End of a Trap, or Beginning of Trouble?

[Juliet Hughes]

Hogwarts vs. Deva: End of a Trap, or Beginning of Trouble?
An investigative report on the days where nightmares became real

Photo: S. Loire

January 27, 2008. It came down to two sides on that fateful day of January 17th: the staff and students of Hogwarts, and the evildoers of the Elevens organization, the Deva. Well-- what became of the revolt inside the walls of the magical institute?

Cries of fury. Wands blazing. Shock, surprise, and a battle. It became a level playing field, in which quick wits and quick spells were of the most urgent necessity. The idea of mere children being no match to fully capable adult witches and wizards was eliminated as the champions to the end of the hostage situation became the young pupils of the academy.

But just how triumphant was such a victory? "A lot of people cried that night," said second year Devin Baine, "It was such an awful time, and I know I was so happy when it was over, but I never want to go through anything like that ever again." As Baine describes, these were days of fear and anger, coupled with what seemed like an overconfidence and mere confusion. Now it remains scarred in the minds of these young people, and it provokes unseen terror in the public. The easy answer becomes difficult; just who won this time?

On January 13, on what seemed like another celebratory feast to welcome in the new half of the term. Stomachs were full, and announcements were heard. It could have been a typical routine for Hogwarts, but what became of it was something completely unexpected. With the calm lull in his voice, wanted man Robert Shaw took the stage, and with his intimidation, he was in command.

In a matter of minutes, tensions were high. "Would you be scared if you were in the middle of supper and a bunch of faceless men invaded your house to take it over?" quipped seventh year Esmerelda Mizart in regards to the unrivaled entrance. It is said that all students were ordered to relinquish their wands, and to sit while the world became aware of the Deva's power over the previously safe academic institute.

"Shaw kept them under control," explained Krissy Fleming, a seventh year. "He was the leader and they acted how they should. As long as we kept to our word... he kept to his."

Others beg to differ. Allegations of harassment, and accusations of torture to a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindor tear apart the unity of the student body. Through a forced laugh, Mizart added, "They were very rude, thought they owned the place." So when it comes down to it, how organized was this organization, when even its hostages could not keep their stories straight?

No matter how one can put it, there had to have been no hope. As seventh year student Abigail Lawrence states: "We were students being held for days in one place with no wands, no protectors, and guards at every door and window. What do you think?" Not even Tamis Raynor, the infamous Hogwarts professor who was arrested and eventually released earlier for threatening the Minister, was a capable savior to cure the fright that the young kids needed.

In the end, organization was the key that the Deva failed to keep when it came to the overthrow. News released to the public explains that six unnamed students were set free, yet somehow returned to unleash a chaos. (Supposedly the poster boy for Deva abuse Drew Thornton was involved in the battle, but at press time he would not comment.) Unfazed by the lack of Defense Against the Dark Arts classes that had been suspended for months, the student body rebelled, pitting minors against the malicious and fighting until nothing could remain but a few key clues and some long lasting battle wounds. Ravenclaw seventh year Arianna Shriver-Kailas felt the brunt of the blow when she was almost fatally struck with a spell that affected her memory. St. Mungo's reports tell of temporary memory loss and more neural damage.

So who really won the battle? Was it Hogwarts, who successful took back their territory in an underdog challenge? Their bravery afforded them their rightful place in the institution, and even brought the Deva closer to justice by turning in key perpetrators and now known terrorists-- former Hogwarts Headmistress Fiona Ticloon and St. Mungo's Hospital Healer Sienna London. Ticloon had managed to escape at the first sign of trouble but was eventually captured on a tropical island along with former Transfiguration professor Thomas Bloxam. To replace the deceptive headmistress, Deputy Headmistress Raynor has since then been promoted, recruiting eccentric Herbology professor Fauna Hectis.

Ultimately, though... was it the Deva who gets the last laugh? Unfortunately the one everyone truly wants escaped scot-free-- Robert Shaw-- and it is often wondered now how long can this victory carry over before Shaw can cook up another scare tactic to keep the United Kingdom on its tip toes.



Juliet Hughes
Daily Prophet Reporter

Written and submitted by HR member Jackie B.-- a pity if you don't know who she is.