handed her wand over. Munch dropped it onto the scale and a slip of paper came out of the slit at the base. "Ten inches, Ivy with core of Unicorn hair, correct?" Minerva nodded, accepting her wand before stepping aside once more.
Harry stepped forward and produced his wand. "Eleven inches, Holly with phoenix-feather core, correct?" Munch asked once again, looking up as he handed Harry his wand.
"Yes," Harry murmured, swallowing dryly under the scrutiny of Munch's gaze, before the man looked to Severus, clearing his throat.
"Wand?" Munch asked sternly.
"It's here," Harry replied, pulling it from his pocket and handing it over.
Munch dropped it on the scale and another slip of paper issued from the base. "Birch, Eleven and a half inches, core of dragon heartstring?"
"That's correct," answered Severus, as the watchwizard handed the wand back to Harry.
Remus stepped forward next, and handed his wand over, Munch eyeing him warily. "Ash, Ten and a quarter inches, core of unicorn hair?"
Remus nodded and graciously accepted his wand, standing aside as the others moved closer.
"What's this?" Munch asked in surprise when he saw the Weasleys, Shacklebolt, Moody and Tonks holding the Minister, Malfoy, and six Aurors captive.
"Made a citizens' arrest," Ron answered proudly. "Caught Malfoy trying to kidnap Harry's daughter," he said and nodded in the Minister and the Aurors direction. "They were in on it."
"Weare all together," Minerva said from where she stood a few feet away. Munch nodded and proceeded to register the other prisoners' wands.
"Hermione," Harry asked, getting the young woman's attention after she had checked her wand. Hermione looked at him curiously when he motioned for Abbey. "Would you please watch Abbey? I would really rather that she wasn't in the courtroom," he said quietly and swallowed hard. "Especially since we don't know what the out come will be."
Hermione nodded and smiled as she picked up the little girl. "All right, Harry," she said. "I'm sure we can find something to do."
"Thanks, Hermione," Harry murmured and waved to Abbey as they headed off.
Severus shifted next to Harry and the young wizard looked at him curiously, only to see him incline his head toward a shadowy corner not far away. Harry nodded and steered him over to the corner, away from the others before looking at him questioningly.
Severus sighed and knelt before Harry, taking his hands in his. "Harry," he said quietly. "When we go in there, you cannot show any personal feelings for me, you know that."
"No," Harry said and shook his head quickly.
"Harry," Severus said firmly. "You have to make it look like you caught me. You can't show them that you have any feelings for me. As much as I hate to admit it, Tonks was right. Most likely, they will think I've cast some sort of spell on you if you usher me in there as though we share personal feelings. That can come later, after we've presented our evidence to my innocence."
Harry swallowed hard, but nodded his understanding before Severus continued. "Because of my past, it is pretty safe to assume that they will have a Judgement chair."
"Judgement chair?" asked Harry, his brow furrowing.
Severus nodded. "It's a chair with chains on the arms and legs, and it will bind a person if they are guilty. It works somewhat like the Sorting Hat."
Harry swallowed dryly. The chair they gave him to sit in at his hearing in fifth year must have been a Judgement chair.
"Harry," he said, drawing the young man from his thoughts. "You must escort me in there as though you've captured me. Move commandingly. You have to make me sit in that chair. Only then, will they believe my innocence. The rest of the trial is for getting the story of what really went on, mainly for the press."
Harry nodded numbly.
"In fact," Severus said with a sad sigh. "I think everything will be fine. There is only one thing that I could be arrested for today, but I don't think it will be brought up."
Harry looked at him curiously, but as he did so, it dawned on him and his expression hardened in determination.
"Severus," he said firmly, cradling the man's face in his hands. "Don't!"
"Harry," the man said with a sad expression on his face. "If I hadn't done it, they'd still be here. You wouldn't have had to grow up in the horrid conditions you were made to…"
"I'm very well aware of that, Severus," Harry replied, releasing his hold on the man. "But, I also know that if they were alive, Voldemort would have won."
"Harry," Severus asked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying that if you hadn't done it, we wouldn't have ended up together. I know that you and my father loved to hate each other, Sev. If they were here, Voldemort would have won because I would never have had 'the power he knows not'. I would never have had Abbey," he finished quietly and lowered his gaze a moment.
Severus sighed and closed his eyes, opening them once more as Harry continued.
"If it weren't for their death, Voldemort would have won, I know that now," Harry said quietly, returning his gaze to the man in front of him. "I know now that they had to die, Severus. Yes, it hurt that I never knew them – it still does – but I know there was a reason for it to happen, and I've forgiven you for the part you played in their deaths. They have no right to arrest you for that, Sev," Harry whispered as he caressed the man's cheek. "I'm the one who held the deciding factor there, and I know the reasons it had to be done."
Severus nodded as he stared into the soft emeralds before him.
"Now, you've beaten yourself up enough over this over the years," Harry said with a smile. "No regrets," he whispered.
"Harry," Severus said softly.
"No, Sev," Harry said firmly. "Sacrifices have to be made in war. I know it sounds harsh coming from me, especially when I'm their son, but I know that if they were alive, Voldemort would have won and I'd be dead right now. It's fine to feel remorse for what you've done, but don't regret it. Voldemort is gone. Not because of me, although the final blow was mine… but, because of you. You gave me a reason to fight."
"All right then," Severus said softly and kissed Harry gently. "No regrets."
"Mister Potter," Minerva called from near the lifts with their group. "Please hurry up, we haven't much time."
Harry nodded and as requested, moved Severus along as though he was a prisoner. "Where are we going?" Harry asked a few minutes later, a feeling of unease setting over him when he found he was once more down by the Department of Mysteries.
"Courtroom Ten," Minerva called over her shoulder, continuing to walk ahead of the others.
Harry had halted abruptly at her revelation and paled, swaying on his feet. "Harry," Severus asked in concern, wrapping his hands around both the young wizard's upper arms, steadying him. "Are you all right?"
"C-court r-room t-t-ten?" was all Harry could say as he looked decidedly green, and though Severus was standing in front of him, he stared ahead blindly, his thoughts on the hearing years before. Every one, save Minerva and Arthur Weasley looked at him in confused concern.
"Yes," Minerva confirmed, turning to look at them when she didn't hear anyone behind her. "That's where they hold the criminal trials. What's wrong, Potter?"
"What's wrong," Arthur said, stepping forward and looking at Harry sadly. "Is that Harry has already been to Courtroom Ten."
Everyone gasped, including Draco and Scrimgeour. Severus turned and glared up at Arthur from where he knelt before the young wizard, still holding him steady. "Explain," he demanded.
Minerva knew they would be late if he did, but she had already prepared a viable excuse. She waved her wand, conjuring some chairs and a small couch for Severus and Harry, motioning them to sit. She was curious about all this herself.
"W-well," Arthur said nervously, everyone on the edge of his or her seat. "You all know he had a disciplinary hearing back in his fifth year." Everyone nodded whether they really knew it or not, as they sat down to listen, looking worried but curious. "I brought him here for it, but we found out that they'd changed the time, as well as the location. We were late. I think Fudge did it on purpose to make him look bad," Arthur admitted.
"What were they trying him for?" Severus asked.
"Using magic in front of a Muggle," Arthur supplied, shifting uneasily. Severus rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing heavily. "There was a Dementor attack," Arthur explained, drawing a sharp, startled look from Severus as well as the others. "He conjured a patronus to drive them away. The Muggle turned out to be his cousin."
"That's self-defence!" Fred cried.
"They couldn't have expelled him!" George agreed.
Severus understood now why he'd sent Abbey off with Hermione, not that he would have disagreed, he didn't want his daughter seeing that room either. He sighed heavily, understanding now the reasons behind the Ministry sending that miserable wench to Hogwarts. He sighed and rolled his eyes, probably Dumbledore and his big mouth.
"Harry," he said gently, but the young man didn't respond. Severus cradled his face in his hands after combing his fingers soothingly through the young man's dark locks. "Harry," Severus whispered quietly, trying once more. "Look at me, Harry." Harry blinked and focused on the man in front of him. Severus ran his fingers through his hair, soothing away his fear. "Remember what I told you, Harry?" Severus asked, watching him blink once more. "The Judgement chair decides your fate. If it didn't restrain you, they couldn't do anything. They were just trying to intimidate you."
Harry nodded slowly, swallowing over the lump in his throat. "Well, it worked," he murmured.
Severus smiled, surprising everyone, and kissed him gently. "Are you all right now?"
Harry swallowed once more, as he nodded. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I – I'm fine."
Severus nodded and they continued on their way down the torch-lit corridor to courtroom ten.