Harry Potter Enshrouded

After the Chimavorax incident, the British magical society buzzed with disorder. The Daily Prophet had their front page headline for the day. "Chaos at Hogwarts: Ancient Creature Unleashed!"

The article showcased an image of the monster being transported away, which, upon a glance, felt chimerical. "Who was to blame?" was the debate going around in the article.

At the Ministry of Magic, Cornelius Fudge convened an emergency meeting in his office. The assembled officials were mixed with nervous and exciting anticipation."We need to control the narrative," he said, breaking the tense silence. "This creature, this Chimavorax, didn't just stroll into Hogwarts on its own. Someone had to let it in or summon it. And as Minister, it is my responsibility to ensure the public knows this was not the Ministry's failure."

An undersecretary raised a hand hesitantly. "Minister, Dumbledore killed the creature. Publicly blaming him might backfire."

Fudge's eyes narrowed. "I'm not suggesting outright blame. We simply ask questions. Raise doubts about the security protocols at Hogwarts. Perhaps highlight how, under Dumbledore's leadership, such dangers seem to occur more frequently. As for Snape—well, let us expose some of his history."

The room looked around in awe as the minister's plan did seem quite suitable. Doing this would lessen the burden on the ministry's shoulders.

Hours later, Fudge addressed the Wizarding World from the Atrium of the Ministry, his voice a sign of hope to multiple wizards.

"Yesterday's events at Hogwarts are deeply troubling," he began. "While the Ministry commends Headmaster Dumbledore for eliminating the threat, questions must be asked. How did such a dangerous creature breach Hogwarts' wards? And who, if anyone, may have facilitated its entry?"

He paused, letting his words weigh in.

"The Ministry will be conducting a thorough investigation regarding the perpetrator involved. We will not slack off when it comes to the safety of our children.

The reporters clamoured and furiously scribbled their quills as Fudge deflected the blame towards the Hogwarts faculty. 

Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, the tension was palpable. The students were still rattled from the attack. Gryffindors and Ravenclaws whispered theories in the hallways, while Slytherins were targeted under the implied scrutiny of their Head of House, Professor Snape. The Ministry had managed to deflect the blame on Snape, as the attack had begun with the destruction of the potions room.

Adrian Blackthorn sat in the Slytherin common room, reading a letter from his father, Damien Blackthorn. The parchment was formal but did not lack concern.

Adrian, The recent events at your school are deeply troubling. I trust you are safe and unharmed. Rest assured, the Blackthorn name will not be tarnished by baseless rumors. Exercise caution and remain vigilant. Your father.

Adrian folded the letter carefully, glancing around the room. A silence had enveloped the Slytherin common room as worried parent letters flew in at regular intervals. Draco, Nott, and Luciano huddled on the corner of the sofa, looking visibly shaken. Adrian, his sister, and Rebecca were the only ones in their typical state.

In the Great Hall, Dumbledore and the staff worked tirelessly to address the barrage of questions from worried parents. Professor McGonagall read aloud one particularly emotional letter.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, How can we entrust our children to a school where such creatures roam free? I have always trusted you, thinking you are the greatest of this generation. I have only one child, Dumbledore; just one. It is your responsibility to keep my child safe when she is at Hogwarts. The school is not a battleground; it is an institute. Did I make the wrong decision by sending my child here? What if something had happened to her?"

"Dumbledore stared at the letter as certain unpleasant memories resurfaced in his mind.

The headmaster, seated at the head of the staff table, sighed. "Parents have every right to be concerned," he said. "Minerva, ensure them of our ongoing commitment to safety."

A day after the incident, ministry officials arrived to examine the Chimavorax's remains. The body had been preserved, and its grotesque form unsettled even seasoned Aurors. A young magizoologist turned pale at the sight of its amalgamated, scaly, and segmented body.

"Gross, but It's… unlike anything I've ever seen," she whispered.

The lead investigator, Amelia Bones, a stern wizard, said, "This isn't a creature of our world. Its magic is foreign, ancient. Someone brought it here deliberately."

Her statement sparks a commotion as people suddenly realise that this was a calculated act. Meanwhile, the ministry wasted no time spinning this revelation, shedding themselves towards the light.

"Throughout recent years, Dumbledore has insisted that Hogwarts remain an institution separated from the Ministry of Magic. However, such an incident prompts the ministry to strengthen our influence on Hogwarts. From now on, the ministry will always have Aurors stationed on the school grounds, as this attack was deliberate and not an accidental phenomenon. The ministry vows to catch the perpetrator.

Fudge's meticulous arrangement allowed him to shed a shadow of doubt over Dumbledore's image. The next day, the Daily Prophet read: "Ministry to Investigate Hogwarts: Negligence or Sabotage?"

Dumbledore, however, knew that he could not remain a senile old man forever. He took charge of the incident in an interview, commending the bravery of the staff.

"The Chimavorax was a creature of unparalleled danger, but it is no longer a threat," he said. "Hogwarts remains a place of learning and protection. Let us not allow fear to cloud our judgement or divide our community."

His words exerted a profound influence on many, particularly those who remembered his role in defeating Grindelwald. The tide of public opinion began to turn neutral.

This incident had left a influence on Adrian. This sudden turn from the original must have been a butterfly effect, he thought. He now was 100% sure that he could not base any of his decisions on his previous knowledge.

A day soon went by, and the ministry's investigation continued. A shadow had settled onto Hogwarts as the students grew uneasy. Most avoided the dungeons, and rumours swirled about who might have summoned the creature. "Snape is the one to blame," most students said. These sudden rumours about himself had irked the hotheaded Snape. "Five points from Gryffindor." One could hear this phrase every time they met the professor in the corridor. 

However, none of these tensions really affected Adrian's daily life, as today was his scheduled meeting with Skyflare Innovations.