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Voldemort hated the stuffy clothing that he was forced to wear for the night's special event at the Ministry of Magic. The black trousers and black button down shirt looked too simple and ordinary. But it was his favourite colour, and he refused to wear anything else.
"Hermione," he shouted from their bedroom.
He watched as she entered the room with their Kneazle alongside her and her wand in hand. There was a knowing look on her face as she crossed the room to the full length mirror he stood in front of. But it wasn't what caught his eye.
Her long black dress with a deep cut in the front showed too much and not enough. It had a shimmer of emerald when the light hit it. The slit in the centre, revealed her thighs with each step towards him.
The black pendant necklace he bought for her more than a decade ago hung loosely on her neck. It was the first jewellery he gave her. After all the gifts he bought her, it was still her favourite one.
He remained still when she pointed her wand at the collar and changed the colour underneath to emerald. She added a matching tie to brighten his wardrobe before stepping aside to show the finishing touches.
"Thank you, love." He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her in front of him.
Their reflection mirrored the portrait hung over the mantle. After spending most of his young life in the orphanage, he finally had a family of his own. And was no longer alone. Those that doubted him and questioned his future were all wrong.
He remembered the first night he met her. It was a cold night in front of Hogwarts castle. She appeared out of nowhere, but disappeared just as quickly. It continued for years, and always in the same spot.
He had never seen such powerful force of magic. But he knew that he would outsmart it one day. It took years of perfecting a Potion that finally kept the witch from vanishing.
He kissed her temple, not wanting to ruin her makeup and hair. "How soon do we have to leave?"
"Now." She smiled at their reflection. "We wouldn't want to be late. It is a big night, after all."
Voldemort knew that in a different lifetime it would have been a dream come true. Being a high rank employee of the Ministry of Magic provided plenty of opportunities. But it derailed his plans to take over the Wizarding World, and he detested having to take the name Tom Riddle once more. It didn't quite roll off the tongue like his chosen name.
"Mr. Riddle," a staff said, breaking his thoughts.
He looked up from his now empty plate and around the table. There wasn't anything to be desired. He had everything he needed beside him and in their home they shared for nearly two decades.
"No matter the results, I'm proud of you," Hermione whispered in his ear and rubbed his back. She was the one who stirred him into the direction he was on. And was there every step of his new career he started when she returned from such a bleak world.
He didn't realise how much he cared for her until she disappeared one day. Her absence haunted him. There were nights he heard her voice crying for help.
Voldemort nodded and stared at her. It was a sight that he didn't see often on her. She wasn't an admirer of wearing too much makeup, putting her usual untamable hair up, and being showy for the sake of others. Nor did she ever take a liking to wearing fancy dress gowns. But for him, she was willing to do anything. Even something they both loathed and acknowledged as gaudy.
It was rightfully fitting of the inner circle within the Wizarding World. They liked boasting of their wealth, wives, and bloodlines untouched by filth, as they liked to put it.
He looked all around the room. All employees of the Ministry of Magic were attending the special gala for the announcement of the next Minister for Magic. He was surrounded by the staff working in the Minister for Magic office, who were there to support him. Not that he had any doubts.
A vote amongst the employees and elite members of the Wizarding World, known as the Sacred Twenty-Eight, took place last week. Unbeknownst to the rest of the Wizarding World. Their voices were drowned out by those controlling the direction and politics of the Ministry of Magic with money and power that was out of reach for many.
"How long does it take to announce the result of the votes?" One of the staff asked. "We've already been here for hours."
Voldemort turned to look at her. She didn't bother to change anything about her appearance. Her ringlets were wildly everywhere, and dress far too revealing for such an occasion. "Mrs. Lestrange, it's only been an hour since you arrived. Late, mind you. Yet seemingly on time for the first course."
"That's my husband's mother's name. It's Bellatrix, Mr. Riddle."
Hermione chuckled as she pushed aside her glass filled with wine. "It has been a rather long night for something as simple as announcing the results."
"Well, you know, these old wizards just love showing how much they're worth. Not that they made a single Galleon on their own." Bellatrix took the glass that was pushed in her line of vision and drank all the wine in one breath. "The only thing that has made this night bearable."
"Perhaps a word with your father and uncle." Voldemort nodded towards the table behind her.
"I'm not that mental. Besides, father said not to cause a scene."
The rest of the evening was more quiet and relaxed. A full-course meal was served along with liquor of choice. Bellatrix chose to drink the most expensive wine. Two bottles of it to spite whoever was paying for it.
Desert was served with gold flakes sprinkled on slices of cake covered in decadent chocolate ganache. Hermione finished her plate and his. He never did have much of a craving for sweets.
Dinner was followed by a speech from the current Minister for Magic. He seemed happy about his upcoming retirement, and kept his speech short to announce the winner of the election. The only thing that kept everyone in their seats.
The night ended as Voldemort had expected. Not that he ever had a doubt about winning with the election for Minister for Magic. He was the best candidate and everyone knew it. He had great knowledge in every field of magic. His wit and charm worked to his advantage when it came to politics. He knew exactly what others wanted to hear.
Hermione made sure his clothes were straightened before we walked up the stage. He looked around the huge hall, but only one stood out to him as he stood behind the podium. Achieving this dream seemed so insignificant compared to others. It had been in front of him all along, what his true dream was.
Voldemort carried on with his speech, giving the crowd what they wanted to hear. In no terms would the British Ministry of Magic fold to the Muggles. It was the usual stroking of egos to appease the disillusioned Pure-blood's that they were leading the Wizarding World to a better future.
He was given a rapturous applause after his speech ended. He left the stage with only one thing in mind, but was quickly surrounded by vultures.
"Congratulations Minister Riddle." His wife greeted after finding him in the crowd. "You deserve it, and more." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
"It wouldn't have been possible without you." He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Let's go home. It's going to be a long day tomorrow with the transition phase."
They were greeted by their Kneazle as soon as they appeared in their fireplace. He was waiting for them in front of the hearth, and stretched his body before nuzzling up to her legs.
"I'm going to change and out of these." Hermione stepped out of her heels and picked up Crookshanks II. "Sorry, we took so long." She gave him kisses as another form of apology as she walked towards the hall to their bedroom.
Voldemort plopped down on the sofa across the fireplace and lit a flame with his wand. He loosened the tie as he let it all sink in. Minister Riddle did have a nice sound to it. Not that Lord Voldemort was inferior.
Hermione quietly slipped in beside him with Crookshanks II in her arms. She laid her head on his shoulder, and they all sat in silence.
"When were you planning on telling me?" He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.
She took his other hand and placed it over her stomach. "I only found out last week when I took him to get a check-up. Turns out that his sudden clinging is his way of protecting me and our baby. I didn't mean to keep it a secret. I didn't want to distract you from the elections. I knew you were already stressed, even if you refused to show it."
He gently caressed her stomach. "I'm going to be a father. It's the second-best title."
She looked up at him. There was no sign of anger or hint of jealousy. "Minister Riddle?"
Voldemort smiled. "Your husband."