It was a sunny Monday morning as Lucius prepared to floo to the Ministry to open a debate on his new bill. As with all politics, it had taken longer than it really should have to get the bill to even get its introduction at the Wizengamot. He had first had to talk to the newly elected Chief Warlock, who had been willing to give the bill time. If only it were that simple. The first two weeks had been dedicated to simple administrative duties for the Representatives to handle. Since the Wizengamot was meeting for the first time proper since the election (the meetings for the election and then to elect a new Chief Warlock had been under a special session and then emergency sessions) and thus there were countless menial things to do. His bill had then been set for the first meeting in the third week, but the Ministry had requested a week to introduce some new legislation to assist the Misuse of Magical Artifacts office and the Chief Warlock had granted permission, shifting his bill to the week later. Then the Ministry had requested a week to introduce a bill for some extra funding for the Department of Mysteries, this had been granted. It was a money bill, and so required a minimum of two weeks, unless the Wizengamot voted to cut it short at any point. It didn't, instead it took an extra week of debate before there was a vote. So now, a whole month after it was meant to be introduced, Lucius was finally able to give the bill its first reading.
"Do you know how long you will be, dear?" His wife asked.
"I imagine all day, Cissy, the workings of the Wizengamot are slow and arduous after all." He replied, chuckling. "We'll adjourn at 10pm at the latest."
"I'll eat without you then, dear."
He kissed her on the head before replying as he stepped into the fireplace, "of course, darling". He was then whisked away in green flames.
He was one of the last to arrive in the chamber, the noise could be heard long before he arrived at the large double doors, guarded by two aurors, which led into the spacious chamber. He spoke to a number of Representatives from both parties before he sat down. Minutes later, two bangs were heard, and the Chief Warlock spoke, his voice amplified.
"I hereby call this session of the Legislative Wizengamot to order. Aurors, please close and seal the doors." Even with the charm applied, his voice sounded almost faint. Unlike many wizards who made it to that age, Uwuckle Trent was not a man who was as spritely as a man half his age. Lucius couldn't help but wonder how long the man had left.
Once the doors were securely shut, the Chief Warlock spoke again. "This session of the 438th Wizengamot is now in session. Unless there are any emergency points of order, I shall read the order of business for today's session." After a few seconds, when no one stood to speak, he continued. "Very well, with no concerns raised, the clerk will read today's order of business."
The mud blood stood from his desk, acting as if he were important because he could read from a scroll and use a quill. Lucius barely listened as the clerk read, he already knew what would be happening, every Representative had this sent to their Ministry offices at the beginning of every week, this was just for the people in the gallery who didn't read the Prophet, or those with bad memory.
"The first order of business is the introduction of the Healthcare Provision for Children Act, sponsored by Lord Lucius Malfoy. The Chief Warlock has designated the entire day for the reading and debate for this bill, pursuant to the Wizengamot's support for the bill. If the Wizengamot finishes debate prior to the end of the day, then the next order of business is the proposed amendment to the Cauldron Regulation Act, sponsored by Representative Deidra Blakes. Be aware that the Chief Warlock is prepared to give the whole week to the Healthcare Provision for Children Act, if necessary, but no longer."
After the clerk has sat down, the Chief Warlock spoke again. "Thank you. Now, to introduce his piece of legislation, Lord Malfoy."
Lucius stood and began. "Thank you, Chief Warlock for granting me time to introduce this important piece of legislation before this esteemed body. Lords, Ladies and Representatives, the truth of the matter is, we cannot rely on Saint Mungo's to deal with everything, and whilst I know that they handle as much as they can, they are simply too busy to deal with all the Magical World's needs. Anyone who has had the misfortune of needing to visit the hospital will know how busy the place is. Sadly, I do not believe that simply increasing the hospital's budget is enough. Being a patient in such a busy institution cannot do much good for one's health as one recovers from whatever malady one is suffering from. Thus, honourable members, I propose that we take a burden off the hands of the wonderful healers that work at this hospital.
The largest number of patients at Saint Mungo's are children. Of the 20,245 people treated at Saint Mungo's last year, 12,263 were under the age of eighteen. This makes sense of course, with accidental magic, children are more likely to inadvertently hurt themselves. Children are also more likely to fall ill. Honourable members, to be honest, when my son Cepheus was struck down with his illness, I did not believe that Saint Mungo's was the safest place for him to be treated. I should not feel this way, there should be a place where every parent feels their child can be treated. A world class institution which specialises in treating ill children.
This would have a two-fold benefit. First, it would alleviate a large burden from Saint Mungo's, increasing the efficiency and efficacy of their care. Whilst secondly giving children a place for specialist treatment, with healers who can dedicate themselves to them, and give them the care they would need. Not everyone can afford the private healers that my family vault allows me to, funding this hospital will allow all magical families the high level of care that was afforded to Cepheus.
Honourable members, support Saint Mungo's, support magical children, support this Act. Thank you."
Lucius sat down to a fair amount of applause, especially from the WTP section of the Wizengamot. With the time he had before the bill came to the floor, he had spoken to many of those in his party, whipping votes. Most had supported his bill.
The Chief Warlock again stood, quieting the chamber. "Thank you, Lord Malfoy, the honourable members will now be able to ask questions of the sponsor. Pursuant to Wizengamot regulations, the time allocated for each member's question is two minutes, the same amount of time is granted to the sponsor to respond, and the questioner has the right to reply to the sponsor's answer, and so on. The Chief Warlock can grant more time at their discretion. Those wanting to ask a question, please press the white button with your wand."
Lucius saw the white number on the chamber's floor rise steadily to thirty-six. He sighed; this was going to be a long week.
Three days later, and Lucius had finally answered all the questions. While he admired the scrutiny of the bill, it became tedious, especially when they had to examine each line seemingly in excruciating detail. He had answered questions relating to things that at least made some sense, like "why not expand Saint Mungo's; why have a different building?" and "can we afford to pay for it?", to "what do you think the paint scheme should be?" But he did his best to answer the questions as truthfully and as best he could. Although if he were honest there was more political motivation in this than anything else, he did genuinely believe that this would be in the best interests of the country.
After Representative Bullics had finally declared that he had asked all his questions, the number in the floor of the chamber ticked down to zero, and the Chief Warlock stood.
"Thank you, honourable members for the civil and thorough debate on this bill. Lord Malfoy."
Lucius stood once more. "Chief Warlock, I would like to submit the bill to a vote."
"Do you have a second?"
Lucius had, to show bipartisanship, something he wasn't entirely against if it were for his own gain, asked Lord Shacklebolt to be his official second, and he stood and declared that he seconded the motion.
"Very well. All those in favour say aye."
A large sound spread through the chamber, Lucius obviously said aye as well.
"And the contrary no."
A small portion of those present, mostly those in favour of simply expanding the existing hospital voiced their displeasure.
"The ayes have it, the ayes have it. Minister, the bill will be on your desk shortly, for your signature or veto."
Minister Crouch nodded from his seat.
Healthcare Provision for Children Act Signed by Minister, Work on New Building to Begin Shortly!
By Vernice Catts, Poltical Correspondent
The Healthcare Provision for Children Act, championed by Lord Malfoy, became law this morning, after Minister Crouch signed it into law, just one day after it was passed via voice vote by the Wizengamot.
The Act was a recent passion project for Lord Malfoy, after he revealed his youngest son Cepheus was inflicted with an unknown illness soon after birth.
Lord Malfoy's speech when officially introducing the bill to the Wizengamot made reference to this, as he told the chamber that he did not feel that Saint Mungo's was the safest place for his son to receive care. He insisted that a new children's hospital would make the care for both adults and children much better in Britain and Ireland.
The Act includes a yearly budget of 100,000G for the hospital, and sets up a commission for the building, naming and other projects related to the hospital, which will be managed by the Wizengamot. Upon the hospital's opening, the management of the hospital will fall under the purview of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, just like Saint Mungo's. The bill also ensured that, just like with Saint Mungo's, donations from the general public would be allowed, donations can be made at the Ministry.
Lord Shacklebolt, who was the official second of the bill told the Daily Prophet, "this Act ensures that the well being of our sacred children will be looked after, and as a biproduct will alleviate a massive burden placed on Saint Mungo's. Minister Crouch, upon signing the bill told a reporter, "I look forward to seeing our children being cared for in a state-of-the-art facility and I am happy to be signing this bill into law."
A poll by the Daily Prophet found that 63% of the public approved of the bill, while 72% felt that healthcare needs improving. Another poll found that Lord Malfoy's approval rating sat at 44% following his introduction of the bill.
The Prophet will keep you up to date with updates regarding the new hospital.
Over the next few months, life continued as usual. I bought an apartment on the South side of Diagon Alley, relatively near to the head quarters of the Daily Prophet. Oliver Bovin also started to make his presence more known in the society of Wizarding Britain. Nothing too extravagant, but I made sure to be seen here, there and everywhere. Occasionally popping up in Flourish and Blotts, or at the Ministry, talking to various people. I was making sure that I was fulfilling the role of what the owner of the most successful newspaper in the country would be doing.
I was sat in my office, going over some of the proposed articles for the next day's issue when my main justice correspondent knocked and entered my office.
"Mr. Bovin, sir, we've got something huge, straight from the Head of the DMLE."
As she explained, I agreed. But was also nervous, I didn't know how this was going to change things. But I couldn't cover it up, not now.
The next morning, witches and wizards all around the country saw this on their issue of the Prophet:
Peter Pettigrew Arrested!
By Lalya Moorills, Justice Correspondent
