Poisoning in the London: 12 Dead

There are plenty of lurid tales of people being drugged to be robbed or murdered. Sadly, they're not just stories -- a recent incident in the Leaky Cauldron has left many fearful that this will become a more common occurrence in the near future. Intentional poisoning refers to an attempt to harm someone by deliberately getting them to take a potentially harmful substance without their knowledge. "These are people that are being given dangerous potions that they don't know about," says Patrick White, a Ministry of Magic employee.

Intentional poisonings can occur in many scenarios using many types of potions, either alone or in combination with alcohol or other substances. The best way to protect yourself from intentional poisoning is to be aware, White says. "Pay attention to where your beverage is, don't take alcohol or free drinks from people who you don't know, and if you start to feel odd, seek help right away."

The best way to stay safe is to develop a buddy system. "People don't run up and inject you, they usually give it in a drink," White says. Tell your buddy if you start to feel strange, and let him or her get you out of the situation ASAP.

This concern has reached the public eye due to a recent incident in the Leaky Cauldron. A squib organization that calls themselves SCAR has recently turned to violence. In an incident involving about 32 wizards, a crew of squibs entered the famed wizard pub, several patrons' drinks were laced with Draught of Living Death. These customers were assaulted after the potion took hold, resulting in the death of 12. It is unknown where these squibs acquired this dangerous potion, but several pure-blood families have called to criminalize SCAR as a terrorist organization. Squib advocates debate this of course and has been a source of bitter contention this week as they claim that the actions of a few squibs does not account for the mission of an entire organization.

Hogwarts in Chaos

Hogwarts was the recent victim of an assault by part giants. A duo of part-giants broke into the school ballroom and attempted to kidnap a student. The student is reportedly safe but sustained several injuries at the hands of his peers as they recklessly tried to defend him but proved to be more dangerous than the actual threat. The violence reported on that day makes this reporter question the safety and the sanity of the school administration. One delirious child was sent to St. Mungos where he proceeded to bite the staff and lick their eyeballs. After being tested for rabies among a slew of other muggle conditions, it was determined that the young man was poisoned. Efforts to discover the nature of the potion that rendered the boy in such an aggrevious state have been determined but providers and family refuse to share their findings and request that we respect the boy's privacy. Several weeks after the incident, it is said that the boy has become lucid once again. The Daily Prophet will be among the first with his side of the story.

However, Hogwarts is in the paper for much more than the outrageous behavior of a pair of now dead part giants. The Ministry of Magic is seeking to look into the nature of the deaths of the part giants. It would seem that the part-giants were beaten to death by the students in a rather grotesque manner. One of the part giant was apparently stabbed in the eye, the three-inch heel being of sufficient length to pierce the brain, it is presumed that the part giant died of a hemorrhagic brain injury. An autopsy has been completed, however the report has not yet been made public. Parents are questioning Hogwarts decision to include mix-race students such as dhampir and even rumored werewolves, calling them "too dangerous" citing this last incident as the "final straw."

Attempts to reach Headmaster Lear have been ineffective, however foreign Headmaster Lazarus Plott from Ilvermorny was present during this most recent incident. "It is my great displeasure to say that the students being taught at Hogwarts, at the very least some of them, are incredibly reckless and dangerous. In all of my years of academia I have never seen anything like it. The students are incredibly aggressive, and while most of the media attention revolves around the death of a pair of part giants whom have not been identified as students, I saw no less than two other violent incidents take place in the ballroom before that fatal incident."

Lazarus Plott is said to be convening with the Ministry of Magic for the next several weeks. His deputy Headmaster Jeanette Cyr would be serving as Headmaster of Ilvermorny in his stead while he discusses the dire situation in Hogwarts.

Potter's Verdict Leads to Riots

Harold Potter, an inmate in Azkaban for life for the murder of Dolores Umbrige has been the source of riots Diagon Alley these past few weeks. Irate wizards, of both pureblood and mixed heritage have banded together for a common cause -- proving Potter's innocence. They are presently demanding transcripts from the court room, claiming that Potter "never got a fair shake." 

Tracy Clover, a liaison in the magical branch of the Innocence Project claims that despite the time that was spent reviewing this case, that Umbridge's case was ineffectively examined. The Innocence Project is a non-for-profit team of men and women who endeavor to prove wizards that have been wrongfully convicted of murder are given a full review as new evidence is brought to light. 

"We need everything that anyone can share with us. No matter how small it might be, it might be the difference between exoneration and a lifetime behind bars," Tracy Clover pleads. 

David Bellows, a new member of the Innocence Project has volunteered to take the lead on acquiring additional information regarding Potters case as it comes up. "Perhaps the students of Hogwarts could be of assistance," the newly appointed liaison suggested. "Considering the part recent months at Hogwarts, it would be nice to see a wholesome outcome for once," he added. 

Tracy Clover added that "Harold Potter's wand is not among his belongings confiscated in Azkaban and that his wand would serve as evidence in his case which may prove the difference between exoneration and a lifetime of incarceration." In addition, "additional witnesses to the murder itself would aid the Innocence Project immensely" she adds. Ms Clover has been in contact with Harold Potter's former partner, August Vancleaf who states he has nothing to add to the case but wishes to be as involved as possible in the case, he has agreed to an interview in Hogwarts in February with the Daily Prophet.

If anyone knows anything or has any evidence to share, it has been suggested that David Bellows be contacted via owl with any additional information.

LaLa Lagueux Plans to Marry Into Rosier Family

Model, actress and near full-blooded Veela set to wed Hildebrand Rosier setting the pure-blood community ablaze. As the numbers of true pure-blooded families dwindle, Mr. Rosier is being termed a "blood traitor" by his family for considering this union.

Lala is best known for her appearance as well as her 'reality' segments that have the depth of a mud puddle, but it is not the lack of actual intelligence attached to her fame that had angered the pure-blood community but rather her 'questionable' heritage. Her family lineage is not documented sufficiently for the Rosier heirs of their union to maintain their status as a pureblood line if any are produced.

Some wizards applaud Rosier's willingness to follow his heart rather than maintain an antiquated caste-system. Others argue that pureblood lineage is maintained for more than prestige but rather assurance -- birthing a squib into a wizard family is a tragic occurrence. By limiting muggle bloodlines from invading a family tree, the likelihood of having a squib heir is reduced.

Squibs have taken offense to this commentary claiming that they are no less deserving than their wizarding counterparts but their stance has been hard to defend. Incapable of participating in many of the activities that define a wizard due to their lack of magic, their presence in magical society is a liability. Their presence does not offer diversity but rather a safety risk to both the squibs as well as wizards.

Increasing tensions with the growing SCAR organization has compounded tensions. Several pure-blood families have recommended barring squibs for taking part in any portion of magical society. Sit ins and a demonstration are rumored to be planned by members of SCARs. Lala and Hildebrand report that they have received multiple death threats if this union goes through, they have been looking towards the wizarding community for both support and protection.

Hildebrand is offering 100 galleons per wizard to guard himself and his wife during the nuptials next December. The response was positive, several squibs offering their services for free.

Castelobruxo has a New Headmaster

Gideon Guerra has been named Headmaster of Castelobruxo, his station celebrated among the alumni due to his pedigree as a pureblood who proclaims that he will reinvigorate true wizarding values in wizard society. Parents of students with mixed heritage have expressed concerns that there might be a prejudice regarding students that do not come from pureblood families.

In a statement by Guerra he assures worried parents that he "cares deeply for the entirety of the student body and only wishes to fulfill the academy's mission statement." 

Gideon Guerra was a graduate from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 2003, his family originated from Venezuela but they lived in Scottland the duration of his time in Hogwarts. He worked in the International Magical Trading Standards Body for the British Ministry of Magic from 2005 until last year. According to reports, his wife died in childbirth and he left the workforce to raise his infant son. When asked why he decided to return to South America he said "I just wish to spread the good influence of my upbringing and education to my homeland, I have been gone for far too long."

When asked about his plans for his plans for Castelobruxo, Guerra stated "I am looking forward to reviewing the curriculum for students in Castelobruxo. I feel that the potioneering, herbology and magizoology skills of my students are already unparalleled but we have a great opportunity for growth in terms of casting. But my plan for that... well, that is a secret and a surprise." He winked.

Magical Blotter

December 1^st 1:53 am - a vampire hunter by the name of Gladis Knight has hunted her last. After staking a vampire in Romania, the vampire's dhampir offspring drained Gladis dry and brought her back as a dhampir. Both the dhampir and the hunter are in custody.

December 8^th 8:09 pm - a student from Durmstrang was caught flying over a muggle city. Witnesses were numerous. In conjunction with London's Prime Minister, a report regarding nocturnal kite-flying has been released to the media. The student's broom has been confiscated and the student has been released to his family. Potential charges are pending.

December 12^th 12:39 pm - a potential dark wizard was discovered in Scotland. The Ministry's use of the Trace Charm has identified some unusual activity as of late in Hogsmeade. The wizard has not been found.

December 15^th 6:00 pm - A suspect in the Yaxly Potion theft has been taken in for questioning. No official report has been released, including the suspects name. 

December 19^th 5:13 pm - a disagreement in a bar between squibs and wizards resulted in property damage at the Three Broomsticks. It is unknown how these squibs entered Hogsmede or where they are at this time as they fled on foot after an altercation with barroom patrons. This would be the second time in recent history that this has happened.

December 21^st 9:00 pm - during the Winter solstice celebration in Waterford Ireland, a drunken brawl between wizards ended with several injuries including one death and 14 hospitalizations. It is said that the ale was spiked but there is no evidence of foul-play. Investigators will review for further information.

December 25^th, 6:00 am - Kristopher Kringle was nearly trapped by a pair if ingenious muggle children that set a trap outside the fireplace rather than the chimney stack that is normally bypassed with floo powder.  The children were promptly obliviated and are presently safe in their beds.

December 29^th 12:00 noon - theft of a components storeroom belonging to the Malfoy family that used muggle means of ingress was discovered on this day and is being actively investigated.