The Champions Have Been Chosen!

The goblet of fire has caused an international upset choosing a half-breed as a Champion for Hogwarts. There has been an outcry from both the human wizarding community and the magical being community. Some laud this competition as an opportunity for cooperation while others criticize that the competition is unfair, slanted against half-breeds or alternatively due to their inhuman characteristics that half-breeds have inherent advantages depending on the content of the competition.

We plan to cover this more in depth in future issues, but Tabatha Curt, reporter for the Daily Prophet caught up with each of our chosen champions shortly after they were called upon. There was some upset there as well, apparently a young pureblood from Mahoutokoro refused the Goblet's offer. Nephew of a famed magnate in London, Thaddeus Athanatos. An exclusive interview with the young man had added more fuel to the fire so to say as outraged parents demand that Howard White be withdrawn from the tournament.

Rodion Makarovich, K o l d o v s t o r e t z

__________

Koldovstorestz is one of the smaller, sequestered schools. They have only recently begun to take part in international activities as a student body. A relative unknown, little is known of this school's potential in this competition. The young man was polite and easy to speak to, charming and witty. it would appear as if the goblet had chosen well in choosing him.

Why did you place your name in the goblet?

• “I love a good challenge, definitely going to improve my senses, probably make friends. The more connection you have the better it is. And it is the experience that will make you grow as a person, so, when I have the chance, why not?”

Do you think that you have what it takes to win the title?

• “Perhaps I don’t as an individual, it’s my friends and family who make me has it”

What is your team's greatest strength?

• “We value friendship, no one gets left behind. We see each other as a family”

What will you do after you win?

• “School. Education is important, maybe more duels, I actually want to try out quidditch for quite sometime”

Is there anything that you wish to say to the other teams?

• “Hello!”

A duellist in his school, we look forward to seeing if he will be exhibiting his skill during the summer games or if his school plans to sit out the summer sports. Of course the rather reclusive school might elect to stay out of the summer games to keep their talents hidden. Try as they may, this reporter will learn all of their secrets.

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Miles Thatcher, I l v e r m o r n y

F A V O R T O W I N		The American representative as well as a North American pureblood. We are very interested in learning more about this young man's family tree, the reason for their family's voyage overseas and if they feel that their American learning is superior to that of Europe or if they are simply a second hand copy of the original without improvement. Many are confident that Miles will do well in this competition. In fact, he is the early favorite. __________

Why did you place your name in the goblet?

• "No amount of security is worth the suffering of a mediocre life chained to a routine that has killed your dreams."

Do you think that you have what it takes to win the title?

• "Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else. I'm willing to go that extra mile."

What is your team's greatest strength?

• "Uh, we're not giving away our secrets."

What will you do after you win?

• "Venture to find the next great challenge that life holds."

Is there anything that you wish to say to the other teams?

• "Bring it."

A bit closed lipped regarding their plans, their strategy and their strength. While some might worry that this is to hide the fact that there is no plan at all, the teen appeared confident if not a bit cocky in his demeanor. It is quite possible he has a surprise or two up his sleave.

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Angélique Colette de Clairmont, B e a u x b a t o n s

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ Claimed Broom Racing Champion ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

A disappointing choice for Beauxbatons when they had so many pure-blooded options. Angélique is the only female chosen, she is also a half-blood. She is at least a proficient Broom Racer, having won against Hogwarts when broom racing was first implemented again in the united Kingdom. France, however is known for their skilled broom racers. We wonder if she will be able to have a repeat success over the summer, presuming she participates in the summer games.

Why did you place your name in the goblet?

• “I have been bringing glory to Beauxbatons by being a broom racing champion! Why would I not submit my name into the cup? I am an obvious choice as is my victory!”

Do you think that you have what it takes to win the title?

• “Angel would laugh loudly when asked this question. “I’m sorry have you seen me? Follow the races. Of course I do!”

What is your team's greatest strength?

• “We are steadfast and know how to work together. We don’t let our ego get in the way when we know something needs to get done we simply do it.”

What will you do after you win?

• “Get back on the broom racing track, obviously. You can’t be a pro if you slack!”

Is there anything that you wish to say to the other teams?

• “Good luck.”

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Aryaan Shamsi, M a h o u t o k o r o

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ Wildcard Youngster ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

A strange occurrence, an unexpected champion was called. Initially Mathias Pride, a pureblood and nephew of a London Aristocrat was called however he immediately rejected the summons. In his place Aryaan Shamsi was named Mahoutokoro's champion. He would be the youngest participant in the Hexwizard Tournament, only twelve. With opponents nearly four years his senior, the odds are against him but he appears to be putting on a brave face.

Why did you place your name in the goblet?

• "For the thrill of it, of course! It’s like living through the history books! Plus. It sounds like a lot of fun, can you imagine what all the tasks would be? Imagine if they brought in a cockatrice for us to fight, or... Well. The possibilities are endless. And I wanted to get to live through it all!"

Do you think that you have what it takes to win the title?

• "Well, I’m definitely the youngest champion, so that puts me at a disadvantage. But this tourney ain’t gonna be like the other ones. It’s about the team, and not just the champion. And Mahoutokoro definitely got the best team. You’ll see!"

What is your team's greatest strength?

• "Hahaha. Well, I think maybe it’ll be better to just show off our strengths at the tasks. Anything before is gonna sound like idle bragging."

What will you do after you win?

• "Well, I’m really more about trying to live through the event and enjoying it than anything long term, so I haven’t actually thought about it. We’ll just take it as it comes I guess."

Is there anything that you wish to say to the other teams?

• "I might be the youngest champion, but I sure as hell ain’t the weakest. I’m coming at this with all I’ve got, so brace yourselves for a fight of a lifetime.
  
  …Oh. And don’t forget to try and have fun. That’s important too. Serious people tend to lose sight of that sometimes."

The youngest but a great sport in all of this, he has captured the hearts of this paper.

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Yefim Rumyantsev, D u r m s t r a n g

A visible, boisterous and apparently flammable champion. Not particularly humble, also incredibly warm-blooded it would seem. Yefim was the first victim to Hogwarts bullying, being that he was immolated shortly after he was named the champion of his school. A concerning event, it is rumored that Howard White, the Hogwarts Champion was involved in the vicious incident. While we wanted to hear more about the assault, language barriers limited our communication. Disclaimer: Yefim according to (a potential mistranslation) is "allergic" to shirts.

[Answers are given by a Russian translator]

Why did you place your name in the goblet?

• "I am destined for greatness. My acceptance is already preordained, as is my victory in the tournament."

Do you think that you have what it takes to win the title?

• "I have more than any other could hope to possess. I would feel sorry for the competition if I was capable of pity."

What is your team's greatest strength?

• "Our loyalty, honor, and power. We will do anything to win, even sacrifice ourselves."

What will you do after you win?

• "Continue to grow in power. I cannot spoil my ultimate goal, but you will all see soon enough."

Is there anything that you wish to say to the other teams?

• "It may be shameful to forfeit, but at least you'll have less broken bones."

The angelic, energetic youth appeared to put on a brave face. In a tournament where death is a viable possibility, the Daily Prophet is concerned that young Yefim will not make it to the tournament in one piece of Howarts continues to play dirty.

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Howard White, H o g w a r t s

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ Hogwarts Champion, Dhampir, Menace Possibly full Muggle ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

A half-breed, dhampir that subsists on the vital fluids of other humans was the best that Hogwarts would come up with. An obvious concern for both parents on excited fans, the boy's propensity for violence and list for blood makes him a danger to everyone. Several years ago Hogwarts made the controversial choice of admitting half-breeds knowingly, willfully and independently. They have been fascinating their integration for years in spite of 'accidents' and likely incidents that have led to student harm. So we found ourselves interviewing a sickly appearing teenager. I am thankful I was not attacked during our very short meeting, but saw the blood lust in his eyes. He is a thin thread away from snapping and consuming some unfortunate innocent.

Why did you place your name in the goblet?

• "Um, just thought I could do it I suppose. Ever since I started with Quidditch, I've gotten a bit competitive. I missed out on the international game that Hufflepuff played, so I thought this would be a good test of my metal, ya know? Prove that someone like me can stand up with the rest of em."

Do you think you have what it takes to win the title?

• "I dunno. I'm plenty capable, but who knows what they will throw at us. If its more of a physical challenge I got it in the bag, but im pretty lousy with a wand, so anyones game really. Thankfully we'll have teams, so maybe it'll work out."

What is your team's greatest strength?

• "I think we've got a good mixed bag, ya know? Some of us are pretty good with a wand and like I said before, we can handle the physical too. Some of us are older as well, so we got experience. Especially after all the shi....stuff we been through."

What will you do after you win?

• "I dunno. Butterbeer and fire whiskey all around I guess. Oh, do we get any money? Straight to the Quidditch Supply store then, yeah."

Is there anything that you wish to say to the other teams?

• "Watch yer six. Especially that Russian puke they mistakenly called a champion."

And there you have it, threatening again the poor Durmstrang champion. He admits to not only alcoholism but a lack of capacity for casting, his skill will entirely depend on his non-human attributes rather than his wizarding skill. Like many I am calling for his resignation.

SCARAB Youth Movement

By Tabetha Yaxley We really don’t need activists trying to indoctrinate our children under the guise of civilized discussion. SCARAB is starting a youth movement in Hogsmeade according to sources. Hogsmeade is the only all-wizarding village in Britain. It was founded by Hengist of Woodcroft in the 10th or 11th century, around the same time Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was eastablished, by medieval wizard Hengist of Woodcroft as he was fleeing persecution by Muggles. SCARAB is looking to undo this as they encourage half-breeds and magical being creatures, specifically adolescents to congregate in Hogsmeade. It is likely not by happenstance that they chose Hogsmeade. Hogwarts is within walking distance of Hogsmeade and is frequented by Hogwarts students who are in the third year and above. Since before 1714 (when the 1714 Edict was passed), Hogwarts third-years and above had been permitted weekend trips into the village. It is obvious that they are attempting to indoctrinate Hogswarts students. Rather than being a haven of education, unusual and disruptive decisions have been made by the Hogwarts staff. Their highly criticized decision to educate half-breeds alongside normal Hogwarts students has earned the chagrin of many established families as many have chose to withdraw their children. The death of Vladimir Athanatos, the son of famed philanthropist Thaddeus Athanatos was historically a champion of the half-breed cause. His poorly publicized withdrawal of his younger son and his nephews has recently earned fresh media attention in light of their named Champion being a half-breed. Hogwarts has been pinning pro half-breed propaganda for years. Yet nobody considers the most important consideration: think of the children.

There is an important debate to be had about current events. There are pressing issues to grapple with in the lead up to the next Minister of Magic election. There are myths to debunk and theories to understand and challenge. But at a time when students’ knowledge of basic spells and civics is stunningly bad, it is a dereliction of duty to peddle in politics in place adjacent to a place where we need to still teach the basics. In a place where wizards live to escape the prejudices of muggles, we have invited non-wizards to take of residence imperiling our very way of life, our security and an opportunity for our students to learn about themselves before they concern themselves with others. Many of us hold tight to the belief that the best teachers are those who engage their students in robust study and debate without ever showing their own ideological hand. However, Hogwart's favor has been obvious over these past few years. Learning is not a place for a competition pf ideas but rather for us to educate our children in the matters that we find important. Students should study, read and listen to instructions about spells, potions, wand work, learn our vibrant history and be able to shop in this nearby village on their off time without being accosted by a terrorist organization. Many of us don’t like what we see. ───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

Seer Prophecy: Doom on the Horizon

Agatha Hess, Circe Greece warns of a terrible vision she saw in the depths of a great, black lake. Of this pulling and this cold embrace. Of bone white limbs reaching out and pulling her deeper into the darkness. Of a fading light becoming more and more distant. When the light was night but extinguished, a flash of bright light and then everything ran blood red.

She saw the faces of death around her, the long dead and risen. Of monsters, abberations, not man, nor beat, nor being nor hybrid that we know. Teeth were bared and in the dark, in the cold and in the depths they fought beneath the waters so cold.

Escape from St. Mungos

London, England — An escapee of a mental health facility was taken into custody Sunday night, while officials are still searching for another escapee.

The Ministry captured Austin Preston Leigh, 31, around 5:45 p.m., according to reports.

They said Leigh and Finley VanCleaf escaped from St. Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries earlier that morning. The Ministry is still asking the public to help them locate VanCleaf. His concerned brother, an auror with the Ministry is assisting in the search.

"He is the only brother I got. I know that he is sick, and I want what is best for him but he is also incredibly dangerous," August VanCleaf warns.

Leigh did not know VanCleaf or his whereabouts, according to MOM. Leigh is being held with no bond.

A news release states that both men are convicted, dangerous felons with multiple warrants out for their arrest. Approach with caution.

Leigh is facing potion misuse charges involving a variant of "Endless Night" in Bristol and in London related to and a warrant for escaping a mental facility.

VanCleaf, 38, is wanted on a felony probation violation for undisclosed charges and for escaping a mental facility. VaCleaf is considered dangerous and possibly armed. “St. Mungos is best known for their healing arts in regards to the body, however St. Mungos is also one of the largest wizarding hospitals in the United Kingdom that is utilized for restoring people charged with crimes to a competent state to stand trial," said legal analyst Martin Booth.

Booth said it is rare for people to escape a mental health facility and that there are several reasons people enter a psychiatric facility.

“You wind up there because a judge has you evaluated as a defendant and the doctor has come back and said that this particular defendant is not competent to stand trial," said Booth.

Booth said another reason may be for a person's health and safety.

“There are also people who are sent there on, like, temporary detention orders when someone is found that they need to be hospitalized but they're not charged with a crime," said Booth.

The Ministry of Magic is actively searching for VanCleaf in London but some fear that he might have left London already.

"He knows the muggle world very well," his brother August claims.

If you have any information on where VanCleaf could be, contact August VanCleaf immediately.