A Novel Situation.

The Minister for Magic, Hermione Weasley, had been informed of the somewhat surprising situation only a few hours before and had immediately contacted her predecessor, Kingsley Shacklebolt, for his advice. Kingsley had only been retired for a year or so after a long and illustrious career, during which he had been acknowledged by the whole magical community as having been the most successful and popular Minister there had ever been. He had served out the maximum of three five year Ministerial terms, plus before that he had served another year, just post war, as temporary emergency Minister, before being voted into place by popular acclaim and being formally inaugurated into the post. Under his leadership the Ministry had gone on from being a fragmented, corrupt and damaged mess to once again becoming the efficient honest and fair institution that it should have always been.

Kingsley Shacklebolt responded immediately to Hermione's patronus request and flooed into her office, as asked, to consult with her.

"Minister'', Kingsley said as he arrived, his voice still deeply resonant and powerful, despite his many years of public service. He bowed slightly as he arrived and Hermione held out her hand to her old friend and battle comrade. He took it and in a gallant gesture kissed it gently.

"Please Kingsley", said Hermione, "we've known each other since I was a schoolgirl at Hogwarts and we fought together against Tom Riddle, there is no need to be formal with me, call me Hermione."

"I always believed the holder of this office should command respect, as well as deserve it. That is why I greeted you formally, but yes, here in private I am most happy to call you by your name Hermione and I'm delighted to see you again. However, in public you can be sure I shall always call you Minister. Anyway, how can I help you Hermione?"

"Well, I assume that as former Minister you would have been informed at the time it happened that a very special witch had been born, one with great importance to the entire community of this country, both muggle and magical. However, I take it that, as it was so long ago, it might have slipped your mind over the years, amongst your busy schedule. However, this is the year she will be going to school and I'd very much like for you to come and visit her parents, the King and Queen with me, to deliver her Hogwarts letter.

"Of course Hermione, indeed I had almost forgotten, so much needed doing that I put it to the back of my mind. That was a mistake, the Ministry should have been properly prepared for this and contingency plans made. It is unforgivable of me to have let it slide this way."

"Nonsense, nonsense, Kingsley", This is not in any sense a failure or a disaster, were it not for the uniqueness of the family involved it could almost be called a routine happening." Hermione replied. "It was not your fault that the Ministry officials concerned only just got round to informing me, indeed it appears that even they were surprised it was not already in my diary in big red letters. How could you have been expected to remember this for so long? There was so much wrong with the Ministry and so much damage to our whole magical society to repair and heal after the war. You did a magnificent job as Minister, this is just one small oversight. I have simply asked you here to aid me in my meeting with Victoria Jane's parents. I may need your wisdom and experience, just in case any problems do present themselves."

"Very well Hermione, I'd be most happy to accompany you and render any assistance I can. When are we expected, I take it we have an appointment?"

We shall be going along to Sandringham on Friday, at twelve noon. Apparently the family are taking a bit of a break there and Victoria Jane loves to ride her pony on the estate. She always sets out about an hour after after breakfast for an hour or so's ride and by the time she gets the pony sorted out and fed afterwards around noon is the earliest she'll be around to speak with.

"She sounds like a very sensible and responsible young lady, making sure her pony is well looked after like that." Kingsley said.

"Yes, by all accounts she is, both very practical, fond of animals and very clever. She'll do well at Hogwarts." Hermione replied. Thankfully her parents are, I understand, thoroughly modern and supportive. Of course they've become very popular since taking the throne after the King's father's short reign. They really do seem much more 'down to earth' and less aloof than the 'old style' Monarchy. I'm sure they'll easily be won over and see that Hogwarts really is the best place for their daughter to be educated.

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