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Daily Prophet: 16 July, 2003

Quidditch World Cup Continues
Erastus Saint

Fans are already queued up or filing into stadiums around the country for today's second rounds of Quidditch World Cup preliminary games. Today's games are battles between Germany and Portugal, Peru and France, Australia and New Zealand, and Bulgaria and Ireland.

The match between Australia and New Zealand promises to be explosive, as these teams are old rivals and play in a combined league during the regular season. However, most eyes in Britain are on the Irish team today. After the impressive victories by both the English and Scottish team earlier this week, the pressure is on Ireland to bring home a win that is just as impressive. Bulgaria, a strong team in their own right, is looking to thwart this with the return of Viktor Krum in position as Seeker. As many know, Krum relocated to England several years ago, but as a player his loyalties still lie with his Bulgarian teammates.

Tune in to the WWN for full day Quidditch World Cup coverage.


Quidditch Q & A
Stenton Fenley

With big successes for both the English and Scottish teams in this week's first preliminary Quidditch World Cup games, we at The Daily Prophet began a new daily column; a quick question and answer session, new each day, with a member of one of our national teams. Today's interview, in honour of their first game this afternoon, is Teagan Moran, veteran of the Irish National Team and the Ballycastle Bats. Read on for her answers.

Miss Moran, first we'll start with something simple. What's your middle name?

Roisin. Me mum says it's a family name.

What's your favourite colour?

I do like orange! Oh, and a pretty green like celery.

Favourite food?

I've got to pick a favorite? You'd do better to ask me what I don't like. But I suppose if you've got to have an answer, I can never say no to a good slice of pecan pie.

Favourite shop?

Would it surprise you if I said Quality Quidditch? It wouldn't? Well. Who likes surprises anyway?

Tell us something about you not everyone knows?

You're asking me to give away my secrets now? Bloody hell. How's about... Well. I've just about broken every single bone in my body- save for my left index finger.

What's your family like?

Loud. Obnoxious. I feel for anyone who's got to sit around a family dinner. But honestly, they're the best I could have asked for. We don't all get to see each other much these days, we're all off doing our own thing my siblings and I, but we try and make it home once a week or so for a good meal. I grew up surrounded with Quidditch and I've been immersed in the sport since before I could walk. I consider myself incredibly lucky.

What do you love about Quidditch?

It is one of the top ways to get your aggression out. I've never felt more relaxed and rejuvenated than after a particularly thrilling match. But it also gives me this intense feeling of freedom. There is just something about being out in the air like that. It's amazing.

How did you feel, knowing you'd made the National Team?

I think I might have lost it when I first got word. Making a seasonal team, especially a team like the Bats, was something I worked really hard for. But when I was asked to play as Chaser for the Irish National? I was speechless. You never think you're that good, you know? Just lucky. But the National Team sort of cements your talent. Let's you know you're really doing well. It's been amazing so far.

Which international teams do you think will do well, other than the UK teams?

Germany seems to do well every go 'round, don't they? Lucky bastards. I'm hoping to see a rise out of some of the Asian teams. Maybe Japan this year. That'd be interesting to see.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Thank you. If there is anything I can say, it would be that. I don't think I would have made it this far if it weren't for my fan mail. I'm incredibly blessed to have such devoted fans. Even you lot who ask for signatures in weird places. I even like you.

Pick up your copy of the Daily Prophet tomorrow for a new interview with a National team player, brought to you every day during the Quidditch World Cup!