Thursday, May 29, 2008 History of Magic 6th & 7th Year, All Houses 9am

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In Attendance... Devlin Matthews, Ravenclaw +10 Waker Nolan, Ravenclaw +10 Gavin Snark, Gryffindor Vienna Pascal, Slytherin +10 Nina Morales, Gryffindor +10

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Professor Greyfriar surveyed his students, all seated in the gallery of the History of Magic classroom.  Instead of the grays and blacks colors that usually awaited his gaze, he took in a sea of violet purple.  

"Today," he told them, students all now bedecked in stately purple robes, "you are the Wizengamot.  The Wizengamot, our society's elite council and protectors of wizarding law.  The history of this court dates back to the 7th century!  To put that into context," the professor waxed on as a bit of chalk did its very best on the blackboard, "Hogwarts school wasn't founded until the 10th century.  The Normans didn't take over the country until the 11th century.  The witch burnings of the 14th century and the Statute of Secrecy in the 17th century!"

"The Wizengamot has existed for more than fourteen hundred years and has been with witches and wizards, in one form or another since before most recorded history! This court has seen and influence every major event of our people's history.

The bearish professor, also in plum-colored robes today and the square purple hat, was pacing in passionate illustration.  

"Your task today," he said, "is to emulate the deliberations of this learned body.  The topic is blood purity. Muggleborns. Half-bloods. Purebloods.  Non-magical wizarding folks, otherwise known as squibs.  Your goal is come to some sort of consensus about the various conundrums I will set before this court.

"I," he tapped his head with his wand, "will act as Chief Warlock - head arbiter and speaker of the Wizengamot. And you all will be Wizengamot Elders."  He smiled and went to stand behind the raised pulpit that was a part of this lecture hall.

"Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot," he bellowed now, in character, "let us discuss the matter of public record: what reason does the Ministry of Magic have to record the blood purity of individuals?  Is it a necessity for the care-taking of our magical birthright, or is it a trivial matter irrelevant to our society today?"

In the back of the room, snoring softly, was one Devlin Matthews. As usual in history class, he had his feet resting on the empty chair in front of him, and an open book held in front of his face so the teacher couldn't see the fact he was peacefully sleeping. As though they didn't know, the drool marks on his unfinished homework were enough to reveal his crimes. He justified his lack of interest in the class by claiming that it wasn't his fault that the classes were held so early and that teachers, Greyfriar for instance, were boring him to death. Better he be asleep then deceased, that's what he always said.

Today, however, his daydreams of Jordyn, Fauna and Waker, generally all three, were interrupted by Greyfriar's bellowing. Blinking the sleep out of his tired hazel eyes, Devlin lifted his head and glared wearily over the top of his book as Greyfriar announced the lesson. When it was revealed that they would be making an argument as though they were in court, Devlin perked up. He may have hated the class and even more so the teacher, but if there was anything Devlin enjoyed doing, it was debating.

Sitting back, he waited for a moment to see if anyone else would jump on the prompt. When no one raised their hands immediately, most likely because they were forming their argument, Devlin lazily stood up. Brushing off his sleeves and running a hand through his hair sleepily, as though this meant nothing to him at all, Devlin yawned and let out a sigh "Chief Warlock, sir.... I for one am in favor of blood purity registration..."

At his announcement, several whispers filtered from the corners of the room. He didn't doubt that many of his classmates were confused to why a Muggleborn wizard like himself would be in favor of such a thing. He gave them a light smirk before continuing, walking towards the head of the class. "... I know you are wondering why I, a muggleborn, would think this way... But the idea that administrative records only benefit evil is completely incorrect. Yes, Voldemort and the Death-Eaters did use the blood purity lists to corner and persecute muggleborns... but that is not the only use for this list. In fact, there are several multifaceted uses that benefit us as a society as much as harm us."

With a barely concealed grin, Devlin made his way to Greyfriars desk and took a lazy seat in his chair, leaning back with the ease of someone who was far too confident for his own good. Looking quite comfortable, Devlin continued his speech, "... The statute of secrecy requires wizards to hide their identity and culture from the muggle world. Because of this, Muggleborns must be extra careful keeping it from spreading considering that their immediate family will know of their abilities by the time they turn eleven years old. For every muggleborn child, there is at the very least one muggle who is introduced to the wizarding world, if not upwards to ten or more depending on the size of the immediate family. By having a list of who is muggleborn or has at least one muggle parent, the government is able to keep track of these muggles and contain any outbreaks that may occur. It is vital to keeping our society separated and safe."

As usual, Waker had arrived early and prepared. She was sitting much closer to the front of the classroom than many of her friends (...and ex friends). The day's subject was one that she was particularly passionate about, given her own muggleborn roots, but, as with the Remembering Day history lesson, the Ravenclaw was hesitant to speak her mind. She looked down at the sleeves of her own purple robes, and into the sea of purple that surrounded her. Many faces seemed to imply the heaviness and perplexity Waker felt, but she'd long since trained her own countenance not to reveal as much-- at least not in the classroom.

She wrote Wizengamot on her parchment and underlined it. As many reservations as she had about participating with the same degree of confidence she usually held in History of Magic, it was, admittedly, very exciting to mimic a professional legal scenario. It made Waker feel suddenly older; her age seemed to sink in, hit her in the face. Where had all the time gone?

Even dear Devlin seemed to be paying attention today.

Wait, what?

Waker's head turned as she heard his carefree tone utter some nonsense about being in favor of a registry. She hadn't even had time to evaluate her own feelings when her mind was made up. If Devlin was for it, Waker was against it. At least for their little mock trial. It was childish and hotheaded, but that was generally how Waker felt in the Matthews boy's presence. Luckily, she was, for the most part, against his stance, and she'd done her homework, too. She straightened up and turned her head to the front of the classroom as Devlin floated by, not wanting him to catch her staring. Still, her eyes followed him and she narrowed her gaze as he brazenly approached Professor Greyfriar, also known as the Chief Warlock. Waker would never possess that same degree effortless nonchalance, even when she tried. The nerve he had, taking the professor's chair as if he'd birthed it...

She listened to him speak, willing her mind to disregard the validity of his arguments; he was a good debater. He always had been, and that, too, annoyed Waker to no end. He'd barely finished speaking when she stood up and cleared her throat, not wanting anyone else to intervene before she could go head to head with Devlin. If she'd had hesitations about participating today, they had vanished. She held back a blush with surprising ease as eyes landed on her, bouncing from Devlin like a collective pendulum. It felt like an extension of their last, very non-academic fight. She was going to win this time. Hadn't she won before? She didn't know.

"Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot," she addressed, repeating the formal title the Headmaster had used. "And Chief Warlock Greyfriar," she added, giving a moment's acknowledgment to the man in charge. She offered him a brief and cordial nod of respect, trying to be as Wakerly as possible, as opposite of Devlin Matthews as she could manage, and also still scathing toward the opponent in question. "Mr. Matthews--" Those words were painful. "Your suggestion that a public record of blood purity would do as much good as it does harm is preposterous. The Secrecy Statute does not exist for the purpose of hiding and quarantining our culture, so much as allowing for the peaceful coexistence of two societies. We're generally quiet about our magic for practical reasons, but muggles and wizards are not and have never been mutually exclusive. You speak almost as if we're two different species, when you've just admitted to being of muggle parentage."

Waker stared at the boy, letting the preface to her own argument sink in... hopefully. She hadn't looked him in the eye for several weeks now. It helped that she could think of this as a strictly scholastic exercise. "As a muggleborn, you should also know that the notion of separate but equal is an immoral and insulting one. Just because a human does not possess magic and has not been raised to believe in its existence, does mean that the person is incapable of accepting it for what it is. My own parents are very aware that their daughter is a witch, and could not be more content. While they don't go around discussing it with their everyday acquaintances, it does not shame them, and it does frighten them. And certainly there is no outbreak of highly secret information," she said, almost bitingly. "Magic doesn't spread from human to human, and I don't think any number of rumors about its existence will cause an overthrow of the Wizarding government by muggles."

Waker moved into the aisle now, and closer to the front of the classroom-- closer to Devlin. She paused for the briefest moment to stare at him before turning her back on the boy and addressing the class.

"I can't be the only person in this council who learned something from the last war. I wasn't even aware of the Wizarding world when the Battle was fought, but I know why it was fought. And I would think that anyone who paid half a mind to the recent holiday would also have some idea. There is no difference in the magical capacity, or the ability of witches and wizards of any background to do good, bad, or to effect history. There is thus no reason for person's blood status to be part of a routine census. It is not something an employer needs to know. Muggleborns are not contagious; they won't turn their neighbors into muggles. Magic is a dominant gene, and any witch or wizard is as likely as the next to produce magical children, if preserving the magical population is ever a concern. But if we think it a top priority to determine the ratios of Purebloods to halfbloods to muggleborns, instead of using government money to fund the education in this school and the work being done at St. Mungo's, maybe we should listen to Mr. Matthews." Waker finished, and looked over shoulder at the boy, unable to stop herself.

It shouldn't have surprised Devlin in the slightest when Waker stood to argue against him. She had been, and would always be, the one person he could expect to play Devil's advocate with him. It was a trait he had fallen in love with when he met her, and a trait he had come to despise now that she hated him. Especially when she attempted to make him look foolish in front of their peers and his prospective clients. It took a great deal of his will to remain calm and collected, and to keep the confident smirk on his face, as she blasted down his views one by one.

At first he had merely intended to say his bit and walk back triumphantly to his desk, fully expecting everyone to agree with him. Arrogant yes, but no one ever accused Devlin of being humble. With Wakers interjection, Devlin found his hackles rising and his urge to battle strengthening. When Waker finished with a well aimed jab at himself, Devlin slowly stood up, his smile a bit colder and much more predatory.

"So let me get this right, Miss Nolan, " His use of her name had as much venom as hers did "... You're claiming that by supporting an efficient system for upholding the statute of secrecy, which this very court passed hundreds of years ago mind you, means that the government wishes to separate and label our citizens abilities based on blood? That is quite a presumptuous and rather insulting assumption on your part. I never once said that the list of blood purity indicated ones abilities with magic. I am, after all, a walking example of what wonderful things Muggleborns can do..." He paused here for dramatic effect and was rewarded with a couple snickers from the back. Recharged, he continued.

"... Now if we were to all listen to Miss Nolan here, not only would we be unable to keep track of the muggles that know of our world... but we would do away with the statute of secrecy all together! She thinks that muggles and wizarding kind are one and the same, but what she fails to understand is that regardless if we bleed the same... love the same... and have the same dreams, we wizards possess something both extraordinary and unimaginable to most muggles..."

He walked around the desk and stood next to Waker, barely a foot away so she couldn't ignore his presence any longer. Without looking at her, he spoke to the classroom with a surprising amount of passion in his voice "... I lived with muggles my whole life. I have seen what the very worst of them are capable as much as I have seen what the very worst that wizarding kind has to offer. What my opponent is failing to remember is the number of innocent witches and wizards used and persecuted for their abilities. How many wizards have been kidnapped and forced to perform magic to earn money for greedy muggles? How many have been burned at the stake by those muggles who could not understand their powers and therefore feared them? Wizards are expected to not harm muggles even when threatened bodily harm by them, as they would be placed in jail for misuse of magic simply for protecting themselves. Whether Miss Nolan agrees or not, we are not equal... Wizards will always be forced to live under more restricting laws because of their abilities and they will always be persecuted by muggles for them... It was because of this that the Statute of Secrecy was created in the first place. We cannot live in harmony with the muggles because just like there are dark wizards, there are also evil muggles..."

Finally taking a deep breath, since he said most of his speech without it, Devlin finished "... In short, Miss Nolan would have you believe that protecting our world is a crime. That keeping track of those who could, inadvertently, bring harm to us also means that we are going to hand out registration cards and require all muggleborns to wear a badge. Who is to say that this list would ever see the light of day outside of the ministers office? After all, up until the last war, the government has done a successful job of tracking knowledgeable muggles and protecting our culture without bringing harm to the people. The list itself is not harmful, merely the hands in which it is placed."

His bearded jaw dropped open and the Headmaster blinked.  Hogwarts' hallowed chamber pots.  The boy was... prepared! Acting Cheif Warlock, raised his eyebrows in a sort of complacent defeat, crossed his arms and watched what unfolded.  Devlin, before Knox became fully aware of his silver tongue, had talked himself out of answering quite a few essays.  Nowaways, Greyfriar marked down for non-answers.

As Devlin spoke what was clearly a statement meant to impress, intimidate and incite, Knox noted a few fallacious bits, a few tangential arguments.  But all in all, the History Professor was impressed.  It was nice to see the kid applying himself and apparently thinking.  It was bigoted garbage, but a relevant argument.  He smiled behind his hand, absolutely delighted.

He was about to turn and prompt the class to respond when Waker Nolan was right on Devlin Matthew's heels! Well Bob's your uncle!

"Good good!" he prompted, not wanting to interrupt too much.  He nodded, hoping they'd both continue.  And continue they both did.

Waker's arguments were strong as well, well-prepared.  But Devlin's response to that began to move on and away from the subject.  He held is tongue for the moment, though.  He'd catch them if they went too far away.

The smile on his face could only mean trouble; Waker recognized it, and regretted for one brief second having dared to challenge him at all. Had she thought he would bow out gracefully and let her win? Devlin wasn't a coward. Unfortunately. She listened to his counter-argument, spun with all the language and intonation of a professional defense attorney, and the magnetic, indoctrinating aura of a future dictator with a promise for the people, and her gaze grew darker. She had to bite her tongue to stop herself from interrupting. When finally he'd finished, and was standing there next to her, Waker's heartbeat had quickened with anger and anxiety, among other things. It was with the encouragement of the professor that she continued.

"No, Mr. Matthews, and Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot, I claim nothing of the sort," Waker hastily defended herself. "Upholding the Statute of Secrecy does mean we have to treat it like a dead document etched in stone. We can maintain discretion and still treat everyone like the human beings they happen to be." Her eyes darted to Devlin again. He had the ability to enrage like no one else. Waker was clinging to her grace like someone hanging from a steep cliff by the tips of their fingers. "If there is anything in the Statute that demands the census explicitly cover blood status, I don't see why a council and the Wizarding population as a whole can't hold discourse to alter and update such outdated and barbaric language as necessary. What good is a written statute if it only offends and discriminates against the same people it was intended to protect? Laws should be living, not binding." Waker surprised herself with this; if anyone loved rules, it was she. But still, she wasn't stupid. She wasn't going to let some silly law decide her worth.

"You don't need to explicitly state that blood purity and magical ability are connected when the law you support takes care of it for you. A legal census that seeks to distinguish something like blood status has obviously been created to monitor differences in blood status. You were a second year, once, Mr. Matthews," she pointed out. She could feel her nerves lingering. "Between all of those wonderful things you did when you were twelve, I'm sure you made a graph or two for one of your classes. Basic correlation, you know."

Waker was becoming more exasperated. He had twisted her words, and expertly so. She couldn't not argue back, though. Especially when it was Devlin. "We don't need to keep track of muggles who know of our world unless we're labeling muggles as a whole a foreign threat." Her voice rose as she said it. She tried to calm herself. She took a deep, silent breath before continuing. "Personally, I would be much more worried about blood extremists."

The Ravenclaw had to consider her next words carefully. It was like a chess game. She couldn't argue that blood purists were more dangerous without also implying that muggles were less able to launch an attack, and thus were not their equals. But bringing up muggle weapons might lead to cause for Wizarding defense, and would also support Devlin's absurd claims. He was cornering her fast. These thoughts whirled in her mind at a similarly unsettling speed. "We might possess magic," she began. "But muggles have an equivalent method for almost everything we can do. Wizards ride brooms; muggles have planes. We both fly. We both share the experience, and the extraordinary aspect, if you want to use that word. Different methods, yes, but it doesn't mean we have to persistently encourage attitudes of segregation."

"The number of wizards harmed by muggles is negligible compared with the number of muggles-- and wizards of muggle decent-- who have been harmed or killed needlessly throughout history, simply because of their blood. And the last I checked, in our third year history book, if I'm not mistaken--" Her eyes moved to the professor. "Magical people burned at the stake were more than capable of surviving the experience. Some enjoyed it." She offered a sour smile to Devlin, as if he were the exact sort of person who would take great pleasure in having others tie him to a stake like a sinning martyr. "Most of those who died were unfortunately muggles being persecuted by other muggles, and for that, I'm sure most modern muggles retain a great sadness." She said this more somberly, having taken enough elementary history to remember lessons on witch hunts and burnings. "They no longer burn people at stakes. Why do we have to continue to enforce outdated census laws that favor old families? In upholding a very strict and thorough census, and thus a statute that has no room for even tiny change, we perpetuate the fear that accompanies isolation... and that's what breeds the exact sort of hate you're pegging on 'evil muggles'." She said the words almost mockingly, letting everyone know just how truly ridiculous she felt they were.

"To clarify, I am not saying we need to overthrow the Statute, and I don't believe a census will lead to badges and camps." She looked around the classroom. It was becoming harder to breathe, and harder to talk smoothly. Still, as much as Devlin infuriated her, there was a sick enjoyment in arguing with him, and potentially riling him up as much as he did her. "It's not a crime to protect our world. It's a crime to prejudge an entire population-- muggles, muggleborns, or Purebloods-- as wanting to actively commit crimes against our world. I am as much in favor of protecting good Pureblood citizens from unnecessary census questions as good muggleborns. I think when you allow for such ridiculous invasions of privacy by the Ministry, there is a larger chance of a domino effect against everyone's rights."

With her formal rebuttal voiced, Waker took a moment for a personal reaction. "Oh, come off it, Devlin," she hissed, so that he could only hear. She had leaned slightly closer, trying to retain poise for the class while she spoke to him one on one. She turned her cheek toward him, facing the class once more, but still glanced carefully to the side, her eyes discreetly taking in the too-familiar profile. "Earn money for greedy muggles?" Of course he would bring up such an outlandish scenario; and of course at least half the class would fall for his charismatic propaganda.

Even though Gavin didn't want to admit it, he enjoyed History class to an extent. The long lecturing and the constant blah blah blah was something that Gavin grew tired of but the Headmaster wasn't a normal professor just like this classroom wasn't a normal classroom.

The Matthews vs. Nolan argument kept Gavin entertained. Of course he was situated in the back of the classroom, sitting right beside Devlin until he began to walk to the Professor’s seat. Of course it was so Devlin to sit right in the Professors chair. Rolling his eyes, Gavin glared at his paper. He usually took notes here and there but today it was just plain drawings on his paper, no they were caricatures. He drew Dev and Waker arguing with their faces filled with anger. They were so cute together.

Gavin's thoughts on the subject were -- well he could care less if they made a stupid list at all. It wasn't like it was needed but it wasn't like it was putting harm by existing. Both arguments were nicely played out but it wasn't the Devlin and Waker show, and hopefully Gavin's opinion could shake some things up.

Getting up slowly, with his quill moving around in his fingers, he made his way to sit on a desk in the front of the classroom where the two love birds were standing. "To me fellow Wizengamot Elders, I don't give a rat's arse on if they made a list or not." Looking at the Professor, he gave him the thumbs up. "By the way let me add that I look rather good in these robes... Can I keep them Professor? I think purple goes well with my eyes..." He then looked over at Waker and winked at her. It was funny to see her so nervous around Devlin, was she not over him yet?

"Now let me address this first. Does it really matter if there is a list or not? It's just another sign that the Ministry has an upper hand on everyone else in the Wizarding World. Either it to be for our protection," Gavin nodded at Devlin. "Or to just show we are higher than muggles. WHO cares? Really, I am pretty much pureblood and if it's another thing for the Ministry to do to keep them occupied then I'm in for it. As long as their noses aren't in my business I'm good. It's not like the muggle world doesn't have lists upon lists on their citizens. Am I wrong?

"If the Ministry decided on this a long time ago, who are we to question their intentions? Of course they wanted to separate who is who but does a list really separate who a person is? It is just paper that helps us get an upper hand just like I said before. We are who we are. My argument can go both ways but personally it doesn't really matter to me. Nolan, you make it seem like a muggle can kill me just as easily as I can kill them. We can all testify that if I see some weird dressed guy with a gun pointed at me, I will be damned if I don't have my wand out the second I see that in sight and the next second his face on the pavement. Now can a muggle do that to me? I think not." Gavin frowned. He was already putting too much effort into this topic.

“They fly with planes but do they have the same freedom as us? Last time I checked those airplanes were set for one direction only and even if they had their own private way of flying... Who are they to even catch us?"

Gavin couldn't help but say this with ease. He was just pulling things out of his butt hopefully getting anyone's attention. Of course he would've been pulled out of the courtroom in seconds after he said he didn't really care but this was a classroom. Getting up from the desk, he made his way back to his seat. Leaning against the chair, he smiled at all eyes watching him. He couldn't pretend to be like the other two students. They had too much patience that Gavin did not possess to go back and forth on a subject. It's not like his lecture really mattered. He just wanted to get his credit for the day.

Lovely.

An amused smile tugged at the corner of Vienna’s lips as she watched Devlin and Waker tore at each other’s throat. Debates always brought out the bad blood between people and given the nature of their relationship, or rather, what remained of it as Vienna came to know, the tête-à-tête going on right now was no exception. Gossip aside, she was truly enjoying this debate regardless of the tension and drama surrounding the former lovebirds. She listened attentively and jotted down some notes as each speaker made their point. Nothing excited her more than a good old-fashioned argument. It was one of the few things in life that could bring her out of her wintry state.

Vienna was not unfamiliar with the controversy surrounding blood registration. Her parents had fought against the idea many years ago during Voldemort’s reign and she whole-heartedly agreed with their stance. She had to confess, she was quite shocked to hear Devlin Matthews, of all people, advocate for the creation of a blood registry. Quite ironic, she mused, considering his background. Just as Gavin Snark concluded his rather spontaneous address of the subject with a charming smile that made the girl beside her swoon (she had to admit, he did look rather attractive in purple), Vienna cleared her throat politely and stood up. It was time to throw her mix into this lot.

“If I may, Chief Warlock Greyfriar, Witches and Wizards of the Wizengamot,” Vienna smiled graciously and made her way to the front of the room. She plopped herself up on an empty desk in the front row and crossed her legs in a very ladylike manner. She turned to face the curious eyes watching her watching them as she addressed ‘council’. Vienna spoke calmly as if they were having a luncheon, and not a debate. Her voice was cool and without passion, but clear and articulate enough to make sure her point was carried across. She kept her expression blank and devoid of emotions, there was no need to dramatize this debate more than necessary.

“I quite agree with Miss Nolan’s view that the creation of such a list is not only irrelevant, but also potentially destabilizing to the already strained relations between purebloods, half-borns, Muggle-borns, and Muggles,” Vienna surveyed the room with confidence, “while it is true, Mr. Matthews, that the list itself is not evil, per se, but as you pointed out quite observantly, in the wrong hands, such a list could be a formidable weapon. In fact, you brought up in your opening statement a fantastic example of the case which I speak of.”

“Barely ten years ago,” Vienna continued, “Voldemort and his Death Eaters used the blood-status records to purge our world of half-bloods and Muggle-borns. The existence of such a list allowed for the systematic killings of thousands of witches and wizards who he deemed to be inferior and unworthy to live. In every great massacre to date, the first stage has always been classification. People are divided, rounded up, and slapped on a label. This process gives birth to the whole “us versus them” mentality. If we bring back the list today with perfect awareness of what it can do, are we not purposely shutting our eyes to the lessons history teach us. If the practice nearly destroyed our society once before, why should we try it again? And if we do, what’s stopping the would-be Voldemorts from using it to re-enact the events of ten years past?”

“If we are to follow Mr. Matthews’ proposal,” Vienna gestured towards Devlin, “we are not only making available the names of every Muggle-born in wizarding Britain, but also that of his or her immediate family members, thus also placing them in potential danger. Surely the Ministry would never contemplate to take such a risk.”

“Of course, one could also argue that the list would not endanger anyone if the proper protection is given. Even assuming that the list will never see the light of day outside the Minister’s office, how far are we willing to go to ensure its confidentiality? Should we forcefully swear to secrecy the Minister, his aides, and every bureaucrat involved in compiling the list? We have already established that evil is intrinsic to both Muggles and Wizards. The list, like all things, is subject to the realms of possibilities. The likelihood of it falling into the wrongs hands is always present and I, for one, refuse to take such a risk.”

“Besides, what purpose would such a list serve? Magical abilities are not dependent on blood purity. Even as a tracking tool, it will accomplish very little as the majority of Muggle-borns are law-biding citizens who follow the Statute of Secrecy to a tee. If we are to track our citizens, we track those who are likely to break the laws. We follow the arms dealers, the black market traders, not every William and Louise down the road.”

Vienna was a little breathless now. She was sure what had begun as a perfectly structured speech became a little ranty by the end. With one last survey of the room, she concluded coolly, “Taking into account the risks and the rewards, of which there seems to be a lack thereof, the Ministry would be foolish to undertake such a census.”

Professor Greyfriar was nonplussed when Gavin Snark drawled out a minute or so of distracting pseudo-opinion.  It lacked in content, like most of Gavin's work.  He flicked his fingers at him, to dismiss the 'thumbs up' and his glib gibe at today's masquerade.

Instead he focused on Veinna's much more thoughtful response, nodding at her pragmatic checks and balance of her argument.  It supported Waker's thoughts as well as taking into account Devlin's challenges.

"We'll let Wizengamot Elder Pascal have the last word, for the moment," the Professor said eyeing the small gathering of young Wizengamot Elders now gathered front center.

"Before we move on, probably best to address something Gavin Snark said.  'Who are we to question the Ministry of Magic?' he asked," Knox spoke broadly behind the pulpit.  He furrowed his brows and leaned forward.

"We are living, breathing witches and wizards! That's who! It is our duty to regulate the governing body that wishes to regulate us! The Wizengamot is one such body, a council of wise witches and wizards set between the law and the people.  Never forget to use your brains."

He flicked his wand again, and the chalk started up again in a flurry.   He came down and out of the large raised, carved pulpit and re-claimed his chair. 

"Moving on! Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot, please consider the following conundrum: What accommodations should our society make for non-magical members of the wizarding community (squibs)? Should Hogwarts allow them to enroll under a modified curriculum? What will or won't the Wizengamot do to assure their rights are protected as members of the magical community, if indeed this body believes them to be members of our community?"

History of Magic was Nina's favourite class of the day. Not because of the subject matter, of course, but because it was an ideal time to take a nap, or daydream. It was stereotypical of her to sleep in this particular class, but it wasn't like she was singling it out. She slept in most of her other ones, too. So she assumed that today would be like any other - one where she would rest her head on a hand propped up by an elbow and appear to be listening. But for some reason or another, she walked into the class feeling oddly awake.

For one thing, Professor Greyfriar looked... spectacular in purple. And for another, it seemed they would be doing something interesting for once. History, in Nina's humble opinion, was a waste of parchment. All those names and dates... who could remember them? Granted, Nina was the girl who could name every winner of the Quidditch World Cup dating back over thirty years, and knew all of the players on the English, Scottish, and Puerto Rican teams. But when it came to who killed who and when, Nina was at a loss.

Thankfully for her though, and perhaps for Professor Greyfriar, she would not be taking the class next year. Her parents were right about to kill her for it, but it was worth it.

Back to the present, Nina listened to the debate on Blood status and the like. Honestly, people needed to stop being so pompous and thinking everyone who was Pureblooded was better than everyone else. Seriously. Had no one learned anything from the War? And Nina herself knew so many Muggleborns more talented than she, a Half-Blood, would ever be. Nevertheless, as the debate raged on, Nina withheld her opinions. After all, she couldn't eloquently phrase her words like Waker or Vivienne, so why bother?

"Moving on! Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot, please consider the following conundrum: What accommodations should our society make for non-magical members of the wizarding community (squibs)? Should Hogwarts allow them to enroll under a modified curriculum? What will or won't the Wizengamot do to assure their rights are protected as members of the magical community, if indeed this body believes them to be members of our community?"

As soon as Professor Greyfriar posed the question, Nina hastily stood up. This was something she was interested in... there was a Squib child who lived near her and she had seen the poor thing be made fun of and taunted. Injustices really made her blood boil.

Tugging at her hair she addressed her peers, hoping they wouldn't be shocked that she was contributing for once. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot," she began, standing in a way that she resembled a purple flamingo. "I feel that Squibs are as every part of the Wizarding community as they are the Muggle community. I cannot imagine not feeling part of either world - ya know? That must really suck. Sorry, Chief Warlock Greyfriar. That must, ah, be awful.

"Anyway. I think that if a Squib chooses to nurture their Wizarding side, no one can stop them. Why can't they come to Hogwarts, take History of Magic and Potions? Maybe offer a course on theories of Charms and Transfiguration. It's not harming anyone, and it might make those people feel more included.

"On the other hand," she continued, now beginning to pace, "this may prove to be problematic. We all know how, ah, children? can be. I think it would be awful to have the Squibs put in a situation where they were made fun of. Or even felt bad about themselves, or left out. I think people forget that Squibs are people too, and that's not right.

"And as for their rights being protected... well, I think they should be treated as everyone else is treated. Same rules to follow, same rights. Simple," Nina said in one large breath. This was, perhaps, the most she had ever said in History of Magic. And despite herself, she felt a bit excited at feeling passionate about something for a change. Too bad every class wasn't like this!

Knox stood and thanked Nina Morales. He clasped his hands and tapped them on his bearded chin, taking a few moments to gather his words.  Nina, in her sixth year could certainly stand to speak up more - she clearly had nothing to be worried about.  Compassion in her statement was both a strength and a weakness. Protecting young squibs from teasing at the cost of their inclusion in society? It was a very prickly pear.

"Anyone else? Would a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry be any place for a non-magical student? History of Magic and Potions have been suggested as squib-friendly subjects.  So too, perhaps Muggle Studies, Herbology, Astronomy? The Study of Ancient Runes, the Care for Magical Creatures? Why, a great deal of our time here is spent wandless!  A squib could sit a full nest of O.W.L.s and come away from Hogwarts with a terrarium chock full of N.E.W.T.s."

"Where might we see problems with non-magical students attending Hogwarts? Where would we draw the line between a squib and a muggle? Does one parent have to be magical or both? What about adopted children, or cousins or nephews?"

ooc; Joining kind of late, hope that isn't a problem.

---

Seated almost in the front (Waker was one row directly ahead of him. Jasper didn't want to get Greyfriar spit on his robes or something), Jasper felt funny in the violet purple robes he had donned today for their special Wizengamot lesson. He had, as always, prepared like normal. The textbook on his desk, a thick pad of parchment, an ink well and his favorite quill. It was green ink, of course. Jasper generally wrote in green ink. He watched carefully, his right hand almost subconciously recording notes on his parchment, as Waker and Devlin bicker- er, debated. Yes, debated. Waker couldn't help getting a rise out of Devlin, could she? It was rather comical, from a third party standpoint. He couldn't say that to her, of course. The subject of Devlin Matthews was way too close, too personal to her for any good to come of that.

He agreed with Waker but kept quiet. There was plenty to say, still, and he could have joined in, he supposed, but then Vienna began talking and there was no hopes for that. Vienna Pascal. Even her name radiated elegance and prestige. He had been discreetly watching her for the past few weeks - not in a stalkerish way, like Trent or Jasper hoped not, anyway. Maybe Trent was rubbing off on him - and trying to figure out just who Ms. Vienna Pascal was. He knew her normally, of course. The Slytherin had been his house-mate and year-mate since first year and they were on the same Quidditch team as well. But she kept to herself and he was getting far more of her right now from her speech. Jasper was impressed and his eyes lingered on her.

Greyfriar began speaking again and Jasper tore his eyes away. He was ever the diligent student, after all, and he dutifully wrote down some more on his parchment of notes. "...what will or won't the Wizengamot do to assure their rights are protected as members of the magical community, if indeed this body believes them to be members of our community?" Now here was topic close to home. Blood status and purity wasn't important to Jasper. He was a pureblood and he had best muggleborn friends and he was friends with half-bloods and purebloods alike. Vienna was a pureblood, too, wasn't she? Did it matter? It was just all labels anyway. But squibs...squibs were different. They were...magically-impaired and Jasper was all for the advancement of squibs in magical society. His cousin (of some degree), Tilly, was a squib and she was by far his favorite member of the Quinn family.

Nina Morales, a Gryffindor, stood up and began preaching. Still, Jasper remained quiet. He was still thinking about how to organize what he wanted to say, and half-listening to Nina as well. Unfortunately, the girl seemed unable to take a stand for or against it and he scowled. She didn't get the whole point of debating, did she? You had to ignore the negatives and only bring them up when probed by an opponent. Professor Greyfriar seemed to understand Jasper's sentiments - the man quickly added on to what Nina had left unsaid. "Where might we see problems with non-magical students attending Hogwarts? Where would we draw the line between a squib and a muggle? Does one parent have to be magical or both? What about adopted children, or cousins or nephews?" he went on. Maybe I should give it a shot. Jasper thought, then stood up. No time like the present.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot, Chief Warlock," he addressed them. Formal was always the best way to begin, especially in this situation, Jasper figured. "The magically-impaired, or Squibs," damn, was he sounding too formal? Jasper hoped not. Ah well, he'd just have to go on with it and quit worrying. "should not be allowed to study at Hogwarts. It would be illogical and backwards. Hogwarts is a school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Squibs, clearly, are neither. You would agree, correct, that a muggleborn witch is still a witch, one of us, correct?" he looked around, saw nods, and continued, "Then by the same token, Squibs are muggles. They are muggles who have been born into our society, but muggles none the less. Hogwarts is not a place for muggles. Then there's the fact that there are hardly any Squibs in our society in the first place - muggleborns far outnumber Squibs - and it would be pointless to have entirely different system here for perhaps three or five students per year. If that."

He swallowed, looking around the coolly. Jasper wasn't sure how everyone would react to what seemed like anti-squib statements (though they most assuredly were not). "While I agree with Miss Morales, Squibs do and should have the right to be fully functioning members of our society, Hogwarts is not the place for that. Miss Morales would be wrong about one thing, though. It would be detrimental to health and wellbeing of people for non-magical people to attend Hogwarts. Can you imagine," Jasper addressed the class, "Being forced to live in an environment nine months of the year where everyone except you can do all these wonderful, magical things? It would be horrible for self-image and mental health and...all that." He was beginning to run out of steam. "While remaining at home, the Squib's parents could take them out of an overly magical environment if it was bothering them. Here, there is no choice. Magic is in every little bit of the Hogwarts experience. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot, and Chief Warlock."

Jasper sat back down, eyes sliding to Vienna. He wondered what she thought, and felt more nervous about her opinion then even of Greyfriar's.