Kassandra Bauer and the Order of the Phoenix. (Book 5)

Chapter 41: The Aftermath.

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED RETURNS

'In a brief Statement on Friday night, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned to the World and is once more active.'

'"It is with great regret that I must confirm that the Wizard styling himself Lord- well, you know who I mean- is alive and among us again," said Fudge, looking tired and flustered as he addressed reporters. "It is with almost equal regret that we report the mass revolt of the Dementors of Azkaban, who have shown themselves averse to continuing in the Ministry's employ. We believe the Dementors are currently taking direction from Lord- Thingy. We urge the Magic Population to remain vigilant. The Ministry is currently publishing guides to elementary home and personal defense which will be delivered free to all Wizarding Homes within the coming month."' 

'The Minister's statement was met with dismay and alarm from the Wizarding Community, which as recently as last Wednesday was receiving Ministry assurances that there was "no truth whatsoever in these persistent rumors that You Know Who is operating amongst us once more."  

'Details of the events that led to the Ministry turnaround are still hazy, though it is believed that He Who Must Not Be Named and a select band of followers (known as Death Eaters) gained entry to the Ministry of Magic itself on Thursday evening.' 

'Following the confirmation of You Know Who having returned. Albus Dumbledore negotiated an end to the war between the Ministry of Magic and the Magi of the Middle East. High Sage of the Magi, Hakeem Karim has agreed to withdraw his troops from the shores of Great Britain, return Hogwarts to British Hands, and leave the Ministry to govern itself. In exchange for 500 Thousand Galleons, The removal of Dolores Jane Umbridge from Hogwarts School as well as Ministry power, and for the International Confederation of Wizards to submit Turkey to Magi control. A deal that Fudge has accepted. A heavy price to pay but it seems the war is over.' 

'Albus Dumbledore in the meantime has been reinstated to Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, As well as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. While he was unavailable for comment. He has insisted over the past year that You-Know-Who is not dead, as was widely hoped and believed, but is recruiting followers once more for a fresh attempt to seize power. Meanwhile, the Boy who Lived-'

"There you are, I knew they'd drag you into it somehow." Hermione said, looking over the top of the paper at us. 

Harry had sat on the end of Ron's bed. And I could then see Luna walk in. 

"Luna? What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Just dropping by for a visit." Luna answered. I noticed that she was clutching the latest edition of The Quibbler, was reading the magazine upside and not taking in a word Hermione was saying. 

"He's the 'Boy Who Lived' again now, though isn't he?" Ron asked darkly. "Not a deluded show off anymore, eh?" 

"And the word Hypocrite comes into play." Anubis replied while grumbling. 

Both Ron and I helped ourselves to a handful of Chocolate Frogs. 

"Toss me some?" Ginny asked. 

"Sure." I tossed some to Ginny. And also to Neville and Harry. 

"Yeah, they're very complimentary about you now." I grunted. "They should've been doing that right from the start." Idiots. All of them. But we just might be even bigger idiots because we got Sirius Killed. 

Hermione in the meantime kept scanning down the article. "Lone voice of truth... perceived as unbalanced, yet never wavered in his story... forced to bear ridicule and slander... Hmmmm." She said frowning. "I notice they don't mention the fact that it was them doing all the ridiculing and slandering in the Prophet..."