"I'm going to vomit," Hermione said as she paced back and forth in the sitting room of Black Manor wringing her wrists trying to take deep breaths. Today was the day she had been working towards since her accident. The new Minister for Magic was being selected this afternoon in front of the Wizengamot and to say that she was nervous was an understatement. If she lost, her life would go on as usual, she was getting married to the love of her life in a week but she would be extremely disappointed. Rejection wasn't new to Hermione but it also wasn't something she was fond of experiencing. Her nerves were getting to her as the days leading up to the election approached and today she felt like she might pass out. "I'm going to vomit," she repeated, stopping her movements and looking at the women sitting in the parlor chairs watching her. "This whole thing was a mistake," she started pacing again.

"Love," the eldest Black sister said, "you need to relax. You are going to leave pace marks on the floor if you keep this up." Hermione shot her a glare and she retracted, "now is not the time for jokes," she turned to look at her sister, "stop making jokes."

"Me?" Andy held her hand up to her chest, "I haven't said a bloody thing all morning." She looked at her sister, "best behavior as always dear sister. Hermione, sweetheart," the brunette stopped pacing to look at the sisters, "it's going to be fine. The hospital is ready and amazing. You have so much love and support in the Wizengamot seats. I won't say that this is in the bag but," she smiled and shrugged.

"As much as I hate to admit it," Bella scoffed, "she's right, pet. You've worked so hard on this campaign. Skeeter, Malfoy and Dolohov aside, this is yours to win."

"I don't know," she sighed and sat down next to her fiancé, her face buried in her hands. "I'm just so afraid of failure. If I lose, I will fixate on it forever. What could I have done differently? Why didn't they like me? Is it because I'm muggleborn? What couldn't I offer the people of the Wizarding World?"

"Hermione," Bella put her finger under her chin and lifted Hermione's head until they met eyes. "You are worrying about the what ifs. I know what it's like to feel like a failure. I also know with my entire being that you don't have anything to worry about. If I didn't think you had this in you, I would've been honest with you from the start. I've been around a long time, pet. No minister has ever had the passion, drive, intelligence and understanding that you can bring to the people. Pure bloods, half bloods, muggleborns… hell even the muggles will be lucky to have you as their Minister for Magic." Hermione's cheeks blushed and she tried to turn her head but Bell stopped her, looking deeper into her eyes. "You've got this. Everyone is pulling for you. Don't let Skeeter's articles get in your head. If something unexpected happens and that asshole gets elected, I'll burn the ministry down," she smirked.

"Why do I feel like that isn't a joke?" She wiped a stray tear that had escaped during Bella's speech.

"Because our Lord would never fail us," Andy smirked.

"Andromeda," Bella warned, "do yourself a favor an add something constructive or fuck off."

"She's right Hermione," Andy saw Bella nod, "they'd be stupid not to elect you. Just look at what you've managed to accomplish with Mungos in less than a year's time. The Wizarding World needs your drive and ingenuity." Hermione managed a small smile, "plus," Andy's smile turned menacing, "I plan to punch Skeeter whether you get elected or not but if it doesn't go your way, I'll help Bella burn the place down."

"Please don't burn anything down on my behalf," Hermione tried to suppress her laugh.

"Oh no," Bella shook her head, "if there is a need for arson, I'm not going to stifle it."

"Fair enough," Hermione shrugged.

"That's my girl," Bella pulled her in and kissed her forehead. "Now, put your suit on and get ready, we have to leave in like twenty minutes. Can't be late. Surely that's frowned on."

Hermione started to make her way out of the room but turned around, "House of Black."

"What's that pet?"

"I don't know why I didn't put it together sooner. How could I be so stupid? All of the ancient and noble houses have seats on the Wizengamot. So, The House of Black has a seat. You'll be in there with me," Hermione's smile immediately faltered when she noticed the look on Bella's face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Well yes," Bella wiped her hand down her face, "the House of Black does have a seat in the Wizengamot."

"So you'll be with me?"

"No," she saw Hermione's face fall. "After I was reinstated as the rightful Heir to the House of Black, they told me my seat was open. I told them to shove their seat up their asses and that I didn't want to have anything to do with the ministry. This was years before I started working for them but my sentiments remain. They can go fuck themselves. I abdicated my seat."

"To who?"

Andy smiled, "see you in court, kitten."

"Go get ready," Bella nudged Hermione out of the room before turning back and shaking her head. "Kitten?"

"What?"

"Are you ever going to move out of here?"

"You'd miss me too much if I ever left," Andy cackled.

"That's debatable."

Andy had already dropped Teddy off at school so there was no worry about finding a babysitter as the women made their way from the fireplace in Black Manor to the main commune of the Ministry. "Okay, I'm definitely going to vomit," Hermione announced when they exited the fireplace and saw Lucius and Rita in the far end of the main floor, talking to a Dolohov who just looked over and smirked at them. "They won't be smiling in a few minutes," Bella cackled. Lucius was already in his Wizengamot robes and turned to look at the three of them before turning away, not giving them a second glance. "It's going to be so glorious when he loses and has to walk out of the courts with his tail between his legs."

"Please, can I punch her now?"

"Not yet, Andy. Give Hermione a chance to win before you kill her."

"Nobody is killing anyone today," Hermione reminded them as she pulled her eyes away from the undesirable trio in the corner. "Can I ask why you hate her so much? I mean I hate her too but your hate seems to be fueled in a completely different way."

"Oh pet," Bella sighed, "that's not a good story for today. Trust me."

Hermione looked over and saw Andy shaking with anger. She reached out to try to ground her almost sister-in-law. "Andy?"

"It's fine," she shook her head. "I'll punch her later." She turned and made her way to the elevators with Bella and Hermione following behind her.

"Touchy subject," Bella whispered in Hermione's ear once they were settled in the lift. "Best not to get into it right now. Today is about you love," she kissed her on the side of her head as the elevator descended into the courts.

When they walked down to the courts, the three of them saw Narcissa standing outside chewing on one of her fingers nervously peering into the open courtroom.

"Cissy?" Hermione was a little surprised when the blonde woman approached her and pulled her into a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Just because I can't go in doesn't mean I'm going to miss your big day. I saw Ms. Lovegood and a few other recognizable faces around the halls down here. You are a very popular candidate," she winked at the brunette.

Bella looked over her sister's shoulder, "where's the other one?"

Narcissa straightened up, crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, "Aviya is working," she turned to Hermione, "honestly she wanted to be here for your big day too but one of us needed to stay at work." She leaned in to whisper to Hermione, "she said you've got this. The hospital is so much better with all the help and support you've provided."

"Tell her thank you," Hermione smiled back, "and thank you for coming." She turned and looked in the courtroom. "Merlin, it looks intimidating in there."

Andy scoffed, "wait until I put my robes on and take a seat. You haven't seen anything intimidating yet."

"Minister Granger," she turned around to see Draco and Astoria approaching. "Good luck," he pulled her into a tight embrace. "For what it's worth, you have the best of the Malfoy household rooting for you."

"We are already proud of you Hermione," Astoria smiled and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Thank you guys but you didn't have to come all the way down to the courts for this."

"You are family now, Granger. We wouldn't have missed it."

"All right, enough of this mushy shit. I'm going to get ready," Andy announced. "You," she turned to Hermione, "you should probably come inside in like five minutes." She saw Hermione nod and gulp. Andy winked at her, "you're going to do great. When it's your chance to talk, don't downplay your accomplishments. They speak for themselves."

"Got it," Hermione gulped again before she turned into Bella's embrace. "Merlin, I'm going to pass out in there."

"You've got this," she started to run her hands up and down her fiancé's arms. "I know you've got this. Just go in there and be yourself. They'd be fucking fools not to pick you."

"Mione!" Everyone turned and saw Harry walking down the hall hand in hand with Luna. He was already dressed in his Wizengamot robes. "You ready?" He asked after pulling her into a big hug.

"No," came the quiet muffled reply of the brunette. "I also can't breathe. You are squeezing me."

"Sorry," he let up a little. "You are going to be the next Minister. I have no doubts."

"He's not wrong. I don't see any unusual nargle activity floating around you. Today is a good aura day for your election," the blonde smiled.

"See," Bella cackled, "no nargles pet. You are golden,"

"She didn't say no nargles" Cissy corrected her sister while earning her a raised eyebrow, "she said no unusual nargles so I'm assuming Ms. Granger has her normal amount of nargles with her. Right?"

"Oh yes," Luna beamed, "plenty of good luck nargles."

"You'll do great Hermione," Harry smiled at his best friend, "remember…"

"I know," Hermione sighed, "don't undervalue my efforts."

"Exactly. See you in there," he turned and walked into the large courtroom.

"Thank you all for coming," Hermione stopped to smile and wave at Arthur Weasley who nodded towards her before entering the courts. "I really appreciate the love and support from you all. Can I have a minute alone with Bella before I head in there?"

"Sure, sweetie," Narcissa touched her shoulder, "we will see you after your victory."

After a loud round of 'good luck' was wished, Hermione was alone standing outside of the courtroom with her fiancé. "I'm not sure I can do this," she worried, her bottom lip caught between her teeth.

"Every little thing is going to be alright, my love," she pulled Hermione flush against her and brushed her lips lightly over her own.

She whimpered at the gentle gesture and rested her forehead against Bella's. "You sound like Bob Marley."

"Who?"

"Promise me you'll never change," Hermione let out a small laugh.

Bella looked confused when Hermione pulled back completely but she smiled before she said, "I love you and good luck. Though you won't need it," she saw her fiancé blush. "Now, go on in there. Probably don't want to be late," she glared slightly when she saw Lucius entering the courts in his Wizengamot robes followed by Dolohov looking cocky. "This is yours to win. I'll see you soon, Minister Granger-Black."

"I love you too," she leaned back in for one last kiss before turning and slowly walking into the foreboding looking dark courtroom. The courts looked exactly the same since she was in there when they stole the locket horcrux from Umbridge. She was just thankful they removed all the dementors from the premises. It made the atmosphere less daunting but no less intimidating. She saw Dolohov in the one chair and a chair assigned to her across from him. Hermione took a moment to scan the Wizengamot. There were many familiar faces including Harry, Andy, Arthur, Neville's grandmother, a few colleagues and some others she recognized from school, the hospital and just around the ministry. She also saw a few people who looked like Lucius. Noses held up in the air and she knew that it was going to be hard to get through to them.

Kingsley was sitting at the head of the Wizengamot. He hasn't been in the ministry since he stepped down in January but he was acting Minister during that time. Hermione gave him a little smile before taking her seat. "Witches and Wizards please take your seats, we are going to begin. Today, we are going to be deliberating on the next Minister for Magic. Our candidates are Antonin Dolohov and Hermione Jean Granger. Over the last six months, the candidates have been working hard to show their abilities and have made bountiful advances towards the betterment of the Wizarding World. I'm sure everyone has had a chance to get to know the candidates better over these months. Today, before we vote, each candidate will get a few minutes to let us know why they would be the best option for the new Minister for Magic. I must remind everyone here to keep an open mind and remember that this is a job that affects everyone one, not just in this room but every witch, wizard and muggle in Britain." A few murmurs were heard amongst the crowd before Kingsley continued, "Antonin, we will start with you. You have up to five minutes. Time starts whenever you start talking."

Hermione looked up and saw Andy dramatically roll her eyes then wink at her as Antonin started his speech. She was having a hard time focusing on what he was saying though she did noted his condescending tone and the abhorrent hate towards muggles and muggleborns. He actually said the phrase "keeping magic pure" and this caused an audible scoff to be heard from the Wizengamot.

"Madam Black," Kingsley corrected her, "we expect everyone on the Wizengamot to keep themselves composed during the speeches. I know the material can be of a sensitive nature but I expect everyone sitting here with me today to show the kind of courtesy they would expect if they were in the candidates' positions."

"Apologies," Andy smirked, "I'll keep my feelings to myself. Let the racist continue."

"One more outburst Madam Black and your vote will be thrown out of court."

Andy held her hands up and conceded but winked again when Kingsley turned the attention back to Dolohov. Hermione was inside of her own head trying to remember everything that she wanted to say and didn't hear a single word of the rest of Dolohov's speech.

When Kingsley called on Hermione she stood at her seat and cleared her throat, "witches and wizards, thank you for your time this afternoon. It's been a pleasure to even be considered for this distinguished position. I have been told by more than one person that I should come in here and talk myself up but for those of you who know me know that that's not me. I could also come in here and take the approach of my running mate and denounce everything that doesn't align with my beliefs but that's also not me. I believe that all Witches and Wizards deserve the same treatment no matter their circumstance. Equity needs to be a main priority and I believe my first step of effectively instituting that change was by merging St. Mungo's with muggle western medicine. The collaboration at the hospital has already had a positive outcome on a handful of magical people who befell muggle maladies. After my accident, I knew that I had to do something. Muggles might not be part of our world but they have a lot of inventions and ideas that could benefit us as a whole. I've already spoken with the headmistress at Hogwarts and I'm happy to report that muggle doctors will be making rounds with Madam Pomfrey next school year." She looked up and gulped when she realized everyone had their eyes on her listening intently. "My fiancé is heiress to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Up until a few years ago, she was a strong believer in blood purity, right hand to Voldemort, tortured me and killed people like me. I'm not saying that everyone has to marry a muggleborn," she laughed, "but if it's possible for Bellatrix Druella Black to change some of her beliefs, then I think it's possible for the Wizarding World as a whole. I want to see a world where when my kids go to school, everyone is treated with the same amount of equality and respect no matter their blood status, gender or hogwarts house. I feel that I can help facilitate the betterment of the Wizarding World by bridging the gap between Wizards and Muggles while keeping traditions in place and by making sure everyone is given the same opportunities to succeed. If I walk out of this room as your new Minister for Magic, know with utmost confidence that I won't let you down. If Antonin is elected, know that I won't give up on trying to make our world a better, more inclusive place. Thank you." She finished her speech and sat back down, trying not to show her nerves as the council cast a muffliato to deliberate.

Hermione wasn't even certain she had been properly breathing for the time it took for the council to decide on her fate. She felt that it had taken years but in reality it was probably less than 15 minutes. "Candidates, the Wizengamot would like to thank both of you for your work this far regarding the Ministry and everything you've done to support the Wizarding World. While we all have differing opinions on who would be the best fit for the role of Minister, we all feel that the Wizarding World would be lucky to have either of you." Hermione saw Andy and Harry shaking their heads no. "There was no clear and unanimous decision during our debrief so as always it will come down to a vote. The majority wins and that person will become the next Minister for Magic effective immediately."

Outside of the closed courtroom door Bella had been pacing the entire time and Narcissa was trying to calm her down. "No, Cissy. Hermione deserves this win. She worked so hard for everything and if she doesn't win then I might have to kill everyone in there."

"I'm not sure that murder is an effective way to get your point across."

"Nothing is more effective than death," Bella stopped pacing when they heard the muffled voice of Kingsley calling for the vote. "Fuck. This is it."

"It's time," an unwelcome voice joined the Black sisters at the door. "A statement from the Dark Lord prior to the results?" Bella just shoved her middle finger in Rita's face and did not bother to turn to look at her. "Classy as always. What about you?" She turned to look at Narcissa. "Care to comment?"

"I think it's in your best interest to clear out of here before Andy comes back out. Regardless of the outcome, I don't think she will hold back this time."

"A threat as usual. Typical," Rita rolled her eyes.

"Mom!" Draco shouted from the elevators as he, Astoria and Luna rejoined the group. Just as they reached the three women a loud round of applause and cheering erupted from the courtroom. "Ahh, guess we are right on time."

"Hermione won. I can feel it."

"And how did you know that, Ms. Lovegood?" Rita asked with her pen poised for a statement.

"Don't answer her, Luna. Just tell her to fuck off like we all do," Bella cackled then immediately got deathly quiet as the noise grew closer to them and the doors to the court room magically opened with members of the Wizengamot pouring out of them. Bella's stomach jumped up into her throat. She knew Hermione had it in her to win but she couldn't help the nagging voice of Skeeter entering through the back of her brain. She shook her head clear and made her way inside, "fuck this I'm not waiting anymore." She rushed into the courtroom followed by everyone else who was waiting with her in the hallway. She first saw a bunch of the Wizengamot still in the stands and then she saw her fiancé. She didn't know what to make of her expression so she rushed over to her. "Hermione?" She asked as the young woman was staring into the distance. "Pet?" She reached out and touched her shoulder.

"I think she's in shock," Andy came up beside them.

"What?" Bella turned around to look at her sister before hearing a small voice come from Hermione.

"I won," she slowly turned her gaze up to the dark witch and smiled. "I won."

Bella surged forward and embraced her fiancé, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. "I fucking knew it," she kissed her neck before setting her feet back on the ground. She whispered in her ear, "I'm so fucking proud of you, my love." She pulled her into a kiss that was probably a little too racy for a courtroom full of Wizengamot members but it didn't matter. Hermione was the new Minister for Magic. When breathing became an issue, Bella pulled back and rested her forehead against Hermione's. "You are going to change the world, Hermione and I'm just happy that I get to be a part of it."

"Congratulations are in order," the women pulled apart when Kingsley came up beside them. "I hate to interrupt the celebration but I need to take Ms. Granger up to the Minister's office and swear her in. After that, she will officially be Hermion Jean Granger, Minister for Magic."

"She starts today?" Bella asked, eyes going wide.

"Immediately," the former minister announced. "It's a sacred ceremony so I'm afraid it's only between me and Ms. Granger and a few selected members of the Wizengamot."

Bella nodded her understanding, "send me your patronus when it's done and we can start celebrating. I'll send my patronus to Jack and Katherine." She kissed her cheek before Kingsley led Hermione out of the courtroom. "She won," Bella smiled, shaking her head, the pride abundant on her face. She quickly cast her patronus and sent the little blue otter off to the Granger's to tell them the good news. "How did the vote go?"

Andy smirked, "it was more than 70% in her favor. Cheeky little witch gave an amazing speech."

Bella pointed to her mind, "can I watch?"

"Sure," Andy was cut off by a loud noise coming from the other side of the room.

"She cheated," Dolohov announced storming up towards Bella with Lucius and Rita in tow. "That's the only explanation."

"Tread carefully, Antonin," Bella all but growled as the three of them stopped in front of her and Andy.

"She used your name and that's the only reason she got elected. Worthless little mudblood could never compare to me. I would've been the greatest minister Britain has ever seen but no that filthy little mudblood wowed them with her sad accident story and how she turned around Voldemort's right hand. Stupid bitch," his sentence was cut short when the sound of bones cracking was heard ringing throughout the courtroom.

Bella pulled back her bloody fist, shaking it. "She has more talent in her little finger than you've had in your entire pathetic little life. Fuck off and if I ever see you around here again, I will kill you."

"She broke my nose," Dolohov screamed out in pain.

"The Prophet is going to love this," Rita said, motioning for her photographer to get a picture. "The Dark Lord has struck her first victim."

Bella turned to glare at the woman, "Andy if you would please," she nodded towards Rita.

"With pleasure," Andy said, winding up and delivering a loud crack to Rita's nose causing her glasses to fly off of her face. The blond woman stumbled backwards grabbing her nose. "Merlin that felt amazing," she shook out her equally bloody fist.

"You'll pay for this," Rita started to say, scrambling to pick up her glasses.

"What are you going to do? Tell my parents that I'm dating a muggleborn Hufflepuff? Oh wait you've already done that and my parents are dead and so is Ted. There's not a damn thing you can do to me anymore, Rita. Ted. Didn't. Want. You." She accentuated each word. "It was over 30 years ago. Get over it. If I read one derogatory thing in the Prophet about me, my sisters or Hermione, I will kill you. Azkaban will be worth it. Don't. Test. Me." She growled out.

"What happened?" Narcissa asked rushing over to her sister with Draco and Astoria following. She was pulling out her wand to start healing both of their hands, "I was just phoning Aviya to tell her the good news." Lucius scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Something to say, Lucius?" She put her wand back in her pocket and crossed her arms turning towards her ex husband.

"Nothing," he shrugged. "I heard all about your dalliance with that woman," the words came out of his mouth like poison.

"Dalliance? Lucius, it's 2005. I don't think anyone has used that word to describe a relationship since the early 1900s."

"Relationship? That's what you think you have with that… that…" he stopped and looked at both Draco and Narcissa staring at him. "That girl? Please. It's not a relationship. Honestly a halfblood? You couldn't pick someone better as your rebound? You alway were destined to be a disgrace to your entire family. Cygnus would be rolling over in his grave if he found out two of his daughters were dykes."

A third crack rang through the courtroom as Lucius fell to the ground clutching his nose. Andy and Bella turned to see their youngest sister shaking out her bloody fist. "The only disgrace here is you, father," Draco stood over Lucius. "It's best if you clear out. Our family will longer have anything to do with you. If," he continued, "you ever use that language regarding mom or Auntie Bella again, I will be the one who kills you. They are both happy and in love. It's a shame that you don't have a heart big enough to let anyone besides yourself in. Now," he pulled his wand out, "clear out of here, all three of you before this ends differently." He walked over and put his arm around his mother's waist. A quiet "thank you" was heard being passed from mother to son.

Dolohov, Lucius, Rita and her photographer all started to walk towards the door before Bella called over to them, "I heard St. Mungo's hospital has muggle doctors that can help you fix those broken noses," she cackled as the three bodies disappeared out of the courtroom.

Hermione's little blue otter wisped through the room, "I've been sworn in. I'm Minister for Magic. *small shriek* come up whenever you can and bring your sisters and whoever else wants to come. Can someone go get my parents?"

"I'll go get the Grangers. I went there when Hermione had the accident. I remember the location," Draco smiled at the group.

"Thanks Dragon," Bella nodded, "and thanks for what you said to your father. I give you a lot of shit but you mean a great deal to me too."

"I can go with you," Astoria said to her husband.

"Perfect," Bella clapped her hands together. "Whoever does the side along with Jack, hold onto him tight. He gets excited. Don't want him to get splinched on Hermione's big day. Oh! And Katherine gets motion sick. Have fun!" She called out making her way out of the courts with her sisters following behind her.

Bella, Andy and Narcissa climbed into the lift together and made their way to Hermione's new office. "That was fucking epic," Andy smirked looking at their fists. "I honestly didn't know you had that in you, Cissy."

"Of course she did," Bella gave her youngest sister a proud smile, "Lucy deserves that and so much more."

"He just made me so mad the way he was talking about us. I didn't expect to punch him. It was my

first punch. Did I do it right?"

The three sisters laughed as they made their way into Hermione's new office. "You did a commendable job." Bella patted her sister in the shoulder, "really nailed him."

"Who did what now?" Hermione spun around in her big chair and her face fell when she saw the state of the three sisters' hands. "What happened?" she rushed over and immediately started fixing up the cuts and bruises on their hands.

"No. Leave them," Hermione stopped and every turned to look at Cissy. "I want to show Aviya. She'll never believe me if I don't show her these." She held up her fist. "Plus, it looks kind of badass doesn't it?"

"Might as well leave them all, pet." Bella laughed. "Nothing like matching punch wounds to bond sisters."

"I'll leave Cissy's wounds but if yours and yours," she looked at Bella and Andy, "don't close by the wedding, I will be healing them."

"Damn," Andy huffed, "she runs a tight ship."

"You should see her in the bedroom," Bella cackled. Both of her sisters groaned while Hermione turned pink. "Yes, the first blush in your new office. That took all of two minutes. It has to be some sort of record."

"Do I even want to know what happened downstairs?"

"Probably not but I'll show you later. Just know they all deserved it," Bella walked around the room and sat down, situating herself to get comfy in Hermione's office chair. "I could get used to this."

"I believe it was Hermione who was elected, not you," Andy rolled her eyes.

"That may be true but in one week's time, I will be Bellatrix Druella Black heiress to the Noble and Most Ancient house of Black official wife to the Minister for Magic."

"Why is it that we always stay the same yet her title only grows?" Cissy asked her other sister.

"Her title grows with the swell of her ego." Andy deadpanned.

"Wife to the Minister for Magic?" Hermione questioned with an amused look on her face.

"Oh yes," Bella cackled. "I'm sure there's a load of hidden benefits that come along with that title."