WHILE THE PRISIONERS PLAY...
...THE WIZARDING WORLD PRAYS...
Review Responses:
Artemis GoH – Thank you!
scara1 – Yup, it would, wouldn't it?
Bibliophile0922 – I value anonymity as well, so I don't really mind. Still, I could've done with just your penname...but, thanks for the review, Catriona!
RedHal – Wow! Thanks. I'm glad you like it!
Alice Hell – Hehe! Thanks sooo much!
pathsforme – Well, I suppose 'creative' is the right word for it...but, I'm afraid you won't see Dumbledore until the next chapter. ;)
koryssa-kory – I think it would be everyone's sort of prison, don't you?
Ayemjayis – Well, they're going alright... :)
lilgiggler35 – Yay! Thank you.
Mystical Beings – Lol. Well, this chapter is sort of late...so...yeah... *sheepish grin*
kriss-uchiha – Well, you'll see! It's revealed in this chapter (in fact, I'll even dedicate that part to you)... but, so far, Ginny has chucked it in a drain, only hours before her trial. Eee! I'm a Sirius fan girl too! :D
momocolady – Thanks!
Shadowy Flip Flops of DOOM – Yes, well a girl can wish, right? Thanks for the review!
azphxbrd – Yes... a Black only has the best, right? As for your other comment... new chapter processed. ;)
Chuck Norris Worshipper – Yes, I quite like the sound of that! Hm. Molly is rather... annoying at times...but she's a fun character to play antagonist! :)
Tuahlia – I love them too, but it's extremely rare to find good ones. Glad I made you laugh, though... wow, that's a first. Usually I'm being told I'm way too serious. Yeah, the believable bit...that's my logical 'Hermione' side coming through! :)
HarrySirius Fan – Yup! They're...oh! You just gave me a great idea! Thank you a million times!
PadfootObsessed329 – So very true...nobody else would be so devious and cunning, while still being...well, you know what I mean.
darkplayer35 – Well, heh, I wouldn't call this 'soon', but it's still an update! Thanks, by the way.
HauntingColorado – Yes, yes we are!
Scarhead62 – Oh! Maybe I will!
farwalker – Yes! I expect they will me a handful! *Evil laughter* But, I pity the guards. ^^
fifespice – Why, thank you!
Allanah-x – Thank you! 3
Dr. Pyro – Good to know I'm not the only one. ;)
EP – Thank you!
T – Hehehe...and 'fall over themselves' they will!
Thank you everyone who reviewed! I can't believe I hit the 40 mark! I'm so sorry that this update is so late, but I've been tied up with holiday homework, which is horrible! So, at last, here is the chapter that you've been waiting for – what is happening in the Wizarding World...and boy, are they in a pickle.
Names were picked out randomly from a hat – I'm serious! I'm sorry if I offend you by the articles you are 'writing'. If you get really annoyed, PM/Review and I will replace your name with someone else, and personally apologise in the footnote.
Also, there will be hints of Harry/Ginny in this chapter...so, beware.
Also, please note that I have changed my penname from 'FashionStarlet' to 'x Dark Lady x'. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Azkaban: Marauder Style!
By xDark Ladyx
Part Four: Time Turner
Harry James Potter stared at the large newspaper in his hand, disgust marking his features. He rolled his eyes and threw the bundle of parchment into the fire, enjoying the distressed look on the photos' faces as the flames licked them up, leaving only a pile of ash. Sirius wandered in, a large burger ("Muggles have the best food – you have to credit them for that!") in one hand.
He staggered over to where Harry was glaring at the fire. "Hey, what's gotten you so wound up?"
"Nothing," Harry muttered, clenching the sides of the couch. He gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing, angrily. Finally, he turned to where Sirius was looking at him, concerned. Harry took a deep breath, "Sirius, I don't think I'm going to subscribe to the Daily Prophet. Ever."
Hogwarts Bill Being Debated
By Darkplayer35
After two Gryffindor students, both in their first year, are sentenced to Azkaban, the kind and gracious Minister (see page 27 for the list on all Cornelius Fudge's achievements, now including several bowling trophies) has decided to take matters seriously.
As of 1st September 1993, Fudge plans to station ministry members in various parts of the school. Said person's secretary, Miss Dolores Umbridge, has volunteered to take one of the leading posts, as her duty to ensure the Wizarding World is a better place.
"With all this mayhem going on, I myself am glad that the Minister has taken such measures," Umbridge told us, "Ever since that stupid, murdering brat, [Harry] Potter has set foot in the Wizarding World, we have only got blood on our hands! I think it is only adequate that we retaliate against horrible people like [Harry] Potter and [Ginevra] Weasley, who is a downright *****! The Ministry will be going to Hogwarts."
What does Albus Dumbledore (see page 2 for more about Albus Dumbledore) have to say about all this? We, at the Daily Prophet have yet to hear a word from the wizened, old wizard, but rumours say that he is planning a court case in opposition. Only time will tell.
* This word may be rude or offensive, and therefore is not published in The Daily Prophet.
Student Claims To Have Defeated Slytherin's Monster
By RedHal
There is not one person in the Wizarding World that does not know about Ginevra Weasley, and her sentence in Azkaban, but speculations have continued for months, about what exactly is in the fabled chamber. The Daily Prophet feels that we owe our readers, and so we did some digging.
Ronald Weasley, brother to murderer Ginevra Weasley, approached us with some vital information. The noble boy was brave, and courageous. So much so, that he felt obliged to correct the mistakes of his demented sister. He did the unthinkable, and valiantly dove into the place Ginevra Weasley had plotted the Wizarding World's demise.
"It was dark," Mr Weasley told us, "Really, really dark...and it smelled like snakes. Like the feeling you get when you're near Slytherins. It was really bloody. And there were dead bodies and skeletons everywhere. There was this tunnel and it lead to a dark room. In the room, there was a monster! It was huge, and slimy! It had three heads and a body of a snake...and its' neck was really bony and it had two black wings and it had huge fangs!"
Ronald Weasley was obviously very traumatized at the change of events, but that didn't stop him from courageously slaying the beast, and securing the Wizarding World a position of safety...
The Daily Prophet is beginning to think that Mr Weasley is shaping up to be the Wizarding World's most fearless hero.
Gilderoy Resigns from Hogwarts
By Allanah-x
Witches of all ages...it is time to celebrate the arrival of good news. Gilderoy Lockhart (see page 2 for more about Gilderoy Lockhart), the handsome, brave, dashing, adorable, striking, gorgeous, hunky, attractive, good-looking knight-in-armour has resigned from Hogwarts.
Gilderoy has announced that he is going to take some time off, to focus his efforts on his passions. He told The Daily Prophet this, "I plan to spend more time with my loyal fans, as the agonizing nights at Hogwarts didn't shape up to be fitting for a man of my finesse. No, from now on I shall dedicate my time to the things I love the most."
Gilderoy Lockhart currently has over 10 books published, all of which are bestsellers. An order slip is available at the back of today's issue.
Hogwarts Bill Postponed
By Mystical Beings
Only five days before the start of Hogwarts, the final debate for the Hogwarts Bill was held, this time with members of the Wizgenmont present. The dutiful workers here at The Daily Prophet have unfortunately been denied access to the full court transcript, but we find it our duty to report the news, even if it may be meagre and unfruitful.
So, the Minister has announced with deep regret that the Hogwarts Bill will not be carried out, but an anonymous source says that this is not the last we will hear about this dispute.
The Hogwarts Bill is being postponed to 1995, until the Wizarding World can settle down from the traumatic events that have occurred.
The day that Sirius Black had been condemned to Azkaban had been the day that he was condemned to a life of horror. Or so he thought. Yet, the adult found himself smirking at his two 'adopted children', brandishing a wand, and looking around at the cell, which now resembled that of a room in paradise.
"Okay, kids, you ready for your first lesson?" Sirius asked as an evil smile spread across his face. Harry and Ginny mirrored his expressions, and Sirius took that as an eager 'yes'. "Great! Your first lesson will be in Transfiguration! There is no set objective...be creative...you know what I mean, don't you?"
Harry's eyes lit up, "Well, you could say I've got a couple of ideas..."
Ginny caught on quickly, and she turned to Harry, her mouth twisting upwards, mirthfully, "You can do the honours, Mr Potter."
"Of course, Miss Weasley," Harry bowed, mockingly, before he turned, and pointed his wand through the bars of the cell, a glint in his eyes. Ginny followed next.
Sirius watched gleefully. The two guards that were pacing near the head of the corridor soon found themselves dressed in frilly, pink, polka-dotted dresses, with lime green stockings and clown-noses, as well as large, flapping fairy wings, all of which (according to Ginny) clashed very badly. The two guards stared at each other, gulped, looked down at their own dresses, and screamed, only to attract the attention of two passing Dementors.
Sirius made his face expressionless. "Hm. That was okay. The technique wasn't perfect though. It was also very...cheesy. Too, over-done. In fact, there were a lot of things wrong with that display...I think another attempt is in order, don't you?"
Daniel Parkinson Found Dead
By Kriss-Uchiha
A tragic turn of events has left the Wizarding World baffled. Two days ago, Daniel Parkinson was found in his home, charred and dead. He was located with the remains of a diary of some sort. He was shipped off to St Mungo's for an examination.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that he died. Elizabeth Dross, the lady in charge of his examination, spoke to us about the results.
"We don't know the exact cause of his death, but we do know that it wasn't a suicide attempt, or a murder. It looks like a case of magical backlash, but we don't know from what. In fact, we aren't even sure that it is backlash, because never before have we seen such powerful wounds from it. In fact, the wounds are fatal – almost like something from an Ancient Dark Ritual," she said.
Mrs Parkinson, on the other hand, was distraught. "It was that blasted book! I saw him take it into his study the other day, found it in a ditch, he told me! He never came out without it! It was like – like he was possessed! He tried to destroy it! Used some Ancient Purifying Curse...and then the house shook and Pansy and I only just managed to get out, before it collapsed! It was that book, I tell you, that black diary of his!"
The diary in question was nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, The Daily Prophet hopes that Daniel Parkinson can rest in peace. We will miss our Court Scribe, and can only wish his afterlife is happy and fruitful.
Ministry Speaks Out About Quidditch Fiasco
By PadfootObsessed329
After weeks of terror and paranoid curtain-closing, the Ministry has finally spoken out.
The Quidditch World Cup (see page 4 about final scores) started off as a happy, enjoyable event for all the fans, but it eventually led into a horror-filled evening, when Death Eaters – servants of the deceased [You-Know-Who] – attacked. What they were looking for, is unknown, but the Ministry has assured everyone that the claims that several people were found dead, are in fact, false.
"We are taking steps to finding out the culprit of this terrible event," the Minister declared, earlier this week, "Rest assured... we will not let this slip between our fingers. Several of our professional Aurors have already gotten wind of a possible perpetrator."
Meanwhile, the Ministry is desperately trying to fix the trouble this stunt has caused. Still, this reporter is more worried about what horrible deeds will fall on us next.
Tri-wizard Tournament Makes Its Debut
By Catriona Plotnikoff
Perhaps one of the most exciting things at Hogwarts this year is the hosting of the Tri-wizard Tournament. The Tri-wizard Tournament, as many of you know, is one of Hogwarts' old traditions. This event has been dubbed 'Forbidden' for many decades, because of the risks in engaging untrained school children in tasks that fully grown Aurors may not be able to best.
Still, this predicament has not stopped Albus Dumbledore from re-establishing this honourable event, and with it, the Galleon prize. The only change, is that the Tournament is 'toned down', so that no children under the age of 17 are allowed to participate. The Daily Prophet sides with that of the relieved parents.
Yesterday, the two competing schools – Beauxbatons and Durmstrang – arrived, showing off their own wealth and school prestige. Igor Karkaroff, headmaster of Durmstrang, gave us a quote about who he thought would be the Champion representing his school. "There are no questions about who will win this Tournament. There is no doubt that my protégé, Viktor Krum, will snag the trophy. He is the best in all of Durmstrang!"
Olympe Maxime, headmaster of Beauxbatons, had other thoughts. "We at Beauxbatons have many lovely students, all of who are skilled in various different arts. I do not like to choose favourites, but if I was put in the spot, I would say that Fleur Delacour would have the most chance at beating the other schools. But, then again, only time will tell. But I have no doubts that whoever represents the wonderful school of Beauxbatons, will do extraordinarily well."
Albus Dumbledore wasn't available for comment.
A Toast To Cedric Diggory
By momocolady
We would once again like to give a toast to the wonderful Cedric Diggory. For those of you, who have been absent for the excitement, Cedric Diggory has only recently been crowned the Tri-wizard Champion, much to his school-mates' happiness. The young champion graduated from Hogwarts with his head held high, and standing next to his father, Ministry worker, Amos Diggory.
When asked about how he planned to spend his life, Cedric Diggory said, "I plan to apply for Auror training, straight away. It has always been my dream to keep the Wizarding World safe, and winning the Tournament isn't going to stop me from fulfilling my dreams."
Rumours also have been going around, all about how Diggory plans to visit Hogwarts several times, to meet with his girlfriend, Cho Chang, who is getting ready to go onto her Sixth Year. The Daily Prophet can't help but hear wedding bells.
Mad-Eye Moody Found Dead
By Dr. Pyro
The former Auror and DADA Professor, Alastor Moody (For more about Moody, see page 5), was found dead in the outskirts of Little Hangleton, of unknown causes. St Mungo's Healers are in a frantic mess, and refuse to disclose and information about this case, but we at The Daily Prophet are still determined to find out if there is any hope for survival.
For now, we can give our condolences, and wish him the best, wherever he may be.
When Ginny woke up that morning, there was a dark brown package near the entrance to the cell. The redhead sighed, and rubbed her eyes, before getting up to retrieve the parcel. She bent down and put her hand on it, only to find her fingers weaved into another's'. Ginny looked up into two pairs of emerald green eyes.
Harry smiled, softly, at her, and Ginny suddenly became aware of how close her face was to Harry's. She blushed and looked down at her hand, which was still on top of Harry's. Harry followed her gaze, and his cheeks went pink as well. He mumbled a quick 'Sorry' and quickly got up, and started fast-walking to the kitchen.
Ginny gathered up the package, quickly, and caught up with Harry. "Hey, wait up!"
Harry stopped and Ginny noticed that his cheeks were still red. He started apologising, again, and Ginny stared at him, awkwardly. Then, before she knew what she was doing, she had dropped the parcel, and flung her arms over him, kissing him soundly.
Sirius was watching the whole thing, with a black video camera and a box that read, quite blatantly, 'Blackmail Material'.
(A/N: Okay, I am horrible at romance/kissing scenes, so sorry if this one comes out...weird.)
DUMBLEDORE AGAINST THE MINISTRY
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE CLAIMS RETURN OF YOU-KNOW-WHO
MINISTRY TAKES ACTIONS AGAINST HOGWARTS
YOU-KNOW-WHO RETURNED!
HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED, ALIVE!
PROPHECY ROOM SHATTERED – EVIDENCE OF DARK LORD'S RETURN!
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, PROVEN RIGHT!
MALFOY SENT TO AZKABAN!
DEATH EATERS SENTENCED TO AZKABAN - NO TRIAL!
(A/N: This basically means that everything that happens in OOTP happens here, minus the fact that Ginny, Sirius and Hermione aren't there, so that means no DA. Other than that, everything is the same. I didn't want to copy-right and stick the articles in here, but you know what I mean. Also, Voldemort does not manage to get his hands on the prophecy, so the Death Eaters basically blow the whole building apart.)
Severus Snape staggered into Albus Dumbledore's office, clutching his left arm. He muttered the password and hobbled inside, pain etched on his face. Dumbledore, who was merrily eating from his tray of lemon drops, gaped when he saw Snape's condition. His eyes alight with concern; he beckoned Severus to take a seat.
The greasy haired Slytherin wrinkled his nose, and looked up at Dumbledore. The old man sighed, "What happened, Severus? Why are you in so much pain? Surely Voldemort has not figured out your alliance?"
"No," Snape croaked. He winced, and Albus could make out a large gash on one side of his throat. It took every strand of dignity for him to be able to produce coherent sentences. Severus Snape would not let Dumbledore see him weak. "But since I was one of the Death Eaters who was in the Prophecy Room during the explosion, and I escaped, the Dark Lord thought it was my fault the Prophecy got destroyed. I was severely punished."
Albus raised an eyebrow, "But then, why did you come to me? Surely Poppy would be a better Healer than I?"
"No," Severus sighed, "That is not why I have come here. The Dark Lord has informed us about his next plan."
Albus nodded encouragingly, but Snape went quiet for a while. When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse, and dry.
"He is going to break into Azkaban. He wants to finish Harry Potter once and for all."
Author's Box
Well, as you can probably tell, as I went along, I sort of lost the drive, and I couldn't be bothered writing so many news articles, so I just listed the titles. Sorry about that.
Also, hopefully I've made up for the long wait by the length of this chapter. 8 pages should suffice, shouldn't it?
Well, if you like it, please review!
Hopefully I won't get too many stakes-in-the-heart. ^^
x Dark Lady x
