The first month back after Christmas passed uneventfully. Nothing major happened, not even the thing Malfoy had been loudly predicting all holiday: that Professor Umbridge was going to fire Hagrid. That didn't come to pass either.
The only real change was that fifth-year students now had even more homework than before. Anne even saw Malfoy doing assignments in the Slytherin common room a few times after coming back from the greenhouses, a rare sight.
But Anne knew this peace was only temporary.
Sure enough, as soon as February began, The Daily Prophet delivered a bombshell.
The front page headline read:
"Mass Breakout from Azkaban: Ministry Fears Black May Be 'Ringleader' of Death Eaters"
Below the headline were ten black-and-white moving photographs, nine wizards and one witch. Some sneered silently, others tapped arrogantly at the frame of their photos. Each one was labeled with a name and the crimes they were imprisoned for.
Antonin Dolohov, a gaunt, twisted-faced wizard, brutally murdered Gideon and Fabian Prewett.
Augustus Rookwood, a sallow-faced man with slicked-back hair, leaked Ministry secrets to the Dark Lord.
Bellatrix Lestrange, wild black hair and a cold, disdainful smile, used the Cruciatus Curse on Frank and Alice Longbottom, leaving them permanently incapacitated.
Rodolphus Lestrange, tall and dark-eyed, emotionless, murdered Ministry workers Mr. and Mrs. Stokke.
Rabastan Lestrange, short and Reevey, with a furious scowl, killed the Bones couple in cold blood.
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Late last night, the Ministry of Magic confirmed a major prison break from Azkaban.
Minister Cornelius Fudge, speaking from his office, confirmed that ten high-security inmates escaped the prison and said the Muggle Prime Minister had been informed of the danger.
"Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a situation eerily similar to the one two and a half years ago, when Sirius Black first escaped," said Fudge last night. "We do not believe it's unrelated. A breakout on this scale suggests inside help, and given that Black was the first ever to escape Azkaban, he is uniquely suited to aid others. One of the escapees is also his cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange. We believe these fugitives now see Black as their leader. The Ministry is doing everything in its power to track them down. We urge the public to remain alert and under no circumstances approach these individuals."
When Fanny read the article early that morning, she was so shocked she spilled her milk for the first time ever. At the staff table, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were deep in conversation, both with uncharacteristically grim expressions. Professor Umbridge, meanwhile, was gulping down her porridge, not even bothering to scan the Great Hall for misbehavior. She just ate with a scowl, occasionally throwing venomous looks toward Dumbledore and McGonagall.
When the owl carrying The Daily Prophet arrived, Anne received two other letters at the same time, one from Diana, and one from Aaron. Both were "especially" concerned about her, in their own ways.
After reading the paper, Fanny wasn't just shocked, she also looked genuinely sympathetic toward Anne. She hadn't known the details of Anne's parents before.
But that wasn't what truly bothered Anne.
What did trouble her was how, once again, she had become the center of attention.
By afternoon, the story had spread across the school. Everyone was talking about the ten escaped Death Eaters. Children from wizarding families had grown up hearing their names whispered in fear, nearly as terrifying as Voldemort himself. And at Hogwarts, students whose families had suffered at their hands naturally became targets of hushed whispers and stares.
"Thanks, really, I'm fine, " Anne replied with a calm smile to the latest classmate offering their condolences.
They walked away with a concerned look, adding, "If you ever need anything, Stokke, just come find me, okay?"
Anne sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Seriously, we're in the library. What more do they want?"
After spending half a day watching Anne get approached by no fewer than four people, Fanny's tone had changed dramatically.
"Maybe you should just go back to the dorms for a while?" she suggested.
Anne glanced down at her Ancient Runes essay, which had only three lines so far. She shut her reference book with a snap. "Good idea. Fanny, let me copy your homework when you're done tonight."
Fanny nodded. Anne looked around, pulled up the hood of her school cloak, slung on her bag, and quickly made her way out of the library. She took a back route behind the building, hoping to avoid the busy main corridors.
But just around the bend, she stopped in her tracks.
Standing in the shadows behind the library were Hermione and Luna, chatting quietly.
Anne froze. Then turned to leave.
"Anne?" both Hermione and Luna called out almost at once.
Luna was already jogging over.
Anne turned around with a sheepish grin. "Ah, good afternoon! What a coincidence! You two must be talking about something important, don't mind me!"
"It's not that important, " Luna said as she reached Anne, then suddenly leaned in and sniffed her.
"Oi!" Hermione snapped.
Anne recoiled instinctively. "Luna, what are you doing?"
Luna straightened up, blinking dreamily. "I knew it. You were at the Hog's Head that day, weren't you?"
Anne's expression faltered. She glanced nervously at Hermione, then quickly looked away.
"Wha, no way! You must be mistaken, Luna. I'd never go to a place like that," Anne said quickly.
Luna tilted her head, sniffed again, and suddenly smiled. "I'm sure of it. I know it was you." She flicked her gaze toward Hermione, eyes widening theatrically. "Wait, Hermione doesn't know?"
Hermione had already stepped closer. "If you're talking about Anne being at the Hog's Head, sorry to disappoint you, Luna, I already knew. And I've known longer than you."
Luna just blinked slowly. "Oh. Okay."
Hermione looked like she might explode.
Anne saw her expression and jumped in. "Let's not dwell on that, okay? You two can keep talking, I should really, "
"I want to hear what you think," Luna interrupted, staring at Anne with unusual seriousness.
"Good," Hermione said at once. "I was hoping you would. I actually have the same idea." She smiled a little at Anne, but Anne could tell something was still off.
Anne had been ready to refuse, but the words that came out were: "Alright. Let's hear it."
Luna's huge eyes shifted to Hermione.
"This morning's Daily Prophet article about the ten escaped Death Eaters," Hermione began, then paused to glance at Anne.
Anne gave a small nod, signaling her to continue.
"It's serious. We can't just sit back and do nothing anymore," Hermione said. "I've written to Rita Skeeter. I want her to write a piece about what really happened to Harry last year, how he faced Voldemort during the Tournament. The Prophet won't print it, obviously. But The Quibbler might. Luna's dad is the editor."
"The point is, at least witches and wizards outside of school will know the truth, even if the Ministry won't admit Voldemort's return." Hermione looked at Anne with anxious hope.
"That sounds like a solid plan," Anne nodded. "No issues there, "
Hermione looked thrilled.
"However," Anne added, and both girls leaned in.
"As far as I know, The Quibbler doesn't pay for contributions, does it?"
"Nope," Luna said cheerfully. "Dad never pays for articles. People do it for the honor, and to see their name in print, of course."
"I've got that covered," Hermione said breezily. "She'll write it for free. I still have dirt on her, so I may as well use it while I can. Just this once."
Hermione gave a sly smile.
Anne raised an eyebrow. So Hermione holds grudges too, huh?
"I don't have any other concerns," Anne said. "When are you planning to do it?"
"The sooner, the better," said Hermione, clearly excited. "Next Hogsmeade weekend. At the Three Broomsticks."
Anne glanced at her watch. "Sounds like a solid plan. I'll head back to the dorm now, okay?"
Luna nodded first. "Alright!"
Hermione gave Luna a glare but then nodded too.
Anne caught Hermione's look and, without meaning to, smiled faintly.
Noticing it, Hermione suddenly stepped forward and gave Anne a hug.
Anne froze. She didn't even know where to put her hands.
"Thank you, Anne," Hermione whispered near her ear. Her breath was warm against Anne's neck, and Anne's ears turned bright red.
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The next morning, a new decree was posted on the school noticeboard:
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Hogwarts High Inquisitor's Order
Teachers are hereby prohibited from sharing any information with students unrelated to their subject of instruction.
This decree complies with Educational Decree No. 26.
Signed: Dolores Jane Umbridge, High Inquisitor
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But of course, a piece of parchment couldn't stop rumors. In the corridors after class, students whispered about the breakout constantly, and even teachers could be seen gathered in small groups, murmuring anxiously.
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The complete release can be accessed through Patreon.com/Crimson_Lore