If a delegate wished to speak at the Conference, they had to point their wand at the sigil on their platform; the symbol would glow faintly and a signal would be sent to the Speaker.
Dumbledore noticed the light flicker from the Alchemy Sect's emblem and glanced toward the old man beside it.
"Our new members from the Alchemy Sect wish to speak," he announced calmly.
The Sect master's sigil glowed softly as he rose and addressed the hall.
"Thank you," he began. "There was an attempt made by a dark wizard on our Sect as well."
He then turned to Dumbledore. "Do I have permission to bring the man in, so he can enlighten the council about his motives?"
"This is not a court for judgement," a British councilman objected immediately.
"His judgement was decided the moment he stepped foot in my Sect," the Sect master said sharply, glancing at the man. His voice was calm but carried an edge.
"I am allowing the council a chance to be better informed of the threat, that is all."
Dumbledore seemed deep in contemplation, then nodded. "We shall vote for the hearing."
The vote took only five minutes. Soon, a man in grey attire was brought into the chamber. He was shackled and seemed in a daze, his movements stiff as he was guided to the center of the hall.
A temporary seating was arranged for him, while Dumbledore stood to conduct the hearing.
"State the nature of your crime," Dumbledore commanded.
The man had been given Veritaserum, and his lips moved as if against his will.
"I learned of the rising power of the Alchemy Sect… I wished to obtain something for… my lord." He gritted his teeth so hard they made an audible sound by the end.
"What did you wish to obtain?" Dumbledore asked, his voice calm but heavy.
"He… wants… dark c-c-c-creatures," the man stammered, breathing hard.
Dumbledore's eyes dimmed. "Who?" he asked simply.
Gasps rippled through the hall.
"How is this allowed?" British and French voices rose in alarm. Even the American delegates joined in protest.
Simon, seated near the British minister, raised an eyebrow and silently noted the French wizards who had spoken most loudly.
The prisoner shuddered violently. "His name… must not be spoken," he gasped. "Must not be spoken!" He repeated it again and again, fighting against the Veritaserum with visible strain.
"For the utterance of the name is forbidden," he babbled, rocking slightly. "I must not speak."
"Please remove the man."
"This must stop."
The chamber echoed with shouts as Dumbledore raised his hand, allowing the ward-keepers to take the prisoner away.
Silence fell. Dumbledore sat still for a long moment, his eyes closed in thought. When he opened them, he saw a signal from the Hawthorne sigil glowing faintly.
He glanced at Simon and gave a small nod. "Lord Hawthorne, please share your thoughts," Dumbledore said, leaning back slightly.
Simon rose, his expression unreadable. He swept his gaze across the assembly before speaking.
"Dark wizards are not uncommon in the world," he began evenly.
"There have been many throughout the ages. There was a wizard named M'Bala from Zimbabwe who caused great destruction."
The Zimbabwe representative bowed his head in quiet acknowledgement.
"The year before that, there was one in Korea and Japan as well…" Simon paused briefly.
"And it is the people in this room who are responsible for protecting our people," he said, his tone deepening.
"I extend… a hand. As the patriarch of House Hawthorne, any who accept will have my support in any situation like this." His gaze shifted toward the Alchemy Sect master and the Sanctum master.
"And the support of everyone who accepts my offer today."
It took little time for responses to come.
"The Alchemy Sect accepts."
"The Spirit Sanctum accepts."
"The Council of Hidden Peaks accepts," announced the Nepalese magical authority.
One by one, other countries and societies gave their assent.
Simon was unsurprised. He knew the majority were seeking political ties and trade more than direct martial aid. Only the Sect and the Sanctum possessed the power to rival some nations in magical might—and they had already pledged to him.
He offered this alliance as an open invitation, a chance for others to step closer to House Hawthorne and gain mutual benefit.
Even the smallest acceptance meant new trading routes, national-level agreements, and access to resources that would elevate everyone involved.
Simon's purpose for attending this meeting was simple: to reach out a hand and raise all who took it.
A/n: Power stones and reviews please.