Royal
Prerogative
A Harry Potter fanfic by Steven Jester
Chapter
11: Indestructible, Determination that is Incorruptible
AN: Well, welcome to another edition of Royal Prerogative. As a simple yet blunt reminder I don't own the Harry Potter franchise so please remember to thank JK Rowling every chance you get for such a wonderful series. Also the depiction of any and all real life people (Royals, President and Mrs. Clinton, et al.) is fictitious and is meant as entertainment only. Neither slander nor libel is intended. Now with that out of the way let's talk fanfic.
First off thank you for your patience, first the tournament delayed this chapter. (Which I did a resounding 'meh' at. I need more practice.) Then my hubris caused my computer to be out of commission for about a week. (Don't ask) Needless to say this chapter is long coming and I bring you the first part of Wizengamont madness.
PS. All hail Sarkhan Vol. That is all.
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"My blood is cold
as ice
Or so I have been told
Show no emotion and it can
destroy your soul
Another sacrifice to a tormentor your world
wouldn't understand
Turn away again!" – Haunted by
Disturbed
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7:10
"Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! All ye who hear my words listen and take heed! The House of Lords Wizengamont will meet today at the completion of the ninth hour of the day! Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"
The cry of proclamation was heard throughout Magical Britain as was custom. From Hogwarts to Diagon Alley every magical community proclaimed the coming session. Most businesses closed and most families gathered their children and went to Diagon Alley. Everyone knew this was an unusual meeting as it was originally scheduled for the eighth. Many people, either living too far away or just didn't want to be bothered with the crowds, sat in front of their wizarding wireless turned to WWPC.
"Thank you for tuning in to 1543 MM, WWPC London. I'm Richard Letterman."
"And I'm Colin Williams. Today marks the 5,234th special session of the House of Lords Wizengamont and I must say that several stories are buzzing around the rumor mill as for the reason why a special session was called. We checked the usual false ones, Dumbledore dead, You-Know-Who making a major attack, and the return of Merlin are, once again, still false."
"But what we can say is true, Colin, is that there are going to be several new faces in today's session. Sources tell us that Hannah Abbot, daughter of the late Lady Rebecca Abbot was not captured as greatly feared in yesterday's attack on her home and will be claiming her Wizengamont seat in today's session."
"Also scheduled to show up is Draco Malfoy in his capacity as Councilor and Heir Apparent of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy. There is a possibility that after Sirius Black's confirmed death at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange late last month that Draco Malfoy may lay claim to the Black Line."
"Hogwarts seems to be pumping out the politically minded these days as Lady Susan Bones and Lady Luna Lovegood will also be making their first appearances in their seats replacing Regent Madam Amelia Bones and Lord Dowager Xenophilius Lovegood respectively. Madam Bones will still be on the floor as Department Head of Magical Law Enforcement."
"But the news of the day is that there is going to be an appearance by the Boy Who Lived himself, Harry Potter. Whether he's here just to observe or will be on the floor is anyone's guess."
"We'll be back after this commercial break for more insight on today's session."
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8:00
Buckingham was in a state of controlled chaos as it always was when a big event such as this was about to happen.
{{We have less than an hour to be at the Ministry and all you can think about is how good I'd look taking this robe off?!}} Hannah thought with a mix of shock and amusement.
{{You have to admit it's much more pleasant than thinking about other things,}} Harry thought while President Clinton walked past making Harry shudder involuntarily.
{{Aww, well when this is all over I think you and me need to spend some alone time looking over Potter Manor.}}
{{The Master Suite first?}} Harry said smirking.
{{Bad boy, but yes that was what I was thinking too,}} Hannah thought while giggling out loud.
Zara, who was walking past, turned noticed Harry smirking and Hannah giggling and said, "I don't want to know, do I?"
Harry outright laughed while Hannah just turned beet red and giggled madly.
"I figured as much," Zara said before heading down the corridor.
"Come we must get ready as well," Hannah said. Harry just gave her a smirk, "Later Harry, I promise."
Harry's smirk turned into a full grin.
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8:40
"Welcome back to 1545 MM, WWPC London. I'm Richard Letterman."
"And I'm Colin Williams. Richard, as we went to break we were handed a provisional agenda for today's session and I must say that it is a staggering piece of work."
"Yes indeed it is Colin. Listeners, stay tuned for today is truly a historic occasion as, enacting centuries old clauses in the Charter of the Magical Kingdom, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be attending. For those of you who aren't aware the head of state for both the magical and muggle governments is the current head of the Royal Family, which is Her Majesty. The reigning Sovereign hasn't opened a session of the Wizengamont since 1785. And yes, we checked, it is before Dumbledore was even born."
"Richard, I have reason to believe that this agenda is going to be chucked out of the proverbial window. During the break I was on the floo with someone who does not wish to be identified but is very close to the Potter camp and she says that Her Majesty plans on enacting the clause that lets her outrank Dumbledore. When was the last time the reigning Sovereign did that?"
"We're not entirely sure. That is a very good question. Now what does Harry Potter have to do with this development?"
"My source wouldn't go into that. But she was insistent that this is credible information."
"Well, it's getting close to the completion of the ninth hour of the day, nine o'clock. We'll send it down to the floor of the Wizengamont and our own Kathy Cummings for an update. Kathy?"
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8:53
"Thank you Richard," Kathy Cummings said sitting in front of a wand fashioned off as a microphone at a desk on the floor of the grandiose chamber. "I'm sitting on the floor next to the Chief Warlock's dais surrounded by the booths of the various family seats, most of them filled with the usual faces. The Lovegood and Bones booths are the only ones I can see with new faces as Lady Luna Lovegood and Lady Susan Bones have taken their places. Not officially recognized as members of the Wizengamont yet are Draco Malfoy and Hannah Abbot both sitting in the visitor's gallows, Miss Abbot alongside the Boy Who Lived himself. This is an odd twist of fate but one that may mean nothing."
Harry watched the spectacle below smirking at Draco across the room. {{Look at that git, thinking he's been handed a windfall,}} Salazar thought.
{{Yes, but he'll get his comeuppance,}} thought Rowena.
All of a sudden the bell tolled striking the hour.
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8:59
The limo carrying Her Majesty and her guests pulled in under Victoria Tower in front of the Sovereign's entrance. "Your Majesty," a herald said as Her Majesty and the Clintons got out of the limo, "I will escort President and Mrs. Clinton to the visitor's gallows while you undertake your final preparations."
"Thank you," her Majesty said motioning to her guests to follow the herald.
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9:01
The Gentleman Usher of the Azure Staff entered the Wizengamont chamber and laid out the opening proclamation: "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! All ye rise and shut your yaps as His Most Honorable Chief Warlock enters these hallowed chambers. All ye who are not members of the House of Lords Wizengamont must hold their silence yet ye wish to suffer removal from this chamber. Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"
Dumbledore entered the chamber and looked around. The pomp and circumstance of a normal Wizengamont session was in full effect. However, looking to his left he noticed that none of the department heads were present, including Minister Fudge. He knew the reason as it was part of the protocol for a royal visit. The symbolism of 'The Ministry is separate from the Monarchy' is the same here as it is for the muggles. Normally he'd sit letting everyone else sit down and we could get this session over with. But now he had to wait for The Queen. Dumbledore noticed some moving in the visitor gallows and paled when he noticed it was the President of the United States and his wife. Just then the rarely used Sovereign's Entrance opened revealing a herald who blew a trumpet fanfare before announcing, "Presenting Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith."
Wearing the formal robes and crown of the State Opening Her Majesty entered the silent chamber. She proceeded to the center dais and looked around the room before saying, "You may be seated."
Everyone in the chamber sat down. Elizabeth turned to the Gentleman of the Azure Staff and nodded. The Gentleman marched out of the room and down the hall towards the Hall of the Ministry. As he neared that chamber the door slammed in his face. Using the Azure Staff he knocked three times before the door opened and he entered the chamber. "All ye honorable members of Her Majesty's Magical Government are ordered to come to the Wizengamont chamber to hear your Sovereign speak."
The department heads filed out of their small chamber and proceeded into the Wizengamont chamber where they took their usual spots before sitting down.
All attention focused in on Her Majesty. Elizabeth, for her part, tried to keep her face neutral but a small smirk couldn't be tamed. "Thank you Chief Warlock, Minister Fudge, Members of the Ministry, Lords and Ladies of the House of Lords Wizengamont, and distinguished guests. For too long my ancestors have neglected a segment of their subjects that has come to either fear or despise the monarchy.
"I wish to change that. Starting today I will take as active a role as possible in my Magical Government. I wish to show you that I'm not some muggle who is ignorant of this world. Nor, am I afraid of it. In time I would like to see a world where magical and muggle intermix without fear and prejudice. I wish to see true progress in both worlds. I can't do it alone. But if there are none who stand with me I certainly will try."
"Thank you."
Her Majesty nodded her head as polite applause filled the room. Dumbledore walked over to the center dais and cleared his throat before saying, "Thank you Your Majesty for that impassioned speech. It is an honor to have you amongst us today." Dumbledore nodded to the Gentleman.
"Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! The 5,234th special session of the House of Lords Wizengamont is now in session! The Honorable Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Dumbledore, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the House of Lords Wizengamont, Grand Sorcerer, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, presiding! All ye who are not members of the Ministry or Lords of the House of Lords Wizengamont hold ye silence yet ye wish to suffer removal from this chamber! Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"
Dumbledore cleared his throat before saying, "Before we get to new business it is protocol to recognize new Lords and Ladies who have ascended into the head of their family. We have two such recognitions that have been pending for a while. The Chair officially recognizes Lady Susan Marie Bones and Lady Luna Artemis Lovegood as being the Heads of their respective families backdated to the demise of the previous Heads of those families.
"Does any Lord wish to make a motion prior to moving on to new business?" On Dumbledore's dais there were a few rows of stones, one of which glowed white, "The Chair recognizes the Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom represented by Lady Augusta Longbottom."
Lady Longbottom rose from her chair in her booth, before saying, "Thank you honorable Chief Warlock. Prior to continuing with this session I move to enact clause 23.c of the charter governing this chamber and allow Her Majesty to take her place as the presiding officer of this body. I yield my remaining time to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Lovegood."
Luna stood up and cleared her throat, "I second the Honorable Lady's motion and add that it really shouldn't be put up to a vote because the clause is mandatory."
The room burst into quiet mutterings of discontent and confusion. Dumbledore tapped on the dais and said, "Quiet, please." Dumbledore waited for the mumblings to slow down and cease altogether before saying, "I have read the relevant clause and, unfortunately, have no objection to the Honorable Lady's motion. Your Majesty, if you please."
Dumbledore stepped back and sat in his chair allowing Her Majesty to step up to the dais. "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Henceforth for the remainder of the session Her Majesty, The Queen shall preside over this chamber! Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"
Elizabeth cleared her throat before saying, "Is there any other motions before we move on to new business?" A couple of lights lit up including the Longbottom light, "The Chair recognizes the Magical House of Longbottom."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'd like to personally recognize that the heir to the Potter family is in attendance and has come into his inheritance by being emancipated, as is required by the Potter charter. Therefore I'd like to recognize Lord Harry James Potter, Lord of the Magical Houses of Potter, Evans, and Black."
"And on what grounds does Lord Potter lay claim to the Black line?!" said Draco rising from his seat in the visitor's gallows.
"The Chair has not recognized the House of Malfoy or its Councilor at this time," Her Majesty said hastily. "However, he does raise a valid point. How does Lord Potter lay claim to the Black line?"
"You Majesty, I have in my possession documents filed by Gringots that state that the Black Family Regent conducted a private reading with Lord Potter and a few witnesses on the evening of the thirtieth of June. I have a copy of the will with Lord Potter's signature and the crest of the Black Line imprinted on it."
"I'd like to see this," said Pius Thicknesse, Undersecretary to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, from his spot in the Ministry bullpen.
"If the House of Longbottom has no objection," Her Majesty said as an attendant walked over to Lady Longbottom. Augusta Longbottom handed the documents to the attendant with a scowl on her face. The attendant brought the documents to the Undersecretary. "Are the documents acceptable to the Right Honorable Undersecretary?"
Pius finished his examination and mumbled, "I withdraw my objection. The documents are valid."
Her Majesty cleared her throat and said, "Is there any further objection?" When no one said anything she said, "Well then, will Lord Harry James Potter, Lord of the Magical Houses of Potter, Evans, and Black, please step forward."
"Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Lord Harry James Potter, Lord of the Magical Houses of Potter, Evans, and Black, will come forth and swear fealty to The Crown and this body! Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!"
All eyes in the room fell on Harry. Harry for his part sat back and looked around confusedly.
"Your Majesty, I believe I know the reason behind the delay," Luna said airily.
"The Chair recognizes the Magical House of Lovegood."
"Begging the Honorable Lady Longbottom's pardon but the name Lord Potter no longer exists. According to documents I have here the former Lord Potter ascended into his inheritance as the Heir of the Four Founders, and as such also inherited the Royal seat as well."
The reaction was immediate as a burst of angry and confused responses especially from known supporters of Voldemort. Draco Malfoy's voice was not among the clamoring however as he sat back in his seat and held his face with his hand.
"Silence!" Her Majesty commanded regaining order in the chamber. "I have read the documentation previously submitted to the Chief Warlock's office and concur with the Honorable Lady Lovegood. If there are no objections I'd like to call The Duke of Gryffindor to the floor. There being no objection I call His Grace, The Duke Harry James of Gryffindor, Lord of the Magical Houses of The Crown, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Potter, Evans, Black, and Abbot to the floor."
Everyone not in the know turned to Harry and Hannah with questioning glances. Harry finally stood up and walked over to the floor and crossed his wand across his heart and said in a loud voice, "I, The Duke of Gryffindor, hereby swear to uphold the laws and rules governing this body and to legislate justly and in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom."
"Please be seated, Your Grace."
Harry walked over to the Potter box and sat at the desk.
"Any other motions?" Her Majesty asked. The first light in the series of lights glowed and she smirked before turning to Harry, "The Chair recognizes the Magical Houses of The Crown, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Potter, Evans, Black and Abbot."
Harry stood and cleared his throat, "Your Majesty, I'd like my wife through Soul Bond, The Duchess Hannah Eve of Gryffindor, to be recognized conjointly in all of the seats I'm recognized in including primary control of the Abbot seat as that is the family she was born into."
Pandemonium ensued.
END CHAPTER 11
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AN: Real Life, ladies and gentlemen, tends to delay things more often than not. I'll keep you posted but rest assured that this fic is not dead…
More Wizengamont madness to come! R&R please!
