Author's Note: Well now, I've finally managed to cobble together another chapter. Those who've looked at my profile know that my laptop had a bit of an accident. It turns out that computers can't drink coffee, who knew? Thankfully, once it dried out I managed to salvage almost all of my notes. Now, despite real life distractions, the steady influx of new readers and reviews have shamed... er... inspired me to find more time to write.
As always, thank you for reading, and special thanks to those who review.
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Chapter 23
Quidditch Season
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Chaos at the Ministry
By: Jacob Truman
Early this morning, Death Eaters managed to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. Three of the masked terrorists managed to make their way to the DMLE holding cells before they were discovered. Their apparent goal was to break out the notoriously deranged Bellatrix Lestrange, who was scheduled to be transferred to the newly fortified Azkaban later this week.
Aurors Dawlish and Yaxley confronted the masked Death Eaters, but were unable to stop the three dark wizards. Auror John Dawlish lost his life in the ensuing skirmish, and Auror Archelaus Yaxley was gravely injured. Yaxley is currently in stable condition at Saint Mungo's. He is expected to make a full recovery. Aurors Shacklebolt and Tonks were able to arrive in time to save Yaxley, but were too late to prevent Lestrange's escape.
The four Death Eaters made good their escape, but not before assassinating Minister Scrimgeour, who was in a conference with the Head of the DMLE, Pius Thicknesse. Thicknesse was knocked unconscious during the assassination, and thought dead by the terrorists, who made their escape through the floo in Thicknesse's office.
An investigation is underway to discover how the Death Eaters managed to remain undetected for so long. We received this statement from the DMLE: "It is too early in our investigation to say for certain, but we believe that the imperius curse was used in the infiltration. Steps are being taken to counter future use of the unforgivable."
In an emergency Wizengamot session, Pius Thicknesse has been named interim minister. A long time supporter of Minister Scrimgeour, Thicknesse is expected to continue the late minister's efforts to combat he-who-must-not-be-named on every level. Interim Minister Thicknesse could not be reached for comment.
Rufus Scrimgeour: A lifetime fighting the darkness – page 3
John Dawlish: A hero remembered – page 5
Bellatrix Lestrange: Britain's most dangerous witch – page 8
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"Interesting, I didn't know Bella had been captured. I wonder how I missed it." Harry commented lightly during breakfast at the Slytherin table. "You'd think they would have been bragging about that."
Luna placed a copy of the Quibbler on top of Harry's copy of the Prophet. "Rita Skeeter's article says it's supposedly because they were waiting until she was moved to the new Azkaban. Obviously she's mistaken, Bellatrix was never actually captured, this was just an opportunity for the Rotfang conspirators to finish their coup. Scrimgeour was blocking their bid for power, and now they've replaced him with one of their own. It's all laid out on page four."
"Hmm..." Harry wondered if Luna's conspiracy theory might have more than a grain of truth to it as he continued reading the Prophet, occasionally comparing it to the Quibbler's account. "The name Yaxley is familiar... pretty sure he's one of Voldemort's. It makes me doubt that either of these articles are entirely true."
YOU ARE READING
When Harry met Wednesday
FantasíaSirius is dead, and Harry has reached his breaking point. A chance meeting with a pale girl and her family moves Harry's life in a new direction. Rated "M" for macabre themes, and later on suggestive adult content.
