In the muggle papers:

MURDER SPREE SHOWING NO SIGNS OF STOPPING July 19th, 2011 Another man found dead on the streets of Leicester, found in a state similar to previous victims of the Voldemort murders. [...] Police across the country say they are working tirelessly to track down the killer (or killers) and put a stop to this senseless waste of human life.

On the radio:
Police are requesting that anyone who might have information about the killer please come forward. Any information may be able to help this case.

DEATH EATER DETAINED July 20th, 2011 Aurors were aleterted to a crime in progress in Hungerford early this morning. Tragically, they were too late to prevent the murder of Andreas Ledford, a muggleborn wizard employed in the Department of Muggle Welfare at the Ministry. However, they were able to capture and subdue the perpetrator of the attack, one of Voldemort's followers known as the Death Eaters. The wizard's name is not being released at this time, but he is being held in Azkaban pending further investigation. The Ministry is hopeful that his information will prove useful.

BIZARRE MURDERS CONTINUE UNHALTED July 2nd ..."Same as before, not a mark on 'em. Same words, too." Beware Lord Voldemort "It's depraved. A whole family, just like that, not even the kids were left." [...] July 5th ...There didn't appear to be any sign of forced entry, "Almost as if the door was already unlocked. But that's mad; Agatha wouldn't have done such a thing. Paranoid, you know?" commented a neighbour on the murder of the aged Agatha Featherstone. [...] July 7th ...What continues to throw off police is the seemingly unrelated places the killer strikes.

[Those listening to the evening Muggle news might have heard the following snippet:]

"It is unknown where the killer referring to himself as Lord Voldemort will strike next, though police are encouraging a curfew be put into place and for parents to keep an eye on their children at all times.

[For those of you who read the MUGGLE papers, you may have noticed the following article in today's edition.]

POLICE BAFFLED BY BIZARRE MURDER CASE Police were called to the scene early this morning at a home in Harlow, Essex, but were shocked by what they found there. "Never seen anything like it," said Weston Dwerryhouse, one of the first to arrive on the scene. "There wasn't a mark on 'em." The family of three that had been residing in the house were all found dead this morning, but police say that while there were minor signs of a scuffle, they have no idea what could have killed the residents. This case parallels a murder that occurred Monday in Swindon, Wiltshire. Neither murder was apparently noticed by neighbours, and both have officials scratching their heads as to the cause of death. Police were initially leery to suggest a serial murder, due to the relative distance of the two cases, but in addition to the similar MO, one detail points to the idea that both murders were perpetrated by the same killer. "Die, Muggles. Beware the Dark Lord Voldemort." Dwerryhouse reads out the message that was left at both scenes. "Dunno what it means, except that we've got a real nutter on our hands."

[Those listening to the evening MUGGLE news might have heard the following snippet:]

"In other news, police are still investigating what appears to be the second in mysterious serial murder case. The cause of death of the victims, as well as the motives of the killer, remain unknown. The only link is threatening messages left at both scenes, signed, 'Lord Voldemort.'"

((And guys, please try to be realistic as to whether your character would have noticed the article. We know your average teen doesn't read the newspaper.))

Trial on Assassination Charges Continues


The high profile case of treason across wizarding borders has continued on for six days without an end currently in sight. Last month, the fugitive Capulet family was uncovered within the borders of the United Kingdom and earlier this week they were charged with treason against the city of Verona and the country of Italy. The allegations include the plotting of an assassination against Laertes Montague, the longstanding head of the Wizarding council for Verona. The brunt of this charge falls on the 17 year old Juliet Fiamatta Asto Capulet, the last direct member of the Capulet line who was long thought to be dead. Juliet Capulet was known to utilize the surname of Calogera, and it was under that name she was enrolled as a student at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Despite her youth, she has been indicted based on evidence that the Capulet family had connections and informants in positions of power–even within the British Ministry itself–and claims that the family was seeking revenge against Montague for the position they once held. Given the delicate nature of the trial in respect to foreign relations, both the Italian and British Ministries have been quite heavily involved, and if proven guilty, the Capulet family could face up to a lifetime of prison in the Italian wizarding penitentiary.

Former and Current Minister working in tandem to clean out the Ministry

Harvey Dent has stepped down, but he is not forgotten. Despite the fact that the former Minister is in mourning and refusing public appearances, Dent has been assisting Minister West and has made it his personal mission to flush out corruption in the Ministry. According to the statement issued by the Ministry, Dent was at the forefront in uncovering the true nature of Ambrose Renatus, a prominent Member of the Wizengamot who was known for his outspoken demands for stricter giant and vampire legislation. In light of the information released that he was a major figure in the Attack on the Ministry a month and a half ago, it is likely that his former accomplishments will be overshadowed. Renatus was directly involved with planning which areas of the Ministry the Death Eaters would strike, as well as ferrying the dark wizards into the underground building.

The former Wizengamot member has been sentenced to life in Azkaban, with the Ministry additionally deliberating on whether the Dementor's Kiss would be appropriate. In an account released by Harvey Dent himself, Dent found the punishment mild considering the loss of life and the blow to the wizarding community. Minister West could not be found for comment, however West seems to be putting his efforts into what lies ahead. The Head of Magical Law Enforcement, James Gordon stated that Aurors have been more proactive in their efforts to defeat Dark Wizards as opposed to the more passive method of relying on damage limitation. These efforts have had mixed results, however, and it is as yet unknown when this war will end.

Although Minister Dent is finally in stable condition after his harrowing experience during the recent Ministry attack, he told the press this morning that he is indeed stepping down. Rumours about his resignation are, of course, flying. Is he ashamed at the Ministry's poor handling of recent events? The attack resulted in numerous deaths, including three young students, and most likely would have been even more disastrous if not for the work of Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Or is it, as others have suspected, due to more personal reasons? One of the casualties of the Death Eaters' devastation was the young witch Rachel Dawes, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, with whom many have alleged Minister Dent was having an affair. Of course, it could be simply cosmetic. Though his survival of the Fiendfyre curse was nothing short of miraculous, the extent of the Minister's burns would be severely limiting to his public appearances.

However, before Acting Minister Adam West will be officially appointed to the Ministerial Seat, Minister Dent has made one last act. The Wizarding Community is now officially at war with the Dark Wizard Voldemort, and his followers, the Death Eaters. Says Dent, "We will stop at nothing to stop him."

((Also included in this week's Prophet is an official list of casualties: both deaths and those with serious injuries. If you'd like to have your character know someone on the list, feel free. And sorry this is so late!))

ATTACK AT THE MINISTRY

At 12:26pm, March 17th, The Ministry for Magic was attack by a large group of Dark Wizards. Full details aren't known but what is known is that there has never been an attack on a scale such as this. No official word has been given from the Minister himself, suffering from burns (caused by the Fiendfyre Curse) to the face, who is currently in St Mungo's. However, word has been given that the Ministry has had enough and plans to counter these Dark Wizards with an iron wand.

No exact numbers have been given for the amount of injuries and deaths sustained but we have conformation that in fact, three students and a teacher from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were killed. No names have been announced yet out of respect for the families. Students from the school were on a trip to tour the Ministry the day of the attack and horrifically caught in the crossfire. Albus Dumbledore, current Headmaster, faced off against the Dark Wizard in charge of the attack, trying to do his best to protect the students. Unfortunately, nothing can stop the worst of all the unforgivable curses that killed the student. Headmaster Dumbledore sent notice to parents of the students as soon as the commotion was over, giving notice as to where their students could be contacted. We have word that classes have been canceled until the end of Easter holiday, prompting many worried parents to take their students home right away.

Other confirmed information is that two arrests were made and the suspects were immediately sent to Azkaban, a teacher from Hogwarts lost a limb and is currently in St Mungo's, and that this is the work of the Dark Wizard, Lord Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters.

Since the arrests of a number of so-called "Death Eaters" in Gloucestershire two weeks ago, the Ministry has been making numerous advances into the mindset of this group. While the Prophet has yet to be allowed access to the results of these interrogation sessions, we do know that the group is led by a dark wizard calling himself "Lord Voldemort," and that the recent terrorist attacks had supremacist motivations.

Meanwhile, other parts of the Ministry are prepping for the arrival of the students of Hogwarts. As many of you are familiar, Hogwarts is the premier school of witchcraft and wizardry in Europe, if not the entire world. Under the eye of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts shapes the young wizards of today into the leaders of tomorrow. Minister Dent himself has made arrangements to meet briefly with the children, and says he has high hopes of seeing his successor among their number. "I believe in Albus Dumbledore," says Dent. "Hogwarts is lucky to have him."

SCOUNDRELS STYMIED IN GLOUCESTER
What could have been another tragedy this Friday was averted by the quick thinking of the Ministry and the tireless work of the aurors.

The group calling themselves the Death Eaters is still on the move, but for how much longer? It seems these dark wizards had been planning another attack this weekend, similar to what was seen in Kent at the beginning of this month. Fortunately, tragedy was averted when the Ministry, acting on information they had gathered from investigations into the earlier attacks, deployed small forces of aurors to several towns in Gloucestershire, which had been determined to be a potential target. A number of arrests were made, and the perpetrators have been sent to Azkaban pending trial. At the moment, the Prophet is not at liberty to release the names of these criminals, but the Ministry insists they are quite confident that with these arrests, they are close to shutting the group down for good.

[ooc: Players can look at the random info post linked on the main profile for a link to the SUPER COOL MAP at all times if they want to see the relation of the news to their home town.]

Slythies have been quite naughty naughty, full of snotty. Peevesy knows why they're all wet, he does~

POTENTIAL DARK WIZARDS QUESTIONED; HOMES SEARCHED

After the recent attacks on Kent, the Ministry has increased its already massive amounts of security by publicly investigating suspects of dark magic. It started early this morning with raids on three pureblood family manors. The one that got the most attention from the Ministry was a raid on the outskirts of London, at the home of Alazon and Gilbert Sargon. Mr. Sargon, an employee in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, has a clean record from what our esteemed reporters could dig up. But clean records do not always tell the whole story.

Mr. and Mrs. Sargon were questioned about their involvement in the horrible attacks on Kent, as well as their whereabouts on that horrible night. The Ministry refused to give any further details on the matter. We have discovered that quite a few items have been confiscated and taken into Ministry hands as of today. Minister Dent has been quoted as saying, "The Ministry is now focused on the safety of the public and will go to the necessary means to protect them. Raids are unfortunately a necessary part of this. We are making sure that no one has their rights violated during these searches."

A few prominent Pureblood families have claimed that the Minister cares more about Muggles than his own people. One Pureblood man, who wishes to remain anonymous, told our investigators, “The raids are dirty”. Three families reported that these so-called “illegal” raids occurred while they were away from their homes, citing that family heirlooms have disappeared in the process. The Ministry claims that this is simply not true. They warn any family who feels that their heirlooms have been stolen that it is most likely a Goblin claiming back what it thinks is rightfully theirs. This may very well be true, as Goblins believe that anything Goblin-made owned by Wizards is theirs to keep, even if it has been traded or purchased lawfully. We warn our faithful readers to watch out for any Goblins in their midst; you must never be too cautious when dealing with magical creatures.

ATTACKS ACROSS KENT RAISE FEARS OF DARK WIZARD INTENT

A rash of attacks across the county of Kent today has alarmed Wizarding and Muggle authorities alike. A group of dark wizards struck at least a dozen towns at once, attacks consisting of fires, the destruction of houses and major buildings, and curses that most would be hesitant to name, let alone cast on innocent people. The attacks have been as far as Faversham and Gravesend, but the major towns of Chatham, Gillingham, and Maidstone have borne the brunt of the attacks. Muggle authorities seem to have blamed most of the attacks on 'terrorists' and 'local youth'.

Due to the widespread nature of the violence, the Ministry was unable to cover all of the areas at once and there have been reports of deaths and numerous injuries, many witches and wizards being sent to St. Mungos for their injuries. Prophet reporters spoke to 42 year old Thomas Sniggett of Gillingham, a wizard recovering from a nasty hex in the Spell Damage ward of St. Mungos. "This used to be a safe place for wizarding kind to live, but I'm not sure anymore. They don't even seem to care who they kill, wizard or muggle."

The curses incapacitating many of the afflicted have shown dark intent, and ministry officials have stated that no other group would be able to mobilize in such a way over such a widespread area. As of now, the increasingly notorious group known as Death Eaters are said to be the cause. With the increase of attacks, one has to wonder what place is safe. Sniggett has his own thoughts on the matter. "My ten year old girl is planning on going to Hogwarts next year, and I reckon that's the only place safe for her now that her home isn't."

In light of the recent events, those whose loved ones were affected in your homes, take comfort in the fact that the illusions were merely that.

I urge all staff and students to remember that what we can imagine is far more fearful than the reality in front of us, for in those visions there is rarely a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel.

Spirit shall keep us together, and it is spirit that we shall have for the next 5 days. In a quite excellent way, if I may say so. Enjoy.

[ooc: The spirit week is now known about in game, so go get pumped for it!]

MASS HALLUCINATION PROMPTS MASS CONFUSION

What can only be described as a mass hallucination appears to have affected the West Midlands, even spreading as far as northern Warwickshire and southern Staffordshire. Panicked witches and wizards sent out letters all across the country, prompting the Ministry to send in forces to do damage control. Strangely, the sense of panic and odd sightings passed after a while and muggles didn't seem to notice any of the happenings. Upon being asked, a few attributed it to "winter blues."

Ministry officials are unsure at the moment what caused the hallucinations, but are attributing it to an experiment gone wrong.  As of yet, no one has stepped forward to take responsibility.

It seems that a student has been using their Herbology homework for unsavory extracurricular activities. So I would like to remind students that the only smoking inside the castle should be the logs in the fire.

Teachers and Prefects are to look out for this kind of activity, especially since what they're inhaling may be a hallucinogenic.

DARK WIZARD SIGHTINGS BRINGS TENSION TO A BOIL!

Claims have started to roll in about the appearance of Death Eaters all over the world, most recently in Italy! Citizens of the small town of Assisi have reported seeing people in dark cloaks and masks lurking around the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi and peoples' homes.

We were unable to get commentary from the local witches and wizards as Assisi has become a place for older witches and wizards to retire and none of them spoke much English. However it was very plain that they were worried and offended by the idea that Dark Wizards have started to infiltrate their peaceful commune and even lack respect for holy places. The Muggles of Assisi thankfully suspect nothing and have been told by their wizard neighbours that it was only nuns and priests visiting and wearing hoods to stave off the chill.

The wizarding law enforcement of Italy says they are keeping an eye on Assisi and hope that they don't start causing any trouble or spread their influence outside of the little town.

HOUSE ELF HELPS MUGGLE SANTA

Dinky, a local house elf, was lost while on an outing with his master and ended up in a Muggle shopping centre. He then was mistaken for an elf meant to help out with the practice of taking pictures of children with Santa and was put to work there. Given the nature of a house elf, he was unable to refuse and stayed there until and even after closing, only leaving when the store director told him to.

Dinky was later retrieved by Ministry workers and punished by his master (who declined to have his name printed).

"Best worker I ever had. Bit of a neurotic bloke, though," was all that was taken from a brief interview of said store director.

We here at the Daily Prophet hope that all witches and wizards learn from this story and keep a close eye on their house elves. The unfortunate creatures certainly cannot direct themselves.


((Article submit here!))

Good morning, students. I hope you've all been well. I have some fairly exciting news for you all. Next Thursday Hogwarts will be holding a holiday dance for you children to enjoy before you're all whisked away back to your homes again. I hope you all remembered to bring your dress robes this year.

Of a similar note: those who don't have dates oughtn't fret. On Monday we will be holding another auction, to raise money for the school's maintenance and upkeep. Quidditch players, I know you shall be delighted to help out this cause.

RURAL WIZARDS CLAIM HAY STACK HORRORS

An elderly wizarding couple, David and Raleda McIntyre of Colehill, Dorset, claim that they have been targeted by Death Eaters in the past week. According to reports, the dark wizards descended upon their house late one night, setting the surrounding haystacks on fire and consequently setting their home on fire, as well. The couple was trapped inside, still asleep. Brave neighbors pulled them out before the house collapsed. Says one of the neighbors, “Don’t see why everyone’s in a fuss about this being Dark Wizards. Could’ve easily been the kettle left on too long- they’ve done that before.”

Now the Ministry of Magic is currently in Colehill, sending out Law Enforcement wizards and witches to investigate the situation. A spokesman for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement told our fine reporters that it was very likely the work of dark magic, but they were making no assumptions until the investigation was complete.

Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre are currently in St. Mungo’s, being treated for severe burns as a result of the fire. Mrs. McIntyre refused an interview; her husband, however, was willing to bear all: “I was an Auror, once,” he told our reporter. “I was always against Dark Magic, myself. That’s why they probably came for us. Shame, picking on the elderly and defenseless. If they had any spine, they’d come at me during the day!”

The couple is expected to make a full recovery and be back in Colehill sometime this week.

GIANTS CAUSE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Recently in the foothills of Romania, giants have been spotted. This has created quite a stir among local citizens, Muggles and Wizards alike. The Ministry of Magic has been working quite closely with the Wizarding authorities in Romania, assuring our reporters that everything is under control.

The giants have been reported to be under the influence of some higher power. Many people are frightened that perhaps the giants will turn up in England, eventually, under the influence of Dark Wizards. The Ministry has released several guidelines for what to do if a giant turns up in your area, as a precaution. If you follow these guidelines, the Ministry guarantees that there will be no problems in dealing with potential giant attacks.

• Remain calm. Panic will only cause a giant to become angered.


• Lock all doors and windows; remain indoors if at all possible.


• Contact the Ministry of Magic, Department for Giant Removal and Care, as soon as possible.


• If you do not feel safe in your home, please leave using Apparition or the Floo Network to somewhere you may feel better.


• Do not attempt to attack a giant one-on-one. Experienced Wizards have been killed dueling giants before. Do not attempt to make any contact with it.


• Remember that giants are not wizards- they are magical creatures, and as such should be treated with care.

[[ooc: Article submit Here!]]

MINISTRY DOWNPLAYING BODY COUNT?


With wizards and witches continuing to go missing, and no report from the Ministry of Magic, the British wizarding world is forced to question: Is the Ministry of Magic keeping the occurrences of dark wizards from the public? Only the Daily Prophet has the inside story.

The German Ministry recently informed the public of the prominent Muench family going missing. The family was quite outspoken about their aversion to these Death Eaters and they were very active in the German Ministry. Other deaths have been reported in wizarding as well as Muggle areas across the globe, yet the British Minister has stated very little.

Some have to wonder to what extent the Ministry can be trusted considering their tight lips on the rising death toll. Daily Prophet Correspondent Margret Whitney spoke to attendees of the Leaky Cauldron in London, and there is a universal cry for answers.

DURMSTRANG PROFESSOR AND STUDENT CAUGHT IN AFFAIR

Hogwarts may be negligent when it comes to violence, but it's not a den of lust and sin! That would be Durmstrang according to our out of country correspondent reporter. Fletch Flottropper has breaking news about a recently discovered student teacher relationship that puts a new meaning to detention.

A teacher there that we only know as Professor S was in relationship with a sixteen year old female student. It was discovered late last week when the Durmstrang medi-witch walked in to the hospital wing to see the professor and student both half clothed in indecent conduct. At first it was thought that it was against the young girls will, which her heartbroken parents are still insisting on, but it turned out that they had been seeing each other for at least six months.

It's now safe to say that Professor S has been fired from Durmstrang so that he may not try and seduce any more children, he's also in hiding due to outrage from many other parents. The young girls parents have pulled her out from the school and rumor has it that she'll be transferring to either Hogwarts or Beauxbatons to finish her education. This reporter hopes that those angry parents find him and curse him with boils for such an illegal relationship.

[ooc: Article submit here if you're so inclined!]

Students and Staff will suddenly notice that Castle has lit up with lights and candles. The school looks more magical than normal in a slightly eerie way. The tables in the Great hall are filled with candies, sweets and cakes from many cultures of the globe. Boxes are set up with cards next to them for students to give gifts to people they know. There's a lady at a table charming henna tattoos on girls who want them that only last for a day. Why is this happening? Because yesterday was Diwhali, the festival of lights.

I have some good news for our two fine librarians; we'll be receiving more money to improve our book collection.

The Prefects will be helping out with this as well. We had so much success last year with auctioning off Quidditch players, that we'll be Auctioning off the Heads of House, Prefects and Head Boy and Girl.

It will be an exciting weekend this coming up.

I have some good news for the residents of the castle. Usually I surprise everyone but this year, I have decided to give you forward knowledge of what is to come. A few days ago, letters were sent out to all of your families for a chance to visit the school and see how you are adjusting. Your family, relatives and guardians will be arriving on Friday and staying until after dinner Sunday night. I hope you shall all enjoy the visit you will be receiving this week.

Congratulations on all of those who have made the Quidditch Teams this year, I hope you will be able to survive your zealous Captains.


[[OOC; It's optional if your characters parents come or not. However, keep it IC to their characters backgrounds. For kids with baaaw dead parents, your ghost family can visit, unless they visited last year. You only get this once.]]

NEW SEMESTER BRINGS NEW CAUTIONARY MEASURES


With the new school year starting at Hogwarts tomorrow, many parents are concerned about the recent attacks on students and how safe they will be at Hogwarts. Though a particularly vocal crowd insists that the students are safe with Dumbledore, there are still the attacks at Hogwarts itself last year to consider. Thus Dumbledore has agreed to put a few new cautionary measures into place, such as a curfew, confiscation of weapons and students being in a group or with a teacher at all times.

We here at the Daily Prophet would like to wish the new and returning students good luck this semester and hope that they won't have to suffer the consequences of irresponsibility again.



ENTERTAINMENT

MUSICAL DUO TO MAKE THEIR DEBUT IN THE WIZARDING WORLD


Fourteen year old twins Rin and Len Kagamine have already made a name for themselves as a musical act among Muggles, but as they prepare to attend Hogwarts for the first time they hope to make their debut in the wizarding world. Beginning their musical act at the age of ten, Rin and Len worked together with Rin's lyric-writing and vocal talents and Len's instrumental and vocal talent to create music in the techno pop genre with a mix of other genres. Their popularity grew among the younger crowd due to their almost-identical appearance (despite being fraternal twins) and their new and exciting songs. Reception among adults was a bit cooler as some found their songs to be a bit too much. The duo themselves are a complementary pair with Rin's strong personality and Len's quieter, meeker nature and are practically inseparable. Which does beg the question of what would they do if they were put into separate houses at Hogwarts, but they will most likely work their way around that and be a success in their academic and musical careers.



((ooc: Article submit here))

ALL EYES ON EYE LOSS AMID FESTIVITIES


Tragedy struck on the twentieth as yet another Hogwarts student was the victim of a plot by Death Eaters. Lelouch Lamperouge came across a seemingly harmless telescope among various other magical trinkets on display and made use of it. Suddenly he was incapacitated by dark magic; among the panic of the crowd Mediwizard Gregory House stepped in and Stupefied Lamperouge to end the curse's effects. Lamperouge is now in a stable condition, yet lies in a coma in St. Mungo's.

Investigation showed a bizarre marking on Lamperouge's eye after the telescope was removed that was rather similar to the Dark Mark. Although the cursed object was most likely meant for someone not of Lamperouge's status.

MR. AND MISS DAILY PROPHET WINNERS CHOSEN


( After much show of talent and unique personalities, the titles of Mr. and Miss Daily Prophet went to...Collapse )

As their prize, they have received a year-long subscription to the Daily Prophet and 200 Galleons. Hopefully the new Mr. and Miss Daily Prophet will serve as an inspiration to all young witches and wizards for years to come. We here at the Daily Prophet would like to thank all the contestants and the winners for competing and want to mention that Corny Collins did not sustain serious injuries from being attacked by one of the contestants.

OTHER NEWS


Apparition tests start today for all witches and wizards that are of age. This extremely difficult and potentially dangerous art has to be closely supervised by Ministry officials to prevent any instances of splinching, especially for the first-timers. We here at the Daily Prophet wish all test-takers good luck and don't lose your heads.



((ooc: Mozart will now weep and pray for death. Article submit here))