_breaking news! -- july 13, 2007

Lights flashed up at the tall, graying man standing behind the large oak podium. Colored puffs of smoke erupted from the large cameras, clouding the faces of the photographers and reporters who had gathered for the press meeting. Adjusting the papers strewn across the podium, the Head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement looked up, adopting a grave face as he addressed the scene in front of him. "There has been a great misdeed done to all those in the Wizarding World. Our Minister of Magic, Preston Ramsey, was found dead in his home yesterday evening." He paused as the audience gasped in union, "Cause of death is undetermined at this point in time, but the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is investigating the occurrence and we are confident that we will bring the culprit to justice. Please, if you have any information that may be relevant to our investigation, please owl the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Level 2, The Ministry. Thank you."

He stepped down from the podium, wiping the perspiration that had formed on his brow as he had given his speech. The Minister's death was indeed a problem, especially with the new school year just around the corner. Who they would get to replace him was an even bigger problem and that was something on the lips of all of the reporters still at the scene. Shouting questions up at the Department Head as he made his way off of the stage. Closing remarks of the newscasters could still be heard as he clambered into the Ministry provided car and drove away.

"Well this is indeed a sad day for all those in the Wizarding World. The question on everyone's mind now is though, who's going to replace him? This is Paige Carver, reporting for the Wizarding Wireless Network live at the Ministry -" The broadcast cut off there and tears glistened on the face of the cross legged figure perched in front of the antique radio. The Minister? Dead? Grave times indeed.

__daily prophet

july 15, 2007

...and the Department Head of Magical Law Enforcement refused to comment today on the status of the Minister's mysterious death. In other news however, something seems to be stirring over at the Ministry. Could the Wizengamot be deciding on who will replace the Minister?

july 20, 2007

And it has happened. Today the Wizengamot held a vote and in a 12-16 decision, Ian Dapper has been appointed to Minister of Magic to finish out Preston Ramsey's term in office. Dapper has worked for the British Ministry for four years now in the Department of International Magical Cooperation as a liaison between Britain and Hong Kong, and before that he worked in Hong Kong serving as their Chief Warlock. When asked how he felt about taking over the position of Minister of Magic, Dapper had this to say. "It is very sad times for all of us here, but coming into this I have confidence that I will be able to fill the very large shoes that our last Minister has left vacant all too early." Well we shall see, wont we Minister?

july 30, 2007

...During this evening's press conference, our new Minister of Magic, Ian Dapper, was sworn into office by the Wizengamot. Following the inauguration, the Minister gave a short speech in which he outlined his first actions of duty as Minster. "In light of recent events, I will be turning most of my attention to Magical Law enforcement. It is the start of a long crackdown on all crime, both Magical and Non that has been long since due..."

august 10, 2007

Heightened security has been placed around all cells in Azkaban. Not only has Dapper increased the number of Dementors guarding each cell, there is a bill on the table to finally have wizard guards stationed on the island. If this bill passes, there will be a daily shift of ten wizard guards surrounding the prison to make sure that nothing gets out of hand. Many witches and wizards are in favor of this change and have been for years. Many do not trust the Dementors, so we will probably see this bill pass in the coming days.

august 17, 2007

A new bill has passed within the Ministry to require all witches and wizards to carry an Identification Card with them at all times. Anyone stopped who does not have their card on them will be brought to the Ministry for an identification confirmation before accompanied to their place of residence. All cards cannot be faked or reproduced, and must be applied for, in person, before September the first at the Ministry's Department of Magical Law Enforcement Office. There, you will present your wand and will be asked to fill out an individualized questioner to be used for identification confirmation. Giving out information about your questioner is punishable to up to four months in Azkaban, as is giving out your ID card.

september 1, 2007

The scarlet steam engine left at exactly 11 am. this morning on it's way to Hogwarts. Platform 9 and 3/4 saw it's share of the new security measures, with Aurors stationed at the entrance of the platform, checking ID's and a checkoff list of all those who are supposed to be boarding the train. Trunks were magically scanned for any illicit material and the appearance of Probity Probes ensured that no one attempted to gain access to the platform or train in disguise. One middle aged wizard was stopped for not remembering his ID card and was accompanied off of the platform, presumably on their way to the Ministry. Only time will tell what is in store for this new term at Hogwarts. All we know is that Magic is Might!