The Invisible

Chapter 1: The Past Pt. I - Through the Eyes of Many

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The Daily Prophet

4 February 2001

VOLDEMORT DEFEATED!

After years of devastation, the Great War has finally ended. Sadly it was not without cost. The Order of the Phoenix managed to corner Dark Lord Voldemort and what remained of his cadre of loyal Death Eaters in their lair.

The incredible final battle raged for many hours, but in the end Voldemort was slain by the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter. Regretfully, Harry Potter succumbed to the mortal wounds he received in that battle. Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts and one of the survivors of that titanic clash, was understandably not too keen to discuss what went on within the dark lair. However, he did say a few solemn words in memory of those who gave their lives to keep ours safe: "Much responsibility was placed upon young Harry's shoulders, but he met them with the bravery and courage all of us loved him for."

"The wizarding world will forever be in the debt of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget."

Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has declared 7 days of mourning. He has issued a statement: "Freedom is precious. Freedom from fear is the most precious of all. Those brave souls have given us that gift. May they always be in our hearts."

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The Guardian

4 February 2001

SUSPECTED EARTHQUAKE A FIGMENT OF IMAGINATION?

What seemed to be a massive earthquake shook the nation in the early morning. Astonishingly though, the British Geological Survey (BGS) registered no tectonic activity. Seismologist Dr. Jeff Grant stated, "It is extremely perplexing. Everyone felt the tremor, including those here at Keyworth, but our instruments did not register anything. This may be impossible to explain, but whatever the nation felt this morning was definitely not caused by any seismic activity."

Dr. Grant's statements are apparently backed up by his colleagues around the globe. This mystery is just another in a string of inexplicable events that have struck the nation over recent years.

Doomsayers are predicting that what started with houses bursting in flames without explanation and pieces of wood falling from the sky has now escalated and that nature has now gone awry.

The Government has issued several statements calling for calm.

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The Daily Prophet

6 February 2001

AFTERMATH

Survivors of the last battle with the dark forces are still having difficulty recovering. Ronald Weasley, youngest son of the acclaimed Weasley family, is still catatonic from the ordeal. The Mediwitches of St. Mungo's have limited all access to the young Weasley to his family only, but from other sources the Prophet has managed to piece together the last few moments of the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

It is believed that while most of the members of the Order of the Phoenix were engaged in combat with the Death Eaters, a trio of youths managed to reach and engage the Dark Lord. They were the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, Muggleborn Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley. Eyewitnesses say that even though the three had barely graduated from Hogwarts, they fought with the tenacity of seasoned Aurors.

Details are sketchy, but it seems that in the ensuing battle, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger had been felled, but Harry Potter managed to cast a seemingly unknown spell. A massive explosion quickly followed engulfing most of the area in fire. Alastor Moody was seen by several rushing into the flames. Regretfully, only Ronald Weasley was found.

Cho Chang, a survivor of the battle and a schoolmate of Ronald Weasley, gave a few comments. "They were the best of friends. Inseparable for ten years. I'm glad Ron survived, but it's pretty cruel when you think about it."

His family did not wish to comment. The Daily Prophet wishes Ronald Weasley a speedy recovery.

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The Daily Prophet

11 February 2001

A TRIBUTE TO HEROS

Marking the end of the week of mourning, Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, led an assembled congregation of wizards and witches in a ceremony to celebrate the end of the Great War.

During the ceremony, Minister Fudge singled out young Ronald Weasley, who is still recuperating in St. Mungo's, as a hero beyond his years. Minister Fudge thanked Arthur Weasley, father of Ronald Weasley, a proud member of the Order of the Phoenix, and a participant of the last battle of the Great War, on behalf of all of wizarding-kind.

Minister Fudge also paid tribute to all those wizards and witches who fought the Death Eaters during the War, and he unveiled a massive plaque that bears the names of all those who fell. He proclaimed that the plaque will be displayed in the Ministry so that no one will forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Ministry will also send a sizeable gift to the families of those who will never return. "We will always be in debt to these heroes," Minister Fudge proclaimed, "but what the Ministry can give, it will give. Those who are grieving over the loss of their loved ones will have the Ministry grieving alongside them."

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The Guardian

12 March 2001

LABOUR NEW FACE

Previously unknown textile tycoon, David Moor Mortell, has joined the Labour Party today.

In a press conference, Mortell announced that he was "concerned about the very fabric of our society" and that he would do all he could to "bring the Great back into Great Britain."

Due to the brevity of the announcement, it is currently unknown where Mortell stands on most of the issues that concern the common people.

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The Sun

13 March 2001

MORTELL BAFFLES

David Moor Mortel, was utterly unknown throughout the country two days ago. Everyone has been utterly baffled by this man's sudden appearance. Investigative reporters have uncovered virtually nothing about his past.

It is understood that he was born in a small village north of Newcastle, and that he has been stricken with a mild form of albinism since youth, hence his need to constantly wear sunglasses. Through the years, he has gained control of one of the major textile conglomerates. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Mortell is now one of the leading tycoons in the industry. It's too bad no one has ever heard of him.

A spokesman has claimed that David Mortell was always present, but has kept himself out of the limelight until today. The spokesman also added that if you have clothes on your back, there is an 80 percent chance that the clothes were manufactured in some part by Mortell's massive textile empire.

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The Daily Prophet

24 November 2001

A HERO AWAKENS

The Daily Prophet is delighted to report that Ronald Weasley, the young wizard who battled Dark Lord Voldemort half a year ago, has finally recovered from his near-catatonia.

St. Mugo's has repeatedly denied access to the youth, but has also stated that he is finally able to perform basic functions without any aid. However, St. Mungo's has also stated that it may take up to a full month for Weasley to be fit enough to be discharged. Even then, the Mediwitches warn that his mental condition may not be entirely stable due to his brush with death.

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The Quibbler

25 November 2001

RONALD WEASLEY: POSTER BOY OF THE NEXT GENERATION

St. Mungo's repeated warnings have done little to quench the torrent of rumors that have begun to spread throughout the land. Ronald Weasley, one of the few young wizards to have participated in and survived the battle with Voldemort, is approaching full recovery. The question on everyone's lips is where Ronald Wealsey will go next.

Several wizarding magazines are already climbing over each other to have that first exclusive interview with the living legend. His family home, the Burrow, is already lined with reporters and the Weasleys have been asked repeatedly for their opinion on this matter, though none of them have offered any comment.

However, the Quibbler has just acquired new information that may decide the young Weasley's fate for him. Apparently, the new Chief Auror, 'Mad Eye' Moody, is interested in Ronald's talents. Of course, who wouldn't be? Battling the most evil wizard the world has ever known is bound to raise more than a few eyebrows.

The Quibbler will continue to cover this situation as it unfolds.

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The Daily Prophet

15 December 2001

RONALD WEASLEY: AUROR

The Daily Prophet understands that Ronald Weasley is now officially the understudy of Chief Auror Alastor Moody.

Ronald Weasley left St. Mungo's two days ago, but has not spoken to anyone outside of close friends and family yet. The Weasley family and Auror Headquarters have refused to comment.

Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge when pressed gave a brief statement, "If this is true, then I am grateful to young Ronald. He has sacrificed so much to protect us, but he wishes to give more. It is something that other wizards and witches would do well to emulate."

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The Guardian

24 December 2001

LABOUR NEW FACE CHARMS

Christmas has come early for the Labour Party.

David Mortell, who was a virtual unknown at the beginning of this year, has captured the hearts and minds of the populace with his tough stances on crime and national security.

"Safeguarding our borders and safeguarding our people" and "the enemy within is the worst enemy of all" are popular slogans that he has used since he entered the world of politics. The Labour Party has capitalized on his surge in popularity by putting him on every media channel available.

Mdm. Claire Doones, a retired widow who resides in Leiceste,r has nothing but praise for Mr. Mortell, "He certainly knows how to run a country. I can barely walk two steps without seeing a shifty looking man eyeing my purse."

"We live in dangerous times," Kilton, a steelworker, commented. "Remember those strange disasters a little while back? I'm sure that something was behind it. Mobs from Italy or some other group plotting against us. Mortell knows about this, and he's going to do something about it."

Elections are far off, but if Mortell is as able to galvanize crowds then as he is now, he would be a definite shoo-in for Home Secretary if Labour remains in control.

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The Daily Prophet

15 August 2002

SPLINTER DEATH EATER GROUPS THREATEN

A year and a half after the Great War, it seems that those Death Eaters who were not slain or captured have reorganized themselves into independent criminal groups. Auror Headquarters has claimed after thorough investigations that these Death Eater splinter groups are working independently of each other. It also assures the public that these criminals will be brought to justice.

The Daily Prophet understands that one Death Eater group is suspected in the massacre of a Muggle village. Several other groups are also wanted for smuggling banned Dark Magic items into Britain.

It is also suspected that one particular Death Eater group has fled the country. Authorities on the Continent have been notified.

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The Guardian

15 August 2002

SCOTTISH TOWNSHIP DESTROYED!

In what is apparently a new low for organized crime, the entire Scottish township of St. Lockshire has been burned to the ground. The only townsfolk that have been accounted for were those who had left the town.

Mary Rowns, who had just recently returned from a holiday in London, was shocked at the devastation, "There's nothing left. Everything burned. No one's here anymore. I don't know how anyone could do this. We weren't the rich sort; we just sort of made it through the days. I'm sure somebody had some enemies. After all, feuds are nothing new, but how could anyone do this?"

Police are baffled at the utter devastation. What had been a proud town is now nothing but charred rubble. This case has now been classified as murder and arson.

Labour Party's Mr. Mortell, a loud advocate for toughening laws on crime, had this to say, "What we see here is the burgeoning growth of the criminal underbelly of this proud country. This is an unprecedented disaster, and the incorrigible perpetrators must be made an example of."

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The Sun

3 January 2003

NEW YEAR HANGOVER OR SINISTER FORCES?

Employees at one of Manchester's Barclays branches all claim to have seen or at least glimpsed 'men fighting with wooden chopsticks' when they arrived at work in the early hours of the morning.

Claims of 'colourful light jumping out of the chopsticks' and 'a warrior on a broom' made their way into The Sun's office yesterday. While seemingly ridiculous, enough similar eyewitness accounts have led The Sun to be slightly suspicious.

Not surprisingly, the bank manager has blamed these reports all on the New Year Party's free-flow of liquor.

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The Daily Prophet

5 January 2003

RONALD WEASLEY HONOURED FOR BRAVERY

Fledgling Auror though he is, Ronald Weasley is still a living legend among all of wizarding-king. Today, yet another title can be written under his name. Chief Auror Alastor Moody and Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge both praised him for his selfless display of bravery in the line of duty.

He single-handedly managed to defeat a gang of four former Death Eaters as they attempted to raid a Muggle bank for the precious jewels stored in the stronghold. Thinking that Muggles posed no threat, the Death Eaters were ready to slaughter indiscriminately, but through sheer fortune, Ronald Weasley managed to locate and arrive at the scene just as the Death Eaters were launching their raid.

Needless to say, Ronald Weasley defeated them handily.

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The Guardian

29 November 2003

RISING CRIME RATE AND INEPT POLICE HIGHLIGHT YEAR

The year has not been a happy one for most Britons. The nearly two-fold jump in the unsolved crime rate over the past year has alarmed almost everyone.

Already, many people are calling for the Police Chief's head.

"It's bloody good that the Police can come in," Isaac Nyomin, a labourer in Norwich, states, "but if they don't do anything, what's the use? They say that the case is too weird for them to solve. Happens so many times. Can't find the suspects. Can't find any suspects for that matter. What do we have to do now? Believe the tabloids? Call in the Ghostbusters?"

The Government has noted the public's concern and has ordered a full investigation into the matter.

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The Guardian

20 December 2003

MORTELL APPOINTED HOME SECRETARY

Christmas came early for many Britons today as the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of Mr. David Moor Mortell as the Home Secretary.

Minister Mortell had brief but firm words when he was asked about the direction that the Home Office was to take: "Many of you have called for a massive restructuring of the police force. I understand your concerns about the increase in crime, but I must qualify the statistics on behalf of the brave men and women who serve this nation.

"The crime rate itself has barely risen since the past year. It is not that the police are inept, but rather too burdened to deal with the spike in this new crime wave. These new crimes are not ordinary, for if they were, the police would have dealt with them easily. The fact that they are still unsolved means that we must take a hard look at the processes that lie at the heart of law enforcement.

"Therefore, I have ordered a massive inquiry into what could be done to improve the situation. In the meantime, I will propose several new amendments to the criminal law system to the House of Commons later this year. I strongly believe in deterrence, and should any of these perpetrators be caught, I intend for them to face strict justice."

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The Guardian

14 June 2004

RONALD WEASLEY SLAIN IN MISSION OVERSEAS

The wizarding world has been shocked by the news that the legendary Auror, Ronald Weasley, was slain in what seems to be an undercover mission on the Continent.

Auror Headquarters has only issued a brief statement confirming Weasley's death, but details remain very sketchy. The Weasley family has refused to comment on the situation.

Ronald Weasley was the most celebrated survivor of the Great War. With his greatest friends slain, he continued to fight the Death Eaters as an Auror even when everyone agreed that he had given more than enough. His performance as an Auror astounded everyone, and even the great Alastor Moody has claimed that if given time Ronald Weasley would have been the greatest protector of them all.

Sadly, we now will never know.

Ronald Weasley, dead at 24. A great hero has left us. We will be mourning forever.

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The Guardian

13 September 2004

MORTELL FORMS SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE UNIT

Home Minister David Mortell has announced the findings of the inquiry that he ordered several months ago. He stated, "The inquiry has found that the current police force is overstretched as it is and is unable to handle cases that have no precedence. While calling MI5 every time such a case happens would solve the problem, it would only shift the burden away from the police.

Therefore, I have decided to form a special investigative unit on a trial basis, which has yet to be named. Rules and regulations are being worked out, but we will find a way for them to be effectively employed when seemingly unsolvable cases arise."

Most British support this new strategy. Mark Polls, a lawyer summed it up best, "Doing something sure beats sitting on our hands and waiting for something to happen."

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