The Years of Blue [2]

Chapter 27: A Chaotic Summer

June 3rd, 1994

Black Still At Large! MACUSA Action Underway

Since Sirius Black's notorious escape from British confinement, Azkaban, late last fall, the wizarding world has been up in arms for this mass murderer's arrest.

With the rising numbers of spotting's occurring from the no-maj communities across Europe and into the US, President Quahog has taken action, setting measures to begin US participation in the Hunt for Black. The President is quoted in saying, "The wizarding community has a right to be sleeping soundly in their beds and now, this constitutional right is being snatched from them just as it was so many decades before with the fear of Grindelwald. It is time we put an end to all that Black stands for and aid our allies in capturing this murderer before more harm is done in this country."

No word this morning has been given by MACUSA spokesmen, Able Fleming, on the further plans of MACUSA action in Europe with this danger at hand. Critics state the possibility of drawing out all American wizards from the UK are just as possible as they were when Grindelwald's terror transcended on Europe.

I tossed the paper back on the table where Theo stood by, watching me patiently.

"Well? What do you expect me to say?" I argued, crossing my arms tightly. Theo shook his head in disbelief before grabbing the newspaper and turning back to the article in question.

"Drawing out Americans from the UK. Ava, you can't not think our father is sweating over this!"

"And so what if he is? Do you believe Mom and Dad will drop all their hard work in their social careers just because of a petty criminal scare? Of course not. If anything, I think Dad's trying to convince the high office to stop the president's order from happening."

Theo gave me a hard look before standing up from the table and dropping the paper back on the wood.

"Please," he puffed. "You know father doesn't have that kind of power to reach the president's office."

"Well he hasn't tried yet, now has he?" I argued back, crossing my legs stubbornly to boot. Theo looked at me like a lost cause before turning to the floor to ceiling window showcasing the New York city skyline from 20 stories high.

We were situated in a sky rise in the middle of upper east side for a seminar that neither Theo nor I wanted to take part in. But our parents thought it necessary that we show our name in attendance at such an exclusive event.

We did this, before quickly backing out and hiding in one of the spare rooms that was marked off. I had found a drink caddy to get me a sparkling lemonade and Theo ran into a copy of the Wizarding Times, because of course he did.

"Damian says father is getting called out on both sides right now. Not enough people to back up his claim that MACUSA needs an employee in London when the ministry is doing a fine enough job owling messages over the pond."

"Well then maybe losing would do Dad good for a change," I retorted. Theo turned on me.

"If he loses, you know our abroad studies is over right," he reminded me stupidly, as if I didn't already know this.

"Of course I do. At least, for you it will. That article said nothing about France, and since I'm already enrolled at Beauxbatons, I will be free to go, even if our new address is from RI."

Theo ruffled his blonde hair hazily, an expression of pure boredom on his mind. I watched as he walked the room lazily while I chased the remaining ice cubes in my drink. Laughter was heard outside the room followed by footsteps to the other rooms and then more laughing.