"In ashes of despaire, though burnt, shall make thee live." --Sir Philip Sidney, Arcadia

The war raged for nearly three years. Sometimes Death Eaters had the upper hand, sometimes the Order of the Phoenix did. Through it all, the Ministry tried to appear competent, efficient, and knowledgeable-mostly ineffectually.
( War raged in the manner of wars throughout history. The Beginning, March 1, 2000, Opening Game Day. )