With the capture of Verandi Farley and several high-ranking Trossach members, the British wizarding world has finally caught a break. The rate of rogue werewolf attacks have started dropping at a steady rate and, hopefully, things will stay that way. The Ministry is starting to loosen some restrictions, like not arresting werewolves standing on the street for loitering, however there’s still an obvious power imbalance between wizardfolk and werewolves.
The Cotswolds pack are continuing to advocate for the rights of werewolves and petitioning to change the legislation that has been set in motion by the current Minister for Magic, whilst the remaining Trossachs members are trying to stay out of the spotlight and keep a low profile… for now.
Whilst the British wizarding world seems to have calmed down, the same cannot be said for over in Northern Europe where a rebellion of magical creatures has risen. The state of things has gotten so bad that the European Ministry has enacted protocols to protect those under eighteen whilst their adult witches and wizards fight to keep control of their countries.
Students from Durmstrang have been sent to Hogwarts to keep them safe and those not old enough to attend school have been sent to live with relatives or designated British Ministry officials outside of Europe for the time being.
Will the low rates of werewolf attacks in Britain continue? How long will Durmstrang students stay at Hogwarts? Will the creatures usurp the wizardfolk in Northern Europe? Only time will tell.
SEPTEMBER 2019 It's been a very long, eventful summer in the wizarding world. A baby was stolen, several high ranking Trossach members were imprisoned, and werewolf attacks have drastically dropped as a result. What will happen now school has returned?
MAY 2019 An attempt to capture the beta of the Trossachs has been launched. Were the Aurors successful in their mission? Go read more here!
I know it's been awhile since we saw each other - months, in fact - and I just wanted to get in contact with you after the Ministry's latest announcement of the Creature Refusal Act. I mostly disagree with it know it's come as a shock to many and I hope that this doesn't affect your family, Ivan, as I know your girls are all part-veela.
Regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 24, 2019 5:28:29 GMT
D
ear Hope, To me it doesn't come as a surprise, more as, how to say, something long-since expected. I think we shall be fine, but my youngest has convinced me to bleach my hair in a sign of solidarity with them. Can't say the veela blonde goes well with my complexion though.
If we on the topic of my girls, I hope my eldest, Nadezhda, hasn't been giving you trouble?
Hopefully your girls weren't too taken aback by the news then and were able to process it a little better knowing that it could potentially happen in advance? I don't think too many shops have implemented this rule yet, but I suppose it won't be too long until it starts getting used. I'm not quite certain if people will pick and choose which creatures are allowed to be served, or if they will ban creatures from purchasing items as a whole.
I'm sure your hair looks lovely, Ivan. Is it a white shade of blonde, or more of a honey? White blonde would probably wash you out some, I daresay.
If I'm being honest, then I'll say yes, somewhat. I think she misunderstood my role at Hogwarts at first and thought that my sole aim is to make the student's lives worse when, in fact, it's to try and monitor communication for information and to keep those in danger safe. It wasn't a big deal, but I know that she, like the majority of Hogwarts, dislikes me being there.
Regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 24, 2019 5:58:35 GMT
D
ear Hope,
I don't want to tell my girls to hide who they are -- I know Nadya would never let me hear the end of it if I even implied they have to hide who they are, and I truly wish this wasn't happening, alas...
I think the Wizengamot is making a huge mistake by implementing this Act. Personal feelings on the werewolf situation aside, other magical beings won't take kindly to this turn of events. I've had 3 howlers from the Goblins this morning already, and it is only going to become worse.
I wanted to ask you, not as a colleague, but more as a friend -- if I even am allowed to call myself that -- please, don't give Nadya a hard time. She's always missed her mother and wanted to be like her, and she's still growing up and trying to find her way in the world, which can often lead to confrontation.
Best regards, Ivan.
P.S. It's a honey tone, the white would make me look like a ghost, which is a feat these howlers already manage to achieve.
That's understandable. They should be free to live as they are. After all... veelas don't pose much of a danger to society unless they become angry. In my years at the Ministry, I have only been on the scene of one veela attack which was understandable given the circumstances. I imagine I would lose my temper too if somebody attacked my brother - well, if I had one.
I'm grateful I'm not in your shoes when it comes to handling complaints. I find that oftentimes when Wizengamot implements legislation, then the other Ministry employees are left to deal with the outcry from the public. More than once, I've been accosted because of something they've brought in.
I'm insulted that you think I'm giving any of the students a hard time, Ivan, because I'm a professional who makes a point of not getting into confrontation with teenagers despite how much they may try to instigate an argument. I had somebody literally spit at me during my first week at the school and I was able to keep a tight reign on the way I reacted... inflammatory words don't phase me.
Regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 24, 2019 11:26:33 GMT
D
ear Hope,
I want to start off with apologizing for insulting your integrity and professionalism. I did not mean it to come off that way -- I worry about my daughters a lot. Perhaps a little too much.
Oh, these teenagers. In my day, back in Koldovstoretz, something like this could have gotten you a month long detention, if anyone even dared to do such a thing. My school used to practice very archaic ways of discipline, but I'm sure that has changed now.
As for veelas, the worst any of my daughters have ever done is Lyuba setting things on fire by pure accident, and I suspect it doesn't even have to do anything with her being a veela. And veelas like to keep away from society as a whole, as my experience tells me.
I don't think we'll have to wait long until someone loudly demands a reversal of this Act. And if things continue the way they are now, they might get my signature on the petition too.
I know I fill an important position, but I've been in this post for the better part of the decade now, and I'm starting to consider retirement.
Thank you for apologising. Not many people have the bravery to admit when they're wrong - or at least, not from my experience. Perhaps it comes with age? I'm not calling you old, but more so... a grown man.
Unfortunately, I don't possess the power to give out detentions or any form of punishment at Hogwarts. My role is just to observe, and even though I did have a Professor offer to give the boy detention, I refused. I feel like it would have aggravated the situation and people have done a lot worse than spit at me as it is. Koldovstoretz is based in Russia, right? I've never visited the school, however I've heard that they approach Quidditch in a rather unique way by riding uprooted trees instead of brooms. Did you do that during your time at school?
I think the worst my Arwen ever did was levitate a plate of food and smash it against the wall, although Osian... he could have probably told you more cheeky things she'd done. He was the one who stayed at home much to my regret so he spent a lot of time with her.
I don't think it'll be too long either, but I think Wizengamot is so set in their ways and the majority of the population is in favour of this act so... I'm unsure whether it will be reversed. It definitely won't stop people from trying however.
Retirement? Ivan, surely you can move into a position elsewhere if you oppose what the Ministry is doing at this time.
Warm regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 26, 2019 6:33:27 GMT
D
ear Hope,
Don't be shy to point out my gray hairs, raising three daughters on my own has made me age at twice the rate of other men my age, or so it seems.
I trust your judgement. Teenagers can be rather volatile indeed, and while many might not agree with your actions and the message you're trying to send...The sooner they learn that you can't achieve any good by brute force, the more tragedies we can avoid.
Ah, the trunks! Those bring back good memories. It is a rather old fashioned thing to do, we've moved to brooms in the last 60 years, but upon the opening of Quidditch season the team captains had to ride around the pitch at least once. It is... a skill to be acquired.
I fear I am suffering from what is called a burnout, I think? Friend to friend, I hate what the Ministry is doing. I don't want any part of it. I still stay here because I need to provide for my family. My eldest is urging me to run for Minister of Magic, but I have my doubts that this would do any good.
I'd say that grey hair suits you, but since you've now dyed it honey blonde there's likely no grey hair in sight.
There's been too many physical attacks lately, and that's apart of why I was sent to Hogwarts in the first place - to prevent any future attacks from occurring. It's just fortunate that there were no casualties at the winter ball otherwise I suspect Hogwarts would have been closed entirely especially given that the 2016 attack was not that long ago.
I imagine that brooms are a lot easier to handle and just fit onto in general, but the thought of you flying around on a tree trunk is rather amusing. Tell me more about Koldovstoretz, if you will? I only ever attended Hogwarts. I believe some of the students in my year were given the opportunity to visit Durmstrang once but given that I grew up in a group home, I was unable to go.
A few letters in and now you're confident in calling yourself my friend. I'm glad to see the growth, Ivan, as I need more people willing to call themselves my friend these days. I feel like the Ministry is taking steps in the right direction in some regards Minister for Magic, unfortunately, doesn't call the shots. You're right in that. They're more of a figurehead whilst people behind the scenes call the shots.
Warm regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 26, 2019 16:13:58 GMT
D
ear Hope,
I don't think hair dye will help for long with daughters like mine.
Hogwarts must not close. It's bad enough the children that have become the hostages of lycantrophy don't get the education they need to control their magic, if all of them would have to stay home, it would ruin an entire generation. Many people do not have the time and resources to home school their children. No matter what happens, education needs to be accessible to as many as possible.
Koldovstoretz seems like a lifetime ago. I'll have to sadden you - I was not a Quidditch player. I much more preferred my position of Debate club leader. But the tree trunks often had hollow middles, wide enough to fit a full-grown man inside of them, if one laid down. It isn't the safest of transportation devices on its own, but if there is even a grain of truth to folklore, it was used often. I still have my light blue ushanka (those fur caps that everyone associates with Russia, they're very warm in winter, but don't really work for the rain here in England) that was part of our uniforms.
And in these trying times, we all need a friend. It is hard to work in an environment where nobody offers you a smile or a nice word, be it in Hogwarts or here in the Ministry. I know we don't see eye to eye on some details, but I've always believed that civil discussion and diplomacy was the way to go through life, rather than shutting people out immediately upon disagreement.
The best you can do is embrace your grey hair when the dye starts growing out, I suppose. At least that's the only real sign you have of ageing, although it has been a while since I saw you. Perhaps we could catch up over a few drinks some time?
I agree it shouldn't close, hence why I am trying to prevent that from happening. Another werewolf attack or werewolf-fueled attack would be catastrophic as it would result in either the Ministry closing the school, or families withdrawing their children entirely. That's a huge reason why there is currently a ban on werewolves attending Hogwarts - to minimise the danger of this happening.
You being the debate club leader does not come as a surprise whatsoever. I was the leader of the dueling club, believe it or not. Even knowing that the tree trunks were hollowed out, I don't think I'd be interested in flying in one - I much prefer apparation as a mode of transportation, followed by a portkey or the floo network. I'm sure your ushanka will get used again someday, perhaps if you go and visit Russia again.
I couldn't agree more with that standpoint, Ivan.
Warm regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 27, 2019 14:44:08 GMT
D
ear Hope,
I'd love to get out of the office for once. When and where is the question? Do you have any suggestions? I can't recall when was the last time I had an evening out.
You know, I've thought about this a lot. If I had the money, time and support, I'd open a private school for kids-werewolves. But with the way society views them right now, I have my doubts of being able to get qualified staff, and not have the whole place set on fire every fortnight.
I have never been able to stomach apparition. Once, in my youth, I lost both my eyebrows when attempting to apparate. I must admit, the sight of them just hanging in mid-air was amusing, but... I looked horrifying. Floo powder is my go-to.
I fear my head doesn't fit in my old one anymore, though I haven't had much reason to try it on. I'd like to take my girls to St.Petersburg sometime, though I'm not entirely sure what would happen if the Russian Ministry found out I've set my foot in Russia. You would think 16 years of voluntary exile would be enough for them. To the museums and art galleries. I should see about demanding a lengthy vacation in the summer.
I just wish more people would be willing to listen to you. I know a few who could benefit.
I've stumbled across a bar fairly recently called The Crooked Wand. It's located in Diagon Alley and usually isn't too busy compared to it's counterparts. Perhaps we could meet up there on Saturday evening if that suits you?
A werewolf school would be quite the feat to pull off, however I believe you're correct about not being able to acquire qualified staff. There's way too many who's lives have been touched in a negative way by werewolves, and not too many willing to be in the presence as a result.
Only your eyebrows? There's a lot worse things to splinch, like an arm or a leg. I'm fortunate - I've only managed to splinch my heels, more than once as well. You'd think I'd learn not to apparate after a few drinks but for some reason, I think it's a great idea every time.
I think you're in need of a vacation, don't you? It'd do you well. Perhaps you could purchase a new ushanka too.
Warm regards, Hope
5'7". ENGLISH. BRIGHT. LEVEL-HEADED. STRAIGHT. INTERESTED IN IVAN KAREV.
head of the regulation and control of magical creatures
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
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He doesn't look a thing like Jesus | But he talks like a gentleman
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Post by IVAN KAREV on Nov 27, 2019 17:15:54 GMT
D
ear Hope,
So far Saturday sounds good to me, but I'll let you know if someone's howler costs me my weekend. Wouldn't be the first time.
It truly is a shame, but I don't think I'll retire this idea just yet. With how fast the world changes, who knows if this won't be feasible in a few years in some shape or form.
Those eyebrows went with some skin, too. I'll have to check if the Crooked Wand is connected to the Floo Network, just to avoid any unnecessary injuries.
