Life Begins Anew

A/N Word gets out about who Hermione is married to.

Chapter 81 Hermione Is Married To Whom?

Poppy watched Hermione's diagnostics turn green. "Severus, you can stop now. She and the baby will be fine now."

She sat down next to Severus feeling guilty of he doubts about the wizard. After all, she knew what he had been up to as she treated him every time he came back from Voldemort. "Hermione and her baby are remarkably healthy considering the weeks that they were lost in the woods. I remember when they came in, all thin and dirty."

"I provided her with neo-natal potions before I departed the castle after I "killed" Albus. Sara met up with them in the woods and kept her supplied with refills that I made." Severus replied.

He noticed that he was still dressed in his Deatheater robes. "Poppy, I am surprised that you have not stripped me. After all it has been almost three days. Why?"

"I honored our previous agreement that I was not to undress you unless absolutely needed. As you were killed by the Avada curse, I did not have to address any wounds. Then when you came back to life the Healers recommended that no one change you or Bootstray as no one had ever treated those who were firmly dead coming back to life. They were unsure if any undue movement would cause harm."

Poppy looked to him. He was going to be surprised as he looked younger. She conjured up a set of pajamas that would fit him. "Take a shower and look over your body and tell me if there is anything that needs to be addressed. I will wait and watch Hermione."

Severus nodded as he took up the offered clothing and went to the shower room.

Suddenly she heard a loud argument outside her Infirmary. She opened it and snarled out. "Who is making all of this racket? I have patients healing in here. Merlin! Do you have any idea of the time?"

The Auror moved to block the witch. "I demand to see Severus Snape to interview him. The Wizarding world has a right to know why he is being hidden in here."

Rita Skeeter. Merlin that was all she needed. "As you can see by the Auror guarding the door he is hardly hiding. He is healing. The only person allowed to visit him is his wife and she is healing here as well from exhaustion from the final battle."

The Auror growled as he pushed her away. "Bring me clearance from the Ministry and I'll allow you to talk to him. Now go away!"

"My apologies Madame. I promise that you will not be disturbed for the rest of tonight."

"See to it Mr. Robertson. You were noisy enough when you attended school here. I have patients to attend to."

He watched Madame Pomphrey go and attend Snape's wife. He still could not believe who it was that he was married to.

Rita walked down the hall and ducked into an unused classroom, body convulsing it changed back into its true form. Rita's cameraman changed himself out of witches clothing back into his normal robes. She promised him half the profits if she was successful in getting a story. Gods! What he was willing to sacrifice just to earn a galleon or two.

Pomphrey watched over Hermione, remembering the tale that Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley told the Headmaster and the Minister about the potions professor and his sister helping the missing students and assisting in the defeat of Voldemort. She felt ashamed of her thoughts concerning the wizard.

"Bloody Hell!" Hearing a shout from the shower room. She rushed over and asked through the door. "Severus, is everything okay?"

"Poppy please come in here."

She entered and noticed that Severus was in his familiar grey shorts. She looked him over and gasped out. "All of your scars are gone. How could that be?" Severus quickly pulled on his bed clothes and walked over to his bed and re-read the parchment that his sister had left for him.

Severus,

You are going to be upset with me and probably blame Hermione, but the reason that you have survived is because of me. You are probably expecting that you will receive the Kiss, Fates laughing at you but I assure you that this is not the case. I have taken measures that you will be exonerated. You must trust me.

Death is as manipulative as our esteemed Headmaster and I have demanded that he give Bootstray the choice of coming back to the mortal world as he was a victim. I did not give you that choice as you have never had a life to live. You protected me as a little girl and I have not forgotten that even though you do not remember it. Take the bottle of potion that I have left and you will have all of the answers that I could not have given you when I met you at the beginning of the school term.

I told DEATH to heal you of all of your scars and ailments. I hope that you are pleased with the result. You have a smart, beautiful wife and a daughter to live for. When I experienced love with Bootstray I found myself wanting to live life to live. I have no choice as I must die. Don't mourn for me Severus if you feel inclined to. This is what I want and I remind you of the conversations we had in the past. I look forward to seeing the Light that you described for me.

Brother live life to live. That is the gift that I have given you. Your life begins anew.

I hope to see you at the Veil in sixty or seventy years.

Sara

He handed the parchment for Poppy to read. She pulled out a hanky as she read it and handed it back to Severus. "I think DEATH did more than heal your scars and ailments."

"Yes so it seems. Maybe this is what I should look like without the stress and beatings of the past twenty years." He rubbed the belly of his sleeping wife.

"Poppy, you have always taken care of me when I came back beaten and broken, never asking any questions. It must be my resurrection affecting me because I want to tell you of how Hermione and I became husband and wife. Maybe it is because I do not believe Sara's words that I will be exonerated and I want someone to know the whole story. I don't know. Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley only know a few details."

Severus looked over and saw Bootstray trying hard to pretend to sleep. "I hear your irregular breathing Bootstray. Come over as you know most of it anyway."

Bootstray chuckled as he joined him as he handed him the parchment to read. "Thank you Severus. I always knew that Sara loved me. I have to believe that she will live even if this note says otherwise. It is all I have."

The witch and wizard listened as Severus began to talk. He finished his tale three hours later, the faint light of dawn showing through the open window.

"Thank you Severus for sharing you story with me. Now off to bed you two." Pompy told them.

Severus enlarged the bed that his wife was sleeping in and slipped in next to her, relishing the feel of her as he fell into a deep sleep as Poppy pulled around a privacy screen. The wizard's touch would help his wife.

No one noticed the beetle that flew away from the open window.

&&&&&&&

Kingsley and two Aurors made their way to the confined wizards and witches in the Great Hall to get an update from the Healer. He really needed to get them moved to Azkaban. They noticed the sleeping Aurors in the cots and woke them up. "What has happened here?" He demanded.

The ten Aurors looked to him in confusion. "We were guarding them."

Kingsley sighed as he released his people noticing the healing witches and wizards watch him as he walked out of the Great hall and made his way outside to the gates. The smell of blood and rot hung heavily in the air.

Hermione. The last thing he needed to do was to chuck one of the Golden Trio into jail. He turned his heel and Apparated to the Ministry to arrange what Albus had promised, hoping that the Wizenmagot was willing to listen.

&&&&&&&

Hermione woke from a deep sleep imagining that Severus was with her. Oh Merlin his touch! She had missed it and imagined his hands caressing her round belly. ***Severus. Feel our daughter move***

"I feel her." He whispered into her ear.

She woke up and looked around. "Where am I?"

***You are in the Infirmary Beloved*** Kissing her neck as he sent along the Bond. ***You succumbed to exhaustion after committing your criminal act. Perhaps we'll be put on trial together as it will save the Ministry a galleon or two in court cost***

She turned around and looked to him as he had placed herself in front of him feeling his chest pressed against her back as he held her to him. "That is not even remotely funny Severus." She gasped out. "You look….younger. While I am not complaining I am surprised."

He reached over to the table and grabbed Sara's note and handed it to her to read.

Poppy heard Hermione's voice and went over to perform a check up on the young witch, noticing that Severus was still in her bed. "Severus. She needs rest and you do not. Go on back to your own bed now." She admonished.

The medi-witch was the only person that he allowed to command him so. "Poppy…." He started.

Poppy merely pointed her wand at him and watched as he went to his bed. "Impertinent witch. Really ought to work on your bedside manners." He groused.

"When you run your class without belittling your students and taking excessive points, I will change my manners." She huffed as began to check Hermione out, conjuring up a chart as she began to ask questions about the witch's pregnancy.

Poppy completed her examination as she noticed Albus, Kingsley, Harry, and Ron walked into the Infirmary looking somber holding copies of the Daily Prophet.

"Severus, the word is out about your marriage….and other things." Kingsley told him as he handed the copy of the Prophet.

DEATHEATER AND MURDERER SNAPE BEGUILES INNOCENT HERMIONE GRANGER OF THE GOLDEN TRIO! The headline screamed out.

The article began with details of their marriage, skewed to look like he hand coerced Hermione into marriage by a spell that did not exist and ended up in the graphic detailing of Molly Weasley's rape and murder, ending that the Minister had also witnessed it first hand and hinted at a cover up.

"Oh, Merlin's sake!" Severus roared out as he jumped up. He knew that word would get out, but never in this fashion. "I have only told Potter and Weasley of my marriage and Poppy last night. How could she have known?"

Hermione threw down her copy of the Prophet. "Has Rita been around here lately?"

Poppy looked to her. "She tried to gain entrance here last night but was turned away."

"Harry, Ron go to the door and knock out anyone or anything that goes towards it." She commanded as she threw her hand out slamming the open window closed with silent magic as her friends quickly moved to do as she commanded.

Albus and Kingsley watched not understanding what was going on.

Hermione was on her feet and in the middle of the Infirmary ignoring Poppy's protest for her to get back in bed. "Rita I suggest you reveal yourself now." Locating the beetle crawling to the exit. "I see you Rita Skeeter and I will stomp on you and crush you like the bug that you are."

Albus and Kingsley watched in surprise as the beetle changed back into the form of Rita Skeeter.

"You embellished my relationship with my husband. I am sure he told Madame Pomphrey the true story of how we came to be married and it is not anything like the trash you have written."

"I did it for your own good, you unappreciative cow!" She snarled out as she pointed to Severus. "He is not protesting his accusation of being a murderer and neither is the Minister. Do I smell a conspiracy?"

Kingsley looked to her. "Of course not Miss. Skeeter. Did you not notice the Aurors guarding the infirmary? We are still trying to recover from the battle and have not found a single Deatheater other than Severus Snape. He will have his day in court. Now, I would like to see your Animagus liscense."

Rita glowered at him as Hermione spoke up. "Minister, she is unregistered. Apparently Miss Skeeter." She sneered "Did not learn the lesson that I tried to teach her about fair and objective reporting after I caught her previously and kept her in a jar to enforce it."

"Harry please call Auror Robertson in." Watching as Harry opened the door and motioning the auror in. "Arrest Miss Skeeter for failing to register as an Animagus."

"Of course Minister." As he led the reporter away.

Kingsley looked to Severus. "I am going to have to push forward your trial Severus as I have no choice now. I was hoping to wait until things have died down, but it is going to be worse for you as you are the only surviving known Deatheater. All the rest have literally disappeared.

Hermione started to protest. "Don't say a word Hermione. I must be impartial in this even though I will testify truthfully of what I know if called."

Albus looked to Severus. "You will be under arrest here in the Infirmary as you will not be safe anywhere else."

"And my wife?" He spat out. "I would like to spend my last days with her if you do not mind."

Kingsley looked to him. "She can visit with you for four hours a day as you are in a status of preparing for court in accordance with the law concerning spousal privilages. You must make a list of those that will be helping you in your defense and provide it to me by the end of the day so that you may visit with them as well."

Albus looked to the dour wizard. "Severus, I will stand by you as I promised." He exited the Infirmary without a word.

Hermione looked to Harry as she made her way to the bathroom to get dressed. "Talk to Luna Harry and tell her father the truth. Hopefully he will print it."

Harry looked to them. "I will stand by both of you." He quietly told them as he looked to Ron.

"Severus Snape, I will honor my vow to you." Ron stated as he grabbed Harry's arm and they rushed out of the Infirmary.

Kingsley watched the couple. "Hermione what do you know about the disappearance of your Order from this castle?" He lightly asked as he watched her for a reaction.

"I'm not sure I know what you are talking about Minister. I have been in the infirmary recovering." Hermione nervously replied.

Kingsley pulled out the forty parchments of release and gave them to her. "I believed you and their records are wiped clean as promised. Albus has agreed to step down as the Head of the Wizengamot until an investigation into this is complete. The Ministry stands by the words of its officials."

***You make a terrible criminal wife. Kingsley saw through you immediately based on your body language and hesitation*** He sent along the Bond.

***Sorry that I do not know how to be a criminal Severus. After all this is my first time*** She sent back in a huff.

"Thank you Minister. I'll, umm, make sure to get these to where they belong. May I do so before visiting with my husband?"

"You have three hours. Once I have his list, then I will create a schedule."

Hermione kissed her husband's cheek. "I will be back soon I promise."

Poppy looked to her. "Hermione you have not fully recovered. Be back in two hours."

They watched as she changed her pajamas into a thick black robe and quickly left the Infirmary with parchments in hand.

"Your wand Severus." Kingsley asked as he held out his hand.

He pulled out his wand and handed it to him as Kingsley tightly grabbed his wrist and clamped on a bracelet to prevent him from performing magic. "Just a precaution I assure you."

He stomped back to his bed and laid down on it thinking about his sister. Whatever she planned to use to exonerate him would not help at all with the entire Wizarding world rising against him.

Bootstray looked over from his bed and chuckled. "At least you have my company Professor. I am sure I will be in court with you because I am an accessory of an evil Deatheater."

Severus shot him a dark look as the wizard chuckled more.

&&&&&&&

Hermione apparated to her Order and noticed that a few of her healed members were accosting Hope, demanding to leave.

"Sit back down!" She shouted out.

They did so shocked at their leaders words. She never yelled at them, always she was always calm. "I know you think that you need to escape based on the words of the Minister in the Great Hall. And treating Healer Abbott shabbily?"

She continued. "You are here at an Unplottable and Untraceable place and she came along willingly to continue to heal you, understanding that if I did not secure your release then you would be allowed to go. She agreed to aid and abet a criminal, something that she could get chucked in Azkaban for."

She gave the parchments detailing their freedom to Hope. "I have given her your pardons from the Ministry. Hope will give them to you once you are healed and you will be allowed to leave. This is your second chance as I promised you and I hope you take advantage of it.

Her Order looked to her guiltily. After all, no one had ever stood up for them.

"I must go now. Good luck to you." Hermione turned her heel and Apparated away into Diagon Alley to pick up a few things before going to her husband.

As she walked down the shop fronts, she noticed everyone staring with their fingers pointed to her whispering to one another. Merlin! This reminded her when she walked in the Great Hall when Ron had been caught with Lavander. She was beginning to get angry as she walked into Leyla's Bewitched Bakery to pick up some fresh buns and pasteries.

&&&&&&&

Severus sat in his bed in the Infirmary as he felt his wife's anger through the Bond.

***Ignore them Hermione. I told you that you would have a burden placed upon you***

***I will be fine***

&&&&&&&

"Hello Madame Leyla. It has been a while. How are you doing?"

The older witch looked at her as her patrons left. "You are with child from that spawn Hermione. You are not welcomed here no longer."

Hermione blinked at the old witch's remark. "I have not changed Leyla, and I did help save the Wizarding world." Reminding the baker.

The old witch merely pointed at the door, indicating that Hermione should leave.

Hermione walked out and suddenly found herself surrounded by angry witches and wizards, not recognizing any of them.

She felt danger as she immediately casted the spell that Sara Snape taught her. She watched as a few spells bounced off her and hit the originators resulting in moans of pain.

"You believe the triffle of the Prophet! It's not true. Severus Snape is my husband and I willingly married him." She shouted out. "He is a hero and I do not remember seeing you when Harry, Ron, and I watched Voldemort die. You should be ashamed of yourselves!" She turned her heel and Apparated to Prince Manor.

Sassy met her in the entrance to the hall as she stated "Heir of Prince I's serves you."

"Sassy is there a library here? Please take me to it and get me two bottles of firewhiskey."

Sassy guided her to the Library and provided the two bottles and waited. "Sassy, thank you. What books are safe here?"

"The third bookcase Mistress." Sassy replied.

Sassy watched as her new Mistress conjured up a bag and grabbed a good third of the tomes and placed them into the bag.

"Sassy, can you make enough beef sandwiches and beef broth for four please. Also, a couple of bottles of Firewhiskey?"

"I serve Lady Hermione." Sassy replied as she disappeared.

Hermione walked into the Grand Hall. Prince Manor was certainly beautiful.

Sassy appeared and handed her a basket containing the food and drink. "Lady may I's ask a question?"

Hermione looked at the elf in surprise. Most house elves never dared to ask questions. "Go ahead Sassy." She gently replied.

"Lady, what ofs Master Snape? Is hes alive?"

Hermione was pleased at the sound of concern in the elf's voice. "He is Sassy, but they have arrested him and he will have to go to court soon. I'll keep you up to date the best I can on the Master's status."

Sassy sounded out her thanks as her new Mistress Apparated away. The little elf wrung her hands in worry as she went to fulfill the last command of her previous mistress.

&&&&&&

Hermione walked across the grounds towards the castle, still angry at her treatment in Diagon Alley. If their anger was any indication of what they held towards her, then what chance did he have of a fair hearing?

She entered the castle and walked to the Infirmary noticing that her husband was arguing with the Minister.

"You must have a list Headmaster Snape." Kingsley stated.

"I am no longer a Headmaster and it is up to me as to how I prepare for my trial." He replied back. "The only person I require is my wife."

Hermione spoke out. "Minister, respect my husband's wish."

Kingsley just looked to her as he exited the Infirmary.

Hermione sat her basket down and sat on a clear spot on his bed and grabbed up his hand. "Are you sure this is what you want Severus? There are those that will stand by you."

"I curse my sister as I live because of her. DEATH took all of the Darkness from me and all I feel is loathing of the acts I committed. I deserve to die." He spat out.

Severus looked to his young wife as she began to weep. She had felt the truth in his words across the Bond that they shared. She had a hard decision to make.

"I'll support your decision on the list, but you will have to forgive me if I work to free you." Hermione looked into his dark eyes.

"I did not expect anything less my Lioness. But be prepared as it will do no good in the end. You saw how you were treated in Diagon Alley. It will be far worse in court." He pulled her close as he gently kissed her.

"Let us enjoy the few remaining moments we have together before I take the Kiss." He softly told her as he pulled her to him and enjoyed her presence.

A/N Next is the Trial of Severus Snape