A Bend in Time

As the doors are magically sealed shut, the sound fiercely echoes through the Great Hall. The air in the hall visibly grows solemn as every eye in the Great Hall turns toward the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizardry. Even the most ardent naysayers of Albus Dumbledore could not argue that he was not a formidable wizard. Without argument or doubt, Albus Dumbledore is surely one of the most powerful wizards in existence.

Standing at his full height and with a straight back, Albus Dumbledore even at his ripe age could still tower over many a wizard. Tall and lanky one might even say, but far from being short of stature. Brilliant blue eyes gleam from behind half-moon spectacles as he expectantly meets the gaze of the gathered assembly of the Confederation.

"I am honored to welcome the Internal Confederation of Wizardry to Hogwarts," Albus sincerely said. "As former Headmaster and a former student Hogwarts; Hogwarts has been my home for many a year and is most dear to my heart. I can only hope that during your brief stay here all of you might find Hogwarts as enchanting as I do."

There were some brief smiles and chuckles at Dumbledore's words. Though many of the delegates' expressions did not so much as flicker. Yet the remark was successful as, despite the air of solemnity, the air is much less heavy than before. The air at least seemed breathable for the moment.

Glancing at a wizard sitting at the front, Albus nods to the dark-haired wizard with darker skin and strong facial features, (the second cousin of Kingsley Shafiq). It was partially for this reason that Albus had selected the speaker of the Emergency Session. And no matter the circumstances or differences in opinion Idris Shafiq always remained composed. It was an invaluable characteristic considering the circumstances.

Taking a moment, Idris Shafiq adjusted his round spectacles to purposefully give himself time to compose himself. The wizard in question is handsome and solemn with a short, neatly trimmed beard. With an air of great confidence, he stands to his feet revealing long white robes (thobe) and loose-fitting robes (sirwal) underneath the darker outer robes of the Confederation.

"It is July 24th of 1976. Under the direction of Supreme Mugwump Albus Dumbledore, the delegation of the International Confederation of Wizardry has convened together under the exigency of circumstances in the Isles, and at the entreaty of the Supreme Mugwump and over half of the delegation of the Confederation in favor of the request."

"As plainly stated, and written in the Confederation's bylaws there is a majority present on this day." Idris Shafiq gazed over the numerous wizards and witches as he paused to give enough time to a slender, dark-feathered Quick-Quotes Quill to take notes. It is better to have an impartial note-taker for the historical records of the Confederation. Nor was it the only feathered Quick-Quotes Quill taking notes as various quills strewn across various tables take identical notes.

 "It is noted and acknowledged that there is a consensus among the delegates and as such the Confederation may pass laws, motions, and implement policies that will be applicable to every wizarding society on the face of the Earth."

There is a grave finality to Idris Shafiq's words. Indeed, whatever laws or policies were discussed and passed on this day would be applicable to every part of the known magical world. It would affect them, their children, and even the future generations yet to come.

"It is with great honor and solemnity that I turn over the right to speak to the Supreme Mugwump Albus Dumbledore," Idris Shafiq honorably bowed to the elder wizard, before sitting down.

Still on his feet, Albus Dumbledore's child-like blue eyes gaze over the gathering of witches and wizards. "It has been many years since the Confederation has seen fit to gather together under such exigent circumstances." He tactfully neglected to mention the reason for the last emergency session of the Confederation to address the capture and warrant placed upon Gellert Grindelwald's head, dead or alive.

(The Confederation move was successful as it had forced Dumbledore's hand. On November 02 of 1945, Gellert Grindelwald was defeated in a duel by Dumbledore. After capture, Grindelwald was trialed and sentenced to life imprisonment at Nurmengard).

"Yet considering the mitigating circumstances, I cannot argue against the necessity for today. However, before we continue onto more somber matter, might I present those in unexpected attendance today?"

Idris Shafiq loudly says, "Are there any objections to the proposal of the Supreme Mugwump to present those in attendance?"

Glancing at the delegation, Idris Shafiq does not see or hear any objections or protests. "It is duly recorded that no objections have been voiced by the confederation," he firmly declared, before nodding in the direction of the Supreme Mugwump.

 "Seated at my side is Rubeus Hagrid, the groundskeeper of Hogwarts and the son of the current Gurg of the Giants, Fridwulfa. Thereby the representative of the Giants."

Hagrid tries not to flush, but he is only mildly successful. At least, he didn't shrink in his seat as every pair of eyes in the Great Hall turned to assess him. He frantically recalled what to do in such a situation. The letter from Rowan flashes in his mind and he forcibly focuses his gaze up ahead on the stone floor as he begins to imagine his dog fang and counts, "1 Fang, 2 Fang," until he physically relaxes by 10 Fang.

"Seated next to Rubeus Hagrid is Vaibhav Marwah, a parselmouth, who has been hired to ensure the safety of the Chamber of Secrets of Hogwarts for all."

There is a murmur and rustle of interest among the delegation as they study the wrinkled, tanned wizard. Vaibhav Marwah symbolically puts his palms together in greeting and bows his head in the direction of the confederation. He is greeted in a similar fashion by a dozen delegates, while Sheesha lazily yawns and flashes sharp, venomous fangs at the assembly, before flicking her tongue in the general direction of the delegation.

"As Supreme Mugwump, I would recommend the Council consider granting Master Marwah an honorary position as the Confederation's official parselmouth."

There is a burst of whispers by members of the delegation at the recommendation made by the Supreme Mugwump. Jack Steward looked particularly uncomfortable at the mention of a parselmouth. Sagemore gently reached over and clasped the shoulder of the younger wizard. Jack Steward flashed the elder wizard a weak smile.

Seeing the discomfort of Jack Steward, Chepi woefully shakes her pale head. It did Jack Steward no good to deny his lineage. When one denies a part of themselves, it only serves to weaken oneself.

A voice in accented English said, "I for one am not opposed." The speaker in question is a wizard with sleek white hair pulled into a tight bun. Ken'ichi Sato is a direct relative of Izuki Sato.

 The elder wizard is striking and sharp with crow's feet indicating his age. The elder wizard wears an intricate silk kosode underneath the robes of the Wizengamot. (A kosode is a robe with a wide body and two large sleeves.) The Kosode was held together by a golden silk slash (obi) and accompanied by a pant-like garment (hakama).

Ken'ichi Sato had been forewarned as much by his nephew. He was abundantly prepared for the task. "The dark wizard in question whom we have gathered to discuss is a parselmouth. Furthermore, much is not known about parselmouths. It would serve us to better understand the unknown lest we be taken unaware."

A loud bark of laughter is heard from a large Finnish wizard over 6 feet tall with rich brown hair to the back of his neck. Riku Laakso's wrinkles his long nose, before a wide grin appears on his firm-featured face. "Fighting fire with fire is not a bad suggestion, Delegate Sato," he paused to glance at the elderly parselmouth. "However, I do not believe that Master Marwah desires to fight a war for the wizards and witches of the West."

 There are fraught whispers as several witches and wizards look mutinous at the idea. Even the wizards and witches naught of the isles had heard of the infamous Salazar Slytherin. They had no desire to create another.

Ken'ichi Sato refrains from snorting in disdain. "I have no intention of suggesting such a foolhardy act. Rather there is invaluable knowledge to be offered by a living parselmouth. There is much to be learned from as their very few impartial historical records on parselmouths."

The delegates are much more appeased by the response of Ken'ichi Sato. It is a splendid idea to consider and have Master Marwah serve in an honorary function without any real power. There are more than a few intrigued faces and even more in favor of the proposal.

"Master Marwah, before the Confederation makes its decision," Idris Shafiq said, "is there anything that you wish to say?"

Bowing with gratitude at the opportunity, Master Marwah rose to his feet as all eyes turned on him. Shesha merely sniffs and climbs up her master's shoulder to rest on his turban. She flicks her tongue pointedly tasting the air in front of her.

"I am thankful to Delegate Sato for his clarification," Vaibhav Marwah earnestly said. "I would have had to refuse the Council's offer otherwise." His response earns more nods and looks of approval from the delegation.

"I confess, I am an old man," Vaibhav Marwah joked earning smiles and some laughter from the delegation which eased the atmosphere. "Truthfully, I would be honored to share and teach my knowledge as a parselmouth. My grandfather had the gift of parseltongue and before him my great-grandmother, and before her, our great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. We know not from whence he came, or who his people were. He was an orphan who came from far across the great waters seeking refuge."

 There are traces of understanding and sympathy on the faces of several members of the delegation. Parselmouths have often been forced to flee their homes lest they be slaughtered. Perchance parseltongue would be far more commonplace in wizarding society if not for the historic oppression of parselmouths.

 "None of my children possess the gift nor my grandchildren, but surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, one day one of my blood will receive the gift anew," Vaibhav Marwah matter-of-factly stated. "I wish for a world where a parselmouth is not scorned for their gift. If my acceptance of the honorary position on the International Council of Wizardry can create lasting change, then I consider myself privileged beyond measure."

Seeing the approval on the faces of the assembly, Idris Shafiq gestures to the delegation to quiet down. "Are there any objections to the proposal of the Supreme Mugwump to permit Vaibhav Marwah to serve and fulfill the honorary role of the Official Parselmouth for the International Confederation of Wizardry?"

Hagrid tries not to hold his breath as he sees a dozen hands go up. Mr. Marwah is a good man. He can tell by how patient and respectful Mr. Marwah was during his explanation of familiars. Not many would have shown him such kindness.