An emergency session of the Wizengamot was convened at 3:00 PM on June 14th, 1992.
Wizengamot members wearing plum coloured robes poured into the most ancient hall, all of them looking gravely serious, for they had read the Daily Prophet. Even those who normally avoided the publication had read it. They had read of Azkaban's destruction. They had read of Voldemort's return and defeat, they had read of who had vanquished him, and they had read of what was said in that final confrontation, including the part about Dumbledore trapping himself outside of time.
The appearances of the people filing into the room may have been diverse – some were ancient and wizened, others young and green. Their minds may have been equally different, running the gamut from smart to stupid to strange to strict to sentimental to sympathetic. But no matter their appearance or mental patterns, the wise and not-so-wise witches and wizards of the Wizengamot were all wondering who was convening them now that their old Warlock was lost.
Few of them were truly surprised at the answer when they saw him.
"The hundred and ninth session of the two-hundred-and-eighth Wizengamot is convened at my request," said David Monroe after tapping the podium with an unmistakable rod of dark stone. "We have much to cover today, my good lords and ladies, so I shall get straight to the reasons I have convened us. First, discussion and approval of regency over the Line of Merlin Unbroken. Second, discussion of the Dark Lord's attack on Hogwarts. Third, discussion of the attack on Azkaban and the destruction of the world's Dementors, and what to do without them. Finally, I have an announcement about the Philosopher's Stone. As an emergency session, a vote of approval is required to continue beyond this point, and I think a show of hands will suffice." Emergency sessions require approval of the hall to proceed, and if one has been called needlessly, the caller can suffer sanctions, even if it's the Chief Warlock. "All opposed?"
There wasn't even a brief pause as it was decided, by show of hands, if this session was 'needless'.
"All in favour?"
It is a common misconception that you can never get politicians on opposing sides to agree on anything. They will often agree to discussion, at least. Even if that wasn't ordinarily the case, big and unusual emergencies have a way of bringing people together. There was a one-to-one ratio of raised hands to plum coloured robes in the hall.
Once the secretary had announced the vote recorded, one witch stood.
"Hem, hem," she cleared her throat. "Pardon me, Chief Warlock, but I am given to understand that you hold sole discretion over the Line of Merlin Unbroken. Most ancient tradition dictates that we never vote on matters of its succession."
"As you say, Madam Umbridge," said Monroe in a neutral tone. "Dumbledore left autonomous control of the line to his successor. Obligations well beyond my career will be preventing me from leading this hall in the near future, so I am appointing a regent for the position of Chief Warlock. I would prefer to do so with this hall's approval, though as you say, I don't technically need it. However, unlike Dumbledore, I would not wish to see this country torn apart over disagreements about leadership, as it has been over the past decade. On that note, I propose that Amelia Bones accept the Line in regency until Draco Malfoy graduates Hogwarts, at which point the position will pass to him, if he still seems worthy of it."
This produced an explosion of noise that was silenced with a tap on the podium.
"One at a time, please. Augusta Longbottom, I believe you should have the first say."
The lady stared at him in some surprise, then nodded her head. "Thank you, Chief Warlock. Before I speak on your proposal, would you answer a question?"
"I would," he said easily.
"Is it true that you taught Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts over the last year?"
"It is true," he answered. "Though I would prefer to say that I taught Battle Magic, not Defense."
There was murmuring at this, but not enough to warrant another tap. Many parents of Hogwarts students relayed that this statement was proof enough that he was telling the truth.
"Why did you take the guise of someone else to do it?" asked Madam Longbottom, her tone containing the entire country's confusion.
"I said I would answer one question," he said with a frown. Then he sighed. "But I suppose an explanation is in order." The man seemed to draw himself up, adopting a lecturing cadence. "The truth of my identity would have interfered with my lessons. Some Slytherins would have balked, while others would have mindlessly sung my praises. There would have been questions about where I'd been, what I'd been doing, and why I'd left this country in the middle of a war to suffer at the hands of Voldemort. All of that questioning, while fully understandable, would have detracted from my lessons. At the time, I assumed I was only meant to last the year, so I thought an assumed identity would be best for the future of Magical Britain. I acknowledge that such fraud is illegal, and I am willing to pay any fines deemed necessary, or even go to whatever prison shall replace Azkaban, if this hall wills it. Such sanctions may be on the next session's agenda. I only ask that you consult the wills and skills of my students before you judge me too harshly. Ignore their ministry final test scores, however." He grinned. "They are the best fighting wizards to come from Hogwarts this century, maybe this millennium, but most of them failed that pointless test."
"What happened to the real Quirinus Quirrell, Lord Monroe?" asked Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Her voice was strict, her gaze penetrating.
"He continued adventuring," shrugged Monroe. "Polyjuice does not require a person to be in a state of living death. It's easy to impersonate someone if that person has no interest in society. In that case, you need only meet him once, discuss what you wish to do, and after he sees the sense of your suggestion and consents to it, you give him a haircut."
There was a bit of laughter in the hall, as many wizards realized what he was implying.
"In short, Quirrell is... off the map, you might say. He no longer wishes for his wanderings to be overseen by magical bureaucracies. He values freedom above all else now, so he immigrated to a country where those restrictions aren't a problem. I could not tell you his exact location, only the name of the country, as the locals call it."
"Please do."
"Griffonia," said the Chief Warlock.
"That is the name of a country?" Madam Bones replied skeptically.
"Yes," he answered. "It's like the other country I told you about. I can take you to meet him later. If you need a Patronus charm to verify my sincerity that he's currently there..."
The director of the DMLE sighed. "Maybe at your official hearing, once I convene it. Assuming this hall can agree on your proposal for regency."
"And assuming that they don't deny your request to try me," he added with a wry smile.
"And that," she sighed again.
"Now," said Monroe, "I believe Madam Longbottom still has the floor. Has your curiosity been sated?"
The absurdly-hatted witch nodded once. "Regarding you, it has. Thank you, Chief Warlock. Now I would like to know why you have proposed for Draco Malfoy to inherit the Line's regency. I know I speak for many in this hall when I say that I won't vote in favour without a good reason, even if Madam Bones would lead us for the next six years." There were many nods of agreement in the hall.
Monroe seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Is Draco Malfoy's testimony still available?" he asked the secretary. "The one from the trial of Hermione Granger? Witnessed under veritaserum?"
The secretary nodded.
"May it be read aloud again?"
She nodded again.
"Please have that done."
She nodded a third time, and within the minute an auror was reading the testimony of Draco Malfoy. His repeated emphasis of having helped a muggleborn girl would hopefully override the 'trying to kill me' part.
Even still, upon the conclusion of the testimony, David Monroe said, "I should mention that the blood-cooling incident between Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy was a result of Voldemort's machinations."
"I concur," said Lucius Malfoy, drawing the surprised attention of the hall. "Were it not for his true vanquishment last night, House Malfoy would have sworn vengeance upon him."
There was far more surprise at that, which had to be silenced by a tap of stone on a podium.
"Thank you, Lord Monroe." Lucius continued after inclining his head at the Chief Warlock. "I trust this entire incident has put doubts about myself and certain others to rest."
(On the way to this very session, Monroe had informed Lucius that he may be more critical of Voldemort. He no longer needs to say euphemisms like 'ill-fated adventurer', if it's to the purpose of selling the Imperius narrative. Lucius had asked, at that point, if those were truly the Dark Lord's orders, or if Monroe was trying to get Lucius killed. Monroe had laughed, the Dark Mark had itched, and that had been that. Lucius had asked if the Dark Lord could hear their conversation, and Monroe had said, "Yes." Lucius had shuddered, and nodded acceptance at his new orders.)
With a strange sense of constrained freedom, Lord Malfoy continued speaking. "If we had truly served that terrible tyrant of our own free will, we would not be here this day."
Another tap was required to silence the hall after this statement.
"Let us save that discussion for the second item on today's agenda, Lord Malfoy," said Chief Warlock Monroe. "For now, I only wished to reassure Madam Longbottom that my teachings to the young Mr. Malfoy extended beyond battle. I gave him no Slytherins to rule in his extracurricular activities aside from his personal bodyguards. After a single year in Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy has learned to accept Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and even Gryffindors as friends and advisors, not just as servants to be ruled."
"I don't mean to mistrust you," said Madam Longbottom, "But do you have any clear proof that he has truly learned such a thing?"
The Chief Warlock smiled, an unusual expression on the ordinarily severe face. "When Mr. Potter was forced to relinquish some of his soldiers to balance out his advantage of skill, he sent Mr. Malfoy a powerful muggleborn lieutenant. Some Slytherins considered this sabotage, but instead of offering insult, Draco Malfoy gave the muggleborn a fair test, then promoted Mr. Thomas to officership after he proved his military worth. I thought to give Slytherin a few house points when he did not refuse such an obvious advantage for something as trivial as family politics, but I also thought to consult my young apprentice in advance before doing so in public, and he politely declined, so as not to lose even more face with his current base of support. But in the end, his actions speak far louder than words ever could. He did not discriminate against Mr. Thomas, nor did he discriminate against the foreign-born Padma Patil. He took both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw to his side and heeded their advisements, as any competent leader in his position should have. As any competent Slytherin should have."
Some of the blood purist faction grumbled unhappily, but the side that Monroe was actually trying to convince were nodding approvingly, or at least looking thoughtful.
"Mr. Malfoy has learned to work with and respect his fellow witches and wizards," Monroe concluded, "regardless of background or blood. So long as they prove smart and strong, he will acknowledge them. He even walks the path of powerful wizardry that few Lord Malfoys in history have ever truly walked."
"Hem hem," came a noise from the plum-coloured robes. "May I ask what Lucius Malfoy's opinion on this is?"
Lord Monroe frowned at the interruption, then looked to Lord Malfoy, who had his eyebrows furrowed.
He did not respond right away, and when he did, his voice was unusually slow and thoughtful. "My son is indeed going against my wishes, in some ways. And in others, he is fulfilling my wishes more than I could have ever dreamed. When I watched his battle, I had to trust that he had a good reason for giving his strange transfiguration orders, since I did not understand it myself until it was explained to me. His reason was so good that it won him the battle. I think I shall take the same stance now. I trust my son will do what is best for his house and his country, even if I do not understand some parts of his mindset. If a slight change in politics has come with my son's improved capabilities, and that slight change happens to improve his leadership skills…" The man seemed to nod to himself. "I shall accept that price for his newfound power, even if I could not do it myself."
The Hall was silent at this, until the Chief Warlock decided to resume the stage.
"Amelia Bones for the next six years, then Draco Malfoy," said Lord Monroe. "I made my proposal because I believe Mr. Malfoy will be the best wizard for the job once he comes of age. If his attitude changes in the future, I can always amend the decision, but I have faith my young apprentice will rise to the challenge. I believe he will be honest, fair, and competent as Chief Warlock, both to his friends and his enemies. The emotions of youth and Slytherin plotting aside," Monroe grinned wryly. "Remember that Mr. Malfoy did not assume he was more powerful than Miss Granger. That is why he challenged her privately. Furthermore, his plotting against her involved only a future, lawful, public challenge. It violated Hogwarts regulation, but not any law of this nation. He intended to honestly duel and defeat her, nothing more. He hesitated only because he respected her proven power as equal to his, and I believe that attitude will serve Magical Britain well. Until then, Amelia Bones, the best director of the DMLE that this nation has seen in centuries, will also serve us well and fairly. That is why I have made my proposal."
There was a silence after the Chief Warlock spoke.
"May we have a minute for deliberations, Chief Warlock?" asked Madam Longbottom.
"I concur with Madam Longbottom," said Lucius Malfoy.
"You may," said the Chief Warlock.
Members of factions convened, discussed, disagreed, debated, argued, and sometimes shouted. Allegiances shifted, favours were called, factions split, and decisions were reached. Even if he probably wouldn't have been caught, Monroe decided not to use any subtle eavesdropping charms. It was visible on facial expressions and body language, even without knowing exactly what was said. (And the strong emotions in the air made it clear as well.)
He had made sure not to remind them that he did not need approval to pass the Line of Merlin in regency. He had said it at the beginning, but his subsequent questioning and speech should have distracted most members from the fact that their votes didn't actually matter, except as a public record of approval/disapproval. Amelia Bones would be appointed and assume control as soon as this vote was held, regardless of the outcome. But they did not need to be reminded of that until it happened.
When the vote did come, Amelia herself abstained. The Malfoy and Longbottom factions voted in favour, marking the first (of many) time(s) these two opposing sides ever agreed on a controversial vote. The Greengrasses and other neutrals had seemed unsure during the debates, though many were leaning towards agreement, and once it was obvious where the vote was going, most either voted in favour or abstained.
In the end, the only ones who voted against were a few (potentially former) members of the Malfoy and Longbottom factions, the ones that couldn't tolerate or compromise with the other side at all, regardless of new information.
As soon as the vote was recorded, Lord Monroe immediately passed the Line to Amelia, to the surprise of many in the hall.
A tap of his wand changed his robes from black to plum-coloured, accompanied by the letter 'W'. "With the remaining agenda," Lord Monroe said, "especially items three and four, it would be best if I were not Chief Warlock as we discussed them." The mysterious warlock sat down in his replacement's former seat and said no more.
Amelia Bones tapped the podium with her rod of stone, drawing everyone's attention.
"Second item," she said without preamble. "Last night, Hogwarts was raided by Voldemort-" there were gasps at the name "-and what seemed like his entire roster of servants, save the ones still in Azkaban and the ones who said they were under the Imperius. Lord Monroe has suggested that the memory of Professor Filius Flitwick of Hogwarts be shown before this hall, in a similar fashion to how he showed his battle in April. The memory of the event has already been provided, and Lord Monroe has already requested official approval to set up the parchment repeater screens, as he calls them. As Chief Warlock, I formally approve the request, for I know I would have wanted to see this, had I not already been shown earlier. If any of you think that decision is out of line for the breach in tradition, you may start a vote to sanction me. After you watch it."
The murmurs of the hall were not silenced by a tap of stone for once, since there was a bit of down time to allow them to go on. Monroe set multiple screens to float and face the different seating areas of the Wizengamot. Not every member would have a perfect view, but they all would be able to see it well enough.
After the memory was done, not a single member of the Wizengamot considered calling a vote of sanction against Amelia Bones, even though some members had motive to find any reason at all to call such a vote against her. It wouldn't have passed, and the one who called it would have been embarrassed and lost political capital.
Actually seeing what happened has a way of swaying opinion. Everybody appreciated the first-hand account of the incident, regardless of faction. And nobody dared questioned the integrity of the Head of House Ravenclaw by suggesting that the memory might have been edited or flawed. (He might have challenged them to a public duel for the insult to his honor, if someone had been so foolish. With Flitwick's reputation as a former dueling champion, nobody would have been brave or stupid enough to do that, even if the thought occurred to them.)
"Due to circumstances that will be explained in the next item," Amelia Bones said soon after the repeater screens fell blank again, "all prisoners of Azkaban were under the direct supervision of aurors at the time of this incident. At 12:07 AM, all convicted Death Eaters save Sirius Black simultaneously grabbed at their arms in pain, then burst into flashes of light, leaving only ashes behind. This coincides with the reported events that occurred at Hogwarts. As you all saw, the other Death Eaters suffered the same fate, leading the Unspeakables to believe that Voldemort is truly gone now. The Unspeakables have theorised that the Dark Mark inflicted the final fate of its master onto his true servants, no matter where they were or what they were doing at the time."
She did not mention that they also theorized that, if not for the destruction of the Dementors who had been draining all magic in Azkaban, the Marks might not have gone off. She knew the true fate of the Death Eaters, but if she hadn't, she would have taken that theory at face value and laughed at the irony. 'Out of the frying pan, into the fire,' as the saying goes – the minute they are saved from torture, they die at their own Dark Lord's hand.
But according to Lord Monroe, whose Patronus-honest words she would soon be verifying, that's not what happened, so she kept it all to herself. She did not say anything beyond what she'd already said, which was simply what the Unspeakables believed about the whole affair, not what she believed.
As a Hufflepuff who hated liars growing up, she really does hate this position, and politics in general.
"Lord Monroe scheduled no official vote for this item," she said to the Wizengamot, "only that he thought it was in the interest of the most ancient hall to see it. I was inclined to agree. The aftermath of the affair is currently being handled by my department. Since there are no scheduled votes, I think we should move to the next item, unless someone can think of a pertinent vote."
She paused, as if to give the hall time to think of something to vote for.
"I think," said Lord Monroe, "that Minister Fudge could imagine an appropriate vote."
Eyes turned to Monroe, then to Fudge, who looked surprised and flustered for a moment, before his eyes lit up with sudden excitement. "Ah, yes!" said the portly man. "Yes, yes, of course!" Drawing himself up into a formal and 'generous' political demeanor, he spoke with conviction and geniality. "I propose that Orders of Merlin be awarded to Harry Potter and David Monroe. First class."
Before the hall could react to the proposal…
"I refuse to accept," said David Monroe at once. "I will not say why, but I refuse to accept any recognition for the defeat of Voldemort. That should go entirely to Mr. Potter. And Ms. Granger as well. First class for him, second for her. "
Now that they did have time to react, the hall was silent.
"Could you explain why?" asked the Chief Warlock.
He shrugged. "The battle against Voldemort was more complicated than the climax you all just witnessed. There was rising tension, lead-ups, plots you don't know about. Much of what went wrong in this most recent school year was the result of his plotting. The blood-cooling charm, for instance, and the troll after that. It was the Patronus of the Boy-Who-Lived that ultimately vanquished him, and it was the Girl-Who-Died who saved my life in the end. She fought off Voldemort's temptations, though none of you were there to witness it. Don't forget that a phoenix deemed her heroinic enough to become her companion. Second-class is the least we can do. And Mr. Potter earning first class should speak for itself. For my part, I will be collecting the Dark Lord's bounties from Gringotts and distributing them to his victims. Mr. Potter will support this agenda if the goblins insist that he collect them instead."
"And your refusal to accept an Order of Merlin of your own?" asked Amelia Bones, eyes sharp.
"I already said I will not go into detail," he pointed out. "I will only say that my regret over the last many years, my inaction and cowardice, and the responsibility I hold for what happened during the war... well, I do not think last night makes up for it in the slightest. I have not earned an Order of Merlin. I will not say exactly why, only that I refuse to accept any you give me."
Amelia Bones seemed to accept this with a nod, then called the vote with a tap of her rod.
Mr. Potter's vote passed easily, since it passed unanimously. Even the 'Imperiused' Death Eaters voted in his favor (even if it was just to keep up appearances about how 'grateful' they were), and none of the other blood purists thought it politically wise to disagree with the majority in this case.
You only oppose a thus-far 95% in-favour vote when you want to make a point to your peers or constituents. None of the Wizengamot politicians were going to make a point against the Boy-Who-Lived vanquishing Voldemort, so they voted in favour, not even abstaining. Only the Chief Warlock abstained, as is ancient tradition, although she can vote if she deems it sufficiently important, as is also ancient tradition.
On the next vote, when it seemed like some factions were going to deny Ms. Granger's Order of Merlin, Lord Monroe pointed out that the Boy-Who-Lived is the type of person who would refuse his reward if he heard that his deserving friend didn't receive one as well. Lord Monroe then said he would be immediately informing Mr. Potter and the rest of Hogwarts of this body's decision, before or during the Leave-Taking Feast tonight.
This time, some politicians did make it a point to disagree with the majority that awarded Ms. Granger her Order of Merlin. None of them were so tactless as to be be honest about why they voted against it. They went with the "Lord Monroe hasn't explained all the details; I think second class is too high; I would vote 'yes' on third class," excuses. Even blood purists can sometimes recognize when to make excuses, and when to reveal their true ideological motivations.
The vote passed anyway, without their support, and it passed easily.
"Third item," said Amelia Bones when the secretary had recorded the tally. "Last night, beginning at 8:30 PM, an attack was launched on all the world's Dementors, starting with the Dementors in Azkaban."
The news that had been reported by the Daily Prophet that morning did not produce any gasps of shock, though the members of the Wizengamot grew gravely serious when it was spoken by their DMLE director / Chief Warlock.
"According to Alastor Moody," said the witch still wearing her auror uniform, "who wields the Eye of Vance, there were three perpetrators. According to everyone else, there was only one, which Monroe claims will be shown on the screen now."
Immediately after she said the words, the image of a bat-winged unicorn of grey coat and formless mane appeared on the screens. The horse was not in the process of attacking any Dementors. It looked fairly mundane, actually, wearing glasses and a cloak that no real equine would wear. It simply stood in what looked like a meadow and looked out at them through the screen, somehow managing to appear bored. It was not a moving image.
"Moody claims," continued Amelia Bones, frowning at the image, "that when he tried to arrest the creatures, he wasn't expecting them to respond. We still aren't sure how much of what he saw and heard can be trusted. He claims that the bat-winged unicorn, in perfect English, said that it was declaring war on the whole world. The bat unicorn proved its declaration by appearing all across the world and purging Dementors with Patronus light. This was after escaping Azkaban's wards through unknown means. There are only two Dementors left that we know about – the Dementor housed by the International Confederation of Wizards and the Dementor housed by our own Department of Mysteries. We are unsure if it is because they are too well-guarded, or if the perpetrator had a motive for sparing them."
"He did," said Monroe, drawing the attention of the hall back to him. "It was a courtesy, so that we may still use Dementors to teach our children the Patronus charm, though he warns that he will destroy them if they are ever used for executions, torture, or general dementation."
There was a pause in which Monroe amused himself by looking at the expressions of various members.
"Lord Monroe," addressed Augusta Longbottom. "Are you implying that you personally know the creatures that did this?"
"They call themselves ponies, and yes, I am. Remember that this screen shows memories. Where do you think I got that image?" he asked, inclining his head at the screen. "Excelsior, Prince of Equestria, land of…" he sighed heavily, "…magical equinoid creatures." He tapped his wand to his head, and the screens began showing various images, all stills.
"You jest," said Lord Malfoy.
"I'm afraid not," said Lord Monroe.
"Where is this... 'Equestria'?" Augusta Longbottom asked, looking at the screens with fascination.
"I am bound not to reveal the location recklessly," Monroe answered. "For now, I can only say that Equestria is a true land, and that it's… hidden, let us say, like Atlantis might or might not be hidden." Images of cities, landscapes, and creatures flashed by as he spoke. "It is inhabited by intelligent Equinoid creatures, from Ponies to Cows to Griffons, many of which have their own nations. The ponies are the most developed and prominent, similar to how we are the most prominent magical country on Earth."
Many species had been shown as he spoke, but now it only showed ponies.
"They are all magical, but only unicorns can cast spells unaided. The standard breakdown of their species is that there are plain, Earth-bound ponies, there are pegasi, there are unicorns, and then there's the rare combination of all three called 'alicorns'."
A pony with a flowing, rainbow mane was shown.
"It does not refer to unicorn horn like it does here. They also have 'thestrals', which look different from ours – that is the perpetrator's base species."
An image of 'Prince Excelsior' appeared on the screen again, this time without a cloak or glasses. The creature's eyes were closed, but a horn and wings were clearly visible, indicating that it was one of those 'alicorns'.
"You may also be interested to see their capitol, Canterlot."
The screen showed a picturesque city on the side of a mountain.
"It houses their highest government and some of the royalty. I should mention that alicorn status is extremely rare, and the individuals who attain it are often extremely powerful. It is tradition for Equestria to instantly ennoble any pony who 'ascends' to the status naturally."
The most ancient hall watched as 'alicorn' after 'alicorn' appeared on the screens, from black to white to purple to pink to orange.
"They can also understand our language. As Mr. Moody claims, Prince Excelsior does indeed speak English, though others cannot."
The cloak-clad 'alicorn' appeared once more on the screen, the same image that had started this all.
"And if you think that this is all a bad joke, as Lord Malfoy does," said Monroe in tones of conclusion, "I thought the same thing too, at first. If I had to compare it to something, it's similar to how this country's initial reaction to Voldemort and the Death Eaters was to believe it was all a bad joke. Except instead of hammy dread, this one is in the direction of…" he sighed heavily. "Unbearable cuteness." He stood straight as he gave his finishing remarks. "I assure you that they are very real, and aren't to be trifled with despite their appearances. Treat the Dementor incident like you treated the House Monroe incident. This is not a joke."
There was silence in the hall.
"Does all this mean," asked Chief Warlock Bones, speaking slowly, as if choosing her words carefully, "that you are on friendly terms with the creatures who attacked Azkaban, Lord Monroe? You have more than a passing familiarity with them?"
"That is correct," he replied easily. "Consider me an ambassador, I suppose. Or better yet, an intermediary. I have contacts in their media and government. Last night was not the result of official government action, despite alicorn involvement. The moment that a certain pony realized they could destroy all of our Dementors, that pony simply went out and did it. Like Harold Shea and the mind flayers of centuries past. The oldest and most respected members of their royalty, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, are all willing to defend that pony's actions, though that pony is also willing to defend their self."
"How are you in contact with them?" demanded Amelia Bones.
"The Patronus Charm is one method," he answered. "Would you like me to use it now?"
This question caused the hall to devolve into a ten-minute discussion on if he should send a Patronus message, and when that vote passed, what he should say. Or rather, what he should demand.
He said that he didn't think it was wise to demand anything, but he agreed to send whatever message the Wizengamot decided upon.
The surprise at the shape of his Patronus was getting old at this point, and Monroe barely paid attention to it.
"Tell Princess Celestia that the government of Magical Britain has demanded an Equestrian representative, preferably Prince Excelsior, be sent at once. The Wizengamot requires accountability for the destruction of their Dementors, which were regarded as national treasures and weapons in case of war."
There was a brief silence in the hall but for the murmurs of nobles while they waited for reply. When it came, it was no longer in the shape of a man, but in the shape of a winged unicorn with a flowing mane – an 'alicorn', as Monroe called them.
"National treasures?!" demanded an indignant, angry female voice which they all clearly heard as perfectly comprehensible English, if in a different accent from their own. "Those things were the darkest creatures in the world, and your government calls them national treasures?! You used them as war weapons?! Please inform the Wizengamot that I am in no mood to listen to their demands. If Prince Excelsior," her tone shifted when she said that, as if saying the name ironically, or sarcastically, "wishes to respond, he may do as he pleases. But Equestria shall have no official contact with the government of Magical Britain if it is to be on those terms." There was a huffing sound, accompanied by the Patronus whickering. "Speak to me again when the Wizengamot wishes to acknowledge the atrocities it inflicted upon its own citizens. Containing Dementors when they could not be destroyed is one thing. Giving them a purpose to prevent them from preying on innocents is also understandable. I can barely accept that Azkaban may have been a necessary evil, if you were truly unable to deal with Dementors in any other way. But viewing them as 'good' in any way, shape, or form is completely unacceptable."
At that, the Patronus stopped speaking, finishing its rant into the stunned silence of the Wizengamot. The predictable bickering that followed was silenced by a clack of stone before it could really begin.
"I quite agree with that sentiment," said the voice of Madam Longbottom after the clack before any others could command the room, including the Chief Warlock. "I think I rather like Princess Celestia."
"Convey her words," Monroe quickly said to the Patronus. When it nodded and disappeared, he turned to face his peers, some of whom were already outraged at his autonomous action. "That was an attempt to maintain positive relations, my Lords and Ladies." He narrowed his eyes. "Do keep in mind that ponies are powerful, as we have already witnessed. With any luck, Celestia will-"
"Tell Riddle to thank Madam Longbottom," said her returned Patronus. "I am glad not all humans are lost. I would invite her to tea if I could. Good day."
At that, the Patronus winked out.
There was an immediate click of stone, one that drew eyes to the podium above. "What did she mean, 'tell Riddle', Lord Monroe?" Amelia asked, a strange expression on her face.
'Lord Monroe' was frowning at where the Patronus had been. "Before he was known as Prince Excelsior," he said, "that pony was known as Lord Riddle. And before that, he was known as Mystery Book. In their culture, ascendancy to alicorn status is extremely rare, and is often accompanied by a change in name. Princess Luna, the one who awarded him the name of Riddle Tome when she first ennobled him, thought it would be a good fit, since he was good at solving riddles and reading tomes. Celestia wants the prince to be informed that Madam Longbottom should be thanked on behalf of Equestria, whenever he gets the chance to do so in person. And she's right that telling me is as good as telling him…"
"Lord Monroe," addressed Amelie Bones, her tone now military and pragmatic. "Do you expect Prince Excelsior to come if you sent a message to him?"
"Not without collateral," replied Lord Monroe. "I expect him to demand that I be held hostage in the meantime. If he does, I am willing to acquiesce." He grinned charmingly. "I can always escape if I have to."
There was a bit of laughter, some of it nervous.
This time, when the message was composed, it was written down on parchment, then sent by a spell that seemed to incinerate the paper in a flash of green Floo fire.
Monroe said that the two requirements of sending a Patronus message that scholars know about are that you have to personally know who you are sending it to, and you have to want the recipient to receive your happy thought. He said that he was unable to send a Patronus message to Prince Excelsior, then said for everyone to draw their own conclusions, then refused to say any more.
When the reply parchment appeared before Monroe in another flash of green fire, it demanded exactly what he thought it would.
If not for Monroe's willingness to volunteer, the vote to use him as collateral would not have passed. Even with his support, it barely passed with a simple majority. Some of the factions that voted in favour clearly hoped to get rid of Monroe this way, while others simply wanted Prince Excelsior to appear before them at any cost.
But the deciding factor was those who did as Monroe requested because they were on his side, even if it didn't seem in his own interest. Some of those opposed voted for what they thought were Monroe's actual interests – namely, not being punished in response to their peers' inevitable attempts at punishing the incoming pony. Other members of the opposition, the intelligent and cautious members, including Amelia Bones, voted against it because losing David Monroe meant losing a large amount of military might. But even with all that opposition, the vote still passed.
Since it would have been a faux pas to do any arguing himself, Monroe had used the time of the vote's discussion to take down his repeater screens and store them in his robes.
When the vote was passed, Monroe composed a response letter agreeing to the terms. It was short and simple enough that the Hall took less than a minute to agree to send it without any amendments.
Fifteen seconds after it was sent by that spell of green fire, Monroe vanished from his seat without any apparent visual or sound effects. No pops, no flashes, no blur, just simple vanishment. A few of the more learned members, including the auror guards and the current Chief Warlock, wondered if that was yet another kind of pony teleportation, since it corresponded to no known teleportation spells, and it didn't produce a flash like the kind they'd already seen.
A few seconds after Monroe vanished, the pony they'd seen on the screens appeared where the man had been seated. It looked around, then flashed to the very center of the room - not down on the ground where the members could look down on him, but up in the air, level with the highest members of the Wizengamot save the Chief Warlock herself. It did not look like the creature was floating, it looked like it was simply standing on thin air.
The creature's mane was not magical at the moment, nor did the creature seem to have a horn, nor wings beneath its plain cloak. It wore glasses that obscured its eyes and a blank expression which revealed nothing, not even its being an intelligent beast.
"You wanted to speak with me?" it asked in a disinterested voice, like it had better things to do.
Multiple voices began speaking at the same time, overlapping into incomprehensibility. The Chief Warlock had to silence them with a tap of her stone.
"Prince Excelsior," she said in a neutral tone, then delivered the will of the Wizengamot. "You stand accused of destroying our national possessions, declaring war against Magical Britain, and endangering our country by removing the guards of countless violent criminals. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
The creature, looking up at the podium, raised an eyebrow. "Is this a trial or an arrest?"
"Consider it both," said the Chief Warlock/DMLE director, Line of Merlin in one hand, wand in the other. It was not quite aimed at him, but it was more than close enough to target a spell in a fraction of a second.
The pony shook its head. "You have the authority to make arrests, Director Bones, but not to make such judgements, Regent Bones." He spoke in a condescending tone. "I know that much of your legal system. I owe no debt to any Lord or Lady. You are accusing me of crimes against your country, and therefore you shall need the agreement of the Wizengamot to convene a trial."
"The Wizengamot has already agreed to try you," she informed it.
"But have they officially voted to have the trial?" he asked in return. "Please learn your new position, if you would be so kind." It yawned lazily, briefly bringing a hoof to cover its mouth. "I intend to be home for dinner. I prefer not to waste the times of others, and I expect the same courtesy in return. I will submit to the will of this hall if you are democratic, just, and judicious about it. Get the votes to hold this trial, and do please make it quick."
This was done without delay or difficulty, the vote for a trial easily carrying in favour.
"Now I may speak in my defense," said the creature before Regent Bones could direct the trial. "But first, the Veritaserum." From one of the aurors below, a vial flew up to the floating/standing pony, then was held out in a glowing magical grip to the Chief Warlock. "Would you like to confirm I haven't substituted something else?"
There was a pause, during which the regent locked gazes with the pony. "I doubt it will matter," said the Regent, "since I suspect you are an Occlumens. Will you attack the Court Legilimens if she attempts to verify this fact?"
The pony grinned, uncorked the vial, then downed the whole bottle in a single gulp. He shook his head violently, his lips making a slight "pbpbpb" noise, as if he'd just drank a shot of hard liquor.
Many witches and wizards were staring at him in shock; that was potentially lethal. To humans, at least.
Regent Bones now did suspect that he substituted a different bottle, but she didn't ask the Court Legilimens to come forward, since this little display was probably the same as the creature saying 'Yes, I am an Occlumens.' Or maybe the display was meant to fake him being an Occlumens…
"I am Riddle Tome," said the creature, "once Mystery Book, and something else before that. Now, as Prince Excelsior of Equestria, I plead responsibility for waging war on your world's Dementors, a war which is now ended, unless wizards decide to press the issue further."
The Chief Warlock tapped her podium with the Line of Merlin. "The pleas, Prince Excelsior, are guilty or not guilty. Not that your guilt is in doubt."
The creature shrugged. "I plead no guilt when I feel no guilt," it said indifferently. "I acknowledge responsibility, and I would have that exact phrasing recorded. That said, I will plead guilty for destabilizing your prison system. I intend to offer restitution for that unavoidable side-effect of what happened last night. We have a magical device that fills the role of Dementors in our own magical prisons. It can likely be modified to fit humans. Of course, I reserve the right to revoke this offer, and I suggest the Wizengamot keep that in mind, along with the fact that, regardless of how your Chief Warlock phrases the accusations, I will interpret any vote about Dementors as siding with or against the darkest creatures the world has ever seen. I myself have no intention of making an enemy of your state unless you make an enemy of me. Finally, I will mention that I was once a Dark Lord by pony standards. That is all."
Amelia Bones was openly scowling at the creature. "If you truly did not intend to make an enemy of us, why did you make a declaration of war?"
"It was your agent who said that. I said I was not declaring war on Magical Britain. Did the man with the mad eye not report that to you?"
"Ah, yes," said the DMLE director. "You said we should not flatter ourselves, and that you were declaring war on the whole world. You think that makes it better?"
The creature made a hmm noise. "I must have left out the apostrophe 's' and the word Dementor."
In a flare of orange flames that first alarmed many watching wizards, but less so when the blaze seemed to coalesce into letters and words, four fiery phrases were written onto the air itself, one phrase facing each section of the Wizengamot, just as the repeater screens had done, such that everyone had a decent view of the message. Each phrase read the same thing:
…declaring war on the whole world('s Dementors).
When eyes returned to the creature above, they saw the creature grinning at Regent Bones. "I suppose I am at fault for that misunderstanding. My apologies."
"Flair for the dramatic indeed," she grumbled, so quietly that few members heard it. "The Wizengamot may now begin deliberations," said the Chief Warlock. "If you need time for them."
And indeed they did need time. Lots of time. Those wearing plum-coloured robes below began talking heatedly amongst themselves.
Madam Longbottom's voice could distinctly be heard as she argued that it was a good thing the Dementors were gone. Madam Umbridge's voice could be heard arguing about Azkaban and war weapons and national treasures. Lucius Malfoy refrained from speaking at all, surprising all his peers, allies and enemies alike. He simply stared at the creature, a calculating look in his eyes.
When the voices were settling into something of a calmer murmur, Amelia Bones tapped her rod on the podium. "I call the vote," the Chief Warlock announced. "By show of hands, let the Wizengamot acknowledge crimes committed against Magical Britain. First, the endangering of our citizens by violent criminals who no longer have perfectly effective prison wardens to guard them. The accusation is essential destruction of Azkaban."
"If you'll forgive me for being out of order-"
"No."
"Silencio." As Amelia Bones tried and failed to dispel this standard charm, the pony continued. "I do not consider this particular vote as siding with or against Dementors," said the pony. "Finite."
"You do realize," said Amelia Bones when she could speak again, "I will be adding assault of a government official to your charges, yes?"
It replied with a cheeky grin. "And you realize, now that you've attempted to dispel my magic, that I'm powerful enough to say that I don't care?" The grin widened further. "Even if I weren't that powerful, the charge of a silencing assault is nothing compared to the others. It would only matter if my other debts were forgiven, and yet somehow that specific one was not. I find that unlikely, but it would be hilarious."
The witch was still scowling. "The vote has been called," she said to the chamber, which was staring at them. "Do please raise your hands if you find him guilty of breaking Azkaban."
For this, there was a sea of raised hands, even from many members of what would have been called the 'light' side of the room. Even Madam Longbottom, with a look of reluctance, had her hand raised. As Chief Warlock, Madam Bones abstained, as is tradition, but she used her other vote as head of the DMLE to vote against the creature, which surprised some members of the Wizengamot, but nobody protested. In fact, many members on both sides seemed to appreciate the maneuver.
The secretary announced that the Wizengamot acknowledges the debt owed by Prince Excelsior to Magical Britain for the destruction of its prison system.
"Fair enough," said the pony. "How shall it be paid?" he asked, again wearing that insufferable grin. "Azkaban?"
"I would suggest," said the cultured voice of Lucius Malfoy, addressing the room, "that we impose a monetary debt, my fellow Lords and Ladies. Perhaps he or his nation will honour this one, even if he is under the impression he can escape the others. If you disagree, remember that we have charges yet."
Deliberations on this idea did not last long.
Even if most of the Wizengamot instinctively recognizes the authority and competence of their Chief Warlock when it comes to matters of law and enforcement, matters of debts and recompense are the competence of the Malfoys. Without David Monroe present, Lucius Malfoy swayed the room easily enough.
The only point of disagreement was on the amount owed, but it was eventually decided that a million galleons would be appropriate.
A few of the more arrogant members (though not Lucius Malfoy) were sneering at the creature who (they thought) had no hope of repaying such a massive debt, and who would certainly be indentured as a result. Their emotions came from habit, not really taking the current facts of the matter into account. Not that they could have taken all facts into account, since they had no way of knowing that this particular perpetrator...
"If you wanted me to flood your economy with enough gold to inflate your currency," said the pony when the final amount was recorded by the secretary, "all you needed to do was ask. I am a wealthy prince, you know, with access to magics you know not. I can pay in raw gold at no cost to my nation or myself." With a sigh, he added, "The goblins are going to love this situation. And thank you for the easily-repaid debt."
There was a brief, angry uproar from some of the members, silenced by a tap of stone.
"Deliberations have ended," said the stern voice of Amelia Bones. "The Wizengamot voted on an agreed amount, and that cannot be undone, regardless of what the debtor claims about repayment. Remember that he could also be lying."
Before she could say more, the pony interrupted with, "Now we come to the part where some poor fools align themselves with Dementors, yes?"
"This is the part where the defendant is normally silent," she rejoined. "By magical imposition, if necessary." Her ever-present scowl became a bit more pronounced. "Since, evidently, you are immune to such spell attempts-" the aurors in the room had been trying and failing to use various restraining spells throughout this trial "-I will simply add contempt of court to your list of charges."
"I plead responsible to that one as well." He grinned very widely. "With what it has done in the past, I do hold contempt for this court. I wonder what my punishment shall be? Goodness, this is fun. It seems I should get out more often after a-"
A tap of the stone rod silenced him, his gaze jerking slightly to meet hers.
Now, finally, Amelia Bones was the one smiling. "It's good to know that some enchantments work on you." She made a show of looking at the Line of Merlin. "It's not every day I can literally thank Merlin."
The creature's next three rejoinders were all silenced by taps of stone, until it was simply frowning.
"Good," said Chief Warlock Amelia Bones with a nod. "I call the vote. By show of hands, let the Wizengamot acknowledge crimes committed against Magical Britain. Second, the defendant stands accused of waging war by removing from us our advantage of magical weaponry. The charge is of being a proven military enemy to Magical Britain."
The immediate tap of stone that Amelia made to interrupt the creature's inevitable interruption did not, in fact, interrupt him. He was not speaking, and his eyes were already locked to Amelia's, which the tap would have forced him to do if he had not already been doing it.
As he stared her down, letters of fire drew across the air once again, forming another four-fold message that read:
Those who would wield Dementors might be consumed by one.
The pony above the letters no longer seemed amused. It was grim and serious.
Attempts to dispel the message failed, so the vote was held with the words emblazoned above them all. This vote was not unanimous. Not even close.
Notable refrainers were Lucius Malfoy, since it was not expected of him to forgive such an unforgivable attack on Britain, and Lord Greengrass, who was often a key swing vote.
Beyond that, Madam Bones was also an unexpected voter. As Chief Warlock, she had the right to vote on any issue, but was expected to remain a neutral arbiter in most cases. She announced both that she was voting on this one and that she was using both to vote against the idea that this pony is Britain's military enemy.
Now there were protests at the maneuver, but she said they didn't seem to mind the last time. They should have called a vote then, and they may call a vote in the future to prevent double-votes, but right now they had something more important to vote on. And, in her professional opinion, it wouldn't be wise to declare this creature – and by extension, his nation – an enemy of Britain.
Cornelius Fudge seemed to be swayed by the sentiment from the head of the DMLE, saying that he was switching his vote from condemn to refrain.
Almost all of the Death Eaters who had been 'under the Imperius', were not swayed. They voted against the clearly belligerent creature.
Madam Umbridge and her faction – a good number of elected officials, heads of departments, etc., basically the Ministry's bureaucracy – voted against the creature as well. This included the head Unspeakable and the head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
Arthur Weasley, head of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, and Bartemius Crouch, head of International Cooperation, were two bureaucrats who bucked this trend, voting forgive and refrain, respectively.
It went without saying that Augusta Longbottom and her faction voted in the creature's favour, and she even managed to convince a few swing votes. In the end, however, neither her efforts nor the Chief Warlock's were enough.
The vote barely passed, but it did pass.
"The vote carries in favour," intoned the secretary. "The Wizengamot recognizes Prince Excelsior as an enemy of the state."
As with blood debts, there are no set punishments for this charge. Unlike blood debts, this is not a 'debt' that can be repaid. Being an 'enemy of the state' is simply a state of affairs to be dealt with. The Wizengamot could choose to do anything to someone so labeled. There are no limits to what can be done.
Typically, the punishment is death by Dementor, but it could really be anything the Wizengamot wants to inflict, even Cruciatus insanity – a punishment which hasn't been officially inflicted in over seven centuries, in a case where the criminal himself had tortured multiple nobles and Ministry battlemages into insanity. But in this case, given that the 'crime' was Dementor-related…
"May deliberations begin on punishment," said Amelia Bones.
"Indeed," agreed Prince Excelsior.
Before he could be silenced by the Chief Warlock, the Line of Merlin Unbroken flew from her hand. Her eyes widened in shock when the unstealable artifact was stolen from her.
The creature rose to her height, though not to her podium, entirely ignoring the fact that her and many other wands were leveled on him, some already casting offensive spells that fizzled out as they approached him.
Its cloak flew from its back, menacing wings now spread-eagle. Its glasses disappeared, revealing a sharp horn and slitted ice-blue eyes, which were menacing enough, but then…
But then its eyes seemed to melt into his face, leaving hollow pits in their place. Flesh seemed to whither and flake away, leaving a skeletally thin body behind, as if he was actually becoming a wizard's thestral- no, worse than a wizard's thestral, he was beginning to look like… like something dead and rotting, left in water for a while.
And the mane shifted too, from black hair into a full-flowing, dread-inducing, soul-sucking void, as bad as any Dementor's aura. The responding Patronus charms did not ward the fear like they would have if it was an ordinary Dementor.
Magic itself seemed to drain from the room. Spells dissolved in the air around him. Attempts at apparation failed. Someone cast the killing curse, and it connected with the void but didn't kill it. It had the same effect that it would have had on a Dementor: it made the thing more powerful.
"Magical Britain," said the skull of a decaying corpse in a voice that hurt their ears. "You stand accused of crimes against humanity. You are extremely guilty of cruel and unusual punishment, enacted against your own citizenry over the course of centuries. Your pleas are irrelevant, for I find you responsible." Wizards and witches were falling unconscious, seemingly unable to endure the aura. "The sentence is death by Dementor's kiss."