The Bravest Man I've Ever Known (A Severus Snape Fanfic)

Chapter 10

I am so sorry it took so long to write this chapter.  My mom had fallen in the kitchen after Christmas and had to be taken to the E.R. Turned out, mom broke her sacrum in 2 places. They decided to let it heal on its own. <3 She spent a month in rehab to be able to walk again. So I had to post-pone writing until she came home. She finally came home on the 31st of January, so I resumed writing until I was finished. Without further ado, here is the long-awaited chapter. Thank you all for being so patient with me! ^_^ 

By the way, I chose this photo of the Order of Merlin 1st, 2nd and 3rd class to show what they would have looked like.  Gold is for 1st class, Silver for 2nd class and Bronze for 3rd class. I thought the photo would go well with this chapter. :) 

A week has passed since the battle ended. Students were sent home with their families. Many funerals took place, including the Weasleys. Death eaters were being rounded up by the Ministry. The Malfoys were taken to the Ministry, where Harry had to go and defend them. They were of course found guilty, but were given a very light sentence, as Harry told them what had happened. Narcissa and Draco were sentenced to 2 years of community service, without magic. Lucius was sentenced to 5 years in Azkaban and 5 years of community service, without magic. The Ministry will return their wands after they completed their sentence. The castle was being repaired, while Minerva reinforced the security at the gates and grounds, putting up every protective spell she could think of. Slughorn and Snape continued to make healing and pain potions for Madam Pomfrey, while Professor Flitwick helped Hagrid rebuild his hut. It was late in the afternoon, at the end of a very busy week. Snape was in his quarters, laying on the couch, eyes closed. A book was resting on top of him, his breathing was deep and even. He had fallen asleep while reading a book. The fire continues to crackle in the fireplace as he slept. A knock was heard on his door, which made Snape react quickly. He shot up from the couch, grabbing his wand from the coffee table, as he did so. His book falling to the floor. He points his wand at the door and said, "Who's there?" McGonagall's voice was heard from the other end, as she said, "It's me, Severus, Minerva." Snape relaxes and puts his wand away. He goes to the door and opens it to find Minerva standing there. Snape said, "You startled me, Minerva. I was taking a nap." McGonagall looks apologetic as she said, "My apologies, Severus. There is something I need to discuss with you." Snape looks curious, but nods and steps aside to let her enter his quarters. Snape closes the door as McGonagall walks into the living room. Snape leads her to the couch and said, "Have a seat, Minerva, and tell me what it is you want to discuss with me." McGonagall sits down on the couch, takes out a letter and hands it to Snape, "You are needed at the Ministry of Magic. Harry is already there, waiting for you." Snape expression was a mix of curiosity and concern as he said, "Why am I needed there?" McGonagall said, "Read the letter, Severus." Severus still had an expression of curiosity and concern as he takes the letter from 

Dear Professor Minerva McGonagall,
We write this letter to inform you that Severus Snape, has been requested to appear at a hearing in Courtroom 10, to testify against the captured death eaters. He will need to provide memories of every death eater meeting he has been to. From the moment he joined, until the final meeting prior to the battle at Hogwarts. These memories will tell us who is a death eater and who is not. In doing so, we will drop all charges on him, including the charges for the murder of Albus Dumbledore. Harry Potter has provided some of your memories that showed us why Severus Snape murdered Albus Dumbledore. He must arrive no later than 9am. The hearing begins at 9:30am. Please have Severus Snape send us an owl, letting us know that he will be coming.
Sincerely,
Kingsley Shacklebot

Snape looks at Minerva with a raised eyebrow, "Are they serious about charging me for Dumbledore's death?"He hands back the letter, looking angry, "His death was planned! I didn't want to kill him! I had no choice in the matter! I did it on his order! Weren't the memories Harry showed them good enough?!" McGonagall sighs, "I know, Severus. Kingsley tried to drop those charges, but they wouldn't budge, so Kingsley manage to make a deal with them. Will you do this, please. It will put all the death eaters behind bars, where they will never see the light of day again. In return, you will be exonerated." Snape sighs as he runs his hand over his face, "Very well, I'll do it, Minerva. I'll owl them my reply." McGonagall smiles slightly, "Thank you, Severus, and... Good luck. Please let me know how the hearing went, when you return from the Ministry." Snape nods, "I will, Minerva." McGonagall stands as do Snape, "I must get back to my office, I have a lot of work to do. A headmistress' job is never done." Snape said, "Don't overwork yourself, Minerva." McGonagall smiles as she heads to the door, "I shall try to take it easy, Severus." Snape nods as McGonagall leaves, closing the door behind her. Snape heads to his office and grabs a piece of parchment. He grabs his quill, dips it in the ink bottle and writes his reply. Once he finished, he folds up the letter and puts it in an envelope. He writes Kingsley's name and the name of the Ministry on the envelope. He pockets the envelope and leaves his office, walking quickly. He heads to the owlery and finds his owl, Hades, up in the rafters. Snape calls for his owl, Hades. Hades, upon hearing his owner's voice, flies down and lands on his arm. Snape lowers his arm so that his owl could stand on the ledge. Hades moves from his arm to the ledge, then turns to look at Snape with his big brown eyes. Snape said softly, "Send this letter to Kingsley at the Ministry of Magic." Hades nips his finger affectionately before taking the letter. Snape smiles and pet him as Hades leans into his touch. Once done petting him, Hades spreads his wings and takes to the air, flapping his wings as he went higher and higher. Hades leveled off and started to fly away, getting smaller and smaller, until he was no more. Snape stood there watching his owl fly away. Once his owl was gone, he turns on his heels, leaves the owlery and heads back to his quarters to finish his nap.