The Spellfull Sixties

Chapter Eight: Squib rights

The Ministry was alive with voices. Men and women bustled along the great green corridor faced to a large podium upon which the Minister for magic Nobby Leach stood beside the Head of the Auror Department, the Deputy Minister for Magic and Abraxas Malfoy, in all of his grandeur. Leach was a stout man who always had a few flecks of sweat pooling on his forehead and around his neck where the buttons of his suit shirt were done up tightly. And in that moment there were more flecks of sweat than ever. His grubby hands clasped together as Abraxas came to hold a wand to the man's neck, allowing him to be heard all around. "Silence!". He was ignored at first. This was especially as a banner rose from the crowd stating 'Squib rights'. Everyone was dressed up to their eyebrows as the chill of October had crept in fast and pressed together so tightly that it seemed to appear from nowhere. "Silence- I demand silence!". His words were eventually adhered to. Abraxas then drew away his wand, holding up his nose towards the crowd. "Thank you". Cameras flashed from every corner whilst reporters hid beside the floo entrances, eyeing the ageing leader as he seemed to melt back into himself. "Now If I would be allowed to speak-".

"Mister Leach!". The crowd parted slightly, showing the woman who stood beside the banner. All of the attention on her concealed the figure who come through the Floo network at that exact moment, hidden by a cloak. Aurors prepared themselves for some radical outbursts. "Before you made a foolish decision, have you ever considered what it may be like for Squibs in this country". 

"-And who are you?", returned Abraxas, not much liking the woman's interruption. He more so didn't like her voice. Her common, 'entitled' little voice.

"Miss Evelyn Pennyworth- my mother was a Squib", she shot a defiant look at the Minister of Magic, "My family grew up in poverty due to the regulations and laws against squibs. Due to the lack of opportunity. My Hogwarts letter almost did not arrive because my mother was a Squib and father a Muggle".

"Oh boohoo", breathed Abraxas beneath his breath, watching as Nobby's expressions changed between defiant and fearful. He was actually listening to her. He couldn't believe it. The man was so soft. He was in no way right to be the Minister of magic. Yet there he stood. After a moment, Mr Weasley, head of the Auror office, came to stand beside Abraxas. "Keep an eye on that woman", he warned, "She's insane".

"Don't worry- we're all watching her", stated the man humouredly, "Squib rights- this whole thing is mad?".

"Utterly", he agreed, casting his eyes across the crowd . He spotted the hooded figure moving through it.

" I mean I...vaguely understand why they would desire such a thing- but I don't very well see what the Ministry could do to change it. They have no magic. That is their problem". He folded his arms over his broad chest.

"Its ridiculous for you to say you understand".

"-If my mother had been given an opportunity in life, I would have been able to have a very different upbringing. And my mother...would not have been forced to work in a manner I do not wish to state to support us", Miss Pennyworth stepped forwards, "Please Minister". The reporters ate her words up. The cameras flashed. Everyone could see it. Leech could almost imagine the headlines. 'Minister for magic- the heartless fool'.

Abraxas broke away from Weasley, coming to lean into Leech's ear after he said nothing back. "She is playing the reporters. Do not give in to her".

"I have no right to give in, even if I wished to", returned Nobby plainly, "Now if you would please stop hissing in my ear like the snake that tempted Eve I would appreciate it". Abraxas was insulted, yet decided to return to Weasley, airing his grievances. It gave him time to spot the man in the crowd again. Though he seemed to be looking at someone other than Pennyworth. "Miss Pennyworth", then spoke the Minister, his voice booming, "I understand your frustration".