It seemed like they were getting quite a few down in the courtrooms, but still not as many as Sophia would have hoped. Perhaps she was too optimistic in seeing Courtroom ten being filled with people, but this election thing was sort of a big deal. It wasn't everyday that they had the prospect of electing a new minister, was it? Or reelecting the old one for that matter, since Sophia still had not expressed her opinion on which way she was going yet.

Smoothing out her new black dress, which she had gotten special for the occasion of the debates, she blinked as she realized there wasn't anyone here. Not even the candidates. Perhaps they were waiting to make an entrance? Odd. Biting her lip, she glanced down at the front to make sure the black bow was still on straight as she clicked her way up to the podium and stood there - patiently as she was capable of - waiting for more people to get seated (and the candidates and questioners to arrive to the center).

Hopefully they didn't get lost; it wasn't like the courtrooms were that hard to find. They just involved use of the stairs instead of the lifts. And if she could do the stairs in three inch stilettos, then anyone could. Right? Hopefully.

Armen paused at the huge, ornate doors to Courtroom Ten and took a breath. He could hear the babble of voices echoing throughout the massive room through the doors. He put on a bright smile and picked a small piece of fuzz of the shoulder of his new Italian, pin-striped suit and walked into the hall.

He sighed quietly, not exactly the amount of people he had expected for his grand entrance or to show off his new suit. Oh well, it wasn't like most of the people knew who he even was, but he still wanted them to want to know him.

He looked at the center floor around him and saw no one else. "I guess Im the first one here." he said to himself, after noticing that neither Minister Cooper, Miss Taylor or any of the other quetioners had arrived for the Debates yet.

He then took a quick glance to the poduim and then saw the Head of the Independent Campaign Committee and nodded at her with a smile and took the seat that was alloted for him.

Where was that campaign manager? What was his name? The last one was named a color name. Ummm. Turquoise. No. Magenta. He grinned to himself as he entered the room and waved to his constituents.

He circled to the front of the room and offered his hand to the front row for a shake. Yes, yes, they were pleased to meet him. Of course they were. He headed for his podium, grinning broadly as he moved.

Positions on major issues confirmed? Check. Belt adjusted? Check. Hair smooth and shiny? Check. Cushioning charm placed on heels? Check. Butterflies in stomach? Double check! No matter how confident Reagan was in her abilities, she couldn't help but be a bit nervous on this incredibly important and momentous occasion. She was about to go head-to-head with her boss and opposing candidate and it would surely prove to be an interesting and informative event.

Stepping into the center of the Courtroom, Reagan made her way to the front row of spectators shortly after Cooper, shaking hands and graciously greeting the people who had come to hear both views. She then calmly and with shoulders back made her way toward her own podium. She greeted Minister Cooper with a hand shake and friendly smile.

Tetrus made his way into the courtroom after wrapping a few last minute things up in his office. He’d dressed up (kind off…) for the debate. He wore black and purple robes that only had a MINOR tear here and there…

The room was big, intimidating, but bright. Tetrus didn’t like bright places, at all. It was easier to spot the Minister though, and the Department Head approached him. “Good day, Minista’.” He stated, putting his hand out for a shake. “Everything is ready? Eat a nice breakfast? Hakuna Matata?” He laughed slightly and looked over to the opposing candidate. She looked nice…

The courtroom was filling up after all; Sophia's dark brown eyes flickered around the large, brightened room as more and more witches and wizards seemed to be entering. It seemed she was wrong about the getting lost part - or maybe they did get lost, but then found their way. Shrugging, she awaited then for the candidates to join her.

One of the employees on her campaign though entered the center area first, nodding at her, which she followed up with a half-smile of her own before glancing down at the stacks of papers her campaign had prepared these past few months. Oh . . . the current Minister Cooper had arrived, and he was shaking hands with those in the front!? Eyes bulging in shock, Sophia just shook her head, as Reagan followed in not too far behind. At least Reagan seemed to have some diplomacy about her; of course, she couldn't dent that Cooper definitely had confidence, a trait that Sophia admired TREMENDOUSLY.

There was that Tetrus guy from the lounge, who seemed much better dressed since he needed to be somewhat 'presentable' for the debates. Good impressions. But where was Reagan's campaign manager? She was pretty sure she heard the heels of that Iridesca witch from level five, but she was . . . oh, busy on the benches. And Jonathan, who made many of the 'vote posters', was here too. So that left . . . two missing from the courtrooms; five from the center. No time to waste though, as time was already a-ticking.

Flicking her wand effortlessly at herself, before replacing it in her handbag, Sophia had cast the sonorus charm to allow herself to be heard as she began the event preceding voting. "Good afternoon everyone! I would like to begin by first introducing myself as your hostess, Sophia Vivaldi, for what hopefully will be an informative event. In these next few hours we'll be getting a closer look at our candidates in the upcoming election.

As a man nearing his early fifties, Brennan Cooper is a wizard that demands respect, particularly of his position in society. As Minister of Magic for over fifteen years now, Brennan Cooper is one of strategy and experience. He did not come to this position by sheer dumb luck, but with his easygoing ways and charming banter, he rose from a mere employee in Department of International Magical Cooperation to this esteemed role he now holds.

Minister Cooper is known to be rather clever in his own right, devious in how seems to surround himself with the best. Despite the preconceived notion that he is a consummate politician, for many years, he is quite good at his job which is due in part to his taste in personal staff. Minister Cooper believes himself to be a hardworker, motivated to continue to ensure that the international relations stay strong. He has believes that if reelected, he can continue to work to establish a stronger, more dynamic education program. Finally, he wishes to ensure the safety of everyone in Britain from Dark Forces. In the words of a former Department Head of Magical Creatures when speaking about Minister Cooper, 'Here’s to the past, present and future.’

I would now like to call upon Nicoli Vanhattck to introduce the second candidate for Minister." Drawing a deep breath, Sophia took a step back from the podium as she awaited for Nicoli to continue. Good thing she had the name cheat sheet for who was supposed to speak next... Now was Nicoli?

Nicoli quickly entered the courtroom, the task ahead of him occupying his thoughts. He wore his customary Ministry midnight blue robes, though embellished slightly with silver thread. He carefully, and swiftly, walked up to the podium and took his seat. Hopefully, he didn't distract anyone. Thankfully, he managed to arrive at the beginning of Ms. Vivaldi's speech. He looked around at the benches furtively, as Vivaldi's voice filled the courtroom. There was a healthy crowd. That was good.

Dispite Nicoli's years working as a teacher, he still felt a little nervous at the prospect of addressing the mass of people before him. Making a speech was drastically different to teaching a class. This had more chance of embarrassment. Suddenly, he heard Miss Vivaldi call him up to the podium. It was now or never.

Nicoli stood up deftly and went to stand beside her. He gave her a reassuring smile and he took a step forwards. Drawing his wand out of his pocket, Nicoli quickly performed the sonorous charm, pointing his wand at his throat. "Thank you, Miss Vivaldi," he began deftly. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"Reagan F. Taylor, at age 38, is the current Senior Undersecretary to the Minster of Magic. The youngest daughter of a magical family; Taylor is one of the most intelligent, ambitious, loyal and friendly witches that the Ministry has to offer. She is both a perfectionist and a leader. She has proved to not only be a successful Ministry employee, but as Senior Undersecretary, she has also added to the strength of the Ministry as a guiding hand.

The major motivational point for Ms Taylor's platform is driven from her drive to bring change for the Wizarding Community. She believes she knows the desires of the Wizarding community, and with the passion of a lioness and her proven abilities as Senior Undersecretary, she intends to put actions to her ideas. Ms Taylor has firm beliefs in providing funding to St. Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies, mending the damage caused to international relationships during the conference just last year, and to communicate with Hogwarts and its Headmaster about possible educational improvements. She believes that she can bring the British community from its current downfallen state into one of hope and prosperity. Reagan Taylor promises to bring forth the much needed change to the British Wizarding community."

Nicoli smiled at the end of his speech, stepped back and removed the sonorous charm from his voice. He grinned once more at Miss Vivaldi and then hasted to take his seat again. There, all done!

occ: Thanks to Jess for the help with the "speech"!

Sophia pursed her lips together as Nicoli made his way up to the podium and began his little introduction of Reagan. Fabulous job, she couldn't deny that the research on the two candidates was too perfect for words. Once she finished, she stepped back over to the podium and glanced around, pleased to see more people had arrived in the benches. Glancing down at the debates sheet with her little cursive handwriting with who would present each question, she looked over at the questioners for a moment and then back to the crowds.

"Thank you, Nicoli," she gave him an approving nod briefly before continuing. "Now I would like to call on our first questioner, Ms McMillan who will start off the questioning of the candidates."

Stepping back again from the podium, she waited for the young, well-dressed woman to come on up.

Ben Cobblesten made it to the debates just in time, it seemed. He was dressed nicer than he usually was for the occassion, wearing a new black suit that he had paired with a salmon (NOT pink) button down shirt underneath. He was wearing his new shoes again, although now that he had worn them down on the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, he wasn't flailing about like a fish out of water as he walked.

He managed to sneak into the back unnoticed, where he joined his fellow Department Heads and gave Taylor a reassuring grin of confidence as it was annouced that the questioning was about to begin. She had this, no problem.

Iridesca stood up and straightened her new suit and walked slowly forward stepping up to the podium and started her questions, "Good afternoon both of you...I have a couple of questions for each of you to answer. I'll start with you, Mr. Cooper, and once Mr. Cooper has answered, Ms. Taylor, you can share your answer as well..." she paused for her words to sink in.

"So, starting with Mr. Cooper, What are some steps you have in mind to bring about a course of regaining positive repertoire for the British Ministry after the disastrous International Conference a few months ago?" she asked with a smile on her face and then waited for the current Minister's answer and anxious to hear the other candidate's answer following Mr. Cooper's.

"Thank you, Madame," Cooper nodded solemnly at Iridesca. "First, I think it an important point that we not let the tragedy that occurred at the International Conference color the way we view ourselves as a nation. We cannot control how other countries choose to interpret the acts of a mad woman with no affiliation with our Ministry, but we can control ourselves. I think the first step must be to regain our sense of selves as a nation. We are a proud country. A strong country. Why should we beg and scrape to the other nations for forgiveness?"

"As for International relations, I know that we are on tenuous ground with some of our oldest allies. Truly, this is a sad day for the British Ministry of Magic when our strength is not recognized internationally and when our friends turn their backs on us. We must work to repair the trust that has been broken, reestablish lines of communication and diplomacy, and reestablish trade. But we also must be brave enough to show that we are not ashamed of ourselves. We are not cowed by their temper tantrums. We are not afraid to be the strong, proud people I know we are."

"We are British," he turned and smiled at the crowd. His words were forceful, and it was obvious he was proud of his country and his people. "I am eager to hear the ideas of my former assistant, Miss Taylor." Wasn't she precious in that little dress? Just adorable.

Fighting the desire to smirk or roll her eyes, Reagan stood with an interested look upon her face as Minister Cooper spoke in vague generalities and tip-toed around the question without actually answering it with specific information. True to form, Minister Cooper hadn't developed a clear answer, just as he hadn't developed a clear plan to deal with the international predicament.

Once Minister Cooper was finished, Reagan Taylor began in response to Cooper's comment about his eagerness to hear her opinion, "Thank you, Minister Cooper; and thank you, Ms. McMillian. While Minister Cooper makes a very fine point about our need to be proud of our country, we need to recognize the very important distinction between being proud of our accomplishments as a nation and being so prideful as to be viewed as arrogant.

"Regardless of who or what was at fault for the very sad occurrences within the confines of our Ministry during the International Wizarding Conference, the reality of the situation is that the international climate has reached new levels of ambivalence at best, and hostility at worst. You asked, Ms. McMillian, of specific steps we'd like to take to improve international cooperation. If elected, I plan to implement an ambassador system, in which each nation will have an assigned ambassador from our country in an effort to increase the quantity and more importantly, the quality of our communications with other nations.

"I'd also like to demonstrate that Britain is a nation dedicated to supporting the global economy by implementing a revision of trade restrictions in order to augment trade with a number of friendly nations. We need to send a clear message to the world that Britain is not unyielding and unfriendly. The world must know that our country is ever-learning and ever-changing in an effort to always improve upon our great foundations. They must know that we'd like to, once more, learn from, as well as share our own knowledge, for the benefit of all our people and the advancement of our societies. Thank you."

Just as Ben had expected, Taylor had given a phenominal answer and left Cooper in the dust. Her views and ideas for foreign relation outshined Cooper's by far. And he certainly didn't think that JUST because he was her campaign manager.

As she finished her answer, he cleared his throat and stood from his seat in the room, smoothing out his brand new suit as he walked up to the podium. Now that the debate was totally underway, he was anxious to keep the ball rolling. This next question was going to be a good one--the topic it covered was one of the reasons he was on Reagan's side, and since he had children of Hogwarts age, it definitely hit close to home.

"Thank you for sharing your delightful views on foreign policy," he began, flashing a smile at both Cooper and Taylor as he straightened his 6 foot tall frame at the podium. "My next question will first be directed to Ms. Taylor, and Mr. Cooper, you will have the opportunity to share your views once Ms. Taylor has answered."

He cleared his throat again before reading his question aloud. "What are some plans that you have to raise the Hogwarts quality of education and regain the trust of the students and Professors after what happened three years ago with the school separation?" he asked. He waited patiently for Reagan to answer, trying his hardest not to grin like an idiot in anticipation. He had to admit, he was more than interested in what Cooper had to say about this.

Ah, a tough question. But one that was important to the election and a motivating factor in her decision to pursue office. While Taylor hadn't supported Minister Cooper's decision to close Hogwarts, her problem was less with his concept and more with his motivations behind the decision, which seemed more self (and wife)-serving, and less about the children's benefit.

"Thank you, Mr. Cobblesten. I think it is important that every action taken by this Ministry in regard to education reform be clearly and whole-heartedly for the benefit of our youth and our society. Only then, when we are working with their interests in mind, can we regain the trust of the students, parents and staff.

"Let's start with the professors. It is important that qualified and dedicated teachers be rewarded for the efforts they put forth in educating our students. I'd like to implement bonuses for staff members who reach certain milestones in their careers. For example - rewards for increases in their subject's standardized test scores and for years of service to Hogwarts and its students. Of course, staff members would only be allowed to receive such benefits after review by the Ministry Department of Education, thus ensuring that the staff are living up to the expectations that parents and society as a whole have for their role in the education and shaping of our youth.

"And on the subject of standardized testing, it would be prudent to reevaluate the applicability of the exam material to the current national climate. We need to ensure that our students will leave Hogwarts ready to handle what they will face in today's world, not the world as it existed twenty years ago. In the same vain, I'd also like to work with the Headmaster to vary and broaden the curriculum, to introduce contemporary subjects in addition to the foundational ones, so as to encourage students to seek their own paths and contribute productively to society. That is, after all, the purpose of their education.

"Hogwarts is a fine institution currently under fine leadership. With open communication with Headmaster Bontecou, great improvements can be made for the benefit of our students and our society. Thank you." Reagan nodded toward Brennan to signal that she had completed her answer and he was free to reply.

Cooper sniffed at her answer and glanced around for his so-called campaign manager. It was obvious her campaign staff had prepped her with bullet points, which were fine for newspaper articles and essays, but not for a format such as this. Still... why hadn't his staff prepared things for him? There weren't notes on his podium.

Where were HIS cheat sheets? Gosh.

"I agree with my worthy opponent on at least part of her well-considered response," Cooper nodded at her with a small smile. "Hogwarts is a fine school, and the Headmaster is a good man with strong principles. I am honored to have been instrumental in his selection and appointment, and I feel that with this new leadership, the school is now in hands capable enough to keep our students secure and safe."

"I think this is the most instrumental point, one my opponent did not address. How many times under the past administration have our students found their very lives in peril? How many students must die before we are prepared to make changes that keep our children safe? Safety must be paramount, for we cannot expect anyone to learn when they fear for their lives. My top priority is, and always has been, to keep our children safe."

He paused thoughtfully. "I can tell from the tone of the question that there is a bias in the former splitting of the schools. Was this a mistake in judgment? Perhaps, but I'm not ashamed to say that this experiment did not turn out as I hoped it would. We do not always see precisely what the best course would be, but I know that my friends and neighbors in the Wizarding public recognize that I was trying to find a way to help the children to be safer and more focused. Perhaps this was not the way, but I haven't given up this dream of a quality education, in one way or another."

"Those who believe I do not care about education must remember the steps we've already taken while I sat in the Minister's chair. The Department of Education was my brainchild, my desire to create an organization at the Ministry that was responsible for overview and direction solidified. I could not have undertaken the reforms we have already achieved without their excellent work and dedication, and I believe we all owe this organization our thanks. Under their direction, I believe we are well on our way to making additional positive changes."

"I respect my opponent's views on modernizing education, although I do think there is such a thing as too much modernization. The education we received at Hogwarts can hardly be improved upon by newfangled areas of magic that are unproved and trendy. To the contrary, I believe the subjects we have, and the professors we've hired, need to be supported and their resources broadened. The Ministry can do much in earning back the trust of the student body and of the professors by showing them that we trust THEM to be experts in their fields. Yes, we must increase our scrutiny when it comes to safety, but we should show that we respect our professors as subject matter experts by providing them with funding for special projects and encouraging their individual research needs at the school. The students will follow the lead of their professors. In addition, we can encourage open communication between professors and students, and the Ministry and Hogwarts, especially through informal visits, perhaps in themed events or socials."

He smiled at the audience once again, relatively pleased with his response but frustrated that he hadn't said all he wanted based on the suddenness of these questions.

Still somewhat on the fence about exactly for whom to vote, Donovan sat quietly in his seat at the center of the courtrooms, listening intently to the answers of the two candidates and patiently waiting his turn to ask his own question. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the Minister’s answer to the first question. We are British? Donovan was most certainly not. Was the Minister really unaware that people of other nationalities worked in his Ministry? Possibly, and that could be understandable given the vast number of employees, but Donovan still could not help but feel that his answer was a bit pompous and undiplomatic – not to mention vague. Frowning slightly, he turned to listen to Ms. Taylor’s answer. Although her answer seemed somewhat more concise, he was not about to make up his mind so soon, and certainly not on the response of one question.

After both candidates responded to the next query, he glanced up at the empty spot behind the podium. Oh, right, his turn. Quickly, Donovan got up from his seat and casually made his way to the center of the room to address both candidates.

“Good day, Minister Cooper, Ms. Taylor,” he addressed them both with a nod to each of them. “My question will first be addressed to Minister Cooper, then once he has finished answering, Ms. Taylor, if you would respond as well.” He cleared his throat once before proceeding. “What are some ideas that you have to encourage travel and visitation to Britain and its Ministry as opposed to other countries in the world? Also, what are some methods that could be used to entice people to move here permanently?” As an American citizen permanently residing in Britain, Donovan was eager to hear the ideas of both candidates and still being undecided, their views on foreign diplomacy could very well sway his vote in one direction or the other. He looked expectantly first at the Minister in anticipation of his response.

Cooper gave the young man a stifled odd look before figuring out how to plaster on a smile. What was going on with these questions? They were actually quite hard. Why was it his job to worry about tourism when there were people dying and stuff??

"That's an interesting query, sir. I think we have a beautiful country here, and certainly some of the most interesting spots in all of Europe. Who else has the historical sites of Harry Potter? The home of Quidditch? A complete Wizarding village, or the shopping utopia of Diagon Alley? Truly, we have some unique vistas, but if we hide our bushel under a basket, how is anyone to know?"

"To better publicize what we have to offer, I think we must develop a Bureau of Travel and Tourism within the Department of International Cooperation. They can assist in publicity and help to develop those areas that we believe people want to visit. I think bringing this under the review of the Ministry is an important part of making tourism a viable industry for us. In addition, the Department of Magical Transportation should be tasked with extending our Floo networks to make foreign travel easier and to expand our apparition centers. By making travel to our fair nation more accessible, we are better encouraging people to make the trip."

"As for encouraging our foreign allies to consider Britain as a new home, we cannot discount how the country speaks for itself. But uprooting from a place that is so familiar is difficult, and any help we can offer should be considered. Relocation agents within the Department of International Cooperation can be tasked with helping new citizens navigate the process of finding a home and locating the necessities of a new country and community. In addition, those communities that grow up around small enclaves of wizarding families should be encouraged. What do we have without community? Hogsmeade is unique nearly in all the world, and I think it would do us well to encourage similar towns to grow organically throughout Britain. These can be through natural citizens, but better through naturalized citizens who have an interest in developing the bond of home. Stipends should be provided to those enclaves who are interested in becoming more self-sufficient and in including new families in their midst."

"I truly do believe that wizards all over the world are welcome in our borders, to be taken in and homogenized with those who already live here. Tourism can be a boon to our economy if we know how to take advantage of the interest the world already shows us, but only if we are willing to open our arms and the Ministry's pocketbooks in the meantime." He nodded to Taylor to take her turn.

Reagan fought to keep her face impassive and free of signs of stress. Not only was this particular question incredibly difficult, but Reagan and Brennan didn't differ in opinion very much in this area... and he got to answer first. Not an ideal situation by any means.

She began, "I must say, that Minister Cooper does have a valid point - our country is beautiful and is filled with incredible points of interest that other nations would be at a loss to not experience. It is for this reason that, should I be elected Minister, I would like to pursue the construction of an International Museum of Wizarding History, to be housed right here in our very own Britain. By asking other nations to contribute pieces of history, and of course including much of our own history, which is so vital to the story of the wizarding community, we will be able to ignite the interests of other nations to promote such a museum, thus bringing in many more tourists to our amazing country. If we build it, they will come.

"In turn, we can use the income brought in by this museum to further advance our travel and tourism industry, as well as devote some to areas requiring an increase in funds - like health care via St. Mungo's Hospital and increasing the number of Law Enforcement officials to keep our community safe. I think it is important that we have a plan in place for funding before we open, and I'm going to borrow Minister Cooper's expression here, the 'Ministry's pocketbooks', because the reality is - the money in the Ministry's pocketbooks comes from the tax paying witches and wizards in our community. It comes from all of you. And I think it would be fair to say that a great deal of people would prefer to know that the Ministry was not merely throwing the people's money about without having made, at the very least, an attempt to supplement the funds being distributed to areas of travel and tourism."

Reagan paused before continuing, "It is incredibly important that the Department of Magical Transportation not only extend the Floo network and expand apparition centers, and of course, Portkey traveling, we must also increase the safety of these methods of transportation. For our numerous neighbors who use flying carpets regularly, though we do not allow them in Britain, we could do our best to accomodate them with a checkpoint at which they can entrust their carpet into our posession and then travel via Floo or Portkey or Apparition within the borders of our nation. They could later retrieve their carpet before their travels to their home nation. This is just one of many examples where we, as a host nation, could better accomodate our foreign guests, thus encouraging further future travel to Britain.

"As for methods that could be used to entice people to move here permanently? Well, I think one striking and powerful method would be to appeal to the parents of young children who are in the process of determining where to send their children for a strong wizarding education. Appeal to those parents, offer them a number of benefits and financial assistance for moving here with their child when they enter Hogwarts, and through the beauty that is our nation, we can convince that family to remain in Britain permanently. By doing so, we ensure that a new member of our community, that child, will become productive because we can trust that he or she obtained the very best wizarding education our world has to offer.

"It is my firm belief that visitors need only spend a short period of time within our borders before they realize the beauty and opportunities of our country. This realization will be the strongest motivator in their return here, whether temporarily as tourist, or permanently to become a resident. Let us welcome them eagerly and openly as we enter a new age of international friendship and cooperation." Reagan nodded to the questioner to signal that she had completed her answer.

Jonathan had nearly nodded off in his chair as the row of Ministry employees next to him stood up to ask their questions. In the front, the two candidates babbled and babbled as was the nature of politicians (in that area, at least, neither of them had an edge). There was murmuring from the benches surrounding the courtroom as the watching witches and wizards discussed the answers or, possibly, their breakfast.

Oh, and it was his turn now. He got up carefully and walked to the front. Jonathan was insanely pleased to see the discomfort on the two candidates' faces. That last question had really shaken them up. His own, even though it was rather trite in his opinion, was written down on a little piece of parchment, but they were eyeing it as if it were a proclamation from the gods. He flashed them a huge smile.

"Good afternoon Minister, Undersecretary." He nodded at them in turn. "One question from me for the two of you. If Miss Taylor could answer first?" He glanced at his card - he knew the question by heart, of course, but even so, those two weren't the only ones who were willing to give people a show. He looked up.

"How can we improve our methods of extraditing foreign convicts in a way that is more translatable to Allied Ministries around the world?"

Reagan contemplated the question, formulated her answer, and spoke clearly, "I think one of the first courses of action needs to be a summit meeting in which the topic of discussion is international laws, including those pertaining to the extradition of foreign convicts. The heads of magical governments must come together to determine clearer laws indicating which country has the right or obligation to try criminals for different offenses. We cannot obtain justice if we do not first take the steps to clarify our laws amongst these nations.

"Also, we need to specify the steps that need be involved in the actual transferring of the criminal from one country's custody to another. We need to know that when we participate in the extradition of a suspected criminal, the criminal will be returned to the home country with the understanding that the consequences of the law-breaking will remain in effect.

"I also think it would be prudent to implement a foreign language training program for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and of course the Department of International Magical Cooperation, so that communications between nations can be made clearer when attempting to work together to see that a criminal is punished, and also to more effectively interrogate criminals so that we know exactly where they should be punished based on where the crime was committed and what type of crime it was.

"Lastly, for crimes committed in multiple countries by the same person or people, instead of arguing needlessly and without progress about extradition, we need to work together to try these people in an international court setting, including members of the International Confederation of Wizards, Ministers of Magic, and court officials from each nation.

"With our every action, our goal must be justice for those who have been wronged. With this goal in mind, we can easily work with Allied Ministries to find a middle ground as it pertains to extradition procedures and consequences." Reagan gestured to Minister Cooper, signifying that she had completed her reply.

Brennan was completely certain that this debate was rigged. Not only were the questions more difficult than any of his MANY previous debates, but Taylor seemed to already know the answers. She even seemed to know HIS answers, which was awkward. There was nothing so pathetic as a "I agree with my worthy opponent", even if there was really only one way to feel about the question. If your opponent claimed the sky was blue, you had better find a convincing argument it was actually green or sound like a complete hack.

It was very unfair.

That being said...

"While I agree with the fine points Miss Taylor has presented today, I believe it is first more important to examine our national laws in detail before bringing them to the larger international community. Which of our laws, for example, requires the international community to come to our aid as we struggle to bring a criminal to justice, and which crimes would waste time and energy we do not have to spare? If every crime required us to run bawling to our allies... well, can you imagine the sort of disaster Azkabhan would be after the last British-hosted World Cup?" He chuckled at the very idea.

"Once we are able to quantify which of our laws are so serious we will pursue criminals across national borders, we can then sit down with other countries to develop an international policy. Our Ministry will recommend a subcommittee form as part of the International Confederation of Wizards, providing a panel of representatives from many countries, who will be able to hammer out the laws and by-laws we can expect all participating nations to abide by."

"A last point, and one that is connected in a way, is that I believe the international Auror community is simply too autonomous. I know that when our Aurors are seeking information from other countries, too often they run into all sorts of legal walls. They have to go through other departments simply to file warrants or receive information. I propose we help to make all the Aurors, here and abroad, more successful through streamlining the legal channels and red tape."

He grinned at the wizards and witches in the audience. They were his friends and his fans, people who had voted for him for years and knew that HE knew how to take care of them and that he was in their court. Taylor would be very good in a position of leadership... someday, but it was still his hour.

Sophia had pretty much just allowed her campaign members to step up to the podium and ask their question of the candidate; they all didn't really need much instruction after that because it went too smoothly for words. Sort of made her job as campaign manager a little boring but also proved that she had done well in instructing the questioners. Really, they did beautifully. There was no other way to describe it.

Still somewhat on edge over who she would be casting her vote for in the polls next week, the brunette listened to each candidate speak. Their views were somewhat similar, though Sophia wasn't about to deny that Reagan was more specific with some of her ideas. Though Cooper had the experience. It was truly a close decision in her mind; of course, there was the minor detail that the Tetrus dude who called everyone his sibling was the manager behind Cooper's campaign. Even though she shouldn't pick sides that way, it was still on her mind as a drawback to Cooper.

And then the fourth questioner stood up and asked his question, both candidates again responding wonderfully to the debate question posed. And Cooper with his cheesy, almost cocky grin out to the audience. That man definitely had confidence, but so did Taylor. Though this was her cue to wrap up the debates at Brennan's final words.

Taking a few steps forward, she gazed around the courtroom, pleased with the turnout of employees and the whispering and murmurs. Normally that might be a little rude, but in this case, it most likely meant they were discussing the candidates and their responses. Something that would be discussed for DAYSSSS!

"Greetings again! I would first like to extend a huge thank you and round of applause to our questioners this afternoon. Ms McMillan, Mr Cobblesten, Mr Calrissian, and Mr Windswept," Sophia looked at each of them in turn as she said their name and then waited for the applause to die out. "And then of course a thank you to our candidates, Reagan Taylor and Brennan Cooper. Your responses have truly left us all with something to think about. So thank you." She smiled at each of them in turn, before looking back at the crowds.

"This concludes our debate and I would like to encourage you all to enjoy some refreshments provided for you and for all of you to come out to VOTE next week. Polling booths will be set up just outside this courtroom and in Gringotts as well, for your convenience. Thank you all again for coming out today."

Sophia stepped away from the podium then and turned to go personally extend some thank yous to the candidates.

ooc: With the closing of the polls on Saturday, then the votes have been tallied for all the questions that over eighty eligible voters came out to express their opinions. As the independent campaign manager, then I'm here to report the results via the courtroom. Look for memos with the results as well and thank you for being a part of the election <3


Sophia quickly made her way down to the courtroom ten. She didn't really expect much a crowd since even though they got an alarmingly high number of responses in the polls, and the results would be publicized undoubtedly on the first pages of the Prophet, the actual announcing of the new minister was not well broadcasted. Nonetheless, her speech was necessary and would be recorded into National Wizarding History and broadcasted on Wizarding Radio Stations around Britain and all over the world. Because what Sophia Anne was about to report was perhaps the biggest history in the world.

Stepping up to the podium - not much had changed in the layout since a week ago when she was here for the debates - the young brunette smiled brightly at the cameras before beginning.

"Today, the 19th of April 2069 marks a fabulous day for Witches and Wizards all over the world. It is with the help of all of you that I am pleased to report that the Ministry will be working in a partnership with the Headmaster of Hogwarts to seek educational programs that would benefit the students, the Ministry shall be appointing Ambassadors to foreign nations in an effort to better our relationships with other countries, All forms of magical transportation will remain as they stand, and there will be an increase in funding for St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries."

"It is therefore, without further ado, that I present your new Minister of Magic, Ms Reagan Taylor." With one respectful nod towards the new minister, Sophia stepped away from the podium to allow Reagan to step up and offer a few words to the community.