#npc: coriolanus hodge

[veritas-radio]

BROADCASTED 27 FEBRUARY 1979. HOGSMEADE, SCOTLAND.

Hello, listeners. This is Basil Aldertree, here to bring you the weekly wizarding news. Welcome to our program.

We know many of you have had a lot of questions today that have been answered in bits and pieces. Some news has been partial, some has been misleading, and for others it’s been one pinprick in the ultimate scheme of things. Here’s what we know right now about the situation unfolding. 

According to early investigations, the body of former Minister’s wife Evelyn Minchum was discovered outside of the home of Duncan Churchill in the early hours of the morning. DMLE employees were called quickly to the scene as soon as the body was found, and a quick search of the grounds led to the discovery and capture of Helene Nott, who is believed to have been responsible for starting the riot on Boxing Day two months ago. Nott was taken into custody, and laid out a full confession. Head of Ministry Public Relations, Clementina Turnhall, gave the following statement at one this afternoon--

“Early this morning, a witch was taken into custody by the DMLE for questioning about possible ties to the death of Evelyn Minchum and her husband, Harold Minchum. We cannot release specific details of the case at this time, but a confession has been made, and the charges will be brought against this individual swiftly and in accordance with the law.”

This incredibly vague statement was given more focus and explanation at four this afternoon, with another statement by Head of the DMLE, Coriolanus Hodge. Listen in. 

“At this time, we’re able to announce that Helene Nott has confessed to the murder of Evelyn Minchum earlier this morning, and for the use of the Imperius Curse on Mrs. Minchum. We believe that Mrs. Nott coerced Mrs. Minchum into murdering her husband through the use of an Unforgivable Curse. Right now, we have no other details to give you, except that Mrs. Nott has been detained and will be facing the full force of our nation’s justice. There is no innocence in this case, and there is no doubt in what the justice of our courts will bring for Mrs. Nott.”

As of barely an hour ago, Mrs. Nott was reportedly convicted for the murder of Evelyn Minchum, the use of an Unforgivable Curse, and inciting violence during the Boxing Day riot. She has been transferred to Azkaban prison, where she will most likely remain. This is one of the fastest cases to go from crime to conviction to date, and it seems it is currently being regarded as a victory in general. Though whether it is or not is up to you.

Helene Nott was on record for being incredibly critical of the actions of the Wizengamot, particularly of their behavior towards her husband, Troilus Nott, who was arrested in December for endangering the public-- charges which, as far as we are currently aware, have yet to be addressed-- and has been in Azkaban ever since. Mrs. Nott has spoken out against the Wizengamot and its inability to serve justice. Head of the Wizengamot Duncan Churchill seems to have been a target of her resentment, as seen this morning with Nott’s arrest in front of Churchill’s house. Churchill is on the record for saying “we’re past the point of punishment fitting the crime.” He’s been an incredibly harsh head of the Wizengamot since his appointment in 1965, and it could be argued that his methods contributed to what happened today. I’m sure Mr. Churchill will be doing just that these next few days. 

I think this is a good time to reflect upon the words of a former Minister-- Minister Albert Goodwin. While his term ended poorly and his actions caused more disruption in the community through his unwillingness to condemn the Death Eaters and their actions, there’s something in his life and career that I think we should all reflect on tonight. Listen in.

“We must remember in a time like this that we are all responsible for the climate of our community. We all have places we can improve. We should take this time to reflect on ourselves.”

Just as we were then, we are responsible for things that have happened not just today, but for the past decade. A lack of order brings with it complications and struggle that make it hard for the justice system to work. Today, the justice system failed. But the arrest and conviction of Helene Nott for her actions gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance in the near future for it to succeed. 

So until next time, listeners, this is Basil Aldertree. Good night.

[veritas-roleplay]

WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY : Monday, 30 July 1979

Rumors about an internal investigation of Churchill by the DMLE begin to circulate the Ministry building.

Coriolanus Hodge releases a statement saying that no investigation of Duncan Churchill will be taking place, saying “There’s no point in speculating about something that’s based on a claim by an air-headed gossip queen.”

Rita Skeeter bashes Coriolanus Hodge on her show, Me, Myself, and I with Rita Skeeter.

London experiences an unexpected heat wave.

[veritas-radio]

BROADCASTED 24 OCTOBER 1978. HOGSMEADE, SCOTLAND.

Hello, listeners. This is Basil Aldertree, here to bring you the weekly wizarding news. Welcome to our program. 

Yesterday’s dedication of the Diagon Alley War Memorial ended with the arrest of Evelyn Minchum for the attempted murder of Minister Millicent Bagnold. Minchum, 51, was wife of former Minister for Magic Harold Minchum, who was murdered September first this year. While it’s reported that she claimed responsibility for the murder of her husband, Minchum has officially been charged with the attempted murder of Minister Bagnold only. Witnesses say that Minchum drew her wand on Minister Bagnold, but was unable to launch an attack before Junior Auror Calissa Duke tackled her to the ground. Duke, 21, received minor injuries, and was one of the two Aurors to be injured in Minchum’s arrest. It was announced this morning that Duke is to be honored by an award of valor from the Minister herself. 

Bagnold’s ratings have, surprisingly, dropped since yesterday. In a poll taken this morning, three quarters of the community are glad that Bagnold is okay, but only half of them think she should remain in office. We interviewed Alyssa Monroe, one of the shopkeepers in Diagon Alley, about why, listen in--

“I’m glad she wasn’t hurt or anything, I mean she’s the Minister. And after what happened to Minister Minchum, no one wants to lose another Minister like that. But the jokes she made after they arrested Mrs. Minchum.... I know it was probably just nerves, but it made a lot of people really uncomfortable.”

Can’t say I disagree with that one. 

The Ministry released an official report on the events of yesterday early this morning. Coriolanus Hodge, Head of the DMLE, spoke personally on the matter. Hodge is, as many of us know, not a man of many words. His statement lasted less than three minutes, and included a brief and altogether vague Q&A session after. Listen in--

“Evelyn Minchum has been officially charged with attempted murder of Minister Millicent Bagnold. We are looking into her claims about the death of her husband. At this time, she has not been charged with Minister Minchum’s murder. Mrs. Minchum’s actions were unlike her, and we’re looking into the possibility that she was under the Imperius curse. At this time, however, we have no further information to give.”

      “Mr. Hodge, do you think Death Eaters are behind Evelyn Minchum’s actions?”

“We don’t know.”

                “Was Minister Minchum murdered?”

“That’s still under investigation.”

       “You said he died because of medical reasons-- were you lying to the public?”

“I can’t say.”

                               “Can you give us anymore information?”

“At this time, no. Thank you.”

Not exactly enlightening. We’ll keep you up to date on the developments of this case as they come. 

In the meantime, Diagon Alley has been closed on the north end once again, as the memorial is examined for any evidence of dark magic or suspicion. No time was given officially for how long it would be closed. Our reporters attempted to get an interview with the Auror department, but Head Auror Alastor Moody avoided answering any questions. It seems not even an attempt on the Minister’s life is enough to get him to break his strict “no interview” policy. 

Tonight’s radio round table discussion will have witnesses from last night’s attack telling stories of their experiences. Tune in at 8pm for more. Until then, I’m Basil Aldertree, wishing all of you a good day and good luck. Until next time, listeners.