Newspaper

TRAGEDY IN BLACKPOOL

Another Child Found Dead

By ROBERT PEAR

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 a drowning and 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.

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Boggarts in Bristol

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Riots In Exeter After A March

By ERIC LIPTON and MAGGIE HABERMAN

EXETER — Tensions flared once again in the city centre yesterday following a march organized by the Magical Equality Front (MEF), resulting in the third riot in Exeter this year.

The march, intended as a peaceful demonstration calling for improved protections for half‑blood and Muggle‑born witches and wizards, drew an estimated 600 participants. Witnesses say the event remained orderly until a counter‑group — the Pure Heritage Alliance — appeared along the High Street, shouting slurs and attempting to block the procession.

Within minutes, spells were exchanged. Aurors stationed nearby attempted to intervene, but the conflict escalated rapidly as bystanders were drawn into the fray. Several shopfronts were shattered, a public fountain was transfigured into a massive stone serpent, and at least one lamppost was temporarily animated and began chasing pedestrians.

By late afternoon, reinforcements from the DMLE had dispersed the crowds using containment charms and anti‑riot wards. Twenty‑three individuals were arrested, including members of both groups. Four Aurors sustained injuries, though none are reported to be life‑threatening.

Local business owners expressed frustration at the repeated unrest. “Every time these groups clash, we’re the ones who pay for it,” said Marla Pennington, owner of a wand‑polishing boutique. “The Ministry keeps promising stability, but nothing changes.”

The Minister for Magic condemned the violence in a brief statement, urging “calm, dialogue, and respect for all magical citizens.” Critics, however, argue that the Ministry’s response has been too passive, allowing extremist groups to grow bolder.

A full inquiry is expected to begin next week.

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Werewolf Attacks In Dover

By MARK LANDLER

DOVER — The DMLE confirmed last night that two separate attacks in the Dover area were the work of a werewolf, marking the first such incidents in Kent in nearly a decade.

The attacks occurred shortly after dusk on consecutive nights near the White Cliffs coastal path. Both victims — a wizarding couple out for an evening walk and a Muggle jogger — survived but sustained serious injuries consistent with werewolf bites. The Muggle victim has since been transferred to a Ministry‑supervised medical facility, where healers are working to manage the transformation risk.

Aurors and Beast Division trackers have been deployed to the surrounding countryside, though officials have not yet identified the werewolf responsible. Early reports suggest the creature may be newly turned, as the attacks appeared uncoordinated and lacked the strategic behaviour seen in experienced packs.

Local residents have been advised to remain indoors during full moon nights and to reinforce protective charms around their homes. The Ministry has also issued a temporary restriction on nighttime broom travel in the area.

Advocacy groups for werewolf rights have urged the public not to jump to conclusions. “Most werewolves live peacefully and responsibly,” said Lysa Thornwell of the Lycanthrope Support Network. “We must not allow fear to fuel prejudice.”

Still, the attacks have revived long‑standing debates about registration laws, access to Wolfsbane Potion, and the Ministry’s preparedness for lycanthropic incidents.

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‘Suspicious Activity’ on Platform Nine and Three‑Quarters

Officials say platform remains safe

This article is by Melissa Eddy, Jack Ewing, Joanna Berendt and Eric Schmitt.

LONDON — Ministry officials are investigating a series of unusual magical disturbances reported yesterday morning at Platform Nine and Three‑Quarters, the hidden gateway to the Hogwarts Express.

Witnesses described flickering wards, intermittent distortions in the barrier between platforms nine and ten, and a “low humming sound” that several passengers felt rather than heard. One witch reported that her trolley briefly passed through the barrier without her, leaving her stranded on the Muggle side until Aurors arrived.

The Office of Magical Transportation has cordoned off the area for testing, though officials insist the platform remains safe for travel. “There is no indication of sabotage or hostile magic,” said Deputy Director Horace Bletchley. “We are simply exercising an abundance of caution.”

However, several Hogwarts students claimed to have seen cloaked figures lingering near the barrier shortly before the disturbances began. Ministry spokespeople declined to comment on these reports, citing an ongoing investigation.

This is the second incident at the platform in as many months, prompting concerns about the integrity of one of the wizarding world’s most important transportation hubs. Some parents have called for additional Auror presence during school departures, while others worry that increased security will only heighten tensions.

The Ministry has promised a full report within the week.