Oh, FUDGE!
The weeks following the death of the Dursleys, Harry worked harder than ever. Although Harry could not follow their training closely, Ron and Hermione were both getting much better at Occlumency training as well as dueling. It was great having them both in the castle with him, Harry had to admit, but now his training had increased to a point where nothing else mattered to him. How anyone else could or he, himself have anything resembling a normal life with Voldemort around he oft times wondered. Although Harry did often chuckle to himself, as he knew the hell Snape was putting the two through to learn the art of Occlumency.
Things were getting much worse for the wizarding world at large. Voldemort had stepped up his attacks in the last two weeks. Any student attending Hogwarts who was muggle born was systematically being sought out and destroyed and their families with them. Harry tried to focus on the lessons at hand but was having a hard time of it. Harry, Ron and Hermione talked of all these subjects in the evenings and at dinner when they met together to relax. About one week from the start of the school year, his lessons changed slightly. "Harry, come in here for a moment would you?" called Godric. Harry came out the bathroom stretching sore muscles and replied, "Hey Gramps, what can I do ya for?" Godric simply nodded in greeting and stated, "It's time for the next phase of your training." Harry nodded and said, "What do I need to do?" Godric nodded in the direction of the library. "You see all those books?" he asked. Harry nodded. Godric then said, "You have a week to read them, get to it," then went to visit another painting in the castle. Harry just sighed and went to start in the library, it was just like Godric to give an order and expect it to be carried out without any kind of explanation, he thought. The first book Harry came across was the plays of Shakespeare. 'Great,' thought Harry, 'I HATE him.' Nevertheless, Harry read on, knowing that Godric and Albus both would quiz him on the material later. Hermione on the other hand loved Harry's new library. She would sit in here for hours at a time sometimes even being forced to dinner or bed. Harry started his way through the long and difficult texts of Shakespeare and then went on to other texts. After all, it did not take him long to memorize a book anymore. Two days later, as Harry was about half way through the library, Albus came to him.
"Harry, can I trouble you for a moment?" Harry nodded and gestured for him to continue. "Harry, it would appear that Arthur Weasley is having some trouble from the Ministry, or should I say the former ministry, namely Fudge and some of his supporters. They are challenging your right to appoint a new minister and demand proof that you are the heir.
Harry thought, 'Damned that Fudge, only looking after himself and everyone else be damned.'
Harry sighed to himself but knew this was going to happen anyway. The last week during his reading, Harry had learned quite a bit about wizard law and social customs that were mostly forgotten in the Common Era. So far, in his reading, Harry had yet to run across a magical text in his library. In fact, all the books were law texts and books regarding the arts, history and biographies of famous men and women both wizard and muggle alike.
Harry had asked Godric about this and he said, "Harry you have a vast amount of power at your disposal. As you get older, it will continue to grow as well. However, power without knowledge and wisdom is both useless and dangerous." Godric gazed intently at Harry and continued, "Perhaps if Tom Riddle had spent more time studying the humanities and less time searching for ways to overpower the world and destroy the innocent, the world would be different now. Although I find it highly unlikely you would ever become a Dark Lord, I wanted you to see exactly what you are fighting to preserve. Humanity itself, One man may have a vast amount of power but that does not give him the right to treat anyone as a slave or to undervalue their lives or existence." Godric finished.
Harry nodded. "You make sense Gramps," Harry smiled. "I never want to become evil. I just want to finish this and return to a somewhat normal existence."
Harry was pulled from his thoughts by Albus again, "Harry, I know the past few weeks have been difficult for you. However, we must call for a press conference and clear the matter of former Minister Fudge's claim. We cannot have the wizarding world divided, especially not now." Albus finished.
Harry nodded and said, "Well, lets Floo to the ministry building and go see Arthur and see what he has to say." Albus nodded as they both made their way to Albus' office to contact the Minister. Throwing in some Floo powder, Albus called out 'Minister's Office,' and stuck his head through. Arthur Weasley looked up from the parchment he was working on in surprise and smiled.
"Ah Albus, I was just thinking about you. Is Harry there with you?"
"Yes Arthur, we are going to portal in to see if we can't resolve this situation with Fudge."
The Minister just nodded and said, "Come whenever you're ready." As soon as he had said this, a glowing doorway appeared in front of him and Albus and Harry stepped into his office.
Arthur smiled at Harry and said, "Wonderful way to travel Harry, I wish I could do that."
Harry just smiled looked over Arthur, grinning and said, "Well, it sure beats Floo travel."
Dumbledore just smiled and said, "Well gentlemen, we have to take care of this problem."
Harry spoke up at this point saying, "According to all the research that I've done, it's a simple matter of proving that I am the genetic heir of Gryffindor."
Arthur looked at Harry and said, "I agree, but where are we going to get a sample of Godric Gryffindors DNA?"
Dumbledore spoke up at this point and said, "I believe you'll find, in the Department of Mysteries, four vials of blood, one from each of the four Founders." Arthur quickly called his secretary in and told her to contact Amelia Bones, the new head of the Department of Mysteries.
While they were waiting for her response, Arthur asked Harry, "So, how has your training been going?"
Harry looked at Arthur and replied, "It's been going well, although I'm still having some problems with my elemental magic. However, I see no reason to believe that I can't have it at a usable level by the end of September or thereabouts."
Harry and Arthur chatted for a few more minutes before Arthur's secretary came back into the room followed by Amelia Bones.
"Good morning, Minister," she said. "What can I do for you today?"
Dumbledore looked at her and said, "I'm afraid we're going to have to open the Founders' vault." Dumbledore continued, "I'm sure you've heard of problems we're having with former Minister, Cornelius Fudge, concerning Harry's appointment of Arthur Weasley as acting Minister of Magic. The only way to legitimize Harry's appointments and changes he makes in the ministry is to get a sample of Godric Gryffindors blood and do a genetic comparison to Harry's." Amelia looked at Harry in surprise but only nodded at Dumbledore in agreement.
Amelia flew back to her office and went to the Founders' vault to get the requested vial of blood as well as retrieving the Potter historical records. Returning an hour later, Amelia took her wand and pointed it at the vial on the table and chanted, "Familis Recognito."
Taking a sample of blood from Harry in another vial, she repeated the incantation and looked at Dumbledore and said, "The results are positive, Harry Potter IS the true descendant of Godric Gryffindor."
Dumbledore and Harry both looked at Arthur, "Well then, perhaps it's time to call a press conference and get this matter cleared up once and for all, now that we have incontrovertible proof."
Later that day, a press conference was set for after lunch and Arthur Weasley stood to make the initial opening remarks.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. As you all know, the former Minister has made some very serious charges concerning the legitimacy of the new Lord Gryffindor's heir status and his right to appoint whom he wishes in the ministry, since according to ancient custom and law, a known heir on the side of light is automatically appointed the right to lead the ministry."
Arthur continued, "To prove that former minister Fudges charges are biased and groundless, we have incorporated the help of Amelia Bones, the new head of the Department of Mysteries, in order to have her open the vault of the Four Founders to retrieve a sample of the blood of Godric Gryffindor and compare it to the heir apparent." Arthur looked slightly apprehensive as he spoke next, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my duty and honor to present to you the new Lord Gryffindor, Harry Potter."
The gathered audience stood in shell-shocked silence as if a silencing charm had been cast over the crowd. Arthur gestured for Harry to take the stand. Harry just sighed and looked to Dumbledore.
"Don't worry Harry, you will do fine," he said. Harry changed the appearance on his face to show a more public one of an 'in command and control expression.'
"Ladies and Gentlemen," spoke Harry, "What you have all heard is true. For a long time the pendulum has swung in the favor of dark and evil forces. Now however, for whatever reason, be it destiny or chance, I have been chosen to lead the forces of light to free the pendulum and restore our world. I will always do my best to lead you, protect you. At the current time, I have chosen Arthur Weasley to head the Ministry in my place until Voldemort is defeated." Harry looked over the gathered crowd at their hopeful expressions and continued, "For too long, former Minister Fudge was too concerned with personal power and wanting to keep his office more than the safety and prosperity of the wizarding community he was charged to protect."
Harry's face became very grave as he looked over at Fudge, "Cornelius Fudge," Harry's voice suddenly took on a tone of authority not heard for centuries. "For impeding the war effort, for allowing the needless deaths of both wizards and Muggles, and for violating your oath of office as Minister of Magic, I Harry Potter, Lord Gryffindor, find you guilty on all counts as charged and sentence you to life imprisonment in Azkaban Prison." Harry gestured for the Aurors in attendance to take Fudge away. The crowd was deathly silent, and then suddenly someone started to clap, followed by someone else. Soon everyone was clapping and cheering. Harry looked over his people and smiled, for the first time in ages he saw hope in their eyes.
The weeks following the death of the Dursleys, Harry worked harder than ever. Although Harry could not follow their training closely, Ron and Hermione were both getting much better at Occlumency training as well as dueling. It was great having them both in the castle with him, Harry had to admit, but now his training had increased to a point where nothing else mattered to him. How anyone else could or he, himself have anything resembling a normal life with Voldemort around he oft times wondered. Although Harry did often chuckle to himself, as he knew the hell Snape was putting the two through to learn the art of Occlumency.
Things were getting much worse for the wizarding world at large. Voldemort had stepped up his attacks in the last two weeks. Any student attending Hogwarts who was muggle born was systematically being sought out and destroyed and their families with them. Harry tried to focus on the lessons at hand but was having a hard time of it. Harry, Ron and Hermione talked of all these subjects in the evenings and at dinner when they met together to relax. About one week from the start of the school year, his lessons changed slightly. "Harry, come in here for a moment would you?" called Godric. Harry came out the bathroom stretching sore muscles and replied, "Hey Gramps, what can I do ya for?" Godric simply nodded in greeting and stated, "It's time for the next phase of your training." Harry nodded and said, "What do I need to do?" Godric nodded in the direction of the library. "You see all those books?" he asked. Harry nodded. Godric then said, "You have a week to read them, get to it," then went to visit another painting in the castle. Harry just sighed and went to start in the library, it was just like Godric to give an order and expect it to be carried out without any kind of explanation, he thought. The first book Harry came across was the plays of Shakespeare. 'Great,' thought Harry, 'I HATE him.' Nevertheless, Harry read on, knowing that Godric and Albus both would quiz him on the material later. Hermione on the other hand loved Harry's new library. She would sit in here for hours at a time sometimes even being forced to dinner or bed. Harry started his way through the long and difficult texts of Shakespeare and then went on to other texts. After all, it did not take him long to memorize a book anymore. Two days later, as Harry was about half way through the library, Albus came to him.
"Harry, can I trouble you for a moment?" Harry nodded and gestured for him to continue. "Harry, it would appear that Arthur Weasley is having some trouble from the Ministry, or should I say the former ministry, namely Fudge and some of his supporters. They are challenging your right to appoint a new minister and demand proof that you are the heir.
Harry thought, 'Damned that Fudge, only looking after himself and everyone else be damned.'
Harry sighed to himself but knew this was going to happen anyway. The last week during his reading, Harry had learned quite a bit about wizard law and social customs that were mostly forgotten in the Common Era. So far, in his reading, Harry had yet to run across a magical text in his library. In fact, all the books were law texts and books regarding the arts, history and biographies of famous men and women both wizard and muggle alike.
Harry had asked Godric about this and he said, "Harry you have a vast amount of power at your disposal. As you get older, it will continue to grow as well. However, power without knowledge and wisdom is both useless and dangerous." Godric gazed intently at Harry and continued, "Perhaps if Tom Riddle had spent more time studying the humanities and less time searching for ways to overpower the world and destroy the innocent, the world would be different now. Although I find it highly unlikely you would ever become a Dark Lord, I wanted you to see exactly what you are fighting to preserve. Humanity itself, One man may have a vast amount of power but that does not give him the right to treat anyone as a slave or to undervalue their lives or existence." Godric finished.
Harry nodded. "You make sense Gramps," Harry smiled. "I never want to become evil. I just want to finish this and return to a somewhat normal existence."
Harry was pulled from his thoughts by Albus again, "Harry, I know the past few weeks have been difficult for you. However, we must call for a press conference and clear the matter of former Minister Fudge's claim. We cannot have the wizarding world divided, especially not now." Albus finished.
Harry nodded and said, "Well, lets Floo to the ministry building and go see Arthur and see what he has to say." Albus nodded as they both made their way to Albus' office to contact the Minister. Throwing in some Floo powder, Albus called out 'Minister's Office,' and stuck his head through. Arthur Weasley looked up from the parchment he was working on in surprise and smiled.
"Ah Albus, I was just thinking about you. Is Harry there with you?"
"Yes Arthur, we are going to portal in to see if we can't resolve this situation with Fudge."
The Minister just nodded and said, "Come whenever you're ready." As soon as he had said this, a glowing doorway appeared in front of him and Albus and Harry stepped into his office.
Arthur smiled at Harry and said, "Wonderful way to travel Harry, I wish I could do that."
Harry just smiled looked over Arthur, grinning and said, "Well, it sure beats Floo travel."
Dumbledore just smiled and said, "Well gentlemen, we have to take care of this problem."
Harry spoke up at this point saying, "According to all the research that I've done, it's a simple matter of proving that I am the genetic heir of Gryffindor."
Arthur looked at Harry and said, "I agree, but where are we going to get a sample of Godric Gryffindors DNA?"
Dumbledore spoke up at this point and said, "I believe you'll find, in the Department of Mysteries, four vials of blood, one from each of the four Founders." Arthur quickly called his secretary in and told her to contact Amelia Bones, the new head of the Department of Mysteries.
While they were waiting for her response, Arthur asked Harry, "So, how has your training been going?"
Harry looked at Arthur and replied, "It's been going well, although I'm still having some problems with my elemental magic. However, I see no reason to believe that I can't have it at a usable level by the end of September or thereabouts."
Harry and Arthur chatted for a few more minutes before Arthur's secretary came back into the room followed by Amelia Bones.
"Good morning, Minister," she said. "What can I do for you today?"
Dumbledore looked at her and said, "I'm afraid we're going to have to open the Founders' vault." Dumbledore continued, "I'm sure you've heard of problems we're having with former Minister, Cornelius Fudge, concerning Harry's appointment of Arthur Weasley as acting Minister of Magic. The only way to legitimize Harry's appointments and changes he makes in the ministry is to get a sample of Godric Gryffindors blood and do a genetic comparison to Harry's." Amelia looked at Harry in surprise but only nodded at Dumbledore in agreement.
Amelia flew back to her office and went to the Founders' vault to get the requested vial of blood as well as retrieving the Potter historical records. Returning an hour later, Amelia took her wand and pointed it at the vial on the table and chanted, "Familis Recognito."
Taking a sample of blood from Harry in another vial, she repeated the incantation and looked at Dumbledore and said, "The results are positive, Harry Potter IS the true descendant of Godric Gryffindor."
Dumbledore and Harry both looked at Arthur, "Well then, perhaps it's time to call a press conference and get this matter cleared up once and for all, now that we have incontrovertible proof."
Later that day, a press conference was set for after lunch and Arthur Weasley stood to make the initial opening remarks.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. As you all know, the former Minister has made some very serious charges concerning the legitimacy of the new Lord Gryffindor's heir status and his right to appoint whom he wishes in the ministry, since according to ancient custom and law, a known heir on the side of light is automatically appointed the right to lead the ministry."
Arthur continued, "To prove that former minister Fudges charges are biased and groundless, we have incorporated the help of Amelia Bones, the new head of the Department of Mysteries, in order to have her open the vault of the Four Founders to retrieve a sample of the blood of Godric Gryffindor and compare it to the heir apparent." Arthur looked slightly apprehensive as he spoke next, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my duty and honor to present to you the new Lord Gryffindor, Harry Potter."
The gathered audience stood in shell-shocked silence as if a silencing charm had been cast over the crowd. Arthur gestured for Harry to take the stand. Harry just sighed and looked to Dumbledore.
"Don't worry Harry, you will do fine," he said. Harry changed the appearance on his face to show a more public one of an 'in command and control expression.'
"Ladies and Gentlemen," spoke Harry, "What you have all heard is true. For a long time the pendulum has swung in the favor of dark and evil forces. Now however, for whatever reason, be it destiny or chance, I have been chosen to lead the forces of light to free the pendulum and restore our world. I will always do my best to lead you, protect you. At the current time, I have chosen Arthur Weasley to head the Ministry in my place until Voldemort is defeated." Harry looked over the gathered crowd at their hopeful expressions and continued, "For too long, former Minister Fudge was too concerned with personal power and wanting to keep his office more than the safety and prosperity of the wizarding community he was charged to protect."
Harry's face became very grave as he looked over at Fudge, "Cornelius Fudge," Harry's voice suddenly took on a tone of authority not heard for centuries. "For impeding the war effort, for allowing the needless deaths of both wizards and Muggles, and for violating your oath of office as Minister of Magic, I Harry Potter, Lord Gryffindor, find you guilty on all counts as charged and sentence you to life imprisonment in Azkaban Prison." Harry gestured for the Aurors in attendance to take Fudge away. The crowd was deathly silent, and then suddenly someone started to clap, followed by someone else. Soon everyone was clapping and cheering. Harry looked over his people and smiled, for the first time in ages he saw hope in their eyes.
