The past month had been eventful and not entirely in a good way. Voldemort's forces had been increasing their attacks and murders. The occasional article from  The Prophet  always had a vague "someone was found dead’. Anyone with half a brain could tell they were members of the Order or from Light families. The Ministry was completely ignoring the deaths other than as accidents were telling. Voldemort must have his fingers in the Ministry. Which is not a surprise. I imagine that both sides have someone trying to tug support or blame upon the other through the Ministry. The way it seemed, it looked like Voldemort was winning.