The Bookstore

Albus Dumbledore arrived at the Wizengamot meeting earlier than usual in hopes of 'reading the room', which for him typically involved some socialising, some reading of body language and the tiniest touch of surface legilimancy. He would never purposefully read someone's mind of course, that was against the law. As someone who had helped to mould the countries laws, he would never dream of breaking them however, he could not be held accountable if a stray thought here and there were 'broadcast' a little too loudly and he, very unwillingly of course, 'overheard' the contents. 

It was something he had been doing for so long that he barely even recognised that he was doing it anymore and had long since overlooked the moral implications of his actions in this particular instance. Every action he took, every decision he made, he for the Greater Good, to protect the country from the invasive and damaging tendrils of Dark Magic, to preventing it from sullying the minds of good people. Or so he believed. 

He greeted his friend Lord Elphias Doge, with a twinkly eyed smile. After the usual greetings Albus began a conversation about the 'safety concerns' he had about Livia Snape’s prison wards, knowing that his long-time friend would pick up his intentions with such a topic.  

“You are quite right, as always, Albus. These new wards have already proven to be unstable and could open the Ministry up to any number of lawsuits in the event of a cell exploding. Should it happen while it holds a prisoner... Well, I wouldn't like to be around the fall out of that! As it is we are lucky it didn’t collapse whilst we were being shown the temporary cell at the ministry building. I did say that the girl clearly had a sub-standard education to have completed so many masteries at such an age", Doge would have hated the Snape girl on principle regardless, he had worked hard but never achieved his mastery of choice and was sorely jealous of anyone who succeeded where he had failed. "The Ministry simply couldn’t afford the inevitable fall out should the worst happen”, Lord Doge spoke loudly enough to ensure that they would be easily overheard, he supported Albus’ vision for Wizarding Britain wholeheartedly and would do all that he could to support his colleague.  

Albus had been carefully cataloguing the reactions of the people around them and listened in to their stray thoughts. He was pleased with what he saw and heard around him, many people were receptive to his concerns, he was glad that he had thought to put those blasted wards on the agenda for the day. 

“I share your concerns my friend, it has yet to be decided who will be held accountable for the damage to the building that the ward collapse caused. It was after all Ministry property, and I question if the Ministry should be responsible for the reparation costs. It seems unfair that the average Witch and Wizard’s taxes should be spent on something that will not benefit them in anyway after all”, Albus said to his friend, knowing that it would cause some thought amongst his peers, they did so hate spending the money in the Ministry coffers on anything they deemed unworthy  it was why there was rarely an agreement on where the money would be spent. If Livia Snape was held accountable for the costs and damage it would be all for the good. 

Everyone gradually moved to their seats as it neared the time that the meeting would begin and Albus made his way to his place as Chief Warlock and began the meeting. 

“Welcome all to this meeting of the Wizengamot, held today on the 29th of August 1982. 

Now do we have any persons wishing to claim their seats?”, he asked glancing around and seeing that there were none, he continued. 

“I trust that everyone here has received a copy of the last meeting minutes and read them through. Does everyone here feel that they are a correct and accurate record”, he looked around the room once again, he really disliked this part of the meetings, it was very tedious. 

“Would anyone like to submit ‘Any other Business’ to be considered?”, at this there was a general shuffling of impatience from the attendees. Seeing that nobody else had anything to raise Albus continued with the agenda. 

“Excellent. On to the first item on the agenda then. It is a request that the Prison Wards as designed by Ms Snape, be reviewed with the view to rescind the order. Given the recent collapse of said Wards I must say that I understand why there is concern regarding their safety, and I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment. The Ministry can ill afford the cost, not to mention the public scrutiny, that will be inevitable wrought when they surely fail. That is not to mention the potential loss of life that could occur or at the very least severe injury as we have seen with our very own Alastor Moody, who was grievously injured as a result of said wards failing already”, Albus explained patiently, as though to young children, which given his age, relative to most of those in the room, they would certainly seem as such. 

“I must object Chief Warlock!”, Amelia Bones, newly appointed as the permanent Head of the DMLE, stood and interjected sharply, “You are referencing an event that is of significant interest in an ongoing investigation, one that will be going to trail in less than two days' time, no less. I suggest that this particular agenda point is picked back up following said trial”, she added with a warning in her voice, “We would not wish to see you accused of undue bias, would we?”. 

Several heads nodded in agreement and there were mutterings of agreement, everyone there was fully aware of the rumours surrounding the kidnapping of Livia Snape and had heard rumours that her wards were involved somehow. It frustrated Amelia endlessly as she watched the nods of agreement, many the same heads that had nodded in agreement with Dumbledore just moments ago. If only they would think for themselves. 

“My dear Amelia, I recognise that you are heavily invested in these wards being used however, you shouldn’t allow personal feelings to guide you when important decisions such as this are to be made”, Albus chided gently, and very much hypocritically. 

Lord Slytherin stood and addressed the room, “I am in complete agreement with Madam Bones on this point. I move that this discussion should be tabled until such time as all pertinent information is able to be shared without it having a negative impact on an ongoing investigation. Public opinion would not look kindly should they discover that evidence for a trial, particularly one with such interest, was being interfered with or made invalid by our actions. I am certain that bias would be claimed given Moody's position and his friends in high places. It could lead to the case being thrown out”, he added silkily, “Unless that is of course your intention, Chief Warlock”. 

The Chief Warlock, if possible, looked even more benignly at his political adversary and said in a patronising voice, “Lord Slytherin, I believe that you have a vested interest in this subject and are perhaps a little too close to the subject matter to be able to view it impartially. After all the topic of conversation is regarding the work of the woman you are reportedly courting”, Albus had read the papers and didn’t know what to make of them as of yet, it couldn’t possibly be a love match, but he could not see what political advantage it gave the young man to be aligned with such a woman. 

He had known Lord Slytherin as a boy when he attended Hogwarts and was sorted into his ancestor's house, the house where most of the Dark Wizards were sorted. He had been a handsome, intelligent and charming, but emotionally stunted, youth. When he had discovered that the boy was a parsel-mouth he had investigated the child's background, and had been glad that he had done so, as it had come to his attention that not only was the child the only surviving member of one of the founders of Hogwarts, Salazar Slytherin, and heir to the Lordship, but he was also a child conceived using a love potion. It was well known by the Light, that the child of a forced union such as that would never feel love themselves. It had made perfect sense to Albus, when he had later reviewed his observations of young Riddle, through the new optics that his unfortunate conception had given him, he began to recognise the lack of empathy the boy had for others. 

Before Lord Slytherin could refute the statement Amelia Bones interjected pointedly, “ As we cannot divulge the results into the investigation of why the wards fell until after the Moody Trial, a circumstance of which you are well aware of Chief Warlock, it matters little who is biased and who is not on the point of the wards", she continued with a firm voice, "I am in agreement with Lord Slytherin, it is also my professional opinion that this discussion should be discontinued at once or it risks an ongoing investigation. I move that this review is conducted following the completion of the Moody trail, when accurate information may be shared". 

“I second that motion”, said Lords Slytherin, Bones and Malfoy together. 

Albus looked at them all with a disappointed mien, one that he was actually feeling rather than just portraying. He was indeed disappointed that his request to have the Snape Wards reviewed had been so easily pushed aside. Perhaps after the trial it would be easier to show how unsuitable they are and how wrong it was to allow blood magic to be allowed to corrupt their fine country once again, it was a slippery slope once these dark elements started to be allowed once again. He desperately wanted to avoid another Dark Wizards rise, he had failed his poor Gelert, but he wouldn’t allow himself to fail again. 

“Well...”, Dumbledore said with a forced smile, “onto the next item on our agenda, there is a bill on the table to allow for harsher penalties for convicted traders of Illegal Runespoors...” 

The Ministry of Magic was very busy when Severus, Livia and Lucius via floo and they were immediately accosted by small number of reporters wanting statements from Livia before the 'Moody Trial' began. 

Livia could see the tall figure of her soon to be betrothed, Lords Slytherin, who had called forward some Aurors who were in the vicinity to ensure Livia's passage through the Ministry was no longer encumbered by nosey reporters and people alike. 

As he reached the group he gave a small smile, a mere upturn of his lips since he was in public and offered his arm to his love. 

Livia took his arm and smiled up at him, "Thank you Thomas and Good Morning", she said quietly and reached up on her toes to give him a swift and chaste kiss on the cheek. 

Cameras flashed and the nearby reporters began calling out questions about their relationship, she was suddenly very conscious that all eyes were upon them in that moment and if she held on a little tighter to Thomas' arm only the two of them would ever know. She regretted that they couldn't have been somewhere more private so that she could greet him more naturally but realised that being the partner of a popular and well known political figure would likely include many situations where she would need to be more mindful of herself and surroundings. She would just need to adapt. 

She walked gracefully, her head held high and adopted a serious demeanour, they were here to attend a trial after all. "They are quite persistent, aren't they?", she said with a glance towards the reporters who were still trying to get statements from the group. 

"That they are my love", he answered with a glare that promised retribution aimed towards any that came to close or asked impertinent questions. He disliked his loves calm and stoic demeanour as much as he appreciated it in the face of the public, she was playing the part of Heiress and his future wife with aplomb, but he was already missing her witty quips and the way her face showed her interest and joy in everything they spoke about. 

The Aurors walked them to the elevators, and once the four of them entered they returned to their posts. 

"Court Room 10", Lucius spoke clearly to the elevator door and less than a second later they were hurtling at speed to the basement of the Ministry building where the Seriously Awful Crimes or SAC courtrooms were situated. The elevator came to an abrupt stop and Thomas tightened his arm around Livia, the doors sprang open, and a dimly lit corridor was visible. 

"Why are they holding it down here?", Severus asked looking concerned, "Moody won't even be present at the trial?" 

"Tradition", both Lucius and Thomas answered. 

Seeking Livia shiver a little in the cooler temperature, Thomas cast a warming charm on her dove grey cloak. 

Severus dropped back from his position next to Lucius so that he could assure himself that Livia was well. 

"I'm fine Severus, if a little nervous", she answered before he even spoke a word and reached out to give his hand a squeeze. He simply nodded, he wasn't the best at comforting people, and he had a severe dislike for the usual meaningless platitudes people used in such circumstances. 

An Auror was standing outside the courtroom door and directed them to take a seat to the left of the room where potential witnesses were placed while waiting to be called. 

Thomas handed Livia into the seat that separated himself and Severus, kissed her hand and sat as they waited for the courtroom to finish filling. 

Before the trial could even begin the Defence Solicitor, Dafydd Diggle, had argued that the trial should be postponed until his client was   well enough to attend. It was argued by the Prosecution offered official paperwork from St Mungos declaring that Alastor Moody was not going to wake and that only his magic was sustaining his body at this point, and that they estimated he had very little time left as his Magical Core was degrading. 

Having decided that the trial would proceed the two Solicitors returned to their respective tables and waited for the trial to be opened. 

Livia was becoming more and more nervous, as she watched the reactions to the Defences' opening statement. He had spent a great deal of time speaking of the, generally, well respected Aurors accomplishments, his work ethic, his excellent background and glowing reviews from superiors and rookies alike.  

Diggle had made Moody sound like an upstanding man of firm convictions and a strong sense of justice, a veritable paragon of society. She had to admit that it bore no resemblance to the man she had met, the unhinged man who had tortured and kidnapped her. But the statement had been spun to present Moody in the light of unsung heroic saviour and it had been done well. 

Following the Prosecutions statement, Malik Rosier, the Solicitor and one of the Dark Lords followers called Livia to the Stand. 

She gave her accounting of the events leading up to and including the kidnapping and a finished with her escape and subsequent hospital stay.  

The three men who had accompanied Livia watched Diggle's cross examination with various degrees of disgust, anger and hatred. It had been every bit as upsetting and unsettling as Livia had been coached it would be, they watched proudly as she navigated his trick questions, suppositions and outright accusations but failed to rouse or elicit any emotion or response that could be used against her. Thomas was once again enthralled by her perfect display of poise with just a hint of sass making itself heard when she deemed a question to be particularly nonsensical or moronic. 

When she finally returned to her seat she felt wrung out and irritable and was glad of the comfort offered by both her brother and Thomas. 

Over the course of the day several other people took the stand including Thomas, Severus, the witness from Knockturn Alley and finally the St Mungos healer in charge of Livia’s care. 

Lucius had opted to go home to check his owls and share with Cissa how the trial was progressing when the trial was paused for a late lunch at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, over five hours after it's start. They were escorted by two Aurors again when the reporters tried to converge upon them before they had even left the courtroom. 

When they reached the slightly nicer restaurant that was almost solely used by the Wizengamot members and particularly affluent or well-connected persons the Maître de greeted them. 

"Our reservation is under Malfoy", Thomas spoke succinctly, he wasn’t in the mood for chatty wait staff.  

"A member of your party is already here, please follow me", he gave a small bow and led them to a secluded table next to one of their windows. 

Severus was relieved when he saw Rabastan rise from his seat to greet them, he had not been looking forward to chaperoning the two banes of his existence alone. 

Rabastan leaned in once they were seated and asked, "How is it going?". His eyes were roaming over Severus' tense visage and gripped his hand under the table where it couldn't be seen. They were seeing each other but hadn't yet discussed their future and didn't wish to draw attention to their relationship. 

"As well as can be expected, the Defence will be calling witnesses after this break", Severus answered before perusing the menu quickly. 

"And, how are you coping?", Rabastan enquired. 

"Fine", Severus answered shortly, but tried to soften the irritation he was showing with a small shy smile at Rabastan, and added, "Thank you for asking". 

"Why on earth am I looking at the Parisian skyline?", Livia asked looking at the 'window' with confusion. 

"Each of the windows in this establishment show the skyline of a different city, though none of them are of London", Rabastan explained, it was an odd little quirk of the place that some people appreciated and other didn't. 

Severus smirked, "I bet Lucius books this table every time he eats here because of his French ancestry" 

Livia gave him a broad smile and said quietly, "Suckers bet". 

An hour later they returned to the Courtroom, this time taking up seats behind the Prosecutor and looked over to see who had been called for the Defence, they were unsurprised to see James Potter, Sirius Black, Barty Crouch and Albus Dumbledore all looking confident and proud, or, as Severus had whispered into Livia’s ear, looking like arrogant, conceited piles of Thestral Dung, though he had been somewhat more impolite in his phrasing. It had achieved what he wished though when his sister struggled to muffle her sniggering and relaxed marginally. 

The first witness called was Alastor Moody, or at least his memories of the event were, which, much to his Solicitors displeasure, had been allowed as evidence. 

Madam Bones herself stepped up to the Memoria Videntium and added the large vial' of silver swirling memories that belonged to Alastor Moody. 

The courtroom watched spellbound as a conversation began Alastor Moody and Albus Dumbledore began playing. Alastor was telling Dumbledore that he believed that Livia Snape was involved with the rumoured 'Dark Lord'.  

Albus watched the conversation he recalled clearly and remembered how he had hoped Alastor wouldn't do anything reckless. He was mildly concerned at how far back they had set the memories to play from and with a nifty little bit of wandless magic he sent a note over to Dafydd. He watched as the man noticed and read the missive. 

"Would you please pause the memory?", Diggle stood as he made the request. 

Madam Bones complied and waited to hear his reasoning. 

"I request that the memories thus far are stricken from the record and request a break in proceedings so that the memories taken from Alastor Moody can be confirmed as relevant to this case. The relevance of these particular memories must be called into question immediately as they took place quite some time before the alleged kidnapping of Ms Snape and appear to show no wrong doing or illegal activity, that is unless visiting old friends to share concerns is now a crime", Dafydd Diggle argued, hoping that the objection would be upheld, he knew full well there was damning evidence in those memories that Dumbledore wasn't aware of. 

Malik, for the Prosecution rose to his feet when the opposition finished speaking, "I disagree. At the time of this memory, it is clear to see and hear that Alastor Moody was showing signs of extreme paranoia, that appeared to be centred around a supposed 'Dark Lord' and his assumed relationship with Ms Snape. He appears fixated on proving my client, Ms Snape, of being 'Dark', and we see that he, even at this point, he has already expressed his intention of gaining 'retribution' against my client. All of this, by his own words is as a result of an, understandably, negative outcome from the internal investigation into Moody’s conduct as an Auror". 

"I believe that some ill feeling is normal and natural when someone has gone out of their way to ensure your lively hood was lost, as was the case for Alastor Moody, who had been counted as a reliable and skilled Auror, until Ms Snape made a complaint against him", argued Diggle. 

"I think you will find many complaints over several decades were placed against your client but were ignored by the, then current, heads of the DMLE", Rosier held up a hand to forestall argument, "The most recent being, I may remind you all, Mr Bartemius Crouch, who has since been relieved of his position as Head of the DMLE. I have the complaint reports to submit as evidence if so required", Rosier paused to see if his counterpart had any further objections and then continued,  

"My client was subject to harassment along with her brother in their own home where Moody entered without the correct notices being filed and became fixated on my client, unfairly, when his immoral and borderline illegal activities became known, and he was punished accordingly". 

Madam Bones, Minister Bagnold and Unspeakable Rook, who were acting together as Judge, yet another concession they were forced to make to ensure the trial was considered unbiased, conferred between themselves before the Minister confirmed, "We will allow the memories to proceed as are". 

Dumbledore frowned to himself and looked over at the Snape’s. Severus looked surprisingly well, he was glad to see, he had been greatly saddened when the young man had left teaching. He had so hoped that the boy would continue his path of redemption and away from the Dark magic’s that had ensnared him in his younger years, but it looked like that was no longer to be. 

The memories were reversed for a few seconds, and they began playing once again. 

Livia stiffened as she appeared on the screen, walking through Knockturn Alley, Moody clearly following her. She knew what would come next and startled as Thomas slid his arm around her and Severus took her hand, the two men offering silent comfort knowing that she would be forced to watch and relive her own torture in a matter of minutes and in front of curious spectators. She knew that the reporters would be looking for a reaction from her and she was unwilling to feed their tabloid so set her face into an impassive mask and concentrated on trying to keep it there, hoping to block out what was being shown to the room. 

It was easier said than done as her brothers hand and Thomas's arm respectively, each time Moody cursed her.  

Thomas was furious to witness what Livia had been through, but the questions Moody was asking revealed that he had been gaining information on the Death Eaters, nothing definite but far more than Thomas would have liked. That meant that there were some leaks that needed to be plugged. 

Xander welcomed his friends and colleagues to Nott Manor and once they had taken their seats offered them refreshments from a selection that his wife had insisted were appropriate for a morning meeting. 

"Severus sends his utmost apologies for his absence. St Mungos contacted him with an emergency case just as we were leaving, some blubber brained idiot blew up a cauldron, his words not mine, and it mixed with something or another and they needed his expertise to reverse it", Lucius explained Snapes absence, primarily to his Lord, who merely nodded an acknowledgment. 

"I take it you've all read the Prophet this morning?", Xander asked with a satisfied smile on his face. 

"I haven't", said Abraxas, "My prized Abraxan Filly foaled a young colt in the early hours of this morning. It looks like he will take her colouring too! Light golden palomino coat and silver mane. Perfect little specimen and will make a fine Stud in two years I'd wager", he helped himself to a strong coffee rather than his usual tea. 

"It has certainly highlighted some of Dumbledores... shall we call them... inconsistencies", Rambert smirked, picking out a pastry and ignoring Abraxas. 

"Certainly", Xander agreed, "I was glad to see some accurate reporting on Moody's trial, the evidence was overwhelmingly against him though so it was of no surprise that he was found guilty, it’s just a pity he can't be made to suffer, though I suppose some would argue that his life being forfeit would be enough”, his thin lips dipped down in disagreement at the thought, the man had caused much harm and misery to countless people whilst he had been an Auror. 

Lucius nodded in agreement, “They highlighted Dumbledore's hypocrisy really quite nicely. I don't know how the Skeeter woman discovered that Dumbledore had been trying to pressure people to acquit Moody or that he tried to have the order for Livia’s wards rescinded, but it was certainly an inflammatory piece". 

Thomas smiled, "Yes, it may be worth throwing that particular reporter a few hints. She seems to revel in uncovering secrets people would rather remain hidden. We will need some leverage against her though to ensure that she doesn't turn that talent in the wrong direction". 

Rambert nodded thoughtfully, "We have a few people who may be of use in that regard. I will contact them and have them compile a file on her". 

"Aletha says Witch Weekly is printing a much more positive piece on Ms Snape and your Courtship this week. She is friends with Hanna Sumeur the Editor, you know, and happened to see this week's article. Unless something drastically changes before it goes to print it will cover the kidnap and escape of Ms Snape, hailing her as a woman to aspire to be”, Xander told them. Pleased that his wife kept up to date with all of her contacts, it came in useful on occasion. 

Lucius shifted awkwardly in his seat and said, "Incidentally, My Lord. I feel it would be wise to warn you that Narcissa is currently planning both your Betrothal announcement and Bonding, and as such Is likely to approach you in the near future", his wonderful wife could get rather single minded when event planning and felt that it was his duty to warn his Lord so that he could attempt to evade Cissa clutches. 

Thomas surprised everyone by smirking and huffing a laugh, "Yes. Livia has already been approached and has been keeping me updated. She insists that 'this new hell will be a shared experience' and that we should 'consider this as one of those pesky trials that long married people always insist will come'. I must admit that though I dislike the planning, and to some extent the attending, of such frivolities I am indebted to Narcissa's forethought as it will ensure that our bonding can take place at the earliest convenience once the courtship is completed". Lucius relaxed slightly, glad to know that his wife wasn't treading on any important toes. 

"Thinking of which, Livia says she hasn't seen a copy of the Bonding contract yet. You wouldn't happen to know why, would you?", Thomas asked with a piercing look, the contract should have been written up and presented to Livia at the latest last week, though with the court case he supposed there was reason for the delay. 

"Ah! My Lord. Severus is procrastinating, primarily because of the few additional clauses that he requested regarding the physical and mental wellbeing of her and any children you have...", Lucius told him with some amusement he had been adamant that ‘no physical or magical violence’ and 'no intentional spousal and/or child emotional harm’ clauses, to protect both spouse and children, be added to the contract, the penalty for either being an instant dissolving of the bond and some rather inventive curses that would come into effect, the children would automatically be adopted into the Prince family line as heirs. Thankfully everyone there understood why he had wanted them. 

"He is worried Livia will object?", Thomas asked curious, knowing what he did of her childhood he would have thought it would be the opposite. 

"Not exactly, more that she will dislike what it implies about your character and her ability to take care of herself. She is quite... protective of you", Lucius answered honestly. 

"Ah", Thomas made a sound of understanding, pleased that she cared deeply enough that she would defend him, even if he didn’t need it. "Now. I believe we finally have enough support to instigate a vote of no confidence in Dumbledore's position as Chief Warlock. The question is can we get the votes for one of ours to take the job?" 

Lucius answered, "Most certainly Dumbledore will be voted from his position at the next meeting should we raise it. The members I have spoken too, and all of the Heads of Department want him out. His performance leading up to and including Moody's trial has left people questioning his ability to be impartial during the Wizengamot meetings, which he should be.  

Amelia Bones in particular is questioning how frequently he skirts the edge of what is legal in his dealings. She confided in me that, in her opinion, he has believed that he can do so if it is, using his words, 'for the greater good of the magical community'. She said the problem there is that it only his good that he values and that's seems to be stifling the country. Bones may not be a supporter of our cause, but she is certainly supporting many of our policies". 

"Interesting", said Xander, "She is a neutral witch with a strong sense of fairness and justice. If she is favouring our policies, it bodes well for our future success. Especially if she openly supports them, others will listen to what she says, I know her brother-in-law, Lord Bones, seems to value her opinion. Now that she has officially been sworn in as the Head of the DMLE she will be able to exert further influence" 

Rambert had been listening carefully to the information shared, "That could work in our favour but from what I have seen thus far I would say she will not be easily swayed to an opinion she doesn't believe in. She has a strong work ethic, and I don't believe she will be open to corruption. That will inevitably work against us at some point, and we must be mindful of the fact". 

“The Head of St Mungos has been pushing for a review on all laws that impact healing magics, he hopes that the review will expand the range of medicine that they are allowed to utilise, particularly those that contain so called ‘Darker’ elements. There is much more support for a review on what ingredients, spells and potions are considered legal and Severus has suggested that inviting Masters in Potions, Healing, Rituals, Runes and Herbology to speak to the Wizengamot could be beneficial”, Lucius shared with the group. 

“I had heard the same and if other Masters of their craft could prove as useful as Ms Snape has been, it is certainly something we should explore. We would need to seek those of whom can't be accused of bias however”, Rambert stated, feeling so very tired of the words ‘bias’ and ‘fairness’, they were acceptable only when they worked in their favour but so immensely annoying when one was trying to avoid being accused of such. Perhaps this was why Thomas had so often wanted to go to war, to start a revolution, it would have certainly been quicker than this slow and frustrating process that politics was. 

“A full review like that wouldn’t be very well received”, Abraxas finally engaged in the conversation at hand, “The meetings are tedious and frequent enough that many will avoid additional ones at all costs. I know I did. It would be a lot of extra work and the Wizengamot already works to its fullest capacity”. 

“Livia has suggested that committees in charge of overseeing specific areas within the Wizengamot would be beneficial in such cases as these, apparently many European countries have just such a system in place, and it reduces the pressure on the central governing body”, Thomas informed them, he had been intrigued by the notion and had been reading up on it and contacting various acquaintances since she mentioned it. 

“Really? I assume that you have already begun researching this method of... work distribution?”, Xander asked his friend with a knowing smile, Thomas was nothing if not a voracious collector of knowledge. Seeing Tom nod his agreement he asked, “Would you be willing to share your sources with me? It will be quite like old times sharing study materials!”, he said with a cheer.