"That- that's great, actually!" Blake said, sitting up too, and he meant it. Even from their short time together, he could tell Amelia Bones was an infinitely better leader than Fudge, and they seemed to share the same misgivings about both the Ministry and Order too. If there's anyone that I'd want to lead the country in times of war, it's her.
"Thank you," she said with a small smile. "And I daresay I'll get the position quite easily. Fudge's losing support from all sides. His main backers were Lucius Malfoy and other former - well, not anymore - Death Eaters. That alone's massively decreased his credibility, and his feud with Dumbledore and Harry Potter too. If I ran now, I think I would have a decent chance."
"You would probably win," Blake confirmed. "No one likes Fudge."
"I'm looking for a unanimous victory," Bones said firmly. "The country needs a show of strength, especially in a leader. I won't run until I know I win. But it's just a matter of time. I could wait it out…"
"But people will suffer for every second he's in office," Blake finished. "He needs to be gone as soon as possible."
"Precisely."
"So what do you need for your victory?" Blake asked.
"Two things," she replied. "Firstly, I need a personal victory, or even one by Law Enforcement. It would need to be a big name, or public - preferably both, and I would be there, ideally. Public confidence under me would surge."
"And secondly, you would need a massive mistake on Fudge's part."
Bones nodded. "But I don't want his mistake to directly harm innocents."
"Unrealistic," Blake said plainly, and Bones' lips tightened. "I'm sorry, Madam Bones, but they will. And to be honest, even when you're Minister, you'll make mistakes, or at the very least, not see something coming. Voldemort has no morals or qualms, and you do. You're fighting a war on a disadvantage already. The best thing for you to do is do your duty to the absolute maximum, and pray that when Fudge fu- messes up, it won't cause any deaths or lifelong damage."
Bones sighed.
"The Dark Lord's been inactive, ever since the graveyard. No doubt you managed to foil his plans, for the time being, and I'm thankful for that. I'm hoping to make a bid before he makes a move, but that's unlikely."
"Even when he does, though, you could use it to your advantage," Blake pointed out.
"That is the plan," she agreed, "but beyond that, I need your help."
"With?" Blake asked, already suspecting the favour she would ask.
"You have rapport with Dumbledore and Harry Potter and probably also Umbridge, given Fudge will be pining after you. You're in a very unique position. I want you to let me know if there's anything I should know, regarding the Death Eaters, or Fudge's politics, or Dumbledore's."
"And how do you know you can trust me?"
"Please, boy," she rolled her eyes. "I've been fighting Dark Wizards since before you were born. And besides, it's obvious that you don't trust Dumbledore, and you clearly dislike Fudge. As long as I don't do anything you dislike, why shouldn't I trust you?"
"Fair enough," Blake responded. "But I should warn you now, Madam Bones - I'm not really on speaking terms with Harry or Dumbledore anymore. We had an argument over Fudge-"
"You can reject him - tactfully," Bones replied. "I trust you would know what to say. And in the worst case scenario, I assure you, your mother and home will be protected by my trusted. I swear it."
Blake looked at her for a few moments, before nodding.
"Okay, then. How will I contact you? I wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to check my mail - he's done it before."
"My niece," she said. "I've already told Susan what to expect. Send letters through her."
Blake nodded.
"Excellent," Bones said, a satisfied smile on her face. "Today was not a wasted visit. Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
"Actually, yes, there is," Blake said without preamble. "I'm worried about the radicalisation of Slytherin students by their parents and families. Is there anything the Ministry can do about that?"
Bones averted her gaze for a moment.
"Not really, Blake," she said softly. "I wish there was, but-"
"I understand," he said. "I knew it was a long shot anyway. I guess that the only thing I can do is do it myself."
"Yes," Bones said tightly. "It's unfair to leave that to children like yourself, but that's the nature of the world."
She got up, shook Blake's hand, and walked to the door.
"Children are always the ones that pay the price for the foolishness of adults."
/
"How'd it go?" Zabini asked.
"Better than I expected," Blake said with a small smile. "She's a good leader - gonna run for Minister, apparently."
"Good," he said, sneering. "I hate Fudge. Speaking of that prick, what's your plan for tomorrow?"
"Nothing special," Blake responded. "Just gonna blame it on Dumbledore, probably."
"Mr Renshaw, Mr Zabini," Flitwick said loudly. "Am I interrupting your conversation? Would you like to share with the rest of the class?"
Tracey and Charlotte sniggered as Blake and Zabini stumbled for an answer.
"Renshaw was telling me about his plans for a date, sir," Zabini said quickly.
Blake's jaw dropped at that. That prick, he thought furiously.
"A date?" Flitwick squeaked, smiling good-naturedly. "With whom, Mr Renshaw?"
"He's lying, sir," Blake said quickly. "We were just talking about plans after class." He glanced towards Daphne as discreetly as he could.
"Ah," Flitwick said wisely. "A date with Mrs Greengrass after class, then?"
Blake choked on his tongue as he tried to deny it. As Tracey, Charlotte and Zabini roared into laughter and even the rest of the class laughed, Daphne whipped around so fast she almost got whiplash, staring at Blake and Flitwick.
"Sorry, Mrs Greengrass, but unfortunately, Mr Renshaw won't be able to make your date today, as he'll be busy staying behind after class to practice Charms with me."
"Sorry, Renshaw," Zabini cackled, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"You too, Mr Zabini."
"Wait, what?"
AN: If you would like to view up to 20 more bonus chapters on all my fics so far including this one, and would also like to support me, please visit my P@TR30N, at pa tr eon.com / GhidorahWriter (remove the spaces).
Thanks for reading and make sure ADD to your COLLECTION and VOTE with POWER STONES! Once we hit 150, I'll release a BONUS chapter!