The Gateway to Death
By Anita Scribe, Daily Prophet.

Diagon Alley, London I can remember entering the gateway to the Wizarding World for the first time. So impressed was I, that my eyes stayed huge with childish wonderment for some time. My father and I would start out at a small, shabby-looking inn on Charing Cross Road, The Leaky Cauldron, which is sandwiched between a big book shop and a record shop. It's the place that serves as a 'bridge' between the Muggle and Magical worlds. I'm sure all of you good Witches and Wizards remember The Leaky Cauldron as a friendly, joyous, lively place; somewhere to stop and meet friends before venturing into Diagon Alley. A place of glad times.

But, no more. Today, The Leaky Cauldron is a place where death resides. The innocent, quintessentially low-key establishment and its link to the Wizarding community's busiest shopping street have been cordoned off until Aurors finish their investigation into the murder of well-known Wizard, Ronald Weasley.

Weasley (20), was found dead in Room 13 of the Leaky Cauldron today, at 10am, Thursday, October 31st, in circumstances Aurors are calling 'suspicious.' I have been reliably informed that the Chief Investigator, Madame Boadicea Basher, is holding eight suspects for questioning in connection with the crime, although their identities remain classified at this time. The alleged murder weapon and possible motives have not been disclosed.

Weasley was apprenticing under renowned Herbologist Professor Pomona Sprout and planned to assume her position at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry upon her retirement. When asked if Weasley had any enemies, Divination Professor Sybil Trelawney commented unhelpfully, "I knew you would ask me that question…"

Mr. Weasley's friends and family could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.

Whilst a student at Hogwarts, Weasley was part of the famous Golden Trio along with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Information suggests that they were estranged from him at the time of his death.

I personally remember this young wizard fondly. So well-liked was he by all that knew him that I was hard pressed to find a single person to comment, such was their obvious grief at his untimely passing. Chief Inspector Basher will be giving a press statement later today; The Daily Prophet will keep you up to date with any findings.

The Daily Prophet shares the Weasley family's grief at this time, and hopes that the person or persons responsible are brought to justice swiftly.

Chief Investigator Boadicea Basher sighed heavily as she tossed the dog-eared copy of the latest Daily Prophet across her desk. Taking a long sip of tea, she shook her head. This case would get ugly. It was barely twenty-four hours since the murder, and the accusations and innuendo were already flying. There was more dirt underneath the surface of this one than in any case she had yet handled. All the suspects seemed to be connected in some manner, not least of which was sexual. Merlin! A lot of facades would tumble down as a result of this investigation. But if that was what it took, then so be it!