Hermione was disappointed, but not at all surprised, to miss out on the fun at the Ministry's Christmas party. Even though she'd begged her father to allow her to take part in the attack, she was refused and instead had to make do with being regaled with tales of what happened at the party. She was thrilled when her father described his defeat of Dumbledore and removal of Fudge as Minister. She was also very touched when Lucius informed her that thanks to him and Severus, she would no longer have to worry about Shackelbolt at Hogwarts as he'd also been disposed of during the festivities.
Although even though she hadn't been allowed to attend the party attack, she was at the centre of the action when her father was sworn in as Minister of Magic a few days after the New Year. For the event, the Atrium at the Ministry had been transformed into an arena like venue, and Hermione had stood proudly on the stage, next to her mother, as her father had been announced as the new Minister to the onlooking crowds. The crowd themselves seemed to be split into two fractions, those who supported Voldemort and cheered loudly for him, and those who were looking worried at the prospect of a dark wizarding taking charge of their world.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Voldemort began, stepping forward to deliver his first speech as Minister. "Thank you all for coming today. As I can clearly see, not everyone is convinced about my appointment as Minister. But I am here to assure you all that today marks the beginning of a new era in our world, and I will not be harbouring any grudges against those who opposed me in the past."
As her father spoke, Hermione's eyes raked the crowds, watching their reactions. She could already see his words were starting to affect some people, but it was equally clear that for some, he would have to do more than issue promises that could be easily broken.
"I cannot take my place as Minister without addressing the circumstances of my election," Voldemort continued. "I am not going to lie to you. I am standing here today after killing Albus Dumbledore and forcing Cornelius Fudge out of office. I won't apologise for my actions, and I don't regret them. However, I do wish to make it known that I was forced into these actions."
A murmur went up from the crowd at the mention of Dumbledore's death, and Hermione could sense the scepticism from the crowd at her father's claim he'd been forced into killing the former headmaster of Hogwarts.
"You all know what sort of wizard I was, or rather you all know what sort of wizard Dumbledore claimed I was," Voldemort said, carrying on with his speech. "I won't deny the dark things I've done in the past, but I paid for them. I was separated from my wife and child for over ten years. I lost everything that mattered to me. But I was lucky enough to be given a second chance. A second chance the likes of Albus Dumbledore tried to deny me. All I wanted when I returned was to live in peace with the woman I love and our daughter. But my daughter was targeted because of who she was. Twice in one year her life was put in danger at Hogwarts. I ask you, what sort of father would I be if I just let that go? What father here in this room would do anything to protect his own flesh and blood?"
Voldemort paused, letting his words sink into the crowds. Emphasising his point, he turned to smile at Hermione, who smiled back, aware that everyone was watching their interaction and saw the innocent girl who loved her father and relied on him to protect her from their enemies.
"My daughter was targeted by those who hated me," Voldemort continued firmly. "I could not stand back and do nothing. Hate me all you want for my actions, but just remember who and what caused them. I would not be standing here today if it wasn't for the danger my daughter had been placed in. I was forced to protect my family, and this was the only way I could ensure my daughter would never have to suffer again. However, I want no-one else to suffer the way my family have. As I said, today is the start of our new future. Anyone who supported Dumbledore, and even fought against me, is to be forgiven. I won't hold grudges and won't punish people for their past actions. Let's give everyone a second chance to live in harmony."
Again Voldemort paused, but this time because several people had began to cheer, and Hermione noted that even some of the people who seemed unsure of her father at first were joining in with the applause. It was true what people had always said about her father, he was very magnetic and charming and could get people eating out of the palm of his hand.
"However," Voldemort called, raising his voice as the applause began to die down. "I will not be a pushover and I will not allow people to hurt the ones I love. The past may be forgiven, but any future retaliation will be dealt with severely. I'm making it clear for everyone right now. If you come after me or my family, I will take you down and I will end your life. Now does anyone have any questions?"
Instantly, the press representation pushed forward, shouting questions at the new Minister. Hermione heard several questions about muggleborns, and if they would be safe in the new world her father was making. She also heard a few questions about the escaped prisoners, who were still on the loose.
"One at a time," Voldemort bellowed, stopping the questions with a deadly glare. "Now, I heard questions about muggleborns. I won't lie and say I like them, but nor will I rush into making any decisions about their future in our world. Like all Ministers, I'm sure I will change laws and add new ones, but it's far too early for that. So for the time being, nothing changes. Miss Skeeter, did you have a question?"
"I do," Rita Skeeter said, elbowing her way to the front of the reporters. "I want to ask about the escaped prisoners from Azkaban. Are the Aurors still searching for them?"
"I have looked at the list of escaped prisoners, and went through their records to see what crimes they were charged with. And I have to say, I was disappointed in the Ministry. Most of these people were found guilty without any solid proof, and a lot of them were condemned for merely supporting me," Voldemort answered. "In the coming weeks, I will be issuing pardons for almost all of the prisoners. But rest assured, any of whom are genuinely guilty of crimes, will be tracked down and returned to Azkaban as soon as possible."
As her father continued to answer questions, Hermione's gaze searched the crowd again, this time locating her boyfriend. Draco was in attendance with his parents, and the Malfoys had been vocal supporters of Voldemort as he'd made his speech. Aware that he was being watched, Draco turned his head from The Dark Lord and flashed his girlfriend a grin, which held promise of the fun they could have later on as their parents continued to celebrate Voldemort's new appointment.
Finally, Voldemort called an end to the questions and with Leah and Hermione at his side, he left the Atrium and travelled up to the block of offices which belonged to the Minister of Magic.
"How much of that did you mean?" Hermione asked her father once they were safely out of the earshot of the public.
"Everything," Voldemort replied.
"You mean you're just going to let the Order get away unscathed?" Hermione frowned. "And what about muggleborns? Weren't they the reason you started fighting in the first place?"
"Muggleborns were a cause I knew would rally supporters," Voldemort confessed with a shrug. "You know my feelings on muggles and muggleborns. And who knows what future laws I will pass in regards to their place in our world. But for now, they're not an important issue."
"And the Order?" Hermione pressed, not able to believe her father would leave things as they stood.
"Do you really think they will sit back and do nothing?" Voldemort asked with a teasing smile. "They may have lost their leader and one of their best fighters, but they're not completely toothless. They will come after me, after us. But after today, I won't have to justify what I do to them. In the eyes of the public, it will be the Order stirring up trouble."
"Clever," Hermione admitted, feeling slightly stupid about not seeing what her father was planning. "And did you mean what you said about pardoning the Death Eaters you broke out of Azkaban."
"Absolutely," Voldemort replied with a nod of his head. "I need my strongest supporters around me, and they include some of who have spent years in Azkaban. I may be Minister, Hermione, but we've yet to win the war. As I said, The Order will still keep coming at us, and I'm taking your advice."
"My advice?" Hermione questioned, wondering what piece of advice in particular her father had taken to heart.
"To not underestimate The Order, and to not be too cocky," Voldemort said. "Right now we're in the ascendency, but all that can change in a blink of an eye. I will not rest until we've beaten every threat that comes our way, and I know we are all safe."
Hermione nodded, agreeing with her father that the war was far from over. The dark had won the first big battle, but there would be others, and they weren't guaranteed to win them all. Not until The Order were totally decimated and the threat they posed removed completely, would they be able to say they'd won. But Hermione had every faith it would happen, and she was determined that she would get the chance to play her part and help her father win the war he'd started to wage so many years ago.
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The day after her father had been sworn in as the new Minister of Magic, Hermione got ready to deliver and important message from him. It was something he'd discussed with her the previous evening, and even though she'd been sceptical at first, she'd come to agree with her father that it was the best course of action.
"Are you ready?" her mother asked as she entered the front room, ready to leave and carry out the task her father had asked her to deal with.
"I am," Hermione replied with a confident nod.
"Are you sure you don't want any company?" Leah checked.
"No, I need to do this myself," Hermione replied. "After all, it's a good test of my authority. We both know if father was to deliver this message it would be obeyed without question. The same thing needs to happen with me."
"Just stay strong, and you'll be listened to," Leah advised. "And the odd threat won't go amiss," she added with a smirk.
"I'm sure I can deliver a few of those," Hermione chuckled as her mother activated the floo network for her. "Wish me luck," she called as she picked up a handful of floo powder.
"You don't need luck, you'll do great," Leah encouraged as her daughter straightened her back and vanished from the fireplace in a whirl of emerald flames.
Hermione's journey was short and uneventful and when she stepped from the floo she took a moment to ensure all the soot was brushed from her clothes. As she was tidying herself up an elf appeared and she ordered it to summon the family it served. Recognising her as someone not to be messed with, the elf bowed deeply before rushing off to perform its task.
Seconds later, Hermione heard footsteps in the hallway and she plastered a large smile on her face as a familiar face walked into the room.
"Hello, Pansy," she greeted warmly as the raven haired witch faltered in the doorway. "Do come in and take a seat."
Pansy winced at being ordered around in her own home, but she obeyed Hermione as she shuffled into the room and nervously perched on a nearby chair.
"What do you want?" she asked warily.
"Your parents should be joining us shortly, I'll explain it all then," Hermione informed Pansy.
Luckily for Pansy she didn't have long to wait before her parents arrived. Like Pansy neither of them looked happy to be ordered around in their own house, but like Pansy they had the sense not to argue. Voldemort himself may not have been present, but they knew every word and act would get back to him and if they didn't treat Hermione with respect he would learn of it.
"I won't beat around the bush," Hermione began once the Parkinsons were settled on the sofa. "I bring a message from my father. Simply put, we're done."
"Done?" Mr Parkinson queried with a puzzled frown.
"Yes, we've got bigger matters to deal with," Hermione said. "Of course, that is not say I have forgotten what was done to me," she added, turning her gaze to Pansy, who looked guiltily away from her. "Since his victory over Christmas, my father is feeling in a generous mood, so he sent me to deliver an important message."
"We're all ears," Mr Parkinson said. "We'll do anything. Despite our daughter's actions, we want you to know that we're still your loyal supporters."
"We have no need for supporters who betray us," Hermione said coldly. "You should think yourselves lucky to even be receiving this decision. If things had been different, this chance would never be coming your way."
"Chance?" Mr Parkinson asked eagerly. "We'll do anything to get back into The Dark Lord's graces."
"That won't be happening," Hermione bluntly informed the Parkinsons. "We have no use for you, and quite frankly I am sick of the sight of your daughter. We could dispose of the lot of you and no-one would bat an eyelid. However, as I said, my father is in a generous mood. Which is why he's given you the order to leave."
"Leave?" Mrs Parkinson squeaked. "Leave where?"
"The country," Hermione said. "You've got one week to pack up and leave Wizarding Britain. And if a Parkinson so much as sets foot in this country again, they won't leave breathing."
"We can't just leave," Mr Parkinson blustered. "I've lost a fortune since the summer. We don't have the money to leave so quickly. It's going to take time to sort out a new life abroad."
"You have seven days," Hermione snapped, glaring at Pansy's father. "If you're still here after that date, my father will take it as an insult against his authority. If you want my advice, take his offer and leave. Given what Pansy tried to do to me, you're lucky to have survived this long."
"Please don't do this," Pansy pleaded as her parents shared a resigned look. "We can't be expected to leave so quickly. At least give us time to sort our affairs."
"Seven days, Pansy," Hermione growled. "Or do you want to argue further and take it down to five? If I wanted I could have told you to be out of the country in twenty four hours. I'm being nice and giving you a whole week, when what I really want to do is drag you outside and make you pay for trying to kill me. Trust me, Pansy, you don't want to be here when my patience runs out. The best place for you is out of this country. Unless you are stupider than even I thought, you'd take this offer and be grateful."
"Pansy, don't argue," Mr Parkinson hissed at his daughter. "We'll leave. Tell your father he has nothing to worry about."
"He wasn't worried, Mr Parkinson," Hermione said with a sweet smile. "If you do leave, he doesn't have to worry about how next to deal with you, but if you don't leave, he'll get to have some fun with you. Either way, he's satisfied as come this time next week our Parkinson problem will be extinct. It's merely up to you whether you survive or not."
Levelling a stern stare at the three Parkinsons, Hermione got to her feet and reminding Pansy that she was getting off lightly, she headed home having delivered her message. When she arrived home her mother was waiting for her, and she assured Leah that she'd delivered the message and was confident that it would be obeyed without question.
"Come this time next week the Parkinsons will be gone," Hermione confidently predicted, feeling secure that she'd been listened to and the Parkinsons would flee in order to save their worthless lives.