Dudley Dursley and Dies the Fire

by selenepotter

A Harry PotterDies the Fire Crossover. Dies the Fire is a novel about mass starvation in the muggle world. This was intended to be a dark a gitty fic, but turned out humorous. In order to make it R rated, I cut out the 'ships which weren't teribly importa

2. Chapter 2: Announcement from the Ministr

Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling
Dies the Fire is owned by SM Stirling
Slytherin Rising was created by J.L. Matthews

Chapter 2: Announcement from the Ministry

3-21

The next morning, Luna, Ginny and Neville came down for breakfast at their House tables while Ron and Hermione had their breakfast at a guest table that had been conjured up in front of the faculty table. None of them had much of an appetite, even Ron. They all feared that Harry and Luella were dead.

Unexpectedly, the doors of the great hall opened and in strode Percy Weasley. He walked up to the Staff table, turned the students, pulled out a scroll and made an announcement.

"To the students and Faculty of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry: He-who-must-not-be-named is dead! He was killed by a large force of Ministry Aurors two days ago. In the process, Harry Potter and Luella Flint have gone missing and are presumed to be dead. During the battle, a spell was cast that has made Muggle technology inoperable. For this reason, the Daily Prophet is unable to publish until such time as they can obtain a hand-operated printing press. For this reason, we need each one of you to write letters to your families and explain what is going on. A sample letter will be placed in each of your common rooms for you to copy in order to aid in the accuracy of the information in said letters. It is very urgent that you write these letters as the Ministry has difficulty hand writing letters to each and every witch or wizard in the country.
For you Co-operation, I thank you.
Rufus Scrimgeour
Minister of Magic"

"In order to speed the process of getting you started on this letter writing project for the Ministry" said Percy, "I will now read the sample letter to you"

"To the Parents of all Hogwarts students:
He-who-must-not-be-named is dead! He was killed by a large force of Ministry Aurors two days ago. In the process, Harry Potter and Luella Flint have gone missing and are presumed to be dead. During the battle, a spell was cast that has made Muggle technology inoperable. For this reason, the Daily Prophet is unable to publish until such time as they can obtain a hand-operated printing press. For this reason, we have asked each student at Hogwarts to write home to their relatives in order to explain the situation.
Many of you many not yet realize the full implications of the calamity that has fallen upon the Muggles. Within the wizarding world, most food is grown and bought from the Muggles. The nullification of Muggle technology has thoroughly disrupted Muggle farming and food distribution. As a result, assuming that there is no hoarding (which there certainly will be), most parts of Britain have enough food to last about two weeks. This means that we will be gripped by a famine, the likes of which, this country has never seen. We expect that most of the Muggles will die within a couple of months. And the wizarding world will suffer a similar fate unless drastic action is taken.
Therefore, the following actions should be implemented in order to assume the safety of Witches, wizards and their loved ones.
1) Everyone should remain within Muggle-proof areas and avoid all contact with Muggles.
2) Traveling between safe areas should only be accomplished by floo, apparition, broom or portkey. (the Knight bus no longer functions)
3) Food will be grown for the wizarding world within the grounds of Hogwarts.
4) Witches, wizards, squibs and the parents or siblings of muggle-born Hogwarts students may relocate to Hogwarts to assist with the growing of food in what ever capacity they are able. Those who are unable to travel by magical means should report to the Leaky Cauldron pub in London to await transportation to Hogwarts.
In addition, since the wizarding world cannot afford both to fight a war and to survive, an amnesty is being offered to all Deatheaters who wish to quit committing crimes and re-join society. Those wishing to take advantage of this amnesty should meet with Ministry official in front of the Hog's Head pub in Hogsmeade on March 21.
For you Co-operation, I thank you.
Rufus Scrimgeour
Minister of Magic"

"NO!" yelled Neville rising to his feet. There was a shocked silence from every one else in the room while Percy gave copies of the sample letter to the Heads of Houses. "You can't give them an amnesty! She tortured my parents into Insanity!"
Ginny put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"My parents!" gasped Hermione. As one, she and Ron stood and began walking towards the double entrance doors of the other side of the hall. Neville, Ginny and Luna rose and also began walking towards the doors. Just before they got to the doors, Hagrid stepped in front of them.

"Jus' where do ya think you three are goin'?" said Hagrid sternly.

"We are going to see that our parents make it to safety" replied Hermione.

"Well, you two are of age an' can do as ya please" said Hagrid, indicating Hermione and Ron. "You three, 'owever are still students and I can't let ya go out there. Write yer letters an' warn yer families, but you are not leaving."

"But Hagrid!" protested Ginny.

"No buts. Write yer letters an' let Ron check on yer family"

Just then, the morning owls arrived. And as people read letters that confirmed parts of Percy's announcement, the low murmur of the hall turned into a deafening roar of panic. Everyone, students and teachers alike rushed from the hall to go write their letters. Ron and Hemione ran to the gates of Hogwarts and let themselves out so that they could apparate to the home of Hermione's parents.