Changed RPG

Who: Penelope Clearwater and any of her friends that want to come/said they were coming
When: Evening of November 26th, 8pm
Where: Penny's flat
What: A dinner party
Rating/Status: OPEN/Lowish
*OCC/ICC thread

( Friends and good manners will carry you where you want to go )

Who: Any friends of Tonks who'd like to show up
Where: The Tonks's cottage
When: Bonfire Night, around dusk - before the attack on the Ministry
What: Party time, however short it may last for some
Rating: TBD
Status: IC/OOC

( Remember, remember, the 5th of November )

1997-98 Quidditch League Preview
Barnaby Snell

The British and Irish Quidditch League starts action tomorrow, and
your intrepid Daily Prophet pundits have put their heads
together to predict how the league table will look at the end of the
season. Here are our predictions, from the bottom to the top:

13 - Chudley Cannons
Cannons fans are used to a quiet summer followed by a dreary season,
and this year is no different. Manager Ragmar Dorkins made no signings
of note, and has continued to go with captain Joey Jenkins and seeker
Galvin Gudgeon, who in last season’s match against Wimbourne was seen
to be asleep on his broom. Bookmakers are currently giving rather
tasty odds of 3/1 on Chudley finishing the season without a win.

12 - Wigtown Wanderers
Wigtown added disgraced former Montrose Chaser Alasdair Maddock to
their squad and immediately made him their captain. Maddock’s penchant
for attempting Muggle sport moves means Wanderers supporters can look
forward to more rugby-style drop goal attempts from Maddock rather
than properly throwing the Quaffle at goal.

11 - Wimbourne Wasps
No big signings and no big losses this offseason for Wasps. Some
people would be forgiven for forgetting that Wimbourne are even
members of the Quidditch League. More optimistic fans would take this
enigmatic approach as a sign that their team is a sleeping giant. More
rational fans expect the usual bottom-third finish, and are biting
their nails hoping they don’t lose to Chudley.

10 - Caerphilly Catapults
Captain Angus Campbell is the only bright spot in a patched-up lineup
for the Welsh side. The Catapults have been in need of reinforcements
after an injury-ravaged season last year. They used 27 different
players in their squad last season, the most by a League side since
Ballycastle used 34 in 1845. The team continues to play in the spirit
of the legendary “Dangerous” Dai Llewellyn, which means a continually
crowded treatment room for Caerphilly’s team Healers.

9 - Appleby Arrows
The Arrows have always seemed to be ready to break out as a top team,
but this year will not be that year. Captain Gregory Cotton will
muster his squad to play well above their skill level, but for all
their fighting spirit, they’ll toil in mid-table obscurity again this
year. At least they have a win in the derby against Wimbourne to look
forward to.

8 - Tutshill Tornados
The Tornados look like a spare-parts team this year. Keeper Merwyn
Fenwick, Chaser Benjamin Montgomery and Beater and captain Brevis
Birch managed to hold the line last year, but their injury list
rivaled the triage register at Caerphilly. If Birch can cause more
damage than his team suffers, Tutshill may finish in the top half, but
it looks unlikely.

7 - Holyhead Harpies
The loss of Wilda Griffiths dealt a big blow to Holyhead’s title
hopes. Harpies captain Gwenog Jones will of course whip her team into
a fighting frenzy, but the Harpies’ attack now rests on Valmai Morgan
and new girl Angelina Johnson. With Jones in charge on the pitch,
anything is possible, so expect the Harpies to sneak a few upset wins
and prove to be the villains of the season, if they cannot be
champions.

6 - Pride of Portree
The Prides have one of the best Keepers in the League in Meghan
McCormack. She’ll need to be in her usual prime form alongside a
Chaser team in need of a guided Quaffle to score goals. Injuries dealt
the team a rough blow last season, so captain Dougal McBride will need
to marshal their fighting spirit to earn the scrappy wins Portree are
noted for.

5 - Kenmare Kestrels
Always on the verge of greatness, the Kestrels are primarily lacking a
solid pair of Beaters to make a serious run at the Cup. The Irish core
of the team, with the famous Chaser line of Troy, Mullet and Moran and
Seeker Aidan Lynch, will prop the team up in the top half of the
table, but their defense is suspect. Of the Chaser trio, Bridie Mullet
in particular looks on form to have a breakout year, but she’ll have
to score a ton of goals to offset a leaky Keeper and off-target
Beaters.

4 - Ballycastle Bats
It’s going to be a tough year for Bats fans. Without a significant
signing in the offseason, Ballycastle’s continued presence in the top
three is in danger, and unless captain Finbar Quigley can take out
each opposing Chaser on his own, the Bats could very well slip down
into the rest of the pack.

3 - Falmouth Falcons
The Falcons are the “new money” team this season. Falmouth’s two big
signings, Keeper Eric Bastien and Seeker Viktor Krum, will pull
Falmouth out of the bottom third of the table and into the rarified
air of the title contenders. The Falcons may want to build up their
corps of Chasers if they want to bypass Montrose and Puddlemere.

2 - Montrose Magpies
Seeker and captain Lennox Campbell must be relishing his chances of
lifting the Quidditch Cup. The Magpies signed Bulgarian international
Antigone Ivanova on loan to give their goal-scoring attack a dose of
Pepperup. Campbell is a nimble flyer with a keen eye, and a safe bet
to catch the Golden Snitch each time out. Any weak point in the
Magpies’ lineup would be seen between the rings. As long as the Keeper
doesn’t let in goals faster than Ivanova and co. score them, Montrose
will remain competitive all season.

1 - Puddlemere United
United bolstered their attack with the addition of Wilda Griffiths
from Holyhead Harpies for a British record fee of 1,000 Galleons.
She’ll have to prove she’s worth every Knut of that fee to lead United
to another Cup. Keeper Oliver Wood will continue to fortify the United
defense with his deft flying and blocking ability. Seeker Benjy
Williams has plenty of new competition for the Golden Snitch; the
United captain will have to step up his game to continue to compete
against the likes of Campbell, Lynch and Krum.

PAGE FOUR
Quidditch Player Profile - Wilda Griffiths
Barnaby Snell

Puddlemere United set a domestic transfer record this year by paying 1,000 Galleons to Holyhead Harpies for Chaser Wilda Griffiths. A fair share of Ms. Griffiths' fanbase is built from her photoshoots and her tradition of granting one lucky fan a kiss before each match, but so
many more love her for her deft scoring touch, her aerial abilities, and her fiery and unrelenting manner on the pitch. This interview is captured as close to verbatim as allowed, to give the reader the full experience of a real conversation with the boisterous and gregarious Ms. Griffiths.

What drove you to play Quidditch professionally?

It's in my blood, don't you know? Honestly, though? Two people have inspired me most to play quidditch professionally. My father, for one. Henry Griffiths. Haven't heard of him? Well, you should've. A bloody brilliant Quidditch player. Retired from the Montrose Magpies well before his time to raise me and my brother. Shocked the Quidditch world by retiring early, especially with a last name as Griffiths. The other one? Why, the infamous and notorious Glynnis Griffiths! One of the all-time greatest Seekers for the Harpies. Don't you deny it, either! Ever since I was little, I dreamed of playing for the Harpies just like Aunt Glynnis, and then my dream came true. Mainly thanks to my father telling me to pick up where he left off. And... yeah, that's where I am now. Thanks in part to my father and my aunt.

Does it ever feel like a burden to carry on the family tradition of Quidditch excellence?

What?! No. Never. Never ever. The Griffiths are a hardcore quidditch family. My father played it professionally, my aunt, my brother played when he was at Hogwarts and my mother... well, my mother enjoys watching. It's never a burden. I don't think I could ever picture myself doing anything else. I mean, be honest, Barnaby, can you picture me working for the Ministry? Maybe running my own Apothecary? No. It's because I am doing what I love. Quidditch is my life - it's also a family tradition, but it's all I know, and it's all I am. It's not a burden. Not at all.

What's the hardest part of being a pro Quidditch player?

This is going to sound really ridiculous, but the hardest part of being a professional quidditch player is the rigorous schedule. I'm lucky if I can fit in sleeping to my schedule. Between practice, work-outs, training, and public appearances, my social life pays big time. Ever wonder why most quidditch players are single? Well, aside from the obvious? It's because we're too bloody busy to actually have a meaningful relationship.

What is the best part of it?

The best part? Oh Merlin, the best part is doing something you love and being brilliant at it! You don't become a quidditch player because there's nothing left for you to do in your life, you do it because it's in your blood. It's a part of you, and you can't live without the feel of the game. The rush that you get when you score your first points, and you hear the crowd screaming for you. There is no greater feeling and once you get that, you're hooked. I have to say out of everything, though, the fans are the best. And I'm not just saying that. I mean it. I love my fans. They are the greatest thing in the entire world, and they motivate me to get out there and kick some major arse.

You're well-known for your flashy public image, and especially for some rather memorable covers of Quidditch Monthly. Do you worry that people focus less on your ability and more on your looks?

You know, every once in a while I get this question, and it always makes me smile. I don't worry about that, not at all. Do you want to know why? Well, I'm going to tell you whether you want to know, or not. All those covers on Quidditch Monthly, all the flashy appearances and publicity, they build an image of me. Take for instance, my recent cover of Quidditch Monthly, no one would expect a girl looking like that to shove you off your broom and beat you at a game that's essentially a "boys game", yeah? I mean, I'm in my bloody knickers for [expletive]sake... Oops, I can't write that, can I? I'm in my knickers. That image is going permeate through the stands when I take the skies, and people are going to underestimate my abilities. Which essentially will leave them vulnerable, and in the end distracted. Nothing good comes from a distracted player. Besides, if they want to focus on my looks and less on my ability, then I say let them. I still get paid whether you think I'm a pretty face on a broom, or a brilliant Chaser with a bruise on her arse.

What is your training regimen like?

Bloody hell. Let's see if I can figure this out. 6am - 9am, I work-out. Mostly jogging around my neighborhood. I do a lot of situps, and pushups, weightlifting and stretching. But I mostly run to get my heart pumping. I have breakfast some time in there, too. 10am - 1pm is Quidditch practice, we do drills most of the time, and run plays. We break for lunch and come back later in the afternoon, around 3pm to train until the sun goes down. Rinse and repeat five to six times a week.

What do you think of your team's chances for the coming season?

Um, that's a given! United is going all the way, baby! Quidditch Cup Champions! I can't believe you would even ask that one. All players are going to want to win, unless they're some sort of pushover, then, well... we know who will be falling out of the running faster than others.

Which matches are you most looking forward to?

Well, there are a few matches I am looking forward to. October 9th's match of United against the Falcons. I'm really just looking forward to that because it's the first game of the season. I love the first game of the season. It's like opening the first present on Christmas. I'm also looking forward to January 22nd's match against the Cannons, for my own person reasons. There is also the December 4th match of the Harpies versus the Cannons for other reasons - Don't you forget it, Val! Oh and finally, the first Gryffindor match of the season. I still have pride for my old house. Go Gryffindor!

Who is your favourite player, not counting yourself?

Merlin, you're really going to make my pick, eh? How about all of my former teammates on the Harpies. They're a brilliant team, and I can't say one bad thing about them. After all, they were the first time I ever played for professionally, and I will always have a soft spot for them.

Who is your biggest rival on the pitch?

Valmai Morgan, I'm coming for you! Just because you're part of a team that I will always love, and you are one of my close mates, I have full intentions of kicking your arse on the pitch! She took my place on the Harpies, you know? Not that I blame her, she's a brilliant Chaser, but it's just the way things have to go. She is my rival.

How hard was it for you to leave the Harpies?

Damn bloody hard. My life dream was to play for the Harpies. When I made Starting Team, I cried... Yes, Wilda Griffiths cried. My aunt played for the Harpies and was beyond thrilled I made the team. My father was just glad I was playing Quidditch. I thought I would be on that team for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, this summer I was bought out by another team and I took the offer. Leaving the Harpies was one of the hardest things to do. I consider those girls the sisters I never had and always wanted. I live firmly by never regretting anything, and I will stand firmly in my decision, but that doesn't change the fact that leaving the Harpies was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I mean, they're like family, and I don't want them to think I betrayed them in any way. Besides, they have a fantastic replacement in Valmai.

The World Cup is coming up next year--Are you looking forward to it?

Do you even have to ask?! Of course I'm looking forward to it. Anyone who even remotely considers themselves a Quidditch fan is looking forward to it!

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring pro Quidditch player, what would it be?

Stay focused on your goal. If you're focused and determined, that gets noticed. I didn't get where I am today just on sheer luck. I got here because of I was focused on my path and where I wanted to be. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get here and you have to be ready to fight every bleeding for your spot and your goal and your dream. That's all. Also... eat three square meals a day, and lots of vegetables. It's all really good for you.

PAGE FOUR
Quidditch Player Profile - Viktor Krum
Barnaby Snell

Not many people can say they caught the Golden Snitch in the World Cup final for the losing side. Despite this disappointment, Viktor Krum is still seen as arguably the best Seeker in the world, which is why his transfer to Falmouth Falcons has sent shockwaves throughout the Quidditch world. Mr. Krum graciously agreed to this interview, speaking without a translator, as he works to improve his English and make a proper home for himself in Britain. His fans will surely hope his career with the Falcons will be as thrill-packed and glorious as his time in the Bulgarian league.

What drove you to play Quidditch professionally?
At Durmstrang I was pushed in the areas where I was best suited, and Quidditch always came naturally to me.

What most attracted you into moving to England?
What most attracted me to England is that I have good friends here, and also I believe that I can be more useful here in many ways than I could be at home.

What's the hardest part of being a pro Quidditch player?
For now, it is being away from home, but I am being very welcome here.

What is the best part of it?
I feel better in the air than I do on my feet. I am a bit clumsy off of a broom.

What is your training regimen like?
I run, and spend many hours on the equipment in my home. Also I spent usually four hours practicing maneuvers, outside of my regular practices with the team.

What do you think of your team's chances for the coming season?
I have only been with Falmouth a short time, but I believe that we have a very good chance.

Which match(es) are you most looking forward to?
The match with the Magpies, as one of my former National teammates is flying for them and it will be fun.

Who is your favourite player, not counting yourself?
Ladislaw Zamojski of the Polish national team, and the Grodzisk Goblins. He is a friend, but is also an amazing Chaser.

Who is your biggest rival on the pitch?
I do not know particulars of the other Seekers in the English league yet, but I anticipate that it will be Aidan Lynch based on the records I have been reading.

The World Cup is coming up next year--Are you looking forward to it?
I am, but I do not know if I will be competing to be a part of the Bulgarian team again.

Is anything in particular keeping you from rejoining the Bulgarian squad?
No, other than that I wish to continue living in England.

Do you have any words you'd like to say to Antigone Ivanova, as you both start the season in a new league?
I wish her luck. I hope that we do not come to a rivalry.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring pro Quidditch player, what would it be?
Do not make your whole life about playing Quidditch. It will make you a better player to have other things that you care about.

FRONT PAGE
Witch Doctor Finds Love in London
B. Skeeter

Is that wedding bells we hear of our dear Witch Doctor friend, Tagoga? Well, my dear readers, I have pulled up some juicy little news about our dear ambassador from Papua New Guinea. Khakhua Tagoga Yauwii Dobunaba seems to have taken a keen liking to a certain assistant to the assistant to the Minister of Magic. Yes, one of our very own Ministry workers has stolen the heart of our dear old Witch Doctor. From what I can gather, it's bound to be a rather fascinating marriage. A very reliable source told me about a bride price that was delivered to Mr. Weasley in the form of an office filled with golden-edge clams, which left quite the mess and stink within the part of the Ministry offices.

It's not just the clams that hint at a budding romance, but what yours truly witnessed Friday evening at La Bella Luna - a rather posh restaurant in London. Miss Edgecombe and Khakhua Tagoga Yauwii Dobunaba were seen enjoying a lovely meal within the restaurant, until a young server could not meet the demands of the Witch Doctor. According to Lydia Nettleworth, the feathered Witch Doctor followed her into kitchen "screaming something in his barbaric language, and at one point waved around a knife he found on the counter and pointed to a ham. I thought he was going to kill me right then and there." Her large doe-like eyes, glassy with fear and tears threatening to spill as she relives that night over and over. "I didn't know what to do, so I just started crying. Eventually he left, but not after pointing to the pig a few more times and leaving the knife in my face."

I can only imagine exactly what he wanted.

As for what he might see in Miss Edgecombe? I think that much would be obvious. After doing some research about these Witch Doctors from Papua New Guinea, I've learned that within their culture scarification is a rather important part of their body art, and Tagoga certainly seems keen on his body art - if you couldn't tell from him rather horrifying appearance. If some of you are not familiar with Miss Edgecombe's appearance, it is true, this young woman has one defining feature that masks what beauty she might possess. An almost constellation of scars riddle her complexion drawing a mask of what would be a beautiful face. From what I could gather, Miss Edgecombe must have endured something horrific to have earned scars such as hers. Unfortunately, through my sleuthing, I was unable to find information about what sort of accident could cause such scarring. Even my friends at St. Mungo's seem baffled by her prominent scars.

According to one expert on the topic of scarification, he states, "Scars communicate elements of the cultural system and religious beliefs of the community. Scarification may also exhibit the enduring emotional states of the wearer, such as sorrow or well-being. I am not surprised Tagoga has chosen a young woman with scars as his bride. He seems very enriched in his culture."

As enriched as that may be, I certainly hope Miss Edgecombe will some sort of ceremony for friends and family to attend and give her a proper send off before returning to Papua New Guinea with her new groom.


PAGE FOUR
Quidditch Player Profile - Bridie Mullet
Barnaby Snell

Much has been said about Bridie Mullet off the pitch, but it's important to remember why she belongs in the spotlight. She's part of the dynamic trio of chasers that captured the World Cup for Ireland. She's been the cornerstone of the Kenmare Kestrels' attack for the past few years. She's one of the most exciting players to watch in the League, and one of the toughest competitors. In this interview, Ms. Mullet's love of the game shone through; her fans can look forward to more of the same passionate play that has made her a star.

What drove you to play Quidditch professionally?

I felt at home on the quidditch pitch. I kind of believed it was the only thing I was good at when I left Hogwarts. Wanting to be something really pushed me for it.

What's the hardest part of being a pro Quidditch player?

The schedule. Sometimes I am just too tired or sore to go work out, or hit a practice session.

What is the best part of it?

Being able to play quidditch for money. I am doing something I love. Not to mention having some of the best teammates ever.

Being a Quidditch star and being so closely associated to the Weird Sisters brings you more than the usual bit of attention. How do you deal with paparazzi and rumour writers?

I will admit I do not deal with it well. I rise up to the bad things said about me, or my friends and family. I have them all telling me not to notice it or ignore it, and I know I should. It is a work in progress I suppose.

What is your training regimen like?

Pretty strict. As much of a party animal as I am made out to be, I am pretty focused on my training. I work out almost every day, whether it be running or personal drills on my broom.

What do you think of your team's chances for the coming season?

Of course I think the team has a great chance this coming season.

Which match(es) are you most looking forward to?

I will admit I am very interested playing against Krum again, so I suppose you could say the Falcons. Of course looking forward to playing against the Pride.

Who is your favourite player, not counting yourself?

Gwenog Jones.

Who is your biggest rival on the pitch?

Wilda Griffiths if I had to choose. She is a brilliant chaser.

The World Cup is coming up next year--Are you looking forward to it?

Of course. I am hoping to represent the Irish Team again.

Now that you've won a World Cup, how much would it mean for you to bring the League Cup to Kenmare?

It would mean a great deal to win the league cup. I would feel so proud of our team. I think it is a big deal having won the World Cup or not. I suppose it just goes to prove that we can do it though.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring pro Quidditch player, what would it be?

Never give up. Keep pushing for it and believing in yourself. Not everyone makes first string within their first few years, and being a reserve is one of the best learning experience. Never give up hope and just keep trying if it is really what you want to do.

Who: Anybody!
When: Tonight
Where: A pub in London (assume Kenny gave directions in his journal entry)
What: KARAOKE!
Rating: Low, I would think
IC/OOC: Open to everyone who might have seen Kenny's entry and felt like stopping by. You don't have to have said you'd come to be there!

( Kenny was the first to sing, figuring nobody could feel self-conscious about their own performance after hearing him. )

PAGE TWO
Quidditch Player Profile - Eric Bastien
Barnaby Snell

The best Keeper in France has come to Britain--and in fact, he's coming home. Eric Bastien grew up in France, but was born in Cornwall. After a fantastic few years guarding the rings for Quiberon Quafflepunchers, Mr. Bastien has crossed the Channel to join up with Falmouth Falcons--one of two big-name signings pulled off by the Falcons this summer. Normally press-shy, Mr. Bastien was quite gracious to grant this interview; he's sure to let his play speak volumes for him this season.

What drove you to play Quidditch professionally?

It was the only thing I was both good at, and enjoyed doing. It was never a real choice for me, simply what I was going to do. Had I not been picked up by a team, I would likely have pursued a career outside of the Wizarding World.

What's the hardest part of being a pro Quidditch player?

It is not hard. Demanding, oui, but not hard. We have to keep in top physical condition and play through aches and pains, but we still work only part of the year, are well paid, and enjoy a great deal of freedom, so it is a fortunate position, not a hard one. Though there are days when five a.m. practices are difficult to get out of bed for.

It is less of an issue here, but the most wearying part is usually the press, when it is all pushed together in a bundle. No offense intended.

What is the best part of it?

The game. There is nothing else like the feeling of playing, or being part of a team who are all as invested in the idea of winning and playing their best as you are.

What is your training regimen like?

It is not so very special. I run, do weight training, and a great deal of stretching and flexibility work. I try to vary my routine enough that it is not dull, but that doesn't always work.

What do you think of your team's chances for the coming season?

I think that it will be an excellent season. The line up has gone through many changes, and having Viktor Krum seeking for us is only going to make us more formidable. We are already a very strong team and as the season progresses and we become more cohesive as a team, I think you will only see us grow stronger.

What are the biggest differences you've seen between the French and
British leagues?

It is much bigger, of course. There is a great deal more focus on the League games and the local cup than on International play, which is strange to adjust to.

Which matches are you most looking forward to?

It is always exciting when you go up against the favorites, so I am looking forward to Puddlemere for several reasons. I am also excited to play the Harpies, as I followed them when I was younger.

Who is your favourite player, not counting yourself?

Difficult to say. It is hard to not respect players like Gwenog Jones and veterans like Lacroix, who helped me when I was new and was a great source of advice not only on the Pitch, but in navigating the press and fans as well. But my own idol growing up was Darren O'Hare, who I read everything ever written about, regardless of factual content or no. Yes, including that awful novel loosely based on his life. I promise, the translation into French did not help improve it.

Who is your biggest rival on the pitch?

That remains to be seen? It is a new League for me, and many of those I will play against I have not come up against before.

The World Cup is coming up next year--Are you looking forward to it?

I am. Should I fly for Britain, it will be strange to go up against my former teammates, but it is a challenge I hope to rise to.

Despite your Cornish roots, some detractors are against your representing England on an international level, given that you've already flown for France. What is your opinion on this, and what would you do to convince them you're fit to wear English robes?

I was born here, and am living here. I was recruited and am legally qualified for the British league. I'd think that would be enough. Hopefully those who doubt will be won over when we begin to win this season.

If you aren't selected for the English squad, would you consider playing for France again?

I would not be eligible to play for France until after the next cup, and then only if I returned to live there. I have no plans to do so at this time. If for some reason in the future I did move home, then I might consider playing for the French team again, but I expect to stay where I am.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring pro Quidditch player, what would it be?

Do not sign contracts without reading them? But no, I would simply say to focus on the game, practice as often as you can, and never assume that you can't improve. No matter how talented or successful, there is always ways you can be better, and complacency is never a good thing in professional Quidditch, as there are many people waiting in line to prove that to you by knocking you down a few rungs.


CLASSIFIEDS
To let. Tatting-Upon-Nevis Wizarding quarter shopfront with living space above. 2BR/1BA. Balcony. Separate living and dining. Great view of Ben Nevis and good customer traffic. Interested parties should contact Tattingsgate Realty, Tatting-Upon-Nevis.

Quidditch Player Profile - Antigone Ivanova
Barnaby Snell

It's been an eventful summer in British Quidditch, thanks in good part to the arrival of the celebrated Bulgarian Chaser, Antigone Ivanova. Her move on loan from Vratsa Vultures to Montrose Magpies sparked a hot summer of transfers around the Quidditch League. I spoke to Ms Ivanova to discuss her life as a star Chaser and get her insight on the changing face of the Quidditch League.

What drove you to play Quidditch professionally?
I enjoyed it during school and had few other career options, to be honest!

What's the hardest part of being a pro Quidditch player?
You really do see the hospital wings a lot, depending on your position, no matter how good you are.

What is the best part of it?
Flying! And playing against some of the best players. And seeing new cities and places all the time.

What is your training regimen like?
I do conditioning five days a week of some variety, run, practice, as well as strength and flexibility training.

What's the secret of your longevity as a top-flight player?
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret, now would it? However I attribute part of it to being always willing to learn and grow as a player. You stop learning, you stop being able to be better than the newcomers.

What do you think of your team's chances for the coming season?
I'm thinking we're pretty golden for the year - it's a great team.

Which matches are you most looking forward to?
All of them - it'll be my first time competing against the teams over here!

What are the biggest differences you've seen between the Bulgarian and British leagues?
Out here, it's very much about the fun of the game, that's not to say the British leagues take the game less seriously because they don't, but home was so much more you lived, breathed and died Quidditch daily. Here, I can relax a bit.

Your signing with Montrose sparked a migration of foreign players to the Quidditch League. What would you say to critics who believe the league should have only British and Irish players?
I noticed that, it was like an avalanche of outside talent. I think the most important thing to say here, is that, if you want to keep the National teams citizens of British and Irish and so forth, then that's fine, but don't limit yourselves on the local club level. There's a whole world of players out there, it's smart to bring some in and learn from them. As long as you don't make up the entire club from outside talent, then one main player and a reserve from another country isn't bad to do.

Who is your favourite player, not counting yourself?
I'm biased, we've been teammates before, but I do like Krum, but the trio of Mullet, Troy and Moran are certainly up there too.

Who is your biggest rival on the pitch?
I look forward to finding out, actually. Back home I have a few but here, not yet!

The World Cup is coming up next year--Are you looking forward to it?
Depends. I'm hoping to pull a repeat performance, but be it on a team from here or home, I'm not sure.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring pro Quidditch player, what would it be?
Keep at it - it's hard to get into but once you're here, don't ever stop learning and striving to be better, always learn from your teammates. The more you learn, the more valuable you are, the more you can keep up with the new guys

( Owl post to Prof. Albus Dumbledore )

( Anon. Owls to the Following People: Barnaby Snell, Veronica Smethley & Percy Weasley )

Who: Barnaby Snell & Wilda Griffiths
When: evening, 12 September
Where: the Leaky Cauldron
What: booze and a dilemma
Rating: R for language
Open/Closed: CLOSED

Barnaby had a huge problem. He had a lot on his mind. He didn't want to have quite so much on his mind. He just wanted to let go. Thus, he found himself in the Cauldron, waiting for the two things that would help erase the worries from his mind--the firewhisky the barman was pouring for him, and Wilda, with whom it was impossible to not have a good time...

PAGE TWO
Ollivander's Closing Leaves Students Scrambling for Wands
Barnaby Snell

The sudden and mysterious closing of the famed Ollivander's Wand Shop in Diagon Alley, London, has left new students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in need of a new source of wands. The famed shop, to which nearly every Wizard and Witch in Britain has given their custom for years, has been boarded up for the past week through unexplained circumstances.

No one has seen or heard from Garrick Ollivander, the shop's proprietor, since the shop's closing. His fellows amongst Diagon Alley's shop owners are concerned, but hopeful of his return.

"I assume he's taking a long-needed and well-deserved holiday," said Madam Malkin, owner of the famed Robes for All Occasions shop down the road from Ollivander's. "The old man is a true craftsman. He won't stray from his passion for too much longer."

In the interim, first-year Hogwarts pupils and Wizards in need of wand repair have turned to alternate sources. Wandmakers in France, Germany and Bulgaria have received numerous orders despite the Ministry for Magic's high tariff on importing wands and other magical items.

Also, local wandmakers have been hard at work honing their craft, though this has led to several calamitous cases. Reports of defective and even exploding wands have been reported across Britain, with one wandmaker in Leicester being arrested by Aurors for causing grievous bodily harm with his defective products.

A growing trend amongst the elder generations has been the gifting of their wands to younger Wizards and Witches in need. "My young granddaughter is headed off to Hogwarts soon," said Clytemnestra Lyttelton, 105, of Eye, Cambridgeshire. "She needs a good wand, not one of these knock-offs from the boy down the road."

The Ministry is reminding purchasers of wands in the wake of Ollivander's closing to mind their wands closely and practice safe magic, using protection where warranted, and operating under close supervision when necessary.

Who:

THE WEIRD SISTERS

with special guest

STUBBY BOARDMAN

When: 27 August, 8:00 PM
Where: Ilkley Moor
What: THE BIGGEST GIG EVER!!!!!!!
Rating: I leave that to all of you
IC | OOC so please, go nuts!

There is a giant field with room for thousands. There are stands with room for thousands more. At one end, a huge stage with a gigantic Weird Sisters banner at the back, in case anyone forgot who they were there to see. It's the biggest event of the summer, with the biggest band in Wizarding Britain, playing for the biggest crowd they have ever played for. And the show is about to begin...

( THE SET LIST )

(By the way, if you need a device, the tickets are Portkeys to the stadium gates.)

( Owl to Wilda Griffiths )

( Owl to Layla Hopkins )

PAGE THREE
Champion Crowned at Lincolnshire Puffskein Show
Barnaby Snell

A ginger-and-white puffskein named Macavity was named Best in Show at the 15th Annual All-England Puffskein Show at Merlin's Hall, Lincoln. Macavity was named the best specimen of a field of 100 puffskeins presented to the judges by proud owners and breeders from across England.

Macavity's owner, 12-year-old Emmy Mackenzie of Cleethorpes, was presented with the winner's rosette by the three-person judging panel, and beamed happily afterwards.

"I knew I had the prettiest puff in all of England," she said, hugging Macavity tightly. "I'm glad the judges agreed."

When asked about her puffskein's name, young Emmy replied, "He steals things. Keys, sweets, everything. We always find them in his blanket after tearing the house apart looking."

The voting was not unanimous, as it turned out. Judge Theodore Pucklechurch, one of the most respected authorities on puffskeins in Britain, voted against Macavity because, he claimed, he did not like the puff's name.

"Naming a Magical creature after a Muggle poem doesn't sit well with me," he explained. "If the girl had named it Babbitty Rabbitty, I would have been more generous."

"Nonsense," said judge Hortensia Bootblack when told of Mr. Pucklechurch's reasoning. "He's just upset Macavity piddled on him during judging. The poor little puff was so nervous."

PAGE TWO
Weird Sisters Announce Ilkley Moor Concert
Barnaby Snell

Users of the newly released Scribere Spelljournals were the first to learn of the Weird Sisters' upcoming concert at the Ilkley Moor Quidditch pitch. The band's lead singer, Myron Wagtail, announced via his journal that the band would perform at Ilkley Moor on 27 August, at 8:00 in the evening. Owls have been in flight constantly following the announcement as eager fans have been placing their orders for tickets.

Workers at Ilkley Moor are already hard at work readying the pitch for a crowd that will certainly rival the numbers at a top Quidditch match. “This place will be overrun by thousands of screaming kids,” said assistant groundskeeper Uriah Macomber, in the midst of casting sound-buffering charms. “We'll get more nosy Muggles than normal if we don't get these charms cast right.”

The band could not be reached for further comment. The managerial staff at Flourish and Blotts were also quiet, but the floor staff were pleased at the impact their newest product was making in Wizarding society.

“I sent one to my niece in Bolton,” said clerk Maxwell Pennyfeather. “She thinks I'm the best uncle in the world now because she can talk to the Weird Sisters!”