DISCLAIMER: JK Rawlings Owns Everything about Harry Potter except my characters and my plot.
Summary: This was originally supposed to be a 5th Year book so now it is going to be an AU story. Harry loses what family he has left and reunites with his godmother, who happens to be Hermione's biological parents. Ron is no longer part of the trio but Virginia joins the trio. H/Hr all the way, some Fluff, Ginny/Dean.
Chapter 3 Sirius and OWLs and Order and Ron (part 1)Hermione rushed to his side and got the letter and read it,
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We are sorry to inform you that Mr. Sirius Black was killed today in a Death eater attack on the Ministry of Magic Headquarters. Mr. Black was cleared post-humorously of all charges of the death of the 12 muggles and Peter Petigew. One of the death eaters that were captured was none other then Mr. Petigew.
Per Mr. Blacks will all his possessions including the vaults are not transferred to you. Unfortunately the Black mansion was destroyed by death eaters a couple of days ago.
Again we are sorry for your loss.
Corneleus Fudge
Minister of Magic, United Kingdom
Order of Merlin, First Class
Hermione started crying and gave the letter to Sikandar before hugging Harry. Sikandar and Sarah read the letter and let Ginny read the letter too.
Hermione whispered to Harry to get him to wake up, "Harry, you have to be strong now. Sirius would not have wanted you to do this. Come on wake up please!"
Eventually Harry woke up and kissed Hermione, "I love you Hermione and I don't want to ever lose you."
"I love you too Harry and it is you I don't want to lose. God I don't know what I would do with out you. Let us just go back to the castle and study. Honor Sirius by doing great on your OWLs. I bet he would be proud and so would your parents," said Hermione.
They all nodded and so did Harry. After finishing their ice cream they got up and headed to the Leaky Cauldron to get a cab to take them back to Kings Crossing.
After an uneventful ride on the Potter express they got back to the Godric Hollow and headed the castle. Ginny was really surprised at the size and beauty of the castle. Once they got to the castle, the teens went to Harry's study (he had chosen it because his dad had used it when he was there) and placed their books on the desk and sofa area.
All three of them went back into the main hall and headed for dinner. Sikandar and Sarah met them there and they began discussing a basic schedule that they were going to follow for studying for their OWLs. They had decided to start studying their hardest subject which was Potions. The castle had a well stocked potions lab and they were pretty much glad of this. Harry had decided to drop Divination and take Ancient Runes and Arithmacy. Hermione was planning on taking the OWLs for both so she said she would help him with both subjects. Sikandar and Sarah were going to help them with their Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures studies.
Over the next few weeks they spent their entire days studying. One day, Hermione and Harry both just stopped comprehending what they were reading. They had been studying so much that they had not really given time to really relax. Sikandar and Sarah saw this and decided to do something about it.
Sikandar talked to Sarah and Ginny, "Those two have absorbed so much that their brains are not able to sort the information out fast enough. Do either of you have any suggestions on what we can do to get them to relax?"
Ginny thought a moment and came up with an idea, "Why not get them out of the castle and into the village. It will give Harry and chance to look around the town and get to meet some of the people there."
Sarah smiled, "That is a brilliant
idea. I've wanted to go into the village for a while now. Let us get those
two out of that study and get them out of the castle."
With that, Sarah and Ginny hogtied (cowboy term) the two teens and dragged them out of the castle kicking and screaming about needing to study.
After a while they relaxed and went into town realizing they really needed a break. Harry and Hermione held hands and walked in front of the group. Ginny, Sikandar and Sarah brought up the rear.
Their hope for a relaxing day in town turned out to be wrong. The first person they had to run into had to be Lucious Malfoy and his son Draco. It would seem that they had been trying to find the group and hadn't figured it out yet.
"Just the people we have been looking for. Mr. Potter, as Assistant Minter of Magic, I here by serve you with a warrant for you arrest in the death of Cedric Diggory," said Malfoy, Sr.
The Aurors that were with him placed shackles on Harry's hands and before anyone could do anything they used a port-key to leave. Sikandar and Sarah read the warrant and said to Malfoy, "Lucious, we shall see you in court. You have no evidence of Harry's guilt."
Meanwhile, Hermione had a bad feeling about this and made it known as soon as they got back to the castle.
"I don't like this. I think we need to get to the ministry as soon as possible," cried Hermione.
Sikandar nodded and called Albus after tossing in some floo powder into the fireplace, "Albus Dumbledore!"
Albus instead of answering came through the fireplace. He then spoke up, "I know about the arrest and have sent some of the Aurors that are on our side to keep an eye on him. We should go to the hearing now. Severus is already there and so is Minerva."
They all went through the fireplace to the ministry court rooms. They found that they were just in time for the trial. The trial had been pushed up in an attempt to get their way.
Hermione, Sikandar, Sarah and Ginny took seats behind Harry while Albus and Severus took seats beside him. The judge came in and everyone stood up and sat down when he did.
The judge spoke up at once, "Mr. Harry James Potter you are charged with the death of Cedric Diggory. How do you plead?"
Harry stood up and spoke with confidence in his voice, "Your honor, I plead no guilty."
The judge then spoke, "Very well, is both sides ready to proceed with this case?"
The prosecution stood up and said, "We are your honor."
Professor Dumbledore stood up and said, "We are also your honor. Your honor, the defense requests that all witnesses be placed under either a truth potion or a truth charm."
Of course the prosecution who was being lead by none other then Nott said, "Your honor, Mr. Potter is known to be able to throw the Imperious curse, we have no way of validating his claims."
Harry stood up and stated, "Your honor, I have read all the articles that have been published in the daily prophet and none of them have stated this information. I would like to know where this kind of information has been gotten. I would also like to say that the only people that know about the imperious curse are the death eaters that were present why I was forced to fight the dark lord, or the ones that were in my 4th year Defense Against the Dark Arts class last year. I can honestly say that I don't see any of my fellow students here so I will repeat my question as to how this information came about."
Albus was amused by this, he had not thought to question this revelation but after what Harry had stated it made sense to question it. The judge was also interested in this and made that know.
"Mr. Nott, Mr. Potter is correct in stating that there is no public knowledge of Mr. Potter's ability to throw the Imperious curse. Anyway, the combination of the truth potion and a truth charm will be able to prevent the person on the stand from throwing the curse. I will allow that all witnesses be under both the truth potion and truth charm while testifying. Is there anyone in the courtroom that will be able to cast the truth charm?" asked the judge.
Harry hadn't noticed that Professor Flitwick was in the courtroom and sitting next to Hermione. He stood up and stated, "I would be able to your honor."
The judge asked, "Very well, for the record please state your name, profession and place of work."
"Professor Fillius Flitwick, Charms Professor and Head of Ravenclaw at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
The judge nodded and noted it on his paperwork. Mr. Nott was fuming because he was not getting his way. Harry looked at Fudge and saw that he wasn't happy either. Mr. Nott started off the trial by stating a few things that were known.
"Mr. Potter was known for his competitive nature and the tri-wizard tournament was no exception. We all don't really know what exactly went on when the port-key took Mr. Potter and Mr. Diggory away but we do know that when they returned Mr. Diggory was dead and Mr. Potter was not hurt much. There is no possible reasoning for that other then Mr. Potter killing Mr. Diggory. I don't have any witnesses to present in this case your honor."
Harry talked a bit with Professor Dumbledore asking him if he had any medical records for that day and Albus said he did. Harry said that he wanted to make the opening statement and Albus nodded.
Harry stood up and started speaking, "Your honor, the prosecution's case is based on theory and not fact. I have evidence that shows that I was placed under multiple crucio curses and had a broken ankle. Mr. Nott has stated that I have been really competitive during my years at Hogwarts but he doesn't state that during my 3rd year I lost a game because of dementors coming onto the pitch while I was playing. Mr. Diggory tried to get the game forfeited but I refused on the basis that he won the game while I was brought down by the dementors. I am not competitive and I do believe in fair play not like another team at Hogwarts. I am willing to testify under truth potion and charm to my innocence and I would also like to call up Mr. Nott to testify under truth potion and charm as to how he knows about the imperious curse and a few other things."
Harry sat down and the judge made a decision on Mr. Nott testifying and stated, "I would also like to know that information and will allow you to present him as a hostile witness. Since the prosecution has no witnesses to call, you may proceed Mr. Potter."
Harry meanwhile was conversing with Albus about why he was calling Mr. Nott. Harry acknowledged the judge and said he would probably go first.
Harry took the stand and Professor Flitwick performed the truth spell while an unknown ministry medi-witch administered the truth potion. Professor Dumbledore stood up and asked him questions (AD = Dumbledore HP = Potter DA=Prosecutor)
AD: Please state your name.
HP: Harry James Potter
AD: Did you kill Cedric Diggory?
HP: No
AD: Then Who killed Cedric Diggory?
HP: Peter Petigew at the order of Voldermort
AD: Did the Dark Lord come back
to life?
HP: Yes he did with the help of Petigew
Albus told the judge he had nothing further. The judge stated that Harry was the prosecutions witness.
The Prosecutor stood up and asked Harry questions.
DA: Mr. Potter, is it true that you were a participant of this resurection of You know Who?
HP: Yes but unwilling. Part of the potion…..
DA: (Interupting before Harry
could go any further) So you don't deny helping resurect the dark lord?
HP: Unwillingly no I don't.
DA: Is it true that you wanted Cedric to take the cup?
HP: Yes it is but only because was there….
DA: (Again interupting) So you don't deny trying to push Cedric to take the cup?
HP: No…(defeatedly)
The Prosecutor stated he was done. Dumbledore requested to ask the witness a few things more. The judge nodded yes and so the professor asked some more follow up questions.
AD: Please continue your answer as to your part in the resurection.
HP: The potion that Peter used needed the blood of the person who is the Dark Lord's worst enemy. They used my blood. It had to be taken unwillingly from the enemy.
AD: Harry when you were telling Cedric, was there a reason why?
HP: Yes I was trying to be fare. He had saved me from a Acromantula and I was badly hurt. The task was for the person who had the strength to finish. I wasn't able to walk on my ankle and he was. We fought back and forth and finally we decided to take the cup together with out knowing it was a port key.
AD: Can you describe to us what happened after you took the cup and was taken by the port-key.
HP: Cedric and I found our selves in a graveyard that we had no idea where. We both pulled out our wands not knowing what was happening. We saw a shadow coming towards us with a bundle of robes in his hand and the next thing I heard was Voldermort's voice yelling "kill the spare" and a killing curse was fired at Cedric. After Cedric was killed I finally got a look at the person that shot the curse and it turned out to be Peter Pettigew. Peter then told Voldermort that the potion was ready except for the three ingredients he needed. They were the flesh of a loyal servant, the bone of a father, and the blood of an enemy taken without consent. Peter proceeded to cut his hand off and put it in a boiling cauldron, then he put a bone that seemed to be dug out of Tom Riddle, Senior's grave. He then took a dagger and stuck it in my elbow and took blood from me while I was tied to a grave stone. After putting the ingredients into the cauldron he placed the robes and what looked like Voldermort into the cauldron and after a bit Voldermort rose out of the cauldron and gave Peter a silver hand for his help. Then Voldermort called his death eaters and started telling them about how he was finally able to succeed in being resurrected. After talking to specific death eaters, Voldermort decided it was time to duel with me. He had Peter give me back my wand then we dueled. I threw the imperious curse twice and then Voldermort got tired of this and put me under the crucio curse on me at least 3 times. I wouldn't give him the pleasure of scream in pain so he got tired and decided to kill me. I basically fired the disarming charm while he fired the killing curse. When the two curses collided, a golden cage formed around us and ghost images of people started coming out; Cedric was the first one, then an old man, then a woman then my mom and then finally my dad. My dad told me to break the link and run for the cup. Cedric told me to bring his body back with me. I broke the link and ran to Cedric's body and summoned the cup and came back to the Hogwarts.
AD: Can you tell me who were some of the death eaters that Voldermort talked to?
HP: Yes I can. Mr. Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy were the names he called out. He also talked about breaking out the Lestranges from Azkaban and also getting the dementors on his side.
"I have no further questions your honor," said Albus.
Meanwhile, while Harry had been calling out the names of the death eaters, Aurors had put Mr. Nott in ropes and hand cuffs. Once Harry had recovered from the truth serum he stood up and said, "Your honor I call Mr. Nott to the stand as a hostile witness."
The judge nodded his head and said, "Mr. Moody, please bring Mr. Nott to the stand."
After Nott sat down and was given the truth serum and the truth spell was placed on him Harry started asking questions.
HP: Mr. Nott are you a death
eater?
DA: Yes I am and have been since You-Know-Who's first reign.
HP: Can you please give us any other Death eaters names.
Mr. Nott proceeded to name quite a few people that he said were death eaters. Moody and the judge were writing their names down and finally, Mr. Nott stopped naming people. By then they had at least 50 people on the list.
HP: How is it that you knew that I could throw off the Imperious curse?
DA: I was there when you fought You-Know-Who.
"I have no further questions your honor," said Harry.
The judge dismissed Nott to the handling of Moody. He then spoke up, "By the order of this court, I find the defendant, Harry James Potter, Not Guilty of the charges of Murder and conspiracy with the dark lord. I give you my sincere apology to you Mr. Potter for what has happened. This case is now closed. Court adjourned." With the rapt of his gavel, the judge stood up and left the court room.
Harry still feeling a bit weak from the truth serum and the spell sort of wobbled and leaned on Sikandar for support. They walked out to the entrance to the ministry and took a ministry car to Kings Crossing to go home.
They took the Potter Express to Godric Hollow and headed to the castle. Harry and Hermione were so glad they were home finally. Hermione said she was going to get some more books in the library and would meet Harry in his office. Albus and Harry went to Harry's office and sat down.
Professor Dumbledore spoke once they were seated, "Harry I am very proud of the way you handled your self in the court room. You are a very fast thinker on your feet. I never even picked up on the Imperious curse right off the bat. That was good thinking on the truth serum and spell combo. It has been a while since that combination has been used but it was good to see that you thought of using it."
Harry nodded weakly, "Thanks Professor. I appreciate you letting me take lead on the case. It is really interesting to see if they are going to be able to catch Malfoy. Also I think that Fudge just lost a lot of support in the ministry after this case."
Albus nodded, "Harry please call me Albus. Anyway you are right. I will check on Moody with the status of that case. We will have to discuss the issue at the next Order meeting. I still have to find a place to make headquarters during the summer for the Order."
Harry was thinking about this and came up with an idea, "Albus I would like to offer Potter Castle for the head quarters. It is one of the most secure locations in England."
Albus smiled, "Thanks Harry. I would definitely like to take you up on that offer. I would also be wondering if you will be willing to let some of the Order members bring the families to stay at the castle till school starts."
Harry nodded, "I have no problem with that. I guess the Weasleys are coming. Albus please let Molly know that Ron is going to have watch his attitude. The last time we talked he accused me of being a murderer and a follower of Riddle."
Albus nodded, "I will Harry. I hope that Ron will be able to put his differences and quarrels with you and Hermione while he is here. I really appreciate you offering to use the castle for the summer home base. One other thing I want to discuss with both you and Hermione is for the two of you to join the Order. You are almost 15 I know but you both are very powerful and have a lot of potential. Also it will be a lot easier for us to get the right information to both of you if you just come to the meetings. It will also help you two in the defense of he school since its well being is your responsibility as the Heirs of Hogwarts."
Harry nodded and called Hermione to his office. Albus said the same thing to Hermione and she and Harry both didn't need to think about it and said they would join the Order to fight Voldermort.
Albus smiled and said, "I will call the next meeting for right after your OWL exams which are next week. That should be about July 30th. I will leave the two of you to continue to study and see you next Monday for your OWLs. You will be taking them at Hogwarts."
Bidding the two good night, Albus apperated back to Hogsmede.
Over the rest of the week, Harry and Hermione revised all their subjects with the help of Ginny. Harry had told Ginny that her family will be coming either the day before their birthday or on their birthday. Ginny was not really looking forward to this but realized it was for their own good.
Monday came around sooner then both Hermione and Harry liked. They had taken the Potter express that morning with a bag each of clothes to last them till the end of the week. When the train stopped at Hogsmede the two of them got out. There was a carriage waiting for them outside the station to take them to Hogwarts.
Their first 2 tests they took on Monday were Potions and History of Magic. The Ministry had sent observers to watch over the exams to quantify that they were taken properly. Harry had been surprised that he was able to get his potion correctly done and when it came to History he was able to complete that exam easily after following Hermione's way of studying and actually being able to prepare for the exams better. History's large amount of information and facts took its toil on keeping them straight. This was one of the reasons why both he and Hermione had froze up the week before. After their last exam they went to the teachers lounge at the invitation of Albus and had dinner there. Minerva had not had time to emphasize her pride in how Harry had handled himself at the trial and told Harry this.
The rest of the test went along the same way. Harry had a little trouble with Arithmacy but still felt he did quite well on it to get a good grade on the exam. Harry felt he was a natural for Ruins and had no trouble with the exam.
On Friday after their last exam, Harry and Hermione went up to the Headmasters office and sat down after Albus asked them too.
Albus spoke up, "I hope the tests went well. We will take the Potter Express as soon as the rest of the members that are here at the school get here. We have about 20 minutes."
Harry nodded and told Albus he wanted to go down to Hogsmede to get a book or two. Hermione said that she would like to do the same thing. They would meet them at the station when the train comes in.
Albus agreed and they walked out of the castle and walked to Hogsmede. Harry took Hermione's hand and pulled her to him.
Hermione smiled at this and leant into Harry's chest while they walked. She said, "I am so glad that was over. I will be happy for the rest of the summer to rest."
Harry smiled and kissed the top of her head and said, "You and me both. But I want to go through our 7th year potions and Arithmacy books so we are ready for next year. My lord I never thought I would actually say I wanted to read ahead of time. Anyway that was one of the reasons why I am going to the bookstore."
Hermione was surprised by Harry's revelation about wanting to read ahead of time but decided to let it pass. They got to the book store and gave the owner a start at seeing Harry there. The owner was happy to let them go through the store and get a few books.
Both Hermione and Harry went and found the potions section first and didn't get one but several books on potions. One of which was the encyclopedia on ingredients and ancient potions. They went over to Arithmacy section and gotten a few books including the next terms books for the class. They took their books to the counter and paid for them. Actually Harry paid for both of theirs at the protest of Hermione but he wasn't listening.
They left the store and headed to the train station just as a carriage pulled up. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick and Snape got out of the carriage.
Albus greeted them as they approached, "Ah good I see you made it in time. The train should be here momentarily."
Just as he finished saying this, the train pulled up to Hogsmede station and they got on. The rest of the Weasley family were in the front cabin when they got there. Harry and Hermione had been expecting to see them and were a bit prepared to see them.
Molly went and hugged Harry and Hermione and said hello to them. Arthur shook their hands. The adults went to one side of the compartment while Harry and Hermione went over to where the twins and Ron were sitting.
Harry broke the silence between them, "Hello Fred, George, Ron, how has your summer been?"
Fred and George told Harry about how they have invented a lot of jokes and all and couldn't wait till they finished school to open up their own shop.
Surprisingly, Ron talked to them like old times. Harry and Hermione were happy about this.
Ron spoke up after the twins had finished their description of what they had been doing the last month or so, "I have been practicing Quiditch with the twins mainly. I still haven't done my homework so please don't ask Hermione."
Harry smiled at the bantering from Ron. Hermione on the other hand scolded him. Harry attempted to change the subject to something a bit more depressing.
"I've decided to stop playing on the house team. I feel that for my protection and the protection of the other team mates, it would be best to do so. I have already talked to Minerva about it and she reluctantly agreed," said Harry.
To say the twins were shocked were an understatement. They literally fainted. Ron just shrugged like he didn't really care. Harry and Hermione noticed this while they were bringing the twins around from their shock.
George was the first to voice his opinion about this, "Harry have you gone nuts? I mean what kind of danger could you be in playing Quiditch?"
Hermione answered that, "Well you play Slytherine and we all know most of the students there are off spring of death eaters. We also have a feeling that there are some in the other houses too."
Ron spoke up, "So the famous Harry Potter is afraid of being killed by a bludger while flying around. I don't see what Hermione sees in you. If you are a coward and wont play Quiditch because of a couple of death eater wannabes then how are you going to protect your girlfriend?"
For the second time this summer, Ron was slapped for what he was saying. It seems that Mrs. Weasley had come in to tell them that they were about to arrive at Godric Hollow when she heard what Ron had said.
She spoke her mind about what Ron had said, "What the hell has gotten into you Ron? First you basically call your best friend a bastard because he made sacrifice and put his feeling aside for Hermione so that she would make her choice and you would ask her to be your girlfriend. Now you are calling him a coward because he actually wants to live. Are these comments based on the fact that you want to be on a winning team and finally get recognition for being on a Quiditch team who has won a house cup."
Ron was taken a back by what his mom said. Harry spoke up finally, "Ron, I have always loved reading books. My grades are 2nd only to Hermione who had a better capability to understand some things then I did. The only reason why I didn't know about Professor Snape's questions regarding the ingredients is because I hadn't read about them since I was about 3. I hadn't been able to read any of my books because of my muggle family."
Ron was now fuming again, "So what are you saying, he reason why you love Hermione is because she likes to read as much as you? What about reading Hogwarts, a History? Have you read it too?"
Harry said, "No Ron I don't just love Hermione because she and I love to read. That is not even a reason to like someone. I love Hermione for her personality, her loyalty and etc. She has always been at my side, where as you haven't. Last year was a pure example of how your friendship with me is just cosmetic. We are just pulling into the station. Let us grab our stuff and get off the train."
Harry and Hermione helped the twin and Ron with there stuff by shrinking their stuff and giving it to them. Harry then told Pig to head to Potter castle and join Hedwig in his room. He would be there shortly to show him to Ron's room.
They all left the station and headed to the castle which was across from the station. The Weasley twins and Neville, who they found out was on the train with his grandmother heading there way for the meeting, got their first glimpse of the castle. Harry walked up to the castle gates and opened them to let them in.
Dobby met the visitors and Harry and Hermione at the entrance. Harry showed the adults to his office where they would be having he order meeting in and then took the kids up to their rooms. Ginny met them at the grand stair case and hugged the twins and Ron. Ron was taken aback and barely hugged his sister back. She noticed this and looked and Harry and Hermione and they mouthed later to her. Ginny had been told who was going to be staying and with the help of Dobby and Winky, the rooms were setup in the guest wing on the west side. Harry had taken a secret passageway to his room from the west wing and got Pigwidgeon and brought him down to Ron's room.
After letting him fly over to the perch in the room, Harry and Hermione excused themselves and went to Harry's office. Harry had told Albus where the conference room was off of the office. They walked into the office and went over to the conference room.
Once they entered, they were greeted by everyone. Some of the members Harry new because they were teachers from school or in Arabella Figg's case, Harry's neighbor. Harry went up to Remus who was talking to a lady with hot pink hair.
"Hey Remus, good to see you," said Harry.
Remus smiled at both Harry and Hermione and said, "Hello you two, I am glad you are done with your exams. I am sorry to hear the you and Mr. Weasley are no longer talking to each other. Harry this is Sirius's cousin Nymphoma (sp?) Tonks. Tonks this is of course Harry Potter and Hermione Durrani."
Tonks shook both their hands and said, "Please call me Tonks. I don't really like Nymphoma."
With that they all sat down around the table and Albus stood up,"Welcome everyone, to the first meeting of the reinstated Order of the Phoenix. I would like to thank Harry Potter for the use of Potter Castle during the summer as the headquarters for the Order. I have also invited both Harry and Hermione to the Order and they have accepted. I would like to entertain the idea of Ms. Virginia Weasley joining the Order. She has been training with Harry and Hermione in Defense Against the Dark Arts through the summer."
Molly and Arthur discussed the idea and came to the conclusion that Ginny has seen as much problems as Harry and Hermione. Molly had a reservation about it and spoke out, "Honestly, Arthur and I have no problem with it because we know that Ginny has been through a lot and because of what happened her first year she is a target too. The only problem I am seeing is Ron. Fred and George will be able to join at the end of the school year I believe," Albus nodded at this, "but Ron will have to wait till he completes his schooling."
Again Albus nodded at this, "I understand Molly but it is for Ginny's safety that we do this. Also she will be a lot of help with research and all. According to Harry and Hermione she has mastered with Hermione the Patronum charm for Dementors. She is really good at both Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. If there aren't any other objections, then would Harry and Hermione please get Ginny."
Harry and Hermione got up and walked out of the room and went to Harry's desk. On the desk was the Potter Castle's version of the Marauder's map and checked Ginny's location. She was unfortunately with Ron, Fred, George and Neville. Sighing they two headed up to the west wing and approached the common room where they 4 were in.
When they entered Neville said, "Hey guys, haven't seen you all evening where have you been?"
Harry spoke up, "Sorry Neville for not being a good host. Hermione and I have been busy with the Order. Speaking of which, Ginny you are asked to come down to the meeting. Dinner will be ready in about 2 hours so make yourselves at home. We will see you at dinner."
At that Harry and Hermione and Ginny left the common room and headed to the meeting.
Ron was a bit miffed. He stated this to the others in the room, "Why does she get to go to the meeting and we don't. For that matter, why are all three of them going to the meeting? What is so special about them that I can't go with them? I am their friend too."
Neville stated the obvious, "I don't think so Ron. From what Ginny has told me you have blown what every friendship you had with Harry and Hermione long ago. What in the world got into your head? Harry was willing to sacrifice his feelings for Hermione if it meant that you and Hermione were going to be happy together. He even went as far as to tell you to go and express your feelings to Hermione. And then to top it all off, you make fun of Harry's loss of his family. I was surprised when the twins said that they even tried to make a pleasant conversation with you on the Potter express here, and you go and blow that one up to. Sorry Ron but you have really gotten yourself thrown off the team for good."
Ron was fuming at this, "Neville what the hell do you know about friends."
He couldn't finish his sentence because he was slapped by Molly who had happened to walk in to tell the boys that dinner would be ready in an hour. "How dare you say something like that Ron. It is bad enough you have ruined what ever friendship you had with Harry and Hermione and what ever love family wise you had with Ginny, but to sit there and say rude things to Neville. If I am not mistaken, Neville has friends at school. They may not be Gryffindor but they are at least friends. As to why you are not in that meeting, it is because you have made no attempt to even study this summer. Harry and Hermione spent the last 6 weeks studying and taking their OWLs and to top it all off Harry had to go through a day out of hell in the ministry on trial for the murder of Cedric. He had proven himself innocent by going under a truth potion and truth charm to prove it. I would say that you haven't proved yourself to others that you can do well in the Order and protect yourself. Anyway I have to get back to the kitchens to check on Dobby and Winky."
Molly walked out of the door and left a very stunned Ron. He went to his room from that point and laid in bed making some plans for how to make Hermione see that he was a lot better then Potter.
Neville and the twins were worried about what Ron will do now.
Meanwhile at the meeting, they spent the rest of the meeting doing the initiation of the three new members.
Before they broke up Arthur gave his report on the ministry.
"Albus, after what happened at the trial of Harry a few weeks ago, Fudge has lost a lot of supporters. His key supporter, Malfoy, now in prison for being a death eater has caused a lot of people to rethink their position as supporters of Fudge. I have had a few ministers ask if there would be a vote of no confidence in Fudge and call for a new election."
Albus pondered on this while Harry decided to make a comment, "Mr. Weasley, how many ministers would support a vote of no confidence?"
Arthur thought a moment and gave his answer, "Quite a few would. Why do you ask?"
Harry pondered on this and Hermione seemed to catch on and whispered to him, "You think a vote of no confidence and a new minister would help prepare people for this dark times?"
Harry nodded. He then asked, "Mr. Weasley do you think we have a majority on this issue. I don't want you to bring up an idea of there being a vote of no confidence and not having enough people to support this. You could lose your job if it fails."
At this point Albus was starting to catch on to the conversation and spoke up to, "Harry if I understand what you are saying correctly, you are suggesting that we hold a vote of no confidence and a new election for a new minister. At that point we can then get someone that is willing to acknowledge that there is a threat of dark times and get some work done to fight the dark times."
Harry nodded.
"Harry, Albus I believe we may have a majority in the council that are willing to vote for a no confidence referendum on Fudge. If you would like I can put up the issue at Monday's council meeting."
Albus nodded, "Best idea Arthur, we should also decide on who would be best for the candidacy. Any suggestions?"
Harry spoke up, "I nominate Arthur for this. He has been in the ministry for the longest. I would nominate Albus but seeing that you have voiced your displeasure of leaving Hogwarts Arthur is our best bet."
Everyone nodded in agreement including Albus. Arthur was doing the Weasley trait of blushing as red as his hair.
"Well looks like Harry has done it again. He has proven to us that he can be as much an adult as we are. Arthur good luck on Monday with the vote. I call this meeting to a close."
Just after Albus finished his statement Molly came in and announced that dinner is ready.
Harry and Hermione escorted everyone to the dinning room. As customary, Harry took the head seat and Albus took the other end. Hermione and Ginny flanked him with Neville near Ginny and at the displeasure of Hermione Ron forced his way to sit next to Hermione.
Throughout dinner, Ron was trying to make slide comments about how Harry got mad at her about the firebolt and how he has no future in the wizarding world because the only thing he is good at is playing Quiditch. Hermione was ignoring most of Ron's comments till he took it upon himself to start was too stupid to be a 5th year prefect and for he was betting the only reason why Hermione wasn't prefect was because she didn't want to be to not make Harry feel bad.
Hermione turned to Ron and told him, "Ron just shut the hell up. This isn't the place to continue this conversation. But Harry and I are going to have a long conversation with you after dinner."
Harry turned to Hermione with a questioning gaze but after seeing who she was talking to he knew what it was about. He told Hermione to tell him to come to his office.
************** End of Chapter *********************
Jesse: Thanks for reviewing I hope you liked the answer to the cliffy. Anyway as you can see I am not a Ron fan.
Sapphire: Please explain Get it together. Yes they are together definitely. Anyway I hope you liked the chapter.
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Chrismking208: Thanks for the review. Yes he is richer only because Sirius is dead.
Hey Ettedanreb great update and thanks for reviewing.
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Mdemanatee: Thanks for the review. I just strengthened my hate for Ron in this chapter and will do so in the next chapter.
Thank you all for reviewing this story and I hope to see you next time.