The Daily Prophet: 8 November 1997
FRONT PAGE Dumbledore Incompetent Rose Faust
Albus Dumbledore, onetime Wizengamot member and current Headmaster of Hogwarts, has issued a disturbing and subversive response to the retirement of Rufus Scrimegeour and Ministry reforms, declaring that Hogwarts is independent of Ministry control and that representatives of the Ministry will no longer be allowed within the school’s wards.
Dumbledore, a once respected wizard, recently came under public and professional fire after a scathingly honest account of his tumultuous and controversial past was published by Prophet reporter Rita Skeeter. Dumbledore, facing accusations of past murder and corroboration with infamous Dark Wizard Grindelwald, has been increasingly erratic in past years. Those close to the famed wizard have reported that his failing health and increasingly feeble mind have led to his falling under the sway of undesirable elements, a dangerous situation which has left Hogwarts and the students within it vulnerable to the machinations of those pulling the ailing wizard's strings.
"There is no doubt, Albus Dumbledore will aid in the fall of the Ministry, and is in no state to see reason. It's not Dumbledore calling the shots in Hogwarts, it's a key group of skilled and power-hungry students whom he failed to control," an insider at Hogwarts confided under promise of anonymity to protect their safety.
New Minister for Magic Pius Thickness has issued a brief statement wherein he talks about his sorrow at the state of Hogwarts and its Headmaster, and his hopes for a peaceful resolution wherein the education and safety of wizarding children can be put back in the hands of those who have their best interest in heart.
Dumbledore has, at this time, offered no response to the Minister's words. Our sources claim that the Headmaster, seen recently overseeing an equally inflammatory and false speech to the students at Hogwarts, was "greatly diminished" and obviously in poor health. While our source couldn't name names, they did express concerns that Dumbledore's state could have left him open to Imperio.
Use of the Unforgiveables has long been outlawed, but according to many who have known Harry Potter and those close to him for some time, the use and study of them are not unfamiliar to the students.
New Department Head Cale Jugson has told us that Harry Potter and his associates will be considered Undesirable, and dangerous, and hopes that their apprehension may lead to Albus Dumbledore receiving the help he is in clear need of.
The Wizengamot, recently staffed with new appointees, is due to begin deliberations tomorrow on widespread reforms. They are also expected to address what action should be taken to resecure Hogwarts.