15 September 2004 • The Wizarding World's Beguiling Broadsheet of Choice • 22 κ
DAVIES ADDISON MURDERER, BELL ACCOMPLICE
By Sally-Anne Perks, Lorlei Copperboom, and assorted Prophet Staff
In a shocking and dramatic twist to the murder investigation that has plagued the Wizarding World for just over two months, two suspects have been arrested for their roles in the murder, and charges are imminent. One, a Gryffindor war hero, calls into question the very idea of who are heroes are, and why. The other, a famed Quidditch star, proves anyone can be a murderer, if circumstances align themselves. Katie Bell, head of the forensics lab at the Ministry, was also present the night of the murder, though she was cleared early on. Bell was arrested in the early morning hours on Monday, and charged with tampering with evidence. It is unknown why Katie confessed to which evidenced she'd tampered with, and unknown how officials discovered the tampering. Roger Davies, star Chaser for Pride of Portree, was arrested Monday evening at his home in Kilburn. Davies, went quietly, though the Hit Wizards were required to restrain the upset Mrs. Davies, who is pregnant with the couples first child. Mrs Davies has been dropping tell-tale signs that she is in the family way, and there had been speculation on the popular 'Community' system, though no proof. A terrible blow for the couple, but now Mrs Davies is facing a future as a single mother; and Roger Davies may only come to know his child after the child is grown-up and able to visit Azkabak. It all comes down to the trial at the Wizengamot and how lenient the members are towards Davies. Motive will go a long way in determining just how long Davies is kept from his wife and child.
Motive is unknown at this time, though speculation based on what little the Hit-Wizard Department has shared throughout the investigation has run rampant. A wine sample was found, but attributed to Justin-Finch Flethcley. Is it possible the wine sample was Mrs Davies - through the Davis wine industry? A copy of Davies' Quidditch schedule was found at Addison's house as well - was the Quidditch star up to something illegal? Addison had a meeting to discuss an arrangement with someone the night of his death, and Davies has openly admitted he saw Addison that night. What was the meeting about? Addison attempted to defend himself, but was no match for Davies. Davies isn't known for his temper, both on and off the pitch,
Roger Davies, arrested outside his home, 15 September, 2004
though he has been more aggressive this past year than in previous years. Some question must also be drawn to the number of head injuries he has sustained. Has he suffered too many bludgers to the head and increased his agitation. It's been seen before in other star Quidditch players. With Rose Zeller being known for her 'alternative' sex ways, was Davies attempting to find an outlet for his aggression? Was calling off the affair - no doubt due to the pregnancy of his wife - the catalyst for this deadly showdown with Addison? With a key question answered, more just keep piling up.
The fates of previously-jailed George Weasley, and Justin Finch-Fletchley are, for the moment, safe. Both face trials for their obstructionist roles during the murder investigation, along with Rose Zeller, and Megan Jones. Roger Davies was facing trial, though it is expected now that whatever sentence might have come from it, will be rolled into the much larger murder trial. The trial is expected to be announced soon, as the Wizengamot shuffles its case-load in preparation for the very packed courtroom that is sure to ensue with the very public trial. A full list of charges is currently being drafted, though Intent to Commit Murder is obviously one of them. Unknown are what other charges will stem - what laws did Davies break in the coverup?
While the investigation may be closed, there are still lingering questions. What will Mrs Davies do now? Did she aid her husband in anyway? Coverup for the investigators? Did Addison have a secret on Davies?Is George Weasley fit to run his stores? Is Justin Finch-Fletchley a danger to himself or others? Did Miss Zeller have an affair with the Minister? What does this say for the security of the Ministry, that a man committed murder, staged a scene, and managed to slip through investigators reaches for so long? What sort of investigation was
the Hit-Wizard Department running? Why did it take so long to clear so many of the suspects? Why were Slytherins left on the list until nearly the last possible moment?
It is a relief to the world that the Minister had no complicit role in the murder, though the investigation blew open much larger questions that need to be answered. Did he help his wife sneak a man out of the country? Was he having an affair with Miss Zeller? Was she asked to leave? Why did he stay so silent during the investigation? Why did investigators not clear him immediately? Perhaps the biggest question is: will Minister Shacklebolt resign? Public opinion of him has been steadily dropping since the end of the war, and the investigation only seeemed to bolster those claims.
There are too many questions; though the answer that we've all been waiting for is here. What comes after is anyone's guess. Much of what will happen with the Wizengamot depends on the testimony of Katie Bell, Gryffindor 1997, as well as her motives for helping Roger. She specified to law enforcement that she did not collude with Davies, and acted entirely in her own. Again, there is much speculation behind motive. Miss Bell played Quidditch aside Davies while at Hogwarts, beating him out for the Cup during their House matchups. As she did not pursue a career in Quidditch, it's unknown how close she and Davies were after they left Hogwarts. She will be facing trial herself, expected to be before Davies' trial, though no date has been set for her either.
More coverage will be available in tomorrow mornings regular edition of the Prophet.
Mrs Davies was unable to be reached for comment; George Weasley was unable to be reached for comment; Justin Finch-Fletchley was unable to be reached for comment.