Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 25

Mass Murderer Sirius Black Set Free - Ministry Scribe Resigns

Sirius Black, Azkaban escapee and master manipulator, was caught and charged by the Auror Department on August 12th. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, pulled in a few favors from the members of the Wizengamot to secure a tie vote. Percival Weasley, a family with questioning alliances, had the final say. Whether he was under the influence of Unforgivables or threatened is yet to be determined, although his immediate resignation has led to even more questions on...

"What a load of rubbish," said Hermione, rolling her eyes, and putting the paper aside. 

"Prophet usually is nowadays," said Ginny cheerfully, her head resting comfortably on Harry's shoulders. 

Hermione, Ginny, Harry, Ron, Neville, and Luna were on the Hogwarts Express, on their way to start their fourth and fifth year at Hogwarts. 

"And Sirius Black, the man with you on the platform, is your godfather?" clarified Neville warily.

Harry nodded, having briefly retold what happened with Sirius' trial. "Has anyone heard from Percy?" 

Ron snorted. "Not a word. He left after the trial to write his resignation papers and hasn't been seen since."

"Do you think Percy is in danger? I mean, he is the reason Sirius is free," wondered Hermione aloud. 

"Not our problem, is it?" said Ron, looking uncomfortable. 

The compartment door opened just then and Harry froze. Cho Chang, pretty as ever, smiling down at him, but her eyes narrowed at Ginny on his shoulder. 

"Hi Harry."

"Erm - hi Cho," said Harry, feeling his ears grow hot. It's not that he still fancied Cho, but he was sure it must look odd to suddenly see him with Ginny over the holiday. "Good holiday?"

"It was okay," said Cho, pursing her lips. "Well, see you around, Harry."

"See you," said Harry weakly as she closed the door. 

Ginny bit back her smirk and didn't move. "Think we should tell her we have three kids in the future and one on the way?"

Harry's face reddened and Hermione snorted. 

"What?" said Neville looking confused. "You're... pregnant?"

Ginny laughed and shook her head, sitting up on the bench. "I'm not pregnant. Don't worry about it Neville."

Ron grimaced. 

"Speaking of," chirped Luna, speaking up for the first time. "How's Charlie, Hermione?"

There was an awkward pause. Ginny hid her laugh with a cough and Hermione's face went pink.  

"He's - He's good," said Hermione, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. 

"Charlie as in Charlie Weasley?" asked Neville, looking surprised. 

Ron cleared his throat with a face twisted in disdain. "I'm going to do another round of patrols."