Hadrian Peverell: High Lord of Skagos

Chapter 3: The Breaking Point

The months that followed were some of the busiest of Harry's life. With the help of the lordships he had inherited, he threw himself into the political arena of the Wizengamot, determined to use his influence to bring about the changes he had dreamed of. His days were filled with meetings, discussions, and strategic planning, and Grimmauld Place became a hub of political activity.

Harry quickly established himself as a formidable presence in the Wizengamot. He formed alliances with other lords and families, building a coalition that seemed eager to support his vision for a better wizarding world. Together, they pushed forward several bills that Harry had painstakingly drafted.

The first bill focused on werewolf rights. It proposed that all werewolves should have access to the Wolfsbane Potion at no cost and that discriminatory practices in employment and housing against werewolves would be met with severe penalties. The bill garnered significant support, with many lords agreeing that it was time to rectify the injustices suffered by werewolves like Remus Lupin.

The second bill addressed goblin rights. It sought to eliminate the long-standing prejudices against goblins, granting them more autonomy in managing Gringotts and allowing goblin-made artifacts to be recognized as legal tender in certain transactions. This bill, too, received a fair amount of support, especially as it aligned with the interests of several influential families who had business dealings with goblins.

Harry felt a sense of accomplishment as these bills began to make their way through the legislative process. It seemed that his strategy of aligning with the old pureblood families was paying off. He had managed to push forward significant reforms that would help some of the most marginalized groups in the wizarding world.

But Harry's most ambitious bill was yet to come, and it would prove to be the turning point in his political career.

The bill, which Harry had dubbed the Muggleborn Economic Integration Act, proposed a new exchange rate for Muggle currency when converted to Galleons. The idea was to make it easier for Muggleborns and their families to transition into the wizarding world without facing financial hardships. The bill also included provisions for goblins to manage the exchange process, which Harry believed would strengthen the ties between wizards and goblins and provide a steady source of income for Gringotts.

Harry was optimistic about the bill. He believed it was a natural extension of the work he had already done—another step toward creating a more just and equitable society. But when he brought it before the Wizengamot, he quickly realized he had made a grave miscalculation.

The initial discussions were tense. As Harry presented his proposal, he noticed the skeptical looks on the faces of many of the lords who had previously supported him. When he finished, there was a heavy silence in the chamber, broken only by the shuffling of papers and the murmurs of discontent.

Lord Nott, one of the more influential members of the Wizengamot, was the first to speak. His voice was cold and measured as he addressed Harry. "Lord Potter, while I commend your efforts to improve the conditions for Muggleborns, I must question the wisdom of this particular bill. The economic ramifications of such a drastic change to the exchange rate are... concerning, to say the least."

Several other lords nodded in agreement, and Harry felt a pang of unease. He had anticipated some resistance, but he hadn't expected it to be so immediate or so widespread.

Lord Greengrass, who had been one of Harry's staunchest allies, spoke next. "Harry, you must understand that the economy of the wizarding world is delicate. A sudden influx of Muggle wealth could destabilize our financial institutions. Gringotts may not be able to handle such a dramatic shift, and the consequences could be disastrous for all of us."