They've accepted my candidacy. It seems as though my competition consists of Hermione Granger and- if rumours are to be believed, Justin Finch-Fletchley. They're both younger than I am, so I suppose my worries are a bit silly now. But I know I need to start making nice.

I'm thinking of arranging some sort of charity event. I was thinking a ball, but I need to appeal to the greater masses, and I can just imagine that some people wouldn't care for such a thing. Unless, perhaps, it was tied to a Quidditch outing of some sort? Perhaps I could gain the support of a team or..I'm not sure. So much to think about.

I've submitted my name to be considered as a candidate for the Minister of Magic. Pending approval from the Wizengamot, of course. I know it's possibly dangerous, but I think I could do it. At least, after thinking it over, I'm fairly confident that I'm a fully qualified candidate. I've been fairly successful in our department, my public and private records are spotless, I've always done well at school, and- well, to be honest? I almost feel like I could do as well or possibly even better than some of the others who I can just imagine might try to run. I'll have to play nice with some people we don't particularly care for, but I'm sure that won't be an issue.

Though if you truly think it might be a bad idea, I can always withdraw. What do you think? I don't plan to announce anything until I find out if I'm even accepted.

Do you think we could take a few days off either this week or early next and go somewhere for the weekend, just the two of us? Even if only for just a few days?

With the Minister dead, I wonder what this means. And the sight of the Dark Mark-- does that mean a return? Is there going to be another war? I know we've been patient all this time, and I'm not so naive to think that our fellows were going to sit idly back forever. It was only a matter of time before something happened, right?

I- Miles, love- whatever happens, you'll be careful, won't you?