15 September 2009

Only five months have passed since an out of control population of werewolves cost witches and wizards all over Britain their sense of safety and security, not to mention their lives.  In that time, the Ministry has tried to assure us that they have the werewolf situation under control and that they've learned from their mistakes.  So safe, in fact, that for the first time in history, Hogwarts has openly and publicly welcomed werewolves into its halls, to share classes and sleep alongside other students. 

The Ministry keeps assuring us that we are safe from the undisclosed number of werewolves wandering the halls of Hogwarts. 

But, it has only taken five months for the Ministry to lose track of two of its werewolves.  One of the werewolves in question was a Healer.  The other, the former Headmaster of Hogwarts and a Wizengamot Elder.  Both respected individuals who should be trusted to set an example.  But, both were at large during their transformation and, according to the Daily Prophet, neither had taken their potions.  The article has given no indication as to whether either of the wolves in question caused any damage or carnage.

This whole situation seems to raise several questions.  First and foremost: if the Ministry can't assure we're kept safe from members of the Wizengamot, are we supposed to trust they can keep us safe from werewolves who do not want to be controlled?  What about these new dire wolves?  How many times do werewolves have to get away from the WCU for us to question whether current rules and methods are sufficient?  Are we supposed to believe them when they insist that slip ups like this won't happen at Hogwarts? 

Secondly, are the sanctions really sufficient?  700 galleons and a brief probationary period seem akin to a slap on the wrist for a mistake that put countless individuals in mortal peril.  Especially when we can only speculate as to whether or not anyone was injured or killed.  And, we all know, the werewolves in question would have no recollection, themselves.  As representatives of the highest court of wizarding Britain, I'd always assumed members of the Wizengamot held themslves to the highest standard of conduct and responsibility. 

But, protecting werewolves - no matter their threats and indiscretions - has become the popular thing to do.  After all, they have no control over themselves.  Except, of course, on the day before when, under current policy, known werewolves are to escort themselves to the Ministry. 

However, we wouldn't want to excuse a werewolf from the Wizengamot for not being responsible about their own condition.  That, of course, would be unfair to the werewolf.  The rest of us will just have to be sure to keep our doors locked and our wands at the ready around the full moon.  Just in case one gets stranded on a Ministry business trip, again.