A Bend in Time

The delegation cranes their necks to better observe the artifacts. They expectantly study the artifacts as some elder wizards and witches hold up theater binoculars to better view the items in question. Their eyesight was not quite what it used to be.

Minister Jenkins carefully clicks a button on the metal glass frame. There is a buzzing-like sound before an image begins to play a pre-recorded video to be precise, an advertisement. The mirror shows a rather attractive witch dressed in silk robes appears on the screen talking and showcasing a range of wizard and witch wear.

"Gladrags Wizardwear is available in London, Paris, and Hogsmeade." The attractive witch paused to seductively purse her red lips and confidently winked. "Only a true witch or wizard, shops at Gladrags Wizardwear."

The commercial ends and Minister Jenkins presses the knob to turn off the tel-i-vizion. She expectantly turns around to find the expressions of amazement on the faces of many delegates. Some even have their mouths flopped open in shock.

"The Auto Data Processing system permits information to be stored and processed through the Magical Brain. This is a pre-recorded promotion and other pre-recorded material including entertainment can be shown through the artifact known as a tel-i-vizion. The wizarding link connects the magical brain to all registered households with the tel-i-vizion artifact. Furthermore, news and emergency broadcasts can be conducted live by the artifact to provide information to the citizens as urgently needed."

Cedella Reid can hardly contain herself at the announcement. She presses her dragonhide boots against the stone floor in excitement. Keeping her voice steady so as not to betray her eagerness, she coolly introduces herself. "Delegate Reid speaking, am I to understand the artifact will function much like the muggle television with the capability for entertainment, education, music, and including live news and other televised events!"

"That would be correct, Delegate Reid," Minister Jenkins firmly responded having memorized everything she could from the technicians the night before.

"This is an incredible feat by the British Ministry of Magic that must be acknowledged and applauded by the delegation. Without a doubt, the creation of artifacts will open a new chapter in wizarding history, and be written about for ages to come," Cedella Reid truthfully asserted. "Am I correct in assuming that the other two artifacts possess such amazing capabilities well?"

The delegation eagerly studies the other two artifacts and expectantly awaits the Minister of Magic to explain the use of the remaining artifacts.

Minister Jenkins points to the large ball-sized artifact and the smaller version held in Ragnok's hand. "These two artifacts in question perform the same function. The larger one is to be used at home and in the office, and the smaller version is accessible to all in a portable format."

"I present to the delegation, the tel-i-phone and the mini-phone!"

There is a lack of response from the delegation as most stare blankly at the declaration as most are unfamiliar with the term. Though Cedella Reid can hardly contain herself. This was the invention of the century! It was revolutionary! Owls would no longer be the main form of communication! One could speak from one side of the world to another in a matter of seconds! (Well, once the international ADP system, magical brain, and wiz link are set up.)

Minister Jenkins quickly began pressing several buttons on the large tel-i-phone. The mirror begins to glow and the small portable version in Ragnok begins to ring. Ragnok presses a crystal button to accept the call as the glass mirror shows the reflection of the Minister of Magic, while on the larger version, the tel-i-phone, Ragnok's reflection is also reflected.

"Hello, can you hear me Ragnok?" Minister Jenkins spoke into one of the horns of the tel-i-phone which clearly be heard coming out of the small pipes out of the mini-phone!

"You are heard loud and clearly, Minister," Ragnok spoke into one of the pipes as his voice is clearly heard repeating his words from one of the pipes.

Minister Jenkins presses the button and ends the call as both mirrors go blank and return to normal reflecting the reflections of those standing in front of them again. "The tel-i-phone and mini-phone will permit witches and wizards of the entire world to communicate with each other in a matter of seconds! No longer will owls be the primary form of communication among us, but rather an entirely new form of instantaneous communication!"

A buzz of voices erupts as the members of the delegation discuss the artifacts. Some with excitement, others with disbelief and a healthy dose of speculation. It just seemed too good to be true. Though more than not, even the older members of the federation gained an eager gleam in their eyes.

A twinkling sound can be heard from a silver necklace that adorns the neck of the Turkish witch, Deniz Yildiz. Her dark salt-peppered hair is pulled up and covered by a headdress with silver embroidery. Underneath her robes, she has a simple shirt tucked into a wide skirt decorated with silver-like petals and gems that twinkle in the light. The sash is pulled tightly at her waist highlighting her curves. Underneath her skirt, she wears baggy trousers (Turkish salvar) that are loose on top and tightly gathered around the ankle which are paired with black leather ankle boots.

A rather loud cough is heard from Deniz Yildiz causing the delegates to turn in her direction. "Delegate Yildiz speaking," she firmly said causing the Great Hall to fall silent. "What type of education or programming can be shown?" The Turkish accent emerges with a dentalized accent.

"It will be up to each individual Ministry of Magic to regulate their own programming, Delegate Yildiz," Minister Jenkins plainly answered. "As of right now, the Ministry of Magic is creating a new department to manage the tel-i-vizion programming. Programming will belong to private enterprises to create and record their programs."

Deniz Yildiz showed some relief on her face at the response. She truly hoped to preserve their magical culture and the old ways that are quickly being forgotten. If even a few of the newer generations show the slightest interest in the old ways, they can continue to preserve the old ways for the future generations to come.

"Currently, we have several ready programs such as a daily news network to be run by a neutral media source," most certainly not the Daily Prophet!

" A children's story time with appropriate age programming, educational programming on a matter of various subjects, a finance program for investors, and other various entertainment including a tele-novela," Minister Jenkins furrowed her brow.

"A tele-novela is a sort of play, however, it is much more similar to a novel in length. A tele-novela is not a few scenes, but many episodes long," Minister Jenkins thoroughly explained. At least that is what the muquibs, squibs, and muggleborn witches and wizards called it. Though she had some nagging suspicions there was more to it as they always loudly snickered to themselves…

"The first tele-novela to be run is called 'Homely Flora'," Minister Jenkins made a wary expression. "It is apparently about a brilliant, but homely secretary working in the Ministry of Magic, who falls for her handsome boss."

Some of the delegates appear interested in the summary of the tele-novela. Others appear appalled at the third-rate script. While the savvier folks simply nod their heads in pensive understanding. They could easily see the appeal to the masses and as a result the incumbent profit! It was not a bad idea at all to invest in!

"There will also be films shown," Minister Jenkins repeated what she had memorized. "A film is in essence a theatre play without breaks in between scenes. I am told they will be showing several popular books, (mostly muggle books which had taken the wizarding world by storm). Among them are Detective Holmes, Henry Poirot, Pride & Pre-judice, and several others."

Siegfried Black suppressed a smile through his gray eyes crinkled up in pleasure at the announcement. He was rather fond of Detective Holmes. Though he knew that several others such as Atticus Malfoy who was instead riveted by the actions of Holme's archnemesis, Professor Moriarty. (Especially ever since Lucius Malfoy, the head of the main family had gifted Atticus Malfoy the series).

Far from being the only delegate who was pleased by the announcement, so was Phillipe Verninac, who smugly puffed out his chest. He was quite proud of his fellow Frenchmen. (Albeitedly, a fictional character). A muggle, oui, yet a gentleman unmatched by wit! A true Frenchman! Poirot had made all of France proud!