| Details for The Voice of Unity: An Interview With Cassius Malfoy |
| Summary: | Daily Prophet reporter, Philomena Rowle, interviews Cassius Malfoy about the Unity Movement. |
| Date: | December 16, 1937 |
| Location: | {$location} |
| Related: | The log of the actual interview: An Interview With Cassius Malfoy |
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Enigmatic when many would be flamboyant, Cassius Malfoy is a quiet advocate for his beliefs. Keen to speak out, not in retaliation to the accusations being flung at him and his family by those with opposing political beliefs, because he is that rare thing amongst men – a man who stands by his convictions whether they are popular or not.
There are no wasted moments with Malfoy, even at rest he is working – taking advantage of the time between meetings to do just a little bit more when most of us would be resting on our laurels or more comfortable seating while indulging in some navel gazing.
Polite to all who cross his path, Malfoy, is the embodiment of old world manners and mannerisms despite his youthful appearance. His features display a calm demeanour as he gazes out upon a world that, it can be said, he is growing increasingly saddened by.
Knowing the importance of the political issue at hand, Malfoy was despondent over his lack of response from the media prior to this interview. “I am pleased to know,” says he, “there are still journalists who will dig deeper for the truth.”
Truth is an elusive mistress, many claim to seek her but few are honestly doing so. “The truth is what I offer to the people. Only the truth will break the chains that bind us.” Yet, there are others who claim that it is Malfoy who is a distraction from the truth – others like the individual hiding behind the pseudonym Luther Martinus. Malfoy has an opinion on this individual who is using “the name of a Muggle whose words of protest were responsible for a major revolution of one of the most powerful Muggle institutions in the world.” He can see the humour in such a step even if it says to him that his opponents are unaware whose side they are on.
Just what is this all about? The Statute of Secrecy. For generations it has been illegal to do anything which jeopardises wizardkind by revealing ourselves in any fashion to Muggle society. Some of the staunchest supporters of this secrecy have come from the old wizarding families, families who have lost ancestors to Muggle zealotry during the Middle ages – families like the Malfoys and the Blacks. Both of these are families which Luther Martinus accuses of trying to break the Statute.
There is a difference, believes Malfoy, between keeping wizardkind safe and ensuring its and Mugglekind’s survival in times of burgeoning international upheaval. There are many from the wizarding world who, like Malfoy, believe in the growing Unity Movement. What can be realistically achieved by the movement remains to be seen.
Citing the Muggles' First World War as evidence of the inability of Muggles to cope with modern life on their own, Malfoy argues that it is important for wizardkind to work with the Muggles and guide them. “I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility for the world. As a student of Muggle history and culture, I can recognize that wizards have certain gifts, and it is our duty to use those gifts for the betterment of the world.”
He further believes that, “By hiding from the Muggles, we have shirked our duty, and denied them what could have been valuable guidance. I could not bear to be silent any longer about what I saw as a grave injustice. The Statute of Secrecy ties our hands, preventing us from acting to save ourselves, to save the Muggles, and to save the world.”
This eloquent man’s mission to bring about such change began as an off-handed comment during a press conference two years ago and has grown into the movement that exists today. Malfoy is realistic he says about the Unity Movement’s chances of effecting change, but with the growing support for the other side it might be more like a small quarter turn at the helm rather than a complete about face.
To those who worry about repealment because of actions taken by European Muggles centuries ago Malfoy has this to say, “Responding with fear has not made us any safer. It only prolonged our demise until the Muggles’ weapons were powerful enough to wipe us out without even knowing we are here. Secrecy has not shielded us, it has made us vulnerable.”
The plan is to educate both wizarding and Mugglekind about one another. A deeper understanding about the respective cultures and histories will encourage greater cooperation. Malfoy and the movement aren’t ignorant of the great dangers that will come with a repealment of the statute. They have weighed the costs and potential dangers to both sides; not just Muggles who might fear wizards but the possibility of wizards and Muggles abusing one another for personal gain.
The goal of the Unity Movement is the repealment of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, and unification with the Muggles. They see this as the only way to secure the prevention of a war that threatens annihilation. In the words of Malfoy, “…it must happen soon. Bombs and armies do not wait for this imagined time of peace that my detractors hope for."
When asked what is the ultimate dream of the movement Malfoy becomes warmer, more sentimental. He thinks on it for a moment and then in a soft tone that raises the hairs at the back of the neck states, “I see the foundation for a better world. I see wizards stepping up into our roles as custodians for this planet. I see us assisting and guiding the Muggles toward their ultimate destiny, whatever that may be. I see a world in which our children can grow up without living in fear of discovery…the very fear that engenders resentment toward Mugglekind. I want to give them a future filled with hope and possibility."
The final question posed to this quiet, unassuming leader of a revolutionary movement. What would he say to people who accused him of being a dreamer? At this his smile grew even broader, brighter. “I would ask them to name me one great, world-changing deed that didn’t begin with a dream.”