Hand That Binds

10

'Six Dead! Terrorism Grips Britain!

While the preliminary trial of Millicent Bulstrode-Pickering convened at the Ministry, a coordinated attack was orchestrated in three locations in our nation. The ancient establishment of Flourish and Blotts was raided by a group of a dozen witches and wizards, and the building burned. Other businesses in Diagon Alley suffered damages as well, but only two of the perpetrators were apprehended, two others killed in setting the bookshop ablaze with Fiendfyre.

Meanwhile in Hogsmeade, Tomes and Scrolls, a popular shop with Hogwarts students, suffered a similar attack, but the proprietor, Mr. Bernd Brown, was killed when trying to prevent the burning of his shop. Other shops, including Zonkos and Scrivenshafts were also targeted, but were not burned as Aurors descended on the terrorists, arresting two.

Hogwarts was also attacked, and two more killed during the defense of the school. The terrorists had breached the gate, wounded the elderly caretaker, Argus Filch, and tried to move to the Library to burn it also. Librarian Irma Pince defended herself and two First Year students with lethal force. The other terrorist was dispatched in the Entrance Hall by activated statuary guards. No students were injured.

It is believed the terrorist took the Hogwarts Express, Polyjuiced as students to come into the school, and wounded Mr. Filch who did not recognize the faces. Headmistress Minerva McGonagall assures The Prophet that the ancient Library is safe and no books were destroyed.

At the Ministry, after the case against Bulstrode-Pickering was dismissed, there was a melee outside the courtroom. Three terrorists, two of which were Polyjuiced as women, attacked a group of Bulstrode-Pickering's supporters, including Lady Hermione Malfoy, Mrs. Ginny Potter, her young daughter Lily, Healer Hannah Longbottom, and imminent magizoologist Luna Lovegood-Scamander. As none of the women had wands, it was up to their immense magical ability to protect themselves as the Aurors posted outside the courtroom were wounded.

Mrs. Wisteria Chang was one of the perpetrators, and wounded Mrs. Lovegood-Scamander, and attempted to harm the other women. The two Polyjuiced men were later identified as Jesper Borgin and Zacariah Smith. All three had hidden wands on their persons, slipped through wand check, and attacked just as Bulstrode-Pickering's case was dismissed.

The Aurory is interrogating all captured, and as of yet, no organization has been named. A motive has been established, however. The eradication of supposed 'unsuitable and pornographic' books. The Prophet will note here that the destruction, burning, and banning of books was a tactic widely used by fascist organizations Magical and Muggle. The deaths and injury of innocents should be prosecuted severely, as according to the law of this nation.'

Lucius sighed, folding The Prophet, the pictures of the burning facade of Flourish and Blotts looping on the front under the huge, flashing headline. Nothing had been said about Molly Weasley or Rita Skeeter.

Granger was holding her head in her hands, staring down into her teacup. She had not slept the night before, and had returned to her own rooms, connecting the Floo to make secure calls. Word had come that Bulstrode was back at her house only to pack and leave to stay with Goyle in Edinburgh. They were safe.

Everyone was safe, for the time being, but Lucius had a sneaking suspicion that whatever Granger had been doing all night, everything might change.

"Eat, woman. You need to eat," he grumbled, pulling her tea from under her gaze and slipping a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, roast roma tomato, mushrooms, and a wedge of toast in instead. "We both need to eat. We've a war to fight."

Granger snorted and lifted her face. The morning was quite dark, and the lamp was lit over the table. She complied, however, and took her silverware, putting her napkin on her lap. She was showered and in a clean knickers and a jumper that fell over her thighs, but no leggings.