Harry Potter and The Chronicle of Lord Black

by Lord of mystics

Harry Potter did not knew about his heritage and when he ascended to the Wizengamot, he made fun of himself for a few times for not knowing the procedures of the governing body of Wizarding Britain when he approached one person who could help him learn the rules of the Wizarding World and may be together, they could heal each other. Starts at the end of the Battle of Hogwarts. Non-

11. Chapter 11

Let's select some new members

Neville almost dragged Harry to the room where their allies were gathered. As they were in, Neville turned to him frowning, "Did someone not tell you to buy Wizengamot Robes, Harry?"

Harry was surprised by the demeanour of his friend, "Andromeda told me yesterday but there was no time to order one from Madam Malkin's then. I figured that I could pick it up from her this morning."

Neville kept frowning, "Harry, Wizengamot robes are not prepared just like that. It takes few hours to make those robes so you should have placed your orders yesterday at the latest. I thought that Andromeda had told you about it."

Harry shook his head, "Nobody tells me anything, Neville. Nobody has."

Augusta came towards them, "What is done is done, Mr. Potter. The Press will have a field day tomorrow at your expense and there is no preventing it but we can salvage the situation even now. Did you order your robes today?"

He nodded, "Yes, I did."

She continued, "Then you should send your elf to collect it from Madam Malkin's. You do have an elf, right?"

He nodded, "Yes, I have an elf."

She encouraged him, "Summon him then. He will bring your robes while we eat lunch and discuss the agenda."

As Kreacher was summoned and sent to fetch the robes, Harry came to the table where people were sitting. When he sat, Lord Boot hazarded asking him a question, "Lord Potter, why do you refer to your fellow Lords or Ladies as Mr. or Miss?"

Harry shrugged, "That's how I know to address others. It's what I learnt in muggle primary."

Lord Fawley sighed, "Has no one taught you about the etiquettes of the Wizengamot or of our own history?"

Harry shook his head, "Since the time I returned to this world, I have spent most of my time at Hogwarts where it was not taught to us. The only pureblood family that I have known were Weasleys and they were not heavy on traditions unlike others. The only person who could teach me was my godfather Sirius Black but I had so little time with him that this never came up."

Lord Fawley said apologetically, "I am sorry, Lord Potter. I thought you were knowingly mocking your fellow lords and ladies and were trying to disrespect the Wizengamot."

Harry was surprised, "Is that what you and others thought?"

Lady Longbottom said, "yes, Lord Potter. It is tradition that you address your fellow Lords as Lord or lady until they give you leave to address them by their name. In formal setting, you have to address them by their title though."

"But I have no idea about these things. What title I am supposed to give to people? How am I supposed to behave in this setting?"

Lord Macmillan said, "There is no time for that and I feel that none of us can actually teach it to you considering the constraints upon us. You would have to ask for someone else."

"But who can teach me these things? I mean don't even really know that many people. I know I was supposed to have already learnt these things but I haven't. Everyday I realise how much little I know about our world and it shames me to admit that I am embarrassed with the spectacle that unfolded in the wizengamot."

Neville said sombrely, "You need help, mate. You need someone who can teach you things so that you won't end up making a spectacle of yourself further."

"Do you volunteer to teach me?", Harry asked eagerly.

"Sorry mate, but I am not a very good teacher. You will have to find someone else. I don't have the patience that it requires."

"I can teach you", volunteered Daphne Greengrass.

Harry asked, a bit harshly, "And why would you do that Greengrass?"

She smirked, "Well, we are part of an alliance now, Lord Potter. I won't have you embarrassing us by your antics."

Neville whispered in Harry's ear, "She may have motives for doing this, mate but I feel that you should take up on this offer. I have had talked with several people but no one want to do this. She is the only bet that we have."

Harry nodded, "If you say so, Neville."

He then turned to Daphne, "I accept your offer, Greengrass. We will talk about it after the session."

She smirked, "sure thing, Lord Potter. Now my formal title is Lady Greengrass."

Augusta caught their attention, "The next thing that is on the agenda of the Wizengamot is the seats."

Harry raised his hand, "I don't understand it. How do these seats get divided?"

Daphne spoke, "Since I have agreed to help you, I will explain this. When the wizengamot was formed, the members were from the old houses which were called Ancient and Most Noble and Ancient and Noble House. Seats fell vacant as houses kept getting extinguished. The ministry with a unanimous vote decided to fill those seats by winners of the Award of Merlin or with people nominated by the ministry. Even then, an embargo was placed upon the ministry from taking more than 15 seats for such appointments. It is from those nominations that Albus Dumbledore became a member and later Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot."

"So what is the problem now?", asked Harry.

Augusta explained, "As you know, the seats were mostly filled by those in the past who supported Voldemort in the last two wizarding wars. With the battle of Hogwarts, most of them are either dead or in captivity. A number of lords who had went into hiding perished and as a result we have about 22 seats to be filled. The Ministry appointed seats are also to be filled which became vacant due to members being killed. We however are concerned with those seats which were occupied by death eaters in past. Some would like them to be taken again by death eaters but we can't have that."

Harry nodded, "We can't have that. There must be some way."

Augusta Longbottom nodded, "There is a way."

As they were discussing that, Lord Macmillan said, "We also have some issues which are to be deliberated upon namely the Chief Warlock and the Minister of Magic. Do we put a candidate there or do we wait and see who else will be running for the post?"

Augusta said, "Let it be left for discussion tomorrow, Lord Macmillan. This session is supposed to go on for 3 days."

As the session reconvened, Kingsley rapped his gavel, "Before this recess, the agenda which was being discussed was whether to allow or not to allow the supporters of Voldemort to retain their place on the wizengamot? Young Lord Longbottoom and Lord Fawley have already made their thoughts known before this body and now it is turn of other members to speak for or against this motion. Who else want to speak for or against this motion?"

A forest of hands went up including Augusta Longbottom. Kingsley knew she was not a member anymore and even she understood that she could not take a part in these proceedings yet she had raised her hand. He decided to give her a chance to speak, "Dowager Lady Longbottom, I believe this auspicious body would be benefitted by your wisdom."

She stood and said, "Minister, I merely want to state that perhaps this body should give a chance to them to speak who have fought for and shed blood for the freedom that we are savouring today. The youngsters who were incharge of the war and fought relentlessly despite the odds being stacked against them should be encouraged to participate in these proceedings."

Kingsley understood what Augusta was doing. She knew that despite her being an impressive personality in the society, it was Harry that people trusted more. If he were to speak about something then they undoubtedly would follow him. Having put him in front, she had ensured that the motion will sail smoothly.

Harry stood on his place and everyone noticed that he was now wearing the finest quality of robes that could be found. When he started to speak, people realised that he was a natural leader. He might have been nervous in the start but when he became comfortable then his thoughts and words flowed coherently and made people listen to him.

"Thank you Dowager Lady Longbottoom for giving me this opportunity. Respected lords and Ladies, I know I have little to no experience to speak in front of this body. In all the time that I have been back in this magical world, I have seen nothing but disgust and loathing from those who backed Voldemort and supported him in his wars. I have seen the muggleborns being hated, being tortured for just being magical and most at the hands of the death eaters and the pureblood families who supported Voldemort. I understand that this body is mostly made up of the old families and I have no intention to defy tradition but at the same time, I ask a question from myself. Should we not reward their efforts who helped us get rid of Voldemort and ilk? Should we not dislodge death eaters and their supporters from positions of influence in the society so that we can be more pragmatic and progressive? The half bloods, me included, the muggleborns and werewolf like Remus Lupin gave everything to help this world. Many of them are not with us anymore but they died with the hopes of a better future for our world. Can we have a better future if we don't strive to make that happen? I ask of this body and the members if we should allow the death eaters or their sympathisers back in their seats and thus give them all the power. I say that we should not allow them to come into positions of power that they would be able to hurt us. I say that we should stand against this. I support this motion and plead all of you to do so."

When he sat down, there was tremendous applause. When it died down, Kingsley said, "Now we will vote. Those in favour please raise your wand with tips green."

The motion passed through even if barely. 13 members were left of the previous body and 8 voted in favour while 5 opposed it. When the voting was done, Kingsley turned to the Wizengamot again, "Now I would take recommendations from this body about who should fill in these seats?"

Lord Macmillan stood, "I propose we offer one of these seats to the Weasley Family. They have done much for the wizarding world even if they have had to suffer at the hands of the death eaters and the society in general. They were ridiculed and scorned yet they have served our society with utmost devotion and care."

Kingsley nodded, "Lord Macmillan has proposed to award a seat to the House of Weasley in this body. Does anybody else support this motion?"

Harry stood up, "House of Potter and Black support this motion."

Kingsley continued, "Noted. Now we will vote on this issue. How many in favour?"

The House of Weasley was one of the oldest houses in Wizarding Britain and they had remained pure-blooded through ages. They were truly miracle family where each generation had almost as much member as the previous one while other families were dying due to the lesser number of children being born. Also they were coming into wealth and influence now and it would not do for most of them to scorn them. The chosen one himself was very close to them and that itself was a fact which swayed a lot of opinions.

When Kingsley asked for votes, the motion passed with 10 votes in favour and 3 in oppose.

"House of Weasley is being invited to take a seat in these chambers and the head of the family Arthur William Weasley will henceforth be known Lord Weasley to the wizarding world."

With that said, the scribe named Percival Ignatius Weasley was sent to fetch the newly minted lord from the office of the Minister of Magic where Arthur was toiling away in paperwork which rightfully belonged to Kingsley's lot but was foisted by him on the minister.

When Arthur Weasley arrived, he was made to stand in front of the entire Wizengamot and Kingsley addressed him, "Arthur Septimus Weasley, the wizengamot has decided to elevate the position of House of Weasley and ennoble your house which shall run in perpetuity until the house of Weasley is extinguished. Do you Arthur Septimus accept this decision of this hallowed chamber?"

Arthur straightened and said, "I accept, Minister."

Arthur was led to a seat beside Ernie Macmillan and House Weasley joined its peers up there. Kingsley continued, "Now there are about 20 more posts vacant and we will be taking nominations for them."

Ernie Macmillan stood, "I propose House of Diggory to be offered a place on the wizengamot."

Now it was an interesting wrinkle and not something that anyone had thought about. Amos Diggory was the only one left in his family so to offer a seat to them was considered a bad move by most of them though they needed to vote on the issue now that it had been proposed.

"Does anybody Lord Macmillan's proposal?"

Harry stood up, "House of Potter and Black second this motion."

As people mulled over what it meant, Daphne's mental gears were whirring. A lot was going on behind the scenes than she had initially thought. There was something that was being done and she was not a party to it despite being a part of the alliance. Kingsley was also befuddled. He didn't know what Dowager Longbottom was playing at but he could feel that she was lining the wizengamot with her allies.

The vote was passed with 8-5 and House Diggory became a member.

The next item was actually a surprise.

Neville stood up on his place, "I propose House of Shacklebolt to be made a member of this body notwithstanding that Kingsley Shacklebolt is temporary minister of magic. His family has always sat on the wizengamot and it won't do to keep out of it now."

This was actually surprising for Kingsley. If the houses wanted him as a member of the body then it was sure that they had made up their mind about not electing him as the permanent minister of magic. There went his dreams down the drain!

"Does anyone second this motion?"

To his visible horror, Harry Potter stood, "I support this motion, Minister."

"Those in support of the motion, please raise your wands."

He had been hoping that many would be opposed to it and in favour of keeping him as the minister but dashing his hopes, everyone raised their wands as one and by unanimous vote, House Kingsley became a member.

"Since I am the temporary minister of magic and I get to vote in that capacity, the vote which accrues to me as Lord of House Kingsley shall remain in abeyance if my appointment becomes permanent."

As things progressed, seats were awarded to most of those who had stayed with the light or remained neutral during the second war. Of the 18 seats, 11 were filled with those who were clearly allied to the light side while 7 remained in contention because there were not many worthy candidates to fill them.

Finally, Kingsley rapped his gavel for final time of the day, "The Wizengamot stands in abeyance till tomorrow morning when we will reconvene to proceed further."

Immediately after the meeting, Harry was invited to the meeting of allies at Longbottom manor where a meeting was going to take place.

Daphne sat by his side in the meeting and heard over what was being said while offering very little in way of suggestions.

"We are down to last 7 seats and these were held by the dark faction traditionally in the past. The problem is that we don't have candidates that we can put forth for these seats", said Augusta Longbottom, "Does anyone have any suggestions?"

Daphne spoke for the first time, "Why not let them by held by those who sat in the dark faction? I mean not all of them supported you-know-who and alienating them from the society would send a bad message and cause a ripple in the already fragile society."

"I second her thoughts", said Lord Fawley, "It will best to let those houses have a lead in those seats. I remember that House Nott supported You-know-who but the current heir Theo Nott has done little in the way of furthering the pure blood agenda of the dark houses. We can offer some seats to some of those who are not really a threat to our society."

They mulled over this and bickered a little but agreed at last that they would allow for the rest of seats to be taken by such houses.

After the meeting was over, Harry got up to leave and Daphne caught up with him, "Lord Potter, since I have agreed to teach you things about our world I need to meet you on daily basis. Would it suit you to visit me at Greengrass manor or shall I visit you at your place of residence or Andy's place?"

"I will think about it, Gre.. err Lady Greengrass", Harry said taking his leave.

How do I get out of the hole I dug up for myself?

"How was your day Harry?", Andromeda asked him as he stumbled out of the floo.

"Tiring", he said, "Andy how do I get out of a hole I have dug up for myself?"

She cocked her head from side to side, "What do you mean?"

He told her in detail about everything that had happened and she sighed, "I tried to warn you yesterday but you didn't pay heed to my warning. I am telling you this for first and last time, Harry. If you are being difficult and will not hear me then I will leave this house with Teddy and never let you near him."

The threat had the desired effect on him and he said pleadingly, "I will do anything that you want but don't talk about leaving this place."

She nodded, "Good boy. Now why you didn't owl order your robes yesterday?"

"Andromeda, I don't have an owl anymore. Since I lost Hedwig, I have not owned one."

"Harry, I know you were fond of that owl but you will need one now. In fact, you will need a parliament of owls because at times you will need to send many letters at once", she explained.

He nodded, "Alright, I will go to Eyelops Owl Emporium tomorrow to see if they have an owl or many owls."

She nodded, "Now what about appointing a regent for House Black?"

Suddenly he had a very bright idea, "Andy, why don't you become a regent for House Black?"

"Me?", she asked, "Why do you think I can take that role?"

"Because you were a Black and there is no one better than you to be a regent. I will also pay a fixed monthly salary to you for being the regent", he said almost beseeching her.

She thought for long about it. She of course needed the gold and couldn't ask him. Teddy needed her at all times so she had little time of her own. She could do with a fixed income for that way she would be able to give Teddy a life without worrying about the money.

"I will accept, Harry", she said, "I have also ordered three wizengamot robes for you to wear to the Wizengamot."

He smiled brightly, "Thank you, Andromeda. You are a life-saver."

She hesitated before she said, "there is a problem though."

"What?", he asked.

"Harry, I was cast out of the family and as such, I cannot take the mantle of regent unless I have been reinstated in the house again."

He asked her, with confusion on his face, "How does one reinstate you in the house?"

"Ask Kreacher to bring you the grimoire. It has the procedure written in it."

About 10 minutes later, Andromeda sat on her knees as Harry said, "Andromeda Cassiopeia Tonks nee Black, you were cast out of the house previously but are being reinstated. Will you serve the house of Black with equal fervour, zeal and enthusiasm as the house will do to you?"

She replied haughtily, "I do."

"Do you, Andromeda, promise to serve the house and your lord as they would do the same for you?"

"I do."

"Then rise again as Andromeda Black, the daughter of House Black."

She stood, her eyes filled with tears and she said with moist voice, "Thank you, Lord Black."

A minister, an elder, a chief warlock

The next morning descended bright upon Wizarding Britain. The newspapers were filled with the news about the session.

"New Wizengamot convenes

The wizengamot convened its first meeting after the war for the first time yesterday and as expected, it was chaotic. With the temporary minister of magic working as the chief warlock, he introduced those members who have remained in their seats through the war and it is with grave sadness that we report that only 13 such Lords survived the second war.

Of the new ascensions, there were many but the one that caught most stares was Lord Harry Potter who also holds the lordship for House Black due to being named as heir for Sirius Black who had named him as his heir in his will.

Lord Potter, however, it seemed that was out to defy traditions and customs. Opposed to other members, he was clad in a jeans and a t-shirt and stuck out as a patch on a silk sheet. Whether it was to start a new trend or to defy the norms and customs or whether it was sheer ignorance of our ways and customs is something we will never know.

He further acted like a child when he spoke out of turn at the gathering and could not even bother to properly address his fellow lords and ladies. It begs us to question what the boy-who-lived has learned through his life about his position in our society and his station. While it may seem otherwise but this reporter has reasons to suspect that Lord Potter does not even care about his clothes or how he carries himself in the society.

When the wizengamot reconvened after recess, he however was wearing the standard wizengamot robes and it looks like some of his fellow lords prevailed upon him. We will wait and see what new perspective he brings to this august body."

Harry was cringing as he read the newspaper but that was water under the bridge now.

When he and Andromeda went to the Wizengamot, she took a seat in the stand while he sat between the lords and waited for Kingsley to resume.

"Welcome to the second day of the wizengamot session where we have assembled to select the members of this esteemed body", said Kingsley.

He then turned to Harry, "Lord Potter, you were supposed to appoint a Regent for House of Black. We are awaiting the details."

Harry stood, "House of Black do hereby under the writ of the Lord of Black, appoint Andromeda Cassiopeia Black nee Tonks as the Regent for House Black after having reinstated her in the family."

This was an interesting wrinkle. Andromeda was a Black by birth and she knew how pureblood minds worked. Having here there in the Wizengamot would make things interesting for everyone. Kingsley just hoped that she would be an asset to him and his plans.

"Is Andromeda Tonks nee Black here in the chamber?", Kingsley asked the chamber in general.

She rose from her seat in the spectator stands, "I am here, Minister Shacklebolt."

"Lord Black has selected you as Regent of the House of Black. Do you accept these responsibilities?"

She raised her head and said regally, "I do accept, Minister."

With that, Andromeda climbed to her seat and became the Regent for House of Black. Kingsley continued, "Does anybody have any proposals?"

Daphne Greengrass stood, "Minister, while a lot of pureblood houses supported you-know-who but there are a lot of those who heirs did nothing to support him or his ideology. Many of them remained neutral in the war or even helped the light side in small ways. Keeping those houses out of this body will be doing a disservice to them. I propose that we offer their seats back to them and let their heirs take it."

Kingsley could not understand what was happening anymore. Every member of the alliance had his own agenda and made their own motion. He was sure that Greengrass had become a part of the light alliance but exactly what they intended to gain by allowing entry of those houses in wizengamot again? He however had to conduct a vote on the proposal put forward by Daphne Greengrass.

"Is there anyone who seconds this motion?", asked Kingsley.

Arthur Weasley rose from his place, "House Weasley seconds the proposal."

Kingsley was aghast. How could Arthur second this proposal? Exactly what they had taught him in those chambers in a few minutes that he was ready to second this harebrained motion. His hands however were tied. He had never thought that Arthur Weasley could be selected to become a member of the Wizengamot. Clearly others had been busy behind his back. He however was assured that Harry Potter was behind him still and he would oppose this motion.

"Please raise your wands if you are in favour of the motion."

To his horror, the first one who rose his wand was Harry himself with Andromeda following quickly. 7 wands went up and Kingsley almost had a heart attack. Out of the 6 that had opposed, half belonged to the alliance and four belonged to those who supported the motion. He wasn't sure anymore if Harry was on his side anymore.

"Those oppose the motion, please raise your wands."

Only 6 opposed and the motion was passed.

"Now we will take suggestions as to which houses can be allowed to retain their seats", he announced.

After a lot of debate and voting, Felix Rosier of House Rosier, House of Nott led by Theo Nott, House of Bole led by Lucian Bole, House of Warrington led by Cassius Warrington, House of Montague led by Graham Montague, House of Vaisey with Aaron Vaisey, House of Bletchley with Miles Bletchley and House of Higgs with Terrence Higgs were invited to take seats on the Wizengamot.

Those seven weren't known to have been involved in the war at all and therefore, they were allowed to retain their seats.

Of these 7, House Rosier was an anomaly. In the past, Rosiers had always supported Voldemort. In fact, Felix's father had been a member of the inner circle of the Dark Lord during the first war and his elder son, Evan Rosier was a very competent duellist. Felix's father had been killed in a death eater raid at the hands of the Aurors and Evan Rosier was killed by Alastor Moody in a duel which almost ended in Alastor's death until he got lucky and escaped with only losing a chunk of his nose. Felix was not a death eater, never was branded and did nothing to profess his loyalty to Voldemort. He in fact had fled Wizarding Britain when the death eaters took over and remained in France and had returned very recently.

Kingsley spoke again, "Now we have all the seats occupied, we will proceed to other matters. The first order of business is selection of a Chief Warlock. The previous Chief Warlock is in prison and awaiting trial for his death eater activities. Are there any nominations?"

Abercrombie stood up, "I nominate Lord Octavius Orpington for the post of chief warlock."

"Lord Abercrombie has proposed Lord Orpington as the Chief Warlock. Does anybody support this motion?"

Lord Shaw stood, "I support this motion."

Kingsley rapped his gavel, "Is there any other nomination for the post of Chief Warlock?"

Neville stood up on cue, "I nominate Hamish Macmillan as the Chief Warlock."

This brought Kingsley up short. He realised suddenly why Hamish Macmillan had abdicated in favour of his son. He intended to remain in the chamber, become the chief warlock and keep his son on his family seat.

"Is there anyone else who supports this motion?"

Arthur stood up, "I support this motion."

"Lord Weasley has supported this motion. Are there any more nominations?"

There were none and Kingsley waited for five minutes before continuing; "Now we will vote on the motion."

The vote was one side with 20 voting in Macmillan's favour including the seven who were in the dark faction while 15 were in support of Abercrombie who lost the vote but it visibly didn't cause him any discomfort.

Kingsley continued, "I now vacate this place in favour of the newly anointed Chief Warlock."

Hamish Macmillan strode to the seat of the Chief Warlock. He bowed to the seat before he ascended to it and then started speaking in a slow mellifluous tone, "I thank this auspicious body for this opportunity to serve our society as the Chief Warlock. It is an indeed a position of honour and reverence for me since this position has been occupied by the likes of Albus Dumbledore in the past who was a towering giant in our society and who gave up his life for the betterment of our society. I hereby solemnly resolve to always work for the betterment of our society and for better relations between all of us irrespective of any distinction that common wizards and witches may have drawn between themselves."

His speech was met with warm applause while Daphne realised what was happening. As a chief warlock, Hamish Macmillan was supposed to remain neutral and in that capacity, he could not be a part of the alliance. By placing his son in the position of Lord, he had ensured that his house would remain in the alliance and he would get to be the Chief Warlock. A very smooth move indeed. And she was sure that something else was coming.

"Now the first thing on the agenda is to select elders of the Wizengamot. In the past there have been at least 5 elders up there on the bench who have guided us with their wisdom. We still have Elder Ogden, Elder Marchbanks and Elder McDougall with us and we are short of two elders on the wizengamot. As is the practice, these posts are not subject to vote but nominations and it is on the discretion of the Chief Warlock to nominate suitable candidates from a list of names. Does anybody have any proposals?"

Daphne had understood the game by now and stood on her place, in order to let others know that she understood what they had been playing at, "I propose Augusta Longbottom to be nominated as Elder to this body."

Harry stood, "I propose to nominate Elphias Doge as an Elder to the Wizengamot."

There were no more forthcoming names and after 5 minutes, Hamish Macmillan announced, "We are honoured to nominate Augusta Longbottom and Elphias Doge as the Elders to the Wizengamot. Let they be sworn in when this marathon session of the Wizengamot is at its end."

"Now the next thing on agenda is to select the new minister of Magic. As I understand, temporary Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt has made a motion to make his appointment permanent through a vote of this auspicious body which is perfectly within the rules. Are there any other nominations?"

Kingsley was very worried. If the alliance projected someone else as the minister then he would be done for. He lowered his head and tried not to think about it when a voice resounded in his ears, "I propose Lord Abercrombie for the minister of Magic."

It was Lord Orpington who was making the said motion and Lord Shaw stood from his place, "I second the motion."

The new chief warlock was amused. Abercrombie and Orpington were noble houses which were minor when it came to the old houses. They remained on the fringes of the light spectrum and always tried to get some glory for themselves. When Dumbledore was around, he indulged them because they served his purposes but when he was ousted, former Lord Orpington had become the Chief Warlock with the help of the bumbling food Fudge but the Lord Abercrombie was not worthy to become minister especially when compared to Kingsley Shacklebolt who came from a very illustrious line.

"Let it be entered into the record that Lord Shaw has seconded the motion. Are there any more nominations?"

When there were none, the Chief Warlock said, "We will now take votes for the post. Those in favour of Lord Orpington please raise your wands."

There were 16 wands raised his favour and Kingsley was scared. There were 35 votes on the wizengamot and 16 had just selected his opponent. It left 18 members as he could not vote on his own election and even if 2 of them abstained from casting a vote, it would be a tie which would be worse than a defeat. He started praying to the powers that be that the alliance would vote for him, though he knew many of them had voted for Orpington.

Chief Warlock Macmillan had counted the votes and turned to chamber again, "Now those in favour of Kingsley Shacklebolt raise your wands."

One by one wands started going up and with every such vote, Kingsley's heartbeats started getting fast. When there were 16 votes, he was fervently praying that nothing bad would come out of it. That he would get to become the minister of magic. That the vote would pass.

Finally, Amos Diggory raised his hand and the votes came to 17. After 5 minutes, Chief Warlock declared, "Kingsley Shacklebolt is elected the Minister of Magic by vote of 17-16. We wish you luck, Minister."

As Kingsley was seated, Macmillan started again, "Now the next item on agenda is the "Foster Program" which has been devised by the Minister for the benefit of the Orphans of war. Minister you have the floor."