A Bend in Time

At the front of the Great Hall, Master Linnaeus deeply bowed to the seated assembly of the International Confederation of Wizards. "As Headmaster, I am honored to host such a noble delegation of wizards and witches. Please ask and I and Hogwarts will do all that we can to satisfy and fulfill the needs of the Confederation."

Master Linnaeus bowed deeply again to which many of the members of the Confederation bowed their heads back. Straightening up, Master Linnaeus says, "The house elves will shortly clear the tables. I shall personally seal the outer doors of the Great Hall. There will be a small team of Aurors guarding the entrance once the door is sealed."

Albus Dumbledore nods his thanks as Master Linnaeus departs from the Great Hall. The dishes in the Great Hall vanish from the table only moments later. Several witches and wizards from other parts of the world murmur in approval. They check under the table before laughing in delight. It was always wonderful to see different magic styles from other parts of the world. One could always learn something new, and if useful, it was always good to bring the knowledge back home.

(The majority of the delegation arrived at Hogwarts the prior evening. Those traveling the farthest arrived at nightfall. As such supper had been delivered by the house elves to each chamber of the delegation, who rested in their chambers after a tiring journey.)

Standing on the outside of the Great Hall, Master Linnaeus did not wait long, when a small troop of Aurors in scarlet robes can be seen escorting a stout witch with thick bobbed hair, Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins, who is accompanied by three other guests.

Master Linnaeus acutely observes the three guests accompanying the Minister of Magic. The first he recognizes is the goblin, Ragnok, the grandson and successor of Grok Gringotts. The aid the goblins had provided has been imperative in the war against Riddle and his minions, the Death Eaters.

As a result, Master Linnaeus can much more easily recognize the identity of the other two. Taller than a goblin and the only female among the three. The dark-haired woman is rather plain with a large mole on her pointy chin. She is dressed plainly in elegant black silk robes and a simple woven shawl. The only indication as to her identity is her gray-colored eyes, a trademark of the Black's, Annis Black.

The third is a large man though not as large as Hagrid. The man has a thick neck and uncut hair hanging low on his forehead. Yet with each step of rather large feet, the long bangs swayed revealing a pair of small horns. The man has broad shoulders and gorilla-like arms with scarred ham-sized fists. Human enough and yet not. Without a doubt the get of a river troll (based on the badly hidden horns), a half-blood.

Master Linnaeus had heard of Gerrad, the primary troll trainer at Gringotts Bank. The half-blood was talented by all accounts and despite his much smaller stature could even take on the most ferocious of trolls. And it showed considering that not a single troll had gone rogue and out of control when deployed in the fight against the giants.

Despite the half-blood's silent and hulking appearance, the man was intelligent and cunning. At least according to the goblins, and the goblins had high standards for what they considered cunning. Without a doubt, there was more to Gerrad than initially met the eye.

Turning his attention away, Master Linnaeus turned to study the Aurors accompanying Minister Jenkins and her three guests. The team of Auror's is led by a tall dark wizard with broad shoulders. The wizard was handsome with a sleek bald head and a glittering single golden hoop earring.

The Auror troop came to a halt, Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt a deep, low reassuring voice said, "Headmaster Linnaeus," the Auror bowed in greeting, before straightening. "I am Auror Shacklebolt," he paused to gesture to a handsome newly graduated, a fledgling Auror with wheat-colored hair, "and this is Auror (Frank) Longbottom. We will stand guard at the doors of the Great Hall to ensure no one enters the premises and disturbs the Confederation."

Pointing to the four remaining Aurors, Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt introduces them. "Auror (Dorcas) Meadows," a petite, pretty witch with tan skin, warm eyes, curly hair, and a warm smile.

"Auror (Sturgis) Podmore," a young wizard with a square jaw and thick straw-colored hair, whose hair was so flat that it appeared his head was thatched.

"Auror Proudfoot and Auror Savage," two Aurors that despite being unrelated appeared to be similar in such a non-descriptive average appearance. So average, they were perfect for undercover since they were so nondescriptive.

"Auror(s) Meadows, Podmore, Proudfoot, and Savage will all be deployed on the grounds to maintain the visual security of Hogwarts," Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt swiftly clarified knowing full well that the wards of Hogwarts were powerful on their one.

"As you will, Auror Shacklebolt," Master Linnaeus fully agreed with the decision as a Slytherin. Overconfidence was the surest way to achieve one's own downfall. It paid to remain humble and alert.

 With a passing nod, Master Linnaeus turns towards the Minister of Magic. He bowed to Minister Jenkins, who motioned to the troop of Auror's to step aside.

Emerging from the midst of the Auror troop, Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins acknowledged the gesture with a small tilt of her head. "Headmaster Linnaeus," she paused to briefly glance in the direction of the Great Hall. "How does it look?"

Immediately understanding the question, Master Linnaeus plainly answered, "I can't say for certain. It is sufficient to say it will be unprecedented."

"Fair enough," Minister Jenkins furrowed her brow in understanding. Indeed, she should not even be part of the Confederation's dealings, but she had been specifically called upon by the Council to participate since the matter discussed would directly impact the British Ministry of Magic.

Squaring her shoulders, Minister Jenkins entered the Great Hall followed closely by Ragnok, Annis Black, and Gerrad. The whispers inside the Great Hall come to a halt as the seated members of the Confederation inside recognize the fact that the session is about to start. The Great Hall falls silent except for the sound of the purposeful strides of Minister Jenkins, who has yet to find a seat.

Remaining standing outside of the entrance of the Great Hall, Master Linnaeus catches the eye of Professor Dumbledore. Understanding that it was at last time, Master Linnaeus raised his wand into the air. Bright blue sparks erupt from his wand as the doors of the Great Hall with a loud groan begin to move and closed shut with a thud. The enchanted ceiling reflects the sky and what was once bright is now cloudy and threatens to storm. The door is magically sealed shut unable to be opened from the outside except from within.