Appreciate a Dragon Day: Write about Hogwarts going through with Fudge's suggestion at placing dragons around the school after the Dementors failed.
2017 New Year's Resolutions: Write a minimum of 300 drabbles this year; Write at least one drabble/one-shot for all the characters listed in 'Harry Potter Characters' on ; Write at least one drabble in every genre listed on the site
365 Drabbles: Crisp
Word Count: 578
Success
"As of right now, per the Minister for Magic's request, Hogwarts will be guarded by dragons until such a time when Sirius Black is caught," Albus Dumbledore's voice rang out throughout the Great Hall. "I expect you all to go about your day as normal and, whatever you do, do not approach these highly dangerous beasts. They are here for our protection—not for your amusement."
Albus' eyes surveyed the hundreds of students and then moved to the staff table, resting for a beat longer on Rubeus Hagrid than anyone else.
"On that note, I bid you all goodnight," the headmaster said, dismissing the students.
The students in the hall stood up from their seats and filed out, all of them talking animatedly about the latest actions taken to protect 'Hogwarts' from Sirius Black.
~o~o~o~
2 Weeks Later:
The group of aurors, who were gathered around the body of a slain animal, gasped as their eyes widened in shock when the body of the black shaggy dog transfigured into a burnt, disfigured man.
"Call the Minister," Rufus instructed in a gruff voice. "I think he will be pleased to discover that his idea was a success."
Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, appeared on the scene less than ten minutes later, walking with a spring in his step. The smile on his face broadened as he greeted the head of the auror office.
They said I was mental but it worked, Cornelius thought to himself as he bent down and observed the body which had been burnt to a crisp. In spite of this though, he was still recognisable as the notorious criminal Sirius Black. The only downside, he silently lamented, was that they would never discover how he had managed to break out of Azkaban. Although he was positive it would only be a matter of time before they found out.
"He was an unregistered animagus, Sir," Rufus informed him. "Explains how he has been managing to get past the dementors."
"Indeed it does," Cornelius said, straightening up and boldly walking towards one of the dragons.
He reached out his hand to pat him on the side, but jumped back almost straight away as it turned on him and emitted a loud roar.
"Minister, I would back away from that one if I was you," Rufus said, approaching Cornelius. "This is the one that burnt Black to a crisp."
"Ahh yes, you're right, Scrimgeour," Cornelius muttered. "I think now that Black has been successfully caught, thanks to my ingenious idea, we can send these beasts back home, wouldn't you agree?"
"Absolutely, Minister," Rufus agreed. "I'll contact the Beast Division at the Ministry at once."
"Excellent," Cornelius said, smiling broadly. "Shacklebolt, alert The Daily Prophet about Black's capture and death. If you're quick enough, we might catch them before they go to print. I'm sure they'll want an interview so have them send Miss Skeeter to my office. Tell them I expect her to be there in half an hour."
"Right away, Minister," Kingsley sighed, walking towards the outskirts of Hogwarts where the wards would cease to work.
Cornelius rocked back and forth, happily shouting orders to the rest of his aurors before returning to the castle to discuss what would happen next with Albus.
After taking some time to gloat to the headmaster, Cornelius took the Floo back to the Ministry of Magic to meet Rita Skeeter and give an interview which would guarantee him another term in office.