Recent crimes recorded against wizarding persons are beyond even the cold, quick cruelty of character assassination. Gross negligence and malice were on display in the callous killings of Lupin, Snape, Tonks, Fred Weasley and possibly others (such as Moody. There was as well a curious pattern of "identity theft" that led to gross misrepresentation of Lucius Malfoy and perhaps others (Narcissa and possibly Draco Malfoy; Neville Longbottom).

Stronger words are called for (many uttered in the course of my initial reading). More detailed investigation is needed to establish which of these were natural, timely and justified deaths, and which involved torture of the readers along with the characters, in several cases, prior to the reckless taking of life.

I can only speculate as yet on the motives of the author of these crimes. Wanton disregard? Haste surpassing even a Gryffindor's noted indifference to caution? Good intentions torpedoed by technical ineptitude, similar to someone carelessly failing to read the safety precautions on a Weasley's Wizard Wheezes product, or to follow Professor Snape's clearly screamed instructions in OWL level Potions?

Another line of investigation might focus on the possible failure to seek or take assistance (i.e., an editor! or 10!). Certainly, Ms. Hermione Granger is on record as repeatedly attempting to call attention to certain spells and wizarding rules, the flagrant violation of which contributed to several untimely deaths. One egregious oversight was the failure, to our knowledge, to provide then Headmaster S. Snape with precautionary prophylaxis when in the vicinity of a deadly snake owned by a well-known semi-human psychopath. If such measures were in fact in place (and it is known that Mr. Snape would always normally have with him, if not have previously ingested, such anti-venin), of course, a simple verification of Mr. Snape's recovery and continued existence will remove this serious charge from the indictment.

(It must, however, be made clear that exculpation from this charge will not clear the author of related charges against Mr. Snape, including but not limited to: reckless textual endangerment, solicitation of murder, and other acts of malice against Mr. Snape. If found to constitute a pattern characteristic of "hate crimes," there may in this, as in charges relating to any other witch or wizard, be additional penalties. At the minimum, this would include a Restraining Order prohibiting all further interference with the aforesaid wizard's continued life, livelihood, and amorous relationships.)

The untoward incidents in question may be yet more instances of the unparalleled over-use of the Imperius Curse, to force wizards and witches to behave in ways not only utterly uncharacteristic, but no doubt deeply shameful to themselves. The injuries to the characters of Mr. Lucius Malfoy and his family, as well as the uncustomary behavior of Remus Lupin, his reported wife N. Tonks, and Mr. N. Longbottom, seem explainable only as the result of sustained, malicious application of this Unforgivable.

Indeed, the recent tragic events may be entirely the work of the Darkest of Magics. To wit, the evil effects of "the power that corrupts absolutely," in this case a combination of the author having already earned more money than God* and also apparently feeling "absolute ownership" over the characters -- despite their having long since taken on their own lives, and in whose wellbeing a multitude of fans have a decided interest.

If the last, especially, is true, the investigative Aurors would have ample reason to ask the Wizengamot to convene a full tribunal to determine, if not punishment for the author of these crimes (who may be out of reach, under Muggle jurisdiction), at the very least redress for the victims, the majority of whom are well within the reach of restitution through magical and other means.

This call is therefore made for immediate investigation by responsible Aurors, to lead to appropriate restoration of the independence and full freedoms of all wizards and/or Magical Creatures harmed by the Author during the course of her latest and, happily, last work.

* per a significant line of inquiry brought forward by erastes