The head of the Parkinson family opened his mouth, about to say something, but Old Nott nudged him with an elbow.
"Minister-"
Lucius tried to steer the conversation back.
"This proposal is the unanimous recommendation of all the highly respected senior members of the Wizarding Examinations Authority."
Fudge stepped forward, his voice loud enough to be heard throughout the corridor.
"Madam Griselda Marchbanks, Mr. Tiberius Ogden, and three other authoritative examiners with more than half a century of experience in magical education jointly signed this application for reform."
Fudge pulled the letter from his inside pocket and waved it in front of Lucius.
The dark blue seal of the Wizarding Examinations Authority gleamed with a sober lustre under the lights.
"Surely you aren't questioning their wisdom, Lucius?"
Lucius said nothing.
His gaze swept quickly over the seal.
"And furthermore."
Fudge was not finished yet.
He had clearly prepared a complete set of talking points and could hardly wait to use them all.
"This is an important step in showing the international community our British wizarding world's determination to change."
Fudge puffed out his chest, his bowler hat wobbling slightly on his head.
"Beauxbatons in France is already discussing the introduction of similar physical training courses. And that goes without saying for Durmstrang-they have always been known for their rigorous standards."
"Do you want all of Europe laughing at our children for being hothouse flowers?"
Hearing such a professional, Holmes-style statement, Lucius knew this was in the bag.
The mission could be completed.
Hogwarts Castle.
The shore of the Black Lake was muddy in the early morning.
It always rained in the Scottish Highlands in September.
Dozens of feet trampled over the ground, splashing sticky, cold mud onto calves.
Weighted Training Rings clamped tightly around wrists and ankles, their silver-grey metal