Chapter 10
(Sorry, it's kind of short. I also apologize for the long wait of an update. Been very busy looking for work.)~Mirokufangirl229
P.S Don't forget to Review!

The Hearing

The date for the custody hearing was set for Friday. Nick barley had time to adjust to going to classes again when the day finally came. As Nick awoke on Friday morning, he shed tears again. He felt like crap. Even though he was happy to be going with his Uncle, he felt betrayed by his family. Not only that, he also felt unloved. Just because he was in Gryffindor, he had lost his Father, Mother, and siblings. Not to mention his friends he grew up with. He sighed sadly, wiping the tears away. Nick knew he had to get out of bed, or he would miss the hearing today. He pulled back the curtains on his bed and got dressed as quickly as he could. The hearing was at 11 in the morning, so Nick had some time to eat breakfast. Although, with his nerves he wouldn't be able to eat anyhow. After leaving the boys dormitories and making his way into the common room, he ran into Gryffindor's House Ghost-Fred Weasley.

"Eh, why so glum chum?" Fred asked, floating next to the gloomy Nick. "You're as pale as I am." He added with a snort. Nick sighed and told Fred everything. Fred rolled his eyes and spoke again before going through a wall vanishing. "Those gits." Fred was right, Nick's parents hit a new low.

Despite everything, he still loved his parents. He had a feeling his Father was controlling his Mother by brainwashing her in some way. Nick proceeded to the Great Hall, and sat with his friends. He was relieved to see that his Uncle Randle was still here, eating and chatting with the professors. Nick's attempt at breakfast was in vein. One scone with orange juice was all he could stomach. Before he knew it, the clock read 10:30 in the morning. His friends wished him luck, as he and his Uncle Randle headed inside Professor McGonagall's office.

"All right, we are going to use the Floo Network to get to the Ministry. Randle, you first." Professor McGonagall stated, as Randle nodded and entered the fireplace. 'Ministry of Magic!' Randle cited, after grabbing a hand full of Floo powder. Nick was next. He had only travelled once by Floo Powder as a young child, but remembered the basics of it. Nick entered the fireplace, grabbed a hand full of Floo Powder and also cited 'Ministry of Magic!' With a poof, Nick was there. The golden fountain, the hustle and bustle of crowds, and Daily Profit boys offering them papers to the ongoing traffic. Once Professor McGonagall arrived, she led the two on to the elevator. It dinged and wooshed by each floor. Finally, after fifteen minutes or so, the elevator dinged 'Basement Level 9 - Department of Mysteries' in that bland witch voice. Nick and his Uncle exited first, followed by Professor McGonagall. The trio then proceeded down the stairs to Department 10, where the courtrooms were located. (This department is so low it can only be accessed by stairs) Randle was already acting like a protective parent, clutching Nick close to his side. Nick's Father never this affectionate, nor concerned for his safety. 'Maybe this isn't so bad?' Nick thought, looking up at his Uncle lovingly. Randle smiled and then nuggied Nick slightly as they entered the courtroom. Once there, the three sat down in three different chairs, looking up at the Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt, along with the jury. Finally, the one sight that scared Nick the most; on the upper right floor of the courtroom tier was Nick's Father, with a cold expression on his face. Nick gulped in fear, lowering his head down to his feet. He couldn't bear to look at him. The Minister cleared his throat and spoke.

"On this date, March 13th, Eleven thirty in the morning, 2000, begins the custody hearing of Nickolas Maurice Bridgewoth. Today we will discuss who will obtain guardianship and legal rights to his wellbeing until he becomes of age, which is seventeen by Ministry of Magic Law."

Professor McGonagall stood up, answering Kingsley with greetings first, then business. "Good Morning Minister. Today we will be handing over custody to Randle Bridgewoth, brother of Douglas Bridgeworth, who CLAIMS to be Nickolas' Father." Douglas grunted to that insult, but said nothing to rebut. Kingsley cleared his throat at spoke again.

"Indeed Minerva. Mr. Randle is it?" Kingsley asked, turning to Randle. After glaring at Douglas, Randle nodded and stood up, speaking clearly and respectfully.

"Yes, I have been handed custody by my brother Douglas, and will look after the boy until he is seventeen. I have the proper funds, and of course the proper know how in raising a child. Unlike some people in this room I know the value of a young wizard, regardless of their house that they were sorted into. Also, even if he becomes seventeen, he is still allowed to stay at home until he wishes to leave. After all, what kind of parent kicks their own son to the streets? "

Randle replied, looking right at Douglas when he said that. Douglas simply rolled his eyes and turned his head uninterested. It was as if Randle wasn't even there.

Kingsley cleared his throat awkwardly, and replied. Poor Kingsley was clearly stuck in the middle of this family feud.

"Indeed… Mr. Douglas, do you have anything to say to this matter?" Douglas shook his head coldly, not looking once at Nick. Kingsley then turned his head back to Randle and spoke yet again.

"Very well then, I herby grant full custody of Nickolas Maurice Bridgeworth to Randle Bridgeworth, his Uncle. Mr. Randle will provide food, bedding, and education until Nickolas becomes of age and the trace on his magic is revoked. Thank you."

With a slam of his Gavel, Kingsley left the room. Sooner or later the jury followed suit. It was so short, and yet so awful. Douglas huffed in satisfaction and zoomed right passed Nick, not even glancing at him once. Nick covered his face in disbelief. Tears streamed down his face. It was over. No more was he considered a Bridgeworth. No, he was now an outcast. As Randle hugged Nick tight, Kingsley sighed and walked over to Professor McGonagall, speaking quietly in her ear.

"I hate cases like these." Professor McGonagall sighed and replied.

"What do you think will happen to the boy Kingsley?"

Kingsley sighed and replied as they left the courtroom. "I do not know. However, one thing is for certain. It is going to be hardships for the boy from here on out. If you'll excuse me."

The Minster returned to his office, and Professor McGonagall, Nick, and Randle returned to Hogwarts. Kingsley Shacklebolt was right about one thing; life for Nick just got a whole lot harder. However, he still had his friends…and his loving Uncle.