Brutal spells without fear of identification or arrest. They managed to penetrate every

defensive spell we’d cast against them, and once inside, they were completely open about

why they’d come.”

“And are they bothering to give an excuse for torturing Harry’s whereabouts out

of people?” asked Hermione, an edge to her voice.

“Well,” Lupin said. He hesitated, then pulled out a folded copy of the Daily

Prophet.

“Here,” he said, pushing it across the table to Harry, “you’ll know sooner or later

anyway. That’s their pretext for going after you.”

Harry smoothed out the paper. A huge photograph of his own face filled the front

page. He read the headline over it:

WANTED FOR QUESTIONING ABOUT

THE DEATH OF ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

Ron and Hermione gave roars of outrage, but Harry said nothing. He pushed the

newspaper away; he did not want to read anymore: He knew what it would say. Nobody

But those who had been on top of the tower when Dumbledore died knew who had really

Killed him and, as Rita Skeeter had already told the Wizarding world, Harry had been

Seen running from the place moments after Dumbledore had fallen.

“I’m sorry, Harry,” Lupin said.

“So Death Eaters have taken over the Daily Prophet too?” asked Hermione

Furiously.

Lupin nodded.

“But surely people realize what’s going on?”

“The coup has been smooth and virtually silent,” said Lupin.

“The official version of Scrimgeour’s murder is that he resigned; he has been

replaced by Pius Thicknesse, who is under the Imperius Curse.”

“Why didn’t Voldemort declare himself Minister of Magic?” asked Ron.

Lupin laughed.

“He doesn’t need to, Ron. Effectively, he is the Minister, but why should he sit

behind a desk at the Ministry? His puppet, Thicknesse, is taking care of everyday

Business, leaving Voldemort free to extend his power beyond the Ministry.

“Naturally many people have deduced what has happened: There has been such a

Dramatic change in Ministry policy in the last few days, and many are whispering that

Voldemort must be behind it. However, that is the point: They whisper. They daren’t

Confide in each other, not knowing whom to trust; they are scared to speak out, in case

Their suspicions are true and their families are targeted. Yes, Voldemort is playing a very

clever game. Declaring himself might have provoked open rebellion: Remaining masked

has created confusion, uncertainty, and fear.”

“And this dramatic change in Ministry policy,” said Harry, “involves warning the

Wizarding world against me instead of Voldemort?”

“That’s certainly a part of it,” said Lupin, “and it is a masterstroke. Now that

Dumbledore is dead, you – the Boy Who Lived – were sure to be the symbol and rallying

Point for any resistance to Voldemort. But by suggesting that you had a hand in the old

hat’s death, Voldemort has not only set a price upon your head, but sown doubt and fear

Amongst many who would have defended you.

“Meanwhile, the Ministry has started moving against Muggle-borns.”

Lupin pointed at the Daily Prophet.

“Look at page two.”

Hermione turned the pages with much the same expression of distaste she had

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 621