Hi. I've done my research about the Wizarding law and all the other stuff relating to it. Then I've found out that they don't have a specific legislative department, just judiciary (i.e. Wizengamot) and executive (i.e. Minister of Magic). What I understood is that every department could propose a law and that it is up to the high court (which is the Wizengamot) if they would approve it or whatever. And, apparently, though I'm not quite sure, they can alter, make or even dismiss a law. So, for the sake of this story, let's assume it's true. Since, I am not sure how the elections and how wizarding politics run in general, I've settled to the idea that I would have to just make up stuff. I am not really familiar on politics, so should any weird or implausible events and whatnot happen, it was entirely products of my own ignorant mistakes. Suggestions and corrections are highly encouraged.

And also, I've been trying to find a beta but sadly I haven't found one yet, so the grammar would still be horrible. Sorry.

. . .

"Don't you think that's a bit impractical?"

I shot an annoyed look at Mrs. Hewitt, my Wizengamot member adviser, feeling affronted from her remark. She might have sensed my indignation as she hurriedly tried to justify her statement, clearing her throat as she did so.

"I mean wouldn't it be more practical for you to create a bill that would cover or tackle more important matters –oh, no, no, please don't be offended. I didn't mean to sound like I was belittling your –oh, just –whatever! I'd be frank with you, Ms. Granger. I think that a law about House-elves' freedom from whatever nonsense you were saying –oh, yes, there, I'll say it –it's pure nonsense. No need to give me that look! I am just trying to help you to come up with something that would help you get the position without the major party thwarting your opportunity to get it, and this is not helping things. You're making yourself a primary, visible threat to the status quo and you know how those who are in position don't like that."

"Well, Mrs. Hewitt," I said with a tone that sounded a bit more harsh than what I've intended. "You told me not to propose a law for Muggle-born rights, saying about jeopardizing my already blurry chance for a vote amongst those Pureblood extremist members –oh, no, don't look surprised by my words! I know they are extremists. I know I have a little to no chance for a vote from them but I listened to you anyway when you told me to be a good, docile sycophant towards them –which is against my principles, but still I've listened to you. But where did it lead me? Nowhere; and don't even suggest to me again about that nonsensical stuff you were suggesting me to propose instead. I know I can't propose a law for Muggle-borns yet, but it doesn't mean I can't help other helpless and oppressed beings. I don't care about what they'll say. It's time for me to put my foot down and things shall change right now!"

"Oh, my dear, dear, child, you know nothing, nothing at all," mocked Mrs. Hewitt, wisps and tendrils of white hair that had escaped her loose French twist, swaying, as she shake her head at me in mock pity. "What will you do then? Of course, you will no longer listen to me now, will you? You'd go on with that stupid plan of yours, thinking that you're all mighty and clever now just 'cause you've survived a war, fighting in the front line. Of course, of course, you and that boy-who-lived and that youngest boy of Arthur, you all think you're better than everyone here –than us –well, my child, let me tell you this, that is not how it works. Now, don't get yourself thinking we're not grateful for your efforts. Of course, we are. But politics is a completely different battle. You always have to think like a Slytherin if you want in."

"What do you mean, Mrs. Hewitt? Do you actually want me to be a deceptive snake like most members of the council? Well, sorry but no, thank you," I countered fiercely. I will get the position with my skills and knowledge and not by deception. I just couldn't understand why it's been an unwritten rule in politics –whether it's muggle or magical –that in order to win a political position means you have to be an allegiance-shamming person and a farce, "aren't you tired of all the two-faced witches and wizards you're sharing fake smiles and pleasantries with? Of constantly watching your back wondering who from your supposed allies would stab you from behind because the opposing party have got them to turn their backs on you? Of all the injustice and despair of the people and beings alike because the people who're supposed to lead and protect them chose to be selfish and have turned their backs on them because it would serve them more good and ensure the satisfaction of their own greedy needs?"

Mrs. Hewitt looked at me and smirked, removing her round spectacles and conjuring a cloth to wipe its lenses, seemingly unfazed by my rant. She looked at me pointedly, lips upturned a little in a bittersweet smile. "Tell me, Ms. Granger, do you really think of me that way? Do you think I'll bother myself guiding and helping you if I don't believe in your cause? I could've let you do whatever you think is right and then watch with glee as you make a fool out of yourself. My mother was a Muggle-born and her situation then was much harder than yours now. I've witnessed her suffer the prejudice towards her 'kind' and have promised myself that I'll do my best to put a stop to that, and that is why I'm here now helping you, 'cause I know if someone would be able to do it, it'd be you."

"And look how exactly you were helping me, Mrs. Hewitt. You wanted me to succumb to the old, dirty ways of the ministry. How can you say to my face that you are on my side?" I demanded with an accusatory tone in my voice.

"Well, dear, you absolutely have no idea, don't you? You think you can start change by flashing your I-helped-kill-You-Know-Who card? You think the system will bend at your will? Sorry, but the answer is no, my dear. Politics is a whole different battlefield –much scarier, much trickier, and much tougher –you wouldn't have any idea who the foes are and who are the ones that can be trusted. You have to think hard if one ally is there to help you, to use you, or to destroy you. This is a game for the tough ones, for unlike You-know-who, who we all know is the enemy, everyone that is involved in this game is wearing appropriate masks to fool you –" I scoffed at this. Honestly? Surely, she hasn't been involved during the war. She obviously doesn't have an ounce of understanding on how hard it had been. Clueless even of the hardships they have endured. And here she was lecturing her that Wizarding Politics is harder than the war itself. Fantastic! Just. Great. " – Tell me do you play chess?"

My brows furrowed, puzzled. "N-no –Yes –not really, I just know a bit. But how is that related to this?"

"How do you win a game?"

"Uh –I don't know. Um –Tactics and strategy –"

"You outwit them. You have to conceal your moves that they wouldn't be able to read it while you have to find a way on how to read theirs and then find a way to make them follow, unknowingly, your strategic plan. You have to control the board. You have to read your opponent's each move and formulate ways to counter it and win. You should be always one step ahead. Always. It's a slow, constant battle of wits but not just that, for unlike chess where you play with an organized and fair set of rules, politics has none. But how will you be able to play the game if you'll not be allowed to play in the first place?"

"Uh –"

"If you are in their shoe, Hermione, would you let a possible opposition in, who have a huge impact and charm to the people? Of course not, you'd do everything in your power to stop them; so, what will you do to enter the chaotic arena of politics? You mould yourself to the system first, and then you start changing it. But, Hermione let me ask you this, are you certain you're ready to be dragged down to the dirty, dark pits of politics? Are you ready to stain your morality and ethics? Are you ready to stoop down on anyone for your cause? Are you ready to turn a blind eye on the despair of someone in favour of another?"

"That is the general perception of many, but it doesn't mean it can't be changed. We, the present generation, should at least try to strive to make it better. I don't understand why everyone views Politics as a dirty game, when it is not, it could be better if only the right leaders are chosen," I rebutted rationally.

"Oh, no, Politics is not a dirty game –it is not at all," said Mrs. Hewitt with a forbearing tone. "It is the ones who play the game you should be blaming for it having its negative view. But how can you chose a better leader if all of the rotten ones disguised and mixed themselves with the good ones? Electing a leader is like selecting a bean from Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Let's assume there are twenty beans in a bag, then there'll be a one in twenty beans probability of selecting a good one or otherwise. And, don't underestimate the overwhelming effect of power to people, they can –"

"Excuse me Mrs. Hewitt," I interjected, interrupting her all too familiar lecture. "I don't mean to be rude, but I already know this stuff that's why I'm here to ignite a start of change to the system. I know I'm on the radical side, but if no one's going to try, then who? When will we start changing the rotten system? When it's already too late? Sorry but I disagree."

Mrs. Hewitt sighed, sounding defeated and exasperated. "Okay, okay, you're right, I'm wrong, my bad. Do what you want; I'll leave you alone," she said, standing up with disappointment etched on her face. As she was about to turn towards the door, she faced me again and with an enigmatic demeanour added, "Just remember: Equality does not equate equity."

I watched as Mrs. Hewitt walked towards the door and left my office. I heaved a sigh of relief and resignation, a bit perplexed about her parting advice but decided to just brush it off. I know Mrs. Hewitt only means well. But I know I am doing the right thing. The last war has ingrained something in me, something akin to passion, the overwhelming urge to protect the likes of me to the best of my abilities, those who are deemed as second-class, inferior citizens.

One thing that hunts me every single night, mostly after the war has just ended, apart from Bellatrix's taunting face while she's torturing me, Ron's departure, and the flashes of nightmares involving the faces of those who I've watched dying during the war, dying all over again in a more horrifying, twisted way, was the petrified and helpless faces of my fellow Muggle-borns, sat huddled on hard wooden benches outside the ministry's courtrooms, awaiting for their verdict, fearing for their lives and worrying for their families. Of those who are on the run because their lives were threatened, struggling each day to survive as Snatchers and Death Eaters hunt them as if they were worthless preys needed to be dispatched and murdered.

I know the war has been won. I know the 'new and improved' ministry administered by Kingsley promises change towards a better world. And, I know I need to contribute to that. So, this is my way of doing it. I'll infiltrate the ministry's judicial branch and start correcting its flaws.

_oo0oo_

The scent of old parchment and books ensconced me in a rather relaxing mood. Easing the irritation away that has got to do with the argument I had earlier at the ministry. I am at Flourish and Blotts, in search for a wizarding book about house-elves' history or anything related to it to help as supporting arguments/details to my bill that I will be presenting during the election proper. After the Wizengamot Public Presentation, where the political aspirants like me will be introduced to the public, follows the selection where the top three candidates shall be revealed, who will be participating the election proper where they will be presenting their bill in front of the High Court itself, where they will also be interrogated thoroughly by the Wizengamot.

This being said, I have spent my time reading about old pureblood laws and traditions, as I was sure I would be questioned about my knowledge about it given that I am of a muggle heritage, as well as creating my bill and making sure to look into its possible loopholes to amend it. I have spent a good few minutes looking over shelves and rows of books in deep concentration; it's as if the argument I've had with Mrs. Hewitt earlier ignited a burning zeal in my heart to work more.

"Let me guess," said a deep voice which made me tore my gaze away from the array of books on the shelves and saw a man my age smiling warmly at me, "you're a solicitor."

I stared at him for a while, annoyed that a random stranger randomly started a random conversation with me.

"Oh, okay, I know you're a solicitor," the man confessed, looking sheepish. "I know who you are. And, yes, I have been watching you for a while now. I'm sorry if that came out weird or creepy. It's just that I don't know how to approach you. I mean, you're Hermione Granger!" the man added in a rush.

I honestly don't know what or how to feel with this sudden confession by a complete stranger. I don't know if I should reach for my wand and banish him to oblivion for being a random creep or play it nicely like the civilized woman that I am.

"Oh, it's fine," I answered, choosing to act like the latter remembering that he might be another 'fan' of mine, what with the Daily Prophet over sensationalizing of whom they have called 'The Golden Trio's' –of which I am a rather significant member –contribution that ended the second wizarding war and have caused them to be overwhelmingly famous around the Wizarding world.

The man sighed, relieved, and beamed at me. I studied his profile and can't deny that this man got the looks. He got a curly, black hair that is a bit long, causing some locks to obscure his brown eyes. He got an average body and height, and wore a casual robe that gives him a boy-next-door vibe.

"I'm Lewis. Lewis Brug," the man, Lewis, said, extending his hands for a handshake which I took politely.

"Hi, er, I'm Hermione but of course you already know that. Uh . . . nice to meet you?" I have to cringe at the last statement for it came out more like a question for I don't know if I actually find it nice to meet and talk to someone whom I know nothing about.

It might have been an after effect of the war. I still feel wary on meeting others and I am by default distrustful on anyone or anything I have no knowledge about. Mad-eye Moody's barking 'constant vigilance!' flashing on my mind.

"Well, it's a pleasure meeting you," Lewis said with a rather giddy grin which I kindly reciprocated with a small smile. "You know what? I'm going to summon all the courage I've got in my body right now for I know chances like this are hard to come by. So . . ." he trailed off while I stared encouragingly at him to continue ". . . I would like to ask you to have a dinner with me some time. Please."

I was taken aback by his rather upfront invitation, not to mention that he was a complete stranger to me. Have I mentioned that he was a stranger? If not, then I'll say it: I know nothing about this man! Except, of course, for his name but other than that, nothing! Should I trust him? What if he's a death eater? Don't be silly! Why would a death eater ask you for a date anyway? But what about Ron? What about Ron? Isn't he with that blonde-witch-with-much-bigger-boobs-than-her-brain? Still.

Sighing, I looked up at him, gentle words of rejection at the tip of my tongue when I paused and wondered on why I shouldn't give him a chance. He really looks like a good man and Ron seemed to have moved on –or in the process of moving on –then why shouldn't I? Because you still love Ron and it'd be unfair for the man for you to use him. But, still. I'm allowed to have friends, right? Yes, friends! Just friends, that's it.

"Sure!" I finally said which made a rather jubilant grin to appear on his face. "Why not?"

I know this story is lame but if you decided to stick with me and this story, thank you. Sorry for not updating for a long while, I kinda lost the motivation to write for a while. please do review.