Percy's day had been thrown off its neatly scheduled tracks by not one, but two meetings overrunning. Since the third meeting had been cancelled outright, he had decided twenty minutes to eat his lunch in the Ministry canteen was what he needed to prepare himself for his upcoming afternoon. His afternoon was unfortunately looking like it would be more hassle than it was worth. The Prophet had been left on the table by the previous occupier and hadn't yet been tidied away. Percy idly flicked through it as he ate.

It was a small piece in the Prophet's Letters to the Editor section, barely three hundred words. But then, it wasn't the length, it was the content. Positioned as a concern piece, the letter asked if muggleborn children were better off raised by muggles. The missing eleven years meant assimilation was more difficult. The muggle world was always experiencing one upheaval or another and for the good of the magical children, wouldn't it be better if they could be found and brought into the magical world earlier? Ensuring not only understanding of their developing magic but that there was no need to bridge the gap between the muggle and magical world because there would be no gap.

It didn't seem to Percy that the article in and of itself was terribly troubling. Misguided perhaps in the understanding of logistics and possibly out of touch with modern muggle society. Assuming 'upheaval' was being used as a euphemism for war. But still, he took out his wand and with a neat severing charm removed the article from the paper. Once he had finished his lunch, he made his way down to the Aurory. The small office of John Dawlish, the Auror in charge of Public Security, was off the main corridor before you reached the larger shared space of the active Aurors. Percy knocked on the door and waited.

The door swung open on silent hinges. Facing the door was a desk behind which sat Dawlish, who was lowering his wand, having cast the charm to open the door.

"Come in Mr Weasley."

Percy took the seat offered and shook his head at the proffered teapot.

"So," Dawlish said, niceties dealt with, "What can I do for you? My reports aren't behind."

"No," Percy agreed. "They aren't. I was wondering however if you had seen this?" Percy handed over the letter from the prophet.

Dawlish scanned over it, dropped it onto his desk then leant back to observe Percy. "I have, and I have the others like it."

"There's been others?" Percy asked in surprise

"The last four weeks the Prophet has published something along the same lines."

"It hasn't been in your reports."

"I haven't anything to report. No one has done anything wrong, there's been no call to action, no view expressed that contravenes current policy or laws."

"But you have a file."

Dawlish nodded. "These letters are either the work of one or a few individuals, if it's more than one and they meet up, then it may be that they do no more than sit about and dream up grand ideas while drinking tea and eating biscuits. Happy to have found a group that agrees with them."

"Or they decide to become organised and do something about it?"

"Or that, yes."

Percy nodded. "Could you perhaps include a summary in your next report? I'd like the Minister to be informed, the last thing we need-,"

"Is another blood war." Dawlish cut in. "Wouldn't look good for the incoming Minister would it?"

Percy smiled thinly. "I assure you, Mr Dawlish, I am a lot less worried about my candidacy for the position of Minister, than I am at the prospect of our society descending once more to the violence of blood rhetoric." He stood, nodded farewell to Dawlish and made his way back to the Minister's office.

Now he was aware that the letters were being published Percy kept an eye on the Prophet. It seemed as if there wasn't much to them until he spotted a reply to one of the letters, not a fortnight later that made him sit up and take note.

The reply was in support of the idea of early adoption of the muggleborn. Citing that personal experience of magical children raised with Muggles had shown the muggles to be abusive and cruel, denying the child of access to wizarding families to offer help and guidance, and in a particular case the muggles had denied the child a Hogwarts education. Removing them from the British magical world entirely. It had been the vague details, along with the sign-off 'PW Devon', combined that clued Percy in that this topic was a little closer to home than he'd like. He sat unsure of what he should do. Did his Dad know? He reread the letter. It hadn't outright stated names, but the details were undeniable if you knew the magical children in question. Which Percy did.

The letter at least didn't attack Audrey directly. For which Percy supposed there was some reason to be grateful. But, with the overarching theme of the letter being Muggles were cruel abusive and unable to properly care for magical children, it didn't seem like much of a consolation.

Percy did not want another conversation with his mother. The very last thing he wanted was to give this letter legitimacy by confronting his mother over it. Percy clipped the letter from the Prophet, if the housewives were beginning to weigh in, he assumed it wouldn't be long before someone brought it up at a meeting with the Minister and he would be thrown into it from there.

December 2005

He didn't want to think they had been lulled into a false sense of security or that they hadn't paid adequate attention. It had been seven years. They had at first, been on high alert waiting for the other shoe to drop. It seemed impossible at the time that something wouldn't come out of the woodwork and turn their world upside down. It just hadn't seemed likely that nothing would happen. Albus Dumbledore had never struck Percy as a humble man. Now seven years later he was starting to appreciate that Dumbledore had always believed in the long game.

It had started slowly. Articles published in the Prophet. Small things to begin with building to an editorial piece which sparked conversations and gossip around the Ministry. He'd kept abreast of Dawlish's reports and had even started keeping a file of his own on his desk at the office. Little bits of information were gathered from his network. Hints here, titbits there, painting an increasingly worrying picture.

Muggleborn reform they called it.

Merlin, would they ever just stop?

This time and Percy felt his stomach sour at the thought, it wasn't about excluding the muggleborn. The poor beleaguered part of magical society would probably like to be left the hell alone. This time it was about including them. Catching them shortly after their first accidental magic, bringing them into the fold of magical society.

It spat in the face of the educational reforms Percy had managed to push through. It horrified him in the carelessly cruel suggestion that muggles weren't suitable parents for magical children. It made him simply angry that there had been a war over blood supremacy and yet within a ludicrously short time frame, they were back at it. They hadn't learnt a damned thing.

The group hadn't given themselves a name. They had given themselves a patron though. Albus Dumbledore. There had been letters, apparently. Percy hadn't seen them personally and he didn't know who, if anyone, had verified that they had been written by Dumbledore himself. These letters had been somewhat conversational in tone, written to a select few friends lamenting the wars and the way in which society had yet to satisfactorily solve the muggleborn question. Quotes had been published in the Prophet, detailing how Dumbledore had been dissatisfied and thought the muggleborn needed more support and the work was being left unfinished.

Funny, that under his tenure as Headmaster, he hadn't offered this missing support to the muggleborn. Percy also found the date of the letters suspicious. They were all sent within the six months between the end of Riddle and Dumbledore's death.

It was officially on the agenda for his weekly debrief with Kingsley, it was going to be an awful conversation. Not least because Dawlish had gone undercover to the last 'meeting' of this group which had been held openly in a local wizarding establishment in Abergavenny.

Percy had looked it up on a map. The market town in Wales, on further investigation, had a small wizarding community. Just on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, it was the only wizarding community that didn't have anything to do with the dragon reserve.

Dawlish's report mentioned nothing of this of course. It hadn't needed to. It contained damning enough information as it was. The group had met openly, they hadn't been hiding, it wasn't some manor house behind wards, and they hadn't worn a uniform or masks. They'd just gathered in a public space above the bar of the local wizarding pub.

It had read like every early start to a Goblin uprising that Percy had studied at Hogwarts. Of course, his mother hadn't attended a Goblin uprising, so perhaps it wasn't quite the same.

He blinked when he read her name on the list Dawlish had supplied. There had been a few others that he recognised, Elphais Dodge who had been a close friend of Dumbledore, and the recipient of the letters. Hugo Merrythought, a wizard who had spent the last fifty years of his life on the Wizengamot. He had always been a staunch supporter of Dumbledore and had been one of the few publicly chastising Skeeter for her exposé. There were more, but committing their names to memory became rote after he saw his mother.

According to the report the meeting had focused on how to get their message out and grow support for their platform. A coup in the making indeed.

Percy had no idea how his meeting with Kingsley was going to go. This had moved from letters in the Prophet to an organised group with a manifesto faster than he would have thought.

It was an uncomfortable meeting, to say the least. Kingsley had read through Dawlish's report. He closed the file tapping it on the desk to align the parchment within. Then he placed it with care on the desktop neatly centring it on the blotter. That done he leant back in his chair letting out a long, tired sigh.

Percy empathised. A lot.

"So, it's happening. Again. This is absolutely awful timing. If this group," he waved his hand at the report. "Get enough groundswell approval it is going to cause us a lot of headaches. I want a report done, a study, I don't know what, something. Find out if the statistics bear out their manifesto points. Get an economic analysis organised as well. We might be able to head them off if it works out too expensive."

"Yes Minister," Percy said jotting notes down.

"This is going to cause some problems, Percy, I can't deny it. I know you don't, but is there any way you can speak to her? We've got four weeks until the gala and the announcement of your candidacy. Wouldn't she let it go? For you?"

"No," Percy said shaking his head. "Our relationship is non-existent. We haven't spoken in seven years or so. Unless you count the arguments."

Kingsley nodded. "I'll have a word with Arthur."

"I don't believe it will help," Percy responded. "She has resisted every attempt to get her to see reason about myself and Audrey. This just seems the next step."

"Still," Kingsley said. "I'll have a word. Now, I want your candidate names for the undersecretary job while you're here. Even if by some ludicrous reason you don't win the election, there should be a junior undersecretary."

"Edward Harrow. He's wasted in legal. I've spoken to him and he's keen."

"Can he do the job?"

"I believe so. We've never worked directly with each other before. We lived in a house share together when I first joined the Ministry. I know him personally slightly as he's part of a wider group of friends and associates."

"Fine. Get him in for an interview. None of the other applicants has impressed me so far. Have you spoken to Audrey about the Gala?"

"Not yet, I was waiting until the date was firm so I could organise childcare."

"It's firm," Kingsley said. "I've had confirmation through."

"Oh?" Percy said somewhat puzzled as to why he wasn't aware.

"I've moved the venue," Kingsley explained.

"Minister, the security," Percy protested. "Not to mention the dignitaries coming. Changing the venue, well, it's just…"

"Necessary," Kingsley said firmly. A smug smile settled on his face. "I've got the Spanish Ambassador to come."

Percy arched his eyebrow in surprise. The Spanish Ambassador was Kingsley's equivalent. The trade talks going on with that country were in a particular state of détente and the Ambassador was notorious for refusing invitations to galas and the like. "How did you get him to agree?"

"I said his wife could come."

"His wife?" Percy queried.

"She's a squib," Kingsley explained. "Her family is magical several generations back, but she was born a squib. Her younger brother is a wizard so inherited the family business instead."

Percy winced.

"Yes, but by all accounts, she is on good terms with her family and met the Ambassador at one of the family summer parties. He refuses any invitation that excludes her, which is why he has a reputation for not travelling and preferring to host events at the Castillo de Magia."

"It could be seen as political suicide if his support base wasn't so firm," Percy mused.

"And if he hadn't married into the foremost family of potioneers in Spain," Kingsley agreed. "His wife's family supplies over 40% of the Spanish market."

Percy nodded. "Very well, what accommodations will be required?"

"None," Kingsley replied airily. "I've taken care of it."

Percy sent a silent questioning look at Kingsley.

"The hotel Occamy is hosting the gala event and has kindly reserved a suite for the Ambassador and his wife."

"Ah," Percy replied in dawning understanding. "I see."

"I rather suppose you do," Kingsley said wryly. "Considering this was your point was it not?"

"Yes, but it's only been four years, the first crop of NEWT students has only just started. We've had OWL students, of course, those that didn't move on to NEWT as well as a number of part-time summer workers."

"Well, the Ambassador is interested and wants to see it, or rather his wife wants to see it. If we can impress on this, he may well come around on the last few points on that trade deal. It will be a feather in your cap if it pulls off. Nothing like being heralded as the next Minister for Magic leading Britain into a brighter future, while standing in a ballroom which is a clear example of your goals, is there? And sealing a trade deal with the Spanish Ambassador."

Percy nodded faintly and made a mental note to read the last report he had received from the hotel again.

Tidying up his notes he returned to his desk and sat at it letting a wave of mild panic wash over him.

It was one thing to be announced as a candidate for the upcoming Minister of Magic elections. It was another thing to be announced as the favourite by the incumbent Minister. They were not small things. They were in fact, quite large things. He'd worked hard, he'd known and agreed that he would stand as a candidate ever since Kingsley took the office. The length of time between that conversation and the actuality of it coming to fruition had perhaps lulled him into a false sense of security. A security that was crumbling beneath his fingers. He couldn't help but flash back to the taunts and jeers he had received from his siblings when he received his prefect badge then again when he got Head Boy. Admittedly he had the self-awareness now to wince at his behaviour then, but still. It stung that he had been mocked rather than congratulated. The Minister for Magic was a lot bigger than Head Boy. Common sense reared its head, sounding distinctly like Audrey in his mind, pointing out that Fred and George were no longer children and his relationship with them had flourished in ways he could never have predicted. They wouldn't mock him this time, or well they probably would, but it would be because they loved him and were proud of him.

He made his peace with his concerns over his siblings' reactions while he sat at his desk, or at least he convinced himself he did. While he could admit to a considerable bout of nerves at the upcoming public declaration, he had had quite a long time to wrap his head around it. It wouldn't be a surprise to his colleagues or those close to him. He would need to get his head on straight, Kingsley getting the Spanish Ambassador to attend was a notable achievement. Percy would have to do the rest to get the trade deal signed and prove that he was the right candidate.

Percy gave up and went home early. He wasn't really getting any work done, his mind splintered in all directions every time he tried to concentrate. He arrived home just before four, surprising Audrey and delighting Maggie and Lucy who clamoured to tell him about their day. It helped, this slice of normality. Audrey followed him into the sitting room silently waiting for him to explain his sudden arrival. "Audrey, we need to have a chat."

"Oh?" she gave him a concerned once over then asked, "Is it urgent? Or can it wait till after the girls are in bed?"

"It's probably best left until they're in bed," Percy agreed.

"It's nothing bad, is it? You have come home early and well, should I be worried?"

"No. Just, it's a lot."

"OK, dinner is nearly done so if you want to round them up and bring them through in about a quarter of an hour."

Percy nodded letting Maggie and Lucy pull him to the sofa where they clambered onto his lap and started detailing everything they had done. When he heard Audrey moving dishes into the dining room he stood up and shepherded them to the table. Once dinner was finished Percy took them upstairs to their baths and then stories. It was an hour and a half later he returned downstairs to find Audrey on the sofa with a wine glass in hand and another waiting for him on the coffee table.

"It seemed like a reasonable precaution," she offered as he picked up his glass and settled back onto the sofa. "So?" She said nudging him gently. "I've braced myself."

"Do you think your parents would babysit for us? There's a gala being held which I have to attend, and I was hoping you might join me."

"At the Ministry?"

"No, at the hotel. It was supposed to be at the Ministry, and I would have invited you to attend there as well. I had some ideas about how we could manage, but Kingsley changed the venue. It's the first time we're holding an event away from the Ministry. Mainly as Kingsley wanted the Spanish Ambassador to come and he doesn't travel without his wife. His wife, Antonella is a squib and faces much the same problems you would in moving about, so they rarely travel to foreign events. It's quite a feather in Kingsley's cap and with the trade agreement stuck in stalemate anything we can do; well it all helps."

"So it's a WAGs party then?"

"I'm afraid it shan't be as glamorous as that. I can't offer you overpriced champagne and diamonds. I can provide you with reasonable food and conversation that wanders towards dull as it will invariably turn to work. But I should like you there regardless."

"Fine, I'll ask Mum and Dad if they'll take them, and I'll go dress shopping. Wizarding or Muggle?"

"Whatever you feel comfortable in, but it is black-tie."

"Are you wearing muggle or wizarding?"

"I believe for this I shall wear muggle."

"Alright then, I'll get Fleur and Rose to go shopping with me. How long have I got?"

"Four weeks. We're just confirming the guest lists."

"What's the cause by the way?"

"Traditionally this is the gala where the candidates for the election are announced. If Kingsley was planning on keeping it, he'd be there making the most of his successes. As it is, Kingsley would like to start touting me as the next Minister. He's been dropping hints to his counterparts, and he's decided to make them broader. By taking me around with him and introducing me, he's essentially telling the world I'm his preferred successor."

"Don't you know these people already?"

"Yes, of course, but being a competent undersecretary is a lot different than being the next Minister for Magic. They know me and have dealt with me for many years. It isn't my competence that is up for debate; it's my promotion from dogsbody to head honcho."

Audrey laughed. "Do you say things like that in the office?"

"Only when Kingsley annoys me."

"Will Edward be there?"

"Yes, Kingsley wants to interview him, but I can't see him not getting the job. He will be there for much the same reasons I will, to be introduced as the next undersecretary. It will be his first formal event since joining the office."

"So, both of you are running the gauntlet."

"It seems that way."

"Is he bringing his partner?"

"Yes, but he's gay so you will have to amend your acronym."

"This is it then, is it? The start of your campaign."

"Yes," Percy agreed, taking a larger mouthful of wine.

"Do you still want it?" Audrey asked carefully.

"Yes. Yes, I do. There's a lot I don't know yet. How you'll be received once the public realises you aren't a witch. How we'll handle security living in a muggle neighbourhood. The impact on Maggie and Lucy."

"Some of that you won't know till we've lived it though. You can guess, there must have been Ministers with children before and not everyone can live in a humongous manor house. At least some of them had to have lived in muggle neighbourhoods."

"Most would use charms to hide their homes. We can't. It increases the risk. I don't like it."

"But you can't change it, so we'll carry on and we'll do what we need to increase security. I'm with Fleur three days a week most weeks. I'm not completely defenceless, and I am a hundred per cent sure that if we ask, George and Fred will come up with something like my protection jewellery that the girls can wear all the time."

"Are you sure you are happy to do this with me?"

"Yes, yes of course. You'll be brilliant at it."