Politics for Beginners, 2017 Reboot

Chapter 02: Circles Within Lines

***Previously***

It was an opening salvo in a war that was more successful than any in recent memory; it was also going to be one of the best kept secrets until employees tried to enter the ministry and found a massive crater in the middle of London. Sadly, any that tried to apparate into the Ministry would perish, including Percy, Arthur, and Ronald Weasley.


***Driftwood Point Castle, December10, 2009.

"We've received notice that Her Majesty will meet with you at Balmoral Castle next Saturday for a private audience Your Grace," Albert began. "Shall I contact the Steward and RSVP?"

Harry shared a look with Hermione as they say by the fire in the great room reading and reviewing their activities for the day to come, and silently he received confirmation she was ok with that schedule.

"That's alright Albert. Please inform the Palace we will make all due haste to meet with Her Majesty at her convenience."

"Does the Steward know we are magical," Hermione asked.

She received a blank look from Harry.

"Oh don't be like that Harry," she began. "We need to plan out whether we have to go muggle or whether we can travel by magical means."

"If I may my Lady, the Steward of Balmoral is not normally in the presence of highly classified evidence, but the Queen's personal secretary is normally a well vetted man with high level clearance to know State Secrets; Sir Robin Janvrin was an acquaintance of mine in years past, and I know the incumbent, Sir Christopher Geidt only passingly…but nonetheless he should be cleared to know of the existence of magic generally," Albert interjected.

"Well that's convenient," Harry said as he sat his book in his lap and smirked to his beautiful wife.

"'I say we take the train," Hermione began as she rubbed her abdomen. "You know how I loathe portkeys and the floo."

"That's two of us," Harry replied as he gave a chuckle recalling a past incident which contributed to Hermione's aversion of magical travel. "I'd hoped you'd have at least considered the enchanted sleigh I found in the stables."

"Not bloody likely," Hermione grumbled under her breath as she readjusted in her seat.

"What was that my dear," Harry asked.

"I was just recalling an ingenious castration hex that apparently caused the testicles to swell over a period of two days to the point they rupture, apparently quite violently, in one of the old animal husbandry texts in the Master's Library the other day. I'm debating on whether to reintroduce it to use as it seems dead useful in calming down wild bucks," came the reply.

Sufficiently cowed, Harry wisely chose to say nothing further which may antagonize his brilliant, but absolutely terrifying, wife.

"Albert," Harry began looking over to the man seated opposite him and his wife, "should we take the obscuring charms off once we've met the Queen? Hermione and I were only going to wear them until we'd finished our education; but since we've placed further studies on hold in order to learn the estate and duties we have, what do you advise as far as the magical world is concerned?"

Hermione sat her book down and devoted her full attention to Albert as she'd not expected this question from Harry and honestly wanted to know the answer herself.

Albert sipped his whiskey before sitting the glass on the end table nearest him, and sat up to answer.

"I'd imagine Your Grace that over the last year you and your Lady wife have come quite far haven't you; being so new to the magical I can hardly believe you'd voluntarily leave it, but I understand the steps you've taken and why. For what it's worth I think you're at a stable point with the estate; I see no harm in you reintegrating your magical and normal lives. However, that's my uninformed opinion; take from it what you will."

"Don't sell yourself short Albert," Hermione replied. "You've taken the existence of magic fairly well, and you studied those journals on the magic of the isle while Harry and I were busy learning everything else necessary to take on our responsibilities. You've helped us much more than we've helped you. You know the estate better than anyone now and we always treasure your advice and opinion."

Albert smiled before he continued, "I imagine it's time for you to slowly start making inroads into the magical world though as too much of an absence may harm your long-term holdings. From what I recall your grandfather's journals mentioning, the estate and a good portion of the island are covered by heavy wards that prevent the magicals from detecting magic or being able to correspond; there are no means of magical transport that are allowed on the island save creature or broom."

"Charlus had a few owls over the years, I thought he was a bit mad trying to breed "messenger birds," but something about the wards made replies which didn't use his specific owls magically impractical. It's one reason his forefathers built the Post Office at the port. It isn't covered by the same wards which block post owls."

"How does that work," came Hermione's voice.

Albert took a breath as he searched for the right words to honestly answer Hermione's question.

"From what I can recall," he began, "magical residents have to go to the Post Office and perform a small ritual that records their magical signature. Then somehow the owls fly over and the letters somehow wind up in a post box. Because there were so few magical residents on the island over the years, I believe Charlus said the ritual was pinned to a messenger board in a hidden room in the back. But he'd also said the ritual was in the Master's Library."

"That's incredibly convenient," Harry said. "Do we have any squibs that work in the Post Office presently?"

"I'll have to check Your Grace," Albert replied. "The last I saw mentioned in the journals, Mary Francis was a squib teenager your grandfather hired to work in the office; as a matter of fact one thing your Grandfather wanted to do, but which never was implemented, was open the island to squibs. Our port is deep enough to support commercial fishing and some medium sized cargo ships. He had the plans drawn up to expand and upgrade the present harbor, but the plan was never executed, and your father died before he could find the journals outlining you grandfather's ideas."

"How hard is it to find squibs," Hermione asked.

"Well, the Ministry of Magic normally keeps a register because of the Statute of Secrecy. It used to be very taboo to hire squibs but its become somewhat of necessity in modern times," Harry replied.

Both Hermione and Albert gave Harry an owlish look.

"What," he began, "I can know things too. I did consider a career as an Auror once…this something they go over at when they talk about the Great Secret."

Hermione chose not to comment on Harry's statement and instead continued on in her discussion with Albert.

"Are any of the owls Charlus bred still around? We could send a letter off to Mr. Weasley and see if he could direct us to where we need to go or send our request to."

"Wonderful idea Hermione! We can invite the Weasley's over for dinner if they want. It will be a great chance to try and mend a few fences," Harry said sitting his book aside and sitting forward in excitement.

"There's an absolutely amazing woman that used to run a catering business that used to be the exclusive caterer when James was young for official events and when the castle would be open to the public. She's sadly passed, but I think her son and grand-daughter still operate; they make a marvelous spread if you want me to arrange a lunch or dinner for when the Weasley's visit," Albert supplied.

"That would be lovely; no dishes," Hermione supplied.

"Just think darling, you won't have to fix any of your famous charcoal for our guests," Harry chuckled, and promptly sprang from the couch and began tap dancing as Hermione tucked her want away."

Albert laughed at Harry's distress, and Hermione soon joined once Harry started twerking and dropping it like it was hot.

"Albert I'm going to take a drive to the Post Office. Please invite the caterers to come up tomorrow or sometime this week so we can sample their menu. Go ahead and book them. If nothing else, we can have a nice dinner party for the staff and plan out a Christmas Party for the entire island."

"Wonderful idea," Albert said as he finished his drink. "It will be nice to bring a little swing and fling back to these halls."

Harry took his and his wife's books back to their shelves and made his way to his study to go over his family history one more time in preparation for his future visit to the queen.


***Later that Week***

"Ginny! Dean! Come in and have some lunch," Molly Weasley called out to one of her last living children and her husband.

With the death of Arthur, Ron, and Percy Molly had been devastated, and was just coming to the point of having more good days than bad by focusing on taking care of Ginny, Dean, and their beautiful son little Mickey. He had Arthur's eyes and his mother's nose, and she focused on this small ray of hope until it consumed her darkness and gave her the clarity to continue every day.

What else can one do when their world ends, and sadly not immediately but in pieces.

Dean had been studying finance and was working as a banker in Plymouth, but with the sudden deaths the family suffered, he and Ginny had decided to move into the Burrow and Dean would commute to work until he could transfer a little closer.

Dean and Arthur had been planning on building a barn to house a few animals to help with food costs that were ever rising, and learning more about magical construction by the day to the point of Dean drafting designs for a full scale remodel of the Burrow.

Arthur had loved the changes and had even gotten Molly on board for the changes prior to the attack on the ministry. With Arthur gone, Dean had thought the project would be buried with him, but surprisingly enough Molly had encouraged him to continue in Arthur's memory.

For the next month Dean Leveled the ground and fixed the foundation where the new additions to the Burrow would go, he built the vaulted cellar Arthur and he had meticulously researched and planned which would provide rooms for storage, potions brewing, and a secret chamber for safety that was to be heavily warded by Bill later on. A solid day had been spent at a clay pit the family found on there lands making brick and firing them with magic so the family would have enough raw materials to build their new home.

Dean, and Ginny working on the notes of her father and guidance from her husband, had so far completed the basement level, the ground floor walls, and had erected the outer wall and inner supports for the rooms to be built on the second story. All that would that would remain would be attic that would cover the entire footprint of the building, and then they could begin moving momentous and belongings from the present home before it was modified to become a tower for the new structure.

Dean had taken a week off from work to get everything finished, and the family were celebrating by having meals in the newly completed kitchen.

"Com in dears before it gets cold; fried chicken, creamed potatoes, a cabbage. The crumble should be cooled off by the time we're done," Mrs. Weasley said as Dean and Ginny walked through from the old family room to the new kitchen.

"It smells delicious mum," Ginny said as she began washing her hands before helping her plate.

"It truly does Molly. Thank you very much for watching Mickey and finding the time to make this spread," Dean added.

"I've just laid the baby down so we should all be able to tuck in, so have at it," Molly them.

The meal was had in relative silence, with polite questions coming from Molly about what they were working on and what had been finished, and excitedly hearing the responses.

"Bill sent a patronus that he'd be coming round tomorrow to begin laying the runic wards on the safe room and potions lab tomorrow. He mentioned that Fluer was excited to finally be back and visiting and able to contribute to the "family manor," with her enchantments and charms too."

Ginny and Dean gave a good hearted chuckle.

"I hope Fluer never changes," Ginny began. "You know she'd been teasing daddy about his 'grand mansion' forever and dropping hints about wanting to help ward and decorate it since he Bill he'd need help warding the place."

Molly smiled as she ate hear vegetables and laughed remembering a few times she and Arthur had been over this very topic. "I know," she began. "He used to joke that he was going to tell her she could decorate the entire ground floor, and before she could take second breath from explaining paint colors and decorative moldings she was already on the second floor layout and lighting for the basement; he'd look her dead in the eye and say 'I was thinking about Orange though for the whole house; it's my favorite color you know,' and Fluer would clam up like she'd be slapped by a fish."

"Bill told me about that! He said Fluer was mortified and got rid of any overly large orange or brightly colored fabric in the house while muttering about 'clashing with hair,' or something," Ginny added between chuckles.

Before the family could continue on an owl flew through the open window, and finding Mrs. Weasley dropped onto her shoulder with its leg outstretched.

"Do you recognize this owl," Molly asked to Ginny and Dean, and receiving a negative from them both pulled out her wand and cautiously removed the letter by magical means.

"Here mum, let me scan it for you," Ginny said as she began casting diagnostic charms and detections spells at the foreign letter. "It's clean, go ahead mum."

Molly first noticed the elegant script that seemed to be unnaturally smooth, addressing the contents to 'the Weasley Family,' and flipping the envelope she saw a strange seal on the back.

"Dear Weasley Family," Molly began to read aloud, "you are cordially invited to lunch with the Duke and Duchess of Mull at Driftwood Point Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland at 12:00 noon, Sunday December 13, 2009. Please present this invitation upon arrival via ferry to the island and a car will be provided for your party's use. Please RSVP via Owl to Albert Farnsworth, 62435 Point Break Post, Isle of Mull, Scotland. A letter from the Duke is enclosed herewith," Molly finished reading the invitation with a curious tone.

"What letter, who's this Duke," Ginny asked.

"I haven't the foggiest," Molly replied pulling out the note and reading it as well.

As she read the note her eyes grew big as saucers before she finally exclaimed, "Harry!," and began reading aloud.

"Hello Weasley Family! I apologize for not writing sooner, but life has conspired against me these last few years and I wanted to reach out and reconnect with everyone. Hermione and I have spent the majority of the last few years in school under a few powerful charms keeping us from being noticed by the magical world, but nothing tops finding out that my grandfather comes from a long line of Scottish Nobles, and that I've had to take over the estate and somehow revitalize the local economy. We've just come to a point in things where we can stop, take a breath, and begin to reintegrate our magical and muggle lives, and we were hoping that we could have you all over for a get together and you could fill us in on what's been happening lately. We would have floo'd you, but this place doesn't have a floo connection. Hermione and I both hope you'll consider dropping by. If you can't make it, perhaps we could arrange a time to meet at a later date? Yours faithfully, Harry J. Potter."

Everyone sat around the table a bit stunned.

The first reaction that passed through Ginny's mind was anger, but she quickly suppressed it. Time can heal most wounds, but her anger with Harry and Hermione was completely absent since she had become so enraptured with Dean.

Molly had a tear leaking from her eye as she began to sniffle.

"Oh Harry," began to fully sob.

"Mum we won't go if it makes you this upset; we'll send a polite note saying we are still in mourning and can't travel with the baby right now. He'll understand," Ginny said as she comforted her mother.

"Don't you see though sweetie? That's just it. All those times the owls wouldn't deliver letters to him or Hermione, not even post owls….he sent this letter to all the Weasleys…he doesn't know what's happened! He's been in the muggle world, and he never did take the paper. He wouldn't know it's gone now would he," Molly gave a few more sobs over how she just knew that Harry and Hermione would be devastated over not being able to see Ron again. "Regardless of the past, Harry and Hermione loved us all. I think we should go. I would like to go," Molly said with some resolve as she finished crying and composed herself

Ginny shared a look with Dean, and seeing his shrug of indifference she gave her mother a hug. "Of course we'll go Mum. If it makes you happy, we'll move heaven and earth to make it happen. Dean's even gotten really good at the excavation spell, so you know I'm serious."

"Too right," Dean joined in. "I must by moved thousands of cubic feet of dirt for our cellar and foundation. I don't want to see any dirt again if I can help it," he chuckled.

"It's settled then. We'll send our confirmation now; the owl's still waiting," Molly said matter of factly. "Fetch some parchment and a quill darling, Dean finish your lunch. If you will both excuse me I'm going to escort our winged friend to the old sitting room to draft our reply."


***Driftwood Point Castle, December 13, 2009***

The castle glittered with the Christmas Decorations that had been rescued from the attic and once again used to show seasonal cheer. From the towers wrapped in garland, bows, and lights, to the interiors gilded halls gushing with streamers, bells, trees, and seasonal ornaments the Castle was particularly buzzing in anticipation for the reception and luncheon that was to take place between the Lord and Lady of the Castle, and some of their oldest friends.

Estate Staff had been up since dawn making sure the drive was clear, that the fires were lit and the draft abated, the rooms previously closed aired out and warmed up in case the visitors decided to stay for a few days. While caterers had been called in to make a special lunch for the visitors, the normal kitchen staff were making Christmas cakes, pies, and snacks aplenty so everyone would have treats to snack on throughout the day, and for Parishioner's of St. Michael's which would be coming by to carol later on.

Harry and Hermione were just getting dressed, each wearing business casual attire as they wanted the Weasley's to feel welcome, but each made a point to wear the last Weasley Jumper's and scarfs they'd received prior to leaving Hogwarts.

"You know, these have held up wonderfully over the years," Harry began as he pulled his own sweater over his head and moved to help Hermione with hers.

"I know, and the still feel like one of Mrs. Weasley's extra warm hugs," came Hermione's reply.

"I couldn't have put it better myself love," Harry said as spun his wife around and kissed her playfully. "Let me help you with your scarf my lady."

"Oh do be careful my good Sir; my husband may be about; he's a very jealous man you know."

Harry smirked before pulling Hermione closer to him, and whispered to her, "then I'll just have to make sure he doesn't find out about our little affair. Meet me in the cellar in our usual spot; sneak away from him if you must, and I'll give you plenty of proof as to why he'd be jealous if he ever found us," Harry finished as he nipped lightly at the nape of Hermione's neck.

"Harry! Stop! They'll be here any minute and I don't need to be all flushed or have love bites all over my neck," Hermione lightly scolded.

"Good thing we're wearing our scarves then," Harry chuckled before devouring his wife's lips once again to silence her protestations.

A knock suddenly came from the door, admitting Michael Fishman, the Butler of Driftwood, and the Estate. "Begging your pardon My Lord and Lady, but we've just received word that the car is 5 minutes out. If you want to greet your guests in the entry hall, I suggest we depart now so as to meet them as they are arriving."

"We're on our way Michael. Thank you," Harry said with a smile and a final peck on the cheek to his wife before they left their apartments hand in hand to greet their guests.

As they were descending the staircase they saw the car approaching in the distance, and were excited at the prospect of seeing their missing family after such a long time.

Finally the car arrived and the main doors of the castle opened, and Harry and Hermione left the vestibule with their staff to greet the travelers as they exited the car.

"I don't see Arthur, Ron, or George," Hermione whispered as they made their way onto the porch and down to the gravel drive.

"I'm sure they'll be coming later if work permits," Harry replied. "Molly and Ginny; My god, is that Dean Thomas," Harry asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Hush you, Dean was always a friend and look at that beautiful baby," Hermione practically squeeled in as dignified a manner as she could.

A light snow had started to fall and Harry made a signal for a few of his staff to bring warm cloaks for his guests to use on the walk in.

Finally Mrs. Weasley was the last to exit and be wrapped in a cloak, and Harry began his greeting.

"On behalf of the Potter Family, the Peverell Estate, the Staff, Administrators, the residents of Driftwood Point Castle, and the peoples of the Isle of Mull: Welcome to our home, and to our hearts. May you find peace, comfort, and joy in this season and during your stay," harry finished by leaning in and kissing Molly on both of her cheeks before he hugged her and moved on to do the same to Ginny, before finally giving Dean a hearty pat on the back and vigorous handshake.

After seeing Hermione finish with Mrs. Weasley, Harry continued, "I know it may seem a but pompous, so forgive me; ever since I was found by my grandfather's attorney, Hermione and I have had to go through a crash course in etiquette and protocol for how a Duke is supposed to behave around royalty, nobility and the like. We've got a meeting with the Queen next Saturday, and we're horribly nervous about it. Hermione and I figured what better way to calm our nerves that to practice what we've learned on the one woman who we respect and admire most in the world; we've missed you Mrs. Weasley, and we're sorry it took us so long to contact you."

Hermione had taken Harry's arm as he said that, and was nodding along. "We've missed you all," Hermione began, as Mrs. Weasley began to sniffle and flung herself at both Potters to pull them into a crushing patented Molly Weasley hug.

"You absolute darlings," she cried. "I've always hopped we could reconnect; I love you both and have missed you dearly."

Before the reunion could continue, Michael made his presence known by starting to cry.

"Why don't we continue this inside; I'm sure we have a nice warm fire going in the Great Room; I'm sorry Ginny but we didn't plan on having a playpen when we sent the invitation, but I'm sure Hermione could conjure one up from storage," Harry punned lamely.

Dean snickered, as he was always one to appreciate a horribly joke; puns being one of the grandest traditions alumni took from Griffindor House.

"I swear to God Dean, if you start dropping puns with Harry again like you did during the TriWizard I will become violent," Ginny said with some menace in her voice. Hermione couldn't help the snicker that came out.

"I'd completely forgotten about that! The twins started the competition, and it spread to all the boys in our year," Hermione said for the benefit of Mrs. Weasley. "Professor Flitwick thought the twins had cast some kind of targeting charm for puns, and he was arguing with McGonagal about whether to award points for creating a gender specific and age targeted charm, when she finally got them to crack that it wasn't a charm at all….but pun "war" they'd started amongst their dorm mates that just spread to the other houses."

"Even Draco and his bookends got in on it; it drove Snape mad," Harry supplied before the adults all dissolved into laughter as they entered the grand building.

"I think we've still got about 30 minutes before lunch is ready, won't you please sit down and make yourselves at home," Hermione said to the group as they entered the Great Room, or the portrait room, as it was alternatively called.

Once the last staff member had left, Hermione conjured a crib near the fire so the baby would be able to lay down and enjoy the warmth.

"Thanks for that Hermione; conjuration was never my strong suit," Dean said with a smile.

"No worries mate; you know Hermione loves to show off when she can," Harry replied.

"Would anyone care for tea, cocoa, or wassail," Hermione asked, and receiving negative replies she sat down to enjoy the company.

"Will anyone else be joining us for lunch, or is the Ministry holding Ron and Arthur late today? I imagine George is still swamped at the shop eh," Harry asked with a smile while holding Hermione's hand.

Ginny shared a look with Molly, before she spoke up.

"When we got your letter Harry it came as a bit of a shock; not only this business about your grandfather, but your implying you'd been far removed from recent events happenings. Did either of you take the Daily Prophet or any international papers while you were at muggle school," Ginny asked.

"No," Hermione began. "Just before we started university we were bombarded with hundreds of owls with all kinds of demands from people that we should do this, that, take this position, this job, etc. when we'd decided we wanted to continue our non-magical education to find ourselves and how we could be useful adults. We'd completed our Master's Degrees and were just signing up for Doctoral Studies when we were approached by my Grandfather's lawyer and informed about the estate."

"We found a few powerful charms we could enchant a bracelet with to hide our magical signatures so we could study in piece, and Hermione, who's become quite the talented enchantress, managed to layer several individual charms that provided us near perfect isolation from the magical world," Harry interjected. "We've been wearing these bracelets for almost a decade now and we haven completely absent from the magical world."

Ginny took a deep breath and composed herself before she began. "A lot has been happening in London, the Ministry, and major wizarding institutions. The Ministry was blown up in early November; Dad, Ron, and Percy didn't make it."

"What!," Harry and Hermione exclaimed at the same time.

"Was it Death Eaters," Harry asked as he slid Hermione off his lap and to his side. "How have the Aurors been responding? What do we need to do," Harry rattled off in quick succession.

"Were there any survivors," Hermione asked.

"Ginny they need to know the back story as well," Molly began. "Somewhere close to three years after you were gone the traditionalists started regaining power in the upper levels of the Ministry, Wizengamot, and in the Prophet. They never called for overt discrimination against Muggles or Muggleborn, nor was their agenda as vitriolic as it was before and during the Dark Lord's Reign, but slowly anti-muggle sentiment was legislated."

"It started small this time, first a tax on products made by muggles imported to wizarding shops, no one had a problem with that, then an occupational tax on wizards who worked in the muggle world, and before we knew it they'd pinched a few knuts here, and a few knuts there, until most families were struggling to buy food."

"It was getting horrible," Dean interrupted. "I worked my way to Middle Management for a Bank in Plymouth. In July they passed a law basically making it illegal to live in the muggle world. The Old Bloods had joined forces and stolen a bunch of land from the muggles, and created a heavily warded valley where thousands of Wizards would live in giant suburb."

Dean looked up at Harry and Hermione and there was a fire in his eyes they hadn't seen since the Battle of Hogwarts.

"They'd built a ghetto for the masses mate," he continued. "I had to explain to Molly and Arthur why I was against this monolithic settlement, where we wouldn't be landowners, but too many poor wizarding families were starting to move in to avoid the muggle residence tax on top of their muggle employment tax. My family had a small farm in Essex where my dad would raise chickens for T O'Regan. Because it's muggle land and not been in a wizarding family for 3 generations or more, I'd have had to pay an astronomical tax and have it brought to code for wizarding residences."

Dean sighed and took Ginny's hand in his own before he continued.

"Ginny and I couldn't inherit or live on my family lands because of these new laws."

"They started showing up randomly in the paper first," Ginny chimed in. "Disaffected Half-Bloods and Muggleborn would write opinion pieces for the Prophet, a few smaller papers, even international papers, but nothing changed the Ministry. Everyone was still weary from the war, and no one would listen to the 'paranoid ramblings' of the uppity muggleborn to save us from ourselves."

"We have no proof," said Molly, "but we think the attack on the Ministry was orchestrated by some kind of muggleborn underground resistance."

"They took out the Ministry building when most personnel were there, they got the Prophet, Gringots, the Wireless; Wizarding Britain has been without a ministry, mass communication, or an economy for almost two months now. A few groups have tried to contact the ICW for help, and some relief is coming, but no one knows who's negotiating for power, or who the ICW will side with. Those of us with muggle jobs have continued on because nothing's really changed for us, but most major wizarding districts and institutions are either severely damaged or simply gone."

"I know I speak for Hermione and myself when I say we are so sorry for your losses. Arthur, Ron, and Percy were all good men. They didn't deserve to be caught up in this," Harry said.

"Was George in Diagon when Gringotts was attacked," Hermione asked Ginny.

"He and Angelina were living above the shop. They somehow got fiendfyre into Gringots, and the building simply exploded. When people finally got the fire contained and sealed the tunnels, Diagon…..it's still a ruin, and the shop was completely destroyed," Ginny answered.

Harry gripped Hermione's hand for support; his insides were churning with so many emotions. He needed her to be his port in the storm once again.

"What can we do," Hermione asked.

"We need someone the people can stand behind. We've spoken to Luna and Newt; they're willing to pull the Quibbler presses out of mothballs and start up a bi-weekly paper people can organize around. They've been in the Americas the last few years, but are willing to come home," Ginny said.

"What are you asking for Ginny," Harry asked as he sat forward.

"We spoke to a few influential families after you sent us your letter Harry," Molly said. "We all took your message as a sign that things needed to change, and we finally had someone to lead the charge."

"The history of government, of the Ministry, was always one of power more so than popularity. The Ministry was founded on a pact and compromise of around 100 powerful wizards that lived in an array of stations from court wizard for feudal lords and regional kings, to villaige elders and sooth sayers," Ginny chimed in. "The more powerful the wizard, be it politically, with wealth, or in magical prowess, the more dependents came for his/her counsel, protection, and assistance; it was an unruly system until oaths of fealty came into prominence."

"They didn't cover none of this in our History of Magic Classes mate, but around the time of King James I, and the Acts of Union, all the feudal wizarding estates were waning in prominence and the Wizengamot was formed to act as an advisory body to the crown," Dean chimed in after he'd checked on the baby. "Wizards and Muggles were still living side by side, and didn't want to give up their prominence in society, and the first families of the Wizengamot swore fealty to the crown and were allowed to form the Ministry later on."

"So how many families want to rally behind Harry," Hermione began. "Do these people realize that approaching the Queen will mean we will likely have to submit to some form of parity with modern muggle laws?"

"Who are the families," Harry asked.

It took the guests a few moments of looking amongst themselves to decide how best to answer his question, when Ginny in a huff of annoyance answered for them.

"There's us, the Boot, Susan Bones and her family, most of the remaining members of the DA, Luna and her husband, several families made up of people above and below our year, and surprisingly enough your most vocal advocate has been Malfoy."

"I beg your pardon," Harry said as he leaned forward, "I could have sworn you just said Draco Malfoy is my most vocal supporter."

"It shocked us all mate, but he's mellowed out considerably since marrying Astoria Greengrass. I've even taken him to a pub for a football match or two since we graduated. He have been a dick in school, but he's a decent bloke now," Dean replied.

A gong sounded from down the hall.

"That'll be lunch," Hermione supplied. "How about we continue this after?"


***Balmoral Castle, December 19, 2009***

"As I saying Your Grace, Her Majesty will be greeting you in her private parlor, she, you, and your wife will have around half an hour to chat before the investiture ceremony, and then a light lunch will follow," the Queen's personal secretary said as he escorted Harry and Hermione into Balmoral. "The Queen apologized for not being here to greet you personally, but she's returning from the hills and her party is having to take extreme caution in traveling through one of the streams."

"I was surprised by how much rain we got yesterday," Hermione began. "As we were leaving this morning I saw how swollen our streams had become and can only imagine the same happened here given the bulk of the weather was centered over the mainland."

"It was an exceptionally chilly night too," Mr. Geit continued. "It was the first time in a number of years the fireplaces were tended to throughout the night in the apartments."

"Tell us about it," Harry said. "This one nearly gave me frostbite with her icey toes digging into my back; I knew I wouldn't get a single wink until I built her a nice fire in our rooms," Harry said with a Cheshire grin directed to Hermione.

She promptly swatted the back of his head.

"What happens if they can't make the crossing back," Harry asked to their guide.

"The area the Queen was visiting is connected to a neighboring estate, that is connected to the main road that brought you here," he replied. "Worst case scenario, it will delay your meeting by around an hour and a half. I've been instructed to ensure your lunch will be served regardless of whether the Queen is here or not. She candidly informed me she'd packed some fruit and crackers, and that you shouldn't be delayed on her account."

"How kind," Hermione said with a genuine smile of appreciation.

"I never expected the Queen to be so…..ordinary," Harry said after a conspiratorial look about to make sure he wouldn't be overheard by anyone not already part of the discussion. "The more this sinks in the more she starts to feel like I imagine a grandmother would."

Mr. Geit smiled at that description as he led his guests into the Queen's personal study.

"Her Majesty has that effect on most people, and in your case your family trees do intersect on a few occasions. I'd remind you that you should at all times address her as Your Majesty unless directed to otherwise by her, and Prince Philip will likewise always be Your Royal Highness unless he instructs you differently. The Queen does have the habit of allowing people to use a more familiar, or familial, tone once you're more than an acquaintance; however that will come about only after some time. Just relax, and if you slip up or make a mistake, calm down and correct yourself…the Queen never will in private."

A buzz sounded from Mr. Geit's pocket, and he pulled his phone to check the message.

"It seems," he began, "that the crossing wasn't as bad as we thought and the Queen and her party will return within the next 10 minutes, and I've been asked to take you to the front and inform the kitchens. I hope you won't mind following me back this way?"

"Not at all," Hermione replied as she gave Christopher her arm and let him continue their tour to their next destination.


***Scene Break***Scene Break***

"Thank you both for waiting; this weather has taken us all by surprise. The storm blew through and a surprisingly large tree damaged one of our hunting lodges on the ravine. We were lucky it was only a glancing blow. My grandchildren love to go up there and relax away from it all you know," the Queen began.

"Your Majesty it is an honor and a true privilege to meet you; I know I speak for my wife and I both in saying we are excited to be here with you today and can hardly believe his is real," Harry said after a polite bow.

"I couldn't agree more Your Majesty," Hermione added with a delicate courtesy. "If I may M'am, growing up you were a hero of mine, and your reign has been one I've drawn strength and inspiration from first as a girl, a woman, and now a wife. I'm sure you hear these things all the time Your Majesty, but I'm awed by your mere presence and honestly don't know what else to say. May I give you a hug," Hermione said wish passion and an earnest glimmer in her eyes.

How delightful, the Queen thought. She's an accomplished woman and so polite. Bless them both for what they're getting into. If my dossier on them is even half as accurate as I think it is I'm unworthy of their admiration.

"My Lady you may indeed, and I'm delighted to have you here as well. The government has provided me with your known files and an appropriate summation of your activities in the resistance against the recent Dark Lord," the Queen began after giving Hermione a short hug.

As they settled into the couches overlooking the grounds the Queen continued. "I hope we can keep this meeting rather informal, I try to keep the use of the Royal pronoun to strictly public and formal occasions. I learned early on in my life and marriage that there can be a public and a private life for people of our station; it's not duplicity, but necessity. You'll find your station calls for duty, and your life to other pursuits. I learned the hard way that duty must come before everything in order for the realm to remain stable and continue its natural progression." The queen looked almost forlornly out the window before she continued. "If may give any advice to the two of you I hope you will believe me in saying that your duties must come first, then family, then your faith if you subscribe to any in particular."

"Only by honoring your duties will you ensure stability to those which depend on you."

"Thank you very much Your Majesty," Harry said. "I wasn't allowed out of my relative's house very often as a child apart from chores or when they wanted to get rid of me, but one of the few regular occasions I was given relief from their residence was by attending church. Now I'm not particularly religious, but I have a respect for the church and in particular the stories of Solomon."

"It's one of the few subjects we actually had in common before we met at Hogwarts," Hermione chimed in. "I loved the story of creation and the imagination and creativity it must have taken to shape reality to your desires, and Harry focused on wise individuals like Solomon who served Justice."

"Being denied any form of a just life growing up I clung to any example I was allowed of those who could champion right, and avenge those that had been wronged," Harry stated. "I didn't know it at the time, my connection to Voldemort, the wizarding world, how my parents died, or anything Your Majesty, but I knew that my world was wrong and I needed someone like Solomon to guide me to make it right."

"I blame his hero complex as a natural progression of this childhood enamoring with Solomon and other figures of antiquity," Hermione added.

"That's a very touching story my Lord," she replied, "and I see the decorations which came about after the Voldemort conflict more than prove the honesty of your beliefs and the results of your personality. I see an Order of Merlins, 1st Class for you both, Membership in the International Confederation of Wizards, Junior Sorcerer Class of '98, and I see many of the continental countries have given you some form of civilian, or military honors."

"We accepted most of those out of courtesy M'am, but my wife and I did what we did because it had to be done…not because we were expecting any kind of recognition. The awards almost felt hollow to us, but we didn't want to offend anyone."

Remarkably humble, the Queen thought.

"I was going to save this as a surprise for you both when I received you to court at the official ceremony, but upon review of your records you are both to be inducted into the Royal Victorian Order as Knight and Dame Grand Cross, as Knight and Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Knight and Lady of the Garter, and Knight and Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle."

Harry and Hermione were both stunned and were at a loss for words.

After letting the couple fish face for a couple of seconds the Queen continued. "It is a small show of appreciation from a grateful monarch and nation which will sadly never know of the true sacrifices you've given for their safety."

"We're not deserving of these honors Your Majesty," Hermione said.

"We only did what was needed," Harry added.

"That is precisely why you'll accept these honors and do so happily," the Queen replied.

Harry and Hermione shared another look before they nodded, "We do, and are grateful M'am," Harry replied.

"While we're on the topic of the Voldemort years," he continued, "there's been recent developments that show troubled times may be ahead." Harry and Hermione took on a dark look as the queen digested what he'd just said. "While the blood purists are not rising there are implications that either a rogue group of muggle born, squibs, or muggles in the know have launched a full scale assault on the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts Bank, and wizarding enclaves and institutions vital to our cultural identity. Our elected government has been completely devastated M'am. Our Courts, Police Force, and Bureaucracy were all centrally located in the Ministry building under Whitehall."

The Queen drew a breath of surprise, "it wasn't a terrorist bombing them? I was told Whitehall had been targeted because of the Government's operations in Afghanistan and Iraq….some suicide bomber that tunneled in from an old sewer."

"We've been in your realm for the better part of the last decade under heavy magics that prevented anyone from the magical world from contacting us," Hermione began. "We didn't even know that we'd lost our government until we reached out to old friends to reconnect. They've shared with us that after the loss of the Ministry Your Magical Realm is in chaos."

"While outright looting and lawlessness is not rampant at the moment, we've lost our entire police force, and the ICW only has a tactical team which has jurisdiction to monitor magic in muggle areas and authority to obliviate muggles," Harry began. "We've been asked to represent around 30 families that control media interests, public transit, and surviving businesses to ask your permission to form a government just as our ancestors did with King James."

The Queen furrowed her brown and thought furiously before replying. "My Lord I was not briefed on this situation, and matters of state relating to government are normally the sole prerogative of Parliament."

Before she could continue, Hermione politely interrupted. "Begging your pardon M'am, but the Magical Government has always been separate and apart from Parliament. Our Minister reporting to the Prime Minister was always a courtesy, and not a responsibility. It's in your sole discretion whether to grant recognition to those which form the magical government for you lands."

"Your Majesty we don't ask this lightly; we come representing thousands, if not millions, of people that your Non-Magical Government have no record of, who have no concept of the sciences which took man to the moon, or of the reality of Nuclear Weapons. Unless a valid government is recognized, and recognized soon, the powerful will revert to the ancient ways of Covens and Conclaves, a type of feudal magical society if you will, and none will be accountable to another but by brute force."

"What is it you are asking of me My Lord," the Queen asked with some irritation. "I suppose you want me to anoint you as our Prime Minister for Magic and grant you some form of Royal Charter to form a Government?"

"Not as that M'am," Hermione answered for Harry. "There was quite a bit of debate among the families which came to us as to how to organize the new government, but the best solution offered was that a unicameral Parliament would be founded, a Senate, with an initial membership of 100 individuals, 30 of which the Seats would be Heredity, 20 which would be for life tenure or until retirement, and the remaining 50 would be for specific districts the country will be divided into for a single 10 year term."

"Unlike the prior government, we'd ask you appoint a Hereditary Peer, as Governor General for Magical Britain, whose line will act as your personal representative to the Magical Government, and ultimately give you control over the laws and military of your magical citizens. We propose he be given absolute veto power, the ability to create awards/honors, and recommend to you individuals for these honors or peerage in the Wizarding World."

"While the idea of an elected judiciary was bandied about, we looked to the United States and saw how dangerous electing judges can be, and so we would have provided a rough outline of a treaty covering all we've just spoken about and outlining the basic tenants of the magical government we've proposed, a list of names we feel would be suited to fulfill the Heredity Seats as well as life tenure seats, and a request that a few muggle barristers be allowed the appropriate clearance to be hired by our new government to staff both the office of Crown Prosecution and Legislative Research & Drafting," Harry said as he reached into his valise and pulled out official looking documents stamped with the Potter/Peverell family crest.

The Queen examined the documents and the young people before her.

"You've given me quite a bit to think on My Lord, but I will not act today. I will call an urgent meeting with my own solicitors, my advisors, and finally will bring this situation to the attention of the Prime Minister. He and Cabinet must know of these developments regardless of what I decide."

"We understand M'am," Harry said.

"Assuming I agree to all of this once I've verified it's legal and proper, what do you intend to do? I assume you wish to be named as my Governor General for Magical Britain," the Queen asked with a slight warning edge to her query.

"History has proven that when power of this scale is vested in one person, it often leads to problems, and while I was reluctant to accept the nomination to this position from our peers which sent us here, I agreed to petition you and accept my role under one condition: that you vest in me all military, police, and judicial authority, and in my wife you vest all governmental and ceremonial authority," Harry spoke. "We want our successors to agree to the same, so that one person is not crushed by this weight, and instead is allowed to have their spouse compliment them. No one person should be made to be an expert in both military and civilian matters."

"I've never dealt with a bifurcated Governor General. I suppose it does give an added layer of protection overall as this is a radical change in government for the magical people of Britain doesn't it," the Queen opined.

"There is a history of something similar to what we've proposed that is traceable to the first Kings of Scotland, and in the few history classes covering muggle culture, this was an example pointed to, supposedly instituted by Merlin, that muggles were derided for abandoning. We see this as an opportunity to reign in support from the traditionalists as well as moderate factions which exist, while allowing for future modification if the system doesn't work."

The Queen looked back through the paperwork and in one of the articles devoted to the rights of the citizens, saw that clearly written was the ability for a majority of registered citizens could trigger a referendum on amending the constitution, and bypass the Senate, or petition the Monarchy directly.

"We don't mean to rush M'am, but the pamphlet you have in your packet, with the Gilded crests of Windsor and Potter…we'd like you to review it and allow us to begin sending these out to magical families, and distributing them in public. If nothing else, it will put the people on notice that we will not tolerate lawlessness and will give them a sense of stability," Hermione said.

"I have discovered I have vast holdings," Harry began, "and among those holdings was a private security company that sign magically binding oaths of secrecy. We would ask that before we leave today, you deputize this company so they can be deployed strategically throughout the country and ensure law and order, are maintained."

The Queen read the short pamphlet explaining that the Queen was aware of the loss of the Ministry and that Harry Potter was in negotiations with the Monarch to receive a royal charter for a new government; that private security was being provided by the Potter Family for all magical districts, and that he was personally financing the restoration of Diagon Alley, and places that were attaked.

She also read the provisional patent giving warrant and police power to the Delta Omega Company, Inc., a division of Potter Holdings, Ltd., to have police power in the UK for her magical citizens.

Sighing once again, she set all the papers beside her on a table and range a bell summoning an aide. Once he arrived, she asked for several individuals to be summoned at once on a matter of national security, and asked that they prepare aerial transport for them directly to Balmoral.

After the aide and other left, and Harry and Hermione overheard rapid phone calls and hurried paces from a multitude of people they couldn't see, the Queen continued.

"You've put me in a precarious situation Lord and Lady Potter," she began. "Everything you're telling me seems like a prudent course of action to take, but you'll learn in time that We do not act on impulse. The folly of Our youth helped in guiding Our hand in matters of State. As such, We will proceed with your investiture while we all will prepare for the arrival of Our advisors, and counselors. After lunch you are to return to Driftwood Point and summon your backers, and allies in this, and collectively you shall all return here, by nonmagical means, tomorrow. We will have an answer for you all by then."

"It is more than we could have expected Your Majesty," Harry said as he and Hermione rose and bowed in respect before seeing an aide had stepped in and was directing them to their places for the ceremony."

Long live the Queen, Elizabeth thought.


-To Be Continued-

Reviews are welcome.

This in published without a Beta; if you find an error, feel free to PM me and I will try to correct it. Standard Disclaimers apply.

Read and Review to let me know what you think.

Chapter Date: 02/03/2017.

Author's Commentary: If you read, or god forbid reread recently, the original Chapter 02 of Politics for Beginners you should note the first major difference which is readability. I've tried to shy away from block paragraphs and long sentences the best I can, while also slowing down the pace phenomenally.

I'd originally sketched out Politics for Beginners when I was 18 and a freshman in college just starting to study a passion of mine and experiencing the high of writing fanfiction for the first time. I was full of teenage angst, repressed desires, and impatient for all changes I wished could be made to HP to happen all at once without any concept of how JK would end her tale, or any regard for an overarching theme.

Action, revenge, and angst were all I seemingly could care about, realism be damned.

While this reboot is still fantastical, I've tried to attempt things from a more believable angle, and if you can believe the tripe I've boiled about James' Family, we're doing much better than my first attempt then.

I promise things will get more interesting, but the chapter titles are supposed to give a guess at the direction as to what will be revealed; almost like the chapter index for a college text.

To me, Circles Within Lines means a few things, primarily though that abstract concepts may be discussed or hard to grasp concepts may be covered.

I had a math teacher in HS that liked to assign each 9th grade class of his a "Linear Art" project, to demonstrate that how we perceive things can be graphed mathematically, even circles composed of impossibly small, perfectly straight, lines. But in order to not see the curve, there had to be some overlap and shading that created an almost camouflage of what was going on with the details of the art and forcing your perspective to see the big picture.

I'm also using this reboot as an opportunity to quit focusing on the details of stories and writing in broader concepts.

I've noticed most of the authors I love tend to give some details occasionally, but not obsessively. On review of the first draft of this story, *shudder*, I focused almost exclusively on irrelevant details that really didn't do anything to further the plot with a force more delicate than semtex.

I hope this reboot, and my more recent stories, are more subtly advancing plots and drawing your interest.

Thanks for the read. #Review and #Recommend.