Chapter 5
Noble Houses and the Pure-Blood System
During his readings, Harry began to understand that the wizarding world was divided by much more than just those who supported or opposed Voldemort. There was an intricate network of power, tradition, and political influences that dated back centuries. The noble houses and pure-blood families had a long history of controlling and manipulating the laws and policies of the wizarding world.
Harry read about the Sacred Twenty-Eight, a list of wizarding families considered "truly" pure-blood by an anonymous author in the early 20th century. He was surprised to learn that many of these families, like the Malfoys, the Blacks, and the Lestranges, were deeply intertwined with the history of blood purity supremacy and often opposed any progress toward equality and inclusion.
On the other hand, he discovered that some pure-blood families, like the Potters and the Weasleys, had a long tradition of challenging these ideas. The Potters, for instance, had always believed that a wizard's worth came from their character and ability, not their ancestry. He read about Henry Potter, an ancestor who served as a member of the Wizengamot and publicly defended the rights of Muggle-borns, which led to the Potters being removed from the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
On his readings, Harry came across a tome titled *Power Structures: The Ministry of Magic and Wizarding Politics*. The book provided a detailed insight into the formation and internal workings of the Ministry of Magic. Harry knew that the Ministry was the central governing body for wizards in Britain, but he had no idea how deeply its roots were intertwined with the ancient traditions of noble houses and political maneuvers.
He read about the Wizard Council, which preceded the Ministry, and how the first Ministers of Magic were often chosen based on their loyalty to the most influential pure-blood houses. Although the Ministry had evolved over the centuries, many remnants of this feudal system remained: key positions were frequently occupied by members of these old families, and political alliances often influenced decisions that were supposed to be impartial.
The Wizengamot, the highest court and legislative body in the wizarding world, was a clear reflection of this dynamic. Harry read about how noble families often used their influence to protect their own interests, shaping laws in their favor and marginalizing more progressive voices. For example, laws like the 1765 Mixed-Blood Magic Prohibition Act, which had long since been repealed, had been passed by families fearful of blood mixing and the loss of purity.
Harry also found information on the role of Aurors, the Ministry's primary law enforcement force, which had not always been solely focused on combating dark magic. In the past, Aurors had been used to hunt down and intimidate those who opposed the status quo of powerful families. Even in modern times, traces of that influence could still be felt.
As he delved deeper, Harry discovered a section about his family's historical influence within the Ministry. He learned that the Potters, despite their opposition to pure-blood supremacy, had always been respected for their integrity and wisdom. In addition to Henry Potter, there were other members of the family who had served in various important roles within the Wizengamot, always advocating for justice and equality.
Harry read about how the Potters' support for equality between wizards and Muggle-borns often put them in direct conflict with other powerful families. Despite pressure and threats, the Potters never wavered in their principles. Harry felt a deep sense of pride realizing that his family had always fought against injustice, even in the face of adversity.
He also came across rumors of an attempt to appoint a Potter as Minister for Magic in the 1940s, following the war against Grindelwald. However, the Potters had declined, believing they could serve the wizarding world better in other ways.
As Harry absorbed this information, he began to see the wizarding world in a new light. The battle against Voldemort was only one chapter in the larger struggle against tyranny and prejudice that had existed for generations. He started to understand that true power came from knowledge and understanding, not just from powerful wands and spells.
The realization of how politics, alliances, and bloodlines shaped the wizarding world gave Harry a new perspective on the challenges he would face in the future. He understood that to truly fight Voldemort and what he represented, he would need not only magical strength but also the wisdom to navigate this world of politics and tradition.
Madam Carter, observing his progress, seemed pleased. "You're starting to understand, Harry," she said one day as he leafed through a book on the Wizengamot. "The true battle is often fought not just with spells but with the power of knowledge. Those who know their world's history have the advantage of not repeating its mistakes."
After weeks of intense study in the "Ancient Magic" library, Harry realized that he wanted to deepen his knowledge in areas that could give him a real advantage in the fight against Voldemort and in understanding the wizarding world. He grew increasingly frustrated with his decision to take Divination as one of his subjects at Hogwarts.
Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, on the other hand, seemed to be the keys to unlocking many of the secrets he had encountered in his studies. Runes were used in protective magic, complex enchantments, and even spells lost over time. Arithmancy, in turn, was a rigorous discipline involving the study of numbers and magical calculations that governed advanced spells and enchantments.
Determined, Harry took a piece of parchment and began writing a letter to Professor McGonagall.
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Dear Professor McGonagall,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I would like to request a change in my subjects for the upcoming school year. Upon reflection and study, I believe that Divination will not be the best choice for my future. Therefore, I would like to replace Divination with Ancient Runes and Arithmancy.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
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When he finished, Harry felt a wave of nervousness. He knew that McGonagall was a fair but strict teacher who did not appreciate sudden changes. However, he was determined. Tying the letter to Hedwig's leg, he gently stroked the owl.
"Take this to Professor McGonagall at Hogwarts as quickly as you can, Hedwig. And come back fast, okay?" he smiled as Hedwig nipped his hand affectionately before soaring out the open window into the night sky.
While waiting for McGonagall's response, Harry continued to immerse himself in studies on runes and the basic principles of Arithmancy. The "Ancient Magic" library had a substantial section on these subjects, and Madam Carter seemed more than willing to help guide him.
She gifted him an old, well-preserved book titled *Foundations of Ancient Runes: Symbols, Power, and Magic*. The book was a treasure trove of knowledge, filled with rune diagrams, explanations of their origins and uses, and even some basic formulas Harry could begin practicing.
"This will be a good start for you," Madam Carter said, handing him the book with an approving look. "Runes are much more than symbols. They have life, they have purpose. And if you learn to respect and understand them, they can be powerful allies."
Harry absorbed her words with seriousness and dedicated himself to learning as much as he could. He spent hours in the quietest corner of the library, copying runes and repeating their pronunciations in a low voice. Some runes had simple functions, like illumination or basic protection. Others, however, were more complex and required careful combinations to avoid undesirable outcomes.
About a week later, Hedwig returned with a letter. Harry hurried to open it, his heart racing. McGonagall's firm, neat handwriting appeared before his eyes:
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Dear Mr. Potter,
I have received your letter requesting a change in your subjects for the upcoming school year. While I understand that Divination may not be the ideal choice for all students, I must warn you that Ancient Runes and Arithmancy are extremely demanding subjects that require a high level of dedication and study.
That being said, I am willing to allow this change, provided you are aware of the additional workload you will face in order to catch up with your peers.
Sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonagall
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Harry let out a sigh of relief and excitement at the same time. He knew he would have to work hard, but he also knew he was on the right path. Now he had the opportunity to explore the mysteries of runes and Arithmancy, subjects that could provide the answers and skills he so desperately needed.
With renewed determination, Harry dove back into the books, ready to learn everything he could before the start of the new school year. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but for the first time in a long time, he felt truly prepared and motivated for what was to come.