The next day, all of the house gathered in the front room, listening to the Wizarding Wireless Network. It was Election Day. The fate of the entire wizarding world was in the balance. Even Dudley and Ron, who didn't care much about politics, had joined the rest of the family. After all, whoever was selected would be the one to lead the fight against Lord Voldemort.

Dudley looked around as he waited for the coverage to start. Mrs. Weasley was sat close to the wireless, looking anxious. She, out of all of them, understood what the consequences would be if an ineffective leader was selected. Next to her was Bill Weasley, he looked calm and was reassuring Fleur Delacour that Madame Bones had it in the bag. Dudley noticed the pair were holding hands. Mrs. Weasley either hadn't noticed or was doing her best to ignore it.

There were a couple of members of the Order of the Phoenix present, too. Mundungus Fletcher was sprawled in an armchair fast asleep—his mouth open and a half-empty gin bottle clutched in his grubby hand. Emmeline Vance was sat next to him, wrinkling her nose slightly against the smell. Also present was a bloke with thick blond hair who was called Sturgis Podmore.

Luna and Ginny were there too. Luna was reading a book, whereas Ginny was staring at the radio as if it were a television set.

Dudley listened as Hermione told them all about how the election would work. "So, first up, each of the candidates has a few minutes to make a closing statement—it's a formality, most of the Wizengamot has decided who to vote for. Then, each member of the Wizengamot will vote for their two favorites, with those two going into the final round."

"Sometimes they can drag on for hours if there's a lot of competition," Ron said.

Dudley looked at him in surprise.

"What? Cho told me," Ron said, with a shrug. "She's into politics."

"I'm more amazed that you actually paid attention," Hermione said. "You usually don't."

Ron's retort was interrupted as a female voice came out of the radio.

"Hello witches and wizards. Dorothy Waffling here, live at the Ministry for Magic where the Wizengamot are preparing to elect a new Minister. It has been an intriguing race with many ups and downs which is drawing to an end. I am sure all of you sitting at home are eagerly awaiting to see who is going to lead us through this time of darkness, so, before we hear the final statements, let's take a look at each of the candidates. First we have current interim Minister Madame Bones who is considered to be one of the favorites. The wizarding world was shocked to hear last week that Arthur Weasley had withdrawn from the Ministerial race to join Madame Bones' own campaign. Madame Bones welcomed Mr. Weasley on board, promising to make him the Deputy Minister. Her campaign has taken a blow thanks to the escape of 13 prisoners from Azkaban Prison, but she has regained some support in recent weeks with the capture of Augustus Rookwood and the investigation which exposed Rufus Scrimgeour as allegedly being an informant to You-Know-Who," Dorothy Waffling said.

"Pure stitch up," Sturgis Podmore muttered, shaking his blond head. "I've known Scrimgeour for a long time. Hopefully Bones runs a full investigation when she wins and uncovers whoever framed him."

"Next we have Dolores Umbridge—former Undersecretary to Minister Fudge, she has proposed a number of revolutionary policies which will shake the wizarding world to its core in her campaign which has focused on maintaining law and order. Among them are containment camps for werewolves—an idea which has proven popular among much of the population. A Daily Prophet poll showed 77 percent of witches and wizards were in favor. 13 percent opposed and the rest undecided. She has also proposed that muggleborns register with the Ministry for their own protection and that the Ministry of Magic take over the running of Hogwarts School, citing Headmaster Dumbledore's failings as a valid reason."

"Bigoted old bat," Mundungus said. He had woken up to listen to Dorothy Waffling speak. He took a deep swig of his gin and promptly fell asleep once more.

"Corban Yaxley was considered to be an longshot when he initially announced he was running, but since the arrest of Rufus Scrimgeour, his tough, offensive approach has drawn the support of many who would otherwise have voted for Scrimgeour. Yaxley has proposed taking the right directly to You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters as well as any other paramilitary force operating in wizarding Britain."

"If that bastard wins it'll; be the end of us," said Sturgis Podmore.

"Sturgis!' said Molly, shocked at the bad language.

"You heard, Waffling," Podmore replied. "Any paramilitary force—within five minutes of taking office he'll have us classed as a paramilitary force and have the Aurors blasting down our doors."

They all exchanged gloomy looks at this. Podmore, Dudley thought, was right.

'Gethesmane Pickle is another contender, but one who nobody will be keeping an eye one," Waffling said, snidely. "Her kindest critics describe her as dull, her harshest say they'd rather ingest Skele-Grow than listen to her speeches. Nonetheless, her supporters claim she will be a stable hand to guide the Ministry."

"I once had the misfortune of attending one of her parties," Podmore said, doing air quotes when he said the word parties. "Most boring night of my life—and I was only there for 20 minutes before I remembered I had an urgent appointment."

"Finally—a surprise entrant, we have Gilderoy Lockhart—the noted adventurer and best-selling author. Though lacking Ministerial experience, Lockhart has gained a lot of support as of late. His exploits in recent years, including defeating the Basilisk of Hogwarts and saving Dudley Dursley from You-Know-Who's clutches have made him a dark horse in the race. Lockhart also masterminded the arrest of Abaddon Nott and, recently, Julian Avery II. Lockhart has run an impressive campaign consisting of speeches given to crowds of fans. Members of the Wizengamot were not impressed—Lockhart urged his supporters to send owls demanding they elect him! Still, if the vote was down to members of the public, you can bet that Mr. Lockhart would be the favorite."

"Do you think he'll be a good Minister?" Luna asked.

Dudley hesitated. He honestly didn't know. Lockhart was his friend and clearly was a brave individual—he had saved his life twice now. But he was also prone to moments of absolute stupidity—Dudley remembered how bad of a teacher he had been and his insistence that the first Triwizard Task was going to be a Sphinx.

"I think he'll do well," he said finally.

Ron snorted. He had always thought Lockhart was a prat, even though, last year, he had reluctantly admitted that Lockhart knew some useful things.

"So, you've all met the potential Ministers, now it is time to hear from them," Dorothy Waffling said. "Each will be given two minutes to give a statement to the Wizengamot, then it is time to vote. First up, we have Interim Minister Amelia Bones."

There was applause from the Wizengamot for Amelia.

"Tough times lie ahead," Madame Bones said. "Of that there is no doubt. The choice that each of you are going to make here tonight could affect the wizarding world—not just Britain—the wizarding world—long into the future. Select the wrong Minister, and we could face destruction at the hands of You-Know-Who. Think about it—your children forced to become Death Eaters. Dissenters tortured and killed. Your loved ones murdered. The whole nation under the sway of the darkest, most evil wizard to ever walk this land. We cannot let this happen. I cannot let this happen. You-Know-Who cannot be defeated by sheer, brute force. But by us all coming together as one. I have already implemented the neighborhood watch scheme allowing neighbor to look out for neighbor. I will safeguard your loved ones by defending key targets of You-Know-Who. I will work alongside any and all who oppose him. Yes, I know there are many cries for action. But reckless action will lead to needless deaths. We need to take our time. Outthink You-Know-Who rather than outfight him. I fully believe my defensive approach is the correct way to take when fighting You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters. Vote for me to secure a wizarding future free from tyranny."

Applause from the Wizengamot greeted Madame Bones' speech.

Sturgis Podmore snorted. "That will have gained exactly zero new votes," he said. "People don't want defence. They want action. They want to see the scum rounded up and put behind bars once more. She's blew it."

Dudley agreed. He wanted to see people take the fight to Voldemort. It didn't seem that would happen with Madame Bones' cautious, defence-first policy.

"Next up, we will here from Former Senior-Undersecretary to Minister Fudge, Dolores Umbridge."

Polite applause from the Wizengamot.

"Hem hem," she let out a fake cough.

"I already hate her," muttered Ron.

"My friend and colleague raised some interesting points!" Dolore Umbridge simpered. She had a girly-sounding voice. "But, she failed to point out the dangers that already walk among us! We all know that werewolves are You-Know-Who's natural allies and will flock to his call when asked. Yet, the Ministry allows them to run free! That is why, when I am made Minister, I will put forward the Werewolf Confinement Act to safeguard our children from these monsters!"

She paused and there was applause from some of the Wizengamot.

"We live in dangerous times," her voice had lost its girly simper and had taken on a dull, learned-by-heart tone. "We all need to make sacrifices to better safeguard life as we know it, which is why I plan to implement strict, new security measures which will limit You-Know-Who's actions among us. This includes a curfew and the Muggle Born Registration Act, which will allow the Ministry to monitor and safeguard our muggle-born friends."

She didn't pause for applause this time and merely continued on.

"Additionally, I have grown concerned at affairs at Hogwarts School. Death Eaters walking among our students! Snakes prowling the corridors! Half-giants teaching class! The students of Hogwarts are the witches and wizards of tomorrow who will take the fight to You-Know-Who. They deserve and need the best magical education possible, which is why, when I am elected, the Ministry of Magic will take control of all affairs at Hogwarts, including the curriculum and the hiring of staff, to ensure our children receive the best-possible, ministry-approved education."

"I thought the enemy was You-Know-Who," Podmore growled. "That cow is just fixated on getting Dumbledore, muggle borns and werewolves under control. Pathetic."

"Gethesmane Pickle is up next, let's hear it!" Dorothy Waffling announced.

"Good evening everyone! The wizarding world is going through a difficult time, and what we need is strong and stable. I can provide that. I have led the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures for many a year and my staff will vouch that I am strong and stable. Wizarding Britain doesn't need a warrior or a disciplinarian or a celebrity. It needs a steady hand to steer the ship. Now, I propose to introduce a revolutionary new tax system, adding a VAT on the cost of magical items including cauldrons by 5 percent. Now, this may seem like it may hit the wizarding community in the pocket-and I admit, it will. But this will raise enough surplus funds which we can use to increase training of the Auror department. I also plan to restructure the department by hiring more support staff who will take care of much of the menial work such as filling in forms and assorted paperwork. This will free up more time for the Aurors to carry out their duties. Furthermore, I will carry out an inspection of departments and look at where the Ministry can cut costs and redirect said funds to the Auror and other law enforcement departments."

Polite applause greeted the end of her speech.

"That was a load of waffle," Ron said. "Reminded me of Perce."

"There were some good suggestions in the waffle," Podmore commented. "But she is very dull."

"Up next, a man who needs no introduction. He is one of the most famous wizards in the world-Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart!"

Enthusiastic applause greeted Lockhart. It was evident he had quite a bit of support.

"Like Dorothy said, I need no introduction!" Lockhart said, cheerfully. Dudley imagined him giving her one of his trademark winks.

"I am sure you have all read my book-if you haven't come and see me, I can get you an autographed copy! Now, I'm not going to stand here and tell you what Im#'m going to do! I'm going to stand here and tell you what I have done! You are looking at the man who banished the Bandon Banshee! The man who who came up with the plan t capture a ghoul with a tea strainer! I have dueled werewolves and battled trolls! I have slain vampires and fought off yetis! I, more than any of the other candidates know what it is like to battle the forces of darkness!"

Applause from the Wizengamot greeted this speech.

"And, my experience isn't only with dark creatures-many of whom You-Know-Who will recruit. Oh, no! Don't forget, I single handedly caught the Death Eater Abaddon Nott-he would still be behind bars if I were in charge, mark my words! I also captured the Death Eater Julian Avery II-one of You-Know-Who's most feared henchmen! Yes, my friends-out of all of the candidates, only I have experience in dueling Death Eaters and dark wizards. Not only that, only I have gone toe-to-toe with You-Know-Who! I'm sure you read the account in the Prophet how I saved Dudley Dursley in June! So, who better to lead you than the man who has not only won Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award for a record 8 times, but also one of the few men to survive a duel with You-Know-Who!"

The applause for Lockhart was loud.

"You know, I reckon that prat might do it," Ron said. "That did all sound impressive."

"Dumbledore doesn't trust him," Podmore said, "And neither do I. He's unreliable. He may have some impressive accomplishments, but is he really the sort of person you want leading a country?"

"He has done a lot though," Dudley said, defending his friend. "And he did save my life."

"I trust Dumbledore's judgement," Podmore said, simply.

"So," Dorothy Waffling said. "We have heard from the candidates-there will be a five minute break and then we will go to the votes. Now, for those who don't know, the way this works is each member of the Wizengamot will write down their first and second choices. The choices will be read out by the head of the Wizengamot, Mr. Albus Dumbledore with Mr Dirk Cresswell tallying the results as acting assistant to the Wizengamot. The top two choices will go into a head-to-head. Now, we will cut to an advertisement break before the Wizengamot votes!"

An overly-enthusiastic voice came on the radio. "Do you have potion stains you can't remove? Then you need Spell-Blaster! The all-purpose stain-remover that will not only remove stains from 99 percent of all potions, but comes in a a variety of scents and will leave your home smelling nice and fresh!"

"So," said Ron. "Who do you think? Shall we have a bet-I'll put a galleon on Bones."

"I was going to pick her," said Hermione.

"Too slow," said Ron, grinning.

"Lockhart!" said Dudley quickly.

"Fine I'll have Umbridge." Dean said.

"Great, so I'm stuck with the Death Eater," Hermione grumbled. "This is the first bet where I hope I lose."

"You two can have Pickle," Ron said to Ginny and Luna.

"Terrific," Ginny said, sarcastically.

They all chatted about the statements for a few minutes while advertisements for various wizarding products played (Only the finest dress robes at Selwyn's! Try the Dragonfly—a practice broom for the under 13s! The Weird Sisters' hot new single "Love Wand" out now!). Then, the voice of Dororthy Waffling came through the radio once more.

"We are back, and most of the Wizengamot have written down their choices. Nobody is giving anything way, and it is anybody's guess as to who the next Minister for Magic will be. The candidates are sat in the center of the courtroom, as per tradition. All look confident—I can see Gilderoy Lockhart, waving to his supporters. Corban Yaxley looks grim and determined next to him. They have done all that they can, now it is for the Wizengamot to decide who to elect. Now, the votes are anonymous and will be read out by Albus Dumbledore—here is standing up.

"Good evening," Dumbledore said. "Most of my colleagues would make a speech here, but I think we all just want to get on with it,"

There was an appreciative chuckle at these words.

"So, without any further ado—let us proceed." Though the Weasleys sat at home couldn't see it, he rummaged in the bag of votes. Beside him, Dirk Cresswell had some parchment and a quill to jot down each vote.

"First choice - Dolore Umbridge. Second choice—Corban Yaxley."

There were groans in the Weasley front room and Sturgis Podmore even swore.

"And Madame Umbridge is looking very pleased," said Dorothy Waffling. "Now for the second."

"First choice – Corban Yaxley. Second choice – Dolores Umbridge" announced Dumbledore.

"This isn't looking good," Podmore said, glumly.

"It's still early yet," Bill retorted. "There are lots of votes to go." He waved his wand to increase the volume.

"First vote – Gilderoy Lockhart. Second vote – Dolores Umbridge,"

"Slightly better …" grumbled Podmore. "I'd rather have Lockhart than the other two."

The votes went on. After each was announced by Dumbledore, Podmore commented—either positively if it was a vote for Madame Bones, a neutral "at least it's not Yaxley or Umbridge" if it was a vote for Lockhart and usually a swearword or two if the vote went Yaxley or Umbridge's way.

Dudley had long lost track of who was in the lead. He looked at Ron who had a vacant expression on his face, so he knew that he too had lost track of things.

"Who's winning?" he asked Hermione.

She was staring entranced at the radio. "Umbridge by three votes," she whispered. "Now, hush!"

"First choice – Amelia Bones. Second choice – Gethesmane Pickle!" Dumbledore announced.

"Get in!" cheered Podmore. "Bones is catching up! Only 11 behind."

"14," corrected Hermione.

Finally, after half an hour, Albus Dumbledore read the last votes. "First choice – Corban Yaxley. Second choice – Gilderoy Lockhart!"

"And that's it," Dorothy Waffling said. "Now, a brief break while Dirk Cresswell tots up the totals. Then we will announce the final two for the run-off."

"Who's in the lead?" Ron asked, yawning. "I gave up trying to count."

They all looked at Hermione.

"I lost count, too," she admitted. "I think it is Umbridge, but I am not sure."

"It's Umbridge," said Bill.

They all looked at him.

"17 first choices votes. 12 second choice votes. A total of 29 votes."

"How do you know?" Ron demanded.

"I work at the bank, Ron," Bill said simply. "I can do basic maths."

After the break, Dorothy Waffling was back. "Dirk Cresswell is ready to announce the two candidates who will be in the run-off. Let's listen to what he has to say."

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Dirk Cresswell said. He had a Mancunian accent. "I have totaled up the number of votes and I am pleased to announce the following. In fifth place with zero first-choice votes and three second-choice votes we have Gethesmane Pickle!"

The members of the Wizengamot applauded politely.

"That is the worst-ever performance," Dorothy Waffling informed them.

"In fourth place, with 10 first-choice votes and 10 second-choice votes, we have Madame Amelia Bones."

"Well … shit," said Podmore. "Shit and double shit. We were banking on her! What went wrong?"

"Quiet!" Bill said.

"In third place, with 11 first-choice votes and 12 second-choice votes, we have Mr. Corban Yaxley!"

"Thank Merlin for that!" said Podmore. "At least the Death Eater isn't in charge."

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm glad Lockhart got voted," Ron said. "Better him than that Death Eater."

"There's still the second round," Hermione said. "Umbridge could win and she sounds vile."

"In second place, with 14 first-choice votes and 13 second, Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart. And your first choice, with 15 first-choice votes and 13 second, Madame Dolores Umbridge."

"Does that mean she's Minister?" Dudley asked, looking at Hermione.

"No, they'll be a run-off," she said.

"Yeah, but if Umbridge won the first time, won't she win the second?"

"Not necessarily," Bill informed them. "People who voted for Madame Bones first time round, might decide to go with Lockhart this. Some wizards and witches vote tactically in the first round too, to eliminate the competition. There are also some who may change their minds."

"What a choice," Ron muttered. "The Umbridge cow or Lockhart the prat."

Gilderoy Lockhart

Lockhart was anxious. For the past three years he had been working towards this moment. He had always dreamed of being in charge. After all, he was by far the best choice to lead wizarding Britain and he had slowly worked towards running for election.

Making friends with Dudley Dursley had been a good move—the boy had made a bit of a name for himself and was popular thanks to stopping Quirrell from stealing the Philosopher's Stone. Plus, things always seemed to happen around him. Indeed, he had actually grown quite fond of Dudley during their time together. He was a good boy who seemed to respect him, and was a willing student. Gilderoy had to admit that he did consider Dudley a friend. He would be sure to offer Dudley a comfortable role in the Ministry once he left Hogwarts.

Next he had used every chance he had to make digs at Cornelius Fudge. Though, Fudge hadn't helped things. The man was a pure bumbler. All Lockhart had had to do was stir the pot a little every now and again while Fudge cooked himself with mishap after mishap.

He had also made sure to get a lot of contacts within the Ministry. Rubbing shoulders with the powerful, giving speeches to the Auror department, getting free quidditch tickets for his friends—all had helped Lockhart to make contacts, and those contacts had surely led to more votes. Now, he was in the run-off with Dolores Umbridge.

He glanced across at his rival. She was short, squat and fat with a horrible pink sweater and a black bow in her hair. Vile woman with vile policies. Lockhart thought her proposed Muggleborn Registration Bill would be an utter disaster and would serve no purpose. As for locking up all werewolves in camps—that was certainly going overboard!

As if sensing him looking, Umbridge raised her head and gave him a smile, looking remarkably like a bullfrog eyeing up a cricket.

"Good luck," he said. There was no point in breaking bridges with her. If, Merlin forbid, she became the new Minister then he would rather be in her favor than out of it.

"You too, Gilderoy," she simpered.

Gilderoy gave a small shudder. Even her voice annoyed him. Still, she was clearly quite a talented witch and quite cunning too. What was the saying—keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, Dolores Umbridge wasn't exactly an enemy, but Gilderoy felt she was someone worth keeping an eye on. He would find a role for her in his new government—somewhere where she could put her talents to use and where she would feel respected, but also somewhere where she wouldn't get the chance to enforce any of her twisted personal views.

As he waited for the Wizengamot to vote and the votes to be tallied, he thought of other government positions. Amelia Bones would stay where she was—she was an able witch. Arthur Weasley—he would get a promotion, as a favor to his friend Dudley Dursley. Corbin Yaxley seemed capable—perhaps he might make a good administrator for the Magical Law Enforcement patrol. Dumbledore—he would have to garner his support. He was a very influential wizard. Lockhart decided he would offer Dumbledore free reign to do what he liked in his fight against Voldemort. He felt certain that Dumbledore must be planning something, after all.

Dolores Umbridge

Dolores sat deep in thought. She had this election in the bag—she could feel it. It was only a matter of time until she could push forward with her plans for a better wizarding world. A world free of half-breeds and, muggleborns at the very least kept on a tight leash.

Lord Voldemort was a threat—but she felt certain that her plans to target half-breeds and monsters and near-humans would serve the dual purpose of removing those who were sure to flock to his sides.

The giants—she had drawn up plans to send a team of Aurors to exterminate them. The Ministry should have done that long ago.

The Werewolves—they would be safely locked away in camps for the good of all. Filthy creatures. They were too dangerous to be allowed to roam free.

The Goblins—for far too long they had controlled wizarding gold. Gringott's would be placed under wizarding hands, and if the Goblins had a problem with that, well, they would soon learn not to cross her.

As for the muggleborns—she had big plans. First they would register with the government. Then they would be removed from Hogwarts and educated separately so they didn't taint the other students with the muggle world. Then, perhaps a ban on wizards marrying muggles and muggleborns. That would help to preserve the old bloodlines and blood purity.

As for Voldemort. He was to be punished for the disorder and chaos he had caused. The Aurors would capture him—Dolores was certain of that. Then he would be incarcerated in the deepest, dankest, darkest hole she could find. Voldemort may have some good ideas—but his methods, overthrowing the legitimate government were all wrong. No, the best way to keep the muggles and muggleborns in check would be through the rule of law. Besides, senselessly killing muggles disagreed with her—so pointless. No, she felt it was better to cut off all ties with the muggle world rather than try to dominate it.

The Results

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dorothy Waffling said over the radio. "I have heard that the votes are in and counted and that Dirk Cresswell is going to announce the results. Which of the two finalists will be the next Minister for Magic. Will it be Dolores Umbridge or Gilderoy Lockhart?"

"Come on, Lockhart!" said Dudley. "Get ready to cough up," he said, grinning at his friends.

"I would say come on Umbridge," said Dean. "But I can't stand the old cow. I'm willing to lose the bet to see Lockhart win."

"Like choosing a punch in the nose or a kick in the balls," said Ron. "Umbridge is the kick in the balls, so I'll go with a punch in the nose. Come on, Lockhart ... and I can't believe I'm saying that."

"Without further ado," said Dirk Cresswell, "Here are the results of the election. Dolores Jane Umbridge received 22 votes ..."

There came a loud cheer from behind Cresswell-a whoop of joy from a voice that Dudley recognized as Lockhart's.

"And Gilderoy Lockhart received 28," Cresswell finished. "Let's hear it for your new Minister for Magic. Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart!"