Lucius Malfoy, after a lengthy trial on 21, August, has been released from the Institution of Magical Corrections. After testimonies from victims, Ministry officials, and prison personnel, a vote of thirty out of fifty gave the majority vote to releasing Malfoy, aged 64. Malfoy' s son, Draco Malfoy, spoke on his father's behalf during the trial.

Hank Frooble, who voted against releasing Malfoy, opined that releasing Malfoy was a mistake. "He doesn't mean a bit of it," he said disgustedly. "He pulled the same rubbish the last time. Releasing him was the worst error the Wizengamot's made in twenty years."

The trial ended at noon, and the courtroom was emptied soon thereafter.

The circumstances around Natalie Sterling's death are still not clear, though most Ministry investigators agree that the cause of death was very likely the unforgiveable Killing Curse.  The body was not marked in any way, and was completely healthy.

They say that the killings are reminiscent of the events that led up to both the first and second rise of Voldemort, still called "You-Know-Who" by many fearful witches and wizards.  An Auror who has asked to remain unnamed says that they did find one link among the victims: they were all avid supporters of the Ministry's Muggle-friendly and non-human friendly views.  The Ministry has declined comment.

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