Choices: Part 1

Chapter 13

"Can you believe it?"

"Victor Rookwood."

"I knew that family was always trouble."

Thursday morning, the Great Hall sounds like a great beehive with all the buzzing about the latest Daily Prophet. Looks like the Ministry is finally taking Professor Fig seriously. I glance at the newspaper that is in Imelda's hands as we eat. The title in bold, black letters saying "VICTOR ROOKWOOD: WANTED FOR QUESTIONING WITH INVOLVMENT IN THE GOBLIN REBELLION".

"Supposedly he is on the run." Imelda says as she reads the article.

"On the run?" I ask.

"Yeah, when the Aurors showed up, he attacked them, injuring one so bad that he got sent to St. Mungo's, and then Apparated. According to the article anyway." Imelda explains. Sebastian stabs angrily at his eggs.

"Traitor." He mutters.

"He was friends with my dad," Ominis adds, "I never liked him."

"Can I see that?" I ask Imelda.

Imelda hands me the article and I eye the picture of Victor who glares up at me. Remembering what him and Ranrok discussed about kidnapping me, a chill goes down my spine. I pull my eyes away from the menacing picture and begin to read.

VICTOR ROOKWOOD: WANTED FOR QUESTIONING WITH INVOLVMENT IN THE GOBLIN REBELLION

Victor Rookwood, known leader of the Rookwood Gang after his father's suspicious death, is now wanted after a Ministry insider discovered his dealings with the known leader of the goblin rebellion, Ranrok. It is not known the true intentions of why Victor would algin himself with the goblins, but it may be to further his unlawful business in the underworld. Many citizens are aware of Rookwood and his crimes. Highway robbery, extortion, hijacking of cargoes, theft of magical artifacts and rare items, and smuggling rare magical beasts to the highest bidders. Many shop owners in Hogsmeade and nearby villages have come forward about Rookwood terrorizing them, demanding "protection payments" so they would not be tortured and/or robbed. Sirona Ryan, owner of The Three Broomsticks, was heard stating, "Rookwood is a menace, but the Ministry refuses to take action on getting him off the streets permanently. Send him to Azkaban, I say, and be done with it". There have been many rumors that Victor Rookwood has connections in the Ministry which led to him getting off light for his crimes, none have been confirmed. But as of last night, someone must have tipped Victor Rookwood off because due to witnesses at the scene, it was almost as if he was expecting the Aurors to come. He was found waiting outside his residence when the Aurors arrived, looking rather pleased with himself. After refusing to surrender, Aurors were forced into a duel with Rookwood who injured Auror Ben Farley, who now is recovering in St. Mungo's, and eventually Apparated before they were able to subdue him. If anyone spots Rookwood, do not confront him. He is highly dangerous and any sightings should be reported immediately to the Ministry.

Even though Victor hasn't been caught, the article gives me hope. With him forced to be on the run, he will be too busy to come after me. Maybe he will even be caught. Relieved, I hand the paper back to Imelda.

"I hope Sirona doesn't get in trouble for what she said." I say.

"What did she say?" Sebastian asks.

"Just that the Ministry has been easy on Victor and that he should be thrown in Azkaban." I explain.

"She's not wrong." Sebastian says.

"I know, I just wouldn't want Victor's cronies going after her." I say.

Sebastian snorts. "Sirona can hold her own."

"On a happier note, first Quidditch game is today!" Imelda excitedly says.