Sorcerers Templar Election Meeting!

Marigold watched as Finn sound proofed the dungeon cell. She looked at the little room, with all the chairs facing a small stage with a podium. Marigold took a deep breath and again looked over her cards.

”You’ll be fine Mari. Don’t worry about it,” Finn told her. Marigold nodded and smiled. She had to call the meeting to order and begin the election process, although they had asked Jon to keep track of the nominations, as he was a third party source and had little to do with the founders or the older kids of the group. Elsa volunteered to take attendance for them and Edwin was in charge of rounding up potential first years, although the first years had no votes. Most of Marigold’s group were milling around the room, talking with everyone and catching up with other people.

”What’s up Goldie?” Walt said, coming up to her. Marigold rolled her eyes at the affectionate nickname and looked over her cards one more time. The elections were a little different, with smaller positions going by a show of hands and the higher positions being nominations then a closed ballet. Marigold looked at the boxes along the wall, all of them labeled a position. All except the Shadows were on the boxes. Marigold had a brief conference with both of the Shadows, explaining what they had to do. Marigold was glad that both of them accepted their positions.

”I think I’m ready,” Marigold told Walt. He nodded and patted her on the back. Talking in front of people really wasn’t her strong suit. But, if she was to hold a positon, she would have to get used to it. She took a deep breath and went up to the podium, straightening her cards and getting comfortable. Slowly, everyone began to move to their seats, her friends sitting front row. There were a line of chairs behind her, to seat all the people who would be nominated. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath, thankful for the podium so no one can see her knees shaking.

”Welcome, everyone, to the first Sorcerer’s Templar meeting!” she announced cheerfully. Everyone clapped politely, a few looking confused on what exactly Templar is. Behind the chairs was a chalkboard. The clapping died down and Marigold took another deep breath.

”For those of you who don’t know, I’m Marigold Belet and I’m one of the founders of Templar, along with Adele Beaumont. This year, we will be doing things a little differently. For example, we have motto this year. Let me say it for you,” Marigold said, pulling out her wand, stepping to the side and pointing her wand at the chalkboard. She quickly used a levitation spell on a piece of chalk and wrote the motto down on the chalkboard, trying to write prettily and trying to say it confidently.

”The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack,” she said, clear and true, the words appearing on the chalkboard. The group clapped and Marigold smiled. She went back to the podium.

”But, this isn’t the only change. We have buckled down on safety, both within and outside the group. For now on, Templar meetings change location every single time, for fear of The Ministry of Mischief finding us and hurting any of us. The way you will know where Templar is located is by a notice, hung in the Common Room, under the name Herbology Club. It will give you the location, and the time to gain entry. A password will be given at the end of each meeting to allow you entrance into the next one. Safety is of the utmost importance and we are taking the correct measures to insure the safety of everyone within Sorcerer’s Templar. I hope all of you can understand,” Marigold told them, a bit seriously. She saw a few first years looking confused, but the older people seemed alright with the change. Marigold smiled.

”Now that that is out of the way, we have one more change. We are having an executive board, people who can help Templar run smoothly and safely. We are having the elections today, with the smaller roles being counted by popular vote and the bigger roles by closed ballot with the boxes in the back. Jon Simmons has agreed to moderate the election. Please give him a big round of applause,” Marigold concluded, gesturing to Jon and stepping off the stage. She took a seat that Asher was saving her at the end of the first row. He handed her a glass of water.

”You did really good,” he whispered in her ear. Marigold blushed and smiled. Asher smiled and turned his attention towards Jon.

”Alright. Elections will begin with the role of secretary. Would anyone like to nominate anyone for the role of secretary?” Jon called out.

Adelaine took one of the seats next to the podium, where she sat with Symon, Finn, and Jacob. Marigold was doing an excellent job explaining things, she would certainly be on the Relations committee.

“I’d like to nominate Peyton,” Gavin said, pushing Peyton up to the podium.

 Peyton stood awkwardly next to Marigold and looked out at the audience. He smiled timidly and waved.

“Would anyone else like to nominate?” Adele stood and asked everyone. People just fidgeted in their chairs, so she took that as a no. “That settles it, then. Secretary Peyton Brix, everybody!”

Several people clapped and Peyton’s face was nearly as red as his hair. He quickly returned to his seat. Adele went to the podium and looked at the next position on the list. Healer first, then Sergeant of Arms. “Alright, up next is Healer. Any nominations?”

“Marigold,” Edwin nominated, taking on the tone of Captain Obvious.

“I nominate Walt,” a first year named Kerry challenged.

“Okay, everyone close your eyes,” Jon instructed. “If you vote for Marigold to be Healer, raise a hand..only one, Devan!” Jon counted sixteen hands. “Hands down. Now raise ‘em for Walt….that’s 36 votes, and Walt McNeely is our Healer!”

“Alright, now for the Sergeant of Arms,” Adelaine announced. “This person will handle security inside the Templar, and will also be in charge of entrance. Nominations?”

“Asher,” Gavin and Seamus said at the same time.

“Jacob,” Symon nominated. The two boys got up and walked to the podium.

“Eyes closed, people,” Jon said again. “Raise ‘em for Asher.” He counted 26… “Um, okay, now for Jacob?” 26 again. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a debate!”

Kolby sat in the crowd, a little towards the back, where all the Slytherins were sitting. He was a Shadow and he was blending in. He was approached by Adele and Marigold and asked to be a double agent. He explained that he already was and that it was Arya’s idea. But, he liked being a Shadow. He was sneaky, cunning, like a snake. Which was fitting since he was already a Slytherin.

He watched the elections and listened to conversations. Peyton got secretary no problem. He clapped for the nice Ravenclaw and smiled. He couldn’t believe that Marigold didn’t get the part of Healer though. He voted for her. But, listening to conversations, people wanted someone older and wiser then the little Ravenclaw. Kolby watched the debate go on between Asher and Jacob.

”I the captain of the Dueling Club. Obviously, I have more experience in keeping everyone safe. I’m very skilled at spells and combat and I’m sure that I would make a great Sergeant of Arms,” Jacob opened with.

”Captain of the Dueling Club? That’s so cool!” a little first year Puff whispered to his friend. Kolby smiled and nodded to what Jacob was saying. It did make sense to have someone with leadership experience in that position.

”Well, I am also skilled with spells and I have been in combat before as well. While I’m not the caption of the Dueling Club, I have experience with leading Quidditch teams and younger siblings,” Asher countered. Kolby nodded to that too. Asher did have a point. Anyone could be skill with spells and in combat.

”Yes. That’s true. But, you also have a quick temper,” Jacob told him, playing a little dirty. Kolby grimaced as people started whispering about Asher. Poor guy. Asher turned a little red. Kolby saw Gavin and Peyton ready to grab him in case his anger got the best of him. Asher cleared his throat.

”Yes. I’ll admit that that’s true. But, I will tell you that I’m loyal and I have a lion heart,” Asher stated simply, not taking the low road the Jacob tried to take. Kolby smiled. He was learning to control his temper. Maybe Marigold had something to do with that. Kolby also noticed that Marigold was whispering to the other.

”When every member of the executive board is decided, they will be the deciding vote on the Sergeant of Arms position. Thank you gentlemen. Take your seats,” Jon announced. The crowd seemed to agree with that decision. Kolby was just glad to not see them fight.

”Now, we will begin with nominations for the roles of Counts’ and Countess’. This position can have multiple people. If a person had ten votes, their name will be locked in. This means that we can have five slots in this position, but we have to narrow it down to three people, which you will decide by putting their name in the ballot box. Counts’ and Countess’ always find ways to improve Templar and act as judges on important decisions. They also work on up keeping relations within the group, taking care of any tensions. Are there any nominations?” Jon asked.

”I nominate Elsa Needler!” Elma announced. The room sorta laughed but Elsa went up there. Kolby yawned. Elections were well underway

Arya was sitting in the crowd between Edwin and Gavin. Looks like Asher and Jacob will have to share, she thought mischievously. She knew they’d both hate that. This ought to be interesting. Jon quickly moved on to the Relations Committee vote before things between the two boys got out of hand. So far, Elsa had been nominated.

“Blimey, can’t picture her trying to settle anything,” she whispered to Gavin, who snickered. Arry stood. “I nominate Finnius.”

The Hufflepuff smiled and walked happily up to the podium. Elsa looked to be in her glory standing next to him. What a doxy. Before long, Marigold, Seamus, and Gavin had been nominated. She’d be voting for Gavin, of course – even though she nominated Finn…

“Alright, you’ve all got a bit of parchment, now write your vote SECRETLY on the ballot,” Jon said loudly.

Everyone hustled over to the boxes, which were all behind a curtain, and cast their votes, whispering the whole time. Jon went and counted the votes quickly.

“Alright, we have our winners! Count Seamus, Countess Marigold, and Count Gavin!”

The crowd cheered; Finn shrugged with an easy smile, and Elsa huffed and sat back down.

Adelaine tapped her fingers nervously against her thighs. The elections were coming to a close, and up next was the presidential category – the one she was running for. They kind of already had a system for this one; not that it was rigged or anything, but they’d already discussed candidates and who’d likely win. It was decided that a group of three should run the Sorcerers Templar. That group would be Adele, Symon, and Finnius. Their friends were already in the audience waiting to nominate them.

“Last but not least, we have the Marquis/Marquise position,” Jon stated loudly. “This section will make the main decisions for the Templar and oversee the other branches of rule. Any nominations?”

“I nominate Adelaine Beaumont,” Elsa said, raising her hand.

Adelaine took a deep breath and stood next to the podium with a smile.

“Finnius Ruddock,” Edwin shouted.

“I nominate Symon Fendrel,” Peyton chimed in.

Great, Adele thought. It was all going according to plan.

“Alright, so we can carry on with the voting –” Jon went on, before being cut off.

“I nominate Davy Rivers,” a sinister and familiar voice said.

In the back of the room, Davy and two of his mates stood smirking. Clearly they should've done more than sound-proofing. Everyone immediately jumped out of their seats and reached for their wands. “Now now, don’t get your knickers in a bunch! We’re not here for a fight.”

“Then get out,” Symon said, deathly serious.

“Ha! No, I don’t think I will,” Davy sighed. “So, I see you’re still running your little army here. Haven’t had enough of us, have you?”

“Did you think you’d scared us away?” Adele asked firmly. “I think you’re intimidated, Davy. You know all of us together are no match for you. Would you like to hear our mantra?”

In a moment that would later give her chills of excitement and pride, the entire room stood together and stated loudly: “The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack!”

The three were silent for a moment, surveying the crowd. Finally, Davy spoke. “We’re just here to let you all know…we’re watching you. We aren’t done with you.” His cold eyes rested on Symon.

Finn, normally so cheerful in any situation, had the last words. “We’ll be ready.”

Marigold looked over the 52 people stand up to Davy. She felt pride. She felt proud of their little Templar. She smiled and watched the crowd. They were buzzing with excitement, seeing them stand up to the Slytherins. People were talking frantically, some excited, some more scared. They were suddenly milling around the room and getting rowdy. Marigold approached the podium with Seamus and Gavin.

"Quiet! Quiet!" Gavin yelled using his loud Quidditch voice. People turned and looked at the stage.

"Everyone, please return to your seats," Marigold told them. She watched as everyone sat back down, nervously whispering amongst themselves. Marigold could see the fear in the new members eyes and the excitement in the older members. She figured that she would need to say something heroic or inspirational. But, she was at a lost for words. So, Symon stepped up. Marigold stepped aside and let him have the podium.

"On behalf of the new executive board, we thank all of you for your loyality and for your commitment. Together, we will stand and be strong. We will keep Hogwarts safe from the people who love to trample on the weak. We will better the school by giving little people the strength and practice they need. All of us will make a difference in this school!" Symon announced in a very inspirational speech. The applause kept getting louder and louder as he talked, everyone beaming at Symon's speech. Marigold smiled. The vote was unanimous. Marigold stepped up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new executive board!" she announced excitedly, gesturing to all her friends on the stage. The whole Templar cheered and Marigold was engulfed in hugs. Everyone was excited. This was a great start to Templar. The applause and the hugs died down and Marigold went back up to the podium.

"This meeting has been adjourned. Thank you all for coming out and be on the look out for the Herbology poster. Seamus and Gavin will give you the password at the door since Sergeants of Arms are yet to be determined. Everyone travel in packs and travel back safely. Thank you!" Marigold adjourned, Seamus and Gavin moving towards the door. Asher and Jacob went to check the halls and give security. Symon put a hand on her shoulder and Marigold looked up at him.

"That went very well," he told her, approving. She smiled and nodded. He gave her shoulder a little squeeze and went to help Asher and Jacob with security.

"Executive board is going to have a meeting right?" Finn asked her. She nodded and he gave her a hug, as he set up this round table for the executive board.

"Adele, do you think we should have three Sergeant of Arms? I think another person would be good for Asher and Jacob. Someone who could balance them out," she proposed to Adele, cleaning up the small dungeon cell.

Arya was blown away by what had just taken place. They stood right up to Davy, and it was all that grimy snake could do not to run away crying to his mum. Well, maybe the events weren't quite that dramatic, but when the story spread around school they sure would be.

"You know, professional meetings usually involve some sort of snackage," she suggested dryly. "Tea...cakes...bread, at least."

"You have the stomach of a basilisk," Asher shook his head.

She rolled her eyes and took a seat. Once their private meeting had begun, discussion turned straight to the topic of security.

"There's no way Asher and Jacob will be able to work together," she said bluntly, receiving grimaces from the two lads. "I'm sorry, but it's true! You'll need someone else..a subordinate."

"Oi, wha' about Deirdre?" Seamus suggested. "She's a tough one. All us Irish are!"

"Not the time for your Irish pride, but you're quite right," Gavin agreed. "Do you think she'd be interested?"

The Irish lass had just been sitting quietly watching the others figure out how their dueling group should work. She didn't really have her own opinions on it, since she didn't know much about it yet. But she heard the moment they said her name. It seemed no one had noticed her there.

"Well, with ta right underlings I might be able te go along with it." She replied to them with a grin. "Of course, I think I should lead security."

Kolby nodded when Deirdre said that she wanted to help with security. She would be good for the boys, who would no doubt argue over little things. Kolby looked around the table, as Asher and Jacob pitched for them to only be one of them. Everyone was sitting by the people who shared their roles.

"Let's put it to a vote. All in favor of having Dierdre one of the Sergeants of Arms," Gavin announced. Everyone except Asher and Jacob raised their hands, who both grumbled and raised their hands. Everyone clapped as Deirdre was added to the executive board. Then, they got to business, talking collectively about spells and passwords and places to meet. Then, Symon cleared his throat and it got quiet.

"Shadows, did you two happen to pick up on anything from the crowd? Any talk of distrust?" he asked. The room got tense and Kolby sat up as they turned to look at him.

"I sat with the Slytherins in the back. I didn't hear anything negative and I wrote down names. None of them were at the first meeting for the Ministry, so that's good. If they show up at the next Ministry meeting, I'll put them on the alert list and report it to all of you," Kolby reported. They seemed pleased with that answer.

"Also, follow up question. Would either of you know how Davy found us?" Jacob added. Kolby sighed and ran his hands through his hair.

"We were in this room last night. I know that he never came down here last year, but this would be the place to check for trouble first. I think it was all luck," Kolby told them. They seemed uneasy.

"Do you think it's any of the Slytherins?" Symon asked bluntly.

"Again, I didn't see them at the first meeting. I think it might be someone that is not a Slytherin," Kolby said honestly. Everyone took a collective sigh and looked at Arya.

Arya leaned back in her chair, scratching idly at the edge of the table. "I agree with Kolby. They found us because we held the meeting in the same spot as always. It's possible they've had a lookout set up for the past couple of weeks."

Gavin nodded firmly, glancing anxiously toward the door. Everyone was still a bit tense, which Arry understood. Davy was like some kind of unstoppable force. What on earth did he have against them all?

"I move that we, the Shadows, have the power to recruit underlings," she said, scooting her seat closer.

"Underlings?" Asher asked.

"We could call them....Spiders," she suggested with a smile. "Kolby and I can't be everywhere at once, if we're going to keep an eye on things we'll need help."

"You'd have to make completely certain they were people you could trust," Symon said gravely. "We can't risk anymore traitors."

"We'll make sure of it," Arya agreed. "Votes?"

The concept of more spies seemed like a good idea. Marigold liked it. It was true. Arya and Kolby couldn't be completely held responsible for the whole school. Marigold voted for the Spiders, while they had to make sure that the people they had under them were completely and absolutely loyal. They then got to subjects of locations.

"Could it be at the lake or in the forest?" Gavin suggested.

"I don't think it should be outside. Too many people could just look out the window and see sparks. Also, too many creatures come out of at night. And, also, how would people get back in the school?" Finn countered, crushing his thought immediately. They were just brainstorming, so Gavin wasn't too offended.

"What about the Owlery? It's quiet, for the most part, and we wouldn't be hurting anyone," Peyton offered.

"But, the owls live there. We don't want to disturb them," Seamus countered.

"Also if we had the crowd of people we did tonight, it would be too small," Symon added. Marigold rubbed her temples. They were running out of places.

"A deeper part of the dungeon?" Jacob offered.

"Veto. We can't risk running into Davy," Marigold said, a little forcefully. Jacob just looked down at the table.

"Well, we're running out of options. We need somewhere discreet and big enough to house all 52 members that showed up tonight," Gavin complained, pointing out the obvious. Marigold racked her brain. Then, she had an idea.

"Write down the Hospital Wing," she told Peyton. The table seemed to look at her like she was crazy.

"Veto. Robert would never allow it and you know that," Walt instantly countered.

"We could talk to him about it. Cover it up. Like it's a party or even a healing class we want to teach. If we make an excuse that's believable, he'll have to let us in there, at least once," Marigold debated. There was a debate now.

"Marigold, he's not going to allow it. You know he'll find out the truth," Walt argued.

"Even if he does, he'll be on board. He wants everyone to be safe. That's what we're doing. We're teaching people to be safe. The rooms expandable, it has all the equipment we would need; if anyone got hurt, they're instantly in the Hospital Wing. It's perfect. At least for one meeting," Marigold argued. Walt banged his fists on the table and stood up. Marigold did the same.

"I can do that too," she said in defiance, copying him. They glared each other down and the room was silent. Finally, Walt caved and sat back down. Marigold smiled and sat down as well. The Hospital Wing was a possibility. But, Marigold would have to talk to Robert.

"Alright. Let's address something right now. We're not going to have arguments. We come from all walks of life. The noblest nobles and indentured servants all serve on this board. We have people from all the houses. We have women as well as men. We're not going to assert dominance over one another, over anything, damn it. It doesn't matter if you're a Slytherin or a Hufflepuff, a man or a woman, a noble or a peasant. We're not going argue. We have to stand united on the executive board level, to have people stand united on a membership level. So, we're not going to argue, bicker, or defy one another. We're all equals here. So, Marigold and Walt, makeup and let's get down to business," Finn preached all the sudden. He was right. He was absolutely right. They had to stand united.

Marigold and Walt stood up and gave each other a hug, making up for fighting. Marigold was still considered a little sister to Walt. Walt took his seat, but Marigold excused herself. She had a surprise for the group, but it would have to wait til the end. She thanked Elsa and Edwin for holding back and helping her with her surprise. She took the little brown bag, hid it in her bigger bag, and went back to her seat, the group deep in discussion.

(OOC: Did you see the Mulan reference?)

Adelaine was looking around the table, frowning. Was this really going to work? Half the people here had some sort of problem with each other. She and Asher, Asher and Jacob, Asher and Walt, Asher and Symon (on the Pitch, anyway)...Wow, maybe Ash had some deep-rooted anger issues. Seamus and Symon, Kolby and Arya sometimes, Marigold and Jacob lately.. How were they supposed to work together when they couldn't get along?

"Okay, let's just talk about this calmly," Adele said, agreeing with Finn's outburst. "Everyone suggest a place and Peyton will write it down - NO vetoing yet. Got it?"

"I suggest the cave," Peyton himself said, writing it.

"The abandoned room on the third floor," Gavin said.

"I guess put down the Hospital Wing," Walt shrugged.

"There's a huge storage room in the Astronomy Tower," Asher told them. "It's not been used for about a hundred years, only a few boxes."

Peyton wrote all the suggestions down and passed the list to Symon.

"These all sound good," Symon nodded, looking at all of them. "Let's vote on the first location, the rest of them we can take our time deciding."

Kolby nodded to what Finn had to say. He was absolutely right about the equality thing. It was rare to find that. Kolby watched as Symon directed the vote.

"First up, the cave? What cave?" Symon asked. Kolby was curious too. What cave were they talking about?

"Well, long story short, we were in a snowball fight in Hogsmeade and accidently hit an old lady so we took off running into the woods. Marigold fell down into a valley and a Sphinx almost killed her. So, Adele killed the Sphinx and there was a cave so we explored the cave. But, then, there was a Siren and it charmed all the boys and the girls to sleep and Seamus got bit really bad. In the end, Deidre went and got Renoir and Renoir rescued us. It was a very long day," Gavin explained a little quickly. The people who never heard the cave story just sorta sat there, mouth agape, a little in awe of the adventures the group had.

"Was that really only a year ago? It seemed like such a long time ago," Peyton chimed in. Most of the group was in agreement. Kolby just shrugged at Jacob.

"One of you are cursed. Why do bad things keep happening to the group?" Jacob chimed. A few people laughed. It seemed to be a running joke with the group. Kolby sighed.

"Okay. So, raise your hand for the now, hopefully, empty cave," Symon continued. Peyton, Gavin, and Seamus raised their hands. That's 3 votes.

"Alright. Now, an abandoned classroom on the 3rd floor," he continued. Only Walt raised his hand.

"Alright. The Hospital Wing?" Symon continued. Marigold and Asher raised their hands.

"Alright. Well, the overwhelming majority is the Astronomy Tower. Peyton, I'll leave you to make the notices. I think this first meeting is over," Symon concluded. But, Marigold had a surprise. Rings! Everyone got one with their initials in gold into a gem that matched their house color. Kolby admired his ring, already liking it. Plus, it had a really cool feature. It was a Whisper Ring! There was a closed off network between the rings and people could whisper into them. Either the whole group would hear or it could go to one person. Kolby liked the form of communication.

"And, with that, this meeting is adjourned! Let's all walk back together," Symon concluded again. Everyone started to leave and Kolby walked with them. Symon, Jacob, and Kolby split off when they reached the Slytherin dorm.

"Well, that went well," Jacob commented. Kolby couldn't agree more.