When Harry Potter walked into the Leaky Cauldron at one, he saw that Hermione was already waiting for him. Walking over to the table, he sat down, and took a sip of the butterbeer she handed him. Setting the mug down, he looked at her curiously.
"Well, Hermione, what did you want to talk about?"
"I was owled some paperwork this morning, and need to talk to you about it, because frankly, I couldn't believe what I was reading."
"Okay, what was it?"
"It looks like there are some people up for release from Azkaban. Amycus and Alecto Carrow, and Antonin Dolohov."
"That's impossible, Hermione! Antonin Dolohov killed Remus, and I'm his son Teddy's godfather!"
"Which is why I wanted to talk to you. Undoubtedly you'll hear about it soon. All three are supposed to go before the Wizengamot this week. It was in a memo I received with the paperwork."
"And the Carrows?"
"They've applied for release, asking for leniency. I don't see how they'll get it, considering the way they were torturing students at Hogwart's."
"Merlin's beard, they have nerve. I'll be looking for the information, then, and thanks for letting me know about this."
Squeezing Harry's hand in understanding, Hermione got up from the table. Lost in thought, Harry didn't notice when Hermione left. Should he or shouldn't he tell Ginny?
When Hermione reached her office, there was a message waiting for her on her desk. She didn't recognize the handwriting, but it was marked urgent and personal. Frowning a little, she broke the seal.
To: Miss Hermione Granger
Office of Magical Law Enforcement
Ministry of Magic
Miss Granger:
You are requested to appear before the Wizengamot at precisely 2 p.m. to give testimony in a matter which has come to our attention. Please be prompt.
Hoping you are well,
Mathilda Hopkirk
Stunned, Hermione felt the note slip from her fingers to her desktop. Why would the Wizengamot need her to testify? Hurriedly, she checked her watch and swore. She had three minutes to get to the hearing. Opening her office door, she sprinted to the nearest Floo.
