Survivor

Chapter 28 - The Final Verdict

I'm back writing after a small break! Believe me, I didn't intend to leave you guys on on such a cliffhanger :D I simply ran out of time to finish this chapter before my holiday. Finally, some Severus perspective! 

This is also the final chapter before the epilogue! Enjoy! H.x

There was a ringing that filled Hermione's ears and drowned out Kingsley's melodic voice as he reeled off a list of all of all of the crimes to which Severus was to be held accountable. She stared blankly ahead. Flashes of cameras ignited all around her, but Hermione took no notice. She felt guilty, and heart broken and maybe a little angry, but she was far too disassociated to produce any outward display of emotion at all. 

It was over. 

Except it wasn't. 

As if he was shouting from a distance, Kingsley's voice reached Hermione's ears. "... that Mr Snape will not be required to serve sentence in Azkaban Prison."

Reality slammed into Hermione with enough force to give her a concussion. Kingsley was shouting, the court had erupted into argument, some shouting for the condemning of Severus Snape and others arguing for his freedom. It was hard to tell who was louder, as all of the voices blended into one unpleasant surge of noise

"SILENCE." Kingsley shouted, banging his gavel erratically. The commotion in Hermione's head, and the room itself simultaneously died down, and Kingsley continued. 

"As I was saying, the Wizengamot have agreed that, due to his phenomenal contributions as spy for the Order of the Phoenix during the war, Mr Snape will not be required to serve a sentence in Azkaban Prison. Instead, Mr Snape will be forced to meet the terms of a five year parole agreement. If, at any point, Mr Snape does not meet the terms of his agreement then he will be recalled to serve a prison sentence. 

"In addition, Mr Snape will be required to spend a period of twelve months working without income, in order to supplement the damage dealt to Hogwarts school during the war. During this period, he will be obliged to spend a minimum of 45 hours a week contributing to the rebuilding of the school. After the 12 month period has been completed, he may return to paid work."

Kingsley addressed Severus directly. "Severus Snape, you are released from the custody of The Ministry of Magic. Someone will be in touch regarding your parole agreement, however you are free to leave. Court adjourned."

____

Severus couldn't quite believe what was happening. The noise levels in the room peaked, as people stood, discussing loudly their opinions of the outcome of the trial. There seemed to be mixed reactions. Severus forced his occlumency shields down, hard. He had worked hard to keep a straight face all day, he wasn't going to break now.  

He had sat in an uncomfortable chair, handcuffed like a muggle, while his life had been dissected for public humiliation. Despite having been rubbed emotionally raw, Severus had concealed his pain impeccably. If he had managed to get this far, Severus could easily wait until he got home before he exploded. His internal clock was ticking. 

More camera's flashed in his face, as Severus's hands were released from the manacles by the apologetic-looking Ministry Wizards, and his wand was presented back to him. It's familiar feel in his hand was largely comforting. He stood and stretched his legs, his back aching from being forced to sit so uncomfortably. 

Severus let himself look up towards the family bench, something he had been avoiding doing all day. But it was empty. 

Scanning the crowds, he saw her desperately pushing through the people who crowded the stairs, to get to him. His wife. In an instant, Hermione slammed into Severus, her arms encasing him and squeezing him in a tight embrace. Severus wrapped his arms around her violently shaking body, and buried his face in her curls.