Nightbirds
And when the wind draws strong
Across the cypress tress
The Nightbirds cease their songs
So gathers memories.
-Loreena McKennitt, "Courtyard Lullaby"
The headline on the Daily Prophet read:
CORNELIUS FUDGE RESIGNS; CHOOSES ARTHUR WEASLEY AS NEW MINISTER OF MAGIC
"Last night, the wizarding world was shocked by Cornelius Fudge's sudden announcement to resign his long-held post as the Minister of Magic, which was immediately effective. In his short speech, in which he made vague references to "dark times ahead" and the situation last year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in which a popular and handsome seventh year, Cedric Diggory, tragically lost his life during an accident while competing in the TriWizard Tournament. Mr. Fudge then said that if the Ministry were smart enough, they would immediately appoint Arthur Weasley, the then Head of Misuse of Muggle Items and has four children attending Hogwarts- the new Minister. "Arthur Weasley," Mr. Fudge said rather cryptically, "is the one person who can handle what is to come." The Board of the Ministry unanimously voted Mr. Weasley as the Minister.
Naturally, some opposition was made known, particularly that
of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, a former governor of Hogwarts, who reminded everyone of
the charge against Mr. Weasley three years ago when Muggles spotted his flying
car. Mr. Weasley, when asked, merely
smiled and said, "Ask Lucius Malfoy why the rest of the governors made him
resign his post and I will tell you about the car."
There was more to the article, but Tinuvial stopped reading. "Weasley, Weasley…" she muttered. Why did that name sound so familiar? Ah, yes. Harry's friend, Ron, was a Weasley. She smiled as she looked at the moving picture of Mr. Weasley. He looked like a nice person. But Minister of Magic? She knew nothing of the Weasley family, other than that they were like a family to Harry. She picked up the Daily Prophet and her cup of tea and left her room.
It was still early in the morning, but she knew that Dumbledore would be awake now. The door to his office was open and she stepped in. The old wizard was talking softly to Fawkes the Phoenix as he fed the beautiful bird. "Hello, my girl," he greeted Tinuvial warmly.
"Have you seen this yet?" she asked, sliding the newspaper across the desk as
she sat down across from him.
Dumbledore smiled.
"No, I haven't, but I've known about it since last night," he said. "It was I who advised Cornelius Fudge to suggest Arthur Weasley." Fawkes had left his perch and flew over to Tinuvial and perched on the arm of her chair. She stroked the great bird's feathery back.
"So this is a good thing?" she asked hopefully. Dumbledore nodded.
"Last year, after Bartemius Crouch, Jr. was discovered to be masquerading as
Mad-Eye Moody, Fudge refused to believe any of us and had a Dementor Kiss the
young man. Even after Severus showed
him his burning Dark Mark, Fudge would not believe that Voldemort was truly
back."
"Can't say I blame him, really," Tinuvial murmured. "It's not something I'd want to readily believe. But I do
understand what you mean."
"Arthur Weasley is a good man and formidable wizard. He was present last year when everything happened and understands what is happening, what will happen, and what must be done." Dumbledore smiled. "You'll like the Weasleys. Fred and George are seventh years, young Ginny is a fourth, and Ron is…"
"Fifth year," she said quickly. "And one of Harry's best friends. I know." She smiled,
somewhat embarrassed. "I talked to Hagrid."
Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "Hagrid
is another one of Harry's protectors."
"How many is that, now?" she asked.
"Hagrid, Sirius, Remus, myself, Severus, Professor McGonagell…"
"You're not her student anymore," Dumbledore said in amusement. "You can call her Minerva."
She smiled. "She'll always be
'Professor McGonagell' to me, but I'll try.
Who else is there?"
"A few others, but they'll not be known to you for some time," Dumbledore said
mysteriously, but he winked at her and changed the subject. "Are you ready for the new term? It's only two weeks from now."
"I'm rather anxious for it to start," she admitted. "I've been ready for some time, now."
"Will you be alright?" he asked seriously.
She nodded. "I'm…stronger than I was
when I first came here. Everyone has
helped me. I walk with Hagrid a lot
outside, Prof…Minerva constantly reminds me to not tire myself
out, and Severus brews that potion everyday, which has helped, surprisingly."
Dumbledore smiled. "That's very
good." Tinuvial stood up and Fawkes
flew to her shoulder. She started
slightly and looked at Dumbledore in surprise, who laughed softly.
"Fawkes remembers you, my girl," he said gently. "He was just telling me that when you came in." He motioned to the phoenix, who, it seemed,
reluctantly left the young witch. She
stared at the two for a moment, then smiled.
"Is that a good thing?" she asked.
"It's a very good thing," he said. "A
phoenix lives for a very long time. For
us, there is no immortality, but in the memories of those who love us."
