Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything you might recognize from the HP series.
Chapter 27: Political Woes
Harry looked around, taking in every little detail he could.
He was standing in front of a beautiful double oak door, and stood calmly to the side as Dumbledore and Susan Bones were introduced and walked in the hall where many, many politicians and their families were dining together and talking about the world affairs.
As the door opened he peered in catching few faces he knew by photo others he knew in person, others he knew by name and others he knew not at all.
He straightened out his straight robes and dusted off dirt where no dirt was before standing in front of the same door Dumbledore had just entered two minutes before him.
He was wearing his Potter family robes, which surprisingly were not black nor red as he had first thought. They were Silver gray with a deep blue trim that shone in the dark. He had the Potter house crest placed right over his heart for everyone to see, the deep blue trimmings were mixed with a gold line, and a silver panther was barely noticeable on his upper arm, though it showed his status as the head of house.
He wore a magnificent silver ring with the description "Megi heimurinn ríkja í friði fyrir mönnum og álfum eins(May the world rest in peace for eternity for humans and elves alike)" Which was an elvish descriptor and it showed his status as a part Elf. He wore a silver pendant that showed the Potter crest and across the crest was a panther that looked like it was only waiting to for the perfect moment to attack its prey; it had deep blue alert and focused eyes. The pendant showed his status as an eligible Potter, that had not been arranged under marriage.
His hair had been gelled back neatly so his scar stood proudly for everyone to see, he was wearing contact lenses and not his usual glasses. He wore black dragon hide boots, also with the silver Potter crest on.
All in all he looked very impressive in his expensive clothes with two intimidating elves behind him when the door opened and the man announced,
"Harry James Potter, the Head of Potter house and the first defeater of he-who-must-not-be-named"
Most in the room looked up at his announcement, after all it hadn't been that widely known he was attending this god damned thing.
He nodded politely to people he recognized and walked gracefully towards his headmaster who was waving him over to meet some people that owned something or other.
For the next half hour or so people continued to enter, and Harry continued to greet them politely, and listen to boring buisness stories of this and that.
Finally though the Minister of Magic was announced meaning that everyone had arrived and dinner was about to begin.
"Cornelius Fudge, High esteemed Minister of Magic, escorted by Lady Mist Freeman, the head of Duughorns American Institution for dark wizards"
Harry looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the Minister in his deep green expensive robes with the crest of the Ministry placed right above his heart. His house crest was small and not at all impressive like Harry's, Bones or Dumbledore's to only name a few. Harry wasn't all that surprised though, the house of Fudge was only dated back two generations or so. His mothers house though, was dated back four generations or so.
He wore a bronze wing with a Hawk on it that showed he was of the line of Greenleve, which was where his mother came from.
Harry also noted that he wore a necklace, a golden one with a symbol of something Harry didn't see, but it was not his house crest or symbol, which meant that unlike Harry he was not available, it meant that he was divorced. He had a golden chain on his robes that meant...
Before Harry would recall what that meant his companion was mentioned that shocked Harry from his thoughts, he hadn't known there was such place.
The woman he noted had light blond hair that was braided, which meant that she was not available. She didn't wear much makeup, but enough to notice. She had light and soft features, and was slightly built around the middle but not at all fat. She wore an elegant dress that matched Fudge's own, which meant she was representing his house but not her own.
Usually only wives or daughters only represented the mans house but there were exceptions where the other party didn't represent an old or important house. But yet you had to be connected somehow, engaged perhaps... ah there she wore the same chain on her robes as Fudge, though her was silver, it meant they were engaged.
She didn't wear a house ring only an engagement ring. She didn't wear a house crest either, only a crest that Harry assumed was the crest of the American prison she was head of, and under that was a smaller crest that showed she was from the American Ministry. She wore a necklace though, from a house that Harry knew she did not belong too, as she didn't wear it's crest. Which meant that she was widowed, ah... yes her trimmings had yellowed linings which meant that.
The witch had a kind looking face, and seemed to be in her early sixties or late fifties. She was tall and proud, a woman Harry never imagined to see with Fudge of all people.
He stopped investigating the woman as he noticed that everyone were moving to their seats to dine.
Harry stood there helpless, he didn't know where he was to sit.
Thankfully, he was saved from any embarrassment as Dumbledore waved him over to sit at the same table he was sitting at.
Harry mentally groaned. It was also the same table the Minister was sitting at. Some other people Harry hardly knew were also there, but the last he did know, there was Amos Diggory and his wife and Amelia Bones as well.
Harry looked around and saw Arthur Weasley sit at the table next to his and he smiled and greeted the man he considered family.
He was glad to see that the man had at least been able to show he was of respectable house, as he had just as fancy robes and jewelry to represent his status in the wizarding world as the others.
Harry frowned as he thought, there had to be over hundred rules on how you had to dress your self, what you had to wear and so on when it involved important people and old families in the wizarding world. It had taken him weeks to remember most of it and he still thought it was pointless.
Harry stood up with the rest when the Minister and his fiancé seated themselves.
Harry looked around for the first time as he relaxed in his seat. There were about twenty tables, each table held about ten to fifteen people. The tables were all round, and at the middle of each table was a flower decoration, the dinner ware was made of the finest crystal and Harry dared not be reckless with it. Comfortable chairs were across the room, as well as small tables and bars where Harry wryly thought that here would most of the heads end up later the evening. There was a nice dance floor at the middle of the hall, and flower decorations were everywhere.
Harry dryly thought how snobbish wizards could be when he examined the crystal light when Dumbledore discreetly prodded him to make an order.
Harry almost did a double take when he saw there was actually a human servant to take their orders.
Harry took a deep breath as not to start stuttering, and said calmly, "I'll have the same as the Minister is having, it sounds absolutely delicious" He said not having a clue what the Minister was having and only hoping it was something edible.
"And what would you have to drink Master Potter?"
Before Harry could say anything Amelia piped up interested, "What do you recommend?"
"The red wine we are serving this evening is a very good year, and the champagne is absolutely dashing ma'am then...
Harry looked at him, face blank as he continued to count up all the wines and their years and labels.
"I'll have the merlot thank you" Dumbledore said,
"And what can I get you Master Potter?" He asked again, Harry looked at his headmaster in a silent plea, but before he could respond Mist, the Ministers date spoke up, "I'll have a raspberry cocktail, please, with some lemon if possible" She smiled at him warmly as he nodded and looked again at Harry,
"I'll have the same, though could it be possible to make it non alcoholic?" He said feeling like an idiot on the inside but looking proud on the outside
"Of course sir" He said and turned and left as everyone else at the table had already taken their orders,
"Ah, Harry" Fudge said with cheerfulness that was obviously fake because of the hate in his eyes. Harry though chose to ignore it as he smiled to him his best fake smile as Fudge continued,
"I had forgotten you weren't of age yet Pity" He said as he took a nice gulp of his wine,
"No, not really sir. I doubt that I would have anything alcoholic even if I could. I have classes tomorrow of course" Harry said also with very strained polite words,
"Of course. Forgive me, it is just that you are the only student attending, tonight"
"Of course" Harry said, though he was sure he had seen few other kids his age,
"Actually Cornelius" Dumbledore said, "There are quite the few underage children here tonight"
"I know that D-Albus" Cornelius almost snapped, "But they are all home schooled or on leave, not Harry here"
"I'll be fine Minister"
"Of course" He said, "How is school? Not too much homework is there?" He then asked in a strained voice
"They are fine" Harry said but feeling as he had to make an more effort he said, "I was just finishing an charms essay on different kinds of observe shields as a matter of fact"
"Ahh. Flitwick still teaching is he?" Mist asked nicely with no dislike in her face like Fudge,
"Yes, yes he is" Harry said still wary of the woman, "You went to Hogwarts?" He asked though,
"No, American to the bone I am. I went to a private school in L.A. Filius is actually an distant relative, and an old friend"
"I see" Harry said politely, retreating from the conversation as he sat back content to listen as the servants again came in with their food.
"Ah thank you Mr. Dumbledore" He heard Mist say and he tore
his eyes from the girl that was seated across the table.
"How long have been engaged for?" Amelia Bones asked interested,
"For three years actually now, we just never made it public, we're going to tonight though" Mist said smiling,
"Three years?" Amos wife asked, "When is the wedding going to be?"
At this Mist's smile wavered and Fudge answered almost defensively, "Well it depends. I've been so busy at the Ministry, and it is after all the top priority. And now this business with HIM and all" He said nervously and no one had to ask who he was but Harry found himself opening his mouth against his will,
"Just because Voldemort" He ignored the gasps and shudders," is back it doesn't mean you should postpone your wedding. Defy him and show your love to defeat the terror he brings to this world. It is the only way to fight him, continue to be happy, have children, marry, start dating whatever, just be happy and show your love"
The table stared at him in wonder before Fudge sputtered, "Nonsense. The only thing that can defeat you-know-who are the aurors and hard work from the Minister. Not wasting time in getting married. I suggest you concentrate on your homework P-Harry my lad, and leave the war and it business to the professionals and those whom it concerns"
Harry so badly wanted to snap at the fool but bit his tongue and Amos Diggory said impatiently, "Nonsense Minister. Few are more involved that Potter himself, are you forgetting who was there when he was brought back, who it was that actually defeated him the first time around? Despite the fact that the aurors you speak so highly off could not? He was the one who's blood was taken, the one who was forced to duel with that maniac. He watched his friend be murdered and could do nothing about it but defy the murderer and barely escape with his life. In fact he at the top of his hit list, and yet he is the only one here fearless to say his name. Unity, hard work from the whole nation, the whole world is what will fight the dark Lord in these dark times coming. Not hiding in your office sending aurors who can barely hold a wand to their death, Minister"
Harry stared in wonder at the man who had spoken such harsh cold worlds. Harry hardly recognized the man that had lost his son only two years before.
And then he wondered why he hadn't been nominated for Minister. As of now Amelia Bones- despite the fact that she was a pureblood-, Kevin Donell and Karen Maragreta were the top candidates of the list for the possibility of future Ministers.
Harry and Dumbledore had spent the whole night eliminating witches and wizards until finally ten had remained, of those ten those three were the most likely, but none of them really fitted the job. Despite the fact that Amelia Bones was a pureblood Harry thought she fitted the job she currently had the best, Kevin wasn't even English but an American who lived part time in England and part time in America, and not many knew his name. Nor was he muggle, though one of his children was a squib. Karen Maragreta was... a frosty bitch really. But she was good. Though... as Harry stared at Amos Diggory he wondered...
"Sir," He said before Fudge could respond and a full fledge argument could break out,
"Yes?" Amos said calming down and ignoring Mist who was scolding Fudge but at the same time trying to calm him down as well,
"Are you a muggle-born or a pureblood?"
At the astonished looks he was getting Harry blushed and realised this wasn't exactly a polite thing to ask purebloods with attitude,
"Er, what I mean is that well, if you know something about muggle politics perhaps? I've always wondered... well about some of it really but few politicians I've met have known anything about it and those who have, have been muggle-borns, yet still know very little about it"
"I'm a half blood actually" He smiled warmly, though it barely reached his eyes, "My mother was a muggle but my father is a pureblood. He was disowned though by his family for marrying my mother. His family were dark wizards"
"Death eaters?" Harry found himself asking before he could stop himself,
"No" Amos laughed "Just dark wizards. My grandparents didn't really care about muggles at all. It is just that my mother turned my father from his former life style of robbing and stealing"
"Oh"
"But yes I do know about muggle politics. Unbelievable as some may find it I find it most interesting and knowledgeable"
The dinner continued in much the same fashion until music begun to play and the food disappeared from the tables.
Harry smiled slightly as he saw Arthur and Molly join in the dance, he himself found himself inviting Amos Diggory wife to a dance which he earned mock glare from her husband and a comment about he better not steal his wife,
"I'll try not to but I won't promise. I can't help it if women find me so dashing young man"
Then he started waltzing with the pretty witch.
The rest of the night was spent away quickly, either dancing with many different witches or being dragged to political talks with snobbish wizards who didn't care about his opinion anyway.
But all the while he found himself watching Amos Diggory more and more.
Before the evening ended and Harry had to go back to the castle he sought out the man who had lost his child,
"Ah, Mr. Potter, how are you this evening?" He greeted
He smiled back, "You can just call me Harry. And my evening... he hesitate, he didn't want to be cold by being to formal and polite so he instead said, "has been far more interesting then I first assumed it would be"
Amos laughed, "Alright then Harry. How may I help you?"
"I was actually hoping to steal you away for a little while if the kind Ashley here doesn't mind?" He said nodding to his wife
"Not at all Harry"
So Amos followed Harry to a quiet corner and looked at Harry confused.
At last when Harry hadn't broken the silence he said, "What is going on Harry? If I didn't know better I'd say you were planning some world political scandal by the look in your eyes" He laughed joking
When Harry didn't laugh with Amos he abruptly quieted down and stared at Harry hard with serious eyes.
"You aren't are you?" He almost whispered
Harry didn't answer, he only said, "What do you think about Fudge?"
"As a person I'm sure he's quite nice in his own way but has been corrupted by the power he gets as a Minister" He answered slowly after a minute of silence,
"But what do you think of him as a Minister?"
"I think he's... he trailed off and asked, "Why do you want to know?"
"Just answer the question honestly"
"I'm not a fool Mr. Potter" He said all relaxation gone from
his now serious face, "I'm not about to make an official stand against the Ministry of Magic, after all it is where I work"
"Your secret will be safe with me if you so want. But I'm making a plot... a plot in which I need to know your status towards the Minister of Magic in order to make it work. If it comforts you somewhat Mr. Diggory" Harry said, "Then I will tell you first what I think of him and if I tell anyone about what you tell me now, you can in turn tell anyone you want what I will tell you"
Amos leaned forwards, before looking around, not seeing anyone looking their way except his wife who was anyway across the room, he still put a silencing charm around them not knowing Harry had already covered that,
When he didn't say anything Harry again spoke up, not serious and harshly, "I personally think that even if Fudge might have once been a decent person, that he has been corrupt by powerand is a horrible Minister. He cannot run an office, he cannot defend the people. He always thinks of his position first, he is incompetent Minister and does not belong in office, especially not now that Lord Voldemort has returned. War is no longer coming our way, it has already started. The time has come to act upon it and Fudge is doing no such thing"
Silence greeted Harry's words and so he spoke again,
"Even if Fudge really wanted to turn his page he's too easily scared and manipulated, Voldemort can easily control him if he so wanted. It is only a matter of time until he takes that step"
"Why are you telling me this?" Diggory asked, "I could easily tell anyone what you just said and it would bring trouble from Fudge"
"Fudge is very well aware that I don't like him. And I know as well he hates me. Now I want to know what you think of him?"
"So this is personal?"
"No. Answer and I might tell you more"
"I don't like him in office. Before it never really bothered me but after... he sighed and ran his hand through his hair, "After Cedric... died it's becoming more obvious what a...
moron he is. My son has already died Mr. Potter, I won't loose my wife or anyone else I love to Voldemorts hands just because the Minister is too scared to fight him"
Harry smiled at him, "I already told you to call me Harry. And did you notice that you said Voldemort?"
Amos paled but shook his head, "Call me Amos then Harry. But what is the meaning of all this?"
"So far you've said what I wanted or needed to hear but... what about the public? If you were Minister, would you only try to protect your family and you, or would you sacrifice you to protect the world?"
Amos looked at him thinking it over, "I would. Too be honest I probably wouldn't have before but the pain Ashley and I experienced after our sons death. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. And I don't want you-know-who to rule. I don't believe in what he claims and I don't believe anyone has a chance, in hiding or not to live if he comes to power"
Harry nodded silently as he wondered if he should say any more.
"Now, Harry, what is your plot and why do you want me involved?"
Harry looked at him hard, "Do you know what the Order of the Phoenix is?"
"I've heard of it yes. From the last war"
Harry nodded,
"It fights you-know-who doesn't it?
"Yes it does" Harry said, "Lately though it hasn't. We don't know what it is Voldemort is up to so it's time and power has been spent in strengthening wards on public places and protecting old tombs and stuff"
Silence,
Then Harry looked sharply at him,
"Mr. Diggory" He said, "You know this is very much so confidential don't you? Dumbledore most likely will place some sort of charm on you to not tattle the Orders secrets? You do understand that NO ONE must know what I've told you and will tell you?"
"I know"
"Not even your wife"
Amos hesitated,
"Maybe later" Harry added
He nodded,
"Now, if you haven't figured it our I am a part of this Order. I am the youngest member ever to have been in it. I don't do anything" He said to the huge eyes of Diggory, "I only sit in meetings and share my point of view" He paused, not saying anything further, "Now as I said the Order has been strengthening wards instead of protecting the people"
"Too me it is simply wrong. I know the Order can't do anything directly, it's a secret organization, and it's members are not known. And what can ten wizards and witches do anyway? Besides it is the Ministry's job to protect the people. Except it isn't doing that. So the main thing the Order is doing now is getting the Ministry up and running again"
Silence,
"There is a Plot" Silence, then "A plot to remove the Minister"
Amos's eyes widened
Harry didn't say more, and after few minutes of silence he furrowed his eyebrows, "What do I have anything to do with this?"
Harry remained silent for a while before saying in a very serious voice that meant no nonsense, and Amos actually forgot he was talking to a minor, "What do you feel about becoming the new Minister?"
"Me?" Amos finally said "How?"
"You don't have to decide now. It is a huge decision after all"
"I think not" Amos said suddenly angry, "If you want to cheat someone into office and manipulate someone to do what you want then you can find someone else"
He was about to walk away when Harry gripped his arm,
"You won't be working under us, but with us. You are not required to do anything we say. And we will be getting you into office fairly. I will be your sponsor" He said scowling at the thought, "And Dumbledore will give all his support"
"It still doesn't garuntee it"
"No it doesn't. First we would have to remove Fudge. You would be part of that so when the voting finally occurs you will have had the most attention. The one who started it. You will have our support, and you will be the best. I've been asking about you all night and keeping an eye out for you, you have all the best options. You are involved with the muggle world, you're not afraid to lead, you know your stuff, you care about the people among other things. The only thing is, can you set your grief for Cedric aside and work with us or can't you?"
When Amos didn't say anything and anger was staring to sink in his eyes at the mention of his son Harry hurriedly continued, "I'm not asking you to forget him. We might even need his memory to win this thing, I'm asking you to set aside what is done and make new, better things for those who can be saved. As I said" He said not stopping before the enraged man could say anything, "You won't be working under us but with us. Though you'll required to do few things. But only if you agree to them. Think about it and let me or Dumbledore know"
With that Harry walked away and left with Dumbledore.
Amos stood there for few more moments then he walked to his wife.
He didn't even say goodbye to the people only followed his wife out,
"Darling what was all that about?"
"Minister" He mumbled, the anger of having Harry suggesting to use his son now gone,
"What?" Ashley Diggory asked,
"Oh what? Nothing, nothing at all"
Then he apparated away.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"POTTER" A voice screeched into the poor sleepless ears of our young hero as he was drinking all the coffee he could reach
"Amanda, always a pleasure" He said dryly, ignoring the twitch he felt in his stomach as she glared at him. No crazy man would ever fall for a girl who hated them with out any reason at all. Well she had a reason it was just a ridiculous one. Just because he was famous and she was not didn't mean she had the right to hate him, make fun of him, bad mouth him, embarrass him and god knows what at what ever opportunity she got.
She didn't even know him, so she had no right to assume he was like what she thought he was. No you would be mad to be Harry Potter and like her when you could get any girl he wanted. He had to admit though, she was kind of refreshing.
He shook those unwelcome thoughts out of his head as she stormed right up to him and his four way too cheery friends,
"Don't you take that tone with me you wretched little... before she could get any further Harry tiredly lifted his head,
"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt the moment of your day, I assure you, I'd just love to hear what new insult you've found for me this morning, but do you have an actual point for yelling at me this morning or are you just venting off unjustified anger?" He said calmly as they were chatting about what kind of drink he liked, "Because frankly I haven't slept more than four hours and I'm tired as hell and I really don't need this from you right now"
Amanda seemed momentarily surprised. Harry wasn't surprised, he never talked back to her. Only raised his eyebrows or glared at her sometimes when his patience was loose. Only twice had he really lost his and yelled back at the witch. She recovered quickly though and said with all her former anger reappearing,
"You arrogant brick, yes I have a point. You were supposed to meet us last night to go over some charms. You never showed up. What sort of leader are you making promises like that and then go breaking them just like we don't even matter at all. You're so selfish and-
Harry who had overcome his shock at what the girl was saying again interrupted her, quickly loosing his patience. No matter how good he became at Occulemcy or relaxing methods he never had enough patience worth a knut.
"I was not assuming wrong when I thought you were placed in Ravenclaw for a reason Amanda? You do have ears, so try use them for a change would you"
Before she could make a scathing remark Harry continued,
"No, let me finish. I'm getting sick and tired of you yelling at me for no apparent reason. Ron and Hermione announced yesterday to everyone at the DA meeting that I wouldn't be there since I had other plans that I had no other choice but to attend"
"Oh yes the great Harry Potter, not caring about the welfare of his fellow students, only caring about his autographs getting out right on time"
Harry glowered and stood up, his face like a thunder cloud and he said in a low hiss,
"Not all obligations of being Harry Potter the bleeding savoir of the world has to be so fun, not that I would consider that much fun. You are maybe forgetting that I am giving up my free time to train you in something I have no responsibility to do whatsoever. I left you in very capable hands last night, and it is not my duty to watch you all hours of the day. It is my free time, my effort and my willingness to help that keeps that foundation running. My free time, I repeat. I had other things to do, things that couldn't be ignored, things that don't concern you so I'd appreciate if you'd leave me alone while I'm trying to eat and let me be if you are not going to be at least somewhat civilized. If that doesn't meet your ever so high standard I suggest you find someone else to teach you neat little magic tricks" Harry said hotly his voice slowly rising out his speech
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Potter, Miss Salvage? What is going on?" McGonagall said before anyone could say another word,
"Nothing professor" Amanda said just at hotly as Harry, "Me and Potter here were just having a little argument over some trivial things"
"In that case I'm excusing myself from this discussion and going to class" Harry said leaving with Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Draco and Vanessa before McGonagall could utter another word.
As they were almost fifteen minutes early they seated themselves outside the DADA classroom and started some small talk, and Vanessa finally got the nerve to speak up so she timidly told Harry,
"Harry, listen, I'm really sorry about Amanda. She's a really nice girl, honestly" She insisted when Harry snorted, "She's been my best friend since I was seven. And she's always been there for me"
Hermione looked skeptically at her, "Well, until she comes up to us, or Harry at least and apologizes then we are going to continue to think of her as we think of her now. A stuck up snob that doesn't have a mind of her own"
Ron could barely stop himself from gaping at the girl next to him. He always forgot how much she had changed since last year. How much they had all changed since last year.
Vanessa frowned before looking at them pleadingly, "No really, you have to understand. She's a wonderful person, she just doesn't think straight when it comes to Harry. She's been through things, in her life that... she trailed off and looked around her hurriedly.
Hermione on the other hand leaned forwards, "Like what things? We've all here been through things, especially Harry. Draco here just recently left all he ever thought was home, all hope of ever feeling welcome to his home. He has no home anymore he gave it all up. He's having a rough time, yet he isn't taking out on everybody else. Harry has more death threats than anybody you can name and he's been through more stuff then you could think about. And he usually tries not to take it out on people who don't deserve it and when he does he always apologizes for it. I don't see Amanda doing that"
"I can't really tell you what things she's been through. They're her things and she's my best friend and I won't betray her confidence even though I think she's behaving like a git now. Just wait, she'll come around and then someday we'll all laugh at this later"
None of them had any real chance to say anymore as the rest of the students started to arrive in front of the class room, and soon their DADA professor was there, cheery as always,
"Good day students" He said before he took the roll call and told everyone to turn in their essays on the unforgivables.
"Now last class we covered the rest there was to know about the unforgivables, today however we will continue to talk about some more of the dark sided spells"
The students all fidgeted nervously.
"Who here knows the Ramora spell?"
Only few raised their hands, unsurprisingly Nott and his crew knew it, Dray also, some of the transfers also knew it, like Amanda, but what really surprised everyone was that Harry knew it.
In fact it gave Harry the shivers to receive the hard look he was getting from the professor as this was considered as a dark curse.
"Hmmm... very well, Mr. Potter, tell me about it"
"Well" Harry began nervously, all too well remembering the time Angel taught it too him. "It is one of the few dark art curses or hexes that represent potions. The curse it self is considered a part of a group of another three curses and one other hex, they are often known as the sister curses or the big Five. The Ramora curse, is actually a jinx that jinxes the food you eat. If you eat any food jinxed by the curse your insides slowly begin to freeze leaving a very painful death" He finished quietly, unnerved by the silence in the room. Probably not by the effect the curse had but because of the knowledge Harry had.
"Um, very good" Professor Diggle said, "Ten points to Gryffindor. Now the Ramona spell, in fact the one jinx in the Big Five. Can anyone name me it's sister curses?"
This time Harry played dumb, deciding it wasn't very smart of him to let everyone know how adept he was really in the dark arts.
Surprisingly the only three hands went up this time, Amanda being one of them.
"There are the Ravonia hex and then there are the three curses, Roanna, Rommella and Remella"
"Correct, ten points to Ravenclaw. Now all these curses at one point somehow involve death or torture with poisons. The hexes also involve food. They were as Mr. Potter said, one of the few dark ones that are left that are made after potions. In fact they are one of the very, very few, only two others are known to be similar as the potions that these curses come from have not been able to be made for years as the recipes were destroyed.
"A Russian Man named Faraian in the seventeenth century discovered what is thought to be the last recipes existing. He however was a disaster at potions and therefore spent all his life developing the curses to make the same effects as the potions, in order so he could actually use them anytime he wanted. However, three years after this great accomplishment, he lost the recipes in a great battle and they were never to be seen again, and he also died in that same battle, taking seven others with him to death using those curses.
The curses only became outlawed late in the eighteenth century in a goblin rebellion where most resorted to poisoning the goblins food with the Ravonia hex, refusing to give the healing potion unless their demands were met.
"Wait so, they can all be healed?" Vanessa spoke up from where she was writing her notes,
"No, only the Raviona hex can be healed, the Rommella and Remella curses both kill, quite painfully too. The Remella curse causes a fast death, only leaving any traces on the victim who has been suffocated, the Rommella curse however causes a rather slow and extremely painful death. It takes about seven days to die, the record holding nine and three hours today. The Roanna curse however does not necessarily kill. It can but it doesn't have to. It causes the victim to become extremely sick, until eventually it makes you start hallucinating your every worst nightmare coming true. If it is put on long enough then a person can simply die from the torture
There was deathly silence in the class, the only noise being heard was the ends of their quills scraping their parchment.
"Now, can anyone tell me why they were only banned so late?"
This time Hermione raised her hand, "Because two of them need to be placed in the food, and the Roanna curse can easily be blocked. The other two last are very complicated and very hard to do and the draining it causes usually made the dark wizards choose another curses that fulfilled their... needs better"
"Very good, ten points to you"
And so the rest of the class they spent talking about the five curses and the man who invented them. Though Harry spent most of it catching up a needed sleep.
After sleeping so normally for almost two weeks now he was getting quite attached to it.
That night Harry never got the chance to tell his friends about the ball, as another Order meeting was being held to discuss the progress they made.
When Harry finally arrived at the headquarters most of the inner Order were there. He greeted some he knew and nodded to others before he took his seat. Dumbledore arrived only a minute or two after him.
"Greetings everyone. I hope I find you well this evening" He greeted everyone assembled
"We are here to talk about the ball I myself and Harry attended yesterday evening to finalize our plans of our Ministry makeover. Some of you of course were there as well. Now, everyone here knows the final four we were aiming for, and all of them were there. Harry, what conclusion have you reached in this matter. Who do you think will be the next Minister?"
Harry smiled impishly. True he had talked to them all and even some more but he didn't really feel as comfortable with them as he did with Diggory. However he had not been on the list.
"Before I say anything, I was wondering all last night, why did no one ever mention Amos Diggory?"
Some bewildered looks were sent his way.
"Potter you moron Diggory lost his son two years ago. He's far too caught up in his self pity to be of any sort of use to us" Snape spat in contempt
"Bullshit. You don't know him, and besides you weren't there last night. He was the only one I talked to not afraid to say Voldemort's name, he stood up to Fudge for what he thought was right and-
"Harry" Dumbledore interrupted, "What is the point of this?"
Harry blushed and looked around the room nervously, "Well after dinner, I sorta was keeping an eye out for him as he met most of the requirements. So then we chatted for awhile and I decided to erm talk to him about... stuff... Harry trailed off looking anywhere except at the people,
"And?" Dumbledore prompted nicely and Harry had the sneaking suspicion that Dumbledore knew exactly what had happened,
"I told him about the Order and that I offered him to be the next Minister" He said fast.
Uproar was next and it took Dumbledore few minutes too restore calm,
"Potter are you mad?" Fletcher said, "He wasn't even on the god damn list"
"I know that. But he was the best man. He knows most about muggles, he knows about politics, he is willing to do what needs to be done and he'ssmart enough not to go running out in the open death and leave the battles too us. He is the right man. When I talked to him he didn't waver. He was cautious and I had to drag the information out of him, I had to tell him stuff instead. He out right refused to be some pupet for this Order and told me to find someone else. He is the right man"
"I actually agree" Dumbledore said," Amos is our man. I find it rather unfair to pass him over just because he lost his son. Unlike what most of you think he is not weaker for it. He is stronger"
After many minutes of whispering Moody spoke up, "So is he in or not"
Harry smiled impishly again, "It depends really. Honestly I really don't know. He'll contact Dumbledore about it soon. If he hasn't in a week we will go to him and probably end up obliviating him"
"He didn't even give you an answer? A hint or anything?"
"Er, I didn't really give him the chance. I left in a hurry since he was getting rather angry" Harry said uncomfortably
"Angry? Why?"
"Well not really so much angry, more like furious in the way that if you don't shut up and get of out of my sight I'm going to rip your head off sort of furious"
"Why?" Everyone asked,
"Well after I told the man to get over his son and not think about him other than that we would probably use Cedrics name to get him elected he got sorta angry" The boy said impishly and smiled sweetly at the looks he received. It really hadn't sounded like that in his head.
Two hours later A frazzled Harry entered the school grounds again. After much debate on the matter it was agreed that Amos would be the man if he agreed in three days time. Harry didn't give it much hope though as he went too bed. The man had been furious when Harry had talked about Cedric like that. It really hadn't been one of Harry's best moments but it had to be done.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next morning found Harry grumpily getting out of bed and heading to breakfast with his friends. Tonight he had a DA meeting and he really wasn't in the mood.
Breakfast was nice and passed quickly as did the classes. Harry really rarely bothered to listen anymore and instead only did his homework in class.
That night when the DA assembled Harry was feeling a lot better, having managed to catch a few hours sleep when the guys had been doing their homework.
"Hi guys" He had greeted them all and petting Ást on the way. His phoenix had almost become a regular figure in their meetings and often just stayed there and watched and sometimes healed the people if they got hurt. Harry had really grown to love her, and really appreciated all the times she stayed with him and sang for him when he was distressed and nervous.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be here last meeting but I was really busy doing some political stuff. Nothing much to worry about"
"What political stuff? I thought you stayed out of most everything to do with the Ministry and the governors?" Neville asked
"Yeah I thought you like hated Fudge" Seamus backed up
"I do hate Fudge. He's a bitch" Harry said casually, "And I also hate all this political stuff that follows me but I find it more effective if I go along with it. I can get so much done that way. Especially if I want to win this war. It's good too have power in the Ministry if you're creating your own army and sitting in Order meetings"
Gasps ensued at that and questions started coming from all directions until Harry yelled at them to shut up,
"I thought you didn't trust the Order?" Dean yelled at Harry who sighed, He never had told anyone but his closest friends that he was member. But Angel was right. He needed to trust his own army a bit better. Though deep inside he thought that it would probably lead to his own downfall later on.
"I never said that. I said that I didn't trust them to do anything in this war. And I don't. They don't do what we do. They don't train to fight death eaters"
"They don't need to train. They're capable witches and wizards" someone shouted,
"True but over the last months you've become more physically stronger then more then half the order and your aim is better almost the whole Order and you train to fight. They have a lot of information which is why I am there because that is the only way for me to gain information for now as we don't have any spies or any connections at the Ministry at the moment. Some of the Order members are strong and really good people but the truth is that is not enough. I can't discuss Order things outside of the Order but I can tell you that we are doing more than the Order was doing before"
"So you were at an Order meeting when the meeting was supposed to be?" Hannah Abbott asked
"No but I was doing Order business. I am the youngest member of the Order and only reason I was let in at all was because of who I am" He said scowling, "And what part I serve in this war. I am not allowed on missions or anything. All I do is to sit on meetings. Until two meetings ago. I got enough of the lack of activity they were doing and brought up an idea that had been running in my head. Since then we've been working on that and I have a lot of influence in the wizarding world so I am therefore a key player in the plan. I can't discuss it but you'll find out soon. And I trust you all to keep all this too your selves. Now it is time to move on. I was going to teach you the Fario shield this time...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Two days later Harry was called to the headmasters office out of class and he was a little surprised to see Amos Diggory sitting there tense and nervous
"Ah Harry, good too see you. I'm sorry to bring you out of class but it was necessary"
"It's fine. I was only in potions anyhow. Nice to see you again Mr. Diggory" Harry said a bit warily. He didn't know what the man felt about him still
"I told you to call me Amos" Amos said gently
Harry nodded and sat down, "So what's going on?" He finally asked though he had a pretty good idea
"I've given what you said a lot of thought and if you can't find any better candidates then I am prepared to do the job"
"Are you sure Mr. Diggory?" Dumbledore asked
"Yes professor I am. And before you start Harry I know that my sons name will be dragged into it and that I will not be allowed to react so harshly to it as I did in our last conversation. I know I will have to put it all aside and focus on the matter at hand and I know that Fudge will fight hard. I know that Voldemort will probably send a death eater to fight against me and everything. But I can't sit at home anymore not doing anything. But as I said last time around I will not be held in any sort of blackmail or settle for being used by this Order"
"Of course not Amos. And thank you"
"I'm not doing this for you Headmaster Dumbledore, but because it is the right thing to do. So what's the plan?" he asked
"Well first step is of course to get Fudge out of office and you in. Second step is to sort out all the heads at the Ministry. Sort out all the divisions. The Ministry is in shambles and bringing a new Minister won't fix it all. After that we were thinking on doing something about the Department of Mysteries and finally uniting all the Ministries in the world. And then put wards on every home, teach everyone basic spells and plant portkeys for emergencies at every home"
"Those are pretty big things you have planned"
"Are you up to it?"
"I am. And I agree too it. But first things first. Getting Fudge out"
"Well firstly I was thinking about sending anonymous letters to the Prophet and the major newspapers about Fudge's incompetance. Then maybe later we'll start a campaign to have a re election and I'll make a statement to the press stating how I think that Fudge sucks and stuff and then say how much better you'd do for the job and then pray that you'll win" Harry said
"You know Fudge won't stand for it"
Harry sighed, "I know. I know what he'll do to me as well. But he hates me already so it doesn't really matter. The only thing he has against me that I'm really afraid of he can't use without losing his office anyway"
Amos looked interested and leaned further. Harry didn't want to say anything but Dumbledore had insisted that the Minister would be told everything about Harry that could be used against him.
"You know I was raised by a muggle family"
"Yes your mother sister and her family right?"
"Yes well you might have heard something about that?" Harry asked
"Well Ced told me once that there were rumors going that you didn't really get along"
"We didn't. We hate each other. Or well my aunts has a consensus now but I honestly can't say that I care" Harry said absently, "But anyway, my uncle is in Azkaban, probably half insane by now"
"Actually last I heard he's faring quite well. Apparently Fudge has been holding the Dementors away from him. I don't know what he has planned but he is keeping Vernon alive"
Harry just shrugged, "I never wanted him in there anyway so I can't say I care. I just wanted him out of my hair. Anyway Amos, I can see you are very confused so let me be blunt. He is there for child abuse. He abused me. My aunt neglected me and my cousin hated me. That was my life until he nearly killed me last summer and got arrested"
"So that's what happened when the rumors were going on that you had disappeared?"
"Yes. So anyway we shushed the trial up and all but Fudge can hold it over me all the time. I don't think it will come to that though because if he tells anyone he'll be fired for leaking information from the Ministry"
Amos nodded, "Where do you live now then?"
Harry just shrugged, "I inherited a house from my godfather when he died last June. I don't like to live there though. You undoubtedly knew how Sirius parents were. Their house was like them in all ways. And besides, it holds painful memories and Sirius used to hate it. It's also the Order headquarters so it's not like I can actually waltz around in my own house. I was thinking of just renting myself an apartment or something"
"Don't you have to be of age?" Amos asked
"My aunt will do anything I say really. She feels so utterly guilty and whatever."
"Harry, while I agree on the matter that the Order headquarters are not the best environment I don't think that it would be wise to do that. We will discuss it later"
Harry frowned but nodded as he could see the point that talking about this in front of Amos was maybe not the best course of action.
"So...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Three hours later an exhausted but a lot happier Harry entered the great hall for lunch.
"Where have you been Harry? You didn't attend any of your classes, do you know how many points the professors will take off Gryffindor for this?" Hermione whined at Harry
"As if it would really matter" Harry said dismissively to the furious witch, "And besides I had an excuse. I was with the headmaster the entire time"
"You were gone for three and an half hours Harry. What could you possibly be talking about?" Ginny asked interested
"Order stuff" Harry said sighing. He hated to have to be so secretive. They knew what he was doing but he couldn't tell them anything more, like who they were aiming for to be the
next Minister or anything. But they would find out soon enough.
The others though seemed to understand and backed off though Hermione was still far from happy that he was dismissing his studies so much and was huffing about it to Ron for the entire dinner while he was trying to get her too back off butstill not get her angry at him. Ginny, Draco and Harry only exchanged glances. The two of them were only getting worse and if they wouldn't do anything about it soon Harry was sure Ginny would do it for them. Maybe she could do something for Draco on the way. It really was sad at how he couldn't keep his eyes off Pavarati, Harry mused as he ate.
And voila, the chapter is finished.
I haven't started the next chapter yet but I will soon. I just finished school last week, graduated last Wednesday actually (8 June). It was really weird, cause now I've finished my time in Seljaskola and I've been there for like ten years. But it's time too move on and all that crap. And I finished my exams last month and just got my grades last week. I did ok. My average score was 7, ten being the highest and 0 the lowest. I think I could have done better but I'm o.k. with my marks, and I'm pretty sure that I'll get into the school I applied for.
I also went to my end of term trip. It was amazing. We went climbing, and then swimming, then we slept overnight in Skalholt and on the way home we went river rafting and it was sooooooo much fun. And I'm blabbing again
Anyways, I started my new summer job last Friday so I've been really busy but I managed too get this out and I'm about too start the next chapter. I'm also working on rewriting the first few chapters. It shouldn't take so long, cause I don't work that much. Only seven hours a day, five times a week, in six or seven weeks. So I'll have plenty of time to write.
Anyway so sorry about the late update again, and now onto review replies, oh and my thanks to my beta. She's been wonderful
I've been trying to update for the last week but this stupid fanfiction wouldn't allow it. But finally it is up…
And sorry again
Love kitty