Chapter 32:
3rd November 1976, England, Pyrites Courthouse:
The courthouse had finally been properly repaired. It shouldn't have taken long with magic normally but the damage caused by spellcasting had been extensive and so it taken far longer than Adolphus would have liked. He could now completely focus on improving his dueling skills which even he had to admit were below average.
**Scene Break**
9th November 1976, Wales, Blackmoore Safehouse:
Jessica and Michelle Blackmoore, sisters and skilled witches, sat around a large wooden table in their safe house who by now was housing more than a hundred people and expanding charms had to be applied three times so far. Maps, parchment, and scattered books covered the surface of the table in the center of the room, illuminated by flickering candlelight. The tension in the room was palpable as they discussed recent events. Nothing of importance to their secret cause had really happened after the attack on the Burkes and the Pyrites but the attacks themselves.. well rather the ministry's response to them made the sisters glad they had washed themselves of the corrupt fools in the ministry. Suddenly someone knocked on the door and Michelle invited them in. A middle aged man entered the room seconds later „Hello you two, an owl from someone named Margaret Dingleham has just arrived."
Jessica and Michelle glanced to eachother, Margaret was a friend of Jessica and one of their few allies within the death eaters. If she had sent a letter it must have been important. And indeed it was because soon after she had begun reading the letter Jessica's face moved to concern and then despair „I just received word from Margaret.. There's gonna be a Death Eater attack. The target is Pucklechurch.."
Michelle knew the importance Pucklechurch had in her sister's heart „We can't let them get away with this. Pucklechurch is your hometown, Jessica. We have to protect the people there. Is your family currently at their home?"
Jessica shook her head and hesitated for a moment.
„What's wrong sis?" asked Michelle concerned.
„The attack is part of a larger raid lead by the crazy bitch" Jessica said with a disgruntled face and Michelle understood immediately. Lestrange had been a thorn in their ass ever since the two joined. They could be as viscious as they wanted and they often went beyond what they were comfortable with but even then Lestrange was in a league of her own. And a larger raid meant they couldn't be present in every village attacked.
„I understand Jessi but you know we can't save everyone they attack" Michelle reasoned and Jessica nodded, her eyes glimmering with sad determination. They swiftly gathered their second wands, checked the potency of their healing potions and put on their custom masks ensuring they were ready for the battle that lay ahead. Then they called the other squad leaders of the White Rose.
**Scene Break**
„So basically after confronting the death eaters successfully we want you to comb through the houses. Repair any damages to the homes of the muggles, obliviate any mental trauma from the attack and try to heal any physical injuries as best as you can. Try your best to make it seem like this attack never happened. Also try to capture atleast some death eaters and take them to Pascal. Go to your groups now, I wish all of you good hunting but be careful. We do want you back."
**Scene Break**
9th November 1976, England, Pucklechurch:
It was an hour before midnight when Jessica and 5 others (Emma Cameron, Helena Garfield, Michael Henderson, James Button and Mario Pellegrini) arrived outside of Pucklechurch, a normally peaceful town now shrouded in darkness. They had apparated to a spot outside of the town's boundaries in order to avoid anyone still on the town's streets and now made their way towards the small town looking for anyone on the streets they had to warn. Soon Margaret having apparated from Burke Manor joined them, wearing their white robes with their emblem, a white rose on a red background, and blood red masks.
„Should we maybe try to contact the police?" asked Emma Cameron.
„I don't know, they dont have magic so wouldn't they kind of just be in the way?" Margaret, the half blood, asked sceptically.
„Yeah that's also a possibility..." muttered Emma before Jessica warned them to be more cautious of their surroundings as they entered the muggle town.
„You know maybe we should try to look into the effectivity of muggle weapons sometime in the future" said Mario cautiously and in a low tone.
„Hmmm good idea, it would be interesting to see how well they fare against a protego for example" commented Jessica.
Suddenly the eerie silence was shattered by the distant echoes of apparation pops after which spells and the menacing laughter of Death Eaters followed. They cautiously made their way towards the town square.
As they approached, the sounds grew louder, and the flickering glow of curses illuminated the night sky.
Jessica turned around, her voice firm „This is the moment Michelle, Mario and I trained you for. This will be the first appearance of the white rose. Let's make the death eaters remember this day. No mercy shall be given today." she said before turning around again. Nothing more needed to be said.
Jessica and Mario exchanged a determined glance and stepped forward, the others following.
A small group of Death Eaters saw the squad and alerted their comrades who had so far started to have some fun with the helpless muggles. Pointing their wands with malicious intent at Jessica and the others, they began the battle, a chaotic dance of spells, counter-curses, and dueling expertise. Jessica and the others while taken offguard moved with precision and grace, their wands weaving intricate patterns in the air.
A Death Eater, clad in dark robes, lunged towards Jessica, attempting to strike her down with a curse. With lightning-fast reflexes, she deflected the attack, retaliating with a powerful stunning spell that sent the Death Eater crashing to the ground. She followed with the killing curse before he could be revived.
Meanwhile, Margaret engaged in a fierce duel with two Death Eaters. She swiftly dodged curses, her wand sending bolts of magic toward her adversaries. One by one, the Death Eaters fell under her relentless assault.
Spells of varying colors illuminated the square, casting an ethereal glow upon the chaos. The air crackled with energy as Jessica's squad unleashed their magical prowess, determined to protect the civilians of the area.
Mario sidestepped a killing curse coming from behind him, casting a powerful shield charm that deflected a barrage of curses aimed at Margaret. His wand danced through the air, conjuring intricate spells that rendered her opponents defenseless.
With each passing moment, the squad's confidence grew, fueled by their unwavering determination and their shared mission to rid Pucklechurch of the darkness that had descended upon it. It probably helped that the death eaters seldomly encountered such resistance whether it be from muggles or magicals. Cries of confusion over the other masked individuals came from several of the death eaters and being unprepared for the assault of a small number of skilled and determined enemies one by one they fell until those in the vicinity realised they would perish if they stayed.
In a final surge of strength, Jessica and Emma combined their powers, their wands emitting a blinding light that enveloped several of the remaining Death Eaters. The magical force overwhelmed them, rendering them powerless and defeated.
Seven minutes after the battle began it had already ended with half of the death eaters on the street either dead or unconscious while the other half had fled.
The square fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of the victorious roses. The battle had come to an end, and the town center Pucklechurch was free from the clutches of the Death Eaters.
The squad stood side by side, surveying the aftermath of the battle. Helena and Michael walked around killing those death eaters that while unconscious weren't dead already. The fallen Death Eaters, their masks now removed, layed motionless on the ground.
„We did it, Jessica. We successfully protected this area"
„Perhaps but the night ain't over yet, Maggie. Mario, you come with me. I want the rest of you to follow the plan and wait for the other squads to link up. Follow Michelle's commands from then on."
**Scene Break**
Jessica then reveals the existence of the imperius and after some explaining on what the imperius does Julia and John tearfully reunite. At this point Mario comes back in and says that he has seen obliviators popping up in several areas of the town and that the others of their group already left. It takes some time but Jessica manages to convince the Pattersons that they have to come with the two for their own security. They take a traumatised and confused June with them and apparate away to their safehouse. This ends the scene. It should, as always, be dialogue heavy.
Jessica and Mario walked into her childhood home. The relationship between Jessica and her family had basically been non existent ever since she and Michelle had become death eaters. Jessica just didn't want to have to look into her parents' and grandparents' eyes knowing she had become a magical terrorist and was actively helping hurting innocents even if the end goal was to change the magical world for the better. While Jessica reminisced in old memories of happier and more innocent times, Mario walked upstairs in order to check on her parents and on her younger brothers. When he got to what Jessica told him would have been her parents' bedroom he found noone there. Confused he called for Jessica.
„Don't be so loud you baffoon we just want to check on my parents not wake them up... huh what is it Mario?"
„Uhm... that there's the bedroom of your parents right?" he asked gesturing the room she had talked to him about recently.
„Huh yeah unless they moved it that's the one. Why?" Jessica asked confused as to why her partner looked so uncertain. An uncomfortable feeling within her chest made itself known.
„Well evidently it isn't anymore. Don't get me wrong, there is a bed and everything but there's just noone here" Mario said scratching his head in confusion. The worry within Jessica grew and grew to become panic. Jessica dashed into her parents' (old) bedroom but just like Mario had said there was noone there. Searching through the room and then the rooms of her baby brothers she found nothing. No clothes, no toys, no gadgets... nothing. She became frantic and searched through the whole house just noting now that some of the furniture too was now missing. Mario in the meanwhile went outside and came upon a medium sized sign saying „for sale".
„How the hell did we miss that?" he muttered to himself.
When he showed his partner the sign Jessica broke down sobbing. It may be unreasonable but the worry about her family was dominating her mind right now. Mario shook his head and forced a calming drought down her throat. She glared angrily at him but he knew she'd thank him later, this was not the time to have a mental breakdown.
„You better now Jess?" he asked carefully knowing he was on thin ice for the moment.
„Yea.. I think so.. c'mon Mario let's go to the Pattersons, my family has always been fairly close to them maybe they know something I don't"
„Aren't you missing something, Jess?" he asked but got only owlish blinking in return. He sighed, he didn't know what Jessica was feeling at the moment but it was evidently messing with her sense of logic.
„Look at the sky... it's still kinda night ya know?" he asked and silence reigned between them for a moment.
„... You're right Mario but we can just interrogate and obliviate them later. Should probably do that for the whole neighbourhood anyway."
Removing their masks they stepped into the muggle home.
When Jessica and Mario stepped through the door into the Pattersons' home however they found the inhabitants being clearly awake as could be seen and heard.
„You sick bastard!" screamed a hateful female voice.
„I don't know what happened honey, it's like I wasn't myself. Please belive me!" a desperate male voice answered. When they stepped into the chaos that was the Pattersons' living room they found broken furniture around the room and shattered glass covering the floor in multiple places. Mrs. Julia Patterson stood, phone in hand, tears streaming down her face as she glared at her husband, Mr. John Patterson. The air was heavy with tension and despair.
Jessica, the empathetic young woman she was, knew she had to help, her voice filled with urgency.
„Mrs. Patterson, what happened here? Is everyone alright? What did Mr. Patterson do for you to be so angry at him" she asked
„Oh, it's terrible! Criminals... They attacked our home.
They held some weird sticks and then they pointed one of them at John and said something and he... he just ripped June's clothes off and... I can't even say it, it was so horrible"
Jessica's eyes widened with a mixture of horror and anger. Mario glanced at her, understanding passing between them.
„I won't ask why you are here Jessica but it is good to see you... just... just let me call the police first then..." Julia said stuttering before a quick stunning hex courtesy of Mario took her out.
„What the hell was that? What did you do to her?" John shouted angrily shortly before he too was taken out by a stunning hex.
„Mario.. was that really necessary?"
„Jess you saw the situation. Julia is not in a reasonable state of mind right now and we need both of them calm before we tell them about what truly happened tonight... argh how I hate these death eaters. How can you even stomach being in the same room with them nevermind working with them?"
„By imagining to torture all of them of course" Jessica said with a wink but quickly became serious again.
„Mario... can you explain all this stuff for me? I want to apparate back to the safe house real quick and see if I can talk to Michelle real quick. I'll be back soon, alright?"
„Sure partner, I've got this. Make sure to drop by Raymond though please, I am soon going to run out of calming droughts if this continues"
„Will do and Thank you, appreciate it. See ya"
And with those words Jessica was gone for the moment leaving Mario behind to deal with this hell of a situation.
He swiftly went outside and looked around the neighbourhood keeping watch for any potential threats. As he looked into the night, he was surprised to find Pucklechurch eerily silent, as if holding its breath.
„I don't have much time. The ministry must have realised by now what's happening and they won't wait too long before they send the obliviators"
he muttered to himself before reentering the house.
Going to where Julia layed motionlessly on the ground he performed a quick Ennervate. He pointed his wand at her, prepared to send a few stinging hexes at her. Groggily she sat up before her mind cleared and an angry expression appeared on her face. Then she saw his wand pointed at her and wilted at the glow coming from it's tips aswells as the apathetic look on his face.
„Uhm.. what is that?"
„That Mrs. Patterson is something called a wand, I am sure you have heard of it before. Now Mrs. Patterson I am not someone that jokes around a lot so do believe me when I say that your husband's actions were not done voluntarily and that you need to calm down. No don't say anything, let me explain. I am a wizard, Jessica who is currently indisposed is a witch and yes we do exist. As to why noone knows? The magical world seperated itself from it's non magical counterpart roughly 300 years ago. Since then we have been very careful in keeping our secrecy. Now Magical Britain is currently embroiled in a viscious civil war. To keep it short, a dark wizard and his followers who call themselves death eaters want to overthrow the Ministry of Magic and restructure the country as they see fit. They see non magicals like you as little more than animals and often go on raids on non magical villages and smaller towns just like today. One of the magical spells they preferably use is called the imperius. Next to the torture curse and the killing curse it is considered an unforgivable in large parts of the magical world and brings you a life sentence in our magical prison and for good reason. The imperius lets the caster take full control of their victim and death eaters often use it to force their victims to torture or even rape their family members." Mario said wheezing a little after talking so much so quickly. Julia's head swam with the influx of information, it was hard to believe but she now had hope that her husband wasn't the sick bastard she had believed him to be during the last hour.
„... How can I believe you? I saw him raping our daughter... I can't just forget that." Mrs. Patterson cried out incredolously.
„I am not saying you should but stop putting the blame on him and instead put it on those responsible. Besides, someone under the imperius is perfectly able to witness what they're doing even if they have no control over their actions. Even more insidious, while you are under the imperius you experience a sort of magical high as if you are walking on clouds if you know what I mean. That's what makes the imperius so dangerous, only a few and I really mean a few people would be able to resist the spell, I know I wouldn't. What I am trying to say is that your husband will likely feel a lot of guilt over what he was forced to do." Mario said shuddering at the thought of ever having to fight of the imperius. Jessica chose that moment to reappear in the home of the Pattersons, her face urgent.
„We must go now Mario. Mrs. Patterson it is better if you and your family come with us for the time being, we will explain at our safehouse why that's the case and.."
„I will not move an inch until you tell me why we must suddenly leave our home behind."
Jessica sighed, she had forgotten how stubborn Mrs. Patterson could be sometimes.
„Alright. In short, obliviators have just apparated in the town center and are now clearing up the scene meaning they are going to remove the memories of what just happened out of the minds of you guys living here, yes we can do that, no I won't do it to you. Since I don't want the same happening to you especially June it's best if you come with us to our safeplace where we will explain everything in detail. Mario you take her with you, I will get June." and with those words Jessica left going upstairs.
„Now hold on a minute.." Mrs. Patterson said before a red light quickly approached her and she was unconscious yet again.
Mario sighed, he didn't have the patience for this. Choosing to side along apparate Mr. Patterson to the safehouse first so he could be treated, he took the man and went outisde.
Upstairs, Jessica entered June's room, finding the traumatized young girl huddled on her bed, trembling and confused. Gently she approached Julia she placed a gentle hand on the crying and shaking girl's shoulder, trying to provide some comfort amidst the trauma that was developing in the girl's mind. Normally she would have tried to say something but June wasn't even registering her presence so Jessica unknowingly mirrored Mario's actions downstairs and stunned the girl. Levitating the unconscious girl behind her she carefully made her way back down to the ground floor.
Right as she arrived at said floor the door opened and Mario stepped back in.
„Come Jess, I have already apparated Mr. Patterson to the safehouse" Mario said, his voice filled with urgency.
„Good, then let's go" she said and both put their masks back on to conceal their identity. It was too late to apparate away unseen however. Right as they made their way outside they were greeted by two men wearing auror robes. The two men were clearly confused to see Mario and Jessica. Here were two people in robes and masks just like death eaters but their attire differed significantly from the attire death eaters usually liked to wear.
„Halt whatever it is you're doing with those muggles" said one of the obliviators.
„State your identities and surrender your wands. We will take you back to the department for questioning" the other obliviator ordered causing Jessica and Mario to sigh in annoyance and causing Jessica to apparate away with June instantly. Before Mario did the same he said something to the now alarmed men that ended up flummoxing them.
„You will soon come to thank us for defending this town and doing your job to you. Tell your superiors that a new side in the war has appeared. We are sick of your incompetence and will deal with the death eaters in our own way. There will be no mercy."
And with those words he apparated away to the safehouse, leaving the obliviators and the chaos of Pucklechurch behind him.
**Scene Break**
10th November, England, London, Ministry of Magic:
„Hmmmm thank you for your report Auror Dimeshore, you can leave now." said Alastor Moody to the man. Seeing the man leave he sent a patronus to Albus requesting a meeting with the man.
**Scene Break**
10th November 1976, Scotland, Hogwarts:
„This is indeed a most worrying development. They didn't say who they were?" Albus asked his trusted ally, stroking his beard.
„Apparently not sir. We have confirmed that most muggle households in the town already had the memories of the encounter with the death eaters obliviated. We have also found magical residue of dozens of dark curses and even a few unforgivables leading me to believe that the man told the truth when he said they had defended the town. Albus I recommend trying to get into contact with this new group. They seem to be skilled and nurmerous enough to be able to deal with a raid." Alastor was now wearing his new magical eye the department of mysteries had provided him and was quickly gaining the moniker „Mad-Eye Moody".
„And where would I start? We have no information about them. We don't know what they call themselves, who they are or where they reside. No we need to wait for further actions from them Alastor. In the meantime we cannot let them become the main force of resistance. I appreciate their indirect help but I don't know their intentions and their goals and that makes me worry."
**Scene Break**
11th November 1976, Wales, Blackmoore Safehouse:
The Pattersons had moved in pretty quickly after everything had been explained and they understood just what Britain currently was dealing with. June had unfortunately dropped into a deep depression and Jessica was hesitant to let someone obliviate the memories of the recent events from her mind but atleast she had plenty of girls her age to turn to to get some solace from. After the Pattersons had moved in they told Jessica that her family had moved to Northern Ireland after they hadn't heard of Jessica for many months. Jessica remembered telling them about the war and realised that her family must have assumed the worst about the state of the magical world. She would have to visit them sometime.. Eventually. In another matter, Augustus Rockwood had been furious with the death eater that had been in charge of the raid and had returned empty handed. It was strange not to have seen Voldemort for atleast a few weeks but he was apparently busy with something so Michelle and her didn't think too much of it, Voldemort was losing followers fast at the moment and as long as he didn't suddenly get dozens more all was going well.
„So what can you give me Pascal?" she asked Pascal Eyekiller, their lead interrogator.
„Not much you won't already know but I have a list of potential future targets though" he said running his hand through his red hair.
„Nothing specific? The location is one thing but the date of attack would be nice."
„I'm sorry to ask but ain't you a death eater yourself?"
„Hmmm? Oh I see where you're coming from. Unfortunately me and Michelle are currently not stationed at either Lestrange or Burke Manor so we won't get any information until we are called to participate in a raid. There is an upside however, it gives us more time to increase our recruitment. Speaking of, will you please get
**Scene Break**
13th November 1976, Russia, Yekaterinburg, Smietrolov Castle:
Pietro Smietrolov, CEO of Smietrolovskoye Bratsvo, massaged his temples, annoyed at their recent lack of successes. The russian nobility was arrogant and too.. well noble to atleast become partners with his organisation. Their goals of a criminal empire were in danger, he didn't want to ally the Roslovskoye Sestrichestvo but did he have any other options currently? No, not if he wanted to achieve his goals anytime soon. The door opened and Dennis Brammenov, a man even more overweight than Pietro, came in.
„Pietro, old house, I come with multiple news you definetely want to hear" the man said laughing before taking a seat on the opposite side of Pietro's office table. Pietro, Denis and several others who were now key figures of Smetrolovskoye Bratsvo had gone to Durmstrang together and so he didn't mind Dennis' unprofessionalism, they were basically family after all. He simply waved his hand telling Dennis to continue.
„The boys are settling nicely in their new roles. I have to say though, if the ministry gets wind of this they'll think we're trying to form our own one."
„Well they're basically right though it's more like we are going to replace them at some point in the future. It makes sense though if you think about it. Most of our friends have specialised in one or two fields of expertise, giving them the work they prefer doing let's them focus on the stuff they do best and it also helps us organise better once we expand our reach. Speaking off, how are the negotiations with the Italian Mafia and the Dracula Clan going?"
The Italian Mafia was currently the strongest criminal group in Magical Europe making it a good potential ally while allying with vampires, while a risk, always proved profitable when all went well.
„It could definetely go better Pietro, well I guess the Italians seem agreeable enough though they apparently laughed when Dhalu hinted at our aspirations but Lord Dracula is adament in keeping his isolationist policies."
„Hmmm they could have been a worthy ally but oh well if they won't agree we will just focus on Russia for now and deal with them later. Tell Dhalu to end the negotiations with Lord Dracula and make a deal with the Italians that will profit both sides. Also tell him to begin negotiations with the Roslovskoye sestrichestvo" Pietro said and Dennis nodded.
„Got it. But are you sure you want to make a move towards the Roslovs so soon? That will definetely catch the ministry's and maybe even the ICW's attention." Dennis said and while Pietro had to admit that Dennis was right (the Roslovs were the only major crime syndicate in Magical Russia) Dennis had forgotten something very simple.
„Pah we can handle the ministry, a few bribes will be enough for them. And the ICW? The chaos in both Britain and China have them occupied."
A/N: Of course all of y'all know which chaos in Britain I am hinting at but China? Well since 1948 China has been ruled by the Communists and you can be quite certain that the Communists will not allow any authority besides them to exist in China, whether Muggle or Magical doesn't matter to them.
„I will yield to your knowledge of international things"
„Good, anyway is there something else?"
„Yes before I leave I ought to mention that there has been a British girl around in Russia recently, Potter or something I think was her surname. She has been caught snooping around trying to get her hands on every single bit of information about Russia she can find. She's even gone to these communist lunatics in the muggle world a few times, Koschei knows what's she doing there."
„Hmmm a bit alarming but as long as she doesn't step on our feet I guess we can let her go. You said she's British? Let Hardi personally observe what's she doing and tell him only to intervene once she's done anything that will affect our operations. If not once she leaves have Hardi track her position and give the information to that Dark Lord in Britain. He could make a good ally once he rules the island in a few years or so."
**Scene Break**
15th November 1976, England, Burke Manor:
Bertram Burke stood at the entrance of Burke Manor, a once magnificent estate now reduced to ruins. The once grand halls and elegant chambers layed in shambles, the remnants of a devastating magical battle that had taken place within its walls, only the ground floor and the basement really remaining intact. As the current head of the Noble House of Burke, it was Bertram's responsibility to oversee the cleaning up and reconstruction of his family's ancestral home.
He looked around at the debris scattered across the courtyard, a somber expression on his face. The destruction was extensive, and it was evident that the rebuilding process would be no small feat. Even after 6 weeks the air still crackled with residual magic, a testament to the powerful spells that had been cast during the battle.
Bertram had called upon a team of skilled wizards and witches, brought in from his Lord's followers. They worked tirelessly, using their expertise to clear away the rubble and begin the process of rebuilding. But progress was slow, much slower than Bertram had anticipated.
What normally wouldn't have taken more than a couple of days already stretched into more than a month. The reconstruction seemed to be plagued by setbacks and unforeseen complications. It had become evident that the magnitude of the magical damage had left its mark on the very foundation of the manor making the reconstruction extremely time consuming.
Bertram had overseen every detail, ensuring that the original splendor of Burke Manor was faithfully recreated. He held a deep reverence for the history and traditions of his noble house, and he was determined to restore its former glory.
Finally, after many weeks of tireless efforts, Burke Manor now stood once again, a testament to resilience and the power of restoration. The scars of the battle had been healed, and the manor now exuded an air of elegance and regality.
As Bertram Burke walked through the newly restored halls, a sense of pride and accomplishment washed over him. The reconstruction had been difficult and more than a little annoying, but it had breathed new life into his family's legacy. Burke Manor stood as a symbol of strength and resilience, a testament to the enduring power of the noble house that bore its name. It was now perhaps time to produce an heir... oh well that could wait, he was still young.
**Scene Break**
20th November 1976, England, London, Ministry of Magic:
In the grand chamber of the Wizengamot, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation and whispered conversations. The momentous occasion of a new noble house being voted into the esteemed council had drawn the attention of all its members. Lord Borgin, sat at the visitors lounge which was normally empty, waiting for the outcome of the vote.
The ancient doors creaked open as the current members of the Wizengamot took their seats, their robes flowing gracefully around them. Meaningless things were discussed at first, from the supposed thickness of a cauldron to how many times an elf was supposed to be allowed to reproduce.
Then the time came for the most important matter of the meeting to take place.
„Fellow esteemed Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, last week House Johnson's time to be part of the Wizengamot ended and we will need to vote for a house to replace it. The following houses have applied for membership: The Noble House of Borgin, the House of Dingleham, the House of Redwood and the House of Dimeshore. The voting will take place in 30 minutes."
30 minutes later saw the members of the Wizengamot back in the chamber. The tension grew as each member lit their wands once the name of their preferred house was called.
As the votes were tallied, the anticipation reached its peak. Finally, the Chief Warlock stood and cleared his throat. "In accordance with the ancient traditions of the Wizengamot, it is my honor to announce the results of the vote. With a plurality of votes cast in favor, the Noble House of Borgin is hereby accepted as a member of the Wizengamot."
A mix of satisfied and dissatisfied murmurs filled the chamber, the surprise evident on some faces. Whispers of conspiracy quickly made the rounds through the Progressives and Light Moderates as many had expected the House of Redwood to be chosen instead.
Lord Borgin, a figure cloaked in expensive robes, stepped forward to accept the seat, his expression unfazed by the reactions around him. He looked around the room, taking in the disapproval and skepticism that radiated from the other members. But Lord Borgin seemed to have come with the expection that him being voted onto the Wizengamot would not be met with resounding applause and without a word, Lord Borgin made his way to the section of the Traditionalists, aligning himself with their faction. His decision caused a stir among opponents of traditional values. The Traditionalists, despite their differences, couldn't help but feel a sense of cautious satisfaction at Lord Borgin's joining, while those who championed progress and change exchanged concerned glances. It wasn't a huge surprise as Lord Borgin's dark reputation preceeded him but it still stung many that he would join the faction supporting a maniac.
As the commotion settled, the Chief Warlock raised his gavel, commanding attention. "Let it be known that the Noble House of Borgin has taken its place among the esteemed members of the Wizengamot. May their presence bring both challenges and wisdom to our deliberations."
The chamber erupted in applause from the Traditionalists and many of the Unafiiliated and begrudging acceptance of everyone else, the wheels of politics turning ever forward.
'Hmmm the Traditionalists are steadily gaining influence, I really don't like that' Arcturus Black amongst his allies of the Dark Moderates thought to himself. Turning to Eric Greengrass he spoke his mind, his voice low and showing his dissatisfaction in how things were developing,
„Tell the others I am requesting them to be at Black Manor in 3 days."
Eric nodded in understanding and while Arcturus excused himself to bring the news to his family, Eric held the other members of their alliance back to tell them of Arcturus' request.
And so, the course of wizarding affairs took a somewhat unexpected turn, with the arrival of the enigmatic House of Borgin casting a shadow over the council's proceedings.
End of Chapter
An overview of the Wizengamot as of September 1976:
Electory Seat(e): +1
Heridetary Seat: +2
Noble : Peverell (+1 vote) ; Most Noble : Peverell(+3 votes)
Ancient: Peverell(+2 votes) ; Most Ancient: Peverell (+5 votes)
For Example: If the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin had an heir that suddenly came from somewhere it would have +2+3+5 so 10 votes
Unaffiliated:
Zabini, Parkinson, Ollivander, Patil, McCormack, Hemlock(e), Stonehorn(e), Perks, Copplestone(e), Greenford(e), Spinnet(e), Accrington, Harlemshake(e), Slughorn, Runcorn, Wilkes, Gibbon, Lowe, Higgs, Cornfoot, Scamander, Lovegood, Robins(e), Jones(e), Copperfield(e)
→ The Unaffiliates share 82 votes between them
Progressives:
Potter, Longbottom, Prewett, Dumbledore, MacGonagall, Weasley(e), Moody, Shacklebolt, Wintringham, McKinley, Wood, Tripe, Sinistra(e), Vector(e), MacDougal, Kettleburn(e), Bell(e)
→ The Progressives share 62 votes between them
Light Moderates:
Bones, McKinnon, Abbott, Diggory(e), Silverling, Firewheel, Chang(e), Bletchley, Bagnold(e)
→ The Light Moderates share 28 votes between them
Ministry Supporters:
Crouch, Brocklehurst(e), Brown, Douglas, MacLaggen, Goldstein, Umbridge(e), Prince, Dawlish, Edgecombe, Minchum(e), Scrimgeour(e),
→ The Ministry Supporters share 32 votes between them, together with the Ministry seats they have 69 votes at their disposal
True Moderates:
Sayre, Ruslanovich, Blackstream, Serpengold, Montague, Thicknesse
→ The True Moderates share 30 votes between them
Dark Moderates:
Black,Greengrass, MacMillan, Rubisheart, Flint, Bulstrode(e), Selwyn, Travers(e), Avery, Yaxley, Trembley(e), Orpington(e), Fudge(e), Max
→ The Dark Moderates share 56 votes between them
Traditionalists:
Burke, Malfoy, Lestrange, Fawley, Rosier, Rowle, Carrow(e), Goyle, Crabbe, Nott, Mulciber, Pyrites, Dolohov(e), MacNair, Rockwood(e), Borgin (e)
→ The Traditionalists share 75 votes between them
Ministerial Seats :
Minister of Magic: 8 votes
Chief Warlock: 5 votes
Senior Advisor to the Minister: 5 votes
Senior Undersecretary: 3 votes
Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement: 3 votes
Head of Department of Mysteries: 3 votes
Head of Department of Magical Education: 2 votes
Head of Department of Magical Research: 2 votes
Head of Department of Magical Accidents...: 2 votes
Head of Department for R. and C. of Magical Creatures: 1 vote
Head of Department of Intern. Mag. Cooperation: 1 vote
Head of Department of Magical Transport: 1 vote
Head of Department of Magical Games and Sports: 1 vote
→ All in All the Ministry has 37 votes available.
Note that they generally always vote as one block as doing not so could cost the Department Heads them their position
Because I like statistics,
Houses and the amounts of votes they have:
Please keep in mind that I have no idea yet who the heads of departments are, the only one I know of is Crouch Sr. being the head of the DMLE
Burke : 10 votes
Crouch : 5 votes
Zabini, : 7 votes
Parkinson, : 5 votes
Ollivander, : 8 votes
Brocklehurst, : 1 vote
Brown, : 3 votes
Patil, : 3 votes
Douglas, : 3 votes
McCormack, : 4 votes
MacLaggen, : 4 votes
Goldstein, : 3 votes
Umbridge, : 1 vote
Prince, : 4 votes
Hemlock, : 2 votes
Stonehorn, : 2 votes
Perks, : 3 votes
Dawlish, : 3 votes
Edgecombe, : 3 votes
Minchum, : 1 vote
Copplestone, : 1 vote
Greenford, : 1 vote
Scrimgeour, : 2 votes
Spinnet, : 1 vote
Accrington, : 3 votes
Harlemshake, : 1 vote
Slughorn, : 3 votes
Runcorn, : 4 votes
Wilkes, : 3 votes
Gibbon, : 3 votes
Lowe, : 4 votes
Higgs, : 4 votes
Cornfoot, : 3 votes
Scamander, : 5 votes
Lovegood, : 4 votes
Robins, : 1 vote
Jones : 1 vote
Copperfield : 2 votes
Potter, : 8 votes
Longbottom, : 7 votes
Prewett, : 5 votes
Dumbledore, : 5 votes
MacGonagall, : 4 votes
Weasley, : 1 vote
Moody, : 4 votes
Shacklebolt, : 3 votes
Wintringham, : 7 votes
McKinley, : 4 votes
Wood, : 3 votes
Tripe, : 3 votes
Sinistra, : 1 vote
Vector, : 1 vote
MacDougal, : 4 votes
Kettleburn, : 1 vote
Bell : 1 vote
Bones, : 8 votes
McKinnon, : 5 votes
Abbott, : 3 votes
Diggory, : 1 vote
Silverling, : 3 votes
Firewheel, : 4 votes
Chang, : 1 vote
Bletchley, : 4 votes
Pyrites, : 3 votes
Bagnold : 1 vote
Sayre, : 10 votes
Ruslanovich, : 5 votes
Blackstream, : 5 votes
Serpengold, : 4 votes
Montague, : 3 votes
Thicknesse,: 3 votes
Black, : 10 votes
Greengrass, : 8 votes
MacMillan : 7 votes
Rubisheart, : 3 votes
Flint, : 4 votes
Bulstrode, : 1 vote
Selwyn, : 7 votes
Travers, : 1 vote
Avery, : 4 votes
Yaxley, : 5 votes
Trembley, : 1 vote
Orpington, : 1 vote
Fudge, : 1 vote
Max : 3 votes
Malfoy, : 7 votes
Lestrange, : 8 votes
Fawley, : 8 votes
Rosier, : 4 votes
Rowle, : 3 votes
Carrow, : 2 votes
Goyle, : 4 votes
Crabbe, : 4 votes
Nott, : 7 votes
Mulciber, : 4 votes
Dolohov, : 2 votes
MacNair, : 5 votes
Rockwood : 2 votes
Borgin, : 2 votes