Survivor

Chapter 25 - Witness for the Defense.

4 chapters to go! 

A warning for scenes of domestic violence. All errors are my own. 

I've just worked 5 x 12hr shifts in 7 days. I haven't had time to sleep let alone write, so please excuse the delayed update. H .x 

Hermione was one of the first people in the courtroom, even earlier than the Wizengamot themselves. She sat on the cold, unfriendly bench reserved for the relatives of the accused, as Draco and Narcissa had done only a week earlier. She was alone. Severus had no other family. 

The witch wore uncomfortable robes and heels that were murdering her toes, but her physical pain didn't even scratch the surface of the emotional torrent she was feeling. 

Much like during the Malfoy trial, there were torches posted around the dim room which didn't seem to give out any light. The black-tiled walls seemed to be constantly bathed in shadows. To Hermione's left were the spectator benches, where members of the press, and other authorized guests were permitted to sit during the hearing. To her right were the Wizengamot benches, and the podium upon which the Minister for Magic was to be seated. Directly in front of Hermione, at the center of the room was an empty chair, which had manacles chained to the arms. It taunted her. 

As time passed, the dreary courtroom filled with people authorized to view the trial and members of the press. Hermione glanced at Rita Skeeter, sitting in the front row to the left side of the room, wishing she could make her pay for what she had written. Minerva McGonagall had arrived, giving Hermione a small smile before sitting behind her on the bench reserved for witnesses. Minerva looked stern in sharp black robes and her hair pulled tightly into a bun. 

After a short while, Harry, Ron and Ginny entered the room. The Ministry Guards glared, as Harry ignored them and edged his way along the family bench, to envelop Hermione in a hug. 

"He'll be ok." Harry whispered. 

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, finding comfort in her best friend. "I hope so." 

"I trust Kingsley. He was a member of The Order before he was Minister for Magic. He trusted Dumbledore, I'm sure he'll trust Snape." Harry reasoned.

"Harry, I spoke to Kingsley about Severus. He said there was nothing he could do." She urged. 

"People trust his judgement." Harry said. "He'll be fine."

Harry turned and left Hermione alone again, nodding sheepishly at the Ministry guard as he walked past. Ginny and Ron both looked uncomfortably at Hermione, before the three made their way to sit beside Minerva. 

Hermione's eyes swept around the chamber again, finding it fuller than before. The noise level of the room had risen dramatically, as people began to fill benches and breathe life into melancholy room. Not only had more spectators arrived, but so had the Wizengamot, and Kingsley Shacklebolt himself. She tried to recall Kinsgley's kindness to Hermione, during The Battle of the 7 Potters. His official robes made him more severe and authoritative. He looked like someone about to hand out a death sentence. 

A hand tapped her shoulder, making Hermione jump.

"Morning." Said Draco. He plopped himself down next to her in a surprisingly inelegant manner

"I didn't think you'd be allowed to sit with me, Draco." Hermione said, examining her friend. He looked significantly more put-together than he had when she had last seen him. But Hermione knew that appearances were deceiving. It must be tearing Draco apart to sit in the same courtroom in which he had last seen his father.