So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 56 A Shift in the Balance

 

‘Maybe they use time-turners,’ suggested Theodore.

 

Harry was about to say more when the doors shut with a far too loud bang. Dumbledore walked in the ghastly bright orange coloured robes of the Chief Warlock – whoever had designed the Wizengamot robes must have been blind or mad or both. Everyone instantly silenced but Harry could tell that many were going over in their heads what had been in the Daily Prophet over the last few weeks.

 

Harry brought out his leather-bound notebook that had been bought for him to take notes on what he had seen at the meeting. His father expected him to have questions at the end. Harry, after all, had a decade’s worth of political lessons to make up for.

 

‘Commencing the 7519th Wizengamot meeting,’ Dumbledore said. ‘First, are there any present who wish to Claim a Seat?’

 

Harry watched with baited breath as his father stood up and immediately the silent chambers burst into hushed whispers. Or at least more than half of the chambers did. The Light side glared at Tom whilst the middle group muttered suspicious and curious.

 

‘I Foma Salazar Slytherin born Foma Salazar Lagunov claim Headship of the Houses of Slytherin, Le Fay and Peverell,’ the Dark Lord said in a voice that carried over the whispers. ‘As well as stewardship over the Houses of Ambrosius, Black, Gryffindor and Potter through my son and Heir Hadrian Salazar Slytherin.’

 

‘The claim is accepted and validated by Gringotts Bank and the Wizengamot Administration Services,’ Dumbledore said.

 

Dumbledore’s voice didn’t belay any of his feelings at having accepted his enemy into the hallowed halls of the Wizengamot and losing his own seats. However, Harry doubted it would be long before Dumbledore did something. Or more likely knowing Dumbledore’s habit of not getting his hands dirty one of his sycophants would cause something.

 

‘Does anyone have any objections to claim?’ asked Dumbledore.

 

‘Objection,’

 

The wizard was seated to Dumbledore’s right. He spoke with a wheezy voice only heard thanks to the Sonorus spell. He looked even older than Dumbledore not that was a surprise the average age of the Wizengamot members being eighty-seven. He had had fluffy white hair where a tall black top hat was sat.

 

‘Elphias Doge,’ murmured Draco beside him. ‘Went to school with Dumbledore and has followed him loyally ever since.’