It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the death of our Minister for Magic, Bartemius Crouch. --I hopefully do this before the truth is distorted and lost in political translation.
Over a month ago, Minister Crouch disappeared. A fact known to fewer than a dozen people. We scoured the country in secret, but by the time we found him, it was too late. He sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning, with his son by his side.
The Ministry hid the truth from you as they claim they did not want to cause alarm. However, one must consider, if they had been honest perhaps the life of Bartemius could have been saved.
For the sake of national security and out of supreme respect for my colleagues at the DMLE, I will not go into the details of the Minister's whereabouts, at risk of impeding the course of justice.
But know this -- there are dark forces at work, and not just in the places you expect.
Stay vigilant. Stay safe. Stay united.
Madam Amelia Bones
Head of the DMLE
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