To the Press [[URGENT]]

@Gilbert Prichard @Adrienne Reynolds @Pansy Parkinson-Nott @Shylock Ashcroft

Hello,

My name is Ace Longbottom. I am a student at Hogwarts about to enter my sixth year. For all intents and purposes, I should have no place in the world's political arena.

However, I no longer TRUST our government to take care of ANYTHING, so I am coming to you.

There is something rotten in the state of Massachusetts, more specifically, the grounds of Ilvermorny. It is impossible to reach students there. It took me multiple attempts with multiple birds to get contact with anyone, and lost contact promptly. This problem persists both ways, and students who left to take one class still have not returned.

I have attached a copy of my letter to multiple Ministry officials, as well as the unnerving letter I received from an Ilvermorny student. Please, getting the word out is very important. We must help them.

Scarlett Duffy wrote:Alice,

I'm not entirely sure how, but your falcon made it through. I think the clever thing must have taken the ferry. Or maybe he was flying near your train home when some of your students were moved here. I don't know this Lydia person, but I may be able to find her. I don't know that I can get your shoes back. Or your bird, unfortunately. He's sort of annoyed, actually. I don't think he likes me very much.

As for what's happening here, well. I'll tell you what, it isn't great. I think the food is the main problem right now. We don't have enough to fill even a pitcher with. The lights and everything else can be dealt with, really. It's turned into a sort of first-come-first-serve thing, which isn't good. My friends and I have started investigating but we always get thrown off the trail or the task at hand - not half because my best friend is a little gullible when she's told she has some sort of privilege. I love her to death, but that really is quite a long story so I'll save that for later.

I don't see how you're going to get food here, though, I'm afraid. I do wonder what will come over on the ferry, but it only really seems to carry people, not objects. Or, I guess, it carried animals too. But I don't think I have quite enough strength to use any animals that are sent over as food. So maybe don't do that?

If this gets back to you and you have any ideas, I would be happy to pass them on. We don't really have any professors left, though, since they've all... left? I don't know. Either way, if we don't start tearing each other apart, maybe we can get something done. I'm fixing to lose my mind with this lot.

Nevertheless, I'm very glad you got through, Alice. I have no idea how I'm going to send this, yet, but now that I've got a mind to do it I hope I find a way...

Wishing you luck,
Scarlett Duffy

Ace Longbottom wrote:To the Minister, or any one else who may be of help,

Hello. I have sent this to several heads of departments, Hogwarts higher-ups, etc. I will continue sending this to anyone I believe needs to see/hear it.

I do not know to what extent you are aware, but something is happening over at Ilvermorny. With our students there, we certainly cannot stand idly by. I have included in this a copy of letter I received from an Ilvermorny student, which took much effort on both sides to even deliver. I am hoping this issue will be handled swiftly. Please keep me in the loop.

If I do not receive a response, I will be forced to reach out to the American Ministry and the media.

Thank you,
Alice Longbottom

Dear Ace

I'd like to thank you on behalf of The Daily Prophet for your letter.  It's thanks to people like you that we are able to keep the public informed, and if you don't mind me saying, I'm glad to see the Longbottoms remain passionate for a better future.

The Daily Prophet has planned a profile on the Ilvermorny Exchange, so you can rest assured that this matter will be investigated thoroughly, both abroad and at home.

Yours Sincerely
Shylock Ashcroft

Dear Shylock,

Thank you for the timely response. I was supremely discouraged at the lack of communication from the Ministry, but am glad someone has heard my call.

Off the record, can you tell me anything about what is going on over there? Besides knowing a few classmates who have not returned, I have a vested interest in the magical youth population, and am very disturbed at just how vulnerable they are in the scheming and planning of our government and the powers that be.

I feel like I'm a little crazy. Surely, I'm not the only one who has noticed? I don't want to say cover-up, but it smells like cover-ups.

Much obliged,
Ace Longbottom