A Ministry Presentation

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'Ah! The thrill of it all! These young minds! So easily molded, though they say conformity is dead.  It really makes me laugh!  They are sheep!  A rising generation of sheep for my dominion!  They'll be none-the-wiser and still ever-so-willing to join my new order when I have it...' He thought to himself, sitting on a chair amongst other Ministry Department Heads upon the conjured stage set up at in the courtyard.  He only awaited his name to be called upon so that he could begin to spread his message to this new audience.  Some officials had spoken, some had yet to speak, though all were discussing the projects and vision of rebuilding society in this post-war era.   

'After all...' he thought to himself as he smiled. 'What better person to lie than a messiah?  I'll have to make this performance-' his thoughts were halted by the voice of a younger Ministry worker, probably some Public Relations Official, who had just stepped up to make another introduction.   

"Please give a warm welcome to the podium; A true example worth following in the world we live; A man whose contributions to Magical research will surely be discussed on a global scale in many aspects of Magical education and study... The Head of the Department of Mysteries. The Life-Giver. The Datorvitae!"

'... Flawless...' he finished his thought as he flashed a wide, friendly smile and rose to approach the podium.  With great enthusiasm he shook the hand of the younger man who had introduced him and stepped up to speak.  A mixed response answered him.  Some students applauded in support, some applauded out of courtesy , others remained bored out of their minds, and some had not recently read the 'Prophet, not knowing who he was. 

"Greetings, Hogwarts!" he said, waving to all that were in attendance.  "Students, Professors, and faculty alike!  It is truly a great privilege to speak before such an esteemed student body!  One that has endured much in these past few years and come out more courageous, more intelligent, more resourceful, and more skilled than these grounds have ever before seen!  I assure you that your professors and Headmaster could not be more proud!"  He raised his arms for emphasis, his smile beaming, a friendly glint in his eye.

He continued, "If there ever were a time to attend school at Hogwarts, it would be now.   Though I would like to amend part of my all-too-kind introduction, by assuring you all that - to your own relief - the added study of my current research won't be on O.W.L.'s or N.E.W.T.'s for quite a few years yet!  My colleagues in the Department of Mysteries and I have a long road ahead of us.  A road that I am glad to say is full of hope!"       

[LYLA ROSE HAWTHORNE]

There had been a lot of talk about this so called "life giver" around Hogwarts and within her family. Of course, it was no surprised that people would speak when your former Potions/Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher/Headmaster was killed and somehow returned to school as a sixteen year old. In fact, Lyla was hearing that Severus Snape was not the only one. She heard whispers and gossip that included other names, like Charity Burbage, Sirius Black and even James Potter. In her house, she was hearing that even her grandmother was being influenced by this arrogant bloke- trying to convince the family that by hiring a hit man to murder her, she would be able to be brought back and return to a younger, more beautiful state. [break]
Lyla scoffed audibly as she sat in the seats before the Ministry's presentation. The young Ravenclaw had a rather low opinion on the Ministry of Magic's role in Hogwarts ever since her nightmarish third year under the reign of Umbridge. They had real nerve (or perhaps it was severe case of BHBS- Big Headed Bastard Syndrome) to show their haughty, snobbish noses in Hogwarts. Speaking of arrogance, she found herself seated with Archer Abner, an arrogant bastard as well. But at least he wasn't the one in charge of manipulating the sanctity of death and turning people's loved ones into awkward experiments without their consent... [break]
But for that, she had a plan to speak her mind on the matter. [break]
The blonde was an intelligent young lady, always studious and receiving top marks. But in addition to her brains and her natural good looks, Lyla owned a very fiery, stubborn spirit and her own thoughts on her right as a student and a citizen under the Ministry's rule. While majority of the school's rules are logical to prevent as much harm and chaos (hundreds of underage magical children under one roof was bound to result in some...incidents), to enhance learning and maintain order, there were some in which Lyla could night find a suitable reason after personal reflection and evaluation. And those rules, she determined, were the ones that were worth breaking- including heckling a Ministry of Magic presentation about desecrating death. [break]
She had mentioned her initial ideas of voicing her opinion to Archer between classes occasionally leading up to the presentation, but she was not sure if he believed she would actually go through with it. She also asked him for help, along with other students in her year in order to try and make it a group effort. However, she did not get much of a response. She had made Archer some signs to hold up, just in case he did in fact want to help. "Get ready for the fireworks," she whispered to the Slytherin next to her as she pulled something out of her bag. [break][break]
Lyla flicked her wand at the box of Weasley's Wizard Whiz Bangs that she had managed to set behind the stage before the Ministry had arrived, and at once it erupted into a flurry of sparks, whistling and booms that filled the courtyard. Instantaneously, the small blonde stood on her chair, pointed her want to her throat and nonverbally cast the Sonorus Charm on herself to attempt to overpower the "Datorvitae" that was speaking and be heard over the fireworks. "STOP EXPERIMENTING ON OUR LOVED ONES" Lyla yelled, holding up a sign that she had made in protest that said "OUR LIVES ARE NOT YOUR TOOLS". She tossed another rolled sign towards Archer, hoping he would speak up with her. [break]
"A road full of hope? Yeah there is, if you mean people thinking 'I hope he won't toy with my grandparents, parents or even me once I'm gone'." The sharp-tongued blonde called out again, looking fiercely toward the "Datorvitae" and the other Ministry officials. Luckily she was settled in the middle of the mass of students so it would take some time for professors or Ministry officials to get to her- for they were not authorized to use magic on a student to punish them. "Your studies are teaching us that death can be evaded- that it is something that is not imminent- just like He thought!" She yelled again, gaining color in her cheeks as she referred to the recently deceased Lord Voldemort. "Stop toying with the Veil and leave our loved ones to rest in peace!"

WORD COUNT: 741 | TAGGED: EVERYONE | NOTES: protester lyla!

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Sparks filled the air as the Datorvitae was about to begin the body of his presentation. This was not surprising to him though. In fact, he appreciated the outburst that followed. This girl... she was but a child in the eyes of society. In one hand, the Datorvitae held the awe and attention of the Magical Adult community. He could use this. He thought to himself, 'Yes... Yes... Protest, little girl... Let out your anger! The rebellion within you only makes us more and more alike.'

Someone -who he recalled might have been a Hogwarts professor- began to approach the girl from behind, a hand extended to grab for her shoulder. Perhaps he could use that too...

"Actually, Professor..." he called out to the teacher, holding up his hand in a gesture for that teacher to stop what she was trying to accomplish. "It's quite all right! Quite all right." The Datorvitae lowered his arm and gave the most peaceful nod he had ever made toward the girl who had stood up.

"What the young miss says is partially true." he said, his voice as honest and humble as could be. "In fact, I was about to reveal something that the entire Ministry Board of Directors believes should be shared... which is the truth." he did not smile with this remark. He looked across the audience sympathetically, as if describing some great error that others had made.

"The truth is that our first encounter with The Veil's recently discovered "second nature" was," he said with as much concern as he could muster, "an accident, albeit an honest one.    As much of the work was speculative at the time, our team run across a previously undiscovered nature of The Veil and in a move that was not approved by their supervisors, nor myself for that matter, they let numerous people back into the world of the living without the use of Necromancy. As soon as this activity was noticed, we put a halt to the situation and ran a thorough inquiry of the entire Department of Mysteries. Those responsible have been accordingly dealt with."

As the Ministry knew it, this was the truth of the matter. As The Datorvitae knew it, this was falsehood that he had been manipulating since the beginning to keep his tracks nonexistent and his hands seemingly clean. In fact, The Datorvitae had been there and initiated the event that brought back the first people from beyond The Veil. There were a few, though very minor, aspects of necromancy involved, though what took it's place was giving the returned individuals altered memories. Each would come back unsure about many things. The Datorvitae told the first ones that this was all an anomaly that they were trying to figure out; and to the one's that followed, he told them that they had consented to return to their youth and their prime state of life to enjoy youth from the perspective and appreciation of one who was far more mature than most other people.

"You should all know," The Datorvitae said, building off of his previous statement. "That after the first occurrence, we did our best to ensure the well-being of those who had come through, answering any questions that they had to the best of our abilities. And now..." he paused. "Now that we have learned how to influence the anomaly, we only bring back those whose consent we have previously obtained. Many elders still wish to pass on normally, but there are still some who wish that they could continue to pursue their basic human rights of life and liberty to pursue happiness how they see fit. Our elders..." he paused again and spread his arms upward. "Our precious... wise... invaluable loved ones!" he said, appealing to the idea of family. "... deserve to live and die as they wish. After so many were recently killed without being able to fulfill their own hopes - their own dreams!!! -, our own families should have all of the support that they deserve if they choose to come back.  Should they choose that path, we will meet them and help them re-establish their lives."

The Datorvitae lowered his arms and made a small, kind smile. "We understand that The Veil is not a tool, nor is a thing to be taken lightly. As trained professionals, we members of the Department of Mysteries and the Board of Directors seek only to find what will benefit the local and global Magical Community. I know it sounds like a bunch of rhetoric that anyone could say, but I promise that it is true. We wish for the life... prosperity... and ability of each and every Magically gifted individual to live their lives to the fullest until they decide that they are content."

It felt amazing to speak so many mixed truths, weaving a web of intricate generalizations and solid facts that bent to serve his own purpose. He wanted to make one more point before his part of the presentation drew to a close. At first he was going to make it a general statement and offer to the students, but now he had a way to make the point even stronger.

"Young miss..." he said, addressing the young woman who had stood up in such foolish and youthful protest. "If you would remain standing for just a moment longer, I have a proposition that I would like to extend to you and to all who would hear. If you have hopes. If you have dreams. If you have life within you! Nothing, nor anyone, should be able to take that away. No agents of evil, no sickness, no restraints of time should keep you from what is yours! If you would wish, there is a new hope available to you and to all!"

Triumphant words picturing an ideal world... tickling the ears of those who had witnessed the late Lord Voldemort's regime. Not wanting the moment to go to waste, he added. "That's enough speeches from me for now though. I wanted to take a moment to answer any questions that you may have."  

[ARCHER THADESEUS ABNER]

Archer Abner an activist? Hardly, he was a man that gave little thought to those annoying whines of a political nature. There were so many causes and all touched his life, even from the very beginning he was steeped in political agendas. Being an Abner meant he practically came from the womb dressed in black tie with a charitable donation, indeed his mother, and father had to make emergency port key from a benefit dinner do to the fact that he opted to give the finger to the pre-planned due date, and decided to come early. [break][break]
One would think that Archer would thrive well or even enjoy those little black tie affairs; however the truth was they were horribly dull, and he hated them.. Currently at the latest one he was immersed in a note sent from his current girlfriend who had just found out that he had not exactly broke it off with his ‘prior’ girlfriend. [break][break]
He was minding his own business well more like trying to figure out if the anatomically gifted Beatrice Jenkin’s would in deeded carry out the threats of her letter, and hex the crotch off anything of his that had a crotch to hex. [break][break]
So much for Dinner plans, I guess.[break][break]
Archer said in response as fireworks erupted around the great hall as his table mate opted to take her role as activist in a dramatic manner by means of off the hinge spectacle compliments of whatever explosives she managed to purchase from the infamous joke shop in Diagon Alley . Clearly she had no idea on how to wage war politically, and be taken seriously. [break][break]
Yes nothing screams activism like a light bright display at a speech.. Bravo… “ He managed dryly arching a brown brow bored as he was as he lifted his glance to see exactly who the hair brain was.. Upon looking a smug look fell over his features. [break][break]
I can overlook that.. Hell I could over look drooling and a lazy eyed sister when it involves that face.[break][break]
Looking up at the speaker he raised his hand, and watched as Head Mistress McGonnagal literally cringed a bit no doubt remembering the last question he poised to a speaker. He added in a emotionless tone. [break][break]
“I comprehend with this offer of hope.. You are only looking to make the world a better place.. However you have to see the worry of this PLAYING GOD… There are some that are better served six feet under, and our civilization can only exist when nature takes it’s toll with those. And who are you to play GOD?” Who’s to say you haven’t up-heaved the tender balance of our kind when you dabble with the veil and bring back the likes of those who paid the price to become martyrs, you haven’t killed what it means to pay that honored price when family can just request a re-birthing… Not to mention in my case as an only heir what to stop whatever trollop that my father opts to marry to have the great idea of submitting some member of my family who died tragically eons ago to be remade to rob from me a right to an inheritance. Don’t you think it is it is best that there is a regulation by the ministry to keep creations from getting out of hand?”

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In truth, The Datorvitae did not expect many to have questions. He was pleased when one of the youths called out a response. He listened intently, occasionally nodding slightly. The youth finished and he answered.

"Eloquently put, young sir." he said. "Though I could lecture on the blatantly selfish nature of demanding something that you've applied no work or effort toward, I will let the collective conscience of this assembly make their own judgement on that."

"The Ministry has taken every precaution to this discovery. Currently we have numerous restrictions put in place regarding those with criminal records, and have set up various rules about inheritance and wills. As well-learned professionals, we are doing all that we can, taking into account every scenario. We are not gods... though if there were, it does not seem that they care about our passage from this life to the next. With that said, we are still trying to understand this process ourselves. If it had not gone public so quickly, we might not have gotten into the work of bringing people back upon their request. As of yet, we have found no traces, nor links to the Dark Arts from The Veil. If we ever find fault in the magical energy that emanates from around The Veil, the entire project will be shut down for the safety of the people. Until then, there are lives to be lived!"

Once more, the truth was entirely different. There were already hints of the Dark Arts being involved within the project and when there would be more and more, the rest of the Ministry would remain blind. The Datorvitae knew that by the time he was done, the Ministry would be able to afford losing him. As of yet, he had only initiated the beginning of his plan. He had much to do to popularize the idea and to addict society to his product: The gift of life.

[LYLA ROSE HAWTHORNE]

A small smirk formed upon her face, pleased with the disturbance of this batbogey presentation she was creating and hopefully more would join her in her cause. She figured she was packed so far in the center of the mass of students than she would be able to protest on for a few more minutes before a professor intervened- but she was completely unaware of the hand that was about to grab her shoulder... that is until the man up on the stage told the professor to stop. Her eyes flickered to her shoulder, half expecting a hand to grab her and pull her off the chair she was standing on, but there was no hand there. She also noticed that her table-mate, Archer, had not gotten up yet to aid her cause and instead was greeted with a typical snarky remark. Her cheeks filled with red but she didn't say anything because he had finally decided to speak up. [break]

It was no secret that like her, Archer came from a rich and prominent wizarding family. Her family and his were no strangers to each other either- the Hawthornes frequently hosted extravagant socialite parties/gatherings and the Abners almost always made an appearance. His prominent, rich boy eloquence was evident in his words as he spoke to the so called "Datorvitae", and Lyla could do no more but roll her eyes as he mentioned inheritances and money. [break]

"Yes, our lives are our lives, just like I would like to think my education is mine too, however I'm stuck staring at a bunch of airheads in robes up on a stage instead of in class...." the blonde boldly sassed, clearly unhappy with the interruption of her class schedule. "But death and fate is not something anyone owns, nor something anyone holds the right to manipulate. Why not focus efforts into preventing such crimes as opposed to putting a screwed up bandage over it? Once you all discovered how to bring people back, the whole thing should have been bloody shut down!" Lyla dropped the sign she was holding in order to effectively use her hands to gesture. [break]

The blonde ran a frustrated hand through her hair, annoyed with the lack of support...or even opposition from the rest of the Hogwarts students except for Mr. Pretentious Abner next to her. How could people simply sit there and twiddle their thumbs when there was a man playing God, interrupting their academics to preach his load of bull to them all? What was the point and how was no one else speaking up? She wanted to curse the lot of them for staring blankly at the commotion- even if they opposed her views and supported the Ministry, she would have respected their guts for speaking rather than remaining silent. "Can we just get on with class? This presentation is wasting my time." she looked towards her professors before hopping off the chair and scooping up her bag and books. If worse came to worse, she would simply storm out and serve whatever punishment she got with pride rather than listen to the malarkey.

WORD COUNT: 741 | TAGGED: EVERYONE | NOTES: protester lyla!

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