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Hermione was beyond exhausted and was ready to concede.
It could have been from the lack of sleep, or the days spent campaigning without yielding results. Regardless, the accumulating stress was wearing her down. She had to prove that she was a capable witch, worthy to be the next Minister of Magic. It didn’t help that the smear campaigns, her oppositions had been plastering all over various newspapers, added to the pressure.
Who was she kidding?
Maybe they were right. A young, muggleborn witch, running to be the political leader of Great Britain’s wizarding community. She didn’t have a chance.
The constricting feeling in her chest was all too familiar. Her breathing became shallow, and her throat tightened.
“I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. I’m so confused,” Hermione hid her face in her hands, muffling her frustration.
“You’re muttering to yourself again Granger,” Draco walked into her office with two takeaway cups of tea in his hands. He placed one on her desk. “What are you confused about?”
Hermione stared at her campaign manager. She hired Draco because he was great at his job, and, thanks to his duplicitous father, he had extensive knowledge of the corruption in the Ministry. Corruption she and Draco are fighting to abolish.
If she didn’t win this race, she would be disappointing him too.
“Confused about many things Malfoy. I don’t know if I can do this,” she couldn’t decide whether she wanted to cry or scream at the top of her lungs. “My entire life I tried my best. I helped Harry defeat Voldemort. I helped the elves with their rights. But when advocating for myself, maybe my best is not enough.”
“Who are you, Granger? Because right now you don’t seem to remember,” she was about to cut him off, but he lifted his hand to silence her. “In case you need reminding, I’ll be glad to do so.”
Draco took her hands and led her from her seat. He looked deep into her eyes and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“You are smart, beautiful, courageous, and strong. You braved a war and succeeded. You will change this world for the better,” Draco spun her around and pulled her back onto his chest. He conjured a mirror before them. “A self-pitying woman is not who you are. Now hold your head up and show the world, and yourself, who you truly are.”
- FIN -