| Daily Prophet: December 30, 1997 |
[Dec. 30th, 2009|01:12 pm] |
Protective Decree Number Two
The Ministry of Magic is undertaking a survey of so-called “Muggleborns,” the better to understand how they came to possess magical secrets. Recent research undertaken by the Department of Mysteries reveals that magic can only be passed from person to person when Wizards reproduce. Where no proven Wizarding ancestry exists, therefore, the so-called Muggleborn is likely to have obtained magical power by theft or force. The Ministry is determined to root out such usurpers of magical power, and to this end has issued an invitation to every so-called Muggleborn to present themselves for interview by the newly appointed Muggleborn Registration Commission. To assist this Commission, the Ministry will employ certain highly trained agents to aid in genealogical processing. |
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| Daily Prophet: December 28, 1997 |
[Dec. 28th, 2009|05:25 pm] |
Body Found Outside Hogsmeade Identified
Betty Braithwaite
The unidentified and decomposed body of a young woman found several miles outside of Hogsmeade village nearly two weeks ago has been identified. Ministry representatives confirmed today that the body is that of Miss Marietta Edgecombe.
Dutiful readers of The Daily Prophet might remember that Miss Edgecombe was reported as kidnapped from Diagon Alley several months ago when she and her mother were found missing after an attack that claimed the lives of several Aurors. The Death Eater and Auror responsible for that attack was apprehended at that time. However, several sources close to the family reported later that the mother and daughter were simply on an extended holiday.
Ronald Weasley, the close friend of Harry Potter, is still being sought for questioning in this incident. Sources close to Weasley confirm that both Weasley and Potter, along with their muggleborn friend Hermione Granger, had problems with Miss Edgecombe during her time at Hogwarts. Weasley is currently at Hogwarts, where Headmistress Minerva McGonagall refuses to allow Minstry representatives to question the boy.
There is, however, cause for the family to hope that their questions will be answered, as Minister of Magic Pius Thicknesse reports that Hogwarts Headmistress is in negotiations to relinquish her position at the school. |
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| Daily Prophet: December 16, 1997 |
[Dec. 16th, 2009|01:58 pm] |
Unidentified Body Found Outside Hogsmeade
Betty Braithwaite
The unidentified body of a young woman, very decomposed, was found several miles outside of Hogsmeade village early this morning, near the train tracks, by a herd of sheep. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement has released this information in the hope of identifying the woman. She appears to be in her early twenties, with red hair. She appears to have been deceased for several months.
That this body is found so soon after wanted fugitive Ronald Weasley is reported to have returned to Hogwarts might not be a coincidence, Ministry representative and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot Dolores Umbridge pointed out in a press conference this morning. “Dangerous elements are loose in our society,” Umbridge stated, “We must do everything possible to weed them out.”
Readers should remember that Weasley was on the run from the Ministry with fellow students Harry Potter and the muggleborn Hermione Granger.Readers should also remember that the current Headmistress of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall, has refused to allow Ministry Aurors access to Weasley for questioning. |
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| Daily Prophet: December 14, 1997 |
[Dec. 14th, 2009|06:55 pm] |
Hogwarts Harbors Fugitive
Betty Braithwaite
The most recent in series of brash events which began nearly immediately after she was named Headmistress of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall is now flaunting her dangerous despotism by harboring a fugitive within Hogwarts castle.
Ronald Weasley, wanted for questioning in many recent activities including the murder of former Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour and former Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, has been on the run with co-conspirators Harry Potter and Hermione Granger since the attack on the Ministry of Magic two months ago. Representatives of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, however, learned this week that Weasley had secretly returned to Hogwarts. Minister Thicknesse reports that McGonagall has been made aware of the serious need to question Weasley about October’s events, but that she refused to release him to the proper authorities.
Aurors were dispatched to remove Weasley from Hogsmeade station this morning as students returned home for the holidays. However, upon arriving they were turned back by McGonagall and several other professors.
The Board of Governors of Hogwarts, many of whom now sit on the Wizengamot, have been informed and are now discussing the removal of the Headmistress from her post, a decision which will certainly be in the best interest of Hogwarts. Chief Warlock Delores Umbridge stated this afternoon that this outcome is almost assured. |
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| Daily Prophet: November 22, 1997 |
[Nov. 22nd, 2009|01:35 pm] |
Headmistress Snubs Ministry
Betty Braithwaite
In a written statement released by the Ministry of Magic this morning, new Headmistress Minerva McGonagall has apparently announced that representatives of the Ministry of Magic are no longer welcome at Hogwarts.
Minister Thicknesse's response to the Headmistress' statement was quickly made available. "The Headmistress of Hogwarts is only a figurehead," said Thicknesse. "She can say what she likes, but it is not within her power to remove the Ministry from Hogwarts. What's more worrisome are the alarmist reasons she lists in her statement for this decision on her part. Thinking like that isn't representative of what the Ministry wants in a Hogwarts leader, and the Ministry is now seriously considering her assignment."
The Minister also urged that parents not react too quickly to the Headmistress' statement by removing their children from Hogwarts, as surely many parents would want to do with such a Headmistress at the helm. He assures parents that the statement carries no weight, and that their children are perfectly safe at the school and, as always in troubled times, protected by members of the Ministry of Magic. Two aurors are stationed presently at the school. |
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| Daily Prophet: November 11, 1997 |
[Nov. 11th, 2009|07:07 pm] |
Ministry Investigation Uncovers Wizengamot Corruption
Betty Braithwaite
True to his vow to "clean up the mess that Scrimgeour made of this Ministry, and to see to it that all wizards and witches are protected in the trying times that may be to come", Minister Thicknesse's audit of Ministry positions has uncovered shocking evidence of corruption in the Wizengamot over the course of the last several years.
"We are extending the investigation to include cases going back further," says Senior Undersecretary and newly appointed Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Dolores Umbridge. "Perhaps for decades. At present, there is startling evidence that the results in many cases, both convictions and acquittals, were influenced by unsavory means. Those wrongly convinced will, of course, be freed immediately."
The Minstry released an official statement this morning listing the names of those who will be freed from Azkaban, as well as offering a public apology to these upstanding wizards, witches, and their families. |
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| Daily Prophet: November 6, 1997 |
[Nov. 6th, 2009|07:27 pm] |
Dumbledore - The Truth at Last?
Betty Braithwaite
Coming next week, the shocking story of the flawed genius considered by many to be the greatest wizard of his generation.
Striping away the popular image of serene, silver-bearded wisdom, Rita Skeeter reveals the disturbed childhood, the lawless youth, the life-long feuds, and the guilty secrets that Dumbledore carried to his grave. Why was the man tipped to be the Minister of Magic content to remain a mere headmaster? How did Dumbledore really meet his end?
Rita Skeeter answers these questions and more in her new biography, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. I sat down with the acclaimed author for a one on one interview, sure to tantalize readers.
( Read more... ) |
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| Daily Prophet: November 5, 1997 |
[Nov. 5th, 2009|08:22 pm] |
Dumbledore Memorial Service Planned
The memorial service for Albus Dumbledore, former Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, will be held on the grounds of Hogwarts at noon on Friday, 13 November 1997.
This notice is posted in the back pages of the Daily Prophet, between classified ads. |
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| Daily Prophet: November 2, 1997 |
[Nov. 2nd, 2009|06:35 pm] |
Protective Decree Number One
By Order of the Minister of Magic, Pius Thicknesse, and in order to ensure the public peace, a 10 o'clock evening curfew is heretofore instituted for all muggleborn witches and wizards of legal age residing in Great Britain. This curfew is to be effective and enforced beginning 3 November, 1997 and will continue until the present threat to the safety of muggleborn witches and wizards is contained. |
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| Daily Prophet: October 27, 1997 |
[Oct. 27th, 2009|08:15 pm] |
Minister Makes Changes, Aurors Return to Stations
Betty Braithwaite
With the newly elected Minister of Magic settling in to his office, Aurors have been released back to their regular duties in stations across the globe.
True to his vow to "clean up the mess that Scrimgeour made of this Ministry, and to see to it that all wizards and witches are protected in the trying times that may be to come", Minister Thicknesse has already begun to make changes throughout the Ministry. This morning it was announced that several key titled positions in the Ministry would be left unfilled, as Thicknesse compiles an audit of Ministry effectiveness. For example, the position of Ministry Spokesperson, sadly left vacant after the death of Stamford Jorkins, will not be filled. Dolores Umbridge, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, will instead act as the voice of the Ministry until the position's efficiency can be determined.
Plans are also in place to respond to the present dangers in the return of You Know Who. In a written statement this morning, Thicknesse addressed these concerns by saying, "It is clear that He Who Shall Not Be Named is a clear and present threat to certain elements of wizarding society. As such, special steps must be taken to ensure the safety of these wizards and witches who are in the most danger from this threat. Certain protective measures are being considered, and when enacted will be made public immediately." This announcement came just after notice from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement that either during or very soon before the attack on the Ministry, certain documents went missing. One of these documents was a detailed list of the known bloodlines of all Ministry of Magic employees.
More details, and any new laws detailing protective measures, will be made available as soon as they are made public. |
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| Daily Prophet: October 25, 1997 |
[Oct. 25th, 2009|12:19 pm] |
Pius Thicknesse Appointed Minister of Magic
Betty Braithwaite
In a closed-door session this morning the remaining Wizengamot members selected Pius Thicknesse, acting head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, as the recently deceased Rufus Scrimgeour’s successor to the office of Minister of Magic.
Thicknesse was sworn in to the highest position in wizarding Britian at a rushed private ceremony in the Minister’s Office, presided over by newly appointed Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Dolores Umbridge, who fills her position in the wake of the death of Albus Dumbledore.
When asked about his immediate plans, Thicknesse answered, “I plan to clean up the mess that Scrimgeour made of this Ministry, and to see to it that all wizards and witches are protected in the trying times that may be to come.”
Confirmed Deaths Less Than Previously Thought
Betty Braithwaite
To the great relief of many, the official list of those confirmed dead in Friday evening’s attack by persons unknown on the Ministry of Magic is shorter than had been previously thought.
It is this reporter’s great sadness to report the following deaths: Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour, former Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Head of the Goblin Liason Office Dirk Cresswell, Head for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures Amos Diggory, Head of the Improper Use of Magic Office Mafalda Hopkirk, Ministry Spokesperson Stamford Jorkins, Louise Leander and Karl Christos of the Department of Mysteries, Eudora Gordon of the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and Amaryllis Urland of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Many others were injured, and have been being treated at St. Mungo’s Hospital. Several of these injuries were serious.
The Daily Prophet extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the lost. |
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| Daily Prophet: October 24, 1997 (tomorrow morning's post) |
[Oct. 24th, 2009|01:32 am] |
Murder at the Ministry of Magic, Minister and Professor Confirmed Dead
Betty Braithwaite
An attack by persons unknown at the Ministry of Magic has resulted in the deaths of no less than sixteen Ministry personnel and visitors. Information will be made available as it is released, but it has been confirmed at this time that Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour and former Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore were among the casualties.
The Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, Dolores Umbridge, has assumed temporary leadership of wizarding Britain in the wake of this tragedy until a replacement for the Minister is chosen by the Wizengamot, which is reported to have lost several members in the battle.
A full list of casualties is expected tomorrow morning. All aurors on assignment have been recalled to help with identifications and with keeping the peace. The acting Minister urges that you not owl the Ministry for information until the list is released.
Boy-Who-Lived Sought for Questioning in Ministry Deaths
Betty Braithwaite
In a shocking turn of events, it has come to light that Harry Potter, the so called Boy-Who-Lived and supposed hero of the wizarding world, was sighted in the Ministry of Magic last night as both Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour and former Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore were both murdered by unknown parties.
Potter, and his friends Ronald Weasley and muggleborn witch Hermione Granger have reportedly not returned to Hogwarts. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of these students, they are required to inform the Ministry of Magic at once, by order of Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge. |
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| Daily Prophet: October 8, 1997 |
[Oct. 8th, 2009|09:41 pm] |
Confused Muggles in Godric’s Hollow
Muggles visiting the village cemetery in Godric’s Hollow over the weekend were distraught after the sudden appearances and then disappearances of two people they claim to have recognized. The muggles were understandably startled, as the acquaintances in question were reportedly the muggles Gerald and Lucy Everett, whom muggle authorities confirm were murdered in their home along with their two children. Muggle authorities have no suspects in consideration in the unsolved crime. The Ministry is convinced that these muggles who saw the Everetts were merely mistaken. However, Hitwizards are currently investigating the confusion in the graveyard, and the Daily Prophet urges any wizards or witches of Godric’s Hollow who might be able to shed any light on this situation to come forward.
( OOC ) |
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| Daily Prophet: October 5, 1997 |
[Oct. 5th, 2009|05:53 pm] |
Ministry Management Means A Safer Hogwarts
Betty Braithwaite
The safety of young wizards and witches is a topic of great concern to our entire community. And yet for years rumors of lax standards at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have persisted, and gone largely unchecked. Past instances have seen students injured while attending classes, such as in Care of Magical Creatures while under the watch of Rebeus Hagrid - who continues to be listed as missing, though rumors of the giant uprising have led many to speculate that the half-giant returned to his own kind. Which raises, again, the question of hiring dark creatures to hold positions of such prominence.
And in a new and far more severe development, a student - Daphne Greengrass - was seriously injured and assaulted by the giant squid kept in Hogwarts lake. The squid was added to the school for unknown reasons by a previous Headmaster, and has, since the time of its arrival, grown to nearly three times its initial size. The squid attacked Miss Greengrass without provocation, and by all reports nearly drowned her.
( Many students expressed their lack of surprise at this development. ) |
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| Daily Prophet: August 26, 1997 |
[Aug. 26th, 2009|09:00 pm] |
Wedding Ends In Mayhem
Betty Braithwaite
The sparsely attended wedding of former French Triwizard champion, Fleur Delcacour and William Weasley, a Cursebreaker for Gringott's on Saturday was marred by inexplicable tragedy. One attendee, who requested anonymity, described the event as "catastrophic", and "clear proof that the Weasleys long association with Albus Dumbledore has been a negative influence."
The Weasley family have long had associations of dubious nature, but The Weasley-Delacour wedding seem to have brought to light associations with known criminals whose presence at the event led to violence and, by some reports, fatalities. The Ministry, where Weasley patriarch Arthur Weasley holds a position with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department, has yet to comment. Inside sources claim that the Ministry's silence on the topic is one more attempt by a struggling Minister of Magic to strengthen his position, despite the flagging support of a large portion of the Wizengamot and upstanding members of the Wizarding Community.
( Read more... ) |
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| Daily Prophet: August 6, 1997 |
[Aug. 6th, 2009|01:49 am] |
Death Eater Causes Panic in Diagon Alley
Betty Braithwaite
The peace of Diagon Alley was shattered early yesterday evening as Rabastan Lestrange showed himself in Flourish & Blotts, setting fire to a display and terrorizing Diagon shoppers before Aurors arrived on scene and Lestrange went back into hiding.
Rabastan Lestrange, formerly an inmate of Azkaban, was a notorious criminal and follower of You-Know-Who during the seventies, and was eventually arrested and charged with multiple acts of murder, casting of Unforgiveables, vandalism, and associating with criminals and was incarcerated in Azkaban until his escape last year.
"It's like one minute I was looking at his wanted poster," said one Flourish & Blotts shopper, "and the next he was right in front of me, setting me on fire. Like he'd stepped out of the poster itself."
Following the sighting was another grisly altercation, as Aurors apprehended fellow Auror and Death Eater sympathizer Quillan Johnson who, seemingly spurned on by the appearance of Lestrange, chose to reveal himself as a Death Eater to his comrades in a violent attack. Auror Keiffer Kendrick was killed in the attack, and Auror Iain Edsel was taken to St. Mungo's where he is receiving treatment as is unable to make a statement.
It was initially reported that the Aurors had been questioning Mrs. Ava Edgecombe of the Department of Magical Transportation and her daughter, a Flourish & Blotts employee, at the time of the traitorous attack. However, sources close to the family say that the Edgecombes were planning on visiting relatives in Mozambique, and that they must have left after Lestrange's appearance in the shop. Johnson has been taken in to custody, and the families of his victims have this reporter's deepest sympathies. |
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| Daily Prophet: August 1, 1997 |
[Aug. 1st, 2009|11:00 pm] |
Dumbledore Retires, Hogwarts Makes Changes
Betty Braithwaite
In a move which will no doubt shock many in the Wizarding world, Albus Dumbledore, a Hogwarts fixture for nearly sixty years, announced this morning his immediate retirement from the post of Hogwarts Headmaster. Effective immediately, Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall will be taking over the title of Headmistress. Dumbledore announced his plans to remain at Hogwarts throughout the year to ease the transition and offer his advice and aid to the new Headmistress.
Dumbledore also resigned his positions as Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, where his successor has yet to be named. He cites the return of He Who Must Not Be Named, and a desire to devote more time to knitting and Gobstones as his reason for choosing to retire. Sources close to Hogwarts, however, claim that Albus' health is in question. In fact, this morning's announcement comes amid a flurry of rumors that Dumbledore has been suffering from an as of yet unexplained illness which is leaving the Order of Merlin, First Class recipient and Grand Sorcerer unable to continue in his leadership role.
The Daily Prophet has long stood among the first to bring to light Dumbledore's increasingly erratic behavior and dubious mental state, and applaud him for taking what has long seemed to us to be a necessary step in the continued betterment of the educational standards at Hogwarts.
( Dumbledore is most famous for his defeat of the dark wizard, Grindelwald. ) |
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