Ministry Shake Up
It was with great surprise that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry released a statement to the press that Aoife O’Keeffe, Order of Merlin First Class, has made the controversial decision to step down as Headmistress of the school over the summer to return to her senior ministerial role as Head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.
“After giving over half a decade to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I have decided that now is the time to return to the British Ministry of Magic. Minister Soo reached out to me in April of this year to ask if I would be willing to return to my old position. I have loved every moment of my time at Hogwarts and I wish them well in the future. I have recommended to the Board of Governors that Abaddon Blightly shall be my replacement, she will act in the role until the Board confirms their decision.”
O’Keeffe’s statement comes as a shock to some, though if rumours of her concerns about the tight grip the Board of Governors had over the school is to be believed, maybe it is not as surprising, especially as sources close to the woman told The Daily Prophet that she only ever wished to be Deputy Headmistress and the untimely death of Oreyn Fox was an unwanted propulsion into promotion.
Further rumours have swelled around her that she may even remain on the Board of Governors for the school, despite her whispered concerns about their input on the castle. The Board next meets in mid-August where they will confirm any updated seats, and the new Head of the School.
Quaffles & Bludgers
Welcome back to Quaffles & Bludgers! After the excitement of the opening round, our coverage continues with the quarter-finals! All matches are do or die, life or death situations and those who lose will be sent home packing while those who win continue on for their chance to win the World Cup!
Once again, we at the Daily Prophet would like to remind readers that the Quidditch World Cup Final will be held in Apotropaia, Greece on the 15th of July. Access to the island will begin July 8th for the general public. Tickets will be offered at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class prices with seating available for each tier, available for purchase soon!
Top Bracket
#1 Nordic 650 v 360 #8 U.S.A
The Nordic team’s close call against Belgium clearly put a scare into them, as they started off much sharper and more focused against the Americans. Showing off why he’s known in his home country as ‘The Kraken”, Laufreyn and fellow beater Engman kept their team clean and able to play their best, with the two hits the Americans scored the lowest total of any team so far in this tournament. With starting seeker Saga Kjellsson back in the lineup and looking to be in top form, the Nordic team ended the match in the 58th minute, and now will advance to the semi finals.
#4 Germany 690 v 40 #5 Morocco
After Germany’s win over Uruguay in the first round, we at the Prophet opined that their next opponent may be in for a difficult time. If the Moroccan team was aware of our coverage, it certainly didn’t show, as they seemed unprepared for the onslaught Germany unleashed upon them. Clearly unhappy with her own performance, Team Captain & Seeker Herleva Haupt amped up her intensity. That intensity seemed to have spread to the rest of her team, who turned in perhaps the most dominant performance of this tournament. They now set their sights on their toughest opponent yet, taking on the top seeded Nordic team with a trip to the finals on the line. If they can maintain their level of play from this week, my colleagues and I agree, they have a good chance of pulling off the upset.
Bottom Bracket
#2 Brazil 540 v 330 #10 Australia
After a first round match that was closer than many expected, Brazil wasted no time in putting this match to bed, leaving no doubt who was the better team. The Australians put up a valiant fight, playing their hearts out for the entire 51 minute match, with their seeker capturing the snitch. But after finding themselves in a 360 point hole, even that wasn’t enough to overcome the clear talent discrepancy. Though they’ll be happy to be only a single win away from the finals, Brazil has to be concerned with their seeker’s play thus far, as this is the second win without a snitch catch.
#3 India 120 v 440 #11 Scotland
The phrase “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” came to mind as we watched underdog Scotland’s match against the heavily favoured India. Employing a nearly identical strategy as in their upset of Japan, underdog Scotland took control of the game behind strong play from chasers Reid, Laird, and Lister, while beaters MacLeòid and Étan once more outplayed their competition and kept India’s chasers out of rhythm. In their previous match, it was India who claimed victory by quickly adapting to the inclement weather. This time, their inability to adjust to Scotland’s unconventional tactics cost them a spot in the semi finals. Now Scotland moves one more upset away from claiming a berth to the World Cup finals.
That finishes up the quarter-finals of the knockout stage, and we’re down to our final four teams! Stay tuned as our coverage continues, with the semi-finals starting up in just a few days!
Cook With Your Cauldron
The eagerly anticipated “Cook With Your Cauldron” by Musabelle Ramotswe is set for release this July, filled to the brim with delicious ways to fill your stomachs, and your lives, with the help of your cauldron. Flourish & Blotts, and Hogsmeade’s Tomes & Scrolls are taking pre-orders now. The hardback edition is expected to retail for under 4 galleons.
“I’ve been working on this cookbook since the birth of my twins, Peregrin and Arwen. After retiring from Hogwarts’ Homemaking Magic position, I found myself still wanting to teach others how to bring a little domestic magic into their kitchens for domestic bliss. With my new cookbook I hope to share the delight of cooking with your cauldron, providing you recipes to make each dish a spellbinding adventure for your taste buds! Join me on a culinary journey that will enchant your senses and fill your heart with joy. Or at the very least, thrill your family and satisfy their hunger!”
