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.

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International Confederation of Wizards Confirms Sanctions on New Kalmar.

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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.

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Swiss President will Not Seek Re-election

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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.

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International Duelling Leagues

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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.

Despite the long-standing Ban on Experimental Breeding, a veritable flurry of alarming reports have surfaced since The Daily Prophet’s summer coverage of a rumoured new crossbreed dubbed the “Haggis.”

One witch recounted to this reporter how her young daughter had recently purchased what was advertised as a harmless Puffskein, only for the creature to sink its fangs into her hand moments later. St. Mungo’s Healers were quick to reassure the public, however, clarifying that the creature’s sudden aggression was provoked by being stroked backwards – an action to which Puffskeins, Fanged or otherwise, take great offence.

Still, unease is mounting. Reports of illegally bred creatures escaping into the countryside have become increasingly common, with fire-breathing chickens reportedly terrorising the Border town of Peebles and suspected hybrids have been allegedly sighted as far afield as the Yorkshire Dales. The knock-on effect has been felt across households, with everyday staples soaring in price as eggs now fetch over four galleons a dozen, and whispers of flour potentially going up in price after fields were scorched in unexplained – or possibly chicken-caused – blazes.

Any concerns should be reported directly to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

Broomstick Recall Sparks Outcry

Comet Trading Co. has announced an urgent recall of the Comet 18.97² after a “minor flaw” in its tail twigs was found to cause sudden mid-flight corkscrews. No fatalities have been reported, though one wizard ended up dangling from a church steeple in Norfolk for several hours leading which saw an exhausting response for the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.

Quidditch Power Couple Welcome Baby

Tutshill Tornadoes Beater Kip Heath and Up-and-Coming Spanish Songstress, and former Seeker for the Spanish Team, Lupe Odalis announced the birth of their first child this week. The pair’s newborn son reportedly has “an exceptionally strong grip,” after managing to hang onto a toy Snitch for nearly three minutes. Fans are already speculating about the infant’s future career prospects.

Rooftop Blaze Prompts Magical Fire Brigade Call-Out

Residents of Upper Flagley were woken at 3 a.m. by a roof fire caused by uncontrolled sparks from a five-year-old’s first display of magic. The Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes arrived promptly to douse the flames, though not before several chimney pots were reduced to rubble and the neighbouring thatch cottage ended up half smouldered. Neighbours described the scene as “terrifying, but also rather sweet.”

Accidental Apparition Lands Wizard in Wrong Wedding

Inverness resident Barnaby Higgs attempted to Apparate to his cousin’s nuptials in Cornwall but misjudged the distance and found himself in a Muggle church two counties away. Witnesses said he “made a nice speech before vanishing in embarrassment.” He was reportedly very relieved that he didn’t get caught up in the photos afterward, or asked how he knew the happy couple!

Back in July, rumours had sparked about a possible collaboration between the Improper Use of Magic and the Department of Magical Transportation in order to provide an accurate report on underage magic outside of Hogwarts. 

Whether there was a confirmation of the collaboration or not, the results are in, and this summer various students of the prestigious school have been caught wand-handed, proving that the improved accuracy is working. 

It has taken years for the Ministry to take these strict – and unavoidable – measures. Up until now, underage magic during summer was (whilst allegedly forbidden) a questionable event that happened in certain households, where children still practiced spells hidden in plain sight. Before, the trace couldn’t exactly pinpoint who had cast the magic – it could have been an adult, a child, a house elf, or even the teapot cooling its water. Perhaps that’s the tune that made students dance when rumours of the current measures were reported in a previous article. 

Perhaps that wasn’t enough to make children believe the hard truth: spells were now accurately traced. 

A certain rambunctious group of individuals found this out the hard way – caught wand-handed! 

An eye witness that shall not be named however, for reporting sake, will be known as Bumblebriar Fizzlebottom, confided to the Daily Prophet – and your infamous reporter Perseus Wright was just the man for the job, alongside his sidekick Alys Blackwell – about the events that took place in Grodric’s Hollow. 

Mr. Fizzlebottom expressed his concerns for his fellow students, as he overheard stalked one of his peers during one of the Summer Bonfire Nights. A letter received was mentioned in regards to their use of underage magic; however, this particular student was allegedly boasting about the possibility of tempting their luck again, despite the serious consequences this could carry, not excluding expulsion from Hogwarts.

“I think students should always be able to use magic in life or death situations. Otherwise, what is the point of having it?”

Mr. Fizzlebottom commented as he walked back into the streets of Anonymity. 

A direct link was established with one of the rule breakers. A young scoundrel who will be named Nimblefoot Fumblebubble. Mr. Fumblebubble claims it was an ‘accident’ as the spotlight was dramatically placed upon him – self-proclaimed favourite reporter, Perseus Wright, wouldn’t stand for this as he threatened, 

“That’s something only a filthy liar would say. My fans will know the truth.” 

Fortunately, reporter Alys Blackwell de-escalated the situation with a bubbly smile.

In what seemed like tears, Mr. Fumblebubble revealed that the ‘crime’ involved none other than the use of the Scourgify charm to clean himself. By ‘accident’.

Apparently, this is a common practice among young wizards who, as legend has it, are secretly terrified of water. 
Show them a bathtub and they’ll turn into stone.

A question was posed: Should harsh punishments be null in case of life-or-death situations? And what happens with alleged accidents? 

“It depends on the magic honestly. A simple one like me deserving of expulsion or loss of things. No. It’s a simple accident. In the case of emergencies, again it depends on the circumstances.  They should be evaluated, listened to, and in some cases, researched before such a hard stance is taken. Now if you are a [expletive] and whip your wand out in front of every Tom, Dick and Harry and blare I’m the best around song and cast things blatantly. Then you deserve what you get. I’ve always felt there are reasons for some things, and consequences for others.”  

Mr. Fumblebubble was clear on his views, as he also expressed remorse for getting caught with his wand out. 

It only took one slip-up, one measly “Scourgify” on himself, for this student to be caught. Which, of course, seems to show that there is heavy collaboration between the Improper Use of Magic Office and the Department of Magical Transportation. Together, they’re seemingly cracking down on those reckless students who insist on using magic outside of Hogwarts.

A gentle reminder was given: only repeated violations of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery could result in heavy fines or expulsion from the prestigious school. However, is this enough for children and parents to take action and advocate for legal responsibility? 

Only the start of the new term will tell. 

Alys Blackwell and Perseus Wright

• Honorary Journalists for The Daily Prophet

Club Rankings

The day had finally come, witches, wizards, and wixen! The final day of matches in what has easily been the most exciting season the British and Irish League has seen in some time! And what a day it was. I won’t waste time, let’s get right into it!

The day started in Ballycastle watching two of our league giants facing off. The Ballycastle Bats have climbed their way to the top since snatching star beater Caryxander Sterling back from the Osaka team where he was on loan. The crowd was buzzing with excitement as we waited for the quaffle to be thrown and the match which came after did not disappoint. The Arrows certainly showed up to do their best and their best left Ballycastle in the dust for points. In fact, between Townsend, Fox, and Piper, the Bats only managed to score five measly goals before, in the surprise of the season, Avery Whittle managed to secure the snitch. Fans have been calling for Whittle’s removal from the team all season and one has to wonder if this was a last ditch effort to prove his worth. At any rate, it paid off, ending the game in the Bats’ favour. Ballycastle 200 – 190 Appleby

On to the next match, we arrived in Wales to witness the Caerphilly Catapults take on the Banchory Bangers. This match was a furious back and forth with both Königsmann of Caerphilly and Harvey of the Bangers fighting to keep the other team from scoring. Chasers on all sides put their all in, keeping the match close for over an hour. It was when the Bangers had taken the lead with a score of 260 to Caerphilly’s 220, that things really began to heat up. That telltale glint of gold had been spotted here and there and both seekers were giving the chase of their lives. It was Tracy of the Catapults who captured it however, granting the victory to her team. Caerphilly 370 – 260 Banchory

We moved on to Chudley next where the fans were in high spirits, hoping to see another surprising victory for their team. While the legend of Dan Power certainly carried Chudley to victory before, the same could not be said for this match. It was brutal, with the Cannons’ chasers putting up a fight, Król leading the charge. They managed to get a solid 19 goals past Puddlemere keeper Marsha Lyon, to Puddlemere’s 18 goals past Chudley’s Riley. So this back and forth continued whilst Chudley held out hope for their world famous seeker. Unfortunately, A well timed bludger sent her way was keeping Sato busy. At that time, Callum McClarken saw his opportunity and with some impressive flying and a surprising capture, ended the game in Puddlemere’ favour. Chudley 190 – 330 Puddlemere

From there, the day took us to Wimbourne, home of the Wasps, where they were due to play against the Falmouth Falcons. Fans expecting an exciting match were disappointed however as the Falcons decimated the Wasps in what could hardly be called a game. Wasp chasers struggled to get past Captain Clifford, only managing to score a single goal in the hour they were on the pitch. Truly, this match was an execution with the Falmouth chasers scoring thirty four goals to Wimbourne’s one, before seeker Dot Townsend captured the snitch, ending the match. You would be hard pressed to find a more dejected crowd of Quidditch fans than those who sat on the Wimbourne side today! Wimbourne 10 – 490 Falmouth

Next up to Portree to watch the Pride face off against the Kenmare Kestrels. The Kestrels have unfortunately had a rough time of the season as fans know, and it was clear by the energy in the stadium that people expected Pride to take the victory. Well, it seems that time with Beater Lindiwe Ungaro in the slammer had a bigger effect on Pride than expected. During the whole of the match, Pride managed a single goal past Reese “The Bartender” Barret, keeper for the Kenmare Kestrels. The Kestrels in the meantime scored an impressive 49 goals, putting the quaffle through the hoops time and time again. It was only the work of Pride seeker, Marfa Parma that the team was not utterly embarrassed, though I would say that’s a matter of opinion, really. The game ended in the Kestrel’s favour and we were off to the next match. Portree 160 – 490 Kenmare

Our next match took place in Montrose where the Magpies were waiting to take down the Tutshill Tornadoes. It was a close match with goals scored left and right on either team. Adam Fletcher of the Magpies put on an impressive show, knocking the wind out of the Tornadoes with frequency, though it wasn’t enough to keep them out of the air for good! The Magpies were 140 points behind with the Tornadoes threatening to close the margin at any moment, leaving a snitch catch useless but the birds weren’t giving up just yet. Every breath was held as fans watched Evie Proudfoot catch the snitch and end the game, securing victory for the Montrose Magpies. Montrose 650 – 640 Tutshill

For the last game of the day, we traveled to Holyhead to see what the Harpies would do against the Wigtown Wanderers. After her brutal brawl at their last game, all eyes were on the Silver Wolf, to see if fists would fly but the young rookie performed with what seemed a singular focus. Taking the lead of the Harpies chasers, she and the other girls managed a twenty nine goals to Wigtown’s zero. Was this to be another shutout with the Harpies taking the victory and leaving their opponents with not a point to their name? No! Wigtown managed to avoid total embarrassment only by their captain’s hard work. Ainsworth captured the snitch at the very last minute, ending the game but not securing victory for her team. Holyhead 290 – 150 Wigtown

There you have it folks, a brilliant ending to the best season we’ve seen in years! Though fans can guess that it will be Holyhead taking the British and Irish League Cup this season, we recommend you attend the awards ceremony to be held tomorrow at Hogsmeade Village. Until next time, ta ra!

The Department of Magical Games and Sports Host the Presentation of the British and Irish League Cup
Also:

The Dangerous Dai Commemorative Medal
The Quaffle Control Masters Trophy
The Josef Wronski Award For Excellent Pitch Skills

April 25th
Hogsmeade
Street Party To Follow

And our weekly club rankings. 

Catapults Come Crashing Down

Arrows Enter Top Three

Cannons Beat Down Ballycastle

Another week, another exciting article of Quaffles & Bludgers here at the Daily Prophet! We are down to the wire here with this week’s matches setting the stage for the season’s finale on April 24th. A finale that promises to be one of the most exciting the British and Irish League has seen in some time!

Matchweek 27 started in Wigtown, Scotland with the league’s bottom two facing off in a match that truly could have gone either way. Fans on both sides were on the edge of their seats as they watched the chasers of both teams go head to head. While Wigtown took an early lead with Paternoster back on her broom after her injuries two weeks ago, Puddlemere was certainly giving them a run for their money. With Puddlemere only 4 goals behind Wigtown, eyes on both sides were anxiously searching the field for any sign of that glint of gold that could secure the victory. In the end it was Callum McClarken who took the snitch with some of the very same impressive flying we’ve grown to expect from the reserved seeker. The match ended in Puddlemere’s favour, boosting the team’s standing on the table. Wigtown 340 – 450 Puddlemere

The next game took us to Montrose, where the Magpies and the Caerphilly Catapults took to the sky in a surprisingly brutal match. Both teams being midtable, they started fairly matched but it didn’t take long for fans and reviewers alike to see that this was a massacre in disguise. From the moment the quaffle was in the air, the Magpies’ Chasers kept their hands on it. While the Catapults managed a fair few goals themselves, once Magpie star beater Adam Fletcher knocked Catapult chaser and team captain Gabriella Dudley from the skies, all hope was lost for the Welsh team. While Toutorix Tracy, seeker for the Catapults managed to lessen the blow of their loss by catching the snitch, the match still ended in the Magpies’ favour. Montrose 670 – 540 Caerphilly

Moving on to Banchory, we watched two teams from opposite ends of the table face off as the Bangers tried their best against the top four team, Appleby Arrows. A truly exciting match, this was a close one with fans of the Bangers wholly expecting the team to pull off an exciting victory when they took the lead. Arrows keeper Dale Morris struggled to block the shots that came his way, even fumbling so hard as to take a quaffle to the face- a quaffle which bounced off his head and into the post in the comedic moment of the century, if you ask me! The game continued this way with the Bangers taking 56 goals to the Arrow’s 52, a tight and close match with the lead going back and forth. That is until Seeker Everett Butcher took matters into his own hand, quite literally, closing his fist around the snitch and securing the victory for the Arrows. This victory shifted Banchory down the table two ranks and boosted the Arrows into third spot, stealing it from the Falmouth Falcons. Banchory 560 – 670 Appleby

“Let’s all just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.” That’s the motto of one of the teams to face off in our last match of the week, the Chudley Cannons. There was already a dejected air to one side of the crowd as we arrived in England to watch the Cannons take on the Ballycastle Bats, of course, the other side was said to already be drinking to victory. While the fans and even Ben Foddle, current Cannons manager seemed to have already given up, the Cannons themselves never seemed to get the memo. There are those who will tell you the Cannons’ glory days are over, those people clearly didn’t attend this match. From kick off it was clear that this was not the Cannons we’re used to seeing. The team was organised and worked together with a synergy previously unknown to the orange and black. Whether it was the influence of Sayaka Satō or simply a bad day for the Bats, the Cannons managed to lock Ballycastle out of victory, with Justyn Riley blocking all but 12 goals from the former League leaders. The chasers on the other hand managed to secure an impressive 40 goals before Satō captured the snitch, ending this embarrassment for the once impressive Ballycastle Bats. While the match didn’t lead to movement by either team on the table, we don’t think Puddlemere will be going into next week’s match underestimating the Chudley Cannons after this performance. Chudley 550 – 120 Ballycastle

That brings us to a close for this week of Quidditch news! Only one match remains in the season, a match which will determine the winner of the 2027-2028 British and Irish League Cup! We are on the edge of our seats in anticipation and we hope you are too! Be sure to check out next week’s edition for the thrilling conclusion to this year’s season, ta ra!

The Department of Magical Games and Sports Host the Presentation of the British and Irish League Cup

Also:

The Dangerous Dai Commemorative Medal

The Quaffle Control Masters Trophy

The Josef Wronski Award For Excellent Pitch Skills

April 25th

Hogsmeade

Street Party To Follow

Yes! The battlefield, granted a very different kind. Following that rather heated Quidditch match on April 7th, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement arrived on scene where two opposing players had clashed spectacularly. Pride of Portree Beater, Lindiwe Ungaro, who we know to be a rather aggressive player was left to deal with an equally aggressive rookie Chaser from the Holyhead Harpies, Persephone ‘Silver Wolf’ Vitrac. More on the actual brawl can be found in the Daily Prophet’s Quaffles & Bludgers.

It would seem, however Mister Huey Dewey Hedgepath, head of the on-site security at Portree Pitch, had attempted to keep the two raging females apart with minimal success. While the two were no longer going after each other physically, they were still in the process of hurling insults and comments back and forth as members of the Patrol squad attempted to take their statements. It was then discovered that Ungaro wished to press charges against Vitrac.

Patrol first escorted Miss Vitrac, of Godric’s Hollow, to the Ministry in an attempt to get her statement without further interruptions or chaos. Following this, she was then arrested for assault, but the arrests did not stop there. In contrast to Vitrac’s quiet and willing arrival, Ungaro arrived at the Ministry quite loudly and dramatically as she too was arrested for assault. Currently, the two Quidditch superstars are still in custody and being kept apart from each other. Both players now sit and wait to go before the Wizengamot to stand trial. We are sure both women are wondering who will be the first to get out and get back to practice, and which of them will make it to their final game of the season on April 24th.

– Sterling Raggs, Magical Crimes Reporter

Massacre at the Deuxchanson Manor. 

Ancient Wizarding Family dead! Goblins to blame?

On the evening of the 8th of March, Le Bureau des Aurors found multiple bodies at the Deuxchanson Manor in Paris, France. Mr. Absalon Raphaell Deuxchanson, the Patriarch of the Family, together with two of his children, Camille Deuxchanson and Louis Arnault Deuxchanson were among the victims. Sources from within Le Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France have speculated the suspects to be Goblins. One anonymous Auror informed The Daily Prophet that two Goblin bodies were found at the scene of the murder. 

Mr. Deuxchanson was a proponent of the Goblins’ exile from the Wizarding World, arguing for Wizardkind’s independence from the Goblins’ economical influence. Furthermore, recently, Mr. Deuxchanson had stated his view that Goblins should not be negotiated with, and firm action ought to be taken against their demands across the world. The murder comes two weeks after the protests at the Unity Festival in England, where Goblins demanded their rights. Mr. Deuxchanson’s only surviving relative is Samuel Bellamy Deuxchanson, who had recently settled in England, and works within the Ministry of Magic.

Secrecy Disturbed

Following a breach of the Statute of Secrecy, Vanessa Maria Gloyne, of Godric’s Bay Lighthouse, Godric’s Hollow – who is partnered with the well known business of Ollivanders – went before the Magistrate of the Wizengamot at 2:00pm today, joining in on a long line of routine cases. For those of you who are little rusty with your history, the International Statute of Secrecy is one of our most critical  wizarding laws which was instituted many years ago in order to conceal the existence of Wixen from the Muggles who sought to persecute them. 

The breach came in the form of green smoke from the chimney of Gloyne’s home, apparently due to an unknown magical substance being burned in her fireplace. The young woman claimed that the green smoke was merely an accident caused by her cleaning up to prevent her cat from getting any of the magical tree twigs she brought home. She went on to imply that, perhaps, it was not quite so bad of a breach given that even Muggles have means to change the colour of smoke that leaves their fire.

With there being no mention in the case of what ingredients had actually been burned, nor whether or not any Muggles of Godric’s Hollow witnessed the green smoke, the Magistrate brought Gloyne’s trial to an abrupt close with the announcement of the case being dropped, ruling in favour, and freeing this young witch from further prosecution. 

As one case comes to a close, we await the outcome for some of our favourite Pro Quidditch players.

– Sterling Raggs, Magical Crimes Reporter

Tutshill Decimate Falmouth

Violence Erupts in Portree

Welcome to another week of Quaffles & Bludgers here at the Daily Prophet! We’re excited to bring you another round of exciting news in the professional quidditch world as we fast approach the end of what is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons the British and Irish League has seen in years!

Matchweek 26 started out in Kenmare where hopes were high for the Wimborne Wasps and less so for the Kestrels. After their previous match saw them decimated by the Falmouth Falcons when Chaser Colin McClarkin suffered a broken collarbone early on, the Irish team seemed determined to come back swinging and looked ready to impress now that McClarkin was back on his broom. As soon as the quaffle was released into the air, Kenmare’s chasers were on top of it, with the Griffin Duo putting on a fantastic showing that left Wasp keeper Goodwin Malloye struggling to keep up. That’s not to say the Wasps weren’t fighting just as hard for their own redemption, however. It was a tight scoreline of 480 to 420 that saw the Kestrels capture the snitch and claim victory, ending an exciting back and forth match in their favour! Kenmare 630 – 420 Wimborne

Our next match took us to Tutshill to watch what was expected to be an exciting match after the performance both teams put on previously. Despite the Falcons’ place on the boards, Tornadoes fans were confident in their own team’s ability to hold their own and they were not disappointed. Perhaps they watched the performance put on, but Tutshill’s chasers were not taking chances when it came to the beating skills of Daly and Baxter, managing to avoid the worst of the blows to come their way. On the contrary, it was Kip Heath and Annie Downer that stole the show, with the pair taking more than their fair share of shots at Paddon, Halloran, and Georgeson. Tensions ran high with the Falmouth trio only managing to score a single goal, leaving both their manager, Barry Fletcher and Captain/Keeper, Mack Clifford  screaming on the sidelines. Tempers didn’t improve even as Falcons seeker Dot Townsend captured the snitch, ending the match and softening the blow of their loss by 150 points. Tutshill 230 – 160 Falmouth

The final match of week 26 took us to see the top two go head to head in their second match in a row. Fans will recall that Portree took the previous match which left Harpies fans heated as they waited in the stands for the Quaffle to be released. This could be considered foreshadowing for the hostilities to come for which your reporter was not prepared. From the moment the Quaffle was released, it was clear that both teams were out for blood this week. Harpies beaters Tempest Kendrick and Wednesday Crowley took no hostages as they managed to secure not one but two bludgers and set them both on Portree chaser Valentine Weekes’ tail. Lindiwe Ungaro made an effort to bat them away but ultimately failed to save the Portree captain from being bludgeoned by both and spiraling towards the earth. From there, the Portree side were enraged, with Ungaro taking riskier shots at the Harpies’ trio of chasers and when even a broken arm didn’t stop Jolene Parris from passing the quaffle to Silver Wolf Vitrac who subsequently scored easily to the sound of howls and cheers, she turned her attention to Seeker Kelsey “Kelpie” Galloway in an illegal shot before the snitch had been spotted. This shot knocked Kelpie unconscious and took her out of the match, allowing Portree to secure the snitch but not the victory. Holyhead 360 – 210 Portree

That’s not where the excitement ended however folks. Those who lingered in the stands got a show of a different kind as they watched Harpy rookie Persephone Vitrac march out to confront Portree Beater Lindiwe Ungaro. Those familiar with the Portree Beater know that she is known for her dominant and in-your-face personality and onlookers could only guess where this was going. I was unable to hear what was being said from my place in the stands but there was no mistaking it when the young Harpy lunged forward, grabbing Ungaro by her jersey to get into her face. Matters only escalated as the beater responded with shoving. This back and forth continued until Vitrac reared back and slugged Ungaro, sending her sprawling to the ground. This is the behaviour we’ve come to expect from Harpies and Pride players but we’ve yet to see it from the fan favourite rookie. Cries for security and threats of legal action could be heard even from where I sat though when security came, Vitrac appeared content to take her leave, offering no further attacks on Ungaro, asides from an attempt to help her up which was met with a fierce shove. As security escorted Vitrac away, that was when things truly got interesting however. It was when Vitrac’s back was turned, that Ungaro wound up and tossed her bat at the Silver Wolf. I would remind readers that Beaters’ Bats are magically reinforced to survive hitting lead balls flying at high speeds and it is highly likely that Vitrac required medical attention after the bat made contact with the back of her head. Unfortunately, Vitrac’s temper seemed to overcome this need and the Chaser was quick to grab for the Portree Beater, tackling her to the ground and the punches began to roll. At that point security separated the women and escorted them both off the pitch, so unfortunately, that’s all the coverage we can offer here at the Daily Prophet. 

As I said, readers, another exciting week of Quidditch news! As only two weeks remain in the season, we can only expect more exhilaration as the Season comes to conclusion! Be sure to check out next week’s edition, ta ra!

Ballycastle Claws Way Up

Kenmare Falls From Grace

Welcome to this week’s edition of Quaffles & Bludgers, the only place to get the latest scoop on all things professional Quidditch! These last two weeks the fans have seen something a little different with each week seeing 3-4 matches rather than the usual 7. Another change readers might notice is a deviance from our usual writer! Unfortunately, he’s gotten a touch of the mumblemumps and has been put on bedrest, preventing him from attending any matches so far! Shall we jump right into it then?

Our first game of matchweek 24 took us to Banchory, Scotland to see the Bangers face down the Caerphilly Catapults. Given the vast gap in placements on the chart, fans of the Bangers expected the match to end in one of the infamous Banchory Ragers but unfortunately not even Harvey’s determination could see the team to victory. Instead, Captain Gabriella Dudley of the Caerphilly Catapults led an aggressive campaign against the Bangers, sinking shot after shot with the assistance of Kovalyov and Bélanger. With Königsmann blocking all but a measly 6 shots from the Bangers’s trio of chasers, the Catapults easily reached a point where not even a Banchory snitch catch could endanger the match for them. The team showed no signs of losing steam and with the rookie Toutorix Tracy easily securing the snitch, the Welsh team secured victory over the Banchory Bangers. Caerphilly 410 – 60 Banchory

Our next match, a showdown between table leaders Holyhead and Portree, promised to be far more exciting than the slaughter we left. Quidditch fans have been more than intrigued to watch Portree work their way into the top three, overtaking Falmouth easily, and the crowd was alive with anticipation for this match’s outcome. From the moment the quaffle was in the air, chasers on both sides put on a hell of a show. Weekes, Longo, and Picasso made chasing into an artform, the quaffle shifting between hands numerous times and making Harpies Keeper, Biddy Ó Ceithearnaigh fight for every block she managed. And there were not many to be managed on this day. On the other hand, the Silver Wolf Vitrac, actual harpy Ligeia Withka, and transfer Jolene Parris put on an equally impressive show, keeping only 5 goals behind the other team. With beaters targeting chasers on all sides- a stunning display put on by Lindiwe Ungaro as she blocked Tempest Kendrick from taking off Weekes’ head- the match remained anyone’s game until the snitch finally showed itself with a glistening of gold. With both Kelpie Galloway and Marfa Parma on the snitch’s tail, it was more luck than skill that Galloway managed to close her fingers on the snitch and end the match that kept us all on the edges of our seats. Holyhead 620 – 520 Portree

The final game of matchweek 24 took us to Falmouth to see the Falcons face off against avian opposition the Kenmare Kestrels. Anyone could look at the table and see that we were about to witness a massacre and a massacre did we witness. The match started off with Darragh “Danger Zone” Daly sending a bludger screaming at Kenmare chaser Colin McClarkin, to the fans’ dismay. McClarkin took the hit and suffered a broken collarbone for his trouble, taking him out of the chase while Healers tended him. Maybe it was the downed chaser that caused Kenmare to struggle to keep up with Falmouth this match, but the rest of the match was a slog as Falcons racked up shot after shot. Even Hall Mynatt’s catch of the snitch could do nothing to save the Kestrels from a brutal defeat here in Falmouth. A disappointing end to the matchweek if there ever was one, especially for Kenmare fans. Falmouth 580 – 390 Kenmare

Moving on to matchweek 25, our first game took us to River Piddle in Dorset, England to witness Puddlemere United take on the Wimborne Wasps. Fans weren’t expecting much out of this match, with Puddlemere resting in the relegation zone and Wimbourne waiting to claw their way into the top four, but we were all surprised by the show those robed in blue and gold put on. From the moment the quaffle was in the air, Puddlemere was on top of it with Barber, Jones, and Massey putting on a masterful performance that left fans wondering where this kind of playing has been all season. Verses of Beat Back Those Bludgers, Boys, and Chuck That Quaffle Here by Celestina Warbeck filled the pitch even as rookie Onyilgowu did his best to break some bones and take down the Puddlemere trio. Unfortunately none of it was enough and Wasp fans didn’t even cheer as Seeker, Alex Tollemache caught the snitch and brought an end to the game, still in Puddlemere’s favour. That win took Puddlemere out of the relegation zone and back into the fighting mid. Puddlemere 580 – 470 Wimbourne

After that brutal match, we were off to Wigtown to see the Wanderers face down previous league winners the Ballycastle Bats. The match went as would be expected based on these teams’ previous performances over the course of the season. The Bats came out strong with Townsend and Fox monopolising the quaffle with Piper being quick to pass to one or the other to secure a goal. While the Wanderers started out strong with Ivers, Clark, and Paternoster managing several goals, this came to a stop when Ballycastle Beater Caryxander Sterling took Paternoster clean off her broom and tumbling down to the earth. While healers tended Paternoster’s injuries, the Bats took advantage of it, scoring enough points that Arethousa Ainsworth’s catch of the snitch did nothing for her team. Fans who lingered in the stands after may have caught sight of Ainsworth and Ivers having some quite hostile words down on the pitch. The match results saw Ballycastle move up on the table, putting them on the tail of the top four. Ballycastle 540 – 480 Wigtown

From there, quidditch fans traveled to Appleby-in-Westmorland to see the Arrows and the Montrose Magpies. Despite having signed not one but two Agincourt Axes transfers, the Montrose Magpies’ performance this match was an utter disappointment to fans and reporters alike. Vrykulesti and Fletcher were not enough to see the team once known as the most successful in the league to victory as the Appleby Arrows utterly dominated them on the pitch. The match got off to a questionable start as Magpie accused Arrows Chaser Justine McNee of petrifying Keeper, Myles Burnham, but nothing was proved as the spell seemed to wear off by the time referees noticed. Moore and Barnett on the other hand scored shot after shot while Burnham was seemingly under the spell’s hold, vaulting the Arrows into an area where not even a snitch catch threatened their victory. Ever the fan of a fast and brutal victory, Everett Butcher didn’t waste time in catching the snitch after the first glint of gold caught his eye. As the game came to an end, the Arrows maintained their place in 4th, only remaining behind the Falcons due to their draw. Appleby 410 – 40 Montrose

The final game of the matchweek saw Tutshill and Chudley face off in Tutshill, England. Chudley fans were eager to see how the match would turn out, given the recent winning streak the team has been on thanks to seeker Sayaka Satō. Unfortunately, one player cannot carry the weight of a team for long as this match proved. Tutshill came out swinging this match, with Annie Downer demonstrating her patented Downer Downing move fairly early on in the match. Combined with Heath’s flashy but brutal performance, the Cannons struggled to get a foothold for most of the match, only managing to secure 14 goals in relation to Tutshill’s 69. Chudley keeper Justyn Riley didn’t seem fast enough to hold off Tutshill, a fact that had many fans calling for the veteran’s retirement. Even Sotō’s performance wasn’t strong enough to put an end to this massacre- at least not in favour of the Cannons. Her catch of the snitch saw the match end somewhat less brutally than would have been without, but Tutshill still took the victory. Tutshill 690 – Chudley 290

And with that, this week’s edition of Quaffles & Bludgers comes to a close! We hope to see you next time for more excitement as the season approaches its end! Ta-ra!