Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!
So, I have mixed opinions about this chapter. There isn't a ton of excitement and I feel like it might be a bit draggy and dull but I felt like it was necessary to build the relationships between the Neutral Faction while also starting to push through the laws Harry wants. Harry gets his first taste of firewhiskey too and drinks a bit more than he should. Of course, I'm not promoting underage drinking but technically Harry is emancipated by magic so I think it's fine.
Next chapter we chat with Death again. So there is something to look forward to. I'll try to get it up somewhat soonish.
Again, I enjoy reading your comments they really help me stay motivated, so please keep those coming.
Admirable, I Suppose
"Welcome, Harry. Oh, careful," Madeline Brocklehurst tittered as Harry stumbled out of the Floo. Harry smiled gratefully at Seth Fawley who had caught his arm before he fell.
Harry felt his cheeks heat up. "Thanks. Sorry, Floo has never been my strong point."
"It's nice to hear that you aren't as perfect as you appear," Tiberius chuckled.
"Oh, I'm hardly perfect," Harry protested, brushing the remaining soot from his robes. They weren't his finest but they were still brand new and he didn't like ruining them so soon. "Are we waiting for anyone else?"
"Just Amelia, but she is usually late. Being the Head of a Department and married to her work as she is, she struggles to make it to other things on time," Evangeline MacDougal tutted. Harry glanced over, the regal woman sat upright on one of the couches, a cup of tea in her palm.
"Come sit, sit," Ogden ushered him to take a seat and thrust a glass of auburn liquid at him. "Sit and drink." He took a hesitant sniff and felt his eyes water. "Come on lad, time to be a man. Take a drink."
Already cursing himself, Harry did so and immediately began coughing. Oh Merlin it burned! It was like pure fire filling his throat. Tiberius and Seth cackled while Evangeline sniffed in distaste.
"Oh, children, both of you, honestly. Here, Harry, drink this," Madeline said, handing him some water. Harry took a gulp and coughed a few more times. "He's only sixteen," she scolded.
"Sorry, lad. Couldn't help myself. I'll take that," Tiberius said, taking the tumbler and replacing it with another one of a light amber color. "It's the strongest stuff I have, I don't even sell it. You drink that, it's better for those first setting out."
Completely suspicious now, Harry eyed Tiberius who merely grinned at him. Determined to save face, he was their Faction leader after all and his Gryffindor spirit flared at the unspoken challenge, he took another sip. It burned still but not as strong and it soon faded into a smooth smoky aftertaste.
"Better, eh?" Tiberius grinned.
"Much better," Harry agreed and took another sip. It still wasn't a favorite but he could tolerate it.
"Thought so. Now, your education begins now while we wait for Amelia. With a fine Firewhiskey like this, never gulp it. Always sip it. It's meant to be savored and enjoyed not rushed through, like most good things in life, eh?" Tiberius winked. "If you're ever in talks with people and they offer you a tumbler, always take it but always take the second glass they pour. It's a sign of good faith that the host takes the first pour, it used to signify their trust in the product and show that the liquid wasn't poisoned."
Harry blinked and thought that over. He supposed that made sense and he nodded before taking another sip. It was starting to grow on him, the warmth hitting his stomach. It reminded him of the fires in the library at Slytherin Manor at night when he and Marvolo would sit beside it and talk. It created a similar warm feeling.
"If you're in negotiations with multiple people the second glass is always offered to the most prominent person, in most cases this will probably be you. You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who would outrank you. And then each following glass will go in order of who has the host's favor. It's a way to subtly play favorites and maybe cause some tension. Now, you can tell a lot about the person by what drink they offer you for political talk. Most will offer you a brandy or dessert liqueur. Men like Malfoy will do this. It's posh and refined. If they do this then you can know that they care a lot about their appearance and how people perceive them. You can use that to your favor in negotiations, play to their egos. If wine is offered, well then they are grasping at straws and playing at being elite. No one drinks wine for negotiations unless it's over dinner. You hear?"
Harry nodded and thought of all the dinner parties Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had hosted. It had always been an overly expensive wine or a brandy that Aunt Petunia couldn't stand but Uncle Vernon insisted on. It fits, he supposed.
"Great, now if you're offered a firewhiskey you know the man is self-assured. Not easily swayed by plays to the ego and not grasping at straws, it's why you see older men like myself favoring it. We've lived our life. We know we hold most of the cards whether in money, influence, or experience. People seek you out and then they have to come to you."
Harry nodded again, soaking in the advice and taking another sip. "What about rum or vodka?"
"Muggle drinks," Tiberius dismissed with a wave. "I don't mind them myself on occasion but I make my living off of alcohol. You'll be hard-pressed to find political men lowering themselves to drink the stuff." Harry felt a sharp grin forming and Tiberius huffed with a smile. "Now, now, I know what you're thinking. While it would be entertaining to watch the snobbier lot squirm when you offer them a glass, you'll not get any progress made and you'll just make enemies. Best save if for those you know don't mind it."
Harry sighed but nodded, he supposed Tiberius had a point.
"Typically it's in bad form to finish your glass before your host," Tiberius continued. "Makes you seem nervous to just be gulping it down and a bit foolish since anyone with decorum knows you sip whiskey. But some men will just offer you a tumbler of whiskey even if they hate it because they want to seem more important than they are. It's easy to identify these men and it's better to call them out on it because it turns the tables. Subtly, of course." Tiberius finished the last few dregs of his whiskey and went to pour himself another. He gave a jerk of his head for Harry to follow him. Rushing to his feet, Harry followed after, finishing his own glass. Having to take a few large mouthfuls to do so, the quick rush of heat burned before settling into an ember in the pit of his stomach, the warm tendrils stretching into his limbs.
Madeline tsked again and fixed herself a cup of tea, settling beside Evangeline and drawing the pristine woman into a conversation about their daughters, both being in the same House and Year.
"Now, listen closely Harry," Tiberius said as they came closer to the liquor cabinet. "I suggest you stock your liquor cabinet and soon. It doesn't look good to have it half empty. I'll have my elves bring you a list of brands that I recommend. You're young Harry but you are a Faction Leader and probably will be the rest of the time, I don't see someone else coming by to knock you off the pedestal with three seats to back you up. So you need all the cards that you can get and if that means flaunting a fully stocked liquor cabinet and drinking whiskey like an old man for prestige then do it. I know you plan on playing on your supposed naivete but that won't last forever." Harry just nodded, Tiberius was right after all and he couldn't help but feel appreciative of this man doing all of this for him.
"Why are you teaching me all of this anyway?"
"You're the Neutral Faction leader, which makes you my leader. I've been in the game for a long time and I can see you doing good things if you play your cards right and if you do well, then I do well through Faction association."
"I can respect that," Harry said.
Tiberius just nodded. "Admittedly, I enjoy teaching the young folk the importance of these matters. I don't have children myself. All I've got is my great-nephew, you probably know him. Cormac McClaggen, he was a year above you in Gryffindor. He's my niece's son."
"He was supposed to try out for the team last year I think," Harry said trying desperately to remember, but he couldn't think of a face to go with the name
"Yes, but he took some stupid bet to eat doxy eggs."
"Yeah, I heard about that."
"Idiot," Tiberius scoffed. "But I suppose he is family. Wants my seat when I pass."
Harry just hummed in response, not sure what to really say. "So what else do you have to teach me."
Looking thoroughly relieved to not be talking about his grandnephew anymore, Tiberius grinned. "The proper way to pour for one," Tiberius said as he pulled the glass stopper out and poured himself a glass of the amber liquid Harry liked. "Watch closely."
"Don't take too much of what he says to heart, Harry," Seth chimed in from his seat on one of the loveseats. "Tiberius is a bit of a pretentious swot when it comes to his liquors. I doubt any will look differently if you offer one drink over another."
"Nonsense. The type of drink a person chooses says a lot. Trust me. Other people might not put thought to it but that doesn't mean you can't. Now you," Tiberius said. Harry poured and only splashed a bit over the edge. "Not bad. Off to the others now. We'll pause your education, for now, Amelia should be arriving soon after all."
Harry reclaimed his armchair and watched as Tiberius took the other. His large frame making the armchair look small and child-sized. Seth reclined in the center of a loveseat and Evangeline and Madeline huddled on the other loveseat sipping their tea."So, Harry, how is it you're spending your time?" Evangeline asked in the lulled silence.
"Mainly studying," Harry admitted. "I'm taking my N.E.W.T.s privately and I want to take another two O.W.L.S and I'm also learning my Inheritance. And then planning out new legislation I want to push through."
"Such a dedicated young boy, I do hope you're taking time to relax," Madeline sighed. "My Mandy has said you're quite the Quidditch player."
"Outflew that dragon during the Tournament, too," Seth agreed. "Addy and Sully would not stop raving about it. My Addy is quite the Quidditch fanatic, you know."
Harry grinned. "I love flying, yeah. I even have the Thunderbolt prototype, my Firebolt got ruined in the chaos of this summer."
"Impressive. Never was much of a flyer myself," Tiberius said, swirling the whiskey in his glass speculatively. "Seems you're starting to call in on your title if you got the Thunderbolt."
"A friend did provide some fairly sound advice on the benefits of doing so and that by doing so it didn't make me as spoiled or bratty as Malfoy." Harry reflected on that conversation with Marvolo. It had been a few weeks into their partnership and the debate had lasted over an hour.
"Bratty and spoiled?" Madeline chuckled. "I can hardly picture you in association with those. Quite honorable and noble, why your girlfriend and future Lady must be quite the treasure."
"Oh no, no girlfriend," Harry rushed out with wide eyes.
When was the last time he had even thought of a girl or dating? He had too much on his plate anyway and it would have to be someone who knew the truth which narrowed his options considerably. Plus anyone Harry chose would not only need to know the truth but get on with Marvolo too because Marvolo wouldn't be going anywhere. If they were to be ruling partners then Marvolo would require his full time and energy. Harry could imagine Marvolo's distasteful commentary about Harry pursuing such a frivolous pastime like courting girls.
"Really?" Madeline simpered, bringing Harry's thoughts back to the present. "A striking lad like yourself. All of this studying, you need a chance to be a teenager and it's important to start searching for your future Lady. You know, my Mandy is quite the catch. She's in the top ten percent of her class."
"Good for her…" Harry replied in confusion. Why was she telling him this? He had gone to school with Mandy, while they hadn't been close he knew that the girl was intelligent.
"Nonsense, academics are all fine but Mandy hardly steps from the library. No, no, Harry here needs someone who will take him out to have fun not leash him to books. Now, my Addy she is a spitfire to be sure and while she isn't on the Quidditch team she could certainly fly circles around the lot of them."
"Errr-"
"Enough of this," Evangeline cut in and Harry felt a swoop of relief only for it to plummet just as fast. "Morag is the better choice. She is on the Quidditch team and she is a rank above Mandy. The best of both worlds."
"Yes but no offense, Eva, but Morag - as much as we love her - her appearance isn't at the same level as Mandy or even Addison. And Harry will need a Lady of proper looks to match his own. Harry," Madeline said, turning back to him. Harry felt distinctly uncomfortable and he had no idea how to handle this situation. He took another sip of the firewhiskey so he didn't have to respond. "You and Mandy would look splendid together. She even has such gorgeous red hair, like your mother."
"Harry doesn't need to be with a replica of his mother, it's disturbing on many levels," Seth scoffed. "He needs to be his own man. Now my Addy has the prettiest blonde hair, all curled up like her mother."
Feeling slightly nauseous, Harry took a larger gulp from his firewhiskey even though Tiberius had just instructed him on how that wasn't proper. Frantically, Harry shot a look at Tiberius who was chuckling into his glass of whiskey and merely winked at Harry when he caught his eye. "You'll get no help from me. If Cormac was a lass I'd probably be trying to shove you together too." Tiberius paused and then squinted at Harry. "Unless you're into that...but no, Cormac is still too much of an idiot for a proper offer."
"Oh, if that's what you prefer," Seth interjected. "There is always Sully. He's younger but just by a few years and he's quite the flyer too."
Thankfully, the Floo erupted and Madam Bones stepped out. "Hello, apologies for my delay. What have I missed?" She asked, as brisk and to the point as always. She accepted the tumbler of whiskey that Tiberius handed her and forced Seth to shove over on the loveseat to make room for herself.
"Just this lot attempting to throw their children at Harry in an attempt to strengthen bonds and alliances," Tiberius said with a casual wave of his wand. "And completely terrifying the poor boy too." This at least caused Evangeline, Madeline, and Seth to look contrite and they shifted in their seats.
"Oh yes, well, I suppose society dictates I should attempt the same," Amelia sighed. "Right then, Harry. Susan is quite a lovely girl, very pretty, and a good head on her shoulders. You are already acquainted with her through your little Defense League last year. Quite compatible. There, done." Amelia gave a nod and took a sip of her whiskey and Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
"Sorry, Harry," Seth sighed and looked appropriately rueful. "But it is customary for those within the same Faction to strengthen alliances through marriage and well, we all have daughters, except for Sullivan. And admittedly you are quite the catch. Any parent would be thrilled to marry their daughter to you."
"Yes, we may have come on a little too strong," Madeline admitted.
"Yeah, just a bit," Harry chuckled and ran a hand through his hair, tugging at it nervously. "And I mean I'm sure Mandy and Susan and Addison and Morag are all lovely girls, but I refuse to marry someone I don't love. No matter the political pressure."
"Admirable, I suppose," Evangeline huffed.
"Now that we are all here we can begin. Dolly, food please," Tiberius announced and a small elf appeared with three trays of food. One held small sandwiches, another warmed tarts and pies, and the other decorative biscuits. Harry glanced at the others when no one made a move towards the food.
"You are the Faction Leader, you eat first," Evangeline tsked. Flushing, Harry took a small plate and grabbed two sandwiches and a small mince pie. Once he eased back into his chair the others claimed their plates. Feeling incredibly foolish, because his Guard had informed him of the same thing, since he had the highest rank he indicated when they should start eating. For whatever reason, Harry hadn't realized the same would apply for those so much older than him.
Would he ever be able to do away with these customs? Would he ever be able to just relax? Unwittingly his mind brought up the memories of him and Marvolo sharing tea and biscuits and them enjoying meals in the informal dining room. Harry didn't think Marvolo had ever waited for him and Harry had never waited for Marvolo. Surely Marvolo knew the protocol...Harry had seen the Death Eaters wait during those fancy dinners. So why didn't Marvolo follow the protocol when it was just him and Harry?
Pushing those thoughts aside, Harry ate his sandwiches and started nibbling on the pie watching the others enjoy the food as well. And then the pleasantries began and Harry did his best not to fidget, focusing his attention on sipping his whiskey. He was really starting to hate this part of politics. Another pie and three biscuits later, Harry was almost finished with his second glass of Firewhiskey and feeling very warm and fuzzy as a result.
Amelia finally took pity on his impatience. "We can continue this chat over dinner. I believe our Leader is wishing to discuss some things now."
"Sorry," Harry said.
"Ah the impatience of youth," Tiberius sighed.
Seth nodded, even though he was the next youngest. "You have to realize, Harry, the Neutral Faction has never really been known for initiating legislation. Usually the Light and Dark fight it out, swaying the elected body to their side depending on the issue and then they turn to us."
"We're the last resort," Madeline agreed.
"But we occasionally hold the power of the swing vote," Amelia countered. "And we can't be bribed as the elected officials can."
"No our Department Head of Magical Law could hardly stand silent if our Faction accepted bribes," Seth snickered.
"See this is what I want to change," Harry began. "Not the bribery part. Fully support that," he amended when he saw Amelia's eyebrows skyrocket. "No, our importance. I refuse to just accept that our Faction is shoved to the side. We don't have as many members and we can't push laws through by just our numbers alone, but we can still make an impact."
"What exactly were you hoping to initiate? Was it some of the bills we will discuss during the next session?" Evangeline asked. She had hardly eaten anything and was on her third cup of tea.
"No, those bills are pointless," Harry said in frustration. He had spent a whole afternoon after his lessons were over trying to read through them all and understand the validity and importance and kept coming up blank. He was also feeling abnormally hot and flushed but refrained from fanning himself because that would just make him look childish but for the life of him, he couldn't remember what the cooling charm was. "Who really cares about the thickness of cauldrons? And really, lengthening the elected body's time in the office goes against the whole point. I mean they want to increase the term from six years to fifteen! The elected office is supposed to bring fresh ideas and be the voice of the people and so having to run more often keeps them more in tune with the people they represent. Plus, take the youth vote, if they get elected at seventeen in fifteen years they won't even be a youth anymore."
"You're rather passionate about this," Madeline commented.
"Not really, I just don't see the point in dealing with it and so it makes me angry that we are wasting resources and time even voting on it," Harry replied and finished the last dregs of his Firewhiskey. There wasn't even a burn to the drink anymore and it just added to the heat that Harry felt steadily growing hotter under his skin.
"Well, before we get on to the items that you feel have higher priority let's determine our voting stance on the issues coming up this week. Obviously it seems that our Leader is strongly against lengthening the elected body term. Does anyone feel the need to disagree?" Tiberius glanced at the others. No one said anything. "Great. Then we shall vote against. We can speak with the other Faction members to determine who might be in favor and set to persuading them out of it. Now, the cauldron thickness, I actually do have an opinion on."
"Whassit?" Harry asked. Merlin, his head felt heavy. What was wrong with him? Was he getting sick?
"Being a brewer myself, I feel it is safer to increase the thickness as an industry standard," Tiberius said. "It becomes too dangerous with the standard we have now. It becomes worn down quicker, making it hazardous."
"Good enough for me," Harry shrugged. He wasn't a brewer so he'd take the advice of the person who was. He glanced at the others, again they didn't seem to have an opinion. "Ok, so we vote in favor. Great. Excellent. Now, I 'ave some ideas," he said pushing forward to his ideas. "Some aren't ready yet, still workin' on the kinks, but one of 'em I'd like guidance on. And 'nother I'd like your opinions on."
"And they are?" Evangeline asked, eying him critically. Harry sighed inwardly, would he ever get a proper read on this woman? He was getting the distinct impression he kept failing a test when she looked at him.
"Wanna start a school." The group erupted into laughter, Harry scowled. He felt warm and tingly and he wanted to stand up and shout at them all but refrained with difficulty. "Why are you laughing?"
"You may be powerful, boy but you won't stand a chance in competing against Hogwarts," Seth explained.
"No! No, I want to create...to create like a...a...a magical primary school for 'fore Hogwarts." The group stopped laughing and looked at him with curiosity instead. "It'd be for kids to learn the basics like maths an' essay writing an' maybe go over some magical customs an'-an' things. It would be a way for Muggleborns to be introduced to the...to our...world earlier and for-for-fer everyone to be on a level playing field by the time they reach Hogwarts. Plus, it might help ease the Inter-House rivalry if kids are friends 'fore Hogwarts."
"What spurred this idea?" Amelia asked, her monocle glinting as she tilted her head.
"Yes, are you implying that the parents are incapable of instructing their children properly?" Evangeline asked sharply.
"No, I just mean..." Harry's thoughts were muddled and he couldn't get his tongue to work properly. What was wrong with him? "I know I would have benefited from learnin' 'bout the mashical world 'fore my eleventh birthday. And I know lotsa Muggleborns an' their parents would 'preciate learning 'bout mashic an' why they do what they do at an earlier age too."
"What do you mean you would have benefitted?" Seth asked. "Are you telling me you didn't know you were a wizard?"
"No," Harry sighed looking down, his vision blurring as he stared at the empty glass in his hands. "Had no idea that all of the stuff I was doing was mashical. Me relatives don' care for mashic or things that aren't normal an' so thought that if they said nothin', I would jesh stop doin' it." Of course, they'd done far more than just neglect to mention it, but Harry didn't feel like opening that topic of discussion just yet. He blinked rapidly to focus his vision again. Harry swallowed and tried taking another sip from his whiskey before realizing his glass was empty now. Harry began giggling at this and he had no idea why.
"Oh for Merlin's sake, Tiberius, get him a Sobering Potion," Amelia snapped. "He's still just a teenager."
"Right, sorry, forgot it was your first time drinking this stuff. You held out longer than I thought for a first-timer. Two glasses, not bad." A potion was thrust into his hands and Harry could barely drink it through his laughter. It was hot and bitter with a slimy quality that coated his throat. It was only another minute or two later when his head cleared and his vision stopped blurring.
Now his cheeks were heating up out of embarrassment, not the alcohol. "Sorry about that."
"We don't blame you, Harry. We blame Tiberius. He's just so glad to have another young mind to mold. It's obvious he favors you over that grandnephew of his," Seth chuckled.
Gruffly clearing his throat and hoping to regain the respect he'd just lost, Harry continued, "My point is, it is a way for everyone to get on the same level academically and demolish prejudice at the same time."
"What prejudice?" Madeline asked, her hair ginger like her daughters curling down her back shined in the late afternoon sunlight streaming from the windows as she tilted her in confusion.
He remembered Marvolo cautioning him about this. He supposed it was time for him to see where his Faction members stood. "The prejudices between Muggleborns and Purebloods. I believe it stems from Purebloods not liking how Muggleborns arrive and try to change our world and I know Muggleborns don't know that by doing so just feeds the conflict. So if they attend a school where all of this is taught and addressed before they even go to Hogwarts, I think it will help things."
"Idealistic and a bit naive," Evangeline commented. "If you think things will just be smooth sailing with a bit of education."
"It won't fix everything but it will be the start," Harry said. "And really that's all we need. We just need to start the progress in the right direction."
"I can support this initiative," Amelia announced. "It will be a relief off of parents too if they can't afford private tutors or need to be working."
"Right," Harry agreed. "And I know some families will still pay for additional schooling, but that's on them. The primary school would be for everyone though."
"Suppose we go with this idea," Tiberius said, looking thoughtful as he swirled the whiskey in his glass. "You need to get a few things straightened out before you start looking for others to co-sponsor this bill. First is money. A school costs a lot of money and you'll need teachers and supplies. How do you plan to fund all of this?"
"Um...not sure," Harry admitted. "Guess I hadn't gotten to the financial aspect yet. What would you recommend?"
"Well charities are always a good way to draw in money," Madeline pointed out. "If it's a worthy enough cause and the right entertainment is provided and the guest list is prestigious enough, you'll draw in quite the crowd and donations will be flowing in. However, it isn't a wise idea to rely solely on charity."
Harry nodded. "Anything else?"
"Well, depending on who sponsors the bill, they usually end up forking over a hefty sum. I'm assuming that you will be contributing as well," Amelia added.
"Yeah, of course."
"Well, that's a start anyway. Next is the location. Where will this school be?" Tiberius continued.
"I was thinking of offering up one of my properties," Harry admitted. "I mean I don't need three houses, I only live in one. And well, I thought it would be a good demonstration of my support of the cause."
"Oh yes, if you offer up one of your houses, you will definitely generate interest. Which residence?" Seth asked.
"Potter Manor," Harry replied. "It actually needs repairs anyway, it was damaged in the First War and so I thought that if I have to repair it, I might as well turn it into a school at the same time. Plus, I think my parents would have approved of the idea. My mum especially."
"Oh yes, the sympathy card will certainly garner more support," Evangeline said and Harry did his best not to glare at her, he knew objectively that she was right.
"Now teachers, how do you plan on acquiring them?" Amelia asked. "Most only care to teach at Hogwarts."
"Well, what if this was like a Hogwarts Professor Training Program? If they want to teach at Hogwarts then they have to give a year or so at the Primary School to prove they can teach at all. It would certainly help the quality of teachers at the school. We've had some who are complete idiots," Harry said.
"That would help in the short-term," Seth agreed. "But you would need a more permanent staff as well."
Brow furrowed, Harry nodded. Maybe Marvolo would have some suggestions. "Ok, I'll work on that. But would you all be in support of this initiative?"
"Sure," Seth said. "I think it is a good idea and I'm surprised it hasn't been thought of already. However, I recommend you getting someone from the Dark and Light as your co-Sponsors in order to get more support."
Harry nodded, Seth had a point. And Harry was sure Marvolo would be able to pressure a few of his followers into co-sponsoring and supporting this, it was just the Light side he would need help with. "Who on the Light and Dark would be most receptive do you think?"
"Lady Longbottom is a fierce supporter of most education-centric initiatives and as an old friend, I can help convince her," Amelia said.
"Also, Lady Abbott and Lord Macmillan hold a lot of sway. Lady Abbott in particular as Faction Leader," Madeline added.
"On the Dark Faction, you have Avery, Nott, and Yaxley," Seth said. "I would suggest Malfoy but after he returned from his brief stint in Azkaban earlier this summer, no matter that the charges were dropped, he has lost some prestige. I'm surprised he managed to keep the Faction Leader seat."
"It's Malfoy money. Surprised it hasn't run out yet with all the palms he's greased," Evangeline sneered.
Harry cleared his throat to the topic back on track. "Right, so I should set up meetings with all of these people. Should I do it individually or in groups?"
"Groups," Amelia advised. "Individually will be too time-consuming, and better to get them all once and address their concerns as one. I can attend your Light Faction meeting, being friends with Augusta and Holly will prove useful."
"I'll go with you for the Dark Faction," Tiberius offered. "I do business with Nott and Yaxley on occasion."
"Both meetings should be held at your manor though," Seth added. "You are the one calling them together. And the mystery of your manors will prove incentive enough for them to all attend."
"Which Manor will you use to host them?" Madeline asked, her eyes wide and eager.
"Probably Peverell," Harry admitted. "I won't make anyone suffer the Black Estate and Potter Manor will be under repairs. So Peverell is the only one that will work." Technically Grimmauld was in far better condition now, but Harry had plans for it and that involved keeping it secret.
"It's also your most prestigious House," Evangeline added, lips tight. What was with this woman, Harry wondered in annoyance.
"I can set up a meeting with the Dark Faction tomorrow," Tiberius said.
"Can't," Harry sighed. "I've got something tomorrow."
"Well the day after then," Tiberius amended.
Harry sighed, feeling terrible. "Can't the day after tomorrow either. But after that I'm good."
"What is so important that it can't be rescheduled? If you care for this policy, you can't postpone the negotiations for it," Evangeline said, her disapproval shining in her eyes.
"It's not that at all," Harry said glaring. "If you must know, I meet with Death tomorrow and that's not something I can just 'reschedule'. And it's a draining process. I'll spend most of the next day recuperating."
That had everyone looking awed, curious, and uncomfortable. The meeting with Death wasn't until that night and while he didn't have to limit his diet like the first time to dry toast and tea, he still had to limit his food intake and he didn't want to do negotiations while hungry. Plus, he wouldn't be able to drink anything which apparently was an important part of negotiations and if Tiberius was to be present Harry wanted to show that he had paid attention. Luckily, the Death card stopped any more protests. Harry hated admitting how weak he was after talking to Death but he had to trust his Faction members wouldn't use it against him.
"The day after the day after tomorrow then," Tiberius said with a nod.
"I'll look into scheduling the Light Faction for the day after that then," Amelia said. "It won't be enough time to propose the legislation at the next Wizengamot meeting, but it will be a start."
"What else do you plan to change?" Evangeline asked.
"That's the only concrete idea so far. But, what are your opinions on Dark Creatures and the legislations regarding them?" Harry asked, closely watching his Faction members.
"The legislation is needed," Madeline replied. "While admittedly most are capable of behaving, they are still wild and inhuman. They need to be controlled."
Harry frowned but Seth replied before he could. "I agree legislation is needed but I don't think it should be as extreme as it currently is. I mean what if they are just revolting because the restrictions are so tight?"
"You can't think that we should give werewolves free rein to walk amongst us? They are wild and dangerous," Madeline said. Harry stared at her for a moment, she had seemed so nice and pleasant earlier and he wondered why this subject brought out such a nasty side of her.
"Werewolves are only dangerous during the full moon, at any other time they are perfectly safe and human," Harry said hotly. "And I think Seth is right. The tight restrictions are making them feel they have to rebel because we have given them no other option. They are people and they just want to live their lives and support their families. Why should they be punished for something they have no control over?"
"Well, what about Veela? Seducing and tricking men, it's disgustingly manipulative," Evangeline said. The wording was harsh but the tone was bland and Harry wasn't sure if the woman truly believed it or was just playing the opposing side for the sake of it.
"Again, not something they can control. So we shouldn't be blaming them for other people not controlling themselves," Harry replied through gritted teeth.
"So are you wanting to rework the laws to give Dark Creatures more immunity against their actions?" Amelia asked.
Seeing as she was the Head of Law Enforcement, Harry figured that she was the one he really needed to work with. "Not necessarily immunity, but better protections against crimes that occur as a result of things they have no control over."
"Dark Creatures are filthy and inhuman, we shouldn't pander to them," Madeline insisted.
"By definition, I'm a Dark Creature," Harry replied coldly and the woman paled, opening her mouth to no doubt try and utter empty platitudes. "I believe we should be attempting to work with the other races. Maybe set up a council where each race has a representative to create proper laws. We are all magic and sharing this world, we should be working together. Werewolves, Veelas, Goblins, Vampires, and Wizards should be capable of interacting and not criminalizing and demoralizing each other at first glance."
"Perhaps, we should table this and begin looking into the laws that directly affect the other races," Tiberius said slowly. "Next meeting we can look into a possible wording that would appease everyone in our Faction before presenting it to others."
Harry sighed, not at all pleased with how the meeting had deteriorated but nodded and the others followed his action. If he couldn't convince his own Faction members then what hope did he have in convincing the rest of the Wizengamot? He couldn't rely on Marvolo bullying his followers into agreeing with him in Court. Plus, not all of the Dark Faction followed Marvolo, so Marvolo's bullying wouldn't even guarantee him an entire Faction.
The Dark Creature front was something that both he and Marvolo shared with full agreement and support. Marvolo would work behind the scenes but it was up to Harry to pursue the legal course. Last night they had decided that attacking the issue at both angles would provide the best and most effective result. But Harry refused to rely on Marvolo to provide him with votes. He needed to do this through his own merit. And he was determined to succeed.
***So I know it isn't strictly canon that Tiberius is Cormacs great uncle but during the Slug Club meeting Cormac mentions hunting with his uncle Tiberius and I thought it fit well.