A/N: So here we are at chapter 15…Hermione might get the top job, and the Order of the Phoenix gets re-established…enjoy!
Chapter XV: The Order of the Phoenix
Emily and Jane were committed to the full care of the facilities at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Injuries and Maladies. The intensity of the ordeal they had experienced rendered them still fearful and suspicious of their surroundings; in a Magical medical care facility nonetheless, the environment was completely alien and new to them. In the end, a decision was reached, that once they were confirmed to be in a strong enough condition, Jane and Emily were to be transferred, along with their families, to Australia.
In the meanwhile, the crisis at the Ministry had reached monolith proportions. Corroboration of the accounts the Prophet had given had surfaced, and the Minister had even admitted of negotiating with Death Eaters in a stage of his career.
The uproar of rage that greeted the news effectively deposed the Minister, as well as several of his allied politicians, who were heads of various influential departments. Thankfully, Ron's position had been overlooked, and he retained his post, despite the numerous threats, which menacingly foretold of his parting with it.
"Mate," he was saying to Harry immediately after the day of the Minister's sacking, "we need to act, fast. Talk to Hermione today, and convince her completely, because we have to nominate her to the Wizengamot tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Harry asked. "Why not the day after? You know how Hermione is…"
"Harry, each day that goes by leaves us to slip into anarchy more easily. We need to stem the unrest and institute order as soon as possible. Dare I say it, everything's riding on you."
"So it is," Harry answered with a knowing smile. "Cheers."
The clink of glass sounded, and trying to not waste any more time than was needed to discuss a course of action, Harry downed his firewhiskey in one gulp.
"I'll see you later, mate," Harry said, wobbling slightly as he stood on his feet. "I have the world to save again…"
"Careful with apparating," Ron called after him. "Firewhiskey never - "
Too late - Harry had already disappeared with a loud snap after him. "Hope he makes it," Ron muttered under his breath, and also rose to leave.
**
"Hermione, take a seat," Harry spoke softly to his wife. "We need to talk."
Casting an uneasy glance in his direction, Hermione had wandered why Harry had been alternatively agitated and brooding since he had returned. Perhaps now, he would let up on what was worrying him. So, obliging his request, Hermione left the book she was reading on the kitchen table, and made her way over to the couch, where Harry was sitting down. She took up the space beside him, and looked into his eyes apprehensively. "Yes?"
"I was just wondering," he began quietly, "whether you had thought about the Minister's position recently."
Her gaze immediately hardened. "You still realize that I haven't forgiven you for dragging me into this."
"Of course, love," Harry rejoined quickly. "All I was asking is, if you had given the matter thought."
Hermione cast her eyes to the ground, and remained quiet for a minute, engaged in thoughts of her own.
"I have," she replied eventually. "But I still don't know if I want to do it."
"You would make one hell of a Minister," Harry complimented her, hoping to sway her opinion. "I don't know anyone else, who would be more perfect for the job."
"Harry, you flatter me," Hermione told him with a brief smile, before returning to her thoughtful mood. "It's still a huge responsibility, though. What guarantee is there I won't fail?"
This time, Harry took a few moments to ponder a proper response.
"Admittedly, none," he said at length. "But for now, stability in government is important, if we are to eventually unravel this mystery. You are integral, Hermione, because without you, I fear to think what would happen…we are up against something really cunning and dangerous."
"Still, my responsibilities as a Minister would definitely detract me from our ultimate objective," Hermione argued, in her own hope of convincing Harry against her appointment.
"You'd have a deputy and a circle of able advisors," he countered. "What would prevent you from appointing the deputy as an acting Minister, and you only oversee him sparsely, just enough to keep him in check."
"Hmm, let's see," Hermione responded ironically, "the fact that if I don't make an appearance often, will sway people's opinion towards me as an irresponsible Minister. And then, I'll be out of office faster than you can cover a Quidditch field on a Firebolt."
"Hermione," Harry's frustration was beginning to hint, "Why are you trying to come up with every excuse to refuse the job?"
She looked at him in surprise, taken aback by the directness of the question.
"Harry," she rejoined quietly after several moments of silent reflection, "what happened to Jane and Emily, it really scared me. They can barely speak of it, and it's evident they want to forget it. Just consider - "
"No, no, Hermione," Harry started, but her bright gaze caused his next words to die on his lips.
"Just consider, Harry," she went on, "what if they attacked me? You remember what happened in Godric's Hollow, don't you? And even then, I was much less conspicuous than I would be now."
The emotion in her eyes told that she was not lying, or making up the consecutive ruse; she simply feared for her life. Harry mentally reprimanded himself for not foreseeing this worry of hers earlier, but still hastened to reassure her; he embraced her lovingly, determined to restore her confidence.
"'Mione," Harry whispered in her ear, "whatever happens, I promise you, harm will not come to you. They will have to kill me first, before even beginning to think about you."
"Can you really make that promise, Harry?" she asked him quietly. Harry remained thoughtful for about a minute, turning the question over in his mind, while still holding Hermione. "Yes, I think I can," he affirmed at length.
They remained so, embraced, detached from the surroundings, in their own world…it had been a long time since they had had a moment to themselves, Harry mused at one point in his mind. This peace was what he wanted, badly; but with a threat looming over their heads once again, he knew that simple happiness, such as this, would be scarce.
"Harry?" Hermione murmured into his ear after a while.
"Hmm?"
"I'll do it," she said resolutely, disengaging herself from him; her eyes were ablaze with the determination Harry had so often admired her for.
"You will?" he asked to confirm her agreement.
"Yes."
"Alright then," Harry smiled. "If you are sure about this."
"I am now, Harry," Hermione persuaded him on her turn. "You know I'm scared, but I'm prepared to take it on. Besides, I know there's no reason to worry with you by my side."
She kissed him, as if to signify the meaning of her words. Harry, becoming involved in the passionate exchange, responded even more strongly, until a purposeful clearing of someone's throat immediately cooled the couple's desires. Harry looked up, and saw Ron, who looked quite stern and preoccupied.
"Hiya, mate," he greeted with a tired smile. "Did you bring Hermione `round?" he asked, glancing towards his other best friend.
"He did, yes," Hermione blurted out before Harry could utter one word. "When am I appearing before the Wizengamot?"
"Actually," Ron answered delightedly, "we could do that today."
"Certainly," Harry put in. "Come on, then."
The journey to the Ministry was one with mixed feelings. Hermione could not quite determine what exactly she was feeling. On the one hand, she was bestowed with an amazing honour and opportunity to make a difference, to be influential, and put her full potential and intelligence to greater use. On the other, her life would be in perilous danger; the perpetrators of the attacks did not rest, and would use every chance to bring her down, torture and kill her. Harry and Ron's own influential positions put them in the highlight of public life, and they were as good as sitting ducks, if they were not careful.
Hermione was so absorbed in her thoughts, that she did not notice when they had reached the atrium of the Ministry.
"Miss? Miss?" she heard the official at the scales calling. Her head snapped up, as she was recalled back to her surroundings.
"Oh? Yes?"
"Your wand, please," the official said coldly.
Hermione hurriedly handed it to the official, who weighed it, wrote down something on the parchment in front of him, muttered something indistinct under his breath, and handed Hermione her wand back.
"Right," he said, "you can proceed. Next!"
The trio moved down the corridor, towards the offices of the Wizengamot. Fortunately, there was no need to ride the rickety elevator, as their destination was in the very corridor.
The door was emblazoned with golden letters to tell passersby of the prestige of the aforementioned institution. Hermione suddenly felt rather humbled at having to impress all the wizards who would judge her to become Minister.
On their own accord, the doors swung open effortlessly, and with a dull thud, came to rest. Harry and Ron walked confidently in, taking the bit more reluctant Hermione with them.
"It will be alright," Harry whispered in he rear, as they came in front of a desk, behind which a rather stern, middle-aged woman was sitting.
"Can I help you?" she asked haughtily; even figures of the rank of Harry and Ron seemed to do nothing to intimidate her.
"Yes, actually," Ron said pleasantly, "we're here to nominate a new Minister."
"A new Minister?" the woman echoed incredulously. "You cannot just walk in here - "
"Ma'am," Harry cut across her seriously. "This is very urgent."
She still eyed them suspiciously. "One moment."
Disappearing through the door behind her, the woman left the trio to hang about, waiting in anticipation. A few minutes turned into a half hour, which progressed to an hour, at the end of which the secretary came back.
"You may go in," she informed them shortly. "You will have thirty minutes to present your nomination, and not a second more."
"Thank you," Ron said, and passed through the door held by the secretary, followed by Harry and Hermione.
Once inside, the trio was escorted to a designated area, where they took down their seats behind a desk, seemingly designed for the purpose of nominating a Minister. Hermione sat in the middle, flanked on each side by Harry and Ron.
"Miss Granger, I presume," an elderly warlock said slowly in his deep voice, peering at Hermione from behind a pair of half-moon spectacles.
His appearance vaguely reminded Hermione of the trio's late headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. He seemed knowledgeable, but the most striking resemblance between them was the warlock's penetrating gaze; she felt as if he was seeing right through her.
"Actually," she stammered, "I'm Hermione Potter now."
"Ah, Mrs. Potter," the warlock repeated faintly. "Forgive my blunder," he smiled warmly.
"Certainly," Hermione returned the jest.
"Now," the warlock continued, peering down at the parchment he was holding. "I understand that you, Mrs. Potter, wish to place your candidacy for the post of Minister of Magic?"
"I - I do," Hermione replied nervously. The anxiousness was evident in her tone, and under the desk, she had taken hold of Harry's hand for confidence.
"And these two gentlemen are here to support your nomination. Is that correct? " The ancient wizard continued, looking inquisitively at Hermione, as his gaze bounced from Harry to Ron.
"That's correct," Hermione affirmed in a stronger voice.
"Excellent, then," came the response. "Gentlemen, would you please state your full names and posts within the Ministry?" He turned to Harry expectantly.
"Harry James Potter," Harry declared as formally as he could. "I am the head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department."
"Mhhm," murmured the warlock, scribbling Harry's answer on the parchment in front of him. "And you, sir," he raised his gaze to Ron.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley," the redhead promptly replied. "Head of the Auror Department."
"I see," the interrogator said, as he wrote down Ron's name and position as well. "And Mr. Weasley, what makes you believe Mrs. Potter here would be a capable Minister?"
Ron was unprepared for the directness with which the question was delivered, and he reeled to come up with a favourable response.
"Well," he stalled for time, "I think Hermione is qualified enough for the post of Minister, because she is knowledgeable about the way it works."
Ron realized what he had said, and quickly checked himself. "I mean, she understands how our society works, and she is sensitive about progress and change, and, " he emphasized his last words, "she is very smart and responsible."
Hermione could not help but smile slightly at Ron's appraisal of her qualities.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," the old warlock said kindly, and then turned to Harry. "What do you have to tell us, Mr. Potter?"
While Ron had stumbled his way through a makeshift compliment, Harry had taken the time to prepare himself.
"TO begin with," he started, "Hermione is my wife, and the love of my life. She has supported me ever since we first became friends, then through romance, and now marriage. I know she will show the same devotion to the Minister's job. As Ron said, she is very responsible, and she's also honest, trustworthy and careful. Honestly, I really wouldn't know anyone better than her to be considered."
"Very well, Mr. Potter," the warlock said after Harry had finished. "Mrs. Potter, would you have any comments to support or refute the accounts presented by Mssrs. Potter and Weasley?"
Hermione looked down, thinking for a minute.
"They speak the truth," she responded at length. "I think I have the qualifications, if not the experience, to take on the Minister's post."
"I heed your sentiment, Mrs. Potter," the kindly wizard answered slowly. "For now, your nomination will be considered, and decided upon in contrast to the other candidates. The Wizengamot will announce its decision to you in due course."
"How will I be notified?" Hermione asked anxiously. "And how long will it take?"
"A day at most, since you were the last to be nominated," the warlock said solemnly. "Any more questions?"
"No, none," Hermione said quickly. "See you later."
"Goodbye for now," the ancient wizard nodded graciously, and showed them the way out.
Harry, Ron and Hermione walked out, and the last of the three was still nervous and irritable.
"What if I aren't chosen?" she asked Harry and Ron repeatedly, as the secretary to the Wizengamot slammed the door pretentiously behind them.
"I think you will be, Hermione," Harry was trying to be convincing. "If those old farts are in their right minds, you should receive the job."
"I'm with Harry," Ron said enthusiastically. "There's no way they'll turn you down."
**
When the trio had at last arrived back at the Burrow, they were surprised to find it a hive of activity. People were moving in and out, and among them, there were many familiar faces. Harry associated them with the now defunct Order of the Phoenix, but something told him the former members had gathered to resurrect the Order…
"Mate," he turned to Ron, "did you talk to your dad about this?"
"Ah," Ron smiled. "You know me too well, Harry. But yes, they're here to establish the Order of
the Phoenix one more time. By the way, I'll be back," and with those words, Ron left Harry's side in
search of Luna.
Hermione's face had brightened considerably at the sight of so many old friends. Conspicuous in the crowd were Remus and Tonks, quite visible by the latter's brightly coloured hair. Today, it was a bright lilac shade.
"Remus! Remus!" Harry called out to him, waving his hand to gain the werewolf's attention.
Lupin turned to see who was calling him, and smiled widely when he saw his best friend's son.
"Harry!" he yelled back, and dragging Tonks behind him, came briskly Harry's way.
"How are you?" the black-haired wizard asked when Remus had approached. "Haven't seen you since the wedding."
"We are very well," the werewolf replied happily, glancing towards Tonks. "I can't remember a better life than I'm having right now. What about you, Harry? Are you enjoying marriage?"
"You could say that," Harry said, "but I haven't had much time recently to really enjoy it…"
"Mm, yes, Mr. Bigshot," Tonks put in slyly, "Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department…they do not give you a break."
"No, no they don't," Harry echoed her and laughed. "And Hermione here won't have a whole lot of time either pretty soon."
"Why is that?" Remus' interest was awakened.
"Because," Ron interposed himself in the conversation, just as he had returned with a magnificent beauty in tow, "you're looking at the brand new Minister of Magic."
Remus did a double take, and first a look of puzzlement came on his face, to be replaced by one of sheer delight as he caught on to Ron's words.
"Really now," he was saying. "Well, congratulations, Hermione. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more."
Word spread quickly through the throng of people, and Hermione was accosted by a number of well-wishers. Judging by the embarrassment on her face, it was clear she was enjoying the attention.
Draco and Ginny had wandered over by Harry, and they joined in the small talk, watching Hermione handle the unexpected attention with good humor.
"So, Harry," Ginny spoke up, "what is the order doing this time?"
The question quickly brought Harry back to the gravity of the situation, for which this gathering had been called forth to confront.
"Ginny," he answered slowly, "all these attacks that are going on, and we don't know who's behind them…it's something really dark and powerful, and it will be the Order's job to find out what it is…just as we resisted Voldemort once, it'll be our task to oppose this new evil."
"And now," Arthur Weasley's voice suddenly echoed over the gathering. "Harry Potter!"
Harry scrambled to catch up to what was happening around him, and he could feel himself being ushered forward by people, right until he made his way to the podium.
"Potter for leader!" someone shouted, and soon the chant was taken up by the rest; confused and flustered by the overwhelming attention, Harry could not think of what to say to placate his audience.
Eventually, the noise did die down, and attention was focused on him sufficiently, so he could make himself heard. He looked around, grinning at all the excited expressions, eagerly awaiting his words.
"Well, believe me," he began, "I'm just as surprised as you are by this. Ron Weasley and I had planned to re-establish the order, but not this quickly. Either way, now that it's here, there's no going back…the Order of the Phoenix is hereby officially active, and I will accept to be your leader."
Coming up with his speech word for word, Harry entered into a kind of daze, not quite confident what he was entangling himself into. The re-establishment of the Order brought along its own set of uncertainties, questions and dangers.
Protecting the people he loved would be foremost; their mere allegiance made them targets to the murderers, whoever they were, and now the stakes would be considerably heightened. Looking out to Ron and Hermione, he inwardly sighed…their fight had started…
A/N OK, this is chapter fifteen…and come on people, type out a simple review…it's good for both you and me. :D The next chapter will be coming up as soon as possible…
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