A Change of Feeling

The Interrogation

"I still don't agree with this, Albus," Snape's voice sounded in the darkness. "I don't see what a difference a few hours of sleep makes... Madam Umbridge will still be dead in the morning, there's no reason to drag a student out of bed."

A weary sigh followed. "Time is of the essence, unfortunately."

A shuffling followed, a door opened and closed again.

"Lumos."

Harry blinked at the bright light. His hair was tousled and his eyes were sleepy. "Wha-?"

"Come with us, Potter," Snape said curtly. "The Headmaster doesn't want to wait."

Harry looked confused at his two professors, Dumbledore didn't dare look him in the eye and Snape looked annoyed at the Headmaster and seemed to hesitate between cursing the man or silently burning holes in his back with his gaze. Now that Harry thought better of it, the dark man probably wanted both.

"What's the matter, Professor?" Theo asked suddenly from his bed.

"Nothing to worry about, Mr. Nott," Dumbledore said before Snape could open his mouth. "Mr. Potter will have to answer a few questions, it's nothing more than normal procedure."

Theo, however, seemed unconvinced by Dumbledore's words and looked questioningly around the man in the monstrosity of a robe, the colors of which appeared to have vomited onto the fabric in fuchsia and mint green.

"Mr. Potter isn't in trouble, Mr. Nott, but if you and your friends are not sufficiently reassured to sleep, you may want to retire to Mr. Malfoys room, Mr. Nott." Professor Snape looked pointedly at Theo to subtly explain what Dumbledore's questions would be, knowing that Harry regularly spoke to his friends under the protection of a privacy spell. "Not to wake the rest of Slytherin's students, of course."

Theo nodded and said nothing more. Harry meanwhile got dressed, he decided against the thought of putting on only a dressing gown; he had no idea what to expect and didn't want to sit for hours in his pajamas. If he was honest, he felt better in his smart clothes, complete with his Black family coat of arms, as a sort of shield to protect from meddling Headmasters.

When Harry had tied his shoes, he stood up and nodded at Professor Snape, ignoring Dumbledore. "Ready when you are, sir."

Snape's mouth curled slightly at what Harry recognized as a smug smile. "Follow me, Mr. Potter, you have a welcome commission waiting for you."

Harry casually bumped his shoulder against his professor's upper arm - let's face it, the man was much taller than Harry, despite the growth spurt from his tattoo - and looked at him conspiratorially. "Let me guess, you put them on the most comfortable seats?"

Snape sniffed, his dark eyes glowing with amusement. "Of course, Mr. Potter. Only the best for the Ministry."

When the trio finally arrived at a room that Harry knew hadn't been used in years, Harry saw four people, including Avery and Madam Bones. The other two men looked grim, wearing identical uniforms with a large "M" in the center of the decal affixed to their shoulders. Harry noted with amusement that the men, apparently Aurors, were seated on two wooden chairs with the back of the chair sloping slightly forward, making them both very uncomfortable. Madam Bones also sat on a wooden chair, the seat of which was covered with a thick-looking cushion. Avery sat comfortably in a dark green armchair that he had transfigured himself. Between them was a large heavy table, with only two empty chairs on the side facing the Ministry people.

Madam Bones rose and gestured to the chair behind the table. Harry sat in silence and raised his eyebrow as Snape took his seat next to him. 'In the dock,' Harry thought sarcastically.