Hiroshima, Nagasaki

The recording wand steadies in the hands of the camerawitch. A shimmering image of a fine wooden sitting room projects upon the looking glasses and scrying pools of thousands of witches and wizards tuning into Edward Hobbs’ Kingdom Times. His show is one of the top three news outlets in the wizarding world of England. Recordings of the show are implemented in both traditional animated news prints, and the increasingly popular medium of scry-broadcasting. Those more familiar with the Muggle world call it Wizard TV.

Seated across the tea table from Edward himself is Minrathous Cicero, a professor of Charms at Hogwarts’ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The man’s long, Italian coat brings to mind the garb of a Roman Catholic priest. This is only natural; the Roman Catholic Church is one of La Repubblica per la Magia’s oldest and largest censorship projects, one of the oldest and largest in the entire wizarding world. Using religious faith and talk of miracles, the church spins or conceals magical happenings from the Muggle world.

“Now that you’ve had time to settle in,” Edward is speaking genially as the two drink tea, “How are you finding your tenure at Hogwarts?”

Licking his lips, Cicero sets down his own cup. “Last year was a learning period. Now, I believe I am understanding the culture of the school,” the professor’s accented voice comes out sharp and quick, like a dagger blade. “What saddens me most is to see the area of physical education so…. Neglected.”

Like a snake catching a scent, Edward’s tongue flicks out and licks his lips, tasting the spicy kick of a controversial take. “I understand physicality is valued in young Italian witches and wizards. How does England measure up?”

Wearing a cool smile, Cicero answers, “Much better than modern Muggle students.” He and Edward share a sensible chuckle. “I am glad to see that Hogwarts’ quidditch teams remain strong competitors. I believe that Hufflepuff’s own Ciaran Whitehorn is eccellente, he is very good. There will be a place for him in the professional leagues. However,” crossing one leg in front of the other, the Italian waves his hands in the air as he speaks, “I do wish that physical education was compulsory, and not elective. Already my colleague, Professor Nicholas Firethorn, pressed for Care of Magical Creatures to be held in greater value. This has made the headmaster less open to more compulsory courses. It is, ah, overwhelming upon the student timetables.” There’s a hint of bitterness in the man’s voice, but then it swivels into pride as he sneers imperially. “I think it would be better to prioritize care of our own bodies, over those of animals.”

Another good-natured chuckle passes between the two men. “So,” like a snake again, Edward lunges on the subject of the moment, “What do you think of…” he checks his notes, “This Tibbs? The emancipated House Elf and his ‘experimental’ program?” The man misspeaks the Elf’s name on purpose.

“I have no comment on House Elf rights,” Cicero examines the back of his hand, offering the limp-wristed excuse of one who does not agree with a thing, but cannot say so for fear of the political implications. “However…” he picks up the teacup and swirls it, looking into silhouetted shapes reflected in the dark liquid. “I think having a grown Elf in the same dormitory with young students is inappropriate. I have suggested to the headmaster to move… him to a personal dwelling area, instead.”

“Well, I don’t think anyone can argue that isn’t reasonably, very rightfully said,” the good host Hobbs expresses his bias. “And how have your efforts to have your new spell licensed and accepted?” Cicero’s subtle frown answers the man’s question well enough, and he theatrically steeples his fingers, pressing before his opponent in the media arena can regain footing. “Families are rightfully concerned about what a teenager might get up to with that sort of magic.”

“A teenager can get up to much trouble with underaged magic,” Cicero points out acidly, “This is why underaged magic is heavily restricted.” This said, he waves his hands expressively, “The Censoring Charm has many applications alongside the Memory Charm, for keeping the wizarding world safely concealed. It is important that future Obliviators and Censore be trained in the proper use of such charms, and the ethics of their use,” the professor argues. “As the Muggle world continues to advance, we face many new challenges to our wizarding world’s secrecy. To the sanctity of our traditions. Things like this,” he hold up his hands and makes air quotes, “Internet.”

“So you’re saying this is an arm’s race in the war for secrecy?” Edward asks, provocatively.

Si,” taking another sip of his tea, Cicero leans back in his chair, holding the plate and cup in his hands, rending them for once mute. “Have you ever heard of _________, or ________? Of the ______ bomb?” The recording becomes fuzzy when the man speaks these words, names perhaps, and Edward’s eyes go blank for a moment.

“No… no, should I have?”

“No,” smiling, Professor Cicero drains the last of his tea. “It is thanks to my research in the area of magical censorship that organizations such as the Ministry’s Obliviators and La Repubblica’s La Magia Censore have been able to erase dangerous Muggle concepts from the world. To shield the wizarding world in ways that the outdated Memory Charm alone could not-” he pauses and adds, “No. Not outdated, I misspoke in my passion, mi dispiace. I would not wish to speak ill of our longest-standing weapon in the Secret War, and an excellent surgical tool. No, my Censoring Charm is simply another blade in our arsenal. And I am confident that the wizarding authorities will come to understand its value.”

The censor smiles. “__ ____ ___ ___ ________ __ __ ___.”

Edward Hobbs looks puzzled. He doesn’t seem to have registered the man’s last sentence. In the recording, all that is present is a long pause of silence as his lips move. “Well, it’s been very nice to have you here with us today, professor,” Edward stands and shakes Cicero’s hand.

Piacere mio, Mr. Hobbs.”

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Pub: 23 May 2025 23:01 UTC

Edit: 23 May 2025 23:05 UTC

Views: 208