Disclaimer: Everything you recognize is J.K. Rowling's, everything you don't is mine.

PROLOGUE

"This is Cindy Cartwright with Boston's WNGN News Hour. Later in the show we will cover the President's recent State Of the Union Address but first your breaking local news.

"Yesterday the day ended in tragedy for one prominent Boston family, discovered dead in their home early this morning. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Police Commissioner Declan o Cinneide was one in a long line of police officers and seemed eager to carry on the tradition. While still serving in Ireland, he married the now retired Captain Aisling o Cinneide. Also, their two sons, Colm and Eoin recently joined the organized crime task force. Before he was assigned to his current post, Commissioner o Cinneide was also a member of the Organized Crime Task Force, focusing mostly on the Irish gangs in Boston.

"Police report that the killings were particularly brutal and are believed to mob related. One family member survived: their youngest child Aine. She has been taken to an unspecified hospital, some report in critical condition. The police department expresses great sadness over the tragic and violent loss of such a prolific police family. The press conference will stream live at five o'clock.

"Next on our local news: why the homeless have become more violent lately and what you can do to protect yourself…"

"I am Hilda Gussy and this is Boston's Wizarding News. If you a are listening to us on the radio please, as always, look around you and be sure you are away from muggles; if you are listening to us through your wand please make sure you are in a wizard jurisdiction. Thank you.

"Wizarding World news up next, but first your local magical headlines. After a rash of wizard carelessness in the past year the American Ministry of Magic recently instituted stricter punishment for the use of magic around muggles. Today in the Boston area the first arrest has been made under those new provisions.

"Aine o Cinneide is charged with terrorizing and assaulting three muggles in her home. Initial reports tell us she will plead self-defense. However, as a witch who has chosen to live entrenched in muggle society and has expressed a desire to pursue a muggle profession, the punishment she is set to receive will be particularly strict, as specified in the recent change in law.

Up until recently Aine commuted from home to the Salem Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Teachers report she had outstanding marks and was a healthy and bright 16-year-old. As an underage witch there is a possibility her sentence will not be as harsh as the law requires, but she will also be charged with the underage use of magic, which may negate such leniency.

"Next up we will interview the new Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. His voice travels all the way from England to speak with us…"

"Albus, there must be something we can do. "

"I'm afraid there is very little I can do, Minerva, and even less that you could." There was no joke in the older man's eyes and he fussily rearranged the papers on his desk. "The American Ministry is eager not to let this opportunity go to waste. She was the first arrested after the law change and they feel they must set an example by her. They want to make it clear: absolutely no magic in front of muggles."

"But those muggles meant to kill her—maybe she even hoped to save some of her family."

His eyes twinkled for a moment. "Or exact revenge?'

"Either way she'd be dead now otherwise," McGonagall replied in a huff. "Isn't that what matters? An innocent girl saw her family killed in front of her and protected herself as she saw fit. And we send her to jail? It doesn't seem right."

"But that's not what Minister Dawson is thinking of. He can't take the chance that she hoped to kill those men. Revenge might then look to others as a reason to use magic against muggles." Finally he leaned back in his chair, the piles on his desk organized and reorganized to perfection. "Don't fret about it. She's up for parole in 18 months. We'll go get her then. Everything will be for the best, I'm sure."

"It's injustice! Witches prison is no place for a 16-year-old and you know it. Especially one in America!"