Addicted to You

XXIII

The whole room seemed to have come to a standstill seeing the priceless asset in the hands of Harry Potter.

"I could go on forever, trying to explain just how much Professor Snape has done for the greater good, but...it would be easier to show you."

"No..." Snape was muttering to himself, dreading that this was a bad move. Hermione wondered whether he would ever forget this betrayal of trust from Harry; he was known for holding a grudge, but she would have to make him understand that it was a last resort and was done only to help him.

"I understand that many of you are confused and it's perfectly reasonable," he said, "But the truth deserves to be known and for that, you need to see this- the whole picture."

"Are those...memories?" Someone from the jury asked, squinting their eyes to get a better view.

"This will help you understand better." 'Would help you stop being ignorant fools'- he didn't say.

He handed it over to Amanda, who was stopped by Henry. "H-hang on. I wasn't told about this before...The defense needs to notify about any evidence prior to-"

"Even I didn't know about this." retorted Amanda, "But if Mr. Potter thinks it contains valuable information about the case, then it deserves to be checked atleast once."

"Why did he hold this back till now?"

"Because the contents of this vial is extremely personal and sensitive." Harry answered for himself. "I had no intention of disrespecting Professor Snape's privacy, but seeing as it is, I've got no choice..."

Both the lawyers turned to the Minister, who was scratching his chin. "Hmm, well, it's only memories...it's immaculate, perfectly harmless...and it would be ingenuous in this case. I don't see why not? Anyway, we have a way of judging its legitimacy afterwards." Then with authority he added, "Yes, I will allow it."

Amanda nodded her agreement, Henry reluctantly accepted and the memory was extracted from her and placed in a Pensieve. Instead of diving into it, the images were magically projected out of it. The lights were dimmed and everyone watched as the memory started.

Dumbledore started to explain. Everyone listened as he talked about Voldemort, how he had survived the night he tried to kill Harry, how he was just waiting for the chance to rebuild his body and his army, and how there would be a second war when he did. He talked about how they needed to build up their forces before that happened, how they would need more than Aurors and Healers to gain an edge, how having trained spies and double agents would be necessary. As Dumbledore said all of this, Snape just sat there, listening, not saying a word. It was clear that he wasn't entirely comfortable about the whole business, but no one could tell what the elusive Potions Master was thinking.

"What message does Lord Voldemort have for me?"
"No- no message- I'm here on my own account!"
"Hide them all- Keep her- them- safe."
"And what will you give me in return, Severus?"
"Anything."
.........

"Gone...Dead...I wish, I wish I were dead..."
"You know how and why she died. Make sure it was not in vain. Help me protect Lily's son."
"Very well. But never- never tell, Dumbledore! This must be between us! Swear it! I cannot bear...I want your word!"
"My word, Severus, that I shall never reveal the best of you?"
........

"Keep an eye on Quirrell, won't you?"
"Karkaroff intends to flee if the Mark burns."
"Does he? And are you tempted to join him?"
"No, I am not such a coward."
"No. You know, I sometimes think we Sort too soon..."
........