Chapter Five: A Debate
On the twelfth of August, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Bill, and Mrs. Weasley were going to Hogsmeade Village for a crucial round of questions. On the Knight Bus they saw posters supporting Amelia Bones and Percy Weasley. There was a prominently placed picture of Lucius Malfoy picking his nose and dropping something which looked like a booger onto a desk.
Although Ron had warned them that the audience would be magnificent, Harry and Hermione were flabbergasted that the magical world had shown such support. Almost all of the witches and wizards were wearing badges for their favorite candidate.
Similar to the Quidditch World Cup, there was a great scoreboard above the podium of the debate. It read, "Arthur Weasley: 27%, Amelia Bones: 26%, Lucius Malfoy: 26%, Percy Weasley: 21%." Harry was taken aback by Malfoy's recent rise in his popularity.
Many people apparated almost two kilometers behind the debate. Due to security reasons, the debate was secured against apparating. Aurors, Ministry Officials, and some Order members were present everywhere. They constantly made certain that the crowd was safe. Soon, Percy rose and spoke. "Fellow witches and wizards, as Temporary Minister of Magic Percival Ignatius Weasley, I am honored to introduce my fellow candidates and myself. On the far left, my father, Mr. Arthur Weasley!"
A great cheer rose from the crowd at the mention of Arthur's name.
Percy continued, "In the middle, my lovely friend, and colleague, Ms. Amelia Susan Bones!"
Polite applause came from Amelia Bones's supporters, a rather elderly crowd.
Percy roared again, "All the way on the right, Mr. Lucius Slytherin Malfoy."
Malfoy's cheers were drowned out by boos.
"Of course," Percy finished, "I am the final candidate in this debate."
A large young crowd yelled their approval of Percy as Minister of Magic.
Albus Dumbledore flew onto the stage and muttered an incantation which must have been, "Sonorus."
"Mr. Arthur Weasley, if we may start with you, what would you do to protect our wizarding society from Lord Voldemort?"
Harry noticed a large gasp at the name, but he looked at Lucius Malfoy, who instantly glared at him. Harry's scar burst in pain, feeling as if his head were split open. Malfoy maintained his gaze, but Harry looked away.
Turning his attention to the stage, Harry noticed vivid images in which the Dark Mark was destroyed. Harry saw Mr. Weasley's poll numbers rise to 29%, while Amelia Bones dropped to 24%. As Arthur's magnified voice finished, Harry noticed that by the end of his speech, Arthur led second- place Lucius Malfoy by 8% of the Wizarding population.
Dumbledore asked Amelia Bones, "Ms. Bones, as Minister, how would you treat Death Eaters whom you catch."
Amelia Bones delivered a speech without images, claiming that she would subject each suspect to a trial under Veritaserum. Her speech brought Mr. Weasley down to earth, but gave her a slight lead over Lucius Malfoy.
Dumbledore then asked Lucius Malfoy, "Mr. Malfoy, as you are well aware, there are rumors that you are a Death Eater. How can you comment on those rumors?"
Malfoy drew a long breath; it seemed that he had expected this question. Fixing his eyes at Dumbledore, he pronounced, "Prior to Halloween of 1981, I was under the Imperius Curse. The Dark Lord forced me to torture muggles, kill wizards, and commit other despicable acts of terror. Since then, I have not made any contact with him. The Ministry of Magic, itself, searched my house almost three years ago and found nothing."
Harry listened to Lucius Malfoy's lie. Harry desperately wished to yell that Malfoy was lying, But Harry knew better than to compromise the secrets of the Order of the Phoenix. Malfoy finished his speech using his family's notorious drawl.
Percy Weasley walked to the center of the stage with upright posture. Knowing he was down 7% of the vote from third place, 10% from second, and 11% from first, he looked ready to be Minister. Through the cheers of the crowd, he heard Dumbledore announce his question, "Mr. Weasley, please pick one answer from a previous contestant and counter it."
Percy was the only candidate who used both images and words. He spoke with purpose, "Mr. Malfoy, you claimed that you were under the influence of the Imperius Curse before He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had fallen, correct?"
A sneer formed on Malfoy's lip, "Yes, I was under the Imperius Curse while you were under the influence of diapers."
Ignoring Malfoy's comment, Percy continued, "Yet, three and a half years ago, there is evidence that you have used that same Unforgivable Curse on your former fellow governors from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Malfoy having no comment, Percy continued, "Less than a year after that, there is also evidence that you used the Imperius Curse on men, at the Ministry, of whom you would be the boss. The men, from the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Magical Creatures, nearly executed an animal; merely because you confounded them into thinking that it injured your son. Thirdly, there is great evidence that you are still an active and supportive Death Eater!"
Percy showed images of Lucius Malfoy cursing countless muggles. He added to his speech slowly, "If you swear that you are not a Death Eater, then what would be wrong with you taking a dose of Veritaserum?"
Percy concluded, "This shall be a regime if I have the honor to be elected Minister. I will not let criminals," he shot a dreadful look at Lucius Malfoy, "Wander our world freely, Percy Weasley!
Lucius Malfoy bit his lip. Following the questions, the scoreboard read, "Arthur Weasley 27%, Percy Weasley 27%, Amelia Bones 27%, Lucius Malfoy 19%."
The familiar glint in Albus Dumbledore's eyes told the crowd that he was quite pleased with the round of questions. Dumbledore announced to the crowd, "The second and final round of questions."
"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore addressed Lucius Malfoy, "Would it be alright for us to begin with you?"
"Actually, Professor Dumbledore," Lucius Malfoy answered. "I would rather go later in this round to avoid certain," Malfoy shot a nasty glare at Percy, "accusations."
"Quite alright, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore replied, "In that case, I shall ask Mr. Arthur Weasley to begin the round again."
"Yes sir Professor," Mr. Weasley responded.
"Last year as you are well aware Mr. Weasley, the Ministry of Magic put several limitations on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As Minister, what would you do to ensure a stable magical education for Underage Witches and Wizards?"
"Professor Dumbledore, I have great respect for you and your decisions. As I thought last year, the Ministry of Magic should not place control on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have two children who still attend the school, thus it is of great importance to my family and myself. I believe that you are easily a more capable leader of your school than any member of the Ministry of Magic."
Harry was proud of Mr. Weasley's speech, but his numbers barely increased. Harry felt that Dumbledore may have made a mistake, because everyone knew Mr. Weasley did not like Ministry Control of Hogwarts; his speech only solidified his opinion. Harry saw on the scoreboard that Mr. Weasley was ahead of Percy by nearly 3% of the Wizarding Population.
Dumbledore announced, "Percy, would you be so kind as to accept a next question?"
"Yes sir, Professor," Percy responded.
"Percival Ignatius Weasley," Dumbledore stared, "How could you confidently begin a fight against Lord Voldemort?"
"Professor Dumbledore," Percy began, waving his wand to show colorful images of the world between Voldemort's first downfall and second rise to power. Sweeping his wand to show pictures of the end of his first attack, he continued, "Firstly, I believe that we must warn Muggles suitably. Make sure that they know that they cannot take these enemies down. Then we must set up a secure location. Judging from the recent escape from Azkaban, I believe Death Eaters should be punished by..."
Harry glanced up at the poll numbers which read: 29% Arthur Weasley, 28% Percy Weasley, 24% Amelia Bones, 19% Lucius Malfoy.
"Death!" Percy finished. Percy went from 28% to 22% putting him behind Lucius Malfoy by a little, but then the proclamation started to sink in.
Harry thought it was absurd. The Death Penalty? He brushed it away before thinking, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. It wasn't unfair to prevent further escapes from occuring. Was it really such a bad idea?
To Percy's satisfaction, people processed this information similarly. He subtly peered at the scoreboard. His number rose to 25, 28, 31, 35, and finally stopped between 39 and 40. Confidently, Percy bellowed to the crowd with his arms raised above his head, "Protect your children in a safe house. See Professor Dumbledore for extra precautionary measures. Do whatever you can to save yourself from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers."
Harry noticed that Lucius Malfoy was looking extremely uncomfortable. The other two candidates were wide-eyed by seeing such a young man speak so commandingly to thousands of people.
As Percy confidently stepped back, Dumbledore called Amelia Bones to the stand. Hermione whispered to Harry, "If this isn't good, then she could be done!"
Harry silently agreed, judging from the fact that the statistics showed: Percy 39%, Arthur Weasley 27%, Amelia Bones 19%, and Lucius Malfoy 15%.
Amelia Bones eloquently spoke well against the Death Penalty. Percy dropped nearer to the pack, while she moved closer to second place.
Mr. Weasley said that he would value Muggle-born wizards just has highly as Pure-Bloods, bizards with wizarding parents.
Mr. Malfoy was asked how he felt Voldemort should be stopped.
Mr. Malfoy responded in a speech that was clearly planned, "To stop the Dark Lord, the Wizarding Community, especially Purebloods, must rout out his followers, and go into hiding." Malfoy paused. Before continuing, Malfoy glared deep into Harry's eyes causing a burn in Harry's scar. He maintained his stare as he clearly spoke, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is too powerful for any wizard to stop."
Harry looked at Mr. Malfoy as if he had three heads. Most of the people knew that Lucius Malfoy's followers were completely pure-bloods. The majority of his followers supported Voldemort.
Malfoy wound down his awful speech. There were a few boos from the older members of the crowd, yet Malfoy continued droning into his excuse of a speech.
No votes were changing, as Harry looked at the scoreboard. The polls read, when Malfoy finally finished, "Percy Weasley 34%, Arthur Weasley 29%, Amelia Bones 23%, Lucius Malfoy 14%.
Dumbledore's eye gleamed in triumph. He announced to the crowd, "The next round of questions will be at Diagon Alley in five days. I bid you all good-day."
Harry did not know what to make of the questions. He had been surprised how quickly Percy had taken form as a capable leader, especially with their world in chaos.
As the Knight Bus came, Bill and Mrs. Weasley sat together. Fred and George hustled to a row far from their mother, leaving two double seats available for Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Hermione sat in the front one. Ron and Harry made for the back one, but Ginny beat them to it. Harry shrugged, and much to Ginny's disappointment, he sat down next to Hermione.
"Percy has really impressed a lot of people." Hermione said.
Harry thought for a while and finally asked, "Who do you think will win?"
Hermione automatically corrected Harry, "Whom!" but continued, "Mr. Weasley."
Harry thought but replied, "No, I really don't think so. If Percy continues gaining votes, after all he represents very similar ideas as Amelia Bones, then Bones will quit and Percy will gain a lot of votes there. If Percy keeps up the good work then he is bound to win."
Hermione considered this for about ten minutes, "I think that you're right. I can barely believe it. I remember idolizing Percy in our first year. He should be the youngest ever Minister of Magic."
Harry thought about this from a different point of view. He knew that in his first few years, he would have been thrilled to know that a Weasley would be Minister, even Percy. He knew that he should not feel disappointed no matter what the circumstances were, as long as Lucius Malfoy lost.
Harry noticed that Hermione seemed optimistic. Neither of them thought that Lucius Malfoy had a shot of winning the election.
After a few more minutes of silence, Hermione turned to Harry and asked, "Do you think I could mention to Mr. Weasley something about SPEW for his campaign.
Harry saw the absurdity in this statement. He knew that Mr. Weasley had the votes of non-fanatical pure blood families. He would be losing a key support group, although forcing others to think along his lines. Harry estimated the net result of a possible bold proclamation on behalf of Elfish freedom would likely be negative, but more enthusiastic voters on his side. Harry guessed that most of the votes gained would come from support of Percy Weasley or Amelia Bones, but the losses would fall heavily to Lucius Malfoy.
Harry's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a shriek from Ron, causing Mrs. Weasley to glare venomously. Ginny had apparently pinched Ron's arm.
The thoughts of the Elfish proclamation were driven away abruptly by thoughts of Ginny. Pictures floated through Harry's mind of when he was forced to ask Mrs. Weasley to help him board the train. Soon Ginny was a pink faced girl who broke things or ran away whenever Harry walked near her. After a year of Hogwarts, Ginny was usually too scared to speak with Harry. Harry then saw Neville Longbottom, a fellow sixth year at Hogwarts, take Ginny to the Yule Ball. Finally, two months ago, Ginny claimed that she passed through her crush on Harry.
Harry seriously doubted this; he noticed that he had never seen Ginny speak with Dean Thomas, whom she claimed to be dating. Ginny still was not at the top of Harry's "girl list."
An elbow in the arm from Hermione jolted Harry out of his thoughts. She continued, rather impatiently, "What do you think about SPEW in Mr. Weasley's campaign?"
"Yes Hermione," Harry found himself saying.
"Really," Hermione asked. "To be honest," Harry replied, "The repercussions should hurt Mr. Weasley and help Lucius Malfoy numerically. However, I feel that Percy has a 70% chance of becoming Minister. If Mr. Weasley continues a relatively normal campaign, Percy's chances of winning are sky high. It can't hurt to launch a new platform for debate. Can it?"
Hermione looked shocked while Harry closed his explanation. "You've really thought this through. Haven't you, Harry? It can't hurt to propose the idea. I'll do that tonight. Thank you."
"Thank you for what?" Harry asked bewildered.
"Thank you for taking my suggestion seriously," said Hermione.
Seriously, there it was. Harry had a flash of Bellatrix Lestrange's face, contorted with glee, as Sirius Black perished through the veil. Harry wondered what Bellatrix would be feeling now. "Probably hasn't looked back on it," Harry muttered.
How dare she? How dare a woman kill her own cousin without thinking how others would feel? What did she gain by this? Couldn't she have considered the lives which she tore apart?"
A voice which Harry had heard many times before came into his mind. It was Lord Voldemort. He did this so that Harry would be miserable. Harry thought of some names that he would never want an adult to hear him say about the wizard, whom Harry will either kill or by whom he will be killed.
This time Ginny yelped. Glad to be interrupted from his anguish, Harry whispered to Hermione, "We should never leave those two to sit together again."
Hermione laughed, and took a Chocolate Frog from her purse.
The ride came to a stop at Number 22 Pratt Street, Harry departed from the bus with Bill acting as a bodyguard. Mrs. Weasley scurried behind him, as they met Fred and George. Harry shuffled to speak with Fred and George, leaving the others behind him. As the Knight Bus rocketed away, Mrs. Weasley used the four point spell to guide them.
Fred said, "Don't worry, Harry. Mum didn't want other wizards and witches to know where we're going. We are just supposed to walk to a Portkey from here.
George muttered, "Only we're not sure if the Portkey is a shoe or a sock. Percy said he'd turn one blind eye to us because we are his family."
Fred joked, "I heard he may kill Dad to win the Ministry."
For a few seconds, Harry wondered how Fred and George were able to come up with such odd ideas. Before long Hermione exclaimed, "I found it!" and everybody hustled to a moldy-looking loafer.
George put on some odd looking glasses and gave Fred a thumbs-up signal. They huddled around the loafer, where everybody was concentrating on the slip of paper Dumbledore had given them. Before long, they were in the kitchen of Harry's house.
On the twelfth of August, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Bill, and Mrs. Weasley were going to Hogsmeade Village for a crucial round of questions. On the Knight Bus they saw posters supporting Amelia Bones and Percy Weasley. There was a prominently placed picture of Lucius Malfoy picking his nose and dropping something which looked like a booger onto a desk.
Although Ron had warned them that the audience would be magnificent, Harry and Hermione were flabbergasted that the magical world had shown such support. Almost all of the witches and wizards were wearing badges for their favorite candidate.
Similar to the Quidditch World Cup, there was a great scoreboard above the podium of the debate. It read, "Arthur Weasley: 27%, Amelia Bones: 26%, Lucius Malfoy: 26%, Percy Weasley: 21%." Harry was taken aback by Malfoy's recent rise in his popularity.
Many people apparated almost two kilometers behind the debate. Due to security reasons, the debate was secured against apparating. Aurors, Ministry Officials, and some Order members were present everywhere. They constantly made certain that the crowd was safe. Soon, Percy rose and spoke. "Fellow witches and wizards, as Temporary Minister of Magic Percival Ignatius Weasley, I am honored to introduce my fellow candidates and myself. On the far left, my father, Mr. Arthur Weasley!"
A great cheer rose from the crowd at the mention of Arthur's name.
Percy continued, "In the middle, my lovely friend, and colleague, Ms. Amelia Susan Bones!"
Polite applause came from Amelia Bones's supporters, a rather elderly crowd.
Percy roared again, "All the way on the right, Mr. Lucius Slytherin Malfoy."
Malfoy's cheers were drowned out by boos.
"Of course," Percy finished, "I am the final candidate in this debate."
A large young crowd yelled their approval of Percy as Minister of Magic.
Albus Dumbledore flew onto the stage and muttered an incantation which must have been, "Sonorus."
"Mr. Arthur Weasley, if we may start with you, what would you do to protect our wizarding society from Lord Voldemort?"
Harry noticed a large gasp at the name, but he looked at Lucius Malfoy, who instantly glared at him. Harry's scar burst in pain, feeling as if his head were split open. Malfoy maintained his gaze, but Harry looked away.
Turning his attention to the stage, Harry noticed vivid images in which the Dark Mark was destroyed. Harry saw Mr. Weasley's poll numbers rise to 29%, while Amelia Bones dropped to 24%. As Arthur's magnified voice finished, Harry noticed that by the end of his speech, Arthur led second- place Lucius Malfoy by 8% of the Wizarding population.
Dumbledore asked Amelia Bones, "Ms. Bones, as Minister, how would you treat Death Eaters whom you catch."
Amelia Bones delivered a speech without images, claiming that she would subject each suspect to a trial under Veritaserum. Her speech brought Mr. Weasley down to earth, but gave her a slight lead over Lucius Malfoy.
Dumbledore then asked Lucius Malfoy, "Mr. Malfoy, as you are well aware, there are rumors that you are a Death Eater. How can you comment on those rumors?"
Malfoy drew a long breath; it seemed that he had expected this question. Fixing his eyes at Dumbledore, he pronounced, "Prior to Halloween of 1981, I was under the Imperius Curse. The Dark Lord forced me to torture muggles, kill wizards, and commit other despicable acts of terror. Since then, I have not made any contact with him. The Ministry of Magic, itself, searched my house almost three years ago and found nothing."
Harry listened to Lucius Malfoy's lie. Harry desperately wished to yell that Malfoy was lying, But Harry knew better than to compromise the secrets of the Order of the Phoenix. Malfoy finished his speech using his family's notorious drawl.
Percy Weasley walked to the center of the stage with upright posture. Knowing he was down 7% of the vote from third place, 10% from second, and 11% from first, he looked ready to be Minister. Through the cheers of the crowd, he heard Dumbledore announce his question, "Mr. Weasley, please pick one answer from a previous contestant and counter it."
Percy was the only candidate who used both images and words. He spoke with purpose, "Mr. Malfoy, you claimed that you were under the influence of the Imperius Curse before He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had fallen, correct?"
A sneer formed on Malfoy's lip, "Yes, I was under the Imperius Curse while you were under the influence of diapers."
Ignoring Malfoy's comment, Percy continued, "Yet, three and a half years ago, there is evidence that you have used that same Unforgivable Curse on your former fellow governors from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Malfoy having no comment, Percy continued, "Less than a year after that, there is also evidence that you used the Imperius Curse on men, at the Ministry, of whom you would be the boss. The men, from the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Magical Creatures, nearly executed an animal; merely because you confounded them into thinking that it injured your son. Thirdly, there is great evidence that you are still an active and supportive Death Eater!"
Percy showed images of Lucius Malfoy cursing countless muggles. He added to his speech slowly, "If you swear that you are not a Death Eater, then what would be wrong with you taking a dose of Veritaserum?"
Percy concluded, "This shall be a regime if I have the honor to be elected Minister. I will not let criminals," he shot a dreadful look at Lucius Malfoy, "Wander our world freely, Percy Weasley!
Lucius Malfoy bit his lip. Following the questions, the scoreboard read, "Arthur Weasley 27%, Percy Weasley 27%, Amelia Bones 27%, Lucius Malfoy 19%."
The familiar glint in Albus Dumbledore's eyes told the crowd that he was quite pleased with the round of questions. Dumbledore announced to the crowd, "The second and final round of questions."
"Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore addressed Lucius Malfoy, "Would it be alright for us to begin with you?"
"Actually, Professor Dumbledore," Lucius Malfoy answered. "I would rather go later in this round to avoid certain," Malfoy shot a nasty glare at Percy, "accusations."
"Quite alright, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore replied, "In that case, I shall ask Mr. Arthur Weasley to begin the round again."
"Yes sir Professor," Mr. Weasley responded.
"Last year as you are well aware Mr. Weasley, the Ministry of Magic put several limitations on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As Minister, what would you do to ensure a stable magical education for Underage Witches and Wizards?"
"Professor Dumbledore, I have great respect for you and your decisions. As I thought last year, the Ministry of Magic should not place control on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have two children who still attend the school, thus it is of great importance to my family and myself. I believe that you are easily a more capable leader of your school than any member of the Ministry of Magic."
Harry was proud of Mr. Weasley's speech, but his numbers barely increased. Harry felt that Dumbledore may have made a mistake, because everyone knew Mr. Weasley did not like Ministry Control of Hogwarts; his speech only solidified his opinion. Harry saw on the scoreboard that Mr. Weasley was ahead of Percy by nearly 3% of the Wizarding Population.
Dumbledore announced, "Percy, would you be so kind as to accept a next question?"
"Yes sir, Professor," Percy responded.
"Percival Ignatius Weasley," Dumbledore stared, "How could you confidently begin a fight against Lord Voldemort?"
"Professor Dumbledore," Percy began, waving his wand to show colorful images of the world between Voldemort's first downfall and second rise to power. Sweeping his wand to show pictures of the end of his first attack, he continued, "Firstly, I believe that we must warn Muggles suitably. Make sure that they know that they cannot take these enemies down. Then we must set up a secure location. Judging from the recent escape from Azkaban, I believe Death Eaters should be punished by..."
Harry glanced up at the poll numbers which read: 29% Arthur Weasley, 28% Percy Weasley, 24% Amelia Bones, 19% Lucius Malfoy.
"Death!" Percy finished. Percy went from 28% to 22% putting him behind Lucius Malfoy by a little, but then the proclamation started to sink in.
Harry thought it was absurd. The Death Penalty? He brushed it away before thinking, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. It wasn't unfair to prevent further escapes from occuring. Was it really such a bad idea?
To Percy's satisfaction, people processed this information similarly. He subtly peered at the scoreboard. His number rose to 25, 28, 31, 35, and finally stopped between 39 and 40. Confidently, Percy bellowed to the crowd with his arms raised above his head, "Protect your children in a safe house. See Professor Dumbledore for extra precautionary measures. Do whatever you can to save yourself from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers."
Harry noticed that Lucius Malfoy was looking extremely uncomfortable. The other two candidates were wide-eyed by seeing such a young man speak so commandingly to thousands of people.
As Percy confidently stepped back, Dumbledore called Amelia Bones to the stand. Hermione whispered to Harry, "If this isn't good, then she could be done!"
Harry silently agreed, judging from the fact that the statistics showed: Percy 39%, Arthur Weasley 27%, Amelia Bones 19%, and Lucius Malfoy 15%.
Amelia Bones eloquently spoke well against the Death Penalty. Percy dropped nearer to the pack, while she moved closer to second place.
Mr. Weasley said that he would value Muggle-born wizards just has highly as Pure-Bloods, bizards with wizarding parents.
Mr. Malfoy was asked how he felt Voldemort should be stopped.
Mr. Malfoy responded in a speech that was clearly planned, "To stop the Dark Lord, the Wizarding Community, especially Purebloods, must rout out his followers, and go into hiding." Malfoy paused. Before continuing, Malfoy glared deep into Harry's eyes causing a burn in Harry's scar. He maintained his stare as he clearly spoke, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is too powerful for any wizard to stop."
Harry looked at Mr. Malfoy as if he had three heads. Most of the people knew that Lucius Malfoy's followers were completely pure-bloods. The majority of his followers supported Voldemort.
Malfoy wound down his awful speech. There were a few boos from the older members of the crowd, yet Malfoy continued droning into his excuse of a speech.
No votes were changing, as Harry looked at the scoreboard. The polls read, when Malfoy finally finished, "Percy Weasley 34%, Arthur Weasley 29%, Amelia Bones 23%, Lucius Malfoy 14%.
Dumbledore's eye gleamed in triumph. He announced to the crowd, "The next round of questions will be at Diagon Alley in five days. I bid you all good-day."
Harry did not know what to make of the questions. He had been surprised how quickly Percy had taken form as a capable leader, especially with their world in chaos.
As the Knight Bus came, Bill and Mrs. Weasley sat together. Fred and George hustled to a row far from their mother, leaving two double seats available for Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Hermione sat in the front one. Ron and Harry made for the back one, but Ginny beat them to it. Harry shrugged, and much to Ginny's disappointment, he sat down next to Hermione.
"Percy has really impressed a lot of people." Hermione said.
Harry thought for a while and finally asked, "Who do you think will win?"
Hermione automatically corrected Harry, "Whom!" but continued, "Mr. Weasley."
Harry thought but replied, "No, I really don't think so. If Percy continues gaining votes, after all he represents very similar ideas as Amelia Bones, then Bones will quit and Percy will gain a lot of votes there. If Percy keeps up the good work then he is bound to win."
Hermione considered this for about ten minutes, "I think that you're right. I can barely believe it. I remember idolizing Percy in our first year. He should be the youngest ever Minister of Magic."
Harry thought about this from a different point of view. He knew that in his first few years, he would have been thrilled to know that a Weasley would be Minister, even Percy. He knew that he should not feel disappointed no matter what the circumstances were, as long as Lucius Malfoy lost.
Harry noticed that Hermione seemed optimistic. Neither of them thought that Lucius Malfoy had a shot of winning the election.
After a few more minutes of silence, Hermione turned to Harry and asked, "Do you think I could mention to Mr. Weasley something about SPEW for his campaign.
Harry saw the absurdity in this statement. He knew that Mr. Weasley had the votes of non-fanatical pure blood families. He would be losing a key support group, although forcing others to think along his lines. Harry estimated the net result of a possible bold proclamation on behalf of Elfish freedom would likely be negative, but more enthusiastic voters on his side. Harry guessed that most of the votes gained would come from support of Percy Weasley or Amelia Bones, but the losses would fall heavily to Lucius Malfoy.
Harry's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a shriek from Ron, causing Mrs. Weasley to glare venomously. Ginny had apparently pinched Ron's arm.
The thoughts of the Elfish proclamation were driven away abruptly by thoughts of Ginny. Pictures floated through Harry's mind of when he was forced to ask Mrs. Weasley to help him board the train. Soon Ginny was a pink faced girl who broke things or ran away whenever Harry walked near her. After a year of Hogwarts, Ginny was usually too scared to speak with Harry. Harry then saw Neville Longbottom, a fellow sixth year at Hogwarts, take Ginny to the Yule Ball. Finally, two months ago, Ginny claimed that she passed through her crush on Harry.
Harry seriously doubted this; he noticed that he had never seen Ginny speak with Dean Thomas, whom she claimed to be dating. Ginny still was not at the top of Harry's "girl list."
An elbow in the arm from Hermione jolted Harry out of his thoughts. She continued, rather impatiently, "What do you think about SPEW in Mr. Weasley's campaign?"
"Yes Hermione," Harry found himself saying.
"Really," Hermione asked. "To be honest," Harry replied, "The repercussions should hurt Mr. Weasley and help Lucius Malfoy numerically. However, I feel that Percy has a 70% chance of becoming Minister. If Mr. Weasley continues a relatively normal campaign, Percy's chances of winning are sky high. It can't hurt to launch a new platform for debate. Can it?"
Hermione looked shocked while Harry closed his explanation. "You've really thought this through. Haven't you, Harry? It can't hurt to propose the idea. I'll do that tonight. Thank you."
"Thank you for what?" Harry asked bewildered.
"Thank you for taking my suggestion seriously," said Hermione.
Seriously, there it was. Harry had a flash of Bellatrix Lestrange's face, contorted with glee, as Sirius Black perished through the veil. Harry wondered what Bellatrix would be feeling now. "Probably hasn't looked back on it," Harry muttered.
How dare she? How dare a woman kill her own cousin without thinking how others would feel? What did she gain by this? Couldn't she have considered the lives which she tore apart?"
A voice which Harry had heard many times before came into his mind. It was Lord Voldemort. He did this so that Harry would be miserable. Harry thought of some names that he would never want an adult to hear him say about the wizard, whom Harry will either kill or by whom he will be killed.
This time Ginny yelped. Glad to be interrupted from his anguish, Harry whispered to Hermione, "We should never leave those two to sit together again."
Hermione laughed, and took a Chocolate Frog from her purse.
The ride came to a stop at Number 22 Pratt Street, Harry departed from the bus with Bill acting as a bodyguard. Mrs. Weasley scurried behind him, as they met Fred and George. Harry shuffled to speak with Fred and George, leaving the others behind him. As the Knight Bus rocketed away, Mrs. Weasley used the four point spell to guide them.
Fred said, "Don't worry, Harry. Mum didn't want other wizards and witches to know where we're going. We are just supposed to walk to a Portkey from here.
George muttered, "Only we're not sure if the Portkey is a shoe or a sock. Percy said he'd turn one blind eye to us because we are his family."
Fred joked, "I heard he may kill Dad to win the Ministry."
For a few seconds, Harry wondered how Fred and George were able to come up with such odd ideas. Before long Hermione exclaimed, "I found it!" and everybody hustled to a moldy-looking loafer.
George put on some odd looking glasses and gave Fred a thumbs-up signal. They huddled around the loafer, where everybody was concentrating on the slip of paper Dumbledore had given them. Before long, they were in the kitchen of Harry's house.
