The great hall was silent for only a few brief moments before Lord Potter in all of his righteous glory stood from his seat, "Oh yeah the blood of our families will wash the streets. Remind me Herpo who was it that initiated this bloody war? Oh that's right you and your brother!"
Herpo frowned, "The truth is the war was coming here anyways whether you like it or not. Are you daft enough to believe in their 'negotiations' of peace? I lived their version of peace Lord Potter, we were slaves. Cattle to be used however they wished and now they want to massacre the human race but, what's your biggest concern? Working with people you dislike!"
He scowled and stated again before anyone can voice their feelings, "Don't be naive, if you can work together and fight side to side to protect Britain, to protect your families and friends then everything will be lost. There will be no lords and ladies, no half-bloods. Just destruction."
"So you want us to ignore the fact that they tried to overrun the country and murder our children." Lord Bones uttered in contempt
Albus stepped forward before Herpo could reply, "Although I don't like the fact that we will be defending our homes with suspected terrorist. Not that I would call anyone here such." his eyes twinkled, "It doesn't change the fact that a war is going to come to our homes and many will die. We just want to lower the list of casualties. There might never be peace but, we can at least but this behind us while we work to end this war."
The dark faction that had been silent up until now whispered amongst each other before Lord Mulciber stood, "How will be able to fight alongside them when everyone is thinking about turning their wands on each other?" he met Herpo's eyes
It was like a silent conversation played out behind the scenes both men sharing a great deal in a glance.
"I was a follower of The Dark Lord Voldemort." Lord Mulciber said loudly and bluntly
Surprisingly no one moved, and no one yelled for arrest. They were shocked, shocked a Lord was actually admitting to it.
He looked at the children, "You might be wondering why so many followed him. I will tell you my reason, it was simple enough but oh so important. When he originally approached me he talked of bringing tradition back into Britain, he talked of bringing magic back some of us have to practice in secret lest we be sent to Azkaban. You all celebrate Halloween when it should be Samhain, you should celebrate at the solstice, perform intimate rituals to be closer to magic. But you don't? because everything is changing to accommodate more to the muggle-born."
He paused considering his words closely, "We say you steal our magic to our children, what we really mean is you are wiping our culture. But, I have talked extensively with Herpo as we discussed the things Voldemort had his followers do, acts he had us commit. I was lost in believing I could finally celebrate Samhain with my family in the open again that I lost sight of what someone it my position should have been doing. educating, we need to educate and grow you all, show the younger generations and the muggle-born what makes being magical so special."
He then looked over to the light faction, "For what it is worth I am sorry it took me so long to realize the error in my thinking. But, your faction is not without fault, you have target our family's practices and banned us through law to be ourselves." he sat back down without another word his expression perfectly calm
Lord Potter thought for a moment before looking at his allies and stood, "No amount of apologies can give back what you have taken from so many of us. But, for our children, I will consider talking about this matter more in-depth. You know well why some of the practices were banned but, I can see your point." he looked almost pained to admit that aloud
Lord Bones looked so far away from the moment, "We have much to think about. Albus, I will take my leave first." he stood leaving the halls of Hogwarts
The lords and ladies began to slowly file out of the great hall, some looked displeased as they left. Some looked happy and others looked contemplative.
It was far too early to tell if this whole day mattered at all.
Albus let the children go back to their rooms leaving only him, Minerva, and Herpo, "I think that went well considering."
Herpo nodded, "Yes but tomorrow decides it all, if they can vote in unison maybe things can work out. "
"Impossible." Minerva said shaking her head, "They will never agree to that law."
Herpo chuckled, "Minerva you must learn one thing it's of the utmost importance so learn it well."
She nodded egging him to continue.
"When my brother wants something, it will happen one way or another even if he has to turn the whole world against him."
***
Despite the expectations for a heated Wizengamot it was actually quite the opposite.
The session started bland almost with the minister addressing the recent turmoil and then announcing he would be attending the ICW summit which would provide more information for the days ahead of them.
Then he branched off into what they could do for support and how they should lay their defenses with the head Auror taking over the discussions.
All in all there was minimal contention within the court.
That was until Herpo stood announcing he would like to put forth an emergency law. An emergency law does not need to be drafted proper like a usual law would be passed. Emergency laws are as their name states laws that are passed in great times of emergency.
Like a war.
".... Therefore I propose we immediately implement and improve a law granting nonhuman magical beings immediate rights to join and fight amongst us in these times of need. This would mean providing them with all legal benefits of a human wizard."
The room was silent for a scant few moments before all hell was let loose.
"outrageous! Outrageous I say!" Lord Lestrange stood imperiously, "If we pass this law it will be held after the war too, this in lunacy! Another goblin war could break out."
"Only if you decide to try and pull the law, Lestrange! What do you suggest we let don't let them fight and protect them! Then they could rise up against us after the war and easily win!" Surprisingly it was Lord Nox who spoke
Before someone could reject his claims, Lord Arcturus Black stood, "I agree. It has been far too long. We have held these creatures in such contempt for so long what if they decide to join the enemy? Give them rights let them fight."
"Deplorable!" someone surprisingly from the light faction called out, "I would think you would know better than to trust those creatures Arcturus!"
The fighting became chaotic so many voices were shouting back and forth it was dizzying.
The Minister tried to quiet them but it was no use.
Suddenly the large double doors leading into the chamber opened and Morpheus strode in, "ATTENTION LORDS AND LADIES OF THE COURT!" he announced his voice almost had a dream-like effect that quieted the crowd
The ruby under his robe pulsed.
"I have come not as a Lord today but as an ambassador of the goblin nation, a friend of the centaurs, and an ally of the mermaids." He said imperiously
Suddenly the crowd looked at him like he had grown three heads, "I have come to inform you if you do not grant nonhuman magical beings full rights then, there will be no support from the nonhuman magicals in this war. The goblins have generously allowed you to keep withdrawing and holding money in their vaults but, will need to add wartime conditions."
"Oh well that's just bloody convenient isn't it, the brother of the madman that just proposed the law just walked in representing the creatures!" Lord Lestrange snarled losing all sense of decorum
Dozens of voices rose in chaos, some crying "Madness!" while others shouted "About time!" Robes flared, wands were clenched, and ancient rivalries sparked like dry timber at the edge of a firestorm.
Lord Lestrange slammed his hand down on his podium, his voice slicing through the cacophony like a blade. "You would shatter centuries of tradition! Invite the collapse of wizarding rule! Next, you'll be offering goblins seats in the Wizengamot!"
"Let us vote then!" cried Lord Greengrass from the Grey faction. "Enough bickering! If this is a war of survival, then let us act like it!"
A tense silence fell like a heavy blanket.
From his elevated seat, the Minister of Magic looked between the divided factions, sweat beading on his brow. "Very well," he said at last. "We proceed to vote."
"We shall be voting using the old methods as this is a important law that will be immediately set into action."
The enchanted quorum orb at the center of the floor rose and pulsed with ancient magic. One by one, each Lord and Lady stood to cast their vote. Some raised trembling hands. Others announced their decision with steel in their voice.
"Yea."
"Nay."
"Nay."
"Yea."
The tension in the chamber mounted with each name.
"Lord Mulciber," called the clerk.
"…Yea."
Murmurs swept the hall.
"Lady McKinnon?"
"Yea."
The final tally floated in burning script above the chamber: 54 in favor. 51 against. 3 abstained.
Gasps swept the chamber. A narrow pass.
The orb flared brilliantly, and with it, the law was sealed into record.
The rights of nonhuman magical beings, once debated in hushed tones and met with scorn, were now etched into the laws of magical Britain.
There was no applause. Only silence