Disclaimer: Not mine.

The Uninvited

Chapter 25

Severus was roughly pulled out of his cell and thrust down the hallway. His legs, not used to working moved slowly, and sluggishly. His ankles were manacled together allowing him to make only small mincing steps and the fact that the guards thought it funny to shorten the chain connecting the two, he was forced to walk bent over.

He wore the same clothes the guards had forced him to put on the first night. He only had a small bowl of water in the mornings which he could chose to wash in or drink so in making his choice he was left unwashed and unshaven. He did not know what day it was, or how long he had been here. Lenny had managed to come only three times, each time with the book hidden in the fireplace bricks, each time lighting a small candle that allowed him to read until the sound of approaching guards forced him to leave.

Once they reached the Ministry the guards from Azkaban turned him over to the Aurors. They put him in to a small room with only one chair in the middle of it and one candle suspended from the ceiling. Looking only at the floor, he head footfalls and tightened his muscles, preparing to be struck again.

"Severus?" Tonks leaned down and whispered. "You look like shite!"

Tonks transfigured a cloth and using a simple Aquamenti spell to moisten it, she squatted down in front of him and began scrubbing his face. She used two cloths before she was satisfied. Then pulling out her wand she fixed his hair and did the best she could to improve his appearance.

"Can't do nothing about the beard, 'fraid I'd save them the bother if I tried to shave you," she sat back on the heels and looked at him. Then began to chat about what ever came to mind, but Severus refused to acknowledge her. With a sigh, Tonks gave up and stood looking down at him.

"It's going to be rough out there Snape. Remus is at the law library trying to find something. Don't think he will, or if he does it won't make it on time. Even Arthur is buzzing round here, talking to anyone that will listen. But it sure don't look good."

Trying to lift his head he soon gave up as the chain pulled against him and cut into his neck. He didn't know that Abigail arrived at the same time as he. She was walking through the deserted hallways not knowing which way to go. It was obvious to her that the Ministry did not usually operate fully in the evening due to the number of empty offices she passed.

Arriving at the courtroom, she entered to find it almost empty. The courtroom reminded her of the large lecture halls at Hogwarts. The room was circular, lower in the middle, the sides rising slowly higher and higher as more and more seats for spectators had been added over the years.

Abigail looked to the two Aurors standing in the front of the room and saw a flash of hot pink under one of the hoods. She hurried down the aisle, holding the babies close and approached the two courtroom guards.

"Tonks?" she questioned softly, "It that you Tonks?"

The startled Auror jumped turning around looking to see who would know her here. When she saw Abigail she frowned, and grabbed her arm to pull her to the side.

"What are you doing here?" Tonks whispered. "He may be better off with you gone."

"I want to talk to him, I'll be fast." Abigail kept her voice low.

"I don't know girl." Tonks said looking back at the other Auror. "He is here accused of Dark Magic. I don't know the details, and he is not even talking to me."

Abigail pulled her robes open slightly to show Tonks what she carried.

"I have no wand Tonks, I cannot even do magic any more." her voice shook, "Please, Tonks."

"Abigail?" Tonks breathed, her eyes growing large. "It was your magic he stole?"

Abigail quickly covered the babies with her robe again. She looked at Tonks and nodded.

"I have to ask him first, then only five minutes." Tonks looked around. Then back at Abigail.

"So, you are the one he performed the blood spell on?"

"Yes, but Tonks it wasn't what everyone thinks." she tried to explain. "He had to, he had no choice."

Tonks looked at her and bit her lip. Turning back she whispering something to her partner and disappeared through a small door. In just a few minutes, she came out and looked at Abigail sadly, shaking her head.

"He won't see you," she said curiously. "But he want me to put a glamour on you. Says some of the judges may have seen you before and would remember you."

Abby raised her face to Tonks and nodded as the spell was cast and her appearance changed. The young Auror smiled and added a purple streak to the now blond hair and then frowning at the realization the no one would believe Snape with the new face she softened the blond and removed the streak.

As soon as the Justices came in, Abigail moved to a seat closer to the chair Severus would be seated in. Watching the room fill she frowned, not understanding the clusters of different coloured robes, nor the insignias they wore she didn't know if one group held power over another. She turned to watch for Albus when she heard the side door open and saw Severus shuffle out.

Abby caught her breath and covered her mouth with her hands to hide the sobs that threatened to spill. He walked stooped over, dragging the chain. His face was unshaven, his hair oily and dirty despite Tonks' best efforts. He wore a set of dirty grey prison robes. Even though his bearded face she could tell his cheeks were hallowed, thin, and gaunt.

Severus tried not to stumble as the guards pushed him roughly into the chair. The chair was magical and as soon as he sat the chairs arms locked around his own.

"Now that we have established that the wizard in question is currently a prisoner we may release the manacles." Albus thundered as he stormed down to the centre of the room. "To walk him in here in this condition only serves to burn in the minds of the judges that he is already guilty. Why was he not afforded the common decency to attend to his attire and personal hygiene? This is highly irregular and sets to prejudice the jurors."

"Headmaster Dumbledore, are you appearing here as legal council for this criminal?" The minister questioned.

"No, I believe I am appearing as legal council for the accused." Albus said scowling. "We will not begin until the manacles are removed and my client may lift his head to face his accusers."

Albus laid a hand on Abigail shoulder, patting her fatherly as one of the Aurors went to Severus. Tonks flicked her wand and the manacles and chains were laying on the floor. She squatted down to pick them up and leaned over to whisper in his ear as she did.

Severus uttered a small groan as he raised his head. He tried to bring his hands to the back of his neck, but was stopped by the chairs restraints. . After being so long in this position, his muscles groaned in protest at the sudden freedom.

He looked up at Albus, seeing Abigail sitting near, looking at her openly for a moment, he saw her open her outer robes to him, enough to expose what she carried. He turned back to the court sitting stiffly, wanting to hex Albus for allowing her here.

"Severus Snape, are you aware of the charges against you?" the officiating judge called out to the accused.

"No." Severus's voice was rasping as he called back as loudly as he could. "I am aware only of being arrested. I have not heard the charges, nor been able to prepare for them."

"It only matters that your solicitor does. You will be administered Veritaserum supplied by our personal stores, that I know to be prepared by your own hand." the judge announced. "Does anyone present object?"

"Your Honour," Albus shook his head slowly. "We are not here to debate if he used the spell. He will freely admit to that, however, we are here to demonstrate the intent was an honourable and necessary one."

"Albus the serum will be used or your client will be returned from where he came." The response to his objection came fast and sure, without input from the other judges.

Tonks again walked toward Severus, Abigail could read the apology on Tonks lips as she turned her back to the judges and administered him three drops of the potion.

"The clerk will now read a list of prepared questions." the judge stated taking up a quill to take note.

"State you name."

"Severus Snape"

"Occupation?"

"Professor."

"Are you not also a Death Eater by trade?" the judge tossed out to the public's laughter.

"Since I am not paid for any other work I perform I believe the answer given to be the correct one." Severus managed a sneer.

"Did you in fact cast a spell on a witch, taking her magic through the use of a blood spell?" the clerk went on.

"Yes," Severus responded clearly.

"Were you forced into this act?"

"No," Severus answered flatly.

"Albus, I see nothing further to do but to sentence your client since there is no defence for what he has done, this is a gross waste of the court's time," the judge said with a leer.

"I believe I may now pose questions of my own," Albus said sweetly.

"Albus, let it go," Severus said.

"You are here to answer questions and questions alone," the judge spat at him.

"Severus, did you perform this spell with evil intent?" Albus asked.

"No."

"Did you perform this spell for the sole reason of stealing magic from a witch?" Albus asked.

"No."

"Oh come now Albus, really," the judged rolled his eyes. "Does it matter the reason?"

"Perhaps Professor Snape would like to answer that question," Albus said coldly.

"I would not," Severus spat out.

"Why did you do this?" Albus asked.

"I sought medical assistance this world does not offer to a witch and her unborn children."

A general mummer went around the room as heads twisted for a better look at the slight witch wrapped in robes sitting near Albus.

"And who is this witch?" Albus asked

"Your Grandniece."

"I see," Albus stroked his chin. "And her name?"

"She gave me her name as Doris Bradley," he smirked at Albus' raised eyebrow.

"There have been many stories in the Daily Profit about this case Professor. Are those stories completely true?" Albus said smoothly

"I have not seen the stories." Severus was aware of the vile stories that had been published, but had not read them.

"Would you do this again to save her life?" Albus said softly.

"Yes, there was no option then, and there is none now."

"I will now introduce my Grandniece to the court. I will be asking her to answer some questions." Albus reached to help Abigail to the witness stand.

"No," Severus struggle against the chair that held him.

"If you will please," Albus took her hand and led her to a chair visible by both the Judges and by Severus.

Severus fought against the restraints. He did not want her here. He knew that if her identity came out, the Dark Lord would possibly be able to trace her back to the Reyes. If he did that, she would be lost. Severus also knew the stigma this trail would place on the witch. An unmarried witch with a child had no place in this world. The Ministry would be ruthless. He watched as Tonks administered the truth serum to her, unable to see the liquid fall from the dropper.

"Now my dear, we will just be asking you some simple questions," Albus said kindly. "Is that to your approval. Since you are the object of this investigation it is up to you."

"I would like to help," she sat straight as she answered.

"Now, you know Professor Snape, do you not?"

"Yes I do," she said staring at Severus's lowered head.

"Do you know him quite well?" He said seriously.

"Yes," she said looking as Severus, wanting him to look at her.

"How long have you known him?"

"Since I was twelve years old," she said in a loud voice.

"How did you meet him at twelve years of age?"

"I was being raped, he saved me." She lifted her chin, but closed her eyes from the spectators stares.

"So, you have not been, shall we say, exactly innocent for a long time?" the judge asked sneering.

Abigail looked to Albus, refusing to drop her head she felt her resolve to remain calm waver. Severus was taking steady breaths to still his body, trying not to fight to escape his chair.

""Do you work Miss Haley?" the judge went on.

"No," she said weakly.

Severus knew which way this was going and shouted to Albus, demanding that he end this.

"Really? How do you support your self?"

"I…" she stammered looking to Albus.

"Is it true that you are kept at Hogwarts?"

"I live there now, if that is what you mean."

"I see. No visible means of support, living in the dungeons. That is right next door to our Professor here, is it not?"

"Yes," she quickly glanced at Severus.

"So, then would it be correct to list your profession as a …"

"ENOUGH," Albus stormed. "You will keep your questions to the case in hand. The trial is for one Severus Snape, Professor of Hogwarts, and my esteemed colleague.

"We are determining motive. And that motive is now clear."

"Clear? I fail to see the motive," Albus frowned, and lowered his head, looking up from under this brow. "Please enlighten me."

"Death Eaters often keep people against their wills Albus. You are not a stranger to their techniques of kidnap and torture. I will hazard a guess that he wants her under his control and removing her magic was an obvious step. Given her profession it would make her more compliant."

"Do not insult my witness your Honour. She is also a member of my family," Albus said as kindly as he could but it was obvious to all that he was close to losing his temper. "As such she is welcomed to live where I do."

"Now, if I may question my witness," he turned in a swirl of silver and blue robes and walked quickly back to Abby.

"My dear, I must ask you this, I am sorry. Please open your robes," Albus said as softly as possible.

Abigail opened her robes to reveal the two sleeping babies. A general gasp went up through the courtroom and a swell of voices grew louder until the head Judge brought down his gavel to demand silence.

"Albus stop this now," Severus hissed, only to have Albus ignore him.

"Dear, who is the father of your children?" Albus asked.

"Severus Snape," she said trying to keep her head up.

The Judge smirked, "You are admitting to being a, to put it kindly, a kept woman?"

"My gods," she sobbed, "he did this to save his children. The doctor had to do it the way the Muggles would do it in a crisis. He had to remove my magic to save his children."

"Did he coerce you into this my dear?" Albus pushed.

"No," she felt unable to breath.

"Excuse me Albus," the judge waved off Albus and turned to Abby. "How is it that you willingly let him do this?"

"I..." she fought against to avoid the truth. "I didn't know what he was doing."

"No? I am surprised that you defend him."

"I trust him. He did what he thought best."

"That is why you let him take your magic? He thought it best? Surely all whores are well aware of contraception and abortive portions."

"No, oh Gods no, I couldn't do that," she cried at last looking up at the judges tearfully, "He is a good man. He was just saving his children, not me. They would have died if he hadn't done what he did. Surely you don't fault him for that. Surely you would not wish to kill a baby for a foolish law."

She tried to stand, to run from the room. She could not breathe; she slipped to the floor holding onto the chair with one hand, as the babies came awake and started to cry.

"You see," said Albus to the court. "Severus Snape was protecting not only the witch, but his children. He knew without his interventions the children would die. Do not put the sins of the Mother on the children. It is the intent of the spell not the spell it's self that should determine the course of your actions here today."

"He has done many things in his past that are not deemed worthy," he said scowling at Severus, "However, this act should earn him some redemption. I ask you to use you heart when deciding his fate."

"We will take what you say under consideration Albus, however, the magic used is forbidden," the judge looked down at him coldly. "Furthermore the fate of the children is now in question."

"Remember that Dark Spells were banned not because of what they could do, but the why behind them. A spell, potion or simple hex cannot be inherently evil. A simple child's spell taught to First Years may kill or maim, yet we continue to teach them. You must look at the intent of the law, not the letter of it," Albus again implored.

The gavel came down as the judges filed out.

As Tonks was the only one left to guard Severus she stepped back seeing Albus walking quickly to her prisoner.

"Severus my boy, what have they done to you?" he said seeing the cuts and busies left by the toes of the Azkaban guards boots.

"Albus, you had no right to do this." Severus said bleakly.

"Son, she is wasting away, she has need of you." Albus shook his head, "You also have need of her."

As Albus was speaking, the side door opened. Tonks lead Abigail back in, supporting her weight. She walked the trembling witch to Severus whispering in her ear to be fast as the Judges may return at any time.

Abigail ran the last couple of steps and fell to her knees in front of Severus. She leaned in close to him vainly trying to make him look at her.

"Severus, please," she said, "You never have to see me again."

He lifted his head to hers and looked into her eyes. She tried to smile at him, but found it impossible and only managed a grimace.

"Severus, we just learned of the trail hours ago. We didn't have time to do more," she pleaded. "If this is the only way then it doesn't what they do to me."

"If I lose now, they will take the children. You have no trade, no husband," he spat at her. "They will be taken by the Ministry had held out for adoption."

"No, Severus," she shook her head. "Lenny is here, if the verdict is against us, then he will take the children out before the gavel falls."

"Where to Abigail?" His eyes hard and unyielding. "To Malfoy's?"

"What?" she said thinking furiously for an answer.

"I know Abigail. Remember?" He hissed. "Do you remember my instructions to Lenny? He tells me what you do."

"Severus please understand," she stammered.

"I do." He lowered his eyes again. "Leave."

"Severus, no," she said. "You would throw yourself in Azkaban for them, I would do this."

Just then, the Judges began returning to the chamber. Tonks hurried Abigail back to a spectator's seat where Lenny was waiting wringing his claws.

Abigail looked up to see the judge's face unable to read his expression. She closed her eyes and prayed. Her thoughts drowned out his words as she concentrated on the blackness of her childhood home and the stillness that she still felt safe in. She remembered the whirling stones and music they made and how he had held her. She thought of anything other then what was happening in front of her, until she felt his hand on her shoulder.

"Can you come home now?" she asked quietly, seeing him through her tears..

Severus nodded.

"Forever?" she said

"Until the next time," he said looking at Albus.

Abigail brought the boy from under her cape to where Severus could see him better, and then as he reached out for his son, she removed the girl from its bed over her heart. Severus brought the baby up to his face and breathed in its scent, and then held out his hand to Abby, and with a raised eyebrow she knew he was asking her to forgive him.

Once at the apparation point, he held the baby in the crook of his left arm, and held Abigail in his right. She stepped closer beside him, and together they returned to Hogwarts By the time Severus and his family arrived back home there was hot food, a pot of tea and a hot steaming bath waiting. Albus's Patronus had sent Poppy into frenzy. She had ordered all his favourites and had the infirmary ready for his arrival knowing the hospitality of Azkaban.

Poppy fussed upon seeing him, taking the baby from him she began waving her wand and repairing his injuries before he had a chance to take in his surroundings.

"Poppy, get off me witch," he softly chided her. "I swear woman, you delight when I come home in pain."

"Nonsense boy," the Medi-Witch said stroking his hair, "if I did not take care of you who would?"

He put his arms around Poppy and allowed her a hug as she sobbed into him.

Abigail allowed Lenny to take the boys as she began to unbutton Severus shirt.

"You need a bath, then hot food," she said looking over his body for evidence of more injuries. She kept reaching out to touch him, to pat his shoulder to lay her hand on his arm as if making sure he was home.

Severus walked into the bath and dropping the prison clothes on the floor he allowed himself to sink into the marble tub. As soon as Poppy and Albus left, Abigail stepped into the bathroom.

She laid his wand on the side of the tub. She then reached back to unbutton her dress, once done she slid it down to the floor. She wore only her knickers and bra that quickly followed the dress to the floor. Feeling Severus's eyes scour her body, she slipped into the tub behind him. Wrapping the legs around his hips she reached for the shampoo.

As she lathered and rinsed his hair her breasts rubbing against his back, her legs moved slightly as she reached up to pour scoops of water on his head, changing the way she fit into him. Finishing with his hair, she began washing his back, placing kisses across the scars.

She pulled back from around him and going to the front of the large sunken tub, she now faced him. She washed his face, then handing him his wand she pointed to his face.

"Shave that off Mister," she smiled at him. Watching intently as he pointed the wand to his face and became clean-shaven. He then pointed to his hair, and it shortened by a full inch.

She took the wand from him and replaced it on the side of the tub. Picking up the soap and fannel, she reached to wash him. His arms shot up and gabbed her, pulling her onto his lap facing him, her legs wrapping around his hips he positioned her quickly and thrust into her.

"Severus no, please," she gasped at the suddenness of his moves and the burning pain she felt.

He did not move, nor push her further, but he held her still. She was not ready and he knew that if he moved before she adjusted to him it would be painful for her. One hand held her down while the other reached behind her, twisted a length of hair, and pulled her head back, hard.

"You are hurting me," she cried as panic set in.

"Is this how you want it witch, do you enjoy the pain, the cold fuck?" he hissed at her.

"Severus no, stop now," she said, pushing against him and trying to rise.

"Is this why you want Lucius witch?" he continued then leaned forward and crushed her lips to his. Lifting her up he adjusted her position slightly then pushed his erection up again as he pushed her down not caring if her gasp was of surprise or pain.

She was scared, he felt huge, and every movement she made seemed to drive him closer to loosing control, deeper and harder then she was ready for.

"No Severus, please stop, you are hurting me." she pleaded. "Oh my gods don't do this."

"Do you want Malfoy witch." he pulled her head back further. "Tell me now."

"No!" She cried.

"Then let me fuck you witch."

"You're scaring me," she said, crying in earnest.

"Are you refusing me?" He crushed his lips to hers pulling her into him.

"Just not like this. Severus please. I love you"

"I need to have you." he hugged her tightly, speaking into her neck then lifted her up and off of him. "Leave me then, before I can't stop. I feel I am going mad. I need to trust you."

"You can Severus, you can." she said, as her sobbing slowed.

"I am trying witch, I am trying," he sighed leaning back against the cold tile. Then placing a hand on each side of her head, he brought her face to his.

"Trusting you is the hardest thing I do," then he leaned in to kiss her gently.