February 25th, 2004 • The Wizarding World's Beguiling Broadsheet of Choice • 5 κ
Quidditch Cancelled - Ministry Issues a Call to Arms to All Citizens
June Baddock, Senior Reporter
In the wake of the violent attack on the Falmouth Falcons versus Puddlemere United game on February 10th, the Ministry has officially decreed that Quidditch has been cancelled indefinitely. When asked to comment on this decision, the Head of Games and Sports within the Ministry states, "We accept the decision of the Ministry to hereby postpone the sport. While it pains us to do so, the safety of the citizens is top priority, and the Department of Magical Games and Sports cannot, in good conscience, ask the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to defend and patrol every upcoming game of the season when there are other, more important happenings plaguing our Magical community."
While the decision has angered many fans, as well as players, Mr. Conner further states that, "All season pass holders will be refunded in full for their purchases for the cancelled games, and all players will receive a stipend for a third of their normal salary for living expenses for the next six months. At that time, the current political state will be re-evaluated and a public announcement released advising of the future of the sport."
This announcement came on the wake of an even bigger Ministry decree, as the Minister of Magic and all departments officially put forth a Call to Arms for all able bodied citizens. The Minister of Magic, Rabastan Lestrange, released the following statement. "While we by no means intend to infringe upon the individual rights of our citizens, the time has come to admit that without your help, the Ministry cannot fight this upcoming war. There are still too many positions left vacant within the Ministry, too many important social programs that need to be overseen by capable hands. Due to this, a draft will be put into place. All able bodied citizens who can fight, will be enrolled within the Ministry's Magical Militia to be taught defensive skills and magic by our top Aurors. Those who are not willing to fight will be put into social programs. These programs will provide housing, childcare, and medical treatment in the event of another attack. These efforts will be coordinated by the Ministry, and the magcial citizens assigned to their ranks."
Of course, in the wake of such an announcement, the Ministry is already planning in the event of conscientious objectors. Those who do not wish to participate are required to submit their names to the Ministry by no later than March 25th. Minister Lestrange further relayed this by advising "These individuals will not be punished, but to live within the Magical Community during a time of war, some sort of understanding must be forged. I am willing to work with those who find this decree in direct conflict with their personal beliefs. While everyone must contribute in some way, I am willing to find a common ground in order to make this work for everyone. This is not something the Ministry takes great pleasure in doing, but unpopular actions must sometime be taken in order to ensure the safety of all."
And while many have just finished rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of He Who Must Not Be Named and the Second Wizarding War, a recent poll shows that most citizens are still loyal and willing to help defend their country, and their Ministry. This great show of faith truly warms the hearts of the reporters here at the Prophet, and shows that the actions of a few, do not reflect the mindset of the many.
Tinworth Follower Lucian Bole No Longer at Large By: Lenora Flint, Editor, Sr. Reporter A recent win has been recorded for the Ministry in the recent week. Follower and past Death Eater Lucian Bole, most notable for his unhinged mental state and proclivity for abuse and torture, has been killed by the the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. While it is never the first intent of the DMLE to kill any suspect, in the case of Mr. Bole, he refused to come quietly.
The official report indicates that Auror Helen Dawlish was patrolling the outskirts of St. Ottery Catchpole late Monday night when she caught wind of an altercation in a local storefront. Upon arrival, it was quickly assessed that Lucian Bole had broken in to the Magical Wardrobe Shop in the immediate hours after close while Owner Catriona Button was still inside. The attempt was to obtain Ms. Button's wand, since Lucian Bole no longer had one of his own.
In the ensuing fight, Auror Helen Dawlish attempted to disarm and arrest Mr. Bole, however, he refused to lay down arms and took Ms. Button as a hostage. The situation grew very tense when Mr. Bole began using the Unforgivable Torture Curse on Ms. Button in order to get Ms. Dawlish to lay down her wand and remove herself from the premises.
Ms. Dawlish refused to comply to these demands, which caused Lucian Bole and herself to enter into a heated spell battle, allowing Ms. Button to escape to safety while distracted and alert another group of Aurors to make their way to the scene. By the time backup arrived, the scene is only described as one of complete destruction. However, what is for certain is that Auror Helen Dawlish was still standing at the end of the altercation, and Mr. Lucian Bole was deceased upon arrival of further Law Enforcement personnel.
After several hours of extensive questioning, Ms. Dawlish was cleared as having performed her duties to the best of her abilities, and credited with the feat of taking out a major threat to the Ministry of Magic and all Magical Citizens. She was cleared to return to duty on February 23rd. There will be no services held for Mr. Bole, and his body will be cremated, along with any possessions on his person.
And while it is still unclear why Lucian Bole found himself without a wand and outside the magical protection of Tinworth, it is the assumption of both the Department of Law Enforcement, as well as this reporter, that Mr. Bole had somehow lost favor with their dear leader, leading to his dismissal from service. I'm sure most can agree though, the loss is not heavily felt on either side.
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