Order of the Sphinx... Why should HP get to have all the fun?

Chapter 30: Ultimatum

It was silent for a bit while they read the article, then Jen leaned back, hissing like an injured snake. Alice frowned. “I don’t get it. That’s good isn’t it, that Lestrange got what she deserved?” She asked baffled. Ivy was the one who answered. “No, that’s not the bit that’s upset Anna.” she explained, before leaning over and tapping her finger at the latter half of the article.

“It’s this bit.” she said, then when she saw Alice’s frown deepen, she read out loud the part of the article she was talking about. “According to Ministry Intelligence, it is now estimated that while most suspected Death Eaters have been caught, questioned and either pardoned or imprisoned, there is still roughly 75% of suspected Death Eaters still on the loose and hiding from law enforcement agencies around the world. The Daily Prophet’s inside source in the Auror department said today that the Ministry suspects that there are large undetected pockets of vigilantes whom are hiding in various un-plottable locations in the Wizarding Commonwealth and in the uncharted Wizarding territories of Africa, South America and Russia.”

“It is also believed that there is a group of Werewolves lead by the notorious Frenier Greyback who have set up a home in the very underdeveloped Wizarding community in Australia. Australia, while a constitutional democracy and still apart of the Wizarding Commonwealth is subject to an old set of laws which have remained in place since the Muggles and Wizards began to use the country as a Penal colony in the late 1700’s. Whilst in the protection of Australian Boarders and waters, no convicted or suspected criminal may be extradited to Britain, even if they are thought to be serial killers. While at first used as a way to keep prisoners on the island nation, the laws are now a massive hindrance to the Ministry of Magic.”

“It is believed that Lestrange had been hiding in Australia before her recent capture and the Ministry is now in negotiations with the Australian Ambassador to have the archaic laws removed so that they may retain any possible criminals to help save the Australian Wizarding community from any inherent danger.” Ivy said, finishing the part of the article which had concerned us all.

It was silent for a few moments as we all absorbed this information. I had read the article so many times I had all but memorised the last bit. The silence was heavy and an undefinable feeling seemed to settle in on the room. The tension was palpable and we all struggled with what to say. Alice was the one to shatter the stony silence.

“So what the Prophet is trying to say is, our families are in constant danger because there’s a high chance Britain's ‘most wanted’ are using home as a ‘get out of jail free’ card?” She asked the room incredulously. She knew the answer, but she was seeking confirmation for it. My tone was surprisingly bitter when I answered. “Yes.” I spat, “All because of a set of stupid archaic laws.”

“But it’s hard,” Ivy chimed in, trying to placate me. “You can’t change laws like that quickly or easily. They take time to be changed. And even then, there are a lot of processes-” Ivy continued, but I cut her off with a snappish reply. “I know Ivy! I did do Legal Studies at High School. Our whole subject was based on Law reform.” I snapped.

Ivy frowned. “Oh calm down I was only trying to help.” She spat back, her temper getting the better of her. “Guys, chill! Calm your farms!” Jen said, speaking up, holding up her hands to press us both back into our seats. “Losing your heads will only make the situation worse.” Jen said, wisely.

Alice nodded. “There’s no point getting worked up about it all. It’s not like we can do anything about it.” she said calmly. Ivy sighed and nodded, the fight flooding from her instantly. Jen eyed me warily. My frown deepened as an epiphany rolled over me.