Always (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter Nine: Ministry of Magic (NSFW)

NSFW! You have been warned! 18+

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The grand courtroom of the Ministry of Magic loomed before you, its high, vaulted ceilings and imposing columns designed to instill a sense of awe—and fear. The air was thick with tension. Every eye in the room trained on you as you took your seat in the defendant's chair.

Before entering the courtroom, Headmistress McGonagall had smirked as she walked ahead of you and Severus. "I knew you two would come along," she said with a knowing gleam in her eye. The casual way she noted your linked hands sent a flush of warmth through you, but it was nothing compared to the fury that flashed across Dolores Umbridge's face when she saw you together. Her eyes gleamed with barely concealed rage, and you could almost hear her gritting her teeth.

Inside, the murmur of the crowd grew as the members of the Wizengamot entered. Their long, dark robes swept the floor, and their faces were set in grim determination as they took their seats on the raised dais. Each gaze that swept the room felt heavy, especially when it settled on you.

To your right stood Severus, a quiet pillar of strength. His expression was unreadable, but the slight tension in his jaw betrayed the frustration he was holding back. McGonagall stood beside him, her steely resolve clear in her posture. Together, they had promised to support you, and their presence was the only thing grounding you in that tense moment.

At the far end of the room, Dolores perched in her seat, watching the scene unfold with twisted glee. The sight of her was enough to send a surge of anger through you, but you forced yourself to remain composed. This battle would not be won through emotion but by presenting the truth.

The sharp sound of a gavel rang out, silencing the crowd. Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt, the newly appointed minister after the wizarding war, leaned forward, his voice booming through the room.

"Y/N L/N, you stand accused of endangering the welfare of students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, specifically through the use of a Blood Quill on Albus Severus Potter. How do you plead?"

Your heart pounded as the moment of truth arrived. You stood slowly, feeling every eye in the courtroom on you, and took a deep breath.

"Not guilty," you said clearly, your voice steady even as the turmoil raged inside you.

Minister Kingsley gave a curt nod, jotting something down on a piece of parchment. "Very well. The prosecution may present its case."

Dolores rose gracefully, her expression smug and her voice dripping with false charm. "Thank you, Minister Kingsley. The facts are simple and clear. The accused is guilty of a cruel and barbaric act against a student. This type of behavior, if left unchecked, will set a dangerous precedent for Hogwarts."

She gestured toward you with a sly smile. "We have witnesses and evidence that prove beyond any doubt that Y/N L/N is unfit to continue her role as a professor."

Dolores's voice was steady and practiced as she laid out her accusations, filled with half-truths and manipulations. It was maddening, but you kept your emotions in check, knowing your turn to speak would come soon enough.

When she finished, Minister Kingsley turned to the defense. "The defense may now present its case."

Severus stood, commanding the room with his presence as he began. "Thank you, Minister Kingsley. What we have heard is nothing more than a distortion of the truth, manipulated by someone with a vendetta against my client. Y/N L/N is innocent and is, in fact, the victim of a targeted campaign to destroy her reputation."

His voice was measured and calm, but the sharp edge in his tone made it clear he would not allow Dolores's lies to go unchecked. As Severus continued, you felt a spark of hope. The truth was on your side, and justice could still prevail.