Ch. 3 Who's the real minister of magic?

When Harry awoke, he was in a carriage and could see Hogwarts in the distance. He turned slowly around in his seat.

"Harry! Harry, are you okay? You fell so hard and so suddenly that we thought you . . . well . . ." Hermione mumbled.

"What happened?" Harry asked.

"We were going to ask you that, mate. You just kind of fell." Although Harry could not see Ron, he knew that it was his voice.

"Do you think you need to see Madam Pomfrey? She could give you some chocolate to eat and you would feel much better."

"No, I'm fine," Harry said briskly. "I don't want anyone to know what happened. I think it has something to do with Fudge and the death eaters. Maybe Voldemort is involved as well." He tried to sit up, having just realized that his head was in Hermione's lap. He instantly became so dizzy, that he had to lie down again. "I'm alright," he told himself.

Harry still couldn't stand properly after they reached Hogwarts, so he had to lean on Hermione as he walked into the Great Hall.

"Oh, Harry finally found himself a girlfriend! With a mudblood!" Malfoy shrieked.

"No, Harry, just keep walking," Hermione said to him.

After the sorting hat's song, the feast began. Everyone eat as much as they could and Dumbledore stood up for his speech.

"That's who I should tell. Dumbledore!" Harry whispered to Ron and Hermione. He saw still leaning on Hermione for support. "He is the one who needs to know!"

"The start of a new school year. What a wonderful time. A have just a few announcements before you can head to your dormitories. First of all, Filch wants me to remind you that dungbombs and several other items, all on the list of 403 items that are banned, are on his door. I should remind you that the forbidden forest is forbidden to everyone. Quidditch trials are this week, and you may talk to your head of house if you are wishing to try out. And finally, we have a new teacher this year. Dolores Umbridge from the ministry of magic."

Several Slytherins applauded and a handful of other students, not knowing what or whom they were clapping for.

"Now, head to your dormitories, for we have a full day ahead of us!" Dumbledore ended his speech and everyone began to stand up. Harry saw Hermione telling Ron to help the first years get to the Gryffindor dormitories, and she would help Harry.

As soon as Harry managed to get into his bed, he fell asleep. If only everyone else in the castle could just as easily. Several floors away, Dumbledore was pacing his study. He had found out what happened on the train when Hermione Granger stepped into his office several moments ago. This was terrible. He had arranged for several witches to help Fudge into Saint Mungos. They were now trying to help him as best they could.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Enter," Dumbledore said in his deep voice. "Hello, Percy. How can I help you this evening?"

Percy pretended that he didn't hear Dumbledore and looked down at his parchment. He began to read.

Dear Dumbledore,

Hoping you are well. You probably heard about what happened to dear Cornelius Fudge. No one knows what happened, but it looks like a dementor's kiss. We need a new minister now, and everyone wants you, despite you being a liar about Voldemort's return. You will be forgiven if you help us. You are the wizarding world's only hope. Yes, you may remain headmaster of Hogwarts.

Rufus Scrimgeour

Head of Auror Department

"Well, I see I have to take this post. I am the wizarding world's last hope." Dumbledore sighed deeply. "I am an old man. I don't know how much help I can be, but I might as well try." With those words scribbled down by Percy, he sat down in his chair with a thud.