I'd made sure there wasn't a single crease marring my clothing by smoothing it a hundred times, but my hair had given me grief, as it always does, at the worst possible moments. Thankfully, Ginny helped me pin it in place this morning with several dozen bobby pins, and it was clearly never coming undone without the use of an unjinxing spell. Even so, my fingers kept patting and checking it's structure of their own volition.

     Harry, Ronald, and Mr. Weasley were watching me, which only intensified my nervousness over making a very public appearance in front of the entire Wizarding world in order to ensure that Severus gained his freedom.

     Speaking of which, the trial was going to start within the next few minutes, and the Professor was nowhere in sight, making me wonder for the hundredth time what was keeping him. I mentally rolled my eyes at my own stupidity for not having told him to be here at least ten minutes earlier than he really needed to be; I was having flashbacks of his last-second grand entrances into potions every class session.

     While pondering my theory that the potions master staged his dramatic entrances, I'd started hearing the clicking of shoes in his notorious paced walk. At that point, I shook my head to clear it of my wayward thoughts and wondered if I'd gone batty.

     "There he is," Harry spoke up, a smile lighting his drained face as he pushed away from the wall he'd been leaning against.

     My gaze followed Harry's, and I let out a relieved breath when landing on the always black-clad man swooping towards us across the marble flooring.

     Harry rushed passed me and surprised us all by hugging Severus before he began animatedly speaking to him.

     A smile played across my face as I realized this beautiful moment was unfolding, and I was the reason it could happen.

     "Severus, I'm glad you're feeling better," Mr. Weasley interrupted the exchange, having made his way over to the Potions Master to shake his hand and exchange pleasantries.

     I started nervously babbling to Ronald to cover up the fact that I was blatantly staring at the tall, dark-haired man. "He looks well, you wouldn't know he'd been nearly dead." I swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the taste of guilt I was feeling about being attracted to Snape when I genuinely do love Ron.

     "He looks okay," Ron mumbled.

     The trio was making their way over to us, and Severus's eyes seemed to suck me into their depths, heating my whole body. It felt like the air had stopped from getting into my lungs when I noticed his eyes flick to Ronald, whose sweaty hand was possessively clamped around mine, then back to me in a way that made me feel like I'd been caught breaking the rules at school.

     Harry and Mr. Weasley said their goodbyes and wished me luck before heading into the courtroom.

     Ronald whispered sweet assurances in my ear, believing I was only nervous over the upcoming trial, not Severus, "You'll be brilliant Mione."

     "Thanks, Ron." I gave him the warmest smile I could muster before being caught off guard as he planted a generous kiss on me.

     His weary blue eyes gave Severus a strange look, and he appeared to be getting ready to say something that I hoped would sound somewhat supportive or at least intelligent. Thankfully, he snapped his mouth shut before nodding awkwardly and walking into the adjoining room to sit with Harry and the rest of the Weasleys.

     "Hello Severus," I greeted him as I silently thanked Merlin that Ronald hadn't outgrown his fear of Snape and had quickly left so I could have a few moments to speak with the Potions Master beforehand.

     "Miss Granger," the hard glint in his eyes moments ago seemed to have vanished, or maybe I was just making things up, which wasn't productive.

     I knew I was beyond nervous because before I could stop myself, I burst out, "I'd expected you'd be here a bit sooner. Was there a problem?" He cocked an eyebrow at me while looking me over in a way that had my pulse jumping excitedly.

     "I hate waste, especially of my time."

     "How could you possibly consider being here early a waste of time?" What was I doing chastising a grown adult man, especially one whose brilliance I had come to respect?

     "Has an issue come up?" he asked calmly.

     "What?! No, but if something had, you being here would have been beneficial."

     His eyes had drifted to my mouth, and I wondered if he remembered kissing me or if he'd been too far gone from the poison to recall anything clearly. His dangerous hawk-like features seemed to soften, and without realizing it, we had moved in close to each other.

     Tingling played along my spine, and I took a deep breath when he did the impossible; a warm, very charming smile crossed his face, and he tucked the few strands of hair that I'd been fussing with, behind my ear. The warmth of his fingers on my skin sent ripples of pleasure through me.

     "Miss Granger, if I'd believed you incapable, I wouldn't have entrusted my life to your skilled hands." His eyes seemed to be sucking me into their endless depths as the taste of his hard forgotten minty kiss began flavoring my tongue.

     "Well," I sputtered while trying to decipher all the possible hidden meanings to his words.

     "Right, then." Clearing my throat and straightening to my full five foot five inches, I announced in my most confident tone, "I intend to present your case and get you cleared of all charges today. Do you have any concerns?" I smiled as warmly as possible, considering my heart rate was astronomical at this point.

     "I appreciate your optimism, Miss Granger. I do have many concerns but voicing them won't help," he shook his head slightly, and his tone gave me nothing to help determine his real state of mind. Typical!

     Without warning, the double doors swung open, startling me, allowing us passage into the courtroom.

     "Ready?" I looked him over.

     He nodded, and I took a big breath before I walked in and made my way to stand close to where Ronald was seated.

     The Potions Master made his way to the center of the large oval floor in the massive marble room. Within moments upon him walking in, the quiet space began buzzing with sneering remarks from hidden accusers in the crowd.

     "Murderer," someone shouted, and I watched Snape flinch as if he'd been lashed by a whip.

     I tried to find the offender, but they were lost in a sea of red and black clad people. I did recognize many faces gathered there, and the angry glares that they were giving both Severus and I had somehow shifted my nervousness to anger. It burned brighter and hotter with each scathing look or remark that these idiots were throwing at us.

     In the midst of all this, I couldn't help but admire the long silky black hair that draped neatly around his wise hawk-like facial features. His nimble hands were clasped in front of him, feet a shoulders width apart, giving him a stance that caused his broad chest to look like a shield that would protect him during the subsequent proceedings.

     I began imagining my hands working up his chest and into his hair so I could pull him into a very satisfying kiss. I had to look away before getting too caught up in that line of thinking - again.

     I scolded myself for having such thoughts at a time like this, or at all, just as my eyes met Ronald's bright blue ones looking proudly at me and giving me a warm smile of encouragement.

     In hopes of easing my guilt, I moved my gaze to Harry's green eyes, wishing I could give him something to bring the life back to him. He was exhausted from the war, funerals, helping the Ministry by providing statements and going to dozens of trials and not to mention his breakup with Ginny. I know that the whole of the Wizarding world owes the Chosen One a big thank you for killing Voldemort and even some well earned time off to recuperate, but I needed him to be here for me right now and more importantly, for Snape.

     I jerked my chin at Harry a little so he knew my feelings on the matter and he seemed to take a few deep breaths before sitting up straighter. It was an improvement, and I gave him a small smile of thanks just as Shacklebolt stood to address everyone gathered in the black, white, and gold marbled room.

     "The witches and wizards of the Wizengamot call Severus Snape to the stand to face the following charges..." The familiar voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt droned on as I tried to continue looking like I wasn't ready to choke on my own heart as well as exuding confidence as if I'd been thoroughly versed in wizarding law all of my life - which I'd only had that under my belt since forth-year at Hogwarts, but I digress.

     "Due to the fact that I was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, I don't want it believed that you, Mr. Snape, were given special treatment. By allowing the Wizarding World access to your story, it will ensure your safety. I have reporters from all over the planet here to take a record of today's proceedings. Is this acceptable to you, Mr. Snape?"

     I focused on Severus, knowing he wasn't thrilled about this idea but had been amicable enough when I presented it to him. Before saying anything, his dark, mysterious eyes had traveled over to Harry and received a nod of encouragement from the kind green-eyed wizard, then his gaze moved to many of the other's that had gathered there to support him until finally stopping on mine.

     The intense dark gaze sent a pleasant aching through me and also seemed to convey trust in my insistence that this was a good plan.

     "I agree," he stated simply.

     The lead warlock lifted his arm, and another door opened to allow a stream of brightly clothed witches and wizards to flood into the intricately designed marbled room. I felt a frown work its way across my face when none other than Rita Skeeter gave me a grotesque smile from her ruby-red lipstick smeared mouth.

     I looked away while taking several calming breaths, knowing how important it is that I make a factual and more importantly, an emotionally driven opening statement. I knew the newsies would gobble it up and make it easier to sway any possible undecided votes to Severus's point of view.

     Loud whispers of things like Murderer, Albus Dumbledore, Death Eater, and Spy, began filling the air as reporters began taking their notes.

     Severus' eyes were locked on me, and as if it was a mirage teasing me, a small sexy smile ghosted across his face, and he winked at me before looking to Shacklebolt.

     That moment of flirty encouragement from him was the last bit of fuel I needed to set me on fire. There was no way I was going to let him be taken away from me and placed into Azkaban. I felt the same determination now as I'd felt when saving his life and knew I could do this.

     Once everyone was situated, Shacklebolt raised his arms for quiet and recited the impending charges against Severus for the benefit of the newly arrived press.

     "Miss. Granger, the floor is yours," Shacklebolt said as he waved me forward.

     My eyes began wandering over the gathered mixture of supportive and hate-filled faces in the crowd and could only hear the reporters quills furiously scratching on the parchment they were pressed against.

     My heart was pumping more fuel through my raging body as I walked to the center of the room. "Madams and Sirs of the court, and guests," I looked directly at Skeeter for emphasis.

     "I'm Hermione Granger and have the distinct honor of representing Severus Snape." I looked back at Severus to focus all my attention on him and the task at hand.

     "Professor. Head of Slytherin House. Headmaster. Potion Master. A prized member of the Order of the Phoenix. Also, a double-agent. Murderer. Death Eater. Indeed, all these labels can be applied to Severus Snape, but what do they mean without context?" I made my way around the room, looking from person to person, making sure they were all listening so that no mistakes or misunderstandings could be made.

     "At a young age, Severus aspired to greatness and studied hard to become one of the most skilled potions masters to date. Hogwarts was lucky to employ him for over a decade, teaching others to become great in the name of progress and forward thinking within the Wizarding community at large.

     "He was the potions Professor for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, led Slytherin House for years doing excellent work that many parents and students have sent in numerous letters of thanks and recommendations.

     "Yes, it's true that he was a Death Eater before the Potter's unfortunate demise, but that event is what led him to join forces with Albus Dumbledore and ultimately become a loyal member of the Order of the Phoenix.

     "Because Severus had loved Lily Potter since childhood, her murder had torn a piece of his soul from him, never feeling entirely whole again. Due to his Slytherin's loyal heart, he never faltered as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, feeding copious amounts of valuable information to the cause which saved countless lives over the years, including the Chosen Ones."

     An angry voice spoke out, "He's a child abuser and murder."

     My eyes snapped to the old man that had just spoken, and he shrank back in his seat.

     "It is a well-known fact that Severus was a close friend to Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, the very man he stands accused of murdering. Which as the evidence you will be presented with shortly will prove, Albus Dumbledore asked Mr. Snape to end his life at the correct time, so that Mr. Potter..." I pointed to Harry, "... could defeat Voldemort." I put my arm down and slowly took a few echoing steps in the abated, silent room.

     "Severus Snape was a pivotal key to the defeat of Voldemort, the decisions he made to accomplish this were..." I looked into more eyes seeing the understanding coming to light. "...enough to drive the strongest men crazy. And doing so left him with nothing but an evilly cold fate of death by Lord Voldemort's pet. Severus Snape deserves nothing less than our gratitude and to be allowed to live a normal life. Thank you."

     I nodded to Kingsley, so he knew I was finished and walked towards Ronald to stand.

     "Thank you, Miss. Granger. Mr. Snape, we will now view the memory you gave to Harry Potter to make sure he knew what was required of him. As well as all the reasons you behaved in the fashion you did all of these long years."

     Severus spoke clearly, "Very well."

     Shacklebolt nodded before pointing his wand to the center of the slowly darkening room, and a small light green ball floated out of the tip, ballooning directly between and above Severus and the head warlocks seat.

     It filled with an image of Lily Potter as a child, and I watched the beginnings of the memory before looking around the room, observing all the different reactions to the things that were being revealed.

     When Severus's memory of the night in the astronomy tower began playing, my eyes were drawn to his. He was staring at me, and all the feelings that happened during our kiss rushed through me. I felt my chin quiver as a lone tear slid down my face from the emotional pain rushing through me. Severus seemed to be feeling the same thing and looked as if he wanted to hold me, and I wanted nothing more than to be held, close to him.

     By the time the memory had played out, many were blowing their noses. Then as if that wasn't bad enough, a good number of people started clapping, cheering and to my horror, standing.

     The flashes of the cameras and the most obnoxious journalist in the wizarding world, Rita Skeeter started whispering loudly to her quill about Snape's heart of gold and that every woman who is single would be lucky to warm his bed sheets. Skeeter's words made me realize this could help him find a wife, and I felt torn. I wanted him to be happily married with a wife and child as he deserves, but I was also feeling pangs of sadness for reasons I didn't want to admit to myself.

     "Are there any questions the wizards and witches of the Wizengamot wish to ask of Mr. Snape?" Shacklebolt asked while looking around the room.

     "He's a murder!" an angry bystander hollered.

     "Yes!" He snapped in a heated voice, his body trembling slightly. "I killed him! I killed one of the few people in my life that I love. He was like a father to me, but his death was necessary and unavoidable. I didn't have any other choice."

     "Lies, you didn't even try to save him!" Another angry voice yelled from the lively crowd.

     He looked like he'd been stung at the biting words, "Albus Dumbledore was dying from the Gaunt Ring. I'd managed to trap the curse in his hand. However, we both knew that it would eventually spread to the rest of his body and kill him. Due to that fact, he asked that when the right time presented itself that I end his life. I hated it but agreed to do as he asked, ensuring the safekeeping of the wand and to deepen my cover with the Dark Lord and Death Eaters. I'm guilty as charged and even though it pains me to lose Albus I would do it as many times as I had to, in order to end Voldemort."

     Angry bickering filled the room, and I looked to Severus who was staring at the floor with a distant look in his eyes. I wanted to grab him and apparate away. Talking about Dumbledore was hard on him, and I'd felt ill at his words and obvious inner turmoil.

     "What about all the abuse the children suffered at his hands while he was Headmaster of Hogwarts? Are we just going to pretend that never happened?"

     "It was not something I wanted to do but deemed it necessary. I was under constant surveillance during my time at Hogwarts. Even after killing Dumbledore, I was not trusted. I had to put up a front for the sake of the Death Eaters that were stationed at the school by Voldemort. I was forced to maintain a certain kind of reputation."

     "More lies!" an angry woman yelled. "You hurt my niece. She told me how you'd laughed when inflicting harm on students."

     "The professor never laughs!" Seamus Finnigan hollered, his face red in indignation. "And I never saw him look happy to be doin' any of it. I was at Hogwarts the whole time, I'd know! I believe em' when he says he had no choice."

     Shacklebolt held his hands up to quiet the room. "It's my personal belief that Mr. Snape was vital to the defeat of Voldemort and should have all the charges against him forgiven, leaving this court a free man."

     A low disgruntled rumbling started again before a woman hollered, "I call for a vote. Who here believes Severus Snape should be cleared of all charges." She raised her hand, and I looked around at all the deciding members of the jury. Many of them lifted their hands almost immediately, but a few glanced around the courtroom nervously before slowly raising their hands. I felt a small smile of victory work its way across my face, as it didn't appear that very many people didn't raise their hands.

     "Those opposed?" Kingsley asked, and only three people raised their hands, each of them had family ties to the Dark Lord or his most loyal Death Eaters.

     Shacklebolt smiled in satisfaction, "Severus Snape, you're hereby cleared of all the charges and are allowed to leave the courtroom under your own volition."

     There were a couple of people who I noticed leaving in a tizzy or talking animatedly with the news reporters about the outcome of the trial, but the rest of the gathered crowd clapped or was smiling happily.

     "Good job, Mione!" Ron spoke up.

     I felt elation running through me as I fully realized that Severus wouldn't be going to Azkaban and could be free to live a real life. One without running around doing others biddings.

     I was pleasantly surprised when I realized Severus was smiling and had walked directly to me, grabbing my hand in both his possessively.

     "Hermione," I sucked in a breath at his use of my name and couldn't help but love the way it sounded to me. "You were brilliant, and I wish to thank you in some way. I'll send you an owl soon, but I must leave this circus before Skeeter gets in my way, and I'm forced to face trial for murder all over again." He squeezed my hand, then quickly bolted from the courtroom before he was accosted.

    I laughed happily at my success, and Snape's almost comical departure as Harry, Ron, and a few others made their way over to me and congratulated me on winning my first case.