Professor Aleron Wilhelm, PhD
Eruditen House
Laevenstrome Fundunct of Sorcery
1534 Paladin Way
Lake Elsinore, California 90334-1029

Auror Archer Radley
British Ministry of Magic
London, England

Auror Radley,

I apologise for the time it has taken to analyse the above image. I was prepared to send my letter to you beforehand when the thought occurred to me that the cyclical nature of the scar might in fact be linked to Mayan calendars. A full analysis done in conjunction with moon cycles -- requiring, unfortunately, the time of a complete cycle -- yielded nothing, so I am back to my prior conclusions.

The image seems to hold no substantive significance, but likely a resonates most strongly to the creator. You will, I hope, forgive me the crude analogy here, but the impression it has made upon me is striking and inescapable. I cannot help but think of an adolescent student doodling on his notebook in class, thinking his image the epitome of his clever, universal meaning without realising its overstatement. I may be overstepping my bounds in proposing that the image might have been first drawn up or conceptualised at such a time and in such a setting.

The skull is a clear invocation of the Dark Mark -- something I assume your office has investigated fully. The thorns around it do seem to be a chain-link pattern, to show its harshness and violence to, as barb-wired fences do, keep in or out. Such an image is enforcing -- protecting the skull and antagonising those who would approach it.

But it also contains in it the modified rune Jera which invokes cycle, annual time, and completion. It implies a plan, intention, and a return. The artist's adolescence is here proved in that he has used upright Jera, not the merkstave form. It remains, on the whole, a positive prayer for fruitfulness, harvest, and good fortune rather than the revolution and violence necessarily consistent with the crime as described to me.

This being said, it is possible the creator views the movement as positive -- creative rather than destructive. Look for then advocacy of causes not currently under the umbrella of legislation and governance rather than the resistance to existing institutions. Should this be the case, the return might be to a perceived Golden Age, something to be built up. Perhaps all revolving around the skull, as the image does.

If you have not done so, I would also see if you can find a former Death Eater who might be familiar with Voldemort's fascinating symbology. It is something that I have not examined in great depth, but my colleague, Morias Andersson has investigated it. I attach here several of his articles and notes on the subject, with his permission. Do not fear any indiscretion: he does not know the purpose for which I requested them.

I am curious to hear, if you may share, the progress on this and am happy to continue my involvement if so desired by your office. Be certain to check regularly upon the scar. I have known several to change shape and the manner of its transformation, not merely the ending result of such a change, may be significant.

Best of luck.

Aleron Wilhelm, PhD
Professor of Runic Studies
Eruditen Chair and Head

Auror Archer Radley
British Ministry of Magic
London, England

Professor Aleron Wilhelm, PhD
Eruditen House
Laevenstrome Fundunct of Sorcery
1534 Paladin Way
Lake Elsinore, California 90334-1029

Professor Wilhelm,

I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to respond to your analysis.  There has been another instance in which the symbol was used again – during the commission of another crime.  This one was considerably more public and outrageous than the last, though I would prefer to keep the details out of a letter, for the sake of protecting those involved.  It was emblazoned on a wall immediately after commission - a calling card, so to speak. 

The only problem I have is that the second attack is not congruent with the idea of a hate crime.  The first, we suspected might be related to the victim’s status as a Muggleborn; however, the second victim was a prominent pureblooded citizen. 

I realize this fits in with your analysis of a cause not under the ministry’s umbrella at this time, but it is becoming difficult to see where exactly this fits in.  I am going to be looking into your suggestion about youth familiar with the symbolism of DEs and ex-DEs who are not currently incarcerated.  I’ve looked at the articles you sent and found them interesting and somewhat enlightening.  I’m going to be adding them to the case file for reference. 

I will keep you updated on any changes in patterns and appearances.  Thus far, it appears nothing has changed, but I will keep you posted.  Thank you for your help and analysis.  I will keep your address (and letter) in the case file as well, so we can contact you for any further assistance. 

Auror Archer Radley
DMLE, British Ministry