Fri. 19 August 2002 • The Wizarding World's Beguiling Broadsheet of Choice • 5 κ
12 DEAD IN MINISTRY RAID
By Eleanor Bledsoe, G.H.B.I.C.M.
What was supposed to be a routine raid by the Ministry to bring down an illegal potions ring quickly turned disastrous Thursday evening when an anonymous tip warned the ring of the Ministry's movement, leaving 12 dead and 4 injured.
The raid came after years of investigation by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The Ring, well known during the Second War for it's supply of illegal potions to the Death Eaters, has been an ongoing source of investigation for the Aurors, being cited as both illegal and dangerous. While their movement quieted down significantly over the last few years, they had become increasingly more active in recent months, causing the Ministry to need to take immediate action.
Everything was in place for the Aurors to move in and make their arrests, effectively shutting down the illegal activity, when an anonymous tip to the Ring alerted them to the Ministry's movement. The resulting battle lead to one of the highest death counts for one incidence since the end of the Second Wizarding War in 1998. Of those dead, four were Ministry workers. Aurors Andrew Kirke and Geoffrey Hooper had spent the last few months undercover with the Ring before meeting their ends late Thursday evening. [For a complete list of the deceased, turn to page 12.]
The Ministry of Magic will be holding a memorial service to honor those who have passed, set to happen on Tuesday, 23 August 2002.
A disaster such as this often times raises questions within the public. While some witnesses wonder who tipped the Ring off to the Ministry's movements, there has been more outcry as to why the Ring was allowed to operate for as long as it has without more action being taken. Among the dead were Joseph Flint [pictured above] and Noah Yaxley, two known and registered Death Eaters and supporters of the anti-muggle movement. Both managed to avoid Azkaban despite their actions during the war, which raises the question: is the Ministry really doing their job in trying to keep us safe?
Carla Ashford shares her opinion on the matter in which she states, [...]
Index
MINISTRY INSTITUTES CURFEW
Due to recent spikes in crime, the Ministry of Magic has instituted a temporary curfew for all Wizarding areas. All shops must be closed down and the streets must be clear by 10pm. Those who choose to ignore the curfew and are caught outside after the designated time will be fined on their first offense. Any offense afterwards, unless it is a documented emergency situation, could result in incarceration.
While the Ministry assures us that this is only a temporary regulation, there seems to be no mention of how long it might last. [...]
QUIDDITCH UPDATES
Quidditch fans will be interested to learn about some of the changes being made to their favourite teams throughout the League. Puddlemere United has named their top ranked Chaser as this season's new Captain after their previous Captain left unexpectedly for personal reasons. Pride of Portree is changing up the majority of their starting line up under the insistence of new owner Vincent Carrington. Portree isn't the only team entering the season under new owndership. Current League Champions, the Falmouth Falcons, were bought recently by none other than their current Captain, Marcus Flint.