The Death of a Soul
folder
Harry Potter AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
41
Views:
55,474
Reviews:
335
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
41
Views:
55,474
Reviews:
335
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter Six
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Six
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The first thing Harry noticed when he entered the courtroom, was that there weren’t many people there. He was later informed that the individuals, who would be testifying, were not allowed to be present through the duration. Harry sighed as it became very clear to him that all of this was going to be pointless. He would indeed lose.
Albus escorted him to his seat that was facing, of course, the members of The Wizengamot. As Harry looked at all the grim faces staring back at him, he winced when thinking about the last time he was here. However unlike last time, sitting next to him, ten feet to his right, was Severus Snape. Immediately, Harry’s blood began to boil. He tried to divert his attention somewhere else; otherwise they’d have to restrain him. His eyes broke away from this evil man who wasn’t even acknowledging him – thank Merlin - and focused on his fists lying in his lap. He closed his eyes, and took several deep breaths, trying to keep his mind clear enough to be rational. His thoughts were temporary interrupted, however, when a voice called out.
“Before the proceedings commence, I would like to address the accused regarding the Life-Debt of Severus Snape,” said Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
“Allowed,” stated Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic.
Speaking to Harry, she said, “For the record, please state your name.”
“Harry James Potter.”
“Mr Potter, were you informed of Severus Snape's Life-Debt?”
“Yes,” Harry said.
“And have you read it?”
Harry suddenly realised that he hadn’t. “No.”
Turning back to the counsel, Madam Bones said, “I strongly recommend that this hearing be adjourned until Mr Potter has had the chance to read the Life-Debt contract.”
“Allowed,” Minister Fudge said, giving a sharp look to Snape and Dumbledore.
Harry was ushered into a vacant room, followed by the two men.
“Does he have to be here?” Harry quipped.
“Yes, Harry. Severus must be present in the event that you have any questions,” Dumbledore replied simply.
Harry scoffed and took a chair furthest from Snape. He snatched up the contract, and adjusted his glasses.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Life-Debt Contract of Severus Snape:
I, Severus Snape, on October 31st, 1997, shielded Harry James Potter from a killing curse sent by Voldemort that was aimed at Mr Potter. By doing so, it exposed my status as a spy for The Order of the Phoenix. It is my strong belief that the said attacker will return to destroy Harry Potter or myself for my betrayal to him, and thus using my information against The Order and/or Mr Potter. I have protected Mr Potter several times in the past, and therefore fulfilled the Life-Debt of his father, James Potter.
The Life-Debt I have decided upon from said individual, will be a marriage of convenience for the purposes of:
1. The protection of Mr Potter in the event that said attacker will attempt to destroy Harry James Potter again.
2. The prevention of myself being captured, and used against The Order and/or Harry James Potter.
These are the specifications for the Life-Debt that I, Severus Snape, invoke, according to the Life-Debt Law set forward in the year 1678.
Signed on this day, February 15, 1998.
X. Severus Snape
Witness: X. Dumbledore, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian
Witness: X. McGonagall, Minerva
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“What?” Harry cried out. “This is full of lies! These are not his reasons!”
“Harry,” Albus said calmly, “I must remind you that once the conditions are in writing, they are bound by law and as such cannot be contested.”
Harry gritted his teeth. He’d contest all right. To hell with the law. “So what does this ‘marriage of convenience’ mean exactly? And in plain words if you don’t mind,” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dumbledore’s expression flickered with hope, thinking the boy might be starting to consider. “It means that you and Severus will become a union for the purpose of your protection and his.”
“His protection?” Harry sneered.
“It was all explained in the contract. Can you not read?” Snape said sarcastically.
A flash of anger crossed Harry’s face and his hands balled up into fists. ‘One more word…’ Harry’s mind screamed.
“Severus,” Albus said firmly. “There is no need for sarcastic comments. Harry has the right to ask any question that he wants.”
“I apologise, Mr Potter,” said Snape with a curt nod, and a half-grin.
Harry’s eyes narrowed, and he shifted in his chair. One of his legs was bouncing, just ready to spring into action.
“I’m not stupid you know,” he emphasised. “That is the reason for the Life-Debt. I asked what the ‘marriage of convenience’ means. In other words, what are the requirements of this union?” he asked coldly.
There was an uncomfortable silence. Albus glanced over to Severus, who in response, shrugged dismissively. Directing his attention back to Harry, Albus softly sighed. Clearly, he didn’t want say this part.
“The ‘marriage of convenience’ will be the same as a standard marriage contract. With a few exceptions of course,” he added. “It will also be a separate document from the Life-Debt, listing the preconditions of the marriage in full detail. Again, there will be exceptions,” Albus stressed. “I was told there will be quite a few of them,” he said, glancing over at Snape for confirmation, and Severus nodded.
Harry already knew what one of them wasn’t. Sex. With Snape. Without hesitation, the Gryffindor barked, “I knew it! I told you there were other reasons besides this protection rubbish!”
“Harry, marriage is a requirement of the Life-Debt because it guarantees the protection of both of you. Without it, there is a risk of danger to you and to Severus. The marriage is simply there to make the bond legitimate and unbreakable.”
In a strange and demented way, the Life-Debt made sense to Harry. “Why can't we just…bond or something? Without the marriage.”
“Haven’t you been listening?” Snape spat.
“Severus! Shush!” Turning back to Harry, who was standing by this time, Albus explained further. “Harry, please sit down.” The boy obeyed with a grunt. “A marriage is stronger because it joins two people in a way that a bond cannot.”
That still didn’t answer his original question. “So what are the preconditions?” he slowly hissed at him, though it was aimed directly at Snape and his smug face.
Albus spoke cautiously, knowing this answer would not sit well with Harry. “That will be determined by Severus. He will discuss them with you in private before putting it writing, and then it will be signed by the Minister for Magic.”
“Discuss what? Oh, you mean the rules,” Harry said bitterly. ‘Always a vindictive bastard, aren’t you?’ he thought.
“I have already informed him of the conditions, Albus,” said Snape, ignoring Harry. “But, I will go over it with him again, of course. Just to make sure that nothing is misunderstood.”
Harry understood all right. “No! For all you know, he could force me to run naked through the Great Hall every night, professing my love for him!” Harry spat savagely at Dumbledore. “Or use this contract as an excuse to hit me! Or worse!”
“Harry!”
“Mr Potter!” Snape barked at the same time as Dumbledore. He took a deep breath to calm down the best he could. He continued evenly, “I have no doubt of what your assumptions might entail, but I assure you that they will be no less honourable than regular marriage requirements, and it will abide by all the ethics of the wizarding marriage laws.”
“And I know exactly what one of the requirements will be.”
Dumbledore sighed deeply, then looked at Severus for some kind of compromise, but he held the same antagonistic expression. “I will leave the two of you alone to discuss that and any other matter. I’m truly sorry, Harry,” Albus said as he rose from his chair, “but the predetermination is up to Severus.”
Snape sat quietly, hands cupping his bended knee that crossed his other leg. He patiently waited for some type of reaction or an explosion from Harry. But, to his surprise, the young man stood up and marched out of the room, never once giving him a second glance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry took his place again in the courtroom, and made neither a sound nor a movement as the people he knew and respected gave their testimonies. Each one basically said the same thing:
Even though Severus Snape had many faults, he would no doubt treat Harry with dignity and respect (Harry seemed to suddenly cough every time those words were mentioned) throughout the course of their ‘marriage of convenience’. They knew he would never intentionally harm Harry, mentally or physically, and he would protect him from anyone who would try. Everyone also emphasised that they would be there for Harry, helping and supporting him in whatever endeavours he might encounter during their marriage. Harry coughed again.
As the minutes turned into hours, Harry’s solemn expression turned hard and bitter, while Snape's expression became relaxed, and even showed a hint of self-assurance. Harry still wouldn’t look at him because he knew that he would kill him right in front of everyone. So, Harry stayed silent, listening to each statement. And, with every passing second, he began to wonder if they were only thinking about how the Wizarding World would lose their “saviour”, or because they would lose him. Harry tried desperately to distance himself from that thought.
He stared numbly at each person who sat before him, and soon their words seemed to drift into the air, but never quite reached his ears. They all became one monotone voice. Harry thought back to the simpler times in his life. His friends, chess games that lasted into the wee hours and… and Ginny. He wondered what she was doing right now. No! He swore he would never think about her again! But, sadly by doing so, it brought him back to the present. He sighed miserably, and took in his surroundings, and the vacant chair in front of him. Was it finally over? But Harry flinched as the next person’s name was announced: Draco Malfoy.
He listened intently as the arrogant blond spoke about him, calling him names such as “a spoiled, selfish, and an attention-seeker who only thought of himself.” Harry’s first reaction was to stand up and scream at Malfoy, denying everything. But then it occurred to him that out of everyone, Malfoy was the only one who was brutally honest, and had no hidden agenda. ’How funny was that?’ Harry mused. Before getting up, the blond threw out one more insult about him, but Harry only caught three words: “...what he wants…” Harry’s eyes widened. That was it!
Harry had refused this offensive Life-Debt, but everyone was fighting against him with no consideration to what he wanted. And he’d be damned before he allowed that greasy, vindictive bastard to legally rape him. Didn’t they know that that’s exactly what would happen to him if he had to marry Snape? Were they even told about the sex? Of course they knew; they had to. Everyone knew that Harry was a virgin up until Ginny. And they knew his preference was girls, and would never even consider sex with a boy. Or in this case, a man.
The room was suddenly silent, and it shook Harry out of his trance. Hermione Granger stepped forward. He listened with baited breath as she proclaimed her love for him, and that she didn’t want to lose Harry. His emotions churned his stomach. There was that word again: “Want.” He already knew she would do anything or say anything to stop Harry from going to Azkaban, but a forced marriage to Snape? Why wasn’t Hermione defending Harry? Surely she would’ve found something that would save him. And then there was Ron. Why wasn’t he screaming and hollering at Severus? Why wasn’t he attacking him, strangling his throat, and beating him to a pulp? ‘Why?’ Harry cried in his heart. ‘Why?’ Harry felt a few tears run down his cheek. He loved them dearly, and knew that they loved him in return, but something was different now. Something he couldn’t place. But, what he did know, was that he felt cold and hollow inside. And alone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The end of the trial had arrived, and when it became apparent that he wouldn’t be allowed to speak on his own behalf, he lost complete control, screaming and hollering. Immediately, he was subdued with a Calming Spell. They explained that he and Severus had already made their statement. Harry lowered his head as everyone left for a short recess. Albus Dumbledore was by his side in an instant, letting him know that it would take a while for the members to decide on a verdict, and he was free to join his friends, who were anxiously waiting to talk to him. Harry slowly shook his head, and glanced quickly at Dumbledore. The older wizard placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder for comfort before walking away. There was no need to talk to anyone. Harry already knew what the outcome would be.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry closed his eyes tightly as he heard soft voices filling the courtroom. He guessed that now that the hearing was all over, everyone was granted permission to be in there. He didn’t have to look behind him to know that the tiny room was packed to its capacity. He tried to convince himself that this wasn’t happening. He was somewhere else now, and this was just a bad dream. But the pounding in his chest, and the trembling of his body told him otherwise. Harry felt his heart accelerate with each passing second, and his breathing was becoming louder and more erratic. Maybe he would die from a heart attack. ‘Wouldn’t that be poetic justice?’ he thought unconsciously.
The room became eerily quiet, and only the sounds of footsteps, and chairs scraping the floor were heard.
“Severus Snape and Harry James Potter. Please rise.”
Struggling to his feet, Harry almost lost his balance several times before finally standing upright. He clenched the sides of his trousers with his fists, hoping to stop his shaking arms.
“The members of the Wizengamot and I, Cornelius Fudge, have come to a unanimous decision.”
Harry’s heart began to beat faster.
“Throughout our history, not one solitary witch or wizard has ever refused a Life-Debt.”
Drops of moisture clung to Harry’s damp forehead, and he could feel sweat running in trails down his body.
“Recent events, however, has taken a toll on all of us.”
Harry held his breath.
“And because of this, it gives myself or the members sitting next to me no pleasure…”
Harry closed his eyes, and everyone held their breath.
“To award Severus Snape his Life-Debt and…”
Hysterical cries of cheers, laughter, and howls exploded in the small room. Harry’s mind and body froze, not believing what he had just heard.
“Harry James Potter is ordered by the court to fulfill…”
Like a wild animal attacking his prey, Harry screamed, lunged forward, and jumped two feet in the air, aiming his claws at Fudge's throat. That was the last thing he remembered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Six
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The first thing Harry noticed when he entered the courtroom, was that there weren’t many people there. He was later informed that the individuals, who would be testifying, were not allowed to be present through the duration. Harry sighed as it became very clear to him that all of this was going to be pointless. He would indeed lose.
Albus escorted him to his seat that was facing, of course, the members of The Wizengamot. As Harry looked at all the grim faces staring back at him, he winced when thinking about the last time he was here. However unlike last time, sitting next to him, ten feet to his right, was Severus Snape. Immediately, Harry’s blood began to boil. He tried to divert his attention somewhere else; otherwise they’d have to restrain him. His eyes broke away from this evil man who wasn’t even acknowledging him – thank Merlin - and focused on his fists lying in his lap. He closed his eyes, and took several deep breaths, trying to keep his mind clear enough to be rational. His thoughts were temporary interrupted, however, when a voice called out.
“Before the proceedings commence, I would like to address the accused regarding the Life-Debt of Severus Snape,” said Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
“Allowed,” stated Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic.
Speaking to Harry, she said, “For the record, please state your name.”
“Harry James Potter.”
“Mr Potter, were you informed of Severus Snape's Life-Debt?”
“Yes,” Harry said.
“And have you read it?”
Harry suddenly realised that he hadn’t. “No.”
Turning back to the counsel, Madam Bones said, “I strongly recommend that this hearing be adjourned until Mr Potter has had the chance to read the Life-Debt contract.”
“Allowed,” Minister Fudge said, giving a sharp look to Snape and Dumbledore.
Harry was ushered into a vacant room, followed by the two men.
“Does he have to be here?” Harry quipped.
“Yes, Harry. Severus must be present in the event that you have any questions,” Dumbledore replied simply.
Harry scoffed and took a chair furthest from Snape. He snatched up the contract, and adjusted his glasses.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Life-Debt Contract of Severus Snape:
I, Severus Snape, on October 31st, 1997, shielded Harry James Potter from a killing curse sent by Voldemort that was aimed at Mr Potter. By doing so, it exposed my status as a spy for The Order of the Phoenix. It is my strong belief that the said attacker will return to destroy Harry Potter or myself for my betrayal to him, and thus using my information against The Order and/or Mr Potter. I have protected Mr Potter several times in the past, and therefore fulfilled the Life-Debt of his father, James Potter.
The Life-Debt I have decided upon from said individual, will be a marriage of convenience for the purposes of:
1. The protection of Mr Potter in the event that said attacker will attempt to destroy Harry James Potter again.
2. The prevention of myself being captured, and used against The Order and/or Harry James Potter.
These are the specifications for the Life-Debt that I, Severus Snape, invoke, according to the Life-Debt Law set forward in the year 1678.
Signed on this day, February 15, 1998.
X. Severus Snape
Witness: X. Dumbledore, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian
Witness: X. McGonagall, Minerva
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“What?” Harry cried out. “This is full of lies! These are not his reasons!”
“Harry,” Albus said calmly, “I must remind you that once the conditions are in writing, they are bound by law and as such cannot be contested.”
Harry gritted his teeth. He’d contest all right. To hell with the law. “So what does this ‘marriage of convenience’ mean exactly? And in plain words if you don’t mind,” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dumbledore’s expression flickered with hope, thinking the boy might be starting to consider. “It means that you and Severus will become a union for the purpose of your protection and his.”
“His protection?” Harry sneered.
“It was all explained in the contract. Can you not read?” Snape said sarcastically.
A flash of anger crossed Harry’s face and his hands balled up into fists. ‘One more word…’ Harry’s mind screamed.
“Severus,” Albus said firmly. “There is no need for sarcastic comments. Harry has the right to ask any question that he wants.”
“I apologise, Mr Potter,” said Snape with a curt nod, and a half-grin.
Harry’s eyes narrowed, and he shifted in his chair. One of his legs was bouncing, just ready to spring into action.
“I’m not stupid you know,” he emphasised. “That is the reason for the Life-Debt. I asked what the ‘marriage of convenience’ means. In other words, what are the requirements of this union?” he asked coldly.
There was an uncomfortable silence. Albus glanced over to Severus, who in response, shrugged dismissively. Directing his attention back to Harry, Albus softly sighed. Clearly, he didn’t want say this part.
“The ‘marriage of convenience’ will be the same as a standard marriage contract. With a few exceptions of course,” he added. “It will also be a separate document from the Life-Debt, listing the preconditions of the marriage in full detail. Again, there will be exceptions,” Albus stressed. “I was told there will be quite a few of them,” he said, glancing over at Snape for confirmation, and Severus nodded.
Harry already knew what one of them wasn’t. Sex. With Snape. Without hesitation, the Gryffindor barked, “I knew it! I told you there were other reasons besides this protection rubbish!”
“Harry, marriage is a requirement of the Life-Debt because it guarantees the protection of both of you. Without it, there is a risk of danger to you and to Severus. The marriage is simply there to make the bond legitimate and unbreakable.”
In a strange and demented way, the Life-Debt made sense to Harry. “Why can't we just…bond or something? Without the marriage.”
“Haven’t you been listening?” Snape spat.
“Severus! Shush!” Turning back to Harry, who was standing by this time, Albus explained further. “Harry, please sit down.” The boy obeyed with a grunt. “A marriage is stronger because it joins two people in a way that a bond cannot.”
That still didn’t answer his original question. “So what are the preconditions?” he slowly hissed at him, though it was aimed directly at Snape and his smug face.
Albus spoke cautiously, knowing this answer would not sit well with Harry. “That will be determined by Severus. He will discuss them with you in private before putting it writing, and then it will be signed by the Minister for Magic.”
“Discuss what? Oh, you mean the rules,” Harry said bitterly. ‘Always a vindictive bastard, aren’t you?’ he thought.
“I have already informed him of the conditions, Albus,” said Snape, ignoring Harry. “But, I will go over it with him again, of course. Just to make sure that nothing is misunderstood.”
Harry understood all right. “No! For all you know, he could force me to run naked through the Great Hall every night, professing my love for him!” Harry spat savagely at Dumbledore. “Or use this contract as an excuse to hit me! Or worse!”
“Harry!”
“Mr Potter!” Snape barked at the same time as Dumbledore. He took a deep breath to calm down the best he could. He continued evenly, “I have no doubt of what your assumptions might entail, but I assure you that they will be no less honourable than regular marriage requirements, and it will abide by all the ethics of the wizarding marriage laws.”
“And I know exactly what one of the requirements will be.”
Dumbledore sighed deeply, then looked at Severus for some kind of compromise, but he held the same antagonistic expression. “I will leave the two of you alone to discuss that and any other matter. I’m truly sorry, Harry,” Albus said as he rose from his chair, “but the predetermination is up to Severus.”
Snape sat quietly, hands cupping his bended knee that crossed his other leg. He patiently waited for some type of reaction or an explosion from Harry. But, to his surprise, the young man stood up and marched out of the room, never once giving him a second glance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry took his place again in the courtroom, and made neither a sound nor a movement as the people he knew and respected gave their testimonies. Each one basically said the same thing:
Even though Severus Snape had many faults, he would no doubt treat Harry with dignity and respect (Harry seemed to suddenly cough every time those words were mentioned) throughout the course of their ‘marriage of convenience’. They knew he would never intentionally harm Harry, mentally or physically, and he would protect him from anyone who would try. Everyone also emphasised that they would be there for Harry, helping and supporting him in whatever endeavours he might encounter during their marriage. Harry coughed again.
As the minutes turned into hours, Harry’s solemn expression turned hard and bitter, while Snape's expression became relaxed, and even showed a hint of self-assurance. Harry still wouldn’t look at him because he knew that he would kill him right in front of everyone. So, Harry stayed silent, listening to each statement. And, with every passing second, he began to wonder if they were only thinking about how the Wizarding World would lose their “saviour”, or because they would lose him. Harry tried desperately to distance himself from that thought.
He stared numbly at each person who sat before him, and soon their words seemed to drift into the air, but never quite reached his ears. They all became one monotone voice. Harry thought back to the simpler times in his life. His friends, chess games that lasted into the wee hours and… and Ginny. He wondered what she was doing right now. No! He swore he would never think about her again! But, sadly by doing so, it brought him back to the present. He sighed miserably, and took in his surroundings, and the vacant chair in front of him. Was it finally over? But Harry flinched as the next person’s name was announced: Draco Malfoy.
He listened intently as the arrogant blond spoke about him, calling him names such as “a spoiled, selfish, and an attention-seeker who only thought of himself.” Harry’s first reaction was to stand up and scream at Malfoy, denying everything. But then it occurred to him that out of everyone, Malfoy was the only one who was brutally honest, and had no hidden agenda. ’How funny was that?’ Harry mused. Before getting up, the blond threw out one more insult about him, but Harry only caught three words: “...what he wants…” Harry’s eyes widened. That was it!
Harry had refused this offensive Life-Debt, but everyone was fighting against him with no consideration to what he wanted. And he’d be damned before he allowed that greasy, vindictive bastard to legally rape him. Didn’t they know that that’s exactly what would happen to him if he had to marry Snape? Were they even told about the sex? Of course they knew; they had to. Everyone knew that Harry was a virgin up until Ginny. And they knew his preference was girls, and would never even consider sex with a boy. Or in this case, a man.
The room was suddenly silent, and it shook Harry out of his trance. Hermione Granger stepped forward. He listened with baited breath as she proclaimed her love for him, and that she didn’t want to lose Harry. His emotions churned his stomach. There was that word again: “Want.” He already knew she would do anything or say anything to stop Harry from going to Azkaban, but a forced marriage to Snape? Why wasn’t Hermione defending Harry? Surely she would’ve found something that would save him. And then there was Ron. Why wasn’t he screaming and hollering at Severus? Why wasn’t he attacking him, strangling his throat, and beating him to a pulp? ‘Why?’ Harry cried in his heart. ‘Why?’ Harry felt a few tears run down his cheek. He loved them dearly, and knew that they loved him in return, but something was different now. Something he couldn’t place. But, what he did know, was that he felt cold and hollow inside. And alone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The end of the trial had arrived, and when it became apparent that he wouldn’t be allowed to speak on his own behalf, he lost complete control, screaming and hollering. Immediately, he was subdued with a Calming Spell. They explained that he and Severus had already made their statement. Harry lowered his head as everyone left for a short recess. Albus Dumbledore was by his side in an instant, letting him know that it would take a while for the members to decide on a verdict, and he was free to join his friends, who were anxiously waiting to talk to him. Harry slowly shook his head, and glanced quickly at Dumbledore. The older wizard placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder for comfort before walking away. There was no need to talk to anyone. Harry already knew what the outcome would be.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry closed his eyes tightly as he heard soft voices filling the courtroom. He guessed that now that the hearing was all over, everyone was granted permission to be in there. He didn’t have to look behind him to know that the tiny room was packed to its capacity. He tried to convince himself that this wasn’t happening. He was somewhere else now, and this was just a bad dream. But the pounding in his chest, and the trembling of his body told him otherwise. Harry felt his heart accelerate with each passing second, and his breathing was becoming louder and more erratic. Maybe he would die from a heart attack. ‘Wouldn’t that be poetic justice?’ he thought unconsciously.
The room became eerily quiet, and only the sounds of footsteps, and chairs scraping the floor were heard.
“Severus Snape and Harry James Potter. Please rise.”
Struggling to his feet, Harry almost lost his balance several times before finally standing upright. He clenched the sides of his trousers with his fists, hoping to stop his shaking arms.
“The members of the Wizengamot and I, Cornelius Fudge, have come to a unanimous decision.”
Harry’s heart began to beat faster.
“Throughout our history, not one solitary witch or wizard has ever refused a Life-Debt.”
Drops of moisture clung to Harry’s damp forehead, and he could feel sweat running in trails down his body.
“Recent events, however, has taken a toll on all of us.”
Harry held his breath.
“And because of this, it gives myself or the members sitting next to me no pleasure…”
Harry closed his eyes, and everyone held their breath.
“To award Severus Snape his Life-Debt and…”
Hysterical cries of cheers, laughter, and howls exploded in the small room. Harry’s mind and body froze, not believing what he had just heard.
“Harry James Potter is ordered by the court to fulfill…”
Like a wild animal attacking his prey, Harry screamed, lunged forward, and jumped two feet in the air, aiming his claws at Fudge's throat. That was the last thing he remembered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~