15th October 2005 • The Wizarding World's Beguiling Broadsheet of Choice • 5 κ
SHOCK ARREST ROCKS LEAKY
By Reginald Howard, Reporter
Following an explosion in a flat above the Leaky Cauldron last night, Aurors have made two arrests.
While patrons were quietly enjoying drinks in the pub, an explosion rocked the building at approximately 6.32pm. Customers, including at least two Aurors, rushed to the scene, quite unprepared for the scene that would greet them.
The flat, occupied by barmaid Hannah Abbott and her fiancé, the Auror Neville Longbottom, was full of smoke following the explosion. Witnesses report that when the smoke cleared, a blood-red Dark Mark was daubed on the wall.
"It gave me right bad chills," claimed one witness, who asked to remain anonymous. "Didn't think I"d ever see one of them again."
The Aurors on the scene tried to clear the onlookers swiftly, but more witnesses have since come forward to claim that they also spotted masks in the style of those worn by Death Eaters.
"No comment," insisted Auror Ron Weasley-Granger, who really should be better at dealing with the press.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Magic confirmed that Miss Abbott, 25, and Mr Longbottom, also 25, were taken to the Ministry for questioning.
As of 8.00pm Friday night, the Leaky Cauldron has been closed for an indefinite amount of time while Aurors conduct their investigation. When asked when the pub would re-open, Tom responded, "Not a bloody clue."
Bad taste in Halloween costumes or something more sinister? Political correspondent Casper de Witt gives us his analysis on page 5.