The Wizengamot met for the October session. After the events of the attack in Hogsmeade, many members seemed to be on edge. Lord Bones called the session to order.
"Does anyone have any motions, resolutions, or bills to bring forward?" Lord Bones asked. Lady McGonagall lit her wand. "Lady McGonagall is recognized," Lord Bones stated.
Lady McGonagall stood. "Thank you, Chief Warlock," she began. "I would like to bring forward a resolution for immediate consideration."
"Lady McGonagall has the floor for five minutes," Lord Bones said.
Lady McGonagall nodded in thanks. "After the attack in Hogsmeade only a week ago, I, along with many others, are concerned that there could be another attack in the future, or worse, an attack on Hogwarts," she said. "I would like this body to vote on a resolution that would call on the Ministry of Magic to consider putting up stronger wards, and other security measures, around Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. This war is getting intense, and the longer the Ministry doesn't do their job to protect the Hogwarts students and the people in Hogsmeade, the more people who could be injured, or worse, murdered. Last week's attack should be a wake-up call to everyone that this is not the time to play politics; it is time to take action, to protect our people. I highly encourage everyone, regardless of faction, to vote for this resolution. Thank you, and I yield back." Lady McGonagall sat down.
"Does anyone oppose the resolution?" Lord Bones asked. Lord Malfoy lit his wand. "Lord Malfoy has the floor for five minutes," Lord Bones continued.
Lord Malfoy stood. "Thank you, Chief Warlock," he said coolly. "With all due respect, this resolution is not for the Wizengamot to consider. Since this is about Hogwarts, this is something the Board of Governors should consider. Lady McGonagall clearly doesn't know who to go to. I encourage everyone here to vote against this resolution, and let the Board of Governors take this up." As he spoke, Lady McGonagall looked more angry by the minute. She couldn't stand Abraxas Malfoy, and he clearly didn't care about the situation. He just wanted to play politics.
The debate began, with Lord Potter going first.
"Lord Malfoy clearly does not know how much authority the Board of Governors has, or doesn't have," Lord Potter began. "Which is such a shame. He's on the Board of Governors, yet he doesn't know what they can and cannot do. The Board of Governors is strictly meant for Hogwarts, and Hogwarts alone. They have no say on Hogsmeade. Furthermore, the Board does not have the authority to put security measures in place, like wards, for instance. It is the Ministry of Magic's job to put these security measures in place. If Lord Black was here today, he would be able to say more on this, because he's had the Ministry of Magic put up new wards since he took over as Headmaster two years ago. Anyway, as I was saying, it is therefore our job to encourage the Ministry of Magic to do its job, and secure both Hogwarts and the surrounding areas, like Hogsmeade. I encourage everyone to vote for this resolution. I yield back."
The next person to speak was Lord Lestrange, who opposed the resolution, but didn't really give a reason why. Lady McGonagall suspected it was because the Lestranges were followers of Voldemort, so they wouldn't want this resolution approved, but they also couldn't say why without getting in legal trouble, of course.
After hours of debate, the resolution finally came to a vote. The resolution passed in a sixty to thirty-nine vote. Lord Malfoy was fuming, his face turning red.
After the meeting concluded, the Lords and Ladies talked for some time. Lord Potter and Lord Weasley were talking when Lord Malfoy interrupted their conversation.
"Potter," Lord Malfoy sneered. "How dare you tell me how the Board of Governors operate? Last I knew, you were not a part of it."
Lord Potter smirked. "And last I knew, Lady Potter is a part of the Board," he countered.
Lord Malfoy glared at Lord Potter, clearly having hit a nerve. He took out his wand, pointing it at Lord Potter. Before he could do anything, however, Lord Weasley sprung forward and tackled Lord Malfoy to the ground. He grabbed Lord Malfoy's wand, and snapped it in half.
"Oh no! How tragic," Lord Weasley said with a smile. "Looks like you'll need a new wand now, won't you?"
Lord Malfoy glared at him. "This isn't over, Weasley," he spat. He picked himself up and took his leave, clearly limping. Lord Weasley and Lord Potter burst out laughing.
"That should show him," Lord Weasley said. "Well then, I'm off. I have children to check on. Good day."
"Good day," Lord Potter replied, also turning to head out. He hoped that this wasn't leaked out to the public, because today's generation of children didn't need any ideas on attacking their opponents.
While the meeting at the Wizengamot was taking place, there was another meeting taking place, this one at Hogwarts. Andromeda Tonks was sitting across from the headmaster, explaining why she was there.
"I hope I'm not here at a bad time. I know you have Wizengamot meetings monthly, and..." she began.
"Andromeda, after the attack on Hogsmeade, I have a lot of work to do here at the school, and I cannot afford to leave the school right now just to go to a meeting," Arcturus interrupted her calmly. "Minerva McGonagall is at the meeting today. So do not worry. Go ahead. What can I do for you?"
"Well, as you know, I am a history nerd," Andromeda began hesitantly. "And I know you are too, even more so than I am. So, I was wondering if, well, you see, I'm trying to help someone understand that having new blood within pure-blood families makes the family stronger, and that having only pure-bloods will eventually weaken the newer generations. I was wondering if you could give me some information from different pure-blood families that proves my point."
Arcturus smiled. "Andromeda, are you talking to who I think you're talking to about this?" he asked.
"I cannot confirm or deny, because I cannot speak about the patient without their permission, but if you could get me that information, that would be very helpful," Andromeda answered.
Arcturus nodded. "I will certainly gather the information for you. I think it is very important that people realize how harmful it is to have only pure-bloods in a noble family, like the Blacks, Potters, Longbottoms, and many others. I will get that information to you as soon as I can," he promised.
"Thank you so much," Andromeda said with relief. She left the room feeling confident that soon, she would be able to present this information to Orion, and little would he know that this information came from his father.