Chapter 3
The Minister of Magic

Harry awoke early the next morning. It was still dark outside and Ron was still asleep. Harry gazed out the window at the stars. They reminded him of Firenze. He had been walking through the dark forest with Malfoy and Fang the first time he had met Firenze. He was doing it again...thinking about Malfoy. Harry was beginning to get a bit concerned. These dreams were really getting to him.
As if it were fate, Hedwig flew in through the window at that moment, breaking Harry's concentration. She dropped a letter into his lap. Harry expected it to be a letter from Hogwarts, with the list of books for the new term. After all, it was only three more day's until September first. It looked rather odd though, there was no Hogwarts symbol stamped across the front. Instead "Harry Potter" was scribbled sloppily across the envelope. Harry ripped open the envelope and withdrew the letter.

Dear Harry,
Listen, there are some bad things going on in the wizarding
world. And there are people plotting some horrible schemes. I
need to discuss some things with you, but I dare not write them
on paper. That is all I can risk telling you at the moment.
So, on the first day back to school, meet me in the room near
the astronomy tower at midnight. You'll know which room it is
because it's the only one with a green door and a rusty handle.
And make sure no one else is with you; I'm not joking or playing
games this time Potter. This time you'll just have to trust me.

Sincerely,
Draco Malfoy

"Oh no!" Harry thought. "That's just what I need. Now I'll never be able to get these thought's of Draco out of my head." What was Harry going to do? He couldn't tell Ron, not after what had just happened. Ron might have a nervous break down. Not only was Harry keeping secrets from Ron, but he had told Hermione. This made Harry feel even worse. Think of how bad Hermione must feel, not being able to tell Ron.
Just then Ron was beginning to wake up. Harry quickly shoved the letter under his pillow.
"Up already?" Ron asked letting out a great big yawn.
"Yeah."
"What's Hedwig doing out of her cage?"
"Oh, she was just doing a bit of hunting," Harry lied, forcing a fake smile. "Why are you up so early?"
"Well, I've been having trouble sleeping."
"Oh, I'm really sorry about you're dad," Harry said. In fact he felt horrible, thinking about his vault at gringots filled to the brim with gold galleons. "Maybe...maybe I could lend you some money," Harry suggested, wishing desperately to help Ron.
"No, that's ok," Ron sighed. The Weasley's were poor, but they were very proud of what they had. They always seemed to have trouble accepting money from anyone. Even if it was just from Harry.
"Come on Harry," Ron said. "We might as well make our own breakfast." Harry was thinking about staying behind, but he wouldn't want Ron to eat breakfast alone.
Ron started heading down, Harry hurried after him down the stairs and through the hallway.
"Ouch!" Ron cried as Harry accidentally fell on top of him.
"Sorry about that, must have tripped," Harry said as he helped Ron up. He began dusting Ron off when he saw his jaw drop. He was about to ask what was the matter, but when he glanced into the kitchen his question was answered. Percy was standing in front of the fireplace covered in ashes.

Harry was so shocked he didn't know what to say. All Ron could do was stand there with his mouth hanging open. Just then Hermione came running down the stairs.
"Is everyone alright? I heard this big thud...and I-," she stopped. "Oh my!"
"Um...hello," Percy said. Nobody replied; they were all too shocked for words.
"What's going on, why is everyone standing in the middle of the hallway?" Mrs. Weasley asked. She had just appeared in the hallway. The poor woman's eyes were red and bloodshot. Half from crying, half from lack of sleep. "Percy?"
"Mum, I know you'll never forgive me, but...I was so stupid...I just...what I meant to say was...I'm sorry."
Mrs. Weasley ran over to Percy and pulled him into a hug.
"Nonsense dear. You are my son, and I will always love you. Welcome home." Poor Mrs. Weasley. There were tears in her eyes. It must have been the hardest on her when Percy left. "Well, don't just stand there everyone, come and help me with breakfast." All of them came into the kitchen to help, including Percy. "Not you Percy dear, you go and put up your things."

Meanwhile, upstairs, Ginny and the twins were emerging from their bedrooms to come down for breakfast. This happened to be at the same time Percy was dragging his luggage up the stairs. They all stopped dead as they watched Percy drag his luggage into his room and shut the door. They were so shocked they continued down the stairs without a single word.

The family ate breakfast in silence. Nobody even attempted to talk to Percy. Poor Mr. Weasley didn't even come to breakfast that morning. Harry began to wonder why Percy had decided to come back. He had been extremely rude to the family for the past two years, and now all of the sudden he was sorry. Harry doubted that he was truly sorry. Maybe the Ministry had kicked him out and he had nowhere else to go. It was a shame he was suffering the same fate as his father.
Just then the silence was broken by a pounding on the door. Mrs. Weasley quickly scurried to the door. She opened the door and jumped from surprise, for standing in the doorway was the very person you would never expect to see on the Weasley's doorstep so early in the morning. Albus Dumbledore.
"Why hello Dumbledore, please come in. We were just having breakfast."
"I'm sorry Molly, but I'm in a hurry. I need to speak with Harry, if he would be so kind." Harry, who was thoroughly confused, abandoned his breakfast to talk with Dumbledore.
"Hello Percy, glad to see you've returned," said Dumbledore.
"Hi," Percy said, blushing.
"Could we, have a moment, please."
"Oh, yes, of course Dumbledore. We'll just be heading upstairs," Mrs. Weasley said pushing everyone up the stairs.
"Come along Harry." Dumbledore gripped Harry by the shoulder and steered him back into the kitchen.
"Now," Dumbledore began as he closed the kitchen door behind him. Right before the door closed Harry caught a glimpse of Fred and George leaning over the stairs with their hands pressed to their ears. No trick got past Dumbledore unnoticed. "I would like you to tell me, Harry, why you decided to sneak away, yet again?" Harry's stomach did a summersault. Dumbledore's solemn face and piercing gaze was enough to make Harry realize the seriousness of his actions. He had gone against Dumbledore's wishes to stay at the Dursley's house. He could tell right away that Dumbledore was not very happy about this.
"I'm really sorry sir, but I just can't take it much longer. The Dursley's are horrible. They're constantly yelling at me. It's like living in a prison cell."
"I understand why are fed up, but that gives you no excuse to run away just like that. You could have at least told someone where you were going. I had sent Minerva to go and check up on you that day, and when you weren't there she nearly had a heart attack! You could have been killed or in danger!"
Harry had never heard Dumbledore use that tone of voice before. He was always calm and patient. But today he seemed rather nervous and worried about something. Harry could sense it.
"Listen Harry, you can't keep running away like this. Not when Voldemort is back in power. Who knows what could happen. He could snatch you up next time you decide to leave the house on your own. You should have told me if you wanted to go with Ron so badly. I could have provided you with an escort so at least you would have been safe. I'm very disappointed. I also thought Ms. Granger would have been a bit more sensible." Dumbledore then reached into his robes and withdrew a newspaper, thrusting it at Harry. Harry read the front page.

Attention wizard's and witches around the world. We are pleased
to announce that we have appointed a new Minister of Magic.
None other that, the well known, Lucius Malfoy.

Harry couldn't believe it. How could this happen, it couldn't happen. But sure enough, there on the front page was a picture of Mr. Malfoy smirking and holding up a shinny golden pin.
"Do you see what I mean Harry? This is some serious business we are dealing with. Who knows what kind of crazy rules he might think up."
"I'm really sorry sir. I really am." He truly was sorry, he felt horrible. Of all the people who could have become the new minister of magic, it had to be Mr. Malfoy. Malfoy the death eater. What if he decided to free all of the death eater's in Azkaban? What if he sent someone to spy on Harry? What if he was going to use this opportunity and help Voldemort to take over the wizarding world? Harry couldn't take it. It was too much pressure and anxiety. Harry was, according to the prophecy, probably the only one who would be able to kill Voldemort. And if Harry didn't kill Voldemort, then Voldemort would kill him.
"Well, now that we've covered the serious matters, let's hear some good news," Dumbledore sighed.
"Alright," Harry said. Though he didn't see how there could be any good news. Everything that could possibly go wrong had indeed gone wrong. Harry was quite depressed, and felt that nothing could cheer him up.
"I am pleased to say, that you have been chosen, as the new quidditch captain for griffindor. When I heard this I was simply delighted."
"Wow," is all Harry could say.
"Congratulations!" Dumbledore said as he shook Harry's hand. Harry couldn't believe it, quidditch captain! Ron would be thrilled. He was always trying to come up with new quidditch strategies. Now maybe they could put them to good use. Harry was wrong to think nothing would be able to cheer him up. It is rather hard to be upset after finding out you're the new quidditch captain.
"If you don't mind, I've got to run. I'm going to be late for an important meeting with the Order. Oh, and by the way Harry, I've taken it upon myself to deliver your hogwarts letter; I wanted to make sure you got it," Dumbledore said handing Harry his letter.
"Thank you sir."
"Anytime. Wait, I almost forgot. Here, this is for you." Dumbledore handed Harry a small silver key.
"What is this for?" Harry asked.
"It is the key to the quidditch storage closet."
"Storage closet?"
"Yes, the place where all the quidditch equipment is kept. It's got all sorts of gizmos and gadgets inside. Everything you would ever need, as far as quidditch goes."
"Wow," Harry said. Wood had never told Harry about the storage closet. Being captain of the quidditch game was going to even more fun than he thought.
"And could you do me a favor Harry," Dumbledore asked.
"Yes sir, what is it?"
"Don't loose that key."

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