The Dark Knight Rises

CHAPTER 14: The Aftermath

Chapter 14: The Aftermath

7:45 a.m.

The whole community was abuzz, the capture of Francesco Zabini found at the Docks with his shipment of drugs had brought the whole magical community alight.

"Alleged Crime Boss Francesco Zabini arrested!

The "Business Man" was today, in the early morning hours, found at the Docks hanging on the Lighthouse tied. Even more shocking are the containers full of the addictive Magiroine drug found stuffed in toy bears, with the containers in Francesco Zabini's name. A man who for many years has been rumoured to be the head of organized crime in not only The Magical Britain, but also muggle Britain, but never been proven. Is this the time he will be trialled and found guilty?

In addition, multiple witnesses report seeing a Bat-figure and collaborate that they had a big hand in what has happened today. Citizens of the Magical community, is this a reckoning where we have our own 'Hero'?..."

BANG!

The door threatened to blow out of its hinges, as Fudge entered the DMLE's head office, his face a shade of purple, others had rarely seen him in, clutched in his hands was the newspaper of the day.

The newspaper was thrown aside with such force it nearly tore in two upon hitting the wall. The DMLE Head Amelia Bones was surprised at this, this was a rare occurrence, she'd never seen Minister Fudge so.

"Did you read this pile of utter bull?"

"We ought to be happy, this is a slam dunk case, there is no way Zabini is going to escape out of this... the evidence is pretty damning."

"And we are supposed to be happy that it is not the aurors who accomplished this?" asked Fudge with an angry glint.

"It is not the best scenario, I will admit but it is the outcome we should look to, and that is Zabini behind bars."

Moody chimed in agreeing with his superior, "Aye, whoever this Bat guy is, he's done a good job. I reckon he's on our side."

"Are you mad? Law and order is in the hands of The Ministry, we are charged with upholding law and order, a vigilante is the absolute opposite of that. Whoever this upstart is, he will be caught. You will catch him; do you hear me? He is a criminal, maybe even worse than Zabini."

Amelia Bones nodded, not particularly seeing why the Minister was so infuriated by the bat figure but understanding the gravity of the situation, vigilantism was simply not the way. "We will investigate this vigilante, Minister. And if he has broken any laws, he will be brought to justice. But for now, let us focus on the task at hand and bring Zabini to trial."

Fudge grumbled in agreement and stormed out of the office, leaving the Aurors to their work. Amelia turned to Moody, "We need to keep a close eye on this Bat-figure. If he continues to operate outside the law, we may have to take action."

Moody grunted, "Aye, we'll keep tabs on him. But I have a feeling this Bat guy is doing more good than harm."

Amelia gave Moody a stern look, "We are Aurors, Alastor. We follow the law, no matter what."

Moody shrugged, "I'm just saying, sometimes the law needs a little help."

Amelia shook her head and turned to leave the office, "Let's get to work, we have a case to build."

As the Aurors filed out of the office, the newspaper lay forgotten on the ground, the headline still blaring: "Citizens of the Magical community, is this a reckoning where we have our own 'Hero'?"