Survivor

Chapter 26 - Testimony of the Dead.

I know that some of these moments happened in the books. I kind of re-wrote them to suit the vibe I was going for. 

Snape's change in patronus, what do we think?

Again, this is purely fanfiction. I don't own anything. H.x 

Kinglsey addressed the room once more. His deep voice was calm, but the kind to hold the attention of his audience without any real effort. 

"Our first testimony will come posthumously from Mr Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts for almost 40 years, teacher, mentor and colleague to Mr Snape. Mr Dumbledore held various accolades prior to his untimely death. Most notably receiving an Order of Merlin First Class for his efforts during the first war, and holding the position of Head of the Wizengamot for a number of years." 

Hermione blew her nose, still not quite over having just watched a replay of her husband's childhood trauma. There had been a brief pause, during which the Wizengamot had taken time to examine evidence before The Minister had called for order again. 

The same uniformed official from earlier had appeared with a second vial, holding it up in the air flamboyantly for the whole room to see. Hermione heard Draco sigh tiredly. 

Severus himself looked unaffected by events of the morning. His face was emotionless. He was sat with perfect posture and had answered candidly to the Wizengamot. He and Hermione had agreed that, if this were to work, he was not to deny any accusations (unless they were outright lies) and he would not get enraged by the endless questions. So far, so good. 

The memories of Albus Dumbledore began to project for the whole courtroom to see. 

They were in Dumbledore's office, the only indicator of the time frame was the man himself. His beard was slightly shorter and his face slightly less weathered. Portraits of ex-headmasters and headmistresses lined the walls, and funny looking objects were displayed on every surface. Behind Dumbledore's desk was a large bookshelf, with tomes that appeared to be older than the man himself. 

 Dumbledore had been perusing some papers when there was a knock at the door. Rather than waiting for an answer, Severus Snape burst into the room, stopping just short of the headmaster's desk. 

There was panic in his eyes. Sweat on his brow. Snape's chest heaved as though he had been running.

"I've done something incredibly stupid and she's going to die because of me. You have to do something, Albus!" Snape urged. "The Dark Lord is going to kill the Potter's

Dumbledore remained expressionless. "Tell me everything, my boy. Spare no detail." 

"When you interviewed Sybil Trelawney at the Hogshead, she made a prophecy didn't she?" Snape accused. "She told you that a boy, born at the end of the summer would be The Dark Lord's undoing." 

Dumbledore looked horrified. "How did you know?"

"I happen to frequent the Hogshead. I heard her." Severus snapped, "It's not important! In a fit of blind loyalty and total error, I relayed the news directly to The Dark Lord. I didn't consider the consequences. I only thought that he would praise me, and I  would be able to rise up in his ranks."

Dumbledore gave a grim smile. "You didn't know that Lily Potter had been pregnant. You didn't know that she had birthed a son, in July.  Now the Dark Lord is going to kill James and Lily, and their son." 

"We may be too late." Severus urged. "You're the only one who can save her." 

Albus snorted. "Why the change of heart Severus? How do you expect me to believe you?"