A Bend in Time

The awestruck silence lingers in the air as even the delegation cannot seem to wrap their minds around the impossible truth made known to them. Instincts kicking in Philippe Verninac grapples with the information before him and how best to use it. Though undoubtedly irked with Reginald, he could not help but admire the belated Sirsa's choice in spouse.

A clever ploy far too clever ruse be Reginald Prince's ideas alone. No, the ruse had the markings of the Prince's younger sister, Georgine Prince. Too many underestimated the wealthy, eccentric spinster. She pretended to be a delicate butterfly, but many forgot that a Swooping Evil fed on human brains.

Philippe Vernainca's azure-colored eyes flickered in thought. Though clever, Reginald Prince's move was not sufficient to sway the delegation to act otherwise. Yet, Georgine Prince never acted without a guarantee of victory. There must be something more to the ruse capable of even moving the delegation.

Before Philippe Verninac can speak, he is beaten by an elegant pale blond wizard with a neatly trimmed goatee, Atticus Malfoy. "It would appear that you came more than amply prepared Prince," he paused to delicately move a pale blond hair strand on his shoulder back into place. "I will even admit that I am moved by the truth and would agree that the wand ban based on the evidence presented should be annulled."

There are murmurs of alarm and disagreement along with head nods of approval at Atticus Malfoy's words. "However, the wand ban has been in effect legally for hundreds of years, and it is a result of history. I need not remind you of the wars that have been waged and the ensuing goblin rebellions. History has shown that both wizardkind and goblin do not trust each other."

There are loud voices of agreement by the delegation. It was obvious that was the case and would continue to be. There was no reason for the future to be any different.

"Impressive as the results have been of the temporary alliance as mentioned by Minister Jenkins," Atticus Malfoy continued, "It is merely a temporary alliance." He paused and bowed his head apologetically in the direction of Reginald Prince. "The use of the bloodline of the Prince grandchildren as an anchor for the treatise is not an anchor that either side will equally value for an anchor must be of equal value to both parties.

"A most excellent deduction, Delegate Malfoy, and which I am delighted to answer," Reginald said as he slowly reached into his silk acromantula robes. "As previously mentioned, my grandchildren are the descendants of three of the founders. Through their squib father, they are the descendants of Helga Hufflepuff and Godric Gryffindor."

"And as such, they were granted proof of this lineage," Reginald Prince carefully stated telling no lies to the delegation. With care, he removed a gleaming sword made of pure silver. The blade's hilt is set with egg-sized rubies, and just below the hilt delicately engraved is the name Godric Gryffindor.

There is a bout of silence in the room as many of the delegates guess the nature of the sword. "Is that Godric Gryffindor's sword?" Atticus Malfoy asked in awestruck disbelief. He may have attended Beauxbatons but his father attended Hogwarts and had told him the tales of the founders including the Sword of Godric Gryffindor.

"Yes, it is," Reginald said as he walked the sword over to the table holding the European Delegation. The delegation cranes their neck trying to get a better view of the sword in question.

"The blade carries the engraving of Godric Gryffindor below the hilt," Reginald gestured to the blade as captivated eyes peered at the legendary blade. "The sword has been confirmed to be the sword of legend by Grok Gringotts himself."

"Is this true, Ragnok?" Atticus Malfoy inquisitively asked as dozens of delegates turned to gaze at the next heir to the stone throne.

"I am pleased to confirm that is the case, Delegate Malfoy," Ragnok said with a sincere pointy-toothed smile. "The stone throne has forfeited its right to the sword of Godric Gryffindor. Rather we ask and humbly request that the blade never again be a symbol of hatred between goblin and wizardkind rather it becomes a symbol of peace between us."

A slow grin spread across Atticus Malfoy's face. "I for one would be honored to call the Sword of Godric Gryffindor a symbol of peace between goblin and wizardkind." He paused to gaze at the blade as if to reassure himself of the legendary blade's existence. "I never thought to gaze upon the sword of legend in my lifetime. I am grateful to be able to do so along with all future generations to come."

"Hear, hear," Harfang, (the second) gruffly said blinking the spots of moisture out of his eyes. He had grown up hearing the tales of Hogwarts from his mother, Cedrella (nee Black). She had been a Slytherin, but in private she had always called him her little lion. She often teased him that had he attended Hogwarts, he would have been without a doubt a Gryffindor. Truth be told, the tales of Godric Gryffindor had always been his favorite as a child.

Sitting at Harfang's side, Sieger Black raised his piercing gray eyes and caught the azure eyes of Philippe Verninac. He blinked pointedly at the Frenchman as if to say, "Did you forget your role?" Sieger curled his lip in contempt at Philippe Verninac, who woke from his stupor.

Philippe Verninac's lips pressed together in a grimace at being caught mid-thought. Pulling himself together, he nods his head at the members of his table, before straightening his spine. With shoulders back, he confidently addresses the delegation, "As reluctant as I am to agree with Delegate Malfoy's words, I cannot reject the proposal made. What better symbol of peace between goblin and wizardkind than the Sword of Godric Gryffindor."

Philippe Verninac paused to gaze at the heir of the Stone Throne, Ragnok. "It is a symbol of awe and respect even to the goblin nation. It is fitting that the symbol that once broke war between us becomes a symbol of peace between our kind."

There is a rush of murmurs between the delegates as countless conversations commence among the delegation. The delegation is full of whispered conversations. Speaker Idris Shafiq understood that the delegation needed time to discuss the complex subject among themselves. 

A quarter of time passes, when a beautiful round Chinese wooden paddle is raised in the air and loudly strikes the wooden table like a gavel. Instantly, the Great Hall becomes silent as Chen Bao elegantly turns her head causing her intricate headpiece to musically twinkle. "The Sword of Godric Gryffindor," she cooly said in an accented English voice, "is not enough to alter the ban. Indeed, I cannot deny the sword is worthy of a treatise, but it is not sufficient to remove the wand ban regardless of Helga Hufflepuff's apparent yāo (goblin) lineage."

There are various nods of agreement from the delegation. Many are willing to accept the treatise, but the wand ban is not an item to be altered. The law had been written in 1631 and though the evidence presented was persuasive, it did not hold sufficient merit to change the law.

Reginald does not visibly react as he knows it would not be easy. He subtly gazes at the new Professor Ondine Ponce, who takes a step forward to speak. "Forgive me for interrupting, the delegation," he said in a slightly Brazilian accented voice.

The delegation turns to study the young man with olive skin and blond-greenish hair. More than a few gazes dart at the perfectly perpendicular-like scars on the side of his neck (which are in fact gills). Others gaze at his fingers, his nails are darker and thicker, talon-like. It indicated at his parentage some sort of magical creature; the delegation silently concluded.

"My name is Odine Ponce, I am the new Professor at Hogwarts teaching Mermish," he paused to slowly pull outs a leather cord from his robes from which hangs a single shark tooth as an ornament. "And I am the representative of the Lusca Tribe of Merfolk dwelling in the Black Lake."

Various odd expressions cross the faces of many members of the delegation including Chen Bao. She knew recognized the spawn of a mermaid. She had seen a handful of such abandoned orphans among the muggles. The merfolk are zealous in nature about keeping their seas pure. Yet this was the first time, she had ever seen a half-blood being accepted by a mer-tribe. It was simply unprecedented.

"The Lusca Tribe desire to actively trade with the surface dwellers," Professor Ponce clearly said. "It is proposed that the fountain at Hogsmeade be altered to connect to the lake of Hogwarts and permit the merfolk to show and sell their wares. They would also be willing to enter into a private partnership with potion guilds and apothecaries to provide rare ingredients only to be found in the dwellings of merfolk."

There is a burst of interest among the delegates. There are certain ingredients that are difficult to find and acquire due to the nature of the plant and how territorial the merfolk are. If such ingredients could be safely supplied, it would be a worthwhile endeavor.

"As the representative of the Lusca Tribe, we request a new designation be added to the terms of classifying magical existences. The Lusca Tribe requests to be addressed as 'Magical They.' We do not consider ourselves part of mankind, but we acknowledge that we share some similar traits. We are willing to abide by the treatise but in turn, wizardkind will respect our dwellings."

Various members of the delegation share glances with each other. The request in itself is much easier to pass. It was merely the addition of a new term, and it was not through land and sea held conflict between them. In general, wizardkind rarely ventured into the ocean and seas except to acquire needed ingredients.