Chapter 164: The Hearing (1/2)

The unknown forest. A blur figure was running very fast. Another hooded figure was following behind. The blur figure screamed. But no one heard.

Chris woke up and saw a barn owl was trying to get her attention. She got up and took the letter from the owl. The owl left as Chris poured some drop of revealing potion on the letter.

It was almost half past six. Chris hurriedly pulled a jacket over her sleepwear and ran downstairs.

Chris burst into the kitchen as Mrs. Weasley was combining Harry's hair.

”Doesn't it ever lie flat?” she said desperately but then stopped as everyone looked at Chris.

”They changed it.” Chris said without waiting. ”Fudge changed the time and the place for Harry's trial.”

”What?” Everyone looked surprised.

”Yes. It's starts at eight o'clock and it's down in old Courtroom, where the criminal trials happen.”

”Criminal trial?” Harry stood up so fast that he almost knocked down a plate and the comb from Mrs. Weasley's hand.

”But how? Why?” Sirius said angrily.

”And how did you know about this Chris?” Lupin said.

”Er... A friend of mine just heard Fudge talking to his secretary.” Chris replied. ”But that's beside the point. Harry need to leave now.”

”Merlin! Yes yes we're leaving.” Mr. Weasley got to his feet.

”But are you sure, Chris? I mean they would have informed us if there was any last minitue changes.” Mrs. Weasley said.

”Unless they want to accuse Harry for a irresponsible boy.” Chris said. ”Also I think they didn't informed Dumbledore. I'm sure Fudge wants to expel Harry at any cost.”

Harry gulped.

”I agree. Arthur, we should leave.” Sirius said.

”But...” Harry begun.

”No buts Harry. Leave now. Don't be late. Stay calm. Be polite.” Chris grabbed Harry by his shoulders. ”Look they'll try their best to show everyone why you can't be trusted. Don't give them any chance to prove that. Dumbledore will handle the rest, don't worry, Alright?”

Harry reluctantly nodded.

Chris hugged him.

”All the best.” Chris pulled back and smiled. ”Still if you feel angry, think about Quidditch. If only you're calm, you can catch the snitch.”

Harry nervously smiled at this.

Mr. Weasley and Sirius hurried out of the kitchen, Harry followed.

There was one more thing in that letter Chris didn't tell anyone. Rita figured out who was the person manipulating Fudge and who sent those Dementors after Harry: Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister.

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”Why didn't you mention this to Harry? I mean he should be careful around that woman.” Hermione said as Chris finished explaining Ginny and Hermione about the morning letter from Rita Skeeter.

”Hermione, Harry is barely straining his anger in front of us, do you think he would've been able to keep his cool if he knew the person behind all this problem is sitting in front of him?” Chris replied.

”I think no.” Ginny said.

”Listen, you can't tell this to Harry, at least not before I tell this to Dumbledore.” Chris said.

Hermione and Ginny nodded.

Soon they were chatting over different things.

”Oh I'm so nervous. We've O.W.L.s this year... It's so important...” Hermione started mumbling.

”You're going to be great Hermione.” Chris and Ginny said together.

”Oh no. It's not that easy.” Hermione said. ”AAAHHH..”