A/N Happy Yule, and have a good holiday, no matter how you celebrate the season! See you next week.
Chapter Thirty
'Tis the Season for Yuletide Politics
Eben watched as the old hag face carved into the log started to blacken and warp in the hearth until Cadha held a piece of bread in front of his face.
"Here's yours," she needlessly informed him.
"Thanks," Eben said, taking it as his sister walked off again.
He broke the bread apart without eating it, sighing when he found his father's ring in it and took it out. He reluctantly got up, looking over his appearance in a nearby mirror to make certain he was ready for their traditional Yule dinner, trying out several different smiles before settling on one to use before bringing his father the ring.
"Ah! Lucky child! I see you get to sit next to me this feast," Worley said as Eben brought him his ring.
"Is grandfather not coming this year?" Eben asked.
"No, your grandfather is attending your Aunt Blair's party this year," Worley told him. "Come, everyone! Let's all sit down to celebrate our family this fine Yule."
As his stepmother and the rest of his siblings came to the table, Eben wasn't surprised at all when Griselda took Mari's old seat at the place of honor on the other side of their father. The others filed around her sorting themselves by age, with Wallace sitting next to his mother. Delilah took the seat on the far end, smiling quietly at the feast in front of them as the children chatted among themselves. Outside, the wind was already starting to pick up, and Eben heard the occasional voice within them as the Moor Hags passed messages back and forth using the wind as their carrier.
"Ah, it sounds like we'll have a pleasant Yule indeed," Worley said, mentally instructing the servants to serve the first course. "Our sisters will feast on our nightmares tonight so that we sleep soundly, and later, they will feast themselves on others. 'Tis the nature of all things in this world, children. To eat, something must be eaten. To thrive, one must be the constant hunter, consuming all creatures below us and anyone who stands in our way."
"Including Snapes, father?" Griselda asked.
"When opportunity arises," Worley replied testily. "But come, let us talk of more pleasant things, such as the upcoming schedule. I must attend the Ministry Ball on Christmas Eve, and you will all be staying over at your Aunt Blair's for Christmas," he informed them, Eben smiling softly at that. "Then we shall be all be attending Blair's Christmas party as a family. On the evening of Boxing Day, I shall be hosting a traditionalist party function at the brewery. Eben, you and Mari will be accompanying me there," he informed him, and Eben nodded. "Afterwards, we will return to the main house so that we can prepare for Hogmanay."
"Will grandfather and Aunt Blair's family be coming to that as well?" Douglas asked.
"Yes, it will be a full family event," Worley confirmed, and most of the children seemed pleased with that. "Afterwards, you may spend the remaining days finishing any homework you may have, and then you may spend the rest of the time as you wish.
"And speaking of wishes, I shall now inform you of my wishes for our family this year, for what I wish is for my family to be every as prominent as the Snapes, and for my sister's family to be as prominent as the Craws. And you, my children, can make that wish come true," he assured them. "I want all of you currently in Hogwarts to begin culturing relationships with the children of prominent members of the community, so that once you are out of school, we don't have the same headaches we're having getting Mari betrothed. How many of you have maintained a relationship with the person I paired you with at Halloween?" he asked. Culver was the only one who raised his hand. "Is that all?" Worley said with a frown. "Are you even trying?"
"Father, Olivia only danced with me until you left because she was afraid that I would be in trouble if I didn't," Eben replied honestly. "She's interested in Joey Black."
"Elliot danced with me for the same reason," Cadha put in quickly.
"Cadha... try harder," Worley told her cooly, and Cadha slumped slightly. "Eben, I realize you are mentally challenged when it comes to your lack of control over others, but surely you can at least use your good looks and pleasant demeanor to secure a potential bride..." he paused, and the children watched as another of the servants came over with a tray of scrolls, each student taking one. "Here is a list of acceptable targets for you to go after."
"I'm already seeing Gloria Brittle, father, but her parents aren't too happy about it," Culver reported.
"Yes, well, that's their problem, keep up the good work," Worley said unconcernedly. Cadha grimaced at the list, seeing quite clearly that Elliot was her best option.
"I'll keep trying with Jack Black, father," Moira said. "So far he's not been very persuasive, but I think I can get him there." The other children weren't at all surprised by her choice, having known that Moira had developed a crush on him.
Douglas was a great deal less convinced that he could make any headway at all with the girls on his list.
"This would be easier if I was older. The best I'll be able to do is study dates. Is that all right for now?" Douglas asked hopefully.
"As long as I see some progress, fine. But the rest of you should be in a relationship by summer or it will be a very long summer indeed... each of you need to find a date for your sister's wedding," Worley said.
"Who is Mari getting married to" Eben asked.
"Someone off a list much narrower than yours," Worley said firmly.
"Well, I have a problem with my list," Eben admitted. The rest of the children looked up, wondering if they were going to be dismissed early if things escalated. "Everyone even remotely in my age range are either already involved in a relationship, or have told me that even if I was the last wizard on the planet, they still wouldn't marry a Maxen. And... as you pointed out... I can't manipulate people like Zelda can."
"Shall I find him a girlfriend, Father?" Zelda asked with interest. Worley was frowning, looking at his son thoughtfully.
"No, you are too far away from the problem. I suppose we should have begun this operation years ago," Worley admitted with irritation then turned to Eben. "I believe we will employ a different strategy for you, Eben. You are the oldest wizard, second in line to both your grandfather's title and a large portion of his substantial fortune. We will build up your position so that young debutantes begin seeking you out instead."
"You want me to play the quarry? So I'm the one to be eaten, father?" Eben asked. Culver sniggered, quickly turning his attention to his soup when their father looked in his direction.
"Think of it as a hunter using a lure to catch his prey. We will present you as a low-hanging fruit, entitled do a large inheritance and a large stakeholder in some of my business interests. And I have another surprise for you... consider this an early Christmas present. I have secured you a job within the Ministry of Magic as a clerk for a traditionalist colleague of ours. You may start the week after you graduate."
"But I've been taking Wizard Industry this entire time..." Eben said in surprise.
"Yes, as I've already stated, you will be helping me with that as well," Worley said impatiently. "Serving with the Ministry will earn you prestige that you wouldn't earn out of it, and serving our businesses will earn you income that you certainly wouldn't earn inside of it. Do your best this last half of school, I don't want you neglecting your NEWT score since you have a secured position."
"I won't, Father," Eben replied, trying not to show his discomfort as he turned his attention to the meal and his father began making suggestions for the others.
When Eben's aunt had fetched him to take him to Myrkinbrek, Eben had been hoping to spend some time with his sister before the Ministry Ball. Unfortunately, his aunt was under instructions to get him goblin-made dress robes. She completely ignored the exorbitant fees they added for tailored work at the last minute and Eben reluctantly subjected himself to measurement.
"I don't see why I can't wear Highland dress. I have a brand new Prince Charlie jacket, and you know father only buys the best quality in kilts," Eben said when the goblin left the room. "Not to mention the dress robes you bought me over the summer are relatively new and still fit me perfectly."
"Relatively new isn't new," Blair said. "And those are not nearly as fine a quality. Besides, this is a Christmas present from your grandfather," she added.
"I see," Eben said resignedly, glumly following Blair to Tassels and Panning to pick out some cufflinks, a ring, and even a gold clip to tie back his dusty blonde hair, before subjecting him to a quick haircut and shave before picking up his dress clothes.
It was nearly time to go before Blair was satisfied with his appearance, looking him over from his head to toe, allowing him to show their family colors on his tie and hose flashes.
"There! Now you look like a catch to turn any young witch's head," Blair declared, pleased, then noticed his deadpan frown. "You don't look too happy about it, though. Don't you like it?"
"Thank you, Aunt Blair. It's just uncomfortable," Eben replied.
"Of course it's uncomfortable, that's why it's called 'formal' wear," Blair said. "Behave like a prince, just as I've taught you, and you will do perfectly well tonight."
"Yes, Aunt Blair. May I go spend some time with Mari before we go?" Eben asked. Blair checked her watch.
"No, we really ought to be going. There are several wizards who are going to be at the Ball who are waiting to see her as it is," Blair said.
In fact, when they went downstairs, Uncle Caliban and Mari were already waiting in the downstairs parlor.
"There you are, I was beginning to think that I was going to have to send someone up to check on you," Caliban said.
"So sorry, Caliban, we are ready now," Blair said. "Shall we?"
The four of them Disapparated, appearing in the entry. They quickly stepped forward in case anyone else came in behind them, then took a more leisurely pace into the hall. Eben glanced at his sister, her short hair pulled up to look more feminine. She was wearing an elaborate gown from Minerva's shop and a jade necklace to show off its low neckline.
Did you have to be magically sewn into that dress? Eben projected at her curiously.
You're one to talk. Exactly who are you supposed to be, anyway? The Little Prince? Mari thought back.
I think I'm supposed to be husband material to some poor girl who has no idea what sort of family she's marrying into, Eben projected back.
Welcome to my world, Mari thought, somehow managing to hide her irritation behind her practiced smile.
They ignored the whispers that started drifting around them, very well aware that their father and aunt had started them. Subtle yet persistent, the mental suggestions they were emanating permeated the air around the guests, and the two of them realized it was likely to be a long night.
Percy Weasley worked his way over to where Alex and Draco were standing, noting they were watching as Worley Maxen, his eldest two children, and the Villains joined the corner of the room where the traditionalists were gathering.
"Is it just me, or is there less of them this year?" Percy murmured.
"It's still early," Draco said. "But it'll be interesting to see what happens in an hour. That new party has been leaching a lot more traditionalists than reformists."
"True, but it is having an impact. My brother Charlie has joined the Wizard Solidarity party himself. He said that he liked how they're planning to take a more balanced approach," Percy informed him.
"Really?" Draco asked, squinting. "What other department heads or Ministers are thinking of switching parties?"
"A few of the more moderate ones," Alexandria reported. "But all of the ones I talked to who seemed interested in joining the solidarity movement haven't really changed their views much; they all still support you as Minister of Magic. They simply seem to think it's time to slow down a bit on some of the reform movements more ambitious plans."
"For example?" Draco asked.
"They don't like how much money the Ministry has allotted for Azkaban renovations," Alex replied. "They also think that the LE department shouldn't be allowed to make recommendations even to minor positions of the Justice department because it causes them to be politically biased, and they want the Ministry to take a more active roll in education and cut off funding 'to help curb irresponsible changes' to schools making 'radical changes that effect students well being.'"
"But that's the same platform as the traditionalist platform!" Draco realized. "Why split the votes of a party that's already in the minority? Even if they're playing the 'we're more moderate' card, it's still the same sentiment."
"I don't think they're likely to offer a candidate, especially since the party is so newly formed," Alex said. "It's much more likely that they'll simply endorse a candidate this year, while they're working to establish a base within the Council."
"In other words, right now it doesn't change anything," Draco said.
"Not really," Alex agreed. They turned their attention back to watching the traditionalists. "Huh, it's Lord Eadwig. I haven't seen him at one of these balls before."
Draco glanced over to where Eadwig Grimbol walked in alongside Cadman Barrister, both in expensive black dress robes that were plain in appearance. Lord Eadwig made up for it by wearing rather gaudy rings and a large garnet and diamond medallion, while Cadman Barrister was more tastefully decorated with platinum cufflinks and a single ring. They watched without surprise when the two men worked their way over to the traditionalist side of the room to greet Worley.
Across the room, Viorica had also noticed them come in, watching them curiously a moment before going over to where Apollo and Harvey Oxford were standing.
"Isn't that your grandfather over there, Apollo?" Viorica asked thoughtfully.
"Yeah, I should probably go over long enough to say hi," Apollo said reluctantly. "Harvey, keep Viorica company."
"Sure, no problem," Harvey said. "Do you want to go over to the refreshment table?"
"I guess, since I'm not invited to go over there, apparently," Viorica said, a bit hurt by it.
"I wouldn't take it too hard, Viorica, he's probably just trying to keep you out of striking range," Harvey said. "He's a Barrister, after all... old family traditionalist. If he's half as bad as my grandfather is, he probably wouldn't approve of you and is trying to save you some grief," he explained. "Come on, there's got to be something on my trainer's approved list over on the table."
"For some reason, I highly doubt it," Viorica said, and the two of them slowly made their way towards the food. As they walked, they couldn't help but hear some of the murmurs from other groups, and Viorica couldn't help but be a little curious as to what the fuss was about.
"There can be no doubt that they have a lot of money. They were able to secure their ancestral lands and title, so naturally he's bound to attract the attention of certain eligible young ladies," Viorica heard one witch say.
"Since he's a handsome boy, it will even make him even more a prize," agreed another witch.
Viorica didn't recognize either of the voices, and when she turned to try and locate them, she couldn't figure out who had said it. Distractedly, she peered around to see where Harvey went, and found him near the table, signing a couple of autographs.
"So you did find something after all," Viorica commented when she saw he had raided the vegetable tray along with a large piece of bread.
"It could have been worse," Harvey agreed. "Took you a minute to get over here."
"Yes, I had to work my around a couple of large groups," Viorica said.
"Well, you missed some gossip, because I heard there's supposed to be some high class debutante here tonight that everyone's talking about, oldest granddaughter of a lord or something," Harvey told her.
"That's funny, I was just hearing some witches talking about a wealthy young wizard who just arrived that they think is going to be a great catch," Viorica commented.
"You already have the best catch in the room," Harvey pointed out.
"Yes, that's so true," Viorica said, laughing through her words with a smug grin, then looked over to see Apollo walk over to his grandfather. That's when she saw Worley as he stepped over to talk to them, followed by Eben and Mari. "Hey look, there's Mari and Eben."
"Oh? I suppose they would be here, considering their father is head of the party now," Harvey said, looking over at them. "They don't seem too thrilled about being here, though."
"Really? How can you tell?" Viorica said.
"Because Mari is wearing that polite smile she gives people that she wouldn't mind murdering in their sleep," Harvey explained.
Since Cadman Barrister had been picked for that year's traditionalist candidate, Mari had met him several times. His family had agricultural holdings in several different commonwealths and traded exotic herbs and basic goods. Having so many interests abroad kept the Barrister family out of 'that Voldemort business', although it was widely believed by Draco and many others that Cadman had come to a monetary agreement with Lucius to keep his family's whereabouts quiet while retaining their London commodities office.
Barrister's companion, Lord Eadwig, had been young enough to escape the interrogations. His father had testified against several Death Eaters to save his own skin... each one, conveniently enough, had already been killed or imprisoned before the testimony. He was 'abroad' during the second terrors, returning to the home office only after Voldemort was gone for good. Lord Eadwig was now a fairly old man, thin of build with slightly hollowed cheeks and glassy skin caused by all of the balms keeping his wrinkles at bay in an attempt to look younger, and with hair so perfect in tone that Mari wondered if he wasn't wearing a wig. He sized Mari up in a way that she decidedly didn't like, speculating if she wouldn't make for an interesting distraction. From the rumors he had been hearing, it sounded as if her father was eager to marry her off to someone of means or station; since he had both already, it might be easy to lead her astray, especially if her family was pushing for it.
Mari, Eben, and Worley easily picked up the man's thoughts. But when Mari made a face and was about to say something, her father gave her a firm mental nudge to keep silent. Mari forced a smile on her face.
"Lord Eadwig, this is the current head of the party, Mr. Worley Maxen, and his oldest two children, Miss Mari Maxen, and Mr. Eben Maxen," Cadman said. "Mr. Eben Maxen is currently at Hogwarts, but will be helping me in Foreign Imports and Business Licensing this summer. Unless I win the election, of course, where he will be serving as a clerk in the main office," Cadman added.
"Ah, I see! So you have ambitions in politics, then, young wizard?" Eadwig asked.
"Business, mostly," Eben admitted. "But knowing how politics work when it comes to licensing is very important to a successful business," he added.
"Very true, very true! Wise thinking! A good businessman knows how to work the system," Eadwig agreed. "A fine son you have there, Mr. Maxen. If I had a daughter, he'd be a prime specimen, but alas, I am all alone in life. Then again, that has been what has allowed me to make such a vast fortune. And what do you do, Miss Maxen?"
"She is a tutor for my sister's young children and is interested in education," Worley intervened.
I am? thought Mari, as surprised as Eben was at this news; she too had studied Magical Industry.
"In fact, she is one of several candidates who is vying for a position on the Hogwarts' school board that will soon be opening up, according to my sources," Worley said. Mari smiled her proud smile at the strangers again, despite the fact that she hadn't known that either. Eben himself had trouble masking his suspicion. What was his father up to this time?
"Good! We need some accountability on that board!" Eadwig said enthusiastically. "All of that silly nonsense about a new house, and Snape putting the blame on the Sorting Hat. Damned thing needs a realignment or something, what a fool notion to add a house! I think he's simply looking for a scapegoat to explain why he did it. It's just as insane as this adding another political party business! What do you make of that? And such a number... look at them over there," he pointed out critically.
They all turned and gaze at the growing number gathering in a different corner of the room. Worley frowned with alarm at how many of them there were, especially since a great many of them had reliably voted with the traditionalist wing. From Atchison to Oxford, Aldus to Tubbins, they had gathered to speak of their common views with a renewed sense of hope and enthusiasm for the new party. Even some of the moderate Bulstrodes and Boxes were over there, Worley noted with increasing alarm, along with Damon Platt, who was chatting with Peter Gamban. Among them were a handful from the reformist party as well, including Minister Charles Weasley, and a couple of others heads of Ministry departments who were tired of the extremes of the other parties.
It wasn't lost on Worley that the solidarity members who had come that night seemed to equal the amount of traditionalists that had come... no... they were a tad larger in number, he realized, as Heph Grey stepped over to join them.
"I recognize most of them, Eadwig, old boys one and all. They're likely to vote with us on most council decisions as they aways have," Cadman offered. "They're no more happy with the current direction of the Ministry than we are."
"Then why split at all?" Eadwig asked. Worley, who had been wondering the same thing, debated if this was a personal affront. Was this movement caused by someone who didn't like the fact that Worley led the party?
From the other side of the room, there was a shuffle as Percy Weasley walked over to their party leaders. Even Percy glanced curiously at his brother standing with solidarity, before shrugging it off and continuing on to where Worley and the others were standing.
"I don't suppose you were going to make some sort of announcement as to who Minister Malfoy's challenger was going to be this election?" Percy inquired. "It is about time for the music to start, so we were wondering if we needed to delay."
"Then we shall announce it directly," Cadman decided. Percy stepped forward and held up his hand, introducing Worley Maxen.
"I wish you all the best of celebrations," Worley said. "As is traditional at these Ministry Balls, we would like to announce the opposing candidate against the current Minister of Magic for the upcoming election season," he said with a nod to Draco, who looked both nonplussed and unconcerned.
"Therefore, I have the pleasure in introducing to you someone well known in our community for both his business prowess and his presence in Wizard Council committees, the esteemed Mr. Cadman Barrister," Worley said, and there was a polite applause all around as Cadman stepped up with a cordial nod.
"Thank you, Mr. Maxen. And thank you for referencing tradition so early," Cadman replied.
"My friends, I am not about to condemn the progress that our esteemed Minister of Magic and his party have made in recent years. But I have had growing concern with how many of these changes have come at the cost of the foundations of our wizard society. Traditions that began ten centuries ago have been upended and even dispensed of in favor of these radical changes towards the future. But how can you build the future by throwing out the values that made us who we are today? Shall we undermine the history of wizardkind itself, and ignore the heroic valor of the great wizards who saw us through the harsher times in wizard history, when the Muggles themselves sought to render us extinct? Shall we forget the lessons of the past, by bridging new partnerships with enemies who will likely turn against us again, instead of strengthening the Secrecy Act that has kept us safe? It is foolish to strike so boldly into the future without any thought to the blood spilt for us by our respected predecessors. It will only lead our society and traditional family values to degrade even further as to become unrecognizable.
"And the threat to our society has never been more real. Instead of progressing towards a future that benefits wizardkind, our youth are being led astray, enticed by magic devices that mock Muggle technology, such as handheld communicators and wizard-based television. Our schools have become so watered down with lessons of tolerance and inclusiveness that many have become reckless when it comes to our dealings with Muggles, allowing more of them to frequent our hidden areas, and encouraging orders that undermine our society by secretly potioning Muggles to cure their ills, further increasing the chances that our society is discovered. Lord help us all if they do," he paused somberly. "For if that were to happen, the Muggles would be subjecting us to the most inhumane tests imaginable to uncover our secrets. We must, therefore, take a thoughtful step back to safeguard ourselves from letting these events happen. We must add more accountability to our schools to encourage responsible teachings, and accountability in the Ministry to discourage mock Muggle devices in our society! Let us take a stand together, and let the current Ministry know this must not continue by putting someone new into office that will safeguard you and your children from further moral degradation. Because of these reasons, I humbly accept my party's nomination, and I am prepared to sacrifice my time and finances to ensure that our society is protected from further deterioration. Thank you."
There was a polite applause, although it was evident there was more enthusiasm coming from both the Traditionalist and Solidarity groups. As Percy was about to step away, Charlie had a word with his brother, and Percy's hand went up again.
"We have one other person who would like to speak; I would like to recognize Bronan Tubbins from the Solidarity party," Percy announced. Draco, who looked bored before, looked up with sharp interest, as did Alex, both of them curious and not knowing what to expect out.
"I hope you'll forgive us. Se are so new that we are still in the middle of electing our party's officers," Tubbins explained. "As such, we are also not in a position as yet to offer a candidate of our own, but we have voted on which candidate to endorse in the next election, and are prepared to do so now. For those of you who do not yet understand what our party is about, as well as for all of our fellow colleagues who are baffled as to why a new party was even needed, I shall give you a quick rundown of our party's philosophy. We have certain issues where we agree with the Reformist Party, and we have just as many that we agree with the Traditionalists. We also have just as many that we disagree with both parties, which is why we decided that a third party was needed," Tubbins explained.
"It is a time of reform, and a time to include all members of wizard society, regardless of their background or ability," he said, glancing over at Draco, Percy, and Alex. "But is also a time where we should assess our progress and make certain that we take a step back, so not to undermine the progress we have already made. We must make certain that we do not forget our history in our effort to run from it," he went on, looking over Barrister, Maxen, and Lord Eadwig.
"Mr. Barrister, I grant you, made some points we do agree with, although I would like to note, when it comes to magic devices, that mock Muggle technology is already banned in the Ministry outside of the BELA department, which obviously needs access to it. Moreover, when it comes to his vague reference to the Elderflower Society and their interference in Muggle Affairs, their actions are already illegal by our laws, and it is not fair to hold the Ministry accountable for such illegal activity, short of their failure to find and arrest its members." Alex glowered at him in annoyance.
"We believe that now is the time for both accountability and steady progress in a more careful, moderate fashion that includes all viewpoints. We believe that there is a need to find common ground, and to compromise in ways that will help us achieve goals that the vast majority of wizards can all agree upon and get behind. In fact, our strong belief in a moderate approach is why this party was formed. We will continue to work towards wizard solidarity and cooperation from this day forward."
Everyone behind Tubbins clapped. It was then that everyone in the room realized just how large the group standing with the new party was. Although it was nowhere near the size of the number of Reformists who had attended, the Traditionalist corner looked quite dwarfed in comparison.
"So... without further delay," Tubbins called out, subduing the claps behind him. "After carefully evaluating both candidates by their merits, we have decided to endorse Minister Draco Malfoy, to continue his work at Minister of Magic." As the Solidarity members clapped and some of the Reformists joined in. Draco, Alex, and most of his staff stared at them in stunned silence. Many of the wizards and witches now in the Solidarity Party had never voted for Draco in any election.
"Well! I guess I don't need to waste any coins on flyers and posters this year," Draco told Percy. Percy nodded numbly, still in shock.
Ron was busy instructing his photographers who to take photos of before getting his own personal camera out, both to record Draco's stunned reaction as well as the seething fury that came from the Traditionalist corner when they noticed how just many had turned on their old party. In fact, there were so many of them that Worley wasn't exactly sure on which one to confront. He waited for the music to begin before walking over the Tubbins, who wasn't the slightest bit surprised to see them walk over.
"What is the matter with you? What possessed you to throw all of your votes to the Reformists?" Worley snapped at him furiously.
"It wasn't just me. We had an internal party vote," Tubbins explained. "Majority rules, and all of that. And the majority of us decided that we don't want to endorse a party that would get us labeled as racist bastards anymore," he explained.
That was when Worley gazed at the new party a second time, realizing that many of the members who defected had children who had gotten into relationships, made friendships, or taken a stand on issues that the Traditionalist party would condemn them for... Kris Atchison, who had a Havener daughter-in-law, Damon Platt, whose son made an alliance with the goblins... even Peter Gamban, whose Reformist son had refused to take his father's name. On and on, he could name each circumstance, until Worley concluded that they did have one thing in common... all of those children went to Hogwarts.
Worley glanced over at the Traditionalist corner in time to catch his daughter attempting to come up with an excuse why not to dance with Eadwig, but her father's firm mental order convinced her to agree in spite of her revulsion. They were losing ground quickly, and he couldn't afford to lose any more. And just who was it that started this foolish moderation movement to begin with, Worley fumed, then squinted at Peter Gamban and Deacon Aldus. True, they both had good reasons not to want to associate with Traditionalists, but what if there was more to it than that?
Across the room, Alex and Draco were wondering the same thing.