The Prophet Debates

[Arthur Weasley]

The Weasley - Flitwick banner is ready for the world to see!

[Luna Lovegood]

Dobby and I want you all to see our banner

[Cedric Diggory]

I proudly present the Diggory-Weasley Banner.

[Lord Voldemort]

I am presenting the Lord Voldemort-Lucius Malfoy banner.

[Harry Potter]

Here is the banner for the Potter-Weasley team.

[Rita Skeeter]

Very well, the questions are in! I would like to compliment all the teams; looks like you enjoyed being journalists for a while!

Without further ado, I give you... Your questions:

Questions for Arthur Weasley / Filius Flitwick:    

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1. Everyone knows you like Muggle inventions, Mr. Weasley. As Minister of Magic you would have to interact with Muggles. During your interactions will you able to stick to important issues while observing the Statute of Secrecy? 2. Having known each other for only a few short weeks, how do you two plan to work together as a team in the years ahead if elected? 3. In your introduction speech, you said, "knowledge gained from being a parent will easily transfer to the post of Minister, for the two positions are irrefutably similar." You also said, "As a father of seven children, I understand the steps needed to keep peace and prosperity among my subjects." Please explain how your "fatherly wisdom," which can be claimed by a large number of other wizards as well, would translate to this position without you treating the citizens of the wizarding world, who you called "your subjects," as children? 4. How do you plan on changing the current attitudes about and treatment of Muggles by Wizards? 5. In your personal life, we have seen that you have a tendency to agree with your wife to appease her, then you go behind her back and do what you want anyway. How can you assure us that will not happen with your "constituents"? 6. Arthur Weasley, in your speech you mention being in charge of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department and of course we know you "tinkered magically" with the Ford Anglia -- which was a blatant violation of your office’s regulations. This isn't the only time that you have broken the rules of the Department you were in charge of (later it became Sirius' motorcycle...) Only you know what else you might have tampered with, all without regard to your position at the Ministry. If elected will you even further develop a set of double standards...ones that apply to you and ones that apply to everyone else? 7. Arthur Weasley, is it true that during your time in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, you made sure to put loopholes in the laws you drew up so that you yourself could get around those laws?

Questions for Cedric Diggory / George Weasley:    

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1. What is the primary basis of your selection of George as a runningmate, and how will this contribute to the Ministry? 2. Mr. Weasley we have seen you use poor 1st year students as guinea pigs in your efforts to further your career. How can we be sure that you will not just use your new position to maneuver yourself into a position to make more money? 3. Shall we take the safe road, the one that traverses well-worn paths into static oblivion . . . the road that once produced a Voldemort? It's time we found ways to help each other in order for our planet to survive. I will work towards closer relations between our two communities, for the benefit of all. In the above quotes from your speech, you suggest closer relationships with muggles and taking a new road. Suppose muggles do not want to join your administration and disagree with your choices, and furthermore, don't wish to use magic to achieve these goals, due to culture beliefs and perhaps even fear. How would you deal with that? 4. George Weasley, how do you feel your previous career as an authority-flaunting prankster and all-around troublemaker prepares you for the responsibility of being in a top government office? 5. We all remember that during the Triwizard Tournament you tried to persuade your supporters not to wear 'Potter stinks' badges, but you did not have much success until the situation was resolved after the first task. What makes you think that you can now persuade magical creatures and muggles to co-operate with you, especially if we have to assume that both may well be hostile to wizards? 6. Mr. Weasley, are you concerned that your running mate, having died in his teens, is stuck in a teen mindset and unable to grow? 7. With all your talk about saving the world from Muggle science, your campaign left out important issues such as educational reform. How can the Wizarding World be assured that you will not be overly focused on 'trying the new road' and forget about other issues just as important to them?

Questions for Harry Potter / Ron Weasley:    

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1. Mr. Potter, Albus Dumbledore himself said you were an impetuous hothead who needed Hermione's cool head to tamper you down. Yet, you are running, not with her, but with someone who abandoned you in the wild just because he was hungry. How much do you think you can keep a cool head when things get tough and not rush head-on into an unnecessary confrontation or war, especially without a cool-headed running mate who can be trusted to stand by you? 2. In the past fourteen years, the issue of a standardized cauldron thickness has not been decided. If elected as Deputy Minister, what input would you, Mr. Weasley, offer to finally settle this dilemma? 3. Won't a team of two Aurors lean the Ministry in a direction of paranoia and overzealousness? 4. Mr Potter, tell us about the willingness you have demonstrated in regards to using the Unforgivable Curses, particularly the Imperius and the Cruciatus. It was our understanding that one of the main reasons those curses are considered "unforgivable" is the intent required to perform them. 5. Mr. Potter, you have referred in your speech to the late Albus Dumbledore as your mentor, and discussed in brief the role you played in his plans for the defeat of Voldemort. Critics of Dumbledore have called him manipulative, for deliberately keeping you in the dark, yet others admire him for his leadership against Voldemort. What is your view? 6. What are your policies on humanoid creatures and other magical beings? 7. When searching for the horcruxes, you set off rather blindly and without a plan. You said that you will work with Ron “in the same way” to ensure your goals are achieved. If you intend to set forth blindly with goals in mind but no particular plan to achieve them, how do you think to attain those goals without the third part of your trio, who did most of the planning for your group?

Questions for Hermione Granger / Neville Longbottom:    

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1. Ms. Granger Weasley, Insiders have discovered that, once of age, you changed your middle name from 'Jane' to 'Jean.' Some question if it was because of the association with Dolores Jane Umbridge and wonder if you will, if elected Minister, confront unfriendly opposition or simply 'change your name.' Why did you substitute your middle name? 2. Mrs. Weasley, your speech shows you are aware of your historical position as, potentially, the first Muggle-born Minister for Magic. How do you plan to deal with the inevitable distrust you may face among wizards who, in spite of all that has happened in the Voldemort wars and their aftermath, still cling to their fear and suspicion of Muggles and the Muggle-born? 3. Mr. Longbottom, how do you and Mrs. Granger-Weasley plan to jointly run the highest office of the Wizarding World? 4. Mr Longbottom, you have stated that when thinking of people that could potentially become the next Minister for Magic, the only name you didn't discard completely was Hermione Granger. Why did you discard the possible candidacy of your other friends -- Mr Potter, the Weasleys, Dobby the House Elf -- who are currently campaigning for that office? 5. Ms. Weasley was noted for her work on behalf of Elves. However, what are the exact nature of her plans to bring about equal rights and fairness for Vampires? 6. Ms. Granger-Weasley, how much will your status as a Muggleborn influence your decisions and what do you plan to do about the integration or separation of the two worlds? 7. How will you finance the many social reform programs you intend to implement, should you be elected Minister?

Questions for Lord Voldemort / Lucius Malfoy:    

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1. Having caused a lot of pain in the past, your ticket seems to be very unpopular. How will you deal with this? 2. A big portion of the voters will no doubt be muggleborns, after all you have done how do you expect to gain their important votes? 3. Mr. Malfoy, it seems that you have joined Voldemort's campaign quite readily, yet again. Why have you decided to support his bid for Minister when his last stint involved willingness to threaten the lives of your family and use them against you, especially when others risked their own lives to protect your family? 4. Would you encourage or discourage further animal husbandry of Pygmy Puffs (they are, after all, just so cute!)? 5. Mr. Malfoy: How can you ensure the wizarding community that you will be a partner to Voldermort and not just a yes man? 6. What role in your administration would Dementors have in helping you implement your policies? 7. You're both known to have used the Unforgivable Curses extensively. How heavily will you rely on the Cruciatus, Imperius and AK Curses to run the Ministry and punish wrongdoers or simply errant employees in your administration?

Questions for Luna Lovegood / Dobby the Free Elf:    

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1. Dobby, as a House Elf, with no experience besides taking orders from Wizarding masters, how do you feel you'll handle the pressure of working as Deputy Minister? 2. Hermione Granger Weasley said: "House elves have no hobbies or interests or culture as we do, so they have nothing to do in their free time. " In light of the above quote, how do you see House-elf culture developing in the future if house-elves gain better rights or freedom? 3. Ms. Lovegood was often seen as having ‘flights of fancy’. If Ms. Lovegood feels this behavior may be seen as such by foreign diplomats, what, if anything is she doing to improve her behavior in this regard? 4. Ms. Lovegood, you sound a bit unrealistic and out of touch, talking about Crumple-Horned Snorkaks and Blibbering Humdingers, and referring to thestrals as "threats". You seem like too much of a dreamer to make a good, pragmatic Minister, especially with a running mate who's not exactly the most pragmatic and down-to-earth being either. With your fun ideas of "Barefoot Day" (we hope you thought about protection against poison ivy and the like) and “Funny Sock Day”, don't you think you'd be great as Heads of the Department of the Environment, or the Department of Leisure, rather than trying to administer the whole Wizarding Community? 5. What are your plans for raising the Wizarding World's awareness to the lesser-known magical creatures, such as Wrackspurts, Heliopaths, Nargles, and the like? 6. What should the Ministry position be on addressing the rights and status of magical beings like giants and centaurs? 7. You have very different ways of thinking compared to those of the general Wizarding World in many areas which manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Do you think that this will hinder the negotiations and implementation of your policies in terms of getting people to agree with such radically different thought patterns?

Questions for Severus Snape / Molly Weasley:    

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1. Mr. Snape was noted for bullying children and being sarcastic and taunting adults; in addition he had poor hygiene. If Mr. Snape does not intend to behave in that manner with those under his guidance at the ministry as well as foreign diplomats - and correct his hygiene, what is he doing to improve his behavior and make himself more presentable in that regard? 2. Professor Snape, the teaching methods you employed during your tenure at Hogwarts seem to denote a lack of patience with the less gifted. How would you handle this if elected Minister? 3. You say Mrs. Weasley will act faithfully on your behalf "so long as the policies [you] pursue are in the best interests of the wizard world." It seems to me that, while you might have many points of agreement, surely a disagreement between you is not an impossibility. Exactly what would happen in a situation where your commands would be viewed by Mrs. Weasley as not “in the best interests of the wizard world?” 4. Professor Snape, you were very unfair and sometimes cruel to students not from your House. You terrorized Neville, mocked Hermione, made Harry Potter your whipping boy and clearly favored the Slytherins. What assurance do we have that you will be a fair and just Minister who will not indulge in bullying and favoritism? 5. Dear Mr. Snape, In your preliminary statement you said a new department 'shall reflect the wishes of each non-human community of the British Isles.' How will you respond to criticisms that, by only allocating one department for all non-humans, you aren't really looking to grant them equal rights, but merely hoping to placate them by offering minimal recognition of their needs? 6. Mr Snape, in your previous career as professor and then headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you were generally regarded as unfair, biased, prejudiced, cruel, and a bully. How do you believe your temperament and behaviour will be as Minister for Magic? 7. You have made a career of keeping secrets and double-dealing. How can we be assured that you are working for the best interests of your constituents, and not some private, personal agenda?

Questions for Sirius Black / Bill Weasley:    

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1. Aside from fighting Voldemort, it doesn't appear you have many qualifications that are different/better than the other candidates. How do you intend to compensate for your lack of leadership/executive/government experience? 2. Mr. Black, In the past you have been known to 'take matters into your own hands.' However, some voters fear, as Minister, you may choose this path rather than go through the proper channels to see a resolution to a problem. What can you say to appease us? 3. Sirius, will dementors still be guarding the prisoners of Azkaban? If so, what assurances can you give the wizarding community that appropriate safeguards will be put into place to prevent the escape of prisoners like you yourself were able to pull off? 4. Mr Black, you once said that "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals". What do you think your treatment of Kreacher, your family House Elf, says about you? 5. Mr. Black and Mr. Weasley are both known to be somewhat reckless in nature at times. If these candidates do not intend to run the Ministry in a reckless manner, in what ways have they sought to improve their behavior in that regard? 6. Mr. Black, from what we have seen of your treatment of Kreacher the House elf, how can you assure the public that you will be able to treat all people and creatures civilly regardless of your past history with them? 7. Mr. Black, decisions you have made, including your role in selecting a Secret Keeper for the Potters, your failure to seek help after you realized the treason of Peter Pettigrew, and your treatment of the House Elf Kreacher demonstrate a pattern of unwillingness to seek or accept advice from others. Yet neither you nor your running mate have any experience in government or administration, so you will certainly need practical advice to succeed in your plans. How can we trust that you will listen?

Please remember that you have a week to work on your replies.

[Sirius Black]

The Sirius Black/Bill Weasley Campaign presents the following answers to your questions, Ms. Skeeter:

1. Aside from fighting Voldemort, it doesn't appear you have many qualifications that are different/better than the other candidates. How do you intend to compensate for your lack of leadership/executive/government experience?

RESPONSE: While it is true that neither of us have government experience, we are both extremely able in adapting ourselves to new situations, and I am confident that we will bring a brand new point of view to the Ministry.

As many of you now know, the downfall of Voldemort was due largely to the efforts of the Order of the Phoenix, to which I gave service until my death. The Order was a democracy led by a supremely able man, the late Albus Dumbledore. To that end, each of us was responsible for listening to the advice and input of others and following a plan of action that would serve others best, a plan that fought for what was right. We took this charge very seriously.

Moreover, what we lack in political experience, we make up in other ways. Bill, for instance has travelled widely and has gained an understanding of various other cultures, which gives us an edge, since international cooperation surely is the order of the day! Additionally he has worked closely with goblins, and is one of the few wizards today who has their trust, thus bringing with him a much-needed understanding of other magical creatures to this office.

As to the issue of experience, in the days after Voldemort's fall, whether a Witch or Wizard ever worked at the Ministry was a matter of negligible merit or one based on pure necessity, due to the lack of leadership at the time. It is important that, since Mr. Shacklebolt has made the Ministry a safe and stable place, someone new is required to take up the challenge of making real change and putting faces and abilities in places who weren't before - someone who'd take the Ministry and the people towards further progress and harmony.

2. Mr. Black, In the past you have been known to 'take matters into your own hands.' However, some voters fear, as Minister, you may choose this path rather than go through the proper channels to see a resolution to a problem. What can you say to appease us?

RESPONSE: I may have been impulsive as a youth, but isn't that what youth is for? No one elects a child to a political position, nor should they. As an adult, I had precious little time to do anything impulsive. I worked for the Order of the Phoenix until my death, and, in doing so, followed instructions as prescribed by Albus Dumbledore, because they were in the best interests of the anti-Voldemort movement. I was one of the people who was willing to fight -- or not fight -- based on the needs of the situation.

As Minister I will listen closely to the views of the wizarding public, will aim to do what is best for the whole community after careful thought and conversations with my advisors, ensuring the desired happiness of the people.

I believe that Bill and myself make a great team. Bill has many diplomatic skills whilst I am not afraid to speak out where I see inequality and injustice. These are both important qualities that will greatly aid us while in office.

3. Sirius, will dementors still be guarding the prisoners of Azkaban? If so, what assurances can you give the wizarding community that appropriate safeguards will be put into place to prevent the escape of prisoners like you yourself were able to pull off?

RESPONSE: As most of you know, I was charged for a crime I did not commit, without any trial or representation, and suffered twelve years of seclusion and cruelty at the hands of the Dementors. Many of you have also been subjected to their evils, having wrongly been incarcerated during Voldemort's reign. The Dementors have no place guarding a prison.

Author JK Rowling has been asked this question. Here is her response:

Originally Posted by JK Rowling

Will azkaban still use dementors?

J.K. Rowling: No, definitely not. Kingsley would see to that. The use of Dementors was always a mark of the underlying corruption of the Ministry, as Dumbledore constantly maintained.

The dementors were removed from Azkaban under Mr Shacklebolt. They are now tightly controlled by the Ministry and will remain so if I am elected. As Minister and more so as a person who has experienced the situation in Azkaban, with regards to dementors - I will not reinstate the dementors as a means of punishment or as guards to the prison.

4. Mr Black, you once said that "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals". What do you think your treatment of Kreacher, your family House Elf, says about you?

RESPONSE: This question has already been asked by Miss Rita Skeeter. Our answer was and remains the same. I admit that my treatment towards Kreacher was disgraceful. I am deeply regretful in regards of my treatment of him and wish to say that I am truly very sorry. It was a mistake on my part. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I agree that I could have handled the situation in a better way.

Everybody should learn from their mistakes. I believe that I have and plan to build on the lessons they have taught me. If elected I will work towards gaining rights for those who have suffered at the hands of persecution and bigotry. A part of my campaign platform is to carry on the work that has been started with giving equal rights to non-wizards. If elected I will strive to see this become a reality. I have good people working with me who are committed to this end, and we won't stop until it is achieved. We can really do this only with your help.

5. Mr. Black and Mr. Weasley are both known to be somewhat reckless in nature at times. If these candidates do not intend to run the Ministry in a reckless manner, in what ways have they sought to improve their behavior in that regard?

RESPONSE: I am not entirely sure where the view that Bill Weasley is reckless has come from. During his time at Hogwarts Bill was a prefect and went on to become Head Boy. He also received twelve O.W.Ls. If this doesn’t show responsibility and talent then I am at a loss as to what does. Today he is a dedicated family man and is willing to bring his experiences to the Ministry. His time as a Gringotts curse breaker will be a valuable asset when it comes to foreign relations. As one of few wizards that have gained the trust of the goblins I am sure that he will be very helpful in strengthening the ties between the goblins and wizards.

As for myself, I have already agreed that as a youth I was reckless. Please do not judge the man by the child. Since my teenage years and early adulthood I have learnt to slow down when it comes to making important decisions. It may sound clichéd but with age comes wisdom. I have learnt from my past and have worked towards rectifying my mistakes and, teaming up with Bill, I will continue to do so.


6. Mr. Black, from what we have seen of your treatment of Kreacher the House elf, how can you assure the public that you will be able to treat all people and creatures civilly regardless of your past history with them?

RESPONSE: Again, I refer you to my response to Miss Skeeter, which has explored this question.


7. Mr. Black, decisions you have made, including your role in selecting a Secret Keeper for the Potters, your failure to seek help after you realized the treason of Peter Pettigrew, and your treatment of the House Elf Kreacher demonstrate a pattern of unwillingness to seek or accept advice from others. Yet neither you nor your running mate have any experience in government or administration, so you will certainly need practical advice to succeed in your plans. How can we trust that you will listen?

RESPONSE: Many of us lost dear ones, through no fault of our own, to the terrors of Voldemort. I hope that, at this stage in the healing process, we've all come to realize that when people start to question the trust of people we know and love, we are one step closer to losing what means the most to us.

When it came to selecting the Potters' Secret Keeper I did what I thought was best at the time. Little did I, or anyone else know then that Peter Pettigrew was working for Voldemort. I did my best with the knowledge I had at the time. As for my failure to seek help, at that time I had just lost two of my best friends. I was a desperate man looking for desperate measures. I have repeatedly spoken of the need to learn from mistakes and surely this whole episode was my worst and has taught me my biggest lesson.

During the course of this campaign I have made statements about Kreacher. Please refer to them and I sincerely hope this will be the last time I need to address this subject.

We have also answered the question of experience, it is true that neither of us have government experience, though we have fought for what is right and good. As a team, we are well-equipped for handling all situations and also understand each other well. We are surrounded by an extremely competent team of people and Bill and I are willing and able to learn from this group of dedicated people. We are always ready to listen to what they have to say and have often taken their advice. Teamwork is a vital part of our campaign and I believe that it gives us firm ground work to build upon, if elected to office.[/quote]

[Neville Longbottom]

Neville: Thanks to all our opponents for asking us such insightful questions. They give us a valuable opportunity to clarify our position on issues which are important to our voters. We see this as a chance to show the wizarding world more clearly what they will be getting if they choose our team as co-Ministers. Since some of these questions were asked of me and some of my co-candidate, I am posting them all (as it would take up too much space if we posted all our answers separately), but we have tried to clarify who is actually dealing with each question. We tried to be brief and yet complete in all our answers. Thank you for taking the time to read our responses. We hope you find them informative.

1. Ms. Granger Weasley,
Insiders have discovered that, once of age, you changed your middle name from 'Jane' to 'Jean.' Some question if it was because of the association with Dolores Jane Umbridge and wonder if you will, if elected Minister, confront unfriendly opposition or simply 'change your name.' Why did you substitute your middle name?

Hermione: I'm not certain where you got your information. I have never changed my name. If you saw it as anything else somewhere, it must merely have been a clerical error.

quotation: Harry Potter Lexicon Birth name: Hermione Jean Granger.

As far as Ms. Umbridge is concerned, I simply don't think that a mere similarity of names should ever become so significant. To me, resistance involves arguments and action, and I believe I have shown that I am willing to take great risks to oppose injustice wherever I find it. For example, I did not buckle down to Dolores Umbridge at Hogwarts or later at the Ministry; I faced her and took the locket horcrux from her; I helped prosecute her after Voldemort's death. She was brought to justice, and that was the right way of dealing with her crimes.

2. Mrs. Weasley, your speech shows you are aware of your historical position as, potentially, the first Muggle-born Minister for Magic. How do you plan to deal with the inevitable distrust you may face among wizards who, in spite of all that has happened in the Voldemort wars and their aftermath, still cling to their fear and suspicion of Muggles and the Muggle-born?

Hermione: I don’t believe that in this day and age such mistrust is inevitable. Even Slytherin House at Hogwarts is no longer the bastion of pure-blood pride it once was. There will always be a few who cling to old hatred and prejudices, but most of these attitudes have been eradicated. I shall continue to do my best to show that being a muggle-born is not something to be ashamed of or feared. Neville and I shall run our administration with a previously unseen transparency and openness that should help eliminate even more of this mistrust. If we do run into people who absolutely cannot deal with a muggle-born such as myself and cannot be persuaded otherwise, we have yet another example of why our team is so well suited for the position of Minister. Neville is a pure blood from an ancient and well-respected wizarding family. He should be able to deal with any situation which may arise due to such unfounded fears without being looked down on as being subordinate to a muggleborn.

3. Mr. Longbottom, how do you and Mrs. Granger-Weasley plan to jointly run the highest office of the Wizarding World?

Neville: I believe that we have addressed this in our spotlight thread and our opening speeches, but we welcome this opportunity to clarify our position even further. As co-ministers, we can put in twice the hours when compared to a single candidate. One of us will be able to be out and about meeting the public or dealing with diplomatic business, while the other can focus on running the Ministry: thus, you will find a Minister available at all times. Hermione will find some time to spend with her husband and children, and I will be able to be with my wife and my plants, while still getting lots of work done.

Hermione: Expertise will be divided by department so we can each lead where we are strongest. For example: I will handle the links with the muggle prime minister, development of pre-Hogwarts education, dealings with other magical races and legislative matters; Neville will concentrate on Hogwarts reform, university education and research, environmental issues, law enforcement and health care issues. We believe that while we both have our strengths and weaknesses, where one may lack, the other more than makes up for it: as joint Ministers, we can each take full responsibility for our areas of expertise. We’ll share the burden in a way which ensures that previously neglected areas will now be addressed and taken care of. As a team of equals, we shall be able to serve you better than any one person and their deputy ever could.


4. Mr Longbottom, you have stated that when thinking of people that could potentially become the next Minister for Magic, the only name you didn't discard completely was Hermione Granger. Why did you discard the possible candidacy of your other friends -- Mr Potter, the Weasleys, Dobby the House Elf -- who are currently campaigning for that office?

Neville: Initially, as I was weighing my decision to run and to gather support, I was trying to decide if any of the others would be able to do a better job than I could, whether I should drop my own plans to stand for election and support someone else’s candidacy. While I could think of many who would do a good job, Hermione was the only one I felt had the desire, the drive and the brains to be an exceptional candidate, and I soon realized that her traits and views complement mine perfectly. I felt that together, we could be better than any single candidate, no matter how good he or she might be. Hermione agreed, and that is how we came to join forces as joint candidates.

5. Ms. Weasley was noted for her work on behalf of Elves. However, what are the exact nature of her plans to bring about equal rights and fairness for Vampires?

Hermione: Vampires were once classified by the Ministry as non-wizard part-humans, and treated as inferior beings. When I worked in the Magical Creature Department, I was involved in a complete reorganization, and we did not just drop the old name which emphasized “Regulation and Control,” but we worked hard to change the mindset of our team. Things have really changed for our fellow magical creatures: the Ministry now strives to serve them as equal citizens of the Magical Community, and many have found new opportunities. As you mentioned, Elves were my particular concern in the beginning, but many other sentient species have profited from the Department's redirected efforts, as have humans with special challenges, such as werewolves and vampires. There is, however, no reason for complacency and much remains to be done. As co-Minister, I would like to continue our efforts to ensure that all magical creatures can, if they so wish, participate more fully in wizarding society, and are able to pursue a lifestyle that best fits their nature and needs.

As relates to Vampires specifically, we worked with Honeydukes on their blood-flavored lollipops and found that the correct potion added to these can eliminate the craving for blood, allowing Lorcan d’Eath, for example, to become a renowned singer, spending 19 weeks at #1, and being named Wizard of the month for Nov. 2006 by JKR, herself. We will continue working with good will ambassadors such as Mr. d’Eath and Mr. Sanguini to spread acceptance of Vampires as well as working closely with the Society for the Tolerance of Vampires.


6. Ms. Granger-Weasley, how much will your status as a Muggleborn influence your decisions and what do you plan to do about the integration or separation of the two worlds?

Hermione: I believe my background allows me to understand both worlds better and to see where a single solution can be helpful to both. It gives me a different perspective from Neville, which will allow us to examine the problems we shall face in a more complete manner. No other team running has such a unique and comprehensive view of both worlds, which can only help in finding answers that will benefit both. We shall run an administration that has a balanced approach to any problem, drawing on old wizarding traditions without overlooking the benefits of contacts with the muggle world.

I believe it is very important to maintain the Statute of Secrecy, while still allowing the muggle parents of witches and wizards to be more involved in their children’s lives. To that end, a volunteer mentor will be assigned to each muggleborn student and their family to be able to answer the many questions and concerns muggle parents have and facilitate better communication between the families while in the separate worlds. Family is too important to have such ties strained by complete separation for most of seven years or more. Parents have a right and duty to be involved in their children’s lives, even muggle parents of magical children.


7. How will you finance the many social reform programs you intend to implement, should you be elected Minister?

Hermione: Most of our projects should require no extra capital. I reformed and streamlined the Magical Creature Department and cut its budget while actually increasing our range of services. I expect to be able to do the same with many other departments. The extra schooling will be covered by private grants, endowments, tuition and independent fundraising activities.

Neville: The new university and research institute is perhaps the most costly plan and will require new funding. But it's such an exciting opportunity, and we'll be doing our best to bring it to the UK: we have even found a perfect place for it! This Institution has already secured a substantial endowment from various governments, and we expect its research to produce innovations which can generate a steady income stream. We shall also look into placing portions of endowments for our educational establishments into the muggle stock market mutual funds, using the interest only to run the programs while allowing the principle to continue to be there for future generations.


Hermione: We hope that our answers live up to the quality of our opponents' questions; and that we were able to give you a bit more information about our plans for our term in office, should we be elected. We'd be honored if you would consider to choose us for co-Ministers of Magic. Thank you for your time and attention!

[Harry Potter]

Here are our responses to the challenge questions:

1. Mr. Potter, Albus Dumbledore himself said you were an impetuous hothead who needed Hermione's cool head to tamper you down. Yet, you are running, not with her, but with someone who abandoned you in the wild just because he was hungry. How much do you think you can keep a cool head when things get tough and not rush head-on into an unnecessary confrontation or war, especially without a cool-headed running mate who can be trusted to stand by you?

We all make mistakes in life, but we learn from them. We gain strength through our mistakes. As a student at Hogwarts, I was an “impetuous hothead” at times as you have indicated. It is part of growing up; most of us lose our cool at times. For me there was the additional burden of having a piece of Voldemort’s soul within me. This made it somewhat more difficult for me to control my emotions and temper at times. I do not mean to offer this as an excuse, but it did have an impact on my behavior. After defeating Voldemort, the piece of his soul was eradicated from my body and I have found it easier to gain control over my temper and emotions. Being an Auror has offered me ample opportunities to grow in this regard. It is an important function of my work to keep a cool head and not rush head-long into unnecessary confrontations. Both Ron and I have become much better at controlling our tempers and emotions since our teenage days.

Ron has shown the ability to face up to, and correct his mistakes. It is true that he left Hermione and me during our search for Horcruxes for a short while, but the most important factor is that he returned. Indeed Ron attempted to return almost immediately, but circumstances prevented him from doing so. Some have suggested that Ron's emotions ran high and he left due to the locket he wore, but Ron does not use that as an excuse. He will not even allow me to shoulder part of the blame, although I believe I was also at fault in the situation leading up to his departure. Being on the run without much in the way of food and sleep had left us all feeling quite grouchy. Nonetheless, we both apologized for our behavior, facing up to our mistakes upon Ron's return. Ron showed his loyalty and trustworthiness by returning and in his willingness to continue on the dangerous quest with us. Ron found it difficult to locate us after he had gone, but he never gave up and was eventually able to find us. He could have remained in the comfort of his brother’s home with a nice warm bed and delicious food on the table, but he knew where he was most needed and felt that the quest was his first priority.

Ron can be trusted to stand by me. He has proven his loyalty time and time again. There were countless times during our fight against Voldemort that he could have turned back. However, Ron chose to remain, even when times became extraordinarily tough. Like myself, Ron has learned from his past mistakes and it has made him a stronger individual.

2. In the past fourteen years, the issue of a standardized cauldron thickness has not been decided. If elected as Deputy Minister, what input would you, Mr. Weasley, offer to finally settle this dilemma?

Ron and I will do our best to stay informed about all issues facing the wizard world. For those issues that we have limited knowledge about, we plan to form committees made up of experts in the relevant fields, to gather facts and provide us with recommendations. The issue of cauldron thickness would be among those we would assign to a committee so that we could reach a well informed decision on the matter.

3. Won't a team of two Aurors lean the Ministry in a direction of paranoia and overzealousness?

Your question appears to presuppose that 'paranoia' and 'overzealousness' - used pejoratively and subjectively here - are requirements or inevitable traits of a successful Auror. That is untrue. In my judgment, caution and commitment to a righteous cause are the marks of an effective Auror.

Law Enforcement is important, but it should not be the sole priority a Minister and his 'second in command.' However, the other departments in the Ministry, as well as the world at large, can benefit from the protection of an efficient team of Aurors. The Auror Department has been committed to, and has met that call for many years. If elected to the position of Minister, I plan to ensure that everything is in place to guarantee their continued success in that regard.

4. Mr Potter, tell us about the willingness you have demonstrated in regards to using the Unforgivable Curses, particularly the Imperius and the Cruciatus. It was our understanding that one of the main reasons those curses are considered "unforgivable" is the intent required to perform them.

The three Unforgivable Curses cause death, severe pain and loss of willpower. In order for the curses to work, an individual has to intend to cause these actions to occur. I do not condone the use of these curses due to their nature and the harm or death that can result.

During the first war against Voldemort, the Ministry of Magic condoned the use of these curses for Aurors. They felt that it was necessary in order to combat the great evil that was attempting to overtake our society. These and other Dark curses were being flung at the Aurors by Voldemort’s Death Eaters and the Ministry felt it necessary to approve the use of equal force by the Aurors to combat their foes.

During the second war, the Ministry officials were late in recognizing that it had commenced and shortly thereafter was seized by Voldemort’s regime. Those of us fighting against Voldemort were left to our own resources.

My decision to use the Imperius Curse during the course of the second war was taken under circumstances when my life and the lives of three others were in danger. It was a short term use, used in order to stop those who would hamper our efforts to complete our mission relative to bringing down Voldemort. I did not, and indeed would not have, used the curse to control a person’s will to do more than I did at that time: to cause them to cease their attempts at thwarting my efforts to stop Voldemort. No lasting harm came to these individuals as a result of my doing this. My intentions were not malicious; I only did what I believed was necessary in order to bring about the downfall of Voldemort. Nonetheless, it is possible that a different spell would have worked just as well in those circumstances and I admit that my decision to use the Imperius curse was improper at the time.

My decision to use the Cruciatus curse was in response to finding Alecto Carrow in the midst of making nefarious plans to harm students at Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall was present and in argument with him, attempting to stop him from doing this. Carrow was unaware that I was also present, under my Invisibility Cloak and I watched him while he issued threats to harm the students and to Professor McGonagall directly; then finished by spitting in the professor’s face.

Overcome with anger at what Carrow had done in the past (tortured and beaten students), his plans for harming students in the future and his display of disrespect and dishonor of professor McGonagall, I used the Cruiciatus curse on him. In my anger at his plans, I had the intent to cause him pain at the time. However, I feel this behavior was improper and if I had it to do again, I would use a stunning spell which would have likely worked just as well to stop him.

I will not make excuses or attempt to justify my past decisions to use these curses, nor for the times that I attempted and failed to use them after Sirius and Dumbledore were killed. My anger and grief got the best of me and I admit my use of them was unnecessary and morally wrong. However, I have matured greatly since then and I am no longer the hothead that I used to be. I am much more judicious in my choice of spells and instruct the Aurors under my guidance in the department accordingly.

5. Mr. Potter, you have referred in your speech to the late Albus Dumbledore as your mentor, and discussed in brief the role you played in his plans for the defeat of Voldemort. Critics of Dumbledore have called him manipulative, for deliberately keeping you in the dark, yet others admire him for his leadership against Voldemort. What is your view?

I am proud to have had Albus Dumbledore as one of my mentors. Like my parents, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, he served as a father figure for me. However, no one is perfect and that includes mentors; they have flaws just like the rest of us do. But the wonderful thing about all of my mentors, including Dumbledore, is that they had many admirable attributes that I could attempt to emulate. At the same time, I could learn from their mistakes and flaws.

Dumbledore provided me with extraordinary guidance as well as insight into many aspects of life. I am very appreciative of all of his efforts on my behalf. Dumbledore was correctly known as one of the wisest wizards of his time and much of what he shared with me during our friendship has helped me in immeasurable ways. Even today, I call upon his words of wisdom in meeting challenges in my work and personal life.

However, Dumbledore was not flawless and I agree that one of his faults was his tendency to be manipulative at times. Naturally I do not strive to emulate his flaws, however, this and like tendencies have allowed me to learn valuable lessons. For example, while some good may seem to come from manipulative behavior on its face, it is important to realize the harm also inherent in such behavior which is why it is best avoided.

I greatly admire Dumbledore for his leadership in the war against Voldemort. However, as I indicated, I am not blind to his faults. Dumbledore did keep me in the dark at times, out of compassion or because he felt it was necessary in light of his plan to bring down Voldemort. However, he asked for my forgiveness and I forgave him, as he had done for me in the past.

6. What are your policies on humanoid creatures and other magical beings?

Many of our policies regarding our plans for ongoing developments with respect to humans in both the Wizard and Muggle worlds are outlined in the speeches located in our spotlight thread. We invite you to read these at your leisure. In addition, we have plans to work together with other departments in the Ministry to resolve some of the issues confronting all magical beings facing prejudice or discrimination of any kind. We have provided a couple of examples here so you can get an idea of our plans in this regard:

o Werewolves – I have seen, first hand, how lycanthropes have suffered due to the fear and prejudice that is directed against them – they have been denied employment and shunned as outcasts. It is indeed distressing to see that people view them for what they are, but not who they are. Werewolves, while posing a threat to people during the full moon, are otherwise perfectly capable of maintaining a normal life, on par with other witches and wizards. There is no reason they should be refused entry into Hogwarts or employment, if proper precautions are taken to ensure that they do not harm others while they transform each month. We hope to accomplish:

A. Setting up of proper and effective shelters to contain them during the full moon, and providing necessary medical care afterwards by trained Healers.

B. With the use of the potion Wolfsbane, Werewolves are able to retain their human mind and therefore do not pose any danger under its influence. One of our objectives would be to subsidise and make this potion freely available at these shelters, so that these individuals do not have to fear biting others accidentally.

C. Apart from these measures, we plan to increase funding towards research that aims to obtain a cure for the Werewolf condition. Current magical lycanthropy studies indicate that this is indeed feasible, and we hope to support and quicken this discovery in every way possible. By employing such techniques, Ron and I hope to ensure that these individuals are given every chance to assimilate into the society without fear of rejection.

o House-elves – These are another segment of the community that are sometimes subjected to abuse and suffering, owing to their willingness to serve wizarding families. Several witches and wizards including Hermione Granger, who is one of my best friends and also Ron’s wife as well as a strong contestant in these elections, has been instrumental in securing them their rights and freedom if they wish to be separated from the family that they serve, as well as anti-abuse laws that prohibit mistreatment of elves. Ron and I support her in this wonderful task and will continue to do so until a point is reached where house-elves will be able to choose what they wish to do, with no fear of repercussions of any kind.

These are just two of the members that we have highlighted; there are many more beings and none have escaped our attention. Whether they are Goblins, Vampires, Centaurs or even semi-sentient magical beings, we hope to guarantee equality and fair opportunity to each of them so that they are able to make decisions freely and conscientiously, without any obligation or prejudice hindering them.

7. When searching for the horcruxes, you set off rather blindly and without a plan. You said that you will work with Ron “in the same way” to ensure your goals are achieved. If you intend to set forth blindly with goals in mind but no particular plan to achieve them, how do you think to attain those goals without the third part of your trio, who did most of the planning for your group?

When we said 'In the same way,' we meant working together with the utmost trust and respect for one another. This type of trust and knowledge comes from going through many life and death situations together. When Ron and I work together, we do not have to work at cooperation – it is always there.

When we were prematurely forced to set out to hunt down the Horcruxes, we were faced with a task the likes of which no other witch or wizard before us had faced. Even though our information was limited, we did our best. As a team, we set out on this daunting task, knowing there was no other option and that we must make the attempt. There was inevitably a lot of guesswork involved, since even the wise Professor Dumbledore, who had years to discover them, was not able to figure out which items had been made into Horcruxes or where to find them. It was a long and arduous struggle, but through dedication and hard work, we were able to successfully complete our mission.

Another difficulty we were presented with was our isolation from the rest of the wizarding world. Isolation was forced upon us by circumstances beyond our control. In the end, we only had each other to rely upon, with no way of knowing what was happening in the rest of the world, for long spans of time.

I do not recount these events to boast, but rather to explain the extraordinary circumstances Ron and I have faced so that voters can understand and accurately evaluate our actions. In the light of this, it is no small feat that we survived, succeeded and completed our task, and cooperation played a great role in our achievement.

The contribution of Hermione Granger-Weasley cannot be overestimated. The hunting down of the Horcruxes and Voldemort was a collaboration of our trio. While Hermione has pursued a career on her own in another field of the Ministry, Ron and I have continued working together, further enhancing our cooperation. Basically, what we meant is that we work together with the utmost trust in, and with comprehensive knowledge of one another.

[Lord Voldemort]

Lucius Malfoy and I have answered your questions:

1. Having caused a lot of pain in the past, your ticket seems to be very unpopular. How will you deal with this?

Personally, Lucius and I are inclined to believe that the new Minister should be decided by what benefits he or she will bring to the Wizarding World, not by a candidate's apparent popularity or lack thereof. Politics is not about making friends; it's about doing what will better the community. This is, after all, a Ministerial election, not a high school popularity contest.

2. A big portion of the voters will no doubt be muggleborns, after all you have done how do you expect to gain their important votes?

Lucius and I are of the belief that Muggleborns have the toughest time hiding the secret of their magical abilities. Yes, their Muggle relatives know of and sometimes befriend wizards. However, they leave their old, non-magical companions behind -- and we could remedy this. By allowing all magical beings to come out into the open, there will no longer be a need to hide our true selves. I am sure any Muggleborn would find this prospect appealing, to be able to share their special gifts with those closest to.

Additionally, coinciding with our view of the husbandry of Pygmy Puffs, we are offering a free breeding pair of Pygmy Puffs to every Muggleborn who votes for us.

4. Would you encourage or discourage further animal husbandry of Pygmy Puffs (they are, after all, just so cute!)?

Lucius and I encourage further animal husbandry of Pygmy Puffs. Absolutely. We feel they are an integral species in the Wizarding World, that offers enjoyment to people of all ages and blood status. And as we have already mentioned, we support the husbandry of Pygmy Puffs so completely that we are offering a free breeding pair of Pygmy Puffs to every Muggleborn (or anyone else for that matter) who votes for us.

6. What role in your administration would Dementors have in helping you implement your policies?

Lucius and I both feel that the Dementors have served all the purpose they can. With their revolt from Azkaban, we feel they have proven themselves to be unworthy guards of the prison. Therefore, if elected, it is our plan to drive the creatures away forever.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Here are the answers to the questions that were directed toward me.

3. Mr. Malfoy, it seems that you have joined Voldemort's campaign quite readily, yet again. Why have you decided to support his bid for Minister when his last stint involved willingness to threaten the lives of your family and use them against you, especially when others risked their own lives to protect your family?

I feel that the Dark Lord brings to the table a new way of running the government. Not to mention that we are now living in a time where we must trust each other to rebuild the Wizarding World, where all people, Purebloods, Muggleborns and Half-bloods, must live peacefully. Lord Voldemort has also shown himself to be the most powerful and intelligent of the candidates for Minister. Why wouldn't I want to support a man with such characteristics?


5. Mr. Malfoy: How can you ensure the wizarding community that you will be a partner to Voldermort and not just a yes man?

First of all, I would like to bring to the attention of the voting public the misspelling of the Dark Lord's name in this question, as I feel that anyone running for Minister should at least know the correct spelling of the names of his or her opponents. The proper spelling is V-O-L-D-E-M-O-R-T.

As regards the question itself, being a former student of Slytherin House, I am more than capable of making my views known. If there is ever an instance when the Dark Lord and myself do not see eye to eye -- and I very much doubt there will be -- I have no concerns about my ability to voice my opinions to him. I feel that, should I offer a difference in opinion, the Dark Lord will at least take it into account due to my previous experience working in the Ministry of Magic. I believe that I offer him insights and opinions that others do not possess.


7. You're both known to have used the Unforgivable Curses extensively. How heavily will you rely on the Cruciatus, Imperius and AK Curses to run the Ministry and punish wrongdoers or simply errant employees in your administration?

Firstly, I would like to make it clear that I have never actually been convicted of casting any of the Unforgivables, nor is there any recorded case of my having used one.

Additionally, both Lord Voldemort and I feel that the Unforgivable Curses should be used only to punish the worst wrongdoers, or by the most trusted Aurors when there is no other alternative.

[Cedric Diggory]

To answer your questions:

1. What is the primary basis of your selection of George as a runningmate, and how will this contribute to the Ministry?

George Weasley is a shrewd businessman with good public relations skills. He has a store of practical knowledge that I lack. I have lots of ideas and ideals but don’t always know how to put them into practice. George, having dealt with customers, suppliers and employees, bankers and other businessmen, will have the acumen for that.

That is what he will contribute to the Ministry, along with his sense of fun, which will help lighten up the working environment. Staffers who laugh or smile when they work will work better than staffers who grumble. George will keep morale up in difficult situations, when he and I are busy negotiating with representatives of other races, Muggles and foreign dignitaries, as well as with representatives of the general British population.


3.

Originally Posted by Cedric Diggory

Shall we take the safe road, the one that traverses well-worn paths into static oblivion . . . the road that once produced a Voldemort?

Originally Posted by Cedric Diggory

It's time we found ways to help each other in order for our planet to survive. I will work towards closer relations between our two communities, for the benefit of all.

In the above quotes from your speech, you suggest closer relationships with muggles and taking a new road. Suppose muggles do not want to join your administration and disagree with your choices, and furthermore, don't wish to use magic to achieve these goals, due to culture beliefs and perhaps even fear. How would you deal with that?

We can never force people to walk with us, only offer the opportunity. By removing ourselves from the world and lives of muggles, we haven't truly been offering. We've even had laws enacted to prohibit us from revealing ourselves and our way of life to Muggles - even to the point where we cannot act to protect muggles, our next-door neighbors, without fear of retribution from our own kind.

Actually, The Ministry of Magic has already taken the first steps to reach out to the Muggle Community. I've witnessed this and been advised by previous Minister Rufus Scrimgeour, beyond the Veil, that our Ministers of Magic always make a point of meeting any new Muggle Prime Minister, that there have been meetings between the Ministers of Magic and the Muggle Prime Ministers on numerous occasions, informing them of issues that have affected Muggles on everything from small- to large-scale events, from the importation of dragons for use in the Triwizard Tournament to the fact that Voldemort had returned and was a tremendous threat to both our worlds. Our current Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt has worked among Muggles to protect their Prime Minister. Finally our worlds began to work together with this small step, which is a good place to start.

Now be clear, I'm not proposing overnight changes, nor saying we should reveal ourselves to the entire world tomorrow. I do, however, think that we can build on what has already been started, slowly and carefully, but also positively. We can now tell the Muggles that the biggest threat (Voldemort) has been eliminated and now it's more important to work together, maybe creating a department concerned with the environment itself, and encourage similar moves in other magical governments around the world, and cooperate with the Muggles, who already have such departments. We can't force it, but we can hold out a hand in invitation.

Yes, I do hope to see our efforts join eventually with those of Muggles, but we neither can nor should depend on Muggle acceptance of magic, or throw up our hands in defeat and stick our heads back in the sand, hoping it all goes away. It isn't going to go away. We face our potential extinction as a species, and as a world -- and magic or no magic, we are all human beings; Humans or other Beings, we all inhabit this planet.

That is the road that I am proposing to take. The question is, will you take it with me?


5. We all remember that during the Triwizard Tournament you tried to persuade your supporters not to wear 'Potter stinks' badges, but you did not have much success until the situation was resolved after the first task. What makes you think that you can now persuade magical creatures and muggles to co-operate with you, especially if we have to assume that both may well be hostile to wizards?

(May we point out -- sorta off camera -- that this event DID NOT take place in the BOOK universe, and is only present in the movie.)

I must confess I didn’t really try very hard, because I only half-believed Harry when he said he had not put his name in the Goblet of Fire. I was younger, I had not yet seen the face of evil, and I was naïve. I am no longer that boy. Dying has a way of granting one perspective.

The task before us now, however, is one in which I strongly believe. I will exert all my powers of persuasion and reasoning, and will choose the best diplomats I can find for our talks with the other Magical races and the Muggles. I honestly don’t think they’ll be particularly hostile to Wizards. I’ve seen from beyond the Veil how much Muggles like their “TV series” and “movies” dealing with the supernatural. We will also have the parents of our Muggleborn Witches and Wizards who will work with us to convince those who may be hostile to us that we mean no harm, but peace, progress and security for all. I firmly believe we will be successful.

7. With all your talk about saving the world from Muggle science, your campaign left out important issues such as educational reform. How can the Wizarding World be assured that you will not be overly focused on 'trying the new road' and forget about other issues just as important to them?

One thing does not preclude the other. Both George and I are very much aware of the importance of education for the young, Magicians, Magical creatures or Muggles alike. We will of course keep Muggle Studies at Hogwarts and encourage Muggle schools to take up History of Magic. We will make sure that curricula are well adapted to this day and age, and that every youngster has an opportunity for the best education possible. For that we will seek the help of such experts as HeadMistress McGonagall and her staff, as well as input from parents. We would be interested in instituting external evaluation of our current educators, but unlike those instituted under Minister Fudge, we would insist that any evaluators have extensive classroom experience themselves. Furthermore, the goal of such evaluations would be to support and improve performance, not use the fear of losing one's job as a way of imposing a particular political agenda or restricting free speech. An atmosphere of intimidation helps nobody -- our children least of all.

[George Weasley]

Thank you, Cedric, for your fine answers. Here are my answers to questions 2, 4 and 6.

2. Mr. Weasley we have seen you use poor 1st year students as guinea pigs in your efforts to further your career. How can we be sure that you will not just use your new position to maneuver yourself into a position to make more money?

First of all, I want to make this perfectly clear...there are no more 1st year Hogwarts students to use as guinea pigs since I've already used them all up.

Seriously, for those of you who are concerned that I only got onboard this Ministry bandwagon to make more money, let me ease your mind. I plan to keep my lucrative joke shop as a means of income and especially to honor my dear late brother Fred. The shop will be run by others so I can devote my time to the Ministry. It will remain as my outlet to give the world a place to laugh and have fun. So, you see, those largely harmless laughs were the seeds of a great business. What I learned running that business I will apply to my new job as Deputy Minister.

I haven't forgotten how Fred and I got our start for Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes. It was from a dear friend's donation who wanted the world to have a little more laughter. Now it's my turn to give back. I pledge that if elected, I will donate all of my Ministry earnings to a worthwhile charity like the Old Wizards’ Home.


4. George Weasley, how do you feel your previous career as an authority-flaunting prankster and all-around troublemaker prepares you for the responsibility of being in a top government office?

I'm so deeply honoured that you have remembered all the fun that Fred and I gave to everyone especially during our younger years and when times were dark. I understand that our "Swamp Memorial" still stands at Hogwarts - ahh good times, good times! Sure it's true that Fred and I were considered troublemakers, but we always knew when to draw the line. Besides, we began growing up under Umbridge’s iron rule. If you remember, we never again played pranks against schoolmates, only against Filch, Umbridge and the Inquisitorial Squad. We grew up even more during the war. PotterWatch certainly was no prank. Neither was keeping Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes a thriving business, keeping customers, suppliers and staff contented. After all, laughter is the best medicine. Even during the dark days of fighting underground and helping run PotterWatch, we kept spirits light and morale up. But the work we did was serious, just as the work I shall now do with Cedric is serious, and I take it seriously, believe me.


6. Mr. Weasley, are you concerned that your running mate, having died in his teens, is stuck in a teen mindset and unable to grow?
Reading Cedric’s speech on his plans and objectives, you can see for yourself that he is far from being stuck in a “teen mindset and unable to grow.” “Pretty Boy Diggory” he may have stayed outwardly, but his ideas are not those of an 18-year old boy but of a mature man. Even when he was only a teenager, may I remind you that Dumbledore himself said – and I quote - "If the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy - Remember Cedric Diggory."

Beyond the Veil, Cedric’s spirit has definitely matured. Let me quote Dumbledore again: "After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure". Being beyond the Veil has given Cedric a dual opportunity - he can watch what is going on in the Wizarding and Muggle worlds now and he is able to converse and learn from those who have have also passed through the Veil, like Albus Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel to name only two. These contacts have given Cedric knowledge that others may never have for a long time - if at all.

[Arthur Weasley]

Filius and I are pleased to answer your questions.

1. Everyone knows you like Muggle inventions, Mr. Weasley. As Minister of Magic you would have to interact with Muggles. During your interactions will you able to stick to important issues while observing the Statute of Secrecy?

As a member of the Ministry of Magic, my entire career has been built around "observing the Statute of Secrecy." I have never before broken this statute, nor any other laws, so the wizarding public can be assured I will obey them as Minister. I would also be certain to "stick to important issues," for those occasions are not there to simply expand my knowledge of non-magical people. It is business, and I would conduct myself in a like manner.

This question brings up another, of which I am certain much of the public is curious as well: "during my interactions with Muggles, will I be able to control my fascination and remain professional?" I believe I will be able to perfectly control my behavior around Muggles, in particular the Prime Minister of Muggles. While I may display my fascination of certain devices, it would be in a strictly professional manner, and this interest can only benefit my position. The Muggles who I meet will appreciate my interest in their inventions, which will more than likely result in better cooperation between us.

I understand the root of this question, my moments of eagerness and curiosity about Muggle items which were displayed in the presence of my now son-in-law, Harry. I would like to point out that my enthusiasm was due to the fact that I could freely ask questions and expand my knowledge by speaking to another wizard.

2. Having known each other for only a few short weeks, how do you two plan to work together as a team in the years ahead if elected?

Filius and I have known each other much longer than a few short weeks. He was my Charms professor at Hogwarts, in which we had a comfortable student-teacher relationship. I admit we had gone many years without contact, but eventually my children began to attend Hogwarts, during which time I learned even more about my former professor. Then, in 1997 we met again after the "first battle of Hogwarts." After this meeting, we remained friendly, especially during the Second War and the rebuilding afterward. Filius has impressed me with his commitment to the students of Hogwarts and with his passion for precise magic. I believe these qualities will serve the Wizarding World as a whole, just as it has done for generations of Hogwarts students.


3. In your introduction speech, you said, "knowledge gained from being a parent will easily transfer to the post of Minister, for the two positions are irrefutably similar." You also said, "As a father of seven children, I understand the steps needed to keep peace and prosperity among my subjects." Please explain how your "fatherly wisdom," which can be claimed by a large number of other wizards as well, would translate to this position without you treating the citizens of the wizarding world, who you called "your subjects," as children?

As a father, I have learned a great deal about the art of giving direction, and a great deal more about the art of compromise. I have learned how to manage a diverse group of people, and I have learned how to organize my time to efficiently assure that all the projects of my diverse group get done on time and to the best of their abilities. In short, my role as a father has taught me to be a better manager, not only of my own time and efforts, but of the time and efforts of the people around me. I have learned to be a leader by being the leader of a family.

It is these leadership skills which will allow me to effectively lead the Ministry. The skills learned as a parent lend themselves well to issues in the workplace, where one department claims supremacy over another, where one employee belittles the efforts of another. I am not claiming oversight on the Wizarding community as a whole, or as an individual, but I do claim that I can ensure the Ministry will run smoothly, and will devote itself to the service of the Wizarding World.

I am also aware that many other candidates in this election have fatherly wisdom, my three sons and son-in-law, as well as motherly wisdom, my wife and daughter-in-law. I am certain their knowledge gained from being a parent will be just as beneficial to the post of Minister/Deputy Minister as mine, and I wish them the best of luck.

4. How do you plan on changing the current attitudes about and treatment of Muggles by Wizards?

Awareness is the key element. Right now, most wizards are simply unaware of what Muggles truly are and do. Without correct knowledge of the non-magical world, wizards cannot make fair assumptions. Thus, a minimum of one year mandatory Muggle Studies class may be effective for Hogwarts students, so they can make unbiased judgments on our fellow humans.

I also believe the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office should be expanded into an all-encompassing Muggle Cooperation Department. I would also take steps to ensure Muggles would not be convicted because of wizard crimes, in order to make both our worlds safer and less judgmental.

5. In your personal life, we have seen that you have a tendency to agree with your wife to appease her, then you go behind her back and do what you want anyway. How can you assure us that will not happen with your "constituents"?

The nuances found in a marriage may be baffling when viewed by outside eyes. My wife and I have a wonderful relationship, and through the years we have learned how to work together and build an understanding. Just as I turn a blind eye and fond smile to her Celestina Warbeck passion, she allows me to indulge in my own activities.

As Minister for Magic, the primary function of my job is to be accountable to the Wizarding community as a whole. If a Minister patronizes his constituents by hiding the truth merely to appease them, then they are not serving the community. I will take my job as Minister very seriously. Sometimes this will mean telling hard truths to the wizards who have trusted me with their safety, but I will not shy away from this necessity just to maintain a false sense of security.


6. Arthur Weasley, in your speech you mention being in charge of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department and of course we know you "tinkered magically" with the Ford Anglia -- which was a blatant violation of your office’s regulations. This isn't the only time that you have broken the rules of the Department you were in charge of (later it became Sirius' motorcycle...) Only you know what else you might have tampered with, all without regard to your position at the Ministry. If elected will you even further develop a set of double standards...ones that apply to you and ones that apply to everyone else?

I apologize, but you will find that I never violated my office's regulations by enchanting the Ford Anglia, Sirius Black's old motorcycle, or any other Muggle item. There is a loophole in the law that allows everyone the right to enchant these items at their will, as long as their intent is not to use the newly enchanted object. I did not write that law so it only applies to me: anyone under Britain's Ministry of Magic can do the same if they wish.

However, this brings me to:

7. Arthur Weasley, is it true that during your time in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, you made sure to put loopholes in the laws you drew up so that you yourself could get around those laws?

Yes and no. No, I did not ensure loopholes were in laws I created. Yes, I did make certain one loophole was in one law I wrote up. However, this was unique to this one law and was solely so I could continue to tinker with fascinating Muggle inventions in the privacy of my own home. I would never have added anything to any law that could have endangered the wizarding or muggle communities. Besides, as you know, it takes more than one man to make a law happen. Wizarding laws are scoured by legal scholars and vetted by the Ministry as a whole before they can be placed into actual practice. To this day, that law with that loophole has still not been overturned, so twenty years of Ministry employees have found nothing dangerous or unjust about the law in question.

[Luna Lovegood]

Dobby told me that he is excited because he has questions to answer too! Here are my questions and answers. I hope you like them.

2. Hermione Granger Weasley said:

"House elves have no hobbies or interests or culture as we do, so they have nothing to do in their free time. "

In light of the above quote, how do you see House-elf culture developing in the future if house-elves gain better rights or freedom?

Well, house elves will have a better rights, as you said, by having a choice of what they want to do. In fact, some wizarding families treat them fine, but others don’t. Our plan does not decide for them, it instead gives them the ability to choose what they want.
Since we will put a limit on the number of house elves in any one building, humans may have to learn to do some of their own housework. This may seem burdensome to some, but it is impossible to benefit without putting forth effort, and wizardkind must do all it can to help its fellow magical beings if we are to ever have peace and prosperity. Our plan will therefore give more free time for House Elves. That leaves time for relaxing, and time for hobbies and interests to develop.
I’m sure that house elves do have hobbies, it’s just that they never have time to do them. We want to change that. Kreacher, for example collected things, but didn’t have much time to spend with his collection, or people would have thought he was wasting time. Dobby, of course, loves socks. With more freedom and opportunity, more elves will express their hobbies and interests.
As for culture, they will be able to express it more freely by being able to gather and form communities outside of working hours.
Now, house elves barely have any free time, and since they are considered to be a “lesser being” by some intolerant people, it may not be considered very important to those who do not empathize with and understand the other beings that inhabit this beautiful world of ours.
But we do. House elves should be treated fairly, and not like they are a lower class. They deserve to be treated just as well as our fellow witches and wizards, with respect. And we hope that all of this “lesser being” rubbish will become less common, and house elves will be happier.

3. Ms. Lovegood was often seen as having ‘flights of fancy’. If Ms. Lovegood feels this behavior may be seen as such by foreign diplomats, what, if anything is she doing to improve her behavior in this regard?

Thank you for your question. It was a good one, and I love good questions.

I don't know how much of an improvement it would be, actually, if I were to sacrifice my fresh point of view and a mind and spirit that is entirely my own.
Some may embrace it, and others may dislike it, but I don't exactly see why it should change so long as it does not get in the way of my doing what is best for the Wizarding World and cooperating with our friends in other countries. Unlike some of the other candidates, I do not have a tendency for rashness or rudeness, qualities that may hurt our diplomatic processes far more than "flights of fancy" might.

4. Ms. Lovegood, you sound a bit unrealistic and out of touch, talking about Crumple-Horned Snorkaks and Blibbering Humdingers, and referring to thestrals as "threats". You seem like too much of a dreamer to make a good, pragmatic Minister, especially with a running mate who's not exactly the most pragmatic and down-to-earth being either. With your fun ideas of "Barefoot Day" (we hope you thought about protection against poison ivy and the like) and “Funny Sock Day”, don't you think you'd be great as Heads of the Department of the Environment, or the Department of Leisure, rather than trying to administer the whole Wizarding Community?

Yes, as a matter of fact I would make a great Head of the department of Environment, but even a better minister, along with Dobby.
Even though he may not have experience at the ministry, he does have experience with everyday life, so he could solve small conflicts more easily then someone who has worked in the ministry, with little understanding of small problems. Dobby and I want to discourage prejudice against magical creatures and “half-breeds”, as some people would call them. They deserve to be treated as one of us, not like rubbish. We hope to improve that, and other problems.
With our ideas of Barefoot day and Funny sock day, we hope to add more fun to everyday life in the ministry and outside of it. Life without a break every once in a while gets stressful, and causes the quality of a person's work to drop and they tire out more easily. If people have a break, they will be happier and less likely to start conflicts and produce substandard work.
You may call my way of thinking “dreaming, unrealistic, and out-of-touch” but I just think outside of the box, a quality I think a good minister should have. With creative thinking, maybe we could have had better plans to protect the wizarding world from danger, maybe even from Voldemort himself. But nobody would believe that he was back, and so we were unprepared. If elected minister, I plan to use my ability to see beyond lies and corruption to further protect the wizarding world.
And one last correction: Thestrals aren’t a threat, they are harmless and perfectly safe. So harmless, in fact, that Hogwarts uses them itself.

5. What are your plans for raising the Wizarding World's awareness to the lesser-known magical creatures, such as Wrackspurts, Heliopaths, Nargles, and the like?

As potential Minister for Magic, I have a firm belief that we should treat our magical allies as our equals. There are always new creatures for us to discover, and I plan on putting much more emphasis and effort towards this goal; what this country needs are cleaner minds and dirtier fingernails. To help our progress financially, I plan on ridding the Vampyre and Hag Relocation Fund so the program would not be independently run. Whether they be Nargles or not, the learning experience of discovery would be well worth our Galleons.
My devoted husband Rolf Scamander, as you may well know, is the grandson of the celebrated Magizoologist and household author Newt Scamander, who published many successful books about magical creatures and our relations with them. With their help, I have drafted a plan for Ministry approved creature refuges and safe-havens, for I believe that some of our friends may soon come near extinction.
Also, with the help of Rubeus Hagrid and Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank, my Hogwarts associate-representatives, I have also planned a re-write of the Hogwarts standard Care of Magical Creatures curriculum, so as to set up more hands-on experiences for the students, because we live in this world and it is our duty to learn of and better take care of it. It is time for change, and as a Wizarding community as a whole, we need to step up and take responsibility for our actions, reflecting on the fact that it will affect all the creatures around us.

It would be a phenomenal experience for all participants to help us in discovering new magical companions and helping create good relationships with them. Only then, when we are motivated for peace and harmony, can our society thrive.

(In an unrelated matter, I plan on having Dolores Jane Umbridge put on extended trial for additional charges on Harassment and Verbal Offense to a tribal group of centaurs).

6. What should the Ministry position be on addressing the rights and status of magical beings like giants and centaurs?

We believe magical beings should be treated equally. Until we treat our friends with respect we cannot expect respect in return. Generally we wizards have treated other magical beings as if they are not as good as us, whereas they have greatly shown that they are at least as good, if not better! Centaurs, mermaids and giants helped us in the past when fighting against Voldemort, and a great help they were.
By equality I truly mean equality, I do not mean that we should allow them certain rights or a token representative in the department of magical creatures as it is now. I mean that they should be a part of any decisions made in the magical world. We would like to open up ministry posts to all magical beings so that their views can be widely recognised and their knowledge can help us build a happier, friendlier and more peaceful wizarding world.
We also believe that the rights of magical creatures should be taken into account when making decisions which would effect them. Although it is not always possible to consult magical creatures due to problems with ways of communicating they are still effected by decisions made by the wizarding world so we need to consider them. Even though we cannot currently communicate with these creatures it does not mean they are lesser beings and we should strive to find way of communicating so we can benefit from each other and live in greater harmony.

7. You have very different ways of thinking compared to those of the general Wizarding World in many areas which manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Do you think that this will hinder the negotiations and implementation of your policies in terms of getting people to agree with such radically different thought patterns?

Perhaps it is time for the Wizarding world to be introduced new perspectives. When you have a society which merely continues to pass down the same ideas generation after generation, they will become stagnant and may perhaps forget to think about why they act in certain ways.

One prominent example is the blatant slavery of house-elves in our community. It's been done for generations to the point that very few people question it anymore. In fact, the first person who I ever heard question this practice was my fellow school mate, and now fellow ministerial candidate, Hermione Granger. As a Muggle-born, Ms. Granger had a fresh perspective and was able to see through this disgraceful practice. Of course my running mate, Dobby, and myself would very much like to limit this practice.

I have many unique perspectives concerning environmental issues, magical creatures, and world harmony. I beleive that by giving voice to these view points, I will be able to inspire the Wizarding world to think about their every day lives and philosophies in a new light.

Of course it is never easy to inspire introspection and new ideas, and I do not expect a complete turn-around of society overnight. Change comes slowly, and I hope with time and discussion, that I can convince people to see more than one side of the many issues we face.

[Dobby]

Dobby has an answer for your question.

1. Dobby, as a House Elf, with no experience besides taking orders from Wizarding masters, how do you feel you'll handle the pressure of working as Deputy Minister?

Dobby must say that is not true. Dobby stood up to his former master as soon as he was freed from him, and did not always follow him even while he had to. Dobby came to warn Harry Potter of the plot against him, even though he had to grievously punish himself afterward. And Dobby gave Harry Potter the hints that allowed him to realize that Dobby's former master was guilty of the plot, even though his master would have punished him most severely if Harry Potter had not freed him. House-elves are capable of disobeying their masters, even if the cruel magical binds that constrain them force them to punish themselves. Living in such a situation, with masters he hated, only made Dobby stronger about his own opinions. There is no greater pressure than having to do what you know to be right in fear for your life, sirs and madams, and that is how Dobby had to live for years and years. It strengthened him so that he has no doubt that he will be able to handle the pressures of working as Deputy Minister. On the contrary, his experience as a slave has made Dobby all the more determined to work to help those who are still trapped by magical enslavement.

[Professor Snape]

In answer to your inquiries:

You say Mrs. Weasley will act faithfully on your behalf "so long as the policies [you] pursue are in the best interests of the wizard world." It seems to me that, while you might have many points of agreement, surely a disagreement between you is not an impossibility. Exactly what would happen in a situation where your commands would be viewed by Mrs. Weasley was not “in the best interests of the wizard world?”

This question seems to imply that, as Minister, I would be granted royal powers to command others to do my will. This is certainly not how I imagine the functioning of my administration, should I win election. Mrs. Weasley and I have common goals to which we are both committed, the goals we have begun to enunciate in our campaign speeches. Any steps she, I, and others in the Ministry will take to further those goals, will be taken after full and frank discussion, so that we will all understand the manner in which they are intended to further those goals.

We have agreed to work as a team to further the progress Kingsley Shacklebolt began before us, and I do not see this changing. We are a team because we are well suited and unlikely to disagree on areas of the campaign we have committed to after long discussions and much debate. Nor do I see Mrs. Weasley as inferior to me. I have no right to command her to do anything at all. She will, as stated, act on my behalf, not under me.


Dear Mr. Snape,
In your preliminary statement you said a new department 'shall reflect the wishes of each non-human community of the British Isles.' How will you respond to criticisms that, by only allocating one department for all non-humans, you aren't really looking to grant them equal rights, but merely hoping to placate them by offering minimal recognition of their needs?

The Ministry also has only one Department for International Cooperation. This is no more a slight to the hundreds of Wizarding nations of humans around the world with which that department deals, than having one department to liaise with the magical communities of Britain would be to any of those communities.

I would also like to take issue with the question itself. It is framed in the old way of thinking that we are hoping to replace. Neither Mrs. Weasley nor I have suggested that we will “grant equal rights” to our fellow magical beings. Who are wizards, to “grant” anything, to an ancient civilization like that of the goblins? To citizens of a self-governing entity such as the Chiefdom of the Merfolk of the Black Lake? Sentient beings, magical or otherwise, human or otherwise, are equally endowed with rights. We merely propose to endeavour not to infringe on those rights. We feel this is best done by treating with each of those communities in a manner analogous to that we use in dealing with our fellow Wizarding nations. If elected, we pledge to treat with all magical communities in good faith, respecting their wishes, their views, and their traditions.


Mr. Snape was noted for bullying children and being sarcastic and taunting adults; in addition he had poor hygiene. If Mr. Snape does not intend to behave in that manner with those under his guidance at the ministry as well as foreign diplomats - and correct his hygiene, what is he doing to improve his behaviour and make himself more presentable in that regard?

As a teacher at Hogwarts, I enjoyed cordial, professional relationships with the staff – with long-term teachers including Professors McGonagall and Hagrid, with the Headmaster, and with the caretaker Mr. Filch. I believe my temperament and behaviour as Minister will be likewise professional, and my relationships with persons with whom I work as Minister, likewise smooth.

It is true that I was fortunate to work with an outstanding group of people, principled, talented, and hard-working, so it would be fair to argue that this does not adequately address how I might behave in less ideal circumstances. I can only point to my service, in the first and second Voldemort wars, as a spy for Albus Dumbledore in the ranks of the Death Eaters. When it was necessary to achieve the goals set for me in Professor Dumbledore’s plans, I worked closely with persons who were enormously distasteful to me on a personal level. It is this determination to follow up on a promise that I intend to bring to office. I will offer my best efforts, if you honour me with your vote.

As for my supposed hygiene issues, might I suggest that these journalists spend less time reading the graffiti on the doors in Hogwarts' bathrooms and try to recall that I currently survive through an immaculate and gleaming portrait that hangs in the Headmistress’s Office at Hogwarts, and, if I am elected, a duplicate will be commissioned for the Ministry as well. This portrait is an excellent likeness of me, as all such portraits are. Whether this is a good or bad thing, and whether its appearance is of any importance, I leave to the voters to decide. I venture to assert that the issue of hygiene and grooming is not one with which most portraits must deal, even if, for example, the paintings of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart were known, occasionally, to place their golden locks in curlers.


Professor Snape, the teaching methods you employed during your tenure at Hogwarts seem to denote a lack of patience with the less gifted. How would you handle this if elected Minister?

In my time at Hogwarts school, I was known for pressing my students to achieve what I knew to be their very best potential. I am a firm believer that a person can do anything if they put their mind to it. I feel that, in my capacity as Minister for Magic, my determination and motivation in this regard will allow me to be a team player, and will also ensure that I lead that team to the best of my ability. This, above all else, will offer the best team the Ministry can offer in the following years, which can only be a good thing.

I do not believe for one second that one person is less gifted than another, but rather that each person has individual gifts and talents. In this regard, within my campaign I have laid out policies to ensure that each student, whether Muggle born or Wizarding, has every available opportunity to succeed as they would wish to. I believe that equal opportunity cements a road to peace that we all wish to walk, and so every student, regardless of circumstances, will be able to enjoy universal benefits of an exceedingly high standard.


Professor Snape, you were very unfair and sometimes cruel to students not from your House. You terrorized Neville, mocked Hermione, made Harry Potter your whipping boy and clearly favoured the Slytherins. What assurance do we have that you will be a fair and just Minister who will not indulge in bullying and favouritism?

I can only assure you, in this situation that I fully intend to act as fairly and justly as I can possibly act in my post as Minister for Magic. In accepting once again that a job as Minister and a job as teacher are two entirely different things, to address your overall complaint I can reassure you that I never bore any grudges toward any students in Hogwarts School. Never once were there any complaints of “bullying” or “favouritism”, from any parents or guardian of pupils at the school. This, I feel, is proof enough that my behaviour is well within the boundaries of acceptable parameters. Nor was I ever approached for poor conduct in all my time working under Albus Dumbledore, the only Headmaster prior to myself that I knew. I built relationships with my colleagues based entirely upon co-operation and respect and so I must protest a clean record.

Indeed, I praise Neville Longbottom for his bravery, and I will state that Hermione Granger is one of the best witches of her generation. These two individuals played vital roles in ending the tyrannical rule of Lord Voldemort. As for Harry Potter, he completed that task. I believe him to be noble and upstanding, and I acknowledge that his contribution to the Ministry of Magic is a success. I am honoured to share a name with his son.

I wish each of these candidates success in whatever they attempt in their lives. In this regard, I cannot say that I am less than fair or less than just. I praise where praise is due and I have no intentions of allowing such pettiness as favouritism and mockery infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. Bullying will not be tolerated on my watch, and I am aware that Mrs. Molly Weasley stands firm on this issue also. We have based our campaign on justice and equality. I have every intention of following up on these plans, have no doubt of that.

The fact is, I chose to campaign in this election with Mrs Molly Weasley because I feel that together, we have the necessary ideas and plans to lead the Wizarding world onward. I believe that our ideas are more in keeping with the present needs of the Wizarding population than any other candidate’s, and I know that if I receive your vote, I can certainly work to achieve the plans that have been thought through and deliberated with the ultimate in care and finesse.


Mr Snape, in your previous career as professor and then headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you were generally regarded as unfair, biased, prejudiced, cruel, and a bully. How do you believe your temperament and behaviour will be as Minister for Magic?

I believe that my temperament and behaviour as Minister for Magic will be exemplary. A teaching career and a career in government are two entirely different things. I have nothing to be biased about in this position, nor do I have any prejudices towards other races within the Wizarding World or, indeed, the Muggle world. It is my intention to be candid, honest and approachable at all times in the following years, to ensure that International Magical Co operation is maintained and that diplomacy is at the forefront of my tenure.

In life, I bore the burden of guilt for my actions as a death eater, the uncertainty of a spy in Lord Voldemort's inner circle who might at any time be discovered, and the nagging fear that I might fail, again. In death, I am in no way tethered to difficulties, troubles or stress of this kind. I am satisfied that I did my part, and secure in the knowledge that, against my expectations, Lord Voldemort was defeated and Harry Potter again survived. I am at peace with myself, in a way I could and would never have been, while Lord Voldemort lived. I believe my temperament and attitude in answering these questions, previous questions, and in my speech, have proved beyond doubt that I am well endowed to deal with a new position as Minister for Magic.

As a representative of the Wizarding World and all who reside in it, I know that my behaviour, temperament and attitude will at all times be courteous and professional, because it is in this way that I and my campaign partner, Molly Weasley, see the future of the Ministry being a successful one as we seek to travel further down the road to peaceful coexistence.


You have made a career of keeping secrets and double-dealing. How can we be assured that you are working for the best interests of your constituents, and not some private, personal agenda?

Secrets and double deals are a sad fact of a spy’s life. I make no apology for doing that job in the Voldemort wars, for I helped bring Albus Dumbledore’s plans to fruition, and assisted Harry Potter in the quest that culminated in the final defeat of Lord Voldemort. In this campaign, Mrs. Weasley and I are laying out our plans to benefit the Wizarding World for all to see. What agenda can a dead man have, other than helping to foster a better world than the one he lived in? Further, there is the matter of Mrs. Molly Weasley, my running mate. Voters who doubt my personal probity should recognize that she, certainly, is not in this campaign to further some putative personal agenda of mine.

While Mrs. Weasley and I were gratified in the degree to which the public is interested in my personal growth, character, and appearance, we were disappointed by the dearth of questions addressing the substance of our campaign - the ways in which our administration will work to make the Wizard World a safer, more equitable place for you and your children. We have answered the questions we were asked fully, they deserved answers. In addition, we have taken the opportunity to address political issues of interest to the voters, an interest that may be deduced from the questions they asked of other candidates.

[Molly Weasley]

If you'll allow me, I'd love to put my two cents in on this question as well:

You have made a career of keeping secrets and double-dealing. How can we be assured that you are working for the best interests of your constituents, and not some private, personal agenda?

Career of secrets and double-dealing? I suppose we could call it that. Professor Snape was certainly an able spy, who fooled me, along with Lord Voldemort and the entire Wizard World. But to equate this to a fundamental personal dishonesty, or serving of a personal agenda, is to ignore the facts. Professor Snape was, to quote Harry Potter, “Dumbledore’s”. And Dumbledore’s agenda, to protect Harry Potter and bring about the downfall of Lord Voldemort, was also Professor Snape’s agenda. In the consistent, lifelong furtherance of that agenda, he sacrificed his physical safety, his reputation, and, in the end, his life.

Though yes, he seemed an ambiguous and foreboding individual in circumstances in the past, I can only hold my hand to my heart and say that I trust, not only my future, but my children’s' futures, to this man and our campaign. Severus Snape has proved by his actions that he is an honourable, upstanding and moral individual who has shown great strength of character in incredibly tough times.

[Harry Potter]

Thank you for taking the time to view our campaign ad. We hope to allow you to get to know us better in ways we have not been able to present as of yet. There is information on our background, some of the issues we are pursuing as well as some of what we have achieved to date. Without further ado, we present our ad:



A special thanks to all of the artists that contributed to this video. Please click on the arrow for a full listing.

Artists listing:    

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We would like to give special thanks to everyone below for their contributions: "Lily and James" - Rohanelf (http://rohanelf.deviantart.com) "Molly and Arthur" - Laura Freedman (http://www.nasubionna.net) "Apassionata" - X-Ray Dog (http://www.x-raydogmusic.com) "Dark Empire" - X-Ray Dog (http://www.x-raydogmusic.com) "Hedwig's Theme" - John Williams (http://johnwilliamscomposer.com) "Harry and Ron" - hito76 (http://hito76.deviantart.com)

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Thanks! Harry and Ron's Team

[Hermione Granger]

Neville and I proudly present our video: