Chapter 17: News
The Daily Prophet
December 23rd
Attack on Muggles in Norfolk
By: Filmore Locke
Late last night in Norfolk County a small group of Death Eaters attacked a Muggle Village. The masked Death Eaters burned two homes to the ground and destroyed trees and light posts across the area. Aurors appeared on the scene and were able to save a third house from being burnt. Unfortunately, Aurors were unable to save the other two homes.
It is currently unknown how many Muggles were harmed in the attack, as many fled on foot. Many of those who did not, refused assistance from Aurors and Healers, who came after the Death Eaters vanished. One homeowner refused magic assistance to restore his home.
If you have any information on the attack, contact the Auror Department in the Ministry of Magic immediately.
London Gazette
December 23rd
Witch Attack in Norfolk
By Richard Gibbons
Last night a brutal attack happened in Norfolk County. A group of masked wizards attacked families in their sleep. Families fled on foot as more wizards attacked and destroyed more homes.
Harold Macfleet, 43, barely escaped with his family, saying they hid behind cars as they fled. Marie Gilles, 72, and her husband, had to hid in their basement. Marie told this reporter she saw everyone running and knew her husband would not get far. They remained in their basement until sunrise…
Harry walked down the stairs to the bathroom. He had no idea what time it was, just that it was still dark. As he approached the bathroom, he heard a noise coming from the kitchen. Groggily, Harry walked down the stairs to find Mr. Weasley, still in his work clothes. Mr. Weasley turned, stuffing a muffin in his mouth before seeing Harry.
"Hmrry." He mumbled.
"Sorry, I just heard something." Harry said as Mr. Weasley swallowed.
"Thanks for checking. I'm just getting home." Harry nodded.
"Goodnight, Mr. Weasley." Harry heard Mr. Weasley give a slight chuckle.
"Good morning, Harry."
The Daily Prophet
December 24th
Muggle Retaliation
By Yennifer Smitt
As Aurors investigate the Death Eater attack, the Muggle Investigation Unit has noticed a drastic rise in the sale of muggle weapons. Mr. Jeffen, Muggle Investigator, noted numerous muggle stores with a rise in gun and knife purchases. For those who are unfamiliar with muggle guns, they are a weapon which shoots metal. Even though it is Christmas Eve, many muggle stores closed even earlier than planned.
Ministry Officials do not encourage retaliation of any form and if attacked suggest and urge blocking spells. Officials also recommend temporary avoidance of popular Muggle locations, such as…
London Gazette Advertisement
SALT!
Circle your home with a ring of salt to prevent witches entering your home!
Harry, the Weasleys and many of the Order members sat around the table at the Burrow. Mr. Weasley had expanded it before their Christmas Eve dinner. Harry sat next to George and began piling his plate. He reached for the salt only to have his hand swatted by George. Harry looked up confused as George wagged his finger at him.
"That's poison." Harry rolled his eyes, grabbing the saltshaker.
"George! That is not funny." Mrs. Weasley scolded as she sat down at her own seat.
"Fred would have laughed." George whispered to Harry.
The Daily Prophet
December 25th
Death Eater Capture
By Filmore Locke
Early this morning, Aurors captured, Sean McNeal, after tips came in of his whereabouts. He is currently being investigated as being one of the Death Eaters responsible for the attack in Norfolk. Sean McNeal, escaped imprisonment last year, claiming he was under the Imperius Curse. After being interrogated by Aurors, McNeal will be sent to Azkaban. Aurors believe his wife was among the Death Eaters, but she has evaded capture…
Harry hit his alarm off before it could wake up Ron. He rolled over and threw a sweatshirt on before tiptoeing from the room. Harry walked quietly down the stairs, being especially careful as he crept past Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's room. He checked his pocket as he gently opened Ginny's door. Harry tried to wake Ginny up but was caught off guard as Ginny punched him in the face. Harry jumped back, landing on his bum.
"What are you doing!" Ginny jumped from her bed. She was wide awake now. "I thought you a Death Eater attacking me or something." Harry kept his hands over his nose, he could feel blood starting to drip. Ginny crotched down to be eye level.
"I was trying to surprise you." Harry mumbled through his hands.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't awake. I panicked." Ginny pulled back one of Harry's hands. She grimaced. "I'm sorry." Ginny tried to help Harry up and led him down the stairs to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen she sat him down at the table and grabbed him a towel.
"I'm so sorry, Harry." Harry chuckled.
"It's ok, really. I shouldn't try to wake you." Ginny laughed as Harry pressed the towel to his face. She sat down next to him.
"Why were you trying to wake me up?" Harry didn't take the towel from his face, he just pulled out a small, wrapped box from his pocket.
"I wanted to give you this before everyone exchanged presents." Ginny took the small box.
"I punch you and you give me jewelry. Maybe I should more often." Ginny laughed before pulling the small bow off.
"Please don't." Harry laughed, causing pain to go through his nose. Ginny put the box down noticing Harry's flinch. She jumped up, walking towards her mother's healing cabinet.
"Gin I'm fine. Open it." Harry kept one hand on his nose and used the other to wave her back.
"You sure, it looks bad."
"Just open it." Harry slid the box towards Ginny. Ginny smiled and sat back down. She peeled the paper away and lifted the lid.
"It's gorgeous! Thank you." Ginny leaned forward and kissed Harry's cheek. Harry flinched, "Sorry."
"I found it in my parent's house with a note. My dad said it had been in our family for over a hundred years." Harry smiled for a second, before the pain returned.
"Harry – "
"What happened?" Mrs. Weasley came thundering down the stairs. Harry's blood was now soaking through the towel.
"I punched him."
"You punched him!" Mrs. Weasley pulled the towel from Harry's grip. "Why did you punch him?"
"It wasn't on purpose!"
London Gazette
December 26th
Prime Minister Urges Peace
By: Richard Gibbons
Prime Minister Johnson urges citizens to not take action against witches. Johnson explained during his news conference that he is in direct communication with the witch's minister, who claimed the attack was by a group called Eaters of Death. Johnson went on to explain the Witch Ministry is working on capturing those responsible for the attack, but can we trust this? If the witches are truly investigating, why not included our police? …
The Daily Prophet
December 26th
Ministers Convene
By Amelia Drete
This afternoon behind closed doors the Minister of Magic and Muggle Prime Ministry will meet. Both parties plan to bring bodyguards in case of a possible attack. While tensions are high between wizards and muggles, one wonders, will we enter another war? ….
The Daily Prophet
December 26th
Salt Attacks
By Brigette Mason
In the last few days numerous of people have been attacked with salt. Due to muggle folklore, many muggles have stocked up on salt. The reason behind this goes back centuries, when wizards and witches spread the rumor that salt repelled magic and refused entrance to homes. This worked to prevent unnecessary deaths of witches due to muggle fear as muggles would believe a witch could not cross a line of salt. As we all know, salt does not repel anything. This has not stopped muggles from carrying large amounts of salts. Many have even thrown salt at those they believe to be witches. Over thirty-five cases of salt attacks have been reported. Only one of those was directed at a wizard.
It was 1:00pm and Mr. Weasley still had not returned from work from the night before. Mrs. Weasley kept staring at the magical clock in the kitchen. She was worried his hand would move from 'Work' to 'In Danger' at any moment.
Harry and Ron walked down the stairs, a bag over Ron's shoulder. Mrs. Weasley turned away from the clock to look at the boys.
"You look so nice Ronald." Mrs. Weasley smiled as she dried her hands.
"You sure, because- "
"I'm sure. The Grangers are going to love – you." Mrs. Weasley sniffed Ron as she pulled him into a hug.
"Though I highly suggest you go wash that cologne off you. It does not suit you." Ron nodded nervously as he ran back up the stairs.
"Maybe wear a fresh shirt too." Mrs. Weasley called up the stairs.
The London Gazette
December 27th
Peace
By: Ben Camilo
After many hours of negotiation, the two Ministers have come to an agreement. A man named Sean McNeal will be tried in London for his crimes. While many want McNeal to be in non-magic custody, the wizards claim our prisons would not hold him. The agreement between Ministers is that we will hold a trial and the wizards will imprison McNeal. Prime Minister Johnson said "I have seen the wizarding jail and it is more secure than we could hope to create. I have faith that our new magical friends will keep their word." Another part of the negotiation is that wizard police officers, known as aurors, will have constant contact with our Police Officers. Not all officers seemed pleased with the arrangements. Officer Leroy said, "How can we protect ourselves if we are fed lies." Other officers believe this is a step in the right direction. Officer Jackson is one of those officers and said "The communication between us and wizards will allow us to help our citizens better. Sharing information between our worlds will make both worlds safer for everyone." …
Harry stood in the bathroom, a towel around his waist and another brushing through his damp hair. Harry threw his towel into the hamper before dressing himself in his boxers and jeans. He quickly looked around for his shirt, even looking in the hamper in case he accidently threw it in, but unfortunately nothing.
Harry turned so his back faced the mirror, looking at his two tattoos on his shoulder blades. On his right was a stunning stag with sturdy antlers. Next to the stag was a shaggy black dog and grey wolf. The three animals were surrounded by a black circle that curled throughout. On his left shoulder was a silver and blue stag and doe. The two looked like two Patronuses dancing around each other.
Harry frown, he loved the tattoos, including the one on his side, but he did not think Mrs. Weasley would approve of him or any of her children having a tattoo. Actually, Harry knew she'd frown upon it if she saw, as she had told off both Charlie and Bill when she learned of theirs. Harry considered wrapping a towel around his shoulders and running up to his and Ron's room, but that would be suspicious looking. Eventually, Harry decided to bolt to their room. He quickly dashed past the rooms. He smiled as he reached for Ron's door handle, but the smile faded quickly. Mrs. Weasley opened the door, having brought up freshly cleaned clothes.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER that better not be a tattoo!" Harry's face glowed red as he tried to cover Ginny's name, which was written in cursive over a golden snitch.
The Daily Prophet
December 28th
Will the Wizard-Muggle Program at Hogwarts Continue?
By Yennifer Smitt
As tension between Wizards and Muggles begin to de-escalates many wonder if the Wizard Muggle Program will continue at Hogwarts. If it does continue, can we expect all muggle students to return? Will all wizards and witches return?
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter, a little mix of newspaper articles and winter break shenannigans. I hope you'll leave a review :)