"They really are the most misunderstood creatures, aren't they?"
asked Luna Scamander, formerly Lovegood, softly. She regularly
visited Hogwarts on weekends to spend time with some of the more
exotic creatures, and that was where Harry Potter found her.
The Thestral calf slowly moved forward, eyeing the piece of meat in
her hand hopefully. Luna smiled as she threw it on the ground. The
calf hungrily devoured it, but not before bowing deeply towards the
man with emerald green eyes standing before it.
"It's strange," frowned Luna. "I've never seen Thestrals act this way
around anyone before. All of them bowed to you, and that is
something Thestrals don't do at all."
Harry smiled softly. He knew why. Thestrals were creatures of death.
They could sense who he was – the Master of Death . They were
naturally inclined to respect him.
"Maybe it's another mystery for you and your husband to solve," said
Harry. "How have you been, Luna?"
"I've been great, Harry, thank you!" beamed Luna. "Rolf and I are
planning to open a hospital for magical creatures. It's sad that there
are no healers who specialise in such areas anywhere in the
country."
"That's a very good idea, Luna, I'm happy for you," praised Harry.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke, "I'm afraid I'm not here for a social
visit."
"I know. You're here for the prophecy."
"Yes. I was hoping you could explain to me what it meant."
Luna paused as she threw the last of the meat towards the
Thestrals. With a flick of his wand, she cleaned her hand and
vanished the bag. "Prophecies are very tricky to understand, Harry.
They account for all scenarios and different people interpret it in
various ways. Therefore, we have to analyse it in pieces."
Harry was silent as he gave her his undivided attention.
" The one with the power to restore balance has been chosen ... the
one who has already fulfilled the terms of a prophecy, the one
marked by the Dark Lord as his equal. The first part of the prophecy
itself points to you. Remember, this is Sybill Trelawney, the same
Seer who recited the previous prophecy that tied you and Lord
Voldemort in destiny. You fulfilled the terms of her previous prophecy
by defeating the Dark Lord. Also, as the prophecy stated, you were
marked as his equal when he attacked you in 1991. With me so far?"
Harry nodded.
" He shall emerge at a time when the shroud of darkness is creeping
along the horizon. This is more difficult to understand because
anyone else would tell you that we are currently in a time of peace.
Unfortunately, that is not true. In the magical world, yes, we don't
really have another dark witch or wizard who wants to take over the
government. Unfortunately, as you very well know, the Muggle world
is very unstable at the moment. Should they start a war among
themselves, it could be catastrophic. Even with former Minister of
Magic Archer Evermonde's efforts to prevent wizards from getting
involved, magical involvement did take place during the First World
War. A small mistake then could have cost us the Statute of Secrecy.
Unlike most wizards, I do study the developments Muggles have
come up with. Should they start another world war, wizarding
exposure is imminent. Their communication devices are a dangerous
enemy."
"And exposure would lead to war," sighed Harry. "It'll be so easy for
them to blame all their problems on us 'evil' wizards."
"Precisely," said Luna. "The ones cursed by Magic have begun their
path to chaos ... the balance shall be broken, the secret ousted, and
a holy war shall end it all. This is the part that confuses me. It is
obviously referring to Muggles because there is no other secret it
could refer to, at least from my point of view. But considering what I
have seen in my vision, I'd like to believe that I am right. Cursed by
Magic? I don't understand what that could mean. The balance refers
to the relative peace between magical species and Muggles. For
three hundred years now, the Statute of Secrecy has held. It has
protected us from an all-out war. According to the prophecy, yes, the
Statute will crumble."
Harry had a dark look on his face. "I don't see any war as 'holy',
Luna."
The Seer smiled dreamily. "That's where you're wrong, Harry. War is
terrible, yes, but it is something that can never be avoided. It's a part
of nature. If you believe everything in the world can be resolved
through peace, you're living in a fool's paradise. If everyone can get
along perfectly, then society will be stagnant. Such a society can
never exist. Peace is a goal, not always a means. Yes, destructive
wars are bad for society. Many die, and I truly believe that war must
be avoided at all costs. But sometimes, there is nothing you can do
but fight your way out. If that's the will of Magic itself, who are we to
question it? If we rebel, it'll only lead to our destruction, if not
immediately, then at a future date. That's why we have Seers; that's
why we have prophecies. It is to help us learn and adapt. You're an
eagle Animagus, aren't you? Tell me, what do eagles do when
there's a storm?"
"It flies above the clouds and avoids it."
"Yes. And you're trying to do the same by attempting complete
separation. In theory, it can work. But what if it doesn't? What if
separation alone isn't enough? The Statute of Secrecy has shaped
our way of life for three centuries. People will panic without it. It's a
fight for the survival of magic, the very fabric of what encompasses
the universe itself. The Muggles, in their arrogance and ignorance,
don't know that. It's a holy war."
" Long forgotten allies shall emerge, for only two can there be that
shall decide our fate. I have met Perenelle Flamel. I know who the
Elves are. My grandfather has personally met the Queen of the
Elves. They are powerful allies, Harry. And as in any war, there are
two factions. There can be more, no doubt, but if you look at it from a
dragon's eye view, there are always only two sides and they will
decide the fate of the planet."
Harry gently patted one of the Thestrals as he tried to process what
Luna was telling him. He took deep breaths as he tried to calm
down. The creature he was petting nuzzled his face. He smiled
faintly.
Luna continued. "The one chosen by Magic, touched by Death,
flanked by tigress and wolf, will be forced to restore balance, but
should he fail, Magic shall consume us all. The Saviour of Magic has
been chosen ... chosen to fulfil his destiny ... you were marked by
this prophecy. That means you were chosen by Mother Magic.
Touched by death … I'm not sure what that means, but maybe it's
referring to the fact that you are the only survivor of the Avada
Kedavra curse."
Harry didn't correct her, nor did he reveal his identity as the Master
of Death.
"Even in my vision, I always saw Daphne and Dylan by your side,"
smiled Luna. "Their Animagus forms are public knowledge; you know
what that means. And should you fail, there is always a price to pay.
Magic is giving us an opportunity to take care of the threat ourselves.
Should you fail, nature will do the rest. None of us then stands a
chance."
Harry looked towards the sky. There was work to be done.
One month later ...
Potter Castle
Astoria frowned as she looked at Harry's notes. "This … is going to
be problematic."
Harry smiled wryly. "Does that mean I've lost your support, Lady
Lestrange?"
The younger witch rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Of course not,
Chief Warlock," she teased right back. "Unlike others, I would be
willing to curse you to express my disapproval."
"I won't have a problem getting this bill passed in the Wizengamot,
Tori."
"I know you won't," said Astoria. "But first clarify something for me.
You intend to amend the Statute in the Wizengamot?"
Harry nodded.
Astoria chuckled. "It won't work."
"Why not?"
"First of all, the Wizengamot is the legislative body of Magical Britain.
That means it is the regional government. The International Statute
of Secrecy was enacted by the I.C.W., which is the supreme
governing body. You can't amend a bill passed by the Confederation
in any of the regional legislative bodies. It'll never be recognized, not
to mention it could lead to serious legal problems for you and Lord
Black in the future. As a lawyer and a fellow politician, I strongly
advise against it. Instead, you might want to fight directly at the
international level. Once the amendment is approved by the
Confederation and is signed by the Supreme Mugwump, the various
Ministries of Magic are obligated to enforce the law. That's how the
system works."
Harry stroked his chin. "So the fight is with the I.C.W.," he said
slowly.
"Yes," Astoria nodded. "You'll achieve nothing by bringing this matter
before the Wizengamot. Magical Britain is just one country, Harry. It'll
get you nowhere. On the other hand, should you table this before the
International Confederation, you have a chance to implement it
globally at the same time. It's more efficient."
"Understood," muttered Harry. "Get started on drafting the bill, Tori.
I'll start lining up support so that the bill will meet little resistance."
HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP
Platform Nine and Three-Quarters had changed drastically ever
since London had been abandoned by the Ministry. Now situated in
Godric's Hollow, the newly designed Hogwarts Express looked
nothing like its predecessor. Sleek and shiny, the magical train
reached Hogwarts in less than two hours. The train had not been
scrapped, mainly due to the fact that it had been ingrained into the
minds of students, becoming a tradition of reaching the school.
The nearly twelve-year-old Rigel Black stood on the platform,
fidgeting slightly. He was already dressed in his new uniform, and so
was his best friend, Jacen Greengrass. Both of them had to start
school a year late due to having been born after the first of
September, but they were very glad that they could attend Hogwarts
together.
"Cheer up, mate," smiled Sirius, tapping his son's head lightly with a
finger. "Hogwarts isn't as bad as you think. The number of pranks
you can pull is limitless!"
Rigel couldn't help but laugh when his mother whacked his father
upside the head.
"Hey!" exclaimed Sirius, rubbing the back of his head. "What was
that for?"
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Don't listen to him, Rigel. You're better off
not being a prankster."
"Not true! How can the son of the mighty and handsome Sirius Black
not be a prankster?"
"If you can handle the fact that James Potter's son isn't a Marauder,
you can do the same for yours as well!"
Sirius huffed and pouted like a child. Rigel grinned as he hugged his
father. "Don't worry, Dad," he whispered. "I'll be sure to drive
McGonagall insane."
The Minister smiled as he kissed his son's forehead. "Just don't go
overboard and try not to make enemies this soon," he said seriously.
"I won't," Rigel promised. He turned to his mother and couldn't help
but tear up. His hair turned a dull shade of grey as he hugged her
tightly.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Rigel," whispered Amelia. "Promise
me that you'll be careful."
"I promise, Mum."
"And don't forget to call us every night. If there is an emergency –"
"– I shouldn't hesitate to call our bodyguards, yes, I know," said
Rigel, rolling his eyes. He had been told this too many times to
count, growing up.
"Most of all, study hard, make friends, and enjoy yourself, alright?"
said Sirius. "Come on, say goodbye to your brothers. The train is to
leave soon."
Rigel quickly made his way to his older brothers. Harry and Dylan
had amused expressions on their faces.
"Look at you, Rainbow, all grown up!" teased Dylan. "Think about it.
You can change your hair colour to whichever House you will be
sorted into."
Thinking about the sorting made Rigel's stomach perform backflips.
Sensing this, Harry gently squeezed his youngest brother's shoulder.
"What is it, kiddo?"
Swallowing, Rigel looked into the green eyes of his greatest hero.
"Harry, do you think Mum and Dad will be disappointed in me if I'm
sorted into Slytherin?" he whispered.
"Never," Harry assured him. "They'll always be proud of you, Rigel.
The Sorting Hat places you in whichever House it fees you'll be the
most comfortable in. It sorts you based on your personality. Both my
parents were Gryffindors, and I ended up in Ravenclaw. Dylan's
father was a Slytherin, and his mother a Hufflepuff. He was a
Ravenclaw. Dad was in Gryffindor, and Mum in Hufflepuff. There's
nothing wrong with you being in Slytherin. No one will think any the
less of you. Rigel, it's just a House. It's not a life or death situation.
You're going to be in Hogwarts for seven years and the world isn't
going to end when you leave. Who in Merlin's name will even think
about which House you were sorted into once you graduate? I'll tell
you – no one! Nobody cares about something as insignificant as this.
You have no one to judge you, Rigel. Relax."
"I know going to Hogwarts can be scary," said Dylan, ruffling the
boy's hair affectionately. "But all your classmates are scared too,
Rainbow. You aren't the only one. They're all nervous. You at least
have Jacen with you! Just be yourself, alright?"
Rigel smiled and hugged Harry and Dylan tightly. "I'll call you both
later tonight," he assured. "Bye!"
Hugging his parents once more, Rigel got on board the train. Just a
minute later, the train rose several inches from the ground, hovering
in mid-air. And with one massive movement, it disappeared from
view, on its way to Hogwarts.
Pandemonium.
That seemed to be the best word to describe any legislative body
when it was filled with angry politicians. The International
Confederation of Wizards was no different.
"This is an outrage! How could you even suggest something like
this?"
Harry Potter was stoic as he sat in his ornate chair, observing
everyone carefully. Some of them were spitting mad, others were
looking at him critically, while a few others were confused as to why
he would propose such a bill in the first place. Half the members
were discussing softly, having already been briefed about the bill
beforehand. They were not surprised.
There was chaos all around as the Supreme Mugwump tried to
restore order.
"Members of the Confederation, please! "
"How dare you submit such a disgusting bill, Mr Potter?"
"We are not kidnappers!"
"I knew he was a bigot!"
"So much for his title of Grand Sorcerer … he's too young to
understand the magnitude of such actions."
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure Mr Potter has a reasonable
explanation for why he would like to turn the I.C.W. into a kidnapping
camp," said Ivan Krum, glaring at Harry. " Well? Do you have
anything to say, Mr Potter?"
"I do have a lot to say, Your Excellency," Harry nodded. His voice
was soft, but it echoed throughout the room due to the Sonorus
charm. "Members of the Confederation, today, you stand here and
accuse me of being a bigot. You say that I'm still too young to
understand the magnitude of such actions. That I don't deserve the
title of Grand Sorcerer for my academic achievements … but tell me,
until I barged in on your meeting that took place in London six years
ago, you were all culpable of homicide. Each one of you watched as
Supreme Mugwump Ivan Krum said that he would kill all those poor
children who had turned into Obscurials. A little girl died that day.
Have you forgotten?"
Deathly silence and dread crept into the room. It was suddenly cold,
very cold, as Harry's magic lashed out.
"I'm not a heartless person. I have children too and I love them more
than anything in the world. My wife and I would be devastated should
something happen to them. Every other parent would feel the same
about their children. The amendment I'm proposing is harsh. That is
a fact. But it is also necessary."
Before Krum could dismiss Harry's claims, one of the members
asked, "How so?"
Harry took a deep breath. "When the International Statute of Secrecy
was enacted, most of the countries separated from the Muggle world
completely. In Europe, due to the inter-marriage between wizards
and Muggles, complete secrecy was not possible. That led to a
separation that was not complete, which led to chaos. However, it
also brought about a universal problem – Muggle-borns."
"Why?" sneered Krum. "Do you believe they are inferior?"
"Of course not," Harry frowned. "I'm the proud son of a Muggle-born.
I fought for their rights during the Voldemort war, and my adopted
father has done his utmost best to increase their standard of living in
Avalon. But that's not enough! At the end of the day, Muggle-borns
are the ones who suffer the most, beat at the hands of wizards or
Muggles."
A three-dimensional image floated before them all. The members
gasped in outrage. "This is the type of environment Muggle-born
orphans had to grow up in," Harry continued. "The Magical Orphans
Act was passed by our legislative body only for the sake of
protecting such children. Members of the Confederation, please
open your eyes! Complete separation from the Muggle world is
beneficial for us all – but did anyone think about Muggle-borns?"
"We have never faced that problem in our country, Mr Potter," said
the member from Japan. "Muggle-borns are born only due to wizards
intermarrying with Muggles. It is a fact that two Muggles cannot
create a magical child. You know this. Witches and wizards in most
countries don't interact with Muggles at all. Where then does the
concept of Muggle-borns come into play? The amendment you are
proposing would not make sense anywhere outside Magical
Europe."
"You're right, Madam Sato, but this amendment does not limit itself to
Magical Europe alone. Many of you failed to consider the possibility
that such marriages could have occurred centuries ago, before
complete separation. My mother, Lily Potter, was the descendant of
Lord Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School.
Her ancestors, way back in the thirteenth century, lost their magic in
a tragic accident. For eight hundred years, no one in their family has
ever been magical … until my mother was born in 1965. It is a myth
that Muggle-borns are born only if there is a close magical relative.
The DNA of magical humans can activate any time in such children
as long as they had wizarding ancestors. They have not been
identified, not been trained, and have been left to live among
Muggles. This has been the case for more than three hundred years.
How many witches and wizards died due to this oversight?"
Many of them looked horrified as they began whispering heatedly.
"Be that may, there is a chance that such children grew up happily,
Mr Potter," Krum said coldly. "It still does not condone kidnapping .
This is the most barbaric idea I have come across to date!"
"The Statute of Secrecy was also called excessive and imprudent
when it was enacted, Your Excellency," replied Harry stiffly. His eyes
were jet black as he turned towards Krum. "You will not understand
the pain such children experience, what they go through every time
they have an incident of accidental magic. They don't understand
because they were not raised in the magical world. Many of them are
sent to asylums for being 'abnormal'. Others are deemed 'cursed'.
Children are subjected to torture when others brand them
possessed. A few unfortunate ones turn into Obscurials and
remember that it was only recently, during the last attack, that a cure
for that dreaded disease was discovered. Before that, being infected
by an Obscurus meant death. You have no idea how it is to be raised
by magic-hating Muggles!"
"Not all of them hate magic!" spat Krum. "Just because you suffered
doesn't mean everyone else shares the same fate, Mr Potter!"
"Big words coming from a man who was willing to slaughter innocent
children who suffered at the hands of Muggles, claiming they had to
pay for their crimes. Obscurials don't appear out of thin air, Your
Excellency. They were created by magic-hating Muggles who torture
witches and wizards. There is a reason we went into hiding in the
first place, have you forgotten that?"
"That does not mean we can kidnap Muggle-born children from their
parents! I will never allow it!"
"Does that mean the suffering of all those children count for nothing?
" spat Harry. "Are we just going to ignore the plight of defenceless
children and sit in our cradle of power? Your arrogance disgusts me!"
"Mr Potter, watch your tongue!" thundered Krum. "I shall not be
lectured by you! I am the Supreme Mugwump. You will show me
some respect!"
"I have not disrespected you, Your Excellency," Harry said calmly.
"But the fact that you aren't even willing to think about the plight and
living conditions of thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of
unidentified Muggle-borns all over the world makes me question your
ability to lead us!"
"Perhaps we should hear him out, Your Excellency," said the
member from Peru. "Continue, Mr Potter."
Harry bowed to the wizard, thanking him silently. "My problem, ladies
and gentlemen, is the way so many magical children are suffering at
the hands of illiterate, illogical, fanatical Muggles. A magical child
does not belong outside the magical world! How do you expect
Muggles to understand how to raise a magical child and deal with
their cases of accidental magic? Levitating books, shattering
windows, child Apparition, Legilimency, Metamorphmagus abilities,
banishing charms … children are capable of all this! And no Muggle
can understand or deal with it! Look at the statistics! Do you know
how many Muggle-borns are abandoned in orphanages? Do you
know how many others are abandoned on the streets? Or worse,
KILLED? We are the members of the International Confederation of
Wizards, the supreme governing body of the magical world. It is our
duty to protect our citizens! I've said it before and I'll say it again. We
are here for the magical population, not for Muggles! When witches
and wizards are in distress, it is our sworn duty to act!"
Harry continued. "I know that it is horrible to take a child away from
its mother. I agree, once again, that it is harsh; very harsh. But we
can make it up to them. Blood-adoption is very much possible. The
system has been a huge success in Avalon. A Muggle orphan can be
replaced with such Muggle-born children. The memories of the
child's relatives and all their government records and whatnot can be
modified so that they will believe the new, adopted child is their own.
It's a win-win scenario. Muggle-borns will be part of the magical
world from the very beginning. Blood-purity will cease to exist. We
can enforce complete secrecy! Throughout the world! Muggle
orphans will benefit from this. We are providing them with loving
parents and a home. How is this barbaric? For the greater good of
the society at large, this amendment is necessary. "
"Greater good?" hissed Krum.
Harry shook his head. "The phrase is universal, Your Excellency. I
did not mean to quote Albus Dumbledore, but I stand by what I said."
"Don't you mean Gellert Grindelwald?" yelled Krum furiously. "Don't
think for a second that I believe the lies that Rita Skeeter wrote about
my former Master. Albus Dumbledore was and shall always be one
of the greatest wizards the world has ever seen. No one can tarnish
his name and deeds, mark my words!"
The Boy-Who-Lived ignored him. Instead, he signalled his allies. It
was time.
Blaise Zabini and Parvati Patil, both of whom were representing their
respective countries in the Confederation, nodded discreetly.
"Let us now vote on the amendment proposed to the International
Statute of Secrecy of 1692, put forward by Mr Harry James Potter of
Avalon," said Blaise. "All those in favour of the amendment?"
Harry held his breath as wands were drawn. He too raised his wand,
the tip glowing brightly. Parvati and Blaise raised their lit wands too.
"All those in favour of rejecting the amendment?" announced Parvati.
Krum immediately raised his lit wand. So did thirty others. The
Supreme Mugwump's eyes burned with anger as he was forced to
say the dreaded words.
"A special majority has been achieved," he said through gritted teeth.
Special , meaning more than three-quarters of the members had
voted in favour. It would be nearly impossible to repeal the
amendment should Krum desire to do so in the future.
A copy of the amended bill immediately appeared before him in a
flash of light. Suppressing his rage, Krum signed it. The sheet of
parchment glowed brightly, signifying that it had become official.
Every magical government in the world would now have to enforce it.
"This session hereby comes to a close," Krum said as he got to his
feet. He quickly made his way to the exit, but not before throwing a
filthy look at Harry Potter who stood in front of him.
"Albus Dumbledore would have been disgusted by what has
happened here today," Krum spat.
Harry smiled coldly. "Albus Dumbledore," he said softly, "was a great
wizard. I don't dispute that. Your affection for your late Master is
blinding you to who he really was. His policy was always to sacrifice
a few to save many. While I don't agree with his methods and would
not follow them, I can't deny that they were efficient. Had he been in
my place, he would be doing the very same thing. Unfortunately,
Albus Dumbledore was also a fool who believed he was capable of
handling and solving any problem alone. I assure you, had he been
alive, his interference would have destroyed the world. Learn from
your late mentor and don't repeat his mistakes, or you may soon join
him."
"Is that a threat?"
Harry's face remained perfectly expressionless. He bowed slightly in
respect and said, "Your Excellency," before walking out of the
chamber, leaving the Supreme Mugwump seething.
Hermione Granger was sitting in the living room of her apartment in
Godric's Hollow, slowing sipping her morning tea. She sighed in
contentment. Earl Grey … just the way she liked it. Too bad the
blend didn't exist in the magical world. The wizards really didn't know
what they were missing. Just when she wondered why the Magical
Daily hadn't arrived yet, a barn owl flew into the house from the open
window. Dropping off its load, the owl flew away at once.
Flicking her wand, Hermione charmed the newspaper to levitate
itself while she sat comfortably. Just as she took another sip of her
tea, she spat the liquid all over the paper when her eyes caught the
headlines.
INTERNATIONAL STATUTE OF SECRECY AMENDED!
Proposal to amend the Statute was passed by the International
Confederation of Wizards after attaining a special majority
Amendment revealed to be the brainchild of Chief Warlock Harry
Potter
Unidentified Muggle-borns living in Muggle areas all over the planet
to soon be rescued and brought to stable homes in the magical
world
SUPREME MUGWUMP IVAN KRUM FACES CRITICISM FOR HIS
LACK OF EMPATHY TOWARDS ABUSED CHILDREN
" I welcome this move. It may sound harsh, but this change was
necessary," says famed entrepreneur, Serena Miller. "This
amendment will help wizards as well as Muggles. I applaud Lord
Potter for his dedication to helping abused magical children."
" Only now are we fully enforcing the Statute," says Blaise Zabini of
Magical Italy, a member of the International Confederation. "This
amendment should have been part of the original draft more than
three hundred years ago!"
Harry and Daphne Potter donate 5 million Galleons for the
betterment of all rescued Muggle-borns
HARRY POTTER – THE NEW WORLD LEADER?
Pandora's Hospital for the Care of Magical Creatures
Now open in Hogsmeade!
Weddings, weddings, marriages all over! Celebrity Quidditch players
get bonded!
Holyhead Harpies Chaser Ginny Weasley marries long-time
boyfriend Dean Thomas!
Heartthrob Cedric Diggory, Seeker of the Avalon National Quidditch
Team, marries Chinese Quidditch player Cho Chang!
Oliver Wood, Captain and Keeper of the Avalon National Quidditch
Team married to boyfriend and Senior Quidditch Reporter for the
Magical Daily, Adrian Pucey!
Star Montrose Chasers Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet get
married to twin pranksters Fred and George Weasley!
RUSH TO YOUR NEAREST BRANCH OF WEASLEYS' WIZARD
WHEEZES TO RECEIVE AMAZING OFFERS FOR COUPLES!
Hermione ignored the rest of the news. Her hands were shaking as
her emotions got the best of her. Furious tears stung her eyes as she
read every word of the article that described the amendment to the
Statute.
" HARRY JAMES POTTER!"
Percy Weasley, who was sleeping soundly in their bedroom, was
suddenly woken up by his girlfriend's screeching voice. He groaned.
Unfortunately, this was not something he was unfamiliar with. His
mother, Molly Weasley, had the same shrill voice too, and he and his
siblings had all endured it growing up.
Yawning, he quickly made his way to the living room. "What is it,
Hermione?" he asked sleepily.
"L-Look at this!" Hermione spluttered, too angry to form coherent
words. "I can't believe how – how – how can they accept this? Why
are people still supporting him after this madness?"
Percy frowned as he summoned the newspaper to his hand. His
eyes widened as he read the headlines. Sitting down on the sofa, he
started reading the article. For ten minutes, Hermione was left
seething in silence. Finally, her boyfriend put down the newspaper.
"I admit it sounds harsh," Percy said slowly, "but maybe there is
some truth to what they're saying, Hermione."
"Truth? Truth? Percy, he's doing this for his own selfish agenda!"
cried Hermione. "Not all Muggle-borns are treated badly. Just
because he and Lestrange faced problems doesn't mean we all did!
My parents – my parents loved me!"
"Shh, it's okay," soothed Percy, hugging her tightly.
"This law will not hold for long," Hermione said forcefully. "People will
rebel, and when they do, Potter will have no choice but to take it
down."
Percy paused. "Hermione, I don't think that's going to happen."
"And why not?"
"Because this may be Potter's brainchild, but most of the members
of the Confederation voted for this. It was passed after attaining a
special majority! That means many of them did think it was a good
idea."
"That's only because Potter has blackmailed them!" Hermione said
hotly.
"All of them?" Percy asked sceptically, his tone turning bossy. "Look,
I understand why you're upset. Frankly, I don't like the concept of this
amendment either. Let's think rationally. There are three hundred
members in the I.C.W., half a dozen members in each group
representing fifty different countries, which means every magical
government in the world was involved in this. How do you suppose
Potter threatened and blackmailed them into supporting this
amendment?"
Hermione paused but her anger was making it difficult for her to think
rationally.
"I'll contact the Supreme Mugwump as soon as we go to the
Ministry," Percy assured her. "He'll surely know what to do."
"You do that," snarled Hermione as she got up, heading towards the
bathroom in order to get ready for the day. "In the meantime, I'll give
Potter a piece of my mind and tell him exactly what I think of him!"
HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP
" Welcome to Camelot. The Ministry of Magic of Avalon wishes you a
good day."
Hermione Granger grumbled under her breath as she stepped out of
the Floo. Unlike the previous headquarters of the British Ministry, the
new building in the capital proved to everyone that this was no
government that operated underground. The city of Camelot was
beautifully designed, with tall buildings, floating banners and
greenery everywhere. To the naked eye, it was practically the
opposite of a Muggle city, and Hermione hated it. The ban on flying
vehicles had been lifted, and she could see many such luxuriously
enchanted objects in the air. These systems of public transport were
shaped like a very sleek and advanced car – and it was Hermione's
only way of comparing this to a Muggle vehicle – but from what she
had seen, the inside was way bigger than any Muggle transport she
had stepped into. There were also people on broomsticks and
carpets. The wide roads were littered with people and enchanted
devices here and there.
The city of Camelot was divided into three sectors – the Ministerial
sector, the commercial sector, and the residential sector.
Large trees and picturesque gardens dominated the layout of the
Ministerial sector, which was built in the very middle of Camelot. The
Ministry building itself was large and – strangely enough – shaped
like a spiral, though people generally ignored that due to how
magnificently designed it was. Members of the Magical Law
Enforcement Patrol were stationed at different entry and exit points,
monitoring incoming and outgoing activity. Recording crystals
danced in the air, providing further security to the heart of Avalon.
Beyond the Ministerial sector were the commercial establishments.
Many of the shops in Diagon Alley had been shifted here. But the
eye-catching building was most definitely Gringotts, the marble
structure still quite familiar to everyone. Ollivander's, Madam
Malkin's, Twilfit and Tattings, Flourish and Blotts, Eeylops Owl
Emporium, the headquarters of the Magical Daily , and even the
Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, had all shifted their businesses here.
The Leakey Cauldron, however, was located in Godric's Hollow.
The old Diagon Alley, like the old underground Ministry complex, had
been magically destroyed a couple of years ago. It ceased to exist.
The residential sector formed the outer perimeter of the city,
surrounding inner Camelot completely with the homes of its citizens.
The citizens of Britain – Hermione wouldn't ever call it Avalon – had
taken the opportunity to construct their homes as they wished. They
were all marvels of magical architecture, all in different shapes and
colours. Some were even upside down.
Hermione grimaced. She didn't really like such designs. It only
irritated her, proving that wizards had no logic. Really, those designs
were ridiculous! Who in their right mind would build half their house
upside down?
As she walked down the familiar path, Hermione once more looked
at the towering statues that were erected here. The first was of King
Arthur and his wife, Queen Guinevere, smiling softly at them. The
king's famed sword was held in his right hand while he held the
queen's with his left. Four other statues dominated the layout of the
gardens as well; Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena
Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin – the four founders of Hogwarts.
From her position, Hermione could also see the massive temple that
had been constructed a few hundred metres away from the Ministry
complex. It was dedicated to Lord Myrddin Emrys, also known as
Merlin, the most celebrated sorcerer in the history of Avalon.
After passing through the security checkpoints, Hermione quickly
made her way inside the building. This was where the stark contract
was seen. While the old Ministry was dark and gloomy, this was
bright and airy, with cream and gold coloured walls and polished
granite flooring. A thin band of blue light was visible on the ceiling in
all directions. This light would turn red should anyone call a red alert.
A beautiful fountain was placed in the lobby, with independent
sculptures of a witch, wizard, goblin, Veela, centaur, house-elf,
merperson, dragon, phoenix, unicorn and Nundu.
But no Muggle.
The phrase 'Magic is Might' kept revolving around the fountain. Like
the previous Fountain of Magical Brethren, any gold donated here
would be used for charity. St Mungo's Hospital had been shifted to
Godric's Hollow. A bigger, more specialised hospital named
Morgana's Hospital for Magical Care was now the leading hospital in
Camelot.
Beyond the fountain were two gigantic banners. One of them was of
the Minister of Magic, Sirius Black. The other was the Chief Warlock
of the Wizengamot, Harry Potter.
Growling, Hermione stomped her way to the lifts. The golden grills
opened, letting her inside. The lifts were thought-based. You had to
think which floor you wanted to get down in, and the charmed lift
would do the rest.
" Level One, Offices of the Minister of Magic, Chief Warlock, and
support staff."
The corridor was decorated with rich wood and purple draping.
Ignoring the opulent environment, she proceeded to the reception
outside the office of the Chief Warlock.
"Is he here?" snapped Hermione. The poor receptionist stuttered,
unused to being shouted at by anybody. Ignoring the witch's feeble
attempts to stop her, the deputy head of the Department of
International Magical Cooperation flicked her wand at the door.
The door to the Chief Warlock's office opened with a bang . Harry
Potter raised his eyebrows in surprise when Hermione Granger
walked in. He was not alone. He was entertaining the global head of
the Department of Mysteries, Algernon Croaker, and his apprentice,
Unspeakable Padma Patil.
Hermione froze when she saw Croaker. She gulped slightly as
realization dawned on her as to who exactly was in the room.
"Miss Granger," said Croaker in a clipped voice. "May I ask what you
are doing, barging into this room like this? Without being announced
by Lord Potter's secretary?"
"I – I wanted to speak to the Chief Warlock, sir. It's about today's
news."
"Be that may, you could have waited for a moment and informed his
secretary of your presence. We were in the middle of an important
meeting. I'm a very busy man, Miss Granger, so if you'd be kind
enough to leave, I'd appreciate it."
That was essentially his way of telling her to get out. She swallowed.
Hermione was not afraid of Harry Potter, but she most definitely did
not want the ire of the global Head Unspeakable directed at her.
"Yes sir," Hermione said quickly. Flushing with embarrassment, she
shut the door and took deep breaths. She could feel various
protective enchantments taking effect as she was bodily pushed
back.
Ten minutes later, she was in her office. What could she do? From
what Percy had told her, the Supreme Mugwump was just as
stumped as she was. The amendment had been made into a law.
There was no going back. How could she stop such a vile thing from
taking place?
Was everyone in the wizarding world so small-minded that they
couldn't see what was right in front of them?
Hermione paused as an idea occurred to her. Most of the people in
the magical world weren't willing to listen to her. If Ivan Krum himself
couldn't stop the bill, that meant Harry Potter's hold on them all was
greater than they had anticipated. But that didn't mean she had to
rely only on wizards to help her. This was about Muggle-borns.
Muggle-borns, in her opinion, also belonged to the Muggle world.
She certainly believed herself to still be a citizen of the United
Kingdom. Therefore, it would stand to reason that the government of
the U.K. had vested interest in this law as well.
But Hermione also knew that informing a Muggle about magic went
against the law. In fact, according to the amendment, wizard-Muggle
interaction was strictly banned, taken directly from Rappaport's Law
implemented by MACUSA. However, there was a loophole.
The amendment said nothing about Muggles who already knew
about the existence of magic.