𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐝 {𝐇. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫}

73

"M - m - morning, Harry," yawned Johnny the next morning. His hair was unkempt, unlike his usual slicked back style. "Sleep all right?"

"Yeah," said Harry.

"I've b-b-been up all night," Johnny said, with another shuddering yawn. "Come and sit down..."

Johnny drew out a chair, knocking over the one beside it in the process.

"What do you want, Harry?" Mrs. Weasley called. "Porridge? Muffins? Kippers? Bacon and eggs? Toast?"

"Just - just toast, thanks," said Harry.

Lupin glanced at Harry, then said to Johnny, "What were you saying about Scrimgeour?"

"Oh... yeah... well, the Order need to be a bit more careful, he was asking Benjamin Sawyer and I funny questions... and I'll have to tell Dumbledore I can't do night duty tomorrow, I'm just too tired," Johnny finished, yawning hugely again.

"I'll cover for you," said Mr. Weasley. "I'm okay, I've got a report to finish anyway."

Johnny smiled and nodded thankfully. Mr. Weasley turned from Johnny to Harry.

"How are you feeling?"

Harry shrugged.

"I-I-It'll all be over soon," Johnny said through another yawn. "In a few hours time you'll be cleared."

Harry said nothing.

"The hearing's on my floor, in Amelia Bones's office. She's Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and the one who'll be questioning you."

"Amelia Bones is okay, Harry," said Tonks earnestly, walking into the kitchen. "She's fair, she'll hear you out."

"Don't lose your temper," said Sirius abruptly. "Be polite and stick to the facts." Harry nodded again.

"The law's on your side," said Lupin quietly. "Even underage wizards are allowed to use magic in life-threatening situations."

Johnny chuckled as he watched Harry jump a foot in the air. Mrs. Weasley was running a wet comb through Harry's hair, trying to flatten it.

"Doesn't it ever lie flat?" she said desperately.

Harry shook his head.

Mr. Weasley checked his watch and looked up at Harry.

"I think we'll go now," he said. "We're a bit early but I think you'll be better off at the Ministry than hanging around here."

"Okay," said Harry automatically, dropping his toast and getting to his feet.

"You'll be all right, Harry," said Tonks, patting him on the arm.

"Good luck," said Lupin. "I'm sure it will be fine." '

"And if it's not," said Sirius grimly "I'll see to Amelia Bones for you..." Harry smiled weakly. Mrs. Weasley hugged him.

"We've all got our fingers crossed," she said.

Johnny approached Harry last, pulling him into a brotherly hug.

"I'm with you, Harry," Johnny whispered, patting Harry's back. "Till' the end of the line."

Harry's arms tightened around Johnny's shoulders. They wasn't just cousins, they were brothers.

"Right," said Harry, pulling away. "Well... see you later then."

Four hours later, they were all gathered in the kitchen when Harry walked in. A wide grin broke out on Harry's face as he told them he got off. The room broke out into large cheers. Johnny sprinted to Harry wrapping his arms around his cousins shoulders in a tight hug.