III. The Daily Prophet
Item: Article from the Daily Prophet, page 1, 2 August 1998.
"Harry Potter Dead at 18
The Wizarding World mourns the loss of its greatest Hero
The body of Harry James Potter, most famous for his defeat of the dark wizard Voldemort last spring, was found by two muggle hikers in the countryside near Hogsmeade late last night. The remains were positively identified by Hogwarts Headmaster and Potter's friend, Albus Dumbledore. Ministry of Magic officials located the remnants of Potter's Firebolt Racing broom in a nearby tree.
While the exact circumstances leading to Potter's death remain unclear, one ministry official who asked to remain unnamed said that the incident looked like an accident. However, another anonymous official, noting Potter's decline into depression after his battle with Voldemort, suggested that Potter may have taken his own life. The Ministry has launched a massive investigation into the events leading to Potter's tragic demise."
Item: Notice from the Daily Prophet, page 1, 3 August 1998.
"Harry Potter's Funeral Date Set
Harry Potter's friends and family have announced that his funeral will be held on August 6th at St. Gladys's Cathedral in Hogsmeade. Services will begin at 2pm and will be followed by a dinner in the Great Hall of Hogwarts school. Harry Potter will be available for viewing at St. Gladys's all day August 5th.
Potter is predeceased by his parents, James and Lily Potter, and his godfather, Sirius Black."
Item: Article from the Daily Prophet, page 3, 12 August 1998.
"Potter Death ruled an Accident
In a press conference called earlier today, Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley officially stated that Harry Potter's death was an accident.
'It appears that Harry was flying alone at night and collided with an object in the air,' Weasley said. 'I knew Harry well, and this tragedy is one none of us could have prepared for. He proved himself to be a formidable wizard in the battle last spring. That his life should be so senselessly claimed in this way is supremely unexpected.'
Potter's funeral last week was attended by over two hundred witches and wizards from around the world."
Item: Article from the Daily Prophet, page 6, 24 April 1999.
"Ministry of Magic Unveils Statue to the Boy Who Lived
In a gala reception Friday night, the Minister of Magic unveiled the long-anticipated statue of Harry Potter, commissioned last fall to commemorate the life of the boy who ended the war against the dark wizard Voldemort. Potter passed away in a brooming accident last summer. The unveiling was attended by a variety of wizarding celebrities, as well as a few of Potter's friends from his time at Hogwarts.
The statue, entitled, "Tribute to a Hero," will be on display at Hogwarts through June of 2004, when the last class of students to have studied with Potter will leave the school. On July 31, 2004, the statue will be officially placed in its permanent home in the Ministry of Magic.
Photographs of the fashions and celebrities present at the unveiling can be found on our Society page."
Item: Article from the Daily Prophet, page 4, 23 May 2002.
"Ministry of Magic names July 31st 'Harry Potter Day'
Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley announced today that the Ministry had unanimously decided that July 31st shall be known from now on as Harry Potter Day, a tribute to the heroic boy who defeated the dark wizard Voldemort. Potter, who died in a tragic accident in 1998, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful wizards of modern times.
Various festivities to commemorate Harry Potter Day are already in the works. The Department of Magical Games and Sports has announced plans to begin the Hero Cup, a championship game to be played on July 31st. Potter played seeker for Gryffindor during his time at Hogwarts, serving as team captain in his seventh year. A spokesperson for Honeydukes has announced that a new chocolate frog card featuring Potter will be released on the first Harry Potter Day. Honeydukes will be giving a free chocolate frog to all children on July 31st.
The mayor of Hogsmeade has announced plans for a carnival to celebrate the new holiday. While the schedule of events has not yet been decided in its entirety, the Hogsmeade Dramatic Society has announced it will be premiering its play, 'Harry Potter and the Final Battle.' On a related note, the long anticipated musical 'Hero!: The story of Harry Potter' will premiere at the Enchantment Theater in London this Friday. The part of Harry Potter will be played by rising star of the Wizarding Wireless Network, Alex Morphic."
Item: Letter addressed to Ronald Weasley, dated 31 July 1998.
"Dear Ron,
I'm sorry it had to be like this. I just can't live another year this way. I can still feel the blood on my hands. I don't feel like a hero. I feel like a murderer. Tell everyone I'm sorry.
Harry."