Note from August 26/ 2017

Parts 1-8 have been tweaked. (The first time it was for spelling mistakes, this time it's a couple of minor details). Additional 2 parts to be added soon.

Sincere thank you, to my incredibly patient readers.

Part One

"This is a new chapter, a beginning to better times for our world." Hermione Granger read out loud.

She took a deep breath, as she closed her eyes and leaned back into her chair. When Hermione felt stressed or overwhelmed, she liked to sit back and think of how far she had come, and think of all the possibilities for her future. A year or two ago, she would have never imagined that she would come so far.

"I am doing just fine." She thought. "I am a brilliant witch, and unstoppable."

Hermione smiled, remembering the mischief Ron and Harry always seemed to get her into, back in their early school years. Even now, all grown up, with jobs and families of their own, they still managed to behave like first years.

Hermione had grown into a strong and independent woman, who was not afraid to express what was on her mind. Going through the last couple years of hardship had pushed Hermione to want more out of life, to think outside of the box, and do anything she wanted to do. Granted, her life back in school had been much more intense and dangerous, Hermione's current life still had that same excitement -without any threats to her life.

After completing her education at Hogwarts, Hermione had taken a job at the Ministry of Magic. She worked shortly in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Hermione had been so dedicated to her work, and completed so much in her field that it didn't take long for everyone to notice. Soon, she had been offered a job she could not refuse. Hermione Granger was the new Head of the Department of Education.

It wasn't something she had imagined doing at first, and it did take some getting used to. Not surprisingly, Hermione realized she enjoyed a leadership position. It may have not sounded as exciting as Hermione found it to be, but her department was a fundamental part of the Ministry, and she found herself in charge of one of the most important projects for the Wizarding World.

Hermione put down her papers on which she had handwritten her speech. She rubbed her eyes slowly, before looking up at the clock above her door. It was half past ten, but it wasn't unusual for her to stay so late at the office. Hermione enjoyed her job, so her office had become her second home.

Although she preferred the alone time in her office, she focused just as much on her social life. In fact, Hermione had originally planned a date for that very night but had to cancel, in order to make time to practice her speech. She was relieved to have a valid excuse, because Ginny was setting her up with a blind date of her choice. The idea of her eccentric friend looking for potential lovers for her worried her. However, Ginny had paired up with Hermione's mother ,and both women encouraged Hermione to go out more.

Thankfully, she had her speech for the Quidditch World Championship to worry about, for the meantime.

"Ah, Miss Granger."

Hermione turned around to face the portrait of her previous headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. She smiled at him warmly, Albus always seemed to show up right when she needed him.

Albus was holding a glass of firewhiskey in one hand and fixing his beard with the other.

Hermione had put up his portrait when she had moved into the office, not too long ago. Although Albus rarely visited, Hermione felt better having the portrait there anyway.

"Evening, Albus."

"Sickle for your thoughts?" Dumbledore asked.

Hermione sat down on the sofa across from her desk and sighed.

"Tomorrow is such an important day, not just for me but everyone involved in the event. My speech! My speech seems so ordinary, but how do I explain such an extraordinary thing?."

Hermione paused and took a deep breath.

"Not to mention, this year the ministry has made sure that every single person in the wizarding world will have access to my presentation, and the entire event. I've been planning this entire event since I began my career in this department." She finished.

"Why don't you read out what you've written so far, and I can give you my thoughts." Dumbledore offered.

"I thought you'd never ask." Hermione said cheerfully.

"That is an annoying sound." Thought Hermione.

It took her a couple of seconds to realize it was her phone, which was ringing in her pocket.

Eyes still closed, Hermione answered the call.

"Department of Education, Hermione Granger speaking." She answered.

She heard panting followed by a loud clatter of what sounded like broomsticks falling down.

"Oi, Ginny. Watch yourself." A deep voice called out.

"'Mione, where are you ?" Ginny Weasley yelled into the phone.

Hermione winced. She was too tired to talk, and her entire body was aching. She held in a yawn, as she stretched to feel better.

"I just woke up, please talk quietly." Hermione said.

"Hermione Granger. It is 5 AM, and you're just waking up? I've already had practice. You were supposed to come before 7 to wish me luck, I won't be able to meet you afterwards." Ginny said.

Hermione bolted up. She had fallen asleep on the sofa in her office, practicing her speech. She needed to get home to get ready before she could head off to the Championship venue.

"Ginny, I'm going home now. I'll meet you in your tent before you go, okay. Bye." Hermione said, quickly hanging up.

She gathered her files on her desk, and placed them carefully into her bag.

It took Hermione just a few seconds to get home, through the Floo Network. She took pride in her house. She had spent her free time in the past year on it, to create her dream home. It took a while for her to find the perfect neighbourhood, before she picked the quiet suburbs. Her parents lived just a street over, and all their neighbours were wizards and witches. It felt safe, and to her it was a perfect.

Hermione quickly took a shower, and used magic to dry off her hair. She had already picked a dress a week ago. It was an elegant, knee length, black dress with long sleeves. Hermione had cut her hair short a while back, and always kept it simple. She slipped on her heels, and grabbed her wool coat and bag before apparating.

Team Britain was sitting in front of a large fireplace, discussing the Championship. The lavish tent was covered in large flags, and it was bursting with witches and wizards, some wearing body paint from their heads to their toes.

It was a wonderful environment, filled with laughter, love, and excitement.

Ginny was sitting in the middle chatting away with her close friends, and team members, Margaret and Hakeem.

"Have you seen their chaser, Boris?" Margaret asked. "That smile."

Ginny and Hakeem were laughing at their friend, when she caught sight of her best friend.

"Hermione." Ginny said.

Hermione hugged her tightly, laughing in delight. Ginny stepped back, still holding onto her.

"You look so amazing." Ginny said.

Hermione kissed her cheek and thanked her. She told Ginny she couldn't stay for too long. But Ginny begged her to stay until Harry arrived.

Harry had trouble waking up Teddy and had to drop him off with Ginny's mother before visiting her. Hermione agreed, even though she had to move up her plans to meet Viktor Krum. Viktor too had asked Hermione to drop by and visit before the events started.

Ginny took Hermione to an adjoining tent. It was filled with mostly tables piled with food and a few seats. They both filled their plates with food and headed back. Hermione finished her food quickly, and Ginny took her time to finish her plate, spending most of the time discussing plans to celebrate. The other teammates were now surrounded by friends and family.

"Hello." Harry said, surprising Ginny and Hermione.

He leaned down and kissed Ginny. Hermione stood up to greet him and gave him a tight hug.

Harry was a sweetheart, and even though the two of them were busy with their work, they were still close. Every week, Harry would make time to either bring Hermione lunch at work, or join her for dinner. Ginny spent much of her time with Hermione, when she didn't have games or practice. And their adopted son, Teddy had become Hermione's favourite. She loved their small family dearly.

Ron was standing behind Harry, hands deep in his pocket, staring at the ground. Hermione and Ron had dated for a short time while completing their education, but Ron was not committed enough to their relationship. Hermione had expressed her feelings to him and they decided to be friends. She had feelings for him months afterwards but realized that he was not the type of man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Although Ron disagreed, Hermione realized if they didn't take a break, they wouldn't be able to back to being friends. The last time they had discussed their relationship, Ron had asked her if she would give him another chance. Hermione hadn't given him an answer.

"Well, I have to head off. I need to be on time for the meeting." Hermione said, giving her best smile.

She kissed Ginny on the forehead and wished everyone a good day.

The Ministry's tent was much more elegant than the Team tents. It was furnished with silver drapes and black furniture.

Hermione's assistant was sitting near the entrance to the tent, waiting patiently for her. She had a large stack of folders on her lap, and a large bag beside her.

Nadia was a young woman from Ukraine who helped Hermione manage her workload. She was finished Wizarding School, but had continued onto Muggle wanted to work in the Ministry of Magic, and found herself a position under Hermione. Hermione was fond of Nadia, as she was reminded of herself.

Hermione greeted Nadia who stood up and asked Hermione to follow her.

"Miss, the Ministers are seated for the meeting." She said.

Hermione took the folders from Nadia, and thanked her. As they walked over to the meeting spot, Nadia went over the details.

"We have extra fireworks stocked, carefully. We've discussed the queues, and the team leaders have the details. Extra security was arranged and protocols in place to make sure not a single word gets out unless it has been approved by the Communications Department." Nadia said.

"Nadia, you are a lifesaver. Can you just make sure the volunteer staff makes sure our guests are comfortable?" Hermione asked.

"Already on it. However, one of the guests asked for unicorn in their cuisine. We explained why we couldn't do that here, so they asked for jellyfish, which we did offer right away." Nadia informed her.

They stopped walking. They had reached the closed off area for the meeting. Hermione placed a hand on Nadia's shoulder.

"You are amazing. Please make sure you take breaks and stay hydrated. I don't want you to be overwhelmed. I want to make sure you enjoy day as much as everyone else. Also, I've got Luna in charge of the staff now. She'll make sure everyone takes their break, so you better." Hermione said.

Nadia assured her that she would. Hermione took a handful of folders from the top and handed the rest back.

"Pass the rest along to the staff, and let's keep everyone updated. I'll have the student volunteers double check the hologram platforms, and what we're airing, later on." Hermione said.

As Nadia walked away, Hermione straightened her dress and walked in with her best smile.

"Good morning, everyone." Hermione said.

There was a large oval table, and eight men sitting around it, in large black chairs. They all greeted her back, as she handed out the folders to each Minister.

"Thank you." Said one of the Ministers, he looked up at Hermione and winked.

Hermione looked away, smiling. She walked to the front of the table where there was a open spot and put down her bag.

"I'd like to thank each and every one of you for being here today, especially so early in the morning."

She paused for a moment, as she looked around the table.

"Right. Well, let's begin, shall we?"

Hermione took out a small, velvet box, opened it up and placed it in the middle.

"I know you all have your charmed translation clips already, however we'll have to replace them because. The Minister of Titan said there was an issue in translation for their languages, so we changed the charm on these." Hermione informed them.

The Minister's passed the box around the table. It was clipped onto their collars and the colors changed from black to purple as it was activated.

"Now gentlemen, I don't want to keep you long. Let's go over our presentation for your welcome to Earth."