Fudge continued.
"The body responsible for evaluating this proposal is the Wizarding Examinations Authority. The team of senior examiners led by Madam Griselda Marchbanks will have full responsibility for designing, conducting, and judging the assessments."
He placed particular emphasis on the word "independent."
"The Examination Authority will not belong to any department or accept administrative orders from any department. Its assessments will treat everyone equally."
Amelia Bones sat in the center of the front row.
Her expression had remained unchanged throughout.
Her square jaw tightened slightly.
Her monocle reflected a gleam under the cold white light.
Once Fudge finished speaking, proceedings moved on to questions.
The first to stand was the Parkinson family's spokesman.
"Minister."
His voice was solemn.
"Does the scope of this proposal include members of the Wizengamot?"
"No."
Fudge answered quickly.
"The Wizengamot is a legislative body, not an administrative one. This assessment applies only to the Ministry of Magic's administrative personnel."
The Parkinson spokesman sat down.
His expression had not improved, but he did not pursue the question.
Because he knew-pressing the issue would be tantamount to admitting he was afraid of being assessed.
The second to stand was a young half-blood witch.
Percy did not know her.
But he recognized the badge pinned to her chest-Department of International Magical Cooperation, junior clerk.
"Minister, how often will the assessments take place? Once a year, or-"
"Every six months."
Fudge turned to the fourth page of the proposal.
"The first assessment is scheduled to be completed before June of next year. After that, regular evaluations will take place every six months."
"Will the assessment results be made public?"
The witch pressed further.
"The rankings will be posted publicly."
Fudge spoke.
The entire room fell silent for two seconds.
Then even louder discussion erupted from the middle and