"Severus", Hermione said softly. Severus gave her a sideways glance as he buttoned up his black frock coat. "Are you alright love, you haven't said anything all morning."

Severus gave a slight nod, "I'm just ready for this trial to be over and get Abby back home. I don't know how this is going to turn out and it's making me nervous."

Hermione walked over and wrapped her arms around his back and leaned her chin on his shoulder. "It will be fine. Kingsley is over seeing the trial and he's the one doing all the speaking in court, there isn't anything to worry about."

"What if she did it....murdered Fenrir's wife."

"Abby said she didn't Severus, we have to believe her. Besides if she did harm that women in any manor, I'm positive it would be out of self-defense."

Severus nodded.

"We better get going. From what Albus and Remus are saying this trial is big news, we need to get to the ministry before the crowd and reporters do."

"How did this even become public news", Severus said grimly.

"All the events at Hogwarts started to become public and as soon as Abby disappeared the daily profit was all over the story. You know they've been tracking every single aspect of it."

"I know, this seems to be as big as the death eaters trials after Voldemort's downfall."

"Lets make sure Ginny and Molly are ok with Addison before we leave", Hermione said softly, rubbing Severus' hand.

The weather outside matched the moods of those close to Abby, dreary and depressed. The rain was falling steadily on the umbrella Severus was holding over him and Hermione. Hermione glanced at Severus a few times, he had dark circles under his eyes and was holding an expression she couldn't read. Not only did she want Abby home safely, Abby needed to be home safely for the sake of Severus. Hermione was sure if something happened to Abby, Severus was going to go over the edge. There was no telling what he would do.

They made their way down the telephone booth, outside on the muggle street, to find that the ministry was already packed.

"Severus, Hermione", Lucius called as he walked toward them. "We already have seats inside, Kingsley flooed me this morning saying someone needed to get here early before the trial filled up."

The court room held a circular shape. The ministers seat was at the head of the room, with twenty juror seats sitting behind the ministers chair, making a half circle. The rest of the room was filled with seats that were also in the shape of a half circle. The accused's seat was sat in the middle of the circle, in front of and level with the ministers seat, and surrounded by the jury and audiences seats. Lucius grabbed the seats closest to the accused's seat, they would be on Abby's left side.

Severus was seated so that if he angled himself he would be able to look right into Abby's face. He was hunched forward with his eyes closed and two fingers rubbing his temples, doing his best to prepare himself for Abby's arrival.

"Hermione", Harry whispered quietly, leaning over her right shoulder. "Is Severus alright?"

"No", Hermione mouthed and shook her head.

The side of the trial room Hermione and Severus were seated in was filled with friends, family, and Hogwarts staff. Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco were on Severus' left, Hermione, Eileen, Albus, and Matty were to his right. Behind them sat Arthur, Ron, Harry, the twins, Remus, Minerva McGonagall, Hagrid, and a slew of other Hogwarts staff members.

Abby's other grandparents had requested to come, but Albus thought it would be best for them to wait at headquarters. All this magic could be very confusing to muggles who had only experienced a small dose of the abilities magic could hold.

"Severus", Hermione said, rubbing soothing circles on his back "Just breathe, this will all be over soon."

"I'm trying", Severus said in an anxious voice.

The loud chatter of the court room died down, as Kingsley entered. All jurors and audience members rose. Severus stood and started to sway. Lucius and Hermione were both eyeing him.

"Severus maybe you should sit back down", Hermione suggested.

"I'm alright", he breathed.

"I ask that you all remain standing and quiet while we bring in the accused", Kingsley's deep voice echoed off the round walls. "Through out this trial everyone must remain quiet. I will not tolerate noise, gossip, or anything out of turn from anyone. We have to remember we are dealing with a child and she's been through a great deal already."

Kingsley waited and heard no argument, or any sound at all, come from the room. So, he looked over and nodded at two guards, who then pulled open two doors. Two other guards walked through the door, with Abby in between them. Their arms were wrapped around her back, guiding her toward the chair. Abby's feet dragged on the floor and her head was slightly tilted back. She didn't look coherent.

Abby had lost a considerable amount of weight. She was already slender in the first place, but her body had muscle and definition from the years of surfing and quidditch. All of that h almost faded away. The gray, gaunt, Azkaban robes were hanging off her body. Her face was sunk in and ashen, with dark circles under her eyes. If Abby's eyes hadn't been flickering open then she would surely look dead.

Severus' sway turned more defiant and he started wobbling in the direction of Hermione. Lucius grabbed him by the waist, and with the help of Hermione, lowered him into his seat.

"Severus sit down", Lucius said pushing his shoulders back.

"No, no. Abby...she looks...", Severus was starting to become hysterical. He could feel a lump in his throat and tears were freely flowing from his eyes.

"Severus, shhh it's alright", Hermione said cupping his face trying to sooth him and keep him seated. "Calm down, Abby's going to be ok once we get her out of here. You have to stay quiet so we don't get kicked out."

Harry pressed his palms down on Severus' shoulders keeping him in place. The guards plopped Abby into her seat and two St. Mungo's healers walked over to Abby.

"Everyone may be seated", Kingsley said, and then motioned something to one of the St. Mungo's healers. The healer walked over to the front line of the audience, holding a vial of potion toward Severus.

"What is this", Lucius asked, eyeing the potion.

"It's a calming drought. The minister requests that Abigail's father takes it."

Hermione grabbed the potion.

"No", Severus almost sobbed.

"Severus, it will help you focus. Your falling apart and are going to have no idea what happens in this trial. Take it for Abby", Hermione said softly, about an inch from his face.

Severus' shaking hand grabbed the potion and he downed it. He could feel the affects immediately; his mind cleared and the nausea and blurry vision went away. The tears has stopped falling but his hands were still visibly shaking.

Kingsley watched Severus for a moment and then turned back to the other St. Mungo's healer, signaling for him to do something. The healer walked over to Abby, pryed her mouth open and poured a potion down her throat. Abby started choking, but her eyes seemed to be more focused.

"Abby", Kingsley said softly but loud enough for everyone to hear. Abby's eyes focused on him. "Do you know where you are?" Abby slowly looked around the room at all the people, her eyes finally fell on Severus'. Tears immediately started to fall.

"Abby?" Kingsley inquired.

"Y-yes", Abby said hoarsely, clearing her throat. "I'm at the ministry. A trial. My trial." Abby's voice seemed weak and very tired.

"Correct. Now, we are going to administer veritaserum right away so there is no question to if you are telling the truth or not. After I ask you some questions regarding the Hogwarts and the last few days incidents we are going to view your memories. The memories are going to be viewed a little differently today. Instead of us gathering around a pensive I am going to use a spell to project the memories onto the wall. Do you understand?" Kingsley asked gently.

"Yes, like a muggle movie." Abby had the idea of what Kingsley was talking about but obviously was slightly out of it.

"We are going to wait a few moments to let you get your barrings before we administer anything."

Abby nodded but winced at the movement.

"Are you in pain?"

"I'm just....tired...I can't feel my left arm."

Severus looked at Abby's left arm, now noticing it was limp against her leg. Abby glanced over in his direction and locked eyes with him, Severus was trying his hardest to convey his love for her through his facial expression.

"Yes, you've had extensive bone damage to that arm. I'm afraid you have to wait until you get to St. Mungo's to get it repaired", Kingsley said, bringing Abby's gaze away from Severus.

Abby nodded.

"Alright, I will administer that veritaserum now", Kingsley said walking over and placing a vial to Abby's lips.

Abby's eyes hazed over and she watched tiredly as Kingsley made his way back to his seat.

"Abby, I need you to state your full name for me."

"Abigail Eileen Snape."

"Who are your parents? State their full names as well."

"My father is Severus Tobias Snape and my mother is Isabella Marie Ashford. My mother is deceased." Abby winced at her own remark and closed her eyes.

"Abby are you alright?"

Abby shook her head and kept her eyes closed, "No." The two healers walked over to Abby and started checking her over. Severus quickly stood from his seat and was trying to get to Abby, Hermione grabbed his hand and was trying to pull him back.

"Severus, I need you to sit down", Kingsley said quietly but firmly. "The healers will inform us if something is wrong."

"I.I.I'm ok", Abby stuttered, pushing the two healers away from her. "I just want to go home." Abby's voice was pleading and tired.

"As soon as this is over, we can release you to your father."

Abby nodded and blinked the tears back.

"I'm going to ask you a few questions about the incidents at Hogwarts, Abby. Did you have anything to do with the events that occurred at Hogwarts over the last 6 months?"

"No....Well there was one. I was the one who destroyed my fathers classroom."

"Why did you do that?"

" I was angry, he wouldn't believe me about not doing any of those ridiculous things. The Great Hall had been destroyed, not by me, so I decided I would do the same to my dads classroom. I was going to get blamed for it either way."

"Do you know who did the other events?"

"Yes, Graham Greyback."

"How do you know?"

"He informed me while we were in school and also after they had captured me."

"Why didn't you tell anyone when you were at Hogwarts?"

"I couldn't prove it. Graham would always imply that he had something to do with it, but would never actually admit to it. I knew without having evidence I wouldn't be able to prove he was the one doing the things and not me. The first day him and his father captured me, he bragged about being behind all those events and getting them blamed on me."

"Did Graham tell you why he did those things and tried to frame you for it?"

"Yes. At first, his father put him up to it...", Abby was cut off by Kingsley before she could continue.

"His father? But, Fenrir Greyback was in Azkaban. And why would Fenrir want Graham to do those things?"

"Yes. Apparently Graham had visited his father in Azkaban and informed him that I was attending Hogwarts with him. Fenrir wasn't aware my father had a child until Graham informed him. Fenrir hates my dad, he claims my dad is the reason he is in Azkaban and my dad deserves to be there as much as he does. So, Fenrir told Graham to get close to me and at the end of the year Fenrir was going to break out of Azkaban and they were going to kidnap me so Fenrir could get to my father."

"So Graham succeeded in getting close to you and they kidnapped you out of Hogwarts?"

Abby snorted, "No. That idiot wasn't very subtle about trying to get into my pants from the beginning. Graham ended up hating me because I didn't take to any of his advances and refused to even be friends with him. So, he decided he would create events and everyone accusing me, but made sure I knew he was doing it. He thought he could break me down that way. He was sure he had gotten through to me around valentines day, but my dad thankfully stopped that situation. I left Hogwarts sometime in April, I sort of...Er.... lost it..... I sent Matty Pierson an owl asking to meet me in muggle London, Graham intercepted the owl and found the location. That's where they captured me."

"Why didn't Graham just keep the owl, so no one would have known they were kidnapping you."

"The point was so my father knew they had me. Fenrir knew he'd come looking for me, he wanted to kill me in front of my father."

Severus' head was in his hands.

"Severus it's alright, just breathe. Abby is ok", Hermione said right next to his ears.

"This is my fault. Fenrir wanted revenge on me and took it out on Abby", Severus whispered.

"Severus you can't control what other people do. Pull yourself together so we can get through this for Abby", Hermione said coaxing him into a sitting position and holding his hand.

"What happened when they got you to the house?" Kingsley inquired.

"They tortured me, Fenrir and Graham beat me into unconsciousness a few times. Grahams mother didn't seem to hold the same views him and his father did. Fenrir had dragged me down to the basement, him and Graham started beating me as soon as we got down there. I'm not sure how long we were down there when Graham's mother walked in on us. She went crazy and started screaming, I couldn't make out what she was saying because that was the first time I blacked out. When I woke, Fenrir and Graham were gone, but the mother was setting a tray of food by me."

"Fenrir's wife never harmed you?"

"No, she was trying to help me."

Kingsley nodded. "Fenrir and Graham beat and tortured you. Did they do anything else to you? Were you....raped?"

Everyone seemed to cringe at the question, including Abby. Severus froze, starring at Abby, waiting for her response.

"No, they didn't harm me like that. I'm not a pure blood, they still believe that you're filth if you don't hold the pure blood status. Graham was only trying to seduce me in school to draw me close to him, he kept calling it a sacrifice that he had to touch me."

Kingsley eyed Abby for a moment, obviously trying to figure out how to word the next question. "Abby I need you to describe what happened to you over the days they had you kidnapped. What Happened?"

"I've pretty much already summed it up. They beat me whenever I was conscious. In the beginning I tried to be strong and hold out through the pain, but I never could. I eventually stopped trying, realizing that losing consciousness was easier. Sometimes when I woke up and they weren't in the basement with me, I could her Graham's mother screaming upstairs. Sometimes in anger, sometimes in pain. I assumed she acquired the same fate I had."

Severus watched Abby closely. She seemed so much older, but something was familiar. What she was describing reminded him of himself, when he was on trial after Voldemort's downfall. Severus started to get choked up and clutched at Hermione's hand. Hermione wrapped an arm around his shoulder and took his hand in her other, she was really at a lose on what to do for him.

"Abby, the last curse that came out of your wand was the killing curse. It appears to have hit Fenrir's wife. Did you cast the curse on her? Maybe, by accident, were you aiming for Fenrir or Graham?

"No, I didn't kill her. I have never used the killing curse before."

"Do you know who did?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Graham."

"Did you see him do this?"

"Yes."

"What happened, how and why did he kill his own mother?"

"Graham killed his mother because he is a coward and can't think for himself, he does everything his father tells him to do, no matter how offensive the command may be. And, Graham's mother got in his way. The morning you found me, I had actually been laying on the kitchen floor for hours. The previous night, Graham's mother tried to help me escape. She said that Fenrir wasn't able to locate my father to send him some sort of ransom, our home was empty. So Fenrir was just going to kill him and mark me so my father would know he did it. Then, leave me somewhere public."

"Graham's mother didn't want anything to do with any murder, especially mine. She knew my father would come after the entire family and kill them all. Fenrir had made a trip to Knockturn Alley, and Graham had fallen asleep in the sitting room. So, she brought me up to the kitchen and was trying to get me outside, because there was an anti-apparition spell on the house. I was too weak, I hadn't eaten properly since I left Hogwarts and I had lost so much blood over the two days they had me captured. I wasn't actually fully comprehending what she was doing. She shoved my wand into my robes and I had caught something about her apparating me to Hogsmeade and leaving me. She knew someone was bond to find me."

"By the time she had gotten me up from the basement and into the kitchen, Fenrir had returned. He knew as soon as he saw us what was going on. He screamed something, causing Graham to wake and come running in from the sitting room. The next thing I knew Fenrir was shooting spells at his wife, but they weren't the killing curse, it was just to cause her pain. I pulled out my wand, but like I said I was too weak. Graham pushed me head first into a counter, I blacked out again."

When I awoke the next time, I saw Graham holding my wand, pointing it his mother. Fenrir was barking commands at him, but I couldn't concentrate long enough to make out what he was saying. I did understand that Fenrir was shouting at Graham to kill her, Fenrir said if he didn't he would kill Graham. Graham eventually screamed Avada Kedavra and his mother was dead. Killed by Graham, with my wand."

The entire room was dead silent, all eyes were on Abby. Severus was sure if he wasn't under the calming drought he would have lost his mind by now. He could barely sit still as it was. Hermione, Lucius, and Harry were keeping him in his seat.

"Is it true that you can do wandless, non-verbal magic?" Kingsley asked, curiously.

"Yes."

"Why didn't you use that to your advantage when you were prisoner or when they had initially kidnapped you?"

"When they kidnapped me, they had placed some kind of fog on my mind, I couldn't think clearly. The first day they had me they kept doing it when I was consciousness. Soon it was pointless, I was too weak, I could barely open my eyes. It was actually a challenge to breathe at some points."

"What happened after Graham killed his mother? What did Fenrir and Graham do with you?"

"They kicked me, a lot, and through some curses at me. Fenrir eventually shot a crucio at me. I'm positive I was unconsciousness, but for some reason I knew what was going on. Fenrir thought I was dead, he said I wasn't breathing. I think I did stop breathing for a minute. Fenrir and Graham decided they would leave us and then come back the next night, they needed to plan, and we were supposedly dead so we weren't going anywhere. The next morning was when you found me."

Kingsley's let Abby sit there for a moment, he knew she was tired and needed a minute to actually process what was going on around her. Talon flew in from no where and landed on Abby's shoulder, she gasped as Talon sent a calming feeling through her and nuzzled her check.

"Guards, get that Phoenix", Kingsley said sternly.

"No! Please, he's mine", Abby pleaded.

"You have a Phoenix?"

"Yes, my father and his girlfriend gave him to me for Christmas."

Talon then flew from Abby's shoulder and sat on Severus' shoulder. Severus let out a small gasp and relaxed into his chair, as Talon did the same thing he did for Abby."

Kingsley nodded to the guards to go back to their posts.

"Ok Abby, I'm going to retrieve the memories from your mind now. Don't worry about concentrating on one particular moment, there are many we need to see. I will shift through them as we go along. I don't think we will need to see much, you have told us everything we need to know. After we are through with this, I should be able to release you into your fathers custody."

Abby nodded and Kingsley got up from his seat, retrieving Abby's memories. Kingsley sat back down with the wispy gray mist in a vial. He placed them into a pensive, tapped it, and the images flew up into the air. The way the images sat in the middle of the room, no matter where anyone sat they had a direct view of them.

Images were flying by so fast, it was impossible to make them out. The first clear image was when Abby was about five years old. Her mother had taken her to Hogwarts on the first day of summer to visit Severus, while he tied up some lose ends. Abby ran to a smiling Severus, who was standing by the lake. The next image was of Abby departing for the American Magic School. Severus and Isabella were kissing Abby goodbye. A few images of Abby's American friends flew by. One defined image of her and her mother discussing boys and giggling as they laid on the couch appeared. A second later it turned into Severus stalking down the isle in the cafeteria of American Magic School and grabbing Aiden up by his robes, demanding to know the status of his and Abby's relationship.

The next memories to come forward were of Abby wrapped in Severus' arm, on a hospital bed. She was sobbing and he was whispering loving words to her and promising everything would be ok. It was obviously the night of the car accident. The basement explosion came forward but quickly zoomed by and a few memories of Hermione came forward. The very first time Abby had met Graham and Hermione had encountered the two, Abby with her wand drawn, Kingsley watched this closely. He then flipped through a few of Abby with Jordan and Shelly.

Kingsley watched the memories with Graham closely. The time Graham forced himself on Abby after a quidditch match, the encounters in the hallway, Abby fighting with his girlfriend Dorea, and Graham literally stalking her around the school. Kingsley also watched some of the memories with Severus; Severus' disbelief in Abby, leading her to drugs and drinking, Severus discovering Abby and Graham in the astronomy tower, Severus being loving, and then Severus' and Abby's fights.

The next memory was hard to make out, but was clear after watching it. It was the time Graham tried to rape Abby in the hallway. Kingsley understood what Abby meant by the fogging charm, she knew what was happening but couldn't think clearly to stop it. He also watched the enormous fight that broke out after wards and Severus' words repeated a few times in Abby's memories, "Sometimes, I wish I had never met your mother."

The next memory was of Abby looking at Addison and then Hermione calling out to her, and then Abby fled. The course of the two months were almost a blur in Abby's memories. Nights of sleeping in random places, sometimes at the beach house, sometimes hidden away in Snape manor, and sometimes on the streets of muggle London. It was obvious her mind and health were deteriorating the longer she neglected to take care of herself.

A blur of memories flew by and then stopped. Fenrir approached Abby, it was obvious she had no idea who he was. Graham grabbed her from behind, while Fenrir placed the fogging spell on Abby. They apparated away to the Greybacks summer house. Graham shoved Abby to the ground, hitting her head hard as she hit the floor. A blur of legs and fists with the sounds of loud screams and cries filled the air. It stopped, Fenrir's wife could be heard screaming angrily, Abby lost focus and blacked out before anything else came into view.

The beatings all started to blur. They were all pretty much the same, except for one. Graham and Fenrir tried to question Abby about where Severus was. They didn't believe her when she claimed she didn't know. They smashed her left arm, breaking the bones with a loud crunch. Fenrir repaired her arm, when she still claimed she didn't know where Severus was, he smashed it again. This went on for a while, the smashing and repairing. After a while Abby blacked out from the pain and it took hours for her to remain consciousness again. Her arm was completely limp and numb.

The next memory blurred, but since Abby had already described this, Kingsley knew it was of Fenrir's wife trying to help Abby escape. It went black for a moment, then Graham came into view. "Avada Kedavra" echoed off the walls, as Graham yelled it at his mother. Abby's screams of pain now echoed off the wall. The curses stopped and then there was laughter. Oddly enough, it was coming from Abby. She was face down on the floor, slighting turning her head to the side, she started laughing. It was a hysterical laughter, the kind when your starting to completely lose your mind. Anger was brewing up in Fenrir, his face was turning beat red. Then he hit Abby with the crucio. If Abby hadn't been sitting in front of everyone, death would have been assumed.

Kingsley waved his hand, sending the memories flying back into the pensive. He decided not to speak right away. Abby was clutching the arms of the chair she was sitting in and she had her chin pushed down to her chest, with her eyes squeezed shut.

Severus was a wreck. His arms and legs were shaking and tears were pouring out of his eyes. The only reason he wasn't sobbing hysterically was because of the calming drought. Hermione was bitting her lip, trying to suppress a sob, but was unsuccessful. Eileen was sobbing into Albus' chest, and Narcissa into Lucius'.

"Abby", Kingsley said softly.

Abby looked up, but didn't speak.

"All charges are being dropped against you. You have done nothing wrong. But, before I release you, I need to be sure of something."

Abby waited, still not speaking.

"I need to know if you will stay in your fathers care? and not run off again."

"If he will take me back."

Severus froze. Did Abby really believe he didn't want her.

"Abby, I'm positive your father will take you back. He loves you very much."

"He use to", Abby replied tiredly.

Severus started choking back sobs. Abby literally believed this, she was under veritaserum, she couldn't lie.

"Abby, I can assure you your father loves you. I had to literally escort him back to the order when we were looking for you. He refused to stay home and do nothing while we were searching for you. Your dad had been looking for you ever since you left Hogwarts. From what I hear he hasn't been in the best condition since you left."

Abby remained silent and nodded.

"Abigail Snape all charges are dropped against you. You are being released into your fathers custody, where you must stay. He is going to take you to St. Mungo's."

A sigh of relief came from Abby's left. The entire court room stood up, most discussing amongst each other about the events they just saw. A few reporters were trying to make their way to the center of the court, where Abby was slowly standing. Severus found a renowned sense of energy and stood up, he hopped over the small barrier in front of him. Abby was slowly walking his way.

Before Severus could take two steps, a figure jumped toward Abby from the right side of the room. Loud screams and people shuffling toward the person could be heard. The only thing Severus saw was the wand pointed at Abby and a red beam hit her square in the back. Abby screamed out in pain and fell to her knees.

Severus rushed toward her and grabbed her before she could fall face first into the floor. He pulled her into his chest and cradled her head in his arm.

"Abby!" Severus screamed anxiously.

Abby's eyes were closed, Severus couldn't tell if she was breathing or not.

"Abby, can you hear me! Please, open your eyes! Please!" Severus pleaded.

Abby's eyes fluttered open.

"Abby", Severus whispered.

"Dad, it hurts", Abby said so softly Severus wasn't sure he heard her correctly.

"I know, love. I'm going to get you to St. Mungo's."

"No, I can't. It's ok. I can't...", Abby's voice was starting to fade and her eyes close.

"No! Open your eyes Abby."

Abby opened her eyes halfway. "It's ok dad. You have Hermione and the new baby now, you don't need me."

"What, Abby yes I do. I can't live without you love, our family isn't complete without you. You are the reason I'm still alive today. Please Abby just hold on."

"Dad, I'm tired, I can't. I'm sorry. I love you."

"Baby, please don't do this to me", Severus started to sob.

Abby's eyes fluttered shut.

"Abby!"

She didn't respond.

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!" Severus screamed as he cradled Abby in his arms.

Everyone in the court room seemed to be frozen in horror. Talon flew down from the rafters and landed on Severus' shoulder. His wings expanded, wider then seemed logically possible.

Talon's wings wrapped around Severus' and Abby's upper body. The last things to be heard from Severus' and Abby's direction was a moan and scream, not entirely sure who it was emitting from. Both of their bodies seemed to have gone limp.

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