Administrator
Group: Admin
Posts: 26
Member No.: 1
Joined: 25-November 05
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“ugh... Christmas.”
“Com’on, aren’t you excited for the upcoming Yule Ball?”
“Haven’t I taught you anything, kid?”
“What?”
“Merlin, it’s a wonder you’re a Ravenclaw. You couldn’t find a snowball in a blizzard, I swear.”
“...”
“All right. So, there’ve been some rumors.”
“You mean, with the Families?”
“Yeah, that’s right. You know the life of a Hogwarts student, how hard it is. Ever since McGonagall croacked, there hasn’t been a good Headmaster. Well, the Potter family and Malfoy family are vying for power in the school.”
“What’s new with that?”
“Nothing. In fact, both of the leaders, Jordan Potter and Astyanax Malfoy, have been at it since their fifth year. Kids have to make a choice, what with all the stuff that’s been going on. Malfoy, or Potter.”
“Have you heard about the dealers?”
“Yeah. Drugs, Sex, Duels -- they’ve all become huge problems. And the teachers can’t do a thing about it, because the supporters have gotten smart.”
“What?”
“Look, you know that rule, how magic isn’t allowed in the hallways? Well, kids have started to bring guns. It’s not enough that we’ve got hexes, white powder and condoms floating about the place. We’ve got to have muggle weapons, too. You need the protection of a Family to help you survive the seven long years here at Hogwarts, as far as I’m concerned.”
“So, these rumors?”
“Well, politics have gotten tricky. The supporters are nothing short of courtiers, wanting to please their Royal family through all means possible. Because when a Potter or Malfoy is happy with you, you’re bound to receive favors.”
“Favors?”
“Get creative, kid. Both have all the power in the world.”
“But what about the Thir--”
“Shhh! Merlin almighty, do you want a death wish? Never, never say the Third Party above a whisper to anyone.”
“But they aren’t really a rumor anymore.”
“Oh yes they are. And rumors they’ll stay, as far as Malfoy and Potter are concerned.”
“What?”
“They’re neutral, kid. And are tired of nepotism, corruption and blood.”
“I see.”
“It’s even said that the Belle’s are political figures, too.”
“No way. I thought they were just the beauties of their Houses.”
“So did everyone else. And then I found out, they’ll be making speeches at the Yule Ball.”
“So..”
“That’s bad, kid. The Families are planning something.”
Welcome to Hogwarts; the year is 2019, and the Magical Academy has changed for the worst. With Dumbledore and McGonagall dead, the two most prestigious families of the 21st century have come to power. The Potter family, continuing their legacy of defending the muggleborn after the defeat of Lord Voldermort, have taken control of their Gryffindor house, and are nearly unanimously supported by the Hufflepuff house. On the throne sits the eldest son, Jordan Potter, who is perceptive enough to understand that the rumors of corruption in the Potter family may be a reality. On the other end of the spectrum, the Malfoy family, the Slytherin King being Astyanax Malfoy, are having their own problems. Newly reformed to fit a Voldermort-less world, some try to accept the ‘three-quarts’ and otherwise tainted wizards. Of course, some students are opposed to any sort of leniency, while others demand more.
Enter the Third Party. Largely a rumor that is not spoken above a whisper, the Third Party believes in neutrality, democracy and equality. Action and then a Reaction, the sorting hat proclaims -- and it is true. Where the families are flawed, whether nepotism, blood-sympathizing (muggle or pure) or granting favors to friends, The Third Party inhibits. The problem is, of course, they don’t have widespread empathy; the few who are aware of their existence largely support the Family.
What must be remembered, however, is that these Families are politicians. In the end, can anyone be trusted? You, as a player in this dangerous game, will do anything to survive. You are, in every sense of the word, a courtier. Gaining the admiration of a Family member is critical; you are pulling the strings of the puppeteer and walking the fine line between victor and victim. You have little but your charm and wits to survive, and what better way to put them to the test than in the Masquerade?
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Plot
