The New Ministry

"Dad that's great! I can't believe it," Ron said excitedly, "my dad the Minister of Magic!"

"Well now son it isn't official yet," Arthur said trying to keep everyone calm, "there still has to be a vote. And there are quit a bit of other wizards and witches that are just as qualified."

"But still dad," this time Fred spoke, "you were nominated,"

"By Headmaster Dumbledore," George finished for his brother.

"Yeah dad, that means a lot," Ginny added.

"Ok everyone," Molly inserted herself into the conversation, "it is time for us to go back home, Arthur dear I am so proud of you."

"Thank you dear," Arthur said with a smile, "I will be staying here for a while to await the decision, I will see you all at home later."

Arthur hugged his wife and children and shook hands with Harry before they along with Remus stepped into the fireplace and went to the Burrow so that they could then use the Floo powder to get to Grimmauld Place in private.

It was five o'clock that night and Harry and the Weasley children were sitting on the beds in Harry and Ron's room talking about the events of the day. Harry had noticed that every time he caught Ginny's eye her face would turn a shade of red. Ron had noticed too and every time it happened he smiled. Harry was scratching Crookshanks behind the ears when he heard someone say his name.

"Harry, Harry," the voice continued to say, "HARRY! Its me Phineas Nigellus in the painting behind you!" Harry jumped and turned around when the voice shouted at him.

"Oh hello," Harry replied starting to calm down a bit, "how are you Headmaster Nigellus?"

"I'm fine Harry, just fine," Phineas said indignantly, "I have a message for you from the other Headmasters. We all say congratulations on your achievement and that you have made Hogwarts very proud."

"Er, um, thanks," Harry stumbled over the words, "I will do my best to make you all proud."

Phineas nodded his head and walked out of the painting. The group started laughing thinking about how hard it must have been for Phineas to say that to a Gryffindor. Then they heard the front door close and Arthur's voice yelling for them all to come down stairs. Harry noticed that Sirius's mum hadn't started screaming yet and as he walked past her portrait noticed that the frame was still there but the painting was gone. The four of them had walked into the dining room and saw Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, and Remus sitting at the table. Arthur was standing behind the chair at the head of the table. They sat down and looked at Mr. Weasley waiting to hear what he had to say.

"First," Mr. Weasley began, "I want to say I am sorry for taking so long to get back here. I would also like to tell you that the decision for Minister was unanimous."

"Arthur! Honestly," Mrs. Weasley interrupted, "just tell us who was selected!"

"Yes, yes," Arthur said laughing, "I am the new Minister of Magic, Dumbledore's support really helped."

Before he could say anymore the room burst out in cheers and rushed to hug him, Remus had gone and gathered nine bottles of butterbeer and passed them out to everyone.

"Arthur this is truly great news," Remus said as he opened his bottle, "having a competent Minister of Magic will really help the Order immensely. This calls for a toast. To Arthur Weasley, Minister of Magic, friend, husband and father!"

"Here, here," the others said together raising their glasses.

"Ok, girls how would you like to help me with dinner," Mrs. Weasley said more than asked, "and, boys, Buckbeak's room needs cleaning. Fred and George, go to the Burrow will you and get Charlie and Fleur and send an owl to Bill."

The twins instantly Disapparated while Harry and Ron slowly shuffled their feet upstairs to Buckbeak's room. They got into the attic and bowed to Buckbeak. Once Buckbeak returned their bows Harry went to the cabinet with the dead rats and fed a few to Buckbeak. He turned to see Ron sitting in the corner with a sad look on his face. Harry walked over and sat next to him.

"Ron," Harry began to say, "what's wrong mate? You seem kind of down."

"It's my dad," Ron answered truthfully, "I am super glad that he is the new Minister but I'm worried about him. He was a target already just for being in the Order, now he is an even bigger target for the Death Eaters.

Harry tried to reassure his friend, "Ron, your dad is a great wizard. And Professor Dumbledore will do everything he can to help keep him safe."

"I know," Ron mumbled, "I'm still worried though, and I will be until we beat You-Know-Who. Can I ask you a question Harry?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

"Well," Ron said while turning red, "I was wondering if you thought Hermione would say yes if I asked her out on a date."

Harry nodded his head. "Yeah, I do."

Ron smiled as he stood up and started sweeping the floor. When they were finished cleaning the attic they said goodbye to Buckbeak and went to clean for dinner. Molly and the girls prepared a feast worthy of Hogwarts tonight and hung a banner up that said Congratulations Minister. They laughed and told stories while they ate late into the night, Harry couldn't believe that his summer was just starting. He fell asleep for the second night in a row with a smile on his face.