A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. It's been ready for a while I just haven't had time to sit and go through and post it. There will be a good bit of time between future chapters until I can take a break from school and actually work on my stories for more than a few minutes here and there. I'll get you chapters when I can and I will finish all my stories.
Lupin stood at the podium in front of the Ministry nervously, trying not to show it. Lights flashed as his picture was taken dozens of times. Hermione stood right behind him, a reassuring presence, especially considering what he was about to do. Aurors kept the reporters at bay, a strong line of protection, not that it eased his nerves. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself before he spoke.
"Good morning, and thank you all for coming. It is with great pride that I am announcing my candidacy for Minister of Magic."
The noise of the reporters rose exponentially, the Aurors standing their ground against the rush forward.
"Why do you feel you're qualified to be Minister?"
"You are known to be friends with Mr. Black, why are you running against him?"
"Why have you waited so long to announce that you are running?"
Other questions were yelled over the din, but he couldn't make them out.
"I know this is big news for everyone," he began, "All your questions will be answered in time, if you will all settle down, please. We are building a world based on forgiveness and equality, and I can't think of a better way to begin than by electing someone previously looked down on for something he has no control over. Someone like me understands what it is like to be the target of discrimination and unfairness."
"When you say someone like you, can you clarify what you mean by that?"
"By that, I mean a werewolf," Lupin answered plainly.
"Given this information, why do you think you're still a viable candidate?"
"Because it does not affect my ability to carry out my duties as Minister."
"You expect the people to be comfortable with a werewolf at the head of their government?"
"I will not ask anyone to do something they don't believe in, but I am asking for a chance. I cannot make endless promises, nor can I say for certain that I am the best option, but there are people who believe in me to begin a new society." With that, Lupin moved over, making room for Hermione at the podium. The reporters clamored for her attention, going into another small frenzy.
"Good morning. It was with my support that Mr. Lupin was able to make a final decision on whether or not to run. He was my Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in my third year, and in that time he showed nothing but genuine concern for all his students. Despite being a werewolf, he never gave us a reason to fear him and he was always fair with us. He protected and guided us with compassion I have seldom seen. In my mind, I can't imagine a better person to lead us into the new world." Hermione ended her impromptu speech, waiting for the questions she knew would come.
"Ms. Granger! As you have familial ties to Mr. Black, why are you choosing to support Mr. Lupin instead?"
"As capable as Sirius is, I believe Remus is better suited to the position. As we transition into the new world we must keep in mind that the old ways caused an entire war, spanning years and resulting in the loss of many. Reverting to the old ways will be catastrophic and will only serve to set us back. It is my opinion that Remus will best be able to counteract our tendencies to stick with what we know, and I give him my full support."
"Would we be correct, then, by stating you are officially endorsing Remus Lupin for Minister of Magic?"
"Yes." Hermione's voice was laced with conviction, daring anyone to challenge her. She stepped back, allowing Lupin to move back in front of the podium and making her position clear. She stayed with him as he answered questions, not trusting someone not to act against him if she wasn't there. She paid no attention to the questions of the reporters, staying alert for threats to either of them. The news would spread quickly and she wasn't sure what would happen when Sirius and Moody caught wind of it. She couldn't be sure if they would act against either of them, as it would expose them and almost guarantee they would never have control of the Ministry. Still, she worried about their safety.
Remus handled the questions well, if a bit awkwardly, and after the reporters were satisfied, they dispersed. He turned to Hermione, receiving a small smile and finding himself mirroring the action. She looked distracted, eyes not quite focusing on anything. He knew she had a lot on her mind, so he didn't say anything, taking her arm when she offered it. When he blinked, he was standing on an island with pale sand and the bluest water he had ever seen. He released a breath of awe, taking in the sight.
"You can stay here if you don't feel comfortable at Grimmauld Place. There are plenty of houses, or you can make your own," Hermione told him, relaxing significantly now that they were in a more private space.
"Thank you, Hermione. For your support and this," he said graciously.
He received a smile before Hermione vanished, effectively left to his own devices. Hermione reappeared at Black Manor, eyeing the new facade of the house. It was much less intimidating and much more like a home. They still had some work to do, so Hermione found a place in the garden to lay and wait for their little construction crew.
Bellatrix knocked on the door to Minerva's cottage, a little nervous about the coming conversation. She had discussed it with Hermione, and they both agreed it would be good for Bellatrix. Bellatrix fidgeted as she waited for Minerva to open the door. She didn't know why she felt nervous, she had no reason to be. Lost in thought, she startled when Minerva finally opened the door, though it had only been a few moments since Bellatrix knocked.
"It's good to see you, Bellatrix. Even though I don't think I ever imagined myself saying those words. Come in," Minerva greeted, gesturing for Bellatrix to take a seat in front of the fireplace.
"I can imagine. I never imagined you saying that either. But, a lot has changed, I guess," she said, sitting.
Minerva sat across from her, pouring tea before speaking, "I think that might be a bit of an understatement."
Bellatrix hummed, leaning forward to grab her tea. "Considering you've asked me to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, I would say so. Are you sure?"
Minerva couldn't help but notice the uncertainty in Bellatrix's voice. "I am. I've already talked to Severus, and he is more than willing and capable of taking over Potions again. He wouldn't relinquish the position to anyone but you."
"I mean, are you sure it's the best idea that I, a previous Death Eater and Azkaban prisoner, teach students? Aren't you worried about parents protesting the decision?" Bellatrix tapped her fingers against the teacup, eyes shifting nervously.
"It is the best decision for my students. I can't think of anyone more suited to the position, except Hermione, but she made it clear it should be yours. You are probably one of the best duelists alive, and you have expertise with dark magic. Who better to teach students about it?" Minerva had no doubt in her mind that Bellatrix should hold the position, and she knew Bellatrix wanted to. She was touched, and a little surprised, that the former Death Eater was showing so much concern.
"I would love to. But only if you're certain you can handle everything that comes with me being a professor."
"I am. It'll be wonderful to have you at Hogwarts. Though I do understand if you'd rather spend your nights with Hermione. I will be offering her a position though."
"What position?" Bellatrix couldn't help her curiosity.
"Well, I was thinking of making her a researcher. I need a new Head of Gryffindor and she's the one I want." Minerva sipped her tea, watching as Bellatrix relaxed considerably.
"I highly doubt you'd be able to have just one of us. I know everyone will feel better if she's there with me. I tend to get a little...irritable." Bellatrix smiled, genuinely. "She'll love it."
"I'm glad you think so. When things calm down a little more, I'm going to offer it to her."
"Thank you, Minerva. For your confidence in my ability to do this. It's new to me."
"Hermione means a lot to me, so everyone she cares about does, too. She believes in you, so I believe in you." Minerva busied herself as Bellatrix struggled to hide her tears, allowing the witch to compose herself.
Sirius growled as he threw the newspaper as far as he could. It didn't go as far as he thought, the paper catching the air and fluttering down almost directly in front of him. Moody picked up the paper, scanning over the article that had caused Sirius so much discontent.
"Well, this complicates things," he said.
"No shit," Sirius grumbled.
The two wizards sulked in silence, knowing they needed to do something to eliminate the threat against them taking control. This was Dumbledore's last plan, their only hope was to gain control of the Ministry and halt progress as long as they could. The forward motion Hermione inspired was temporary, as soon as nothing was done to change things, everyone would settle into their old ways. They believed this. They believed that as soon as people settled down again, all thoughts of change would be forgotten. All they had to do was bide their time until people forgot about the changes. People always forgot.