Prologue: An Article from the Daily Prophet, 29th June, 1996
The Ignorance of a Nation
It is, no doubt, common knowledge by now that we have been lied to. For the past year, the Ministry of Magic has been hiding the truth from us. Convincing us that Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, was insane. And that Albus Dumbledore, Order of Merlin (first class), Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, was a foolish old man with a decaying mind.
People have been quick to accuse the Ministry. But they aren't the only guilty ones. We have been lying to ourselves as well. We were not completely blinded from the truth. Potter and Dumbledore were not completely hidden from us. They were actively trying to convince people of the truth. Shouting their message at us at every opportunity. And yet only a few people listened.
Well, now we are told the real story. You Know Who is back. And has been for a year.
Across the country, Wizards and Witches spared the cold street outside their houses last glances, before pulling their curtains closed tightly.
Some people grinned as they read the article, happy that they had been right. Afraid, but afraid of something they'd been scared of for a whole year longer than most people.
Other people glared at their papers, annoyed that a teenage boy and an old fool had been right.
A journalist sat back in her chair, smiling smugly at the recognition her article was getting.
And everybody felt terror drip through them.