Hermione's tolerance for stupidity was waning. "The budget cannot possibly be that much different than it was under Dumbledore. There is no reason for them to review it and drag their feet. Minister, chasing paperwork is getting us nowhere. Perhaps we need to ask a member of the board to join us in the lobby and see how long he lasts over a roasting pit. Shall we three fetch one now?"

Kingsley's smile was back. "That sounds like a grand idea. The rest of you can return to your offices. Unless you want to see the fur fly, then you can join us."

The smiles were now all around the table as everyone walked behind Kingsley down to the offices of the Board of Governors. A lone receptionist looked up to see a flock of people fronted by Minister Shacklebolt headed for her. She swallowed hard and stood nervously. "How can I help you minister?"

"Hello… What's your name dear?"

"Melanie Daniels."

"Miss Daniels, we would like to meet with the board members. Are they available?"

"I… I don't know Minister. Please wait here and I will let them know you've come."

Hermione came forward very determined. "Don't bother Melanie. We'll find out for you." She marched passed everyone and went to the first open door, Chairman of the Board. Upon entering she got the surprise of her life. It was Lucius Malfoy. All cleaned up and looking like his old arrogant self again. Yes, exactly as if nothing had ever happened. "How? How does an ex-resident of Azkaban and Death Eater become a member of an educational board?"

Lucius had his usual aplomb. "Hello Miss Granger. Now is really not the time to be vulgar. It's in very bad taste to remind everyone of a few… unfortunate turn of events. I am here because I have the most experience of anyone available. I have always been here, and I always will. A privilege of wealth you will never know. But what can I do for… all of you? I was just about to break for lunch. Would you care to join me?"

"It's Mrs. Snape now, remember? I've had mine, thanks." Hermione turned to Kingsley with a mildly outraged face. "What is he doing here?"

"Hermione you'd better reconsider your opinion of ex Death Eaters being allowed freedom and gainful employment, least others end up in the same boat." Kingsley stared at her hoping she would understand and be still.

Hermione took the hint, but it was Lucius who decided to spell it out for everyone in the room. "You see my dear I have been granted a pardon, due to my… assistance in the downfall of Voldemort and contributing the funds to rebuild the ministry. I'm one of the good guys now, remember?"

Hermione couldn't remember the last time it hurt so much to bite her tongue. It was one thing to be granted his freedom for his services, but quite another to have a chair on the board of governors. Still, she knew she would have to keep silent for Severus' sake. "Yes Mr. Malfoy, I remember. We have come to inquire why the DME hasn't received the approval of the new Headmaster yet. Time grows short sir. We need that answer now if the school is to survive. We would like to make the announcement to the… good folks in the lobby… today.

Lucius sneered at her in his usual arrogant way. "We have been investigating them and have just voted on it this morning. I hadn't had time to report our findings to Minister Shaklebolt yet. In a way you have stolen my thunder, blundering in here like this."

Hermione was not intimidated in the least. "My apologies Mr. Malfoy, for stealing your thunder. I'm very sure I will find a way to give it back to you. Who has the board chosen?"

Lucius sat in his overstuffed chair in comfort and hadn't once asked anyone else to sit down. "After weighing all the specifics, we have decided on James Bloom. I have in fact already sent an owl to inform him. I'm sure he will be arriving at Hogwarts in the next few days. Do try and have his quarters ready when he arrives Mrs. Snape. Shall we go to the lobby and make the announcement?"

His face was so smug that Hermione wanted to hex it off, but this was progress and that was always good. With a headmaster in place it would be possible to start taking applications from the students. She couldn't wait to tell Severus how Malfoy had treated her. Even after agreeing to have him at their wedding, he was still being a prat. Of all the nerve, telling her to get out of the headmaster's quarters in front of everyone like that. He'd better stay out of her hair or he was going to lose a body part.

The lobby was filled with people. Some were making loud speeches, others interrupting. It was getting ugly. A small contingent of Aurors were there to keep the peace. Hermione smiled and nodded at the ones she knew as they headed to the podium. She let Kingsley speak first. He gave the usual pat on the back to his underlings for their hard work and dedication to education. Then Lucius said a few words about how the children were his only concern as they had chosen a new Headmaster. It was all Hermione could do to not roll her eyes, but she didn't dare undermine the proceedings.

Next, she came to the podium. The crowd went mad and the reporters shouted questions and took pictures. Hermione was a little self-conscious being very pregnant as she was, but still stood before them. "Thank you all for your support of Hogwarts in this time of rebirth." She patted her stomach and the crowd laughed politely. "Today has begun the return of pride to our home. There has been much said about Hogwarts by others who do not know and love her as we all do. It is my hope that the magical community will join in the celebration of this wondrous place. The castle and grounds are near completion, but I have come to ask you all to join me at the last, to make sure that our children still have the best place on the planet to get an education!" The applause was heard in every hallway of the ministry. Once it died down Hermione continued. "I'm here to invite you to a spirited rivalry, house against house, to finish the reconstruction and make your mark on the future. Come and see what has been done and what needs doing. All your life you will be able to say with pride that you helped restore Hogwarts to her former glory, and helped the wizarding children of our nation succeed at the best damn school anywhere."

There was polite applause and much conversation and murmurs, and Hermione was worried that she was losing them. They were all enthused as long as someone else was doing the work. "As an added incentive, the students and faculty of Durmstrang have graciously donated their time to rebuild the quidditch pitch. Victor Krum and his team will play an exhibition match against the best of the winning house. So, bring your families, bring your broom, and show your house pride."

Her audience applauded loudly and sent her off with joy in her heart. Still she was worried if anyone would attend. Hermione was content that even if she failed, she had done all she could.