RELATIONS

Chapter XVI

Tuesday, December 10, 1996

Dumbledore looked across the table at the few people he had called to meet with him: Minerva McGonagall; Severus Snape; Remus Lupin; Edward and Harry Potter; and Alastor Moody.

"Nothing is to leave this room," Dumbledore said. "That includes your close friends, Harry. If you, or anyone, does not like this condition, please leave."

No one left. No one even moved.

Dumbledore surveyed the group, then went on. "Very well. The enemy claims to have reformed as the Movement for Pure-Bloods. They have issued an ultimatum, sending copies to the Minister, myself, and to the International and several other places. It will be released to the international media on the day before Christmas Eve, assuming we can keep it quiet until then. I have to inform the Minister and the International of my advice by noon the day after tomorrow."

Dumbledore picked up a parchment, and read:

From the Movement for Pure-Bloods issued 9 December, 1996

The Movement for Pure-Bloods make the following demands, and the following offers and compromises:

1) Definitions:

A Muggle-born will be legally defined as anyone with magical powers sufficient to be classed as a witch or wizard, who did NOT have both parents classed as both witch and wizard. Magical children of a pair of squibs are judged to be Muggle-born for these criteria. A Mixed-blood is the child of a witch or wizard whose other parent is a squib or a Muggle. 'Full-blood' is defined as any witch or wizard who has both witch and wizard for parents. The term 'Pure-blood' shall be reserved for those with Full-blooded ancestors for at least three generations.

Other mixed-wizards (magical parent mated with a Veela, giant, etc.) shall be treated as Muggle-born. Werewolves, vampires, etc. should be considered reduced one step (ie a Full-blooded werewolf would be under the restrictions of a Mixed-blood while in human form).

2) Schools:

No Muggle-born may be allowed to attend Hogwarts, Durmstrang, or the Ysgol, starting in the autumn of 1998; no one of Muggle or Mixed-blood may be hired to teach at those institutions after the current 1996-1997 academic year. No Mixed-Blood shall be made a prefect, Head Boy or Girl, or the equivalents at those institutions, starting in the 1998-1999 school year. No Mixed-blood may be selected to head one of those institutions after the 1996-1997 academic year.

Muggle-borns may be allowed to attend any other school of witchcraft and/or wizardry. Mixed-bloods and even the Muggle-born may teach at or even head any other institution.

The subject known as 'Muggle Studies' must cease at Hogwarts and the Ysgol, and may not be introduced at Durmstrang.

All Muggle and Mixed-blood students must take, and pass, a two year course on wizarding culture and traditions before being eligible for the O.W.L.s. This requirement would start for those entering schools in the autumn of 1998.

All students and teachers who do not meet the above criteria may stay in school or continue to be employed by that school if they are attending or employed for the entire 1997-1998 school year. Any Muggle-born not attending before that date who has a full sibling currently attending may also attend that school.

3) Government:

No Muggle-born may work for any Ministry of Magic, the International, or any associated agencies, other than charity or medical groups. Only Pure-bloods will be eligible to be any Minister of Magic. No Muggle-born or Mixed-Blood may rise above the level of Sorcerer Or Warlock.

4) Amnesty:

A full amnesty will be given to all members of the Movement for Pure-Bloods for any crimes, real or perceived, committed prior to noon, GMT, 6 January, 1997, or prior to the agreement of all parties to the terms in this document, whichever occurs first.

If these terms are agreed to before noon, GMT, 6 January, 1997, the Movement will surrender the Mixed-blood Tom Marvolo Riddle, who called himself Lord Voldemort. We understand that, according to a Prophecy, only a certain Full-blood has the power to execute Riddle. We will not stop him from doing so at any time. If our conditions are not met, Riddle will remain under our protection, and has agreed to work for our goals. While we wish to end the violence, we will do so only if this agreement is made.

We further agree that all current legislation concerning the protection of Muggles and Muggle society may stay in place, subject to the normal discussion and political processes, which may weaken, or even strengthen, such legislation.

The Members of the Movement agree to renounce violence, including the overthrow of current Ministries, and in the undermining of Muggle society in exchange for this agreement. Any violence perpetrated after the above terms are agreed to may be subject to punishment.

The Movement further states it will not engage in violence, except in defense, until noon, GMT, 6 January, 1997.

The Servant of the Pure-Bloods

"Damn," Remus said softly, "they think we'll bargain for Voldemort."

"Do ye think the Ministry won't, lad?" Moody asked. "Look at what they demand. Lots of folk half-agree with it. They didn't hate and fear Voldemort for hating Muggles; most of our kind hate Muggles! They hate and fear him because he wants to conquer and control us!"

"But . . . but it's wrong!" Harry said.

"You may think so," Snape said, "and let's be generous and say everyone in this room agrees. This document will tear the wizarding world in two, and the greater number will be tempted to agree to these terms!"

"Surely not!" McGonagall stated.

"We fear the Muggle-borns and the Mixed-bloods," Snape insisted. "We fear our culture will be over-whelmed; that we will become a mere quaint group on the edge of Muggle society, to be exploited as all such fringe groups are exploited. Look at the offer at face value, never mind that we almost certainly can't trust it! It gives most of our culture what it wants; it says what most of us truly believe in!"

"Severus is right, I regret to say," Dumbledore stated.

"Are you sure we can't trust them to keep their word?" Edward asked.

"How can you even suggest they would?" Harry demanded.

"Because the only way that I can see we can rally support against this agreement is to show they cannot be trusted," Edward told his cousin. "Snape is right; most of our society would either say these are good criteria, or at least not unreasonable criteria. We get to end the war, and kill Voldemort."

"You mean I have to kill him!" Harry protested.

"True, but most people won't care about that. This is what most people want. The only way to protest it is to show that it can't work; that the murderers can't be let go without punishment, as most would simply murder again, even if they don't believe it themselves."

"The first time one of the Lestranges gets a chance, there will be more dead or tortured Muggles," Snape asserted.

"And people like Malfoy will be trying to hamper Muggle-borns with ever-greater legal restrictions," Remus said. "Soon, they'd be a badly off as, well, as we werewolves."

"Why wasn't Beauxbatons listed?" Harry wondered.

"The French community has a lot more mixed-bloods," Snape answered. "If they had listed Beauxbatons, then it would be easier to show they really don't expect us to agree to these terms."

Edward picked up the parchment. "You know, it rambles a bit, but who ever wrote this was very clever. I wonder what the Death Eaters think of it?"

"Except for the lunatic fringe. . . ." Snape started.

"I thought they were all the lunatic fringe?" Edward stated.

"Most are fanatics, but not out-right insane on the subject," Snape insisted. "Anyway, except for those few like the Lestranges, the ones like Malfoy are probably are worried about an all-out fight -- they lost their taste for a war in the years of peace. This is a sop to them, while the Associate has probably assured the others, again like the Lestranges, that this is unlikely to be accepted, but will gather them more support."

"And that could easily be right," Moody admitted.

"I shall have to inquire very carefully amongst the International and the other Ministries directly concerned," Dumbledore said. "I thank you all for your opinions."

As the meeting broke up, Edward saw Harry was hanging back. "Have you decided what you want to do for Christmas?" Edward asked.

"No, sir, not yet. We're talking it out now."

Edward saw Harry eyeing the Headmaster, and understood. "Alright, then. Let me know what you decide." He patted his cousin on the back, wished him good luck, and left.

"Excuse me, Alastor, I believe Mister Potter needs to speak with me. Come back in an hour or so."

Moody gave Harry a twisted smile, and left them alone.

"Yes, Harry?"

"May I ask you to trust me, Professor?"

Dumbledore blinked at that, startled. "I do trust you, Harry. I asked you to this meeting, did I not?"

"Only because I might have to execute Voldemort."

"That was a major factor," Dumbledore admitted. "How do you wish me to trust you?"

"I need to talk about all this with my friends. We'll only discuss it where you allow us to, but we need to talk about it. Please, sir," Harry pleaded, "let us."

"Very well, Harry," Dumbledore replied after a moment's reflection. "Tomorrow evening, after dinner is over and the hall is cleared, you may use the waiting room, where the Tri-Wizard champions met. Discuss this nowhere else, except the Castle at Potter Place. I want no hint of this to leak out on our end."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Wednesday, December 11, 1996

"And that's where the discussion ended," Harry concluded the next evening. Five stunned faces looked back on him.

"So the war . . . could be over!" Neville finally said.

"No!" Hermione replied, horrified. "How can you even hint these people should get away with this . . . this unfair . . . the killings . . . everything!"

"Hermione," Neville said sadly, "just pretend for a moment that this is a serious offer. Let's look at each effect. Take Bellatrix Lestrange -- she tortured my parents, she probably tortured me. She is responsible for Sirius' death. Yes, in an ideal world she would be punished even more than she has been, especially for Sirius' death. Tell me, Harry, how many more people should die so she can be punished?"

"That's not the point!" Harry said.

"It certainly is part of the point!" Neville stated back. "Obviously, the terms can't be agreed to just as they are, but if they're genuine, they're a good starting point to negotiate from."

"That's true," Ginny said. "I doubt if anyone can get the Ministries to refuse to at least negotiate these terms. Except for the restrictions on Muggle-borns, they're not totally unreasonable."

Harry and Hermione simply stood there for a moment, jaws slack in disbelief.

"The only way to prove the other side has no intention of making peace is by trying to make the peace," Luna said simply. "Unless our side gets verifiable, undeniable proof that this is a delaying tactic or a move to split us apart, there is no other choice but to negotiate. If, say, the Order of the Phoenix simply says 'no' and attacks this Movement, then most people will see us as just as bad as the Death Eaters." She shrugged. "Do any of you want war just to make a point?"

"I hate to say it, but they're right," Ron said. "You two might be totally right morally, and even right about them not being trust-worthy. In fact, you're probably totally right. But that is not relevant."

"How . . . how can you even suggest. . . ." Hermione sputtered.

"How can you have read those books on politics and strategy you had me read and even ask that?" Ron demanded. "This looks like a genuine peace offer, no matter if it is or isn't. If our side ignores it, it makes us look as bad as they are!" He looked at Harry. "Some already think that." Harry flushed angrily, the disagreement about the shooting of Voldemort still divided them to some degree.

"It isn't that we agree totally with those terms," Ginny said quickly, "but we have to be realistic about this. Harry's word still carries a little weight; he should say he doubts the motives of the Movement, but agrees that there should be some very tough negotiations on those terms. If they refuse to negotiate, that means they're faking. In the mean time, we can hope any spies or moles that our side has will dig up proof."

"It would be nice to end the war before more people are killed, wouldn't it, Harry?" Neville asked.

"At the cost of disenfranchising people like me?" Hermione shrilled.

"No, Hermione," Luna said. "But, unless this is fought out to total surrender, at the cost of many many lives on both sides, we won't get everything we want. How many innocent children, innocent Muggles, are you willing to sacrifice for your principles, if it turns out this Associate can end the war now?"

"That would be their choice!" Hermione insisted.

"Mostly, but not entirely," Neville argued.

"Do you four, of all people, really fear Muggle-borns like me and Dean and Colin? Do you really think we shouldn't be here, that I should never teach here?"

"We never said we agree with all of the proposals," Ron told her, "especially not those."

Harry sat in a chair, holding his head. "God, this hasn't helped at all."

Luna sat next to him, keeping Harry between herself and Hermione. "Hermione is probably right; this is most likely a ploy to divide us. But the Ministries can't ignore the possibilities that this is a genuine offer. The terms are currently unacceptable. Even if there's an amnesty, amnesty for what and for who should be specifically spelled out. The terms against Muggle-borns have to at least be improved, if not dropped altogether."

Luna looked at Hermione. "Ginny is right; Harry still carries a little weight. If he agrees with what I've just said, he should tell that to Dumbledore. Don't think we're abandoning you, or people like you."

"And I'm different, aren't I, just because you're all Pure-bloods and I'm a Mud-blood!"

"No," Neville said, while the two Weasleys hung their heads. "It's not because you're Muggle-born, but because you and Harry are Muggle-raised. You do look at things differently than we do. It doesn't mean you're always right or always wrong. It does mean we're different, not in blood, but in. . . ." He was stumped for a moment.

"Culture," Ginny supplied. "Not everyone has picked up on our ways as well as you two. God, except for the photography, Colin is still almost a hundred percent Muggle. So is Dean."

"And that's bad?" Hermione demanded.

"It might not be bad, but it's not good, either," Neville insisted. "I like that part about the course in wizarding culture! What Harry said someone mentioned is right -- if we don't maintain our wizarding culture, we'll end up a little exploited part of the Muggle world, and I don't like that idea at all!"

Hermione's jaw set in a position Harry and Ron were all too familiar with. Harry stood and raised his hands. "Stop! Please, stop, all of you! Alright, I understand how you all feel. I'll have to think about all this, and talk to Dumbledore tomorrow morning."

"We know you'll do the right thing," Neville said, "even if we can't agree on what it is."

Hermione decided there wasn't anything she could add, so she merely said goodnight. "I think we should take the long way back to the Common Room," Ron said to Ginny and Neville. They agreed and said goodnight as well.

"This isn't your final decision to make," Luna reminded Harry. "Make your opinion known to Dumbledore, and then we'll see what happens. Even if we disagree, I promise not to argue with you about it."

"Thanks," Harry said.

Luna pointed to a far window. "Looks like someone started decorating early. Mistletoe." It hung there, the sole holiday decoration in the room.

Harry grinned. "Not worried about the nargles?"

Luna thought for a moment. "I'm willing to risk them if you will."

Harry was up early the next morning. He flew for nearly an hour, and came in for a quick late breakfast. He just had time to speak to Dumbledore for about ten minutes before his first class.

"I agree that is the most politic position for both of us to take in public, Harry," the Headmaster stated. "It is the most I believe I can convince the Ministries and the International to take."

"But you don't like it any more than Hermione does, do you sir?"

"No, I do not."

"So the Order at least will still be preparing for war?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, we shall be. Do you disagree?"

Harry shook his head. "I hope we're all wrong, but I don't think we are. Even if most of the DA falls away, I'll keep training."

"Thank you, Harry." Dumbledore smiled. "You were right; I should trust you more."

Friday, December 20, 1996

The night before the students left for their winter break, Harry called his five friends into the room off the great hall after dinner. He merely handed then a slip of parchment Dumbledore had handed him at lunch.

The Ministry and International have decided to enter into negotiations with the group known as the Movement for Pure-Bloods, in order to find out if more reasonable terms may bring the potential war to an easy and swift end. The Minister has appointed himself, along with Amelia Bones, as the negotiators for the British Ministry, with Percy Weasley as their chief aide.

"God help us all," Ron said. "If there was any chance of this working, it's probably gone now, with Fudge and Percy working on it."

Hermione snorted, but added no comment.

Saturday, December 21, 1996

The six friends were sitting together on the train to London, taking a break from patrolling. Relations were still a bit strained over the proposed peace.

Harry sighed. "Something to say, Malfoy?"

"No, no; just enjoying the sight of one of the last Mud-bloods to attend Hogwarts."

"Unlikely," Hermione said in a bored voice.

"Improbable," agreed Ginny, in the same tone.

"Any other clever observations?" Neville added.

Malfoy scowled.

"Krum did that much better," commented Ron, keeping up the tone.

"No, Krum could do it without getting so red," Harry pointed out.

"But is that a failure on Draco's part, or an added attraction?" Luna asked.

"You'll all be the ones . . . the ones . . . ."

"Mocked?" Ginny asked.

"Ridiculed?" Hermione asked.

"Scorned?" Ron asked.

"Jeered?" Neville asked.

"Derided?" Harry asked.

"He doesn't seem to have much of a vocabulary today, does he?" Luna asked the group.

Malfoy tried to slam the door, but it merely slid shut a little on the hard side.

"It was nice for Malfoy to try to keep up the tradition," Harry commented. "I almost missed it last September."

"To bad he didn't reach for his wand," Ron said. "I really like the new tradition of hexing the little ferret."

"Life will be different when we get back," Hermione said.

The rest of the group looked at her, puzzled.

"January Sixth is the first day of classes. Either life is going to get harder because of this peace, whatever it is, or the wizarding world will be split and in a civil war."

"Merry Christmas," Neville said, bitterly.

"Joy to the world," added Ginny.

"Peace on Earth, good will to man," Harry said with a sigh.

"And yet it does look so peaceful," Ron said, looking out at the fields they were passing. "There should be hope."

"God, bless us, every one," Hermione quoted.

"She will," Luna said, serenely.