A Change of Feeling

The Hearing

Harry awoke at six o'clock in the morning as abruptly and startled as if someone had thrown a bucket of water over him. The daunting prospect of his disciplinary hearing filled his sleep-induced brain until he was unable to bear it. He leaped out of bed and went to the bathroom. Somewhere, tucked far away in his brain, Harry thought of the fact that he could see a little better. He didn't have his glasses on, and instead of faint shadows, he could make out the shapes of the room a little better than before. But nerves and a new wave of nausea that engulfed his being kept Harry from thinking about it. He heard a soft "pop" and turned around.

"Kreacher is here to serve little Dark Master." Harry gaped at the creature. Before he could release anything meaningful, Kreacher continued with his actions.

"Kreacher steamed and pressed the clothes of Little Dark Master." The old snarky elf looked at Harry, waiting for the latter to undress.

"Ehm, Kreacher, I can dress myself..." Harry started, but the sight of the steadfast expression on Kreacher's face, made Harry decide to let the Elf go about his business. With trained hands, the Elf went to work and after ten, uncomfortable, minutes Harry was done. His pants fit perfectly around his legs, and his shirt highlighted his slightly muscled torso. The shoes were of the finest leather and gleamed in the light. The House of Black emblem was embroidered on his chest. Harry looked at the family coat of arms, frowning slightly. It was not there yet when fitting the outfit. He didn't have time to think about it, little hands gave him a gentle nudge and Harry quietly walked down the stairs.

He expected the kitchen to be empty, but when he pushed the door open he saw the faces of Remus, Sirius, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley jumped to her feet and took a large plate full of food and placed it on the table.

"Breakfast dear," she said as she pulled the chair back for Harry to sit in it.

"You look like a little Lord, pup," Sirius said with a grin. "Oh, don't give me that look." After he saw Harry's scolding look. "You look presentable. Even your hair has decided to cooperate." Sirius gave his hair a thoughtful look. "Yes, it looks like the birds finally left the nest."

For the first time since he'd gotten up, Harry felt his tension lift. Breakfast still tasted like sawdust, but he could swallow it. His clammy hands felt a little calmer and the mist in his head slowly lifted. After several comfortably quiet minutes, Mr. Weasley spoke up:

"I will accompany you to the Ministry today. After many considerations, we decided to travel by Floo." He sighed and looked ten years older.

"It would be better to travel with as little magic as possible, given your offense. But traveling by Floo is much safer, especially with You-Know-Who at large. We cannot risk being attacked in Muggle London, with only myself as a protector." He gave a tentative smile.

"It will be fine, Harry. Get ready to go, we're leaving in ten minutes." Mr. Weasley stood and walked out of the room.

Sirius and Remus gave Harry a hug. "I'm sure you'll be fine, you have the law on your side. Don't forget to stay polite and give clear answers." Remus says softly.

"I know we always say you look so much like James. But what you look like now, your mother shines through. And a little bit of your godfather." Sirius says with a wink. "I'm proud of you, pup."

Harry walked into the dining room, where a large chimney was prominent. In silence, he walked to the mantelpiece and picked up some of the dust from the pot on top. "Remember Harry, speak clearly. I'll see you on the other side," says Mr. Weasley calmly.

"The Ministry of Magic."

And with a whooshing sound, he disappeared. Harry followed quickly, spoke clearly, and a few seconds later fell out of the fireplace into the Ministry hall. The clatter of footsteps and 'plops' and 'cracks' of people Apparating were all that Harry could hear. He looked up and saw the worried face of Mr. Weasley.