Hogwarts is my Home

Chapter 37: The Minister of Magic

I didn't know where to go or what to do. I had just performed underage wizardry and would surely be expelled. No more Hogwarts. No more magic. No more friends. No more Harry.

I couldn't let myself panic yet. I had to get somewhere safe... and then I could freak out.

The problem was, I lived in Bristol and the only place I knew to go was the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. That was more than two hours away and I couldn't drive and surely there weren't any trains or undergrounds this late in the night.

To make matters worse, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, appeared next to me. He must have apparated.

"There you are, Antonia," he said brightly.

"Sir, what are you doing here?"

"I've had a few workers at the Ministry keep an eye on you. Figured you'd lash out against your mother at some point."

Maybe if I played the sympathy card, I'd be free. "Look, I'm really sorry, but I couldn't take it anymore. If your people were spying on me, surely they could see how cruel she's been to me. And my sister just died, I'm not in the right mindset." I tried to remain calm, but my voice was shaky and I couldn't help it.

"Not to worry, Miss...Marston. I completely understand with the grieving and everything." He seemed to always forget my surname just like Dumbledore does.

"So I'm not in trouble, then?" I asked hopefully.

"No, of course not. Let's get you out of here, though. I hear that The Leaky Cauldron is a nice place to stay."

"That's what I was thinking, but it's two hours away, how are we going to get there?"

"You're fourteen, correct?" I nodded. "Do you know what apparition is?"

"Kind of. It's like teleporting, right?"

"Right you are, Antonia. That's how we'll get there safely and soundly."

"But I don't know how to."

"Don't you worry. If you grab my hand, I can take you with me. You might get a bit motion sick though, but you'll be fine. Quickly now."

"What about Hedwig and my stuff?"

With a wave of his wand, my things vanished. "The owl will find her way back to you, don't worry. Your belongings are at the Inn now."

He held out his hand. I took it and we spun super fast through the air, then appeared in the middle of the restaurant area of the Leaky Cauldron. It took me a few seconds to gather myself. I ended up having to sit down because the room was spinning so much.

"Tom, this is Antonia Marston, she needs a room here if one is available, please."

"Room 11 has an empty bed. You'll have a roommate though."

"That's fine."

"Oh, and get her a glass of water and something to eat, too. She just apparated for the first time." He bent down to me and said, "You'll be in good hands here. Please only stay in Diagon Alley."

"Of course, Minister."

"Cornelius. We're on a first name basis."

"Thank you for everything, Cornelius."

"You're welcome, Antonia. I'll see you soon." With that he disapparated.

Tom, the innkeeper, gave me a hearty stew and a glass of cold water. Amara didn't technically starve me, but fed me only the smallest amount to keep me weak and powerless.  

After I ate, I was led up to room 11.

"If you need anything, just call down the stairs," Tom told me.

"Thank you."

He exited and shut the door behind him.

I took no time in introducing myself to my roommate. "Hi, I'm Toni Marston."

"I'm Fleur Delacour. I'm visiting from France. Could you perhaps show me around Diagon Alley?"

She held her wand out in front of me to speak into. "Of course. For now, I'm gonna head in for the night. I've had a rough day."

"Sounds good. Nice meeting you, Toni."

"You too, Fleur."

I pulled a pair of pyjamas out of my suitcase and got changed in the bathroom. The bed was much more comfortable than it looked. 

I let out a deep breath as I stared at the ceiling. For the first time this whole summer, I could breathe; and I could finally grieve.