The Rise of the God-Emperor

CH 73: A Pledge of Allegiance

The day had come for Harry to meet with Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt. It had been a week since the devastating attack on Diagon Alley, and the wizarding world was still reeling from the aftermath. The tension between the magical and Muggle worlds had reached a boiling point, and now, Harry knew that something drastic needed to be done. He Apparated to the Ministry of Magic, his mind heavy with the weight of what was to come.

When Harry stepped into the Minister's office, the room was quiet, and a somber atmosphere hung in the air. Shacklebolt sat behind his large desk, his expression serious as he looked up at Harry's entrance. His face was lined with stress, and the usually confident demeanor he wore seemed somewhat subdued.

"Harry," Shacklebolt greeted, gesturing for him to sit across from him. "I've been expecting you."

Harry took a seat, leaning forward slightly. "We need to talk about everything, Kingsley. About the attack, the Muggles, and how the Ministry plans to respond. We can't sit on our hands anymore."

Shacklebolt nodded, his dark eyes locking with Harry's. "I know. Things have gotten worse, and I'm afraid we're running out of time. The Muggle forces are becoming more organized, more relentless. And Diagon Alley... It was a wake-up call for many of us at the Ministry."

Harry kept his gaze steady. "It's not just a wake-up call, Kingsley. We're at war. The Muggles aren't going to stop until they have full control, and we need to be prepared for that. The attack on Diagon Alley showed us how vulnerable we are. If we don't act now, we'll lose more than just our streets."

Kingsley leaned back in his chair, a tired sigh escaping him. "You're right, Harry. I've been trying to manage this situation for too long, and it's clear that I can't do it alone. The Ministry isn't what it used to be. People are scared, divided. We need real leadership... And I believe you're the only one who can provide it."

Harry blinked, unsure of what Kingsley was implying. "What do you mean?"

For a moment, Shacklebolt was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, without another word, he rose from his chair and walked around the desk. Harry's heart quickened as he watched Kingsley kneel before him, bowing his head in submission.

"I, Kingsley Shacklebolt, pledge my loyalty to you, Harry James Potter, as the true leader of the magical world," Kingsley said, his voice solemn. "You've shown strength, wisdom, and courage in a time when our world needed it most. I no longer doubt that you are the one who can lead us to victory."

Harry stared at him in shock. Never had he expected this from the man who had once been his mentor, his superior during the war. But now, Kingsley had made it clear—he was abdicating his role as the leader of the Ministry, offering it up to Harry.

"K-Kingsley, get up," Harry stammered, his voice tight with disbelief. "You don't need to do this."

But Kingsley remained where he was, his head bowed. "I do, Harry. I've seen the way people look at you, how they trust you. You've earned this. You are more than just a leader—you are their king. And I would be honored to serve you."

The weight of Kingsley's words settled on Harry's shoulders, but this time, he didn't push it away. He had fought for so long to avoid the title, the responsibility. But now, in the aftermath of Diagon Alley and the mounting tensions with the Muggles, he understood that he couldn't shy away from it any longer. The magical world needed a protector, and they had chosen him.

"I accept," Harry said finally, his voice steady. "But for now, Kingsley, I need you to remain in your position as Minister. We still need the Ministry to function, and I trust you to lead it while we prepare for what's to come."