*Mystery Attack in Surrey

Mr. and Mrs. Friedman (Muggles, aged 68 and 63) were found dead in their Surrey home today. According to Muggle police there was no sign of a struggle, and the bodies were unmarked.

"The Killing Curse?" said Auror McIntire, liaison to the Muggle police. "I wouldn't jump to any hasty conclusions. There's no need to spread a panic."

But is the Auror office keeping things too close to the vest? We think this may be the case. Ordinarily, two aged Muggles dying of no apparent cause in their home wouldn't be much cause for concern, but their son, Muggleborn Wizard Christopher Friedman, has been missing since last Friday, the presumed date of the killings.

"Any number of things might've happened," said McIntire. "We're checking with his relatives in the U.S."

When pressed, he admitted there was a possibility Christopher Friedman had been abducted by the same group who allegedly did in his parents.

"Now hold on," said McIntire. "If this is foul play, it is likely the work of a single rogue Wizard, and we will soon have him in custody. These things pop up every few years, nasty business but it's soon righted. Sure, it's possible there were others involved, but rest assured, the Muggle police are satisfied as to their conclusions on the matter, and the Aurors are following up quite thoroughly."

We at the Prophet are less convinced of the Ministry's efficacy, and await further developments on the matter. If anyone has any knowledge as to the whereabouts of Mr. Christopher Friedman, 36, lately of London, they are urged to contact the Department of Missing Persons immediately.


Muggles and Their Toys...

As a side story of interest, Muggles seem to have taken a giant leap forward with their invention of electricity [pronounced EE-lek-triss-ity] and the oddity of their electrical [pronounced EE-lek-trikal] games. Earlier this month the Muggle company Coleco released a game that is to be played on a television set – another Muggle invention using electricity – while being remotely controlled from a handheld utility. Sources say the game objective is very much the same to that of the earlier "game of Pong" – whatever that may be.

The electricity is said to run from the handheld utility to the television via a thin wire which carries the electrical currents. An image is then rendered on to the television screen and displayed for all to see. One can only image the amount of work and genius that must has gone into creating such a revolutionary electrical device, yet another toy for Muggles to celebrate. It would seem indeed they are getting closer and closer to inventing a magic of their own.


*Canons Catch Snitch but Harpies Harold Victory

Last weekend was the anticipated game between the Chudley Cannons and the Holyhead Harpies. It was also the return of Joey Jenkins after suffering a wrist injury in a freak ever-bashing boomerang accident. Though it must still be tender that might not have been the only distraction that Jenkins was facing that night and I’m sure Holyhead Harpy Gwenog Morgan did not appreciate it. While the Chudley Cannon seeker did end up catching the snitch, the Harpies had already pulled ahead by two hundred points making the catch useless. The Cannons have managed to keep up with expectations shown with their new motto, “Let's all just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.” For a more in-depth analysis of the game turn to page 4.


CLASSIFIDES

For sale – One standard s.2 Pewter cauldron. Great for brewing, conducts heat well. Perfect for young witch/wizard about to start school. Small chip on top, excellent condition otherwise. Best asking price.

For sale – Nimbus 1001, slight damage from weather. Tends to veer left if not held steadily but will achieve great height. Little to no tailwind. Ideal for racing.

Wanted – Holyhead Harpies Quidditch collectables and memorabilia. Will pay top Galleon for autographs and signed paraphernalia. Items must be in relatively good condition. Uniforms, Quaffles, posters preferred.

Lost - Tabbycat, female. Goes by the name of Tiddlywinks. Last seen in Diagon Alley, just purchased from the Magical Menagerie. Shy and uncertain. Must be approached with caution. Loves mice and children’s ankles. If found please return to the Menagerie. Reward has been left with shop owner.


End of Season Sale!

Limited time only! Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions is having its annual pre-Christmas sale. Everything must go to make room for festive new material and robes! All marked items half-price until December 1st, check with store associate for assured prices. Dress robes up to sixty percent off, fall fashions up to seventy! Fancy button included with all in-store purchases.