Note: There might be a confusion as to what the form of government is in this story. The one I had in mind is a Representative Democracy characterized by its free and fair multi-party elections, in which an individual is to act as representative to the party. The title "Minister of Magic" here is preserved because I lack creativity to think of a new title. :3
Enjoy and review! xx
CHAPTER 1: Prologue
The three former students dined together, sharing a bottle of an expensive, aged Pinot Noir and tiptoeing around the subject that weighed so heavily on their minds and hearts. The two men shared a look of confusion, neither of them could guess what the bright young woman intended to say.
As pastel oranges and pinks of sunset tinted the sky, the two former Aurors kept on drinking their wine. Silence is not something eminent in the headquarters of the Equality Party. The bushy-haired young woman spoke first, finally breaking the ominous silence.
"I think we're losing the election." She stated as a matter-of-factly. "Look here." She said as she handed the two other men files enclosed in green folders. The two men studied the files carefully, assessing them silently. The woman stared at the two other men carefully and inspected carefully their reactions. Years had passed and the times have changed in the British wizarding world. After the war the political climate took a dramatic, albeit expected, turn.
The wizards and witches of UK demanded some form of democratic right – the right to vote. The Ministry of Magic has lost its moral and authoritative high ground when Death Eaters, under the command of Lord Voldemort, infiltrated it. The population claimed that they should have more voice in who to elect in the positions within the ministry. Kingsley Shacklebot, then acting Minister of Magic, had no other choice but to yield. It was after the war, and though the evils of Lord Voldemort have been banished, people were still thin-skinned over the issue of leadership within the Ministry.
And so, in year 2000, the Minister of Magic proclaimed his first official Ministry Order: That after every 4 years, the of-age wizards and witches of Great Britain would have the right to vote for their desired Minister of Magic. And since then, there have been many political parties that arose. Out of the handful political parties, two emerged to be fierce and powerful competitors.
On one hand there was the Blood Party; purveyors of old wizarding traditions and practices. Although they are not, as they claim, pure-blood extremists as the Death Eaters had been, they were for the "continuation and preservation of old wizarding culture and traditions" and were against "neo-liberal ploys to upturn the practices of the wizarding population and expose it to the muggles". On the other hand, there was the Equality Party; founded on the basic virtues of justice and fair-play. They claim that "it is about time to radically change wizarding malpractices that promote inequality and social injustice."
During the first historic election in 2001, the Equality Party had won. Then incumbent Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebot decided to run and was declared winner by a landslide vote. This however, was short-lived. In year 2005 the Blood Party had won, and so in years 2009 and 2013.
"This is preposterous!" the red-haired man exasperated. The other two looked at him in shock. "Always the look of surprise, eh? Of course I know how to use big words!" the two other laughed heartily.
"Of course, Ronald. Do you actually know what that means?" The woman asked and snickered.
"C'mon, Hermione, I'm not that daft. It means ridiculous… right?"
"Yes. And no you're not daft. I just wasn't expecting you to use such a polite term." Hermione redirected her look toward the other man. "Harry, what are you thinking?"
Harry positioned his glasses and let on a loud sigh. "You think we're losing."
"No Harry, we are losing. That's statistics you're holding, and they rarely lie. Although we're not losing epically, they are still 8 percent ahead of us in terms of household votes."
"These people! You wonder why they do such thing. Years ago they were all for equal rights and democracy and against pure-blood leadership, but look at the Ministers they've voted! First there was Antonio Greengrass, and then Marcus Parkinson, and now, bloody hell, the so-called Minister Richard Browning! I mean, they might as well elect former Death Eaters as our minister! And who in their right mind wouldn't vote for Harry? I mean, he's only the Boy-Who-Lived!" Ron said.
"I agree with you on that Ronald, the previous and incumbent Minister was, to politely say it, lacking in vision and action. All they do is seat there, look pretty and do the same things as it was before. It's really disheartening. I see no change in leadership and in action. I mean, they can't even pass my law regarding the liberalization of House Elves!"
Ron and Harry shared a knowing look. The SPEW has been Hermione's project since she's been in the Ministry. And although she is possibly the most brilliant witch to hold the position of Head of Magical Creature Regulation in MLE, she was still seen as sort of lowly simply because she was muggle born.
"But seriously, Ron, I don't think Harry's title is enough credit to make him win this election."
"But seriously, Ron, I don't think Harry's title is enough credit to make him win this election."
"I'm also Head of the Auror Department, Hermione. The youngest Head auror in the known wizarding world history. Surely that counts for something."
"Well that too. But that's just all you have. Nott is so much more influential than you in many ways. He's Undersecretary for the Minister, a former Hogwarts Governor, a pure-blood wizard with lots of businesses and social connection." Hermione explained, much to the disappointment of Harry.
"But Harry bloody killed Voldemort! He saved us all!" Ron argued.
"That isn't enough, Ronald. Sure, Harry's a hero but that doesn't guarantee leadership."
"But- "Ron cut.
"And although he is head of the Auror Department, he is still in no league against Nott's experience in governance. Sometimes, a hero is just that – a hero. People adore you, that's true, but charm and adoration are not enough to win an election. You need mobilization, connection, and a lot of endorsement. And let's face it; you're not exactly chummy with the most powerful people, Harry. Plus they're pulling the 'you're muggle-raised' card. They keep on insinuating that you know nothing of wizarding tradition. Plus the many rumours of your personal life plastered in the Prophet are not helping either to convince people that you are worthy of the position."
"That's bollocks. Everybody knows it's just black propaganda!"
"Apparently not everybody, Harry. I'm sorry."
"Well…" Ron spoke; both Harry and Hermione glanced at his direction. "What's your plan, then, Ms. Campaign Manager?"
Hermione gave both men a very knowing look, as if she had been waiting for that question. As it turned out, she did have a plan.
"Simple. We'll hire another campaign manager."
"Isn't that moot, Hermione? I mean I have you and Ron too."
"I mean somebody of pure-blood stature."
"I am pure-blood!" Ron supplied.
"Yes, you are. But you're not conniving enough. Nor you know the workings of an ambitious mind. Nor you have the ability to go underhanded."
"Blimey, Hermione. You're saying as if we need to hire a Slytherin!"
"As it turns out, Ronald, I just have the Slytherin in mind. Someone who knows the ins and outs of pure-blood politics; someone ambitious and can put himself in the position of a pure-blood wizard desiring a position."
Ron and Harry eagerly waited for the name of the supposed new campaign manager. Hermione just smiled at them. "This might be somewhat… shocking."
"Who is it, then?" Harry asked impatiently.
"Someone we all know. Rich, cunning, and aristocratic. He will be a good addition to the team. Plus he said he'd do it pro bono."
"Out with it woman!" Ron finally said. Hermione can't help but suppress a laugh. She was obviously teasing the other two with the identity of the new campaign manager.
"Promise you won't overreact?"
"Yes." Harry said. She looked at Ron who nodded enthusiastically.
"I'm serious about the not overreacting, guys."
Harry put his right hand over his left chest and gestured a seemingly writing the letter 'x' over it. "We promise."
"Right. It's Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
Ron and Harry's jaws dropped opened and they were gawking at Hermione. "Actually, he's going to be here in a few minutes. So it's best if you close your mouths and compose yourselves."
Is it really? Harry wondered. He found no plausible reason as to why Malfoy – former death eater, school rival and life-long adversary – would want to work with their party as campaign manager. He probed deep and wide inside his mind to find a singularly spectacular reason for this unlikely turn of event but found absolutely nothing.
Ron finally managed to compose himself and asked, "Hermione, are you sure about this?"
"Of course. He knows what he's doing. I've talked to him about possible plans and he was brilliant! He was still a right git, but very eloquent. We need him in our team." Hermione emphasized on the word need. "I even dare say he just might be our ace into winning this whole election."
Stubborn as ever, Ron said no. But he was no match to Hermione's logical and pragmatic answers. "Surely you won't let old rivalries get in the way!" she said. "Besides, it is Harry's decision to make." She directed her look at Harry who was still obviously brooding over the news.
"So, what will it be, Harry?"
Before even answering, Ron pleaded to Harry. "Mate, you wouldn't want him on our team."
"Well..." Harry stammered.
Ron gave him a look of disbelief, Hermione's smug was evident.
"I trust Hermione's instincts. I am assuming you thought this through carefully and objectively?" He fixed his look at his campaign manager and spokesperson.
"Of course. Unlike you two, I don't do things out of a mere whim." She gave Ron a very condescending glance.
"Very well then. If he can help us win, we'll have him."