Regents

The Most Ancient Hall of the Wizengamot was untouched by everything that happened. The great half-circles of stone still loomed over the floor. There were still people on the wooden benches. But there were far fewer. When Harry had last came here, there had been fifty-five sitting on the benches, and Dumbledore on the podium above. There were now but thirty-seven, presided over by Amelia Bones, for the time being. Back in April, 27 of those on the benches were on Malfoy's side, 4 followed Greengrass, and just 24 followed Dumbledore. But 17 of Malfoy's, and one of Greengrasse's followers had died in that graveyard in June. Harry now held the majority, and he intended to use it.

"Quiet." Called Amelia Bones. "Our first order is to be the ennoblement of the House of Granger, for avenging the death of the Most Anciente House of Monroe."

Looking around, it was clear it had passed.

"Very well, I count it 25 to 12, the House of Granger is now the Noble House of Granger. Next, since Hermione Granger has passed her O. , with 6 O. , I call a vote on confirming her as the Lady Granger."

Almost every wand in the room lit up.

"I count that as 32-5. Please take your seat, Lady Granger."

Hermione walked down, and took a seat on the left of the Ancient Hall, among the plum robes.

"Next, a vote on confirming Harry Potter as the Lord Potter, as he has gotten 5 O. ."

Only eight wands remained unlit.

"I count that as 30-8. Please take your seat, Lord Potter. Now, our third order of business is the disposition of the seats left vacant after the events in June. Does anyone happen to have any suggestions for those seats?"

"Yes." Harry announced.

"Ah, our newest member. What is your suggestion, Lord Potter?"

Harry rose from the benches. "Well, since those who died in the graveyard supported Voldemort, it is clear that they are traitors. Since I do not believe we are in the business of giving seats in the Wizengamot to families of traitors, I think they should instead be given to upstanding citizens. If after a period of time, say ten years, the fallen familes have improved, they might get their seats back. If not, well then they won't."

Gasps of shock, surprise, and outrage rose from the right of the room.

"Do you have any suggestions as to who these upstanding citizens might be?" Amelia Bones asked.

"Since the Order of the Phoenix fought against Voldemort in the last war, the members of it would be an excellent addition to the Wizengamot."

A man on what had been Malfoy's side rose, and screamed "You dare."

"Yes." Harry answered.

"Silence."Amelia Bones called. "I believe we should bring this to a vote. If you agree that the currently vacant shall be governed by members of the Order of the Phoenix for the next ten years, please light your wands."

Virtualy all of the Plum Robes raised their wands.

"I count that 24-14. The motion has passed. Now let us break for Lunch."

The members of the Wizengamot filed out of the room. On the way out, Hermione caught up to Harry.

"Well, we're now members of the Wizengamot."

"Yeah. I'm not sure if I can get the elective seats passed. It'll be close."

"Yeah. We need 42, and even if everyone in the Order of the Phoenix passes it, that's only 43."

"I think we can get it, and if not, a couple more seats could go vacant."