Page 17 of Redhaven
The principle of this is so important. At present, only magicals can bind other magicals and restrict or destroy their power. That’s no guarantee of safety for the rest of us. Our authorities should have that ability too.
‘I’m in,’ I tell Sandra. ‘However I can help, I will. And there’s something else you should know …’
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NPR DRIVE-TIME NEWS
BARTMANSo we’re going to take a deeper look at the news release put out this morning by the Department of Justice, on the rollout of the Witchcraft Registration Act. Its main point is that within just these first weeks, an estimated ninety per cent of those Determined as Persons of Magical Potential have now submitted to the new registration requirement. That’s a remarkably high level of compliance, and there have of course been reports from across the country of heavy-handed enforcement of summonses, as well as disruption and possible arson at registration centres.
The press release concludes with a statement from the DOJ: ‘America’s magical population and its official body, the Moot, are thanked for their co-operation. All PMPs who have not yet attended a Registration Centre must have an at-home or overseas consulate appointment in place. Any PMP failing to comply is reminded this may result in custodial measures.’ Fighting words. Now, here to discuss the progress of the Act are firebrand commentator Dr Kaelynn Thi Nguyen, author ofVICTIMISED: When Everyone is Special, No One isSpecial. And witchcraft rights campaigner Brandi Dawn. Dr Nguyen, what strikes you about today’s release?
NGUYENWell those stern words on penalties for the not-yet-registered are interesting, given the claimed ninety per cent compliance rate. To me, that reads as concern about a small but not insignificant percentage of magical persons. Now, the magical ability of any individual witch is not a known quantity. That means even a small number slipping the net could reasonably be considered a threat. On that note, it’s interesting no specific mention is made of compliance rates of witch-children. They are another important element of the potential strength of the magical community which authorities will be keen to get a handle on.
DAWNI gotta object here.A threat?Potential strength? You’re making it sound like the government is trying to reckon up the capabilities of an invading army. And it’s notwitch-children. It’s Children. Of. Witches. Very different. The vast majority will be kids with no magical ability whatsoever. The Gift rarely runs straight down a family line. These are regular kids who’ve had their data, likeness and biological material forcibly taken by the State.
NGUYEN[scoffs] ‘Forcibly taken’?
DAWNYou heard what Barty said. ‘Heavy-handed enforcement of summonses’.
BARTMAN[crosstalk]Reported.
NGUYEN[crosstalk] They’re not handcuffing babies.
DAWNAnd what about this other statement, reportedly from the Ortiz campaign though no one has confirmed it, claiming that Harper Fenn, the teen who was so violently assaulted by her paranoid neighbours in Sanctuary a year ago, is unregistered and on the run?
NGUYENOn the run.Why run if you’ve nothing to hide?
DAWN[crosstalk] That’s astoundingly irresponsible, effectively inviting people to pursue this young woman, perhaps attempt to capture or restrain her, inviting completely unfounded insinuation like the one you’ve just made, Kaelynn …
BARTMANWell, one thing’s for certain, the Witchcraft Registration Act continues to prove as controversial as the day it was proposed. Thank you both for joining me.
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TEXTS SENT BY UNKNOWN NUMBER TO MAGGIE KNIGHT
From: Unknown number, sent 14:32
Please meet me this evening. It’s about Lachlan Frey and Redhaven.
From: Unknown number, sent 14:32
Please. It’s important.
From: Maggie Knight, sent 14:33
Who is this. We can talk on the phone?
From: Unknown number, sent 14:33
Sorry. Impossible. Please be here at 9pm. Again, this is important. Thank you.
From: Unknown number, sent 14:34
[Shared dropped pin]
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MAGGIE
