A Whole New Beginning (Completed)

Chapter 13

A few days had gone by since Sirius' trial and Umbridge's arrest. In that time, the students had free periods during the times that their defense classes were, and the heads of houses had been collecting the names of the students that Umbridge had been abusing.

Now, the day of her trial had arrived, and several students would be testifying against her.

"Just be honest," Harry told Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, Neville and Luna. "The woman who is overseeing the trial is the same one who did Sirius' trial. She's really nice, and she was furious with Fudge when she found out. Tell them about the group and just say that we were practicing defense for our exams. Tell them that we weren't learning in our classes."

Everyone nodded.

"I'm sorry you can't testify against her, mate," Ron said. "I would love to hear what you have to say."

Harry shook his head, biting the inside of his cheek as he did so. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to hear it. She tortured all of you, knocked Hermione unconscious and used Crucio on Ron. They wouldn't want me talking to them."

"Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said, walking up to them.

"Yes, professor?"

She pressed her lips together. "The Ministry has asked us not to have any students who are not testifying against Umbridge be at the Ministry. Unfortunately, you would fall under this category."

"They're my friends. She hurt them!"

"I know," she said, putting her hands on his shoulders. "She's going to Azkaban regardless. Just stay here. Sirius will be waiting for you in my classroom."

Harry sighed, turning his head away. Hermione walked up to him.

"It's for the best, Harry. If you go, you might lose your temper. Stay here, ok?"

He nodded. "Fine."

Professor McGonagall nodded sadly, knowing how much he was hating this. "I will escort everyone from Gryffindor to the Ministry. Miss. Lovegood, Professor Flitwick is waiting for you."

Harry said his goodbyes to everyone. Stalling at Hermione, she smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around him.

"It's like she said-Umbridge is going away. We're only allowed to stay to tell our stories then we have to come back. We'll be back soon."

Harry nodded, breaking away from her. She gave him one final smile before she followed Professor McGonagall.

Now all alone, Harry turned and started the path to the Transfiguration classroom, trying to not think about the trial. Opening the door, he saw Sirius sitting on top of the desk, looking through their defense book.

"This book makes me cringe," he said bitterly, flipping through the pages. Harry smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"Thought I'd keep you company since you're not allowed at the Ministry. Trust me, I'm not happy either. Fudge's doing, I'm well assured. Still angered about my trial."

"I thought he was done being minister," Harry said bitterly, sitting on the desk opposite him.

"Will be after this trial. Seen The Prophet lately? Public has gone up in flames since they found out about me. Now there's a deranged teacher abusing students-appointed by the Ministry-awaiting trial. Fudge will be gone by the end of the day."