BREAKING Fatal incident on Montenegrin border! Muggle hiker dead! Terrifying aberration unidentified? Ministry and ICW respond to creature crisis threatening Statute of Secrecy
Late on Sunday afternoon, a serious breach of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy erupted near the north-west border of Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro. The Ministry of Magic of Montenegro have reported that a group of muggle holidays were attacked by what appears to be unknown creatures of terrifying power and proportion. The Daily Prophet understands that the International Confederation of Wizards have been informed, and that the northern part of Montenegro is now closed to all magical visitors until the incident is contained and the cause clearly identified.
The muggle group in question were believed to be on a trekking and canoeing expedition from neighbouring Serbia. At approximately 6:40pm, they encountered what one witness described as “a horned beast with the soul of fire, like molten magma running through its veins.” The beast appeared from a nearby slope, followed by two others in quick succession. The surrounding forest has been damaged in outbreaks of fire which have not yet been fully contained, further threatening exposure to the muggle community.
Three hikers from the back of the group escaped, but it appears that there have been several serious injuries and at least one fatality. Upon the arrival of obliviators, it transpired that one hiker took a series of photographs of the creatures. One reacted strongly to the glare which triggered what one Montenegrin researcher is describing as a “defensive ignition event.”
Field teams from the Creatures Division arrived almost an hour later and discovered what appears to be the molten remains of horns amidst a carcass of thick skin. The other creatures appear to have vanished and a research expedition is now ongoing. Response efforts have proved difficult due to the proximity of the incident to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and relations between the two ministries are not very communicative.
The Bosnian Ministry confirmed evidence of poaching activity on the northern side of the border, although officials have described this as “not unusual” and it is not yet known if this relates in anyway to the incident or the mysterious creatures.
.
International Confederation of Wizards Confirms Sanctions on New Kalmar.
.
In preparation for the bi-annual summit to be held in 2033, the International Confederation of Wizards confirmed that it would not accept a delegation from New Kalmar. This follows the decision at the 2031 summit held in London, where the majority of delegates supported sanctions against the new union. New Kalmar is a united entity which now governs the formerly independent ministries of Norway, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, and Iceland with strong support of traditionalists in the Nordic regions. Sweden refused to join the union after the proposal was vetoed by the executive order of Aedalvardh Styrvast, Minister for Magic.
The ICW delegates have been profoundly concerned by the increasing belligerence of New Kalmar and the regressive policies towards muggle-borns citizens and other groups. The governing authorities of New Kalmar have not yet expressed an official view of their exclusion, although it seems that the decision has been greeted by shock in Iceland. The island nation was said to be the least enthusiastic about the union. Former minister Ólafur Böðvarsson came out publicly against joining New Kalmar from a safe location in Sweden. In a recent communication to the International Confederation, Böðvarsson affirmed his disappointment at the situation in his home country.
The 2033 Summit of the International Confederation of Wizards is due to take place in July. The host nation has not yet been decided, although it is strongly rumoured that either Estonia or Switzerland will be selected. Switzerland’s bid has been criticised due to the continued presence of the goblin Kingdom of Gringland within its borders which the ICW refused to recognise as an independent state in 2029. The Swiss Council of Magic maintains pragmatic relations with the Goblin Kingdom, although many Councillors have expressed their own scepticism about its presence. The country does, however, have some of the best facilities available for the conference, which it has agreed to host entirely at its own expense.
.
Swiss President will Not Seek Re-election
.
The incumbent President of the Swiss Magical Council has confirmed that he will not seek re-election at the upcoming Swiss elections in February. Felix Josef Luchsinger, previously Head of Financial Affairs and Enhancements, was appointed after the early retiral of his predecessor in 2024. He served as the Swiss delegate to major International Summits held in 2027, 2029, and 2031, handling the crisis which unfolded when British goblins established the state of Gringland on Swiss territory in 2028. Herr Luchsinger thanked his council colleagues for their support, and stated that he is looking forward to enjoying his retirement at his family retreat near Schwarzenberg.
.
International Duelling Leagues
.
The Daily Prophet had hoped to bring you exciting updates from the European duelling tournaments. We are perturbed to announce that these results have been delayed due to a dispute about scoring font protocols raised by the Commission for Magical Sports of Malta. The editor suspects that this delay is really an act of spite after the Maltese National Duelling League was accidentally snubbed by the opening official at an International Friendly in Croatia.
