The Dungeons

A dark movie theatre is good for not thinking. Just enough distraction in a midnight showing and a near empty theatre, in the play of light on her upturned face, the crinkle of her nose as she laughed at the antics of a Gryffindor hamster in a ball. I liked the hamster; don't remember much else of the movie but I know I liked the hamster. Reminded me a bit of one of the second years.

But I was too busy watching her to watch the screen. Watching her changeable expressions again. The way ideas flash and spark, delight bubbling to the surface or that delicate empathy that breathes in every gesture, that lingers in her voice and her touch. Fluid, brilliant, fiery and yet composed, soft, unexpected, limpid but mysterious. Beautiful and never the same twice, but constant, so very constant.

She's humoured me, humoured my schedule all the last week, and night after night I've watched her sleep, am watching her sleep. Just sleep, murmuring as I return to bed, reaching for me and settling with a sigh so different from the small bereft noise when I rise to run or slip out into the castle before it stirs. Just sleep, her dreams chasing over her face as she breathes soft in the night.

(And sometimes not, yeah?)

If I know, if I'm certain past, present and future, and if it can take that edge of her fear away, it's worth it. Even if it's too fast, and everyone will say so, and there are problems that it won't take away. If I can convince her. Merlin.

I've broken a pair of calipers beyond all repair and indeed recognition, there's soot everywhere, and my computer smells curiously of bacon.

I've been here less than an hour. Things can only improve, right?

To Viktor Krum, Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Nymphadora Tonks, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley.

The British Wizengamot forthwith requires you to appear at 4pm on Friday 20 March 2009, for a preliminary hearing in the matter of the Wizengamot vs Ronald Francis Weasley, who is charged with murder (2 counts), use of an Unforgiveable Curse (3 counts), abduction (3 counts), illegal imprisonment (3 counts), grievous bodily harm (1 count), assault (4 counts), abuse of Auror authority (17 counts), contravention of international wizarding ordinances (11 counts), destruction of public property (1 count).

The hearing will address disposal, assessment and treatment of the accused until trial and jurisdiction matters relating to the charges.

The hearing is slated for subcourt No. 1. Witnesses are expected to present themselves at the Wizeengamot reception desk, Level 1, the Ministry of Magic, by 3.40 on the specified date.

Related civil matters are also pending and witnesses are advised to seek independent legal counsel before appearing.

Inquiries relating to this matter should be addressed to Mr Roy Evans, Second Clerk to the Wizengamot, before midnight 18 March 2009.