2031
The grand chamber, once the hallowed hall of the Wizengamot, now hummed with a different energy. Gone were the ancient tapestries depicting scenes of pureblood supremacy, replaced by banners bearing the emblem of the newly formed British Wizarding Parliament.
Today, the results of the first-ever democratic election in British wizarding history would be announced.
The year 2030 had been a year of upheaval, a revolution sparked not by wands and curses, but by whispers of discontent and a yearning for change. The integration with the Muggle world had brought about a seismic shift in the wizarding economy, shattering old power structures and exposing the entrenched inequalities that had festered for centuries.
The old guard, the pureblood elite who had held sway for generations, found their influence waning. Their fortunes, tied to antiquated industries and a system rigged in their favor, had dwindled as the wizarding world embraced new technologies, new markets, new opportunities.
And the people, emboldened by the winds of change sweeping the globe, demanded a voice. Protests erupted in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, banners bearing slogans like "Equality for All Wizards" and "Down with the Pureblood Elite" waving defiantly.
Vincent, watching from the shadows, saw the opportunity. The revolution, a fire he had subtly kindled, was now burning brightly. It was time to reshape the British wizarding world, to forge it in his image.
Vincent's Gambit
He'd moved strategically, with Amelia Bones, He'd gathered support from prominent figures across the wizarding spectrum – progressive purebloods like the Greengrasses, reform-minded half-bloods, and even a few influential Muggle-borns who saw the potential for a more equitable society.
Together, they'd presented a proposal that mirrored the changes already sweeping other wizarding communities across the globe – the formation of a parliamentary republic, a system with elected representatives, political parties, and a Chancellor as the head of state.
The Wizengamot, its power waning, its legitimacy crumbling, had little choice but to accept it. Cerberus made sure they would, blackmail and more were very effective. After months of heated debate and a meticulously orchestrated public campaign, the vote was cast. The old order was abolished, the British Wizarding Parliament born from its ashes.
The Election
The campaign had been fierce, a whirlwind of rallies, debates, and a flurry of magical propaganda that flooded both the wizarding wireless and the internet.
Vincent formed his own party – The Progress Alliance – a coalition of wizards and witches from diverse backgrounds, united by a vision of a modern, inclusive society. His platform focused on economic reform, technological advancement, and a continued, carefully managed integration with the Muggle world.
His opponents, a fractured coalition of traditionalists clinging to the past, were no match for his carefully crafted message, his vast resources, and the whispered fear of what might happen if he were to lose.
The Results
A hush fell over the chamber as a young witch with a steely gaze and a no-nonsense demeanor, approached the podium. She unsealed the envelope containing the election results, her wand hovering over the parchment, a subtle glow illuminating the words.
"The British Wizarding Community has spoken," she announced, her voice ringing through the hall. "The first Chancellor of the BWP… is Vincent Van Doren."
Cheers erupted, a wave of applause that reverberated through the chamber. Vincent, seated in the front row, allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile. He rose to his feet, acknowledging the applause, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the assembled representatives, his blue eyes cold, calculating, a hint of triumph flickering in their depths.
The Witch continued, announcing the elected members of Parliament, the names representing a diverse cross-section of wizarding society. Then, she paused, her gaze lingering on the final parchment in her hand.
"And the leader of the opposition… is Hermione Granger."
Vincent, his smile fading, turned to look at Hermione, who sat a few rows back, her expression a mix of determination and a flicker of something that might have been… apprehension?
He hadn't expected this. He'd anticipated Potter, perhaps, or even Black, leading the opposition. But Hermione?
Her intelligence, her tenacity, her unwavering belief in… well, in whatever it was she believed in… It made her a formidable opponent.
(Daphne's POV)
I watched Vincent ascend the steps to the podium, his dark suit a stark contrast to the vibrant robes of the surrounding wizards and witches. The applause washed over him, a wave of adulation and a hint of something… darker… that I couldn't quite ignore.
He looked… different but that was to be expected because we are over 50 years old now. Gone was the boy who'd stormed the Quidditch pitch, who'd stared down Voldemort with a gun in his hand. In his place stood a man of power, a leader who commanded respect, even fear.
I felt a swell of pride, of love, for the man who'd reshaped the world in his image. But beneath the surface of my pride, a flicker of unease, a whisper of doubt I couldn't silence.
But I also felt some relief that our children weren't involved in all of this, we had decided to allow them to be free. Arthur was now a prominent figure in the South American Wizarding Community, Daniela and Victor while strong wizards preferred to work in their dad's companies, I was glad.
(Hermione's POV)
The weight of the responsibility pressed down on me. Leader of the opposition. A title I'd never sought, a role I'd never imagined myself inhabiting. But the wizarding world had changed, and someone had to hold Vincent Van Doren accountable.
I watched him, across the crowded chamber, his face a mask of controlled power, his blue eyes cold, calculating. He'd won. He'd reshaped the Ministry, the Wizengamot, even the world itself, to fit his vision. But at what cost?
And as I rose to my feet, acknowledging the hesitant applause of those who'd chosen me to lead them, my gaze met Vincent's.
I had to defeat him here at the parliament. If I couldn't, I don't know long until the Order gets desperate and does something stupid, especially Harry and Sirius.