Chapter Nineteen: The Wizengamot
"Harry, I require your help in a certain matter," said Albus Dumbledore.
"Yes, sir. Katie, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, continue on the rest of the transformations. I want to save the spells for tomorrow," instructed Harry as he turned to leave, "Oh! Mentale Mista. Now you can all call me went you need help. To call me, just concentrate on me and use your mind to speak."
As Harry and Dumbledore left the Room of Requirement, Dumbledore explained his dilemma.
"Last week, Amelia Bones called for the removal of Cornelius Fudge. I ask that you accompany me to the Wizengamot for the trial and give evidence of Fudge's misgivings. Can you do that?" asked Dumbledore.
"With pleasure," said Harry.
"Excellent, now the Order is lobbying to have Arthur Weasley replace Cornelius. Unfortunately, you cannot accompany me in your school robes, so I'm providing you with a set. If you like, you may use them as the Phoenix Guard's uniforms," said Dumbledore as he waved his wand. A set of robes appeared before Harry. They were white with gold trimmings.
"Professor, these are perfect," said Harry.
"Well, put them on, we must be going," replied Dumbledore.
Fifteen minutes later, Harry was in the Department of Mysteries. Being in that long hallway forced Harry to recall that night back in June, along with all of the heart ache and anguish Harry had put up with since. Soon, Harry was called into the court.
"Harry Potter, please report to the Wizengamot about the atrocities committed against you by Cornelius Fudge and his power hungry regime," called Amelia Bones.
"Over one year ago, during my fourth year, I was entered into the Triwizard Tournament by Bartemius Crouch junior. During the final task, I was transported, by port key, to a cemetery out side the home village of Tom Riddle and his son, now know as Voldemort. There, I witnessed the return of the for mentioned wizard, Tom Marvolo Riddle junior. I managed to escape and return to give a full testimony on the events that I witnessed to Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. He, in turn, recited my story to Cornelius Fudge, who blatantly refused to believe me, even after I listed the names of many Death Eaters. During that summer, Fudge began a smear campaign against myself and Professor Dumbledore using the Daily Prophet as his tool. Also, Fudge's Undersecretary, Dolores Umbridge, ordered two dementors to the village where I reside during summer holiday. I fought them off and was forced to appear in a disciplinary hearing in which Fudge attempted to have me expelled. His plan failed and I returned to school. Throughout my fifth year, I became aware of a mental connection between Voldemort and myself. He began to plant false visions in my mind. One such vision made me believe that he was holding my grandfather captive in the room of prophecies, here in the Department of Mysteries. Upon entering the room, I found a prophecy about Voldemort and myself. This prophecy was smashed when my group of friends and I were ambushed by twelve Death Eaters," recalled Harry to the court.
"Are you aware of the contents of the said prophecy?" asked Madam Bones.
Harry quickly delved into the minds of the entire Wizengamot to see if there were any spies. Upon finding that there were none, he recalled the prophecy.
"In essence, neither Voldemort nor I may live a whole life until we destroy the other. Believe me when I tell you that I plan to live through this war and end his atrocities. Anyway, my friends and I managed to stall the Death Eaters long enough for the Order of the Phoenix to arrive," said Harry as a young witch stood to pose a question.
"Are you leading us to believe that six fifteen year old students were able to fight off twelve fully trained Death Eaters" asked the witch.
"Actually, it was four fifteen year olds and two fourteen year olds, Madam…" said Harry.
"I am Hannah Pusser, new head of the Hitwizards," said the witch, "I have just been recently appointed to the Wizengamot."
"Thank you and congratulations. Throughout my fifth year, I taught a multitude of students in an illegal Defense Against the Dark Arts club called Dumbledore's Army. In the end, we were found out but not before we learned how to adequately defend ourselves. The five friends who accompanied me were from this club. When the Order arrived, they began to fight what remained of the Death Eaters. I watched as my godfather fell behind the Veil after an attack by his cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange. I followed her into the Ministry lobby. Consumed with rage, I attempted to avenge his death. Needless to say, I failed. However, I managed to force Voldemort to show himself. Albus Dumbledore arrived and began to duel with him. Just before Voldemort and Lestrange apparated away, Fudge saw them and was forced to acknowledge their return. In closing, I believe that Cornelius Fudge has been blinded by his love for his position. I support Madam Bones' vote of no confidence and would be honored to hereby nominate Arthur Weasley for Minister of Magic," finished Harry as he took a seat.
"All in due time, young sir," said Madam Bones, "First, we must vote on the removal of Cornelius Fudge from his position. All in favor raise your hand."
Every hand in the court was raised.
"It is unanimous; Cornelius Fudge is no longer Minister of Magic. Would anyone like to make an official nomination?" asked Madam Bones.
"I nominate Mr. Arthur Weasley for Minister," called Albus.
"I second the nomination," called a short wizard.
"The nomination is passed. Providing that he accepts, Arthur Weasley shall be the new Minister of Magic," said Madam Bones.
Harry suddenly became aware of a group of people sitting in a corner beside the court. A man stood up.
"I accept the position with utmost honor," said Arthur Weasley.
"Thank you. The court is now adjourned."
After the court filed out, Harry walked up to Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley.
"Congratulations, Minister," said Harry.
"Harry, you have proven time and time again to be a better wizard than I. Therefore, I ask that you call me Arthur," said Mr. Weasley.
"How about Mr. Weasley?" asked Harry.
"I suppose that will do," responded Arthur.
"Professor Dumbledore is Katie's prophecy here?" asked Harry.
"Why, yes it is. Why do you ask?" wondered Dumbledore.
"I think it is essential to help her bring closure to her task that she hears it in its entirety for herself," said Harry.
"If she agrees to," replied Dumbledore, "It is her choice."
'Katie, I need you here. Just concentrate on me.'
Seconds later, Katie was standing next to Harry.
"Follow me," said Harry as he led her to the circular room. He felt himself drawn towards a particular door.
"Harry, where are we going?" asked Katie.
"To your destiny," was all Harry Said.
When they entered the room, Harry was able to quickly find Katie's prophecy. It was right next to his, or rather, where it had been.
S.P.O. to C.G.M.
Dark Lord
And Katie Hartford
"Go ahead and pick it up, you should be allowed to see your prophecy for yourself," said Harry.
Katie picked up the glass orb. A figure of a tall, slim wizard recited the prophecy exactly as Katie had told Harry. When she replaced the orb, silent tears were streaming down her face. Harry put his arm around her to try and comfort her. She placed a finger on the label and her last name changed to 'Smith'.
"I'm a Smith, not a Hartford," said Katie.
"Are you okay with what you have to do?" asked Harry.
"Yeah. Doesn't it seem like fate is constantly giving kids the jobs of adults?" asked Katie.
"Yeah, fate must have something against us," said Harry with a small smile as they looked Dumbledore.
Harry quickly delved into Voldemort's mind to see if he was aware of his daughter but as far as Harry could tell, he wasn't. When they saw Dumbledore, He came striding towards them.
"What is the matter?" asked Dumbledore.
"Katie just heard the prophecy. I thinks she's in a small state of shock," said Harry, "Professor, do you know of anyone outside the Order of the Guard who knows of the prophecy?"
"Well Harry, the people directly involved in the prophecy are dead, that is to say, the seer and the listener," said Dumbledore, "Other than them, no on knows the contents."
"Good, we must keep Katie a secret from Voldemort at all costs," said Harry, "Now, if you would excuse us, o think Katie needs to return to our friends."
"Certainly, I shall see you tomorrow," replied Dumbledore as Harry and Katie apparated to the Gryffindor common room.
"We'll be okay," said Harry as they appeared.
"I know, thank you Harry," said Katie as she wiped away her tears, "for everything."
"Harry! Katie!" yelled Ron as the Gryffindor members of the Guard rushed to them, "What happened? One second, we're apparating all over the Room of Requirement, the next Katie's missing."
"We're okay. We were just at the Ministry. Ron, have you heard any news from there?" asked Harry.
"No, why?" countered Ron.
"Let's just say that you know the new Minister," said Harry mysteriously.
All of the color drained out of Ron's face.
"Y-you mean? Seriously?" sputtered Ron.
"Yup, now, tomorrow I'm going to unveil our uniforms. See you in the morning," said Harry as he led Katie to the dormitory doors.
"Just know that I'll always be here for you," said Harry as he embraced Katie tightly.
"Thank you, Harry. You seem to know exactly what is going to make me feel better," said Katie as she headed to her dormitory.