Chapter 371 (1/2)
The tide of whispered voices died down as the court scribe, Tiberius McLaggen rises to his feet. ”The Wizengamot has heard the Minister of Magic, Eugenia Jenkins proposal for reforms and laws. The Wizengamot will now discuss and question Minister Jenkins further, the court is yours,” Tiberius loudly proclaimed, before sitting back down.
The courtroom is utter silent before the tall, powerfully built figure of Albert Runcorn in his gravelly voice says, ”Your proposal Minister of Magic Jenkins, although altruistic in nature is unfeasible. Suppose the Wizengamot does approve the proposal to create this A.P.D. of yours, where will we find the resources to train said new law enforcement employees?”
There is a burst of an agreement as Runcorn continues, ”And as for the rest of it, they are muggles and we cannot break the state of secrecy!”
There are various nods in agreement until Minister Jenkins holds her head high as she meets the cold, bearded face of Albert Runcorn. ”We have several retired Auror's that are more than willing to be the training officers for the new members that will form the A.P.D. And regarding your second question, Runcorn, these muggles are already aware of the magical wizarding world. I am not asking that the state of secrecy be broken but rather requesting that it includes Muquibs and formally recognizes them as belonging to our world due to the consequences of their being introduced to a magical disease.”
”Well, I for one think it's a fine idea,” the old wizard, Elphias Doge loudly said earning a scowl of intense dislike from Runcorn. ”The wizarding world has been talking for ages about having a primary school to universally educate our children. However, there's never been a feasible plan until now. And it's not as though the Minister of Magic is taking a parent's right to hire private tutors for their children or to no longer be taught at home, but merely giving wizarding parents an alternate.
There are more nods of agreement in the crowd at his words in relief and understanding. The Minister of Magic was not forcing the purebloods to send their children to these schools but offering education to the wizarding masses. It was not something that would be forced upon them.
Seeing the changing expressions of the crowd in the courtroom, Runcorn icy eyes narrow as he pensively touches his black beard. Runcorn did not like the Minister of Magic's proposals nor agree with them. But he could see the way the tide was coming in for the moment, and he'd be buried in the sand if he did not retreat.
The journalists expect the powerful speaker, Albert Runcorn to speak again, but he does not to their utter disappointment. However, they are not disappointed, when the elderly, Madam Marchbanks says, ”Your ideas are all good and well, Minister Jenkins. But can you guarantee with absolute certainty that if your Muquibs are included as part of the Wizarding Secrecy Act that they will keep our secret?” The reporters hungrily lean forward expecting the response.
”Yes, they will,” Minister Jenkins confidently said. ”They have agreed if necessary, to swear an unbreakable vow. However, that being said provisions will have to be carefully made as any potential future children will be considered muquibs as well and will be educated as part of our world as they will most likely be inheriting their parent's animagus ability to transform into wolves at will.”
Madam Marchbanks slowly nods her head. ”Very well, that will be acceptable.”
An elderly pureblood Wizengamot member coughs and says, ”Minister of Magic, you have spoken of these muquibs of yours teaching our children. How can we know for certain they shall not pollute their young minds with muggle filth?” There is a rush of whispers at his words.
Minister Jenkins does not rise to the bait and calmly says, ”The Muquibs will teach subjects such as arithmetic, geography, etc. However, as I've stated before, our formerly cursed brethren have agreed to teach other important wizarding subjects such as proper etiquette, wizard traditions, wizard history and more. The entire purpose of primary education is to teach our children of the world that exists beyond our own and to preserve the traditions that are our own.”
The elderly pureblood Wizengamot sniffed in reply but did not speak up again. Wizengamot members continue to rise and sit down until no one has any more questions. The reporters are rather disappointed at seeing the lack of a fiery spectacle. Still, the journalists were still full of hope for more drama as the most important part was next, the voting.
Tiberius McLaggen rises to his feet once again and says, ”The Wizengamot has deliberated the subjects and now it is time to vote. Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore will lead the voting.”