The Enemy of my Enemy

The Protection Detail

HARRY POTTER THE CHOSEN ONE?

Rumours continue to fly about the mysterious recent disturbance at the Ministry of Magic, during which He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was sighted once more, alongside believed to be dead, Avery Sutherland.

"We're not allowed to talk about it, don't ask me anything," said one agitated Obliviator who refused to give his name as left the Ministry that night.

Nevertheless, highly placed sources within the Ministry have confirmed that the disturbance centred on the fabled Hall of Prophecy.

Though Ministry spokes wizards have hitherto refused even to confirm the existence of such a place, a growing number of the Wizarding community believe that the Death Eaters now serving sentences in Azkaban for trespass and attempted theft were attempting to steal a prophecy.

The nature of that prophecy is unknown, although speculation is rife that it concerns Harry Potter, the only person ever known to have survived the Killing Curse, and who is also known to have been at the Ministry on the night in question.

Some are going as far as to call Potter the 'Chosen One,' believing that the prophecy names him as the only one who will be able to rid us of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

(Cont., page 2, column 5.)

"That's just perfect," said Theo, lowering the Daily Prophet. He was sitting at the breakfast table with everyone else. "Potter's already got a big enough head."

Teddie threw a piece of bread at him. "It's not Harry's fault," she defended. "All these people speculation and assuming that he is what they want him to be. They're the ones putting all the expectations on him, and when he doesn't reach those expectations, they turn on him. It's not fair."

"She's right," said Ursula, dabbing her mouth. "Whether Potter is or isn't the Chosen One, he is still a child. He doesn't deserve this publicity."

Mo met his wife's gaze as he drank his morning tea. He paused, swallowed, and then nodded. "I agree," he confirmed. He took the paper back from Theo. "You shouldn't worry yourselves with what is happening in the news, anyway, you have enough on your plates with school starting up. Your letters should be coming today, and don't you have exam results, too?"

Teddie felt her stomach drop at the reminder.

"What's this?" Mason asked, picking up a pamphlet that had fallen from the Daily Prophet as Theo passed it to Mo. He read the front page out loud: "Protecting Your Home and Family Against Dark Forces."

"It's the Ministry's way of trying to reassure people that things aren't going to be the same as before," said Mo. "But, like I said, you shouldn't concern yourself with it."

"The Wizarding Community is currently under threat from an organisation calling itself the Death Eaters. Observing the following simple security guidelines will help protect you, your family, and your home from attack." Mason read, despite Mo trying to take the pamphlet from him. "You are advised not to leave your house alone. Particular care should be taken during the hours of darkness."

Teddie swallowed her orange juice. "But that's not always possible!" she protested, turning to Mason and Mo. "What about the people that work after hours? Or overtime. Like you, Mo, and David Greengrass. You're out at all hours of the day and night, your jobs are just as important as 9-5, and you can't guarantee to be home by the time night falls."