Magical Hogwarts

Volume 45: November 2005

PAGE 1: CURRENT EVENTS AND MINI PLOTS

world Under the cloak of November's chill, a clandestine gathering whispers through the magical and the mystic, calling forth a community shrouded in secrecy to embrace one another. In a forest cleaning, where the veil between worlds thins, witches and wizards converge upon a hidden glade. Here, under the glow of a monumental bonfire, lifelong connections are made. This is not merely a bonfire, but a grand fete, a night of comradery and jubilation. Culinary delights and libations, steeped in the traditions of myriad cultures, promise a feast for the senses. As twilight beckons, a live band will begin to play, and dancing with abandon is highly encouraged. As the night unfolds, the sky itself will ignite with a spectacle of magical fireworks, a ballet of colors and lights, dazzling the eye and stirring the soul. Potent charms ward off the curious gaze of muggles, preserving the peace and sanctity of this mystical conclave. Wizards and witches young and old are invited to participate in an evening of wonder, a celebration of all that is unseen and all that connects the magical community. beauxbatons This month the sports initiative covers Shuntbumps, a game popular in England in the past which is now mostly a children's game. However, as the goal is to stay on the broom whilst knocking others off of theirs, it's good preparation for other broomstick games like Quidditch. After all, any success in a broomstick game begins with staying on the broom. While it was traditionally played in a group in the past, professeur Said and headmaster Flaubert decided to change the rules. Here one player goes up against one other player and the player winning at least two of three rounds is the winner. Professeur Said will oversee the games and step in where needed. Students winning a game of Shuntbumps will earn points for their houses and should, therefore, consider competing against players from other houses.

hogwarts Professor Murray's enthusiasm for Muggle science and technology is raising eyebrows from some students (and their parents), especially those from more "traditional" backgrounds - but he hasn't changed his tune in the slightest. This month's competition is a tried-and-true Muggle engineering favorite: the spaghetti bridge, where students build and then stress-test a bridge of their own design. The objective is to craft a bridge design that can hold as much weight as possible. There are only a few rules: 1) the bridge may be made ONLY of uncooked spaghetti and epoxy (materials provided by Professor Murray), 2) the finished bridge may not exceed 150 grams, and 3) the loading plane must be horizontal and unobstructed, such that a Hot Wheels car is able to "drive" across it. On Wednesday the 30th, each bridge will be stress-tested by loading weights one-at-a-time onto a U-bolt suspended from the bridge until the structure fails. The teams that construct the top three bridges will be awarded points in a tiered fashion, with a bonus point to any team whose bridge holds at least 25 kilograms (~55 pounds) even if they do not finish in the top three. durmstrang With the November chill already suggesting a frigid winter, Durmstrang has elected to hold a new event—a polar plunge—in the late fall rather than the winter, which would have been traditional. Considering the winter temperatures are often frost-bitingly low, brave students can volunteer to take this icy plunge in mid-November, with the winner getting glory, a small cash prize, and house points galore. The student able to withstand the temperature of the water the longest—wearing no more than traditional swimwear and without using incantations—will be the winner. Additionally, the school is offering a fun event for the ladies and gentlemen in Celebration of St. Andrew’s Eve, offering fortune-telling done by professional tarot diviners and an optional speed-“dating” in the Grand Hall in the evening. This speedy connection event is not necessarily to find dates as much as to meet new people, so people will be matched regardless of gender and gender preference.

ilvermorny Due to what appears to be an aerated potion accident, Shackamaxon's city council has announced the immediate evacuation of the city. Though this potential leak is not lethal or toxic, it has the unpleasant side effect of causing any wizards who inhale it to experience vivid, dream-like hallucinations and particularly unpleasant gas. Officials from MACUSA's Intoxicating Substances office have been summoned to investigate the cause and clear out the Mr. Greylock tunnels. Shackamaxon residents have largely been moved into temporary housing in the mountainous grounds of Ilvermorny for the next six weeks. The Ilvermorny Student Government Association has decided to organize student-led relief efforts, ranging from helping to build temporary shelters to volunteering in community kitchens to organizing coat drives ahead of the cold weather. A number of other organizations and wizards from around the country have also decided to help. Ilvermorny students are, of course, forbidden to venture into the now closed-off tunnels to Shackamaxon until MACUSA gives leave. The second quodpot match of the season - Pukwudgie versus Thunderbird - will be held on Saturday, November 19. A week-long break (November 20 - November 27) will follow for students to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. For any students staying on campus, a feast will be held on Thursday, November 24.

PAGE 2: SPORTS

NOVEMBER 2005 QUIDDITCH: ROUND 2 HIGHLIGHTS In a month filled with exhilarating matches, several second-round matchups kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Appleby Arrows maintained their dominant position at the top of the league standings with a hard-fought victory over the Montrose Magpies. Magpies Captain Teague led his team on a well-executed offensive and by the end of the game actually had double the Arrows score, just before Seeker Jamie MacRae made a beautiful and uncontested catch of the Snitch, resulting in a final score of 260 to 220 and an Arrows win.  Puddlemere United faced a tough challenge against the Holyhead Harpies, with Ginny Potter scoring right out of the gate, and she and the rest of her Chaser trio answering every one of United's goals with another of their own. Ultimately Morwen Rhydderch outpaced Blythe Parkin for the catch of the Snitch, resulting in a final score of 180 to 320 for the Harpies. This defeat knocked United down from second place to fourth place in the league standings, while the Harpies surged from fifth to third place.  The Kenmare Kestrels soared to an exciting yet unexpected victory against the Ballycastle Bats, although for most of the game the Bats were looking much improved from last week and last season. Captain Finbar Quigley kept his score matched with Captain Andrew Connolly, up until Kestrels Seeker Cal Reilly won a midair scuffle against his counterpart Brendan Byrne and recovered the Snitch. The final score was 330 to 180, with the Kestrels catapulting up to second place, and the Bats remaining down in the gutter.  (Speaking of Catapults,) Caerphilly's team traveled to play (speaking of the gutter) the Chudley Cannons in a very unexciting game, with the Catapults emerging victorious. Similarly, the Pride of Portree secured a win against the Wigtown Wanderers in a match barely worth the mention. HOGWARTS QUIDDITCH Despite a changing of the guard for about half of each team since the end of last season, both Gryffindor and Slytherin really hit the ground running last month. And while there were a few kinks to be worked out (it was the first match of the season, after all), both new Captains commanded their teams well and made for an exciting match. Gryffindor Captain and Chaser Mavis Nandamuri and Slytherin Chaser Isaac Hackney - both seasoned veterans - seemed to volley back and forth, each scoring the majority of their respective team's goals. Ultimately, a well-placed Bludger from Fifth Year Treasa O'Mooney paved the way for First Year Sara Lee to secure the Snitch and a Slytherin victory: 210 to 70. This month will pit Hufflepuff against Ravenclaw. Both veteran Captains know each other's styles well, and spectators can have little doubt that sparks will fly.

ROUND 3 MATCHUPS The Quidditch season continued its whirlwind journey in Round 3, with exhilarating matchups leaving fans breathless with anticipation. Once again, the Appleby Arrows provided one of the standout games of the round in the clash against the Wigtown Wanderers. The match was a valiant effort  start to finish from both teams, but although the Arrows' Chasers were only slightly behind the Wanderers, the game finished with MacRae making a decisive Snitch catch to seal Appleby's victory. The final score of 310 to 170 solidifies the Arrows' position at the top of the league standings, leaving the Wanderers in their wake.  But they aren't alone up there anymore - the Kenmare Kestrels are tied for first with the Arrows, thanks to another high-scoring showdown. The Kestrels faced off against the Montrose Magpies in a match that showcased Captain Quigley's relentless pursuit of victory. The Kestrels maintained a narrow but consistent lead throughout the game, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity to edge out their opponents. Seeker Cal Reilly's daring Snitch catch secured the win for the Kestrels, with a final score of 340 to 170.  Meanwhile, the Tutshill Tornados clashed with the Pride of Portree in a game marked by intense competition and strategic gameplay. The Pride acquired and held a comfortable lead early on, and Tutshill struggled to maintain momentum. Eventually both Pride Seeker Rhodes and Tornados Seeker Captain Bonney sighted the particularly elusive Snitch at the same time. Although Rhodes could have almost doubled the score deficit, it was Bonney who swiftly caught the Snitch, ultimately sealing the 200-190 win for the Tornados, leaving Portree narrowly defeated.  As the season progresses, the Ballycastle Bats, Chudley Cannons, and Wigtown Wanderers continue to find themselves at the bottom of the rankings, where at least they are familiar with the scenery.

CURRENT BRITISH & IRISH QUIDDITCH LEAGUE STANDINGS Appleby Arrows - 1050 (52Q) Kenmare Kestrels - 1050 (49Q) Falmouth Falcons - 950 Holyhead Harpies - 930 Puddlemere United - 910 Caerphilly Catapults - 870 Montrose Magpies - 720 (72Q) Gravesend Griffins - 720 (54Q) Portree Pride - 670 (37Q) Tutshill Tornados - 670 (34Q) Wimbourne Wasps - 540 Wigtown Wanderers - 490 Ballycastle Bats - 460 Chudley Cannons - 440

PAGE 3: OTHER NEWS

New dragon breeding program underway in Romania! Readers with an interest in magical beasts will be aware of increasing concerns surrounding the Antipodean Opaleye. Always one of the rarest species, the Opaleye was declared endangered fourteen years ago when numbers dropped to less than fifty individuals. Now, dragonologist and erstwhile Durmstrang dragon flying professor Oksana Viktorovna has presented a paper explaining the species' low reproductive rate and the need for a captive breeding program. While dragon breeding programs are nothing new, up until now they have generally consisted of encouraging the creatures to mate, and providing a secure environment in which they can raise their young. Oksana Viktorovna has instead suggested that once the eggs are laid, all but one be taken from the nest to be reared independently, and returned to the wild once they have reached adolescence. Schemes such as these have proved successful for muggles raising giant pandas, but as fluffy mammals lack fangs, fire-breathing tendencies and a proclivity towards violence it remains to be seen how successful the program will be.

Pyrausta Plague: Mysterious Migration or Malicious Magic? In a startling turn of events, another pyrausta colony has been unearthed within the walls of Borgin and Burkes, the infamous dark artifacts shop located in Knockturn Alley. Following the recent discovery of a severe infestation at the Leaky Cauldron last month (which is still being treated), this latest finding has raised concerns among members of the wizarding community. The Ministry of Magic has confirmed that a third, smaller pyrausta infestation was also detected at the Wine·Red Wyvern in Merthyr Tydfil. However, swift action was taken by the establishment's proprietors to eradicate the pests before the situation escalated. With three notable instances of pyrausta infestations within such a short span of time, the Ministry is requesting the aid of all magizoologists to investigate the sudden surge in colony establishment and activity. While the possibility of natural causes cannot be ruled out, officials are also considering the alternative theory of foul play. As the wizarding community braces itself for further developments, the Ministry remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all magical establishments and their patrons.

WIZARDS PARTICIPATE IN PARISIAN RIOTS Reports emerge of French wizards and witches allegedly involved in the Non-Magique Paris suburb riots. Eyewitnesses claim some individuals were wielding wands amidst the chaos, casting spells to both incite and quell violence. Tensions have continued to escalate, prompting authorities to intervene, with bystanders needing Obliviation to maintain wizarding secrecy. The French Ministry of Magic's silence leaves the wizarding community anxious for answers, sparking speculation about motives and repercussions for wizard-muggle relations.. NEW BURKINO FASO REPRESENTATIVE TO ICW In a historic move, Burkina Faso has elected its first female representative to the International Confederation of Wizards. From Ouagadougou's magical community, Madame Assana Kaboré's election signifies progress towards inclusivity and gender equality in magical governance. She prioritizes advocating for magical beings' rights in developing nations, fostering international magical research cooperation, and addressing magical conservation and sustainability. Her appointment garners acclaim, promising unity and progress in the wizarding world.

PAGE 4: GOSSIP AND SOCIAL

Captivating Scents of Autumn As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the fragrances of fall weave their enchantment. Picture the warmth of a crackling fire mingling with the sweetness of spiced pumpkin, evoking cozy evenings by the hearth. Then, breathe in the earthy essence of autumn woods, reminiscent of tranquil walks through nature's embrace. Feel the allure of fireside embrace, with its smoky birch and caramel tones enveloping you in comfort. Meanwhile, the mystical glow of harvest moon fills the air with bergamot and cloves, inviting you to dance under its luminous spell. Wrap yourself in the luxurious scent of cozy cashmere, a blend of musk and vanilla that feels like a soft embrace. Finally, wander through an apple orchard, where the tangy aroma of ripe fruit mingles with hints of cinnamon and pear, awakening memories of sunny afternoons and laughter. These captivating scents of autumn beckon, promising a season filled with warmth, wonder, and magic.

goblins enslaving muggle population Disturbing news has reached us that a community of goblins in Coastal Northumberland has enslaved the muggle population of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in order to mine for precious stones. Danny Ditherington, the 87 year old retired inventor of the backwards-flying broomstick, was visiting the busy museum on holiday when he observed a long line of people periodically walking through a door upon which a hieroglyphic sign was hanging. Later, after enjoying an evening in The Imp and Trumpet, a local hostelry, he was approached by a goblin who offered to sell him a pair of ruby earrings. Mr Ditherington found this strange and refused the offer. “It's a good thing I only wear sapphire earrings, otherwise I might be working down the mines right now” he told us. Your intrepid reporter apparated to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, but the only door inside the museum led to the restrooms. Clearly the goblins have cast a disillusionment charm so their nefarious deeds continue to go unnoticed by the wider world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Dermod Larkin Morfessa (63) Gaspard Archambault (46) Gabriel De Oliveira (40) Samael Odell (32) Hunter Street (30) Fedir Antonyuk (27) Ruby Woodward (27) Maja Dörfler (24) Parthenia Stremmenos (24) Tabitha Whiting (24) Basil Dahlstrøm (23) Waldrick Rowle (22) Deirdre Coltrane (21) Dimos Klein (20) Phillip Donnelly (20) Justýna Tesaříková (20) Paige Hext (19) Cinda De Oliveira (16) Renata Marchesi-Dujardin (15)

PAGE 5: CREDITS AND NOTICES

information We have revamped The Daily Prophet based on member feedback and welcome any comments or suggestions in an effort to further improve the Prophet. credits This issue was created by the Administration/Moderation team. We would like to thank Taed for helping to prepare the monthly birthday column, Christine for the easy-to-use coding, and Samm for the amazing header. how to contribute We are always seeking member-produced stories and submissions. This can be in the form of in-character letters to the editors, rumours and gossip, or character-driven plots. You can submit your ideas to any member of the team, however if you have something in mind for a specific geographical area of the board please reach out to the respective admin: • Olivia - Hogwarts & British Isles • Inga - Beauxbatons & Western Europe • Dylan - Durmstrang & Eastern Europe • Daphne  - Ilvermorny & North America

wanna play shuntbumps? Sign up here

hello what does the "q" number mean in the quidditch rankings or am I blind and this has been explained somewhere

merci

wanna play shuntbumps? Sign up here

could we make a matching thread? perhaps in the classifieds or something? it would be nice to just know who is interested in playing so we can find opponents more easily. just a thought.

could we make a matching thread? perhaps in the classifieds or something? it would be nice to just know who is interested in playing so we can find opponents more easily. just a thought.

The sign up thread is also the matching thread.  

Still looking for a partner? Post here to let others know!

I might make a classifieds for the whole sports initiative, though.

EDIT: Classifieds for the sports initiative 2005/06

hello what does the "q" number mean in the quidditch rankings or am I blind and this has been explained somewhere

merci

IC this refers to how many Quaffle goals have been scored thus far in the season.

OOC I just recently took back over the Quidditch statistics, and (as you can see) several teams ended up with the same number of playoff points after Round 3, so I needed a way to rank them secondarily 😅 Quaffle goals are more indicative of overall team performance than number of Snitches caught, was my reasoning.