In light of recent events within the magical world. The break out of Azkaban by Judy Dorchester and then the rumours and warnings to avoid the shadows, when the Minister of Magic (and former headmistress) Hannah Fischer made a visit to Hogwarts, I took a chance and asked her for an interview. Much to my surprise, not only did she grant one to me, but also returned the owled questions in a timely manner.
The could of questions that I asked Minister Fischer was about her new position as the Minister of Magic. Or readers should remember that she has been the minister of magic for about a year and a half now.
So when I asked her if being the minister has been all that she expected it to be, she stated, “When I became Minister I knew the job at hand. The Ministry was recovering from being riddled with corruption. I have as per my duty cleaned house so to speak. Of course, I have the support of my cabinet and my staff to help me day to day.” This is definately, or former headmistress. Rolling up her sleeves and getting right down to business.
Then, being aware that many people are constantly considering different careers within the magical world, so, I asked her if she could describe the different positions that you have filled in the ministry and what exactly they they do.
She responded, “Before my time as Headmistress of Hogwarts I was infact one of the British Representatives for the International Magical Confederation. In retrospect it was one of the more boring jobs that I’ve done and it was mostly attending lavish parties and trying to get foreign Ministries to support our agendas. I was also an Obliviator in my youth and although classified I can reveal that there was a situation involving a member of the Muggle royal family.”
After these introduction questions were posed, we shifted to topics that affected us at Hogwarts. Starting with improving the school security after last year’s rather tragic incidents.
Mrs. Fischer stated, “The Ministry is not responsible for Hogwarts security and that lay with your own Headmaster who is a capable Wizard with a talent for powerful magic. He can of course request the assistance of The Ministry at any time should he choose to but The Ministry plays no part in the protective spells and enchantments around Hogwarts….We will however be making sure that the surrounding areas of Hogsmeade and The Forbidden Forest are secure and safe for those who live there.”
This topic of rumours, one such is a little known rumour that came to light after the Hogsmeade trip in January, that a large amount of polyjuice was stolen from the ministry. Now please note, that this is just a rumour–nothing else.
When asked about it, Fischer reaffirmed this stating, “A rumour is a silly thing. It gets out of control fast and unleashes itself like a blackcurrant stain on a white silk gown.”
Next came a series of questions about the events that happened over the Winter Holiday break. Starting with the break out of Judy Dorchester from Azkaban. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, however you so wish to see it), the minister of magic was rather tight lip. Stating that it was an ‘ongoing investigation’ so she could not comment on the situation until it was solved. However, she did give a bit of information for the Owl Post-perhaps to ease our minds. All of the other current prisoners are accounted for and they have upped the Auror presence there at Azkaban until they can figure out how Dorchester managed to escape.
The next question that was on our list was about the posters that we all have seen at Hogsmeade warning people to avoid the shadows.
Fischer had this to say, “The world is a very dangerous place and outside of Hogwarts you may even end up harmed. It is usual process to have one’s wits about them when travelling outside of Hogwarts as all places do not have the strong magic protecting them that Hogwarts has. One would simply follow the guidance of carrying your wand and don’t provoke any unknown persons for any reason.”
Immediately, the next question was what should we do if we are caught up in a shadow, and she hinted at using Lumos Solem since the sun is the strongest light we can possess that will destroy a shadow.
Finally, the last question that we asked of her was what category does the shadows that attacked in Diagon Alley fall into. A creature, beast, spell, or being. Sadly it seems that she cannot answer this question either at the current time. Perhaps, it is something that the Ministry is still trying to sort out.
Some questions got answered, whereas others, they were skillfully dodged due to their sensitive nature. I hope in time, that these questions will be answered for all of the inquiring minds here at Hogwarts.
