Exhilarating, wasn't it? This election. I have learned a lot, and I am only saddened that there will be no shirtless Fridays at the Ministry. Thank you for all seventeen percent of you who voted for me, and congratulations to the victor.

( -Private to Regulus- )

While I am quite flattered that the Daily Prophet thinks so highly of my looks, I did not enter the race for Minister in order to pose for the cameras and end the injustices that have been done to the people of this great nation by flashing my pearly whites.

The Prophet takes umbrage with my age. It is true I am young, but I represent a generation that is not jaded and world-weary. I bring with me optimism, stamina, and fresh eyes to the problems that have plagued the Wizarding World for decades, and in some cases centuries. I am no babe. I have grown up around politics, and I have spent my life becoming learned in what being a leader and an official means. I am likely more familiar with both sides of the issues than my opponents, because I do not only do the research that will support my opinions, but I also take a vested interest in the opposing voice.

If the people of the United Kingdom do me the great honour of electing me Minister for Magic, I promise you that everyone will have the opportunity to be heard. My window will be open for any and all owls sent my way, and those which I do not have time to read personally will be read by my staff, and all points will be taken into account. The people have been downtrodden for centuries. My administration would offer every witch and wizard the opportunity to sing loudly and have their voices join in chorus and be heard.

To me, each and every one of you is not just a vote. You are a person. You are a name. You are a life I have not lived, but that life offers insight and knowledge that my position may not offer me, nor my opponents. You matter. Let me give you your voice.

The Prophet argues that it is a bad thing, my inexperience with politics and not having a seat on the council. I argue it is what sets me apart from the other candidates. I do not deal in backroom politics. I do not take part in secret under the table deals that benefit my pocketbook and take from the people. I am not a part of the aged minds and jaded, selfish prospects that so often are the deciding factors in the most important decisions our government makes.

I am not a politician. I am not a council member. I am a wizard who makes friends in line at the market. I am a man who enjoys a social gathering for what it is, rather than taking part in the secret deals that often take place in the backrooms of the manor where such parties are thrown. I am a human being who does not judge others by the purity of their heritage. When my blood is spilled, it is red, just like yours. Just like the royal family's. Just like the pauper who lives on a stoop and begs for any knut you can spare. I am not above you. I do not run for Minister because I believe myself to be any better than everyone who reads this. I run because I care about the people. I run because I want to implement the change the people deserve. I run because have the lifelong knowledge, the fairness, and the open mind it will take to make Great Britain the best she can be.

We all exist on this island, and for better or for worse, we are all in this together. Do not silence your voice. Stand up and be heard. Take pride in who you are and what you believe in. Even if you do not vote for me, do not let yourself mindlessly follow someone else's wishes. Do not allow someone to tell you what is best for you when you are more than capable of deciding that for yourself. It is, after all, your life, and you are the one living it. You are the one who has the right to decide how, not a group of nameless, faceless politicians in a backroom who couldn't give a damn about you or your life.

Let yourself be heard.

The campaign is going well. I have high hopes.

I have addressed other questions within this journal from voters. Is there anything else someone would like for me to speak about?

Regulus, it seems we are still a couple. Shall we celebrate our anniversary? Problem is, I'm not sure when it is. Do you?

It has been requested that I speak of my opinions on Muggleborns.

Regardless of class, race, or creed, we are all created equal. We are all born naked and crying, but while some of us are swaddled in silk, others are swaddled in coarse cloth. However, there are no rules of the universe that state a poor man cannot be smart or a rich man stupid, nor are there rules that state a Muggleborn cannot be powerful, intelligent, and able to lead.

Time and time again throughout history, there are examples of witches and wizards coming from powerful backgrounds who are incompetent at best. There are also scores of examples of witches of wizards born of Muggles who have become the most powerful and intelligent of all. We are born into our class, and with few exceptions, it cannot be helped or changed. Our job as human beings and citizens of this great country is not to abide by the restrictions society places on us, but to rise above those chains and live the lives we are meant to live. We are obligated to no one and everyone at the same time. In my own life, I am expected to live up to my title, but my passion lies in Quidditch. I am obligated to perform duties as Lord Diggory, but I am also obligated to do what I am best at and find my place in this world outside of the corner where I was born. That is my goal with this election; not to do what is obligated of me, but to do everything in my power to serve you, the citizen, because I am certain that this is the course my life will take, where my passion and potential lie. If I am not elected this year, I will spend my time serving you all and making your life better in every way possible, no matter who you are or what you were swaddled in when you were born.

I am not an elitist, despite my background and privileged upbringing. I believe that it should not matter what kind of blood runs through your veins, only the love and courage that runs through your heart and the sense that resides in your brain. I live these beliefs every day of my life. I will drink with you no matter who your parents are; I will laugh with you no matter who you support, and I will mourn with you no matter our differences. You and I are equal, no matter my title or yours.

So in short, Muggleborns and purebloods, impoverish or royal, you are all equal in my eyes, and my life reflects this truth. If you the people honour me by electing me Minister of Magic, it will be reflected in my politics as well.

I would like to discuss the issues at hand in the upcoming elections, and I would like to speak about those topics the public would like to hear about.

So I am asking you, the voters, which topics you would like for me to discuss. Nothing is off-limits, though I would prefer they be kept to political topics.

I see the Prophet has once again seen fit to ignore the three dates I have gone on in the past ten days in favour of a conversation I have had over journals. Fascinating. But if having a lover as intelligent as Lord Regulus is the worst they can make up about me, by all means.

My campaign will not get in the way of my job as Seeker for the Wasps, and that means practise six days a week. I am so very sorry, Regulus, but it seems I simply do not have time to be anyone's lover until the campaign has ended. My sincerest apologies to those whose fantasies I have burst.

I see the cat is out of the bag. I have officially put my hat in for Minister, and while I am young, I assure you I have both the ability and inclination to bring this great country in the direction in the direction it needs to go in in order to thrive and be the best we can possibly be.

Also, if I win, I will have shirtless Fridays. For me. Optional for others.

( Private )

Practise wasn't horrid today, and good news about my elbow. Ripped a tendon two weeks ago, but the team healer has given me the go-ahead to play in the next match. Don't worry, it won't affect my play.

On the title side of things, Father is getting antsy about my woeful status as a bachelor and an only child. I keep reminding him that if I don't like my wife, he won't have any heirs to speak of anyway, and that's the only reason he hasn't tried to arrange a marriage yet. Here's to hoping it stays that way.