.

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Sunday, 12 August 2012

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

[George:] Good morning. Are you awake yet?

[Hermione:] Only if I absolutely have to be.

[George:] Do you think you will be back at work any time soon?

[Hermione:] I doubt it. Definitely not today at least.

[George:] The research department seems to be drowning in dust and cobwebs.

[Hermione:] I could possibly come in on Tuesday for a bit.

[George:] Maybe to train your replacement? I want to offer your position to Erik.

[Hermione:] Is that the kid from last night?

[George:] Yes. He is quite brilliant and has lots of ideas for the next generation of freds

[Hermione:] Sounds great. Offer him the position and let me know when I need to train him.

[George:] You are not mad?

[Hermione:] Of course not. I ran for Minister for Magic without telling you first. You should be mad.

[George:] Good point. I should! BEWARE OF THE WEASLEY WRATH!

[Hermione:] I always am.

[George:] Good!

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

[Draco:] Where are you? You should come to Diagon alley asap.

[Hermione:] I'm visiting my parents. What's up?

[Draco:] Neolin and Rowena just got into what appears to be a spontaneous debate in the middle of the street.

[Hermione:] Sounds like fun.

[Draco:] Their arguments for and against werewolf rights are just bad. You need to be here.

[Hermione:] Your timing is not exactly perfect.

[Draco:] Bring your parents if you must.

[Hermione:] We just ordered food.

[Draco:] Confound the muggles and apparate over here now!

[Hermione:] OK. Keep your pants on. I'm coming. It will take me about 15 minutes.

[Draco:] Muggles and their slow means of travel.

[Hermione:] Take it or leave it. I'm in Australia and can't get there any faster.

[Draco:] Get a move on. The press is gathering like nifflers to treasure.

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Monday, 13 August 2012

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Hermione Granger - A brilliant and brave muggle born which.

With only 5 weeks left until the election everyone should be feeling the election fever. Not since 1932 have we had this many candidates to choose from. Now everyone wants to know: What are the key issues? Where do the candidates stand on these? Who is the best candidate to lead the magical population peacefully in this post-war era?

Last week we got to know Rowena Lestrange, Blaise Zabini, Septima Vector and Neolin Parkinson. We continue the series this week by sitting down with none other than Hermione Granger, who is best known as being the witch who, together with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, rid us of the most notorious dark wizard of this age. Now she has set her eyes on the top job at the ministry. But is she up for this new challenge?

Our top reporter Cho Chang sat down with Ms. Granger to find out why she thinks she is the best person for the job.

"Your achievements during the war are well documented by now. The outlaw hunting Horcruxes, breaking into Gringotts disguised as a death eater and breaking out on the back of a dragon. I guess my first question is: Has your life calmed down since the war or are you still riding dragons into the sunset?"

"Ha, ha. No, I think my dragon riding days are behind me. In fact, I always prefer to have my feet firmly on the ground. Only with my life on the line would I think that it would ever be a good idea to climb on top of a dragon and even when I did I was fully aware that there was a slim chance that I would be able to live to tell the tale. I am fortunate that I did and I sincerely hope never to have to repeat the experience. I much prefer getting my dose of adventure from a good book snuggled in front of my fireplace."

"But you must admit that with such adventures behind you, our readers must wonder if you will tackle every problem that arrives on your desk with wand aloft, hexes blasing and fire breathing dragons at your back."

"I can understand how people may come to that conclusion, but if you ask my friends you will find that I am a firm believer in rules and order. If I had had the power of the ministry behind me during the war I would have done things by the book. It was only the fact that law and order had completely failed to deal with Voldemort and his followers that we felt compelled to do things the way we did. Of course it is easy to say, but if I had been Minister of Magic back then things would have been very different."

"Of course you are running for office now and not then, tell us what you want to accomplish during your time in office now."

"Firstly I must emphasize that I am proud of how far wizarding society has come during the 14 years since the war. I think Kingsley Shacklebolt has did a marvelous job during his tie as Minister of Magic. The rehabilitation program that myself, along with Harry Potter and the rest of the Order of the Phoenix, fought so hard to implement has done much to heal the wounds of our society. Wizard-Muggle relations are particularly good at the moment. But of course there are always areas of improvements. One of the things that I want to look at is education. Students starting at Hogwarts have a wide variety of backgrounds and knowledge. Some have had tutors, some are home-schooled. Most of the children with either one or two muggle parents attend muggle primary school. I would like to look into what can be done to enhance the education children get before Hogwarts. I would also like to look into establishing short courses for muggle-born witches and their families to ease the transition when entering the magical world. It is a huge culture shock to enter the magical world for the first time and I think the ministry should do more to ease the transition. I would also like to encourage more witches and wizards to do as I did and seek education in the muggle world after completing their N.E.W.T.s. Stipends could be established for those wishing to do just that."

"Tell us about the time you spent at Muggle university."

"As you may know I went back to Hogwarts after the war and completed my N.E.W.T.s. I do enjoy reading, learning and being exposed to new ideas. If it had been an option I probably would have stayed a few more years at Hogwarts. But I had exhausted what Hogwarts had to offer and then it occured to me that there were still gapps in my education. So I went to Cambridge. I did not enroll into a specific program, nor did I graduate with any degree. I just browsed the course catalogue and took whatever courses I found interesting. I never intended to leave the magical world, this was just a way for me to get out there, learn all I could and then bring that knowledge back to the magical community. I completed courses on economics, law, anatomy, psychology, mathematics, astronomy and basically anything that took my fancy."

"And was it useful?"

"Absolutely. I have been consulting for the ministry for years now on various things, and it has also come in handy when doing research for my company First Rate Electronic Devices. The freds that are now so widely used by the magical community were based on a small communication device that myself, Harry and Ron used to communicate with some friends of ours during our time at Hogwarts, but it is also based on muggle technology. This is another reason to encourage witches and wizards to seek higher education in the muggle world. The muggles are increasingly using electronics for things that the magical community has always used their wands for. We need to keep up with how their society is evolving, both in order to keep up a good relation with muggles and in order to take advantage of their innovations. Things like computers, mobile phones and electronic currency are things we must be comfortable with if we want to move in muggle society."

"You mention your company, F.R.E.D., which has taken the wizarding world with storm. Tell us a bit more about that."

"I started F.R.E.D. along with my good friend George Weasley. It is named after his twin brother Fred who, like too many others, lost his life at the battle of Hogwarts. The communicators we developed managed to fill a need within the wizard society. While some people can send messages via their patronuses, that mean of communication is difficult. It is also neither secure nor available to teenages. Our communicators can be operated by anyone with a wand, and unlike owls the communication is instant. I have heard this is particularly popular among Hogwarts parents who want to keep in touch with their kids when they are at school. All in all we were just fortunate to be first on the market with such a device. The second version, which came out in 2010 vastly improved upon the first one, but we do realize that there are still improvements to be made. We are currently developing a special high security version for the DMLE and the Auror department and version three for the general market should be out by early december."

"What will happen with F.R.E.D. if you become Minister of Magic?"

"I am, fortunately enough, not irreplaceable within the company. I have full faith that George can deal with the management, the production and the marketing side of things and my team within the research department is extremely talented. They would probably not even notice my absence."

"Now you are just being modest. But let us wrap things up with one final question that I am sure every eligible young wizard would like to know. Is there anyone special in your life right now?"

"And who is being kind now? Well no, I am not currently seeing anyone. But I do believe in love, and if love comes knocking on my door then I will not deny my heart. How could I not believe in true love? Just look at my parents. Or better yet, look at Harry and Ginny. They have been together since Hogwarts and three kids later they still look at each other like teenagers. It is so sweet."

"Well thank you for your time and best of luck in the upcoming elections."

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

[Draco:] Good work with the name dropping. Did I see Potter mentioned four times in there?

[Hermione:] Well, he is rather popular. Something about saving the world and such.

[Draco:] I wholly approve. People will always associate the two of you. Why fight it.

[Hermione:] I am just amazed she printed that last thing. They used to date you know.

[Draco:] Who?

[Hermione:] Harry and Cho Chang.

[Draco:] I must have missed this, when was that?

[Hermione:] For about two months in fifth year.

[Draco:] Well kudos to Cho for being professional about something nobody remembers.

[Hermione:] Oh, I'm nobody now?

[Draco:] You know that's not what I meant. Don't be difficult.

[Hermione:] I admit I was slightly worried. Edgecombe was her best friend.

[Draco:] You really need to work on your relation with the Prophet reporters. Didn't Skeeter hate you too?

[Hermione:] The feeling was mutual.

[Draco:] When is your next Reflections article coming out?

[Hermione:] Later today. Reflections on education. Should fit right into today's theme.

[Draco:] You should do a 'Reflections on Love'. It will make you more likable.

[Hermione:] You can't be serious.

[Draco:] Completely. It is a slight issue, strategically speaking, that you are not settled down with a brat or two.

[Hermione:] What would I even say?

[Draco:] Same shit as your interview. True love, family values, the joy of diaper changes.

[Hermione:] Sounds like something I would say.

[Draco:] You have read the classics, I am sure you can come up with something romantic.

[Hermione:] Basically your advice is to fake it?

[Draco:] Now you're starting to think like a politician.

[Hermione:] I will consider it.

[Draco:] No thinking, just writing. I want a draft owled to me by tomorrow night. Chop, chop.

[Hermione:] You are mean.

[Draco:] If you don't write it then I will.

[Hermione:] I would love to see that!

[Draco:] No you wouldn't. It would be sappy beyond belief.

[Hermione:] I want that draft owled to me by tonight. I need something funny to read tonight.

[Draco:] You're on.

[Hermione:] Looking forward to it.

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

It was Monday night and with Harry still in South America, Hermione and Draco decided it would not look good for her and Ron to be seen going out together alone. While the golden trio always gave her some good publicity, her and Ron sharing drinks would just lead to misconceptions.

So Hermione arranged for a late-afternoon picnic at the Diana memorial playground in Hyde park with Ginny and the kids, and she had told Draco that he could arrange for the press to find out somehow. Hermione had taken the Potter boys there once when Lily was newborn and they loved it there.

The two friends sat comfortably on a bench while the boys climbed the enormous pirate ship amongst the muggle children and Lily played in the sand close to them. Every now and then little Lily would come over with a sand cake and offer to her mother or to Hermione, who obligingly would pretend to eat it. She was apparently running a bakery and the were the customers.

As she had promised, Hermione had brought chocolate to cheer up her friend. The weather was getting cooler so it was not as busy as it would otherwise have been in the park. The clouds overhead looked like they were threatening to rain. If they had been in a wizarding area then any such neusances could have been taken care of with a wave of a wand, but among the muggles they would just have to get wet because no one had thought to bring umbrellas. Hermione's house was only a few bus stops away so it would be fine.

Ginny had given the boys a thorough lecture about how she was leaving the wand at home (which of course she hadn't) so there would be no jumping of high places shouting "catch me mummy!". Any such incidents would result in slamming the ground at high speed and possibly ending up in the hospital. She probably shouldn't have mentioned the hospital though. She could see the glint in their eyes. They were probably planning to end the afternoon in a muggle ambulance.

Ginny did manage to sneak a little bit of magic when the kids were distracted. A quick muffliato so she could vent to her hearts delight about how horrible it was to be a single parent, and how she was tempted to forbid Harry from ever leaving the country ever again. If there was any press about then it was fine for them to be photographed, but not to be overheard. They did not want huge headlines about "The chosen one heading for divorce" on the front pages tomorrow. Sometimes Ginny just needed to vent, and once it was out all was forgiven. Hermione played the sympathetic friend and said nothing about how many muggle women managed this, without magic and without a couple of house elves to call upon when one wanted a nice long bubble bath.

It was still three more years to go before James started Hogwarts, so the house would be lively a while longer. Judging by the rate the chocolate was disappearing, Ginny was feeling very sorry for herself.

Suddenly Ginny got up and quickly disappeared, almost throwing herself, behind some bushes. Hermione's first thought was that something had happened with the kids. But they seemed fine. Surviving a war gave you some sharp reflexes and tendencies to overreact at the slightest provocation. Hermione was on her feet, wand ready and scanning the area for possible threats. She could see none but she established a perimeter nonetheless. She then quickly made plans for how to extract the kids for an emergency getaway if it became necessary. She could could cast a low level spell that would temporarily confuse the nearby muggles, run to Lily, apparate quickly with her to the boys on the pirate ship, grab them and be out of there in under three seconds.

None of that proved necessary however. From the bushes where Ginny was hiding came wrenching noises. This was obviously more about an upset stomach than it was about any external threat.

"Ginny. Are you Ok?"

No answer from the bushes. The children had not noticed anything amiss so Hermione went to investigate.

"Ginny?"

"I'm fine, just give me a moment."

Hermione decided to give Ginny her privacy and sat down on the bench again. A few moments later Ginny joined her, visibly pailer than she had been before.

"Are you Ok? Should we just go home?"
"I'm fine. It's nothing contagious."

It took Hermione only a couple of seconds to decipher that clue.

"Give me that chocolate."

"So you're…"

"It appears so."
"Does Harry know?"
"Not yet he doesn't"
"How far along are you?"

"A month and a half."
"And you're sure."
"I've done this a few time before. I know the signs by now."
"Weren't you going to stop at three?"

"Ooooh, yes. This was NOT part of the plan."

"You're turning into your mother."

If they hadn't been surrounded by muggles, Hermione was sure she would have found herself with a wand pressed against her throat. But as they were, all Ginny could do was to narrow her eyebrows and hiss: "You take that back!"

"Truth hurts doesn't it."

"You evil witch. I will get you back for that comment."

"Your mother is going to be insufferable."

"Don't remind me."

"Four kids in what, nine years?"

"Oh if it was only that good."

"What do you mean?"
"It's going to be five kids in nine years."
"No!"

"Yes."

"You're having twins?"

"Surprise!"

"That's awesome!"

"I'm going to go cry now, if that's ok with you."

"Oh, I bet it's going to be boys. And they are going to grow up trying their best to outdo James and Albus and it will all end with a big Kaboom! as the roof blows off the house. Think of it, Ginny. You are going to have FIVE kids in the house before you can ship any of them off to Hogwarts. Oh, and once they turn eleven they get wands! And that will take the level of torture to new heights."
"I'm going to be sick again."

"Oh, we should install cameras and record the show. We could make a fortune! I can see it now. Episode 36: The one where the Potters lose a kid and don't notice. Episode 37: The one where Mrs. Potter falls asleep in the kitchen and ends up with her face in the birthday cake."

"Stop it Hermione."

"Oh, I have to try to get the house elves to stay with you. How are Miffy and Crux doing anyway?"

"They seem happy. I haven't dared to start telling them what to do yet. Don't want to scare them off. But they play with the kids and are find little things to do and are generally helpful."

"You need house elves, Ginny. Once you tell Harry we should tell Miffy and Crux and try to convince them to stay with you. When are you going to break the news to him anyway?"

"I've been putting it off. Trying to live in denial. I just don't want this to be happening to me."

"But you do have to tell him at some point."
"I know, I know. I will tell him when he gets back from his trip."

"Twins. Wow. You are going to get huge you know."

"I know. Stop reminding me. Tell me something else. How is the campaigning going?"

"Who knows. It's not like there are any polls to rely on."
"What are polls?"

"In the muggle world the news papers are constantly asking everyone who they are going to vote for and publishing figures. Basically trying to predict the outcome of the upcoming elections."
"That sounds awful. That could influence the election, couldn't it?"
"Absolutely. People are influenced by the polls. Instead of looking at every candidate and voting for the best one they just look at how they think other people will be voting and make their decision based on that. If they don't like the person that appears to be winning they will vote for the the person getting the second highest numbers in the poll, just as the better of two evils. If they like the person who appears most popular they don't even bother showing up to vote because they figure the other people will take care of voting for them. And if they like a candidate that appears unpopular they decide it is not worth "throwing your vote away"" and here Hermione did the air quotes for extra emphasis."so they vote for someone that seems more popular. It's terrible really."

"But you would still like to know if anyone is going to vote for you?"
"I would. I know. It's terrible."

"Well, the Weasleys and the Potters are voting for you."
"And there are so many of you these days that that might just be enough."

Ginny hit her at that comment, but there was amusement on her face.

"What about the slytherins. Are you still playing cosy with them? Are they voting for you?"

"Some of them maybe. Who knows. I met Pansy the other day and that went well enough. Maybe she will vote for me."

"Now there is a name I haven't heard in a while. How is the snake? Rotting in hell I hope."
"Don't be mean. She is not that bad."

"She is despicable."

"Isn't it time to put the past behind us and just live and let live? This animosity can't be good for you."

"Whatever. How about the rest of the snakes? Malfoy still helping you?"
"Yes, he is being helpful. He basically plans almost all my public appearances for me and he helps me with the writing of those Reflections articles for me."
"So what? The two of you are cosying up in front of the fireplace every night talking politics?"
"Don't be daft. I rarely see him. We just talk via our freds and send stuff via owl."

"So he is the reason for those quidditch tickets a couple of weeks ago?"
"Bingo."
"Can you trust him?"
"Probably not. But who else is going to help me?"
"You have friends. There must be someone."
"Only bored slytherin billionaires have the time and the know-how to pull this off. Let's face it. All our friends have more than enough on their plates."
"Harry.."
".. has a full time job, three kids at home, a cranky wife and two brats on the way that he doesn't even know about."

"What about Sheamus? Isn't he between jobs at the moment?"
"Quitting his jobs regularly because he doesn't get along with anyone does not really make him the ideal campaign manager."
"What about Charlie?"
"Can one even vote when one hasn't lived in England for the past twenty years? No, Ginny. Just face it. I'm stuck with the slytherins."

"Just don't turn your back on the snakes. They are dangerous and they probably bite."

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

[Draco:] I am drunk

[Hermione:] I am trying to sleep.

[Draco:] Obviously not very successfully.

[Hermione:] I wonder why that could be.

[Draco:] Funny. You are funny. Tell me something fun.

[Hermione:] Jupiter's largest moon Ganymede is larger than the smallest planet of the Solar System, Mercury

[Draco:] What? That is not funny. That is just confusing.

[Hermione:] It's the best I can do at half past eleven.

[Draco:] I don't believe that. You can do better Hermione.

[Hermione:] So its first names now? You really are drunk.

[Draco:] The firewhiskey is good this evening. Good like Ganymedes.

[Hermione:] You are going to regret this in the morning.

[Draco:] Pff. I know where Theo keeps his potions.

[Hermione:] Of course you do.

[Draco:] Shut up and tell me something fun.

[Hermione:] Now who is being confusing.

[Draco:] I am an enigma. A maze of oxymorons and deep philosophical wisdom.

[Hermione:] What?

[Draco:] I am awesome. Awesome like Jupiter's moons.

[Hermione:] Why are you drinking on a Tuesday?

[Draco:] Keeps the nightmares away. Why aren't you telling me something fun?

[Hermione:] Tomorrow it will be 955 years since king Macbeth was killed at the battle of Lumphanan.

[Draco:] Seriously Hermione. Dead Kings and ancient battles will not keep my demons at bay. You can do better.

[Hermione:] Knock knock

[Draco:] Who's there?

[Hermione:] Spell

[Draco:] Spell who?

[Hermione:] If you insist, although I am surprised you don't know how to. It is W, then H and then O.

[Draco:] Haha. Not bad for a bookworm.

[Hermione:] Now go to bed. I have to get up in the morning.

[Draco:] Want to go out dancing?

[Hermione:] It's Tuesday.

[Draco:] Just an idea. It was nice dancing with you.

[Hermione:] We were drunk.

[Draco:] Well, I am drunk now.

[Hermione:] I'm not.

[Draco:] We could fix that.

[Hermione:] Again; It's Tuesday.

[Draco:] You are strangely obsessed with the calendar.

[Hermione:] Well, even if it wasn't a Tuesday I have decided to cut back on the drinking.

[Draco:] Why?

[Hermione:] I'm in the papers every day. Don't want the world seeing me when I'm drunk and stupid.

[Draco:] Smart of you. Wouldn't want them catching you dancing with the wrong guy.

[Hermione:] I didn't mean it like that.

[Draco:] Just tell me another joke.

[Hermione:] Why do witches wear name tags?

[Draco:] Why?

[Hermione:] So you can tell which witch is which.

[Draco:] Only you would find that joke funny.

[Hermione:] Whatever. I'm tired.

[Draco:] Go to bed then.

[Hermione:] That was my plan half an hour ago, you drunk gitt!

[Draco:] Whatever. I'm going to go sleep now. Sweet dreams Hermione.

[Hermione:] And a 'whatever' to you too.

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Hermione was sitting at a table by the window at the Leaky Cauldron and reading the Daily Prophet while having some lunch. She hadn't had time to read the paper this morning. Most of the articles were on the various candidates running for Minister for Magic. It seemed like none of them could do anything anymore without it being photographed. Chances was that there would be a picture of her in tomorrow's paper reading about herself in today's paper.

She flipped a page and saw a small article about Mr. and Mrs. McCracken. The two of them had not taken her advice to stop breaking the law and pay the fine. They had ended up in front of the Wizengamot and lost their temper. According to the article Mrs. McCracken had been shouting insults at the members of the Wizengamot as Mr. McCracken tried to hex them. They had been there for refusing to stop their minor infringement and entire thing had escalated into a full blown fiasco. The author of the article obviously found all of this rather amusing. Hermione did not. She just felt sorry for the pair that wouldn't listen to reason.

She got interrupted when Penelope sat down across from her, putting down an impressive collection of bags.

"Hi, Hermione. Mind if I sit down for just a second? My feet are killing me. I probably should not have worn new shoes today. But, you know what they say, pretty shoes are worth a little bit of suffering for."

"I must have missed that memo. Pretty shoes can be pretty somewhere else if they don't have the decency to be comfortable too."

Penelope just laughed at that and stole a slice of cucumber from Hermione's plate.

"So I wanted to talk to you about something. You know Percy's birthday is next week and I haven't had time to arrange anything grand. I just can't decide what to do. Can you help?"

Hermione had to admit to herself that helping to arrange Percy's birthday party was not going to make it high on her list of things to do right now.

"Why don't you just call some nice restaurant and have them arrange everything? Take the pressure off."

"I suppose, but what do we do about all the kids? Isn't it madness to try to arrange a restaurant visit when everyone wants to bring the kids?"

"Well, it depends on who you want to be there, I guess."

"Oh, I'm not aiming for anything too big. Few friends from work, as many of his brothers as can make it, the Potters, you if you have time."

Hermione suspected that she might not have made the guest list if her face had not been in the papers every day for the past week. This was happening more and more now. She kept getting invitations to various events from people she rarely talked to. Just this morning she had gotten a dinner invitation at Alicia Spinnet's house. And even if she liked Alicia, this was the first time she had been invited to dinner there. She would probably have to go though.

"We could talk to Bill and Fleur. Maybe they would be willing to throw a giant sleepover party for all the kids leaving the grownups free for a fancy restaurant visit."

"Oh, that's a great idea. Can you talk to them?"

"I think you should talk to them, Penelope. I have quite a lot on my plate right now and I don't want to promise to help if there is a risk I can't do it."

Penelope looked a bit disappointed at that. Maybe she had been hoping to use this project to become better friends with Hermione. But she quickly put a smile back on her face.

"But you can come, right? Wednesday next week?"

"Of course Penelope. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Excellent. That's settled then. Ok, I should get going. I have another couple of things I need to pick up before heading home."

"I'll see you next week."

"Yes, I'll owl you the details when I have it all figured out."

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Friday, 17 August 2012

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

It was the reopening of the 3rd floor of St. Mungo's and all the big names were there. The healers were there, looking happy to be out of their lime-green robes, and due to their donations the rich and powerful were there, and the press was there, and since the elections were only a month away Hermione was there with the rest of the candidates. All looking their best and smiling politely as Robert Thorn, one of the senior mediwizards was giving a speech about how the newly renovated ward for treatment of potions and plant poisonings would benefit all of wizard kind. The ward had now been closed for 9 weeks as everything had been rebuilt and refurbished. A special acknowledgment went to the two biggest donors to the project, the Greengrass family and the Malfoy family. Daphne's parents nodded graciously at this, and so did Draco's parents. The crowd gave them a polite applause and the speeches continued.

"I should probably donate more now that I am rich and wealthy."

George was suddenly standing besides her in his finest robes.

"Wow. You're looking dashing this evening."

"Why thank you, my lady. I do my best. You're looking pretty spectacular yourself. New robes?"

"Apparently my wardrobe is full of those these days."
"You went shopping?!"

"No, of course not. You know me better than that. Someone from the store just came to my house and left me a whole pile of new robes. I was barely awake for it."

"Brilliant. I should have ran for the top job. Why didn't I think of it."
"Probably because you are smarter than I am."

"Sure, that must be it."

"So what is your role here tonight. Chat up with all the healers and get them to pledge their everlasting loyalties to you?"

"Just to be seen, I suppose. My guess is that most of them will be backing Evan Fawley anyway. He used to a Healer here on this floor, if I remember correctly."

"Well I think you are underestimating how annoying the guy is. Anyone unfortunate enough to have worked with him will probably want to vote against him."

They laughed together at that and then went back to pretending to listen to the speech. It was finally coming to a close. There would be some more mingling after this, with drinks and food available on magically charmed serving plates. And rumor had it that the cello player from the Weird Sisters would be performing later. No three hour formal dinner at least.

"How is the new guy doing?"

"Who? Erik?"

"Yes. Him. Is he any good?"
"That still remains to be seen. He is still just catching up on things. Studying the products we have and reading the endless logs documenting our past failures."

"Poor kid."

"He has some good ideas though. I particularly like this one idea of his where he wants to develop a low-performance wand. Remember our attempts to develop a leather bracelet with an extendable pocket where you could store your want."

"Vividly. I really wanted that one to work."

"Well, Eric thinks that the interference we were having would not be a problem if the wands weren't this complex."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, with propper wands the bond between wizard and wand is important so it has always been the practise of people to only have one wand. And you need these high end wands if you want to do complex magic or potion work. But Eric's idea is that we could develop the bracelets with low-performance wands. Wands that would then not be as personal as propper wands and not capable of anything serious."

"Why would people buy low performance wands?"

"Having a wand bracelet like that could be good when you are among muggles. Or when you go out partying and don't want to risk damage to your propper wand. Or just as a backup for any reason."

"I see where you're going with this."

"Do you think this could work?"

"I think it would depend on what the low-performance wand could do. If it can only do first year magic then it's just a novelty product. If one can use it to apparate then it can be a safety product too."

"I doubt we can stretch it that far. Apparating is not a trivial piece of magic. But maybe a shield charm. And the Potter-patented expelliarmus."

"That might be enough."

"Let's just see what he comes up with. I told him he could pursue this project of his for now. He needs some experience before attacking the fred's. The fred's have such a delicate balance so any alterations usually make everything go ballistic."

"Or explosive."

"That happened once."

"And we both ended up in St. Mungo's."

"They like me there."

"Everyone likes you George."

Suddenly George jumped behind Hermione and used her as a shield against someone Hermione could not identify.

"What have you done now?"

"Just hide me."

"From whom?"
"The blond in the red dress. I believe her name is Rose. Or Violet. Or some other flower."

"What did you do to the flower girl. Fill me in here so I can help you."

"Well, I believe she may think that we are dating, or maybe we are engaged, or something."
"Aha. One of those. Will they never learn. Do you want me to change your appearance or do you want to keep hiding behind my back?"

"Would you? Oh, I love you Hermione. Make me handsome."
"You are handsome already, George. Why do you think all these witches keep ending up in your bed. Maybe I can make you a little less handsome. Come here."

The two of them maneuvered discreetly into the next room as George filled Hermione in. Apparently Rose-or-something had been so charmed on a recent date with George that she had ended up spending the night at his place. This lead to some misunderstandings where, according to him, she was planning to introduce him to her family and picking out wedding dresses. She was obviously not aware of Georges reputation as someone who avoided commitment as much as he avoided kissing blast-ended skrewts.

Hermione listened to her friend patiently as she darkened his hair, made him slightly taller, gave him a scar across his left eye, shrunk his nose and conjured a hat to cover his missing ear.

"There you go. Now you can be my date for the evening. Lets see. Your name is Romeo and you are from Sicily. You look kind of Italian."

"Awesome."
"Come on now, Romeo. I want to find some food."

It ended up being a good evening after all. George was always fun, and he was enjoying himself a lot in his new disguise. His new favourite hobby now was talking to people he knew and making up outrageous stories just to rattle them. When they came across Bill and Fleur in the crowd he managed to fool Fleur for a few minutes but Bill knew his brother instantly and ruined his fun. George pouted about that for a few minutes but then decided not to let Bill ruin his fun. He started chatting up a random healer and trying to get her opinion on some obscure curse he claimed his sister was suffering from.

Hermione spotted Draco and Theo at the bar watching her intently. They were looking rather serious, but they raised their glasses to her when they saw her watching them and she raised her glass discreetly to them in return.

She thought it was a bit sad how alone the two of them were. They had one another and you would not immediately notice anything was amiss, but if you looked closely it was obvious that although their presence was tolerated they had no friends here and no one was interested in making friends with them.

Thinking back to various functions and events she had been attending in the past weeks, it seemed to always be the same. Draco and Theo alone in a corner, only being acknowledged by a few close friends. No wonder Draco was dating muggles. Every witch in this room knew that she would not be able to take either of these guys home to meet the parents. She briefly wondered if that dance with Draco at Theo's party had been the only one he had shared with a witch in a long time. It certainly looked as if it was.

Hermione wondered if, in the unlikely event that she would ever become Minister for Magic, she could do something to help the magical community to truly forgive the ex-Death Eaters and really move on. The war had ended a long time ago. Part one of her plan was completed. The Death Eaters had been rehabilitated. But the rest of the witches and wizards had not allowed them back in from the cold. There was a reason why one of her best friends was afraid to admit that he was dating a snake. Society had not forgiven nor had it forgotten.

She then narrowed her eyes and wondered if Draco was devious enough to play her like this. She was known to always fight for the underdog. Perhaps all his efforts to help her, and never asking anything in return, was just a part of an elaborate scheme. Basically counting on her fondness for lost causes. Maybe his plan was not to force her to help their generation of snakes, but just showing her the situation they were in and counting on her to then 'do the right thing'. Could he really be that smart? Did he know her well enough to realise that being friendly worked much better than threats and bribes? She would not put it past the him to do just that.

Blaise was here too, of course. Not marked by the sins of a father like the other two; he was accepted by all. Hermione doubted he would become Minister for Magic, but out of the three slytherins he was the only one that would even be allowed to run for the office. There would probably be crowds throwing rotten tomatoes, if not curses, at Draco or Theo if either of them attempted such a thing.

And think of the devil, there was Blaise heading over to her right now.

"Hermione, darling. Who is your charming date this evening?"

"Hi Blaise. This is Romeo."
"Romeo Romano. Pleased to meet you."

They shook hands, slightly too hard. Then they eyed one another curiously, both obviously intending to best the other in whatever game they were now playing.

"And what do you do, Mr. Romano?"
"I am developing a new method for building castles using meteors. It's going to be revolutionary. Just think of the potential that is waiting for us ready to be harnessed. There are several tons of space material falling down to Earth every day and it is going to make me rich."
"That sounds interesting."
"Oh, it is. I am using a combination of magic and muggle technology. I am, of course, a fully trained muggle astronaut and I have been up on the International Space Station a couple of times in order to test and refine the process. I think I am getting close. It's so simple, really, if you think about it. All you have to do is align the meteors up ahead of time and then when they come crashing down through the atmosphere they heat up enough that they melt together seamlessly into large structures."
"I am in the market for a new castle. You should send me your contact details so I can have my people get in touch with you about this. When do you think you will be ready for production?"

"Oh, we have already started some test productions. The problem is in the resolution. Large strokes are manageable, but getting the gargoyles on the rooftops and the circular staircases is hard."
"I can imagine. How about underground facilities? Or underwater castles? I would love to have an underwater castle. A little home away from home. Could you build me one of those?"

"Oh, I am never one to back down from a challenge. I would have to adjust the infall angle and look over the calculations but I think that would probably be easier than making one on land. Oh, Mr. Zabini, you have given me a wonderful Idea. I should just scrap this idea of castles on land and specializes in underwater facilities. It is a completely untapped market."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. I have a couple of underwater mansions. I do a lot of business with the merpeople so it is a necessity."

Hermione was hardly able to hold back her laughter as the two of them started making more and more outrageous claims. Apparently "Romeo" and Blaise were now going to go into business providing extravagant housing to the merpeople, although of course they agreed that the merpeople population of the red sea would be excluded because of their tendency to burp loudly. Neither was backing down. Their new company would have headquarters on the Moon, for tax purposes, and be guarded by werewolves. They argued vehemently on how permanent habitation on the Moon would influence werewolves, and Hermione was almost tempted to join the conversation at that point. But didn't want to intrude on their fun.

At last it was Blaise who gave up.

"Hermione. You have got yourself a real winner here. Don't ever let him go."
"Don't worry. This maniac is all mine."
"Yes. We are actually betrothed to one another as of this morning. Would you like to be invited to the wedding?"
"Oh, no, George. Do not drag me into your fantasy world! You never know when there is a reporter listening. I do not want to read about my upcoming marriage to a lunatic in the papers tomorrow."
"As in George Weasley? Well that explains things. Nice scar, by the way."

"Thank you. I got it fighting a flock of Hungarian Hornbacks."
"Stop it, George."
"Ok, Ok. Hermione gave it to me behind that pillar."

Blaise got distracted as his eyes wandered to the bar and he mumbled "That's nice."

"Well kids. It has been fun. Try to behave yourselves and remember that there are cameras around." Then he gave Hermione a wink.

As he left them he called over his shoulder:

"You can bring him to the party next week, Hermione"

"I'm not invited to any party next week."

"Of course you are."

George's eyebrow rose at that.

"When did you and Zabini become friends? Aren't you supposed to be competing against one another?"

"Precisely what I was wondering about," came from just behind them. The two of them spun around to find an amused expression on Luna's face.

"Luna! Great to see you!" Hermione and Luna hugged. George seemed about to join in, but then seemed to think better of it and offered his hand instead.

"Romeo Romano, at your service."

"None of that, George. Give me a hug."

George looked disappointed but he hugged Luna nonetheless.

"How could you tell?"

"I am an extremely observant reporter. You still move like you and on top of that your hair is slowly fading back to red."

"Buggers. You got me. Is it that obvious? Maybe I should just get out of here before everyone realises who has been messing with them all night."

"You forget that it is our star reporter that has found you out," said Hermione with a big smile. "We should be more worried about what is going to be printed in the next issue of the Quibbler. How long were you listening?"

"Long enough to know that you are engaged to a maniac planning to enslaves werewolves on the Moon."

"Excellent. Just what I wanted printed about me."
"Don't worry. I am not here in any official capacity. Just as Rolfs arm candy."

"How is Rolf Scamander these days?"

"Busy as always. Sometimes he makes it home at night. Other times he just sleeps here at the hospital."
"I always thought Rolf Scamander should have joined the Ravenclaw quidditch team. With his build he would have been a good seeker," said George.

"Not everyone is obsessed with quidditch. Rolf likes to play as much as the next person but that doesn't mean he doesn't have other interests."

"Quidditch is the best, and you know it. But if Rolf likes to play then you should bring him to Sunday brunch at the Burrow some time. We still play and an extra flyer is always welcome."

"That sounds nice. I would like that." Luna smiled at them. "But if you were serious about not getting recognized then you should probably get out of here. Your hair is becoming distinctly red and your scar is fading."

"Good point. Thank you Luna."

"I think I will head out too. I'm tired and I think I have been seen enough for one night."

"I will see you two later then. And Hermione, I need that article for Monday's issue of the Quibbler. Don't forget."
"No worries. I just have a couple of final revisions left. But you will get it by noon tomorrow."

"Before five is fine. Feel free to get some sleep tonight."
"Thank you Luna. I'll drop it by at your place after lunch at some point."
"I'll be home."

George and Hermione wandered towards the elevator and left without saying their goodbyes. No one stopped them. They decided to take walk down to the Thames. It was Friday night and relatively warm so the streets were full of muggles, both local and tourists. They talked as they walked and if you would have seen them you would have thought them a couple. When they crossed the millenium bridge George suggested they would head to the Anchor, but Hermione said she needed to get home soon.

"Aw, and here I was trying my best to seduce you."

"You know that isn't a good idea George."
"Remind me. Why did we break up again? We were so good together. You are hot and I am hotter and the sex was great." The look on his face made it obvious he was thinking back on some memory where they had been wearing significantly less clothing than they were wearing now. Hermione hit him to try to get him to stop it.

They always did this. They had only officially dated for a few weeks but somehow they always kept ending up in bed together. They tried to stop it, but it never really stuck. Last time Hermione had told George in no uncertain terms that it would be the last time but here they were again and he was turning on the charm.

"You know very well why we didn't work out. Life is about more than just sex."

"You say that like you think it is true, but I know for a fact that there is nothing better in life."
"And this is where we must agree to disagree, my dear George. There is more out there and I want it. Just because you never grew up does not mean the rest of us aren't at least trying to."
"So you want to become my little sister with a tame husband and an army of little brats constantly screaming for your attention?"
"Oh, god no, I think Ginny has gone a bit overboard in her domestic role. But I do want more than just fun and games."
"But you must admit that the fun and games are kind of awesome."
"Yes, George. You are very talented. But you like to share, which is something I am not fond of."
"I still can't believe you declined that offer at a little threesome. Those are fun, you know. You don't know what you are missing."

"One day you will grow up and find that monogamy and family are not something you need to run away from."
"When I am old and grey I will come crawling back to you, having seen the error of my ways, offer you the biggest diamond ring you have ever seen and play bridge with you until we both die of boredom."
"I really really hope that I will not be single when you finally come to your senses, George. That would be very sad."

"So, do you have anyone to properly satisfy you these days?"

"Not at the moment, no. But who knows. Maybe my prince charming is just out buying me flowers and will be standing on my doorsteps tomorrow morning."
"Flowers? You need more than flowers. You are a minx and he better have some serious stamina to keep up with you, whoever he is."

"Yes, he better."

"Well, you know I am always here for you if you want some fun. Just send me a message, or better yet: show up at the office without underwear. You know I will take care of you."
"And you know I never would get anything done with your tongue licking its way up my thigh."

"Working can wait. Your never ending list of things to do can just as well be done tomorrow. Sometimes you just have to be a little selfish. Forget your obligations and just enjoy the moment."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"So your place or mine?"
"Neither. I'm not sleeping with you tonight."
"But I'm horny and you're hot."
"Great pickup line, George. But no. I would just fall madly in love with you and end up heartbroken in the morning crying my eyes out for the man who wouldn't love me the way I deserve to be loved."
"But you would be satisfied."
"Stop fishing for compliments George."

"But you are the only one I trust to give me an honest review of my work. You should look at this as an evaluation of my abilities. You know, I have learned some new charms that could blow your socks off."

"I am not wearing socks."
"Are you wearing underwear?"

"Of course I am."
"Now you're not."
"GEORGE!"

"Oh come on. You know you want me."
"But I would regret it in the morning."
"Who cares. Tomorrow is several hours from now. Live a little."

Hermione considered for a moment, and then realised that she was running out of arguments. It had been a few months since the last time he warmed her bed and a part of her missed him. And here he was, being his usual charming and handsome self promising her a night of bliss. She really could use it. Even if she would regret it in the morning.

"Oh, Ok, fine. My place then. Who knows what you have been upto in your bed and with whom. Plus I doubt you have any decent breakfast at home. But this does not mean we are back together."

"Can I tell Rose that I cheated on her with you?"
"No you can not. You be nice to the poor girl."
"We could always see if she is up for a threesome."
"Stop it George. Get me home and naked before I change my mind about this."

"Yes, dear."

And with that he put his arms around her, his lips on hers and side aparated them to her house. She did not regret it in the morning when she kicked him out of her house with a smile on her face.

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

Saturday, 18 August 2012

=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=

[Draco:] Good morning.

[Hermione:] And a very good morning to you too.

[Draco:] Do you care to comment about last night?

[Hermione:] Not really.

[Draco:] Blaise tells me you are back together with George Weasley.

[Hermione:] Blaise is misinformed. Me and George are just friends.

[Draco:] Good. He is too much of a wild card to be good for your candidacy.

[Hermione:] You worry to much. Not everything is about winning the election.

[Draco:] Oh, come on. Stay focused. Don't go soft on me now.

[Hermione:] Meh.

[Draco:] You are getting lazy. Did you even try to gain any votes last night?

[Hermione:] Everyone there is going to vote for Fawley and you know it.

[Draco:] Never assume anything. I am making you Minister of Magic, but I can't do it without you.

[Hermione:] Why do you care so much?

[Draco:] I told you. I have a bet with Theo.

[Hermione:] And still I remain sceptical of your motives.

[Draco:] You are my chosen champion. Deal with it.

[Hermione:] If you say so.

[Draco:] Just tell me if you are dating someone so we can put the right spin on it.

[Hermione:] Are you always trying to be three steps ahead of the game?

[Draco:] Yes.

[Hermione:] Well, talking about dates. I do not have one for Monday. Harry is still out of town.

[Draco:] And Mrs. Potter is unavailable?

[Hermione:] Can't I just stay at home and read a good book?

[Draco:] How about a blind date instead?

[Hermione:] How is that good for my image?

[Draco:] It will help fix the damage you and Romeo did last night.

[Hermione:] A blind date sounds horrible. Do I have to?

[Draco:] If you stay in people will assume you and Romeo are getting naked together.

[Hermione:] I suppose you are right. People would think that. So who is my blind date?

[Draco:] I don't know yet. Someone outside of your usual circle would be good.

[Hermione:] So you basically want me to trust you on this one?

[Draco:] Yes. Judging by your antics last night you aren't thinking clearly.

[Hermione:] Oh my. What have I gotten myself into?

[Draco:] I'm trying my best to make you win an election. This is just part of the process.

[Hermione:] Whatever you say.

[Draco:] Good girl.

[Hermione:] One thing I have been wondering about: The book tours!

[Draco:] You mean that everyone else is apparating between bookstores signing their autobiographies?

[Hermione:] Precisely. I don't have a book to sign so what am I supposed to do?

[Draco:] You have a point. We may want to think of something.

[Hermione:] I have been trying. Now it's your turn.

[Draco:] Great. Dump the problem on my desk.

[Hermione:] You are the self-proclaimed political mastermind.

[Draco:] True. True. But I am going to have to get back to you on this.

[Hermione:] Looking forward to it.

[Draco:] Now don't you have some interview to go to?

[Hermione:] Yes. The White Wizard wants me to come by at 11.

[Draco:] What will you say if they ask about Romeo?

[Hermione:] Just an acquaintance. Friend of a friend. I am a popular person.

[Draco:] Just try to be smart about it.

[Hermione:] Don't you know I am the smartest witch of our age.

[Draco:] I think I read that somewhere. Now get out there and prove it.

[Hermione:] Just you watch. I will dazzle them all.

[Draco:] Excellent.