Why should you be interested?

As mentioned previously, work experience over the summer months provides padding for your C.V. when you graduate. It also enables you to forge connections with the wizarding world for when you do graduate, potentially landing you in jobs further up the ladder!

Who do you need to contact?

Send a letter to your Head of House to organise a meeting discussing which work experience roles you are interested in. Your Head of House will contact the necessary people and relay any required information back to you

– Gryffindor – Professor Vikander
– Hufflepuff – Professor Priaulx
– Ravenclaw – Professor Green
– Slytherin – Professor Rask

What do I need?

• An enthusiasm in the field you’re interested in
• A cover letter detailing your personality, why you’re interested in the position, your OWLs, your predicted NEWTs
• A reference from your Head of House
• Further references if you feel it to be necessary

What work experiences positions are open and what does it involve?

• The Daily Prophet  – working at The Daily Prophet involves early mornings and late nights to assist in the publishing of the newspaper. You will be allocated to a member of the staff who will take you under their wing to guide you in the day to day runnings of the paper, they may take you to press conferences, breaking news events, and more

• St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries – Due to the complexity of healing, positions at St. Mungo’s will involve shadowing the reception witch with the potential of spending hours shadowing the healers and mediwitches and wizards

• The Ministry of Magic – Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes are looking for a student enthusiastic about travel with excellent charms and transfiguration skills. The student must hold their apparition license as the role will entail travel to wizarding homes. There is also opportunity to learn new spells
• The Ministry of Magic – Department of Magical Games and Sports, are looking for a student eager to work assisting in administration. Students must be enthusiastic about all aspects of Magical Sports. Included; 2 free tickets to the top box for the Euro Cup final
• The Ministry of Magic – Auror Office, a subdepartment of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, will take on students who have an enthusiasm and aptitude for detective work and law enforcement. The position will be primarily administration, for the student’s safety, however at the supervising Auror’s discretion students may be taken out for low risk investigative work
• The Ministry of Magic – Department of the Minister for Magic, will take one student who is enthusiastic about working within the political side of the Ministry. They will work directly under the Minister for Magic’s assistant learning about policies and protocols.
• The Ministry of Magic – Beast Division, a subdepartment of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, will take a student on an exciting expedition through the dangerous work of the Beast Division. Students will get to see how the Beast Division liaises and manages beasts and potential beast-related threats and will shadow renowned wizarding hero, Percius I. Fletcher
• The Ministry of Magic – Office of Misinformation, a subdepartment of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, will take a student with them on their frequent expeditions to Loch Ness to observe for any breaches to the Statute of Secrecy

• Quality Quidditch Supplies/Spintwitches Sporting Needs – For all you Quidditch fans the famous Quality Quidditch Supplies and Spintwitches Sporting Needs – who hold branches in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, respectively – will be taking on ONE shop assistant for each branch who will assist in the shops day to day running with the chance of going on buying trips.
• The Three Broomsticks – Hogsmeade doesn’t stop just because school is out and The Three Broomsticks sees record numbers in the warmer months so are vying for an enthusiastic work experience student to learn about the running of a pub. Students who can’t handle their boss like a tiny drunk toddler need not apply
• The Thirsty Dragon – Godric’s Hollow is the thriving beach village that many students frequent so The Thirsty Dragon is looking for any extra support with students with enthusiasm for the food and drink sector. Students with allergies to cats need not apply.
• Magical Menagerie/Eeylops Owl Emporium – The Hogsmeade branch of Magical Menagerie and the world renowned Diagon Alley Eeylops Owl Emporium are both looking for students with a keen interest in caring for magical creatures to assist in day to day shop activities
• Flourish and Blotts – The buyer for Flourish and Blotts has expressed an interest in a student with an affinity for books, reading and learning, to assist them on their trips across the country this summer
• Madam Malkins – An enthusiasm for Homemaking Magic will be needed for work experience at Madam Malkins where the work experience student will assist with the running of the shop and assist in creating some of the finest robes
• Dogweed and Deathcap – An affinity for potions is essential in this role where you will work with the buying team for the Hogsmeade Apothecary likely working between the London and Hogsmeade branches to select the finest ingredients to sell.
• Snitches Get Stitches – If you’re interested in magical crafting then this Hogsmeade shop is looking for a student with excellent charmwork and transfiguration skills. Applicants must have a high tolerance for veela
• Gringotts – A head for maths and arithmancy is needed to assist the goblins at Gringotts, there is the potential for travel so being of age is preferable with an aptitude for Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms
• Honeydukes – Hogsmeade based, world famous Honeydukes Sweet Shop has expressed interest in a student with an enthusiasm for Homemaking Magic, candies, and wonder to assist them in the making of magical candies and day to day shop activities.
• Shoeburyness Reserve – Enthusiasm and a love for Magical Creatures is required in this position as the owners will be looking for a student who isn’t afraid of getting their hands dirty and helping care for the magical creatures who reside here. Must not be afraid to interact with creatures.

Make sure to organise your meeting with your Head of House and prepare your cover letter, it doesn’t hurt to ask for additional references prior to the meeting too! If you have requests for other lines of work your Head of House will do their best to assist in organising this however cannot make any guarantees.

An EXCLUSIVE rare chat between Philomena Pest and Minister Alyssa Merriweather

What a simply irresistible era of riveting, transparent, honest journalism this is, and how deliciously proud I am to be at the forefront of it all, flamboyant quill readied and steadied in my freshly manicured hand. It feels like only yesterday I penned my first humble article, delighting on the ravenous revelations of several magical celebrities caught in the midst of unfurling, hideous scandals. And so it should, my darlings, as, since I am so young, it practically was only yesterday! 

This interview, exclusive to Witch Weekly, shall be an intimate, invasive and inviting deep delve, with brutal but breakthrough questions, a glimpse into the fashionable and perhaps disastrously unfashionable, a foray into gossiped fables, a class in the classy and the classless, a banquet of answers in bountiful supply.

From scathing politicians brushing shoulders in court, to rough and tough Triwizard champions and their oncoming crisis, and to pocket-bloated, coin-gorging Goblins whose bank accounts hold the answers to all my our problems, this highly prized, highly exclusive seven page spread will not shy away from asking the questions on everyone’s lips. 

It’s the tea you’ve been quenched for, and I am simply springing with ecstasy that I shall be the one to serve it.

You’re in for a surprise, readers. Because sitting before me, dressed in gray winter plaid, a vision of power, of status and of political eminence, is the devastatingly important, devastatingly influential, devastatingly blonde Minister Alyssa Merriweather. 

Minister Merriweather, darling! What a delight. How do you take your tea?

Plain. Tea shouldn’t be made fancy with odd flavouring and all the unnecessities. It’s tea, you know where you stand with it. Teabag, Milk, Two Sugars. *smile.*

Are you married?

I’ve never been married. Perhaps some dating here and there.

Peculiar, darling, [I stop to pull a parchment out from under my chair] I have a record here that does in fact state otherwise. 

At this moment, the Minister sits silently, seemingly unable to answer my question. Was it nerves? Terror in the plight of truth? She even looks to her assistant, with a look of discomfort, before answering.

A long time ago then, yes I was. Nothing remarkable about the marriage though and it was over before it began. Hardly a blip on my radar, sweetie! 

Plenty more time for blips, I’m sure, darling! Nice hat by the way.

Thanks.

Any children?

None for the moment. Perhaps when my term is over.

Do you live in London?

Essex specifically. 

You became Minister last year. 2026. How IS it going?

It’s going well I’d say. I’ve managed to secure some funding for a brand new Hogsmeade Clinic, we have the Triwizard Tournament and crime is down! Would you imagine that? 

During the election process, part of Minister Alyssa Merriweather’s campaign was to introduce St Mungo’s Clinic’s across Great Britain – a promise she has so far delivered on, with one already up and running in Hogsmeade.

Speaking of crime, darling! Tell us about your cabinet of colleagues. 

Wonderful as always. Though I’d be a bad Minister for Magic if I commented on someone’s job performance publicly, wouldn’t i? You should know better than to ask. 

I will ask darling: starting with Seung Hightower. Sent in your place to a high profile debate regarding the infamous Goblin-Getreat. Rather the proxy, isn’t she?

I used Seung Hightower as my proxy for the simple reason that I shouldn’t and couldn’t make my stance public. You see, politics is a nasty little game, love. You say the wrong thing and either side would find a problem with it. I merely asked Hightower to deliver my vote in confidence while I let the Goblins and Wizengamot duke out the logistics, something I’m already privy to. 

Seung Hightower currently serves as Minister Alyssa Merriweather’s Chief Advisor, having previously taken undersecraterial duties under the late Minister Hannah Fischer.

But you are the Minister – are you not, darling?

Yes and as Minister it’s my inalienable right to choose someone to speak on my behalf. Perhaps you should try it. 

Go on… tell us…How do you really feel about Goblin independence?

No ill towards them I suppose. They made their decision, I hope it was the correct one – for them. 

On the subject of Goblin’s and Goblin independence, and our ongoing economic crisis, what are your thoughts on Gringotts loans to help with our current financial fiasco?

I can assure you that the Ministry has prepared for all outcomes and has enough galleons to support the nation no matter the outcome. 

Well, do you have a plan?

A plan for what? I have many plans, love. 

To rescue our economy from ruin, darling!

Economic situations are a constant fluctuation of highs and lows, like magic wouldn’t you say? They’re up and down. Sometimes people do notice it and sometimes people don’t. However, as I SAID, Philomena, the Ministry has plans for all outcomes. 

Perhaps I can petition you to donate some of your new found wealth to those struggling to match the current climate. It’s always nice when those in a better position help the less fortunate. I dare say the ball is in your court now. 

Moving SWIFTLY on! How much do you earn a year?

I think it rather crass to discuss one’s paycheck publicly, don’t you? Oh well I suppose you don’t really. Money and talk of money always attracts a certain type of person doesn’t it? I hope you don’t mind but I won’t discuss it with you. 

You have a delectable dress sense. What are some of your staple must-wears when dressing as the Minister for Magic.

I think it’s much better to dress comfortably. Although my role does require me to have a certain je ne sais quoi because I’m a public figure. I think a good pair of tailored pants is a must have and a good blazer.

And your favourite colour right now?

I’d have to go with anything in the pastel range.

Interestingly, Ministers are in a position to sway public opinion when it comes to fashion. Whilst olive green can be out today, it can just as easily be in tomorrow, should the highest political figure in the country choose to wear it.

I’m wearing a jacket lined with frosted Juliet Rose’s, myself, darling! Hand crafted, I’m told, by Californian witch-seamstresses. Perhaps you’d like to borrow it one day?

…Sure.

Heels or flats?

Both. Heels for important events and flats for the office. 

When you first set out as Minister, you had a lot of support from the head of the Vampire Society, Lucille Brónach, who was recently declared dead. Gasp! Do you suspect foul play? 

A travesty. Lucille was a staunch supporter of the Ministry and the Vampire Society’s deep friendship with one another. I hope the next leader will be just as supportive of such a friendship.

The Minister seems to ignore my comments regarding foul play entirely, which obviously means she does suspect it!

Your relationship with Hogwarts. Can You define It in one word?

Wonderful…

Would you use that Same Word to describe the Triwizard Tournament? Hosted and paid for once again by Great Britain?

Wouldn’t you say this is a distraction sorely needed? The Triwizard Tournament always lightens people’s moods. I could say it better keeps you in a job too, hm?  

Nothing like a spot of potential death to lighten the mood, darling!

Perhaps you could have entered many, many, many, MANY, many, many MANY years ago Philomena. 

Not that many, darling! 

Sure. Unfortunately we’ll just have to watch, wait and see. 

What would you say to the parents of those competing in this year’s tournament?

Perhaps that question would be better served to Headmistress O’Keefe. I am merely the Minister of Magic. Shall we talk about the potential income that the Triwizard will do to our economy? Yes, let’s! Too much doom and gloom coming from your questions here Philomena, one could say you’re trying to bait me.

The Triwizard Tournament like the International Confederation summons brought in alot of interest into our communities, it generates tourism and spectator sport from all over the world. I would think for someone so interested in our economy such as yourself Philomena this could only be a good thing. 

This claim from the Minister isn’t completely correct – whilst it is true that on rare occasions, host countries have managed to wrangle profit out of Triwizard Tournaments, the cost of hiring specialised staff, exporting dangerous creatures, and the construction of new and innovative venues, often means that the money brought in shy’s in comparison with the money taken out. Expensive, darling!

This beautifully segues into my next burning question. Perhaps you would like to take another sip of your plain tea before I get stuck in? It’s getting cold, darling…

You recently hosted an International Confederation Meeting. What an honour! Tell us about that.

We are all very aware of what’s been happening within our community for quite some time now, no more than the students of Hogwarts. You see, our previous Minister.. Hannah Fischer, she was convinced that there is some sort of darkness growing from our roots, that we are in the midst of an international catastrophe of epic proportions. I? Well I don’t have an opinion on the matter, my job was to simply carry out her… dying wishes. To alert the international leaders of such threats in hopes that we could put our petty international squabbles at bay for just a moment and work together. Did it work? I’d have to say yes though some may say no. I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.

But DARLING, you must have some sort of an opinion!?

I think it’s best for the nation that we move on from what someone’s opinion is.

During a chance encounter in Hogsmeade, one I personally witnessed, a young witch, Miss Persephone Vitrac, pressed you about an orb that interrupted a gala later that week, one that carried a warning. Can you tell us what that warning was?

I believe it was a simple warning to be prepared, they are coming and to seek the light. What does that mean? I don’t know, I truly couldn’t tell you at this moment. What I can assure you and your readers is that we’re investigating every possible lead. 

And is it true that the voice of this ‘orb’ was not dissimilar to the late Hannah Fischers?

I think sometimes we project what we want to hear or see. Hannah Fischer is dead and those that think otherwise are naive. Perhaps those that heard her voice simply miss her or wish she was here continuing to do my job, perhaps they don’t agree with me being Minister and would rather.. Her. 

Under your leadership, Fischers alleged murderer, escaped prisoner Lovelace has still not been captured. Why is that?

Capturing criminals is a hard game. Perhaps you’d like to play it? 

Then there is Judy Dorchester still at large. Darling you have to admit, it’s a little bit odd! Almost makes you seem complicit!

With all due respect Philomena I think you’re reaching with this question. How can you blame me or say I’m complicit when Judy Dorchester escaped under my predecessors watch. Are you naive as well? Perhaps. Copious amounts of perfume can detract from rational thinking at times.

Judy Dorchester has been an escaped convict, according to sources, since January 2026, meaning that by the time this article releases, it will have almost been two years – very odd, darlings!

Favourite evening drink?

Coffee.

There are many who think that you don’t understand or accept the weight of the dangers currently threatening our way of life – such as the Umbra – and that your priorities are all wrong. How terribly mean of them! What say you?

The matter of the Umbrae is an ongoing dilemma, that I can assure you has been, and shall continue to be, closely monitored, tracked and investigated by the Ministry of Magic.

Take another sip of your tea darling!

I’m fine.

Why did you run for Minister? You were a simple mediwitch working at St. Mungo’s, with no political experience. Single, free, youthful. Why did you run?

A new perspective was needed. One of a witch living in the real world, if you will.

Do you miss it?

Sometimes, yes.

At the start of this interview, I asked you about marriage, and you lied. Gasp! Why should the British public believe a word you say?

The Minister momentarily pauses here, then cheerfully laughs.

I think even I have the right to a private life and my marriage or my personal life is none of yours or your readers business. Perhaps I simply don’t wish to divulge my personal details to later be slandered.. Yes slandered Philomena by yourself. The media in this country has gone down hill. You all report gossip, slander and irregular activities. 

Allow me to rephrase an earlier question!

Perhaps it is you who are complicit in helping those that seek to damage us by furthering their agenda of disruption and chaos. Perhaps the media are the ones distracting people from the real issues. You care more about who I’m wearing or what shoes I’m wearing than the real issues. 

Absolutely not, Minister! What you wear on your head is far more interesting than what’s on your feet.  One final question! What is one thing we don’t know about you, that you’d like us to know?

I’m excellent at chess. Goodbye Philomena!

And just like that, our EXCLUSIVE interview with Britain’s most powerful witch comes to an end. A few things remain to be seen – will our economy be pulled out of its muddy pit, or will the Minister’s excessive public spending mark the end of all of our prosperity. Are St Mungo’s clinics really worth it? Have witches and wizards forgotten how to use floo powder, and slide into buildings covered in musty coal dust, like we always have done? Or are we entering into an era of hard-left thinking, where convenience becomes the cardinal standard throughout, and there will be no such thing as brooms, fireplaces and trains.

Will her privacy, and lack of opinion signal the end of transparency? Of good old fashioned honesty? Is this her legacy? As you know me more than anyone, my darling readers, you will know that truth above all else is the thing I value most! That everything I say, or do, is legitimate, is genuine and earth shatteringly candid! Or in fact, is Minister Merriweather’s careful stance a symbol of staunch strength, of clever coordinated moves, and does she represent, then, a new age of magic for Great Britain, where community comes before common sense.

But above it all, forget the Goblin independence, and the tribulations of another paid-for-by-our-taxes Triwizard Tournament, the biggest revelation today is that our head of state is a woman of complex binaries. She takes her tea plain, with two sugars, but currently loves anything in a pastel colour. She’s young, but she’s clever. She’s resourceful, and sees the benefits of both heels and flats! And as I’ve always said, DARLINGS! A witch is only as good as what she wears.

With the Dueling Tournament fast approaching, The Owl Post has a handy guide on who’s who with vital stats. Cut them out so you can have a fun game of Top Trumps, or use them as your guideline of who to bet on*

Name: Aloy Osiris
House: Gryffindor
Year: 3
Speed: 70
Accuracy: 48
Dodge-ability: 80
Endurance: 62
Personality: 48

Aloy Osiris is the first of three veela heritage duelists in this year’s tournament. According to sources, Aloy’s surname originates from the mythology of the Egyptian god, Osiris, god of the underworld and close family friend. This puts her at a similar advantage as that of Persephone Vitrac, both able to banish their opponents to the Underworld if all else fails. Outside of dueling, she can be found in the music room or Gryffindor commons playing music or kick a certain squinty eyed, long necked Hufflepuff in the family jewels. The uniquely mixed, half Egyptian, half Serbian Gryffindor considers Defence Against the Dark Arts her favourite class, which explains her attraction to dueling. Her favourite spell is Bombarda so we at the Owl Post recommend those in the splash zone to practice their shield charms. As for tactics? Well, the Knightsbridge native wouldn’t divulge, in favour of maintaining an edge over her opponents, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a fireball or two go flying!

Name: Bonnie Nishi
House: Ravenclaw
Year: 7
Speed: 69
Accuracy: 69
Dodge-ability: 69
Endurance: 69
Personality: 69

Bonnie Nishi is the controlling (literally) force behind the Inter-Hogwarts Dueling Club and Head Girl. A ruthless but unpredictable dueler, one can never be sure if she will end the duel quickly but maliciously, or if she will drag it out to humiliate her opponent. You can be sure the Ravenclaw will always follow the letter of the law ((and never the spirit.)) Only one thing is more distinctive than her dueling prowess, and that is her striking good looks (((fact, not opinion.))), though her sense of humour is a close second. Outside of dueling club, Bonnie can be found at Artifice Club, practicing ‘watching’ Quidditch with best mate and rumoured love interest, Persephone Vitrac, or standing around saying the word… ‘biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih’.

Name: Caryxander Mordushku
House: Slytherin
Year: 7
Speed: 80
Accuracy: 90
Dodge-ability: 78
Endurance: 50
Personality: 35

Cary dander is 18 years old, coming from Colchester, Essex, where he grew up under his late father (unnamed for the safety of the duelist, despite the infamy that surrounds him.) Little is known about his formative years, though based on the reputation of the Mordushku family, one could easily form an idea, but his favourite pastimes are drawing, playing Quidditch, and running. ((How he could keep a head that size upright, we’ll never know.)) Dander doesn’t indulge in sweets much, but can always be found with a fig in hand, especially when he’s attending Transfigurations or Arithmancy, his favourite classes. How he duels? It’s been said that Dander favours a shield-charm heavy defensive play with the offensive preference of bending the surroundings to his will with transfiguration. (((Not to say that he engages in fair play, despite being one of the organisers of the tournament.))) Cary dander looks to close out matches as quickly as possible and seems to show frustration when someone lasts longer than intended ((((or wins!))))

Name: Casey Champion
House: Ravenclaw
Year: 3
Speed: 75
Accuracy: 64
Dodge-ability: 81
Endurance: 79
Personality: 70

Hailing from Brighton, Casey Champion is the only son of famed curse breaker Nicholas Champion, who went missing when Casey was only four years of age. Maybe that’s why he’s managed to avoid any nasty curses passed his way in Dueling Club! Or maybe it’s just why he’s felt a need to prove himself! Fame is a lot to live up to. Particularly talented for his age, Casey packs a wallop when it comes to dueling, reaching the top ten with fewer bouts under his belt than many of the other competitors, including best friend Talula Shippe. Though the third year politely declined any comment on his favourite DUELING spell in favour of maintaining an element of surprise, sources tell us he favours lumos off-stage. Sources also tell us that Casey is taking fellow dueling Top Tenner, Peach McCants to the Midsummer Ball. We can’t help but wonder if this is an attempt to keep her guard down? Should we start taking bets?

Name: Elliott Reid
House: Slytherin
Year: 6
Speed: 57
Accuracy: 75
Dodge-ability: 89
Endurance: 90
Personality: 92

Elliott Reid is a 16 year old, muggleborn Prefect and notably single. Hailing from Largs Scotland, his favourite pastimes are playing piano, practising Quidditch, and camping, though he enjoys long walks by the lake as well. Citing Charms and Transfiguration as his favourite classes, this charming snake definitely has an advantage brought on by enjoying casting. Despite favouring ending a match quickly with a well placed petrificus totalus, he also tries to think about his individual opponent and figure out what might stop them in their tracks. You won’t find a more thoughtful and available duelist, ladies. In case you were wondering, his favourite candies are Fizzing Whizbees and Peach Rings, so have them ready for when he walks off stage victorious and looking to dance at the Midsummer Ball.

Name: Everlina Kindred
House: Hufflepuff
Year: 1
Speed: 58
Accuracy: 55
Dodge-ability: 60
Endurance: 45
Personality: 86

Everlina Kindred is Dueling Club’s sweetheart, at least if you ask us. Quiet and soft spoken, this starry eyed Hufflepuff never seems to give up, no matter what painful spells are sent her way. Despite having been seen fleeing the room in tears, we can’t help but to wonder if this isn’t a ploy to get her opponents to let their guard down. Don’t let her title of ‘sweetheart’ fool you! Favouring the Full Body-Bind Curse, you can count on the little darling to attempt a quick end to her matches, often humiliating her opponent and making us wonder if there isn’t more to the badger. When not in Dueling Club, you can find Everlina around the castle with her friends, reading them stories or playing her ukelele.

Name: Johanna Carstairs (Special Award as Healer)
House: Ravenclaw
Year: 7
Speed: 50
Accuracy: 79
Dodge-ability: 40
Endurance: 90
Personality: 84

Straight out of Inverness, Johanna Carstairs is no dueler. In fact, the Ravenclaw Prefect’s focus has been on healer training throughout the tournament and she’s seen her fair share of vomited slugs. Her bedside manner comes from dealing with some of the more… accident prone students and we at the Owl Post highly recommend all duelists befriend her, unless you want to spend even longer holding your detached fingers in place. Despite all this, sources tell us, Jo has a deep fear of blood and that if you really want to punish your opponents cover them in blood. (Editor’s Note: We in no way condone making your opponents bleed, after all… that’d be against tournament rules…we think.) When she’s not patching folks up, Johanna can be found in the library, the transfiguration courtyard, or down by the loch… Unless it’s Quidditch day. Then you can find her in the stands wearing a giant bird mask when her house is playing ((much to the dismay of the first and some second years)). (((Editor’s Note: We may have gone easy on Johanna’s bio in an attempt to butter her up. Notice us, please!)))

Name: Maddy Hemlock
House: Gryffindor
Year: 7
Speed: 60
Accuracy: 35
Dodge-ability: 0
Endurance: 60
Personality: 82

Maddy Hemlock is the type of person who likes to keep her thoughts to herself, serial cookie thief she likes to think she emulates the core values of Gryffindor house though she has a Ravenclaw-like aura of organisation about her as she tries to single handedly whip her house into shape. She’s not the best of duelists (read: the worst) but likes to have a go at anything, her favourite spell is wadiwassi.

Name: Octavia Dechants
House: Slytherin
Year: 2
Speed: 60
Accuracy: 40
Dodge-ability: 48
Endurance: 67
Personality: 75

Octavia (Editor’s Note: There were too many middle names here for me to actually list out) Dechants is the firstborn daughter of… ((Editor’s Note II: There were a lot more names here.)). She considers her ancestors honourable and that they were all Slytherins too. Claiming to have mastered most of the spells in her charms and transfiguration books, she considers herself a master duellist at the young age of twelve. Octavia is also already an accomplished member of the Slytherin Quidditch team and multiple dueling clubs in which she remained undefeated for a year and a half and topped the leader-boards until she was (((supposedly))) robbed of her spot by a two week suspension that came about because of upjumped righteous charges. Since then, the little snake has been seen to have a dangerous temper and to show no mercy. Place your bets, boys, this is sure to be a nasty one.

Name: Peach McCants
House: Hufflepuff
Year: 4
Speed: 50
Accuracy: 61
Dodge-ability: 42
Endurance: 40
Personality: 55

Peach McCants is our second duelist of veela heritage, known for her optimistic and (sometimes too) cheerful attitude. Daughter of a famous Auror, some might say the blonde badger has an unfair advantage, though they would be jealous cowards. Peach claims to cast with care and precision, with simple spells as her go-to, having been told by her mother that sometimes they are the most powerful. When she isn’t practicing her dueling, you can find her zoning off in class, painting up in the art room or maybe caught up in the ever-so-famous third year drama. What drama? See, Casey Champion’s bio.

Name: Persephone Vitrac
House: Slytherin
Year: 7
Speed: 45
Accuracy: 89
Dodge-ability: 62
Endurance: 90
Personality: 96

Persephone Vitrac is a rather famous Slytherin prefect, known for her name being splashed in The Daily Prophet, with a terrifying countenance around an ooey-gooey soft interior. Unfortunately for anyone she duels against, it is her terrifying countenance that she holds her wand with. Vitrac is not afraid to fight to the death if she has to in a duel, just don’t touch her leg. That’s poor form.

Name: Talula Shippe
House: Hufflepuff
Year: 3
Speed: 74
Accuracy: 80
Dodge-ability: 83
Endurance: 45
Personality: 55

Hufflepuffs may be called potatoes but don’t let that fool you about this duelist! When it comes to competition, Talula Shippe is as full of rage on the dueling dais as she is on the Quidditch Pitch. Hailing from Newham, London, Talula is the youngest with two older brothers and is no stranger to getting her butt handed to her confrontation!. Paired with her expert fleeing gymnastics and tumbling skills, this will surely make her a difficult opponent in the duels to come. With the profundus charm as her go to favourite daily driver spell, and her quick grace with a wand, she is sure to provide a tough challenge to her opponents, or if nothing else, she’ll be able to entrance her enemies with her Veela charms! Speaking of Veela charms, rumour has it, Talula has already found a date to the Midsummer Ball. Sorry, boys, Hyland’s already called it. 

The purpose of the HIDC is to familiarise and then hone student’s abilities with spells within the accepted structure of classical duelling. Members of the HIDC are expected to conduct themselves to the highest standard on and off the stage and carry themselves as leaders and examples in and out of school.

Student duels will be overseen by Prefects and/or Available Professors. Except in the case of special matches all duels will be fought one on one with a student of equivalent year. If one is not available a substitute can be called. If the match is termed Rated than spells will be restricted to a ceiling of the least experienced duelist. 

A defeat is signaled by three touches (successful spells) or the inability of one party to continue. (Loss of wand, consciousness)

Students will be expected to conduct and present themselves in a respectful fashion. Robes are to be worn during club time and matches.

 Rated Match: A rated match must be performed in the presence of a prefect who will declare the winner subject to the established rules. In general all matches during club times are considered rated unless a party objects prior to the beginning of the match. 

Banned Spells:

As a rule a hex, jinx, transfiguration or charm that willfully causes permanent injury, death, is dismemberment is deemed not for acceptable use and is considered outlawed during club times and possibly cause for referral to an administrator. 

Please note that this rule includes the spirit of the matter asserted. A Bombarda charm while intended for use against inanimate objects is obviously dangerous for use against a Witch or Wizard and therefore unacceptable to use against an opponent. 

If in doubt ask the presiding Club staff or a Professor. In all cases consider the safety of your clubmates and the school first. 

Best in Year:

Wins of rated matches will be tracked by the staff. At the end of term an award for Best in year will be presented to the student from that year with the most accumulated wins. One ‘point’ may be earned towards rating per club. 

In the event of a tie the two students in question will be asked to compete against each other to decide the winner.  

Snacks:

As club will occur during times normally reserved for lunches and dinner snacks will be provided. 

It was the third of January, shortly after the scarlet steam engine departed with the next generation of Wixen, that another attack by our unknown murderer occurred. This time however, the victim escaped with their life. 

Aisling Jones, a recent graduate of Hogwarts and a registered Animagi, was found attempting to fend off her attacker on the vacant 9 ¾ platform. Like those before her, she suffered from devastating injuries across her body. It is believed that the situation could have been just as deadly as the others if not for the arrival of close friend Marzia Sterling, another Hogwarts graduate, who had returned to the platform when Miss Jones did not exit the station with everyone else.

Despite the attack being interrupted and left unfinished the word ‘Freak’ was present at the scene, as it has been each time before, making reporters and those responding to the attacks question the methods and cruelty of the attacker, that this reporter has dubbed the Faceless Murderer. Many of those questions were quickly answered when Miss Jones confirmed that the use of her blood to spell out the offensive word was done while she was still conscious.

Both witnesses reported the attacker wore full plate armour, unfortunately making them impossible to identify by sight alone. It was also discovered that, aside from pools of blood from his victims, the Faceless Murderer takes care to ensure that there is little to no trace of his involvement left behind, beyond what he chooses to leave.

Kaleikaumaka Tenadii, Adviser to the Minister of Magic and one of the ministry officials to arrive after the attack, provided this statement;

“The Ministry wants to assure the public that we are doing everything within our power and will not leave any stone unturned in our search to bring this violent and dangerous individual to justice. Any citizens with any information, please reach out to the Department of Magical Law enforcement.”

This latest attack brings the total of known victims to five, something that the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement ensures us he is not taking lightly, and that every effort is being made to find this individual.

It is not often that the Wizengamot comments until after an arrest, and it’s possible that it could be due to his personal relation to the victim in this attack, or it could be his exceptionally strong opinion on the topic but Alistair Colquhoun, Head magistrate of the Wizengamot, had this to say;

“Wizarding Law firmly protects the rights of those practicing responsible human transformation from any assault, abuse, or harm. It remains for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to find the culprit and determine the nature of their motives. Suffice it to say, however, I am highly disturbed by the suggestion that this was the result of some anti-animagi sentiment. I have never heard anything of the like in all my career. It is quite absurd. This ability is widely recognised as one of the highest achievements of transfiguration for any worthy wixen, a remarkable ability to be praised and encouraged by those who master it. The motivation behind such prejudice is beyond all reason. The Wizarding community should be assured that once this individual is caught, they will experience nothing less than the full majesty of the law.“

Indeed, this is a case that is both disturbing and frightening, that so much hatred could turn into bloodshed. Is this a sign of darker things to come? For now, it is encouraged that no Wixen travel alone, Animagi or not, for this latest attack proves that even having one friend close could save a life. 

– Sterling Raggs, Magical Crimes Reporter.

This victory for Ballycastle records for the first time in seven years that the British and Irish League has seen the top three tied for points, with the Falcons, the Harpies and the Bats all tied for first place, 4 points above their closest competition in the Caerphilly Catapults, who jumped above the Pride of Portree with a scintillating victory over the Tutshill Tornados in order to secure their position at fourth! With Falmouth initially being in the lead in the league, victories both for Ballycastle against the Cannons, and for the Holyhead Harpies – who equally put the pressure and pain on the Wimbourne Wasps with a punishing scoreline of 600-340, after what looked to be a relatively close game turned into a wipeout after the Snitch was caught by the Harpies’ Seeker Kelsie Galloway – puts the league at a standstill, and with the next face off between one of these teams not due until March when the Bats host the Harpies in their own roost, things look to be getting spicy at the top of the league!

Elsewhere, the Appleby Arrows put the Banchory Bangers to the sword with a rather tame match score of 140-280 to the visiting Arrows, who left Banchory with pride as a mixture of high octane tactics and a recklessness that the Arrows have been seen employing since their recent new coach Rudiger ‘Rudy’ Miles – the same Rudy Miles of USA Quidditch Chasing fame – took over the squad and reworked their playstyle. It’s new, it’s improved and it’s something that the Bangers weren’t ready to counter, merely relying on their good solid play to keep themselves in the game.

The Wigtown Wanderers managed to lumber to a draw to previous league leaders Falmouth after their Chasers put up a ferocious display of attacking spirit, their keeper refusing to let a single Falcon score a shot. The game ended 150-150 after the Wanderer’s were unlucky to not catch the Snitch to take the victory for themselves. Those spectating gestured that it was easily the most pushed that Falmouth had been all season, including their game against the Harpies last week where Jasper Baxter and Peter Riches had displayed their dangerous combination at Beater to dismantled the Harpies side. Word from the Harpies medical team and St Mungos is that all of the injured players are set to make a recovery and the Gemma Thornton who suffered the breakage of both of her legs and her Achilles heel during the game has been reported to be making a quick and speedy recovery to get back to the league at hand. Perhaps a victory could yet be in sight for the Harpies. 

The Pride of Portree were able to get back to their winning ways as they hosted the Magpies at their stadium, managing to bring their team to a kindhearted and well played defeat of 500 – 360, with some deft work from the chasers of both teams making the scoreline a well contested feat. After the game the Portree Head Coach Domnhal O’Mahoney had this to say:

“We’re very proud of our performance today. The team did well and we put out a good showing. I think we still have the potential to challenge at the top. With this victory we’re only 5 points behind top spot, and I have all the faith in the world that we can meet it.” 

The Magpies decided against commenting, as is Head Coach Michael Strawbridge’s usual tact with the press, however fan representatives have stated how happy they and the club’s fanbase are at the victory, stating that ‘the quality of the team has been shown proper by the display’.

Finally, the Kenmare Kestrels went away to Puddlemere United, where the league likely saw the most boring game of the year. From the 29th to the 2nd the two teams clashed, with neither one being able to energetically push each other to defeat until eventually Callum McClarken of Puddlemere managed to limply take hold of the Snitch, securing a victory and keeping themselves 4 points above the Cannons to sit 12th in the league, just above the Kestrels themselves, whose only points have come from an early victory over the Cannons.

With the Quidditch week rounded up, it’s time to find ourselves back at the discussion of transfers, and the transfer of one new player on the block ‘Adam Fletcher’. Fresh out of Hogwarts after being scouted by his relative at Falmouth, the Falcons have reported since our last article that Adam Fletcher has officially been sold to the Agencourt Axes for an undisclosed fee, though it has been estimated to be around 2010000 Galleons after Agencourt released Adam Fletcher’s contract information, revealing the player to be earning a tidy 30000 Galleons a month – an expected contract rate considering the cash rich French League. 

After the announcement, we at Witch Weekly worked as hard as possible in order to arrange an interview with Adam Fletcher and Head Coach Garvey Ducassis before Adam made his official move to Agincourt to join its surprisingly large Wixen population – one of the only places in France where they outnumber the Muggle presence in the area. And so, with an exclusive interview arranged, we were given a few moments to ask Adam Fletcher some of our burning questions, detailed here via transcript.

Interviewer: Hi Adam, Garvey. Great to see you both looking so well, seems the Quidditch season’s been taking good care of you. Just want to direct this question to you Adam. Seeing as Jasper Baxter and Peter Riches have formed a bit of a deadlock on the Beater position at Falmouth, is this a main part of your reason for moving from the British League to the French one?

Adam: Gotta go where I’m needed, innit? The Axes have a team of nobodies, they need somebody to pick ’em up.

(Our Interviewer noted that Coach Ducassis did not seem overly impressed with this comment, with many a raised eyebrow abound! Perhaps there are to be some early dramatics with Mr Fletcher and his new team.)

Interviewer: An honest response – Coach Ducassis, do you have anything to add?

Ducassis: I am sure zat Adam will enjoy ze set up we ‘ave at Azincourt, along with making many new friends among ‘is talented teammates.

Question 2: Many of Adam’s potential suitors have pointed to the money available under the French League’s marquee player rules in that they are able to spend as much money as they wish on one or two players of non-French descent, with Bert Brawn of the Chudley Cannons – one of Adam’s primary suitors for a new position in the British and Irish League –  in particular lauding the move as ‘laughable’ and an ‘offence to the sport’. Where do you stand on this in regards to this transfer?

Fletcher: Bert’s probably just sour ’cause he ain’t been offered a way out of the dreadful cannons. Brain’s in his robe pocket anyway, he don’t know what he’s talking about. It’s a good opportunity for me, that’s where I stand.

Interviewer: Anything to add Coach?

Ducassis: I agree with Adam. I zink zat my team ‘as something to offer Adam zat our competition did not. As I said, I zink Adam is going to find ‘imself enjoying the set up at Azincourt. My advice to the competition would be to focus on your own seasons razzer zan what we’re doing over here.

Interviewer: Adam, this question’s just for you now. You must be able to see that some of the criticism of the financial details of this transfer is warranted. What do you have to say to those who worry that the game might be watered down by big money transfers, and do you think this has any risk for future league strength across the entire sport?

Fletcher: Look. You can’t expect to have the best team without putting a little money into it. Sure you can nurture talent, but that takes years even to find a player with potential. Money brings the players that are at their peak straight in, but it also brings renown dunnit? It brings reputation. It’s a cycle I ‘spose, I dunno. I’m not a manager, I’m just a player.

Interviewer: So you don’t think it’s a problem for the sport that only teams with a good enough bank balance have a chance at competing?

Fletcher: The teams with the bank balance have earned it. Money don’t grow on trees, they’ve got that money from working over the decades, ain’t they?

Interviewer: In some cases definitely, I would agree Mr Fletcher! However there are some teams, such as the Parisian Hellhounds, who are currently favourites to win in the French League who have had multiple investments from outside sources. Their chairman himself has shares in Firebolt. Does that change your perception at all?

Fletcher: They wouldn’t get investments if they weren’t good, if they hadn’t built a reputation. Spend money to make money, innit? Quidditch is a business like any other.

Interviewer: A very professional way to look at it! For my fourth question I was wondering…Do you have any expectations with the Agincourt Axes this year the pair of you? What are you plans for the season to go, especially with such stiff competition from League giants in the Parisian Hellhounds, the Quiberon Quafflepunchers, the Bordeaux Bludgers and the Provence Princes?

Fletcher: They don’t worry me. I just want a change of setting and a change of pace.

Ducassis: I zink that we have a top quality team and wiz ze inclusion of Adam from the Valmouth Valcons we’re only going to zee our quality improve. I zink all of our fans at Azincourt are going to be looking forward to a brilliant half of the zeason.

Interviewer: Do you have any words for the fans to close out the interview Mr Fletcher?

Fletcher: Words for the fans? Not really, no. They know what they want for their team, I’m just hoping to play some good Quidditch. Hopefully they’ll like it. If not, they can ‘casse toi’ [unintelligible gibberish].

Very confident words from the London bred Slytherin as he journeys to France to continue his career. With luck he shall blossom there, as many of his fans – those who followed him from School level to Falmouth, hoping he might manage to move Peter Riches or Jasper Baxter from their spot – pointed to the fact that the French League is statistically a far weaker League than our own British and Irish League. One fan, Roger Huckleberry wrote in stating his opinion as such:

‘Fletcher’s a blinding talent and it’s a shame to see Falmouth let him go, but ultimately he’s going to have a breeze in the French League. There’s only four proper teams and the rest couldn’t even beat a load of Quodpot players having a lark. Just a shame that another quality English player is lured away by European Galleon-rich clubs.”

This concludes this weeks roundup of the Quidditch news from the New Year! Next week, be sure to get your issue to get the latest news on the next Chudley Cannons loss, and to keep watch as the Bangers play the Arrows in a game that is vital to both teams, with Caerphilly travelling to Ballycastle and the Harpies to Tutshill, with both teams looking for victories to take them above Falmouth, who travel to stiff competition in Portree.

Brooklyn Murray of Bristol was found in her bathroom with many cruel injuries all over her body. From the state of her home there is no denying that she put up a fight, but it turns out that it was not quite enough to fend off her attacker. Similarly, a group of Auror’s were investigating the second of the two attacks in Oxford, on Eddie Brown, an elderly man who had lived in the area his entire life. Both scenes had varying degrees of damage to the location, but the victims had equal amounts of injuries inflicted to bring them down without the use of the dreaded killing curse.

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement still has yet to put a name or a face to the attacker, but now they do believe that it is a Wixen who is working alone, and the earlier possibility of the attacks being a string of hate crimes has been confirmed. There is no longer a belief that the targets are random magical folk, this belief was shot down when all four of the victims had been confirmed registered Animagi. 

– Sterling Raggs, Magical Crimes Reporter.

On discussion with Barry Fletcher, Falmouth’s Head Scout on whether or not he had seen any gems that he planned to swoop in for at Hogwarts, the man had this to say. 

“There were a couple good’uns I could spot, yeah. S’pose there’s lots’a talen’ an’ that. That Ashworth girl looks ‘andy if she sor’ed ‘er aim ou’, and that Champion boy ain’t too bad ei’va!”

During our interview with him of course it was rather difficult to keep Scout Fletcher on topic whilst he waxed lyrical about the win on the 21st between sips of Fire Whiskey, but we at Witch Weekly persevered for our readers!

“Well wot can I say ay? It were a quali’y match. We smashed ‘em. Ol’ Jazz knocked it ou’ the park!”

Jasper Baxter himself put in an impressive display this weekend for his team Falmouth, with the man hitting 96 bludgers in the 40 minute game, being responsible for at least one of the Holyhead injuries. We find it hard to see whether or not new player on the block Adam Fletcher will be getting a look in at the team just yet! Perhaps a spot of nepotism gone wrong from Barry Fletcher, many of his critics thinking so when Adam was signed – despite his record at Slytherin showing his qualifications indeed!

However, a ray of sunshine remains yet for the Slytherin boy, as apparently the Agincourt Axes of the French Quidditch League, the Wolfsburg Wyverns of the Bundesliga in Germany, the Chudley Cannons and the Vladivostok Vedmak’s of The Russian Superleague have all been keeping an eye on the boy’s position, with apparently the Russian Vedmak’s already having made a contract offer to the criminally underused Beater of around 21000 Galleons a year. Speaking with Garvey Ducassis, Head Coach for the Agincourt Axes, the man seemed rather nonplussed with the transfer rumours. “We are uhhh…’ow you say…watching  the uhhh situation in the mean time. He is a good player non? He’s ‘as just not had nearly enough time to show ‘is colours when ‘e ‘as been, how you say competing with uhhh un acteur international and aussi un vétéran du sport in monsieur Peter Riches.” 

Meanwhile the Chudley Cannons were crushed just this weekend by the Appleby Arrows at a shocking score of 980-70 after a 3 day game that left the Cannon’s chances of not being at the bottom of the table sorely in the dust, the team having won naught this year so far, with their upcoming opponents seeking to heap the punishment upon them according to Ballycastle Head Coach Magnus Wyrmwater.

“We’re going to come at them with everything we’ve got and we should be able to stifle those rumoured Cannons of theirs. I’m confident in the strength and depth of my squad and we’re having a good year. I reckon with this win we’ll be in a right state of mind to challenge for the title this year.” Ever the picture of cool, calm and collected!