Harry Potter And Bellatrix Lestrange

"Based on the No Confidence Act of 1650, the body convened here at this moment has the authority to hold a what is known as a 'Certiorari' vote and appoint a new Minister of Magic which would both complete the vote of no confidence and formally oust Fudge. Those present can also vote to have Fudge remain in office. So, all those in favor of holding a Certiorari vote say 'Aye.'"

The audience replied with a thunderous 'Aye.' The first step had been taken, now all Dumbledore needed was to get a majority behind either Weasley or Bones.

Before Dumbledore could continue his address, the doors to the ballroom burst open and Cuthbert Mockridge entered the room with all those who had been gathered in Atrium on his heels. With what Dumbledore recognized as forced confidence, Mockridge made his way to the podium and then respectfully spoke loudly to Dumbledore. Almost everyone could hear him.

"I've just returned from Gringotts, Professor. The witches and wizards who were waiting in the Atrium are eager to hear the results of my negotiations. However, the officials of the Ministry are entitled to hear them first as I informed those in the Atrium. They decided that they couldn't wait until I finished making the internal announcement."

It was then that Dumbledore could sense that neither Weasley nor Bones had a very good chance at becoming the Minister of Magic. The two were similar and would be considered the same when put in contrast with Mockridge. His plan for supporting both candidates had backfired drastically. He made one last-ditch attempt to save the outcome. "We are currently holding a Certiorari vote, Mr. Mockridge. Perhaps afterward we could hear your announcement."

Cuthbert Mockridge did not reply, mostly because he did not have to. As soon as the audience had heard Dumbledore's refusal to let him speak, they immediately all began to demand in loud voices that Mockridge be allowed to speak immediately.

Dumbledore had been able to harness the out-of-control crowd to his favor for a few minutes, but now it had slipped out of his control. There was nothing he could do about it. "The vote can wait then." Dumbledore graciously announced.

He would rather have Mockridge than Fudge as Minister. He had lost control of the vote's outcome, but he still wanted to ensure that the vote took place. "Witches and Wizards, I present to you the Head of the Goblin Liaison Office. Cuthbert Mockridge." Dumbledore announced.

Mockridge replaced Dumbledore at the podium and began to speak. "I have just concluded negotiations with Lord Gold who is the head goblin over at Gringotts." He then held up the piece of parchment that had been provided to him and Potter on their way out of the bank. "I hold here a copy of a public announcement that is to be sent out by Gringotts tomorrow. It states that as soon as I am able to declare the Ministry to be in a stable state, Gringotts will open its doors!"

With despair on the behalf of his well set plans and the Order, Dumbledore watched and listened as Mockridge's announcement was met with cheers and shouts from the financially burdened witches and wizards present. Abruptly, two chants broke out and took a firm hold. The verbal renditions of "VOTE NOW!" and "MOCK-RIDGE!" nearly brought the ceiling down.

Before anything else could be done, the doors to the ballroom abruptly burst open with a loud slam. Dumbledore watched with confusion as William Boggs, one of Fudge's under secretaries, led approximately one hundred and fifty Aurors into the room with their wands drawn. For some strange reason, Boggs, who was a bureaucrat, was also wearing Auror robes.

"None of those Aurors were Aurors the last time I checked." Amelia Bones, who had made her way up to the front, quickly whispered to Dumbledore.

"Not good." Dumbledore commented as he quickly tried to assess the situation.

With a booming and very arrogant voice, Boggs spoke. "As the newly appointed Supreme Commander of the Auror Corps and in the name of Minister Fudge, I am ordering this gathering to disband immediately! Force will be used if you do not comply!"

The crowd immediately began to protest, the most prevalent argument being that Fudge no longer had the power to act as Minister of Magic.

Boggs was not to be hindered though. "Fudge is still Minister until you vote a new one in!" he shouted. "However, I'm here to see that you can't vote."

Courageously, Amelia Bones stepped up to the podium and in the most commanding voice she could muster, spoke. "As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I order you to stand down, Commander Boggs!"

"As Supreme Commander, my authority exceeds yours." Commander Boggs sneered from across the room.

An edgy silence descended over the room as crowd considered the danger of the Aurors, the Aurors observed the crowd, and the leaders tried to come up with a solution to the present situation.

The reverie was broken when Percy Weasley burst into the room. He was panting and it was apparent that he had been running. The crowd parted to allow him to make his way through and he stopped midway between Commander Boggs and the podium where Dumbledore, Bones, and Mockridge stood.

Dumbledore examined his former student with piercing eyes. Young Mr. Weasley was pale and quite obviously nervous. From the way that his eyes seemed to shift between Boggs, the crowd, and the podium, it was apparent that he was making a last-minute decision.

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