ICW News Report, January 12th
Spanish Resistance Crushed!
After months of fighting, despite astonishing success in recapturing the magical sector of Madrid, the resistance efforts against the Dark Lord known as 'Voldemort' have been defeated. With this crushing blow, morale in other resisting countries is at an all-time low.
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ICW News Report, January 22nd
Portugese Rebels Capitulate, Murdered!
Following the loss of over one hundred freedom fighters in an attack on a Death Eater stronghold in Amora, the rebels have capitulated to the Dark Lord. The fighters and their families were found early yesterday, impaled alive in the fields. The leaders of each cell were not so fortunate, with their ribs protruding from their back, snapped to make bloody wings. Magic around the wounds kept them alive until the very end of the execution rite.
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February 1st, 1997
ICW Headquarters
"We need to change our strategy."
"Yes, what we're doing now is completely ineffective."
"Perhaps if we reinforce the resistance cells?"
"How would we do this?"
"If we were to supplement them with our soldiers, and gave them greater access to supplies, we could greatly increase their chances of success."
"Perhaps we should also focus on training their recruits, as well. That may be the difference between success and failure."
"Agreed. All in favor of bringing the resistance efforts under the ICW banner?"
A chorus of 'I's sounded through the chamber.
"Measure passed."
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ICW News Report, February 23rd
Italy Under Siege by Death Eaters! Rome Heavily Damaged in Attack!
In a surprise attack early this morning, the magical sector of Rome has been destroyed by a powerful blast of chaos magic, far stronger than anything seen in recorded history. In the following hour and a half, Death Eaters poured into the city, killing indiscriminately anyone in their path. ICW soldiers have responded to the attack, and are organizing volunteers to act as a reserve.
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ICW News Report, March 9th
Italian Government Surrenders!
Following the destruction of the Mages' Palace of Rome in the February 23rd bombing, the surviving members of the magical government of Italy began preparations to surrender should organized resistance fail. Yesterday afternoon, in a move reeking of cowardice, they have disclosed the operating bases of each resistance cell in exchange for guarantees of their survival, and surrendered control of their nation to Voldemort.
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ICW News Report, March 18th
Germany Beats Back Death Eaters!
For the first time in this war, a country has successfully resisted the first assault from the Dark Lord! Fewer than a dozen German lives were lost in the assault, and the entire attacking wave was ground to dust! ICW officers are training reserve forces for the inevitable return of Voldemort's forces.
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ICW News Report, March 19th
Voldemort on the Front Line
In another first in the war against the international terrorist, self-proclaimed 'Dark Lord', Voldemort, the man himself has been seen fighting, alongside the elite operatives known only as the 'Inner Circle.' Two towns have, at the time of this article's completion, fallen. The reserve forces have been activated by the International Confederation of Wizards.
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ICW News Report, March 23rd
Czech Republic Falls!
While most of his forces are focused in Germany, recent assassinations of high-ranking officials in the Czech Republic have left the country open for a political takeover. The nation is now under terrorist control.
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March 31st, 1997
Great Hall, Hogwarts
"I, Fred Weasley,;
"I, Fred Weasley,"
"do hereby swear upon my life;"
"do hereby swear upon my life"
"that I shall uphold the ideals of the Order of the Phoenix;"
"that I shall uphold the ideals of the Order of the Phoenix,"
"and shall act in the defense of the British Isles;"
"and shall act in the defense of the British Isles"
"against the Dark Lord Voldemort."
"against the Dark Lord Voldemort."
"Swear it."
"Should I fail, magic take me from this earth. So I swear, so mote it be."
Shock over the young man's wording at the end grew when the light show began.
A bright flash of magic filled the room, brighter than any of the existing members had ever seen. A stream of magical light stretched through a wall, pulsed blue, then faded. Meanwhile, ribbons flowed into and out of Fred's body, and a shimmering reflection of a lion shone for a brief second, then faded. Finally, the lights condensed into a golden band, which shot into his body.
Arthur Weasley stared in horror. He looked about, but no one else seemed to notice. The lion's tail was a serpent.
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