I initially intended the trial to be two chapters long... Here we are on part three! H.x

After a 15 minute recess, Hermione squeezed back along the line of benches to her spot next to Draco Malfoy. Her rear-end had barely hit the seat when the doors to the adjoining room banged open, and Severus was being forced into the manacled chair in the center of the room, again. 

She felt much better for having cleared her head. The other women in the bathroom had given her sympathetic smiles and had cleared the way, as though Hermione was riddled with dragon pox. She had sat on the toilet and massaged her poor feet, which had been compacted into a pair of sharp stilettos donated by Narcisssa. 

Kingsley gathered the attention of the room.

"Thank you all for your patience. We may now continue the trial. I would like to ask Ms Minerva McGonagall to provide her character reference."

There was a murmur that carried around the room, as Minerva stood and made her way down to the podium on which witnesses were to stand. She looked authoritative, but Hermione understand that her kindness truly had no bounds. 

Once she was situated comfortably, Kingsley began. "Could you please state your full name and relationship to the defendant?" 

Minerva tried to catch Severus's eye, but he was staring at a wall. He seemed determined not to look at her. "Certainly. My name is Minerva McGonagall, Order of Merlin First class. I have been a Professor at Hogwarts since 1956. I taught Mr Snape from 1971 until 1978, and then became a colleague of Mr Snape's in 1981, when he returned to teach Potions."

Kingsley gave her a warm smile. "Therefore in total, you have known Severus Snape for 26 years." 

"27 years, actually." Minerva corrected. 

"Yes, well. That certainly does give you ample time to get to know the man. The Wizengamot have presented me with a list of questions, Ms McGonagall, if you wouldn't mind. First of all, was there anything that stood out to you, when Severus was a student of yours?" Kingsley asked. 

Hermione couldn't help but smile slightly at the change in tone. Kingsley clearly had respect for Minerva, as he was using a kinder tone than what he had previously used to address his colleagues. It may have come off as condescending, if Hermione didn't truly know how kind their Minister for Magic was. It was hard to be rude to Minerva, it was likely that she had taught everybody in the courtroom. They all remembered her fierce maternal ways, and her strict but kind teaching method. 

Minerva cleared her throat. "Yes, Severus Snape did stand out. But he was different for the wrong reasons."

There was an audible gasp from the crowd, as they clung on to her words, hoping to wring out every drop of juicy gossip available. 

"He stood out because he was obviously deprived." Minerva rolled her eyes at the crowd. "As deputy Headmistress, it was my role to welcome the new students. Severus looked sickly before he even started his classes. He was skinny and pale, and I reported it to the school matron as soon as I could. It became apparent that he was from an abusive household when he refused to go home during the holidays. You see, most first years get home sick, but not Severus Snape. 

"By the end of his first year, Severus looked like a normal boy. He had gained weight and was doing very well in his classes. I'm afraid to say that I stopped noticing him entirely." Minerva sounded sad. 

Kingsley continued. "You're saying that Severus's school life was uneventful? He was just an average student?" 

Minerva tried to look at Severus again, but he deflected her gaze. "No, he was not average. He was far more academically superior than his peers. Severus was - is - a genius. But he kept his head down while at school, and quietly did what he was told. The only time that things started to go wrong, was when he started to get bullied by a handful of my Gryffindor boys."

Hermione's heart went out to her. It was unusual to see a woman, normally so stoic, pause as if to clear her emotions. Minerva sighed, deeply. "I'm ashamed to say that, at the time, I just dismissed it as male rambunctiousness. James Potter and Sirius Black could charm anyone, and talk their way out of anything. I'm afraid to say it worked on me on quite a few instances. It was hard to say no to them. It wasn't until an incident in their fifth year, did I truly realize the horrid nature of their relationship. "

Kingsley pressed Minerva to continue. "Could you elaborate?" 

"Remus Lupin was one of James and Sirius's closest friends, and he was a werewolf. Albus knew of the boy's infliction and arranged for Remus to be locked inside of the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmede every full moon, so that he may transform safely. What we didn't know, until a few years ago, was that James, Sirius, and Peter Pettigrew had become unregistered animagi. They would transform into their animal states and follow Remus when he changed into a wolf. One night, Sirius dared Severus to follow Remus down the hidden passage, underneath the whomping willow tree, knowing full well he would meet a werewolf. 

"Had James not gone after Severus, he would have been dead." Minerva's voice was thick. 

Most of the occupants in the courtroom looked shocked. Even Draco, who had never heard the story before, looked appalled. Hermione swallowed the bitter taste of disgust in her mouth. 

"Do you think that Mr Snape's childhood and his experiences at Hogwarts had an effect on the man he turned out to be, Ms McGonagall?" Kingsley asked, although the answer was plain as day. 

Minerva gave an exasperated look. "Of course. It's not a wonder his students thought him strict and heartless, when he had nothing to be kind or happy about!" 

"When Mr Snape joined the staff at Hogwarts, did you have any concerns about his behavior?" Kingsley continued. 

"Severus is a wonderful teacher, but he was strict. It is necessary to be in control of one's classroom, especially when it is full of boiling volatile liquids. There was no room for students to muck about. He was somewhat kinder to his Slytherins, being their head of house. But I possessed absolutely no concerns about his teaching methods, or his treatment of students. When it came to end of year exams, students always scored well in his class." Minerva said, as though begging someone to challenge her. Hermione thought Ron might have been the first one to have a go. 

Kingsley coughed, as though reluctant to ask the next question. "Did you know that the school's Potion Master was a Death Eater?" 

Minerva gave the Wizengamot a harsh stare. "No, I did not. In fact, I found out at the same time The Ministry did, when he was called to a trial after the first defeat of Voldemort. It wasn't as though he often brought his Death Eater chums back to the castle for tea. 

"At the time, Albus publicly spoke out about the innocence of Severus Snape, and I believed him. I had no reason to doubt Severus from my experience with him either. If Dumbledore said that Severus was reformed, then he was, as far as I'm concerned."

"You had no doubts? Not even when The Dark Lord made Professor Snape Headmaster of Hogwarts?" Kingsley pressured. 

"I had no concerns that Severus Snape was not loyal to Dumbledore during his time as headmaster." Minerva confirmed. "How many times must I repeat myself, Minister? 

Kinglsey sat back into his chair. "Your patience will be rewarded, Ms McGonagall. I have only one final question."

The Wizengamot seemed to be watching Minerva intently, waiting for her to slip up. Kingsley, however, continued questioning the Witch as though he had already decided the verdict of the trial and was simply keeping up with formality. He read off a piece of parchment, selecting the next question off of the list. 

"Can you explain what Mr Snape's role in The Order of the Phoenix was? Did you have any concerns about how he carried out this role?" Kingsley asked. 

Minerva frowned. "Come now, Kingsley. You were there!"

"For the benefit of the Wizengamot, Minerva, please answer the question!" Kingsley rose his voice a little

McGonagall obliged, but sounded bored. "Severus Snape was a double agent. He provided the Order of the Phoenix with intelligence from The Dark Lord. He was our greatest asset in winning the war. He regularly attended meetings, and was incredibly forward thinking with his ideas and concerns. Given that his loyalties towards Dumbledore remained secret to Lord Voldemort, until Harry Potter told him in the middle of the final battle, I would argue that Severus did an excellent job." 

Without waiting to be dismissed, Minerva stepped down from the podium and made her way back to her seat. Having clearly given them a lot to talk about, The Wizengamot launched into excited whispers about their latest development in the case. Hermione scanned toward Severus, who still appeared to be enthralled with the wall. 

____

"Could you please confirm your full name and tell us about your relationship with Mr Snape?" Kingsley repeated. 

"Harry James Potter. Order of Merlin First Class. Severus Snape was my teacher, and is my best friend's husband." 

"Please could you go into more detail about your relationship, Mr Potter. What were your first impressions of Mr Snape?" Kingsley elaborated. 

"I first saw Professor Snape on arrival at Hogwarts. He was sat at the staff table and seemed unable to stop staring at me, as I was sorted into Gryffindor. I met him formally the following day, in Potions class. He accused me of not paying attention and I rudely responded, causing him to deduct house points. From that day forward I hated him. 

"During my first ever Quidditch match, someone had tried to jinx my broom to throw me off it. I looked into the stands and realized that Professor Snape was staring at me, and appeared to be muttering something under his breath. It wasn't until the end of my first year that I realized, that it was in fact professor Quirrell who had been trying to get me killed, and Professor Snape had been trying to counter the curse.

"In my second year, Professor Lockhart had started a dueling club. It was nothing more than an excuse for him to show off, but I did learn one useful thing. It was in dueling club that Professor Snape showed me how to disarm someone. He taught me the very spell I used to defeat Lord Voldemort.

"In my third year, Professor Snape threw himself between my friends and a werewolf. In a similar situation to what Minerva just mentioned.

"In my fourth year, Professor Snape introduced me to veritaserum. He had threatened to use it on me to find out who had been stealing from his Potion stores. In my fifth year, when Professor Umbridge was giving students tea laced with veritaserum, I was able to recognize the potion and refused to drink the tea. Later that year, Professor Snape lied to Umbridge so that she couldn't use veritaserum to question me. He then proceeded to alert The Order of the Phoenix that my friends and I had gone to The Ministry, and undoubtedly saved our lives again. 

"And finally, perhaps most importantly, when Ron and I couldn't rescue Hermione from Malfoy Manor, Professor Snape saved her. When Hermione told me what happened, I couldn't quite believe her. Ron and I had left her for dead. There she was, living breathing proof of the kindness of Severus Snape." 

Silence.

Harry, Hermione and Ron were public figures, whether they liked it or not. As the person who had directly un-alived Lord Voldemort, people listened to Harry. Although he usually tried to avoid the press, unlike Ron who enjoyed the attention. Hermione had tried but failed to stay out of the line of fire; her wedding and now this? Reporters like Skeeter were getting paid by the word to print any cow-fodder they could come up with about the "golden girl". 

Kingsley seemed sated by Harry's statement. "Thank you Mr Potter for your service. If you could return to your seat?" 

The Minister was interrupted by a balding Wizengamot official, who pointed a finger directly at Harry. "One moment, Sir. I have one question. How did you feel, learning about Severus Snape's love affair with your mother?" 

Harry visibly shuddered. "Excuse me? I don't see how my answer would be pertinent to the outcome of the trial?" 

Without missing a beat, Kingsley spoke, interjecting the balding man before he could delve any further into the topic. "Mr Cunningham, your question is inappropriate."

The wizard huffed. "Perhaps, you could tell us how you feel at Mr Snape's relationship with your best friend? Is he the sort of person you would want her to spend the rest of her life with? Is he someone you would agree for her to have children with?"

Kingsley gave Harry and sorrowful look, but didn't prevent him from answering the question. Hermione bit her lip in anticipation. 

"I don't get to decide who my friends fall in love with, and I don't have a say on who Hermione should spend her life with. It's really none of my business. All I can really do is support my friends with their choices. But for the purpose of the trial I will answer your question. 

"Severus Snape may not be a conventional choice, but he and Hermione are undeniably well suited. I'm happy that Hermione has found someone who will challenge her academically, which is something no one of our age group has ever managed to do. I think that Severus brings out Hermione's self-confidence, and she in turn brings out his caring side. I believe that he is a good man, and will provide for her for as long as they are together.

"As for their children. If Severus and Hermione ever have children, they will be incredibly intelligent and stubborn individuals, who will be just as successful at school as their parents. I don't envy their Professors, though, when it comes time for them to attend Hogwarts." 

Hermione welled up again, unable to stop herself from feeling emotional after Harry's words. Eyes fell on her, but she didn't hide her tears. The Wizarding World did not take kindly to their marriage, Hermione knew that. The fading magical population was becoming an even bigger problem than anyone could have predicted, since the rise and fall of Lord Voldemort. People were rallying for a marriage law, which would only produce more unconventional pairings, like Hermione and Severus. 

"Thank you Mr Potter. There will be no more questions, please sit back down." Kingsley said, in a tone that suggested dire consequences for the next person who interrupted him.

____

The time had come for the Wizengamot to make the ultimate decision. The court had been adjourned, giving the council time to discuss their case. Hermione had wretched into the toilet until her stomach had emptied itself of her meager breakfast. She cleaned herself up, glad that the women's toilets we empty. She couldn't deal with any more pitying or judgmental stares. 

It wasn't long ago that she was slumped on the cold stone floor of the Malfoy's drawing room, begging for death to take her, as she was surrounded by filthy men. It felt like she had only just awoken in Severus Snape's bed, and saw him reading his book on the window seat. Their time in Spinner's end had been a dream, followed by the unforgiving nightmare of the final battle. Now she was here, desperately hoping that the man she was deeply in love with would be able to come home. 

Hermione Snape would either be the wife of a war hero or the wife of a convicted Death Eater, for the rest of her life. Her social standing would certainly target a fatal blow if it were the latter. Her own war-hero status would be forgotten, and she would be the shunned mudblood who married the man who killed the greatest wizard of all time. 

Hermione was no stranger to emotional breakdowns in bathrooms. She recalled fondly the time a troll had interrupted her Halloween crying session. She had also spent much of her second year in the girls loo, at one point looking in the mirror to see cat whiskers and fur. There had been many more bathroom breakdowns over her school years, particularly over Ron Weasley. But her most recent one, the time she took the pregnancy test, was replaying over and over again in her mind. Severus had outwardly appeared to be so calm and reassuring. His voice had eased Hermione's worries, and his promise to help raise any child she might bare, solidified her trust in him. 

Splashing water on her face, Hermione tried to channel Severus's calmness. She was going to walk back into the courtroom with her head held high. Whatever the outcome, she would deal with it. 

____

The Wizengamot returned to their benches, appearing just as stoic as they had upon leaving. Their faces gave no clue of the verdict. Kingsley stood, his face too was devoid of emotion. "A decision has been reached."

Draco squeezed Hermione's hand. "It will be ok." He whispered to deaf ears. 

Severus was looking up at Kingsley, his hands balled into fists. Hermione stared at Severus, hopelessly wondering whether this would be the last time she would see him. 

"The Wizengamot has determined that Severus Snape is to be found guilty of the following charges: Performing the illicit unforgivable curses on 343 occasions..."

That was it. 

Despite her best efforts, Hermione's world came crashing down.