WHO: NPC!Emily Alexander, Barty Crouch Sr., and Alastor Moody. WHAT: WizVis Interview. WHEN: February 9, 7pm.
The logo of the show plays, along with the introduction of Emily Alexander, with the camera zooming in on her.
EMILY: The Unforgivable Curses have been a hot topic in the recent past and it is, in part, due to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement's new stance on allowing its members to use it in field. The public stands divided on the topic -- on one hand, citizens believe that this is the best way to fight against the terrorism upheld by the Death Eaters, while others are strongly opposed to the fight, claiming that the department should not be handed these powers and make them act just like the Death Eaters that they're supposed to be fighting. I am joined here today by two members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement -- Bartemius Crouch and Alastor Moody.
Emily addresses her interviewees for the first time and gives them all a nod.
EMILY: Thank you for joining me today, both of you.
BARTY: Thank you. To clarify, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement does not yet have a stance on the use of Unforgivables. It is a proposed policy under consideration.
MOODY:[ noncommittal sound ]
EMILY:[ brief smile ] The Department does not have a stance on the Unforgivables, you say -- [ brief pause, but eventually spoken a bit faster ] but the public certainly seems to think you do, especially when it has been mentioned. Why would it be considered if the Department doesn't have a stance yet? Several of your employees have spoken in other interviews, as well as the journal forum, about their take on the matter. Most of it seems to be positive. What are your thoughts on that?
BARTY: Individual members of the department have opinions. The department does not have a stance until the policy is decided on.
MOODY: The people voicing their opinions in public aren’t involved in making the decision but we’re naturally all interested in the outcome.
EMILY: Yes, the policy has not been decided yet, but given how tight-knit the group is -- and should be -- shouldn't their opinions be considered? After all, they will be making the call on the field, I'd presume. You can't force people to act one way or another.
MOODY: No one’s being forced to use the curses. [...] They might be forced not to if they remain illegal.
EMILY: Why would the department focus so much time and energy in conducting these interviews in the past few days if the intention was to have the Unforgivables remain illegal? [ slight raise of the brow ]
BARTY:[ stared at Emily for a moment ] The intention is not to have them remain illegal. The intention is to have public debate over a proposed policy that many in the department support. Including myself. I personally believe this is a necessary step in our fight against the Death Eaters.
EMILY:[ looks like she is about to interrupt, but she relents ]
MOODY: It’s about making sure they’re used safely and effectively by highly capable people to help end the war. That involves looking at all sides of the proposed policy before making a final decision.
BARTY:[ nods in agreement ]
EMILY: Would the entire department be given the authority to use the curses, should it pass?
BARTY: The current proposal would only apply to Aurors who pass a rigorous screening process, demonstrating the skills, experience and mental fortitude necessary to handle this responsibility.
MOODY:[ nods, adds nothing ]
EMILY: What would be stopping other Aurors from practicing the spells once on the field? What determines their qualifications?
MOODY: If they performed the curses without authorization, they wouldn’t be good Aurors. I can say with certainty every Auror in our office is a good one who wouldn’t place themselves above the law. Even if authorized, none of us would perform Unforgivables without proper training, which — like the training for everything else required of us — is gruelling, serious business.
BARTY:[ nods ] The exact qualifications will be determined by myself, in consultation with the rest of the department leadership. I trust every member of the Auror Office to adhere to whatever the policy is.
EMILY: What's the reason that only Aurors are being considered for this and not Hitwizards? Is there a possibility that the powers may eventually be granted for that subdivision, as well?
BARTY: The goal of the proposed policy is to level the playing field between us and the Death Eaters who do not hesitate to use these curses. Although the Hitwizards have and continue to play an invaluable role in the fight against Death Eaters, it's the Aurors who have primary jurisdiction.
EMILY: And you don't suppose that will cause a growing divide between the two groups within your department?
MOODY:[ with a sceptical look ] They’re different jobs. We play different roles in the war effort. That’s not to say Hitwizards haven’t run into Death Eaters or that we don’t work side-by-side when necessary. But as Mr Crouch has already said, Aurors have primary jurisdiction and always have.
BARTY: Exactly.
EMILY: I don't suppose too many citizens feel comfortable with the thought of more people using the Unforgivable Curses. I realise that there will be strict laws to make sure that only those capable will be given the authority to use these curses; however, what is the message you'd like to give to those citizens who are terrified? To those citizens whose relatives were killed as a direct result of these curses?
BARTY: Those who follow the law have nothing to fear from the DMLE. [ looks directly in camera ] To those who've lost loved ones, I'm sorry for your loss. We are doing everything we can to bring the Death Eaters to justice. And this policy, if we move forward, will be a part of that. And keep others from suffering the same loss.
MOODY: We understand this is a serious issue. No one moving forward is doing so without careful consideration and caution. These curses in the hands of the DMLE will bring a swifter end to the war. They’ll be used to keep citizens safer. The Death Eaters are the only ones who need to be worried. [ with a deep frown ] And they should be.
EMILY: If passed, would all three Unforgivable Curses be legal for Aurors or would it be reviewed on a case-by-case basis or would only one or two curses be given permission to use?
BARTY: That is still under debate.
EMILY:[ a brief laugh ] How quickly are you looking to make it legal?
BARTY: We don't have a set time frame. There are still some issues that have to be worked out. I expect one way or another we will decide in the next two weeks.
EMILY: Is there anything else you'd like the viewers to know?
MOODY: Viewers should know the DMLE as a whole is taking this seriously and giving it careful consideration. That includes individual Aurors as well as the heads of the department, hence all the debate. The intent is to help, not harm. I’m sure we’d all rather take our time implementing the right policy than rush into one with unforeseen complications.
EMILY:[ nodding ] And you, Mr. Crouch?
BARTY: We want what everyone wants. Peace and an end to the Death Eater threat. Even if this seems drastic to some, we're only doing what we think will best help us protect the people and bring an end to the war.
EMILY: I want to thank you both for taking the time to speak with me today. Hopefully we will be able to hear about the department's decision sooner rather than later. [ looking at the camera ] With citizens' safety in mind, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement will be facing a lot of discussions in the upcoming weeks before reaching a final decision. That final decision, whatever it may be, is to the benefit of each individual that lives in the United Kingdom.