.

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Monday, 6 August 2012

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Harry, Ron and Hermione sat at the Three Broomsticks this time sharing a nachos plate.

"Where is Ginny?"

"At home with the gang. Albus was running a fever so she wanted to keep an eye on him."
"And my sister let you leave the house?"

"I am a lucky man, although our kids tend to suddenly become 'my kids' whenever they have an upset stomach."

"Good for her."

"I probably shouldn't stay late though."

"I have about a thousand letters waiting for me at home that I should answer. I was hoping to leave it until tomorrow, but I probably should at least start tonight."

"What are people asking their favourite candidate?"
"This and that. Some are just declaring their support, or lack there off, while others have specific issues that they want me to address. Many of them seem to think they can buy my eternal loyalties with just one vote. Like this one wizard yesterday who said he would vote for me if I helped his brother get a promotion within the ministry."

"And you actually answer all of these letters?"
"I try. Although the hate-mail tends to go straight into the bin."

It was always nice to just get together and catch up. Ron and Harry were perhaps not particularly useful when it came to politics and strategizing but they were good listeners. They had a muffliato set up so Harry could vent about work. It was the muggle police chief in Manchester who was annoying him today. 'A complete moron' was the phrasing Harry used.

Ron had been quiet lately about what was going on in his life, but every now and then he would share some amusing anecdote about something that had happened at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes.

At around nine the door opened and Pansy Parkinson walked in heading to the bar. Harry elbowed Ron and pointed her out. "Look who just came in? I wonder what she is doing here."

Ron looked up and spotted her. "Looks to me like she is getting some take-away."

They watched as Pansy as she picked up her order, decidedly not looking anywhere near their direction, and then turn around and leave.

Harry and Hermione exchanged an amused look as they quietly counted to 10. Once they reached ten Ron put down his butterbear and said. "Well, it is getting kind of late. Maybe we should call it a night."
"Sure, that sounds like a good idea. I should probably check how Ginny is doing."
"You two run along. I will get the bill."
"Thanks Hermione."
"You're an angel" came from the distracted Ron as he rushed out of there.

Hermione and Harry chuckled.

"Does he really think he is fooling anyone?"
"One has never needed legilimency to know what that boy is thinking."

"If this is going somewhere then I suppose we are going to have to help him."

"Yes. The family might not take kindly to this particular revelation."

"They have never been fond of snakes."

"They are cute together though."

"That they are."

They wandered over to the bar together, Hermione took care of the bill and just to be seen together Harry offered to walk Hermione down the street before apparating home.

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Tuesday, 7 August 2012

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[Hermione:] Are you coming tonight?

[Draco:] What?

[Hermione:] To the charity auction.

[Draco:] Right. No, I don't think so.

[Hermione:] Ok.

[Draco:] Did you want me to be there tonight? I could come.

[Hermione:] I'm sure you could, but I'm fine. Just checking.

[Draco:] Yes, you are.

[Hermione:] What?

[Draco:] Nevermind.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione had a headache. After smiling and shaking hands, seeing and being seen at yet another public event, she was now slumped on a couch in a quiet alcove leaning back with her eyes closed. This was important though. It was the charity auction for endangered magical species. And although she doubted the money would go to anything particularly useful, she agreed with Draco that her name should be associated with the protection of those who did not have their own voice and could not fight their own battles.

The quiet didn't last more than a minute at most before someone sat down besides her.

Opening one eye she saw Pansy Parkinson sitting rather stiffly on the couch offering her a pink drink that matched her own.

"Granger"

"Parkinson"

"Nice dress"

"You too"

"One of Draco's?"
"So you know about that?"
"Oh yes, we all had a laugh and Draco even showed us the bill you had them send to him."
"How expensive was it?"
"Expensive enough to make the statement that you are not a morning person."

"I probably should pay him back."

"Don't you dare."

Hermione accepted the drink but didn't sit up. With Pansy's great uncle running for Minister she doubted there was any use in fishing for her vote. She suspected what this would be about but was proven completely wrong when Pansy cast a muffliato and asked her:

"So, are you shagging Draco?"

"Don't be daft Parkinson. What would make you think that?"

"Something is up with the pair of you, and I want to know what."

Hermione sighed and accepted that she was going to have to open both eyes for this conversation.

"He has a bet with Nott and I appear to be a puppet in their games."

"Yes, yes. A convenient cover story. Remember that I was there when you supposedly found out about the bet. He always has some bet or other with Theo, so that's fine. But it does not explain why you would let him be, what Blaise so elegantly called 'your puppetmaster'."

Hermione realised that this conversation was quickly becoming one of those moments that could have huge fallout if handled incorrectly. She could not afford to alienate Pansy. She had to get in charge of the situation and be very careful about what she said.

"I suppose it doesn't. But then again: Why would you care? Don't you have a certain handsome Gryffindor chained to your bed at night?"

Pansy smirked at that. "So you know about that? I didn't think he would ever have the guts to tell you."

"He didn't, but I am quite an observant witch and he sucks at keeping things secret."
"Ok, sure. I may have a certain red lion at my disposal, as you say, but the question on the table right now concerns you and a certain blond snake. So tell me: What is up with you and Draco?"

Hermione eyed her for a moment before making her next move.

"How serious are you about… this lion of yours?"

Pansy smirked and was smart enough to hear the question not being asked.

"Serious enough for you to be able to trust me. Serious enough that whatever you tell me stays between us. It would not be good for my personal life if I started blabbering about your dirty little secrets. I'll keep quiet, Granger. Don't worry."

Hermione decided that it was time to do find her Gryffindor courage and tell at least a tiny part of the truth. Befriending Pansy could have huge benefits. She just hoped the girl was as trustworthy as she claimed to be.

"He saved my life once."

"Draco?"

"Yes"

"Interesting. Very interesting. I guess that could make you best buds for life. Are you going to tell me what happened?"

"No. It's not really my story to tell. We have never really talked about it. But it happened and it gives me reason to suspect he may not be all bad. We may not be friends, but at least makes us friendly."

And then, because she was tired of playing politics with innuendos and half-truths she just added bluntly. "I am trusting you to keep this to yourself. And if you hear more rumors about me shagging anyone, then do me a favor and try to kill those before they cause an issue. I don't need that kind of publicity."

"Sure thing. I can do that."

Hermione half expected Pansy to get up and just walk away at this point, but she just sat there quietly for a while. She obviously had more on her mind.

"So you are Ok with me and… my red lion?"

"He seems happy enough with you so who am I to have opinions on his love life."

"And what about mr. Invincibility?"

"Harry knows. And when the time comes we will help you deal with the family."

"Thank you."

"So how long has this been going on?"

"Since George's New Years Party."

"Wow. And you are OK with him being spineless and hiding you for seven months?"

"Well, my family won't be thrilled either so I am in no hurry to poke the dragon."'

Hermione smiled at the wizard saying, but didn't really have anything else to add.

"So are we friends now?"

"Friendly at least," Hermione replied smirking.

"You are not half bad, you know. Maybe I should vote for you after all."

Hermione just laughed at that. "Do whatever you want. I won't hold it against you if you want to vote for Blaise or your great uncle Neolin."

Hermione closed her eyes again, trying to get a handle on this headache.

"You don't happen to have anything with you that can take care of this headache for me."

Pannsy fished up a vile and handed over. Hermione took a large gulp and felt much better.

"Tank you Parkinson."

"Pansy."

"OK, Pansy. And you can call me Hermione if you want."

"Thank you."

And with that they both stood up and with some new and tentative could-be-almost-friendship reached they walked their separate ways.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Hermione:] What do you think about Fawley's suggestion about increasing the apparition age?

[Draco:] I doubt it would decrease splinching as much as he claims.

[Hermione:] Me too. Although providing more training before the test might be good.

[Draco:] Maybe. Splinching will happen. Mostly when people are tired or drunk.

[Hermione:] I agree. I think the system works fine the way it is.

[Draco:] How was the auktion?

[Hermione:] I had an interesting conversation with Parkinson.

[Draco:] Neolin or Pansy?

[Hermione:] This time it was Pansy who wanted to talk to me.

[Draco:] What did she want?

[Hermione:] This and that. Wanted to know if we were shagging.

[Draco:] I see. Is she going to be a problem?

[Hermione:] No. I took care of it.

[Draco:] How so?

[Hermione:] I battled and conquered her with some serious 'girl talk'.

[Draco:] I can see that being a powerful weapon.

[Hermione:] It wouldn't surprise me if she asked me to be made of honor when the time comes.

[Draco:] Good work Granger. We will make a politician out of you yet.

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Wednesday, 8 August 2012

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Hermione opened a window and let in the owl carrying the quibbler. Luna had agreed to increase production so her weekly publication would now be coming out twice per week up until the election. In order for her to manage this without having to hire extra staff Hermione had promised that every issue would have one of her "Reflections" articles. This first one was titled "Reflections on Magic" and after some arguing with Draco (she could not really get herself to call it constructive criticism), owling revisions back and forth and several rewritings it had come out rather well. She had to grudgingly admit that Draco was just as useful at being her editor as he was as her political advisor.

She really hoped the article would go down well with the magical community. The attitude of a muggle born witch towards magic is somewhat different than that of someone who has never known a world without magic. This first article established her identity as a being muggle born, having an outside perspective on the magical world, but at the same time it discussed some magical theory so people would hopefully realise how brilliant she was and how much she and other muggleborn like her belonged in the magical world. It was the perfect combination of light, insightful and informative.

She sighed when she put down the article. She would not have the same control over what the Daily Prophet would write in their in-depth article about her. Today she had a photo shoot for the Prophet at 10 and then she was meeting with one other than Cho Chang for the Prophet interview. It was better than Rita Skeeter, but she was still not guaranteed a favourable article. Cho had always thought her methods during the war bordered on ruthless. Perhaps she had gone a bit overboard with the DA jinx that scared Marietta Edgecombe. Perhaps. She really hoped Cho would not include that in her article, but she did not like her chances.

She took out her fred and her wand. She needed some distraction today,

[Hermione:] Are you free for lunch today?

[Ginny:] No. Last week of quidditch camp this week. But I am done by four.

Ginny and Alicia Spinnet had started this a few years back. Every summer they hired a few 6th year students from Hogwarts to help them host quidditch camps for younger kids. Where she found the energy, with her own 3 troublemakers at home Hermione would never understand.

[Hermione:] Too bad. Do you know if Harry is free?

[Ginny:] Don't know. Ask him.

[Hermione:] Are you free for lunch today?

[Harry:] Can it be here at the ministry? I only have about 30 minutes today.

[Hermione:] Sure. I can bring something to your office.

[Harry:] That would be great!

[Hermione:] See you at 12.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Hermione arrived at the Aurors office 10 minutes early trying firmly not to think about the upcoming interview. She had no idea how the photo session had gone. The photographer had been very thorough and kept them to a tight schedule. Change outfit - Pose - Shoot - Apparate to a new location - Repeat. They had taken pictures around Diagon alley, on the Millenium Bridge, at Hogsmeade, on a hill with the Hogwarts castle in the background and in a magical forest that she suspected was near Godric's Hollow. She had refused his idea of taking some pictures while flying across a quidditch field, claiming that although she enjoyed watching a good game, she never played. Instead she suggested a few pictures in a library and after a quick consultation with someone the photographer had apparated them into a library she had never seen and taken a few pictures there. At least she had made him promise to send her a few copies so that would take care of some christmas presents.

Harry came in a few minutes late with a distracted look upon his face. The Aurors were not as busy now as they were a decade ago and the Auror department now consisted of only 8 people. In the aftermath of the second wizarding war the interest for practising the dark arts was at an all time low and most minor infringements could be handled by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

High profile case and cases where dark magic was suspected still landed in the Auror office, but these were few and far inbetween. Insted the Aurors now now dealt with international affairs and muggle relations. With wizards being able to apparate anywhere they could clearly visualize, or use brooms and disillusionment charms, there were practically no border checks for the wizarding population. And since wizarding law varied from one country to another there were always opportunistic entrepreneurs trying to find loopholes in the system that could be turned it into personal profit. The floo network was of course monitored, but even that could be fooled.

Harry threw himself into a chair and started going through the picnic basket that Spike had prepared for him and Hermione.

"You seem stressed. When is your next meeting?"

"I'm flooing to Stockholm in 30 minutes for a briefing on something or other."

"Sounds exciting."
"It isn't. But at least I am back this afternoon."

"Ginny mentioned you were leaving next week."

"Yes, Evans and I are going to Interpol annual summit is being held in Brazil this year. We are a part of the delegation representing the magical community, although only a handful of the muggles attending are even aware of who we really are. With the time difference and all the muggle security it is just easier to go full-muggle and stay at a hotel."

"Are you away for long?"
"Leaving on Tuesday and back Thursday the following week."

"How are you getting there?"

"Floo to the ministry in Asuncion in Paraguay, pick up a colleague there and then an airplane to Rio de Janeiro. Arriving into the country by muggle means will leave the necessary papertrail for the muggles not to get suspicious."

"Your life is full of wonders Harry Potter."

"Oh, I know. Now tell me of your fabulous life my future Minister of Magic. I read your article in the Quibbler, by the way. Brilliant as always."

"I try." Hermione wondered if she should tell Harry about her editor and all the help she was getting from an unlikely source, but decided it could wait. She really didn't want to talk about Draco and whatever the sly slytherin might be upto right now.

"I have the interview with Cho Chang this afternoon."

"Are you worried?"
"A bit"

"Don't be. She is no Skeeter. I think she will be professional enough not to colour the article with her own personal opinions about you. Just give her enough to write about and I am sure she will do a great job."

"I hope so."

They both took a moment to bite into their sandwiches and once that was out of the way Hermione just had to ask:

"So what is your personal opinion of my fellow candidates. Any criminal records I should know about?"

"Remind me, who is running against you?"
"Well, there is Septima Vector"
"You probably know more about her than I do. I never took arithmancy at Hogwarts. All I can say is that her name has never come up in any of my investigations and she is probably of the Dumbledore school of thought."

"Rowena Lestrange"

"The bookstore owner?"
"That's her. I think she is rather harmless despite her crazy second cousin.."
"Oh, I agree.

"Then there is Thomas Bulstrode"
"He seems like the type to want to be in the spotlight"
"Has he crossed your desk at some point?"
"He has been on the fringes of a couple of investigations. But if he is involved with anything then he is very good at hiding it."

"Should I be worried?"
"I will look into him for you."

"Thank you. I do not trust that guy." and then Hermione told Harry about how Thomas had tried to convince her to publicly support him after her inevitable, according to him, defeat in the first round of the election. Harry chuckled and expressed his wonder on how people could still underestimate her after all she had accomplished.

"Then there is Neolin Parkinson"

"I do not remember him doing anything worth mentioning. Is he a relative of Pansy's?"

"He is her great uncle. Although I don't think they are particularly close. It would not surprise me if she voted for Zabini instead."

"Aha, Blaise Zabini. Now there is a character I would not want to see on the throne. Whatever possessed him to run."
"Honestly I think it was a dare, or a bet or something."

"Oh, I can believe that. He doesn't really seem the ambitious type. And then there is the fact that he hangs out with less than savoury characters."
"What do you mean?"
"Well the Notts, the Goyles and the Malfoys were all firmly on the wrong side of the war, weren't they?"

"Sure, but Zabini and company weren't really in the thick of things. You can't be blaming our dear old classmates for the sins of their fathers?"

"Me? No, I don't waste my time holding grudges. But some people seem to find it easier to hold a grudge than to forgive. You remember what happened on the 10 year anniversary of the battle of Hogwarts, don't you?"

Hermione did remember. A group of witches and wizards had gone out that night, gotten drunk and wanted to avenge the fallen heroes. People who hadn't been at the battle and knew very little about what had actually happened. The mob had found Theo, Draco, Gregory and Blaise sitting at a restaurant in diagon alley quietly talking over drinks. They were perfect targets. With last names like Goyle, Nott and Malfoy there was no question that they needed to be punished. Things had quickly escalated, and most of those involved, along with a few innocent bystanders, ended up spending the night at St. Mungo's.

"But you don't think Zabini and his gang are dangerous, do you?"

"No, I don't think so. Everyone sentenced has completed the rehabilitation program by now and the former Death Eaters are all keeping themself out of trouble. They are just out there trying to live their lives like anyone else."

Ah, the rehabilitation program. Now that was something they could be proud of. After the war the two of them coerced (and in some cases almost blackmailed) the rest of the order to fall in line and support this idea of theirs. Kingsley had not needed much convincing but some of the others (and especially the Weasleys) had been harder to get on board.

Harry and Hermione strongly believed that vengeance was not the way forward for the wizarding community. Everyone present had heard Harry stand there and give Voldemort the chance to repent for his horrendous actions. Everyone knew that if Voldemort had done so he could have saved his soul, or whatever was left of it at that point. Hermione and Harry argued that it would be hypocritical not to offer a similar opportunity of repentance to his followers. History had shown again and again that locking up criminals and throwing away the key was not the answer. Any such tactics would just allow the hatred to fester. It had not worked in the past and would not work this time either.

Harry was a hero and he used his fame mercilessly to get his way. Being a threat to muggles and wizards alike the dementor population of the British Isles was eradicated and although a few wizards did end up in Azkaban, most chose the rehabilitation program. It involved individual assessment by magical orbs from the department of mysteries.

Similar to the sorting hat, these orbs could read a person to the core. You couldn't hide anything from the orbs. This may sound extremely invasive of people's privacy, but just like the sorting hat, the orbs did not divulge what they learned about a person.

The rehabilitation program tried to incorporate activities that the witch or wizard would enjoy. The idea was to try to make them grow and become a better person. The resulting sentences were individualised, highly creative and very often involving quite a bit of interaction with muggles and muggle society.

Although it was public knowledge who had received sentences by the orbs, the details of those sentences were kept secret. Every now and then someone would see something they shouldn't and tip the press (like when it was discovered that Narcissa Malfoy volunteered at a muggle orphanage every other weekend) but the ministry tried to maintain privacy for the rehabilitating witches and wizards.

There was no fooling the orbs, so 14 years later it was obvious that it the program had worked. The orbes worked somehow on a psychological level such that any wizard that was capable of change had chosen to do so. There had been the one incident were Theo's father had somehow gotten a hold of a potion designed to fool the orbs. Taking it before facing them had not been a good idea. The interaction between the orbs and the unknown potion had killed Mr. Nott senior instantly. On the positive side, his was the only attempt to fool the system. Every Voldemort sympathiser sentenced by the orbs thereafter chose to complete his or hers rehabilitation program.

Now even the purest of pure-blood families could move about in muggle society and interact with muggles without the DMLE having to obliviate half of London. Azkaban had become a low security prison with much better living conditions, mostly used for short term storage of wizards awaiting trial.

"Anyone else?"
"What do you know about Evan Fawley?"

"Highly respected member of the Wizengamot. Seams like a pleasant old bloke on the few times we have talked to one another."

"You are of no use, are you."

"Not when I am this late I am not. Thank you for lunch Hermione, are you coming over tomorrow night?"

"What is happening tomorrow?"

"Nothing much. Just dinner and the usual chaos."

"Sure, count me in."

"Excellent, see you tomorrow."

And with that he was gone.

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Friday, 10 August 2012

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[Draco:] Did you get my owl?

[Hermione:] Yes, and I have implemented your revisions.

[Draco:] Even the one about veelas?

[Hermione:] Even that one. Stop worrying.

[Draco:] Never.

[Draco:] Are you coming to Theo's tomorrow?

[Hermione:] You told me I should, so yes.

[Draco:] We just lost Fawley and Vector from the guest list.

[Hermione:] Why? Is there another high society event I should know about?

[Draco:] Not everyone can stomach an invitation by a Nott. Sins of the father and all that.

[Draco:] This will be a much smaller affair than than Daphne's.

[Hermione:] How many are you expecting?

[Draco:] Almost forty plus the press. It's not looking good.

[Hermione:] Maybe it's time for creative ideas. Plenty of people who want to come to these never get invited.

[Draco:] Who and how?

After a little brainstorming they decided that only young wizards would accept a last minute invite. So Hermione would blatantly abuse her company to reach out to the Hogwarts graduating classes of this year and last year via their freds and tell them that anyone responding by midnight tonight would receive an invitation to the gala dinner att Nott manor tomorrow. After a quick estimate of what the manor could handle they extended the invitation to include fifth and sixth year students at Hogwarts.

[Hermione:] I think it is sweet that Nott is doing this for Zabini. The young crowd will like him.

[Draco:] You could get plenty of young voters flocking behind you too tomorrow.

[Hermione:] I suppose. Now, when are you planning to throw a gala in my honor?

[Draco:]. You're talented enough to held your own gala if you want to.

[Hermione:] I feel like Blaise may have the better 'puppetmaster'.

[Draco:] No amount of redecorating will make people forget who lived at Malfoy manor. No gala there at least.

[Hermione:] Good point.

[Draco:] And even if I had it somewhere else no one would accept an invitation from me.

[Hermione:] Is it that bad?

[Draco:] It's fine. I'm fine. Let's just try to fix this for Theo.

So Hermione sent George a message telling him to meet her at the F.R.E.D. research lab. They were both there 15 minutes later.

After explaining her idea to abuse the system to reach the younger voters he was aboard and they set to work. They had build a mass messaging feature into the system although they had never thought it would be used like this. They had figured it would be a good idea in case of war or natural disaster or any other sort of emergency, never had it crossed their minds that they would use it for advertising. Hermione just hoped the fallout of this wouldn't be too huge.

It turned out that there were 452 fred users in the selected age range. They carefully composed their message and then sent it out. This was at 8:46 so the students had just over 3 hours to respond before the midnight deadline.

Theo, who had been updated by Draco on what was happening, came by at 10:45 and watched with them as hundreds of responses flooded in. Draco and Blaise showed up at 11:30. By midnight the guest list had gone from 37 to 382. Theo was so ecstatic that he hugged Hermione before he aparated out of there to start the preparations.

She got a raised eyebrow from George. He had noticed the hug, and once they were alone he alluded that maybe she had her eyes set on 'taming the Nott-snake'. She quickly and in no uncertain terms squashed any ideas he might have been trying to form about her and Theo becoming a thing. He just laughed at her as she left via the floo.

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Draco:] Thank you.

[Hermione:] You're welcome.

[Draco:] Theo might be in love with you. I've rarely seen him this happy.

[Hermione:] That's sweet.

[Draco:] Do you need me to read over your speech?

[Hermione:] Yes, please.

[Draco:] Just owl it over.

[Hermione:] Thank you.

[Draco:] Any time. And then I guess I'll see you tomorrow.

[Hermione:] I'll be there.

[Draco:] Me too. Good night, Granger.

[Hermione:] You're allowed to call me Hermione, you know.

[Draco:] Maybe. It feels a bit strange though.

[Hermione:] Yes, I suppose it is.

[Draco:] Good night, Hermione.

[Hermione:] You're right. That would take a while to get used to.

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Saturday, 11 August 2012

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When you are a mother of three then it doesn't matter if you are only turning 32. There has to be a birthday party, there have to be decorations, there have to be lots of presents and most importantly of all: There has to be a big chocolate cake. Which is why Hermione was heading to Ginny's birthday celebration at Fourth Hallow with a wrapped book under her arm.

It was a good day for flying. It was a bit windy, but at least it wasn't raining. Most of the kids and several of the adults were swooping up and down the quidditch pitch but so far they were not playing a proper game. Hermione heard Bill laugh wholeheartedly when his daughter, Victoire, managed to hit him with a bludger.

Harry and Charlie had put up a big tent by the quidditch pitch and inside it was warm and cozy.

"Where is the birthday girl?"

"Inside sleeping."

"Missing her own party?"

"She was tired. She promised the boys she would be awake for the cake, but I expect she has another hour before she wakes up and gets out here."

"So what am I going to do with this?"

Hermione held up the present and Harry pointed to a table behind Charlie and Anita, piled with gifts. She headed over there. Once she got there Anita rushed away.

"Was it something I said?"

"Yes, Hermione. Anita doesn't like you. You smell."

"Really?"

"No, of course not. That had more to do with Margaret spilling strawberry juice all over herself. Look."

Hermione looked, and sure enough, there was Anita pointing her wand at her daughter and trying to save the dress. Fleur came over to help, much to Anita's annoyance.

Behind them Hermione could see George side aparate Lee Jordan onto the edge of the quidditch pitch. George whispered something to his friend who just laughed. Then George slapped him on the butt before running away from him, towards the party. Lee drew his wand and pretended to send a hex after George, who just laughed even harder.

It was a good party, even though Ginny missed most of it. She did appear eventually to cut the cake and open a few presents, but then, when she thought no one was looking, she slipped away again towards the house.

Hermione sat down besides George.

"What's up with your sister?"

"Who knows. Maybe Harry kept her up all night."

"Ew, George. I did not need that mental image."

"It may come as a surprise to you, but I think it quite probable that he takes full advantage of being married to her. I mean, have you seen how flexible she is."

"Stop it George. This is your sister we're talking about."

"Oh, I know. She's lucky she married the saviour of wizardkind. With this many brothers, chances are that any other bloke would have had his balls hexed of for impregnating her this many times."

"Can we please stop talking about Harry and Ginny's sex life."

"Sure. Do you want to tell me why you let son-of-a-Death-Eater Theodore Nott hug you yesterday? Don't get me wrong, I love a good party, but why are you helping him throw a party for one of your opponents?"

"You know me. I am a sucker for helping those who need it."

"Just pick your friends more carefully. He is a snake."

"Is that really a good enough reason not to be friends with someone?"

"Yes. I always try to avoid snakes, if I can."

"I didn't know that. I thought you chased anything that moved."

"Oh, I like to have my fun here and there. Just not with snakes."

"So what's up with you and Lee?"

"Nothing."

"Why not?"

"You know why, Hermione."

"He still thinks being seen with you would hurt his career?"

"Something like that."

"Are you Ok with that?"

"Whatever. His loss. I'll find someone else to have my fun with."

"Is there anyone left out there that you haven't shagged at some point?"

"Sure there is. Besides, I can always go back to old favourites."

"Point those eyes somewhere else, Weasley."

"Yes, dear."

"Are you coming to Nott's tonight?"

"Of course. Have you seen the guest list? Almost four hundred highly eligible, and mostly single, witches and wizards. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

It was grand and it was tasteful and the late teens had stars in their eyes as they moved about in hushed groups. Hermione suspected that this event would be remembered by this new generation of witches and wizards for a very long time. Maybe someone was heading out onto the dance floor tonight to dance for the first time with the love of their life. Young love was so sweet. She had done the right thing in inviting them all.

While the Greengrass manor had been light, airy and beautiful, Nott manor could only be described as regal. The grand hall had carved wooden pillars stretching up into the painted ceiling where magically painted scenes captured the imagination. There were gold details in the wooden decorations above the large bannister leading down onto the dance floor highlighting dragon wings and the mains of chimeras. It was breathtaking and awe inspiring, but done very tastefully. To the sides there were alcoves large enough to hold dinner parties of their own. Hermione suspected some complex extension charm at work, because she knew how many people were on the guest list and a normal grand hall at a family home should not be able to seat that many.

During the four course meal each candidate present had been given the opportunity to speak for 10 minutes. Parkinson completely failed to capture the young audience but Hermione thought her speech went Ok. Judging by the applause that followed her speech the audience was at least awake and perhaps even listening. Blaise had gone over his time, but since Theo was so obviously favouring him there was nothing anyone could do about that.

Hermione had chosen to sit among students that were about to enter their final year at Hogwarts. It had been a bit awkward at first as the students were unsure how to treat her, but she managed a joke or two to put them at ease. And since she was genuinely interested in their life and studies at Hogwarts it wasn't long before conversation flowed again. The group at her table started introducing her to their friends and at one point she had found herself in a side room at a breakaway party, surrounded by a bunch of young witches and wizards that were about to start their seventh year.

Later on she found herself cornered by a group of newly graduated students that had the (according to them) brilliant idea that they wanted to work for her campaign. Apparently applying for proper work could wait a few months. Although she couldn't think of anything they could be doing she took down their names and promised she would consider it.

A bright young Ravenclaw caught her eye, one that would make a fine addition to the research division at F.R.E.D.. She had skillfully led him to George while they talked, introduced the two and left them to get acquainted.

Hermione was heading for the bar when she encountered Alice Thompson and two of her friends. Alice wanted a career at the ministry, and as a muggle-born she was a huge supporter of Hermione's.

"I can't believe you are going to be Minister for Magic."
"Well, I have to win the election first. But if people decide to vote for me then it may end up that way."
"We are all voting for you at least. We all thought your speech was fabulous."

"Oh and I love those articles in the Qubbler. So insightful."

"Well, I appreciate your support. This is all your fault, Alice, I hope you know that."
"How so?"
"You made me realize that there had never been a muggle-born Minister of Magic. So I had to at least try. Who knows if I have a shot. That is up to you voters."
"Of course you have a shot! You are the best candidate!"

"Thank you Alice. That is sweet of you to say."

They chatted for a little while there at the bar, and Hermione managed to order her drink. Once they left her Hermione immediately saw another familiar face heading in her direction.

"Hi Hermione."

"Ron! Good to see you. Have you been here all night?"

"No, I got here when everyone was done eating. So I missed your speech. Sorry about that."

"You will have to make it up to me by voting for me when the time comes."
"Deal. Can I get you anything?"
"I've already ordered, but thank you."

"Quite a crowd isn't it?"
"Yes, I think we have more people now than we had at dinner."
"I guess it is a side effect of a good party. People hear about it and don't want to miss it."

Ron ordered two butterbeers and they then chatted a bit about this and that. Hermione decided not to give Ron a hard time about why he was here or who the second butterbeer was for. When it came to your ex-es it was always a good policy to stay firmly out of their current love life. They chatted for a bit while waiting for their drinks but when her glass of wine arrived she decided she would leave Ron to whatever evening he had planned. She gave him a peck on the cheek and said goodbye giving the excuse that she had to go fish for some votes.

She vaguely walked towards the large glass doors leading to the gardens. These were firmly shut today due to abyssmal weather. The rain was pounding on the windows so there would be no romantic strolls around the garden this evening. Fortunately the floo network saved everyone from having to get wet on the way too or from Nott manor. She was about half way there when Theo and Draco waved her over to their table.

"There she is! Hero of the night", came from Theo who was obviously not on his first glass of firewhiskey.

"Shouldn't our noble host try to be slightly more sober?"

"Nah. The press has gone home and I am sure there are some head boys and girls hiding in the crowd. Let them be responsible… or not… who cares! It's a party!"

"Where is our honourable Mr. Zabini?"

"I think i saw him making out with Astoria somewhere. Let them have fun. The night is young."
"The night is closing in on midnight, but sure. Whatever you say, Theo."
"Daphne's little sister? Wasn't she dating Marcus Flint?"
"That was hours ago, Granger. Keep up."
"I feel so out of the loop."
"Good thing the press left a while back, though. Not sure shagging Astoria will get Blase any votes."
"What do you have against Astoria, Draco?"

"Nothing, Blaise. Absolutely nothing. I didn't say anything."
"I guess I just hope he doesn't try apparating anywhere with her. He was quite drunk last time I saw him. It will be hard to keep his antics out of the press if he ends up splinched in St. Mungos."
"First of all, Blaise is not stupid. Secondly, this is Nott manor and no one can apparate in or out of finally, if they want privacy, they can just take the stairs. Blaise has his quarters on the second floor by the north tower."

"He lives here?"

"They all do, Granger. This is the place to be! Draco is in the East tower, Gregory used to be on the ground floor before moving in with Millicent, then there are the twins of course. And even Pannsy lived here for a while a few years back. Just let me know if you want to move in. I could find somewhere to put you up. This place is huge."

The twins that Theo mentioned were one of those well known tragedies of the war. His cousin Alice and her husband Rownar had been recruited to Voldemort's army and had both died at the battle of Hogwarts leaving behind eight year old twins. There had been some speculation about if Alice and Rownar had joined voluntarily, been imperiused or blackmailed. In the end it didn't matter that much though. The fact was that the twins were orphans and noone wanted to take in children of death eaters. They spent 4 months in a muggle orphanage before Theo got out and went to find them. He brought them back to Nott manor and they had been here since. It had been quite the story and many questioned if it should be allowed. Theo was barely of age himself. But the ministry had enough on its plate so nothing was ever done about it.

But that was not the part that that Hermione found interesting. She raised her eyebrows at Draco.

"You live here at Nott manor?"

"Surprise!" was all she got as an answer from him.

"You can't seriously think he still lives with his mum and dad at their manor. That place is just depressing."

"I admit that it probably wouldn't be my first choice if I was looking for real estate."
"I have told my parents to move out of there, but they refuse. Keep rebuilding and redecorating the place every year, as if that will help. It will take a much more than new curtains to wash away its ugly history."

"So you are not going back?"
"Not if I can help it."
"Don't worry mate. We can rename this the Nott-Malfoy manor."
"Sure. That won't sound gay at all."
"Right. Didn't think of that. There is a small chance I might be drunk."
"You don't say."

Listening to their banter Hermione realised that she was becoming rather fond of the two former slytherins. They were so different from her own friends. It took some getting used to, but was at the same time extremely refreshing. And for some reason they treated her as if they had always been friends.

But she also remained a little sceptical. She was still half convinced that everything they did was a part of some larger scheme or other. They might seem friendly enough but she would not know where their true allegiances lay before they got into a situation where they would truly lose something by standing by her. Would they really stand by her if she needed them to? Would they turn their back on her when their ambitions no longer aligned with hers? She suspected they might. She had to keep a clear head and remember that these were not Harry and Ron.

But for now she could at least enjoy their company. They were fun. She did not have much time to do just that because at that moment one of the Hogwarts graduates approached their table and asked Hermione to dance. Thank Merlin for those dance lessons she had taken while at university. Apparently knowing how to dance was a prerequisite for running for Minister for Magic.

Her beautiful dress (one of the ones she had charged to Draco) swirled about as she danced with the Hogwarts boys. After a while she started to suspect that they were just lining up to be able to say that they danced with the famous Hermione Granger. She allowed it. She rarely got to dance more than a couple of minutes with any one of them but she tried to make a point of asking their names and showing some interest in who they were and what they wanted to be now that they had graduated. To a few of them she recommended going to muggle university, as she had done, telling them that the muggle education system had a lot to offer that was not covered by the Hogwarts curriculum. She had never graduated from Cambridge, but she had taken quite a few courses there. Muggle history, ethics and political philosophy, criminal law, constitutional law, probability theory, political and social aspects of economics, biological and social anthropology and human behaviour were among the courses she had found particularly interesting and/or useful. Not only was she trying to give these boys some solid career advice, but she was also blatantly trying to make sure they would vote for her in the upcoming elections.

It wasn't until much much later that she managed to get back to what she, in her own mind, had secretly termed 'the snake pit'. Draco and Theo were still there but they had now been joined by Marcus Flint and some of his teammates from the Falmouth Falcons. They seemed to be trying to cheer up Marcus with the aid of alcohol.

To Hermione's delight there was more than just alcohol available. The three large plates of tapas looked particularly yummy.

"Oh, brilliant. I am going to assume you ordered these just for me?"
"Well I think it was one of your house elves who showed up with these, so sure."
"They are still at it, aren't they."
"Now don't get all crazy about house elves rights and such."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Theo. But I might attempt to give them the day off tomorrow."

As she took a seat besides Draco her prime attention was on the tapas plates. But once her plate (and her mouth) was full, she listened to Marcus' teammates cheer him up.

It seemed that Theo had been correct that Astoria had broken up with him only a few hours earlier. Marcus had obviously not taken the news well about her and Blaise disappearing from the party together.

Suddenly she heard one of Marcus' teammates drag her into the conversation.

"Are you seeing anyone Granger? Want to take Marcus here off our hands? Handsome, good income, all his original teeth… "

"Don't forget about the impressive goods hiding in his pants."

"You can get a small discount due to the numerous bludger hits he has taken to the head."

"And for the slight emotional damage caused by Astoria."

"No offence, boys, but my standards are slightly higher."
"Than a good looking and world famous quidditch player? You can't get any better than this."
"I need more to impress me. Don't forget that I am rather world famous myself. Fame is overrated."

"Says Potter's best friend."

"Stop pimping me out guys," came half-heartedly from Marcus as he was lying face down on the table. Not that anyone was paying him any attention at the moment.

"Aww. I thought he would be just your type. Haven't you dated quite a few quidditch players in your time? Potter? Weasley? Krum?"

"Keep your facts straight. Me and Potter have never dated. And it is pure coincidence that most of my other ex-es have been obsessed with the stupid sport."

"Lay off her, guys. The inevitable drama that always follows Marcus would not be a good idea for Granger at the moment, politically speaking."
"Want her for yourself, Draco?"

"I bet you I would have a bigger chance than you, Brad. I'm the better quidditch player by far."

"Says the boy who could never beat Potter to the snitch."

"I am not obsessed with quidditch players!"
"Sure you aren't."

"Face it, dear. You have a problem. Denying it will not make it go away."

Theo came to the rescue at this point. Or at least he thought he was being chivalrous. Unfortunately for him he was much too drunk to be even remotely helpful.

"As the only wizard at this table who has never been even remotely good at quidditch I hereby claim the lady for myself. Let my wrath be known to anyone who opposes me."

And he stood up extending his hand to Hermione. "Dear Miss Granger, would you do me the honor of dancing this last dance of the evening with me?"

But before she could answer, Theo rather spectacularly lost his balance and ended up on the floor. On the way down he grabbed the tablecloth with him so wine, beer and whiskey glasses along with the rest of the tapas all followed him down. There was a second of silence before the Falmouth Falcons erupted in applause and laughter. Hermione laughed with them but at the same time she kindly took out her wand and restored the table. It was then up to Draco to assist his friend back up onto a chair.

"Shut up the lot of you. Nothing to see here." Theo said as he half heartedly tried to fix his hair and clothes. Then he vaguely waved his hands in Hermione's general direction and said:

"Draco. Cover for me here."
"Sure thing mate," Draco said and clapped Theo on the shoulder.

Hermione had not recovered from her fit of laughter, when suddenly with a wink from Draco she was being dragged by the blond wizard towards the dance floor. This turn of events just made her laugh even harder. The two of them, Draco and Theo, really were hilarious.

Or maybe she was just drunk… again. Why was there always so much alcohol at all these social gatherings she kept going to? Just because wizards had a much more effective hangover cure than muggles did was no excuse to be drunk all the time. She was going to have to cut back on the alcohol if she wanted to become Minister of Magic. She was bound to do something stupid if she kept this up.

Her drunken musings were cut short as they reached the dancefloor Draco and spun her in two circles before he grabbed her close and held up her right hand with his left, ready for the music to start.

Theo had been right. This was the last dance of the evening, and pairs of young couples were filling the dancefloor not wanting to miss out on this last opportunity to hold one another. It turned out to be a slow song she recognized.

...

With thestrals flying across the water beyond,

the bottles are empty, gone is the wine.

With the stars hidden by dark clouds above,

Your eyes see the truth hidden in mine.

...

Later on, Hermione came to the conclusion that she must have been quite drunk. How else could she possibly explain that she suddenly found herself swaying on the dancefloor with Draco Malfoy's arms around her.

The song was a lovely one. Slow and melancholy , as if it was asking people to enjoy this last moment of beauty because the world would end at sunrise.

Neither Hermione nor Draco said a word. They just swayed to the music and slowly but surely they inched closer to one another. He was only slightly taller than she was, and as Hermione lay her head on his shoulder she noticed that he smelled divine. Draco's arm tightened around her and she felt him draw lazy figures on her lower back as they listened to the music.

...

Let us hide here by the ocean as life passes by.

Let us only tell our secrets to the sea.

Let us fly with the thestrals to the lands beyond time.

My tears turn to emeralds under our willow tree.

...

There was a moment when Draco turned his head slightly at one point and rested his lips on her forehead for a little while. It wasn't really a kiss but it felt very intimate. He gave her a little squeeze as he turned his head away again.

Who cared if this was a stupid idea. His arms felt so good around her. She could be all strong and independent all day long, but at night it was nice to just close your eyes and have someone there to lean upon. She decided just to enjoy the moment and claim temporary sanity in the morning about the fact that this was Draco. Life was too short to over analyse everything.

The song ended much too soon. They stepped apart and Draco winked at her as he applauded the singer and the band. Suddenly Theo was on stage, looking as if he hadn't had a single drink all evening. Hermione suspected that someone had found him a sobering potion. He thanked the guests for a wonderful evening and reminded everyone that they would not be able to apparate home. Instead, he told them, all five floo connections were open and if they did not have a floo at their destination he recommended flooing to the Leaky Cauldron who would still be open. They could then aparate from there to their final destination.

"I guess it is time for me to head home too," Hermione said looking anywhere but at the blond wizard whose shoulder was still brushing up against hers.
"There is always room for one more here at the Manor if you need a place to crash."
"Probably not a good idea."
"No, probably not."
"But it was nice seeing you in person for once."

"Yes. We should do this again sometime."

"Good night, Malfoy."
"Sweet dreams, Granger."

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Authors note:

Once I had spent months writing I decided to publish this story on FanFiction. If you find this fic published anywhere else then please understand that it has been stolen without my consent, which is not a nice thing to do to authors. I may decide to update the story every now and then, so the latest version can be found on FanFiction. And I would be grateful if you leave me a msg there if you discover that people are stealing stories and distributing them elsewhere. /nnska