International

[Mellow Magpie]

Trouble at Tottenham Road
Turns into the Mystery of the Overly involved Ministry

-By Niall Quinn

London, England

On the numerous of items on our Ministry's list of things to do, it appears that handling muggle affairs is among them. Case in point, the gas main explosion that occurred on Tottenham Court Road. According Mister Radcliffe, who is the Head of the Auror Division, the gas main explosion gave no hints of being connected to the Wizarding World in anyway. Unless you count the witch, Suzie Phelps, who was counted among the 14 people killed in the accident.

A gas main explosion is when the highly combustible substances that fuels muggle vehicles as well as their homes and businesses becomes super heat and explode. These substances can cause quite a bit of damage which is why they are so highly protected and the pipes have high safety standards. Gas Main Explosions are not that often, in fact according to muggle researchers they occur about once every 5 years or so. Thus this gas main explosion isn't unusually given the circumstances, given that a gas main explosion of this size hasn't occurred in ages. However there is one variable in this equation that doesn't make sense. The witch Suzie Phelps, a pure blood with few ties to the muggle world was killed in this accident. For those who recall hearing her name, Suzie Phelps was recently released for Azkaban. Need further hints, she is also a relation to Evan Phelps. Evan Phelps, for those who can't remember, was found dead last summer in Germany. At the time, his death was under investigation, now his death has been ruled a suicide. Though according to the official reports evidence of dark magic were found close to his body.

If the name still isn't familiar, than maybe you will remember his wife Jacinda Phelps, who was reportedly murdered by dark magic. Her body was also found in German, where their son is still missing and is wanted for questioning. If not for the fact that this witch was among the dead, the reason for the Ministry's interest might be a mystery. However given these fact, it is clear what the Ministry is worried about. Now that does not mean that we have good reason to be alarmed and start screaming. There is, in fact little evidence at the scene of the accident that does indicate a dark wizards or magic was involved at all. There are no witnesses, muggle or other wise who could clearly state that there was some sort of magical attack.

All there is to go on is the Ministry's over interest in this mere muggle matter along with the death of Suzie Phelps and the mystery surrounding the death her relatives. German officials when contacted said that there was little to worry about. This despite the apparent increase of dark wizard activity in Germany, they are sure that it hasn't leap over the channel into our lands. The assurance of course means little when you have the frightened and the scared muttering about the possibility of dark magic and a possible dark wizard. Given how events with the Ministry has played out before with such incidences it explains their new found interest in what apparently just mere muggle affairs such as this one. Whether or not we will continue to see such interest is another matter, but at the moment you can be sure that the Ministry's vast check list does include keeping eye out for possibilities.

 

[Sir Spazalots]

Duel to the Death in Hogwarts
Ministry Investigating Death of two Professors

-By Maybelline Johnson

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

The wispy warm breath of summer would soon wash over the grounds of Hogwarts, but not before a tragedy would strike. Ending the years of reigning peace within the stone castle walls of one of the greatest Wizarding schools encompassing England, but this time, terror and frenzy was wrought upon the professors of Hogwarts, and not its students. Two battered bodies were discovered late one afternoon by Anyanka Swan, the Headmistress at the school. The victims? One was the Professor of Apparition, Shawn Sever, who had been disowned by the Sever family only years after he began his school years as a boy in Hogwarts himself. The other was Professor Horus Hallia, the Cursebreaking professor, not much is known about the elusive professor, a native of an all Wizarding village in the deserts of Egypt.

The day began typical, class had ended for the day and professor and student alike were hurrying on to finish their last part of the day before dinner would be served at the Great Hall. Details concerning the reasons why the erratic, and deranged professor of Apparition to wander into the office of Horus Hallia, but he had. In the ensuing duel, both Professors ended up dead.

The desolate room of Horus Hallia had sparked intrigue among the members of the Auror and Hit Wizard office, who had doubled up together to tackle the issue of this duel—whether it was premeditated murder, or an act of rage.

Vast explosive scorches marred the otherwise empty room, void of any true décor or warmth customary in the office of a professor of Hogwarts. Inconsistencies arise with every turn, and venom was brought death upon both bodies. Snake bites were found on both Professors, the poison delivered hard, and fast, instantaneously killing both men within a few meager seconds. However, no snakes were discovered in the room.

Headmistress Swan commented, saying "Though we have lost these two Professors, we will continue these classes with substitutes until the end of the year." Head Auror Arthur Radcliffe said that the Auror's Office was still looking into the circumstances surrounding the mysterious deaths of the two Professors and that any information discovered would be released to the press.

 

[Sir Spazalots]

Missing People out of Hogwarts!
Three students, One Staff Missing From Hogwarts.

-By Alicia Alvern

Hogsmeade

When the Hogwarts Express pulled into Kings Cross Station today filled with many students returning home for the summer Holiday, many families awaited for their children to come home. Yet two families would not be reunited with their children for the summer holiday. The Families of Remmittue Bleiddiaid, Heather Hawthorn, and Caitlin Engels, find they are still awaiting their children as the platform cleared.
Remmittue Bleiddiaid, the adopted daughter of the Hawthorn family, and her sister, Heather Hawthorn, were sighted with Caitlin Engels, at Hogsmeade Station shortly before the Hogwarts Express was to leave the station in the company of an unknown male. Ministry Officials are currently working to find the three missing students.
Another disappearance was reported from Hogsmeade as well, that of the Hogwarts Caretaker, Jack Terran, seems to have simply vanished from inside Hogwarts Grounds. The Headmistress, Inari Evernight, declined comment to the Daily Prophet on any of the disappearances.
It is unknown if there are any connection between the missing students and staff from Hogwarts, despite the fact they vanished only hours apart. Rumors have been heard throughout the country that these events related to the the recent crime spree throughout the country, all said to be committed by the same group of dark wizards.
The Ministry asks that anyone with any information on these disappearances please report it to Head Auror Arthur Radcliffe immediately.

 

[Kai Sparrowheart]

Muggle Killing
Wizard kills muggle in his home, threatens to kill others

~ by Marvin Blackstone

Engels home

At One AM on Monday morning, Andon Owen, a notable wizard, killed one muggle and nearly tried to kill the muggle’s family. Devin Engels, the deceased, was father to three. One of his daughters, Caitlin Engels, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was the only one up at the time, and she has gone missing. Are these two occurrences connected? We can only guess.
Devin was killed by the killing curse, as stated by Caitlin Engels and confirmed by analysis. Andon Owen, the killer, was said to be inebriated at the time of the murder. After killing Mr. Engels, he threatened to do the same with the man’s daughter, along with the rest of his family. The pureblood Wizard’s motives are largely unknown, but we have gathered from an interview with the family that the man was prejudiced against muggles, and muggleborns. Caitlin Engels reported that the man called her such things as “dirty,” and a “little rat,” in reference to his views on her blood status. The wizard is no stranger to hatred, or violence. Three years ago, Mr. Owen was the main suspect in the killing of his own wife and one of his children—halfbloods. He was not charged with murder, as no sufficient, solid evidence could be gathered. The recent events, however, have brought up the old case. If the man is found, he will be tried once again. Mr. Owens was said to disapparate from the house, threatening the girl’s family once again before he did so. There is no word on his current location, as he is still on the run. We advise you keep your doors tight and your family tighter.

 

[Essy ze Ninja]

Missing Student Found Dead
Dementor Attack in Hogsmeade

By Maybelline Johnson

Ever since the end of the Second Wizarding World, Dementors were no longer in assistance with the Ministry or Azkaban. It was speculated many had fled to different countries in search of the foulest inhabitants to dwell within. However, not all had. A victim of one such creature was discovered on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest just outside of Hogsmeade and several miles from Hogwarts. The student, William Devin Cloud, was found after he went missing shortly after the awakening of the comatose victims within Hogwarts. Cloud was immediately transported to St. Mungos, where it was discovered that he had, in fact, fallen victim to the Dementors Kiss and was left in an irreversible comatose state. Devin Cloud was in his final year of schooling and was engaged to be married to Annebelle Rich shortly after upon graduation. His fiancee was unable to be reached for questioning, possibly due to the unyielding history of the Rich family in previous marriages where unknown deaths are a constant in their family tree.

It is, however, still unknown whether any relations are connected between this attack and the outbreak of recently awakened comatose patients, but investigations are still ongoing. The Cloud Family was unable to be contacted for any information, but they had chosen to move their son from St. Mungos to an undisclosed hospital. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first trauma the family has suffered recently. Their youngest son, Jayden, appeared to have sustained a fatal amount of dark magic during the attack on Circus Maisc and was decidedly withdrawn from his schooling in mid semester and, after every effort, passed away shortly before his brother’s disappearance.

The whereabouts of this Dementor is still unknown, and Hogsmeade residents are advised not to journey past the town’s outskirts or anywhere nearby the Forbidden Forest while investigations are proceeding. Residents are to maintain caution at night, to avoid another attack, injury, or death because many believe that the effects of the Dementors Kiss is considered worse than death itself. It is unknown exactly what happens to the victims who’ve lost their soul; some speculate that the affected simply cease to be, others believe that the Dementor itself has captured each and every soul devoured, but it is unlikely if further research could ever be conducted with such dangerous creatures to truly know for sure.
 

[Essy ze Ninja]

A Duel in London?
An explosion in Muggle streets destroyed infamous wizards’ office.

Bunhill Road, London

In the middle of summer in the London Borough of Islington, Bunhill Road is most noted for the resting place of many notable people. Across from it, however, used to erect a three-story building that had been fashioned as Remington Nott’s private office. Nott, most infamous for his line of work with dark and ancient relics, assists noble witches and wizards through the aid of Cursebreaking, and sometimes, even cursing the damned, to help them.

Spectators that milled around the destroyed building in the early evening, which had been destroyed irreparably, the bewildered muggles claimed to have seen furious gusts of snow inside, bright white lights and jets of green and red inside the building before it ripped to pieces and collapsed to dust. Behind police tape lines, one could easily see the puddle of melting water pooling at the base of the foundation. There was evidence suggesting a duel, explosions marred the building that no muggle bomb could create, and burns scorched the walls in peculiar places where there was no apparent origin of any volatile fires—and the melting snow—all of which can be done with ease by any wizard with a few simple spells.

When I met with Remington Nott, the owner of the building, and had held the position as Hogwarts Cursebreaking professor for several years, he finally lamented for an interview.

”What do you think was the cause of this attack?” I began.

”I assure you, this was no attack; simply… an accident.” He said.

”An accident? Is that why you hadn’t alerted the authorities? What exactly brought on this accident?”

”Spell experimentations, you know how dangerous it can be?” He said in reply.

”Mr. Nott, then how do you explain the accusations of two persons fleeing from the scene, neither of which, resembled yourself.” Witnesses I had spoken to had all recounted the same tale of two darkened individuals, one daunting figure in black robes, one petite and elusive with bright hair escaping the scene and disappearing into the alleys.

”Haven’t you ever heard of the phrase, ‘being at the wrong moment at the wrong time?’” Before I could ask another question, he quickly excused himself.

Remington Nott had always been known for his elusive ties to the underground realm of the wizarding world, and has been found victim to too many crimes that he had never been found guilty for. Little do most know, he was forced to give up his position as a professor of Hogwarts, though the reasons of which, have not been disclosed due to the safety and protection of the family.

Could this be an accidental magical experiment? Or, is it something more? And, could it have anything to do with the sudden disappearances of all of these wizarding familes? Of all of these fires and deaths?

Aurors and Hit Wizards assure that they are taking every precaution and using every advantage to try and solve these cases.

 

[Essy ze Ninja]

Mass Murder Mayhem at Maisc

By Maybelline Johnson

Fairgrounds of Circus Maisc

What began as an innocent carnival with bright, illustrious colors, high-raised tents, performances and dragons, evolved into something no one would have expected. Groups of men clad in inky black robes and donning full-faced masks eerily similar to those that had once participated in the Wizarding War’s had launched a full blown attack on the circus grounds. They apparated in all at once, flooded the grounds in every direction and hurled curse after curse.

The crowd went into frenzy and panicked. Families and children fought through the crowd, struggled to reunite and dive for the portkeys littered across the fairgrounds. The masquerade tent was the first to burst up into flames. The crowd stampeded, and several lives were lost, among them, Eeylops Owl Emporium owner, Natasha Dean, was among the first to be found and recovered from the carnage and destruction. Along with ministry workers, Frida and George Penniweather, magizooligist Gawen Locke, several of the circus performers, including Acrobatic Jewels Maye, and Fortune Teller Dolores Reyes, and many other locals as well, including Leah Price, Stephanie Greene, and Joel Maxie, and a number of unidentified bodies.

Investigations are currently underway and more and more victims are being pulled from the carnage and either being healed at the triage center erected at the sight of the battle by Mediwizards, or being transported to St. Mungos for further healing. Several noted survivors were seen waging against the masked men, and many of them, were either Hogwarts graduates or students. Among those survivors was also our Minister for Magic, Gwenfair Wyn, who was reportedly seen battling a horde of nefarious men. Meanwhile, her brother, Darryn Wyn, Wale’s chaser, was found severely wounded. Hit Wizards, William Nott the Second, Jack Reinalds, and Giacomo Di Maria, had all been in attendance as well and sought to defend and assist as many as they could to escape. When I met with Head Hit Wizard, Mr. Nott, and questioned him about the chance of apprehending any that were responsible, he had this to say. “As of now, nobody has been taken into custody, we’re still undergoing preliminary routine, but everyone is advised to stay calm.”

“Mr. Nott, is it true that the sign of this new rising dark lord had appeared above the skies just shortly after the attack began?”

“Yes, and no, it did appear, but by no means is this any new “dark” lord, this is simply a copycat wizard with too many allies.” He then concluded the interview. I did, however, manage to ask him about the identity of these masked men that had fallen at the scene but he retreated back to the scene quickly and without a word.

It wasn’t until nearly 10:20pm that Aurors and Mediwizards had flocked to the scene, approximately forty minutes after the attack initially began. Once the men had arrived, most of the destruction had already been done; the ministry had received a late response that could have spared precious lives. The Aurors had successfully pushed back the remaining dark wizards and quelled the attack.

It is unsure how many more are still lost to the rubble, or have yet to be recovered, but I managed to contact Head Auror, Iseul Dong Wook Han, and he had this to say before returning to the investigation and rescue of those still trapped under debris. “This is truly a tragedy to take place. Our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this act of terror on the citizens. The Auror Office did all we could upon the notification of the events." More on this will be released as soon as it’s discovered alongside featured interviews of live witness accounts present during the attack.  

[Sir Spazalots]

International Dueling Champion Returns Home.
Ezekiel Chadwick Returns to Ottery St. Catchpole. Challenges Britain's undefeated Dueling Champion.

-By Alicia Alvern

Ottery St. Catchpole

Inside the quaint cottage in Ottery St. Catchpole, this reporter met with International Dueler Ezekiel Chadwick, who has just returned to the United Kingdom from a 3 year absence in which he had obtained several Championship titles in Dueling tournaments. His most recent of which was the American International Tournament. This victory gives him the title of dueling champion in 4 different nations. When I asked about this spectacular, Mr Chadwick simply laughed and commented how he is only as skilled as his wand and passion. Slightly confused I asked what the man meant. The man soon replied with an interesting concept I have never once considered. "I recall when I bought my wand, I was told 'the wand chooses the wizard' and I always wondered why that was, not enough to go into Wandlore, but it got me thinking, wouldn't that mean a wizard is only as good as his wand will allow him to be? I'm not sure, but I treated my wand with respect and put my hopes into it. And it has never let me down." I next turned the conversion to what his plans are now that he has returned home. To which, unsurprisingly came his response. "To become the best dueler in England of course." With a nod, I asked how he intended to do s, and his smile brightened. "Well by dueling Britain's undefeated Champion, Coco Wu. I believe I read an article of her return to the country recently." Surprised I asked if this was his formal challenge of the woman who held the title. Nodding he informed me he had already sent in a request to the International Dueling Association. And with that large peace of information, I took my farewell. It seems as though the citizens of the nation shall soon be expecting what may be the duel of the century.

Coco Wu accepts challenge!
Coco Wu accepts dueling challenge from Ezekiel Chadwick.

-By Alicia Alvern

London

In the Center of London, I arrived at the apartment of Dueling Champion Coco Wu. This would be my second visit to her home since the famed duelist returned to the nation, only this time it was for a less social call. I started the interview with Ms. Wu by asking her how she was settling in to her life in her new home, which she has only lived in for two months now. She replied rather straightforwardly, "You know, It's been quite an adjustment, but I'm happy to be home again. I pretty much grew up on these streets, so it's amazing to see the change and growth this city has been through both on the muggle side and the wizard side." I then asked her about her past fame and how it was affecting her life in London, to which she stated that; "There's always going to be some sense of apprehension where my past is concerned, fame was never something I fully prepared myself for, so when it hit I just wasn't sure how to react. However, It's been nearly ten years since I last set foot anywhere in Wizarding World... so if people still remember me I'd have to say it would be flattering." While Ms. Wu has obtained the top Dueling title in United Kingdom, she states she never intended to become famous, and that she is flattered to still be recognized after so many years. I next turned the topic to her family, her son Flynn, now being 10 years old, and how her fame was affecting his life. Her expression much softer now she stated, "It's a lot easier than it may seem, keeping my past separate from my present. I mean, it's certainly an accomplishment worthy of celebration, and I'm proud of my past, yes, but first and foremost I am a mother, which is by far the greatest accomplishment in my life." And with that I brought up the reason I had come to interview her. Ezekiel Chadwick and his public challenge to duel her. To which Ms. Wu states she was surprised and quite flattered about, but would accept the challenge. I asked if she intended to do some practice and training for the upcoming duel. "I may be old, and the duel may not be as magnificent as my fans are accustomed to, but I can assure you that my skills have certainly not dulled over the years." It was at this point that Ms. Wu's true colors were beginning to show. The soft, motherly aura was now faintly overshadowed by a certain coolness that the woman had been so famous for in her youth. "My father instilled a certain philosophy on me from an early age. He stressed the importance of keeping both the mind and the body sharp at all times, because at the end of the day these two things are our greatest weaknesses." Taken slightly by surprise, but very impressed I asked how the recent increase in public attention has affected her home life, again, Ms. Wu waved it off, stating she keeps her Home and Professional Life separate. I asked that, despite her feeling of not needing training, she felt this duel would challenge her. "Certainly." she answered without even the slightest moment of hesitation. "'A duel in which you are not pushed to your absolute limit, is not a duel worthy of your time', as my father always told me. I expect to see great things from Ezekiel." I next turned to topic to the fact many of the Wizarding Community were calling this the "Duel of the Century", Ms. Wu smiled and replied, "It's a flattering thought. I'm pleased to see that the community is as excited, if not slightly more excited for this duel as I am, and I can guarantee them a good show." I asked then how she felt on some claiming this duel was more anticipated that the Quidditch World Cup. At that, Ms. Wu's demeanor softened once more. "Quidditch... Quidditch was never my thing, so I'd be biased in saying they are absolutely correct, but yes. Two former champions dueling for ultimate glory? Something like this doesn't happen every year." With my agreement I asked her one final question, about the risk that this duel could put her at. To which she replied: "I believe all form of sports bears some risk of death in one way or another. Death is inevitable, but in a proper, fair duel, I don't believe death should be something either of the duelists should be worried about, given the circumstances and nature of wizard dueling as a sport."

 

[Essy ze Ninja]

Fall Festival Frenzy

By Maybelline Johnson

Vampires Attack the Fall Festival

Hours after sunset, a tragedy struck the heart of the wizarding community during the fall festival despite the fact that many were still recovering from the plight at Circus Maisc. Three unknown suspects, man, woman, and child, were depicted to be at the root of the danger when it all began at the bonfire. The high flames amid the dark grounds offered limited vision for the witches and wizards, leading to a number of casualties and injuries. An estimated number of at least fifteen to twenty highly injured were transmitted to safety and eventually St. Mungo’s. So far, among the high toll of number of those deceased, few have been identified; twenty four year Sage Morris was found with her throat ripped clean off, Liam and his wife, Kacie McLellan, were discovered with their skulls crushed into the ground and the veela singer and songwriter, Diane Burke, had had her neck snapped in two. Dozens more were highly injured, including the son of the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Xavier Goldwind, whom suffered a broken thigh and shattered foot, as well as the Head Obliviator, Cara Jane League, who’d lost the limbs off her left leg. Several of the victims were too disfigured to be identified, and many had the same signature injury, a snapped neck. Dozens of children were lost, and their names have not been disclosed for their sake of privacy. Funerals have yet been known to be arranged, though the details will be found in the Obituary section of the Daily Prophet in the next issue.

The three unknown suspects, however, are not dark wizards; they are, in fact, believed to be vampires. Of the multiple injuries, the most noted were the unusual bite marks distinctly found upon the neck or shoulders of several victims, some of whom were even children. Many of the spectators had all remarked about the unusual ‘super strength’ of the attackers, a trait highly known to be associated with vampires. At this time, it is unknown whether or not the assailants have been apprehended or the exact time of delay before the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures had arrived and secured the perimeter. If anyone has any information regarding this event, they should immediately contact the ministry.
 

[Essy ze Ninja]

Child Abduction of Ministry Official’s Son!

-Maybelline Johnson

On a winter Hogsmeade weekend, a local tradition of allowing Hogwarts students of age into Hogsmeade, to dine and shop and relax in leisure. A fifth year Gryffindor, Eun Yeong Hyeon Han, the son of the Ministry’s Head Auror Iseul Dong Wook Han was abducted from the outskirts of the village, his wand was discovered broken and a note demanding ransom. At the moment, there seems to be only one assailant. The fifteen year old boy is a metamorphagus and was last seen at the Three Broomsticks with blonde hair, green eyes, and olive complexion wearing Gryffindor garment and black and white checkered gloves. Very little information thus far has been found and anyone with any information is urged to go speak to the Head Witch Watcher, Garret Drage, or the Head Auror, Iseul Han. Hogwarts officials reassure us that security and enchantments have been tightened around the grounds of the castle and the village since the sleeping curse that had stolen a portion of the students and staff in a coma the year prior, and will only further to increase its methods.  

[Sir Spazalots]

Disappearance at Borson Manor
Missing Child from family home causes panic.

-By Alyssa Alvern

Hampshire

Officials are currently investigating the disappearance of Cain Justox, a young Hogwarts student from the Hampshire region in southwestern England. He disappeared a day ago, with no sign of a struggle from the family estate. Olan and Frida Borson, the boy's parents, were distraught from the news, having adopted the boy only two years previous. Olan Borson is a respected member of the Wizengamot, and there is speculation that because of his family's acceptance of muggles and muggleborns, that there may be an ulterior motive.