The Thunderbird
written by Lizzie Scamander
One girl, one wish. To help an innocent animal survive the cruel Ministry's confirmation to kill it. Will she meet with failure... Or success?
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
5
Reads
851
The Court
Chapter 1
I slammed my papers unnecessarily forcefully upon the smooth, hard surface of the desk and expressed no effort to conceal my considerable anger, despite the fact that I had put substantial work into the detailed paragraphs written upon the parchment. I slipped into my place and shoved back a strand of my loose chestnut hair, whilst obtaining an impatiently furious face as I analysed the members of the court. The people around me peered with clear dubiety at my irritable form yet neglected to comment. However, whispers were exchanged.
"She is the protestant? But she's so young!"
I eyed the speakers irately as I produced quill and ink from my bag. I intended to take notes, though it was not probable, as orally objecting would be my primary attention. I observed exasperatedly as the Head of the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures loudly cleared his throat, and the doors to the courtroom closed as he casually flicked his wand. He looked at his audience and his gaze seemed to fix particularly longer upon me. I stared at him defiantly, until he looked away, and issued a ceremonious greeting. It was returned, though I made no civil response.
"Thank you for gathering here today," he said smoothly, nodding curtly. "As I presume you are aware of, we would not be assembled in this courtroom now if there had not been such strong protestations on the subject of which has been discussed the past fortnight. For those who are slightly unfamiliar with the affair, it concerns the Thunderbird which broke free of its restrictions some weeks ago, and attacked an innocent group of Muggles. It created disastrous problems, I can readily assure you, with all those Muggles to heal of their problematic offensive physical issues, and the non-magical witnesses which contemplated the scene requiring Memory Charms. The Thunderbird put up quite a fight when Ministry members hastened to the episode to formulate the necessary control, and David Williams was wounded severely. Evidently frustration and stress was instantly inflicted upon me, Head of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and you must understand consequences come with actions." He paused, and fingered his books with the slightest sign of hesitation. "The Thunderbird is a dominant and undomesticated male, and it is likely he will be capable of escaping again regardless of additional security. I have decided that, to avoid any future problems, we should dispose of the beast."
There was an interval of which, in hushed tones, this information was discussed briefly, before silence proceeded and the Head continued: "I am reluctant, obviously, but imagine if it happened again! The Ministry was very lucky that the area in which the Muggles were wounded, which was typically a very public place, was almost completely uninhabited, but next time we might not be so fortunate. What I am considering may seem harsh, but really, if you think about it..."
This time there were no hushed whispers, but murmurs of agreement and a few empathetic nods. The Head, Mr. Blackwood, inclined his head approvingly and triumph flashed in his eyes as he faced me. I glared furiously, and stood up. Mr. Blackwood scowled. "Sit back down, Miss Selwyn." The crowd scrutinised me curiously and then with distinctive disapprobation. Mr. Blackwood smiled, delighted at his victory. "Yes, this is our protestant, Miss Belinda Selwyn, who believes that my reasonable conclusions are terrible and cruel. Why is that, exactly, Miss Selwyn?"
"Mr. Blackwood, I am astonished you are even considering this!" I said angrily. "The animal was following it's instincts, and they should be treated with empathetic comprehension! Thunderbirds are not naturally and typically tame, docile animals - their instinctive behaviour should be respected, but you continue to neglect and accept that fact. And you also -"
"I think we have heard enough, Miss Selwyn," Mr. Blackwood said sardonically. "If you would please sit back down, we will make a vote." I made to object but he shook his head and said sleekly, "All in favour of disposing of the Thunderbird, raise their hand."
Almost all of the people in the courtroom raised their hand.
Mr. Blackwood's grin was malicious and confident as he asked, "All in favour of opposing the disposal of the Thunderbird."
I raised my hand. I was the only one that did. Mr. Blackwood's eyes bored into mine, malicious and triumphant. "Then the Thunderbird will be disposed of this week, Friday evening. Thank you for your participation. Court dismissed."
