Author's Note: This is my first fic, so I would really appreciate all feedback both positive and constructive criticism. I plan on this story being longer, at least 20 chapters or so (possibly more), but I don't have a set plan yet. I plan on updating every week, but that is just a rough timeline and will vary based on my schedule.
Thanks for reading!
Chapter 1
"Escort or guide," Hermione mused quietly to herself. "To escort us into a new era, or to guide us into a new era?" She took a swig of the nearly tepid coffee sitting in front of her, gone cold while she debated word choice. It just had to be perfect. This article would set the tone for her entire campaign, her entire life really. "Guide, I think," she mumbled, "escort sounds far too pretentious."
"Talking to yourself Granger dear?" Hermione heard from a haughty voice towering above her. "You know that's not a good sign, some might worry you've already cracked, and nobody wants a Minister who is a few puffs short of a puffle."
"What are you on about, Malfoy?" she groaned. Her head was still down, but unfortunately his signature drawl alerted the woman to the identity of the arsehole hovering over the table.
Malfoy took a swig of Hermione's coffee and promptly spit it out "Merlin fucking shite Granger, what is wrong with you, you can't even keep it together long enough to order fresh coffee." As he continued on, he waved the waitress over and ordered two fresh cups.
"You aren't sitting here," The Gryffindor stated, still looking down at her paper.
"Au contraire Grangiepoo, I can sit anywhere I want. I own this shop."
"Of course you do, and may I ask how do you even know about my campaign? I haven't even announced yet," she challenged.
"I've had one of my guys following you, and I must say Granger you are quite dull, but I will say I can't fault you your choice of knickers," he casually drawled.
"WHAT?!" The small brunette screamed, standing up and bumping the table, thankfully not spilling coffee in the process.
"Salazar, Granger! I was kidding, I was reading your paper over your shoulder, you really are unobservant aren't you?"
"I will admit, sometimes I get a little zoned out when I work, but that is no excuse to go around snooping. Besides, that's just creepy."
"Some say creepy, I say attentive."
"Whatever Malfoy, now as adorable as this witty banter is can we please cut to the reason you are being so "attentive"?
"No, I'd rather poke about a bit more," he said, "so, do Potty Mouth and his grotesque sidekick know about your campaign?"
"Not that it is any of your concern, but yes they do," Hermione huffed. This was starting to get very old very fast, couldn't he just leave her to work in peace? It was none of his business who knew about her campaign, he wasn't even supposed to know in the first place!
"Well then why aren't they here slaving over parchment with you, I mean I know you are a human thesaurus and all, but even reference materials can use friendly support." She could hear the smirk in his voice even without looking.
"They have other plans", she responded shortly.
"Ooh I sense some resentment lurking.." he said in a singsong voice. "Hmm Scarface and Weasel not being so supportive, do I sense trouble in paradise? Please tell me it's because you're in love with Potter. I hate that guy, but I would do anything to see Weasley get dumped."
"For your information, again not that it is any of your concern, but Harry is like my brother," the woman hesitated, "and Ron and I are no longer together, " she said through gritted teeth.
"Since when? I saw you in the papers being, well, your disgusting selves, literally yesterday," he inquired with raised eyebrows.
"Since I told him I was running for Minister," she continued through my clenched teeth.
"Are you serious right now Granger? He not only isn't supporting you, but dumped you over it, that is low even for him. He is probably sour that he won't be the one getting all the attention," Malfoy exclaimed.
Hermione couldn't admit to Malfoy that he hit the proverbial kniffler on the nose, but he really had. When the witch told Ron and Harry that she wanted to run for minister, Harry was weirdly quiet, and Ron started by telling me that her was being unsupportive of his career as an auror, and ended by calling her a "plain, attention starved hussy, (hussy, really?). Harry didn't say much, but after Ron left, he quickly apologized for his behavior, and apparated out. She haven't heard from either of them since.
She shook her head as Malfoy's voice brought her back into reality, "Seriously Granger, you were zoning out again, I am starting to think you really are an unfit candidate."
"I'm not unfit, I just have a lot on my mind," the woman retorted, shaking her head. "Besides, what does it matter to you anyway?"
"Because my sweet sweet Granger Dumpling, I am going to be your campaign manager."