Chapter 883 - Aftermath of Giant Attack Ⅲ

The Wizengamot members are surprised by the audacity of the suggestion from the Minister of Magic including Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore, who even arches his brow staggered at the daring suggestion. The Court Scribe, Tiberius McLaggen is forced to rise from his seat and publicly hush the audience. "The Wizengamot will now discuss the proposal set by Minister of Jenkins, the court is yours," Tiberius McLaggen loudly pronounced, before sitting back down.

The cold dungeon room falls silent as the tall, imposing, powerful figure of Albert Runcorn rises to address the Wizengamot. "Your proposal Minister Jenkins is audacious and senseless. The magical treatise between wizardkind and the magical existences was forged upon the countless bloodshed of our ancestors. Do you suggest that we ignore and betray their sacrifice for a mere pittance?"

There is a burst of murmurs in agreement as many faces throughout the stone chamber grow cold and harsh at the insinuated suggestion. Many of their ancestors had bitterly fought in the goblin, giant, and other magical wars. Countless families had been diminished to mere specks of themselves, while others vanished from the complete face of the earth. They had sworn never to forget the sacrifice of the past and they never had neither wizardkind nor magical beings.

"I am frankly appalled and shocked at the suggestion, Minister Jenkins," Albert Runcorn steadfastly declared in a gravelly voice. "Even more so, considering your vast expertise and knowledge. Furthermore, even if the Wizengamot was to consider such an irrational suggestion, the magical treatise prohibits the armament of goblins in battle or war. Their sole role is to maintain neutrality in the face of war, and they have broken it!"

Various members of the Wizengamot nod their heads in agreement as an elderly pureblood Wizengamot member irritably rasped, "The goblins have broken the treatise, they mean to declare upon wizardkind! The Auror's must be immediately mobilized to quell the goblin rebellion!"

Louder bursts of whispered voices are heard until Tiberius McLaggen is forced to his feet. "Order, order, I say!" He shouted until the chamber returned to silence. A heavy tension fills the air as they wait for the Minister of Magic to defend herself from the accusation.

"That is one manner of viewing the situation, Runcorn," Minister Jenkins crisply replied, "but I find that it is always a matter of perspective. I will not deny that the goblins were armed during battle, but there is no need for the Auror's to intervene and quell an impending insurgence. For there is none as the goblin treaty directly permits for the goblins to protect Gringotts in the event of an attack on Diagon Alley specifically Gringotts Bank."

An incredulous look appears on several faces, while others hastily turn to their neighbors to discuss the existence of such a clause. A few more knowledgeable Wizengamot members pensively wide their eyes and nod in confirmation to their neighbors that the information was undeniably correct. Indeed, there existed such an obscure clause within the magical treatise.

"The Goblin forces acted accordingly to the treatise and more so as Auror Scrimgeour, the commanding officer officially requested their aid according to the exceptions clause found within treatise. Furthermore, according to Ministry protocol, Senior Commanding Officer, Auror Moody conveyed all power to Auror Scrimgeour before departing to confront the giants at Fernburgh. Auror Scrimgeour. Auror Scrimgeour deemed it prudent to discuss with the primary goblin liaison officer at that time, Ministry official Nurnaff to ensure the validity of the request. It is with great pride and honesty that I can state that not a single law nor Auror regulation or the existing clause within the magical treatise was broken," Minister Jenkins ȧssuredly proclaimed.

"Hear, hear," the old wizard, Elphias Doge loudly said earning an intense scowl of anger from Runcorn. "I wholeheartedly approve of Auror Scrimgeour's actions. If not for the timely actions of the goblins and hags, the Minister of Magic would have fallen before reinforcements or Dumbledore would have time to arrive!" The journalists eagerly jot down Elphias Doge's words, before expectantly waiting for a counterargument to be made.

Madam Marchbanks slowly nods her head in agreement, before coughing. "I cannot argue with Doge's statement, but Minister Jenkins though your suggestion is fathomable and even well-intended, but the matter is that treatise cannot be broken. The armament of goblins must remain confined to Gringotts and the treatise does not allow for any exceptions."

Runcorn is unable to hide the satisfaction in his eyes at Madam Marchbank's statement. The eldest Wizengamot member had made an excellent point. And even Minister Jenkins could not argue around that fact.

"Your inference is correct, Madam Marchbanks," Minister Jenkins calmly replied without the trace of anger or exasperation to the shock of those observing her. "However, what I am suggesting is that the goblins provide trolls from Gringotts to physically suppress the giants and contract with the hags to provide aerial support to the Auror's and A.P.D. officers. As proven by numerous testimonies including by our Auror's, the hag's abilities provided vital in suppressing the giants during battle. I do not request that the goblins physically participate in battle, but rather as guarding supply chains and long-distance artillery as Logistics personnel. Their trebuchets, I believe so they are called are capable of flinging large boulders to distract and provide cover to the hags and our Auror's." Which was all true, she only neglected to mention that a trebuchet is capable of hurting and killing a giant.

A pensive look appears on several of the Wizengamot members as a sly-eyed older wizard thoughtfully rubs his chin as he speaks. "Minister Jenkins makes an excellent suggestion. Why must our forces take the brunt of the attack if we provide safety for all including goblins and other magical existences? It is about time others aided us in our time of need. And as the goblins will not be armed, I will not oppose such a suggestion. I am in favor of the motion."

"Is there a second in favor of the proposal of the motion?" Tiberius McLaggen asked.

To the shock of many, Tiberius Ogden stands. "I am not in favor of goblins, but our losses were contained thanks to their aid," he said with a loud sniff. And one of his grandchildren had been among the throng and had been saved thanks to the aid of the goblins and hags. He owed them that much and he would see that the favor was repaid. "Regrettably, I second the motion."

A few members of the public in the stands loudly chock at the statement from Tiberius Ogden as Tiberius McLaggen in a rather surprised voice says, "The motion has been seconded. Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore will lead the voting."

Rising to his feet, Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore's eyes have a solemn air to them. "Before the vote is cast, I wish to speak," he said causing the crowd to stirrup even more. It was rare for the Chief Warlock to ever speak before the Wizengamot preferring to permit the Wizengamot to speak for themselves without his interference.

"I have heard the arguments made by the Wizengamot and the Minister of Jenkins," Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore sincerely said, "and I am grateful to all those that have spoken. Yet today, I am still in awe of the incredible sight that I was fortunate enough to witness despite the tragic circumstances that surrounded the condition. This evening, I saw wizardkind, goblins, hags, and trolls joined together to fight a common foe. There was no hesitation nor judgment on either party, but a solidarity of brethren united in battle."

More than a few purebloods subtly attempt to peek at the seated form of Reginald Prince.. To those awaiting a signal, they almost cease to breathe utterly flabbergasted d as they witness in disbelief Reginald Prince pointedly nod his head at the end of Dumbledore's speech. It was the signal to them to vote in favor of the speaker…