Chapter Four

The Prime Minister

Harry and Hermione walked the length and breadth of Diagon Alley waiting for the Weasley's to finish and watching the comings and goings of some very distraught wizards in their attempts to find just the right thing to make them stand out of the crown. It wouldn't have so busy if they weren't having to bring their entire families along with them and to purchase school supplies as well.

"Oh, look, Harry!" Hermione pointed across the street to where Gambol & Japes once stood and in its place was Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. There was a sign under the marquis that had caricatures of Fred and George Weasley having a duel. Each were denoted by the traditional Weasley sweater. Fred's wand transformed into a rubber chicken while George laughed on.

They waited for an opening in the crowd and rushed over to the front of the shop. They peered into the front window to see that Fred and George were not kidding when they said that business was booming. Hogwarts students were three deep in front of each bin. Fred was assisting the customers while George was behind the counter taking people's money.

"Maybe we ought to come back some time when they aren't so busy," Harry suggested and Hermione nodded with wide eyes.

"Feel up for some ice cream before we go back and ... study?" Hermione asked.

Harry licked his lips.

Twenty minutes and two scoops of orange pixie sherbet later they spotted a newly clothed and very happy Weasley clan passing by Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Harry and Hermione abandoned their empty cups and made their way behind them for the Floo queue that was building.

Harry tapped Ron on the shoulder. "Off to the Ministry then?"

The red head spun around and couldn't stop himself from grinning like a fool. "Harry! Sirius ... he ..."

Harry nodded. "I know all about it."

Mrs. Weasley had heard them and turned around, still weepy eyed. "Harry, Hermione. You'll come with us, of course."

Harry looked over at Hermione to see if it was okay. She shrugged. "It'd be nice to see the Ministry when we aren't having to sneak around."

He smiled and nodded to Mrs. Weasley. "We can wait in Mr. Weasley's office."

Molly frowned and shook her head. "Nonsense. You two are family and you're dressed just fine. I'm sure the Prime Minister wouldn't mind meeting you as well."

Hermione's shuddered once and her face flushed. "I'm ... I'm not dressed for a meeting ... "

Harry pulled her close. "I said you looked beautiful and I wasn't saying it to be nice."

She blushed and slipped her hand into the crook of his arm to pull him closer and hide her face. Ron just rolled his eyes.

"You aren't going to be like this all term are you?" he asked Harry and didn't get a response because it was their turn to Floo.

The Atrium of the Ministry of Magic was just as Harry remembered it on his visit for his hearing last year around this time. the fountain had been repaired and stood just as it did before Dumbledore animated it to help in the fight against Voldemort. They all approached the security desk upon arriving and were issued passes and had their wands weighed. Harry looked at his badge before pinning it to the folds of his cloak.

1:00 Meeting/Prime Minister

"They're down in Courtroom Ten, Arthur," said the guard. "Something about not wanting to be disturbed."

Harry's blood went considerably cooler as he leaned over to Hermione and Ron. "That's where my hearing was held."

Hermione didn't look too happy about that piece of information and Ron was equally discouraged. Mr. Weasley led them around to the elevator as Mrs. Weasley was giving out orders for proper decorum.

"I want you all to be on your best behavior. this meeting is very important to your father and to the family. Ron please make an effort to sit up straight and look interested. Ginny I don't want any of your cheek. Harry, Hermione, just be yourselves. You both are very well mannered."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Mum, we know ..."

He was cut short by his father's sudden halt and their subsequent bumping into him from behind.

He turned around and shushed them. "That's the Prime Minister at the lift. Ready now?"

Hermione and Ginny smoothed their blouses out while Mrs. Weasley brushed a loose strand of hair from Ron's face and looked sadly at Harry's own hair knowing it was useless to even try.

"Mr. Prime Minister!" Arthur strode forward with his hand out.

A rather tall and refined man stood by the lift dressed in a very conservative dark grey Muggle business suit. Harry recognized him immediately from the Muggle newspapers he used to pinch from neighborhood trash bins the previous summer while trying to find any information about Voldemort's activities. He smiled graciously and took Arthur's hand in his own.

"Arthur I've told you countless times about that Mr. Prime Minister rubbish when I'm not out with the Muggles."

Ron's dad laughed in response. "Very well, very well ... Robert, I'd like to introduce my family. This is my wife, Molly, my son Ron, and my daughter Ginny."

Robert stuck out his hand and shook each of theirs in turn. "Pleased to meet you all." Then his eyes drifted to Harry and Hermione. "And are these yours as well, Arthur?"

Mr. Weasley smiled. "Might as well be with as close as they are to the family. They are friends of my children from Hogwarts. May I introduce you to Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Harry Potter."

The Prime Minister paused for a brief second at the mention of Harry's name, but then shook his and Hermione's hand as well. "Pleasure meeting you both as well. You will be attending the meeting with the family, I hope?"

From the tone of his voice Harry concluded that it wasn't so much of a request as an order.

"Yes sir," he answered.

The clanging and clamoring of the lift announced it's arrival at the Atrium and the doors opened to an empty cart. Once they were all in the Prime Minister said, "Level nine."

The lift descended one floor and the doors opened with the announcement. "Level Nine Department of Mysteries."

A feeling of dread came over Harry as they stepped out into the corridor and caught sight of the door at the far end where inside his godfather lost his life almost two months previous.

Hermione squeezed his hand to distract him and it worked, for the most part. They passed the door to the left and descended down the steps to the courtroom corridor and finally to Courtroom Ten.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief they arrived and he noticed the pit of the room where normally sat only one chair with chains rattling noisily around waiting for a prisoner to restrain had been replaced with a round table with seven simple chairs.

The Prime Minister motioned for them to have a seat and took his lastly next to Mr. Weasley.

"Well, down to business I suppose." He reached his hand under the table and withdrew a manila folder which he opened and reveled several sheets of parchment. "I will ask each of you to answer one question for me. There will be no right or wrong answer to the question. Arthur, I think you know me well enough to know have already narrowed the list of choice down to a handful of names. The questions are for my own curiosity and peace of mind."

Arthur nodded.

It is also important that you all answer as truthfully as you can. I am a politician. I am used to being kissed up to and can spot it a mile away. In other words I don't want you to tell me what you think I want to hear."

They all nodded their understanding.

"The first is directed to Molly. What is your foremost concern regarding the ascension of Lord Voldemort?"

Ron, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley flinched at the name.

"I ... am afraid for my family and ... my friends."

The Prime Minister nodded and marked something on his parchment. "Ron, you're next. If given the choice of playing for the Chudley Cannons or being Head Boy at Hogwarts next year, which would you choose?"

Harry almost laughed out loud and was only held back from the serious look on the Prime Minister's face.

Ron looked from side to side at his Mother and Father. "Well ... the Cannons."

The scratching of the quill was the only thing that was heard afterward. "Ginny, what career choice will you make upon graduating Hogwarts."

She looked startled at the question and a bit queasy at the same time. "I haven't really given it much thought, yet. With what's been going on mean."

More scribbling.

"Hermione, What's your favorite Book?"

Hermione looked alarmed. Harry had expected Hogwart's, A History or some magical textbook, but instead she looked down and said. "Dr. Zhivago."

Ron started to say something but was held back by the squeezing hand of his mother clamping down on his wrist.

"Arthur, what would you do to end the terror of Voldemort if you were made Minister of Magic?"

Harry stiffened at the questioned. Not because of the mention of Voldemort's name, but because of what Ron's dad had already done in the fight. He expected a long drawn out plan of attack that was devised by Dumbledore, but instead all he said was, "Anything that is necessary."

After one final scribble the Prime Minister stood and shook Mr. Weasley's hand. Thank you all for coming. It was a pleasure to meet each and every one of you and I hope to see you all again very soon."

Hermione looked very confused and Harry was wondering why he hadn't been asked a question, weird as they were.

The Weasley's being closest to the door filed out first, but a restraining hand at Harry's elbow held him back. "A moment if you will, Mr. Potter. I would like to speak to you in private."

A look from Mr. Weasley said that it was okay and reassured Harry as to the intentions of the Prime Minister. Hermione closed the door behind her as they all left and Harry took his seat again.

"There now. For you, I have more than one question, Mr. Potter."

Harry noticed that he hadn't been addressed by his first name as all the others.

"Yes sir."

The Prime Minister set aside his quill and parchment. "This will be totally off the record, but a necessary conversation nonetheless. As you may be aware, I am a squib."

Harry nodded.

"And as such I am able to keep track of the Daily Wizard news and such through official channels and the Prophet, the WWN and other sources."

Harry cringed. He knew he was thought of a nutter by most of the wizarding world. The Prime Minister chuckled.

"Don't worry, Mr. Potter. In the position that I hold I am quite familiar with how the press views prominent people, and the large amount of salt one my take with the reports. That is why I wanted to have this conversation with you ... so I may sift through the manure to find the truth so to speak."

Harry nodded with a small bit of relief. "Yes sir."

"I read your interview with Rita Skeeter that was published in the Quibbler last year. My first question was if everything in the article was true?"

"Yes sir." he responded immediately.

"So you and Headmaster Dumbledore knew of Voldemort's return over a year ago?"

"Yes sir. We tried to tell Fudge ..."

A sour look fell on the Prime minister's face. "Yes, well Fudge will not be Minister for very much longer, now will he?"

The question was rhetorical and Harry didn't answer.

"What is your opinion of Arthur and his family?"

Again Harry didn't hesitate. "They're great, of course."

The Prime Minister waved him off. "That's not what I want to know and you know that, Mr. Potter."

Harry looked down and the table and back up again slowly. "I've never known anyone like them, sir."

The Prime Minister collected his folder and withdrew a page of parchment. "This is a very recent tally of their Gringotts account. As of yesterday they had almost nothing to speak of and for some reason this morning there appeared two thousand gold Galleons transferred from your account. Can you explain this?"

Harry was in sudden shock. "How ..."

I am about to endorse a candidate for the Ministry of Magic, Mr. Potter. The last person that held this position had his hand in so many people's pockets he couldn't listen to the wisest wizard of our time when the most evil had returned. Now you tell me, Mr. Potter. Do you think I should investigate the personal accounts of those I endorse?"

Harry nodded. "It's not what you think sir. The Weasley's ... well, they're poor, sir. And Mrs. Weasley wanted to purchase new clothes for the meeting today."

"So they asked you for two thousand Galleons?"

Harry's eyes widened. "No sir! They'd never take anything from me and believe me I've tried, in the past, to offer , but they won't take a single Knut." He paused. "See, my godfather died just recently and left me with a large inheritance."

"So you shared it with the Weasley's for services rendered?"

Harry didn't know what the Prime Minister was getting at.

"No, I had it snuck into their account this morning as a late inheritance. I told them I had received a letter that told me it was in there so they would take the money and not think someone was trying to help them out."

The Prime Minister looked on thoughtfully.

"Mrs. Weasley, just this morning, said that you'd have to accept that their family was poor."

He chuckled at that. "Did she now?"

"Yes sir."

He leaned forward on his forearms and the tone of seriousness increased. "Now tell me what you know about Voldemort's return."

Harry started to recount his tale after the events in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, but was cut off. "As I told you before, Mr. Potter, I've already read the Quibbler. Tell me something that I don't already know."

Harry didn't know if this was someone that he could trust, and experience with politicians told him already that, if anything, they couldn't be trusted. So he filled him in on things he might already know or have been told by other sources. Such as the attempt to gain access tot he Department of Mysteries and the prophecy within.

"But you've heard the prophecy, haven't you?'

He thought it best not to lie. "I told you is was broken and I went after Lestrange. I couldn't hear it over the fight and the fact that people were trying to kill me right then."

The Prime Minister nodded. "I know you're hiding something from me, but we'll move on. What exactly is Voldemort after this year?"

"Pardon?"

The Prime Minister began ticking off on his fingers. "Your first year he was after the Philosophers Stone, your second some diary had had tried to kill you, your third, his heir apparent tried to murder you, your fourth, he kidnapped you for your blood and again to kill you, and last year a prophecy was held in the balance. All in all I'd say there was the start of a trend; don't you think, Mr. Potter?"

"Um ..."

"So what's it this year?"

Harry looked down at the table. "I wouldn't know sir."

"If I recommended Mr. Weasley to the post of Minister would I get to know?"

Harry looked back up.

"Is that why he brought you along today?" he said coolly.

Harry started to feel his ire start to rise up at the insult to Ron's dad. "Mrs. Weasley invited us, and it was because we were at Diagon Alley without an escort, not because ..."

"Very well," the Prime Minister cut him off.

Harry stood up, almost knocking the chair to the floor in the process. "I don't know what Voldemort is after this year. Make your decision about Mr. Weasley based on his ability not mine or anything to do with me, because he is a great man. He's risked his ... he'd do anything ... " He felt his words getting tangled and took a deep breath to slow down and think. "He'd do anything to stop Voldemort and keep his family safe. That means a lot in my book. If you want another person who'll close their eyes and hold their hand out to who'll ever put money in it, why don't you recommend almost any other person that works here."

The Prime Minister smiled in reaction, and that threw Harry off. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Potter. It's been quite enlightening."

Harry was dismissed and left the room with his nerves shot.

Mr. Weasley escorted them to the Fireplace on the Atrium level and once they were out of earshot asked Harry, "What was all that about?"

He couldn't tell them about the Gringotts account so he told them everything else. "He just asked about the Quibbler interview I gave last year and if I was telling the truth or not."

Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Probably sealing Fudge's fate once and for all."

Everyone nodded except for Hermione who knew that Harry wasn't telling them everything. But she let the subject lay until they returned to Grimmauld Place.

When they returned to Grimmauld Place Harry made a beeline to the study with Ron and Hermione in tow. Ginny had to stay down stairs and help Mrs. Weasley with dinner preparations and a short shopping trip to replenish supplies.

Once the door was closed to the study Hermione and Ron looked at him for an update to what really went on.

He went off on me. Wanting to know about Voldemort and what he was doing this year, as if I would know, and then he started making it seem like your dad was going to be taking bribes like Fudge or something."

Ron almost exploded. "What!"

Hermione covered her mouth. "The inheritance!"

Harry nodded.

Ron looked back and forth, confused. "What inheritance, so he left Mum and dad a couple hundred Galleons? I wouldn't exactly call it an inheritance. "

Harry turned back. "What about what Sirius left you."

"He left me and inheritance? Since when"

Harry looked like he let the cat out of the bag and figured Mrs. Weasley didn't want Ron to know about his vault and that they had received a thousand Galleons as well. "Um ... your mum didn't tell you?"

Ron's eyes lit up. "Is that what she was all blubbering about with dad? Sirius left me some money?"

Harry nodded. "All of you. He opened an account for you and Ginny too."

"What?"

Harry could almost see Gold Galleons flash in Ron's eyes. "I guess your mum has your key."

He was off and out the door running downstairs before Hermione could tell him that they were probably already gone. So instead she dropped down in her chair and cracked open a book. Harry stared at he for a moment before he reluctantly did the same.

Before they had even finished the first page Ron had returned sullen and forlorn with news that they were gone and he'd have to wait until they got back to assault his mother for the key to his very own Gringotts vault and at the same time wondering why on earth they would be studying at a time like this.

Hermione peered over the top of her book. "Ron, it's not that were not happy for you and all, but it's just money."

He smirked. "Coming from a person who has never felt what is like to never rub two Galleons together not to mention actually hold one for once and not have to spend it."

The rest of the afternoon carried on with bouts of studying and listening to Ron change his mind every few minutes about what he was going to do with the Gold once he actually laid hands on it.

Hermione took these times to play footsy underneath the table with the hem of Harry's pants leg while looking very studious at the same time above the table. He would occasionally catch a glimpse of her smiling or humming a unknown tune under her breath. It was quite possible he hadn't seen her so happy since she received her first testing score in their first year of classes at Hogwarts.

Ginny appeared at the doorway later with the announcement that dinner was ready. Ron bolted down the stairs not realizing that his mother had returned.

"What's he on about?"

Harry laughed. "You might want to catch him up. It concerns you too."

Ginny crooked an eyebrow and looked at Hermione who was nodding as well. Then she turned around and made a dash down the stairs. "Wait for me!"

Harry got up and gave Hermione a hand as well, but she stopped him before heading out.

"I've been waiting to do this all day." She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him down to her lips for a mouth searching kiss. Afterward she took his hand and let him trail along down the stairs looking a little simpleminded.

It didn't take long to hear the yelling that was coming from down the last flight behind the kitchen door, and they waited to open it, listening instead.

"But, Mum. It's my vault. Sirius willed it to me."

"And I am your mother, so it befalls me to look out for your best interests. You won't be seventeen for another seven and a half months. You don't need all your money to go out and buy the fastest broom on the market."

"I wasn't going to buy a broom ... I wanted ..."

"Mum, Ron wants to take a girl out."

"Ginny!"

"Oh, Ron. You weren't going to tell her, and if you want her to have any sympathy on you whatsoever you need to tell her the truth."

"Is this true, Ronald?"

They didn't hear anything, only guessing that he was nodding his head because of Mrs. Weasley's next statement.

"Well then I suppose ... but only if you promise me you'll take out a few Galleons. I want you to save the rest for your future. Your father and I didn't have a dime when we started out and we've regretted it ever since."

"Thanks, Mum. I promise only a few Galleons."

"What's her name, dear?"

Hermione looked up at Harry and smiled. "Now," she whispered.

"Luna ... Luna Lovegood," said Ron as Harry and Hermione walked through the door.

Harry tried his best to act like he hadn't heard a word. "What about Luna?"

Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Ron was just telling me about his ..."

"Mum, no!"

Harry looked to Hermione and his eyebrows knitted. "Your what?"

Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips. "Oh for goodness sakes Ron. Having a girlfriend is nothing to be ashamed of."

Ron's face screwed and he dropped down into a chair with a look of dread. Harry looked a little shocked but tired not to over do it. "You and Luna, huh? Cool."

Ginny smirked at her brother. "I told you he wouldn't think it was weird."

Mrs. Weasley shooed them to the table as she levitated a large pot of beef stew to the center. "I've heard that name before, haven't I? Lovegood?"

"She was with us at the Ministry in June," offered Harry.

Hermione nodded. "And her father is the editor of the Quibbler."

She snapped her fingers. "That's the one that published Harry's interview about You-Know-Who."

Harry nodded.

She smiled broadly. "Well, Ron. Looks like you hooked a big fish. I've heard the Quibbler has been selling very well since that edition. They must be doing very well indeed." Then as an after thought. "Perhaps her father might be able to get you on next summer as a part time job."

Ron looked on in horror. "Mum! We haven't even gone on our first date yet. I might not even be dating her next summer."

She waved him off as she sat glasses of pumpkin juice in front of them. "Doesn't matter. If you treat her right, he'll remember and be thankful. It's always good to have connections in high places."

Mid way through their meal the fireplace roared to life in a blast of green flame and Arthur Weasley's head appeared. "Molly!"

She rushed over the to the fireplace with the rest of the crowd right behind her. "Arthur, what's wrong."

He had a very serious look on his face. "The Prime Minister called an emergency session of the Wizengamot right after you left. Dumbledore's here and won't tell me what's going on. Harry what did you say to him in that room?"

Everyone turned and looked at him.

"Um ..." he looked quite ill and his stomach churned at that instant. "He was ... erm ... "

Hermione huffed. "Oh, for goodness sake. Mr. Weasley the Prime Minister thinks you were accepting bribes and Harry defended you."

Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley all chorused together. "What?!"

"The inheritance." Harry explained. "The Prime Minister did account checks on all the people he was considering indorsing and found the money had been transferred that morning. He thought you were being bribed and wanted to ask me what it was all about."

Mrs. Weasley looked as if she was going to seize up. Mr. Weasley just looked grim. "He wants all of you here, now; especially you, Harry. We're all to appear before the Wizengamot in fifteen minutes."

Ron was dumbfounded. "But .. but Sirius left the money to us. How can they think it was a bribe?"

Mrs. Weasley straightened up, suddenly looking stronger. "Get your cloaks. If they want to put me before the Wizengamot, I'll give them a piece of my mind first."

The mood was somber in the tenth floor hallway before Courtroom Ten where The Weasley's, Harry, and Hermione stood. They all looked a nervous as Harry felt. They were told by a clerk to wait in the hallway until another group arrived, and then enter together.

Fifteen minutes went by on top of the fifteen minutes they were allocated to arrive and standing in the cold hallway was not doing anyone's tempers any good.

Ron was the first one to crack. "What the bloody hell are we waiting for?"

Mrs. Weasley flinched. "Ronald watch your mouth."

He was about to respond but was cut off by the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs at the end of the hall. Their worst fear was realized when Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Arthur Weasley's direct superior, turned the corner.

Mr. Weasley met her halfway down the hall. "Amelia, what is this all about?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I was pulled from a very nice dinner with my niece so whatever it is better be important."

Once they joined up, everyone started to file into the room. The decor had been returned to its very intimidating interrogation looking room, minus the chair and chains.

Dumbledore sat in center chair with the rest of the Wizengamot sitting on the benches on either side. Harry noticed the Prime Minister standing behind them as they entered. The door closed with a resounding echo throughout the chamber, and Dumbledore leaned forward.

"Mr. Prime Minister, your final arguments please."

Hermione squeezed his hand. He looked at her and shrugged.

The Prime Minister stepped forward with his hands clasped behind his back. "As you know I have stayed in touch with the various department heads and sub-heads since my tenure with the Muggle Government. I have also stayed abreast of the news through various sources of my own. And I have to say that the way this Ministry has been run over the course of the last few years is nothing but frightful.

"So in making my decision I had to take into account only one question. Who would I trust with my life and those of my family's lives in light of the return of Voldemort." He turned to Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Bones.

"There is no question that Amelia has been a very loyal and fair Head beholden to none but the law, so I choose her."

Something started to occur to Harry but he couldn't tell anyone else because all eyes were on them.

"However, I have also come to find out today about the unquestioned loyalty and sacrifice of another individual ... Arthur Weasley."

He turned and looked Ron's dad in the eye. "In my opinion with his experience in matters other than those he is charged with, he has performed with integrity and courage; prime qualities in a Minister."

Harry heard Mrs. Weasley gasp and Hermione squeezed his hand tightly.

"I place my endorsement equally between these two individuals."

Dumbledore leaned forward and smiled. "Thank you for your wise council, Mr. Prime Minister, and I hope to have you for tea before your return to the Muggle world."

The Prime Minister turned, shook both Mr. Weasley's and Mrs. Bones' hands and left the room.

Dumbledore leaned back. "If the Wizengamot would let their pleasure be known if they accept the two choices of consideration. For?'

Almost all hands rose in favor of voting for one of the two as the new Minister of Magic.

"Opposed."

Only five were raised.

Dumbledore smiled again. "Then I suppose we should make our decision. All those in favor of Amelia Bones ..."

"Albus," Mrs. Bones interrupted.

"Yes, Amelia. Is there something you wish to say?"

She stepped forward and Harry prepared himself for a long winded speech about how she would be better suited for the position, but that wasn't what came out at all.

"Members of the Wizengamot. Due to matters that I would rather keep private, I would like to decline the nomination of Minister as I would not be able to fully devote my time and energies to the position with any certainty. Therefore, I instead wish to be considered for the position of Deputy Minister under Arthur Weasley."

Harry saw Ginny out of the corner of his eye grab Ron's upper arm and squeeze the life out of it.

Dumbledore nodded. "Is there any objection to this proposition?"

The same five hands that had a problem before raised their hands again. Harry tried to memorize their faces before they faded from view into the shadows again.

"Very well, those in favor of Amelia Bones as Deputy Minister with Arthur Weasley as Minister of Magic?"

Everyone's hand raised except for the five and then pandemonium broke out.

What had to be an hour later, the Wizengamot and the new Ministry of Magic accompanied by his family and close friends adjourned to the Atrium for a photo shoot for the Daily Prophet.

The Prime Minister was there shaking hands and getting in on all the action while Harry and Hermione tried to blend into the background.

Mr. Weasley wouldn't have any of it though, pulling Harry and Hermione to the forefront for a family photo that was promised to him personally and not for publication.

Once all of the fanfare was over and almost all of the Wizengamot gone did actual conversation take place instead of the constant congratulations of the following two hours.

"Had me nervous there, Robert," Mr. Weasley confessed.

"Will there be anything before I leave, Arthur?" interrupted Mrs. Bones.

He shook his head. "Nothing tonight Amelia. It'll be a long day tomorrow; get a good night's sleep."

She nodded and left in a less than excited mood.

"I hope it's nothing too bad ... her personal problems, I mean."

The Prime Minister shook his head. "Actually Arthur, she was my first choice, but she mentioned what was wrong this morning at lunch. So after my conversation with Potter here, I thought it a perfect ploy to use her in a secondary position as Deputy."

Harry was startled much as Mr. Weasley. "You mean you intended for Mr. Weasley to win?"

The Prime Minister laughed loudly and trailed off. "I'm sorry Harry. It's been too long since I've been around people naive in the ways of politics. Yes, it was my intension to have Arthur as Minister once we talked, so I didn't want to put anyone else up that had a remote chance of beating him or splitting the vote so much that his reign as Minister would be in jeopardy after every decision he made.

So I arranged for Amelia to be his contender knowing that she would decline, and hoping she would offer herself up as Deputy instead."

He clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Never make a decision as a leader that will ever come out as anything than what you desire in the end, Harry." He laughed some more. "Oh, that was good."

Ron shook his head and whispered in Harry's ear. "Barking."

Harry nodded.

"Robert, I thought you were supposed to be here next week. Why the sudden change in schedule?"

The Prime Minister's laughing slowed to a trickle. "Voldemort is on the move. Attacked a Muggle village north of Ottery St. Catchpole two nights ago and I haven't heard a word about it since. Thought it might be time for a regime change. Maybe shake things up a bit and get someone in here that will do what needs to be done instead of being led around by his pocketbook."

Harry thought about what Remus had said the other night about the Death Eater's March and from the look on Hermione and Ron's faces they thought the same.

"So you got the Wizengamot to toss out Fudge and elect someone in the span of one day?"

The Prime Minister shrugged. "He was on his way out. It was just a matter of when." He looked at his watch and back up. "Well, have to get back to the house before Sylvie starts to think I'm dead or something."

They shook hands and Mr. Weasley turned back to his wife. "I'll probably be here late tonight. Lots to get rolling before tomorrow. Why don't you take the kids back to the house and I'll see you tomorrow."

She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm very proud of you Arthur."

He blushed slightly and pecked her back.

"Bye, Dad," said Ginny and Ron together.

Harry and Hermione waved as he disappeared behind the security desk to the lift and back to work.

Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands for attention. "How about a little celebration?"

Smiles were had all around.