In every crowd there has to be a doubter and Stephen certainly played the part. I'm glad he got his comeuppance when he challenged Harry. Served him right for thinking he was better than he was and only succeeded in making a fool of himself. I hope he learned his lesson. As for Harry, I think he showed the assembled students the value of practicing even simple defensive spells. I'm glad the rest of the meeting went well and that the six leaders seem to think they have accomplished something. I also really like Ginny's idea of the six meeting in the Defense Lounge on Fridays during lunch to talk over their plans for the next meetings. I think they will get a lot accomplished.

It's such good news about Madam Bones and Sirius. I think Madam Bones will make a very good minister just because I don't think she really wanted the job, but saw a need for someone competent in the office and acquiesced to the nomination. I was a little disappointed that Umbridge didn't make an appearance after the announcement was made. I would have liked to know her reaction to her mentor being thrown out of office. I hope she makes an appearance in the next chapter and get to see her reaction to the Defense Club and actually needing to teach something!

As for Sirius, this is great news for both him and Harry and I had to smile when Arthur handed him the adoption papers he and Molly had in their possession just in case there was a opportunity for them to make Harry into a bonafide Weasley. I'm curious as to what name Harry will choose now that he has the chance: will he retain Harry Potter or will he become Harry Black or Harry Potter-Black? No matter what, I'm very pleased with how the chapter ended.

Well done. See you next week.

Author's Response: Sometimes you've just gotta shoot your shot, even when that means getting embarrassed in front of all your peers! Gotta find a time to meet that won't interfere with Quidditch, and I think Ginny's idea works well. If I'm honest, I think choosing Madam Bones as Minister is a bit out of character for the Wizengamut, at least as I understand them. I get the feeling they'd pick Scrimgeour and had that in my first draft, but decided that I wanted to go with who I thought would be best and make the Wizarding world a little less misogynistic than I think it might actually be. It's my story, so who's to say I can't make the world a bit better along the way? As for Umbridge, we'll see more of her soon. As for the adoption, these versions of Harry and Sirius aren't all that concerned about the name stuff. I think it's fair to assume Harry will keep the name Potter and that Sirius wouldn't have really considered a name change unless Harry explicitly requested it. Thanks so much for the encouraging comments! Hope you have a great week!

Well its nice to have fudge out and hopefully that also means Umbridge is also gone as well…it would not hurt my feelings if she is gone because she is a real piece of work….nice to see Sirius is also moving forward now that he is free….kutgw

Author's Response: Umbridge is absolutely a piece of work, but would you really be satisfied with her simply being reassigned because Fudge lost his job? The war between her and Harry has so many entertaining battles yet to see! Sirius definitely has some important things to be working on now that he's a free man...