Written for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges and Assignments) Term 13

Additional challenges listed below

A.N.: This story was based on the song Almost There from the Princess and the Frog Disney movie

Word Count – 725

Hermione looked around her. The office that was Kingsley's, but had been from many others before him, already felt like home to her. She still worked at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but since Kingsley was looking to retire and knew about her desire to become Minister, he held weekly meetings with her in his office to show Hermione the ropes of the job. That meant more time in the Ministry for him and for her.

Kingsley didn't have anyone to go home to, so for him it was no problem to stay, but Hermione did. She trusted Ron to take care of the kids and she knew that Molly was also around a lot, but she missed them. During most of the year they were at school, so she didn't feel so bad staying late at the office, since Ron stayed late to close the shop with George, but the holidays were being tough.

George and Ron had decided to close the shop earlier so they could stay with family, but Hermione couldn't bring herself to ask Kingsley for the pause on their sessions. Specially, because she could see that he didn't have a break himself, and if she wanted to be Minister, she would have to get used to working around the clock. She was so close.

"Are you alright, Hermione?" Kingsley asked.

They had been on a first name basis for a long time, but Hermione still hadn't gotten used to it.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I just zoned out for a minute."

"It's getting late, child. Do you want to go home? I'm pretty sure you have a lot to do before Christmas Eve tomorrow."

"No, no. Don't worry about it. I can do it all," she said, with a dismissive wave of her hand.

"I know you can, but that doesn't mean you should." He laid his hands folded on the desk between them. "Listen, I admire your passion and enthusiasm, but you need to be with your family, Hermione."

"I will be. That's just going to have to wait a while. They know what I'm doing and how important it is to me, and they understand."

They really knew. Hermione sat down with Rose and Hugo as soon as they got home and explained everything to them. How Kingsley thought she could be a great Minister, how she was working really hard each and every day to make it happen. The kids were ecstatic.

"If you say so, my child." Kingsley shrugged. "You know, maybe I should go. I want to give my house a proper cleaning before Christmas."

Hermione raised an eyebrow at him. She knew what he was doing and she was grateful for it. Hermione wasn't going to stop before she got what she wanted. She was almost there, and nothing was going to stop her know. Every time she thought about giving up, she reminded herself of everything she had been through. She thought about whom she was doing all of this for. Her kids, Ron, Harry, her parents, her nieces and nephews, Muggleborns like her, and orphans like Harry. She was also doing this for herself. She had studied hard and worked even harder, and she deserved it. Being Minister and having a shot at changing the Wizarding World was the ultimate reward.

Kingsley got up from his seat and sent a smile her way.

"Come on. I have to close this place up," he said, offering a hand.

"You know, Kingsley. I'm pretty sure that we have space for another guest at the Burrow tomorrow, if you want to join us for Christmas. I'm sure Molly and Arthur would be delighted and you know Harry is always asking you to come around more often."

Kingsley looked at her, uncertain of what to say.

"Come on," she pushed. "Are you going to pass on Molly's cooking? She will be very offended."

Kingsley laughed. "Alright, Hermione. You win. I'll join you for Christmas Eve tomorrow."

"Fantastic," she said, throwing her coat over her shoulders as soon as they step out on the hallway. "I'll see you at five!"

As Hermione walked through the halls of the Ministry, she made sure to take it all in. One day, she would run that place and that day was close. She could feel it. She was almost there.

Insane House Challenge

#48 – Word: Hallway

August Auction

Day 19/ Auction 2 – Song: Almost There – The Princess and the Frog