A New Hope

To Cuthbert Mockridge, it only seemed like a matter of minutes between the time he arrived at the bank and the time that an agreement was decided upon with the chief goblin. As he mentally reviewed the negotiations, he realized that they were actually very simple. Then of course, the reason that the bank had closed in the first place was rather small and simple as well.

"On what date do you intend to reopen your doors?" Mockridge asked Lord Gold diplomatically as Harry watched on.

"Did you have a particular day in mind?" Gold replied idly as he reviewed a written copy of their negotiations and decisions.

Harry who had opted to remain apart from the negotiations decided to step in. "Might I suggest that you wait to reopen the bank until the Ministry settles down under the control of a new Minister of Magic?"

"That is an excellent suggestion, Lord Polairix." the goblin said, looking at Mockridge to see if he agreed with Harry's idea.

"It would be for the best, I think." Mockridge concurred.

Lord Gold smiled evilly has he returned the copy of the agreement to the table and began to add one last thing to it. "Someone has to decide when the Ministry is stable enough for the bank to reopen. I reckon that you're intelligent enough to make that decision, Mockridge. I'm putting down that the bank will reopen when you, Cuthbert Mockridge, formally sign a declaration that the Ministry is structurally stable."

A laugh of mirth burst from Harry's lips. "I could not have planned that any better myself, Lord Gold. Your little provision could quite possibly make Cuthbert's ascension to the top job ten times more likely."

"Let us hope so." Mockridge muttered. "We need to formally sign the agreement and have copies made." He looked at Harry. "Would you sign as a witness?"

"I'm not sure if the wizarding populace would appreciate what my signature would signify concerning my relations with you and Gringotts." Harry stated. "Their reaction could cause everything to backfire."

Mockridge grinned at Harry. "No one besides us will see the signed agreement. If I become Minister, I can't automatically declare or recognize you as innocent, but after the dust settles with this war, and or if there is an opportunity, your signature on this agreement will go a ways toward bringing you into favor."

"He is correct." Lord Gold stated, addressing Harry. "I'd even go as far as to have you sign as more than a witness- perhaps as the 'mediator' or 'judge.'"

"All right then." Harry acquiesced.

Lord Gold nodded and with a complicated gesture and bit of magic, summoned another goblin who was bearing a special ink and quill set into the office. The other goblin left and Lord Gold set up the quill and ink for use. "These are what we use to sign formal and binding treaties." he explained.

"I'm not sure if I can legally sign the agreement then. I don't really have the authority to sign treaties on behalf of the Ministry of Magic." Mockridge pointed out cautiously. "Our agreement would not be binding."

"I've already taken that into account." Lord Gold said, reassuring Mockridge. "Based on wizarding laws, both ancient and contemporary, you may sign the treaty so long as it is formally ratified by the Minister of Magic within a year of the signing or before its implementation."

"If you become Minister, that won't be a problem at all." Harry concluded as Lord Gold nodded. "If this falls through, whoever does become Minister would be crazy not to ratify."

With a nod, Mockridge took the quill which Lord Gold had offered him and scrawled his signature at the bottom of the document. The quill was returned to the goblin who made his mark and then to Harry who signed his name; Harry James Potter. As soon as the ink dried on Harry's name, more writing appeared beneath it. "Lord of Polairix, Earl of the North."

"That's all." Lord Gold declared, taking the parchment and setting it aside. "I'll have copies made and delivered to you two. I suggest that you return to the Ministry with your good news. On your way out, you may pick up a formal press statement that I took the liberty to have written up during our conference."

"We'll do that." Mockridge stated, standing up and shaking Lord Gold's hand.

...

When Professor Albus Dumbledore made his entrance in the Ministry Atrium, the immense crowd that had gathered in the big room immediately turned their attention to him and began shouting questions concerning the present situation. Apparently the Ministry officials had been attempting to keep them uninformed of the current situation.

Dumbledore chose to ignore the inquisitive crowd until he arrived at the security desk and had his wand appropriately checked in. He then turned and cast the Sonorus charm. "Quiet!" When the noise had died down he continued on in an informative voice. "Yes, it is true that Madame Bones has formally filed charges against Minister Fudge. He will either step down or be removed. His successor will be chosen by the common consent of present Ministry officials. Madame Bones and Arthur Weasley are currently being looked at as potential candidates."

"What about Cuthbert Mockridge?" shouted someone from the crowd.

This caused Dumbledore to frown with confusion. He had carefully advanced the possibility for Bones and Weasley to become Minister of Magic. It was a winner-take-all situation and in such, there were usually only two serious candidates. He supported both, so he and the Order could not lose. He had not planned on another possible candidate. "All worthy candidates will be considered." he said, not willing to admit that he did not know about situation that had brought Mockridge to public attention.

He then turned and made his way into the heart of the Ministry controversy which had moved from the Law Enforcement floor to the formal ballroom in which ceremonies were held due to the large amount of people wishing to be in on the action.

Arthur Weasley met him before he could arrive in the ballroom. "Fudge is basically done for. They haven't removed him yet, but he's being ignored and he and his staff are avoiding everyone else."

"What is this that I hear about Cuthbert Mockridge?" Dumbledore asked.

"Ah yes, him." Weasley said slowly. "A couple of hours ago, he received a hand delivered message from Gringotts. Apparently he made some overtures to the goblins and they answered him. A lot of people are talking about making him Minister if his meeting with them turns out for good. As we speak, he is at Gringotts discussing options to open the bank."

This news provided to be very disturbing to Dumbledore. As far as he knew, Mockridge was a good and competent man. There was nothing to indicate that he was a Death Eater either. The only problem with him in Dumbledore's book was that he had no ties to the Order. "How is it that he's risen in popularity so fast?" Dumbledore inquired. "He was practically unknown before today."

"The closing of Gringotts is the most blatant of Fudge's misdeeds from the point of view shared by the majority of people." Weasley explained. "It's also the one affecting everyone the most. The instant that it was leaked outside the Ministry that Mockridge was in negotiations, the news spread like wildfire. Mockridge's name is on everyone's lips."

The two wizards arrived in the ballroom to find the entire Ministry present and all discussing issues in small groups. A podium had been set up and various officials were making fiery speeches to those who cared to listen.

Seeing that everyone was present, Dumbledore came to a split-second decision. He announced it quietly to Mr. Weasley and then to Amelia Bones who had joined them as soon as she had spied them entering the room. "We need to have the new Minister put in immediately if it is to be one of you." Dumbledore said. "Mockridge could return at any moment."

"Let's do it then." Bones replied. "As the leader of the Wizengamot, I believe that you have the authority to take charge here, Professor."

Dumbledore nodded in agreement and without wasting any more time, made his way to the raised podium and took it from the witch who had just finished spouting off accusations about inadequacies in some sort of budget.

Making use of the Sonorus charm for a second time, Dumbledore spoke. "SILENCE!" Immediately, the ballroom quieted and turned their attention to the aged professor. "Cornelius Fudge has been formally accused by the appropriate authorities of several misdeeds. Speaking for the Wizengamot, I hereby declare this to be the equivalent of the first step to a vote of no confidence.

...

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