My Mind- A Harry Potter Love Story (BOOK 3)

Chapter 3

The rest of the holidays was mostly spent helping Sirius fix up Grimmauld Place, making it safe for human inhabitants. Harry's hearing was coming up, where I would go as a witness, and my guilt was rising. I couldn't stand the thought of Harry being expelled, let alone it being largely my fault. Mrs Weasley has washed a fresh suit for Harry and instructed him to wash his hair in order to "make a good first impression." That night we had also heard that Dumbledore had payed a visit while we were sleeping, which made me feel worse, because it was right before the hearing and he didn't even bother to ask how Harry felt?

The next morning, I woke up at around 5:30, as instructed, and changed into my formal dark blue dress with cream lining (above) Crossing Hermione and Ginny, who were fast asleep, I exited the room, softly shutting the door behind me. I met Harry at the landing, and resisted thinking about how this might be the last time he was a fellow classmate. "You look.. you look nice," Harry awkwardly uttered. "Thanks," I replied, not having the stomach to say much else. Breakfast was served by Mrs Weasley as soon as we got downstairs. Greeting everyone a tired 'morning,' I sat down at the table, watching Harry make quiet conversation to Tonks.

"What do you want, Harry?" Mrs Weasley called.

"Just- just some toast, thanks," Harry stuttered.

"Ari?"

"I'll take a muffin, please," I murmured, as Mrs Weasley placed a couple of pieces of toast and some marmalade in front of Harry, and 2 piping hot blueberry muffins before me. I tried to take a bite, but no amount of chewing would help digest the soft dough. Mrs Weasley fussed over Harry's shirt and attempted to smooth out is hair as I stared out into the distance. Soon enough she was onto me, braiding my hair, but I let her. It was comforting.

"How're you feeling?" Mr Weasley asked, turning from me to Harry. We both shrugged in unison

"It'll all be over soon," he assured. "In a few hours time, you'll be cleared."

"Wish I could be that sure," I scoffed quietly. Harry said nothing.

"Don't lose your temper," said Sirius abruptly. "Be polite and stick to the facts"
Harry nodded again.

"The law's on your side,' said Lupin quietly. "Even underage wizards are allowed to use magic in life-threatening situations."

I felt pokes to my scalp as Mrs Weasley pinned the braid to my head. Mr Weasley checked his watch and looked up at me and Harry. "I think we'll go now," he said. "We're a bit early, but I think you'll be better off at the Ministry than hanging around here."

"Ok," we agreed automatically. I put my barely eaten muffin on the table and immediately got to my feet. "You'll be alright," Tonks patted us on the arms. "Good luck," Lupin said. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

"-And if it's not, well, we'll take care of Amelia Bones for you then," said Sirius, referring to Harry's judge, with a slight wink. We half-heartedly smiled at him, bidded everyone goodbye, and left for the muggle underground train station to get to the Ministry of Magic.

Mr Weasley was horrible with the ticket scanning machine, and spent too much time marvelling at muggle technology, even though the machine he was attempting to use clearly read 'OUT OF ORDER'. I sighed and took the tickets from him, walking over to a different machine and scanning Mr Weasley's ticket, ensuring managed to get through. Harry and I soon followed behind him, and after catching the train and reaching out stop, we were walked to an ordinary looking telephone booth.