Final chapter finally.

Warning- Character Death at end (predictable lol).

Un-beta'd - so mistakes are my baby

Part 3

Draco pulled her back to the present once more as they stared at the rain from the balcony. It had been five years since her departure from England, and they were ready to return. The things she and Draco had learned and explored in these years were unmentionable. They were not the same people anymore. They were something else. Something more. Just as their partnership eventually became more, so much more. They could not operate without the other. The muggle books called it codependency, it also cited how toxic that is and unhealthy - but to them, it was exactly how they wanted to be. It was how they were happy.

Maybe it was because of the dark magic that was so much a part of them, that their souls clutched into each other for some form of survival, either way, it only benefitted them. And that was why she had chucked those muggle books and decided to only go on her own feelings and logic. Dangerous? Maybe. Maybe she was a bit of a mess, maybe she did a few things that were just wrong; but she still held the same ideals. A fair Ministry and to get back at the Weasleys.

And yet, even with the soul bond she and Draco had forged, she could not get children with anyone else besides Ron. And she and Draco couldn't even have their own official bonding… Murder was the one thing they have not stepped over the line with. They might be dark, may be doing things in the very murky waters of what defines morality, but they were not murderers. Yet.

The cry of a baby finally caused them to move.

"Hermione, it's time to return her…" Draco's voice was soft as she stepped from his arms to go back inside to the crying infant. Her body stiffened for barely a second before she gave a single nod in acceptance of his words. Then proceeded to lift the crying infant from the crib as she fed her from the prepared bottle that had been waiting.

Draco watched her as she cooed to the baby. She wanted children. It had started a few months prior, her sudden inclination for a child. He knew why, because in that ever expanding journal of hers, she had a set timeline, and that was to have a child at 35 years of age. This year would see her 35th birthday and her need for a child had reared its head.

Obviously she could not procreate with anyone else besides Ron… But she was adamant that that would never happen. She became more erratic and finally snapped to one night disappear for hours before coming back. In her arms had been an infant. Draco had been shocked when he realised she had stolen a baby away in the night. He had tried to convince her that she had to return the child, she eventually agreed after three days. But a month later she one night just got up and demanded he go with her, they returned that night with another baby. Draco did not say anything then, she already knew what he would say. And thus began this trend, every month for the last six months, she would steal a baby and keep them for three days before returning them. He would always accompany her, they did everything together and he would never not support her. He just made sure they were put back on the third night every time.

Rumours started in the wizarding world about it. When Draco returned from a quick portkey to Germany with the rumours she just smiled and said, "oh well, we are a dark witch and wizard… makes us seem a bit more scary, doesn't it?" That had been two months ago.

Current Hermione turned to look at him as she rocked the infant, an indiscernible look in her eyes. "It's time to change our world. We will return to Britain next week."

The duo stood looking out over the handful of ragged prisoners in front of them. This time the Azkaban breakout had been with a bit of more of a flourish… it was time for more theatrics after all. Hermione left that to Draco, he had always been more inclined to the dramatics than her.

It had been once again with keying themselves into the wards, just like she had done years prior, but this time once they had been inside they had made their presence known. Some dramatic spellcasting and choice Bombardias had made sure everyone knew there was a Dark Wizard and Witch that managed to infiltrate Azkaban.

They left only with the names that had made it into her Journal after Draco had muttered them years prior. Those names made up the raggedy group of prisoners that were looking up at them almost owlishly. She guessed being out of those dark and damp cells after so many years was very disorienting. It took Draco weeks to recover, she recalled.

Hermione lowered the hood of her cloak, not disappointed as their eyes glinted when they saw who they owned their new freedom to. She had been their biggest poster child of everything a decent pureblood wizard should hate, after all.

"You might think I am an abomination of magic, a magic stealer, or as more commonly referred to - a mudblood. I don't really care, and I advise that you stop caring as well. The wizarding world needs to change. Needs to be restructured. None of you are leaders. I am. Will you follow me?" Her voice rang out clear, almost bored sounding. But Draco knew how much of her ambitions, their ambitions, rested on these prisoners. They might be incarcerated, but they were still some of the biggest names in British Wizarding Society, and they held insurmountable support from the silent masses.

They shuffled, and they whispered among themselves. It was his father obviously that finally spoke up. "And why should we follow someone that is everything we fought against? So that your change can be to disregard every one of our traditions?"

Hermione smiled almost softly at the emancipated Lucius Malfoy. "No. I want to have traditional pureblood customs reinstated equally with the old magics. I've learned much about the lost magics... I want Muggleborns to be adopted into that world. Muggleborns are there to stay, so let's rather include them completely than push them out, besides fresh blood and genes are needed. I want equality in the laws. We cannot bring in Muggle lifestyles, I am in agreement with that after my years of learning. Besides, it is not as if electricity works around magic. Just another proof that our worlds do not mix. Water and Oil. People need to learn that light and dark are equal. That you cannot censor magic. That it is the intent that is evil or good."

More whispering and shuffling. She knew a few terms like genes and electricity will be foreign to them, but they still got the gist of her message. Draco took the opportunity then to entwine their hands visibly and to lower his own hood. The silence that fell was instant.

"Father. There is no such thing as blood status anymore. Just magic and non-magic. And besides, you don't want Hermione as your enemy… It is not recommended." Draco spoke securely. He had really grown into his position as her partner and was truly a very gifted and powerful wizard in his own right. Hermione squeezed his hand.

It was Theodosius Nott that spoke up first, followed by his son Theo. "Well, I've known that Hermione Granger was the most gifted witch in her generation. That is enough for me to say she is a worthy witch. I will follow you."

"Always knew you were dark, Granger. I'll follow too." Theo smirked weakly.

After the two Nott's declared their fellowship, everyone spoke out their acquiescence. Except for Lucius Malfoy. His eyes were focused on their entwined hands with intense scrutiny. It was as if he was running through a thousand different scenarios in his head. He finally looked up to meet his son's eyes. Another loaded minute of silence passed between them.

"The papers said that Hermione Granger-Weasley disappeared. And you were broken out a few years ago. It also had passing mentions these last months of babies disappearing and that it is the works of a new dark witch and wizard rising."

Draco nodded in affirmation to his father but Hermione answered. "Well, I want a baby. So I had to improvise." She shrugged it off as nothing. Yet the barest hint of a smirk lifted on Lucius's mouth as his eyes met hers then.

"A Weasley got you too, in the In Perpetuum Vinculum. And let me guess… Nothing has changed in the Ministry after the war? Fine. I'll follow."

Both Draco and Hermione smiled then at their little group of followers. Hopefully the first of many.

"Well come on in, the Manor is waiting for new life to fill these halls. Besides, we still need to collect Mrs Malfoy from France.." Hermione led everyone in through the manor doors, smiling as memories from her time here in the war flooded her. Strangely she felt no anxiety or fear with the memories of her torture by Bellatrix. It is as if the changes and growth of the last few years had altered her perception completely. Now those memories made her smile with the thought of how strong it made her.

Smiling at Draco she knew that it would take an abominable force to stop them now.

Their takeover had started small. Propaganda flyers that started popping up. Questioning the status quo. Secret meetings in dark shops and houses. Whispers in the streets. Everyone was targeted. Muggleborns. Halfbloods. Purebloods. They were regaled of tales when magic was not censored, of rituals and magics from the elementals. Magic that was now deemed as 'dark' even though they were just different. Of times where they could freely move in the fey realms as magical beings themselves. When the gods had shown themselves still, and how they could have all that back, if only they returned to the old ways. And how the modern Ministry kept them suffocated, how it was the modern regime that kept the wall up between the worlds of all magical folk. Shows of the spectacular magics were given by Hermione's taught few, to prove their words. And discord was planted thus.

Doubt was successfully sown where previously none existed. Doubt like why exactly had Hermione Granger-Weasley just up and disappeared. When the entirety of Wizarding Britain was at a point where they were aware that something was stirring, that somethings was perhaps still not right in the Ministry, where they thought that the Dark witch and Wizard who were spotted every now and then, were perhaps not evil… only then did Hermione finally reveal herself in an exclusive interview with The Quibbler.

A tell-all where she disclosed the unfairness of the bureaucratic Ministry. How magical beasts still had no rights. How prisoners were starved and abused. How so many prisoners did not even belong in Azkaban. How muggleborns still struggled for equality. How the entire country was still controlled by a select few in the Wizengamot. A few with obvious secret agendas. Agendas to cripple their society by censoring their magic and suppressing their traditions. By making the muggleborns the enemy so that no one can look closer and see who the real enemy is...

How even 'good' and 'light' wizarding families like the Weasley's could do what they want because they were in with the select few somehow. How she had been hoodwinked into the In Perpetuum Vinculum marriage. How she supported the new movement and how she was the one responsible for all the great magics being displayed. That she, a muggleborn, was the lead, along with her now named partner and followers, of the new movement. So how could these Azkaban breakouts be bad if they willingly followed Hermione Granger? They had the right idea at heart, but had been stuck and misled by Voldemort, as well as the subtle brainwashing of the existing Wizengamot over centuries. And she had saved them and they realised that she was the right one to follow. She would protect anyone who was loyal, as well as all that was innocent.

It was that interview that was the final brick.

Pandemonium ensued as the people started rioting in front of the Ministry, demanding answers. Demanding for the Wizengamot. Not caring that muggles could see them as the visitors entrance was in muggle London. The wizarding folk took the power into their hands that day. They made themselves heard. Made themselves seen.

It was almost ridiculously easy from there to take over. It happened in one day.

You wouldn't have even known that on that day, the Ministry would fall and be invaded by Hermione and Draco with their followers. Followers that had expanded significantly from their small inner group.

They had literally just flooed inside, as the Ministry officials were busy trying to control the rioting masses with Muggle repellent Charms and wards. Made their way to the Minister for Magic's office where Kingsley had sat with his head in his hands, and gave him the silent choice as they just watched him.

Kingsley had just sighed and stood up, then walked over to Hermione where he handed her the Ministerial medallion. "Always knew you'd be the one, Hermione. And I am sorry for what Ron had done. Truly. Maybe this is for the best. I will follow you."

And that had been that.

The end of Wizarding Britain as they had known it, was no more. Without any wars or fanfare, Hermione had slid into the chair that Kingsley had vacated and called order to her following. Business and restructuring had to start.

The Ministry was put into immediate lockdown. Everyone not part of Hermione's followers were instantly escorted outside. Hermione made a quick public announcement to the rioters that they could calm down and go home now as she would fix everything.

They did not question and only cheered before leaving the street finally. After all, she would have their best interest at heart. She had been with Harry Potter in defeating Lord Voldemort. She was a war hero as well and everyone knew of her campaigns for righteousness. So if anyone would fix their world, it would be her.

The Wizengamot was rounded up and stripped of all their powers right after lockdown of the Ministry. Employees were re-interviewed and slowly they only re-hired the ones that were completely cleared for any linkages with the old Wizengamot and on honest merit of their jobs. The Wizengamot was temporarily composed of the heads of each of the eldest known Wizarding families from the followers of Hermione and Draco. Their job was to re-establish the Wizengamot to its prior glory.

In the meantime Hermione was keeping the Weasley's and Harry out of her Ministry. She had received letters and even Howlers — Molly, of course — but had steadily ignored them. She had certain laws to push thru before she dealt with them.

In fact, the Temporary Wizengamot and herself were pushing nights while reviewing and changing every law found currently in the Ministerial archives. Laws regarding wizarding Families and establishing new formal houses in the cases of muggleborns. Laws about how Wizengamot members would be chosen. And laws regarding bondings and even incarceration and death. Laws regarding magics and magical creatures alike, what constituted as dark and what not. That magic was free, but punishments will be based on intent and deed.

Curriculums were changed to include a new Wizarding Orientation class for muggleborns and all other children as well, to teach and reteach were necessary, as well as having Defence against the Dark Arts changed to just The Dark Arts. It was a busy few weeks and everyday Ron or Harry or both would approach the Ministry to try and see her. Everytime she declined them entrance.

It was another ordinary day when a law that allowed for death penalty was passed. The particulars were published as all the others as they got finalised.

It was the next day that she finally allowed Harry entrance.

Hermione sat behind her desk as Harry was shown in. His face was pulled in a dark scowl as he saw her. Hermione lifted a sardonic brow at her once best friend. She was under no illusion that they could still be friends. Her chosen path and methods would never meet with Harry's approval or even just acceptance.

"What in merlin's name are you doing, Hermione? You disappear! Just up and leave Ron. Then come back years later with wanted Azkaban criminals and then just do a coup of the Ministry! Have you gone mental!" Harry finally ran out of breath with his tirade and stared at her, his fist clenched and his face flushed.

With a calm tap of her finger on her desk, Hermione regarded him for a second before she responded. "Well, since Ron deceived and chained me — quite literally, I really don't owe him anything. You would have read my tell-all in the Quibbler. As for the rest… I really don't need to explain myself to you. I am doing what needs to be done to fix this world. You can join me or not. But we both know you won't because I'm not extending the same invitation to Ron."

Harry's eyes narrowed at her and she knew him well enough that he was barely containing himself. "Fixing? Or just making it what you want it to be, Hermione? So things didn't go the way you wanted and you decided to turn to the dark arts, team up with known Death Eaters and overthrow the Ministry. Quite a dramatic temper tantrum, don't you think?"

"Perhaps… but you are not the one trapped in a marriage that you can't leave. Especially when you have every reason to leave. You're not the one that must always fight for even an ounce of acceptance in this world. At least I know what's wrong here, and I will fix it. Starting with the death penalty for anyone who manipulated someone into an unbreakable bond, where both parties hasn't consented with full disclosure beforehand."

She saw the moment the full realisation of her words hit him. He became pale as his eyes widened, Hermione spoke further before he could respond. "Free will, Harry. Wasn't that something you had longed for yourself with the bindings that prophecy placed on you? Am I not the saviour if I make the means of getting those victims released? Even if it is by death?"

His voice quieted to an almost whisper as he responded to her finally. "Tom Riddle once spoke as you. He believed himself a saviour too. He believed death was an acceptable means to an end as well. Tell me, Hermione, when your self instated term as Minister is finished, will you cede to the next elected Minister then?" Harry's eyes probed her own.

Hermione merely responded with a small smile. "Who said the Ministry will operate as it had before with terms? It is a complete restructure. I will remain, seated Minister, until I deem the Wizarding World to be stable and capable of keeping it that way."

"You truly are lost then. Power, Hermione. You just wanted the power and didn't like waiting for it. So any excuse, right?" He shook his head as he spoke those words, as if in pity for her.

Hermione pursed her lips and stopped the tapping of her finger. With a surge, she was out of her seat and leaning over her desk to meet Harry's eyes with her own in slits. "Careful, Harry. You speak from a place of privilege. You have everything you wanted… But, I am the Minister now, and as such you shall follow the laws as they are published. If you wish to return to your position, I will give a recommendation for your re-hiring."

Harry did not disappoint, his own eyes narrowing as well as he bit out his response. "I will never work for a Ministry that was stolen! And you, Hermione. Are no friend of mine if you can not see how wrong you are. How dark magic has corrupted you."

"Pish posh, Harry. Dark Arts are just the tool. It is all in the intent of the user. Perhaps if you actually studied the unknown instead of dismissing it on the say-so of the supposedly 'light' side, you'd have a bit more common sense. Tell me, would a 'light' wizard bind an unsuspecting witch to him permanently, using deceit and manipulation? Would a 'light' Wizzard take away someone's free will without their consent? Wake up. Everyone is both dark and light."

"So, you'd just kill Ron? Your husband. Our best friend? How is that not evil How is that not just committing murder under the guise of a law?."

"How is what Ron did, not evil? I'm finished with this conversation." Hermione sat back down, nodding with her chin to the door.

Harry wasn't done yet though, of course not. "No. I will fight you, Granger. Just like I did every other dark witch and wizard I have come across. You are no different. A criminal. A usurper. I will free our world once more, even if it is from you."

Hermione sighed and briefly closed her eyes. She had been afraid that Harry might declare himself an enemy of the state. "Harry Potter, do not make me your enemy. I know you better than anyone else. I know every little thing that makes you tick, that makes you, you. And I am just as, if not more, powerful than Voldemort was. The difference, I am sane. And I am doing what is needed for this world. The wizarding folk doesn't see me as a threat. I do not use violence unless needed. You won't win against me. Think carefully."

"If you have Ron killed, then I am your enemy. So make your choice, Granger. I'm good at hiding from the Ministry, it would not be the first time."

Hermione shook her head with a bitter little smile. "You might be good at hiding, but you have a wife now, with young children… Would you really put them in harm's way just because you are angry if Ron gets found guilty for breaking the law and gets the appropriate punishment to right his wrong? Sounds to me like that would be a temper tantrum… Like I said. People want me here. Most are happy with this takeover. My laws are fair and for all. I am not violent. So if you choose to fight me, you'd probably be alone."

She took a second to see her words settle in him before giving him her final message. "Mark my words, Potter. If you choose to fight me. You will lose. I may not be violent, but I am Dark and I will destroy you. And when I destroy you, I will destroy anyone, and anything you hold dear. The name of Potter will be no more. I am not the Hermione Granger you used to know. Now, get out."

Harry saw the blackness in her eyes and heard the absolute venom dripping from her tone, he knew at that moment that Hermione was not to be trifled with. And she was right, he did have a wife and kids now. He had to decide what was more important.

"You are right. Hermione Granger is dead. You are something else. And whatever that is, it is not my friend." Harry left her office with those parting words.

Hermione just narrowed her eyes on his back as he left but had no more to say to him. There was a small part of her that was sad with the formal cutting of ties with Harry, but after five years that she had known the friendship was over, she had already mourned. And then she became angry. His words this day had once again shown, to him it was only Ron. He had not once even given acknowledgement of what Ron had done to her. And she had brought it up and spelled it out more than once in the few minutes he had been here. He just did not acknowledge it, and just spoke over it. And to make it worse, he somehow gaslit her that she was throwing a temper tantrum because something did not go her way?

She sighed again but relaxed as a pair of hands settled on her shoulder to squeeze them affectionately. "It went just as you predicted, love."

Draco's voice whispered against her ear, causing her to smile as they both continued to look at the closed door. Draco had been present for the entire encounter, under a disillusionment naturally.

"Of course it did. Harry has a few major flaws, and that is his inability to see past anything that hasn't been okayed by a Weasley or a Dumbledore or a Sirius and such. And of course, the biggest flaw, his inability to realise how toxic Ron is. All because of the moniker for being his 'first friend'. Let's hope his dedication to his own children is stronger than his friendship with Ron."

Draco's hands still rested on her shoulders as he listened to her, a slight frown marred his brow. "And if it isn't and he does start a resistance? He will get followers, if only because he is Harry Potter."

Hermione chuckled and tilted her head up to see the blond. "Then I will destroy him. You know me well by now. I do not issue empty threats. As for followers, they will be merely fanboys, as I will give them no actual cause to want to change the current Ministry. And if there is no passion for actual change, people tend to not put themselves in harm's way. I'm not worried about that."

"Of course not. I've always said Potter is an idiot. It was always you that were the brains and the initiative. Come on, let us go down and file the formal case against Weasley."

One Year later

It was a year later, Hermione was thirty-seven and antsy. Things had come to a close now, and she could barely wait. That day was the day that three wizards and two witches would face execution for marrying their spouses under the In Perpetuum Vinculum bonding without consent. One of those wizards was none other than Ronald Billius Weasley.

She had set the example of her regime by not having her case to receive any special license. Ronald was tried right alongside the others. Hermione had been surprised that within weeks of the announcement of her new law that over ten spouses opened up cases for being misled. The sad part was that most were muggleborns and halfbloods. Luckily with the new Wizarding Orientation class in all magical schools in Britain, those issues will be no more. It had met with huge success in integrating muggleborns and even halfbloods into the wizarding world and all it's traditions and laws.

Out of the ten cases, three had decided to not opt for full sanction as they did not want that on their conscience, so were happy with lifelong separation. And a further two had also decided to stay with their spouses and children, but only wanted the record to reflect that it happened against their will. And the remaining two were found innocent in their trials as the victims of spouses who regretted their fully consented decisions.

Hermione took her seat in the hall where the Veil was kept. The execution was done like in the old days. The guilty would step through the Veil. It was instant and peaceful.

Although, the anger she still felt for Ron and his mother had not abated, so she found herself not worried whether it was painless. Molly Weasley was sentenced to Six months in Azkaban for aiding Ron in his machinations. But she was going to let Ron die, cause she wanted her freedom. And she was two years overdue on her schedule for a child.

Hermione showed no emotions when the convicted were led into the room to line up to the side of the Veil. Draco sat next to her, they never left each other's side. Never.

Hermione saw Ron looking pale and gaunt. His months in Azkaban had stripped him of his vitality. Good.

When the time came the prisoners each got a chance to say a last word. Hermione looked intently at Ron, she predicted that he would probably do the heartfelt apology, it was his go to manoeuvre whenever he crossed the line. Some heartfelt speech of apology and all will be well. Not this time, he should have learned long ago that he ought to stop and think.

He did not disappoint. His eyes looked haunted and the spark was gone from the blue, his voice even trembled. "I'm so sorry, Hermione. I know you are still in there somewhere, I know my best friend… My wife is still in there. Please, please forgive me. I will do anything- "

Hermione just narrowed her eyes and then turned to nod her head at Rabastan.

Rabastan was inaugurated as Ministry Death Escorter. A diplomatic term for an executioner.

She watched without pity as Rabastan lifted his wand and Ron started to walk towards the Veil. She knew Ron could not control it as Rabastan at that point had control of his limbs. Ron stepped through the veil with a last look at Harry, who also sat in the audience, and then he was gone. Harry's face turned to meet her own, the tears in his eyes did absolutely nothing to distract from the pure venom that he shot at her. He hated her.

Hermione felt nothing.

Fifteen years later

"Our daughter is quite proficient in Dark Arts, defensive as well as practising, according to Theo." Hermione lifted her eyes to glance at her husband over her book, he was reading the letter they received earlier that night from their friend, and the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, Theo Nott jr.

"Of course, love. She has to take over the Ministry from me, it is to be a familial matter as no one shows the inclination to do it better than myself. She should be more than proficient."

Draco rolled his eyes at his wife of fifteen years. "Or, perhaps… our son will be the one to follow in your footsteps. Theo is reporting that for a first-year he shows a remarkable aptitude for getting everyone to follow him."

Hermione smiled, she also personally believed that young Scorpius is most likely to be her successor. Lyra showed more interest in becoming a practising Spell Creator.

"Whichever. As long as they do the job right. I have no problem removing my own child from office if they are making a mess of things. I will make sure this Ministry is run right, no matter who is in chair. And you know me, love… I never make empty threats."

Hermione lowered her eyes to continue reading her book as she fell silent, letting Draco watch her with trepidation. His mind went to what happened with Ron Weasley, and some years prior, to Harry Potter who had tried to raise a resistance… Draco shuddered. She had kept her word then as well, she had destroyed him, and everything he held dear. Giving new meaning to the fact that someone can be destroyed without killing them.

Harry Potter would never be able to have anything or anyone. He would die alone, at the dregs of society.

Draco Malfoy just thanked Merlin that he had chosen to stand with her because there was no one that could stand against her.

His wife was brilliant, but absolutely, terrifying.

The End