Pros & Cons

19. The Brother

Violet woke long before dawn and rolled around in her bed for a while letting different questions arise and simmer within her head. The plan was that she would go to McGonagall's office at 6am and McGonagall would accompany her to the Ministry via her Floo network. She reread the letter with all the details of the meeting. She was to dress 'respectably and proper'.

What did they think I was going to wear? A bra and booty shorts?

She tiptoed over to her wardrobe with only the light of her wand to guide her. She flicked through clothes for a while, occasionally glancing at Hermione's side of the wardrobe for 'inspiration'. Eventually she managed to drag something suitable and long forgotten out of the depths of her wardrobe. It was a sturdy, black, figure hugging cotton dress with short sleeves and it stopped just above the knee. The cotton was thick and it had a seam which cinched it just above the waist, hiding any unwanted bumps. She paired it with a fitted grey blazer and black flats. She tied her hair into a low ponytail and applied minimal makeup; just some mascara and lipgloss.

Violet spritzed herself with some cheap perfume that she knew would have worn off by the time she reached the Ministry. She grabbed a small, dark brown leather satchel and placed all the important documents and a question filled notebook inside.

Grabbing a spare piece of parchment she scribbled a note for Hermione explaining that she had family business to attend to and would be gone for the day, although she promised she would explain all when she returned. Violet placed the piece of parchment on Hermione's nightstand and hoped she would spot it when she woke up.

Violet fully intended on telling her friends everything when she returned to the castle later today. She decided she didn't want to have to lie to her friends anymore and she wanted to share her excitement with them. Well at least she hoped they would be excited for her.

The far corner of the dorm started to glow a blazing orange from the morning sun which peeked through the crack in the curtains. Violet walked towards the curtain and pulled it closed, so as to not wake Hermione and left the dorm to head for McGonagall's office.

Although the corridors were empty Violet felt as though she could feel the castle waking up around her. The sunrise was illuminating the halls and flaring in the glass of windows, whilst the birds were singing their morning song outside. When she reached McGonagall's office she was in high spirits and buzzing with anticipation. She knocked three times on the door and it was opened to her within seconds.

She found McGonagall seated at her desk with her classic black robes and matching pointed hat. Unsure of what she was expected to do, Violet hesitantly approached the desk and waited for McGonagall to acknowledge her. She raised her head and smiled through her spectacles.

"Please sit Miss Gardner, we have ten minutes before we are expected to arrive at the Ministry" her hand gestured towards the chair and Violet sat down, placing her bag on her lap. "Do you have any questions about the procedures today?"

"Yes. Well I've read through the letter and I understand I'll be meeting with my brother alone?"

"Not completely. Two Ministry appointed guards will be in the room with you at all times." Violet nodded and went quiet for a moment as she thought about mentioning the odd magic she seems to have used recently. "Miss Gardner you are aware you don't have to do this"

"Do what, Professor?" her head tilted and eyebrow quirked as she tried to understand her teacher.

"Your brother doesn't have to be put up for retrial, he could be kept in Azkaban."

Violet felt her mood drop and her lips pursed slightly at McGonagall's absurd comment, "Why would I want that?"

"No dear that's not what I meant. I just don't want you to think this is your only option." her eyes were soft and comforting and Violet relaxed from her once defensive stance.