Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based on ideas, characters, settings and situations created by JKR; they are used without permission. I do not claim to own any of these elements. This has been written for the sole purpose of entertainment and no profit is made nor infringement intended.

On a Bed of Nails and Roses:

The Battles Saga

Lady Shadow

Book One:

The London Witch Trails

Fanfiction:

Harry Potter

R

Angst, Action/Adventure

No Current Pairing

One would have thought that the Wizarding World had learned to keep its mouth shut after the Salem Witch Trails. This is a record of the London Witch Trails...

"MUGGLE-FRIENDLY GROUP: UNITED, GOES PUBLIC!

Against the explicit orders of the Ministry, the Muggle-Friendly group known as "United" has gone to the Muggle press with displays of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"They had always threatened to go public and no one listened to them-they were placed on the back burner. Right behind You-Know-Who, but I think the Ministry is seeing that they should pay more attention to radical groups. Now You-Know-Who will only be one of our many concerns..." Says Arthur Weasley of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department.

"I don't think we'll be able to just Oblivate all of London-they know we're here now, and they're not happy." Burnice Livingston said breifly this morning before pushing into the Ministry.

The Ministry was in complete chaos this morning as Witches and Wizards streamed into work in dressing gowns and slippers. Apparently since the release of the news at approximately three-forty this morning there has been a rash out break of Muggles calling the London Police with reports of 'strangness' exhibited by their neighbors. Police have made a record amount of arrests in the London area, not all of which are magical folk.

"The treacherous Muggle-Friendly group has been arrested by the Muggle police and are being pressed for information. Rumor has it that they have given the location of several important Wizarding Factions, including St. Mungo's, Hogwarts, Hogsmead, and the Ministry of Magic, but I can not confirm or deny any such rumors at this time." Percy Weasley told us as he rushed to the Minister's side. Minister of Magic, Cornelus Fudge gave no comments this morning, and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts was unavailable for comment, but assured us that his school is perfectly safe for the time being. The Daily Prophet assures all citizens that we will not fail in covering this story and facts will be presented as we gather them. You are advised to stay in doors and not send owls."

The Great Hall was in an uproar. Many students had burst into unconsolable fits of tears while others stared stupidly at a copy of the Daily Prophet and still others shouted in fury.

"Quiet!" Dumbledore roared suddenly. Eyes turned to the head table, but Dumbledore was in front of the doors, still dressed in a cap and sleeping gown and looking as though he hadn't slept at all. The Hall quieted and Dumbledore took a less imposing stance. "As I see, you have all recieved a copy of the Daily Prophet. Let me assure you that this situation has and will continue to recieve my full and undevided attention. Students will be confined to dormitories until further notice is given. Understand that regardless of Muggle authorities possibly knowing the location of this castle, you are absolutely safe within the walls of Hogwarts. Classes will be postponed until this minor crisis can be taken care of. If you would all calmly proceed to your dormitories at this time. You will be updated as soon as there is anything to tell you. Good day." With this, he turned and swept out of the room. The Hall was silent for all of two seconds, at which prefects, house heads and staff all began shouting at once, directing traffic and getting the stunned students to their dorms before the absurd novelty could wear off and people could begin really panicking. That would just have to wait until they got to their rooms.

The dorms were silent. Most were writting letters to their families-few stopped to think that Hogwarts might not be sending out owls-and those who were not were staring stupidly out windows or into the fire. Most of the girls were in their rooms and the few that were still in the commons room where in little huddles trying to comfort eachother. The boys on the other hand were staying as far away from each other as was possible. Fred and George were half-heartedly setting off fireworks in an attempt to cheer their housemates, but they were being mostly ignored. Harry and Ron sat shoulder-to-shoulder on the couch and were quietly observing their housemates.

"Where's Granger, Weasley?" Both turned slowly to see Draco and Pansy standing behind the couch, watching the room warily.

"In her room I suppose." Ron answered, not even having the strength to throw a retort at his long time menice. Draco nodded at Pansy dismissively and she made her way to the girl's dorms. Draco lowered himself to a seat and kept darting nervous glances at all corners of the room, almost as though he was expecting someone to attack him.

"So, do you think this will disrupt Voldemort's plans at all?" Harry asked casually, wanting nothing more than a fight with Draco to take his mind off the day's events. Draco glared at him maliciously.

"I wouldn't know." He answered, his voice low and dangerously quiet. Harry met his glare evenly.

"Maybe you should ask your father." Draco's eyes narrowed dangerously and he was half out of his chair when Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Perhaps we should go?" She said, her voice betraying her calm expression. Draco stood briskly.

"Yes, perhaps we should. Weasley?" It took a moment for Ron to process that he had just been addressed.

"What Malfoy?" Pansy rolled her eyes and sighed loudly.

"All prefects are to attend an emergency meeting ASAP." Draco informed him slowly. Ron glared dangerously, but stood and fell into step with Hermione as they followed the Slytherin prefects out of the commons room. Harry huffed angrily. Not only had he been excluded from this meeting-no surprise, he wasn't a prefect-but he had also been completely forgotten-Ron hadn't even said goodbye-and cheated out of his fight with Malfoy to boot. Harry crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the fire.