This is written for Tiggs's Mini Competition in the Snitched! Issue 12 at The Golden Snitch; the task was to write about Modesty Rabnott, Elfrida Clagg or Bowman Wright.
Elfrida Clagg was the Chief of the Wizard's Council who banned the use of living Snidgets during Quidditch matches. It was an unpopular legislation at the time because the Snitch as such hadn't been created yet, but it was done with the intention of protecting the endangered Snidgets.
Elfrida's chin was raised and her wand was ready to be used. The overwhelming multitude standing in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic was threatening and couldn't be ignoring. Just what she needed after last month's chaos during the Council Meeting about the Beings' definition. She could handle that kind of chaos, but this was more dangerous.
She saw Ministry employees among the protesters, holding banners and raising their fists. Some even wore the Quidditch uniform of the Auror office, though she noticed they were only two of the youngest recruits and they had been arrested already by members of their own office.
This was a mess, but one she needed to endure.
"Madame Clagg, we're ready to hear you," said the Minister, standing at her side in support.
Elfrida appreciated that because the Minister had refused her solicitude at the start of the campaign, but he still put his personal beliefs at a side to present a united front to the complaining Quidditch fans.
Sometimes, sports were simply too troublesome.
Still, she nodded at the Minister and cast a Sonorus charm on herself, not speaking yet until she saw the Aurors (those with an ounce of sense) ready to stop the protesters, should there be the need.
"Good evening," she greeted, her voice echoing in the chamber. Those closer to her grimaced. "My legislation has caused an uproar, a protest. I assure you, the right of protest is yours. The right to complain about my legislation is yours. The right to use an innocent, endangered creature as a form of entertainment is not. I took that right away from you because you abused it. The Snidget is almost extinct and we needed a law to protect it."
"What about us?" someone from the multitude angrily yelled. "Quidditch can't be Quidditch without Snidgets."
"Who cares about them?" another one yelled.
The Aurors seemed ready to interfere, but Elfrida raised her hand.
"I care about the Golden Snidget," she called out, causing another uproar.
She couldn't make out the exact words of the people but there were a few curse words she heard.
"And you should too! Your game is a valid form of entertainment, but the unnecessary hunt of a vulnerable creature isn't! The selfish way of wizards already ended the White Stag with the hunts for a wish. Wizards from our past didn't see beyond their needs! They didn't see the White Stag were living creatures; only means to an end. You are about to do the same to the Snidget and I can't allow this to go on."
Elfrida's voice broke and the multitude yelled out again. Some were irate, some only were angry. They were subdued. She thanked that, because if even five out of a hundred understood what she meant, that was something to be proud of.
"The legislation stands," she finished, stepping down from the floating platform and letting the Minister take her place.
She walked away, entering the nearest office, and breathed in and out for long seconds. She should get back and be there as the Minister presented the punishments for those who would dare to break her law.
Elfrida stood again, holding a hand to her chest. As long as the Snidgets —the vulnerable creatures in general— were safe, she could do this. She went to the Atrium again and faced the crowd.