DECEMBER 12, 2003

7 KNUTS

THAWLEY MAKES A MOVE

The war has been happening for over a year with no sign of letting up. More wizards are disappearing every day. Thawley's patience has run dry of the Italian invaders, even if Nero is now assumed to be an independent party. Thawley has stated that the Italian Ministry has been so aggressive in the past year that Nero's innocence where the war is concerned does not affect the status of the war.

New legislation has also helped the war efforts. Mandatory identification cards are now required of Italians visiting Britain. They are obtainable at the Ministry of Magic or the kiosk the Ministry of Magic has temporarily set up in front of Gringotts in Diagon Alley.

Any Italian caught in Britain without their identification card will be swiftly sent to the Italian Ministry of Magic via floo from the British Ministry of Magic. If caught in Britain again without an identification card, they will be imprisoned in Azkaban. At this time, the Italian Ministry of Magic has no plans of doing the same in their country of British visitors.

Furthermore, Thawley continues to encourage all who are able to take up arms and join the National Defense Squad. Many pamphlets have been given out in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade by Ministry of Magic officials in the past few weeks to encourage all who are able to join and aid Britain in protecting our citizens from the Italian aggressors.

DECEMBER 12, 2003

PAGE 2

DEMENTORS AT AZKABAN

After Fenrir Greyback escaped Azkaban, the Ministry deliberated on their future actions for the wizarding prison once again.

The Dementors used to guard Azkaban until January 1997 when You-Know-Who convinced them to join his cause and leave the prison unguarded. Many former Death Eaters escaped that day. Since then, the Ministry decided not to put their trust in the Dementors once again. They employed highly skilled wizards to guard the prison, as well as infesting Grindylow in the wars surrounding the island prison for many miles. However, due to the escapes of Adam van Vliet, or 'The Reaper', as he is more widely known, and Fenrir Greyback, the Ministry has decided to reinstate the Dementors as guards of the wizarding prison.

Many are sceptical of this decision, though the Ministry has released a statement ensuring the public that there is nothing to fear. Needless to say, the prisoners in Azkaban aren't too happy about the decision.

OAKSHAFT RETURNS

After over a century, the Oakshaft is back! The great, great grandson of the original maker of the Oakshaft 79, which was created in 1879, has put the company back in business and hired only the best.

In comparison to the Oakshaft 79, which is more of a collectible now than anything, there is quite an incredible improvement. The new broom has a strong Cushioning Charm and is faster than the Nimbus 2001, but it still falls a bit short of the best currently out with a top speed of only 90mph. They definitely have some catching up to do, but this is an excellent start for getting back into the market.

At the fair price of 15 Galleons, it’s a good preview of what is hopefully to come. Of course all of us are definitely glad to see them back at it to contend with the other top broomstick makers out there. We eagerly await to see what they come up with next!