Chapter 4:

An hour later, the New Order had been summoned and were now crowding in the Weasley kitchen. The entire Weasley family was there, as were Harry and Hermione. Other members included Hagrid (who'd had to stoop over to fit into the kitchen), McGonagall, and several faculty members from Hogwarts who had been original Order members. The DA was well represented as well by Neville, Luna, Lee Jordan, Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnett, Hannah Abbot, Oliver Wood, and the Patil sisters.

Finally Kingsley arrived. He strode through the door and was met with a indignant shout after almost hitting Seamus who had been standing there to get a little more space in the crowded room.
"My apologies Finnegan," he said with a hint of humor in his voice. "It would appear we are in need of a bigger place to meet." Several people, including Hagrid, chuckled at that as they all attempted to find somewhere to sit on the countertops or at the enlarged kitchen table. Neville gave the minister his seat and moved in search of a new seat at the edge of the room. Kingsley sat and looked around the room to see if everyone was settled before speaking again.
"We've received word from wizarding communities around the world that they have had attacks similar to the ones we have endured here - apparently Voldemort was able to spread his agenda to the United States and it has spread from there. Luckily, they were caught much more quickly than the movements here. However, we are still getting reports from more of the countries. One of the United States Ministry members has suggested that an international council be formed once again to discuss what to do about rebuilding - we all have had disastrous death tolls." He paused to give those in attendance a chance to process the information. Hermione's draw dropped a bit as she fully grasped that last bit of information.
"What is it Hermione? What's the big deal?" Ron asked.
"Ronald, haven't you payed any attention to your history?" she replied. "The last time an international council was formed was during the witch trials - it's only put together in times of extreme crisis for the wizarding community, either when we are at a threat of being found out or our way of life going, in essence, extinct."
"Thank you Hermione" Kingsley said kindly, grateful to be spared the need to explain yet again. "There is a major threat, they believe, to our way of life and have requested diplomatic envoys be sent to the United States to discuss the issue and come up with a solution. As Minister of Magic for the UK, I have been assigned the task of creating an envoy with a few people I think would be advantageous for representing our country. I myself will be going and I would like a few people to take along, one of those being a member of the Order."
"Potter can't go" McGonagall said definitively after a minute. "It's much too dangerous for him at the moment, all things considered. Really it would be rather dangerous for Ron or Hermione as well, but I think one of them should be there considering how much they did to thwart his plans."
"I agree with you Minerva. Don't argue Potter, it's not up for discussion" Kingsley said to Harry as he opened his mouth to protest. "We need you here."
"Well we can't send Ron, he'd fall asleep." George said with a smirk.
After shooting his brother a death glare, Ron replied "I won't lie, I don't know how much help I could be when it comes to the political side of things. Hermione's bloody smart..."
"Hermione's our best bet hands down," Angelina interrupted. "She's the most political minded of any of us, yourself excluded Sir, and she was with Harry during all of the Battles. Who better to help make our case?"
"But what about her safety?" Molly asked, obvious concern in her face and voice.
Several people spoke up after that with their concerns.
"I will be there of course," Kingsley said loudly trying to be heard over the commotion. "And I've been assured that they will have a plan in place to keep us all safe." Kingsley tried to reassure them. Suddenly he turned towards Hermione.
"Hermione is this a task you would be up for?" he asked the stunned brunette.
"I.. I'm not sure..." she said softly. "Are you really wanting to trust me with something this big, the fate of the wizarding community is a big responsibility..."
"If I might interject here Hermione, I understand your concerns, but I would trust you with my life and I think most of the people in this room would agree with me. And anyways, it's not like you'll be the only one there or that anyone would have any malice. It's to help all of us and I believe in you" Hannah Abbot spoke up confidently, completely out of character from her normal quiet demeanor in the meetings. Everyone was quiet for a moment.
"Here, here!" Neville, Lee, and Dean finally said with conviction.
"Well, what do you say Hermione?" Kingsley asked.
"Alright... if you're all sure I should." Hermione finally responded, aware that all eyes were on her.

It was put to a vote and a unanimous vote of confidence would send Hermione on her way to America.

"Now with that decided, I need an idea of who else to bring along." Kingsley said. "Ideally they would not be a part of the Order so we would have representation on all sides." Everyone began debating where to find the right person for the job, someone who could be diplomatic, who could help them represent their people, and who wasn't part of the Order. Suggestions ranged from the Squib who lived near Harry's Aunt and Uncle to the Ministry's Auror Department and everywhere in-between.
Hermione was only half listening as she began thinking over the mission she had just found herself signed up for, when her eyes glanced over the paper sitting on the table.

"Excuse me Sir," she said softly, "I might have an idea of the perfect person to take along."