Peter Pettigrew Executed!

By Eric Peterson, Justice Correspondent

Today (December 17th), just a few weeks after being sentenced to death, Peter Pettigrew was executed, by means of Dementor's Kiss.

It comes just two weeks after he was found guilty by the Wizengamot Court, the highest court of the land, of three counts of conspiracy to commit murder, one count of terrorism, and one count of treason. He was just 34 years old.

His execution order was signed yesterday by Head of the DMLE, Regina Ashword, despite calls by anti-capital punishment activists for a stay of execution to be granted by the Minister, a rarely used power, last used over sixty years ago. The Minister refused to grant a stay of execution.

After the execution order was signed Madam Ashword gave a statement saying, "I regret that I have to sign this order, but it is only right that true justice be given for the tragic loss of life suffered, for which Mr. Pettigrew is responsible."

Lord Lucius Malfoy told the Prophet, "whilst it is a tragic loss of life, Mr. Pettigrew was found guilty of his crimes, and it is wholly correct that we do right by the Potters and carry out justice in their name."

Mr. Sirius Black, whose testimony helped to convict Pettigrew said simply, "I'm glad he is gone."

The Prophet sends our regards to the Pettigrew family, whilst echoing the comments of Madam Ashword and Lord Malfoy.

The relief I felt after Pettigrew's execution was palpable, it was clear that the Fidelius worked, since the Ministry had released no further information about any Death Eaters being found or located. I was under no illusion that it was Wormtail being loyal or brave that had prevented his comrades from being captured; if Pettigrew could have gotten a lesser sentence or been let of entirely for his crimes he would have. I could imagine him trying desperately to spill his guts about where my forces were hidden, but he just couldn't get the words out, try as he might. How the fool had even managed to get caught blew my mind.

I felt no attachment to my followers, not yet at least. I was closest to Lucius I supposed, but I was also aware that Lucius' loyalty was as fragile as an eggshell; the man was in it for himself and his family. If there was any reason to suspect that my goals and his were not aligned, or that his family's status was under threat then his loyalty could switch like a light switch, especially since I've tried my best to not rule with terror – not that I'm totally averse to it. But as Alexander the Great discovered, treating your soldiers well works better than reigning through fear.

Anyway, I would cross that bridge when I got to it.

My finances were growing considerably, on the last check I had over 100,000 Galleons in my bank account, with the Prophet giving me a nice bit of money back on my investment. This was not too surprising, given that it was the largest newspaper in the country. Soon I would be able to bankroll my own investments into other areas and grow my influence further. This would be the next step into my silent takeover, and would give the Malfoy's finances some respite.

At that moment, my justice correspondent knocked on my door and entered after I admitted him. I had a sense of foreboding; the last time one of the justice correspondents had entered my office I had almost had a panic attack.

"What is it, Mr. Peterson?" I enquired. "Sir, there's something big, and I thought you'd want to see it before it goes to press." He said, and then handed me the story.

As I quickly read it, I exhaled. I knew it would come eventually. The story read as follows:

Wizengamot Members Under Investigation, Suspected Death Eaters! By Eric Peterson, Justice Correspondent

Readers, an explosive internal memo from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has been seen by the Daily Prophet, detailing an ongoing investigation into several members of the Wizengamot. The memo, titled 'Update regarding Inves. 9442W' tells of a months-long investigation into multiple lawmakers, whilst it does not name any of those under investigation, nor their rank, it does show some of the actions taken by aurors.

At one point, the memo, which was sent to the Head of the DMLE, says that a suspect's house "was kept under observation for one week", with "no suspicious activity observed".Another line reads, "suspect 'Peacock' tailed for three days, full list of meetings to be sent separately."

It awaits to be seen what the reaction to these investigations will be, multiple people have been sought for comment, but none have yet replied, including the Head of the DMLE, and the Head Auror, Alastor Moody.

The Prophet will keep you up to date regarding this investigation.

"Thank you, Mr. Peterson, you may go." He did so. A few minutes later, I apparated out of my office and appeared a few seconds later in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. I walked briskly towards the lifts at the end of the vast space, and entered the first one available, pressing the button to descend to Level 10 – the level where the Wizengamot Chamber was located. I knew that the Wizengamot was in session today and that Lucius would be here. I walked towards the entrance of the chamber and seeing that the doors were open, I entered the centre of Wizarding democracy. Members of the Wizengamot were still trickling in as I walked towards the seats of the Sacred Twenty-Seven, so I assumed that the meeting was reconvening after a break for lunch. I had just reached Lucius, who was talking to a Representative whose name I was not aware of when there was a sudden bang that resonated around the chamber. My head whipped around to the source of the noise which turned out to be the wand of Head Auror, Alistair Moody.

"Nobody moves unless I tell them to!" He half shouted; half snarled. A group of Aurors suddenly entered the chamber, and the doors shut behind them.

"What is the meaning of this, Auror Moody!?" the Minister shouted from his position, on the steps leading to the gallery.

"Minister, we have credible evidence that suggests that multiple members of the Wizengamot are affiliated with the Death Eaters." Moody shouted across the assembly, which had formed a buzz of noise after his announcement.

My heart sunk. This could not be happening.

The aurors fanned out around the antechamber, seemingly searching for the people they were looking for.

"I will not stand for this!" The Chief Warlock bellowed from his dais. "You are in the chamber of the Wizengamot! By the ancient laws of sanctuary you are forbidden from making arrests in this place!"

Moody laughed. "Fine." He responded. "I'll arrest the filthy terrorists outside."

Uwuckle Trent did not look satisfied and began to speak again but he was cut off by the Minister. "If you believe that there are Death Eaters amongst us, Head Auror, then you have my blessing to make any arrests you see fit."

Over the next fifteen minutes, the aurors searched the chamber high and low, and made a multitude of arrests. I saw them detain people I knew were, and people I knew were not my followers. Internally I seethed, how dare they! How dare they enter this noble chamber and arrest those who represent the people of this country with no care in the world? The last time something like this happened, a king had his head chopped off. There is a reason both Parliament and the Wizengamot are meant to be places of legal sanctuary.

For a while, I thought that we had gotten away with Lucius being found out. But eventually I saw an auror who I recognised as Frank Longbottom approach us. "Lord Malfoy, you are under arrest on the suspicion of being a member of the terrorist Death Eater organisation." Malfoy, I could see, was trying extremely hard, and mostly succeeding, in maintaining his composure as he was placed in magic suppressing handcuffs. I thought it couldn't get any worse. Longbottom then turned to me. "Mr. Bovin, you are under arrest on the suspicion of being a member of the terrorist Death Eater organisation." He spoke calmly. "Excuse me!" I shouted, mainly out of shock. How the hell did they get that impression. I hadn't done anything remotely suspicious. But then my mind wondered to the reason I had come here in the first place, and stumbled into this mess. 'Subject Peacock, full list of meetings.'

I cursed internally. Stupid fucking aurors.