The Time-Meddlers [Harmione]

20. Returning to Hogwarts

Minister Fudge Assassinated!

By Anna Jesse

Minister of Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge was scheduled to have a meeting with Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, early this morning, but did not show up. Madam Bones immediately contacted the aurors guarding his home. They went inside to find that he had been a victim of the Killing Curse. Thus far it is unknown how someone slipped past the guards, but one thing is clear. Minister Fudge was murdered some time last night. He was still dressed for work when he was found, so it is likely that the killer had been hiding in the house when Fudge arrived.

Although no direct evidence has been found linking her to this death, Bellatrix Lestrange is the prime suspect of this, the latest in a series of killings since her escape from Azkaban earlier this year.

The Wizengamot has appointed Amelia Bones as Minister, and her position of D.M.L.E. Director has been given to former Head Auror, Rufus Scrimgeour. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the most senior Auror, has been appointed Head Auror.

Harry and Hermione gaped at the special edition of the Daily Prophet that had arrived at the Granger residence during dinner. Since Hermione's parents were at the table, the time travelers, who were sitting next to each other sharing the paper, couldn't freely discuss the implications of this. It was the day after Harry had killed Voldemort, and they thought their task was done.

"What's wrong? You two look like you've seen a ghost," asked Marissa.

"The Minister of Magic was killed," said Hermione, knowing it was perfectly fine to give that information.

"What?" replied both adult Grangers.

Harry said, "It's as if the Prime Minister was killed."

"Oh my," said Marissa. "That is shocking."

"Yeah," agreed Adam.

After Hermione's parents had read the article, Marissa asked, "What do you know about this Amelia Bones?"

"She's a fair person who will actually try to get all the facts before making a decision," said Harry quickly, before remembering that he officially hadn't met her.

"Her niece, Susan, is one of our classmates," added Hermione. "She's always spoken highly of her."

"She should be a lot better than Fudge, anyway," said Harry.

"Better? In what way?" asked Adam.

Looking distinctly uncomfortable, Harry said, "Well, based off of his associations, it's quite easy to tell that Fudge was corrupt. He was close friends with the murderers who used to serve Voldemort before he was vanquished - Death Eaters. They'd immediately said they'd been bewitched to stay out of jail, and have steadily worked with the government to push Voldemort's agenda forward ever since."

"At least until this year," added Hermione.

"What do you mean?" asked her mother.

"Well, it seems that every one of them has died in the past year."

"What?" asked both parents at once.

"Most of them seemed to be accidents," said Hermione.

"Although the worst one, who was Fudge's best friend and Draco Malfoy's father," said Harry.

"We've told you about Draco?" asked Hermione, to which they both nodded.

"His father was killed and robbed a few weeks ago in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Wizarding Britain - Knockturn Alley."