I wrote this chapter 2 years ago and it's been sitting in my drafts. Due to some recent action on this story, and some very lovely comments,  I'm beginning to feel inspired to continue it. Perhaps it may be completed after all. H x

It was dark outside, the street lights penetrating the void like the beam from a lighthouse. There were cats fighting somewhere, and the occasional movement from the alley way that spoke of illicit activities. Hermione sat in fire and candlelit warmth, once again researching for her defense case. She had a thick woolen blanket pulled up to her neck. Severus, sat in his armchair by the fire. His cheeks were flushed a little from his proximity to the heat. He appeared to be writing a letter? Hermione didn't pry. She was far too wrapped up in her own anxiety about the following day. The honors ceremony at the Ministry, she swallowed thickly. She was to attend alone. 

Hermione gnawed on her lip, paying absolutely no attention to the thick, dusty book that sat on her lap. She had probably read the same sentence at least a dozen times, and she still had no idea what it said. She was so immersed in her own notions, that Hermione didn't notice that Severus had been watching her intently for the last 3 minutes. She proceeded to read the same line on her page, again.

Severus, whose hair was hanging lifelessly in front of his eyes, discarded his own book and sat next to Hermione, finally drawing her attention. He used his thumb to pull Hermione's bottom lip from the grip of her teeth. Severus kissed her gently. 

"If you keep chewing on your lip, I shall have nothing left to kiss." He said, in his teaching voice, giving Hermione a stern a look which would have made a first year quiver. 

She smiled and blushed. "Sorry." 

_______

The ceremonial chambers, in the Ministry of Magic was a cold room, with shiny stone floors and magnificent high ceilings. In other words, there was nothing welcoming about it. Even the benches, were made of oak and reminded Hermione of Church pews. They looked onto an altar of sorts, which had a speakers podium and large table, displaying all of the medals which were to be distributed today.

Reporters had followed Hermione from the moment she had flooed into the atrium. They shouted at her, and tripped over their own feet as they fought to keep up with the rest of the swarm. There were several audio recorders and camera's thrust into her face, meaning that most of the images gained were of Hermione scowling. She fought the urge to swear at them. She wore a high-necked A-line dress in burgundy, which fell just above her knees (given to her by Narcissa) and modest nude heel which clacked on the floor as she walked. Her hair was thick with Sleekeazy potion and was pulled into a tight pony tail. 

"Can you tell us about Severus Snape, Hermione?" 

"Are you together?" 

"Why don't you love Ron Weasley?" 

"How do you feel about the Malfoy's going on trial? Do you think they deserve Azkaban?" 

"Were you and Snape together when you were his student?" 

"Why is Snape not in attendance?" 

She was just reaching the entrance to The Ceremonial Chamber when Hermione decided her self control had reached its limit. She whirled around and pointed her wand at the greasy entourage that was following her. Each of them stopped suddenly, as though she had stunned them. The occupants of the room, beyond the doors, had also silenced when they had heard the commotion. They peeked through the door way, not in the least bit ashamed of themselves.

"You will ask no further questions, regarding myself or Severus Snape. I have no interest in commenting on the Malfoy's nor feeding any trivial conspiracy theories regarding my love life." Hermione stood straight and commanded the presence of the room. "I am not a story that you can run, I am not a gossip column that you can sell, I am a person. I would kindly appreciate it if you would all make yourselves scarce before I hex each and everyone of you into the next bloody century." 

Silence. And the flash of a camera. 

An arm around Hermione's shoulder dragged her back into reality, and she attempted to smooth down her dress, which wasn't in the least bit creased. It was Kingsley. 

"Come now, Hermione." He said, steering her into the room. The gawking had stopped and people fed back into their previous conversations. It was obvious all eyes were still on Hermione. 

She followed Kingsley diligently, as he lead her towards a pew near the front of the room, clearly reserved for the recipients of the awards. There was a plush velvet rope that hung at the end of each row, in order to separate these seats from the general public. A withered-looking man eyed Hermione suspiciously, checking for her name on his list through his narrow reading-glasses. 

"How are you, Miss Granger?" Kingsley said after they had seated themselves.

"I am well, thank you sir." Hermione smiled, trying desperately to regain some kind of dignity. "I suppose you've incredibly busy, taking on such a large role."

Kingsley had always been humble, and Hermione liked that about him. "It has been busy, indeed. Although, I must admit that I hadn't expected any different. I keep finding myself at a dead-end, or stuck in endless loopholes created by previous holders of the title. I am at a loss where to begin."

Hermione scanned room for her friends, but her search was fruitless. "I would suggest that you start by demolishing that horrid muggle statue in The Ministry atrium."

He chuckled. "My initial priority is to mop up the mess of the last 3 years. Starting with those who deserve a cell in Azkaban." Kingsley said.

A metaphorical light bulb ignited in Hermione's head. "And those who deserve a pardon?"

Kingsley frowned. "Miss Granger, there is simply nothing I can do. Magical law indicates that the decision is to be based on the vote of the Wizengamot."

Scoffing, Hermione replied. "The Minister for Magic is the one who decides the final punishment."

"And have it appear that I am biased? I cannot hope to gain the favor of the public if I am an unfair judge. Unless you can provide us with an extremely convincing argument, I'm afraid i cannot simply allow Severus to get away with it." Kingsley remained calm.

Hermione however, was once again struggling to hide her anger. "Please, Kingsley. You worked with Severus." 

"I know, but this is out of my hands." Kingsley argued. Hermione suspected that he would walk off if she continued pester him, so she let it lie. She sighed in defeat.

"I would argue that your best chance of achieving a light sentence would be to use what resources you have at your disposal. Many people would defend Harry Potter to the grave, even if he told them he was a pink fluffy elephant. I suggest you ask him to back you up." Kingsley stood, indicating that he had had enough with this conversation.

Hermione looked up at him desperately. "Harry and I aren't exactly on the best terms at the moment." She pleaded.

Kingsley just smiled. "That isn't my problem." He dissipated into the front of the room, her vision skewed by the crowd.

Hermione felt sick. Her excessive worrying had already caused her already poor sleep to become disastrous. She didn't think she would be able to get rid of the bags under her eyes. Even Severus looked at her with a degree of sympathy. Hermione had awoken him sweating and screaming every night that week, so even he was beginning to suffer as a result of her nighttime habits. 

Desperately, Hermione tried not to wonder what her nights might be like with Severus in prison. In fact, she had erected a 6 foot wall around any thoughts regarding the topic. It always made her heart rate increase and her hands shake.

"Hello Hermione!" A cheerful voice sounded. Hermione jumped about an inch off of her seat. "I'm sorry, It looked like you were being attacked by a swarm of nargles, I thought I ought to save you."

Luna had taken Kingsley's empty spot on the bench. She was looking as eccentric as ever. "And they say chivalry is dead." Hermione muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing." Hermione smiled politely. "You look lovely, Luna."

She was wearing a bright turquoise dress, that would have looked a little garish on anyone other than Luna. It had long 70's style bell sleeves and fell just past her knees. She had paired the dress with some rather plain ballet shoes, but had completed the look with a rather unconventional headpiece. It was like a crown of sorts, embedded with a rainbow of stained pieces of glass. She certainly looked dazzling. 

The blonde smiled sweetly. "Thank you. I am rather excited to get my medal, do you think they'll ask us to do a speech?"

Hermione's stomach lurched. "Merlin, I hope not." Truth be told, she couldn't stand anymore speeches about charity and community and forgiveness.

Luna suddenly waved at someone across the room, before Hermione could argue there were more people joining them. Neville sat next to Luna who beamed at him. Hermione almost giggled. Harry, Ron and Ginny also joined them, sitting on the row in front.

Neville grinned. "How is everybody?" He said, although he really didn't take his eyes off of Luna. Hermione caught Ginny's eye and they shared a look.

Ron, subtle as ever, grunted. "Bloody 'ell." But neither Neville nor Luna took notice.

Hermione smiled. "Guys?"

Their heads turned in unison. Harry was confused, Ginny looked intrigued and Ron looked... hopeful? "I'm really sorry if my relationship with Severus has come between us. I haven't been the easiest person to get on with recently, I should have been there for you guys and I acted unfairly."

Her plea was met with silence. It was Ginny who spoke. "Come off it, 'Mione."

The entire table laughed and Hermione felt a weight lift off of her shoulders.

"But why Snape?" Neville looked anxious at the mere mention of his name.

Ginny giggled. "I think that its clear that love doesn't follow any rules." She nodded at Luna who blushed. Hermione chuckled.

_______

The room was called to order, and all eyes fell the front of the room where Minister Shaklebolt had began to speak. The room was full to bursting with a guests and various reporters who had all squeezed into the rows of benches, recording devices and cameras at the ready. Hermione continued to feel queezy, but she held her head high.

She thought longingly of her bed. She wanted nothing more than to rest her head on her pillow, pull the covers up to her face and hide from the world. It was horrifyingly paranoia inducing knowing that you were being watched at all times. Hermione often wondered whether she had completely bitten off more than she could chew.

Luna wrapped a thin arm around Hermione's shoulder, bringing her back into her current reality. She leaned close and whispered. "I could see the nargles coming back."

Hermione smiled gratefully. "Thanks Luna." She considered herself very lucky to have her motley bunch of friends.

When her name was announced, Hermione swallowed her worries and made her way to the small radius at the front of the room. She smiled dutifully as the cameras flashed, shaking hands with Kingsley. It all felt rather foolish but Hermione prevailed. She wore the medal around her neck as the other honored members did, and even smiled and posed for a group photo. 

When the ceremony had ended, Hermione gave a sigh of relief and stretched. Her bum was numb and her shoulders ached from having sat still for so long. She turned to her friends who all looked equally as tired. 

Ginny smiled sweetly. "Do you guys want to go and get something to eat? I'm starving." Hermione had to bite her tongue, her brain naturally forming some introverted excuse. Instead, she returned Ginny's smile and expressed her agreement. The group went down to The Ministry canteen, which was fairly empty. Hermione bought herself a cup of tea, she couldn't stomach food just yet. She joined her friends, feeling rather like she was back at the Hogwarts lunch tables.

Harry was sat directly across from her, and as the others fell into easy conversation, Hermione focused her attention on Harry. "Can I ask a favor?"

He cut her off. "I know what you're going to ask me, I've been thinking about it as well." Harry admitted. 

"Harry, you've seen his memories, you've been inside his mind. Please. Your word is held so highly, I really think you could help." Hermione pleaded. 

"Even if I do give a testimony for Severus, there is nothing to say that it will stop him from receiving a sentence." Harry looked at Hermione, who was picking at her nails, forlornly. "I know it will kill you if he goes to Azkaban, I just don't want you getting you hopes up." 

Hermione stared at Harry like he had sprouted two heads. "I'm not naive enough to believe that he'll walk out of the courtroom  without a single sentence. I'm hoping to at least reduce it. I'm trying to fight fires. Severus can offer his memories during the trial, but hes known to be a powerful legillimency master. The only way that we can prove that the memories haven't been tampered with would be with testimony from someone who has been in his mind." She insisted. 

Harry bit his lip. "Alright, i'll do it."

"Really!" Hermione squealed, feeling more excited than she had in days. 

"You owe me." Harry warned, but Hermione didn't hear it over Ron, who was expressing his disgust loudly. 

She looked over and saw Neville and Luna snogging, their food forgotten. Ginny looked impressed. Hermione didn't think she'd ever seen Neville look so confident in his life. Ron looked like he might vomit, but it didn't stop him from eating.

They had all changed so much since they were last at Hogwarts together. Hermione still had no idea whether she wanted to go back. But moments like these made her miss living with her friends, getting up to mischief and having good times in the castle. It was her final opportunity to be a child, before she was truly supposed to go out into the big wide world. 

"It's only like when you used to snog Lavender's face off, Ron!" Ginny exclaimed at her brother.

Ron scowled. "That's rich coming from you. One minute you were sucking face with Micheal Corner, and then Dean and now its my best friend."

Harry laughed. "Yeah, but mate. You'd rather Ginny marry me than anyone else right?" Earning him a slap on the arm from Ginny. 

"Who said anything about marriage?" She challenged, looking rather dangerous. "one thing at a time Harry Potter." She warned. 

Hermione giggled. Neville and Luna were still too wrapped up in themselves to notice the conversation. "You're digging yourself a hole mate." Ron said to Harry.

It was easy to fall into role with her friends and partake in the inane chatter of the school playground. It was hard to believe that they had all just fought a war. It was nice to take her mind off of Severus and the Malfoy's who were both relying on her to avoid a prison sentence. Hermione wondered what it would be like to go back to Hogwarts with Severus as Headmaster. Would she still be able to see him? She anticipated that there was to be a particular amount of satisfaction that came with spending the night in the chambers of Headmaster. She didn't think Severus would allow her such preferential treatment. Hermione doubted that Severus would ever turn her away, but he would definitely see that she was treated fairly. 

Yet, none of it would matter should he get his own cell in Azkaban.

Hermione gathered her things and rose from the table. "I'm gonna get going." She announced. the usual chorus of goodbyes followed before Hermione apparated to Spinner's End.