The recent flurry of candidates vying for the new Ministerial position has not yet slowed. Professor Emerett Picardy is the latest gentleman to put himself forward for Minister of Magic. Now 53, he gained two decades of experience working in the Ministry during the years of Ministers Dugald MacPhail and Faris Spavin. He began as an Auror, before a lateral move to the Werewolf Capture Unit, and thenceforth to the Research Committee.

He continued an independent career in research after the violent death of his wife after a werewolf attack in 1879. Although some have questioned his research methods and hardline views, he has continued to publish. In recent years, these include Creatures of the Caverns: The Continued Threat To Civilisation (1886) and Lupine Lawlessness: Why Lycanthropes Don’t Deserve to Live (1888), both of which are critical of allowing werewolves, other halfbreeds and non-humans to “infiltrate” and “run lawless” in society.

“Despite the best attempts of a succession of government heads, the wizarding world has been marked by a run of avoidable catastrophes and unconscionable tragedies in the last decade,” Picardy said, upon announcing his bid. “My priority as Minister, if given the mandate, would be to tighten up our laws, to encourage prosperity and betterment and reduce senseless suffering – in short, to create a safer society for all.”