章節 285: Chapter 285: "The Wizengamot Meeting"
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the Black Castle as Harry stood by the grand entrance, waiting for Sirius. His formal robes, bearing the subtle yet unmistakable markings of the Potter lordship, felt heavy on his shoulders—though whether from the material or the weight of responsibility, he couldn't tell. Today marked his first step into wizarding politics, his debut as Lord Potter, and he was determined to make it count.
A distant pop signaled Sirius's arrival just beyond the castle's protective wards. Harry watched as his godfather approached, his black robes billowing lightly in the summer breeze. Sirius's face was a mix of pride and concern.
"Ready for this, Harry?" Sirius asked, placing a reassuring hand on his godson's shoulder.
Harry nodded, managing a small smile. "As ready as I'll ever be. Although it will be quite awkward being with all you old people."
Sirius's bark-like laugh echoed across the grounds. "Old? I assure you, pup, I am still young and outrun any of my colleagues in the Auror Department. Though I still agree the Wizengamot meeting can be boring. However, today promises to be a little exciting due to the subject about to be discussed."
As they walked toward the Apparition point, Harry's expression grew serious. "Talking about the subject, how are things at the Ministry?"
Sirius sighed, his earlier mirth fading. "Tense. The aftermath of the third task has everyone on edge. Fudge is doing his best to downplay it, but not everyone is convinced. And there is also the fact that many people had to be replaced due to the ministry officials lost that night. Tensions are high."
Harry's brow furrowed. "Hopefully the general audience sees sense and decides to act. We don't want to give Voldemort time to build up his forces."
"I hope so too," Sirius replied, his voice heavy with concern.
The familiar squeeze of Apparition deposited them at the gates of Bones Manor, where Amelia Bones stood waiting, her posture ramrod straight and her monocle glinting in the morning light. "Good morning, Harry," she greeted, her tone professional but warm. "It's good to see you."
"Good morning, Amelia," Harry replied respectfully. "Where are Aries and Susan?"
Amelia's stern expression softened slightly. "Asleep. First week of holidays, they spend their time playing till late in the night."
"Lucky them," Harry remarked dryly. "I had to wake up early to argue with some old people."
"You learn to cope," Amelia responded, her lips twitching. "We should get going. The meeting starts soon."
The three of them proceeded to the fireplace inside the manor. "We'll take the Floo Network to the Ministry," Amelia explained. "It's the most direct route."
One by one, they stepped into the emerald flames, stating clearly, "Ministry of Magic, Atrium." Harry felt the familiar whirl of colors and sounds before stepping out into the grand Atrium of the Ministry.
The floo transported Harry to the atrium of the Ministry of Magic building—the impressive magical place where Dumbledore and Voldemort will fight in about a year if the plot follows the canon. The vast hall bustled with witches and wizards, the polished dark wood floors reflecting the golden statues that dominated the central fountain.
"Come along," Amelia beckoned, leading them through a series of corridors until they reached a large, ornate door marked with the crest of the Wizengamot, guarded by stern-looking wizards.
As they approached, the guards nodded respectfully. "Madam Bones, Lord Black, Lord Potter," they acknowledged.
The Wizengamot chamber was an impressive sight. Rows of ascending benches formed a large semicircle around a central podium. High above, enchanted windows cast natural light into the room, despite being deep underground. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting significant moments in wizarding history.
Harry felt a mixture of awe and apprehension as he followed Sirius and Amelia to the seating area. Lords and Ladies of various wizarding families milled about, engaging in quiet conversations. Robes of rich fabrics and house colors added to the chamber's regal atmosphere.
"Harry," a voice called out warmly.
Turning, Harry saw a tall man with kind eyes approaching. "Lord Longbottom," Harry greeted with a smile.
Frank Longbottom extended his hand warmly. "Good to see you again. Thanks for helping Neville through his studies. He is your biggest fan and talks about your achievements all the time. I am jealous."
"Thank you, Lord Longbottom. Neville's a great friend," Harry replied earnestly.
Sirius leaned in. "Harry, there are a few people you should meet."
They moved through the crowd, stopping before a group of distinguished-looking wizards.
"You should already know Lord Diggory," Sirius said.
"Yes, it is great to see you again, Lord Diggory," Harry responded.
Lord Diggory smiled warmly. "Likewise, Lord Potter. Cedric speaks highly of your recent adventures. You made Hogwarts and us proud by beating the other two schools in the Triwizard Tournament."
"And this is Lord Davies," Sirius continued.
A dignified man with sharp features nodded politely. "My son Roger speaks highly of you, Lord Potter. It's a pleasure to have you here."
"The pleasure is mine, Lord Davies," Harry responded, shaking his hand firmly.
They moved on to meet Lord Thornwood, father of Arabella, and Lord Whitlock, father of Reggy and Elvinia. Both men greeted Harry warmly, expressing appreciation for the friendships their children shared with him.
"Welcome, Lord Potter," Thornwood said warmly. "Your strengths and achievements are commendable. I hope we can work together to ensure the safety of our community."
Whitlock nodded in agreement. "It's always encouraging to see young wizards taking their responsibilities seriously."
Finally, they approached a woman with a striking resemblance to Alicia Spinnet. "Lord Potter, may I introduce Lady Spinnet," Sirius said.
"It's an honor to meet you," Harry said, bowing slightly.
"The honor is mine," she replied graciously. "Alicia boasts of your Quidditch skills."
"Alicia is an excellent Chaser herself," Harry responded diplomatically.
As they took their seats, Harry felt a bit more at ease, having connected with familiar faces. He settled into the chair marked with the Potter crest, its ornate design a testament to his family's longstanding legacy.
A hush fell over the chamber as Albus Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock, took his place at the central podium. His eyes scanned the assembly before settling momentarily on Harry. There was a flicker of something—surprise, perhaps disappointment—but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.
Harry couldn't help but smile inwardly. He knew Dumbledore had planned his Dursley imprisonment precisely to prevent this moment—Harry claiming his hereditary seat. Seeing the master manipulator's plans foiled brought him no small satisfaction.
"Esteemed members of the Wizengamot," Dumbledore began, his voice resonating throughout the hall. "Before we commence today's proceedings, I would like to acknowledge a new addition to our assembly. Hadrian Potter, Lord Potter, has taken his rightful place among us."
A murmur rippled through the chamber as all eyes turned to Harry. He stood gracefully, offering a polite bow.
"Welcome, Lord Potter," Dumbledore continued, though his tone lacked its usual warmth. Polite applause echoed around the room before Harry retook his seat.
As the applause died down, Dumbledore signaled for everyone to take their seats. "Now, let us move to the subject at hand—the concerning signs that suggest Lord Voldemort may have returned."
The chamber fell silent, the weight of those words hanging heavy in the air. Harry straightened in his seat, knowing that the real challenge to make a change was about to begin.
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