The End's Intent

Chapter 31

As it turned out, the end of the battle did not mean the end of trouble. Hermione hadn't dared to hope for such, though, and was unsurprised when it took days to process all the incarcerated Death Eaters and elect new Ministry officials that had not been corrupted during Voldemort's reign. It was no surprise when Kingsley Shacklebolt was announced as Minister of Magic either. As a leader of the Order, he had the votes he needed and the election was so last minute, no one had bothered running against him.

What Hermione had not predicted was how busy she herself would be. She had volunteered to help St. Mungo's with those who had been injured in an attempt to avoid the publicity those who had fought in the actual battle received, but the papers still seemed to hunt her down. She'd taken to apparating wherever she went and using Disillusionment charms whenever she was in public. Draco remained holed up at Grimmauld Place.

Despite Harry, Ron, and Hermione all testifying that Draco had been the one to actually kill Voldemort, the Ministry did not acknowledge him. Neither did they condemn him like his father or aunt, but Hermione didn't think that was enough. The Wizenmagot had agreed to let both Draco and Narcissa go free of punishment because of their aid to the Order, but they did not attempt to sway the public's opinion of them in the slightest. Not even Kingsley, who had at first been very appreciative of Draco and what he had done, commented.

"Mr. Malfoy chose his path with Voldemort first and with the Order second," Kingsley told her when she demanded to know why he hadn't come to Draco's defense.

The papers had posted a nasty article on him and his family the day after Bellatrix had been sentenced to Azkaban and the Kiss and Hermione had stormed into Kingsley's office later that day.

"Without Draco, we would have never won the war," she hissed, glaring fiercely at Kingsley. "Without him, Voldemort could have won and we would all be dead or worse. As Minister, it's your job to make sure the prejudice that started this war doesn't rise up again. How are you going to do that when you won't stand up for Draco?"

"Miss Granger, I understand we fought together in the Order," Kingsley said, giving her a dangerous look of warning. "However, as Minister, I have to make the decisions that benefit the entire country, not just the prejudice against one man."

Hermione fumed and around them, lights began to flicker. Kingsley didn't look worried, however, and that just made Hermione even more upset.

"That's not benefitting the country," she informed him. "That's benefitting your own popularity."

"Whatever it is, I assure you it is not your place to command," Kingsley replied. "I was elected Minister of Magic because Harry Potter and the wizards of Great Britain believe I was the right choice. Your opinion is not enough to change that."

Hermione stood abruptly, her wand held tightly at her side as she glared across the desk at Kingsley Shacklebolt. It had been merely three weeks since the battle at Hogwarts had ended and only one week since Kingsley had been elected Minister. However popular he was now, Hermione knew it would not last if she told Harry just what Shacklebolt adhered to.

"I am one of three people in this world Harry Potter trusts most," she reminded him, her magic tickling her finger tips as she barely kept it from lashing out at Kingsley. "I will not let him follow you blindly. You will strongly discourage and speak out against prejudice of any kind or Harry and I will see you out of office."

Kingsley narrowed his eyes at her but Hermione did not back down. A year ago, she would have never taken advantage of her friendship with Harry like this, but she would not stand aside and let the wizarding world continue to grow their prejudice and let hatred drive them into a third war.