"there is no sordid affair. i was tricked, and i was taken advantage of in a desperate political play. that’s what happened. that’s the ugly truth of it." hermione gripped at the edges of the podium, leaning in as she continued, "and at the end of the day, that’s what i want you to expect from me: full transparency, even around the bits i’m not fond of. because that’s the type of leader you all deserve, and that’s the kind of person i am. of course, i want to win this election – but i’m not going to lie, or cheat, or blackmail my way there. i’m going to be myself. my whole self."