Order of the Phoenix The First Wizarding War - Ex Visu Ad Verum | From Vision To Reality - caimun
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Order of the Phoenix The First Wizarding War Ex Visu Ad Verum | From Vision To Reality
“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good”
Canada International Model United Nations 2019
May 17-19, 2019 | Eighth Annual Session
Shakil Jessa “There will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right”
Secretary-General
Welcome delegates, dark times lie ahead as we head forward into CAIMUN 2019.
Alvin Zou Without further adieu, I would like to extend my sincere personal greetings to all
delegates of this unique and exceptional committee. Forged out of pure love for the
Director-General
Harry Potter Lore and Mythos, this committee is the pinnacle of my high school MUN
career as CAIMUN will be my last conference. With this in mind, I am still incredibly
Sherry Sun excited about the debate, discussion, and action that this committee will see throughout
Chief of Staff the conference. Having been instilled with a deep love for Harry Potter since a very
young age, I cannot be more excited to end my MUN career by welcoming you all to
the crisis that this committee faces.
Naomi Jung
USG Logistics It is my absolute honour to spend my last conference directing you all through
what may be the most unique committee in the Vancouver MUN scene. Currently a
Jeffrey Shen senior at Southpointe Academy, MUN has been my passion for the past 4 years, with
every conference reminding me of why I fell in love with the atmosphere of debate,
USG General
discussion, and socializing one can only find at MUN. Throughout my career, I have
Assemblies amassed many gavels, numerous staffing positions, and a couple years on a Secretariat
team. However, beyond the distinguished awards and esteemed positions I have
Inaya Ali received, nothing compares in value to the friendships I have made. This is why it
USG Specialized gives me great honour to introduce you to two of my greatest friends.
Agencies
Riding in the Sidecar of the flying motorcycle, the dais of this committee, are my two
incredible Chairs Alison Lee, a junior at West Point Grey Academy, and Naomi Shi,
Albert Chen a First-Year Student at McGill University. Throughout all the time I have known her,
USG Delegate Alison has been the most driven and admittingly, stubborn person who brings her
Affairs distinct analytical abilities and love of the magical world to the committee. Juxtaposing
her, Naomi may be the kindest person I have ever seen the committee room, and I am
Maxwell Botham ecstatic to witness her joyful energy in our sessions to come.
USG Delegate
Affairs Before we dive into this world of magic and mystery, I would like to once again,
extend my most sincere gratitude towards all delegates for being part of bringing my
dream committee to life. I promise to dedicate everything I can towards ensuring
Ellen Li the most ideal delegate experience throughout the 2019 iteration of the Canada
USG Marketing International Model United Nations.
Geoffrey Xie Sincerely,
USG Sponsorships
Adam Mawji
The Fifth Marauder
Saira Suleman
USG Conference
Committee Description This committee, hereby dubbed the Phoenix Coalition, is a unique group of highly skilled critical individuals in the war against Voldemort. Picking up at the height of the reign of the Dark Lord, this coalition brings together key members of Albus Dumbledore’s Order of the Phoenix and wizard officials from British Ministry of Magic. Heads of departments crucial in the fight against the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters must join together with skilled fighters in the anti-Voldemort movement. While other backgrounders will use this section to describe the history and purpose of the group, this particular committee has a very unilateral and solid focus: ending the regime of the Dark Lord and killing You Know Who. This will not be an easy task, as Voldemort's forces are greater in number, influence, and power. Beware delegates, Voldemort's grip has reached across continental Europe and into every magical institution. Once CAIMUN 2019 begins, this committee will go immediately into crisis mode as you work with directives and duels to try and seek victory. Regarding the organization of this committee, each of your assignments have been individually approved by myself to ensure that everyone not only has a thorough understanding of the Harry Potter world, but also an adequate understanding of Model United Nations. This backgrounder is to serve as the crucial information package towards understanding the context of this committee. In addition to this document, delegates will also receive a customized Rules of Procedures guide for this committee and a personalized information package pertaining specifically towards each assigned role in the committee. While these aforementioned documents will be made available closer to the conference dates, a customized position paper guide can be found alongside this backgrounder on the website. Please ensure that all submitted papers are handed in by the standard position paper deadline for CAIMUN 2019, May 3rd, and follow the style and purpose stated in the guide. Should you need any assistance in any capacity, please contact the Dais via the committee email at phoenix@caimun.ca. Canada International Model United Nations 1
Crisis: The First Wizarding War Topic Overview The topic before this crisis council today is the impending doom looming over Continental Europe under the growing regime of Lord Voldemort. While information regarding Voldemort's forces and his origins of power remain clouded, Albus Dumbledore has kindly shared the basic origin of this dark foe. Having gone to school as Tom Riddle, the Head Boy of Hogwarts submerged into the Dark Arts following his graduation and resurfaced as Lord Voldemort, the moniker he had been known as to his friends at Hogwarts, the first Death Eaters. Outside of his true identity, little is known about what makes Voldemort strong, who his supporters are, and why he was able to take over so quickly. Specifically, this committee will pick up in November of 1979 when Voldemort's power has become evident. As you research for this topic, remember that history does not define your abilities. As long as your actions are within the realm of reality for a particular role, they are capable of changing the course of history. For example, deviating from the canon can be as small as having a different flavour of a preferred candy or as significant as not participating or dying in a specific battle. Additionally, this committee comes at a point where the Horcruxes will not play a critical role in the battles being fought. This war is much less substantiated on the Horcrux hunt, as most locations remain impossible to determine and a majority of the committee, aside from Dumbledore, are unaware of their existence. Furthermore, other information unrelated to Horcruxes such as content covered in the Harry Potter series can be assumed as public knowledge. Unlike traditional backgrounders, the sections following this will be less conventional. Below, you will first find the historical analysis of Voldemort's rise to power with key events integrated as a timeline highlighting the ten most important canonical events. Then, in lieu of a current situation section, there will be a description of the war up until this point with explanations of key battles which have contributed to the current climate. Finally, instead of a bloc positions section, this background guide will focus on the individual roles of each delegate. Historical Analysis: The Transformation of Tom Riddle December 1926 – Tom Marvolo Riddle is born On New Year’s Eve 1926, Merope Gaunt stumbled into Wool’s orphanage on the brink of labour. Within several hours of her arrival, she was pronounced deceased following the birth of her child, the son of Tom Riddle Sr. and the last remaining heir of Slytherin, Tom Marvolo Riddle. Named after his father and his maternal grandfather, the seemingly normal child was raised in Wool’s orphanage. Throughout his time at the orphanage, Tom Riddle would explore Canada International Model United Nations 2
his paranormal abilities to terrify fellow orphans, steal things he wanted, and, most peculiarly, speak to snakes who would seek him out during his time outside. His frightening escapades only escalated and grew darker. Despite a lack of evidence, it is highly probable that young Tom was responsible for hanging his fellow orphan Billy Stubb's pet rabbit. Sociopathic in nature, Tom’s subtle exploitation of his abilities continued to terrorize the orphans. This culminated in 1937 when, on the annual camping trip to countryside organized by the orphanage, Tom Riddle led two fellow orphans to sea cave that seemed to be an impossible destination to actually reach. It is unknown what events transpired there, however, it is noted that those orphans were never the same due to the trauma they faced. August 1938 – Albus Dumbledore recruits Tom Marvolo Riddle to Hogwarts 11 years after Merope Gaunt showed up to the Wool’s orphanage, another strange individual appeared on the doorsteps. Greeted by caretaker Mrs. Cole, Albus Dumbledore had arrived to offer Tom Riddle admission into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Speaking to Mrs. Cole, Albus Dumbledore, still a transfiguration teacher, learned of the mysteries surrounding “The Riddle Boy.” Even presenting the unusual ability of Parseltongue, the meeting regarding acceptance into the magical school seemed simple and routine. Little did Albus Dumbledore know he would be bringing the most powerful dark wizard of all time into the magical community. However, with the rising threat of Gellert Grindelwald at that time, little was thought of Tom Riddle’s darker nature. Having found a new home in Hogwarts, the young Voldemort took to magic like a Potter to a broom. June 1943 – Tom Riddle unleashes the Basilisk Growing in both power and magical ability, Tom Riddle began to shine as the star pupil of Hogwarts. Yet, despite his deep fascination with all aspects of magical learning and the wonders of the Hogwarts castle itself, his dark nature didn’t seem to fade. Rather, following in the perceived noble footsteps of Salazar Slytherin, the last remaining heir of Slytherin used his unique abilities as a Parselmouth to do what no wizard had done before: unlock the chamber of secrets. Considered to be his parting gift to the school, Slytherin’s secret chamber was rumoured to house a monster which would continue on the pursuit of his house in ensuring magical purity in the community through the murder of Muggle-borns, or otherwise known as Mudbloods. With ties directly linking him to Slytherin himself, Tom set the monster in the chamber loose, resulting in the death of a Muggle. This is one of the earliest recorded examples of Tom Riddle following in the legacy of his Slytherin ancestors. Although never caught for his crimes, Tom, cunningly, never released the beast again, fearing that the school would close permanently and cause him to lose the only home he had ever known and his link to the magical community. June 1945 – Tom Riddle graduates from Hogwarts Canada International Model United Nations 3
Prior to his graduation, Tom was never as radical with his goal of eradicating Muggle-borns and enslaving the Muggles as he was during his fifth year through opening the Chamber of Secrets. However, he still continued his descent into the Dark Arts throughout his 6th and 7th years. There are two prominent events which stand out as key moments where Tom Riddle turned into the Dark Lord. First was his encounter with Professor Slughorn, then head of Slytherin House, who explained to him key information in creating Horcruxes. Second would be Riddle’s accomplishment in reaching the top of the Slytherin House’s social hierarchy. This shines as an example of Tom Riddle’s hubris, which may turn out to be his fatal flaw. While notable, these events were shadowed by what transpires after Tom Riddle left Hogwarts in the journey of becoming Lord Voldemort. On a path to magical greatness at the end of his 7th year, Tom shocked his teachers and supporters by seemingly dropping out of the magical community after graduation. In reality, the now adult Tom would acquire a position at Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley. In this role, he discovered and purchased powerful and priceless dark magical artifacts. It is during this time that Tom appeared to have found various rare items that he considered significant enough to keep rather than sell, these include the Slytherin’s locket and Hufflepuff’s cup which were never found after the death of Hepzibah Smith, a murder that was reported a mere few days after a visit from Tom. With heavy implications of foul play, we can safely assume this is the point Voldemort transcended borders of morality seeing it okay to murder innocents for his own greed. September 1956 – Dumbledore becomes Headmaster of Hogwarts Now famous for his defeat of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald along with other milestone achievements in the magical community, Dumbledore became widely considered as the most powerful wizard of the century. Whether this title was accurate for the time, with other famous wizards such as Newt Scamander reaching new magical heights in making leaps and bounds in the field of magical creatures, Dumbledore was undoubtedly worthy of leading the school he loved. Circa 1957 – Tom Marvolo Riddle disappears After several years at Borgin and Burkes, Tom leaves the store and seemingly vanishes from the face of the earth. It is heavily speculated, though nothing is known for sure, that Tom underwent the transformations, experimentations, and innovations which would turn him into the most dangerous dark wizard of all time. Circa 1967 – Lord Voldemort seeks employment at Hogwarts Fresh from his exploration into the dark arts, Lord Voldemort goes back to Hogwarts asking for a teaching role. Dumbledore, having his suspicions about Voldemort's dark nature, never granted him an opportunity. It is this milestone that marks the last time Voldemort would ever be seen in proximity to both the Hogwarts castle and Albus Dumbledore himself. Throughout his rise to Canada International Model United Nations 4
power, it is significant to note that Voldemort would never step near Hogwarts again. It is even rumoured that after meeting Dumbledore, despite his submergence into the dark arts, that Voldemort still did not consider himself powerful enough to defeat Dumbledore in a duel. From leaving Hogwarts with no job in hand, Voldemort reached a point of no return in losing his connection to the only home he had never known. Once again, little is known about Voldemort’s actions after this point. Regardless, it can be safely assumed that Voldemort truly began to amass his followers during this time with the popularity of his plans for wizard greatness and magical purity. In addition to wizards, Voldemort also recruited many giants and other fantastic beasts to the dark side. January 1970 – The First Wizarding War officially begins With an army on his side, Voldemort’s conquest of Western Europe began to spread at an unprecedented rate. Rivalling Grindelwald's’ cruelness and savagery, Voldemort's forces toppled the magical institutions that had been long held dear. Without hesitation, Voldemort broke the laws of secrecy and ethics to which the magical institutions had established by publicly using the unforgivable curses. Following his example, the Death Eaters became a cruel and unforgiving army. Strategically installing agents deep into ministry organizations through the use of the Imperius Curse and Polyjuice potion, Death Eaters quickly gained influence in every magical institution, including the Ministry of Magic. The only institution safe from his infiltration at that time was Hogwarts, as Voldemort made no attempt to claim the school. November 1975 – Eugenia Jenkins, former Minister of Magic, resigns It is at this point when Eugenia Jenkins is deemed unfit for clear war times. While in the canonical magical continuity she is replaced by two Ministers before the war is elapsed, for our simulation, the Minister of Magic will represent themselves in a progressive fashion. This individual will be given the special ability to have an extended term of office lasting for the duration of the conference. It is key to note, however, that while not considered fit to lead during the war, Jenkins is noted as one of the only Ministers to remain clear of dark influences for the full duration of the war. June 1978 – Severus Snape graduates from Hogwarts Amidst the ongoing war, Severus Snape, alongside Lily Evans, James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, graduate from Hogwarts. Joining the magical community, these students leaving the Hogwarts castle were automatically forced into choosing a side for the war, with the vast amount of Slytherin’s joining Voldemort’s forces and Severus Snape one of them. But as Dumbledore had disclosed to this committee, Snape is acting as a double agent. Canada International Model United Nations 5
Current Situation: The Rise of Lord Voldemort The Death Eaters Clearly a dominating force, the Death Eaters reached new feats in 1979 as a paramilitary collective. Acting as a non-state party, their influence spanned across the British Channel as they were feared internationally. With several random attacks on Muggles and Muggle-borns alike, the dark mark being waved above any dwelling was a sign of death, tragedy, and despair. On this side of the war, casualties were numerous, but not significant, as the forces grew greater than it was depleted. Occasionally, however, a powerful strike would be made against the forces. For instance, the death of Regulus Black, being one of the first losses of a strong Voldemort supporter, shocked the Death Eaters. The Ministry of Magic By 1979, the Ministry of Magic had fallen into utter dismay and chaos. The Ministry, at this point, had taken on two main roles serving the community, with the first being to protect both the Muggles and magical communities. Attempting to heal survivors of attacks while bewitching Muggles into forgetting the horrific incidents instigated by the dark forces, the Ministry ran rampant trying to help wherever it could. However, two main hindrances greatly damaged their abilities. One would be the disorganization the Ministry faced from lacking internal leadership and organization, and the second would be the danger in trusting one another as bewitchment led to leaked secrets, strategies, and tactics. As such, Ministry members were left vulnerable to targeted attacks. Notably, one target who happened to remain elusive of dark forces was Sir Barty Crouch Sr., a young employee who had climbed through the ranks of the Ministry to become the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Under this role, Crouch suspended the due process for Ministry trials by directly sending any captured supporters of Voldemort straight to Azkaban, a policy that lasted throughout the war. Additionally, Crouch gained popularity through drafting policies in granting the Aurors the power to use Unforgivable Curses. By allowing them to do so under extreme circumstances, this unprecedented legal action established Crouch as capable of combating the rising hysteria in the magical community. Despite this new authority, the Aurors still suffered heavy losses from being far outnumbered by the Death Eaters. Significant deaths to this party and the general magic community include Dougal McGregor, the former fiancé of Minerva McGonagall, Talbott Winger’s father, and Dean Thomas’ father. The Order of the Phoenix At this point in the war, we are picking up at a time when death is rampant in the magical community. While the Ministry of Magic suffers losses in attempts to protect Western Europe from Voldemort, the Order of the Phoenix strives to directly return the fight against the Death Canada International Model United Nations 6
Eaters. Challenged and outnumbered by the dark forces, the Order faced many casualties. However, with extreme skill and tactics devised by Dumbledore, the Order saw members fight valiantly and return home from the battlefield following his strategies. While we can assume there have been multiple losses to the Order, the only major canonical death that occurred until the point in the war had been Robert McGonagall. The Phoenix Coalition This coalition will become active at the start of the committee. New to the world of Harry Potter, this coalition is an invention of your Director to form an effective task force in taking down the Dark Lord. While forces join sides to destroy Voldemort, this group will face heavy casualties. We now hope that the warriors here use their skill and tactics in waging the war and tipping the balance in the magical community’s favour. Roles Matrix Below, you will find the available information of each role in the committee. You will also receive individual information about your specific role going into greater depths of your actual abilities closer to the conference. However, this space stands to serve as a general guide for the different responsibilities and positions held in the committee. Albus Dumbledore Easily the smartest man in the room, Dumbledore is probably the most critical figure in the war against Voldemort. Being considered one of the strongest wizards of all time, his power and skills are only rivalled by his remarkable intellect. This makes him not only the most valuable tactician and strategist in the coalition, but also the most powerful fighter. It will be up to Dumbledore to lead the coalition in deciding where to deploy forces and help moderate the committee on what actions to take during crisis situations. While not the loudest individual, Dumbledore tends to speak only when the matter is pertinent, where his stance would be imperative to discussions at hand. But, as he himself admits, Dumbledore can make mistakes. Head of Department of Mysteries A seemingly mysterious inclusion, this Head of Department leads the magical equivalent to Area 51. With unknown magical devices available at his disposal, this Head of Department may have just the tools necessary to solve an oncoming crisis. This delegate will be distinctly notable for their ability to dispose their own private agents throughout the conference. James Potter A powerful and brave young man, the freshly graduated and newly married James Potter eagerly awaits to serve the Order. Following instructions from Dumbledore, James serves the Order Canada International Model United Nations 7
alongside his best friend, Sirius Black. With the ability to perform great magical feats, James is an excellent field agent and can fight exceptionally well. However, he is easily blinded by his emotions. Lily Potter Just married to James, Lily Potter is a proud Muggle-born witch who openly defies Voldemort and is a living testament to the fact that Muggle-borns can be equally as skilled as pure-bloods. As one who fights for her friends, Lily proves to be openly compassionate towards them. Whether this turns out to be an asset or a weakness is up to the delegate, however. Sirius Black Often times reckless, Sirius is not only James’ best friend, but also a proud resistor of Voldemort and his family of Death Eaters. Having grown up despising the pure-blood superiority complex that most of his family displayed, he chose to refrain from his family’s customs and instead, fights alongside the Order with the Heart of a Lion. In committee, he will prove to be a formidable force who can clearly conquer many Death Eaters. Peter Pettigrew Less brave, smart, and powerful than James and Sirius, Pettigrew appears to be a loyal friend who has stuck by his fellow Marauders through thick and thin. In this committee, Pettigrew will be a strong champion for following anything his friends do. This makes him a strong ally to have, but also malleable towards his goals. Minister of Magic Serving as Minister of Magic, this delegate will be pivotal to the anti-Voldemort campaign. With the ability to challenge any proposition by any Ministry employee, the Minister can invoke laws for citizens and confirm action plans. While the Order of the Phoenix and its members operate based on Dumbledore’s leadership, the Phoenix coalition needs both the Minister and Dumbledore to reach consensus before any forces are to be implemented The Minister also serves the tactical role as figurehead of all wizards. If the Minister were to fall, a great blow would be felt by all of Britain. Whereas, if the Minister were to be forced to switch sides, Britain would be tossed into anarchy and utter peril. Severus Snape A newly graduated Slytherin student, Snape has just been branded with the Dark Mark. However, Dumbledore has revealed that he is an inside man, acting at a double agent. This means Snape will receive information on Voldemort’s whereabouts and activities prior to them becoming public. However, the delegate can choose whether or not to disclose this information at appropriate times. Canada International Model United Nations 8
Lucius Malfoy A notable patron for the Ministry of Magic, Lucius Malfoy is an esteemed citizen who has contributed much funding towards the Ministry and its initiatives–specifically towards the Department of Mysteries which may hold the key for discovering a weapon that changes the tide of the war. As an individual, Lucius is very good at concealing his true motives in hiding his intentions behind flattery towards his superiors, while boasting his wealth and stature to his inferiors. Evan Rosier A newly graduated Hogwarts student, Evan Rosier attends alongside Lucius Malfoy as a good friend and hopeful assistant. His stance will be heavily defined by Lucius. Unspeakable: Augustus Rockwood An employee defined by his role, Mr. Rockwood is a member the Department of Mysteries. Nothing else is public knowledge. Head of The Auror Office: Alastor Moody As the head of the Auror Office, this delegate has the unique ability to directly manipulate the forces being sent out by the Ministry. This individual ultimately gives the direction to the Aurors on what tactics to use and where to implement them. The Aurors will be essential in the deployment of forces and agreeing on combat strategies. Breaking Canon, this role will be played by Mad-Eye Moody in order to consolidate roles in the coalition. Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement: Barty Crouch Sr. Similar to how the Head of The Auror Office tactically manages combat affairs, this delegate manages the role of combat operations from the strategic side. Looking more holistically at the department’s operations, Barty Crouch Sr. would work directly with other Heads of Office to ensure that war strategies align with available tools and operations. More importantly, both Heads of Departments are the Minister’s right hand in overall strategic planning. According to the role being played, this Head of Department acts with absolute cruelty and swiftness, however. Rubeus Hagrid Wholeheartedly loyal to Dumbledore, Hagrid will act as a trustworthy sidekick to the leader of the Order. He will a be key figure who Dumbledore trusts above all else. Alice/Frank Longbottom (Based on Gender Orientation of Delegate) Canada International Model United Nations 9
Strong fighters, the Longbottoms are powerful members of the Order as they are also qualified Aurors in the Ministry. This means that they have liberty in choosing who they want to align with. Regardless, they are formidable foes to the Death Eaters in any scenario. Minerva McGonagall One of the strongest witches of the age, Minerva is magically gifted. Having sustained heavy personal losses, specifically the death of her brother, Minerva McGonagall has a taste for vengeance and is ready for combat. She is loyal to Dumbledore, but still possesses a strong relationship with the Ministry. Fabian Prewett The brother of Molly Weasley, Fabian is remarked as one of the best wizards of the age. Coming from the likes of Mad-Eye, Fabian may just be amongst the strongest wizards in the room. Remus Lupin Loyal friend and werewolf companion to James, Sirius, and Peter, Remus is a loyal friend and a keen supporter of Dumbledore. He is prepared to give his life to the cause. Emmeline Vance One of the brightest witches in Britain, Emmeline Vance is strong and ready for combat at all times. As a member for the Order, she is ready to bleed for the cause as long as the Death Eaters bleed more. Edgar Bones Strong, swift, and skilled, Edgar Bones is a delegate who retains his individualistic interests while working in the team dynamic. However, despite his loyalty to the Order and respect for the Ministry, Edgar Bones follows his heart and does what he finds right. It would be difficult for Edgar to walk the grey line in combat, as he only sees how to fight in wearing the white hat. Benjy Fenwick While not the strongest wizard here, Benjy Fenwick is an honest and good man. Moreover, he is fiercely loyal to Dumbledore willing to serve. His only goal is to help the Order, a trait to which he may be exploited for. Canada International Model United Nations 10
Bibliography
Rowling, J. K., author. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine
Books, 1998. Print.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2000.
Print.
Rowling, J. K., author. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. New York: Arthur A. Levine
Books, 1999. Print.
Rowling, J. K., author. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New York: Scholastic, 2002. Print.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books,
2003. Print.
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books,
2007. Print.
Canada International Model United Nations 11“Mischief managed”
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