Chapter One
"And now, my friends, I would like introduce my good friend and Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Miss Hermione Granger!" Harry stepped aside from the podium, clapping along with the crowd. Hermione walked out, waving to the crowd. She went behind the podium.
"'Witches and Wizards alike! Gather 'round, for I have a story to tell.' With these words, Benjamin Zema began his tale The Singer. It's a classic story of the rise and fall of a singer, even continuing to his recovery and rebirth of spirit. I think we need a change in Ministry tradition. We need new energy. We need a government that cares about its citizens. That is why I am declaring my candidacy for the nomination of the Cavalier Party!" Hermione announced with pride. The crowd cheered.
"None of this would have been possible without Harry Potter. He is my great friend, and a trusted advisor. Give him one more round of applause!" The crowd clapped wildly as Harry took a small bow. Hermione turned back to the crowd.
"We need rejuvenation! We need to make sure the government helps those wizards who can't help themselves. I've seen the homeless on the streets of Diagon Alley. The Minister of Magic, Wallace Ironheart, tries to tell us that the wizarding world in Britain is fantastic! He tries to tell us that his government has made it better! We need change, because his administration has just made it worse!"
" How was I?" Hermione asked Ron after they had apparated back to the Burrow. Ron kissed her.
"You were fantastic. The people loved you," Ron said. They walked through the door.
"Surprise!" Everybody shouted. The entire Weasley clan was there: Mr and Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Harry, Bill and Fleur, Charlie, and Percy and Audrey. George was strangely absent. There was a large Turkey on the table.
"We made you dinner, future Minister!" Mrs. Weasley said. She hugged Hermione as Ron pulled chair out for his wife. Hermione was released from the hug and sat in the chair.
"We always knew you would do big things," said Mrs Weasley, moving back to her place at the table.
"Thank you. I just really want to change how we treat the homeless and less fortunate in our society," Hermione explained. "It seems like it takes an election to do it."
"Got that right," said Mr. Weasley, carving the turkey.
"Hey, where is George?" Harry asked. He was just asking the question everybody was thinking.
"He said he had to do something," Ron said through a mouthful of bread. Hermione slapped his hand. Hermione glanced at the clock. George's hand said Work.
It was a marvelous dinner. Jokes were exchanged, stories were told. It was a true celebration. Afterwards, goodbyes were said and the couples began to leave. Harry clapped Ron on the shoulder. "Come by the flat tomorrow. We can all go have a drink to celebrate this."
"Alright, sure," Ron agreed. The two shook hands and the women hugged. They apparated away separately.
Ron and Hermione walked through the front door. "I need to go to sleep," Hermione groaned. It had been a long day. They both moved towards the bedroom. As soon as their heads hit the pillows, they were asleep.
Good morning love," Ron said, waking Hermione up. He gave her a soft kiss. "I have to go to work. It's Saturday, but still. I left the Daily Prophet and some toast and marmalade on the table." Ron then departed. Hermione stayed in bed for a few minutes, then she got up and walked out into the kitchen. She began to put marmalade on her toast and look over the Daily Prophet. A full story on the cover was about her campaign announcement. She smiled.
An owl rapped its talons on the window. It was the family owl, Libra. Ron had gotten it for the family as a Christmas present several years ago. Hermione opened the window, and Libra flew in, landing on the table. She dropped a letter and a newspaper. Hermione gave Libra treat and an appreciative stroke on the wing. She opened the letter.
Aunt Hermione,
Congratulations on your announcement. I had to send you this paper as soon as I got it. Unlike most people, I read the Wizarding Times. You needed to see this immediately. It is probably important.
Gave Neville your regards. Good luck on your election.
Sincerely,
Lily Luna Potter
Hermione smiled. She always liked getting letters from the energetic fifth year. She opened the paper, and her smile turned to a look of shock.
The headline was: Diagon Alley entrepreneur George Weasley announces his bid for Minister of Magic