Battle of the Heirs

Harry and the others ran, wands raised, into the living room - only to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie, stood in the middle of the floor.

"We figured you two were here already when we got the message from Minerva," Mrs. Weasley said to the twins. Harry noticed a slight trace of terror in her voice.

"Sorry for calling them first. How bad is it out there?"

"We're not sure yet. Right now, our main concern is to get you all to safety and then call for a retreat. You will Floo directly to Hogwarts - we have connected the house to the Floo network once more," Mr. Weasley said. He paused, then, "Mrs. Dursley, Dudley, I don't expect you to wish to come with us, but you are more than welcome to," he added graciously.

"I want to stay until everyone is out of here," Harry proclaimed.

"I'm sorry Harry, but we can't let you do that - besides, Minerva wanted to see you tonight anyway. Bill, Charlie, Fred and George will make sure everything is ok here. You need to get to safety; I'm not going to let you stay here, you'll be a 'sitting duck'!" Despite the circumstances, Mr. Weasley looked quite pleased with himself for having used a Muggle saying in the correct context.

Harry grabbed a handful of the Floo powder that Mr. Weasley offered him, though he didn't look pleased about having to leave at all. He tossed it into the fire and said "Hogwarts." A few seconds later, he fell out into the Headmistress's office.

"Glad to see you're okay, Harry," she said gravely. Much to Harry's surprise, when Mrs. Weasley arrived, she had brought Aunt Petunia with her; Mr. Weasley followed shortly afterwards with Dudley.

"Looks like we have more guests than we expected," McGonagall said, raising her eyebrows.

"We couldn't leave them, Minerva. Mr. Dursley is already dead, and I would not be a good Ministry official if I had left two more muggles alone to be killed," Mr. Weasley said, before turning his attention to a silver Patronus.

"The Order has retreated. There have been some injuries, but all ten of the original guards have returned. Poppy is taking care of everyone now - I think we should take a trip down to the hospital wing to check up on everyone," McGonagall said, walking out of the office. "Now Harry, walk with me, if you please." Harry ran to catch up with her. "As I told you in my letter, there are some things that I need to discuss with you. It seems that Professor Dumbledore has requested that you take over leadership of the Order of the Phoenix - the reasons he has given for this choice were very vague, but he did say that you were the only one who could defeat the Dark Lord. While some of the Order is not keen on the idea, I for one think that if you are the one chosen to defeat him, then this is the perfect position for you. Now - there are other pressing matters to be addressed. Dumbledore split his estate between you and his brother. With Sirius in prison, Dumbledore appears to have been acting as a godfather, of sorts to you - albeit discretely. For example, he made sure that certain things were taken care of with the Dursleys."

"Yeah - Aunt Petunia told me some things tonight, he kept in touch with her when I was younger." Harry said. He only half heard McGonagall's next words; he was thinking about his new responsibilities. If he was honest, he'd been half expecting this, and had given some thought as to what he would do in the situation, so it wasn't as much of a shock as it could have been otherwise; still, to have his suspicions confirmed was rather overwhelming.

"He always had your best interests at heart, Harry. Later on tonight, I will give you the rest of your inheritance." She opened the door to the infirmary. "Here we are. Poppy, how is everyone?"

"Mainly just cuts and scrapes, though Hestia has some rather nasty hex damage: I have her stable at the moment but she needs to be moved to St. Mungo's soon. Other than that I think I can manage."

"Any casualties?" Harry asked.

"None on our side," Tonks cut in, walking up to them. "Remus just left with Hagrid and Flitwick to gather the fallen. You already know that Vernon Dursley is dead, but as we retreated, I'm sure I also saw two Death Eaters on the ground. They don't tend to move the bodies, since they see anyone who happens to die as being weak, so we have to go back and collect them."

McGonagall sighed audibly with relief. "What exactly happened?" she asked.

"We were on our way to pick Harry up when we came under fire. We didn't know where we were, exactly, but we engaged them. Remus finally figured out that we were nearly at the Dursleys' house, and said that we had to keep Harry inside at all costs. I only saw Harry briefly, when his uncle opened the door and Bellatrix cast Avada Kedavra. We saw Vernon fall, and Harry and Ron move him inside and shut the door. Bellatrix tried to break in but was thrown backwards."

"Have the cabinets been dealt with?" Harry asked.

"Professor Flitwick destroyed the one here the day after the attack," Professor McGonagall replied, her eyes still on Tonks, who looked worried. "What is it, Nymphadora?"

"It's nothing really, I'm just a little concerned; they've gained a lot of confidence since the night they came here." McGonagall looked thoughtful.

"Okay," said Harry, "If I'm to be the leader of the Order, I might as well start by issuing my first commands. Tonks, get Hestia to St. Mungo's. Madam Promfrey, can you send Remus and Hagrid to see me in the Headmistress's office as soon as they arrive, please? Professor McGonagall, would you see to it that accommodation is provided for Aunt Petunia and Dudley? I will meet you back in your office shortly. Ron and Hermione, I need you to go find out as much information as you can about the break-out at Azkaban, and Fred and George, you go to see Ginny and ask her to meet us here around eleven tonight. Right now I need to speak to Mr. Weasley."

They all ran off to tend to their various tasks, leaving Harry standing in an empty hallway with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "I know this is going to come as a shock to you, but... well, I heard earlier tonight that Scrimgeour is resigning as Minister. I need someone I can trust - would you consider taking the position? I know it's a lot to ask of you, and if I had any other choice, I would take it..."

Mr. Weasley exhaled sharply. "Harry, I don't know if I could do that. It's an enormous responsibility - not to mention, I don't have the same kind of respect within the wizarding community as Dumbledore or Scrimgeour."

"To be honest, that's what I'm counting on; you're a new voice. I don't know much about politics, but I do have a lot of influence, and I know people. I could probably gather some good supporters - provided you consent to take the role, of course."

At that point, Fred and George joined them back in the hall.

"It seems Ginny was here already," George said with a smile. "She was waiting for us when we left the hospital wing. She's going to join us tonight as planned."

"Good. I have another assignment for you two. I need you to get in touch with the other members of the DA; get Hermione to help you. I need as many here as possible. We have an impeachment and an election to plan."

The twins looked at him questioningly. "When did our benefactor become political?"

"Since I persuaded your father to run for Minister for Magic."

"YOU WHAT?" they screamed in unison.

"I have not said I would accept Harry's offer," Mr. Weasley said, trying to calm his sons.

"YOU WHAT?" they screamed again.

"Dad, have you lost your mind? With Harry backing you there's no chance you'll lose! He's the bloody Boy-Who-Lived, not many people will challenge him when it comes to defending the magical community!" Fred exclaimed.

"It is a gracious offer, but I have my family to think about, too."

"And what are we, the neighbors?" George asked sarcastically as Ron and Hermione ran into the hallway.

"We heard yelling, is everything ok?" Ron asked, looking panicked.

"Everything's fine here, oh brother of ours - except for the fact that our father's being a prat. Harry wants him to run for Minister for Magic, and he's disagreeing with him!"

"Don't you speak about you father that way!" It was the first time in the whole conversation that Mrs. Weasley had spoken. "He's right - there are other things to consider. Having said that, Arthur," she addressed her husband, "I think Harry has a point. We need someone smart enough to know what is going on, and brave enough to do something about it. I thought that Scrimgeour would be that person, but clearly he wasn't."

"Yeah Dad, it's a bloody brilliant idea," Ron chimed in.

"Harry, don't you have some things to take care of before Hagrid and Lupin return?" Hermione intervened, trying to prevent outright warfare between the Weasleys.

"Yes... did you get the information I needed about Azkaban?" he asked.

"There aren't many details. The Ministry hasn't even disclosed the names of the people who managed to escape yet," she replied.

"Okay then, get me in touch with someone at the Daily Prophet. I'm sure you still can get hold of Rita Skeeter if you have to, right?"

"Yes, plus we may have some new contacts there. Katie Bell was supposed to start in the editing department this summer."

Harry looked over at Fred and George. "Looks like you two have a recruitment assignment for this evening. Tell her what's going on and that I would like to speak to her as soon as possible."

"Aye, Aye Captain." George said.

"I'm sure she'll be up for helping; she still wants revenge for having to spend most of the last Quidditch season in the hospital thanks to that cursed necklace," Fred said with a smirk.

"Hermione, I need you to send off a letter to Rita. Tell her I have a story for her, one that her bosses will not like very much. Last time we took a story like that to her, it paid off. Mrs. Weasley, can I ask that you go make sure that everyone is all settled in? Hermione sent our trunks here earlier, and I know that Aunt Petunia will be making a fuss about things. Kreacher, Dobby, can I see you for a moment?"

Two loud pops followed Harry's words as the two house-elves appeared, looking at one another as though they were about to start fighting right there in the hallway. "I need you two to help Mrs. Weasley make everyone is comfortable in their new rooms. I'm not sure where the Headmistress intended us all to stay, but no doubt you have an idea."

"Dobby would love to help, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby squeaked with joy.

"Kreacher will help the filthy blood-traitors since the nasty master tells him to," Kreacher said in a disgusted tone.

"Cheers everyone." Harry smiled. "Hermione, you can write your letter from the Headmistress's office - Ron, Mr. Weasley, will you come with us too?"

Harry headed towards the Headmistress's office and Ron and Hermione followed, leaving Mr. Weasley to catch up with them.

"Harry, I must admit I am very surprised about how well you have taken charge here," Mr. Weasley said once he was level with them.

"Well, I kinda knew I would have to take the lead in one way or the other; I was given a task by Dumbledore and I intend to finish it. Having the Order to support me will make this task easier, but I suppose I would have managed without. What I find odd is that a month ago, you all thought me too young too think for myself and now you want me to think for the entire Order - I suppose having Dumbledore's approval has shown you all that I can be trusted." Harry managed to sound only slightly bitter.

Mr. Weasley sighed. "Well, once the will was found, it was clear that Dumbledore thought you were the best man to replace him. You may not know this, but he made the finishing touches to the will on the day that he died; he seemed to know that something was going to happen. Minerva told you that you were the one he had left in charge only moments after you arrived tonight; and still, your main concern is to help everyone, not to get revenge on those of us who tried to control you earlier. That shows that you're pretty mature. Although I have to say, I still don't quite understand why you're offering to support me in becoming Minister for Magic!"

"Neither do I, really," Harry admitted.

Hermione had been listening to this exchange with interest. "I think I may have an idea, Harry. I looked through some of the things that your aunt gave you earlier, and by the looks of things, your father was a member of the Wizengamot. Not all of the seats are passed down through families now, but the Potter one is - and so is the Black one! You've basically got two seats on the Wizengamot, Harry. Now, we would have to look into..." Harry cut her off.

"Why wasn't Narcissa Malfoy at my meeting with the Wizengamot, then?" he asked.

"Just being in prison didn't strip Sirius of his seat; it remained his until he died. As soon as you're of age, you can claim both the seats. That will give you the platform to demand that the Minister stand down - provided you get enough support, and really, with the way his popularity's been sliding lately, that shouldn't be a challenge."

"Who would I need to see to get my seats then?" Harry asked, still baffled.

"That would be the new Chief Witch of the Wizengamot, Mrs. Augusta Longbottom," Mr. Weasley said with a smile.

Harry laughed. "It can't be that easy! When did she get that title? The Daily Prophet never reported it!"

"I think you will find that things will be easier for you than you realize, Harry. Augusta was just elected tonight - I had just left the Ministry when I got the message to come to Privet Drive. I grabbed everyone available - Molly, Bill and Charlie - and we sent Ginny here with Fleur to make sure that she was protected. Obviously, I didn't get the chance to tell you before."

"Well in that case, I suppose there's a letter I should be writing."

"Actually, Harry, I think a Floo call would be more appropriate," Hermione said, still smiling. Harry was about to question her when he realized what she meant - if he Floo called Mrs. Longbottom, he could invite Neville to stay at the castle with them at the same time.

They had reached the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmistress's office before Harry realized that, in all the excitement, he had forgotten to ask for the password. Just as he was turning around to explain this to Ron and Hermione, the gargoyle moved to reveal Professor McGonagall.

"I was beginning to worry about what might have happened to you," she said, looking very concerned.

"I was busy making some plans. Have Hagrid and Professor Lupin returned yet?"

"Not yet, but you have other visitors," she said sharply; Harry could tell that she was not fond of whoever was waiting for him in her office. He slowly followed her up the stairwell, Ron, Hermione, and Mr. Weasley behind him.

"Ah, Harry my boy. How good to see you again." Harry recognized the voice of Rufus Scrimgeour before he even saw him. Standing behind the Minister were Dolores Umbridge, Percy Weasley, and Augusta Longbottom. Harry thought fast.

"Ah, Mrs. Longbottom, I was just about to send you a letter. I wanted to congratulate you on your election. Mr. Weasley just told me about it," Harry said, purposely ignoring the three members of the Ministry.

"Why thank you, Mr. Potter. Neville has told me so much about what has been going on in this school; I think it imperative that someone stand up for what needs to be done, and hopefully my new position will allow me to do just that."

"You know, Mrs. Longbottom, I quite agree. Now, it has been brought to my attention that I have inherited a seat on the Wizengamot - is that true?"

"I do believe it is, Harry," she said with a smile. She seemed to realize where Harry was going with this. "In fact, I do believe that you inherited the Potter seat, the Black seat, and Dumbledore's seat. I would think you would like to place proxies in each seat until you are of age?"

"Well, I turn of age in less than a month and I will take the Potter seat. I would like Hermione to take the Black seat if possible, and Professor McGonagall can take Professor Dumbledore's. If everyone agrees to that."

"I find that quite acceptable. Do both of you ladies wish to take the seats?"

Hermione answered first. "If that's what Harry wants - well, I'm not going to refuse a seat on the Wizengamot."

McGonagall only looked at him. "Harry, are you sure that this is how you want it?" she asked.

"You're the two most reasonable people I know; you're not going to get blinded by politics, and you'll judge each case on its own points. I think that you will do a good job on the Wizengamot."

"Well said, Mr. Potter," Mrs. Longbottom said, obviously pleased with his choices.

"Well then, yes, I accept the position," Professor McGonagall said.

"Wonderful - that means we finally have a full membership!"

"Now if I may, I wanted to see how you were doing, Harry my boy," Scrimgeour said. He didn't seem particularly pleased at being ignored in this manner.

"Yes, that reminds me, Mrs. Longbottom - another reason I was going to write to you. Would it be possible to call for an election of a capable Minister for Magic by August 29th? I would like to be there to cast my vote."

Percy, Umbridge and the Minister all broke into shouts, until Mrs. Longbottom joined in - by far the loudest of them all - telling the Minister and his company to calm them down. Ron was stood at the back of the room, smirking at the events that were taking place. After a few seconds of chaos, the room finally settled back down. Harry walked over to the Minister.

"You come into Hogwarts with Dolores Umbridge, a woman who insisted that Voldemort was not back. A woman who tormented me for a year." Harry showed the scars on his hand to the Minister. "A woman who sent Dementors to my house to make everyone think I was crazy, and you want to know how I am doing? I'll be much better when I've removed you from office - say, the end of the summer? It's not just me; the Daily Prophet are calling for your resignation, too, and as soon as the full details are released regarding the latest breakout, I would guess that there would be even more people. Not to mention that Mrs. Longbottom seems to be every bit as much against your policies as I am myself. Now, if you don't minds, I'm sure the Headmistress would like her office back."

Scrimgeour turned, speechless, stepped into the fireplace and promptly left; Umbridge and Percy all but ran after him. As soon as they were gone, McGonagall walked up to Harry and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you sure all of that was necessary?" she asked.