Chapter Three
Hogwarts Without Magic
Tuesday June 27
Minerva read the owl with a great sigh of relief. It was the best news that she'd received in a very long time.
Amelia had managed to hire seven buses which would pick the students up in Hogsmeade and deliver them to a total of twenty spots around Britain. Each bus would make two to four stops, with three of the buses stopping at Charing Cross road. Owls were sent out. The buses would leave on Saturday morning. Parents would be responsible for picking up their children and getting them home.
She called for the remaining heads, poured them each a cup and announced, "Finally, I have some good news to share. Director Bones has managed to hire a fleet of buses which will pick the students up Saturday morning at nine from Hogsmeade. They'll take the students to various locations in Britain. Depending upon the location, the students will arrive between eleven AM and midnight, in the case of Miss Chang, who lives in Plymouth."
"What I'd ask you to do is to meet with the students in your house and have them send an owl to their parents, advising them of the details. The parents will either need to arrange a carriage or hire a muggle car. She directed us to strongly advise against attempting to side-along anyone wandlessly. Septima, can you meet with the Slytherins and advise them of the details?"
Pomona asked, "What time will the buses be available to load?"
"Eight AM. The house elves have volunteered to bring the trunks from the castle to the loading point."
Filius added, "That's very generous of them. Before anyone asks, there is no way that they could side-along a student for any real distance. Naturally, the students should be reminded that appropriate dress would be necessary. We should also provide everyone with a sack lunch for the ride." He stayed after she dismissed the other students and said, "I will ask to have a portkey made for Mr. Finnigan if you can give me his address."
Minerva nodded in appreciation and replied, "I'll have it for you momentarily. Thank you." She mentally kicked herself, as she hadn't even considered that Amelia's bus solution wouldn't work for the young Irishman.
… - ...
Just then, Nobby the Head-elf rushed into her office and said, "Bobby reported finding a big problem in the defense office. Can we go look together?"
"Certainly, shall we go now?"
"Please."
They walked to the staff apartments and Minerva used her master password to open the door. The odor was disgusting. She went to the window to open it. Moody's trunk was still there with the keys in the lock. All but certain of what she was about to find, she opened the lock, held her breath and took a look inside. Moody's remains were in what appeared to be a twelve foot deep dungeon.
She closed the trunk and said, "I need to send Amelia Bones an owl." It would take hours to reach her, all day if she was at her home in Folkstone on the southeast coast.
… - …
Adrian Pucey and Jacob Bole were going to find a Unicorn. Rather than stay at the castle any longer, they decided to stay at the Three Broomsticks, which compared to their parents' wizarding homes, had running water, hot meals, butterbeer and firewhiskey, if they wanted it. Both lads had actually taken CoMC from their third through fifth years; though Kettkeburn had focused on far less dangerous creatures than those that appealed to Hagrid.
Seeing that as between them, they actually could rub six or seven brain cells together, these two real men of genius decided that they would actually have a plan. Hogsmeade had something of a sporting goods/gift shop at the far end of the village. Our two strapping lads walked out with a bow and arrow set as well as a fishing net.
So off they went. Like the others, they headed directly towards Aragog's section of the forest. Unlike the others, Adrian actually got within fifty feet of one of the white-horned wonders of nature. Slowly, ever-so-slowly fifty feet turned into thirty. Slowly, ever-so-slowly thirty turned into twenty. Adrian had a fish landing net with a six foot handle. If he could get within five feet, he'd have a good chance. He took another step, paused a moment, then another...
Two sounds occurred simultaneously. Twang, an arrow was released. Huh, Adrian dropped the net. His lifelong friend, Jake had accidentally just shot an arrow straight into both of his butt cheeks.
Wincing in pain, Adrian pointed to the unicorn, which hadn't moved. Jake notched another of the arrows, pulled back on the bow as hard as he could and aimed...
Crack!
The children's bow, found in the gift section of the shop, now consisted of a top half, a bottom half and a string. The for ages seven through nine label had been completely ignored by the nearly eighteen year-old wizard.
"Dammit."
Jake was bleeding freely from where the splintered bow had gouged the right side of his face. He called out to his friend, "Are you all right?"
"I'll be fine just as soon as I get this effen arrow out of my bloody arse and give you the same."
Jake finally noticed where his first arrow had hit. He instinctively clenched his cheeks together.
The noise and the scent of blood acted like a dinner bell for the hundreds of hungry acromantula who were nearby. Neither of the teens made it out of the forest.
… - …
Wizard homes were fundamentally different than modern homes that nonmagicals would buy. There certainly were similarities – three bedrooms, a family area with a sofa and a fireplace; though the open area of fireplaces in wizarding homes tended to be much taller than their nonmagical counterparts.
The real differences tended to be in the infrastructure – plumbing, electricity, how the house was heated or cooled and how the kitchen appliances tended to work. Poppy Pomfrey's home had been built by a nonmagical builder in the 1930s when her husband Ryan was a navy man and she was a healer apprentice. Portsmouth was a lovely place to live. Their home had a boiler and steam heat, gas stove and small electric refrigerator. It was perfect for the young couple.
World War II set in. The submarine that Ryan served on was lost near Malta and the old St. Mungo's was badly damaged in the blitz. Poppy and some of the other healers were sent to Hogwarts on a temporary basis. Poppy never left. She had many fond memories of her home and spent at least a month there every summer. Aside from the owner performing ordinary magic, the home's only magical assistance came in the form of several wardstones that acted like rechargeable batteries that powered some simple preservation charms to keep the paint fresh. Poppy's month in the home each summer doing ordinary magic was more than plenty to recharge the wardstones. Her house elf did the outside yard maintenance that also helped keep the wardstone charged. She had a good supply of two-way portkeys that Dumbledore had made her over the years and was available by owl, or floo-call if necessary.
Poppy's home had a view of the water. She spent her summer afternoons in a comfortable chair outside, reading romance novels and occasionally enjoying a glass of her favorite wine.
… - …
In absolute contrast, was the Weasley home. Straight out of school when they bought their home, they took out a loan and purchased a one-bedroom home that sat on twelve acres of apple orchard. Too soon, the children came and before the couple had become financially established, Molly left her job outside the home. For the next ten years it seemed like she was pregnant. Without the funds to have proper additions built, they turned to charms and transfiguration. Apparently building out never occurred to them, so they went up... and up... and up... and up again. Sticking charms, plumbing charms, cooling charms and when necessary, heating charms were applied. Arthur never invested in ward stones either. All in all, the home had more sticking charms than nails holding it together. Arthur normally refreshed the charms every week or so. The last time that he had done so was June 13th.
… - …
Somewhere in the middle was the Greengrass estate. Cyrus and his family lived in a proper wizarding home in the countryside. Apart from the differences in size and quality of construction, what set his home apart from Arthur's was the house elf that they kept. Leakage from her use of magic nearly matched the drain on the ambient magic that the property needed to be maintained – at least when the girls were at school Cyrus had never invested in wardstones either. The Greengrass home used charms to conjure water, dispose of the wastewater, illuminate, heat and cool the home, refrigerate and cook their food.
All throughout Britain, variations of these situations were becoming apparent. Having the late Albus Dumbledore sleep on one's couch would not in-of-itself release much magic; powerful as he was. It was the active release from the wielding of magic that maintained and raised the ambient magic on a property. For families without elves, that stopped the evening of June 24.
… - …
Back at Gringotts, after the greetings, Ragnok asked, "So now that the dark one is gone what are your plans?"
Emma was quick to reply, "We've been considering moving to Australia for several years. One terrorist might be dead, a hundred followers might be dead but the racist society that fosters them probably won't change and I see no reason to subject our family to such blatant bigotry."
Ragnok replied "Harry has made a significant change to the wizarding society. He and your family can easily evade the unpleasantness by going elsewhere. You could also help make permanent, positive changes to the magical society of this land; changes far more reaching than just for the wand wavers."
Emma asked, "What are you suggesting?"
"I'm not suggesting anything today; rather observing that there are three main magical groups in Britain – the humans, the elves and the goblin Nation. For hundreds of years the humans have subjugated the elves, diminishing them at every opportunity and have made similar attempts at doing the same for my people. They have met with limited success; effectively placing us on an underground reservation, not unlike the indigenous population of North America."
"Today, we find ourselves in a rare position where we could effortlessly wipe out the wand-less wand-wavers of this land within a week or two."
He met Harry's gaze and saw sadness rather than fear.
He made his decision. "That said, I do have a plan that would require your assistance. I have a few more details to finalize and would be grateful if you could return tomorrow at this time." He handed them each exquisitely crafted watches and said, "In addition to being timepieces, these are reusable two-way portkeys which will take you from your home to the front steps just outside the lobby. That will eliminate the time that you currently require to drive here and back. Could we meet again tomorrow at ten?"
Emma glanced at the other two, made eye-contact and jumped to have the chance to meet again with the being who effectively was the leader of an alien world. Little Tommy Bransen's molar work suddenly seemed completely irrelevant. Speaking for the two teens, she replied, "We'd be honored."
"Attendant Gumeye will show you to the lobby. Thank you again for your consideration."
… - …
After they had left, Ragnok called Barchoke back in and asked, "What have you learned?"
"The anomaly is more widespread than first imagined; covering all of western and central Europe. North America and Africa were unaffected. The Potter boy and his friend still have their wands. The wizards' floo transportation system has shut down for some reason – most likely they were doing maintenance work on it, lost their wands and were unable to restart it. Without the use of their wands, they are unable to wield magic and without that leakage, or the presence of the elves performing their tasks, their magical dwellings will lose their functionality – sooner or later, depending on what needs to be powered and if they have wardstones to power them or not.
"The memory that the Potter boy gave me regarding the fight with Tom Riddle is especially interesting. It explains the activity in The Book of Death."
Ragnok replied, "Show it to me. I'll look at it later."
Barchoke observed, "We're about to make a commitment to them that will be very challenging to keep."
Ragnok replied, "Only the one? This project will cost us millions; maybe as few as four or as many as ten. We could recoup our expenses and achieve social parity with the humans, or I could be slow roasted on a spit by the end of the year. The other branches will have to make their own choices with respect to their level of investment. What commitment do you find so challenging?"
"The constraint is the limited number of items commonly used as wand cores. Aged dragon hearts are the most commonly used cores. Blood is a subject for another day. We should attempt to quietly purchase any aged hearts that are for sale before the dragon reserves are all looted. If there are 30,000 wandwavers in Britain, there must be 200,000 throughout Europe. If the hearts are typically aged three years before they're shredded, fresh ones are not a solution for this year."
Ragnok asked, "What else is commonly used in Britain?"
"Unicorn tail hair. There are some in Ireland and in the forest north of the castle. It's also possible that one of His tattooed followers kept some on their grounds for their daughters' amusement."
"What else?"
"Thesteral and possibly hippogriff tail hair. The kind-hearted half-giant has many pets. He will help Potter."
Ragnok admitted, "I accept that as a challenge. Buy what dragon hearts are available. I'll get the other branches to apply the fidelous charm guarding the secret about wands and wandcrafters outside of Europe to the lobby doors today. What else?"
"Whatever little amount of core material that we have and can acquire, will be more than what most, if not all of Europe will be able to obtain. While we may have material for 10,000 wands, France may only have enough for 2,000; the Netherlands may not have any."
"The British wandwavers are going to have to learn how to live without flicking their little sticks to satisfy their every whim. What else?"
Barchoke suggested, "Tie the American Wandmaster up to an exclusive deal. Pay him ten times his normal fee to limit his European clients to those who we send to him."
"Why?"
"Europe needs both and has neither."
… - …
Back at Hogwarts, OWL and NEWT examinations would be taking place in the morning. The examiners had concurred with Flitwick's suggestion about using a fourteen inch piece of a broken wooden pointer as a substitute wand.
They agreed that the grading would need to be generous but Marchbanks and crew were making the best of a bad situation.
Minerva noticed that in addition to Hermione and Potter, others had left the castle. She considered removing points. Sending out missing person reports hadn't entered her mind; she was completely focused on getting the exams started.
… - ...
Wednesday June 28
When Harry, Hermione and Emma returned the next morning at ten, they were immediately led to Director Ragnok's office.
"Thank you for coming back this morning. Harry, I studied the memory that you showed Barchoke yesterday. The evil one falsely known as Lord Voldemort personally took over two hundred lives before bringing you to the town of Little Hangleton, mostly for entertainment, or in pursuit of his completely unethical goals. He fully expected to add your name to the list, strictly to show off for his followers.
"You managed to end his life through a profound show of force of will. You didn't murder Tom Riddle; he died trying to kill you. You didn't murder eighty-two of his followers; he stole their lives in a futile attempt to save his own and kill you. The Nation will honor you and remember your name as a fearless warrior; not because you are a skilled killer. You were determined to let your enemy die first."
Harry nodded in thankful agreement and drank from the butterbeer that had been placed in front of him.
"Of the hundred people who were desperately trying to keep Britain a century or two in the past, three fourths of them died that night. They were the first in line to deny your friend, Miss Granger the fair opportunity to advance as earned. They were the first in line to diminish the lives of the Elvin Nation. They were the first in line to spit in the face of the Goblin Nation."
"What do you propose?" asked Harry, knowing the discussion would lead to an action.
"Those hundred people are collectively responsible for not only the actions that we've discussed, they were and are directly responsible for far worse atrocities. Miss Granger, how many witches in your year are known to you as muggleborn?"
While Harry was mentally considering who was who, Hermione instantly replied, "There are seven, Director." Obviously she was much more sensitive to that issue than he was.
"Would it surprise you if I surmised that they are all in the top half of your class ranking?"
"To my knowledge, that's true."
Ragnok nodded and said, "Until recently, Gumeye, who you met yesterday was responsible to monitor The Book of Magical Deaths. It is primarily used to notify the Account Managers that there has been a change with their accounts."
She nodded in understanding.
"Similarly there is a Book of Magical Births." He paused for a moment before asking, "Would it surprise you to learn that there were 42 magical children not born to magical parents in 1979? It is likely that a handful of them moved to other countries before it was time to start Hogwarts. What of the others?"
She thought that she knew the answer but couldn't speak the words.
"For the most part, a subgroup of the Ministry Department of Education extinguished them – either by binding their magic and completely obliviating them, arranging fatal accidents, or more recently through outright murder. In short, the eight of you weren't simply spared, you were missed."
Emma gasped, "My Lord, the car crash when you were a toddler..." After that, she was no longer able to have children.
"...Was probably not an accident."
"How can we make this better?" asked Harry.
Ragnok replied, "There's not one answer. Minister Fudge is completely corrupt and is a bigot and incompetent on his best day. A small handful of his department heads are of a like-mind. We suspect that three other employees are contract murderers. The Nation will be assisting in their removal."
"I'm not asking you to assist in bringing the wrong people down; your extraordinary will largely allowed that to happen. Happenstance took care of a few others. I'm asking your help in raising the right people up."
Hermione nodded at him to continue.
"The Nation often accidentally creates unintended consequences surrounding the transactions that we have with magical beings. By example, a wizard removes his spouse from being able to conduct transactions from the family account with the intent to teach household budgeting. He unexpectedly becomes incapacitated and his family starves instead."
"Your intent on that Saturday night was to survive. There is absolutely no dishonor in that. As an unintended consequence, the wand wavers are now effectively helpless. Further, they erroneously came to believe that it is a worldwide situation and are unlikely to search for outside solutions."
Hermione was jumping three moves ahead of his explanation and was about to blurt out a response when she was silenced by a sharp look from her mother, who knew that the intended recipient of the conversation was primarily Harry.
Harry asked, "How can I help?"
"Across the Gringotts branches around Europe, we intend to cast the Fildelius charm on the fact that wands may exist in other countries and that wandcrafting isn't dead. Those not aware of the secret will come to believe it when they enter the various lobbies. We would like you and Hermione to attend a four-week training session at our expense on crafting generic wands." He paused for half a minute for Harry to absorb his message."
Choosing his words carefully, Ragnok continued, "We intend to craft two master sets of hardened mithril silver wandcrafting tools and any replacements for as long as you live. We intend to help you procure a sufficient supply of wood and core material to allow you two to craft a sufficient supply of wands for Britain and supply them to you at no cost to you." Again, Emma gave Hermione "the look."
"We intend to supplement your training next summer with another four-week training session with the world's leading master." The younger teen nodded at his words.
"Further, we intend to set you both up with master level tutors for an additional four years in any subjects of your choosing, starting at any point that you should desire."
He concluded, "We intend to purchase for you a building to operate out of, ward it to a security level on parity with our largest vaults, provide you with four guards and let you keep ninety-eight percent of the revenue that your business generates."
Before Emma could ask, Ragnok admitted, "Every leader has people looking over their shoulder."
Hermione asked, "How many wands would we need to make?"
"Thirty thousand over the next two years."
Ragnok continued. "The issue isn't that everyone gets to purchase one, simply that the wrong people get theirs last. It is our intent that the portion of the population who needs to be raised up – the muggleborn like yourselves are allowed to buy theirs first. Students, the Hogwarts staff, Emergency services, followed by the half-bloods like you Harry will be at the front part of the line."
"Won't the bad guys simply steal their wands?"
"We will let it be known that when you deliver them, they will be set to only work for the purchaser. Before the first sale is made, we will make that fact common knowledge. In reality, it would be too much work to personalize that many wands. It's our intent to put the bigots out of business and out off office. Our long-term goal is that the Wizengamot is legally disbanded, replaced by a magical council consisting of equally elected representation from the elves, the humans and the goblins. A shorter-term goal would be to introduce appropriate curriculum then technology into the school and ultimately, the greater magical world."
Hermione had to ask, "Why us?"
"That's a very fair question, Miss Granger. You both are aware of the facts. We believe that you both are supporters of equity of all beings who are able to think and wield magic. Last, but not least, we are trying to thank you for eliminating Tom Riddle and his followers from the world. As for your education, we are providing training from the best masters in the world. You will end up with all of the qualifications that you would wish - just a few years later than you may have other ways received some of them."
Hermione mentioned that without using wands, witches could still perform magic through the use of blood-charged runes and simple potions.
"Goblins have been here literally for a half million years. The Neanderthals were groveling in the dirt when the Nation was formed. Within another twenty generations, we had started to develop a written language.
"The great leap for the humans was the harnessing of fire and the use of simple tools. They began to use the simplest of tools. Their evolution was painfully slow; only offset by their high birthrate. Six thousand years ago, they began to farm the lands and domesticate some animals. Their written language began to develop beyond crude pictographs. There were steps ahead and steps back. Everyone in the Nation speaks the same language whereas every subset of humans has insisted on their own language and dialect – completely inefficient. Some three thousand years ago, the traditional written language began to develop among humans and the art of crafting metal tools began. Currency more durable than seashells came into use.
"A mere five hundred years ago – within my Grandfather's lifetime, humans began developing at an astounding rate – Metal crafting that had previously been done in bronze and iron, then crude steel led to alloys, then aluminum. Printing presses allowed common individuals to learn to read, own books and become educated. Electricity was harnessed. Light bulbs, safe heating of homes, standardized manufacturing, telephones, automobiles, seaworthy ships, travel by air, computers, cell phones and now the Internet have followed at an ever-faster rate.
"On the human magical side, the repeatable rituals and blood powered runes that your highly intelligent daughter spoke of began to develop some six thousand thousand years ago. They allowed magical humans a substantial advantage over the nonmagicals; extending their life expectancy far beyond those without magic. Documented potions further extended their lives and health."
Emma nodded in agreement.
"Staffs containing magical cores began to appear in Egypt some 5,000 years ago. You know of them as the Pharaohs. Their society came and went and much of their knowledge was lost, to be rediscovered by the Greeks and then by the Romans a handful of generations later. They began to experiment with transfiguration.
"The Romans developed the wand and along with it, charms. Unfortunately they were used militarily as much as for home use. You are a well-educated woman and have certainly read of their rise and fall.
"Just over six hundred years ago, owls began to be used for communication. Messages that would take nonmagicals a week to deliver could be delivered within a day.
"The downfall for the magical humans in Europe; and to an even greater extent here in Britain is inbreeding and isolation. Far too many of the magicals have placed unwarranted value and prestige on mating with other magicals, which has led to a predominance of recessive traits, cronyism, rejection of new blood and new ideas.
"To bring this overview into context, Dr. Granger, you could easily equate the development of the rune to the nonmagical harnessing of fire and the development of the wand to your society's ability to produce electricity.
"To circle back to your question, Dr. Granger, I'm offering them a rewarding opportunity to change lives for the better and in doing so, change society for the better. At the end of a person's life, how many people are able to state that they were able to do either, let alone both?"
Emma reflected on his words for a minute, then glanced at both teens, who nodded. She replied, "Thank you for your explanation and context. This has been a life-changing conversation. On behalf of Harry and my family, we accept your offer. What can I do to best help them?"
"Dr. Granger, your ability to provide encouragement, insight and perspective whenever possible will take them a long way."
She asked, "When shall we meet again?"
"I will see to it that all of the details and documents are arranged today. Wandmaster Whitehorn lives in Massachusetts. We will cover all tuition, expenses and provide $10,000 a week for incidentals. Could we meet tomorrow at ten? My expectation is that they will leave on Saturday morning. Would you and/or your husband Dan wish to accompany them?"
"Yes please. I'll be with them for the first two weeks and Dan the other two weeks. That will allow us to cover our obligations at our clinic."
… - ...
Two hours later;
Like most from the Ministry, Amelia had never met Director Ragnok. When she received the cell phone call from her account manager, Rockcrusher, she was beyond delighted to at the opportunity to meet with him, as well as curious as to how he suddenly learned that she had just gotten a phone and knew her number.
Rockcrusher led her to Ragnok's office where the four armed guards respectfully stepped aside. After a brief set of pleasantries, Ragnok got down to business.
"The being known as Tom Riddle, or as you know him, Voldemort was resurrected by his followers last week." He paused for half a minute to let that fact sink in.
"In an act of complete selfishness, he was directly responsible for the deaths of all of his marked followers before he died in a battle with a young warrior. We confirmed that the means that he had originally used to prevent his demise have been destroyed. He will not return again." He paused again for a moment.
"An unintended consequence of his demise was the destruction of the wands and brooms." In addition to the information itself, she inwardly marveled that his intelligence gathering capability was so superior to the ministry's.
"It is our desire that the human magicals learn to treat the other magical wielders as equals and partner with them in forming a collaborative government."
She considered his words for a moment, the replied, "I admit that I'm personally completely in favor of your proposal. That said, the Wizengamot would never approve such a measure."
"Minister Bones, you speak of the Wizengamot as if it still exists. Plainly spoken, it does not. You have a unique opportunity to help frame a new government that is not set on murdering thirty or more new arrivals on a yearly basis. A government that does not systematically enslave one of the most magically adept beings in existence. A government that does not continue to systematically prop up one small segment of its society at the cost of the rest. A government that does not regulate where and how wielders of magic may live." She briefly considered that the leader on the other side of the desk was remarkable insightful.
"The witches and wizards of Britain have effectively been disarmed. I'm inviting you to help frame a new government where your people can thrive in peace, not to be exterminated before the summer's end. That is my offer. What say you?"
She wasn't certain that he was telling the truth, or could back up the implied threat but the missing person reports certainly collaborated his declaration. She decided to do the right thing. She asked, "How can I help?"
He handed her a document authorizing the goblin nation to collect wandmaking materials within the greater Hogwarts area and to use any force necessary to protect the collection party from aggressive beasts. She happily signed it.
… - ...
Three hours later, Ragnok had Minerva and the heads of house in his personal conference room and had explained the changes that he was willing to fund to improve the school, starting with the September classes.
Each of the people read the list of subjects to be offered;
Runes, Maths, Science, English, Herbology, Learning to Drive, Arithmancy, History of Magical Beings, Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures and Astronomy. Wand based subjects including Healing and Potions (including theory/safety) should be scheduled to begin in January.
When they had finished reading the list of topics, he looked at the educators and saw a mix of smiles and frowns on their faces. As expected, Flitwick had a neutral expression.
Ragnok continued, "To demonstrate our sincerity, the Nation agrees to fund the operations of the school for the coming school year. I'll leave you to discuss the Nation's offer with your colleagues. Ask Gumeye to send for me when you've reached your decision." He left the room through a previously unseen side-door.
Flitwick purposely let the other two talk first. Sprout said, "I like his ideas; they would allow witches and wizards to function better in nonmagical society. Teaching sixth and seventh years to drive an automobile would be an excellent idea."
McGonagall remarked, "The Board of Governors would never approve it."
Flitwick observed, "With the exception of Amelia Bones, and Augusta Longbottom, the school governors are all dead. Since the school is currently being funded by the Nation, let us operate under the belief that we, in fact, have a Lettre de Marque and at least try it."
He continued, "Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures will remain as they are currently taught with the exception of not being able to power rune sets. Healing may be added as a sixth & seventh year course for incoming sixth year students. Astronomy will be offered for first through third years as will Magical Beings, History and Culture/NonMagical History and Culture on a semester basis for first through fifth years."
He concluded with the part where he could see that Director Ragnok had anticipated resistance. "Transfiguration and Charms will be offered beginning in January."
He was right. McGonagall remarked, "The students will be behind in Charms, Potions and Transfiguration. What about Defense?"
Ragnok had quietly returned to the conference room and responded, "I'm not going to put undo pressure on the wandcrafters. There is a very long line, some materials are likely to be in short supply and we have yet to publish the final priority order. As for defense, for this year, Physical Education will be substituted. Your goal will be to prepare young witches and wizards to function anywhere in Britain in the twenty-first century."
Flitwick continued, "Learning to drive will be a seventh year class offered on Saturdays in the spring semester. The students will have the opportunity to test for their beginner's license upon successful completion of the class."
Ragnok concluded, "Maths, Science and English will be offered during the fall semester. I will provide experienced instructors by the middle of August."
"Quidditch?"
"Not this year. There simply aren't enough wand cores available."
He was concluding that McGonagall was a part of the wandwavers' problem of not being willing to accept new ideas and was not well-suited to directing a school. Perhaps she would retire after this next school year, or perhaps she would be re-energized by the changes.
He noted that the old witch was slower to realize that her only options were to get on board with his plans, gracefully get out of the way via retirement, or to get run over.
Ten minutes later, she agreed.
… - …
A/Ns
Much of the story is going to follow five threads which are happening concurrently.
* The wizarding population's reaction to the sudden loss of wanded magic.
* The wandcrafters.
* The Goblins' Social Experiment. They're doing this for a reason.
* The Ministry's attempt to react and reform, as seen through the eyes of Amelia.
* Changes at Hogwarts.
Along the way, I intend to bring out some of my O/Cs to see how they fare.
There are some interesting stories by VashonBeader – Harry Potter and the Order of Merlin is her new one. I recommend it.
Cheers
… - …
Small OMAKE
"What should we do with all of the student trunks Headmistress?" asked Nobby.
"Send them to their parents' homes. I'll send owls stating that's what we did."
Flitwick walked away thinking, They'll probably end up at the dead letter office.
… - …