deadly hallows.

Albert Runcorn was found slain, the ghost of a Dark Mark floating over his Upper Flagley home. Neighbours discovered his body Monday morning, clearly the victim of a brutal Killing Curse. Aurors have few leads as to who could be using the calling card of Lord Voldemort's followers, long thought to be eradicated in the United Kingdom.

Runcorn leaves behind his wife and two daughters, both currently attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A noted Gobstones enthusiast, Runcorn is best known as the champion of Yorkshire Chapter of the International Gobstones League. The Ministry of Magic employee dedicated himself to the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee, often noted for his belief that Muggles understand more than the wizarding community believes, and should be treated as delicately as possible.

"I always thought Runcorn was an odd fellow. Always had a neti pot with him," said neighbour, Betty Nettles.

More disturbing than nasal irrigation perhaps, is the relic of the wars past: the Dark Mark. It was reported by the Ministry that within a few months of the glorious defeat of Lord Voldemort in 1997, all reputed Death Eaters were collected and that the threat of an uprising was very minimal. Over six years have passed since the last Dark Mark was spotted, shortly before the death of Thorfinn Rowle.