1st May 2011


Last evening, as the rest of London was having a well-earned Saturday nightcap, an assembly of Aurors were poised to raid the House of Atreus. A statement from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement declares that the mission was the result of weeks spent investigating Russian aristocrat, Ira Almasy.

To those familiar with London's strata of upperclass socialites, the name is associated not only with globe trotting opulence but the generous and artistic nature of a patron of the arts. Ira Almasy began making headlines in British society rags when she first visited Great Britain in the early 1990s. By the time she settled into her sprawling abode in East London - and Atreus residence of Muggle Knightsbridge - the witch was well-known for her many lavish soirees and fundraisers. Proceeds of Almasy’s functions often went to worthy causes, the most recent being a generous donation to St.Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies & Injuries.

How is it then, that the charitable crème de la crème of wizarding society has been revealed as a long running malefactor of justice? Far from being a mere embezzler or thief, Almasy’s crimes extend into the realm of assassination and terror. Supposed samaritan or butcher? Or both? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Almasy never did anything in halves.




In spite of the department’s best efforts to launch a covert attack on Atreus it soon became apparent that their presence was expected.

“It came out of bloody nowhere!” exclaimed distressed Atreus resident Artemis Childs, who was amongst the first of bystander casualties when the Atreus elevator erupted to prevent the ascent of Aurors to its Penthouse. Apparation wards prevented further entry.

According to eye witnesses, traps and enchantments were employed to intercept mass infiltration of the building. The Ministry of Magic reports that no lives were lost in these ambush attacks but at least nine Aurors sustained serious injuries. In addition to these casualties, seven civilian bystanders suffered wounds. Inside sources disclosed that the raid failed to reach Almasy’s apartments before an explosion on the topmost floor precipitated the concave disintegration of the structure. At present only the facade and outermost flats of Atreus continue to stand.



Solomon Carstairs, current Head of Magical Law Enforcement, was reached for further comment about the investigation leading up to last evening’s raid.

“It became apparent to us from first indication of Almasy’s true nature that we were dealing with a complex and extensive history of criminal activity” he explained. “Thus far we have discovered her explicit involvement in numerous infractions. Kidnapping, extortion, the death of Wolfgang Storm, the running of underground Werewolf rings, and the destruction of the Leaky Cauldron on Guy Fawkes night.”

Carstairs also indicated that the investigation would continue to look into other crimes linked to Almasy, and invites members of the public to come forward with any information they might have on either the witch or her associates.

A representative of Ira Almasy’s family has informed the Prophet that a funeral will be held in Highgate Cemetery as soon as her body is released for burial by the DMLE. She is survived by her niece and rumoured beneficiary, Raine Almasy. The remains of one Jebediah Layton, Hogwarts alumnus and Almasy’s private secretary, was also discovered in Atreus.