That evening, during dinner, Staros received a letter by post owl. While not completely uncommon to get post during dinner, it was odd enough to cause a few heads to turn. Staros carefully removed the scroll from the owl's carrying pouch, gave it a couple pieces of meat from his plate, and waited until it had left, indicating no reply was immediately required, before examining the scroll.

It bore the seal of the Wizengamot.

Staros slid the seal off the scroll and unwound it, Blaise trying to 'discretely' read over his shoulder. After reading a few lines, he rolled it back up, much to Blaise's disappointment, and stood.

"Excuse me friends, I must see the Headmaster about something."

Daphne raised an eyebrow, but nodded to him, knowing he'd tell her pretty much everything later. Tracey pouted a bit since he wasn't giving any hints and Blaise looked at him with a questioning eye.

Shaking his head at Blaise's unasked desire to accompany him, Staros walked between the tables towards the head table at which the professors ate. Several sets of eyes followed him as this was a MOST unusual occurrence.

Arriving at the head table, Staros walked quickly up to Dumbledore.

"Headmaster," Staros began, "I have received my mandatory summons to the Wizengamot so that I might claim my seat."

Staros handed the scroll to Dumbledore who unrolled it and read through the various bits of legal mumbo-jumbo to the important part about, despite his just turning eleven, Lord-elect Staros Marcus must attend the late year bi-annual Wizengamot meeting in order to claim his House seat on the fifteenth. Nodding, Dumbledore handed the scroll back.

"I shall expect you no later than ten o'clock in the morning in my office, young Staros. We shall take my floo to the Ministry and from there, the Wizaengamont meeting. I assume you are aware of the dress code?"

"Yes, sir. Carcerous has already taken the time to pick up some appropriate attire for the occasion. If it is possible, could I arrive a little early to talk with you about the meeting and what I can expect?"

"Hmmm, yes… a wise choice. Very well, be at my office at nine and we'll discuss how the old men bore the younger with our long winded talk." Dumbledore said this with a smile.

"I'm sure. I'll see you then, thank you, Headmaster," Staros said before turning and walking back to his seat. Passing Snape, he nodded to his Head of House who nodded back, a silent agreement that Staros and Snape would be discussing this matter soon as well.

That evening, Staros was sitting in Professor Snape's office going over a few of the details about the next day's Wizengamot meeting.

"Grandfather has had me in on some of the meetings he's had with various heads of state, business partners, and other important people, but I know watching and participating is going to be very different."

"Indeed, your biggest disadvantage will be your age, Mr. Marcus," said Snape. "You will find the majority of the Wizengamot to be made up of pompous fools and old goats who's only concerns are what they can get out of a deal. And at your age, you won't be expected to know or bring anything worthwhile. I'm sure you noticed similar things in your grandfather's meetings."

"Yes. I mean, I know in business you want the best deal for your side, that's just business. But to see it in law makers and the ones who are supposed to protect the people was often just appalling." Staros sighed. "It's a good thing the mundanes have developed various balances to keep things running smoothly."

With a twisted smile, Snape replied, "Well, you must also remember that your age can also be used to your advantage. Play the eager to learn child and most of these idiots will be doing their utmost to impress you with their knowledge and will likely let things slip they normally wouldn't. But don't be obvious about it."

"Is there anyone in particular I should watch out for or make sure I speak to?" asked Staros.

Snape sat back and templed his fingers together at his lips, obviously deep in thought about those he knew and what he should tell this young Lord.

"First, regardless of whom you speak with, agree with nothing. Don't disagree either, but remain as neutral as possible while you learn the playing field. You don't want to get caught up in something that might be seen as a tacit agreement that turns out badly. Many of these men have been playing this game a long time, some so long that it's all they know how to do anymore."

"So if they say the sky is blue… what? I hem and haw about it?" Staros asked. "Won't I look like an idiot?"

"A lot of these men will think you're an idiot anyway. Just don't prove it. As to who you should avoid, I would try and stay away from any kind of private meeting with the Minister, Lucius Malfoy, the Notts, Dumbledore, and whatever else you do, do NOT end up in a room or corner with Goyle or Crabbe."

"I've… heard some rumors about those two… and Vincent and Greg seem… off somehow."

"The rumors are probably not as bad as the truth. Just stay away from those two. As for who you should talk to, a nice, public scene with the Minister probably won't hurt, but try to avoid making any commitments with him. Talk with the Greengrass's, I've seen you with their daughter and, what's the boy's name, Zabini? His mother will be there, but you won't be able to play at her level for some time." Snape shook his head at that last remark.

"Ok, anyone else?"

"If you feel you're getting into trouble or someone starts trying to get too close, make your way over to Madame Bones. She's the head of the DMLE and while she may not like you, she'll always be fair."

"The DMLE? What's that?" asked Staros. "I'm still a little unfamiliar with some of you Brit's terms."

"Like it or not, you're a 'Brit' now. Get over it. Get used to it. If you spend too much time flaunting the difference between the Americas and England, many of the families will ignore you as some colonial upstart, and be right doing so," Snape said sternly.

"Yes, sir," said Staros, looking resigned to his fate in English government. "I'll try to remember that."

"As for the DMLE, that is the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The auror corps is their strength, hit wizards their back up. Madame Bones is the savviest woman in the Ministry right now, being able to hold such a post in a patriarchal system AND manage to do a good job of it. I imagine she also knows where more than a few bodies are buried to use against those who try and push her politically. Do NOT get on her bad side."

"Does she work with the foreign governments like the magical side of the CIA?"

"More than likely, not. Our Ministry is full of closed-minded fools who try and bury their heads in the sand rather than deal with a problem, so international cooperation is minimal at best. Another woman that you'll find on the Wizengamot is Augusta Longbottom. I would say avoid her as she is far too controversial and pushes the more conservative members of the Ministry too hard. She can't be removed as she's the regent of House Longbottom, but she's not well liked."

"Ok, any other advice for me, sir?"

"Whatever you do, don't show weakness. Don't back down. Stand firm and remember, YOU are an English Lord, sworn to the Crown. Most of those sitting on the Wizengamot do not have that authority behind them. Take care to not insult anyone, but never let them bundle you off to the side either."

"Yes, sir, thank you," said Staros as he got up to leave. "I'll compare what you've said to me with what the Headmaster has to say tomorrow and go from there."

A smirk appeared on Snape's face.

"Spoken like a true Slytherin. Take nothing at face value, verify everything. Off with you now, to bed!"

With that dismissal, Staros left Snape's office and walked to the common room. Seeing Daphne and Tracey off on one side with Pansy and Millicent, he decided to score a few brownie points by doing a favor.

"Good evening ladies, I don't mean to interrupt, but could I speak with you a moment Ms. Greengrass?" Staros asked with a slight bow.

Daphne looked him up and down somewhat coldly before saying, "All right. A moment and no more."

She stood and the two of them walked a short distance away.

"What is this about, Marcus?"

"My, so cold today Daph. I just wanted to see if there was anything I could pass along to your father if I meet him tomorrow at the Wizengamot. But, if you'd rather I left you alone…"

Daphne sighed, "Wait. Sorry. Pansy's getting on my nerves going on about her betrothal contract with Malfoy."

"They still have those?" Staros asked, incredulous. "I mean, sure there's still arranged marriages state-side, but they mostly did away with actual contracts over a hundred years ago. I think some of the Chinese and Indian families still practice it, but not usually in a binding legal sense."

"Yes, they still do that here," Daphne said, obviously annoyed. "I'm only glad it's her and not me that'll be stuck with Malfoy. Anyway, I'll write a short letter to my father and give it to you in the morning if that's all right."

The look in her eyes said it had better be all right or the consequences would be most… memorable. She had a wonderful talent for that look.

"Certainly. I look forward to the tears of joy your father will shed upon receiving a letter from his much beloved daughter. Your faithful delivery boy shall do his utmost to ensure the safe arrival of such a precious package."

Had Staros known Daphne longer than a few months, and outside Hogwarts, he would have known that playful banter was not one of her favorite items. As this was not the case, he had no idea how dangerously close to being turned into a pile of mush he really was. Daphne merely looked at him, nodded once behind her cold façade, and walked back to rejoin Tracey, who by then was looking slightly panicked at being trapped alone with Pansy.

The next morning, bright and early, Staros got out of bed, did his morning routine, and shrugged on some old robes for breakfast. He sat in the common room reading over some of the information about conduct in the Wizengamot that his grandfather had provided. Assuming that what he had wasn't too out of date, he should be ok with the basic proceedings. He had looked through granddad's files the previous nights for the names that Snape had mentioned. From what he had read, Snape was right on the money about them all.

Blaise, Daphne and Tracey wandered in a little while later, having slept in a bit. The foursome followed their usual routine of walking each other to breakfast. Over the last couple of months, they had developed a good sense of each other's skills and come to an unspoken agreement to watch each other's backs while in the halls, a very important lesson for any young Slytherin, and a habit often followed long past school.

Returning to their dorms after breakfast, Daphne handed Staros a sealed scroll to deliver to her father. A vague warning about tampering with the seal told him that true to Slytherin ideals, she didn't completely trust him. He received the warning with a smile and a nod, placing the scroll in his pouch. The rest left to go to classes while Staros returned to his room to change into his more formal robes. Draco was waiting for him, for once without his twin pillars of brooding doom.

"Ummm… Marcus, I… I was hoping you could do me a favor," Draco started, gaining some confidence now that the request was out.

"What might that be, oh son of the most high governor?" was Staros' slightly sarcastic response.

Draco sneered, "You don't have to be an ass about it. Look, nevermind. Just forget it."

Seeing that the boy was obviously a bit distressed, Staros relented.

"Ok, ok… sorry… what do you need?"

"Well, since you're going to the Wizengamot meeting today. I was hoping that you could… well… talk to father. His letters have been getting a little short lately and I'm afraid he's upset with me."

"Really," said Staros. "And just what am I supposed to talk about? And if he's mad, WHY should I become the focus of his anger?"

"Look, father expects things of me. I'm supposed to be making friends and partners for my future while I'm in school. I'm also supposed to let him know about anything I think might be important to him. Trouble is, I don't trust the school owls and I'm not allowed a house elf like you. Could you just let him know I'll tell him everything at Christmas?"

Seeing the almost begging look in Draco's eyes, and knowing that what little he'd heard about dear Lucius made him sorry for Draco, Staros decided to pass along the message.

"On one condition. If your pops gets all squirrelly on me, I WILL come back and find a flight of stairs for you to fall down several times. Clear?"

"How dare… " started Draco on his usual tirade. Then he took a breath and let it out. "No, you're right. I understand. Father can be a bit… tedious at times."

Leaving the room after finishing up his robes, carrying a nice walking cane done in silver over cherry wood, and wearing his trademark cloak, this one in a deep royal blue with silver and purple trim, Staros made his way to the Headmaster's office. Once arriving, he quickly figured out that he had no idea how to get in. Before him stood a rather ugly gargoyle that completely blocked the entryway.

"Um… hello?" Staros nearly whispered. Raising his voice, he said, "Headmaster? Can you hear me? How do I get in?"

After a few moments, the gargoyle suddenly smiled quite wickedly at him before the whole section of wall he was attached to swung wide revealing a spiral staircase. A vague voice from the walls told him to step onto the stairs and he would be brought to the Headmaster's office. Somewhat mistrusting, Staros nevertheless stepped onto the stairs, all the while wondering why all the theatrics.

A short, weirdly spiraling kind-of-escalator trip later and Staros stood in front of a dark wooden door. He knocked twice and received Dumbledore's reply to enter. Opening the door, he walked into the office, and man, what an office. No one could ever doubt that THIS was a place for a wizard.

A large bookshelf lined one wall with tomes of various ages and sizes filling it. A large ornate wooden desk sat center the room with two comfortable looking chairs before it. A highly decorated fireplace quite a bit larger than was necessary for heating the room was off to the left. On the right was a very large window partially done in a fractal stained glass with no discernible pattern. Various tables and stands littered the rest of the floor near the walls, covered in bizarre and strange little gizmos, doo-hickeys, and oddities. Some were puffing smoke, others whirring away, still others doing nothing immediately obvious.

These things alone made the room an oddity. However, what defined the room as magic were the dozens of various sized paintings that adorned virtually every foot of space available on the walls. Each painting was exquisite in quality, framed beautifully, and hung with great care. They also were 'alive'!

Just like many of the paintings in the halls of Hogwarts, these paintings, every one, were moving, sleeping, reading, experimenting, empty, or having quiet discussions with each other.

"Welcome, young Mr. Marcus, welcome," said Dumbledore, rising from his overstuffed chair behind his desk. "Right on time I see. Excellent. Lemon drop?"

"Uh… no, thank you," stammered Staros, not quite sure what to make of this. He felt a little uneasy with all the eyes watching him.

"Have a seat then, let's talk about the boring world of Ministry politics," said Dumbledore, popping a lemon drop into his mouth.

Staros sat into one of the, yes very comfortable, chairs and tried to ignore all of the staring faces above, to the side, and behind him. He could almost FEEL them all staring. He decided he should probably get used to it if he expected to move any of the plans the Queen had laid out to his grandfather forward in the Wizengamot.

"Yes, I wanted to get your take on how things are normally done, sir. I've read a bit on procedure and protocol, but I don't know how up to date it is or who I should speak with or avoid speaking with. Any help you could give me there would be greatly appreciated," Staros said, trying his best to look comfortable and eager.

"Hmmm… I daresay that most of our procedures haven't changed much in many years. The last real changes happened during the war with Voldemort, but after his defeat, things went back to the way they were for the most part. Disappointing really." Dumbledore settled back into his chair, keeping his eyes on Staros.

"Now, I don't really want to impugn on the honor of the Wizengamot members, but there are a few who would be more interested in your votes than your wishes. Try to keep any dealings with Minister Fudge as public as possible. The man is a pure politician and often does more to look good than to be effective. There is a power block of darker families, many of whom were supporters of Voldemort in the war. You'll probably want to avoid associating too much with them as it may send the wrong message to others."

"Sir, until I know more about the history of the various groups, I wish to stay as neutral as possible. I have things I would like to accomplish, but right now, school is my main focus. I doubt I will attend more than the bi-annual meetings. I already have a proxy in mind for other meetings."

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Dumbledore. "Few young people have such foresight! These are the years you should spend making friends, enjoying life, not worrying about what a bunch of old windbags are doddering about in a musty chamber!"

Staros smiled politely. "Yes, sir."

The next forty minutes were spent covering the basic protocols of announcing his assumption of the House Seat as well as people he should try to avoid. For the most part, many of the ones Snape had suggested avoiding were the same, but often for different reasons. Dumbledore also covered some of the other families and their usual voting tendencies.

The Notts, Goyles, Crabbes, Malfoy, Parkinson, and Everret all tended to vote with each other, period. In the same vein, Davis, Greengrass, Bruce, Carols, and Worthington also tended to vote together. The rest of the votes swung several different directions, many following certain power blocks, some without any identifiable patterns. A case in point was Minister Fudge's singular vote. He voted most often with Malfoy, but several times was seen to be opposed to his close advisor.

Another thing briefly discussed were the known proposals that would be in front of the Wizengamot today. Dumbledore impressed upon Staros that there was no need for him to actually vote on any matter since this was a review date and that he could request clarification of anything he did not understand, something that any member was able to take advantage of as needed. He also mentioned that this was often one of the main reasons why government, any government, was often slow to act because of the number of people who spent too much time talking without really saying anything new, often repeating the same speech several times to different questioners. Having watched CSPAN a couple of times, Staros knew this was true and had brought some snacks and a couple books to help.

A few of the issues Dumbledore knew were up that day included an adjustment to import taxes on certain potion ingredients, a ban on vagrants setting up 'stalls' to sell things or engage in questionable games of chance in public locations, and a petition for a family to gain a seat. The family in question was the Patils, having been in Britain the required amount of time, but not being successful in finding a sponsor to vote them in. This was to be their third attempt to gain a sponsor.