yourhoroscope

Happy Christmas Hogwarts!

Students will be flooing home today from the headmistress's office.  If you have any questions about your floo schedule, please see your head of house.  Students will return by Floo on January 3rd, at the same time as they left.  This is the only time Hogwarts will be connected to the Floo network, so you must contact the Ministry's Department of Magical Transportation if you miss the Floo window for any reason.


Safety First

The Headmistress has asked us to be on guard over the break.  Use the buddy system and do not wander off alone.  Report any suspicious activity to the Ministry.  Remember to verify the identity of any visitors.


Congratulations Gryffindor!

Gryffindor won last weekend's Quidditch match 190 to Hufflepuff's 30.  November's match gave Slytherin 180 and  Ravenclaw 50 points.  This leaves Gryffindor in the lead for the Quidditch cup, with Slytherin following close behind.


Look Inside for Your Favorite Christmas Memories...

((ooc: If you want your character to have submitted a memory, reply with it here.))

An anonymous source reports that an unfortunate Muggle illness has struck our community. This illness was reported in other Wizarding communities, but not in Britain. Homosexual men were reportedly posing as room-mates while raising Hogwarts Student Romilda Vane. Maximus Vane had daughter with ex-wife who he divorced. He and his lover, Matthew Serpen left Spain with Miss Vane and said they were buddies from the first war with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. They raised Miss Vane together, and there have been suspicions of molestations.

How far do these perverts have to go before they are stopped?

Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff Match Today!!

Be at the Quidditch Pitch at 3pm this afternoon for the last game of the term.  Harry Potter will be subbing for seeker Samantha Jenkins.  Should be a great game!  See you there!


Don't forget you MUST Register your Holiday Destination this year by Wednesday!

Students will be sent home by Floo for holidays this year just like last, so it's important to register your holiday destination with your Head of House by Wednesday, December 17th at the latest.  Students staying at Hogwarts must register as well.  Last day of classes is the 19th and those Flooing out will leave on 20th.

Inspector Moody wants us to remind everyone to be on guard while outside of Hogwarts.  Constant Vigilance!

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday!


What's your favorite holiday memory?

Write down your favorite holiday memory and drop it by the Weekly Diviner office for inclusion in a special holiday edition of the paper.

It is my deepest regret to inform my readers that I, Rita Skeeter, will be leaving the Daily Prophet. I have watch this paper censor and cut articles for no particular reason and I will not continue to stay with a company that does not give the readers of England the facts.

I do have to say that I have enjoyed my endeavor here and thank the opportunity to advance my career. But I have to thank the most important people in my life, you. The readers of my editorial, you are by far the people I cherish the most. Had it no been for your encouragement, loyalty, and patronage to my column, I do not think I would have had the conviction to bring you the news, nor the will to put myself in dangerous situations to make sure that you had the most informal and detailed information possible.

I am sure our paths will cross in the future, for as you all know, I am a woman of the people, and I will not let them down. As long as there is news happening in our great country, I will find a way to bring it to your window. Until then, may you all have a very Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year.

I am Rita Skeeter saying good night, and godspeed.

-Rita Skeeter
former writer of the Daily Prophet.

New Teacher Joins Hogwarts Staff

Former Auror Lawrence Abendroth, who was forced to retire due to injuries, has joined the Hogwarts Staff as the new Transfiguration teacher.  We assume the board of directors approved this move to allow the former Transfiguration teacher, Minerva McGonagall, to focus on her new duties as Headmistress.  Many had criticized Headmistress McGonagall earlier in the year for attempting to balance both jobs.

Source report that Abendroth has already arrived at Hogwarts.  Ministry contacts say that her placement was kept secret as an added security measure.

This was perhaps inspired by the kidnapping of Alastor Moody who was to hold the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts back in the 94-95 school year.  Moody was held captive in an enchanted trunk, while Barty Crouch Jr. used polyjuice to infiltrate the school in his place.  We can only hope, holding the post of Security Inspector, Moody is having better luck this year.

Turn to page 8 for a full profile on Ms. Abendroth....

New Vampire Killing Outrages Community

Gooey remains discovered on Thursday have now been identified as the vampire Gaston.  Gaston, who often used the surname Fleming, was identified by remaining bits of jewelry and clothing that were not dissolved when his blood was turned to acid.  The Ministry believes this to be the works of Death Eaters using one of their new unforgivable curses.

The Vampire community is outraged by the attack, which follows less than a month after the brutal murder of Sanguini, suspected to be the work of Death Eater Draco Malfoy, who was seen leaving the vampires apartment shortly before the remains were found.

"We do not understand why the Dark Lord targets us," one vampire known as Marie.  "We have not been part of this war.  Politics are not our concern...but this--this is unacceptable!"

More on page 2...


Young Witch Missing

Gabrielle Delacour has been missing for two days.  Last seen from her sister's home the young witch is 12 years old and recently suffered severe hearing loss.  If you have seen Gabrielle, please contact the Ministry or the Prophet as soon as possible.  Her family is very concerned.

((accompanied by picture of Gabrielle))

Fall Formal Tonight!

 Meet in the Great Hall at 6pm for our formal school dance.  Everyone is invited.  Curfew has been extended until Midnight.  Music will be provided by the Floo Fighters.  So make sure you come for the best party of the year.

HARRY POTTER TO THE RESCUE!

The Ministry has confirmed that Ginny Weasley has been rescued and returned to school by none other than her former boyfriend--Harry Potter.  Weasly was kidnapped from Hogsmeade on November 1st.  The Ministry has now confirmed this to be the work of Death Eaters.

Potter apparently received a message from an unknown source, offering to return Ms. Weasley.  "I didn't know whether or not it was a trap, but I had to go," said Potter.  "I was the only one they'd meet with, and no risk was too great if we might get her back."

The Minister of Magic will not disclose the identity of the Death Eater or Death Eaters involved.  "They put themselves at great risk to return little Ginny.  We only hope this will not be a random attack of conscience, but truly shows a destablization in You-Know-Who's ranks."

Considering the risk of an Imperius, healers from St. Mungos were called to examine Weasley.  St. Mungos has given her a clean bill of health, and the Ministry says that she appears to free of any magical influences.  "We think they may have gone easy on her since she was pureblood," admits Weasley's brother, Percy, who works for the Ministery.

Ginny Weasley herself could not say much about the kidnapping.  "I was stunned then put under an enchanted sleep, so I don't remember much.  Just a flash of light, then Harry coming to get me."
 

Ministry Confirms McKinnon Death was Murder

The Auror office has confirmed that the killing curse was used to end the life of Jeanette McKinnon, 67.  McKinnon was found dead in her home on October 29th.  Although the Dark Mark was absent from the scene, Aurors have not ruled out the possibility of Death Eater involvement.

McKinnon leaves behind her one granddaughter, Samatha Jenkins, 15,  who has been given to the care of her godmother Molly Weasley.

TWO STUDENTS MISSING

Yesterday's Hogsmeade visit ended tragically, with the disappearance and possible abduction of two students; Promise Dae and Ginny Weasley.  Dae was spotted by Aurors entering the gypsy camp at the edge of town shortly before the camp vanished.  While Aurors were investigating the missing camp, a second abduction took place.

Ginny Weasley is said to have been kidnapped by three hooded attackers.  The witness, known only to authorities as a young male, has also vanished, but Aurors believe he left under his own power.  Secondary witnesses suggest he may have been trying to follow the kidnappers.  Secondary witnesses heard Weasley scream but say she was gone by the time they got there.  Any students with information on the identity of the original witness are encouraged to come forward.  "I think Ginny knew him," said Luna Lovegood, one of the students who had heard the scream.

Aurors are uncertain as to whether or not Promise Dae's disappearance was a kidnapping.  "She looked pretty happy when she went in," said Auror Trevor Dawlish.  "So she may have gone willingly.  It's possible the two disappearances are unrelated, which makes the investigation that much more difficult."

Remaining students were rounded up and sent back to Hogwarts.  While the Ministry deeply regrets the incidents, they wanted to point out that both girls strayed off the main road and away from the groups of three in which they were supposed to travel.  "We're not blaming the girls of course," said Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour.  "But we do want the other students to realize that we don't make these safety precautions to be flippant.  There's a war going on, and we all need to take that seriously.  Please urge any of your readers with information about the disappearances to come forward."



PUNCHY STUDENTS LEND TO AUROR CONFUSION

The seemingly random outbursts into song surrounding the post-Halloween bash at Weasley Wizarding Wheezes is suspected to have been caused by the punch served at the party.  While normally this would have been just another splended joke by Fred and George Weasley, Aurors say the confusion caused by the singing slowed down efforts to investigate the disappearances and get the students to safety.

Madam Pomfrey wants anyone suffering ill effects from the potion to see her.  She says this may included incessant humming or a tendency to speak with a rhythmic quality.  I say there are worse things.  Fred and George would never knowingly endanger anyone.


CONDOLENCES

Our condolences to Samantha Jenkins who has lost her grandmother.  Samantha's parents died in the last war with You-Know-Who, but she will be living with godparents in the future.  We're sorry for your loss Samantha.


EXTRA STAFF AVAILABLE FOR DISTRESSED STUDENTS

Students are encouraged to see their Heads of House if they need to talk over their distress about recent events.  But because of the number of students effected, additional Professors have volunteered to act as informal counselors.  Professor Sinistra will be available for Slytherins, Professor Chang for Ravenclaws, Professor Hagrid for Gryffindors, and Professor Noachian for Hufflepuffs.  These Professors are available in their offices all day today and after class hours tomorrow for students who need them.

((ooc: The paper comes out at breakfast.  Students who were friends with Promise will all receive a goodbye note from her that morning too, which indicates she left willingly.))