Chapter 10: Treason Against Magic
Monday was another surprising day at Forks High School, as Oliver Hale and Marcus Evans were enrolled in school for their senior year. By the end of the day Edward had heard so much that he would have had a migraine if he were human. The gossip mongers were in high cotton, as they say. There were so many Cullens, Hales and Evans where were they all living? Where they ALL together with someone? My mother saw Esme Cullen with two infants at the store. Whose children were they? What was going on?
Needless to say by the end of classes Jasper and Edward were beside themselves. Not that the reset of the family was any better. If one more person came up with one more horrific scenario about Esme stealing children Rosalie was going to massacre the school.
On the ride home Jasper lay in Alice's arms and everyone thought the most calming things they could. In the silver Volvo Cedric drove and Harry messaged Edward's temples. Things would calm down at school and go back to normal. Well normal for having thirteen vampires in the school. Of course that was if no one else showed up.
When the caravan from Forks High School arrived Jacob had just gotten home and was helping Billy out of his truck as he gruffly said, "Need to talk to Carlisle."
Knowing that he would always be a little gruff with them Edward replied, "Why don't you guys go around back to the deck and I'll get dad. It would probably be easier if we're not in an enclosed space."
"Great idea…thanks kid." Billy responded as he rolled across the driveway.
Edward looked at Jacob smirking as he asked, "Do you think he didn't realize who he was talking to, or did he not realize what he said?"
"Both." Replied Jacob as he left to follow his dad.
Carlisle came out onto the back deck and took a set by Billy.
Without any greeting Billy said "The kids should be here for this too."
"You do realize that five of them are older than you? Don't you?" Carlisle questioned.
Looking at him like he was crazy Billy said, "I thought this was a family. You're the parent they are the kids….the kids can come out and hear this too."
Carlisle went in and called the family out, and everyone filed out and found a place to sit. This included Harry and Oliver who were holding the boys. Teddy and Freddie were playing some pre-toddler version of patty cake that consisted of slapping hands and then clapping and giggling.
Billy handed Carlisle a news paper as he said "This was given to me today, it's the Wizarding Post I think you should read the front page articles to everyone.
North American Magical Conference
Secretary of Magic Davis has been in Ottawa Canada for a conference with the Canadian Minister of Magic and the Mexican Secretary General of Magic regarding resent developments in England. All of these governments have a history of following the British Ministry.
For those of you who are not aware Magical Britain has been the scene of great upheaval. The Wizengamot or legislative and judicial body has been dissolved by order of the British Minister of Magic. The citizenships of Vampire, Werewolves and now Veela have been revoked and they have now begun rounding them up to be held in a detection center.
At the conclusion of the conference yesterday a public statement was released before reporters were allowed to question the leaders. This statement is printed in full:
We the elected leaders of NAMTA (North American Magical Treaty Alliance) stand together as we have always stood together. There are treaties between our peoples that go back over 3,000 years, and as we have worked together in the past we shall continue to work together in the future.
The events happening in England have not only concerned us but have made us look inwardly at ourselves. North America has always been a melting of ideas and peoples and we have long gained strength from our diversity. It is necessary when looking at a crisis like this that you also look to protect your own people.
This having been said we cannot condone the dissolving of the Wizengamot in England. We are democratic nations and do not support the removal of the voice of the people. Furthermore we condemn the British Ministry for its removal of citizenship and the detention of magical races. This reminds us too closely of the rise of Nazism and Fascism that we faced in the not so distant past.
This has also caused us to look at ourselves. It is therefore the resolution of this group that while the citizenship that we believe to be the right of all magical creatures is implied; it is not pacifically stated in our Constitutions. Therefore we are asking our respective legislative bodies to alter the wording in our Constitutions so that it reads that unequivocally citizenship is the right of every magical being. We are also asking that the Canadian Chamber of Magic, the United States House of Magic and the Mexican Magical Assembly modify themselves to include seats based on population for every magical race.
The British Magical Government's dissolution of a branch of the government is of great concern to us. We are therefore asking that a new branch be created in each of our governments, separating the legislative and judicial duties. The Canadian and Mexican governments shall create a High Court of Magic each; and the United States government shall create a Supreme Court of Magic. Theses courts shall be made up of a reprehensive of every magical race within that nation. And any act by any branch of the government can be overruled by the agreement of the two remaining branches.
We believe these to be the best solutions to the security of NAMTA.
The following are excerpts from the question and answer portion of the press conference.
Minister Daniels is quoted as saying "We must say to all North American citizens currently residing in or traveling in or to England that you MUST leave England. We no longer believe that we can insure the safety of our citizen while on British shores."
Secretary General C de Baca stated "We have separately and jointly been in contact with the British Ministry, and they are unwilling to change their policy. As a result we are recalling all government representatives from British soil."
Secretary Davis concluded by saying "We are also ordering the session of diplomatic relations with Britain. The diplomats within North America are hereby order expelled. They have 72 hours to leave the continent or they shall be removed."
Upon return to their respective capitals the legislative body for that country was called into an emergency session. Each legislative body after minimal discussion passed the resolutions by unanimous votes.
When asked to comment on these developments the British Ministr of Magic said, "The North Americans can do as they like. If they want the next Dark Lord to on their soil that is fine, but don't come asking us for help. And they shall NOT be telling me how to protect the Wizarding Public."
The United States Magical government was asked how they would reply to this and Secretary Davis' replied "We are not the Wizarding government we are the Magical government and as such it is our responsibility to protect ALL magical races."
Rogues in the Government
Secretary Davis' victory in the House of Magic was met with a report that a dozen Aurors that supported the British policy attempted to force the registration of a group of Werewolves. The Aurors, who now fall under the authority of the newly created Supreme Court of Magic, attacked the Quileute Tribe in Washington State yesterday morning.
The Aurors apparently expected to surprise the Tribe by arriving early in the morning, just after dawn. However the Quileute Tribe had been prepared. The Aurors encountered wizarding wards surrounding the reservation and by the time they had broken the wards the Tribe had gotten their woman and children into a central community center and taken up defensive positions. As the Aurors moved to enforce their mission on the Tribe they were met with not only a Pack of Werewolves. But they were descended upon by a Coven of Vampires and a troop of Silkie warriors. These three groups stood shoulder to shoulder and fought off the rouge government forces, inflicting heavy injuries while receiving none.
When asked for a reaction from the government we received this response from Secretary Davis; "I would like to first say that this travesty was in no way sanctioned or ordered by the government. These individuals were acting on their own misguided belief. As a result a complete screening of the Magical Law Enforcement Department has been ordered.
I would like to also say that the example of the Werewolves, Vampires and Silkie working together is what has made this nation great. I would like to extend to all of them the official apology of the government. These disgusting individuals have had to be hospitalized for their injuries. They are under guard and will be taken into custody when released. They are hereby charged with Treason against Magic, and will be brought before the Supreme Court of Magic at the earliest convenience.
I will personally be traveling to Washington State to meet with representatives of the Quileute Tribe, to extend my personal apology and to offer that one of their representatives take the Werewolves seat on the Supreme Court of Magic."
When he finished reading Carlisle looked around, everyone was staring open mouthed in shock. He folded that paper and handed it back to Billy asking, "Did he come today?"
Nodding Billy said "Yes, I got his apology and have been informed that the magical schools here will be admitting any magical student that wants to attend. They'll be adjusting their classes to include specific classes for each race's magic as well as determining which existing classes are appropriate to them."
"What does this mean?" Jacob asked.
With a shrug Billy answered, "That anyone wishing to can attend the Salem Institute or the Anasazi Academy. I have been asked by the Council of Elders to take the position on the Supreme Court of Magic. I have told the Secretary that I would accept and made a recommendation to him."
"What recommendation?" Carlisle questioned.
"That you take the Vampires' seat on the court. You don't think I'm doing this alone, if I have to then you have to." Billy answered with a laugh.
Harry walked over and shook Billy's hand as he said "Congratulations on the appointment to the Court…But I would like your permission to still work on the necklaces for the Pack. I still think the protection is important."
Thinking for a minute Billy nodded and replied "Thank you…And I agree, I think the Pack and the Silkie should have every defense available."
A/N: First off I would like to say that I could not resist the chance to make Jefferson Davis the American Secretary of Magic. I realize that he was a really person but as he died over a hundred years ago I hope that doesn't count or offend anyone. Also cookies to anyone that knows what Anasazi means. I hope you are enjoying the story please review.
NEXT CHAPTER: A VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS
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