Author's Note: Well, I said I'd do something different and here it is: This is an assortment of Daily Prophet stories and Wizarding Wireless Network clips collected during the events of 'Born Under A Bad Sun'.
Disclaimer: All characters from Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling
Born Under A Bad Sun
Interlude
Chapter 9: Hot Off The Presses
"Give the people what they want"
The following media segments from the past year are meant to provide insight into the current crisis and resulting state of affairs in wizarding Great Britain.
Daily Prophet, July 8
Dark Arts-Related Activity Growing
A press release by the Magical Law Enforcement Commission (MLAC), Diagon Alley Department, has stated that illegal activities related to the Dark Arts are up 35 percent since the Dark Mark was displayed at the Quidditch World Cup last August. While rumors persist of You-Know-Who's return, MLAC spokesperson Pieter VanGrout insists that "A known supporter of You-Know-Who has admitted under the influence of Veritaserum to casting the Mark in order to increase dark activity in exactly the manner we are currently seeing. The return of You-Know-Who is a ridiculous rumor, and this activity will subside with time. For now, we insist all wizards take appropriate precautions to avoid unscrupulous areas and persons."
WWN Lead Story, July 13
Business Tycoon Lucius Malfoy Announces His Retirement
Lucius Malfoy, President of the Ulti-Port Transportation Co. and Flue Communications, Inc., has announced his early retirement at the age of 52. Malfoy was Number 1 on Forbes Magazine's '100 Richest Wizards in England' list in 1992, and has been in the top ten ever since. His primary reasons for retiring were to spend more time with his wife Narcissa and 15-year-old son Draco. Malfoy will officially retire in two months time. Currently he is in America, settling his remaining affairs. Malfoy will remain a minority shareholder in many of the companies he currently owns.
Malfoy was charged with numerous crimes in relation to the activities of the Death Eaters, but it has been proven that he was under the Imperius Curse, and he has been vindicated of all charges. However, he is still mistrusted by many law-enforcement agents.
July 23, WWN Special Report
Embassy Destroyed in Horizon Alley, London
For the second time this year, the Dark Mark has been seen in the skies over Britain. At 11:30 this morning, MLAC officials were alerted to a mysterious package on the steps of the Finnish Embassy, located in Horizon Alley, three blocks from Diagon Alley. The bomb squad found the package to be a hoax, however, when the squad ventured inside the embassy, an explosion tore through the building, destroying it. 3 officers were killed, and 37 people are being treated for injuries. The Dark Mark was then cast from within the ruins of the embassy. MLAC sergeant Jonathan LaVoie believes the Mark was a product of the explosive which was used. LaVoie has stated that an ongoing investigation is in progress, and an apparition ward has been placed over Diagon Alley and the surrounding areas.
August 21, Daily Prophet Cover Story
Diagon Alley Attacked By Death Eaters, Ministry Building Destroyed
Early this morning, as many as 300 Death Eaters and various dark creatures apparated into Diagon Alley, only eight days after the apparition ward set up by MLAC officers was removed. Aurors were on the scene quickly, but the Death Eaters had already penetrated the wards surrounding the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry was gutted, and approximately 180 people are dead or missing. Arthur Weasley, head of the Department on Misuse of Muggle Artefacts, was able to escape, and had this to say: "If there was any doubt about the return of You-Know-Who, I believe the events today will settle the matter entirely. The Minister simply cannot deny that this was the work of the Dark Lord." Minister Fudge could not be reached for comment, but is heading home from Turkey as we speak. A spokesperson for the Aurors claimed "We did as much as could be done, considering the circumstances. This attack is the beginning of a difficult time for us all, but rest assured that we will come through it." The Aurors estimate that Death Eater casualties are between 20 and 90, as bodies are still being recovered.
August 21, WWN Continuing Coverage of Breaking News
Minister Fudge Comments on Ministry Attack
In our continuing coverage of this breaking story, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge has arrived in the temporary Ministry Headquarters in the Diagon Alley Hyatt Inn. A press conference is being called; we take you there live, as Minister Fudge is making a statement.
"Wizards and Witches of England. I know that the attack earlier today came as a shock to you, as it did to me. I know you have all heard the rumors of the return of You-Know-Who, and I must admit, I myself considered them rather silly and ludicrous at first. However, in light of recent events, these allegations must be seen in a new light. It is the belief of both myself and most of my staff, as well as the various enforcement agencies, that You-Know-Who has indeed regained the power that he lost 14 years ago. Therefore, I am declaring a state of emergency. The Aurors will be out in force, and are licensed to arrest anyone engaging in suspicious activity, and curse anyone resisting arrest. There will be a 9:00 PM curfew; please abide by it. Sentencing for any illegal activity will be harsher than normal. Thank You."
"Minister Fudge, is the Irish Ministry taking these steps also?"
"Minister O'Malley should be informing the public of his response to this crisis quite soon; I will have a meeting with him sometime in the next week. Ms. Skeeter, you have a question?"
"Minister, there are rumors tat contact has been lost with Azkaban Federal Institute. Is this true, and if so, where will those convicted under the state of emergency be held?"
"I have no comment on that at this time; no more questions please, there is a lot of work to be done. Thank you, Wizards and Witches of the press."
Is this a good format to use? Why or why not? Should I do more things like this; perhaps every eight chapters? I need feedback!
Next: Draco gets in a fight, and we get to see the inside life of Slytherin House some more.