January 2003
January 1st, 2003
Narcissa and Lucius were slowly waking up. It was 11 am. They fell asleep at 3 am. The New Year celebration had dragged on for a bit longer. Their son, Draco, was still sleeping, which is good since both had a hangover from yesterday. Narcissa was grateful that she brewed some hangover potions for her husband and herself. The only thing that had to be done was finding out, what Dumbledore’s bucket list is for this year. Like last year, Phineas warned her that Dumbledore was making another bucket list for this year. The Malfoy Family sat down to eat an early lunch. Narcissa was smiling at her son happily. He was going to be three this year and Narcissa was sure that this year was going to be exciting.
In Hogwarts in the headmaster’s office, Albus Dumbledore was writing another bucket list for this year. For the first six months, he had planned to put up more restriction against dark magic, which includes potions, elixirs and artefacts. From July to December, he planned to put up more restrictions and bans against the elves. During the school board meetings, he will try to limit the ICW curriculum in Charms and Potions. He has to fix things before they are going out of control. With that done, Albus left his office, in order to get some lunch. Phineas just shook his head at the foolishness and looked over the list. He managed to memorise it line by line. The former headmaster informed Narcissa about Dumbledore’s plans.
Narcissa had to admit that the fool is predictable, but that was over easy. She was also informed that there was going to be an order meeting during the holidays.
Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office, January 2nd, 2003
Albus was sitting with his followers in his office discussing the Wizengamot meeting. They needed to make a progress now. He was furious that last year, everything went to hell. Today, they discussed to ban the Dark Arts, which is including the Unforgivables. Many agreed that something needed to be done since the spells and curses were too dangerous to be used and it is corruptive. Phineas rolled his eyes about the dramatics. Black Magic and the Dark Arts are not the same. The Dark Arts require a lot of control over the emotions. Only a few were able to cast the Dark Arts, because they needed to have strong shields around their minds, in order to stop any impulsiveness. Without any control, it could be dangerous and deadly and the person could lose their mind to it. Many former students like McNair and Mulciber have lost control over themselves and became mad like rabid dogs by doing the Dark Arts unsupervised. The same can be said about the Light Arts, which are as dangerous as the Dark Arts, but unlike the Dark Arts, the person needs to keep their intention at bay, when they were casting this kind of magic, because the person becomes self-righteous and controlling like Dumbledore’s followers. Phineas knew that Dumbledore also had dabbled in White Magic, which is as dangerous as Black Magic, because it blinds a person from right and wrong and makes the person arrogant to their own actions.
Albus was hoping that this time, they would be successful by banning the Dark Arts completely, in order to make their society good and light. He can’t afford that the next generation is corrupted by dark magic.
Arthur wanted to roll his eyes. The Dark Arts are a field of study and are not that dangerous, if you have the knack for it and you are trained. Dumbledore really wants to ban dark magic from their society, which is a really bad idea, because dark magic is part of their community and the magical cycle. Dark and light are like yin and yang. There must be a balance between both branches since an imbalance could harm their society and the magical environment. He had read, what Tsar Nikolaus II. under the influence of Rasputin had done to the magical society and environment and it was catastrophic. Dumbledore like Rasputin back then is trying to ruin the magical world with their only light ways. There is also the grey aspect in magic that is only important, if there is an imbalance in their society. He will inform the others about Dumbledore’s plans in the Wizengamot.
Sirius was paranoid. Narcissa hadn’t done anything apart from spreading the rumour about Harry in the ministry ball in Halloween. He had seen the annoyed and the slightly fearful expressions on James and Lily. Sirius was sure that Narcissa had done this, in order to scare off his friends and start her crusade against them. Last year, things hadn’t gone their way in the Wizengamot and school board meetings and he was sure that it is because of his ex-cousin. He wished that his ex-grandfather hadn’t disowned him and kicked him out on the street, where he nearly died due to the cold. He could have helped them in the Wizengamot and the school board with the added support from the Black Family, but this is not the case.
His dreams of being Lord Black were going to be just dreams as long as Harry remains under the Malfoys’ control.
Flora Donovan and Anna Nolan were sitting and plotting in an empty classroom. Both remained in school during this Christmas break since their parents had some businesses to do during the holidays. Flora was ranting: “Anna, we need to do something about Greengrass. I have heard from Sarah that during the Yule wedding of the Yaxleys, Jaques and Anton were still together. She had caught them making out under the mistletoe.” She had a disgusted face. Flora didn’t know what disgusted her more. That Clara Yaxley had married a death eater or that Anton was intimate with Greengrass and her friend had to endure it.
“Poor Sarah, how is she?”, Anna asked saddened. She felt sorry for her best friend, who had to watch her love of her life being intimate with a boy that comes from a dark and evil family. Anna still believes that Anton can change his ways and that he will get together with Sarah.
“She was devasted, Anna. It breaks her heart that Anton has chosen Greengrass over her and that Greengrass is not staying away from Anton. We need to teach Greengrass a lesson that his proclivities are not welcome here in Hogwarts and make him pay for turning Anton into a freak”, Flora said in a determined voice.
Anna nodded in agreement. “Yes. We need to do something against Greengrass, but what should we do?”
“Oh, I have a plan. And it would make sure that Greengrass stays away from Anton after that.” Flora had an evil grin on her face.
Unfortunately, the girls had been overheard by one of the portraits that is connected to Severus’ office. Severus would be notified about the girls’ plans. Since the man is cunning, he will make a plan that would teach those girls a very hard lesson.
Malfoy Manor, January 4th, 2003
Another meeting was taking place in Malfoy Manor. Narcissa informed the others about the nominations and proposals that Dumbledore wants to pass for this year. Arthur explained them that the first nomination is about the Dark Arts. He wants this field of magic banned, so that the wizarding world could ‘prosper’ with the removal of the Dark Arts. Narcissa and the others just shook their heads, the man is delusional. It’s time, the Wizengamot members learn some Magical Theory and there they would understand why dark magic and the Dark Arts are important for their society.
“The man is an idiot. Doesn’t he realise that the Dark Arts are a part of the magical world and that there must be a balance between light and dark magic? Without that balance, the cycle could cause many problems like low fertility rates and more squibs are going to be born. Our society would be decimated by these motions”, Augustus Rookwood explained, when he looked at the list of Dumbledore’s laws.
Many let out a breath of annoyance. Dumbledore is a danger to their society. Light Lords and Ladies could also be as dangerous as Dark Lords and Ladies, if they remain unchecked. They needed to keep an eye on Dumbledore.
“I never thought that a Light Lord could be a danger to our society”, Amelia huffed.
Thorfinn grumbled: “Oh, Light Lords and Ladies could also be dangerous with their beliefs. Rasputin for example was also a Light Lord and he had managed to convince the Tsar to ban Elemental Magic and other forms of magics in Russia that he didn’t approve of. The man had caused a bad harvest and many wixen and muggles died due to starvation. Rasputin had the same thought of school as Dumbledore and he was the leader of the pro-muggle group in the magical Duma, where he had the same belief to merge the magical and muggle world together. Unlike Dumbledore, he didn’t have any power in the magical government and was distrusted by the dark and neutral fractions in the Duma. That was the reason why, he became close to the Tsar, so that his only light policies are implemented in Russia through the ruler himself, which had only caused death and destruction. He was later betrayed and murdered by some members of the muggle Duma and high-ranking nobles in the muggle world, when the Russian Ministry of Magic explained, what the bans from Tsar Nikolaus II. had caused to the magical environment and that the issues would cause further bad harvest in the muggle world due to the lack of magic. It also explains why the Romanovs were murdered at the end.”
“Betrayed and killed by muggles? What an irony?”, Severus remarked.
“Some Light Lords and Ladies were pro-muggle and a smaller section were more radical regarding their beliefs since they wanted to merge the wizarding and muggle world. They were killed by those, who they had represented since they were seen as a danger”, Thorfinn explained with a shrug.
Everyone laughed at the irony, but they were glad that it was only a minority. They needed a distraction and Narcissa had a perfect idea. “Many of us have younger children and some of us have to attend the Wizengamot and the school board meetings or some of us have to go to work, which would leave our children home alone. Lucius and I hate it that we have to leave Draco alone during the Wizengamot meetings, trials and school board meetings. We always have to arrange for someone to look after our son.” Many nodded in understanding and sympathised with them. Amelia had always had to arrange for her niece to stay with the Abbotts until she returned back home from work. Arthur had the same feeling since he didn’t trust Molly around his older boys. Narcissa continued: “For that reason, I think that nominating a childcare centre would be beneficial for many working parents, where underage children from the age of 0 to 3 could be taken care off.” Many agreed on that. They also were sure that this was going to distract Dumbledore and his fools greatly.
“And we can nominate to put the current restrictions against the Dark Arts under question since they could harm the balance in the magical cycle and these restrictions could be a danger to our society since that imbalance could cause many fertility issues and a rising number of squibs to be born”, Cyrus said.
With that, the meeting came to an end.
Wizengamot, January 6th, 2003
The first Wizengamot meeting in the New Year had started and everyone saw the changes. Corban Yaxley was now seated in the neutral fraction with his wife, who was sitting beside him. With the formalities finished, Dumbledore started with his nomination to ban the Dark Arts. The man made an hour-long speech about the evils and dangers of the Dark Arts and dark magic. Narcissa was ready to fall asleep, but she remained awake since it would not be appropriate to do something like that here, where everyone could watch. She will take a nap after the meeting.
When Dumbledore was finished, many wanted to sigh in relief. That man could put even Voldemort to sleep with his monologing. The headmaster asked: “Are there any other nominations?”
Narcissa rose her wand since it was safe for her to make a nomination. Albus frowned, when he saw that Narcissa Malfoy wanted to make a motion. “Lady Malfoy?” The younger followers of Dumbledore had hostile looks. They were sure that the woman was going to make a motion that would support the dark.
Narcissa rose from her seat and nominated: “Lords, Ladies, I am nominating that we open up a childcare centre for infants between the age of 0 and 3. Many parents and guardians, who are working or attending the Wizengamot and the school board sessions, need to arrange for their children to be taken care of. For example, my husband and I have to attend the Wizengamot and school board sessions each month and for that time, we have to arrange for our son to be taken care of.”
Amelia seconded the motion and explained: “I agree with Lady Malfoy on that aspect, because I am working in the DMLE as head auror and deputy head of the auror office and at the same time, I have to raise my niece, who had lost her parents as an infant. I always had to arrange a babysitter for her and it is really challenging. A childcare centre could help in this aspect.”
There was a chattering regarding Narcissa’s nomination and many were supportive of that motion, but within Dumbledore’s followers an argument broke out since the younger generation doesn’t trust the proposal from Narcissa and are suspecting that there must be a dark intention behind this nomination. The fools went into hysterics about, how Narcissa wants to brainwash the next generation to support the dark, which caused many eyerolls from the other members. Albus wanted to torture his followers. He found the idea troubling since it is interfering with his plans regarding his control over the next generation, but if he gains access to these children through some of his followers, Albus could influence them.
But now, he had to deal with another fit of James and the other younger followers of his. He wanted to slam his head on the podium, how his followers were behaving.
Aurelia took over as Chief Witch after Dumbledore was distracted and asked the other members of the Wizengamot: “Are there any other nominations?” Amelia rose her wand. It was time to make the protest against Dumbledore’s motion. They agreed that if she does the protest, then, it would be harder to counter. “Lady Bones?”
Amelia rose from her seat and announced: “I have a protest to make regarding Lord Dumbledore’s nomination.” Many were silent. Amelia ignored the uncomfortable silence and continued: “Lord Dumbledore had been going on about the dangers of the Dark Arts and dark magic, but I partially don’t believe that both fields are as dangerous as Lord Dumbledore has claimed them to be since I did my research.” She took out many folders and handed them over to the other members of the Wizengamot. “Dark magic is a part of our world like light magic. There is a balance between dark and light. Without dark magic, there would be an imbalance and this imbalance could harm our society like low fertility and the rising numbers of squibs.” Many were stunned. This explains why there were many issues with fertility and why the number of squibs was rising. Some grumbled that Voldemort had caused this imbalance, others were blaming Dumbledore and the members of the Grey Alliance knew that both were the cause for this imbalance. Amelia continued before a chattering broke out. “Then, there is the point about the Dark Arts. The Dark Arts are difficult and challenging to study since you need a lot of emotional control, in order to do such kind of magic, but they are an important aspect of the balance. Furthermore, there is a strength test for those, who want to study that kind of magic.”
“A strength test? For what reason, does anyone need to do a strength test?”, Graham Mulciber asked annoyed.
Amelia just looked at the Lord of the House Mulciber critically and answered: “Lord Mulciber, a magical strength test determines, if someone is magically and emotionally strong enough to learn and cast the Dark Arts. Not everyone is able to study that field of magic. In Durmstrang for example every student is doing a magical and emotional strength test at the end of their sixth year of schooling, so that the Dark Arts professor can see, who is qualified to study and cast the Dark Arts and who is not.”
“What happens, if someone inexperienced is studying and casting the Dark Arts?”, Lord Dunbar questioned.
Amelia answered: “From what I have read, if someone, who is lacking the magical and/or emotional strength, is studying or even casting such kind of magic, then, there were going to be some mental and magical issues. Mentally, they slowly lose their minds. They go mad, but not insane and their humanity is slowly declining. Magically, there were going to be many issues. The magical core could become damaged and in case, it remains untreated, many wixen suffer from mutations in the core. These mutations are either causing rarely a depletion or in most cases an overload, which could be harmful for the body. Thankfully, there is a treatment and these issues can be fixed fairly easy.” Amelia handed the Wizengamot members many files about the field of study and she also showed them some cases, where inexperienced witches and wizards tried to do the Dark Arts and failed. She also showed the members the treatment plan regarding the mental and magical issues, which startled many members that there is a treatment. Dumbledore always claimed that there is no help for those, who do dark magic, but they were proven false.
“The same counts on the Light Arts even though this field of study is the complete opposite, where the intention had to be kept at bay. The Light Arts are as dangerous as the Dark Arts, because they have a similar effect like the Dark Arts on the magical core, if someone inexperienced tries to do this kind of magic.” Amelia showed the Wizengamot members some files about the Light Arts. “Like the Dark Arts, the Light Arts are also demanding a magical and emotional strength test since the Light Arts could also cause mental and magical issues too. Mentally, witches and wizards become self-righteous and controlling and magically, the magical core can be damaged, but it goes into the opposite direction unlike with the Dark Arts. The magical core in major cases is either suffering from depletion or in rare cases, are going through an overload.”
The Wizengamot members were startled by these revelations that the Light Arts are as dangerous as the Dark Arts, but the files are authentical since they were coming from the ICW. Some were suspicious about Dumbledore and his followers, but they needed a healer and a mind healer for that, in order to prove their suspicion.
Many chattered about the complete ban against the Dark Arts and thought that the Dark Arts are only dangerous, if someone inexperienced does this kind of magic. They were sure that the death eaters were inexperienced, when they tried that kind of magic. The current ban is forbidding everyone apart from the masters, their novices and Unspeakables from doing the Dark Arts, but this ban is banning even them from doing this kind of magic, which sounds to be a bad idea since it would cause an imbalance in the magical world and they couldn’t allow that their society was shrinking.
After the chattering was done, Aurelia questioned: “Are there any other nominations?”
Lord Greengrass rose his wand. The woman turned the attention of the Wizengamot to the Greengrass lord. The man rose from his seat and proposed: “I nominate that the current ban regarding the Dark Arts should be put under question, but the restrictions from the ICW should remain, and that the Light Arts should be restricted through the international regulations. We have seen, what kind of danger both fields could be, if inexperienced witches and wizards are trying to do that kind of magic.”
Many were chattering regarding the motion, but Narcissa saw that they were supportive.
After Cyrus was finished, Dumbledore managed to calm his followers down. The old fool quickly retook the podium and questioned Aurelia, if there were any other nominations. Aurelia answered: “Lord Greengrass nominated to put the current ban against the Dark Arts under question, but there should be some restrictions for those, who want to study this field of magic, in the form of a magical and emotional strength test. He also nominated to restrict the studying of the Light Arts through the international regulations like the Dark Arts.” With that, Aurelia sat down on her seat. Albus wanted to laugh. This nomination will fail. His followers were amused and were sure that no one would vote for this motion. James and the other younger followers were openly laughing and mocking Greengrass for his proposal, but the man remained confident.
Albus moved over to the vote and the first nomination failed. The man was stunned and then, he became furious. What? The amusement of his followers was gone and was replaced by shock and anger. What was going on? Why did the rest of the Wizengamot vote against Albus’ nomination? The younger followers stopped laughing and were completely furious. What the hell? Why? What was going on? The second motion had a unanimous vote since no one wanted to vote against the idea of opening a childcare centre. The third nomination had passed with a landslide vote, which infuriated Dumbledore and his followers even more. James and the younger followers were ranting and screaming in fury, but Albus managed to calm them down.
With the last vote done, the session came to an end. Albus dismissed his followers and told them the date of the next order meeting for the school board session in January 27th. He needed to outleash his anger on something.
Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office
Albus arrived back at his office in an absolute fury. He let out a primal scream of rage and started to destroy his office. This was an absolute nightmare. Not only did his nomination fail, but those fools froze a very important law that he had worked so hard on and then, they had the audacity to restrict the Light Arts like the Dark Arts. The Light Arts aren’t dangerous unlike the Dark Arts, but those fools are viewing both fields of magic equally, which is an insult to him as the leader of the light.
After Albus managed to calm himself down, the man fixed his office and sat down behind his desk. He took a lemon drop, in order to sooth himself, but there is still a simmering anger regarding the lost nomination. How could this happen? This was a giant setback that destroyed many of his plans. The ban was important, so that their society does prosper and he abolished those ridiculous restrictions against the Light Arts since they were not a danger to learn even though, he knew that both the Dark and the Light Arts are equally dangerous for those, who do not pass the magical and emotional strength test.
Albus should have paid attention to the stack of files, the members of the Wizengamot had received, but he ignored them believing that the files were made up by dark wizards and witches, who are trying to spread their propaganda that dark magic can be used for good.
Now, he is paying attention going over the stack and his rage returned, when he had gone through the files. Looking at the source of the files, he had been ready to kill. The files were made by the ICW and things got worse, when he noticed that many acknowledged light wizards and witches wrote the articles about the Dark Arts and their parameters and the dark wizards and witches wrote the articles about the Light Arts and their parameters, which is damning.
Albus threw the files away and paced his office. Why is everything going the wrong way? What did he do that fate has turned against him? He needed to find a way to fix this mess.
Phineas was restraining a laugh. Watching the old fool throwing a temper tantrum is satisfying. This was a giant setback that could ruin everything the twinky eyed bastard had worked on. Watching the furious pace, Phineas was grinning like a shark. This year would be satisfying to watch.
After some time, Albus was finished with his pacing. He needed to pack some things since he needed to leave tomorrow morning after breakfast for the ICW meetings at the beginning of the year. Maybe this would distract him from the mess here.
Ministry, Department of Taxes, January 8th, 2003
Brandon Davis was sitting and having a job interview with Matthew Pike. He knew the man through his cousin, Michael, that he is working for the Registry Department, but he didn’t understand why he wants to work for his department now since the paychecks would remain the same. The minister before Bagnold, Adam Jenson, had set a minimum wage for the ministry workers. They would receive a monthly pay of 1200 Galleons per month and it had remained like this even after Bagnold took over. That would be enough for the average household and standard of living.
Brandon had looked through the CV and the application and he noticed that the man had good qualifications for his department, but the question still remained why he would change his job. What was the motivation behind this? He had gotten the explanation that he wanted to change his career and that he was interested in the open spot. He believed the reasoning, but he is sure that there was more.
When he was finished, Michael had informed Matthew that he is hired for the open position, but he asked: “Mr. Pike. I would like to know, why would you change your job now and please tell me the real truth behind your change? It will not affect your hiring.”
Matthew sighed and answered barely keeping himself from crying: “It’s, because of Mr. Selwyn, my current boss. He had cut the paychecks again in the Registry Department. We would be receiving only 900 Galleons per month and we have to work longer hours, which we are not paid for. Money is a bit tight at home since my wife is taking care of our child and my husband is working hard as an auror.” Brandon nodded in understanding. He had read that Matthew Pike married magical twins. The young man is a switcher. At one point, he can get pregnant, but at the other point, he can impregnate a woman. The man also noticed that Pike was struggling to keep his emotions at bay, when he answered his question. He had a suspicion, what it could be.
But the other point about Patrick Selwyn was startling. If it is true, what Matthew Pike had said, then, the man is violating a law in the ministry. He will inform his cousin about this. “I understand your problem, Mr. Pike, and to be honest, I am not a big fan of Mr. Selwyn either, but this is a violation. Why didn’t you or your co-workers report this?”
Matthew was trying everything to restrain himself from tearing up. He doesn’t know, what was going on, but Brandon noticed it and hid a smile knowing, what is going on with the young man in front of him. Matthew answered: “We tried, but our complaints were ignored by the Office of the Ministerial Regulation. To make matters worse, Selwyn had found out about the complaints and threatened us that, if we try it again, then, we will not only get fired, but we would be blacklisted from the ministry. From there on, no one did anything and we endured it.” Matthew didn’t understand, what was going on with him. He is ready to throw up.
“Mr. Pike, is something wrong? You look green.” Brandon quickly summoned a bowl and gave it to the other man. Matthew was retching until he threw up in the bowl. When he was finished, Matthew looked up and said: “I am so sorry, Mr Davis. I don’t know, what is going on. Yesterday, it was the same thing.”
Brandon banished the bowl and quickly assured the young man: “It’s alright, Mr. Pike. I know, what is going on since I have seen these symptoms on my wife. I think that you are pregnant.”
“What?!” Matthew was stunned. He is pregnant. He quickly took out his wand and casted a pregnancy detection spell on himself. It was positive. Matthew was stunned. He is pregnant.
Brandon knew, what was going through the man’s mind. A pregnancy changes many things. “Mr. Pike, you don’t need to panic. I can arrange some things for you during the last months of your pregnancy and paternity leave since I am a father like you. You are already hired, so, you don’t need to apologize for throwing up. Partially, it is my fault that you are still here and that my questions have caused you a lot of stress. You can leave now and I congratulate you.”
“Thanks, Mr. Davis. I need to tell my wife and husband about the good news.” Matthew quickly left. He was happy that he got the job and that his new boss is a lot more understanding than Selwyn. Now, he had to resign from the Registry Department and finish this month.
Brandon had a smile on his face, but he was worried. If it is true, what Matthew Pike had said about Selwyn, then, he needs to inform his cousin about this issue and ask his contact in the Office of Ministerial Regulation about the complaints. Maybe he can find something out, what was going on. There is something fishy in the Registry Department, but he doesn’t know, what?
Hogwarts, January 11th, 2003
It was another year, where Pomona had arranged the healers from St. Mungos to examine the students, and they found many issues with the children. Severus, Aurora, Filius and Pomona were glad that all the students from abusive homes were going to be removed by either the muggle child services or by Amelia Bones, Corban Yaxley and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Whereas this was happening, Poppy was fuming. She tried to tell Albus and Minerva about what Severus and the other members of staff had done, but nothing came out of her. It seems like that the secrecy wards are still strong and she can’t get rid of them. Poppy tried to get a purge from Gringotts, but the goblins told her that if a wizard or witch casted the secrecy ward on her, then, there was pretty much nothing that they can do for her. She also tried with the St. Mungos healers, but they weren’t able to do anything for her since the secrecy ward can only be stripped by Severus and that she deserved it. She was furious that Severus had trapped her like this and that the other healers had the audacity to blame her for her current predicament.
Poppy knew Severus, when he was a student. For the first two years, she didn’t pay him any mind, but during his third year, she didn’t trust him, when he was removed from his parents by Lord Prince, who had taken custody over the boy. If she had known that the boy would cause so much trouble now as an adult, she would have done everything in her power to return him to his parents back then since the brat didn’t learn his place and was spoilt rotten by his grandfather.
The healers were insulting and snapping at her for being a failure. She also met her former trainer, but the man started to yell at her for being a disgrace to all healers. Poppy went to her office with tears streaming down her face. She hated the torment that she had to endure by being insulted and despised. When she had tried to interfere, she was threatened that she will be exposed and stripped from her medi-witch license. She made a step back, when that threat was thrown at her.
Poppy had to watch everything in a powerless fury.
Davis Manor, January 14th, 2003
Brandon with his wife, Julia Davis, and his son, Roger, was visiting his cousin Michael and his wife, Amanda. They were invited to eat some dinner, but Brandon needed to discuss with his cousin about the concerns that were raised about the Registry Department. Patrick Selwyn had no right to lower the wage from 1200 Galleons to 900 Galleons. There was a strict law that forbade that. The former minister had made it mandatory that every ministry worker should receive at least 1200 Galleons per month, so that every witch and wizard can afford a normal standard of living. Bagnold made it unlawful, if a department head lowers the wage without a good reason. They needed to present the minister an accountability report, if they were lowering the monthly pay.
When they were entering the manor, they were greeted by his cousin and his family. “Brandon, Julia, it is nice to meet you. And this must be little Roger.” The man went to his knee, in order to greet the five-year-old boy properly. The boy just grinned at him happily. The man stood up and said: “Now, follow me to the dining room. Today, we are going to enjoy a freshly grilled barbecue.” Everyone was excited about the food.
As the Davises sat down, Brandon took his place beside his cousin, who was sitting at the head table. They were waiting for the barbecue that was grilled by the house elves. “Michael, there is something that I would like to discuss with you. I need your expertise and maybe your confirmation.“ Michael nodded and Brandon continued: “Nearly a week ago, I have hired a young lad from the Registry Department. He wanted to change his job since he was gravely underpaid. Did you know that Selwyn has lowered the average wage with his employees to 900 Galleons?”
“What?! Really?!”, Michael questioned in shock. Brandon nodded.
“Normally, Selwyn is allowed to do that, but he needed to file the mandatory accountability reports to the minister, where he has to give a really good reason for the lowering of the wages”, the Lord of the House Davis explained.
Brandon grumbled a little. “I think that Selwyn didn’t do that. It needed to be checked with the minister.”
Michael said with a smirk: “There is no need for that, Brandon. The accountability reports are accessible to the public. You only need to pay a Galleon to get a copy of it.”
“Oh!” Brandon sighed. “I completely forgot about that. Between asking him after the real reason for his applying and cleaning up the vomit, I was distracted a little bit.”
Michael laughed. “Let me guess, Brandon, you had a talk with the man after the job interview.” The man nodded. Michael huffed, but he let it go. His cousin is a Ravenclaw through and through. Always curious about the oddest things. “What do you mean with ‘cleaning up the vomit’?”, Michael questioned worriedly.
“He threw up, when I had questioned him. The reason why is that he is pregnant and expecting a child”, Brandon explained.
Michael just chuckled. “Well, this should have been a warning to you that you should not question your applicants after an interview.” Brandon just rolled his eyes, but he had plans to get the accountability reports from the Registry Department. It would also be easy to get access to the paychecks from the employees in the Registry Department through his newly hired employee. He could have made a comparison and the truth would have been found out. He would send a letter to Matthew Pike to request his last paychecks from the Registry Department, in order to check it up with the accountability reports. Brandon is sure that there is something fishy.
Ministry, Department of Taxes, January 16th, 2003
Brandon was going over the accountability reports of the Registry Department that were filed by Selwyn and the last paychecks that he received from Matthew Pike. He had seen that there were many differences. In the accountability report, Brandon read that his new employee received 1200 Galleons, but the paycheck is saying a different story since Matthew Pike received only 1000 Galleons last year and in 2001, Matthew received 1100 Galleons. He didn’t understand why no one noticed that, but Brandon concluded that no one wanted to get in trouble with Selwyn.
He needed to talk to either Lord Greengrass or Lord Malfoy. Both men were experts in law and are sought out often.
Brandon quickly stood up and made his way to Lord Greengrass’ office with the reports and the paychecks. The man must still be working in his office since it is still afternoon and Lord Greengrass doesn’t leave the ministry until it is evening. Brandon hopes that the man is able to spare him some minutes.
Cyrus Greengrass was busy doing some of his paperwork. He was thankful that today, there wasn’t much work to do, but it was getting a bit dull and boring. When he was finished with the files that he got today, the man was startled, when his legal assistant came into his office and said that Brandon Davis wanted to talk with him. Before the assistant could ask him, when he could arrange an appointment for Brandon, Cyrus quickly interrupted his assistant: “Bring him in. I have some time to spare.” The man nodded, went outside and allowed Brandon Davis to enter. Cyrus ordered his assistant to get back to work.
“Brandon, come in. Sit down. What can I do for you?”
Brandon sat down and sighed. “Cyrus, I have a concern regarding Patrick Selwyn and the Registry Department. Here is something that could pique your interest.”
The man handed over the accountability reports and the paychecks that his newly hired employee had given him. “Look over these, Cyrus, and tell me your opinion.”
Cyrus was going over the reports and the paychecks and his interest was piqued, when he saw the irregularities in both piles. What Patrick Selwyn had done is against the law since employers in the ministry have to give good reasons to the minister, if they were making cuts. Cyrus will write up a report to the Office of Ministerial Regulation.
“I will write a report to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. From there on, there would be an inspection”, Cyrus said in a reassuring tone.
Brandon quickly argued: “Cyrus, I am not sure, if that would work. The employees from the Registry Department have tried to complain, but their complaints were ignored. I believe that Selwyn has someone in the Office of Ministerial Regulation, who is supressing the complaints.”
Cyrus nodded in understanding and knew the issue, but he had a plan, how to do it. He will write a report to the Office of Ministerial Regulation and another to its office’s head. Cyrus and the head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation were old acquaintances, and he is sure that the man will investigate, who is responsible for the disappearance of the complaints. That the person would get fired.
Brandon had seen the planful look on Cyrus’ face and knew that the man had a plan to bring someone down. He left Cyrus’ office in a good mood that his old friend knew a way, how to proceed.
Ministry, Office of Ministerial Regulation, January 18th, 2003
Cyrus had handed over the complaint against the Registry Department. He made sure that in case the report is ignored that it would reappear again on the desk driving Selwyn’s contact into madness. He had prepared a copy of the report and had plans to give it to the head of the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Cyrus would explain him the issue.
Lord Gerald Carrow was sitting behind his desk working on some paperwork. He had a quick appointment with Lord Greengrass about an important matter that is affecting his department. He and Cyrus were old acquaintances during their time in school and Gerald knew that he can trust him more than his twin siblings. Gerald sighed at this point. Amycus and Alecto were terrible even when they were children. Thankfully, he didn’t spend much time with them since his grandfather was responsible for his raising to be Heir Carrow and later Lord since he didn’t trust his father with his devotion to Voldemort with the heirship and lordship. His father was skipped as Lord Carrow, which infuriated the old man, and since he had the same standpoint like his grandfather regarding Voldemort and his followers, his father was even more furious and at the same time, he was terrified. Gerald remembered that his father had a meeting with Voldemort regarding him and he returned back with many cuts and bruises. Furthermore, his father was tortured. Patrick from there on tried everything to get him to take the dark mark, but he refused. His father tried to use the imperio on him, but it didn’t work since his grandfather found out about his attempt, and for that reason, he banished his father, which enraged his siblings, who were devoted to Voldemort. Both left home and cut all ties with him and his grandfather.
After his grandfather died, he took over as Lord Carrow. At first, he wanted to move his seats to the neutral fraction, but decided against it since he needed to have a good reason to move his seats. The Carrow seat was always dark, but it wasn’t traditionally dark like the Burke seat.
Gerald hoped that he would be able to finish with his work earlier, in order to spend some time with his son, Andreas Carrow, who was attending his final year at Hogwarts. His son planned to spend some time with him before he had to return back to school tomorrow. Andreas had wanted to become an Unspeakable since he loved to learn what the magical world has to offer. He was a Ravenclaw through and through and the first Carrow to be sorted in another house than Slytherin. That made him proud, but his siblings were infuriated. Gerald also wanted to quickly check-up on his wife, who gave birth to twin girls last year.
Gerald was interrupted by his thoughts, when his assistant announced that Lord Greengrass was here. He mustered himself up and prepared himself for the meeting with Cyrus Greengrass.
“Lord Carrow”, Cyrus greeted the man, when he entered his office with a stack of files. Great, more paperwork.
“Lord Greengrass! Come in and take a seat. Do you want some tea?” Gerald had a polite smile.
“No, thank you, it will be short.” Cyrus promised.
After the Greengrass lord sat down, they went down to business. “Lord Carrow, here is my complaint regarding the Registry Department. It seems like that the employees are underpaid. If you take a look at the paychecks that one of the employees has provided to me and the accountability reports from Patrick Selwyn, you can see the differences.”
Gerald nodded and went through the files. The Lord of the House Carrow noticed many irregularities by comparing both stacks of files and he was angry. Why did no one report his department about this clear violation? The clauses of the work contracts for ministry employees can’t be changed especially the wages since they need the approval of the minister. He will start an investigation against Patrick Selwyn regarding this violation. Gerald questioned: “Why wasn’t this brought to my or my department’s attention? Why do I receive this complaint now? Something like this requires my attention since a department head is abusing his power.”
“Because there is someone in this office that is making sure that the complaints are ignored”, Cyrus said with a sigh.
Gerald was furious. He knew, who could be behind this. Richard Avery. He had taken the man in, because of Patrick Selwyn and the Averys, who had praised him that he was promising and skilled, but at the end, he was proven wrong since the brat was only mediocre. Gerald will keep an eye on the young lad. Cyrus saw the look on Gerald’s face and he could tell that the man knew, who could be behind this and Cyrus had the same suspicion that it must be Richard Avery. “I already filed this report here in your department and if my complaint gets ignored, then, it will reappear back on the desk of the person that is trying to make it disappear and will start to glow. On the file, there would be a sentence: ‘Do not ignore me’.” Gerald chuckled at that. Cyrus Greengrass does know, how to be persistent. The man is not only an expert in Laws, but also in Charms. “Thank you. I will deal with the individual that is trying to supress the complaint.”
With that, the meeting came to end and both returned back to work.
Malfoy Manor, January 20th, 2003
Narcissa and Lucius were sitting in the playroom of Malfoy Manor and were watching their son playing with his toys. They were discussing some muggle books that they have read. Narcissa and Lucius both loved crime novels and thrillers, but Narcissa also tends to read romance novels, whereas Lucius likes to read polit thrillers.
Outside the manor, Louisa Haggard made her way to Malfoy Manor since there was something important that had to be done. During the Yule celebration, Lady Magic left their leader and the court members a message that a Grey Lord was born that would bring back the balance to the magical world. They were then informed that for now, the Grey Lord is still too young to handle his responsibilities, but his magical guardian would handle everything until he is old enough. Before Lady Magic left, she left them an address, where the magical guardian was living. Arriving at front of the gates of Malfoy Manor, she set off the alarms on the gates and a house elf popped in front of her. The elf had taken a protective stand and demanded from her who she was and why she was here. Louisa quickly explained that she is a representative of the Veela Nation and that she needed to speak with Lord and Lady Malfoy urgently by explaining the message from Lady Magic. The elf quickly led the woman into the manor’s parlour realising the importance of the surprising visitor. The elf popped to the playroom to get his master and mistress.
Lucius and Narcissa were busy talking until Dobby popped in the playroom and announced that there is a guest waiting for them in the parlour. He also explained that their visitor said that it was urgent and that she isn’t a danger since her visit is official and that Lady Magic is involved in this. Both were stunned since they weren’t expecting anyone until Saturday, but hearing that Lady Magic got involved piqued their interest. Narcissa quickly ordered: “Dobby, please watch over Draco until we are finished, what is going on.”
“Yes, Mistress.” Dobby turned his attention to the small toddler that was very important for his master and mistress. He quickly popped into the kitchen, in order to get the young master something to eat.
Narcissa and Lucius made their way to the parlour and saw a beautiful, blonde woman with sapphire blue eyes and pale skin. From her appearance, she must be a veela since they could feel her allure. The woman greeted them: “Greetings, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, my name is Louisa Haggard. I apologise for my sudden visit, but it is urgent. I am a representative from the Veela Nations and I came here, because Lady Magic sent us a message regarding you and your role with the Grey Lord during the Yule celebration.”
Both Narcissa and Lucius looked at each other in shock. They were stunned that the woman came from the Veela Nations. But the biggest question was, what do they want from them? Did Lady Magic tell the leaders of the Veela Nations about Akira’s position as the Grey Lord and about her role in stopping Dumbledore’s machinations against the veelas and the other magical beings and creatures that have the affinity to fire? She asked: “What do you know and is there something that we can do, Ms. Haggard?”
The woman smiled and answered in a quick fashion: “Well, we know that you, your husband and your allies had stopped the worst laws and restrictions against the Veela Nation to pass in the wizarding world. Furthermore, Lady Magic revealed to our leader and the court members that she had sent a Grey Lord in this generation that could help us to bring back the balance in our society and that you are the magical guardian of the said lord. Finally, our lady informed us that we should help you with the current condition of Lord Longbottom and his consort and we would like to share some of our knowledge with you.” She took out three books. Lucius and Narcissa were curious about the books. Louisa began with the red book. “This book has potions and elixirs that were created by our nation and they can also be used by wizards and witches. They were a little bit adjusted, so that your kind is able to take them. So, you don’t have to worry about any issues, they could cause. There is a certain potion that stops the long-term burning of nerves that were caused by curses like the Cruciatus curse. From what we had gathered, Lord Longbottom and his consort are suffering, because of the long-term exposure to the torture curse. This potion would help them to heal the burning, but unfortunately, we don’t have a potion that could regenerate their nerves, in order to bring them back to consciousness.”
Narcissa and Lucius looked relieved. Lady Longbottom and Dowager Longbottom are going to be happy that their grandson/son and granddaughter-/daughter-in-law are going to be treated from their injuries. Louisa cleared her throat, which brought the couple’s attention back to the veela in their home, and she showed them the blue book.
“The other book is a book full of healing spells and some curses that could help you in the future. Especially, there is a spell that would be applied with the nerve-healing potion, in order to make sure that the burnings in the nerves are not returning again. Note of caution, the Curciatus curse leaves residues that are burning up the nerves and causing a lot of pain to the victims.” Narcissa and Lucius were nodding in understand and their attention went to the green book.
“And the last book is for the Unspeakables. There are many rituals that your friends in the DoM would be interested in and these rituals can be used for both races, the wixen and the veelas.” Both Malfoys were sure that Augustus and Thorfinn would be interested in the third book and would love to get new knowledge.
Narcissa said: “Thank you, Ms. Haggard for the gifts that you have enriched us with. We will make sure that they would be well-received and will not end up in the wrong hands.”
“Good. I have to go. I have surely surprised you by this visit and I apologise in advance for the sudden intrusion by myself, but it needed to be done now since I had been delayed in the past two weeks.” Louisa smiled at them apologetically.
“It’s alright, Ms. Haggard. Your visit was not that inconvenient, because I had a strange feeling that today something odd will happen. Apart from that, you came here due to Lady Magic’s call and it must be important regardless”, Narcissa said in a firm voice. Lucius nodded in agreement. Louisa smiled and prepared herself to leave. Narcissa and Lucius escorted the woman out to the gates, but before she could apparate back, Louisa said: “There is something else before I have to return home. You both are welcome in our Nations, if you are interested in more knowledge from our community. Lady Magic convinced us that you should become a friend and an ally to the veelas. Furthermore, the Grey Lord will have our back-up and is also welcome. Here, take this portkey. It would take you to the portkey area of our leader’s mansion. Your allies can also come and go, but you have to accompany them due to security reasons.” Louisa gave them the portkey and apparated back home.
Narcissa and Lucius were looking through the books that they had received from Louisa Haggard and were astounded. Narcissa looked at the healing spell and the potion that could help Christina O’Neill’s, Frank’s and Alice’s conditions. She will speak with Callidora, Augusta, Amelia and Severus about the treatment, but she is sure that both would do everything to help the couple and the former undercover auror. Thorfinn and Augustus would be interested in the ritual book and she herself is excited to go through the book about healing.
She couldn’t wait for the meeting on Saturday.
Hogwarts, January 22nd, 2003
Another order meeting was taking place in Hogwarts and Albus announced to remove the darker charms that the NEWT students are going to learn. There were many chatterings regarding this subject since many didn’t like that their children are learning dark magic during the charms class. Furthermore, they have lost all of their respect towards the little charms master for proposing something like this, but they also scrutinised Albus for approving the curriculum. Lily had been furious that Professor Flitwick would endanger her babies and the other children like this. James, Sirius and Remus were angered that the small professor had proven himself that he was nothing better than the other goblins.
Albus needed to work on the charms class now. Filius really brought many problems to his plans and had thrown him and his followers into disarray.
When they were finished with their plans for the charms class, Albus asked, if there was something going on in the ministry. Many shook their heads. Since the court hearing between the Jugsons and Christina O’Neill, there hadn’t been any news in the ministry.
But there were some of his followers that had noticed the meetings between Cyrus Greengrass, Brandon Davis and Gerald Carrow. Edward informed the headmaster about these meetings. Albus was thoughtful, but later, he had brushed it off since he wasn’t keen to mess up with Davis and Greengrass due to their positions in the wizarding world and the Wizengamot even though Brandon Davis is only the cousin of the current Lord Davis. The man is still the department head for taxes and is holding a seat in the Wizengamot. Gerald Carrow is maybe in the dark fraction, but he was tending to vote neutral. He is also the head of the Office for Ministerial Regulations. Brushing him off as a blood purist will not work.
Arthur will ask Cyrus about these meetings. Maybe there is something important, but he doubts it.
“Hey, Arthur, I am sorry that the nominations against the veelas failed last year. I don’t understand why the Wizengamot is so contrary these days, but we are going to be successful next time and we will make sure that this veela girl doesn’t get her hands on Bill”, James said.
Arthur wanted to snarl at the comment against Fleur, but managed to restrain himself. “Not to worry James. I will do my best to protect my son.” ‘From the likes of you’ was left unsaid. Arthur really hoped that those fools are going to suffer for what they had done in the past and for what they are doing now.
There was chatterings about the meetings that took place between Greengrass, Davis and Carrow and there were some hysterics that they had a death eater meeting. Albus quickly disproved that theory by reminding his followers about Lord Greengrass’, Brandon Davis’ and Lord Carrow’s standpoint regarding the death eaters. James, Sirius and Remus didn’t like it, but they had to admit that those three were not big fans of neither You-Know-Who nor his followers. They needed to find something damaging against them, but currently and unfortunately, they have nothing against those dark wizards.
After the chattering ended, the order meeting came to an end.
Malfoy Manor, January 25th, 2003
The meeting in Malfoy Manor was tense. Narcissa and Lucius had secretive smiles on their faces and many were ready to call them out on it. Adriana asked boldly: “Narcissa, what are you and your husband trying to hide from us?”
“Nothing”, Narcissa said it with a smile.
“Cissy, I have known you since we were little girls and I know that smile on your face. You are trying to hide something from us.” Adriana had to bite it down.
Narcissa just huffed and answered: “Well since secret-keeping is impossible, on Monday, we had a visitor from the Veela Nations. She had given us some books that could help us. Two of the books would help Christina O’Neill, Frank and Alice in their current condition since there is a potion and a healing spell that would treat the burnings of Auror O’Neill’s, Frank’s and Alice’s nerves. The red book is a potion book and I believe that you, Severus, would be able to brew the potion. The blue book has many spells and curses that could help us. Especially, there is a healing spell that would make sure that the burnings would not return. The green book would be useful for the Unspeakables in our circle since there are some rituals from the veelas that could be useful for the DoM.”
Callidora perked up when her grandson and granddaughter-in-law were mentioned and that there was something that would help them with their current condition. Since Frank and Alice were admitted in the hospital, they were suffering under gruesome pain since the residue of the Cruciatus curse is still on them and it can’t be removed. Those two books have the solution and it could improve Frank’s and Alice’s condition greatly. Amelia had the same thought like Callidora about Christina. The spell and the potion could help her greatly since it is unpleasant to watch her co-worker struggle with her arms. Thorfinn and Augustus had a gleam in their eyes. There is a new field to study. Severus was trying everything to hide his grin. This potion book is a gold mine. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on all the potions that the veelas had created independently, but the potion that could help Christina O’Neill, Frank and Alice had its priority. He will immediately start working on the potion first, in order to help them since no one deserves to be under these gruesome conditions. Augustus and Thorfinn took the green book, whereas Severus took the red one.
Severus promised Callidora and Amelia that he would work on the potion immediately and for free, which made both women smile, but they insisted that he should be paid at least. Amelia warned that Dumbledore could use that against him. Severus accepted the reason and knew that the women were right.
“Furthermore, we and Akira have a permanent invitation to the Veela Nations. You are also invited, but we had to accompany you due to security reasons”, Narcissa announced. Many were stunned. These were great news that the Veela Nations are opening up to witches and wizards. These were good news.
When the chattering died down, Narcissa moved over to the reason for this meeting. Arthur explained that Dumbledore planned to restrict the curriculum in charms, so that the NEWT students are learning spells that are taught in fourth and fifth year internationally. The reason,he wants to give, is that the spells are dark and dangerous.
Many rolled their eyes at the reasoning. Narcissa said: “We will just point out that the material was approved by the headmaster himself and we will give everyone the warning that in case, they want that nomination to pass, then, they are agreeing that they would want to have their children’s magic to be stunted. I believe that no one would want that.” Many agreed. Many members of the board are also parents and their goal is that their children should receive a very good education.
“But we need a distraction for that”, Michael Davis huffed.
Narcissa smiled. She had an idea. “Well, the Astronomy class would need another adjustment. The class should be taught also on a Saturday night. The first, second, third and fourth years should have that class during the weekends on Friday and Saturday, so that the younger years could have enough sleep and do not have to worry about any classes on the next day. The fifth, sixth and seventh years should be Aurora’s decision, when she wants to teach the OWL and NEWT classes, but I would suggest that the OWL and NEWT classes should take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 pm to 11:30 pm. The students due to their age would have enough time to rest for the next school day and the schedule didn’t have to be moved to 9:45 am.” Everyone agreed on that. Severus thought that Aurora would love the idea and additionally, she would have Sundays and Mondays off, where she could put the office hours permanently and she would be able to do her head of house duties without any issues.
“And we can nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Ancient Runes.” Amelia finished. Everyone nodded.
Before the meeting came to an end, Cyrus wanted to talk about an issue in the ministry that would also require Amelia’s and Corban’s attention again. “Cyrus, what seems to be the problem?”, Amelia asked curiously.
“Brandon Davis brought some troubling news to me about the Registry Department. It seems like that the employees there are underpaid, but according to the accountability reports that were filed in the ministry since Selwyn took over in 1999, the employees received 1200 Galleons, but according to the paychecks from an employee that Brandon had managed to arrange, the employees in the Registry Department received in 2001 1100 Galleons, in 2002 1000 Galleons and now, in 2003, there would another cut, where the employees would receive only 900 Galleons. I know that we have the Office of Ministerial Regulation for these issues, but the complaints have been ignored since I believe that Selwyn has a contact there that is making sure that the complaints do disappear. Selwyn, furthermore, is threatening the other employees with dismissal and that anyone, who dares to defy him, would also be blacklisted from the ministry, if they dare to go to complain to the Office of Ministerial Regulation. This abuse of power needs to be stopped and I am requesting from you and Corban to keep your eyes and ears open on the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. I already warned Gerald about Selwyn’s contact and he will make sure that he will deal with that individual personally.” Amelia and Corban nodded in understanding and had severe expressions. They will keep an eye on the Registry Department and the Office of Ministerial Regulation. Amelia had always had a bad feeling regarding the Registry Department, when Patrick Selwyn took over as department head and now, she was proven right that something was going on. She trusted Carrow to deal with Selwyn’s contact. Amelia knew the man and his views regarding Riddle and his death eaters and she can trust him that he would fair and just.
“Do you have any suspicion, who that contact could be, Cyrus?”, Michael questioned curiously. He was startled that the situation has become serious. At first, he had thought that a mistake was made and that either Pike was just exaggerating and his cousin was a little bit gullible, which couldn’t be the case since his cousin is taking every word with a grain of salt, or that there was a mistake, when the accountability reports were written, but now, he had to admit that things were getting serious. He knew Patrick Selwyn and that man is dangerous since he had managed to talk his way out that he wasn’t a death eater. He doesn’t have the mark that was maybe true, but he is a secret follower of Riddle, which is undeniable since the man and his family are blood purists. Michael was concerned about Brandon’s safety since he is sure that Selwyn and his associates could target him, if they find out that he is involved in this. He will make sure to warn his cousin from the danger and that he should be carefully. Michael knew that Selwyn would never go against Cyrus since his old friend is dangerous and no one would dare to mess up with him after he had managed to suspend Scrimgeour and put him after the war under probation.
Many had a bad feeling about this since there could be more to these cuttings. They are sure that behind Selwyn’s policies, there must be something darker.
School board, January 27th, 2003
The school board meeting of the New Year hadn’t even started and there was already a nomination from Dumbledore himself, where he proposed to limit the ICW curriculum in Charms since the spells and charms that are taught to the NEWT classes were dark and dangerous. He reminded everyone that the students’ lives were in danger and even subtly told them that it could corrupt the students, if they are learning these spells due to the nature of dark magic. The Grey Alliance in the school board wanted to roll their eyes. They should have predicted it that the old fool would go back to his light vs. dark argument. But they were not the only ones, who were annoyed by Albus’ attempts to dumb down the students. Many other board members were wary about the headmaster’s words and weren’t sure, if they should believe him since the man had approved the ICW curriculums.
When he was finished, Albus asked: “Are there any other nominations?”
Narcissa rose her wand. Albus sighed. He hoped that she will not make things complicated. Narcissa Malfoy’s nominations were innocuous and didn’t seem to harm his plans, when he looked through her nominations and proposals for his school, but his followers were making a big deal about her motions, which is a hindrance to him. “Lady Malfoy?”
Narcissa stood up and announced: “I have a nomination to make concerning the Astronomy class, headmaster. I am proposing that the class should also take place on a Saturday and that the first, second, third and fourth years should attend the class on Fridays and Saturdays, so that they could sleep through without worrying about any classes on the next day. It would lower the stress levels of the younger years. I would also make a suggestion that the OWL and NEWT classes in Astronomy should take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 pm to 11:30 pm. Due to their age, the OWL and NEWT students are sleeping lesser hours than the first, second, third and fourth years. So, the schedule doesn’t need to be adjusted for them, if they had an Astronomy class the day before since it would be expected from them to be up and ready for class at 9 am. It would also help Professor Sinistra with her head of house duties and office hours.”
Albus had to admit that the nomination sounded to be genuine in his opinion since it would make sure that all students would be able to attend class at 9 am and the staff doesn’t make these adjustments due to the Astronomy class. It would also solve the issue with the Astronomy class, the morning classes and the breakfast situation, but there was another problem. An argument broke out within his followers, where the younger generation were practically whining that the OWL and NEWT students needed more sleep and they didn’t like this change since it is ‘harming’ the students. Albus wanted to slam his head on the desk and scream. Why do his followers have to complicate things? He requested a privacy ward, where he would spend the next hour to calm his followers down.
Narcissa could admit that the old fool was supportive of her nomination, which is good since it gives Dumbledore a false sense of security, but his followers were doing more harm than good with their protests and hysteria.
With Dumbledore being distracted, Aurelia took over and questioned: “Are there any other nominations?”
Amelia rose her wand. Aurelia’s attention was on the Lady of the House Bones. “Lady Bones.”
“I have a protest to make regarding Lord Dumbledore’s nomination”, Amelia announced. “I don’t understand Lord Dumbledore’s reasoning. I have looked through the spells and charms that the students are going to learn during their NEWT class and I came to the conclusion that our head governor is exaggerating that these spells and charms are dark and dangerous since they were a little bit advanced. Furthermore, why is he against the ICW curriculum, when he was the one, who approved the curriculum and standards in the ICW. This also means that he approved the spells and charms that the NEWT students in Charms are going to learn in the other schools. Furthermore, do you want your children’s magic to become stunted?” Many shook their heads at the question and were thoughtful about Amelia’s statement, because she was right. Why would the headmaster approve the ICW curriculum and standards, when he doesn’t want it to be taught in Hogwarts. He had approved it and didn’t object against the decision from the ICW. Why is he now so contrary?
Narcissa knew that with this argument, everyone would not agree with Albus and the man would have no one else to blame than himself since he has approved the curriuclum.
Amelia sat down and there were some chatterings, but they quieted down, when Aurelia wanted to continue with the session. “Are there any other motions or protests?”
Michael rose his wand. Aurelia turned her attention to the Davis lord. “Lord Davis?”
The said man stood up and proposed: “I will make it short. I nominate the ICW primary school curriculum for Ancient Runes.” Aurelia nodded and put the nomination in the docket. Questioning again, if there were any other nominations, the woman looked around the chamber, if there was someone, who had a nomination or a protest to make.
Half an hour later, Dumbledore retook his seat as head governor annoyed and exhausted. After he had calmed down, Albus asked Aurelia: “Aurelia, my dear, were there any other nominations?”
“Yes, headmaster, Lord Davis nominated the ICW primary school curriculum for Ancient Runes”, Aurelia answered.
Albus sighed deeply. This couldn’t get any worse, but he needed to be confident that his motion would pass. His followers were really getting on his nerves. Albus moved over to the voting. The first nomination from him failed. Albus withheld a growl. Why is everything going the wrong way. The next motion from Lady Malfoy passed with a great majority. James and the other younger followers had voted against the nomination since they didn’t like it. The last proposal from Davis passed with a majority vote, which was annoying, but thankfully, it wasn’t a dark class unlike Etiquette, Wizard Studies and Magical Theory.
With that, the board session came to an end.
Hogwarts
Albus was furious, when he arrived back at his office with his followers in tow. The board meeting had ended badly. What was happening? Why couldn’t his nominations pass? He was so well prepared, and still, he suffers failures and setbacks. Why is that? How aren’t things going his way? He just shook his head.
James and the others were not happy about the failed vote during the school board meeting. Maybe they need to reestablish John’s fame as the boy-who-lived, in order to build up some public pressure against the board and the Wizengamot, but they are not sure, if that would work. They have tried this method last year, but they failed since the primary school was popular and there was also an article that Albus had approved the ICW curriculum and standards, which overshadowed John’s fame. The changes in the magical world that were made by the Wizengamot also distracted the public from their attempt to use John’s fame. They hated this, but they couldn’t really do anything against it.
Phineas had a devious smile, when he had seen the looks on Dumbledore’s and his followers’ faces. It seems like that another meeting didn’t go his way.
After some time of silence, Albus said in a calm voice: “I understand, my dears, that the meeting was disappointing, but we have a lot of time to fix these issues up and for that reason, we should not dwell on the lost vote. There is a Wizengamot meeting next Monday.”
With that, Albus discussed with his followers to ban dark artifacts completely from their world since they were dangerous. There were many restrictions and bans against a great number of dark artifacts, but now, they should be banned from their world completely.
Phineas had to admit that only a quarter of the dark artefacts in their world were dangerous and should be banned. But there was another quarter of dark artefacts that are used in everyday life since they are not dangerous and had their uses. Most artefacts are restricted to certain fields or the Department of Mysteries since he knew from his former colleague, Dinah Hecat, who worked in the DoM, that the use of these artefacts is complicated and they could be dangerous in inexperienced hands.
But there are also light artefacts that are as dangerous as the dark artefacts since in his opinion, half of these artefacts should be restricted and a quarter of them should be banned from their world due to the danger they pose to their society.
He is sure that Narcissa will find a way to make sure that the complete ban fails, which would be entertaining to see the old fool’s face. The ICW laws regulating dark and light artefacts should be used for the time being. It would annoy Dumbledore that not only the dark, but also the light artefacts are banned, restricted or regulated.
The impromptu-order meeting came to an end and Albus was left in his office in his thoughts.
Pike House, January 29th, 2003
Matthew was lying on the couch exhausted, drenched in sweat and completely naked. His head was on Felix’s naked lap and the young man had started to fall asleep. When he was taught by his father that pregnancies are raising the sex drive, he thought that his old man was joking, but he was proven wrong, after he married Felix and Felicia. When Felicia got pregnant with their son, her sex drive was really high and she had jumped on him nearly every day, when he got home from work. But he was now experiencing the same things like Felicia and he was jumping on Felix like he was hormone controlled. It was embarrassing.
Felix was sitting on the couch nude stroking Matthew’s hair. He was happy that Matthew was pregnant, but the sex drive was tiring him out. Felicia entered the room with a tray of hot chocolate and some biscuits. She had a smile on her face and was excited that Matthew was expecting a child. Felicia had to take care of their son in the nursery since she didn’t want him to see, what his fathers were doing on the couch in the living room. Putting the tray down on the coffee table, she looked at her twin. “Felix, how is Matthew? Is he still alive?”
Felix nodded. “He had jumped on me again like his life had depended on. It reminded me of you and Matthew, when you were pregnant.” Felicia just huffed, but she had to admit that he was right. She had jumped on Matthew, when she was pregnant with Noah. It was hilarious.
Felix took some hot chocolate and started to enjoy some of the biscuits his twin had made. Matthew smelled something sweet and grinned. He set up on a sitting position and saw the hot chocolate and the biscuits. He quickly devoured one biscuit and started to take the next. “Slow down, Matthew, or you will choke yourself to death. Here some hot chocolate.”
“Thanks.” He swallowed down the chewed pieces and drank the chocolate. “Merlin. I never thought that pregnancies could be so exhausting.”
“Well, I have felt the same way like you, when I was pregnant with Noah.” Felicia smirked. Matthew just pouted and took a sip from his hot chocolate. These times were hellish. He didn’t want to imagine, how it would have been, if he and Felicia were pregnant at the same time. This would have been one hell of a time.
Felix quickly dressed himself since he had to return back to work in an hour, but he is sure that he would end up naked again, when he returns back home. Matthew is going to jump on him again since it is known in the magical world that the sex drive with males is higher than with females. Women are better equipped for pregnancies than men since they can deal with the pregnancy hormones better. Sitting down again on the armchair, he quickly emptied his cup.
When the cups were empty and the dishes were in the sink, Felix asked a still naked Matthew, who lied down on the couch, stretched himself and started to stroke himself since he got hard again: “Matthew, are sure that it is a good idea to change jobs right now? I think that you should take a break from work until the baby comes.” He was astounded, how fast Matthew became hard. Felicia had gone back to the nursery to check-up on Noah.
“Yes, Felix, Mr. Davis at least does care for his employees unlike Selwyn. Selwyn is a slave driver and I can’t work for him. This work climate could harm our baby.” With his other hand, Matthew stroked softly over his flat belly. He managed to restrain a moan. “Furthermore, Mr. Davis said that he will do some arrangements for my paternity leave. So, I don’t have to worry about losing my job.”
Felix nodded in understanding glad that there are employers, who are caring and understanding. Going over to Matthew, he stroked his husband’s brown hair and kissed him on his sweaty forehead. Moving down, Felix took his husband’s member and continued with the stroking until Matthew tightened up and was ready for another release. After some time, Matthew let out a moan and a release. That felt good.
Felix retracted his hand from his husband’s flat member and had taken out his wand. He cleaned Matthew and himself up since Matthew’s seed got on his auror robes. The last thing, he needed was his colleagues teasing him about his sex life. He put his wand back in his robe pocket and looked in his husband’s blue eyes that were half-closed. Seeing Matthew’s sleepy smile, Felix just shook his head and grinned. This night will be exhausting, when he returns back since he is sure that Matthew’s sex drive will return to a high peak. He kissed his husband on the lips and quickly flooed back to the ministry leaving Matthew alone on the couch, who drifted back to sleep.
Felicia returned back to the living room and saw her husband slowly drifting to sleep. “Matthew, are you going to remain naked like this?” Matthew nodded and rearranged himself on the right side. Felicia huffed since she knew that Matthew preferred this side. She quickly took out a blanket from the cupboard and covered him, so that he doesn’t get a cold and that Noah doesn’t see his father naked since his front side of his body is exposed.