SITE-WIDE PLOT

[ETHAN EMMANUEL BONES]

TERROR IN LONDON
Fiendfyre spreads throughout Diagon Alley
Minister's Wife and Local Bartender among casualties

At approximately 10:45 Friday evening, a fiendfyre spell was cast in lower Diagon Alley. The spell itself was directed towards the upper apartments of the popular pub, The Leaky Cauldron, which instantly caught fire. The fire itself continued to spread throughout the establishment, burning it to the ground. Within minutes, the fire had spread to other buildings in the alley, destroying approximately one third of the street’s buildings. The apothecary, cauldron shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Eeylops Owl Emporium, stationary shop, and Flourish and Blott’s all suffered extreme damage, resulting in complete demolition. By 11:10, ministry officials, as well as volunteers, managed to put the fire out before it caused any further damage.

St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is brimming with burn victims, as well as those suffering from temporary respiratory issues caused by smoke. Says spokeswitch Velma Blishwick, “Our healers are doing all they can to attend to the incoming surge of victims. The fire itself was extremely widespread and toxic, and it may be a couple days before even the least-affected of these patients are released.” In total, the fire injured thirty-seven wizarding citizens, leaving seven others dead. 

Among the casualties were Hestia Jones, respected political activist and wife of Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, as well as beloved bartender of the Leaky Cauldron, Tom Jameson. Jones was heavily involved in social movements surrounding muggleborn rights, and as of right now, there is no indication that this event was a criminal act of pureblood supremacy; however, the involvement of Jones has made some citizens uncomfortable. "Ms. Jones comes to the pub every Friday at the same time, like clockwork," said Cauldron employee of two years, Peggy Cuffs. "She usually meets with business partners or has a quiet drink with her husband. Anyone who lives in the alley knows that." Jameson, as well, will be dearly missed. Few wizards have never experienced the Leaky Cauldron's hospitality, and one would be hard pressed to find someone who remembers it without him, who just went by Tom to friends and strangers alike. 

As for the cause of the fire, the spellcaster has not been found. Says Harry Potter, head of the auror office, “The fire itself was extremely rampant, indicating that the spellcaster was most likely a young witch or wizard.” When questioned further about the events surrounding the start of the fire and the identity of the caster, he said, “We are actively pursuing answers to these questions. This matter is not being taken lightly.”

This is the third incident in a string of recent criminal activity involving fiendfyre. Two weeks ago, the Hogsmeade branch of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes suffered severe fire damage to its entire property. The spell was cast during the first weekend trip of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the busiest time for the town, injuring twelve students and killing two: Penelope Finch-Fletchley, a fifth year Ravenclaw, and Ezra Smith, a seventh year Hufflepuff. Also, last week, the Ministry of Magic spouted flames from its famed fountain, causing widespread damage to the atrium and floo hallways. Seventeen employees were injured. When asked about the recent spike in fire crime, Potter commented, "Though no spellcaster has been found, it has been determined that these incidents are connected. Our aurors and other specialists are working diligently around the clock to find the suspect behind these acts of terror. We are taking these events very seriously." He declined any further comment.