Author's note: Here we begin the fourth book. This is the one I remember the least about. I skimmed the relevant sections while writing, but please let me know if there are any errors and I'll correct them. I hope you enjoy this chapter, although it is very short, more of a precursor to the chapter proper than a chapter in itself. The next chapter will be the regular length and just needs polishing, so it will be posted within the next couple days.

Warnings: none

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I referenced pages 131-132 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire while writing this.

The Start of Chaos

SCENES OF TERROR AT THE QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP

By Rita Skeeter

Thousands of wizards and witches gathered to see the biggest game of the season: the Quidditch World Cup. Precautions were taken to ward against discovery, wards and charms and other types of powerful magic meant to deter curious muggles. Attendees Portkeyed or Apparated to the grounds, where they were discreetly scanned by security guards and shown to their campsite, arriving over the course of two weeks to help reduce suspicion. Despite this, these sports enthusiasts got more excitement than they bargained for when a Dark wizard slipped through security and sent the Dark Mark shooting into the sky, shocking and terrifying all in attendance and generally creating chaos.

The Dark Mark, of course, is the symbol of He Who Must Not Be Named and his Death Eaters. The war against You-Know-Who is fifteen years past, but anyone who fought in the war will still be well-aware of the horror and destruction that the emblem inspires. The Dark Mark sends chills down the spines of even the most seasoned fighters. It makes hairs stand on end. The Dark Mark over your house means you'll likely enter to find your family murdered and possibly maimed as well. The Dark Mark over your house means you'll be next.

Although those days are over, fear is an old habit that dies hard.

Unfortunately, in the midst of the kerfuffle, the culprits were not apprehended. This is a mammoth blunder on behalf of the Ministry. Given the number of people present for the World Cup, including members of government, one wonders how the perpetrator of such a stunt could have not been spotted. The fact that our Ministry lets dark wizards run around unchecked points to lax security and is, if I may be so blunt, a national disgrace.

Furthermore, if the terrified wizards and witches who waited breathlessly for news at the edge of the wood expected reassurance from the Ministry of Magic, they were sadly disappointed. A Ministry official emerged some time after the appearance of the Dark Mark, alleging that nobody had been hurt, but refusing to give any more information. Whether this statement will be enough to quash rumours that several bodies were removed from the woods an hour later remains to be seen.

The Minister for Magic has not been able to be reached for comment.

Dear Severus,

I am sure you've heard of what happened at the Quidditch World Cup. If you haven't, then I'm afraid you're living under a rock, my friend. It was chaos! Everyone practically wetting themselves in their haste to get away. I almost feel bad for those Quidditch players. What a way to get upstaged! It was a better spectacle than the game itself.

On another note, Hogwarts is playing host for the Triwizard Tournament this year, isn't it? Do give my regards to Karkaroff for me. I haven't seen him since the good old days.

Sincerely,

Lucius Malfoy