[EM] Plot — Classic
When darkness fell over London, the only question that the magical community had was why it had taken so long. Voldemort gathered all his strength in the middle of the summer, struck hard and fast, and left Diagon Alley obliterated before turning to other centres of Wizarding commerce, systematically destroying society as it was known. Now it is all but lost to memory. As this war continues to wage, battle upon battle, on the Wizarding world, families are rent apart and everyone must decide which side they will turn to.
Professor McGonagall still lives on and is putting her full efforts into running the school the best she can, although that may not be enough. Hogwarts is just as cherished during these dark times, but the losses are still all too fresh bear. Albus Dumbledore, died June 1997, was one of the first to go, and lead the chain of deaths that leaves the current staff list almost unrecognisable: Snape, killed by order members uncertain of his erratic loyalties; Slughorn, eventually dying a hero’s death; Flitwick and Sprout killed defending those they loved; Vector and Sinistra both killed in the Diagon Alley Massacre.
Yet, back at Hogwarts, the trio are recovering from the recent battle. Bedridden in Order headquarters for what little of the summer that remained, priorities are now in perspective. Ron lat injured for many months, spending most of his time in Hospital Wing, and only late last month was he allowed release from the confines of the quiet, uneventful room. Harry, Ron and Hermione, all three plagued by torturous memories, are now concentrating on their final year of school. It is now clear to Mr. Potter that Hogwarts is the place he must be; the inevitable, ultimate battle fighting to emerge at their front door.
Hogsmeade is the last frontier of the war, where the deals are made and the challenges issued that will decide the outcome—but no longer can the world simply depend on a duel between Harry Potter and Voldemort. Now, the question is, who will win this war, which has turned from a striking display of strength to a subtle war of ideas? And the answer? You decide.
Death Eaters
There are Voldemort's Death Eaters. Proud, strong, and an appealing prospect because they haven't failed yet and are gathering in every corner of the globe. They are winning a war of ideas solely because of the conviction of the central members, but if that conviction is shattered, their fate is uncertain.
The Order of the Phoenix
Now the sole force actively fighting against the Death Eaters, the Order of the Phoenix relies heavily on its appeal of 'upholding justice.' However, it has a fatal weakness; only those who are of age can become members. Although they have a youth organization, Dumbledore's Army, to match the Death Eater-supported Slytherin Society, it may not be enough.
The Ministry of Magic
If it takes absolute control -- to the point where citizens can't breathe without a decree stating that this is allowed -- to keep the British Wizarding world in order, it will be worth it for the Ministry of Magic, which has become more a physical presence than an ideal one. Bordering on the totalitarian, the Ministry now controls Hogwarts. It has created a model for the rebelling population at Hogwarts. But in these uncertain times, being sent to Azkaban for treason is an empty threat.
The Durov Circle
And then there is the Durov Circle, a highly secretive anarchist organization that is to the Ministry what the Death Eaters are to the Order. Based on untested theory, these philosophers and generally erudite believe that war is a necessary, cleansing good. Their goal is not a pretty one in the eyes of many, but in the people's increasing fear of absolute government, they increasingly appeal to the rabble.
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Majority of the [EM] Plot credit to Laura (Nathaniel Crouch).
