Charging Bull Gets a Magical Makeover What Would Dumbledore Do?!

A Most Unexpected Transfiguration

My dearest readers it appears even the Muggle world isn't immune to a bit of unexpected transfiguration! On what they call 'Earth Day,' a group identifying as 'Extinction Rebellion' decided the Charging Bull of Wall Street needed a touch of… verdant enhancement. Neon green paint if you can imagine! It seems they felt the sculpture was lacking a certain… environmental awareness. As I always say 'It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies but just as much to stand up to our friends.' Or in this case a large bronze bovine.

Greed Equals Death Or Does It?

Their message scrawled with considerable flair was 'Greed=Death.' A rather blunt statement even by Gryffindor standards! One might argue that a healthy economy can fund important potions ingredients and even the occasional dragon reserve but I suppose that's a debate for another time. As I recall Horace Slughorn had a rather lucrative side business in rare ingredients though his intentions were shall we say not always entirely pure. We must remember 'It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live,' but neither should we ignore the very real concerns about our planet's future.

A Bull on the Neck of a Dilemma

One particularly daring activist even took a seat upon the bull's neck! I trust they had a good grip; those bronze beasts can be quite slippery. A New York City police officer presumably a Muggle with a good sense of duty requested they dismount. One hopes the activist complied with a modicum of grace. It reminds me a bit of the time Peeves decided to perch atop the Fat Lady's portrait – a rather chaotic affair involving treacle tart and a very flustered Sir Cadogan.

The Great Green Clean Up

In a display of remarkable efficiency the activists later cleaned the paint. One must commend their responsibility though perhaps they could have chosen a less permanent medium for their message. Glitterglue comes to mind – festive sparkly and easily removable! I daresay Professor Flitwick would have approved of the added charm. As Minerva McGonagall would say 'Why couldn't they be painting or knitting!'.

From Sicily to Wall Street a Bull's Journey

The sculpture a creation of Arturo DiModica a Sicilian immigrant has quite the history. Initially placed in front of the stock exchange in 1989 it was later moved. A bit like moving Hogwarts portraits really – always a great deal of fuss and grumbling. One wonders what the bull thought of its temporary green hue. Did it feel a sudden kinship with the Whomping Willow? I dare to think it did!

A Final Thought on Earth Day Antics

In the end the Charging Bull stands perhaps a little wiser perhaps a little greener but ultimately unchanged. Let this be a reminder that while passion and conviction are admirable perhaps a touch of diplomacy and a well placed cleaning charm can go a long way. After all 'Words are in my not so humble opinion our most inexhaustible source of magic.' Even when those words are painted in neon green.