Now used to speaking at the pulpit, Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins coolly does so. The stout witch with thickly bobbed hair addresses the flashing cameras. "I am pleased to address the citizens of our nation and the wizarding world," she intently began as Skeeter's quill and the rest of the journalists fiercely scribble and crane their ears with all their might to listen.
"On this historic day, I am delighted to present the changes made by the International Confederation of Wizardry, which are already in effect," Minister Jenkins continued in a slow manner to the great impatience of those listening.
"Firstly, is the creation of a new classification term of existence to be called 'Magical They'," Minister Jenkins plainly stated, causing murmurs of surprise among the reporters. "The Hags, trolls, giants, goblins, centaurs, and merfolk have all presented their case before the Confederation and were not found lacking. They are henceforth reclassified to Magical They."
Although those present are surprised, the changes are not overwhelming. It is merely a policy change. A mere reclassification of magical species wouldn't have a lasting impact on society.
"With the creation and reclassification of Magical They," Minister Jenkins paused, before carefully saying, "The Code of Wand Use, Clause Three was challenged."
There is an eruption of voices as even the mouth of Cuffe falls open. He didn't have any hope for any scandals, but this was an epic story. He glances over at Skeeter, who is dictating as fast as possible in whispered tones to her acid-green Quick Quotes Quill.
Minister Jenkins does not speak until all voices fall silent. "It was brought to the attention of the Federation that the original Wand Ban of 1631 was, in fact, ineligible on the basis that Hogwarts, which was established hundreds of years before in 990 A.D. Moreover, Hogwarts was established by a founder who was half-goblin and whose descendants have continued to attend Hogwarts since then."
Many of the reporters, including Skeeter paused in amazement at the announcement. There was an air of utter shock as if no one knew what to say or do. Even the cameras of the photographers were dark and silent.
"Helga Hufflepuff was the legitimate daughter of Hera Hufflepuff and Ranuk, the eldest son of Ragnuk, the First Goblin King."
The voices of the reporters returned, and the clamor grew so loud that Mrs. Prim stepped up to the microphone and coldly said, "Anyone who continues to make such racket will be immediately escorted out of the Ministry by the Aurors on standby."
The reports reluctantly fall silent as Minister Jenkins continues, "This claim was further proven by the armband of Helga Hufflepuff, which was left to her by her sire, who passed away before her birth while in battle against muggle armies. The Stone Throne confirmed the claim of Helga Hufflepuff and furthermore recognized her last two living descendants, Severus & Rowan Prince as part of the lineage of the Stone Throne."
Abruptly, the mind of Cuffe begins to whirl at the mention of the Prince grandchildren. He had heard whispers; they all had that the old Prince was calling in many favors and debts before the emergency gathering of the International Confederation of Wizardry. They had all thought it had been to gain a seat on the Council, but they had all been so very wrong!
"Furthermore, as part of the discussion, the recognition of Nadira, the Guardian of Hogwarts was officially granted by the Federation which has already been reported on and recognized as such by the Hogwarts Board," Minister Jenkins said as various pictures and reports had been published of the flying albino Great Horned Serpent which had appeared at Hogsmeade during the giant attack.
The senses of the journalists tingle as even Rita Skeeter feels her senses telling her that something big is coming. Their course is set to collide with an iceberg, and they can do nothing to prevent it. Iceberg dead ahead!
"With actions taken by Nadira, the Guardian of Hogwarts, the International Confederation has adjusted the wand ban to reflect the change. Henceforth, any child of age, race, creed, or descendancy residing within the Isles can attend Hogwarts as is their magical birthright. As well as any child classified as Magical They in the world may attend a Magical Institution if an invitation is extended to them," Minister Jenkins boldly declared.
There is a stunned silence as the mouth of Rita Skeeter plops open, and she isn't the only one. Even Barnaby Cuffe openly gaped before startling himself out of his daze. "Rita!" He loudly hissed to awaken the journalist out of her stupor.
The magic words not only awaken Rita Skeeter but a score of journalists, who hastily scribble in shorthand and whisper to their Quick Quotes Quill to take note. There is a burst of uncontrollable whispers as Cuffe refrains from letting out a low whistle. He was very impressed, and he rarely ever was. He had to hand it to Confederation, there hadn't been a scandal this big in centuries!
The rest of the evening is a blur with all the announcements made such as the creation of the M.I.D. (Magical Interoperation Department), the ICC (International Criminal Catalog), or that of the INTERAURORS (International Criminal Auror Society). Or that of the changes in guilds to accept Magical They or the creation of the classification of Magical They along with Master Wilfredius accepting hags as workers or even potion apprentices. The changes to the guild or the new peace treaty between giants and wizardkind along with adequate restitutions.
The news of the Ichor Fructus and the fact that Helga Hufflepuff was half-goblin would not make it to the front page. Even the news that house elves would no longer be culled and would have the right to purchase their freedom from their master, and that a free house elf would have the right to be paid and treated per the existing labor laws.
Normally, such a topic would have the traditionalists ablaze, but no. All these subjects did not trump the fact that goblin children would attend Hogwarts! Even more importantly, that goblin children would have the right to wield a wand! It was the scope of the CENTURY!
The instant the Minister was done speaking, only half of the reporters stayed to ask questions, the others bolted back to headquarters. It was a race against time as Cuffee barked at the printers to change out the front page of the evening edition. Rita Skeeter whispers at a frenzied speed to finish writing the front-page article.
With a raspy, worn voice, Rita Skeeter hands the scribbled parchment to Cuffe, who reads so fast that he starts getting a headache. Instantly, he corrects the article before handing it to the printing staff. The two of them are exhausted and collapse in front of Miss Twinkle, who generously pours them wine and begins to plate the dinner she had made and had been magically kept warm.
Within half an hour, stacks of paper were printed, rolled up and tossed out with rather chagrined owls to be delivered. The evening edition flew on wings as the radio began to broadcast the recorded Minister of Magic's decree. Needless to say, there were those who were not opposed or even in favor and those who were greatly displeased.