The New Minister
Lightbulbs flashed and the pop of cameras was clearly audible as Hermione Granger, Founder and Former Director of the Department of Inter-Species Diplomacy and now a Wizengamot member, took the podium at the head of the room. Bright-eyed and bushy-haired, Hermione's hands shook as she read a statement off of cue cards she had made back during her 8th year at Hogwarts, so sure that she would eventually reach this goal.
"Hello, all. It's a pleasure to be here today, and to have the opportunity to announce… my bid for Minister of Magic! I grew up as…"
But her speech was cut off as the room exploded. A babble of shouts, applause, and questions assaulted her ears. She tapped the mic. "Attention, please!"
But nobody was listening to her valiant attempts to regain control. The situation was too chaotic. So, Hermione gave up, and instead decided to focus on answering questions.
"Director Granger, why do you believe you'd be the best for the job?"
"Well, my unique background as a Muggleborn has exposed me to realities and situations pureblood candidates have not seen. Thus, I am one of the few people who can fix these realities. Additionally, I have pushed many bills through the Wizengamot to better the Wizarding World. Examples include the Muggleborn Protection Act, the Reallocating Death Eater Resources Act, and the Corruption Laws. Plus, who can forget the whole Golden Trio thing? Just kidding!"
"Director Granger, how can you explain your recent proposal to rip house-elves from their families?"
"Well, that's actually a misleading statement. I still support house-elves working around the house, but they are sentient beings who deserve things like wages and families, instead of beatings and forced couples. The proposal just guarantees house-elves free love, a living wage, and the right to leave a household, things that everybody should have!"
"Director Granger, you pushed a bill that took away the Ministry rule that prevents Muggleborn Ministers. Was this to clear your path to the position?
"Well, that's my little secret!" She winked. "No, in all seriousness, I dreamed up that bill in Second Year of Hogwarts after seeing all of the rampant blood-based discrimination. Why should the blood of somebody's parents determine whether that person can hold a position like Minister of Magic? We all bleed red blood, don't we? Because of those reasons, I've wanted this bill passed for a long time. It just so happens that some people have blocked it for so long that it just passed.
Director Granger, what party will you be running with?
I'll be with the Sorcerer's Party, as usual. Sorry to everybody who believed I'd run with the Pearl Party. Intra-party relations are important but my policies are more in line with the Sorcerer's party.
Does that mean you'll challenge Kingsley Shacklebolt for your party's nomination?
Yes, I will. I have tons of respect for him, but at best, Kingsley Shacklebolt is totally ineffective. During his twelve years as Minister, he has overseen a return to the corrupt old days. Magical Britain is no better off now than it was before the war! Our party needs new leadership to usher in real change!
"Director Granger, is it true that your marriage to Auror Ronald Weasley is on the rocks?"
Hermione froze, heat rushing to her cheeks. She looked hard at the offending reporter, who had the good sense to look uncomfortable. She lowered her voice, and said with a bite of steel, "I fail to see why you have brought up my personal life in a discussion specifically about policy, and my Ministerial run. The question is totally irrelevant. However, I am pleased to inform you that my marriage is fine. Don't worry about it, alright?" Hermione smiled sweetly at the reporter, who suddenly looked terrified. "What's your name?"
The reporter stammered, "Asher Creevey, ma'am. Sorry about the question?"
Hermione looked at him, face impassive. Then, she smiled. "It's alright, Asher! Don't worry about it! She was back to her usual self, successfully burying her feelings under a mask of gaiety.
After the press conference, Hermione arrived home to see a note from Ron: "Gone out with George and Perce. Back by 9:00." Hermione sighed. That idiot. Why did I ever marry him? Did he not realize I declared her campaign for Minister today? What kind of inconsiderate, careless- Hermione cut herself off, reminding herself that she had married him, after all. Well, thank goodness that we can divorce after I win. Then, I'll finally be able to date Harry.
Hermione's marriage had fallen apart shortly after they moved out of the New Burrow. Without his mother cleaning up after him, Ron was lazy, rude, and seemed to care more about drinking than his wife. Hermione hadn't felt emotionally supported at all, and Harry had become her closest confidant and her shoulder to cry on whenever Ron acted like a pig. Eventually, Hermione and Harry had grown almost inseparable, until Ron, in a fit of jealousy, had accused them of sleeping together. The accusations were untrue, but the fallout of Ron's statements turned out to be that Ginny divorced Harry, believing he was too close to Hermione, and that they were cheating together. Ron and Hermione had separated too, but eventually, Ron came around to apologize, and Hermione took him back. Their relationship still had some major issues, but they were in couples therapy together, and things seemed fine. That is, until Hermione had come over a month ago and found Ron in a compromising position with Romilda Vane, of all people. Hermione had been furious. She had wanted to file for divorce immediately, but she knew that her political career may not survive the public scorn for the divorce. In the magical world, divorce just wasn't a thing. So, Hermione had vowed to get elected, and then file, getting rid of the two-timing, lazy, disgusting garbage disposal that was Ronald Bilius Weasley. Who knows? Maybe she would end up with Harry, after all.
The next morning, Hermione was sitting in the living room of their (well, really her. They'd bought it with her salary) modern two-story house. She was sipping coffee and reading the Daily Prophet, when suddenly, a headline caught her eye. She spewed her coffee all over the table in shock, not even noticing the brown stains on her white area rug. The headline said: "EIGHT MAJOR CANDIDATES TO RUN FOR PRIME MINISTER," but the number isn't what surprised her: there was a picture of George Weasley among the candidate pictures. Determined to get to the bottom of this, Hermione read the article.
"Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt faces an expected primary challenge from Founder/Former Director of the Department of Inter-Species Diplomacy and Wizengamot member Hermione Granger, who contends that he has been an ineffective leader, and the party needs new blood. However, Shacklebolt and Granger face a three-way race for the Sorcerer's Party Nomination, as none other than Hermione's brother-in-law, George Weasley, is also running! He says that he has business experience, and knows what must be done to continue rebuilding the Wizarding World! After this news, our political commentators believe that Kingsley Shacklebolt is a favorite to win the nomination, as Granger and Weasley will likely split the upstart vote, and Kingsley will get establishment support.
Additionally, Iris Brown, Hogwarts Professor, will run for the Pearl Party's nomination, going against the already declared candidates Chief Warlock Daphne Greengrass, millionaire Cho Chang, and former Minister Rufus Scrimegour. The Pearl Party is composed of the neutrals, so the strength of their nominee could determine the election!
In the Midnight Alliance (the 'Dark' party), Wizengamot Member Draco Malfoy is currently unopposed, but lawyer Anders Shafiq and Department of Foreign Affairs Head Sarah Fawley may decide to enter the race.
That's all the new developments today, folks! Hermione Granger, George Weasley, and Iris Brown are running for Minister of Magic!"