December 14th, 2024.
Elderly Veela held for arson attack on Gringotts banks, reports the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
In the early hours of December 14th the Ministry of Magic were on the scene tackling the blaze caused by Hestarina Shippe. Hestarina, a half veela, reportedly entered Gringotts Bank shortly after opening and, following brief discourse with the security goblins, appeared to become embroiled in an argument.
According to witnesses she transformed into her harpy-like state and caused multiple fires and hundreds of galleons worth of damage to the main hall of Gringotts. Using the desks, dozens of witches and wizards remained hidden until Ministry officials arrived whereupon they swiftly incapacitated Shippe and remanded her in custody. There are reports of six witches and wizards, and two goblins being taken to St. Mungo’s for burn treatment. All are in a stable condition.
Percival Smythe, of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was reluctant to give further details beyond what witness statements had already established however said that : “it was lucky that lives weren’t lost, the quick thinking of them who did the casting of some good shields saved lives today.”
Hopefully the unnamed heroes of the hour will receive recognition for their acts of valour. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement would like anyone who was present and has yet to speak to them to come forward. Of particular interest is the gentleman who apparently accompanied Hestarina Shippe to Gringotts. If anyone saw a tall gentleman in dark red robes and a long black cloak leaving, or know of their whereabouts they are encouraged to speak to The Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Fenton Wereblake, of The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, voiced his concern to The Daily Prophet that this incident could lead to severe repercussions and persecution of witches and wizards of mixed-race ancestry, specifically those of veela origin. Within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry any student of veela heritage must take daily calming draughts to continue to attend the school, this therefore controls any excessive bouts of anger, and also – for students who are able to transform – inhibits their ability to take on their harpy form and create fireballs.
No such legislation exists in the wider wizarding world, with many part-veela being well versed in controlling their anger and their transformations. Unfortunately with this incident questions are being asked about whether or not legislation needs to be drafted to protect the population as a whole, from the minority. Many Minority Magical Rights groups are claiming this incident was staged with the deliberate intention of restricting the fundamental rights of mixed race witches and wizards, akin to the Werewolf Legislation of 1993. If reports are to be believed, Minister for Magic, Hannah Fischer, and the Wizengamot are meeting tomorrow to discuss this prospect in further detail.
The trial of Hestarina Shippe will be held over the course of next week and The Daily Prophet will continue to cover it. Don’t want to miss any of the latest news? Subscribe to The Daily Prophet owl service for only one Knut a day, two for weekend and evening editions.
-Saffron Foxclaw, Daily Prophet Journalist
