The next three weeks continued apace for the Potters and all their friends. Two weeks after Harry and Hermione returned from France, Hogwarts let out for a week's break. The Grangers had a trip planned with a group of friends that had been in the works for two years, so Harry and Hermione decided to stay at school while Jean and Neil enjoyed their two weeks of river cruising. They missed the Grangers, who also lamented over not seeing them, but with OWLs looming, there was plenty to keep them busy. About half their friends left, but many stayed and the week was well used to catch up on schoolwork.
With the horcrux gone, Harry found himself sleeping better and had no more incidents of headaches related to Voldemort's emotions. While he was happy with the change from a personal perspective, part of him wished that he might still have a bit of insight into what Voldemort was up to. Each arrival of the Daily Prophet brought a sense of trepidation as the Great Hall grew quiet and every student checked for bad news. One second year muggleborn left the school abruptly and the word was that his parents had been targeted and he had been sent to out of country relatives. In addition, the Death Eaters were up to their usual games in targeting random muggles. The attacks followed the Death Eaters' pattern of arriving quick, wreaking havoc and murder, and then portkeying or apparating away. Harry knew he shouldn't feel responsible, but each attack made him itch to do something and he silently sent encouragement to the miners in Russia to hurry up with the stone they needed. Hermione felt his concern and did what she could to reassure him, but she understood Harry's frustration. Without her though, Harry knew he would have been in much worse condition.
One thing that Harry could do was to prepare for the ultimate battles that were still to come. Each morning he was up early to run with Hermione and their friends. The grounds of Hogwarts had now thawed and they enjoyed the crisp Scottish air in the mornings. After, they all went to the Room of Requirement for strength training before getting ready for a day of classes. Tonks continued to teach two nights a week, with only one exception when she was called away for other duties. While she added a couple of new spells, she began to instead focus on linking spell chains together and improving speed and reflexes even more. Harry insisted on continuing his snake drills. Some of the others weren't as happy and sat the drills out, but Hermione always gritted her teeth and stayed right alongside him.
After nearly three weeks running the drills, Harry thought that he was as ready as ever and wanted to go look for Nagini. April was now waning and the weather had warmed enough that he hoped a cold blooded reptile would be prone to roaming more. The problem still was getting an idea of where Voldemort and his blasted familiar were. For that reason he decided it was time to talk to one of his allies in particular and sent a sealed letter to Amelia at her home, requesting a private meeting as soon as possible.
Amelia replied the next day and Harry arranged for him and Hermione to visit Bones Manor the following evening at eight. He was anxious to feel like he was doing something for a change and the news that morning of a major attack on a small muggle village didn't help at all. The Aurors arrived as usual just as the Death Eaters were fleeing. They just couldn't seem to respond quick enough, which Harry and Hermione both wondered about. Once again stuck with schoolwork, they left for classes carrying the Daily Prophet and it's bad news. The day seemed to drag and both were looking forward to their meeting with Amelia that evening.
Shortly after lunch, Harry and Hermione were on the way to Potions when a third year ran up to them with a sealed message. Since they still had a few minutes until class, they stepped aside and Harry read the brief message.
Lord and Lady Potter,
A message has been received from your ally cancelling your meeting this evening with deep regret. There is much happening today that must be attended to. Please meet at my office at three after your last class.
Dumbledore
Harry growled in frustration and wadded up the note as Hermione put a comforting hand on his arm.
Harry love, there must be a good reason. Or maybe a bad reason. We'll talk to Dumbledore in a couple of hours.
I know, but it's just so damn frustrating! I want to do something, not sit here like a good little schoolboy.
I feel the same way, but it won't help anyone to go running off without good intelligence. We need to talk to Amelia since we haven't in several weeks.
Harry nodded, feeling mildly calmed, but not completely. Hermione took him by a hand and led him to Potions. The class didn't inspire him and Professor Tonks' usually calm demeanor even seemed to be flustered. When the class dismissed, she held them back for a moment.
"Harry, what is wrong? Your work is not up to the standards I am used to. Your furious stirring of the bright eyes potion completely soured it."
"Sorry professor. I've got a lot on my mind. It's too bloody quiet. At least here at school. Elsewhere the Death Eaters seem to have free rein. It's hard to just sit here."
"I understand, but you need to calm your emotions and focus. Losing control when the battle does come to you won't help matters. Now, since your potion curdled so badly it couldn't be submitted, I would like twelve inches of parchment explaining why movement effects the particular ingredients in this potion so severely."
Harry suppressed a groan and nodded. Just what he needed, more mindless work. He grumbled a goodbye to the professor and followed Hermione out of the room as she led the way to the headmaster's office. The gargoyle passed them through quickly and then they were standing at Dumbledore's door. When he called them in, Harry stalked in with annoyance, as Hermione continued to try to calm him. Dumbledore looked over his glasses at Harry and pondered his mood.
"Good afternoon Lord and Lady Potter. Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing is the matter! Everything is normal here at Hogwarts! Nothing of note at all. Well, except for the newspapers constantly delivering more bad news that I can't do shit about!"
"Ah, I see, the problem of waiting. I can sympathize. I've experienced similar situations at different times during my career. Several times during the last war. The best thing to do is to continue to prepare and gather intelligence so that you are ready when the opportunity comes. I suppose your intended meeting with Madam Bones was for intelligence gathering?"
Harry gave rough nod as he finally sat down next to Hermione.
"Well, I know Madam Bones was looking forward to your meeting, but other events took precedence unfortunately. You'll see it all in the morning, but as a member of the Wizengamot, I would imagine an owl is on the way now. There is an emergency session tonight. The last attack on the town of Dorpson Heath saw seventy killed. Included in that were the muggle cousins of Lord Sanford, one of the minor houses, but he is still well connected. Fudge was barely hanging on before, but this last attack was too much. He is being called forward to submit for a vote of no confidence. If that passes, I have been informed that several lords will push for an immediate vote on a replacement. It is a bit unusual, but given the circumstances, I believe the vote is probable. Also, I wish to offer to accompany you to the session. Unless you feel guards are necessary?"
Harry's eyes grew wide as he took in the information. It was good news to hear that Fudge had finally gone too far with his blindness. Obviously this took precedence over anything else and he felt himself cool down a bit. He pondered the question of guards only briefly, but thought he would be fine. He had attended two Wizengamot sessions since his first. Both times Amelia had Tonks accompany him and, other than the usual sneers from certain factions, he had experienced no issues. His thoughts were interrupted by Hermione's.
Wow. The Ministry must be in a furor right now. I can only imagine how busy the DMLE is today.
Harry silently agreed with his wife and personally chastised himself for feeling slighted at the cancellation of the meeting, when there was a very good cause. Taking a deep breath, he looked up to Dumbledore.
"This is indeed momentous news sir. Thank you for the advance warning. I suppose I should make sure Dobby has my Wizengamot robes ready."
At the sound of his name, the elf popped in.
"Lord Harry Potter sir! Youse be needing the big robes?"
"Um, yes Dobby, but not for a few hours probably."
Dobby nodded and popped out to do his bidding as Dumbledore smirked at the elf's devotion.
"Well he certainly is efficient. Thank you for the offer to accompany me sir, I will gladly accept. So far I haven't had any outright threats, but with a meeting this monumental, I expect that emotions will run high."
Dumbledore agreed and then Hermione took her husband's hand and stood to leave the office.
"Thank you for the information headmaster. I suppose we should get some studying done before Harry is called away to the meeting."
Harry followed her out of the office and they returned to their apartment. With OWLs now only about ten weeks away, it was a constant struggle to keep up with their workload. They had barely sat down at the table when a screech owl arrived at the window. Hermione let it in while Hedwig eyed the intruder carefully. When Harry removed the letter it carried, he saw the familiar seal of the Wizengamot and opened it quickly. The note inside was brief and to the point.
Well, it's official. Emergency session of the Wizengamot at seven. I should probably try to eat before. Who knows how long it will take.
Hermione agreed and they studied for a couple of hours. About a half hour after they started, their friends began arriving to join them as usual. While everyone was busy with a mountain of work, it felt good to have his friends around him, even if each person was focused on their own work and the room was silent. Promptly at six, Harry and Hermione packed up and headed for dinner. Usually they would wait a few minutes, but their friends all agreed and no one asked why they were going down a bit early. Their group was some of the first in the dining hall and the food had yet to arrive. As soon as everyone was seated though, an array of dishes appeared before them. Although no elves were visible, Harry called out a thank you to Dobby and everyone began eating. When the rest of the school started to file in, they seemed a bit surprised by the early diners, but soon were distracted by their own food.
At six thirty, Harry gave Hermione a deep kiss and excused himself from the table. Although no one voiced the question, Hermione knew what they were thinking.
"Emergency Wizengamot session everyone. We'll know more later."
Ginny let out a low whistle and shook her head. Once everyone finished dessert, they all decided to retreat to the library for some research.
While Hermione and their friends continued with the usual routine of homework, Harry made his way from the dining hall and back to their apartment. Once he was there, Dobby popped in and delivered his pressed and ready robes. He added his robe clasp as well and then tried to flatten his hair as best as possible. Once he was set, he quickly went to the headmaster's office and found Dumbledore ready and waiting.
"Very good Lord Potter. Thank you for allowing us ample time. Shall we?"
Harry nodded and followed Dumbledore through the floo. They stepped out in the Ministry atrium and saw more traffic than would be usual for that hour. A number of people turned to look at Dumbledore, who had started a conversation with Harry about the merits of the different house Quidditch teams. Harry knew the headmaster was trying to keep the mood as light as possible and appreciated it. When they reached the lifts, the other Wizengamot members made room for the Chief Warlock and they were soon nearing the Wizengamot chambers. As they passed by Crabbe Sr. talking to Yaxley, both men glared at Harry, but stayed well back of Dumbledore. Harry had to admit that the man cut as wide a swath through the crowds as his goblin guard had.
Once they were in chambers, they separated and Harry immediately made his way toward Matron Longbottom. She turned to greet him with a smile.
"Good evening Lord Potter. I'm glad you came since you missed the last session."
"Of course I couldn't miss this. The last session was strictly budgetary and most of the items were worked out well before. The matter of a new Minister is something else entirely."
At that moment, Madam Bones joined them and looked at Harry.
"Lord Potter, you seem to think the matter of the vote is a foregone conclusion?"
"Well, I certainly hope so. Fudge's blindness has been digging a hole for the Ministry. I would hope others could see the same."
"You hope for a lot my young lord. Although the enthusiasm and simplicity of youth is refreshing, I've grown jaded since long before I took the Longbottom seat. I certainly hope for the same outcome, but I anticipate a long night. Tell me, if Fudge is ousted, what are your thoughts on an immediate replacement?"
"The sooner the better. Fudge has already wasted enough time. I suppose the question then is who will replace him? Madam Bones, is it not traditional for the head of the DMLE to be a common candidate?"
"Yes, although I don't know if I'm comfortable with it. And I don't know if anyone is planning on putting me name forward."
"Well, you have my support if you wish. We need someone with a martial background right now."
Harry nodded along with Matron Longbottom's statement and then Sirius appeared. Further talk was ended by the booming voice of Dumbledore calling everyone to their seats. After a few minutes of shuffling, the buzz in the hall quieted and the Chief Warlock began the incantation to start the session and seal the room before introducing the reason for the session.
"Good evening everyone. Thank you for attending this 192nd special session of the Wizengamot. Events of the past weeks have prompted us to respond to the dire circumstances we find ourselves faced with. Lord Sanford, I believe it is your place to make the first motion."
"Thank you Chief Warlock. Two nights ago my house lost two dear cousins due to the terrorist activities of the Death Eaters. This was just the latest in a sequence of attacks totaling twenty-three in the last month. Casualties have ranged from two to seventy-one, with the last being the worst. Myself and others have tried to speak to Minister Fudge on multiple occasions, but he has been denouncing me as quote: 'a fear-mongering imbecile'. Our country is obviously under attack and we need strong and decisive leadership. I officially submit for a vote of no confidence against Cornelius Fudge on the grounds that he has failed to protect the magical people of Britain."
Lord Sanford sat and a moment later Lord Selwyn stood.
"I second the motion for a vote of no confidence."
That brought a murmur through the hall. The House of Selwyn was a minor house and historically careful about maintaining neutrality. As the murmur grew, the Chief Warlock called the chambers to attention and regained control.
"Thank you Lords Sanford and Selwyn. Per the charter of this body, the seconded motion is accepted and will be put to a vote. As is usual, the accused may now speak on his behalf. Once he is finished, others can request three minutes apiece to speak for or against the motion. Minister Fudge, the floor is yours."
Fudge stood, looking rather pink and flushed at the accusations. The combination with his green hat was quite astonishing. He took a moment to collect his thoughts as he glared at the two lords.
"Lord Sanford, while I have expressed my condolences on you recent loss, we cannot let personal grief cloud our decisions on the best path for all of magical Britain. I have not seen conclusive proof that any supposed Dark Lord has returned. What we are dealing with is a few small groups of thugs that the DMLE needs to deal with. I believe the question of these continued attacks needs to be placed with Director Bones and her department. We must remain cautious. Panic will only cause the situation to worsen, as well as impacting our businesses and economy. I call for those who have stood by myself and my house to do so once again in the face of these spurious charges."
Fudge sat, looking a bit smug as he obviously called in alliances and thought himself safe. Harry took a moment to breathe, wishing Hermione was next to him to help calm him down, then he raised his wand to get the Chief Warlock's attention. Dumbledore nodded briefly at him and then addressed chambers.
"Thank you for your statement Minister Fudge. I now recognize Lord Potter, who has three minutes to speak."
Harry stood and rubbed his signet lightly as he held his head up and gazed around the chambers.
"Thank you Chief Warlock, I will try to be brief. In regards to Minister Fudge's statement that he has received no conclusive proof about Voldemort's return…"
Harry's use of the Dark Lord's name caused the space to buzz and the Chief Warlock had to call the room to attention, while also resetting Harry's time counter.
"As I was saying, I have evidence that proves Minister Fudge was told about the Dark Lord's return. Since everyone here is scared of a silly fake name, then I will call him Tom Riddle. That is the name he was born with, named after his muggle father by his witch mother moments before she died after giving birth. And before anyone here denies it, I know this because his shade told me when I faced him during my second year at Hogwarts. He also answered to that name after I was witness to his resurrection last June. I submitted my statement to that fact under oath in the Minister's presence. I can assure you that my magic has worked fine since, so I did not falsify my statement under oath. In addition, I provided a pensieve memory to Director Bones. I believe she was going to try to show it to the Minister, although I have no idea if she was ever successful. As for the Minister's fear of economic and business impact, I think anyone who wanders down Diagon Alley right now will see that the recent attacks have already caused people to start running. As for the DMLE's response to the attacks, they have been hampered by constant funding cutbacks and the Minister's regular refusal for special allocations. The funding and allocation records are public record and anyone can verify that statement. I stand with Lords Sanford and Selwyn and call my allies to do the same. It is time to take the blinders off, prepare for war, fight and defeat Voldemort once and for all."
Harry's voice grew every so gradually louder and more forceful as he spoke. When he finished, the sudden silence was deafening, but lasted only moments before the first clap was heard. Then a few other claps joined in until the Chief Warlock called for silence again. Several spoke for the Minister, including Malfoy, Crabbe, and Zabini. Another half dozen spoke against the Minister, including Longbottom, Greengrass, Edgecombe, and several lesser houses. Once no one else raised a wand to speak, the Chief Warlock stood.
"Thank you to everyone for your statements and your dedication to these proceedings. As no one else has signaled to speak, let us take the vote. As you all know, a no confidence vote is by two thirds quorum only. The vote is silent using the devices in front of each of your seats. Place your wand on the voting block if you vote in agreement. If you wish to vote for Minister Fudge to remain, keep your wands away. You will have two minutes."
The chambers grew quiet as Harry placed his wand on the voting block. He looked up to see that Fudge was visibly sweating and didn't look as polished as usual. Finally, the long minutes passed and the Chief Warlock stood again.
"The vote is complete. I have a no confidence vote totaling 71 percent. Cornelius Oswald Fudge, you are hereby relieved of your duties as Minister of Magic."
The chambers began to hum with multiple conversations again as Fudge was escorted out by two Auror guards. The Chief Warlock gave everyone a minute and then called for order. As he spoke, another wand was raised and Dumbledore's attention turned to Lord Macmillan, who he gave a slight nod to.
"Thank you Chief Warlock. I wish to introduce a motion for an immediate placement for a new Minister. Since we are already under attack, I don't feel we can wait."
"I second that motion."
Once Sirius had seconded the motion, Dumbledore called for an immediate vote. Since the matter was mainly procedural, only a standard majority was needed. When that was completed, Dumbledore announced that it had passed easily, signaling the next phase of the historical session. The first person to raise their wand and be acknowledged after the vote for an immediate replacement was Matron Longbottom.
"I wish to nominate Madam Amelia Bones to the position. With a war beginning, we need strong leadership with a law enforcement background."
As she spoke, Augusta looked pointedly at Harry and he took his cue.
"I second Matron Longbottom's nomination of Madam Bones."
Dumbledore nodded at Harry and turned back to look around the chambers.
"Duly noted. Our first nominee is Madam Amelia Bones. Madam Bones, do you accept the nomination?"
Amelia hid her feelings well, despite her reservations on accepting. Still, she was a public servant and never had magical Britain needed her more. She had no husband or children and Susan was in school for ten months out of the year. She had the time needed to dedicate to the office. She stood and looked first at Augusta, then Harry, and finally Dumbledore.
"Yes Chief Warlock, I am honored to accept the nomination."
Amelia sat and next to raise a wand was Richard Selwyn, who nominated Rufus Scrimgeour. After him, Malfoy raised his wand and nominated Lord Yaxley. Finally, Scion Travers nominated Lady Bulstrode. Surprisingly, the woman declined the nomination. With no other nominations forthcoming, Dumbledore officially acknowledge the three nominees and then opened the floor to any wishing to speak.
"Thank you to all the members who have nominated and seconded nominees. I will now open the discussion to any who wish to speak for one of the individuals. Raise your wand and you will be granted three minutes to speak for your candidate. Under the Wizengamot charter, you are not allowed to accuse the other candidates of any untoward actions. If I hear anyone attempting slander, I will silence you and your time will end. Mr. Burke, your wand was raised first, please proceed…"
A half dozen individuals spoke, with three of those speaking for Amelia, including Arthur. Harry found it interesting that the lesser houses could speak, although they couldn't vote. Harry was acknowledged as the seventh to speak and he rose to speak for Amelia, pointing out that there had never been anything to bring her character into question, unlike certain others who had already shown their weakness by susceptibility to the imperius curse. While he said this, his eyes settled on Yaxley and then flitted to Malfoy. Both glared at him, but because he hadn't specifically named anyone, they couldn't argue for slander. Still, no one missed where his gaze settled. He sat after his three minutes and was left to listen to the continued arguments. Finally, after nineteen individuals had taken their allotted time and spoken, no one else raised their wands. Dumbledore called for the vote.
"Thank you to everyone for your impassioned pleas and participation this evening. We must now vote on new leadership for the Ministry during these dark times. Given that we have three candidates, we have some specific rules as laid out in our charter. A candidate must receive a majority vote out of a division of two, meaning that we must first eliminate one of the three candidates. I will now ask that all of the voting members raise your wands and light them blue if you wish to vote for Madam Bones. Light them green if you wish to vote for Lord Yaxley. And light them red if you wish to vote for Mr. Scrimgeour."
Wands went up around the chamber as colors were ignited. Looking around, Harry was happy to see a large proportion of blue. Dumbledore cast a quick charm and a tally appeared in the air in front of him.
"Thank you for your initial vote. From the three candidates, Lord Yaxley has the least votes at nineteen percent. He is now eliminated from the vote. Thank you Lord Yaxley for your desire to lead us through these difficult times. Now, we have two candidates left and a majority of votes will determine our next Minister of Magic. Please now raise your wands and light them blue for Madam Bones or red for Mr. Scrimgeour."
Again wands went up, although a few were slower as some seemed to
take a minute to decide. Dumbledore sat back in his chair, not wanting to rush anyone's decision. Once the final vote was raised, he waited one more minute, but no votes were changed and he cast the charm to tally the votes. Harry carefully schooled his occlumency as it was obvious that Amelia had won. The Chief Warlock stood again as all wands were lowered.
"The final vote is tallied. With fifty eight percent of the vote, it is my honor to announce that the Wizengamot has selected Madam Amelia Bones as our next Minister of Magic. Madam Bones, please step forward to take your oath."
Amelia strode into the center of the chambers and stood in front of the Chief Warlock. She raised her wand and incanted as she swore on her life and magic, using an oath from the early days of the Ministry. The language was archaic, but the meaning remained. Once she finished, Dumbledore cast a final charm over her and then she sealed her own incantation. Dumbledore smiled at her and then returned his attention to the chambers.
"With this, the exceptional business of the evening is concluded. My thanks for your dutiful attendance and participation. I wish our new Minister the best and implore everyone in these chambers to assist her with the monumental tasks she has before her. Good evening."
Harry suppressed a sigh, glad that it was over. He wanted to talk to Amelia, but he was just one of the crowd who wished to do so. She was already taking control though and had called Kingsley and several others over. After giving them orders, they left the chambers quickly to begin organizing meetings for later in the evening and the next morning. Harry was surprised when Tonks appeared at his side.
"Wotcher Lord Potter. Minister Bones sent me over. Can you please follow me?"
Harry nodded and looked quickly to Dumbledore, who nodded when he saw that Harry had a new guard and escort. The young Auror parted the crowds as Harry quickly said goodbye to several individuals who tried to waylay them. As they exited chambers, Tonks led them a short distance away to a small conference room. Once they were in and the room was secure, she turned back to Harry.
"Wow, that was a singularly monumental evening. I have to say, you're turning into a bit of an orator Lord Potter."
Harry snorted.
"Not really. I hate speaking in front of crowds, but I know that it comes with the position. Hermione has been working with me on my speaking skills."
"So, was she here with you tonight?"
"I wish. No, our mind speech doesn't extend more than a kilometer or a bit more. We haven't tested precisely. She can talk to me from the castle when I'm on the pitch, but if I go much farther, it's harder. Our bond is always there, but not the speech."
Any further discussion on the matter was interrupted when Amelia strode into the room. She glanced at Tonks, who took the hint and stepped out of the room to wait outside. Amelia sat for a moment and Harry took the seat she gestured to across from her.
"Well Amelia, I guess congratulations should be in order, although I don't know if that's true after what you've just been handed. I am grateful that you are Minister now though."
"You have that right Harry. Thank you for speaking for me. I'm still a bit torn about all this, but now is not the time to sort my own feelings. I'm going to need pepper-ups before this night is over. I don't have a lot of time, but I know you wanted to speak with me and my calendar hasn't had a chance to fill up quite yet."
"Yes, thanks for taking a moment for me. My initial request to meet with you was to discuss any surveillance you might have to determine where Voldemort is hiding out currently."
"Why? You don't plan on taking the location single-handedly I hope?"
"No, but I want to make a tactical strike. Specifically, I want to go snake hunting."
Amelia blew out a breath and nodded.
"I see. Tonks told me about your drills. Part of me wants to yell at you for being bloody insane, but the other part realizes that you're uniquely qualified for that hunt. Unfortunately, my forces have been spread too thin to run the surveillance we need. One of my first tasks is to find the funds to strengthen the Auror corps. Even being able to offer overtime will help. I've had my hands tied for too long. Once I do get some leads, I'll put the word out to watch for an exceptionally large snake. It may take a while yet. As much as I want to change everything, it will be difficult to get the momentum going."
"I understand, and that brings up something else I wanted to discuss. When the stolen artifact was recovered from the Lestrange vault by the goblins, I was granted a percentage of the fine. The total I received was a bit over 921,000 galleons. I have no desire to profit from the recovery, so I want to donate the money, rounded to one million galleons, to the Auror department. I figure this will help pay for overtime, equipment, or whatever else is needed. Where should I have Gringotts transfer the money to?"
"Wow. I hadn't realized that the Lestranges were fined that heavily. I suppose this is a special kind of irony to use the money to fight the Dark Lord. Please have the bank contact my office directly to arrange the account details. I'm naming Kingsley to take over the DMLE and we are due to meet later this evening. I'll let him know about the donation."
"That sounds good. I'll send an owl to my account manager in the morning. I should be getting back now and I know you have a long evening and long days ahead. Please remember your allies. If there is anything I can help your administration with, please let me know. It will be good to have competency finally."
"Thank you Lord Potter. I do have one request. I know I should tell her myself, but the late hour and my meetings won't allow for me to contact Susan. Can you let her and the rest of the allies at school know what has transpired tonight. I'll try to talk to Susan as soon as I can. I'm a bit worried that my position may bring undue attention to her."
"Of course. I'll get everyone together for a meeting when I return. As for Susan, I'll make sure that word spreads to remind everyone that she is under the protection of House Potter."
Amelia smiled warmly and rose to leave. Harry clasped her hand in both of his and wished her well once again as he followed her out. Outside, Kingsley and several others were waiting for her and took her off in one direction while Tonks escorted Harry the other way back to the atrium. Once there, he floo'd back to the headmaster's office. Dumbledore hadn't returned yet and Harry knew it was just past curfew, so he decided to call Dobby to take him back to the apartment directly. As soon as he arrived, Hermione was waiting and ran for him, a thousand questions bombarding him mentally.
Please hang on a moment love. I need to get all our friends here.
"Dobby, please don't pop out yet. I have more tasks for you on this busy night."
"Of course Master Harry sir."
"I need you to collect all of our friends from their different common rooms and towers. Curfew is just past, so I don't think anyone will be asleep yet. I can get them excused from curfew under Founders' rights, but I think it would be easier to just have you pop them in. Is that too many?"
"Not at all Master Harry sir. Dobby be right back."
Not more than a minute later, Dobby returned with the twins, followed each minute by another pair of their friends from around the different houses. Blaise came last by himself. Everyone quickly found seats while Dobby went to collect hot chocolate and biscuits. Soon everyone was settled with steaming mugs while they listened to Harry detail the events of the evening. Susan leaned against Blaise as she absorbed the monumental news. She seemed stunned and Hermione looked at her with concern.
"Are you alright Suse?"
"What? Yes, I'm fine Hermione. Just shocked I suppose. I knew Aunty Amy was on the short list for minister in the next ten years, but to have it come this sudden will take a bit to get used to. I suppose I'll need to be even more careful from now on."
"Amelia was worried about that and I assured her that I am going to spread the word again to remind everyone that you are under House Potter protection."
"And the rest of us are here for you Susan. You're not alone."
"Thanks everyone. I just need to meditate for a while and let it sink in. Thanks for telling us all right away Harry. I know Aunt Amy will contact me as soon as she can. I can't even imagine everything she's going to be dealing with. Anyway, I think I need to get back and try to sleep on this."
Everyone else agreed as they finished their hot chocolate and Harry called Dobby back to return them to their dorms and common rooms. He didn't like to ask the elf to do so much, but Dobby seemed happy to do so and the unique situation made it the easiest way. Once everyone had left and Dobby cleared the dishes, Harry retreated back to the warmth of his bed and Hermione's arms. They practiced a bit of light meditation and soon drifted off together.