BLACKPOOL — The wizarding community is in mourning today after the body of eight‑year‑old Rowan Catterick was discovered early this morning along the North Pier. The child, born to two magical parents, had been reported missing late last night. A Muggle fisherman spotted a small figure floating near the pier supports shortly after dawn, prompting immediate Ministry intervention.
Aurors arrived swiftly, securing the scene and modifying the memories of all Muggles present. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE) has confirmed that Rowan’s death is being treated as “unexplained,” though officials emphasized that there is no evidence of foul play at this time.
A brief statement from the Ministry expressed “deep sorrow at the loss of a young life” and extended condolences to the Catterick family. The family, both Ministry employees, have requested privacy as they grieve.
Neighbours described Rowan as “quiet but sweet,” often seen playing near the family’s garden or walking along the promenade with a toy broom. One neighbour said, “It’s heartbreaking. You never expect something like this to happen here.”
The DMLE has urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators time to conduct a full inquiry. More information is expected in the coming days.
BRISTOL — Residents of the Clifton district awoke yesterday to a series of unsettling disturbances after at least four boggarts escaped containment during a routine transfer by the Misuse of Magical Creatures Office.
The boggarts, which were being moved from a condemned warehouse to a secure Ministry facility, reportedly slipped free when a junior handler “momentarily lost concentration,” according to an internal memo leaked late last night. The creatures scattered into the surrounding neighbourhood, causing widespread panic as they manifested into various personal fears.
One Muggle resident, whose memory was later modified, described seeing “a giant, screaming clown” in her garden. Another reported “a swarm of enormous wasps” pouring out of a dustbin. Magical residents fared no better; one wizard was treated for shock after encountering what he believed to be a resurrected relative.
A team of six trained boggart-wranglers, along with two Aurors, spent nearly nine hours tracking and neutralizing the creatures. All four were eventually contained, though not before causing significant property damage and several minor injuries.
A Ministry spokesperson insisted that the situation was “fully under control” and emphasized that boggarts, while frightening, are not inherently dangerous. Still, the incident has reignited debate about the Ministry’s handling of magical creatures and the training of junior staff.
The handler responsible has been placed on administrative leave pending review. Local residents are advised to report any lingering signs of boggart activity, including unexplained cold spots, rattling cupboards, or sudden manifestations of personal phobias.
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What began as a peaceful march for improved wand-licensing transparency devolved into chaos yesterday when counter-protesters arrived, sparking heated arguments and several minor hex-related injuries. Witnesses report that a rogue Jelly-Legs Jinx set off a chain reaction, leaving dozens of wizards wobbling uncontrollably through the High Street.
The Ministry has condemned the violence and promises a full inquiry. Local shopkeepers are demanding compensation after several windows were shattered by misdirected enthusiasm and at least one broom was transfigured into a disgruntled goat.
Two wizards were injured late last night in what officials believe to be a werewolf attack near the Dover cliffs. Both victims are recovering at St Mungo’s and are expected to make a full recovery, though healers warn of the usual complications associated with full-moon injuries.
The Werewolf Capture Unit is investigating, though early reports suggest the attacker may be an unregistered individual. The Ministry reminds the public that registration is not optional, no matter how inconvenient the paperwork or how small one’s cottage is.
Station staff at King’s Cross have reported several unusual magical disturbances on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, including flickering wards, unexplained gusts of wind, and a luggage trolley that briefly levitated before bursting into song. The Hogwarts Express is not due to depart for several weeks, making the activity particularly concerning.
The Ministry has increased patrols and urges the public to avoid the platform unless absolutely necessary. One witness described seeing a shadowy figure vanish into the barrier, though officials insist this was probably just a wizard in a hurry.
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Two commuters collided above Charing Cross Road during the morning rush, resulting in a brief shower of parchment and one lost hat. No serious injuries were reported. The Department of Magical Transportation reminds fliers to signal before overtaking.
London: Mild, with a chance of spontaneous fog and one or two confused owls.
Scotland: Bracing winds; hold onto hats, cloaks, and small pets.
Blackpool: High tides, low spirits. Avoid late-night strolls near the water.
Dover: Clear skies, but full-moon precautions remain in effect.
All citizens are reminded that interfering with ongoing investigations is a punishable offence. If you have information regarding any of the incidents reported today, contact your local Auror Office immediately. Do not attempt to confront suspicious individuals yourself, especially if they glow, howl, or hum ominously.
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