What It Means to Rise to the Top in One Step (Hands on Hips)

It must be said that the vision that Veratia painted for Hermione was very appealing to her.

Academic Bully like Hermione not only loves studying, but also has considerable political ambitions.

Veratia could provide her with an excellent platform, not only allowing her to pursue further studies but also giving her the opportunity to realize her ambitions. How could she not be tempted?

Seeing Hermione's interest, Veratia leaned forward slightly, her tone full of seduction.

"Think about it, Hermione. In three years, you can accumulate experience and connections that others might not gain in ten. You can stand at a higher level, see clearly the true rules and obstacles that govern the magical world, and then use your wisdom and knowledge to truly change it. Of course, the pressure will be immense, the challenges numerous, you might often work overtime, and you'll face various obstructions from old-school bureaucrats and political maneuvering—are you willing to accept this challenge?"

Hermione's chest heaved violently, and her brown eyes shone with an unprecedented brilliance.

This was practically a dream job tailor-made for her! Direct involvement in the core, driving change, applying her skills—she almost immediately accepted.

But she forced herself to calm down for a few seconds, looked at Harry and Ron, and finally her gaze returned to Veratia: "I----"

I need to discuss this with my parents. Also, will this cause you any trouble? For example, will people say you're showing favoritism?

Veratia smiled, a smile carrying the authority and confidence befitting Minister: "Trouble? I'm least afraid of trouble. As for nepotism—I believe your abilities are enough to silence any doubters. Of course, I don't think anyone dares to say that, and besides,"

She winked playfully.

"Harry is my boyfriend, and you're one of his best friends. This relationship will actually make some people hesitant to openly bully you, this newcomer, right?"

Hermione finally couldn't help but laugh and nodded emphatically, "Okay! I—I'm absolutely willing in principle! I'll give you a formal answer after I go home and discuss it with my parents!"

"That's great!" Veratia smiled and extended her hand. "I look forward to having you join us, Hermione. I believe we can do something amazing together."

Their hands were clasped tightly together.

Ron, watching with bated breath, patted Harry hard on the back. "Wow! Minister's Assistant! Hermione, you're about to take off!"

"No? Hermione's already taken off, why are you taking pictures of me?" Harry coughed, startled by the knocking. "I—cough cough, I'm not Hermione!"

Ron quickly let go and began to massage Harry's back.

Harry was genuinely happy for Hermione; he knew what this position meant to Hermione.

He looked at Veratia, his heart filled with pride and love.

His Veratia is not only tolerant and generous in relationships, but also has a keen eye for talent in her work and dares to promote people beyond the norm.

"Well then," Veratia leaned back against Harry, letting out a small yawn, her previous Minister air softened, replaced by a more languid air, "business is done, gossip is done, and my magic is almost replenished—should I go back to my never-ending stream of paperwork? Or perhaps, Mr. The Savior is planning to offer some extra service," to reward you for resolving a potential emotional crisis for you and planning a bright future for your best friend's girlfriend?"

Harry chuckled and put his arm around her shoulder. "Don't even think about it, Minister Lady. You have an international conference tomorrow; you need to get some rest tonight. Shall I take you back to your office?"

"You're quite sensible." Veratia squinted her eyes in satisfaction, like a cat being stroked, letting Harry help her to her feet. She waved to Ron and Hermione: "Well then, goodnight, you two. Hermione, remember to give me an answer. Ron, keep an eye on Harry, don't let him provoke any more Mental Anchor."

99

Amid Ron's silly grin and Hermione's farewell, Harry and Veratia walked side by side toward the fireplace.

The fire rose again, illuminating the two intimate figures before quickly disappearing into the green flames.

With Room of Requirement returned to tranquility.

Ron and Hermione exchanged a glance, both seeing excitement and boundless anticipation for the future in each other's eyes.

"Minister's Assistant— " Hermione murmured, her face brimming with barely suppressed joy and fighting spirit.

"That's awesome!" Ron exclaimed, then his face fell. "But Hermione, if you go to Vienna, won't it be difficult for us to see each other?"

Hermione chuckled and nudged him. "What are Apparition and Floo Network for? Besides, I believe with your abilities, you'll find a good job at the Ministry of Magic in the future. Maybe we can even work together!"

"That's right!" Ron perked up again. "I have to work twice as hard! I can't let my girlfriend leave me too far behind!"

The two sat on the sofa, looked at each other for a moment, and Hermione was the first to close her eyes.

Ron suddenly felt a little nervous. He didn't know what he should do, but his intuition told him that he should kiss her right away.

So he took a deep breath and leaned in.

After an unknown amount of time, a cough suddenly broke the silence, interrupting the two of them from their engrossed exchange of bacteria.

The two separated as if they'd been electrocuted, and Ron cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Harry? Didn't you go to see Veratia off? Why are you back so soon?"

"Looks like I've spoiled your fun," Harry said with a grin. "Veratia has a meeting tomorrow, and I need to get back early too. So, you two continue, just pretend I wasn't here."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door.

Disturbed by Harry, the two lost interest in continuing.

"Wait a minute, let's go back together." Hermione immediately stood up and said, "The Common Room —Common Room it must be a mess right now. As Prefect, we have to get back and restore order!"

Harry suppressed a laugh, watching Hermione's face turn bright red as she tried to remain calm, hurriedly pulling a similarly flustered Ron along to catch up. He wisely refrained from calling out her flimsy excuse about "maintaining order in the Common Room."

The three of them tacitly avoided mentioning the embarrassing incident from earlier, and quickly walked through the quiet corridor toward the Gryffindor Tower.

However, before they even reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, they heard a commotion that was being suppressed but still managed to escape, mixed with excited screams and exclamations, as well as a familiar, sulfurous popping sound.

Ron immediately became alert.

"My two older brothers are back?" He took a deep breath.

"It wouldn't be this quiet then." Hermione glanced at him. "Go inside and take a look!"

The portrait of the Fat Lady seemed startled as well. Seeing the three of them, especially the two Prefect, she immediately cried out as if she'd seen a savior, "Oh, thank you, Merlin! Go in and do something about it! That red-haired madman and his friends almost shook my frame off—password!"

"Even after all this, do you still need the password?" Harry asked with a smile.

"That also requires a password!" the Fat Lady said very seriously.

"Okay, okay, Bubble," Hermione said helplessly.

The three rushed into the Common Room, but the sight before them made them stop in their tracks.

The normally warm and comfortable Common Room was now shrouded in a layer of multicolored smoke, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder.

In the open space in front of the fireplace, Seamus was excitedly waving his arms and legs. On the carpet in front of him was a large box of colorful and differently shaped magical fireworks.

Standing nearby were Neville, who looked amazed; Dean, who covered his ears but couldn't help peeking; and several other younger students who were equally excited.

The source of the chaos was a strangely shaped metal tube that Seamus was holding, resembling a miniature rocket launcher, with blue smoke rising from its opening.

Scattered on the ground were ashes that had been burned and transformed into various comical magical patterns.

"Look at this! The Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' newly improved Dragon-Breath Waterfall!"

Seamus was completely oblivious to the three people at the door. While shouting, he shoved a spherical object that was flashing a dangerous red light into a groove at the end of the metal tube.

"It's said to be made from a mixture of Hungarian Horntail dragon scales and Felix Powder, capable of shooting a three-meter-high, continuously burning, colorful waterfall of flames! I specifically had them customize some Snap Explosions effects--"

"Seamus Finnegan!" Hermione's scream drowned out all the noise. She lunged forward, wand in hand, her face a stern expression of anger and lingering fear. "What are you doing?! Setting off extremely dangerous magical fireworks in the Common Room?! And you, Neville! Dean! You just stood by and watched?!"

Hermione's sudden appearance and battle roar startled everyone.

Seamus's hand trembled, and the red sphere almost fell to the ground, but he caught it in a flustered manner.

Neville and Dean immediately lowered their heads, while the younger students shrank back behind the sofa in fear.

What exactly is the intimidating power of Gryffindor Prefect? (hands on hips)

"I'm serious," Harry whispered to Ron, "I think Hermione are wasted on being Minister's Assistant. She should go back to her loyal Gryffindor, take over Professor McGonagall's mantle, and become Head of Gryffindor."

Ron couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He stepped forward, glanced at Seamus, then at Neville, and looked down at the ground.

What are you guys playing? It looks interesting!

Hermione suddenly coughed violently.

-

"Oh, I mean, what you're doing is really wrong." Ron immediately straightened up. "Seamus, do you know how dangerous this is? What if the Dragon-Breath Waterfall doesn't hit the window and instead sprays onto the carpet, or worse, sets someone's robe on fire? Didn't George and Fred write 'Do Not Use Indoors' on the box?"

Seamus's face flushed red, partly from lingering excitement and partly from the embarrassment of being caught red-handed.

"I—I just wanted to celebrate!" he argued, obediently placing the dangerous product on the ground. "Didn't we win? Look, the video got so many likes and bananas on the website—"

"As long as AC is here, love will always be here!" Neville suddenly roared.

Hermione glared at Neville, her sense of responsibility Prefect still burning brightly.

"Being happy is not a reason to break school rules or endanger others." She waved her wand, "Whirlwind Sweep!"

A small, precisely controlled whirlwind swept up the ashes and the box of fireworks from the ground, neatly piling them into a corner.

The smell of sulfur and the colored smoke in the air also dissipated quickly.

"Five points deducted from each person for recklessness and endangering the safety of the Common Room." Hermione's voice regained its calmness, but it left no room for argument. "Seamus, I'll keep the fireworks for now. You can go to the Quidditch pitch this weekend and try the Dragon-Breath Waterfall under my supervision. Now, everyone, clean up your mess immediately and get back to what you were doing. If I hear another abnormal bang, the points will double!"

Under Hermione's efficient direction and Professor McGonagall's watchful eye, order was quickly restored in the Common Room.

The younger students slipped back to their dorms, Neville and Dean helped put the furniture back in its place, while Seamus, dejected but quick, wiped away non-existent scorch marks on the carpet.

Ron leaned close to Harry's ear and whispered, "Seriously, she'll definitely be the youngest Minister, or the most terrifying headmaster—or both."

"It's hard to say," Harry said, suppressing a low laugh. "There's also the possibility that years later Hermione Jane Granger Lady becomes Minister for Magic, will say in an interview, 'If it weren't for Ms. Grindelwald's decision, I might still be teaching at Hogwarts.' Of course, teaching isn't bad, but entering politics would open up a whole new world for me!"

Ron's expression became extremely strange. He tried to hold back his laughter, but in the end, he managed to suppress it.

Harry's statement is absolutely hilarious!

Over there, Hermione stood with her back straight, exuding an extremely intimidating aura, still directing everyone to work.

It took quite a while for them to finish cleaning up, and then Seamus and the others slipped away, sticking out their tongues.

Hermione walked back, her stern expression replaced by a hint of fatigue and lingering excitement.

"I think we need some hot cocoa."

She announced that she would go first to the soft armchair that had been spared from the fire because it was furthest from the fireplace.

The House Elf were incredibly efficient; almost as soon as they sat down, three steaming cups of cocoa and a plate of scones appeared on the coffee table next to them.

Hermione, holding her cup, curled up in her chair, her assertive aura from before subdued. Her brown eyes gazed absently at the flickering fire in the fireplace.

"Minister's Assistant— " she repeated softly, as if savoring the weight of the word, "in Vienna, directly involved in policy coordination within the International Confederation of Wizards— "

"You'll do a fantastic job, Hermione," Harry said sincerely. "Veratia has a great eye for people. Look at Mrs. Black, she was her protégé, wasn't she? She knows you can handle pressure and change things."

Ron nodded emphatically, his mouth full of cookies, and mumbled, "Exactly! And it sounds really cool!"

"Oh, right," he swallowed the biscuit, then looked at Hermione with a hint of hesitation, "So, are you leaving Hogwarts soon? We haven't even graduated from sixth grade yet—"