Endgame Part 2
He who is to be a good ruler must have first been ruled
(Aristotle)
The night had gone on splendidly and the opening of Lupin House was a rousing success. Draco spied his mother chatting up a few chamber members. Theo had dragged Daphne onto the dance floor, twirling her around and dipping her with some exaggeration. He smiled, seeing the look of happiness on both his friends.
"Are you okay?" Draco leaned down to whisper to his wife after speaking with another Ministry official.
"Yes," Hermione answered seeing what Draco was looking at, "They look like they're having a good time."
"Are you okay with being here, Mya?" he asked a moment later, "Is… is it too much?" he asked
She knew it would be difficult returning to Malfoy Manor after everything that had happened, but so far she seemed to be coping well enough. It certainly helped that it looked nothing like what she had remembered, as well as the endless stream of guests that seemed to want a moment with them. Her mind was cast far from the horrid events that had once plagued her dreams. When she looked around the room, she saw it was bright and warm and full of hope; things she hoped would never be lost to the future residents of Lupin House.
"No," she answered, "It's okay. Everything is … different now."
Draco pondered her words for a moment before he grasped her hand in his pulling her to a quiet corner of the bustling ballroom. Despite her best intentions, Hermione sighed in relief, thankful for a small reprieve for all the guests.
"Mya," he said sounding concerned.
"I am fine," she promised immediately, "Really and truly Draco."
He smirked at her answer, "If only I had a galleon for every time you said those words," he teased her.
She laughed, "It's alright Draco," she assured him, "This is not the same place it was before. This is the start of your legacy. Your brilliant beautiful legacy."
Draco stared down at her thinking over her words. He smiled pressing a kiss to her lips, "No, my brilliant beautiful legacy started the day I married you," he told her, "And it's not just mine. It's ours," he said wrapping his arms around her tightly.
Hermione reached up to kiss him but was stopped when she heard Harry's voice behind her, "You two really can't control yourselves can you?" he teased.
Hermione looked over her shoulder to see Harry approaching with Pansy both sporting annoyingly smug smirks on their faces.
"Might as well go ahead and finish what you started now that everyone's watching," Pansy joked.
They both looked around and much to their vexation found that Pansy was right; people were indeed starring at them. Draco was almost tempted to comply by Pansy's suggestion but hearing the tiny huff from his wife, he knew that she was none too pleased about all the attention on them. Instead, he simply pulled Hermione closer pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"How are we doing so far?" he asked his friends.
"Rather brilliantly," Harry said with a broad smile, "Everyone is so thrilled by what you've done here Draco. With all the support from the Ministry and the public here today, Lupin House is definitely going to be a success."
"Of course all anybody is talking about is the idea of Draco being Minister of Magic," Pansy said smiling at them.
Draco smirked, "So you've been busy," he commented.
"Yes Draco, I've been rather busy catching the little fish as you call them, while you've been so occupied in groping your wife in the dark," Pansy taunted. They had decided to split the list Astoria had given them. Draco and Hermione would tackle the most difficult senior council members, while the rest of them had split the 'little fish' as Pansy had called them, amongst themselves.
"So what next?" Harry asked.
"We prepare for the endgame," Pansy answered, " The idea has taken very well; better than we could have hoped for. Now … it's time to make Draco Minister of Magic. No room for mistakes."
They all nodded understanding the severity of the next part of their plan. They knew that failure was not an option. They had ruffled too many feathers, disgruntled too many complacent employers, and uprooted too many traditional laws to turn back now. This was it, the final marking to what they had set out to do all those many long months ago. Draco looked across the room to see Astoria on the arm of George Weasley both chatting up a rather boisterous guest. Astoria looked up and smiled at him. Draco returned the favour but was momentarily confused when he saw her smile slip into a smirk before subtly inclining her head towards somebody fast approaching them.
"Draco," Theo called his attention, "You remember Ms Felice Dickson?" he introduced motioning to the witch standing beside him and Daphne.
"Mr Malfoy," Felice Dickson greeted with a smile. Draco and Hermione turned to greet her with equally pleasant smiles, "And of course the famously brilliant Mrs Malfoy, what a rousing success this grand opening is."
"Thank you, " Draco replied, "We are very pleased that so many people are interested in supporting this cause."
Their first and perhaps most important big player of the night was Felice Dickson; senior member of the council of the Wizengamot. And by the looks of it, she had brought the rest of what Draco hoped would be his allies. These were the votes that would decide if their plan would be a success or not; the senior most council members would not be easy to sway.
"You've turned this place around," She commented looking around the vast room, "Your mother has shown us the facilities this house will have available to the children that live here. I must admit I am impressed."
"That's very kind of you Ms Dickson," Draco replied carefully eyeing the witches and wizards that accompanied her.
"Draco I'm sure you've recognised our fellow council members, but for the sake of your wife and our better halves," Theo said motioning between himself and Pansy, "allow me to introduce to you, Edwin Malcolm, Louie Gray, Archie Hill, and Franchesca Beckman."
"What a pleasure to meet the wonderful Ms Granger… oh, I suppose it's Mrs Malfoy now, and of course Mr Pottter," a man said stepping forward, "I'm Edwin Malcolm."
"We're so pleased that you could join us tonight Mr Malcolm," Hermione said greeting him.
"We are very impressed with what you've done here," Franchesca praised, "And what an ingenious idea to use Malfoy Manor."
"Yes, well I figured this place has seen enough darkness, perhaps a change is in order," Draco answered. Hermione squeezed his arm from where she stood beside him and he couldn't stop himself from leaning in to press a kiss to her temple.
Franchesca smiled, whether, at his answer or his tenderness towards his wife, Draco was unsure.
"Felice is absolutely right," Franchesca said, "We're all rather impressed at what you've done here. It seems your ambitious nature towards doing what is right extends far beyond the confines of our council."
"This project is something that I was very concerned over and had I waited for the council's decision to do something over the matter, none of us would be standing here today," Draco replied. Theo shot him a wide-eyed looking almost screaming, 'don't piss them off!'
"Yes I suppose the council has been dragging its feet on certain matters," Edwin Malcolm agreed albeit reluctantly.
"We're rather glad to see you've taken the initiative," Felice praised.
"Though I have to ask, who exactly will be paying for these expenses once the grandeur of new beginnings passes?" Franchesca asked sceptically, "You are aware, better than most I imagine," Franchesca said casting a glace to Theo, "that the Ministry cannot afford such luxuries."
"I wasn't aware a home for those who lost everything would be considered a luxury," Hermione quipped.
"It usually isn't," Franchesca answered, "But orphanages of this magnitude cost money, a lot more than you've received from the various benefactors in this room. How do you plan to keep this place open?" she questioned them.
Draco and Hermione looked at each other, but it was Theo who answered, "Oh my dear Ms Dickson, you're looking at the two biggest benefactors your Ministry will ever see."
Franchesca didn't bother to hide her surprise, "You plan on sponsoring the orphanage?"
"Yes," Draco answered.
"For how long?" Felice asked.
"Until there is no longer a need for Lupin House," Draco answered. "Until people no longer need the sanctuary that is offered here, Lupin House will always remain open."
Edwin Malcolm frowned, "Are you not concerned what this will do to your fortune? After all, it's not just yourself you have to worry about now. You have a wife and soon enough you will have children. Do you really think you're able to support them plus a project of this magnitude?"
Draco smirked, "Mr Malcolm, I'm afraid you've greatly underestimated the vastness of the Malfoy fortune," he said, "Beside Lupin House is a cause my wife and I are very passionate about. If this is what we should spend our fortune on, then so be it."
Felice smiled almost proudly at his answer, "Any other causes you feel so passionate about, Mr Malfoy?" Felice asked.
"Of course Ms Dickson," Draco answered coolly, "There are so many causes we would love to invest in but as you are well aware, laws and procedures within the Ministry make it near impossible for us to achieve anything within this lifetime."
"And however should we change that?" Felice inquired, "These laws and procedures as you've mentioned have been around for centuries, some since before even the council was formed."
"And therein lies our problem," Draco answered. He looked around at the council members standing before him, "We're never going to get anything done if we're following archaic laws and hiding behind traditions. "
"Surely you of all people understand the value of tradition Mr Malfoy," Louie commented. Louie was not shy to show his doubts about the change everyone seemed to believe Draco Malfoy had undergone.
"I did," Draco admitted, "But that was a very long time ago and much has changed."
"And you're happy to do away with your traditions?" Edwin asked.
"I already have," Draco told him, "Do you honestly think the brightest witch of our age would have agreed to marry me if I were still the same pigheaded bigoted monster my father tried to make me into?" he asked them.
"I am a little confused," Louie admitted, "Are you not happy with the work you've done on the council?"
"Of course I am Mr Gray," Draco said, "But it's not enough. We can do better."
"How?" Franchesca asked, "We're doing the best we can."
"Do you honestly believe that?" Draco asked her with a raised brow.
"Yes," Franchesca answered, "We're doing the best we can with what we've got."
"There have been some murmurings of late," The one called Archie Hill suddenly said looking at Draco and Hermione suspiciously.
"Oh?" Hermione asked feigning innocence, "What sort of murmurings?"
"The kind that has people saying the next Minister of Magic should be your husband," he told her.
"I see," Hermione said slowly, "And what do you make of this?" she asked remembering to keep her voice even.
They all waited anxiously to see if their idea had taken. If Archie Hill one of the more silent yet still highly prominent figures on the Wizengamot shut down their idea, they would be in serious trouble. They needed all the allies they could muster.
"It is an… interesting notion," He answered carefully, "I suppose the idea does have some merit to it," he admitted, "After all you've been doing marvellous work thus far and if what you say in the chamber about invoking change is really true then you're off to a strong start."
"But?" Draco pressed looking at the man.
Archie sighed, "There are still some who would be reluctant to give a Malfoy this much power. Some might argue to make you Minister, to give you unparalleled power would be testing the waters of our newly acquired peace."
"You lot came in and kicked up a great big fuss in the chamber," Louie said sounding a little too snide for Pansy's liking, "But perhaps you've been overly ambitious?"
Pansy frowned, "We're only trying to do what is right," she said firmly.
"And we both understand and appreciate that but perhaps now is not the right time," Louie offered, "No doubt if you stick around you might get another opportunity."
"But you won't," Hermione said, "Your best opportunity to change our world is staring right at you and you don't even realise it."
"What do you mean?" Felice asked.
"Well you're currently standing in front of Britain's three most powerful men and you don't even realise it," Hermione answered.
"And what exactly gives you the confidence to make such a bold statement?" Edwin asked with raised brows.
"Theo is the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the very foundation on which our society is governed on," Hermione answered motioning to Theo, " Now from what I understand, he's already amassed a great number of people who believe in him and what he's trying to do, not to mention his family is one of the oldest families in our history. Harry here is the Chosen – One, the Saviour, call him whatever you bloody hell want. He's the reason we're no longer fighting a war," She said looking at Harry before turning back to Edwin, "He saved us and regardless of what happens, people will always believe in him and more importantly they will follow him. All these two men have to do is go out there and tell people they believe that the next Minster of Magic should be Draco, and the people themselves will put Draco in the office."
The council members all stared at her a little stunned, as did Draco, Theo and Harry.
"If you're already so powerful, why come to us?" Louie asked sounding almost offended that these three men much younger than him in age and experience had somehow managed to acquire more wealth and power than they knew what to do with.
"We don't want to be our fathers," Theo answered, "They blackmailed, cheated and intimated their way through the council. We're trying to be better than them. If Draco stands up in front of the Wizengamot to announce his intention for the role of Minister of Magic, we would like your support and not because we forced you into giving it but because you know and honestly believe there is no one better for the job."
"We've been talking about righting wrongs and doing what is best for the good of our people for months and you're telling us to what… wait? For the right opportunity?" Hermione pressed.
"What you fail to realise my dear council members is that nobody wants change. No one wants to go against the tide but that is usually the right moment to do so. We're done waiting for everyone to be ready," Draco said looking between the council members before him. "Do you honestly believe you're doing the best you can right now?" he echoed his question from earlier, "If there was another way to get results, would you not take it?"
"We will not break the law regardless of how it may be beneficial to the greater good of the people," Edwin said tersely.
Draco laughed, "No one is asking you to break any laws," he said.
"Then what are you asking for Mr Malfoy?" Archie questioned.
"Your support," Draco answered, "You said if yourself Mr Hill, the notion of me becoming Minister does have merit to it. And that was not because of my name or my family money, I earned the credit my name is now being given. I worked hard to make the changes for the people in this room. They believe in that because they believe in what we are trying to do. What do you believe in?"
The council members were silent for the longest time and Draco wondered if they had pushed too hard too soon.
"Be that as it may," Archie conceded, "You must realise what it is you're asking of us, of the council?"
"To make you minister would be to make you the most powerful man in all of Britain," Edwin said almost nervously, "And despite all your good deeds young man, there are still many would not appreciate this sentiment. What of your father's legacy, they will ask. What would you say to those critics?" he asked Draco.
Draco looked at Theo and they both smiled, "The same thing Theo told his father; to hell with him and his fucking legacy," Draco answered, "Mr Hill you cannot deny that there is perhaps no one better than myself to do this. We didn't fight and almost die in a war for nothing to change. We didn't win the war for you or the ancient laws you want to protect. Perhaps it's time you did things our way."
"Wait a moment Mr Malfoy," Louie interrupted Draco turning to look at Hermione, "You said we're looking at Britain's three most powerful men. You have yet to explain what it is exactly that makes your husband so deserving of this title," he huffed, "As far as I am aware if he is doing away with his father's method, that doesn't leave much to fall back on when his plan fails," he sneered, hinting at Lucius' ill-gotten methods of achieving what he wanted.
Hermione smiled, "As it stands Draco is the head of two of the most powerful houses in all of Great Britain, making his wealth and magical abilities of both ancient houses unmatched not to mention he's married to the brightest witch you've ever seen. Draco does not need his father's methods of doing anything. Those days are over. If you're nearly as smart as you think you are and you truly care for the greater good of our people, then you'll know that this is the best-damned opportunity you're ever going to get to do something good with your power for once in your life."
Louie huffed, "Have you not caused enough drama within the chamber young man?" he asked not pleased with her answer, "Why not just let Kingsley carry on as he has been doing?"
"Kingsley has been doing a good job," Draco agreed, "But I can do it better."
"What makes you so sure? Kingsley is a member of the Order of the Phoenix, he fought in the final battle," Louie insisted.
"As did I," Draco countered, "I might not have been an Order member – "
"No, you were a Death Eater," Louie corrected with some glee.
Draco looked him dead in the eye, "Yes, I took the mark, yes I became a Death Eater. I didn't really have a choice. You seem rather insistent on forgetting that I became a spy and I too fought in the final battle. Now if I can do that under duress and with only a fraction of the power I have now, just imagine what I can achieve when I actually put my mind and wand to something." Louie gulped a little but did his best not to look to intimated by Draco, "Now I understand that you might not like the idea and I imagine there will be many more like yourself but if you just stop and think about it for just a moment even you can't argue the logic in it."
Draco looked at the senior members and saw that Archie Hill and Edwin Malcolm had surprisingly done as he asked and both seemed to be thinking over his words. He smirked a little when he saw the subtle nod from Edwin and even Archie looked impressed. Draco knew that while they might be reluctant, he would have their support. From the smiles both Felice and Franchesca wore, he didn't doubt their support either, so that really only left Louie Gray, who was being annoyingly stubborn about the whole thing.
"What exactly do you plan on doing, Mr Malfoy?" Louie asked with a frown.
"I plan on becoming Minister of Magic," Draco answered, "What do you intend to do about it?" he asked smirking.
AN: Hello dears!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! We're almost to the end now!
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Immortal Dragon Empress