Title: The Daily Prophet
Description: Summer of 2018
Description: Summer of 2018
Carmen Snidgeton - April 13, 2008 10:38 PM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet August 7th, 2018 :: Clear skies at 28 degrees Celsius :: Bats versus Portee Tonight! E1 :: Latest Beauty Tips from Madam Primpernelle, C7 WHAT HAPPENED TO POTTER? For the first time since He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's defeat, we had no birthday greeting for Mr. Harry Potter. Our readers first noticed this conspicious lack of annual cheer for their favorite wizard three days ago, when they wanted to know why the Prophet had not published a statement from the Magical Law Enforcement Department wishing Dept. leader Potter a happy birthday. The reason? We didn't have one. When our staff attempted to obtain such a statement they were turned away, and we became suspicious. What was the ministry trying to hide? "It's a government conspiracy!" declared one furious Molly Weasley, wife of Arthur Weasley and mother of Ginny Potter. "That Jacob Crowely has been eyeing up Harry's job for years now! This is just another low attempt to usurp his position! They've gone too far this time! My Ginny says that Harry hasn't come home since--" And at this point, Arthur Weasley interrupted, saying that it was private family business. "I can assure you there is no conspiracy," said Mr. Crowely, "My department has nothing else to say at this time." Indeed, they didn't! The staff of the Prophet was consistently turned away in their polite inquiries. But we persisted and our intrepid Junior Editor, Carmen Snidgeton of Mould-on-the-Would, managed to secure a brief interview with an emissary of International Magical Cooperation. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement has made a grave error in forgetting to acknowledge Mr. Potter's birthday. He is a hero and an inspiration to us all, and deserves to have every birthday recognized. I hope that the Department will never make such a horrendous slip-up again." When it was suggested that there was foul play afoot, the contact insisted that nothing was wrong, only the ineptitude of a bloated ministry beauracracy. The wizarding community is left in shock and fear. Has Mrs. Weasley told us the truth; is Mr. Potter missing? Is the ministry trying to cover up a silent coup? Or is this nothing more than the incompetence of a department given too much power under the very man who made it great? The staff of the Prophet will not rest until we know why Potter missed his birthday greeting. |
<More of The Daily Prophet is coming soon!>
Carmen Snidgeton - May 7, 2008 12:13 AM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet August 10th, 2018 :: Cloudy and damp at 20 degrees Celsius :: Cannons versus Harpies Tonight! E1 New Feature! The Fashion Prophet, Apollo Sinistra, shares his latest couture! C1 THE MYSTERY DEEPENS More disturbing details come to light in the heart-stopping case of a missing birthday greeting for Harry Potter. To date there have been no formal statements as to where Mr. Potter is or what he is doing; all the Ministry of Magic would say is "that information is currently classified." For days the magical community has watched and waited, fearing the worst, yet the Ministry will do nothing to comfort the people. This bodes poorly for the community, according to a classified source in the Department of Mysteries. "The Ministry's unwillingness to release information can only mean one of two things," said the highly reliable and professional source, "They know where he is but are afraid to tell us, or they honestly don't know where he is." Similar deductions are being drawn across the board. A few citizens have suggested that this is the result of a new rise in Dark Magic across the globe, but there is no evidence backing up this claim. "I am certain, however, that this is not the third return of you know who..." A tired looking Ginevra Potter admitted that she is "very concerned" for the welfare of her husband, but added that "I'm always concerned. He's an auror." Later on we heard her comforting her sobbing daughter, who was highly distressed that her father has disappeared so mysteriously. They are not alone in their fears. There is a wave of panic threatening to overtake the magical community, and only more information can stem its tide. Why, then, is the Ministry being so tight-lipped? The Daily Prophet staff continues to fight for free information. The Ministry, however, has other plans. Our polite requests for more information are still being turned down. But, by luck and expertise, our Junior Editor managed to catch a few moments with Minister Shacklebolt. The Prophet is happy to announce that Minister Shacklebolt will be making an official announcement concerning the whereabouts of Harry Potter at noon on August 14th. We will be running a special issue that day to cover the event. The Lee Jordan Show on the WWN will temporarily be postponed for the announcement as well, and our Junior Editor, Carmen Snidgeton, will be covering the event live. Until then, the magical world holds its breath, and waits. |
Apollo Sinistra - May 7, 2008 09:01 PM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet August 10th, 2018 :: Cloudy and damp at 20 degrees Celsius :: Cannons versus Harpies Tonight! E1 New Feature! The Fashion Prophet, Apollo Sinistra, shares his latest couture! C1 Take Flight or Pick a Fight: Nature Meets Fashion The image of a bird soaring across the sky or a troll tromping through the forest is a common enough sight of the average nature lover. But what if you could bring nature to the city? Designers and fashionistas all around the world have asked this very question and we have come up with a solution to be enjoyed by all. Elizabethan inspired clothing with a hint of those elements of nature we love best. Now I see most of you reeling back in pain. Trolls enchanting? Birds appealing? Why yes indeed for this season is all about ruff and fluff. Gentlemen, I want you to picture your average troll, not much to work with clothing wise right? With only the loincloth and club for over seven generations? WRONG! Trolls are connoisseurs of furs. Their wild and masculine take on fur is a well-kept secret that has been exposed to the fashion world. Fashion has taken this wild child look and given it a home in modern English wizarding fashion by exposing the softer side of fur. To tone down the utter barbarianism of Troll furs we have given it a softer side, starched ruffed collars. Trust me gents they are all the rage this season – just look around. Mind that you don’t fall into the trap that the bigger the ruff the better, a modest ruff that is a mere meter in diameter is more than ample. For ladies we have a more feminine, yet still naturalistic look. Bird feather embellished cloaks, worn a bit shorter then your average cloak are making a place in fashion history. These cloaks come in a variety of tones with a variety of magical properties that can include anything from glamours to the ever handy ex-boyfriend repelling charm. These cloaks are a way to give males a royal slap in the face by showing that females can be just a beautiful as a male peacock. I personally find that the ostrich feather (muggle bird) cloak that falls just above the knee to be the most dramatic for any entrance. Its like nestling in a cloud of fluff. Just remember my fellow wizards and witches, the old fashioned naturalist look is in. Anything in barky, leafy, or just out and out earthy tones is ideal for this look. Hair wise it is best to go for a look that clearly states that you just got back from a nature hike. Follow these simple guide line and they will make you an instant fashion icon at all your events. |
Carmen Snidgeton - May 24, 2008 03:01 AM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet: Evening Edition! August 14th, 2018 :: Sunny at 23 degrees Celsius :: Harpies versus Bats tonight! E1 MINISTER OF MAGIC MURDERED: MAGICAL WORLD MORTIFIED Esteemed and beloved Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt was found murdered in his office this morning at approximately 10:28 by the Ministry clock, moments before he was slated to make an announcement on the whereabouts of the missing Harry Potter. The United Magical Kingdom reels in shock. One of the Prophet's very own were first to witness the tragedy. According to this anonymous employee, his body lay sprawled on the floor of an office empty save for the barren bookshelves lining the walls and the mahogany desk whose drawers were cast empty about the room. The murderer used the killing curse on Minister Shacklebolt before stripping the room and his persons of every valuable document, according to a spokesperson for Magical Law Enforcement. Nothing was left but that which was immovable--including Minister Shacklebolt's assistant, who was reported missing shortly after the Minister's body was discovered. The last anyone heard from her was her terrified scream. "The Minister! The Minister!" she shouted, moments before being stolen away. That shout rings in the ears and hearts of stunned witches and wizards everywhere. This cold-blooded murder is one more calamitous chain in a series of events which threaten to tear apart the fabric of wizarding England. Chief Warlock Galleon-Guard will be filling the Minister's shoes while a replacement is found; in the meantime, there exists a painful lack of leadership in the Ministry, fueled by the disappearance of Harry Potter exactly two weeks prior to today. Rumors are being whispered; from ridiculous rumors, such as a secret muggle takeover, to more sober, insidious theories as to why these disasters are occurring. Are they occurring by chance, or is there method behind them? Does the Apparation Bug have something to do with Shacklebolt's death? At this time the MLE has no guesses, and the department head added that "we won't guess. We'll get to the bottom of the problem and we'll act. Swiftly and deadly. Whoever did this to us--will pay--most deeply--for their actions." The Head of the Department dissolved into tears. He wasn't the only one to crack under the pressure. Many of Minister Shacklebolt's closest friends had nothing to say to the press besides inarticulate sobs. A private funeral has been scheduled for an undisclosed date. A public funeral has been scheduled for August 20th, three o'clock P.M., in the Ministry Atrium. May the Minister rest in peace. And may all the wizarding world rest in peace tonight. |
Alain Walmsley - May 30, 2008 05:44 AM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet August 16th, 2018 :: Cloudy at 21 degrees Celsius :: Bats versus Meteorites tonight! E1 APPARITION ANXIETIES  Unnamed Ministry worker disapparating outside the London offices. Long considered to be both the safest and most convenient mode of travel, apparition is relied upon by the majority of the wizarding population to get them where they want to go. A quick pop down the street, or a few cities over to visit a relative - few would spare a second thought at apparating there, until now. In the past two months the number of missing persons reported to the Ministry and St. Mungo's has tripled the average norm. Dubbed the 'Apparition Bug' by Ministry and public alike, the exact cause has not yet been conclusively linked with apparition. Renowned Hogwarts instructor Kirsten White agrees that it is more than likely, however. "I'm sure the Bug must be linked to apparition and splinching." Ms. White remarked, in an exclusive interview with the Prophet's own Alain Walmsley. "It needs to be looked into properly. An investigation, for the children!" Ms. White raises an interesting point. To date there has been no official recognition of this problem by the Ministry, let alone any investigative action. It can be tempting to turn to the Ministry for answers and support when crises rear their heads, but recent events have done nothing but showcase their ineffective bureaucracy to the public. Since access to the central office and public facilitator has been cut off for members of the press, the Prophet and the public are left once again in the dark. Walmsley, attempting to question a senior member of the Wizengamot on the situation, received only this curt response: "There's nothing out there!" This attitude is concerning, given that the majority of disappearances have been from within the Ministry's own ranks. The unexpected departure of the late Minister of Magic's assistant was the first highly publicized case, and several others have recently followed suit;
Watch for updates and a comprehensive list of those missing in future editions - because if there's nothing out there, then where are these people going? |
Judy Baines - May 30, 2008 06:34 AM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet August 17th, 2018 :: Muggy at 25 degrees Celsius :: Bats versus Kestrals tonight! E1 CLABBERT MUGGLE ALARMS IN HIGH DEMAND Wizarding folk have always prized exotic pets for one reason or another, whether it was to flaunt their wealth (as in the case of the fire crab) or to spite their neighbors (an excellent use for the slightly less exotic knarl). Many are fond of creatures with so-termed “special features,” like the Streeler, a giant snail which changes colors kaleidoscopically. It is rare, however, to find wizards keeping pets that have special features for practical reasons. This trend towards the impractical is being upset by the recent increase in Clabbert imports from the American southwest. A Clabbert, for those readers who don't know, is an ape-like creature native to the United States. They are recognizable by their smooth, hairless skin, the short horns on the top of their head, and in most particular, a large pustule which glows red at the approach of a Muggle. Why, one must ask, has such a creature become a popular pet? This Daily Prophet reporter sought the answer by speaking with one of the men who handles the humane import and sale of these creatures. “Well, it's obvious, innit?” said Harvey Schooner, a Liverpool native and longtime employee of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. “They sure aren't pretty to look at, so there's only one reason I can see for people to want 'em. It's that pustule, you see. Knowing when a Muggle's about is right handy these days.” While the Prophet assures readers that there is no reason to fear home invasions by Muggles, Mr. Schooner's comment does shed some modern light an age-old wizarding concern: the line between the magical world and the Muggle world. The separation has been stringently upheld since the International Statute of Secrecy was put in place in 1692—but when the majority of Hogwarts students have at least one Muggle parent or grandparent, how separated can the two worlds be? One can only hope that the purchasers of Clabberts realize that the International Confederation of Wizards introduced heavy fines several decades ago for keeping Clabberts outdoors, so as to use them as a Muggle alarm system. |
Carmen Snidgeton - June 28, 2008 08:01 PM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet August 30th, 2018 :: Rainy and Muggy at 25 degrees Celsius :: Kestrals versus Meteorites tonight! E1 MUGGLE BREAKS INTO WIZARDING HOME However illegal, a Clabbert Muggle alarm might have done one wizarding family some good last night. Mr. and Mrs. John Pepperidge, of Wickliff Street, only heard the Muggles as they were leaving. That's right, readers: they heard the Muggles leaving their home. "At first we thought it was just a normal Muggle break-in!" cried Mrs. Pepperidge from the arms of her husband. "We decided to wait until they'd gone, and deal with what they took." But when the coast was clear and they left their bed to investigate, it seemed at a glance that nothing had been stolen. Closer examination soon proved the frightening truth, however. The one item taken from the house was a History of Magic textbook belonging to the Pepperidge's 14-year old daughter. "It's frightening to admit, but it seems that the book was exactly what they were looking for," said Will Channing, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement's assistant. According to Mr. Channing, the Muggles entered through a window at the back of the house, which the Pepperidge's admit was not charmed against such an assault. They then moved through the house and into the daughter's room. The textbooks were under the bed, hastily returned to the place where they were discovered. The girl, luckily, was not at home--she was staying the night over at the house of a school friend. "I am completely shocked," said a flabbergasted Mr. Pepperidge, who is Muggle-born himself. "We knew it'd be difficult, living in a Muggle neighborhood, but we've been very careful, haven't given anything away. I don't know how this could have happened." Muggle knowledge of magic has been carefully monitored by experts, and the Muggle community at large views magic as a child's fantasy, something untrue and imagined--the Wizarding World has used this to its advantage for centuries. Some wizards are now speculating that a few Muggles have formed a "magic hunting" sect--a frightening possibility. When asked how the MLE would proceed, Mr. Channing had only this to say: "We're not experienced in tracking down Muggles. It's not something we've ever had to do. We're...just going to have to learn as we go--but we will stop at nothing to find them." A solution, it seems, will have to wait. |
Carmen Snidgeton - July 26, 2008 10:22 PM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet September 9th, 2018 :: Hot and dry at 29 degrees Celsius :: Cannons versus Meteorites tonight! E1 JOURNALIST MURDERED: IS THE APPARITION BUG SPREADING? The apparition bug isn't just claiming higher-up Ministry officials. In an unprecedented attack, a young reporter who was recently hired by the Prophet after working as a copy editor, Judy Baines, was found murdered in the Prophet's office last night by Carmen Snidgeton. The Junior Editor was horrified and dismayed to find the young woman. "I knew her in Hogwarts," she said, "She was a hugely talented witch with a bright journalistic future in front of her. This attack was clearly an attack not only on her investigative brilliance, but on the press at large." According to a friend of Miss Baines, she traveled to St. Mungo's during the afternoon to heal a broken arm she earned while practicing quidditch. One of the hospital assistants, Miss Miranda Grey, recalls seeing Judy outside a room where several healers were discussing a string of unusual cases. After her arm was healed Baines traveled to the Ministry of Magic without her journalist badge, apparently going to examine some documentation on dementors in Level 4. Her whereabouts after this point are unknown. The next time she was seen, her body lay cold and lifeless on the floor of the Prophet's lobby. Miss Baines left several clues behind as to her mysterious errands and subsequent death. Clutched in her hand was a parchment with three lines scribbled across it {see insert below} ----------------------- Dementor's kiss patient Ireland Garrow ----------------------- Judy Baines' death remains a mystery, though a scrap of parchment hints at her fate Upon reading these words, Miss Snidgeton immediately knew that Miss Baines had stumbled across something extraordinary in her investigations. "My immediate thought," said the Junior Editor, "was, Has she discovered the source of the apparition bug? And more importantly, How is Garrow involved?" Further investigation revealed that Michael Garrow, Junior Undersecretary Edward Garrow's esteemed father, was the man who originally suggested that Azkaban's dementors be shipped off to Scroblach, Ireland's high-security prison, in a controversial but ultimately beneficial trade-off by the Ministry. In exchange for the soul-sucking guards, the Irish Council donated to the Ministry a significant amount of money to develop new protective curses that would eventually eliminate the need for dementors within prisons throughout the wizarding world. Jonathan Bugwort, an employee in Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, was highly favorable towards this decision in 2001. In a previous article he said "I believe that the Humane Magical Imprisonment Act is one of the most significant pieces of legislation to pass through our hands in fifty years." Today, however, he may have changed his opinion. The use of dementors was discontinued in Scroblach after the Irish Blood Revolution in 2013. The Council insists that the creatures have been contained, weakened, and disposed of, which is why there are none to be found on the isle ("There are three things you won't find in Ireland," said one member of the Irish High Council, "Snakes, traitors, and dementors. We've weeded them out.") But have they weeded them out, or, as Judy Baine's notes imply, have they been dumped back into England in secret, roaming freely and snatching witches and wizards off the streets to feed? The nature of the disappearances suggest that this may be the cause of the apparition bug. That terrifying possibility is made even more worrisome with the addition of Garrow's name. Does her note refer to the senior or junior Garrow? If senior, then we can presume that she merely referred to the Humane Magical Imprisonment Act of 2001. If junior, there may be more sinister connotations. The Garrow family has strong connections to Ireland and the Council; Michael Garrow's wife was Irish, and the family worked extensively with the government, in particular their son Edward. Junior Undersecretary Garrow moved to Ireland in 2011; just in time for the bloody civil war that would continue for the next three years. His involvement in the Revolution remains a mystery. His connections with the highly influential MacFealltoir family, who struggled to bring peace and unity to the country during the Revolution years, is well documented. His role within the Council is not. He returned home to England abruptly after the famous Council Blood Bath battle on August 12th, 2013. Three years in the life of one of the most influential members of the Ministry are a complete mystery. What was Garrow doing doing this time, and why has he remained so taciturn until this point? His quiescence on this subject has been disturbingly--perhaps deliberately--profound. Dementors, attacks against the press, and carefully-guarded government secrets, of course, would only be a few more anxieties to add to a growing list of Ministry woes. Approximately one week ago the Ministry of Magic hosted an International Representatives Council in the Albus Dumbledore conference chamber. During the council, many countries brought up complaints with the way England's Ministry has handled the apparition bug and the many disasters plaguing their community. Several countries were particularly critical about the treatment of the press. Ireland called the emergency removal of free press within the Ministry a "hysterical move, sheer idiocy," and "a pre-cursor to a totalitarian state." Ireland's shrill remarks about totalitarian states are ironic when compared to the possibility they may be dumping dementors into England. That country and every Englishman who's associated with it cannot be trusted until further facts have been brought to light. Judy Baines' note must serve as a warning to the magical community. The witches and wizards of England cannot--must not--trust the governments around them. |
Apollo Sinistra - July 28, 2008 01:14 AM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet September 10th 2018:: Hot and dry at 29 degrees Celsius :: A Look at the Latest Hogwarts Professors A12 Detectives Gone Wild - Spy on the Greatest New Look With autumn just a cold gust around the corner its time to take a look at what the favorable winds of fashion will be bringing our way. Now when we think of the gusty month of September we think of our school days, an experience some want to live over and over again while others would rather forget. However there is one thing we can all agree upon about the good old days of academia that it truly was a jungle where only the strongest survived unscratched. September fashion is all about reliving that and coming out on top! Close your eyes and envision the streets of London filled with wild cats, monkeys, and ant eaters! Designers, both muggle and wizarding ones are pulling out collections feature the bold prints of the jungle to reflect the monkey see monkey do attitude of our times. How are we to survive you might be asking yourself? Well a bit of undercover work in store to see who is the tiger and who is the anteater. Which is why I present to you the spotted trench coat – or as it has been so fondly dubbed yours truly we have the beginnings of the jungle detective look. So don’t be afraid to take a walk on the wilder side of fashion so long as you keep in mind that you are merely a spy in life’s jungle. So ladies lets think bold animal prints on our robes or trench coats if you are feeling adventurous, fedoras on our heads, and a spy glass tucked safely in our pocket – or better yet buy a magnifying glass attachment for your wand. And gents I want to see you in the loudest skinnies you own and if you don’t happen to have a set of jungle print pants in your closet stop by Sinistra’s Secondhand today or be warned the fashion prophet will not save you from the inner beasts of your coworkers! On that note I leave you to discover the jungle that is London. |
Sebastian Kent - August 10, 2008 04:47 AM (GMT)
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The Daily Prophet September 14th, 2018 :: Overcast and humid at 26 degrees Celsius :: Weird Sisters Reunion Concert! D8 WOULD YOU LIKE THAT IN GALLEONS OR POUNDS? Walk into any store on Diagon Alley, and chances are, you can pay for that pickled newt or that new set of robes with Muggle banknotes. There are a few exceptions: Ollivander's wand shop (est. 382 B.C.) is the most notable. Borgin & Burke's, along with other establishments on Knockturn Avenue, refused interviews; they don't accept the pound sterling or the Euro, at least officially. The Prophet spoke to a number of small businessmen, and one, who asked to be identified only by his initials, M.F., had this to say. "Well, we all do it, don't we? Even on Knockturn. Take a few quid under the table. Say we're trading in something we might not like to take mainstream, or don't want records--just the easiest way, innit? And the Muggle stuff you can buy these days--" M.F. was referring to the ever-expanding market for Muggle electronic devices, many of which are now installed in Wizarding homes. Several companies have sprung up to deal with the unique problems of Muggle devices, like computers, cell phones, etc., in Magical homes. Wizards Wired, begun by Gregor Lexington (Hogwarts '11, Harvard '15), magic-proofs Muggle appliances and has even begun, as a company publicity rep. informs the Prophet, an initiative to bring Wizarding Wireless to Muggle wireless, though only within the Wizarding community. Although there's been understandable concern over this project, and the company's plan to create hybrid electronic-magical devices, "our first concern is the Statute," Lexington himself announced at the company board meeting. Those who object to Muggle currency seem to be few and far between--if often of good standing in the Magical community. "No respectable P--person trades in Muggle currency, are you mad?" said Mr. Pavo Parkinson, owner of Parkinson Conglomerates. "It simply can't be trusted. We can't trade with Muggles." His assistant added that he made these comments "because he values the Statute of Secrecy, and believes Wizarding-Muggle trade comes dangerously close to broaching that contract." The Muggle Prime Minister, apparently, disagrees; and it is on record that other countries even actively mingle Wizarding and Muggle cultures, particularly in Western Africa. The United States is rumored to have begun a National Defense initiative based upon Muggle and Magical collaboration, but the American Minister of Magic, when contacted by firecall, refused to comment upon the alleged project. Drama and geopolitics aside, it's escaped no one's notice that the Wizarding-to-Muggle currency exchange rate has been dropping for the last ten years. For the first time in its history, Gringotts reports, the inflation rate for Wizarding currency has gone up more than Muggle. The pound sterling, as of this fiscal year, inflated by less than the expected 4% (3.4%); the Galleon, in contrast, inflated 4.8%, more than it has since 1934. These developments bring the exchange rate to its all-time low: 1 Galleon for £2.3. The Prophet spoke with a Gringotts goblin, who asked not to be identified, and said only, "Yes, we exchange Wizarding currency for Muggle. They're all human, what's the bother?" He then slammed his teller's window on this reporter's fingers. It seems clear that whatever the direction Wizarding culture will take in the next few years, it will involve increasing contact with Muggles and Muggle technology. Perhaps, indeed, the anonymous Gringotts employee said it best. "They're all human, what's the bother?" If only the rest of the Wizarding world agreed. |
Carmen Snidgeton - November 8, 2008 05:47 PM (GMT)
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THE DAILY PROPHET: EMERGENCY NEWS BULLETIN THE FOURTH UNFORGIVABLE CURSE? A Deadly Weapon Hidden in the Department of Mysteries Due to the recent rise in apparition bug disappearances, the murder of Minister Shacklebolt and other important public figures, and utter failure on the part of the Ministry to address these pressing issues, a group of frustrated and concerned citizens took it upon themselves to investigate the current political upheaval themselves. Myself, Carmen Snidgeton, was among the group to conduct the investigation. Darien Holywell, a beloved Head Healer at St. Mungo's, was also among our party. The other participants wish to remain unnamed. What we discovered was a massive, unregulated experiment within the depths of the Department of Mysteries, a spell with terrifying implications for the wizarding community, and political deception so subversive and far-reaching that it makes me fear for the future of our society. What we discovered was a dementor's kiss curse: a curse that gives the caster power over the human soul. At nine forty three on the evening of September 28th, myself and four others gained access to Level 10. After exploring the floor for almost an hour, we found a strange chamber deep within the heart of the Department. Inside the chamber was the young unspeakable Logan Fletcher. He was carrying parchment with important information and a metal lockbox out of the room, which he was relaying to his Ministry financier. Upon seeing us he immediately pulled out his wand and lunged at us. Healer Holywell intervened and restrained him, wresting the lockbox out of his hands, before the deranged unspeakable could cause injury. Our shock increased a thousand-fold when moments later, Fletcher's co-conspirator appeared at the scene. It was none other than our Ministry of Magic's very own Junior Undersecretary, the man who has supposedly been "holding together" the Ministry in its time of trouble: Edward Garrow. Upon seeing us he cried "A traitor, then? That's the last time I assume loyalty from you, Fletcher!" Fletcher tried to explain to Garrow but he wouldn't listen. He appeared to be as mad as the unspeakable. He raised his wand against Holywell, who was still holding back Fletcher. In a moment which I will never forget, the Junior Undersecretary shouted an incantation, which I will not repeat here. A bright light blinded us. When we could see again, we saw Darien Holywell crumpled on the floor, and a bright light, his soul, disappearing into the air above him. We tried to grab the two men. Edward Garrow took off running with a cowardly expression. Logan Fletcher crumpled into a heap on the floor and began weeping, his nerves shattered. Another member of our group took the box that lay next to Holywell, and fearing for our safety, we escaped the depths of the Department of Mysteries, unable to take Holywell's body with us. -----------------------   Unspeakable Logan Fletcher and Junior Undersecretary Edward Garrow, co-conspirators in a plot to overtake the Ministry of Magic. ----------------------- The mystery of the apparition bug; the tragedy of Judy Baine's death; the calamity of Shacklebolt's murder; all these mysteries and more have been solved. These people and more have been victims to Edward Garrow's mad ambition to take control at the ministry. Funding Fletcher and other young, untested unspeakables whom he could easily take advantage of, he has developed a secret spell which is powerful and dangerous enough to be added to the canon of unforgivable curses. In order to prevent the public from finding out, he has pushed to restrict guests and the press from the Ministry. Judy Baines' cryptic note, found in her pocket after her murder, is now clear. The recent disappearance of his leg suggests that his apparition bug, used to find victims to test his spell on, came back to bite him. Edward Garrow is notorious for his extremely private home life. We can surmise that during his time in Ireland, which we know virtually nothing about, he discovered something important which either sparked the idea for his spell or gave him the tools to complete it. Darien Holywell, may he rest in peace, was known as Garrow's top choice for Healer in St. Mungo's. He was also the person who treated Garrow's "splinched" leg. His specialty was in complex cases which seemed impossible to solve. Holywell, whom I spoke with frequently before our trip to the Ministry, told me that he became "increasingly alarmed" at Garrow's personal activities, particularly when he arrived at the hospital without his leg. Shortly after he received a series of "patients who seemed to have been attacked by dementors, but bore a faint magical residue which couldn't be attributed to dementors alone." These were Judy Baines' "dementor's kiss patients." Edward Garrow, fearing that she would leak too much information, had her murdered in order to prevent the news from getting out that he was connected to the disappearances. When he saw Holywell in the Department of Mysteries, he used the Dementor's Kiss Curse on him in the same fear that he knew too much. They were two victims in a string of victims, many of them helpless muggles and powerful Ministry officials who got in his way, such as beloved Minister Shacklebolt and a true hero of the wizarding world, the missing Head of Aurors Harry Potter. Edward Garrow has acted to achieve the highest political deception in wizarding history. His seemingly "perfect" record, which is riddled with inconsistencies, mysteries, and lies, has fallen to pieces in light of these new truths and events. His true character, his true record, is now revealed. Edward Garrow is no more than a lying, murdering, power-desperate politician, doing whatever it takes to gain absolute control. Garrow's ambition will force me, Junior Editor Carmen Snidgeton, to go into hiding. I fear for my life and for the lives of my fellow investigators. This is my last article until justice has been brought to Wizarding Britain. I wish to offer my condolences to all the families of victims, in particular Darien Holywell's family. I'm deeply sorry for his death. He was a great man and a greater healer. If anyone doubts the veracity of this article, I challenge you to find Darien Holywell and ask him, What is the truth? Should we trust you or the government? I hope that the Wizarding world will see the truth. Don't trust the government. For we are in the age of the fourth unforgivable curse; an age which may prove more dangerous and volatile than the reign of Lord Voldemort. ---Carmen Snidgeton, Junior Editor |