JKR Speaks: Arthur Weasly will NOT be next Minister o...

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 107799

Cory: "Of course, with only two books remaining, the "next" Minister
of  Magic is the only one that is likely to be significant from a plot
 development standpoint. If Fudge loses power at this point, whoever 
replaces him will likely be MoM until the end of the series, 
(possibly being toppled at the very end).   Thus, in terms of helping
us determine where the plot is headed, JKR  has fully answered the
question. Her answer is only evasive to the  extent that it does not
foreclose the possibility that Arthur will be  Minister after the series."

Actually, this is the quote, copied and pasted from JKR's site:

Q: Will Arthur Weasley be the new Minister for Magic?

A: Alas, no.

New, not next.  Not much difference, but for accuracy's sake... 

I think you have the right idea.  It's too late for more than one
Minister, and it could be Arthur may be Minister at some future time,
although I doubt it.

The answer isn't evasive. It's "alas, no." If anything leaves any
doubt, it's the question.

JKR answers questions as you and I would, not as a lawyer would.  Has
she ever actually deceived us with an answer to a question, something
where an apparent loophole actually turned out?  There may be one, but
I don't think she does it deliberately.

Jim Ferer