Hi all, Chapter 14 is up. Hope you enjoy!
They strolled down the corridor to the meeting room, faces showing none of the nerves they felt. Confidence radiated from their forms, their robes were beautifully tailored to their forms and made from the finest silk. Remus was in the middle of the two lords as they made their way through the stragglers of the morning rush. The scars faded but still standing out on his cheeks; his suit bringing out the hazel of his eyes and highlighting the strength and pride that was within him. Sirius and Harry walked either side of him glaring at anyone who stared too long or walked in front of them. Daphne, Theo and Neville walked behind them, all three looking smug and superior while still maintaining an uninterested, blank stare as heirs to their own houses they were able to sit within the meeting but were restricted in what they could say. Tracey and her family were going to watch from the balcony along with Mrs Weasley and Bill as well as Oscar, Joy and Bobby.
As they entered the room, they immediately went to their seats. Splitting up from each other with nary a word to confirm it. Neville and Daphne joined their respective family members with only brief glances of support to Theo as he took his place alone at the Nott seat. Harry gave a subtle nod to Sirius before he took his seat a couple metres away and stuck up a conversation with Mr Weasley who sat ahead of him. Meanwhile Sirius and Remus sat in the Black chairs and immediately cast privacy charms while still maintaining a calm façade.
"How are you holding up?" They both asked, instantly grinning at each other.
"Seriously this is your law, how are you?"
"Moony if its anyone's then its Prongslets, the amount of work he's put into this…He cares about it so much."
"And you're the one whose trained him."
"And he's brilliant. I know we did a lot of the work but holy moly, the time and effort he's put into this. I'm holding up fine because I know how much energy he's pushed into this thing. If they don't pass this law, it won't be because of statistics or understanding the negatives or not putting enough thought into it. It'll will simply be because they don't want to give people a chance" Sirius ended his mini speech passionately and found himself staring at his Godson. "We're going to get through this just fine."
"Try not to sound too smug there Padfoot."
"You just wait, you've been doing all that farm stuff well I've been there for the work he's done. You're going to be sounding smug at the end of it."
They both watched as Minister Fudge strode in and sat with a flourish in his seat, he was followed by a smaller women dressed all in pink, complete with a little bow on her head.
"Who is that?" Harry asked Mr Weasley in a slightly disgusted tone.
"One despicable woman. That is Madam Umbridge, senior undersecretary to Minister Fudge. She is against everyone and everything except whatever gives her the most power."
Harry glanced at him to see him glaring at the woman in question.
"I don't think I've ever heard you speak about anyone with such…erm…"
"Revulsion?"
"Well, yes to be honest."
"That's because I have never met anyone quite like her." Mr Weasley said sighing and turning back to Harry. "Small things first; she takes credit for other peoples work, she bullies and manipulates people to do what she wants, she's had people fired for the smallest of things. She makes sure that she is on the side of whoever is the most powerful in the room, and then flatters them to remain on their good side. Then there are the bigger things, she's the one that put forward the law making it practically impossible for lycanthropes to work, she is also extremely anti muggle so much so that even people like Crouch and Montague -who aren't particularly fond of them – don't talk to her."
"How is she in such a high position?"
"She keeps it very tightly locked down, she has favours from nearly everyone on the senior team, when she speaks her mind it is to a selective few that she knows won't tell on her. Even the things I've said to you can only be taken as rumours. Though she has made her disdain for me quite well known, thinks my job is completely inconsequential and has tried to underfund me several times."
"So all in all you don't like her."
Mr Weasley shot me a sardonic smile.
"Something like that."
Just then Madam Bones entered and took her place at her seat and after another moment Fudge stood and signalled for the doors to close as the chamber quietened.
"Ladies and Gentleman of the Wizengamont, welcome to August sessions. The floor is now open to any new business."
Taking a single breath Harry stood.
"The chair recognises Lord Potter as Head of House Potter."
"I would like to propose the motion of changing the werewolf laws of 1638 and 1993." His voice calm, clear and firm as he spoke. His eyes glowing with resilience and confidence as he took on his role.
"And will anyone second this motion."
"The House of Marchbank will second the motion." Lady Griselda Marchbank said in the same breath as she rose to her feet. Her robes were a dark purple and glittering slightly, she also had a noticeable grin on her face as she stared down at everyone, brown eyes twinkling and Harry could see the Lady was enjoying herself immensely as peoples gazes turned confused. It had been a suggestion of Lord Abbots to knock the other side off kilter if instead of Sirius backing the motion one of the others should. More dramatic, had been the reason given.
"Very well. Begin."
Lady Marchbank lowered herself and nodded at Harry as he remained standing.
"Minister Fudge, esteemed colleagues. In recent years it has become exceptionally hard for people with lycanthrope to be able to support themselves and their families, these are individuals who have done nothing to deserve the hand that fate has delivered to them. It is incredibly hard for them to hold down jobs as a result of the laws that this body has passed, this does nothing but cause them to fight for the simplest of freedoms as well as turning to criminal behaviour in order to simply survive. Not to live well and thrive but simply to survive on the bare minimal. This forces them to occasionally venture into the muggle world which brings up a entirely new list of problems and the danger of exposing our world. I am not assuming some idealistic way of living where people with lycanthropes can simply do as they please. I do understand that measures have to be taken to ensure everyone's survival but they should be able to be who they are without fear of he prejudice they face. My proposal is that the laws from 1638 and 1993 be adapted to the times that we are now living in. People with lycanthropy deserve to know they can keep a long term job, they deserve to have their children properly educated and they themselves to be able to apply for the positions that are right now closed to them." He could see a few people nodding consideringly. "These laws must be finished with. Otherwise this society is never going to change. Imagine if one of you were bitten tomorrow, think of all the ruin you'd face. The fear. The knowing your friends and colleagues would suddenly mistreat you. Knowing your work would not welcome you. We must learn to change our perceptions and recognise the humans they are first and foremost."
A rousing applause burst from the light side as Harry retook his seat and a warm glow settled in his stomach at the proud look that Sirius had on his face as well as the wink that Remus shot him.
On the other side of the room, Lord Rosier stood. He wore caramel-coloured robes that were open and showing a smart waistcoat with a small gold pocket watch. Harry wanted to smile but instead he put a serious and contemplative look as the man started to speak.
"While Lord Potter raises an excellent point, I cannot help but be wary of the consequences his actions have. We are all free to go outside and live, we have no fear in walking down a street at night. Our children are happy to explore by themselves because they know that we have taken precautions to see them live well, lycanthropes as you call them are not entirely human. They still turn into deadly creatures once a month, their emotions are governed by that of their inner wolves, they feel things acutely. I personally feel that the changing of these laws would not give them more freedom to do good but instead more freedom to do harm. They present a threat to this society and threats must be controlled carefully and in all honesty I feel it is a little naïve of Lord Potter to ignore the negative factors of this change."
He retook his seat, his associates leading the applause and Harry could see a few in the public balcony joining, straightening his spine he re-stood.
"I can understand Lord Rosier opinions, it is a struggle to change those feelings after so long and of course after the actions of the few lycanthropes who take advantage of people. However I am not unaware of the consequences that the changing of these laws; I know how situations can change and I am fully aware that there may be a select few individuals that use the change to prosper unfairly. On the other hand what I am proposing is not to allow lycanthropes to run around attacking people, those of course should have punishments just as anyone would feel. I am talking about lycanthropes to keep regular jobs, regular hours. To be given the chance to stay in one area without having to travel to find work in order to keep from starving. To be given the chance to stay in their homes as under the Werewolf act of 1636, they are not even allowed to own property. Imagine that Lord Rosier, you've been living in your home for ten years and then one night an attack happens and as soon as people are aware you get thrown out of your own home. This change is simply to give lycanthropes the basic rights of anybody."
Lord Rosier smiled at him, a grim turning of the lips that did nothing but cause the emerald eyes to flash and darken.
"So you admit that lycanthropes are a threat? I do not understand how you think giving lycanthropes such leeway in the world will improve their temperament towards people especially when in wolf form. It simply gives them more reason to join forces with each other as they think the law gives them less penalties."
There was a murmuring from everyone at that and Harry felt a flash of rage at the glances that turned towards Sirius and Remus.
Madam Longbottom was the next to stand, speaking in a cool, calculated tone that had everyone paying extra attention to her words.
"Lord Rosier you speak of threats and yet this society has seen much bigger threats than that of the lycanthropes. We have suffered terribly under certain witches and wizards who use simple excuses as their reasoning. I agree with Lord Potter, times have changed and it is time we recognise that and adapt. Our young people deserve to grow up in a word where everyone is protected not just those that people from centuries deemed worthy of protecting. Personally I believe that be allowing lycanthropes to grow within our society we close the doors to their leaving it to find other more dangerous ways of dealing with a world where they feel isolated from."
"I'm afraid that on this point you and I differ strongly, madam." Said the silken voice of Lord Selwyn who had risen from his seat. "We have all heard the stories, the tales of blood and gore. Those are not just rumours, they are facts. Facts that surround werewolves due to their own nature. The control that we have over them right now has decreased the amount of stories we hear. The negative stories we hear now are from the continent where they have some of the freedom Mr Potter wants to give them and yet they live secluded in communities they create for themselves. Those that go near get hurt, I for one don't want to see that happening here in England. Groups like that present a very real danger of gathering themselves to become a stronger force than we could defend ourselves against." His gaze moved from Madam Longbottom' s to Remus' who stayed sitting with a mild mannered mile on his face, hazel eyes looking back calmly. "They could easily become something we couldn't protect ourselves against, groups like that must be restricted and subjected to management that keeps them from becoming too organised."
The murmurings grew louder and Harry could make out the self-satisfied gleam in Selwyns eyes as he retook his seat.
"I believe you are wrong, sir." This time it was Lord Ogden who stood up, his round belly pushing against the green and gold striped robes he wore. "Those terms you used; restricted, subject to management . You speak for these people-" Harry didn't miss the raised eyebrows. Everyone who spoke and everything they said and been carefully thought of repeatedly, to have Lord Ogden -infamous for staying in the grey area- publicly announce that they weren't just lycanthropes but people. They knew the shift it would cause, the rethinking that others would do.
"As though you understand them, as though you are one of them. You are not, none of us on this panel are and that is because of centuries of hate that has piled up against them. You speak as though these people are mindless beasts all the time, hell bent on destruction and full of deceit. They are not, we have evidence of that. Over the years we have forced them into their own communities, to force themselves out of our society . They would not be in those positions if we had accepted them and afforded them the same rights that every witch and wizard has. The muggles are still in a state of inequality, they still treat each other with rudeness, disgust and horror. We are a society that has come further, that sees its citizens be treated badly for things as simple as their religion. We look down upon that, we do not understand the discrimination. We can do better for our people. The communities the lycanthropes exist in are stricken by poverty, children who have been attacked running around skinny and without shoes. Their parents trying to give them some form of life when they have had plenty of restrictions placed on them already, they do not need anymore. Now they need us to move." There was a smattering of applause. "These are not creatures that wish to become organised into a force who wish to attack, they are people who wish to live instead of barely surviving and they deserve to not fear for their loved ones safety simply because of a few unspeakable characters who ruin the good name of a lycanthrope." This time there was larger applause and Sirius hid a smirk as Lord Ogden delivered the finale to his speech. "It is time we lived in a world where everyone is protected, where there is no need for fear. This change in law will show trust and an apology that is long overdue, we need not 'subject them to management' as though they are children. They have already grown up in a cold and bitter world, they can manage themselves and we need to give them the ability to do that. They need freedom." The applause reached a crescendo and Harry could see the tidal wave of cheering coming from the balcony, he could easily spot the bouncing red curls that signified Tracey but a few people away from her he noticed a mass of bushy brown hair. Catching Hermione's eye, they grinned at each other for just a moment before he glanced around the chamber and enjoyed the proud gleam of shining blue that was watching him.
Sirius and Remus were sitting with matching gleams of mischief in their eyes as they followed who was clapping and who wasn't. All of their section was, the more open ones on their feet while about 70% of the grey seats were. Surprisingly none of the dark side was being supportive of Ogdens speech.
"Order, order! Please, ladies and gentleman this is still a meeting." The court scribe said imperiously, and the noise quickly quietened.
"With all due respect to Lord Ogden, he must be aware of the violence that these beings have inside them. While of course the people deserve respect from us all, the animal inside of them is dangerous and that is a fact. Its not about trust or not thinking they deserve freedom its about the peoples right to privacy and safety." Lord Parkinson said, rising from his seat. Harry hid a glare, Parkinson had been brought in for questioning and his home had been subjected to a thorough search however apart from a few dark objects that he attributed to family heirlooms that incurred a hefty fine Madam Bones could only reluctantly agree to let him go. "Selwyn is correct that the people they are, have the means already to organise themselves and prepare for any eventuality that they so desire." At this the man seemed to puff himself up and Harry worked hard to keep calm as the man's stare onto Remus and Sirius. "We are all aware of the little organisation that is being put together. And while I am not suggesting anything untoward, I think we can all agree it is dangerous to put these people together. They are dangerous and they are able to be destructive creatures and we cannot forgot that, what you are doing –" He spoke in a heated voice as he threw an accusing finger at Sirius who merely raised an eyebrow. "Is dangerous and you should ashamed of yourself for allowing them to live together like that when we have no idea what they might be planning. Why he has one sitting right next to me now, in a high position. Disgraceful!" His voice had risen to high volumes and Harry saw the faint look of contempt flash across his girlfriends face before its usual mask feel back into place. "We live in a society governed by rules and regulation, that is the way the world works and Potter is changing that and who knows what they are planning in that farm of theirs! Knowing Black and… and him it'll be something dark and twisted!"
There was a sudden silence throughout the chamber until a great roar started up. Both sides were yelling out accusations while the middle ground simply observed. Harry watched as Lord Ogden leapt to his feet with arms raised and a very red face. Lady Marchbanks was also standing and shaking an umbrella in Lord Parkinsons direction who was yelling straight back. Lady Longbottom was perfectly still, her eyes flickering over the chamber as they took in who was reacting and who wasn't. Sirius was the same and if it hadn't been the stern warning and advance notice that Harry had had of the imagined blow out in one of their fake sessions, he found himself slightly ashamed of the knowledge he too would have probably been on his feet, defending his uncle and Godfather Two minutes after the bombardment began and it was still loud and brash, Madam Bones had yet to restore order even though several bangs had issued from her wand. The indiscriminate yelling finally dulled and soon the voices came more distinguished to the ear.
"You're nothing Parkinson! Sit down and finish your bluster!" Marchbanks threw out.
"I am far more than that! I am the Lord Honourable Parkinson and you will treat me with respect! That man can go-"
"Oh stuff it you old fool! Lord Black is twice the man of you!"
"He is nothing! Him and his pet can go to hell!"
"Lord Parkinsn that is contemptable sir! Utterly contemptable." The voice of Mr Weasley echoed through the hall. It was though a sudden blanket of ice had been pulled over the squabbling, the echoes faded and everyone's eye focussed on the seat of the House of Weasley as he rose carefully, blue eyes harsh and level as they stared across to the man. Harry watched with eyes only slightly wide at the unusually cold and serious person who he'd only ever seen as jovial.
"Lord Black is a Lord of the highest calibre, he had proven himself publicly and privately that he is a man of great worth and respectability and whatever your personal feelings on that matter you will respect him as a colleague within these walls. As is his right." The voice was mildly disapproving and Harry watched in amused astonishment as Lord Parkinsons face reddened. "On the matter of his friend how dare you refer to Remus Lupin so callously. He is a remarkable man who has worked extraordinarily hard in order to keep himself and others safe. And now he is working on a project that is of no detriment to anyone except his own bank account that helps people, he also – if you recall – spent an entire year teaching our children without a single slip up and if -like me – you checked your children's grades you will have seen that they flew up during his year and I rather doubt if any of them complained apart from the usual trifling comments, hmm?" He looked around with a passive expression.
"My niece said he was the best they'd ever had." Madam Bones chimed in with a carefully guarded expression.
"Lord Rosier, do you not have niece too?" Mr Weasley directed to the Lord who was glaring hard and refused to answer.
"Lord Rosier, you are under the same oath as us all when we are in this chamber?" Minister Fudge said quietly.
"Yes." The man fairly growled out. "She thought him…adequate."
"Mr Lupin is an esteemed colleague and as he has been personally introduced and advocated by Lord Black as well as Lord Potter, for you to attempt to destroy their characters as well as the uncouth terms you have used is beneath you especially as a member of this government body. He has every right to be here and be respected." The blue eyes were intense on the Lord opposite and everyone saw him swallow before nodding.
"I spoke out of turn, Lord Black." Lord Parkinson said as he stood and gave a shallow bow in their direction. Sirius returned it sharply and Harry could see the gleam of mischief in his eye.
"Enough squabbling." Mr Dodge announced as though he hadn't thoroughly been enjoying the last few minutes. "Gentleman and ladies we have decision to make."
"My esteemed colleagues." Said a grand superior voice and Harry glanced towards the high end of the seating arrangements to Lord Broadmoor, he was heavily into the grey even dark on occasion. Very proper and set in his ways and in the old traditions of his world but Lord Ogden had met with Lady Longbottom and Sirius and he had agreed to try and turn the head of his old friend, now they would see if he had succeeded.
"Heavens knows that I have struggled with this change as well, I see a lot of things that could go wrong and I still don't know if it is the best decision. However, in lieu of this I have been shown the data from the werewolf organisation, and despite my best efforts to find fault, I am forced to admit that the results do not lie. The werewolves are content in their group and as a result the transformations are not so violent and therefore the creatures are as relaxed as can be. While I do think certain rules must be put into place in order for the protection and wellness of our citizens; I do also believe that there is enough evidence for the beings to have more access to freedom in order to keep them from lashing out. After all there are some werewolves that must be brought to justice when they are caught but I do believe it would detrimental to accept that all werewolves are like the despicable creature Frenir Greyback." There was a stirring in the crowd as everyone took note of the name and Daphne could see a few nods from the dark side that she hadn't been expecting. "I recommend that there should be changes to this law, and as a result I recommend myself to be a part of a committee to draft new legislation."
There was quiet as Lord Broadmoor retook his seat and there was a ripple of conversation as people discussed what they had learnt.
"So far so good." Mr Weasley murmured to Harry with a grin.
"How can you tell?"
"Oh believe me, son, after you've attended a few hundred of these you can sense when the tide is turning. Your speech had the lighter greys turning, Lord Ogden had most of the greys hooked and Lord Broodmare has caused discussion for the rest and some of them. You've done brilliantly."
Harry glanced at the man whose blue eyes were twinkling happily at him with none of the condensation that another blue eyed man used to do.
"You think so?"
"I really do, ad I know you drafted the speech to Ogden so take his victory as your own."
"Oh no, I didn't do much, I spun it his own way I just-"
"Harry. You have done an awful amount for this. Be prideful where it counts."
After a few more moments of looking around and seeing the deep discussions that were occurring, Harry let the glimmer of pride through as a small grin spread over his lips while Arthur nodded at him.
10 minutes later order was called for and Harry rose.
"My lords and ladies, what I am proposing is a change to the current laws. Laws that have been around for centuries and have done nothing but cause more pain and restriction than there was cause to be. The change I am indicating will still ensure safety and protection for members of our society but it will also give protection to lycanthropes and give them the freedom to give themselves a life worth living." He took a breath and met the eyes of blue as they watched him with pride glinting in their depths. "People deserve to experience equality in this society, to have the same level of respect as each other, the difference in the new laws to the old will give lycanthropes the ability to provide for themselves and their children. The organisation that myself and Lord Black have set up is a starting point for this, to give them a safe place to grow and develop without the fear of what an attack could do to anyone. We provide trust and we receive trust in return. The base feeling of security has also already proven to be effective; their transformations are smoother, easier and they feel a higher level of comfort and control outside of what is normal after taking the potion. This is an incredible discovery that could ease the control and the only way to advance our understanding is by changing these laws." He looked around and was gratified to see the glares had eased into stares of indifference. "Please think of that when making your vote."
He sat down once more to thunderous applause, the hollering from the public washed over him and at least a third of the chamber were standing to cheer. Keeping a serene and gracious smile on his face he turned to see his guardians reactions and barely stopped the grin from spreading at the beaming smile that covered Sirius' face and the proud nod he received. Revelling in the success he felt he faced forward again and waited for order to be struck.
Hi guys, hope you enjoyed this one. I want to make it clear I have never been in law, I know nothing about it I dont know the structure of how to change them etc. So hopefully I've done it justice but if youre not happy I'll try to change it! Hopefully won't be so long for my next update I just needed to keep going over the language and make sure it sounded right.