Daily Prophet, September 20 Date & Time: 20 September 2002 Post Type: Newspaper Article Status: Closed: Complete Character(s): Written By Timothy Cornfoot Location: N/A Summary: Today's headline. [Pretty graphics coming soon.]
POSSIBLE LEAD IN AUROR DEATHS
By TIMOTHY CORNFOOT
Investigation into the events of September 3rd has been painfully slow, contrary to what Magical Law Enforcement would like everyone to see. Despite the lack of information, the question on everyone's mind is still: "What really happened to the Aurors that night?"
The case is still "under review" at St. Mungo's, causing frustration for the families of the deceased, who have not yet been able to hold memorial services for their loved ones. The Homicide Squad has, by their own admission, had little luck in tracking down the cause or perpetrators.
Ministry employee Ferdinand Pirkle believes he knows the reason for the both parties' reticence to discuss the subject and make any decisive actions. "The Ministry doesn't want the public to know anything. It's quite hush hush, but I know what's really going on. Those Aurors were poisoned by Death Eaters."
Lin Hardy, conversely, blames the lack of progress on St. Mungo's. "Without a concrete diagnosis, our investigations are stunted. We're tracking down every possible source of information, but it's slow-going without more to go on."
One of those dead-end sources is, reportedly, Marco Ramirez of Chelsea, who was one of those responsible for bringing the Aurors into the hospital that night. Mr. Ramirez and his wife dined at the Leaky Cauldron along with the many others that night; however, Mrs. Ramirez suffered a tragic accident and died only a week later. (See Obituaries, Sept. 10.)
Is the incident connected? It's unlikely, according to sources, but rather than pursue rational avenues of investigation, the Ministry chooses instead to question grieving widowers. Is this the game of distraction that Mr. Pirkle presents?
"I saw the Death Eaters leaving the Leaky Cauldron Friday night," he says, "but I was too afraid to speak up at the time. Early this week I told the Ministry, but they refused to listen to me. Cornelius Fudge might as well still be running the place."
The Ministry may not be sure who did this--or willing to say so--but many, like Pirkle, have begun to be more cautious, taking a close look at those around them for signs. Death Eaters, as we all know, could be anyone: neighbors, co-workers, or even our child's daycare teacher.
It is the responsibility of all citizens to stand up for what is right, and it may just be time to start again.