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Summer 97'

Shortly after Dumbledore's death the school governors met and discussed the re-opening of Hogwarts, but did not reach a decision until early July. Minerva McGonagall was appointed Headmistress and Fillius Flitwick, Deputy Headmaster. Despite McGonagall's insistence that the opening be kept out of the papers, the ministry, keen to look like it was doing something, held a conference and the news was all over the prophet and several radio shows. The decision was of course controversial and the subject of much debating over the next month.

Dementor adolescents begin to feed on small beings, like squirrels and cats, then move up in size as they grow. Owls are easy targets and communication has become distrupted and unreliable. A special group of Hit Wizards has been formed and assigned to hunt and kill dementors. Meanwhile, crime, suicide and commitment rates rise among muggles as the dementors feed on them.

Over the month of August many newspapers begin reporting that the Ministry has called in aid from their allies: including America and France. Several countries did not wish to be involved so minimal reenforcements were recieved. Many wizards will notice the increasing amounts of foreigners in public places to help with security as a result. Contacts within the Ministry also say several departments are meeting to seriously discuss conscription. There are many rumors and theories on how, why, and when this will be done, but none have been proven yet.

Because all exams were canceled as a result of Dumbledore's death last year NEWTs and OWLs were taken over the summer, August 1st through 5th at a ministry appointed facility in London. Security was tight and the tests were long and uncomfortable for everyone involved.

On August 12th Bill and Fleur were married at the Burrow. It was a quiet affair with only family (honorary or otherwise) and Order members present. Percy was invited but did not attend.

Having gotten together for the wedding, the trio slip off during the night of August 14th, when Hermione was supposed to return home. The next day her parents notify the ministry as the Weasleys are not able to tell them where she is. The Minister, eager to find out what Harry is up to, decides to use the situation to his advantage and assembles a team to search for the trio by the very next morning. The story leaks to the prophet and the public panics as their savior has seemingly abandoned them.

August 25th test results arrive along with the usual Hogwarts letter. Only this time a permission slip lies within it's envelopes, revealing that students under the age of 17 will have to have signed parental permission in order to be allowed on the Hogwarts Express. Upon further inspection of the booklist students find several new subjects have been added for the coming year. No new quidditch captains, prefects or headboy/headgirl were selected, as no one is certain who will be returning to Hogwarts.

Over the next week Diagon Alley is once again host to visitors in search of school supplies. Prospective students are greeted with many abandoned shops and almost deserted streets. Racks lining the alley are filled with many Owl Order Catalogs, apparently popular this year. The only crowd could be found not at Quality Quidditch Supplies (now closed) but at Flourish N Blots where a new book for the school year arrived. The pictures do not move and seem to depict angry muggles or muggles in pain. Those parents who gave their consent for their children to return to school have second-thoughts.