At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Edited 8/12/06. Thanks again to ALL my reviewers! Harry Potter is still not mine!

Here Ye! Here Ye! Read All About It

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LIGHTNING STRIKES! BOY-WHO-LIVES TAKES DOWN DUMBLEDORE!
By: Rita Skeeter

Today, Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic and Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement announced that Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump, Head of the Wizengamot, has been arrested for crimes against The-Boy-Who-Lived, Harry Potter and against the Wizarding World in general. Dumbledore has been in the ministry's holding cell for two days, and we have also been told Professor Severus Tobias Snape was also arrested. (For more details on the arrest of Severus Snape, see page 2)

There have been 15 charges filed against Albus Dumbledore, and possibly more to come. (See page 4 for full list of charges) Some of the charges include Embezzlement, Wrongful Interpretation of a Will for Self Promotion, Threatening Ministry Officials and Illegal Use of Grey Arts. If, my readers, these and the other charges are in fact true, then our young savior has been horribly wronged. During the press conference, Minister Fudge had this to say, "You can’t imagine what Mr. Potter has been through these last few days. The evidence will show, without a doubt, that Albus Dumbledore is nothing more than a common criminal who has been playing a very complicated, but masterful chess game with the lives of Harry Potter and the rest of the Wizarding World. He’s abused his position of power and prestige to out-maneuver us all for over 14 years. Dumbledore intentionally withheld vital information concerning the heritage of Mr. Potter and embezzled from the Potter Estate. How an old family like the Potter's could be taken advantage of, is one of the many things we are still investigating and until we find all information possible, we will not rest. With the help of his friends and allies, Mr. Potter will bounce back from this betrayal and rise above all the wrongs bestowed upon him. I would also like to say that I privately apologized to Mr. Potter a few weeks ago, but would like to take this opportunity to publicly do so. I was unjust last year in my treatment of Mr. Potter while attacking his creditability. Mr. Potter showed great courage to stand by his convictions and never waver, and if more of us would do that, we might not be at war to begin with." When we spoke with the acting Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, she had this to say, "The level of maturity Mr. Potter has shown, is beyond many of the adults in my acquaintance, and he isn't 16 yet. I am proud and honored to have him in Gryffindor House, as I feel he personifies what qualities Godric Gryffindor was looking for. He truly is an amazing young man."

When asked if Mr. Potter would be available for comment, we were directed to Mr. Anthony Rooks, of the prestigious Law Wizarding Firm of Rooks, Rooks, and Burke. Mr. Rooks said, "My client will release a formal statement tomorrow. At this time, he has no plans to do any interviews until after the trials." The court date will be released to a select few individuals today, and to the general public tomorrow.

This reported is disgusted by the things Albus Dumbledore has done. If he could do this to our Savior, what would he do to the lesser known people of our world. How many of us have fallen prey to his schemes. Know this, my readers, I will not rest till I find out, and you will be the first to know.

Yours faithfully,
Rita Skeeter


SNAPE: THE MAN WITHOUT A CONCIENCE
By: Beverly Factille

Today, in the same news conference that released the information about the arrest of Albus Dumbledore, Professor Severus Tobias Snape was also indicted in the Boy-Who-Lived scandal and has been charged with trying to curse Mr. Potter and long time friend, Ms. Hermione Granger, while they were defenseless due to the Underage Use of Magic Statute. We were also told, that he tried to give Ms. Granger Veritaserum, without Ministry approval. This all took place at Dragon's Fire, a new, young adult club in Diagon Alley.

We asked some of the people at the Diagon Alley hotspot last Friday what happened. "Snape just stormed in like he owned the place and started chasing after Harry. As he made it to the back exit, Snape shot off a curse, missing Harry, but gave chase." said Ms. Hannah Abbot. "When Snape came back about 10 minutes later, he attacked Hermione, threatened that he would to get the information he sought from her irregardless of what she said, then stunned her with a 'Stupefy' hex. He then pulled out a bottle of 'Veritaserum', and that's when Fred, Neville, Oliver and I jumped him." said George Weasley. Auror N. Tonks was the arresting officer, but was unavailable for comment.

Charges for Mr. Snape are as follows: Cursing a Defenseless Underage Wizard and Witch, Carrying the Mark of an Illegal Organization, Unlawful Teaching of a Ministry Restricted Spell-Occlemency, Misuse of Ministry Restricted Spells-Occlemency/Legilimency, Unlawful Abuse of Position in the Treatment of Underage Wizards in a School Setting, Unlawful Attempt to Use a Ministry Controlled Potion-Veritaserum, Embezzlement, and Illegal Use of the Grey Arts.

It is well known by this reporter, as I was a student in Hufflepuff from 1988-1994, that Professor Snape is cruel and malicious in his teaching methods, and can only be fair to his own house, Slytherin. What we here at the Daily Prophet would like to know, is why a Death Eater was allowed in a school to teach children? What was Albus Dumbledore thinking?

Most of the evidence is being sealed until the trial. Not much is known about Mr. Snape's involvement with Harry Potter, but rest assured, as soon as more information becomes available, I will let you know.

Yours Faithfully,
Beverly Factille


Blaise sat back in his chair, stunned, looking over at his father he said, "Well....this is certainly interesting. Harry said that we had our facts wrong concerning him, but I never thought it was to this extreme."

"Son, you know we have always tried to stay neutral, but what are your feelings on all this?" asked Manuel Zabini.

"After what I learned yesterday of this new Harry Potter, I don't know. He certainly is NOT Dumbledore's man, and he's definitely apposed to Vol-Vol-Voldemort, that is going to take some getting used to. I get the feeling, that the Ministry is backing Harry in this and that Fudge and Harry have worked out their differences. He's going to come into his magical maturity soon, and is already showing signs, if his growth spurt is anything to go by. I think a long conversation with Harry is our only option. Siding with him could assure you becoming the next head of the Wizengamot. If my gut instinct is accurate, we may not want to stay neutral anymore." said Blaise, heir to the Zabini fortune.

"Write him a note asking him to meet with us....when and where ever is convenient for Mr. Potter. You may just be right, Blaise." responded Mr. Zabini. No sooner had Blaise stood up, then did a letter arrive by the most stunning white owl. Taking the note from the owl's leg, he noticed that it wasn't leaving. "The owl must have been told to await an answer." said Blaise, while handing it some treats. The note read:


Dear Blaise,

Let me start by saying that I enjoyed our conversations yesterday at Hannah's party. I hope you found the articles in the Daily Prophet enlightening. I’m sending out about 30 letters, yourself included, as Minister Fudge, Amelia Bones and I would like to meet with you and your parents, for we have a major proposition for all invited. The meeting will be today, at the Ministry, 3pm in Conference Room #3.

I have asked Hedwig to wait for an answer because I would also like to speak with you and your father earlier, say 2:00pm in the private dining room of the Leaky Cauldron. If you can't make it then, give me a time and I will make myself available.

Sincerely,
Harry Potter


"Son, write and tell Mr. Potter that we’ll be there. The arrest of Dumbledore has created a very interesting power shift….I'm extremely intrigued." Manuel said.

"Right away, Father." and with that, Blaise scratched a note and sent Hedwig on her way. All around England, Ireland and Scotland, people were receiving similar invites to what would be the turn in the war.

At 2:00pm, Manuel and Blaise Zabini were escorted into the private dining room where Harry and Tony Rooks were waiting. Harry walked over to Blaise, shaking his hand, then his father's, he said, "Blaise, good to see you again and I'm glad you could make it. Mr. Zabini, an honor to meet you, Sir. Please, let's have a seat."

Taking their seats, Tony started, "Manuel, good to see you again. Let me start by saying, this meeting was Harry's idea after I briefed him on the inner workings of the Ministry and the Wizengamot. Understanding that, in the past, your family has stayed primarily neutral in this conflict as well as in the Grindelwald era, we would like you to reconsider. Harry, would you like to explain?"

With a nod, Harry started, "Thank you, Tony. Mr. Zabini, I’ve reviewed your voting record in the Wizengamot, and have to say that I'm very impressed by it. I believe that you truly do have the betterment of our society at heart. Having said this, I am also, come July 31st, going to be recasting the Potter votes from the last 14 ½ years. I will become Lord Thurox Potter at that time, and considering I have the Potter seat, and the Thurox seat, that will alter several laws that were close in the voting. Dumbledore has been secretly using my votes to sway the Wizengamot his way. That's all changing. What I would like to suggest, is that we work together to get you elected to the Head of the Wizengamot. This is a wise choice for two reasons; one, you have an honest desire to see the wizarding world move forward as shown by your voting, and two, the fact that you have been neutral, hence not being bought off makes you highly regarded amongst your peers. I really don't see anyone else rallying the votes needed. To receive my two votes, I want a guarantee that you will continue putting the wizarding world first, and to keep doing what you’ve been doing. Do we have a deal?"

"Mr. Potter, I’m honored by your faith in me. For having never met me, that is quite astounding. You are correct in saying that I have never accepted bribes, or voted against what I believe to be good and just for our world. I don't need the money, so have always tried to better wizarding society so that my children would have a safer, more secure environment in which to live. I will take a wizard's oath if need be to reassure you that I will not be corrupted. I would very much like to have your votes, as well as your personal support. I thank you, Mr. Potter."

"Excellent! Blaise, would you be willing to give an oath to maintain the integrity of the Zabini line in the Wizengamot and form an official alliance with the Potter line for the future?" asked Harry.

Looking with pride at his father, Blaise said, "I’ve always admired my father's belief in treating everyone and everything with kindness and fairness, I would be more than willing to give an oath and become allies with your family, Harry. Neutrality may have worked in the past, but it is my hope that the Zabini family will be known for being equality driven, fair minded, and innovative leaders in the future."

"That's what I wanted to hear. Thank you both for meeting with me privately today. I will add that during the 3:00pm meeting, you will learn a few things about my heritage, and if you are uncomfortable at all, we could always meet later and discuss any concerns you may have." Harry said showing a little uncertainty.

"Mr. Potter, if you are talking about the Chuzzor heritage from the Thurox side of your family, do not concern yourself. I have known for years that you were to come into this heritage, as the Zabini family is related to the Thurox line. That information will not change anything. I would like to talk with you and Blaise after your coming of age as we all have some of the traits. Blaise will go through his coming of age on June 29th."

Harry was shocked that 1) Mr. Zabini knew about him being a Chuzzor, 2) that he was related to the two men sitting across from him and 3) that they, too, have or would have some of the traits of the Chuzzor heritage. With a small smile creeping on his face he said, "I would be pleased to discuss our shared heritage at a later date. I don't have much information yet, but will, once I've moved into Thurox Manor and have gone through the Thurox Vault. Tony, if you would work out the contracts between the Potter's and the Zabini's, we can have their law wizard look them over, and arrange a day for the signing and oath taking. I will also be giving my oath to both of you in regards to our alliance. Why don't we all head over to the Ministry, the other meeting will be starting soon."

With this powerful alliance, the wizarding world would see many laws change in their society, and would lead the way to a more fair and productive future. Harry could see things starting to come together, all he needed to do now was to convince the other 29 people he was heading to meet, that he would be able to win this war or would die trying.