Chapter 405 - Chairman (1/2)
The icy handsome, pale, long-haired blond, Lucius Malfoy strides down the hallway to the deliberation chamber almost fashionably late, but not quite as it simply did not do for a Hogwarts Board Member to be late nor would the chairman allow it. His elegant opera cloak flutters behind him, while his walking stick makes a sharp, almost rhythmic clang against the floor.
Lucius paused before the great oak doors to ensure that his clothes are perfect before pushing the doors open and entering the floor. The other eleven board members glance up some with amusement in their eyes, others with blank faces, or like the chairman irritated at his being so close on time. ”Good evening,” Lucius coolly said as he took his seat, before stylishly removing his leather gloves.
The bald elderly wizard with only wisps of hair left in a white crown scowls fiercely at Malfoy. ”You were almost late, yet again, Malfoy,” Decimus Magellan snapped.
”Almost chairman,” Lucius clarified not fazed whatsoever by the old wizards' words. ”And a Malfoy though almost always fashionably late is never late.”
Magellan sneered at the younger pureblood wizard but he knew he couldn't say or argue otherwise. Malfoy had been punctual, no matter how close to the hour. And the boy was liked by most of the board members to his great dislike. If the boy continued at this rate, he'd take his chairman position, and if not, he'd aid another into ousting him from his position. He could not afford such a risk. He must find the next available pretext to see the wretched, spoiled brat forced from the board.
Magellan cleared his throat in an attempt to control himself, before saying, ”I am sure that all of you are aware of why we have gathered here today. The Ministry of Magic wishes to create an alternative board to manage the education for wizarding children from ages five to eleven. And for the squibs and muquibs education until they are of age.”
Magellan dramatically paused to the annoyance of the board members, before with great relish continuing, ”As such, the board will be sending four experienced board members to serve on said new governing board, which shall be called the Quattor Governing Board as there will be four Academies. Each academy will be named numerically to keep things simple: Academy Unus for Ireland, Academy Duo for Scotland, Academy Tribus for Wales, and Academy Quattor for Britain. Tragically, we will be saying fondly goodbye to four of our members and will be welcoming in their stead four new council members.”
There is disgruntled silence as the board members observe the chairman's words. This was an opportunity to be rid of rivals, however, this would change the entire power balance found within the board. Alliances would be torn apart, and new alliances would have to be forged. But more importantly, there was a higher risk of being betrayed as the four new board members would be an entirely new Quidditch match. Of course, that was only IF, they weren't the ones sent away.
An older bronzed witch with kohl-lined eyes and dark salt-peppered hair smiles rather slowly. Fiona Bly, Mrs. Bly in her smoothing patient tone of her, says, ”In that case, I suppose you must naturally be volunteering yourself, chairman. Who has more experience than yourself in anticipating all the needs of the new governing board? I would be thrilled to personally nominate you, chairman.”
Mrs. Bly paused as Magellan grew red with fury before with great satisfaction saying, ”Who seconds the motion?”
There is a long pause as Magellan glared at everyone daring anyone to dare go against him. However, not one to be insulted and forgive, Lucius Malfoy raised his hand. ”I second the motion.”
Mrs. Bly's lips twitch into a smile that screams that the cat ate the canary, milk, and cream. ”All those in favor of the nomination, please raise your hands?”