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LLEO

NS

ON UMBRIDGE’S SECRET ACCOMPLICE’S

National Weather South – Sunny periods – 7 ºc North – Cloudy & rain - 9 ºc Central – Cloudy & rain - 8ºc London – Sunny periods - 10 ºc

BY

Sybill Trelaw

ney

EXCLUSIVE MAYHEM AT SQUEAKY CLEAN MINISTRY

DOLORES UMBRIDGE prisoned In azkaban YESTERDAY evening, Dolores Umbridge was sentenced to life in Azkaban after a quick court case held at the Ministry of Magic. The bureaucrat, who served as an Senior Undersecretary under Ministers Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour and Pius Thicknesse, was convicted under numerous charges, including ‘Crime against Muggle-borns’ and ‘Crimes against humanity’. The arrest took place at the home of Ms. Umbridge at approximately 2.09pm yesterday. It is reported that Umbridge screamed for help from her neighbours while an unidentified Auror led her away from her kitchen and into a fireplace = Floo powder was then used transport the criminal to the Ministry of Magic.

On arrival, Umbridge was met by 10 other aurors where Dolores was led to Courtroom 18 where she was stood before the Wizengamot. Under the Charter of Rights, one witness was produced, Matilda Hoplake, a Ministry of Magic employee forced to work for Umbridge’s ‘Muggle-Born Registration Commission’ – a commission that sadistically persecuted muggle-borns under Umbridge’s rule. The criminal tried dismissing her testimony, partly due to the witness being ‘too young to understand’; but, the Wizengamot named her defence ‘irrelevant’. Minster for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt then went on to deliver a life sentence in Azkaban, with no expectations, under Wizengamot Charter 20590A0.

‘HAV

E MINISTRY’

KINGSLEY Shacklebolt as called for the public to ‘have faith in the Ministry’ after thousands of howlers were sent to his office last night, just after the arrest of Dolores Umbridge. The Howlers were furious with Shacklebolt for ‘taking too long to arrest an evil criminal’. Allegations stating that if it had been anybody else (not a Ministry employee) the whole investigation would have taken weeks not months. Shacklebolt has also said he will personally reply to every distressed witch or wizard as ‘no member of the public should be concerned with their justice system’.

FAITH IN THE

Zodiac • Aspects

The head Zookeeper released a statement via his weekly newsletter this morning reading: ‘We are aware of the incident that took place last night. It was a dangerous situation to be in for both the Muggle and the Wizarding World – although, all matters have been dealt with. The Unicorn is safe and well and we are currently going under procedures to ensure the safety of all animals within our company’.

Scared student ‘hogwarts wasn’t

Hogwarts anymore’

that fully bothered me. But, as soon the Battle happened my Mum was in shock because there was no way I could leave Hogwarts as we have no broomsticks at home, and even if we did, there would no-one to look after me for months as my Mother works for the Ministry and was stranded in Bolivia! I remember she had a very long letter exchange with Professor McGonagall and we made arrangements for me to stay at

Hogwarts. Of course, she eventually sent a letter to each Hogwarts students’ parents explaining it was optional to stay at the school or not, but it is safe either way. So anyway, I stayed… and I wish I hadn’t. Teachers were just traumatised; you had to be so careful to what you said to every Professor in case you said something that might make them remember the events. I remember one time, Hagrid was teaching us and somebody pretended to be dead on the floor… just as a joke, and he started to crying…saying how horrible it was to see Harry Potter like that. Hogwarts just wasn’t Hogwarts for a while after the Battle.’ You can read more about victims of the event in our Battle remembrance issue next week.

Madam Pomfrey, ex-Hogwarts nurse, is a recent employee at St. Mungo’s Hospital and was shocked when she discovered that the hospital was in need of more equipment. She has stated how she thought the hospital ‘was the best in the Wizarding World’ and was disappointed that the Ministry of Magic haven’t used their ‘common sense’ to recognise the need for more supplies to cater for those wounded in the Second Wizarding War. as a result of the War and the hospital need more supplies to cater for them.

John Dawlish – an ex-auror –has voiced his anger at the Ministry. He told The Daily Prophet, ‘Aurors have great reputations; but, when they fail or get attacked they suddenly become nothing. The thing is… it’s not their fault. We have a lack of Aurors and that’s why people lose their jobs.’ This may be in response to when Dawlish's powers were diminished somewhat as he was incapacitated and seemed to be attacked quite frequently.

Professor Binns, the infamous Ghost professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has told his students that ‘they can’t fail because of the War.’ After angry letters from parents flew in to his office barely days after the comment, some complaining that he was too ‘insensitive’, he released a statement: ‘This comment was not meant wrongly. I purely mean that when our children grow up, nobody will look at their NEWTS and let their excuse be it was because of the War. Most of those who wrote to me are children of the First War and I would be very surprised to hear that employees excused their exam results because of the War… even if they thought they would. So please understand, dear parents, this was done with the best of intentions. Our students have to persevere.’

HEALER: WE NEED MORE EQUIPMENT FOR THE WOUNDED

Ex-AUROR: THERE’S NOT ENOUGH AURORS FOR INVESTIGATIONS

PROFESSOr: OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO persevere

Are you a member of authority with an opinion you want to be voiced? Send us an owl today!

DAILY PROPHET MAIN OFFICE, SOUTH OF DIAGON ALLEY, WIZARDING WORLD, England.

It has nearly been a year since the morning the Wizarding World woke up to the news that Lord Voldemort had been defeated. Although, across the World, Witches and Wizards were not ready for celebrations - particularly at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where the events unfolded. A student, who started his second year at Hogwarts earlier this year, told the Daily Prophet that ‘Hogwarts wasn’t Hogwarts anymore’. Speaking in an interview with our education correspondent, he told us: ‘I had loved my first year at Hogwarts so far. Of course, there had been the threats that Voldemort was back; but, my parents theory was that he was dead in the first place and never returning – so none of that ever

Last week, he reported that Harry Potter was to release an autobiography of his life from the death of his parents to his encounters with Lord Voldemort. We have heard from sources that there are two chapters within the book, one named ‘Ron’, the other named ‘Hermione’, in recognition of their friendship through Harry’s life. Within the Hermione section it is supposed to read, ‘In a few words, Hermione was my rock. She would listen to me whether it was girl problems to finding horcruxes. Hermione, if you’re reading this. I don’t think I can put into words what you have done for me. I just thank you. Thank you for being behind my success. ‘ You can purchase Harry’s book May next year.

HG M

UGGLE!

A lost six year old wizard in Charing Cross, London asked a Muggle yesterday ‘When are we going to get to Diagon Alley?’ as the boy accidentally mistook the woman in her early 50’s for his mother. It is reported the Muggle responded with: ‘Diagonal Alley? What an earth is that?’ The Ministry of Magic said they will not act upon the incident as the boy was too young to be held responsible.’ It is believed that the Muggle called a official to help the child find his parents, they were found and reunited a mere 2 minutes after the event took place.

The first ever customer, Annabel Rhum aged 56, using the Gladrags Owl Delivery Service was shocked when she received a t-shirt that read ‘don’t call me a mudblood’ rather than a pair of shoes. She told us, ‘I was offended. I find it ridiculous! Are they insinuating I am a mudblood? I find it preposterous they were even selling that item to be honest’. Gladrags say ‘it was an honest mistake with the Owls, the t-shirt was intended for a different customer’.

Asphodel, commonly known as ‘Royal Staff’, is a popular plant that has uses involving the creation of the Draught of Living Death and the Wiggenweld Potions. However, this week, herbologist Frederick Lotting released a study saying that the plant is facing a shortage within the U.K and if any persons should possess the plant, they should hand it over to research centres to enable them to produce more. Mr. Lotting has also started a petition aimed at the Ministry of Magic, to create a nation-wide law were no family should possess more than one root to preserve the plant. The Potions master at Hogwarts has already signed the petition stating, ‘it is fundamental I have asphodel to teach. I hope the Ministry take in consideration what resources are needed’.

An employee from the Magical Equipment Control department at the Ministry of Magic has been cautioned for ‘careless use of magic’ in front of a muggle in London’s department store, Harrods. The employee openly a muggle born, has a Saturday job (a Muggle term for working on a Saturday) at the store. Her position was a ‘magician’ and would perform tricks for customers as they entered. It was soon discovered however, Lara Hancock, was using spells such as ‘Reducto’ and ‘Wingardum Leviosa’ to perform the tricks. After suspicions were raised when an anonymous source informed the Magical Equipment Control Director that Ms. Hancock had digulved this information to them, an inspector was sent to the shop.

On arrival, the inspector recognised the Ministry of Magic employee and watched her performance for approximately 14 minutes, before coming the conclusion that Ms. Hancock was indeed performing magic in front of Muggles. The decision to caution rather than fire was made by the Minister for Magic himself as he addressed the Department, who were in uproar. He said, ‘Ms. Lara Hancock wrongly acted. Although, we have never been aware for any wrongdoings in the past and she has apologised, knowing that she had made a mistake. From her actions, no Muggle was exposed to magic, there was only a risk. For that reason, we have decided that a strong caution will be put in place but nothing further.’ Lara Hancock declined to comment.

CROSSWORD

D

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p

S

1. Company centred on the trade of magical fungi

2. Current Gobstones World Champion. 3. Colour of the Drink of Despair 4. Wizarding garment designed to cover a

man's beard

Across

6. The place of the Potter memorial

7. Eldest son of the Harry Potter

8. Name of deceased Weasley & Weasley founder

9. Surname of Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

10. Home village of Horace Slughorn

11. Wizarding song about the wizard Odo

12. The incantation for the Scouring Charm

Down

1. Minor protagonists of the children's tale, The Warlock's Hairy Heart in The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

2. Founder of Witch Weekly 3. Owner/operator of the

trains that stop at Hogsmeade Station.

4. First name of the younger brother of Albus Dumbledore

5. First name of author who wrote Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles

CAST LEVAXIOUS SPELL AND SCISSORS WILL REMOVE CARD

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SELF-CORRECTING INK WILL AUTOMATICALLY DISAPPEAR IF USED!

wrock band to Weird Sisters have officially asked the public for ‘help to seek two new lead guitarists’. The band asked for help after the shock news of Kirley Duke leaving the band to ‘pursue his real dream as an Auror’. The guitarist had been with the band since the beginning and left band members shocked when he arrived at drum player’s Orison Thruston’s house leaving a note simply reading: ‘I’m out. I’m going to be an Auror. Thanks for the good times.’ It was expected that the band was going to ask for a new guitarist to fill the place as they are now preparing for their third global tour; however, questions were raised when the Weird Sisters asked for TWO new lead guitarists. We reached for comment from lead singer, Myron Wagtail, who simply said: ‘Why not? It’s a new age for the Weird Sister’s and now Kirley has left us, we might as well get some more people in. Kirley was extremely talented and it’s hard to believe just one

person could ever fulfil his role.’ Duke was asked to comment on his exit; but, declined. We did however manage to speak to his Mother who told us: ‘Kirley has always been very spontaneous. And so has the band in general! Of course it was even a shock for me to see Kirley leave, but to see the band wanting two more guitarists? Well, I don’t know how that would work out. It would bump up a total of 9 people in a band? Is that really workable?’ The two new guitarists would be expected to join the band early next year after a series of auditions held by the band’s manager. To apply for an audition, you can send an Owl to the following address: WEIRD SISTERS MANAGEMENT, KNOCKTURN ALLEY, ENGLAND.

FUN FACT! Kirley Duke is related to Pride of Portree Quidditch players

Catriona McCormack and Meaghan

McCormack. Catriona is Kirley’s mother

while Meaghan is his sister!

Gwenog Jones became a mother yesterday and was overwhelmed with pride and joy as she was seen leaving St. Mungo’s hospital with her husband Kenneth Hastings and their baby daughter. The new mother scraped her brown hair in to a flowing ponytail and sported a natural look while her husband emerged wearing his Quidditch robes as he had to abandon his match against Wigtown Wanderers just to arrive on the birth scene. Kenneth held the baby in a wiz-carrier and was seen charming the area around the baby for protective reasons. The birth of the baby, named Ellie, was released in a statement released to the Quibbler earlier today.

Viktor krum’s new calendar is released to the public

Viktor Krum, the widely awarded Quidditch player and occasional model, has released a new calendar to the public featuring exclusive photos from his time as Triwizard Champion in 1994. The new merchandise from the Krum franchise is especially unique as it is a 2-year long, spanning from January next year to December the year after that. The calendar has already been released in his home country of Bulgaria, two weeks prior to the release in the United Kingdom and received a great response from his

fans. We are aware that the 24 photos within the calendar have been selected by Mr. Krum himself and he is very ‘pleased’ with all of them. In a recent interview with Bulgarian magazine ‘вещица седмично’ the version of our Witch Weekly, he said ‘I’ve got to say that my favourite month in the calendar is December. It was during my time at Hogwarts as Triwizard Champion and it really gives me good memories of the times I shared with such wonderful people’. According to surfacing rumours, the photograph used is Harry Potter’s original copy as no replica was able to be made on time for the release date; however, no confirmation has been made by either party.

Writing for today’s student column is Hogwarts first year, Tom Verheij - who is discussing his experiences

with Dolores Umbridge.

Today’s topic? Umbridge. I don’t even know how to begin. Actually, I do know how to begin - she is pure evil! She was the headmaster at Hogwarts in my first

year, and I really hated her. I thought that my first year at Hogwarts would be as amazing as I had heard about

it from my brothers and sisters, but it was quite the opposite. I first heard about Umbridge when I found

that she had replaced Dumbledore (the best headmaster out of all the headmasters in the world), I was in shock!

I already hated her because I knew how great Dumbledore was, and it was because of her Hogwarts had lost him. But when I first arrived at the school, I

did do my best to give her a chance, but it was when she started making stupid rules that affected the happiness of everybody at Hogwarts, it wasn’t just me who hated

her. It was war between her and the students. She was a very wicked witch who saw everything… even things

that she as a teacher didn’t have a right to see. It wasn’t just that though, it was clear that she always wanted to

hurt everyone at Hogwarts – her favourite way was through a blood quill. That thing is horrible! They should

make that quill illegal or forbidden! A blood quill is a dark magical object of torture that is a type of quill that does not require ink, as it writes with the blood of the person using it. Whatever the author writes is carved

onto the back of his or her hand, and the blood from the words sliced into the hand is magically siphoned and is used as ink on the parchment. The wound on the back of the hand will then heal, slightly redder than before,

and then open up when the user writes again. Continuous use can leave a scar on the back of the

hand... Obviously, lots of parents sent a complaint to Umbridge, but she ignored them! Typical. I even heard that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger almost killed

her in the woods with a giant!? I laughed so hard when I heard that! Whether or not it’s true, I was so glad that she was finally gone from Hogwarts! It didn’t take long

until she came back though, and this time at the Ministry of Magic. I knew that she would come back

sometime, but I thought in like, 30 years or something. I heard what she did at the Ministry, apparently she tried to kill Mudbloods. My family had a lucky escape as we

are half-bloods; but, I am still so glad she’s been caught - I hope she never comes out of prison. I assume she

won’t smile while she’s behind bars… and thank goodness for that! I hated her fake smile. I am truly

really happy that she is in Azkaban, she doesn’t deserve a good life, she made the life of so many awful and now

she should get the same back.

Eldric Moore caught the snitch to give Hogwarts table leaders Gryffindor a vital victory over Slytherin. Slytherin set the platform for a win early in the second half with two quick goals from Tristan Reagan - but Gryffindor delivered a devastating response during the second half when the Slytherin team, led by Severus Snape, conceded four times when chasers August Moon and Demetrius Farrell scored two goals each for Gryffindor. August Moon laid low for the most of the game but burst into the chaos in the 29th minute - picking up a harsh telling off from referee, Madam Hooch, for elbowing Draco Malfoy and kicking Patience Ross. Draco Malfoy was then inches away from putting Slytherin back in front before Ginny Weasley scored another and was inevitably the central figure in the final twist that sent Gryffindor to a win. Later in the match, Eldric Moore caught the snitch (uninterestingly as he had missed five times prior), ending the match 200 – 20. Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy were amongst those to be congratulated at the end of the match by headmistress McGonagall for their services for the Hogwarts Quidditch team, as they are due to graduate from Hogwarts later this month.

w Slytherin quidditch team see red as they lose 200 –

20 to gryffindors

HOUSE POINTS: WEEKLY STANDINGS

LOST AND FOUND AT HOGWARTS

50% OFF

Fantastic beasts and

Where to Find Them with this

coupon!

Only at flourish and blotts!

402 389 410 401

A detailed elm wand. Just a bit over seven and one-half inches long. Wand's core is hippocampus heartstring. FOUND IN THE ASTRONOMY TOWER.

Copy of History of Magic. FOUND IN DIVINATION CLASS.

Gryffindor tie. Probably a first year tie as the sizing is extra small. Has black ink stain on the neck. FOUND ON QUIDDITCH FIELD.

Eagle feather quill. FOUND IN POTIONS CLASS.

Sonorus – This spell is used to amplify a human voice – it is useful when you are needed to be heard (especially helpful when with children) while out shopping – in particular when you take a trip to the busy Diagon Alley.

Specialis Revelio – This spell is particularly helpful when you buy a new item and want to make sure it is safe and appropriate for use at home as it reveals hidden secrets or magical properties within objects.

Waddiwasi – This spell is easy to use and is very useful for the household chores. It unsticks any object from anywhere, making it simple to clean your rooms without extra hastle!

CAST THE PORTUS CHARM

Dear Filius, My child is 10 (due to enter Hogwarts in two months) and seems to have control over what magic they perform, isn’t this a sign my child could be dangerous in later life?

Dear Mary, Indeed, this is rare as only some magical children exhibit mild degrees of control over their magic and are able to use it with intent at this age. You may have heard that the late Albus Dumbledore said ‘it is unusual and even somewhat worrisome for a child to be able to control their magic before the age of eleven’. However, this does not mean your child will be dark wizard – in fact, it is known that Minerva McGonagall used to be able to make her Father’s bagpipes play themselves at a very young age. I do ask you to let your child know that this is normal and to ask them to try not to perform this magic until they arrive at Hogwarts (as an incentive). Please do not worry yourself either, it is important you know that once your child arrives at Hogwarts, you can voice your concerns and the professors here will work hard to make sure your child is a success.

Filius Flitwick.

Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour CLOSES IT DOORS forever

THE KNIGHT BUS RECIEVES EXTRA

FUNDING

Diner Leaves 500 galleon Tip for unexpecting

waitress

A waitress was left astounded when a diner left her a huge tip at the Three Broomsticks Inn, Hogsmeade on Wednesday evening. The waitress named Olive Natchurch had been serving the customer throughout his 2 hour stay at the Inn before she noticed the huge tip left on the receipt. She told us ‘I was so pleased when he [the customer] drummed up a conversation with me; I was bored out of my mind. It was a Wednesday evening and hardly anybody was around because we were an hour away from closing time.’ She outlined that the wizard, who has remained anonymous, was asking her about her future ambitions and lifestyle. ‘Our conversation ranged from broomsticks to Harry Potter’s favourite robes. Somewhere in the mix, I decided to bring up a desire to want to visit Egypt for years now. It was an off the cuff comment but he seemed so interested! I don’t think I have met anybody who has such a passion for a country. He was telling me about the best places to visit and how I should prepare… the tiniest details. I felt really guilty at this point because I knew he was wasting time telling me all this information as I knew myself I would never really be able to get there in the first place. I remember this bit so clearly – I said ‘Yeah. It’s a

The Daily Prophet can reveal that one of Diagon Alley’s most popular ice-cream shops, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream, is closing on Friday this week. The prompt to close was sparked after Florean Fortescue, owner of the parlour, was kidnapped and killed by Death Eaters in the midst of Voldemort’s return – leaving his wife to run the shop singlehandedly. Close friends of the couple told us, ‘They were best friends as well as a married couple, the place just isn’t the same now she has to serve alone. It gives her too many memories of Florean every time she serves a customer for her to continue.’

A muggle-born has voiced her concerns after she noticed a children’s book for sale in large Muggle bookstore, Waterstones. It is reported the mother of three was browsing in the shop to purchase a book for her niece – who has no knowledge of the Wizarding World. She wrote to the Daily Prophet, telling us ‘I was browsing in the children’s section of course, and I came across a book named The Evil Three Horrible Witches, I have always known wizardry had been portrayed badly through Muggle literature but mostly, at the end of the novel, the witch or wizard seems to be portrayed well. It is shocking to me that our children are being told to hate wizardry’. The Witch has now started the ‘INFORM MUGGLES’ campaign and is asking any witch or wizard with connections to the Muggle world to come forward and raise awareness that wizardry is not evil.

great idea but my funds are just too low. Gringotts won’t even give me a loan! I love it working here but it’s just not enough to get me to Egypt and still stand on my own two feet!’ He then asked for the bill. It was pretty awkward, I created the receipt with the spell we use at the Three Broomsticks to make everything more efficient and he scribbled something, I obviously didn’t know what at the time and he just disappeared! Literally, he just apparated’. It wasn’t until closing time, Madam Rosmerta, the owner of the Inn discovered what exactly the receipt read. ‘I was looking back through our sales so far that week and I practically screamed when I saw the tip. It read ‘Five Hundred Galleons. Treat yourself to that trip’ To be honest, I thought it was for me, but I had no recollection of discussing a trip with a customer. So, I cast the Apercium charm to reveal the hidden ink as we have a policy that each server writes their name and the time the receipt was issued in case of any discrepancies. Before I knew it I saw Olive’s name!’ she told our reporter. Miss. Natchurch says she will spend the money on the trip to Egypt next Christmas with her partner and would openly like to thank the customer, who has given her ‘faith in the humanity of the Wizarding World’.

The Knight Bus is receiving extra funding from the Ministry of Magic it was said this morning. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minster for Magic, said in a statement, ‘The Knight Bus is used literally 24/7 and has saved a considerable amount of Witches and Wizards in distress due to its unique ability to recognise a hand signal, universally known as a ‘help call’ by the global Wizard community.’ The decision was made after a petition signed by 50,000 in last weeks ‘Witch Weekly’. The idea for funding was created after William Waverford, a retired ink manufacter for Flourish and Blotts, was left injured after roof panelling fell on his head during a journey to Diagon Alley. This is also a follow up from when an Invisibility charm on the bus failed last year creating suspicion in the Muggle world.

MUGGLE book CONDEMNS WIZARDRY

Harry Potter was amongst those who was saddened by the news saying, ‘I remember when Florean used to give me free ice-creams, it’s such a shame that the shop will have to be closed; but, I am sure the next owners will do something to keep his legacy revived’. You can visit the parlour, light a candle in remembrance of Mr. Florean Fortescue and receive a 10% discount on all ice-creams for sale from today at 4pm until Friday, 6pm this week.

A recent report has declared that potion prices have ‘fallen dramatically’ over the last two weeks. The average retail price of a vile of standard ageing potion fell 4.9 sickles in Diagon Alley last week, but was still 10 sickles a vile higher than the national average. Last night, the average cost of a vile of potion in Diagon Alley was 3.40 compared to a national average of 3.30 a vile, according to officials.

Prices in Diagon Alley were unchanged from a year ago and 19.6 sickles lower than yesterday. The national average has decreased 13.8 sickles a vile in the past month and is 5.8 sickles a vile lower than a year ago. Tale Mokivch, a senior price analyst for the Ministry of Magic, said that retail prices have fallen at a much faster rate in the past days. He said that 48 out of 50 potion shops saw average price declines in the past week. Some of the largest declines have occurred in the West Country, where more and potion shops are under the 3 sickles a vile mark, he said. "Potion shop owners and buyers should be seeing continued drops in potions prices across much of the United Kingdom in the week ahead as potion prices catch up to the recent decrease in magical plant prices," said Mokivch in a statement.

Name

Price

%+/-

GRINGOTTS

195.10 +6.15

OLLIVANDERS 2,679.00

+1.86

HONEYDUKES

546.50 +1.77

FLOURISH & BLOTTS

907.00 +1.68

EEYLOPS OWL EP.

3,340.00 +1.03

A goblin stockbroker has spoken of his joy over the stock market. Marcolen Gobbings, who works for Gringotts, had seen Gringotts struggling to pay back loans after the Battle of Hogwarts, but was keen to let the public know that Gringotts had had a ‘great day yesterday’. The goblin stood outside the world-famous bank shouting, ‘GREAT DAY YESTERDAY! GREAT DAY YESTERDAY!’ for approximately four hours. The Head of Diagon Alley’s Gringotts bank spoke to the Daily Prophet about the strange act, saying: ‘It’s been tough for Gringotts. I suppose he was just over the moon that he had received information telling him that yesterday the stocks had risen. I do not condone behaviour like this however; Gringotts is as prime and as proper as ever.’

retail prices have fallen at a much faster rate in the past days

Referee Jim Rate has been dropped from being able to referee this weekend. He broke the ‘Official Quidditch code’ by leaving the match he was officiating with no company – followed by sending an owl to the Chudley Cannons manager. The Professional Quidditch Officials Limited have said that no referee should travel alone from a venue – in the interest of security. Later on in the day, it was reported that Rate sent an Owl to the manager of Chudley Cannons. The act of contacting any players or staff from a team that referee had been involved within the last two weeks is strictly forbidden amongst referees globally. After further investigation by

the Department of Magical Games and Sports, it was discovered the owl sent was about personal matters with Mr. Rate’s wife. The Department concluded in a statement: ‘We are aware that Referee Jim Rate has been dropped from his position of refereeing this weekend due to his actions off the pitch. We have investigated the matter and believe that a suspension for this weekend is adequate, meaning no further action will be taken against Jim.’ This is not the first the 28-year-old is involved in controversy; it was only last month he was taken in for questions after suspicions rose about the validity of his wand. Over 10 Montrose Magpies fans

complained last month, stating that the referee’s wand ‘had to be jinxed’ after their embarrassing 210-0 loss to bottom of the league, Chudley Channons. The Quidditch Association and the Ministry of Magic were involved in the case; but, no result came from the questioning. Mr. Rate was given a new wand, fitted by Garrick Ollivander, to ensure that no dark magic had been implied. The match the referee will be missing is the final of the West Country Cup on Saturday night. The winners of tomorrow’s matches in London will go through to the final in the West Country where a victor’s ceremony will commence after the match. Jim Rate and his representatives all declined to comment but confirmed the suspension.

-

1 Banchory (Aberdeenshire)

2 Montrose (Angus)

3 Upper Flagley (Yorkshire)

4 Appleby (N. Lincolnshire)

1godric’s hollow (w. country)

2ottery st. catchpole (w. country)

3puddlemere (w.country)

4holyhead (Anglesey) YELLOW WARNING FOR BROOMSTICK RIDERS in the north

All broomsticks riders are warned that they may experience low cloud and turbulence while flying throughout the north of the country for the following week.