Chapter 21 – The Answers We Sought

I was flat on my back, but saw Harry staring down at me. He was speaking, but I couldn't hear what he was saying. I wanted to reach out and restore our secret link, but my arm wouldn't move. I mouthed the words "are we both dead?"

Harry reached down and brushed the hair off my face. {[relief mixed with guilty worry] We aren't dead. You were just stunned. You were out for a half hour. Give yourself time to come around. Meier Hyack cursed you in the back with the 'Avada Kedavra' before I could fully block his curse. Fortunately, he was carrying the fake elder wand. It mainly blew back and killed him, but you got a big enough piece of the blast to knock you senseless. You're in the Beauxbatons infirmary, and they used the Rod of Asclepias to bring you back. You've come around quickly enough that I don't think you're hurt too badly [worried a lot more than letting on]}

I saw Monsieur Delacour touching both Harry and me, feeling the warmth of his hand firmly grasping my left shoulder. Then I felt dizzy and the light changed, and I was puking all over myself. Harry cleaned me up with his wand and smoothed the hair off my forehead again {[worry] You passed out again for a few seconds. You seem better now. You probably should just rest. I'll sit here with you.}

I found that I could move my arms again, so I reached out and grasped Harry's wrist. {[relief] See, you're getting stronger already. Oops, the doctor wants me to move away.}

A white-coated female doctor passed her wand over my head and chest, then explored my arms and legs with her hands. I could tell that she was saying something to me but could make out little beyond random noise interspersed between the buzzing in my head. Harry touched me {[a little alarm] You can't hear, can you? She wants you to try moving your arms and legs.}

I lifted first my right arm and then my left, opening and closing my hands into widely splayed fingers, then a fist, then normal. I lifted each leg in succession, first straight out and then bending the knee a bit. It was tiring, so I didn't keep them up long. The doctor was speaking again. {[less worry] the doctor seems fairly pleased with that. She's going to get a potion for you to drink. Hang in there. You seem to be gaining strength. Don't worry [worry].}

The doctor returned quickly, and she and Harry lifted me to a semi-sitting position, so I could drink the cup of potion. I had a little trouble swallowing, and coughed a few times, but I got most of the potion down. It was bitter but tasted a bit like peppermint. I was lowered back to a nearly flat on my back position, elevated only by the thick pillow under my head. [[less worry] You are supposed to rest now. The doctor says you should be recovered in about a day [guilt]}.

I was told that I slept for four hours and that the Rod of Asclepias had been employed during my slumbers. Mum and Dad had joined Harry in his vigil over my inert carcass. I felt clearer headed than when I fell asleep and was distinguishing sounds a little better, but Harry was still translating for me. It turned out that Mum and Dad had come to Beauxbatons prepared to carry my dead body back to Britain. "Ron told us that you had been killed," Mum told me, bursting into tears again. "I don't think I could have handled that. I'm so glad that he was wrong."

"For a few nasty minutes we all thought that she had died," Harry replied. "Monsieur Delacour made a last chance effort to quickly get her to the Rod of Asclepias, and it saved her. When we apparated to Beauxbatons, I couldn't detect any signs of life."

I just lay there, taking in this new information. That certainly explained all the fear that I kept reading in Harry's thoughts, as well as the guilt. I guess I had squeaked through a lot tighter than I had realised. I couldn't blame Harry. It was my own stupid error during the fight, which had left me in this condition. If Harry hadn't used the 'Protego' or if Hyack had been holding a real wand, I certainly would not be here to think about this. I was sensing a new concern and emotion flowing from Harry's hand into my wrist.

{[ashamed, guilty, upset] Your Dad still wants me to run for Deputy Minister. He says he is apologetic and feels like a poor father to be asking at a time like this, but that he is also the Minister, and that we are within hours of needing to submit the filing papers.}

Apparently, Minister Shacklebolt was still comatose, though encouragingly near to the point where awakening was to be anticipated. "Definitely not today," were Doctor White's exact words. "Perhaps in a couple of days or a week." He was not progressing quite as fast as the good doctor had hoped or expected. He says that Shacklebolt is a most unusual case. He thinks somebody may have given him an unauthorised sleeping potion, while he was at St. Mungo's. I suspect Doctor Sprout, but there is no proof. The deadline for Harry's decision is thus upon us. I know the capture of Bruce Montaigne lessens the electoral difficulties, but I think it is still very important to add your name to the ticket. You can always resign after the election in favour of Shacklebolt, if you find the job is impossible for you. There really is nobody better."

Harry replied, "I'm still really not certain that my entering the election is the wise thing to do. Professor McGonagall made a really convincing case weeks back that I just don't have the background in Wizard culture and Wizard politics to avoid being eaten alive by the other politicians and the media."

"I won't deny that there is truth in Minerva's caution, and you would be wise to always keep that in mind and seek guidance when you have question or doubt. But... I know you are intelligent and observant enough to recognize that Minerva told you that, at least in part, because she is playing her own games, which require your participation. I'm not just speaking of her Malfoy Project, which I do largely support, but also her desire to become the new Dumbledore, with your group making up the sharp point of her revised Order. She also thought that she should be Minister. She always saw Dumbledore as having more power than he possessed. Hogwarts has never been Durmstrang. Britain has always had a large and strong Ministry. I'm not trying to turn you against Minerva - she was my choice, as well as Kingsley's, for Hogwarts Headmaster, but the time of the Order has passed, and the Malfoy Project is very risky.

If you become Deputy Minister, you'll have advisors to assist you with the ins and outs of the Ministry, and with the backgrounds and aims of the other politicians and bureaucrats. That presents a solution to a serious personal problem. Percy has been squawking to me about feeling shut out of my administration and feels he's been treated like 'some anonymous lower level bureaucrat in the Ministry, whose name you've never cared to learn.' I certainly haven't included Percy in my inner circle, although he knows his way around the Ministry more than anyone in that circle. We just built up enough bad feeling over the past several years that I haven't felt entirely comfortable working with him. He does deserve a chance to get back into the political game on our side, however. I hoped that he might be your chief assistant and be your presence at the Ministry while you were at Hogwarts.

"There are not a lot of stated responsibilities for the Deputy Minister, although there certainly is a lot of work to be done. Percy is a hard worker and can get a lot of the work done, but frankly he lacks the reputation and appeal as the face to be put forward to the public. Plus, I can hardly put forward my own son as my Deputy. He is best off behind the scenes. I'm hoping you'll accept in the interest of your community."

"Let me talk it over with Ginny and Ron and Hermione," Harry replied.

Mum and Dad left us alone, saying they would send in Ron and Hermione. Harry was holding my hand {[I know something I'm not supposed to] I heard your Mum whisper, "are you sure this is really the appropriate time to push Harry, Arthur?" and your Dad whispered back "I agree it's not fair, but there's no other alternative. It has to be Harry and he has to decide now." So, what do you think I should do? I feel very inadequate to the task. I couldn't even protect you this morning.}

"Those are two completely different things; The Deputy Minister is not a fighter. If anything, that says you are better suited to be Deputy Minister than to be an auror. You did quite well this morning. That was the best 'Expelliarmus' you've done in ages and your 'Protego' blocked the attack on Lord Montaigne and the first attack on me. Your second 'Protego' probably kept me alive. This was my fault. I thought I had my back against the wall, but when I Apparated, I drifted forward far enough that Hyack was able to get behind me. I was too afraid of splinching into the wall. You and I are not going to get along long-term if you keep thinking of Witches as helpless creatures in need of your protection. I can fight very well, although I made a serious mistake. I really do know how uniquely lucky I am to have the opportunity to learn from this mistake. I'll say it before Hermione does. We both messed up. After all the practicing, we both got overly excited and forgot just about everything we've practiced. You fought a static fight, without Apparating. I did a predictable and inaccurate Apparate. Hyack beat me by apparating to where he thought I would be. Perhaps the Slytherins passed on word of apparating class. Neither of us went to 'Petrificus' as our first or second curse. It was like we hadn't practiced at all. Like we spent the whole night sitting against that cold wall without rehearsing what we would do."{[Shame.]}

I decided to drop that subject.

Ron and Hermione showed up and asked how I was doing. Harry's silent translation allowed me to reply "I'm getting stronger. I can speak and I can move. In fact, I'd like to sit up." I almost sat up all by myself. Harry gave me a little help and Hermione stuffed pillows behind my back to wedge me upright.

"Ginny's still having a little difficulty with the hearing," Harry explained. "Mr. Weasley is pushing me for an answer about running for Deputy Minister. We are just a few hours from the deadline. I'm afraid that McGonagall was right and I'm not ready for this job yet. Mr. Weasley says that Percy would be an excellent assistant for me and would cover my shortcomings regarding not understanding the workings of the Ministry or the positions of the key politicians and department heads."

"Dad can do the job of Minister," Ron assured Harry. "He is smart, and he has a lot of experience with the ins and outs of all the departments at the Ministry. When you get beyond the department heads to the people who do most of the work, Dad has a lot better idea of who can be trusted than Shacklebolt did. He does well negotiating with the Muggle Prime Minister, and most of the Wizards know he is honest and that they can trust him to always try to do the right thing.

"The problem is, not enough of them trust that he is capable of actually doing the right thing.

"My father is one of the quiet war heroes. He showed courage, loyalty, persistence, and devotion to the best Wizard ideals, but he is not seen as strong, or decisive, or as a leader. He lacks charisma. It was fine when he was teamed with Shacklebolt, but now, at the top of the ticket, he needs a running-mate who is perceived as active, strong, perhaps even impetuous, but most definitely a doer and a leader. You are the best choice.

"Slughorn was a cute stunt for Professor McGonagall to unleash for the continuous tormenting of Bruce, but he'd be a lousy Minister. If Dad has a weak Deputy Minister candidate, Slughorn just might win. And Dr. Sprout could pick a good running mate from the Great Families and pose a strong challenge.

"We've had a lot of bad Ministers. It's up to you to make sure we get a good one. I also like the idea of a Deputy Minister from our generation. Voldemort would still be here, if it weren't for us."

"I'm willing to help you as much as you want me to," Hermione offered. "It will give me an opportunity to push for the rights of Elves. I also think we must eliminate the trace, for the sake of the Muggle-born. You will do a good job. I know you won't do bad things. I can't say that about the opposing candidates."

I told Harry, "You can see that we all want you to run. We'll all help you and so will Percy and Professor McGonagall."

"Let's not plan on completely trusting or leaning too much upon Professor McGonagall," Hermione cautioned. "Becoming Deputy Minister places your loyalty with Mr. Weasley. You can't let McGonagall control you as much as she did when you were primarily a student."

"She didn't control me!"

"Then, let's just say that she has had an out-sized influence, especially compared to what is appropriate in dealing with a student, who is also the Deputy Minister. We've all given her way too many, way too detailed reports on way too many things, which have really been none of her business. In future, many of those reports should most appropriately go to the Minister or stay with ourselves. Remember how much she pushed Draco and me to tell her minute details of the family reunion which I refereed?"

"She could tell you were upset and probably wanted to help... alright, yes she is too nosey and yes I will run as Mr. Weasley's deputy, and yes I, and all of us will be more careful about what we tell McGonagall" Harry sounded more than a little peeved, as if Hermione had deliberately insulted him. Harry took a few breaths and calmed himself. "Sorry, I was very worried and upset about nearly losing Ginny. Everything has been so tense, and I've just learned again that I'm not nearly the fighter I thought I was. I'm sorry, Hermione. You are a lot cleverer than I ever was. "I'm calm now, and I've made up my mind. I'll do it. And I certainly won't count on help from Professor McGonagall. She made her position perfectly clear. She thinks this is a serious mistake. Please send Minister Weasley back in".

Dad was very happy to hear Harry's decision and promised to make the race and the job as pleasant for Harry as possible. "I'll listen to all your suggestions, try not to tie you down too badly, and get you whatever help you need. I'm glad that you decided to do this. I don't think either of us will regret it. I know that I'm seen as having certain limitations, but I really believe that I will be a far better Minister than Sprout or Slughorn."

"Of course, you will!" We all replied, almost in unison.

I realised I didn't even know how the Battle of the Zuercher Bank had ended and asked "would one of you please explain what happened after I blacked out? I know that we won, but I don't know any of the details." Harry gave me a very detailed explanation.

"Meier Hyack died attacking you. After Bruce was disarmed, he just stood there and then an auror hit him with a 'Petrificus'. He was quickly captured. Oh, and your brother Ron kicked him, while he was rolling down the steps. The two bodyguards that you cursed stayed down and were captured. The six guys at the bottom of the stairs never got into the fight. They were swarmed by a dozen aurors and French officers and were dropped where they stood. Everyone is in the custody of the French Ministry.

"Bruce was questioned under the influence of Veritaserum, in his father's presence, and revealed the location of his hideout in Paris. Three of his henchmen were captured at that site, and the Flamel documents and Joan of Arc's armour were recovered. They have been returned to Beauxbatons. Monsieur Delacour also recovered 5,000 of the gold galleons and some interesting records of the Grindelwald gang's operations. The gold galleons were apparently meant as payment to the remaining Giants. They have been holding the Carrows hostage until they get the payment.

"Bruce also gave the location of his financial trading headquarters. It was in Brussels, and the French Ministry and Belgian police have raided it. George Kempen was arrested at that location. Bruce admitted that he recruited Kempen and Reginald Fortescue from the squibs who were supported in the Muggle world by the New Start Society. His father gave him access to the Society's records. Lord Montaigne is extremely apologetic. Bruce says that Reginald did not have any magical ability, but George Kempen did. Bruce had George's Confundus spell reversed, so that he could use his magical powers in their various financial scams.

"Bruce admits to using the Imperius curse on a German bond dealer and Confunding several French currency traders in support of a scam. He admits to placing the Malfoy estate manager under an Imperius curse to take advantage of him. He also admitted to using the Confundus charm or Imperius curse on a dozen young men and women whom he picked up in French and Belgian nightclubs. He is indignant that his father objects to this behaviour. He said, 'all of these individuals should have felt honoured to be the partner of the heir to Gunter Gran Montine. I am really due much more fealty and respect than I have received in my lifetime.'

"The French and British Ministries and his father are debating his fate. They all agree he is clearly insane. It is certain that he will be stripped of his title and inheritance rights and the Muggles will permanently ban him from all financial dealing. He is currently in St. Mungo's, being guarded by a team of aurors. Kempen is being held by the French Ministry: he knows too much to be turned over to the Muggle authorities.

"With their leaders gone and their funding removed, Viktor and Monsieur Delacour both believe that the Grindelwald conspiracy is at an end. Its rank-and-file members will fade away. A lot of them were poor Wizards working for the lavish pay, with no love of the Grindelwald philosophy. Viktor will return to Hogwarts with us. He plans to see Cho again and then return to Durmstrang to put things there and at the German Ministry in order. I'm supposed to go back to the Ministry in an hour to sign papers and meet the media, along with your Dad. I'll re-join you at Hogwarts, hopefully tonight, if you're fit enough to travel."

"So, it all ended well," I concluded.