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Chapter 207 - Wizengamot: A tidal shift

The Wizengamot chamber buzzed with a cacophony of murmurs and heated whispers as wizards and witches in deep purple robes took their places around the grand, circular room. High-backed chairs of polished oak encircled a central dais, each seat filled with a member of the council, their expressions ranging from stern to anxious. The golden light from enchanted torches flickered along the stone walls, casting elongated shadows that danced with the tension in the air.

Clusters of voices rose above the din, some arguing passionately about recent events, others huddled in quieter, conspiratorial tones. The factions of light and dark were more polarized than ever, their members seated on opposite sides of the chamber, glaring at each other across the room like predators preparing to pounce. Among them, influential figures could be seen gesturing emphatically, their faces flushed with the fervor of their beliefs.

A witch Pureblood of course with black hair, her eyes sharp and calculating, leaned over to whisper something into the ear of a stern-faced wizard beside her, who nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with concern. 

"Hit wizards you say?" he asked back quietly 

"Yes, a group of them. Sage's eye or something like that. Took out a squad,"

"Are they for the light?" he asked 

"My contacts haven't gotten any information beyond their name and that they are well trained. Certainly, they aren't with the dark though. That's a relief," she whispered the last part even quieter 

The man nodded, "We might be able to profit then tell your husband we will stand with the grey today," 

Across the chamber, a group of light-aligned wizards exchanged heated words, one of them pounding his fist on the arm of his chair for emphasis. The very air seemed thick with unspoken threats and the promise of confrontation.

Suddenly, a hush began to spread from the entrance of the chamber, rippling outward as the heavy wooden doors swung open with a deep, resonant creak. The Minister for Magic, a figure of stature draped in regal robes of emerald green, stepped into the room. His presence was magnetic, commanding immediate silence as all eyes turned towards him, some thought he a fool but all knew the political power he held. The low hum of tension did not dissipate; rather, it condensed, becoming a nearly tangible force in the room as the Minister approached the central dais.

His eyes scanned the assembly, noting the divided lines, the barely concealed animosity simmering beneath the surface. He had to hide his sigh the man was tired beyonf belief. He took his seat at the head of the council, adjusting his robes with deliberate slowness, as if to underline the gravity of the moment, but those who knew him well could see he was nervous. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady but laced with the weight of the situation.

"Let this session of the Wizengamot begin," he declared, his tone brokering no dissent. The silence that followed was not of respect, but of restraint, as each side prepared to advance their cause in what would surely be one of the most volatile sessions in recent memory.

The Minister for Magic, now seated at the head of the Wizengamot, allowed a moment of silence to stretch as his gaze swept the chamber. Every face before him was taut with expectation—some with barely concealed anger, others with quiet determination. The air was thick with the anticipation of what was to come, and he could feel the weight of the words he was about to speak. His words decided the tidal shift.

"Esteemed members of the Wizengamot," he began, his voice resonating through the chamber, "we convene today in times of unprecedented turmoil. The events of the past weeks have shaken the very foundation of our world. Families have been torn apart, lives have been lost, and the bonds that once held our society together now threaten to unravel entirely."

He paused, letting his words hang in the air. The tension was palpable, like a storm waiting to break. The Minister's gaze moved deliberately from one side of the chamber to the other, ensuring he captured the attention of every witch and wizard present. As his eyes met a pair of clear mirror-like eyes the minister seemed to snap to attention.

"Dark forces, emboldened by recent successes, have grown bolder, more ruthless. We have seen the attacks on wizarding families escalate in both frequency and ferocity. The Dark Mark has been cast over too many homes, and the cries of the innocent have reached even the deepest corners of our home."

A murmur rippled through the room, the sound of shifting bodies and barely restrained anger. The Minister raised a hand, silencing the chamber once more.

Yet the ones that are the most resentful and the most impacted are not here today. Halfbloods and first-generation wizards did not have a voice. 

"Yet, these atrocities have not gone unanswered. There have been those who, in defiance of the rising tide of darkness, have stood firm. Acts of bravery, of defiance, have emerged from the shadows. But these isolated acts will not be enough."

His voice hardened, and his eyes narrowed as he spoke his next words.

"The time has come for us to face the reality before us. The lines have been drawn, and there are those among us who would seek to exploit this division, to further their own dark agendas. We cannot—*we will not*—allow the wizarding world to fall into chaos once again."

There was a subtle but unmistakable shift in the room as he spoke, as if the very walls of the chamber absorbed his resolve. The Minister leaned forward slightly, his hands gripping the edge of the podium.

"This Wizengamot, this body of governance, was established to protect the magical community, to uphold the laws and ensure justice. We must remember our duty, now more than ever. We must decide, here and now, how we will respond to the threats that loom over us. We cannot afford to be divided; we must be unified in purpose, even if we differ in method."

He allowed another pause, this one shorter, his gaze locking with key members of both factions.

"I call upon you all to speak with clarity, with honesty, and with the interests of our world in mind. The decisions we make in this chamber today will echo through history. Let us ensure they are decisions we can stand by, with our heads held high."

The Minister leaned back, his voice losing none of its intensity as he concluded, "With that, I open the floor to the seats," 

"I would like to begin if that is alright with you minister," Albus announced cutting off anyone from speaking 

"Of course headmaster," The minister replied amicably 

"With these attacks, many new hit wizards have traveled to Britain. I would like to open the floor to discuss what we should do about them," Albus announced carefully not showing his preferred outcome knowing the grey faction would be less likely to jump in if he was a major backer 

"I say bring them all!" Lord Potter jumped in, "We can use more manpower, what is holding everything back?" he asked 

Rufus stood, "I can answer that, just recently a new group of Hit Wizards arrived and stopped an attack on a family of wizards. They are fully licensed but do not have the permits to operate on British soil. As is the same with many individuals and agencies coming over for coin," 

"I see," another mumbled, "Could let them have temporary permits so they can provide support until they are able to fill out the proper permits?" 

"That would be dangerous! What if these fiends use this as an opportunity to infiltrate our defense teams," Lord Lestrange bellowed and many sounds of agreement followed 

Lord Potter scoffed, "Of course, you would be against this," 

"You accusing me of something potter?" 

"I wouldn't dream of it simply observing,"

The two men went back and forth until finally, the Minister had enough, "Stop bickering. We will bring this to a vote, all on favor of allowing out-of-region hit wizards to operate on British soil raise your wand!" 

Nearly all members of the light faction raised their wands, the top glowing signifying their vote. Some members of the gray faction joined with them and curiously so did the black family which raised some eyebrows. 

"Then it is decided, that Hit wizards will be issued temporary permits. I will speak with you more on this matter Rufus," The minister concluded 

"Next order of business anyone?" he asked the room 

"I have a proposition," Morpheus spoke for the first time of the session 

"Very well Lord Everglade has the floor," the minister replied 

Morpheus gave the room a knowing smile, "With the recent attacks more and more of our fine Aurors have been perishing. Leaving their families behind, defenseless and distraught. Not to mention the other families they could have helped in the future. It is obvious that our Aurors are being held back from fulfilling their purpose of protecting society and themselves. That is why I propose Aurors should be allowed to use lethal measures." 

The hall broke into chatter on both sides. The light was hesitant, the dark even more so. The Grey thought it was a good idea. But all sides had members thinking different thoughts. It was the first time in a while that all factions were split apart.

"I agree!" Surprisingly it was Lord Potter who broke the stalemate, "I was in the last war and I will be in this one too, I know firsthand how weakened you are by holding back!" 

"Nonsense!" Lord Mulciber retorted, "These rats have used the unforgivable curse Imperio on our children! The Aurora being allowed to resort to lethality could lead to the destruction of houses!" 

"Sod off!" Lord Longbottom shot to his feet, "You know as well as I they are not under that curse!" 

"How can you prove that? Our children are innocent it could be yours next!" 

"Silence!" the minister roared 

"I will not have accusations being thrown about without the truth!" 

"Now we will bring this to a vote. Should the Aurors have a license to kill?" 

As the wand tips lit up the room grew hush. Finally, the minister sighed, "It is a perfect tie, no judgment shall be made today we will revisit this issue next session. Now unless anyone else has a proposal we will adjourn." 

No one raised their voice, "Very well meeting adjourned. Rufus meet me in my office," 

**