Chapter 11
A New Minister
"Harry!" exclaimed George, "what are you doing here?"
"Have you seen the Prophet today?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, it looks like Fudge is finally being kicked out now," George replied happily.
"How would you feel if your father went for the Minister's job?" Harry asked with a grin.
George thought for a minute, then Fred entered the shop from the back.
"What's up Harry?" asked Fred.
George replied, "I think Harry here is suggesting that our dad runs for Minister Of Magic."
"Excellent! It needs someone like Dad to run. What do you need us to do Harry?" asked Fred.
"Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Neville and I are looking into what it will take to run for Minister, but we'll need someone outside of Hogwarts to do the work. Do you think you'll have the time to help?" asked Harry hopefully.
"Anything to help Dad," replied Fred.
"I don't really like saying this but maybe Percy might be able help as well," replied George.
"Why Percy?" asked Harry in an under toned way.
"Yeah George, why that ungrateful sod?" spat Fred.
"Well, with his boss being kicked out, he'll have to find another job, and who'll be stupid enough to employ him? Anyway, if Dad runs and Perce has a chance to keep his job, he's bound to want to help, isn't he? Also, he might have some useful inside knowledge that will help us on the campaign," explained George.
"Mmm, I can see your point but I still don't like it. Ron'll not be happy about it either," replied Harry.
"He'll come around eventually Harry. Just let us know when you're ready for our help."
"Just be at the Burrow at ten tomorrow morning and make sure your dad and Percy are there okay? Oh, and I'll give you the money for the campaign, so don't worry about that." Harry requested.
"Okay Harry, leave it to us, but we've got enough money for Dad's campaign so there's no need to give us anymore money."
"Okay, I'll go halves with you then." Harry apparated back to the library to where the others were and told them all about his meeting with Fred and George.
As expected, Ron wasn't happy about Percy being involved in Mr Weasley's election, "What? I don't believe it! I don't ever want to see that treacherous bastard again! Why Harry?"
Harry explained to Ron about George's thoughts on Percy's help. "I still don't like it! He better not try anything or I'll kill him!"
"Kill who?" Ginny asked as she walked up to where everyone was sat.
Harry, once again, explained everything about his conversation with Fred and George for Ginny's benefit.
"We've got to find out as much as we can about running for Minister Of Magic. I've told Fred and George to be at the Burrow at ten tomorrow morning and to make sure your Dad and Percy are there as well. So, what have we found out so far?"
Ron spoke first, "From what I can gather, elections are pretty fast paced when someone has been kicked out, and it hasn't happened very often. The main public appearances are at Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and somewhere on the Brecon Beacon's in Wales and are organised by the Wizengamot. Other public appearances are organised by the individuals who are running for Minister, there aren't that many though, cause most people will go to one of the main events. The whole thing usually lasts about a month from start to finish. That's all I've managed to find out."
"That's quite a lot though Ron, what about you Neville?" asked Harry.
"I can't find any specific figures but there's advertising costs for all the press, all the posters and all the fliers. I'm sure Colin will help us on that to get a nice picture of Mr Weasley and produce a nice poster, then the twins should be able to duplicate them. Unless anyone knows how to enchant them to be delivered to every wizarding home in Britain, we'll have to send them out by Owl Post, but Professor Dumbledore might help with that."
"Thanks Neville. Anyone got any other comments or suggestions?" asked Harry.
"We could give Rita Skeater an exclusive interview with Mr Weasley and in return give us some advertising space in the Prophet," suggested Hermione.
"Mmm, but what about the Quibbler?" asked Harry.
"Luna might be able to help with that, her dad does own the Quibbler," suggested Neville.
"Right, Neville, can you see Luna about advertising in the Quibbler and Hermione, can you get onto Rita Skeater about the Prophet, but wait until we've spoken to Mr Weasley ? I wouldn't want her printing anything just yet!"
"Okay Harry," Neville and Hermione agreed.
After their discussion, the group of friends made their way down to the great hall for dinner.
After the group of friends had their dinner, they all made their way up to the room of requirements to finish off researching all the steps needed for the Minister Of Magic campaign. Luna joined them all and told them she'd send an owl off to her father after the weekend about putting an advert in the Quibbler for Mr Weasley.
Most of the group filtered back to their dorms and left Harry and Ginny alone in the room.
Harry decided to go to the owlery to send off a letter with Hedwig to the twins explaining everything the group had found out and also to ask about duplicating all the necessary fliers and posters for the campaign. He also asked them to look into a way of enchanting them so they could be delivered to every wizarding house in the country.
Harry hugged Ginny goodnight and left her go back to her dorm whilst he went off to the owlery to post the letter.
The next day, everyone met up at breakfast in the great hall and filled themselves up as they discussed the day ahead.
After breakfast, Neville and Luna bade the others goodbye as they went up to the room of requirements to apparate to the Burrow.
"Everyone ready?" asked Harry. Everyone nodded. "Right everyone, hold hands." Everyone held hands and Harry apparated everyone to the lane just outside the Burrow.
The four of them walked up to the front door and just as Ron opened the door they heard four POP's.
"Perfect timing," Harry said as he entered through the door.
"What are you four doing here? You all should be at Hogwarts!" Molly exclaimed.
"We've got a proposal for Dad," said Ginny, "we think it will be a good idea if he runs for Minister Of Magic."
"Don't be silly children, your Dad couldn't possibly run for the Ministers job!" exclaimed Molly.
"Why not?" asked Ron.
"I'm not high up enough in the Ministry, that's why," replied Arthur.
"Dad," Percy started, "you don't need to be high up in the Ministry to run. You just need an understanding on how the Ministry is run, knowledge of the running of the muggle world and be open and honest. I can't think of anyone that I'd rather see in that position than you."
"Mr Weasley, …" said Harry.
"Harry, please call me Arthur."
"Sorry, Arthur, we've already got everything worked out and Professor Dumbledore is going to try and get an election passed by the Wizengamot this weekend. Please sir, you will be the perfect candidate for the job!" explained Harry.
"I'm sorry Harry but I couldn't possibly afford to run …"
"No need to worry Dad," the twins replied, "we've got it covered!"
"Let's just see what happens after the weekend, shall we? Anyway, I've got work to do and I'm sure Percy here has a court appearance to attend to, and you four better return to Hogwarts!"
Percy nodded and apparated back to the Ministry. Fred and George apparated back to their shop in Hogsmeade and Arthur and Molly were watching the youngsters to see how they were going to get back.
"All right guys, let's get back and do some training," said Harry and then disapparated.
"Did Harry just apparate?" Arthur asked.
"Yes Dad," replied Ginny who hugged her father and then also disapparated.
Before Arthur asked about Ginny, Hermione put her hand on Ron's shoulder and apparated the both of them to the clearing in the forest.
"I guess I'm a little out of touch with my family!" exclaimed Arthur.
Back in the clearing, the small group of friends was joined by Neville and Luna for some more DA training and remained there for the rest of the day.
After their training, they all lounged around on the grass drinking pumpkin juice, supplied by Dobby, and talked.
"We need to increase the DA by six more people," Harry said.
"Why's that Harry?" asked Ron.
"We need to unite the houses. Godric told me. We need at least two from Hufflepuff, two from Slytherin and one or two from Ravenclaw," explained Harry.
"I don't fancy anyone from Slytherin!" Ron exclaimed.
"I'm glad you don't 'fancy' anyone from Slytherin but we should reunite the houses, we'll be stronger when we come to fight Voldemort," said Hermione.
"Who do you think should join us, Harry?" asked Ginny.
"I don't know, I'll keep my eyes open for people in my AD class, I think we'll be able to make it, and I'll get Remus to suggest a couple of Slytherins to be added to the AD class as well," replied Harry, "I want the extra people here by the end of the year though."
"Come on then, let's go back and get some dinner," said Ron.
After dinner, Harry managed to grab hold of Remus Lupin and asked him to keep an eye out for the best two Slytherins from his class to recommend them for Harry's AD class. He didn't tell him what his plans were, just that he wanted to open up the AD class a little.
Harry then went up to his dorm and got out the Marauders map to find out where Draco Malfoy was. He wanted to give Draco the chance to redeem himself and rebuild the Malfoy family name, which is what Draco told Harry he wanted. Harry scanned the map over a few times but couldn't find Draco anywhere.
'Where is he?' thought Harry, 'is he up to his old tricks again?'
Harry sat cross legged on his bed and cleared his mind. He separated his mind from his body and set off to search for Draco.
After ten minutes of searching, Harry managed to find Draco in a clearing in the forest with a girl Harry recognised as Hannah Abbott from Hufflepuff. 'Well, I would never have guessed that!' Harry thought, 'hang on, what's going on?'
Harry broke himself out of his meditation, looked over and saw Ron lying in bed, so Harry woke him up. "Come on, emergency!"
Ron jumped out of bed, wand at the ready and Harry apparated them to the edge of the clearing.
"I won't let you hurt her!" spat Draco at his father.
"I will do as I please... crucio!" Lucius spat back at his son. Draco was writhing in pain and Hannah was screaming for him to stop.
"Ron, apparate in there and get Hannah back to the room of requirements now!" Harry ordered. Ron immediately disapparated to help Hannah while Harry apparated in between Draco and Lucius. He then waved his hand casting an anti-apparition ward on Lucius to stop him from escaping.
"You are not welcomed here Lucius!" spat Harry.
"You can't stop me Potter... Avada Kedavra!" A green jet shot out from Lucius' wand towards Harry but he just waved his hand and the green jet of the killing curse dissipated.
"What have you done Potter!"
"What's the matter Lucius? Forgotten the prophecy? You know you can't kill me!" taunted Harry.
Harry raised his hand to Lucius Malfoy again and used all his strength to draw all the magical energy away from Draco's father. A bright orange mist appeared to move from Lucius into Harry and Lucius dropped to his knees.
"What have you done?" cried Lucius over and over.
"I could have destroyed you like you have done to so many others but I have freed you instead. You may go now." Harry then turned to Draco, put a hand on his shoulder, waved his hand at Lucius once more and apparated both Draco and himself to the room of requirements.
"What did you do to my father Potter?" asked Draco.
"I set him free, I turned him into a muggle," replied Harry, "at least that's what I'm hoping."
"How did you do that Harry?" asked Hermione.
Harry sighed, "I pulled all the magical energy out of him and cleared his memory. He's now, or should be, an ordinary muggle, completely ignorant of the wizarding world. He shouldn't even know who he is."
Everyone was struck dumb, "I never knew that was possible!" said Ron.
A voice from behind replied, "Only a very powerful warlock can perform such a task."
Everyone turned around to see Dumbledore standing at the door.
"How are you feeling Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
"A little sad, miserable, angry sir," replied Harry truthfully.
"That'll be residual traces of Lucius' emotions in your mind, you should go and get a sleeping draft from Madam Pomfrey and go to bed Harry. This will help sort out the thoughts in your mind," explained Dumbledore, "the rest of you should also return to your dorms for a good night's rest, I suspect it will be a busy day for some of you tomorrow!" Dumbledore said with a glint in his eyes.
"Yes sir," everyone replied. Everyone did as they were told and went their separate ways back to their dorms.
The following day Ron got up to find that Harry's bed hadn't been slept in. He got up, got dressed and went down to the common room where Hermione and Ginny were waiting.
"Where's Harry?" asked Ginny.
Ron shrugged his shoulders, "Don't know, his bed doesn't look like it's been slept in all night."
Ginny rushed out of the portrait hole and ran all the way to the hospital wing.
When she got there, Harry was asleep in one of the beds so she crept up and sat down on one of the chairs next to the bed.
"He's been asleep since last night, hasn't woken up once," Madam Pomfrey told Ginny.
Ginny just nodded and rested her head on the bed and held Harry's hand.
Hermione and Ron came into the hospital wing half an hour later bringing up a copy of the Daily Prophet with them.
Ginny stirred and looked up at her brother and girlfriend with sad eyes. "He hasn't woken up at all!" she said, with a tear running down her cheek.
"He'll be okay Gin, it's only been one night," her brother soothed.
"What've you got here?" Ginny asked.
Hermione opened the newspaper up on the bed next to Harry's to show Ginny, and read out the story "Suspected Death Eater, Lucius Malfoy, suddenly appeared at the Ministry's office last night dazed and confused. Ministry officials took Mr Malfoy to St Mungo's Hospital For Magical Maladies And Injuries to be checked out by specialists in mind and memory charms. After working through the night, doctors however cannot find anything wrong with Mr Malfoy. It appears as though Mr Malfoy has had all traces of magic removed from him and has also had a powerful memory charm placed on him which means he has been reduced to a state that has left him as a muggle. Ministry officials said that in light of Mr Malfoy's condition, he is to have a complete identity change and is to be integrated into muggle society. A statement from St Mungo's says that this is the first time anything like this has happened to a witch or wizard and therefore people should not worry about this happening to them. This reporter says let's hope that this kind of malady only affects Death Eaters!"
"Wow, it looks like Harry did a good job. I hope it doesn't harm him though," Ginny said, looking back down to the sleeping form of Harry.
"It shouldn't Gin, don't worry. Let's go out for some Quidditch practice, you can come and see Harry later," Ron said.
The three of them left Harry in the hospital ward to sleep undisturbed.
After the quidditch practice and a bite to eat in the great hall, Ginny went back up to the hospital wing to see Harry.
There was no change in Harry's condition. Ginny sat by Harry, closed her eyes and started trying to talk to him with her mind, 'Harry, please wake up, I miss you. Harry, can you hear me?' There was no answer. She concentrated harder, trying to project herself into Harry's mind. All she could see was darkness, 'Harry, where are you? Can you hear me?'
'Yes my love, I can hear you.'
A vision of Harry appeared in front of Ginny, 'Harry, please wake up.'
Ginny felt Harry squeeze her hand which brought her out of her meditation.
"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed.
Madam Pomfrey heard Ginny and rushed over to Harry's bedside. She took out her wand and performed various diagnosis tests, all of which proved him to be okay.
"Well Mr Potter, you gave us all quite a scare. Here, drink this." She handed him a glass of water, "it's okay dear," seeing the look on Harry's face, "it's only water. Drink it and I'll inform the headmaster that you're awake."
Harry sat up and drank the water straight down. "Thank you Ginny for being here for me."
"You don't have to thank me Harry, I know you'd be here for me. You still look tired so rest and I'll tell the others you're okay," said Ginny, "oh and Harry, you might want to take a look at this." Ginny handed the newspaper story to Harry and left the hospital wing to find the others.
Harry read the newspaper article then, with a smile on his face, fell back to sleep.
Whilst Harry was resting in the hospital wing, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna were in the room of requirement talking when Dumbledore entered. "Ah, Mr Weasley, Miss Weasley, I've just returned from the Wizengamot," Dumbledore began, "they have removed Cornelius Fudge from office, although he still carries the title Minister Of Magic, and have decided to have an emergency election to replace him. I have already spoken with your father and he has agreed to run for the post of Minister Of Magic and I have informed him of the dates of the public appearances. So, if you want to apparate to the Burrow to get the ball moving, you can do so. I believe the twins, and Percy, are already there."
"Thank you sir," both Weasley's replied, "we will."
"One more thing, because of recent events there will an Order meeting tonight in my office at eight o'clock. I'll expect you all to be there."
"We'll be there Professor," replied Ginny.
Dumbledore nodded and left the room. As soon as Dumbledore left, everyone except Ginny apparated to the Burrow. Ginny followed shortly behind with Colin and his camera. Colin immediately started working on capturing wizarding photos of Mr Weasley.
"Hello everyone," greeted Arthur Weasley, "Albus said he'd send you all over. He also explained about Harry, how is he?"
"He's fine Dad, he's just resting now," replied Ginny.
"Good, good, now let's sit down. We've only a short time before the election, which is in two weeks time. My first public appearance is on Thursday in Hogsmeade and I need a speech."
"Already written Dad," said Percy handing over the speech.
"Right, posters and fliers then,"
"Done," replied the twins, "all we need is a photo for them from Colin here and we've already figured a way of delivering them to wizarding families, we'll just use the same charm used in the Ministry for delivering memo's and send them out via the floo network. Those families not on the floo network will be more tricky but I'm sure we'll manage it."
"Excellent! Albus said you can use the school owls to deliver fliers to those not on the floo network," said Arthur, "what about the media then?"
"I'll contact Rita Skeeter at the Prophet, she owes me a few favours," Hermione said with a grin, "She'll interview you for the Prophet and hopefully place an advert in there as well."
"My Dad will put an advert in The Quibbler for you Mr Weasley," replied Luna.
"Thank you Luna, but please call me Arthur. Is that all that needs to be organised?"
"What about the Wizarding Wireless Network?" asked Ron.
"Excellent idea Ron, Percy can you deal with that please?"
"No problem Dad," replied Percy.
"Right, with everything moving along smoothly you six might as well return to Hogwarts and see how Harry is getting along," said Arthur.
That night, at eight o'clock, the small group of friends followed the corridors to Dumbledore's office. When they arrived at the gargoyle guarding the entrance, the gargoyle moved aside without having to speak the password. The group ascended the moving staircase and entered Dumbledore's office.
"Ah, welcome everyone. This Order meeting will be specifically to talk about recent events regarding Lucius Malfoy and the up and coming Ministry Of Magic elections."
Everyone sat down in the comfortable, overstuffed armchairs arranged around the office.
"Harry, why don't you begin and tell us what happened with Lucius Malfoy?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry looked around the room into the faces of the Order members gathered in Dumbledore's office. Tonks was sitting down next to Remus, fidgeting and not really paying attention. Kingsley and Mad Eye were also present along with Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, Professors McGonagall and Snape. All the Weasley's were also present, spread about the office. Everyone was now staring at Harry, waiting for him to begin.
"Well," Harry started, he took a deep breath and looked at Ginny, "I had a… a feeling that someone was in trouble in the forest so Ron and I went there. We found Lucius Malfoy casting the cruciatus curse on Draco and Hannah Abbott pleading with Draco's father to stop." Harry looked around the room again and continued, "I went into the clearing in between Lucius and Draco whilst Ron went to Hannah and took her to the room of requirements. I cast an anti apparition ward around Lucius, then he tried to use the killing curse on me so I used his anger and drew all his magic out so he couldn't harm anyone else. I then wiped his mind and myself and Draco came out of the forest."
Harry looked around the room once more. Ginny was holding Harry's hand, most peoples jaw's were hanging open. Dumbledore merely nodded in acknowledgement, "it's okay Harry, everyone in the Order knows you can apparate."
"Potter," Severus spoke, "how did you remove the dark mark?"
"I… I don't know. I didn't realise it had gone," Harry replied, watching Snape rubbing his arm..
"Ah, I think because there was no magic left in Mr Malfoy, the mark just faded away," Dumbledore spoke, his hands steepled in front of him. "I think I'd better fill in the blanks. After I had heard about Mr Malfoy, I went down to the forest myself. When I found him I gave him a portkey which took him directly to the Ministry."
"Oh, so that's how he got there!" exclaimed Hermione.
"Yes Miss Granger."
Harry noticed that perhaps Snape showed a slight sign of being upset. He could see Snape was thinking but refrained from using his Legilimency skills to read his mind. What was he thinking?
Was he thinking perhaps it was worth having all his magic removed to get rid of his dark mark?
"Right, now that is settled, onto the matter of the Minister Of Magic elections," Dumbledore said.
"Hang on a minute," said Hestia, "I know you can apparate, but, how did you apparate on Hogwarts grounds with the anti apparition wards in place?"
Harry opened his mouth to reply, but Dumbledore spoke, "I think Harry has found a new way of apparating which I'm sure we'll discuss in detail at another time. Now, onto the business at hand."
"Amelia Bones has organised several Aurors to be placed at all the campaign events throughout the election," replied Dedalus, "I've spoken to all the Order members who couldn't make it tonight and they'll be in amongst the crowd as well."
"Death Eaters won't stand a chance with so many security personnel present!" exclaimed Mad Eye, "I take it you'll be there Potter?"
Harry nodded, "along with everyone here and I believe Susan Bones as well."
"What about the security of the other towns? Surely when everyone is in Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley will need protecting and vice versa?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, quite, but I don't believe Diagon Alley will be left completely unprotected. Aurors will be notified if anything should happen," replied Dumbledore. "Well, it appears as though everything is in place," Dumbledore said rubbing his hands, "is there any more business?"
With no more to discuss, Dumbledore reminded everyone not to divulge any information brought up in the meeting to anyone and everyone left Dumbledore's office. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione apparated the Weasley family back to the Burrow then apparated back to their dorms.
With Mr Weasley's election campaign off to a good start and Harry now conscious and out of the hospital wing, everyone at Hogwarts returned to their normal routine. Harry had been released back to his dorm that night and classes resumed the next day.
Classes that week went by in a flash with the anticipation of Mr Weasley's first campaign speech and soon enough, Thursday rolled up.
All classes were cancelled the day of the election campaign in Hogsmeade due to all the professors wanting to attend. This is one of the most important elections for a hundred years and no wizard or witch wanted to miss it.
Hogwarts had been placed in the hands of the head boy and girl with the prefects patrolling the school while all the professors walked down to the village. All other students were confined to their dorms.
Harry and his group, and Susan Bones, were the only students allowed to go down to the village, due to their involvement in Mr Weasley's campaign and Susan's aunt, Amelia Bones, also being a candidate for Minister. They all walked down to the village behind the professors.
As this was such an important event security was extremely tight. Aurors were lining the streets, all stood on platforms so they could see each other and also see into the crowd. As mentioned by Dedalus, all the Order members were mingling in amongst the crowd.
A cheer went up and Harry could see Amelia Bones standing on a podium in front of the large crowd. Harry could also see Cornelius Fudge sitting down looking quite glum. Mr Weasley however was walking along the front of the crowd shaking people's hands and thanking them for turning up.
"Mr Weasley, can you please sit down?" asked Amelia Bones.
"Ah yes, sorry," replied Arthur.
"Now, thank you all for coming here today. There are three candidates who wish to run for the position of Minister Of Magic," there was a pause, then she carried on, "The candidates are as follows, myself, Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," there were claps and cheers, when they quietened down she continued on, "Arthur Weasley, from the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office," even more cheering erupted, "and last of all, your current Minister Of Magic, Cornelius Fudge," a few boos were heard but no cheering for the current Minister. Harry thought Fudge was going to just give up and walk away, but no, he instead decided to wait for his turn to speak.
"Although there are three candidates for Minister Of Magic, there is only one agenda on our mind, the capture of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named," claps erupted once more. "That agenda is obvious, however, there is more to the job than returning peace to our people. At home there is health, education, transport, and many more. More of that later…"
Amelia Bones seemed to go on for hours and Harry had to prod Ron a few times to keep him awake. "I wish she'd just get on with it!" Ron exclaimed.
Sure enough, Amelia stepped down off the podium to allow Mr Weasley to speak. Claps and cheers went up before Arthur could speak and it took a couple of minutes for the crowd to quieten down.
"My fellow Witches and Wizards," Arthur said proudly and with open arms.
Ron and Ginny looked at each other with confused expressions, "What's gotten into Dad?" asked Ginny.
"Thanks for turning up," Arthur said, in his usual relaxed tone.
Ron and Ginny relaxed and smiled to each other, "He worried me there for a second," said Ron.
"Now I hope I'm not going to bore you too much," Arthur said, only half joking, "but the reason we're here, as Amelia has already mentioned, is serious. The wizarding world needs you, the people, to gain more control over how we live as law abiding citizens and how we manage with apprehending villains like," Arthur took a quite glance around, "Voldemort!"
Gasps could be heard, and squeals of freight, all over the crowd. Arthur raised his hands and calmed the crowd back down, "now, now, everyone, fear of the name only serves to cause fear in the man."
"Wow, it's the first time I've heard dad say 'his' name," said Ron.
Arthur stood down off the podium and paced up and down the stage, "We MUST overcome our fears and start to take action before it is too late. This bumbling fool," Arthur paused and pointed at Fudge, who was about to protest but Arthur carried on, "knew of Voldemort's return but did nothing… nothing!", he returned to the podium and continued, "We must work more closely with the public, you," Arthur pointed over the crowd, "in rounding up known Death Eaters and weakening Voldemort's army and finally, bringing him down! There is nothing more important than ending Voldemort's reign of terror!"
"Wow, Dad's really going for it!" exclaimed Ginny.
"Yeah, I've got a feeling he's not using the speech Perce wrote either," replied Ron.
"We must prepare for the worst and prepare St Mungo's for war. We must strike first! We must also acknowledge and realise that we may need help from foreign lands and have the strength to ask for help. We also need to ensure that the muggles are kept out of harms way."
Mr Weasley continued on with his speech for another hour covering topics from health and education to wizarding sports and stepped down off the podium to allow Cornelius Fudge his turn to speak. However, when Minister Fudge started speaking, most of the audience started walking away; showing they had no confidence in the current Minister's ability to bring the magically community back into order. Slowly but surely, everyone in the audience had departed leaving Fudge standing at the podium with no one to speak to.
Harry and his friends made their way back to the castle with a group of professors, glad there wasn't any trouble from Death Eaters. As Mad Eye Moody said at the Order meeting, "Death Eaters won't stand a chance with so many security personnel present!"