Chapter Three

It took a few weeks for me to build up the confidence to actually discuss my supposed plans for government overthrow with anyone. The mass obliviation had been necessary, but did leave me rather isolated when it came to plotting. I had even obliviated Malfoy, and it was partly his idea. However, my need for secrecy had to be the most important thing, at least right now.

Although, Malfoy had some merit as a 'plotting partner', it would take a lot for me to discuss this with him. Whilst we had a fairly successful friendship right now, I couldn't overlook all the years of torment when it came to massive plots.

But, if not Malfoy, then who? Who else has been damaged enough by the ministry to want change, but likes me enough for me to be the one to do it? That pool of people was impossibly small, probably only consisting of Malfoy. That doesn't really give me all that much choice here. I'll have to bring in Malfoy, but gently, so as not to put my whole plan at risk. To this end, I arranged a lunch with him, supposedly to discuss a party for his upcoming birthday.

We met on at the Leaky Cauldron again, though I had learnt from my mistakes, and walked us into muggle London to find peace. We ended up at a little café, around the corner from Oxford Circus. There was very little chance any wizarding person would be here, but just to be extra safe I cast a silent muffliato around us, as well as a gentle notice-me-not spell. Throughout all of this, Malfoy looked at me as though I had lost the plot. Once we sat down, I apologised to him, before removing the memory charm I had put on him weeks before. As the memories returned, a look of confusion, followed by anger came over his face. It was so clear, it was almost funny to watch.

"You… You obliviated me!?" He spluttered through the statement. I gave him a moment to calm down, and watched as his face returned from red – or as red as he can get – to his normal pale complexion. Once this had happened, I could begin speaking.

"You must understand. I had to be sure that you are the one to discuss this with. I had a most unexpected visit from Mr Zabini after the last discussion, so I had to be cautious. It should make you feel better to know that you are the only person I have now removed the charm from."

I spoke calmly, to try and assuage his anger. It did seem to work, as he grew less obviously upset.

"I tried to do this alone, but it appears that overthrowing a ministry is more work than I envisaged. Especially to do it so that it is welcomed by the masses. I refuse to become an unwelcome dictator when I am aiming to make things better."

"There are always those who will disagree though. What exactly is your plan to deal with those?"

He asked a question I had been struggling with. I want to make things better, but it is impossible to keep everyone happy. There are going to be dissenters, and I have to come up with a stand on which to deal with them.

"Well, you are now part of this team. If you so wish. If not, then you will leave this place one memory lighter. No hard feelings. What do you say, Mr Malfoy?"

He appeared to be determining my offer. He took a few moments, before speaking again.

"As you so justly put it, those in charge are currently screwing a lot of things up. If you can do it better, then I'm all aboard. If not, then at least I tried. So, I'm with you, I guess."

"You're agreement is so flattering, thank you. Before we start though, there is one previous issue I want to clarify."

"Your blood status, correct? You will have no complaints from me on that front. There has been too much evidence to the contrary; you are no less than any other magical being."

"Yet again, another rousing agreement from you there. Wherever was I without your support?" Whilst I'm sure my sarcasm is not really conducive to a productive working relationship, but I have a lot frustration when it comes to this topic.

"You'll understand my need to confirm these feeling? I know you are a rather skilled occlumens, so I shall need your permission before I can check." I hate legilimency, but if he is going to be my right-hand man, then I need to be able to trust him implicitly. His face clearly showed he was no more a fan of this plan than I am.

"Uggh, this is so gonna suck."

I took that as permission, and performed the spell. A few moments later we were both spent; both ends of this procedure was exhausting. But, I now knew for sure that he was on my side.

"Welcome to Team Granger Draco."

"Item number one on the agenda: changing that merlin-cursed name. This is a plot to overpower the ministry, not a little league quidditch game."

"More importantly, what are our next steps then? I know I need to continue with my work at the ministry, but we need to work on discrediting those in charge. That has to come from me, but less obviously. You'll just be seen as bitter if you start complaining; though the meeting last time showed that more people than expected are sympathetic to our cause."

"You seem to this fairly well sorted right now Granger, what exactly do you need me for?"

"I need you to spread the cause through the purist elite. Quietly. We need them to see that I am offering them a solution to their issues. You also need to feel out those who might have an issue with my less than pure status. We can't have supporters who don't accept me."

"Nothing too crucial then? Merlin Granger, why don't you ask me to convert Voldemort himself to your cause."

His exasperation was not unexpected, though that didn't make it any less annoying. I am putting my neck on the line for his problems, and he thinks he has the hard work?

"I will also be speaking to Harry, see if there is any chance of support there. I know he is unhappy with the way things are; though full-on rebellion may be a little much for him."

Just from his look, I could tell he wasn't keen on the idea of Harry being involved; but having the Chosen One on our side would add a lot of credence to our argument to those who wouldn't agree otherwise. And as this is my show, I am going to be in charge of who gets a ticket.

AN - Third entry for the AYCETDI? Challenge, using prompt 167 – "This is so gonna suck."

I'm very grateful for the reviews and favourites, its nice to see people re enjoying the story.

Hope you like this chapter :)