A/N: Finally, I'm back! I know this chapter isn't the best, but I really felt the need to post something. The beginning might be a little…interesting. I wrote the first few paragraphs the day after I won my first gavel at an MUN conference, so I was on a bit of an MUN high… Today, I was busy procrastinating writing resolutions for another MUN conference, and I remembered this story, so I finished up the chapter.

On another, plot-related note, I realized that, although this is set after the novels, I don't know how far after, or how old anyone is, or what happened between the end of the books and now. I can (and will, eventually) figure most of that out. Mainly, I don't know who anyone ended up with, if stuff like that happened. I'm not really a shipper when it comes to Harry Potter, and I would only mention a relationship in passing, if at all, but if I do, I want to know what you, my readers, ship.

And I think that's about it, so on to the story!

Chapter 2

"Yes! Yes! I've won, I've won!" Hermione screamed enthusiastically, jumping up and down. Finally, she remembered to step up and receive her prize—the ceremonial gavel that was the dream of all MUNers. She calmly walked before the delegates from over ten schools to accept the certificate and gavel, turning to face the audience and smile in delight. In her head she could already hear the sound her new prize would make when tapped on a table, already knew the way it could bring a room full of unruly highschoolers into order. Tap, tap, tap, BANG!!!

With a start, Hermione awoke, shaking off the last vestiges of the tempting dream. She had never participated in MUN; she had never had a chance. But she had heard all about it from her childhood friend's older sister, who had been active in her school's Model United Nations program. Hermione had dreamed of entering high school and being allowed to compete for the honor of her school in a battle of wits instead of brawn. She had soaked up all she could about the program, intending to be the best at it, as she wanted to be at everything.

Then she had received her Hogwarts letter, and everything had changed. She'd never actively considered rejecting the invitation, but she had always wished she could have done MUN as well as magic.

At about this time, Hermione realized that the gavel-tapping sound had not stopped. It was still there, coming from outside her bedroom window. She looked at her alarm clock: five-thirty. She might as well give up on sleep. She rolled out of bed and walked sleepily over to the window. Tap, tap, tap, the sound continued. Hermione pushed back the curtains, annoyed at whatever had awoken her.

Outside the window a white owl perched, alternately tapping the window and balancing the letter it carried, assuring it hadn't fallen. "Hedwig!" Hermione cried, opening the window and letting the owl in. She hadn't heard from Harry much since his appointment to the position of Minister of Magic; he'd sent her an owl explaining that he'd be extremely busy for the next few months while the Ministry adjusted to a new leader. So a letter from him was a pleasant surprise.

Hermione went over to Hedwig, who had flopped down on the bed, and picked up the letter the owl had been carrying. Hedwig hooted happily, and Hermione ruffled the feathers on the owl's head before beginning to read.

Hermione,

I'm sorry to bother you about this, but something's come up at work, and you were the first person I thought to ask for help. I can't give you the details via owl post in case this letter is intercepted. Can you be at my office as soon as possible? Thanks so much.

Harry

P.S. What do you know about the United Nations?

For a moment after reading the letter from her friend, Hermione just sat in shock on the edge of her bed. Something so important that Harry couldn't write about it? Something that required her advice?

Something about the UN? she thought as she began to get dressed, pulling on a pair of black suit pants and a clean white collared shirt. What are the chances that I have a dream about MUN, and the next moment Harry needs my help with the real UN? She picked up her briefcase, which was charmed so that it held about as much as a small suitcase, and deposited Harry's note inside, along with a set of clean, black robes to put on once she was inside the Ministry.

She put on her shoes and went into the living room of her flat, where she lit a fire in the fireplace with her wand. After making sure she had all of her things, Hermione took a pinch of floo powder from the small pot by the hearth and threw it into the flames, which turned emerald green. Stepping into the fire, she said "The Ministry of Magic!" and vanished.