Care of Magical Creatures

'Save the Unicorns' Picket Line in Front of MOM Building
by Kate Granger

Ever since the unicorn number has been diminishing, witches and wizards have been concerned about the unicorn's future. They've already had a few rallies and conventions. However, they still feel the Ministry of Magic hasn't done enough to save the unicorns. And last Sunday, they did something about it, more than ever before. When they heard a meeting was going on that day at a Ministry of Magic building, they quickly put together signs and made up catchy battle cries. Signs said things like "Save yourself, save the unicorns!" "MOM needs to be a mom to the unicorns!!" "Save this beautiful creature, GET BUSY!" Some endangered specie supporters of otehr animals were also there, sporting signs like "No more moke purses!" "Do the TRUTHful thing! Remove jobenall products from truth serums!" and "No more billywig in fizzing wizbees!!" Some people were screaming crude things and cursing as well. When the Ministry officials came out from the meeting, they had quite a surprise! People screaming, signs waving, and even rotten vegetables being thrown! The officials went back inside, and they have been held under siege ever since 3 days ago!! There's no news yet, and every time police officials try to get involved, the crowd grows. They're even beginning to think someone's using a regeneration spell to get more people! Will it ever end?

Stay tuned!!

Muggles Have More "Mystical Sightings"
By Ally Potter

It has come to the attention of the M.O.M. that muggles have been spotting more of our magical "footprints" as muggle technology broadens. Since the 1920's, muggles have believed to see, "Big Foot", the large, hairy monster with enormous feet. As we know, these muggles have seen the footprints of the Yeti, the Tibetese monster. The book 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' gave the Yeti a XXXX classification: Dangerous/requires specialist knowledge/ skilled wizard may handle. Many muggles believe in and have sworn that they have seen horsepeople (centaurs), magic apes (demiguises), the "dodo" bird (the diricawl, which all muggles were at

one point fully aware of, but believe has become extinct), faeries, dragons, ghouls, ghosts, gnomes, imps, kelpies, leprechauns, merpeople, pixies, sea serpents, sphinxes, trolls, werewolves, winged horses, and of course, the yeti. And as we all know, muggles have long since drawn witches and wizards with their wands, broomsticks, cauldrons and hats saying incantations and making rabbits come out hats. The MOM is debating over whether they should send all of their employees to cast a very large batch of memory charms over muggle London and nearby British cities. News on the matter will be sent shortly.

New Magical Creature Discovered In Hogsmeade Candy Shop
By Daniel Gringott

On Friday the 26th a new Magical creature was discovered in a Hogsmeade Candy store. The Store owners were so surprised to see the creature they ran out of the front door, leaving the furry/Scally animal to eat most of the candy. Ron Weasley of Hogwarts said, "I hope there will still be more when I go back to school." The creature is obviously a mixture of two different breeds of creatures. The creature is half Dragon, half Kneazle.

The creature, now named Dreazle, is being transported to the one person near Hogsmeade that could tame this animal. His name is Mr. Hagrid. Hagrid is the Care of Magical Creatures teacher and games keeper at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"All the creature will eat is candy and junk," Hagrid said while handing the Dreazle a chocolate frog. So far this new creature is a very sweet, loving and caring animal and Hagrid said that they he might even ask the department of Magical Creatures if he could breed them for the pet market.

Next week I will have an update on the Dreazle and information about other magical creatures. I really love to hear from people. I would love your ideas and information. If you have any questions about the Dreazle you can e-mail me at Hurleyman32388@aol.com. That is my Muggle E-mail address.

Silencing Your Fwoopers
By Kate Granger

Many witches and wizards have fallen to the maddening call of the fwooper*, but still many people keep them as pets. This article answers the long asked question- are fwoopers safe?

The answer is, yes, if you act safe! Fwoopers are good pets, but they can make people go crazy if not silenced. At first you won't notice yourself going crazy, and when it's gone to far, you still won't notice because you'll be crazy! Isn't that awful? In order to stop this, you must put a silencing charm on your pet fwooper once a month. However, there are also some other ways.

One way is to take your pet to the veterinarian in Diagon Alley. He can put a spell on it that will silence your fwooper forever. However, This is very expensive. I wouldn't recommend it, because its just one spell for a whole lot of money.

Another way is to go to your own doctor, and get a shot that makes you immune to the fwooper's call. This isn't to expensive for just one person, but you'd really have to get a shot for anyone who spends large amounts of time in your house.

Still another way is to give your fwooper a silencing pill, such as Noise-be-gone or Shut Up Birdie, which will keep it silent for about 2 months. However, it's very hard to feed a fwooper a pill, and then you'd have to force feed it, which isn't very fun.

All in all, the old fashioned way is still the best way!

* For those of you who don't know or are muggles, a fwooper is a pastel colored bird that can be pink, lavender, sky blue, etc. Its call makes people crazy.

Faerie Spotted by Muggle!
By Kate Granger

Most unfortunatly, a magical creature has been spoted by a muggle again. It happened at 5:00 pm in a small town in Maine. A witch called in to the Ministry of Magic saying she was washing dishes when she saw her neighbor running and screaming. There were faeries flying around her head! The witch ( who wishes to remain anonymous) ran out and put a paralyzing spell on the faeries. At the sight of the witch's wand, the muggle reportedly lighted a small torch (a garden decoraration) and began screaming "Witch Hunt!!" However, the witch managed to put a memory spell on the muggle before any neighbors could come out and see what the screaming was about.

Ministry Of Magic Makes New Magical Creature Laws
Reported by Kate Granger

After all the recent sightings( see previous articles) the Ministry has decided to make some new laws. Here is a list of them.
1. No witch or wizard who lives 5 miles close to a muggle can have any pets (unless it is a cat, toad, or other muggle pet)
2. If a witch or wizard sees a muggle at least 50 feet near a magical creature, the witch or wizard must get the creature out of the area immediatly, then put a memory spell on the muggle
3. If anyone releases a magical creature near where muggles will be, they will have 3 weeks at Azkaban and some volunteer work if the creature was not sighted, 6 months in Azkaban if it was.

Top Pets
By Kate Granger

I'm sure all you young wizards and witches always have one thing always on your Christmas lists- a pet! Well, if you're having troble deciding, this guide might help you out!

1. Puffskein- These are cute, furry things that are custard colored. It doesn't mind being thrownd around, so this is a great pet for young people. It is very easy to care for, and purrs when it is happy. Howver, you should feed it regualrly, because when it is very hungry it grabs food from the kitchen with it's long tongue. It is also known for eating children's boogars.

2. Plimpy- Plimpies are small, round fish with very long legs. They are a litttle like the goldfish of the wizard world. They don't need to be walked or anything, so if you like to sleep late, this is a great pet!

3. Kneazle- these are speckled cat like creatures. It can be mean sometimes, but once it bedriends a witch a wizard it can be a wonderful pet. This is also a good guard animal, because it has an uncanny ability to detect bad people.

4. Fwooper- Fwoopers are medium sized birds with beautiful featheres. They can be yellow, orange, pink, or lime green. Your pet fwoper's feathers can also be used as wonderful quills. Even though these make great pets, you must put a silencing spell on them about once a month, because their song is known to drive people mad!

5. Flobberworm- If you are a rather irresponsible person, flobberworm may be for you. All you have to do is feed them plants pnce a day, and they begin to grow large. Howver, you should have a large yard to kep it in later, because they can grwo quite large. If you are a person fotr excitement,don't get a flobberworm, as they are the most boring of all pets.

6. Salamander- If you are the type of prson thatloves something for a few days, then abandons it, a salamander is for you. Of course, these salamanders are diffrent than the muggle ones. Salamanders come out of fire, and can live out of their fire for about a day, if regualarly fed pepper. However, they can live for as long as the fire they came from is kept burning.

7,8, and 9- There is also owls, cats, and toads, but you already know about those. If you would like to find out more about any of these animals, read "fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them" by Newt Scamander.

Satyrs
By Jon Finnegan

For many years people in Scotland and Ireland have lived among mystical creatures called satyrs. A satyr is a man with a goat's legs and horns. Now satyrs are moving into cities because the death eaters are destroying their homes. This is causing problems because muggles are seeing them. Wizards from the ministry are trying their hardest to get satyrs to go back to their homes but satyrs won't listen. The ministry at this moment are trying to force the satyrs back to their homes. The satyrs are expert swordsmen and are wreaking havoc and killing wizards and muggles alike. In conclusion, look what mistake Fudge made this time.

Seagulls Attack
By Nathan Potter

On the quite shores of Miramu, people are playing in the waves, having a relaxing picnic, and building sandcastles. This was the scene on Monday morning. A perfect beach, until about 500 seagulls began attacking people! Few people were seriously injured, and none were killed.

Joline Innijd reported that, "There were hundreds of birds that just seemed to darken the sky. They just swooped and grabbed. I'll never like another bird as long as I live."

MAGE (Magic Attribute Gaia Enchanters) investigated the scene. After prying and memory altering, they finally had several theories.

1.) A wizard had enchanted the birds to attack on whim. (If this is true more investigation will be required)

2.) The seagulls were just plain mad.

3.) The seagulls were used to being fed, hadnot been fed and attacked to get the peoples food. (This is the more likekly story)*

If you would like more information. Just ask your Caree for Magical Creatures teacher or read below.

*This actually can happen. When you feed seagulls, they become used to your food and begin to lose their natural instincts. When not fed ny humans they can become hostile and are known to attack. To prevent this DO NOT FEED THE SEAGULLS!

For more info vist: Don Lee Beach Info or Beach Info

Animal Causing Prrroblems In Welsh Countrrryside
By Darrri Hyrrrax

The Ministrrry of Magic has confirrrmed that what hundrrreds of countrrry dwellerrrs in the arrrea arrround Builth Wells, Powys, have experrrienced is no frrreak occurrrence. Today a statement was issued by the Ministrrry confirrrming the exsistence of Orrrnierrradrrroustrrrifirrrcous, morrre commonly know as Trrriplerrrs. The infestation is said to be sprrreading fast all overrr Wales and into lowerrr England, and travelerrrs are to be warrrned.

"They'rrre viscious-like crrreaturrres, them Orrr-, Orrr-, them things," commented arrrea rrresident Mrrr. Rrroberrrt Jones, who asked not to be identified. "Got me whole family been talking crrrazy forrr nigh on six months now. 'Bout time the Ministrrry owned up and trrried to help us poorrr folks down herrre."

Trrriplerrrs werrre common in the last centurrry, but have since gone nearrrly to extinction due to angrrry-mob-decapitation-syndrrrome (AMDS). They arrre shape-shifting animals that, in theirrr trrrue forrrm, look verrry much like the Grrreek centaurs of old. Morrre often though, they take the forrrms of house trrrained Nifflerrrs, which in this rrreporrrrterrr's opinion should have been a fairrrly good tip off, seeing as Nifflerrrs can't be trrrained. They will often take up with a family, orrr live under a porrrch orrr in a basement. No trrrouble is suspected at firrrst, but afterrr a week, the people within a six mile rrradius of the being will begin to rrroll theirrr RRR's. The people will continue this speech paterrrn until the beast is killed.

The crrreaturrre is said to have originated in Mexico in the mid-eighties, wherrre it's effects werrre not as noticeable, but they werrre rrrooted out and exterrrminated as a pest in 1996. This starrrted majorrr trrrouble, because a grrroup of Muggle biochemists and other scientific head honchos had discoverrred a surrrrrrviving animal and become fond of it. They trrried to clone it, but only managed to crrreate a species that affected one's wrrriting as well as speech. They then shipped them to colleuges in Spain, thinking it a good joke. Howeverrr, the animals escaped, only to brrreed and become abundant all overrr Eurrrope. A widesprrread opperrration was instated to kill them, but, apparrrently, some surrrrrrvived, and have been hidding out all this time.

"We'll get the little buggerrrs, you'll see," said Rrreginald O'Malley, the man who frrronted the initiative to errrase them frrrom Brrritain's landscape last time. He went on to say that the public should not be worrrrrried, and if anyone werrre to sight a Trrriplerrr, to just kill it and get it overrr with. "We don't need them herrre. They don't help the ecosystem in any way, they make it harrrd to talk, and they don't even come frrrom this arrrea. The last thing I need is some grrroup to come tell me it's wrrrong to dispose of pests."

Anyone who think's they've seen or possibly come into contact with a Trrriplerrr is advised to rrreporrrt to the prrroperrr authorrrities.

Muggle Spots Kneazle, Memory Modified
by Marie Evans

Lancaster Gate (Associated Prophet)- Today a kneazle (a common wizard pet, prized for it's intelligence, independence, loyalty and ability to spot anyone/thing untrustworthy) was spotted by Miss Ethel S. Linnet, 65. Normally, a kneazle spotting would not be worthy of an entire article, but Miss E. Linnet happens to be a Muggle!

"I went outside to let Princess Fru-Fru (my pretty little baby) do her… business and a cat-like animal with outsized ears and an odd (can't put my finger on it) tail came out and grunted at Princess Fru-Fru! She wasn't even that cute, she was white with grey blotches; a mixed bread, no doubt. My snicklefritz, however, is a pure-bread white Yorkshire Terrier, and she has gotten first prize in about… three or four dog shows," Ethel went on to say that, when she went back to her house "After my dear boo had finished up," she found her best (and very horrible) pair of shoes (pink with homemade yarn puffballs) had been chewed to bits by Fru-Fru.

After having a dramatic conversation with Princess Fru-Fru about respecting other's property, Ethel called 911 (a number muggles use to get help) to report this very interesting looking cat to policemen (muggle law enforcers). Mr. John Doe heard and volunteered to investigate the case. He happens to be a Memory Modifier for the ministry of Magic, and the whole ordeal has been fixed. The kneazle has been returned to her owner: Mr. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. He declined comment and apologized for Miss Muffett's (the names people think up) behavior.

New Magical Creature Discovered in Wales
by Marie Evans

Cardiff (Associated Prophet)- Today Miss Liana S. Young (Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures) was in Cardiff doing some Ministry work when she accidentally tripped over the puffskien she was trying to transfigure. When she looked up at the puffskien, she saw something very different.

"There, in front of me was a feline-like creature with a mainly white body and black stripes. It had the main body structure of a puffskien, except that it had no legs and was basically a ball of soft fur. It also had large, shiny black eyes that took up most of it's 'front', a small and triangular black nose and large, erect ears that were too big for it. It also has a large, bushy tail that it covers itself with when it's sleeping or relaxed."

Miss Young has decided to call her (yes, it's a her) 'Snuggles' due to the fact that she is almost always in someone's lap. Snuggles also makes a low growling sound that is often heard when she is being petted or curled up. She enjoys eating marshmallows and whipped cream and drinking cocoa. On Saturday, Miss Young and I got together to discuss this new and fascinating creature.

Marie Evans: It's a pleasure to be here, Liana.

Liana Young: The pleasure is mine.

ME: Have you figured out the formula to make a Snuggles replica?

LY: Yes. You must have a puffskien. Then you say the incantation 'Selguns' while looking away from the puffskien and you've got a Genntwal!

ME: A what?

LY: Genntwal: a word meaning 'harmless' in Celtic, and 'innocent' in Welsh.

ME: Ah, I see. Have you figured anything out about the reconstructed Genntwals?

LY: Yes. They are all either striped, spotted of solid. They also only come in variations of grey, black and white.

ME: I see. Well, it was nice chatting.

LY: I agree.

I myself have acquired a black Genntwal named Cuddlies and find her to be quite good company. I hope that you consider getting one of these very special pets.

Winged Horse Saves Witch
Reported by Ally Potter

On Tuesday, February 19, a nearly fatal accident happened in Diagon Alley. Witch Luna Bexings was shopping in the Magical Menagerie when a large, iron and gold owl cage nearly fell on her. However, a winged palimino that was kept in the back charged in and knocked her out of the way. Medical Experts say that if the palimino hadn't arrived, Ms. Bexings would have been knocked out and not have recovered for 2 weeks.

Ms. Bexings's laywer is suing Magical Menagerie 200 Galleons for not having the cage secured. The case will be taken to court. The results will be reported later.

Endangered Creatures Rally Goes Well
Reported by Kate Granger

On Febuary 13 an endangered creature rally took place at Unicorn Hollow. The rally was filled with speeches about endangered creatures such as unicorns. There were many booths giving out free pamphlets about creatures and ways to protect them, and the occasional free keychain or pencil. These free things seemed a big hit. One wizard said "I was going on a vacation with my family, and we decided to stop here. I knew nothing about what was going on, until I was handed about a million pamphlets." However, this was not nearly as popular as the petting zoo, which was brought by the Endangered creatures Conservation Center, or ECCC. This organization takes in injured creatures and nurses them back to health, when they releases them back to the wild. The petting zoo had a nest of wild snitches and their mother, a baby unicorn, and a hippogriff with a broken wing. One young witch said "I love animals and was glad to come. However, I never dreamed we would get to see, even touch some of the creatures discussed in speeches." At the end of the rally, the Minister Of Magic came out and presented a wonderful slide show, followed by the hippogriff being released into the wild, right before the audience's eyes! It truly was a touching and appropriate end, except for the fact the hippogriff made a fortunately unsuccessful attempt to carry off a small child!

The Return of the Harpies
By Lucinda Kingston

Harpies, which have been extinct for about 27, 014 years, have been rediscovered in Greece. Widely known for their roles in the classic myth, "Jason and the Golden Fleece," are birds with the heads of hideous woman. A young man of 23 discovered them as he was setting up camp in the woods of Athens.

"i have heard of them and seen pictures of them, but I never could imagine that I of all people would find them."

Dr. McBratney, a muggle-born suspicions investigator from the ministry in Greece is investigating this mystery of events.

"Well, first, has anyone seen the American, muggle film Jurassic Park?"

This movie is about how a scientist brought ancient dinosaurs from the Jurassic age back to life and the carnivorous dinosaurs escaped and devoured unlucky people.

"Well, they used DNA from blood and mixed the genetics with a frogs, and somehow got dinosaurs. Maybe someone, somehow, found blood from a Harpie, and mixed it with a birds genetics. Or they could mix a woman's and birds, and miraculously get Harpies. Either that or there is a spell which no one knows of that was used."

This is a thought to ponder.

A New Creature Discovered
By: Cassy Potter-Krum

There has been a new creature discovered by Hogwarts very own Professor Severus Snape. The creature is called a Bansheon. It is part Banshee and part Goblin. They are not very common but if you see one, stay clear because that means Voldemort or a Death Eater is near. The Bansheon is only for Voldemort and his death eaters because it is so vicious and evil. I recommend you keep a look out whenever news comes in that the dark lord is rising.

New Species of Hippogriff Found
By James Potter

There has been a new species of hippogriff found in the middle east. When marines located it, they were on a mission when they saw a large elephant like thing in the air. The captain, a former graduate of Hogwarts, sent an owl as quickly as he could to Albus Dumbledore. Once he heard, Dumbledore forwarded the owl to the Ministry of Magic's Magical Creature Research Department. There will be further investigation later.

Creautres of the Forbidden Forest: Centaurs
By Aurora Flitwick

As every Hogworts student knows, don't go in the woods surrounding the school. One of the creatures in those woods are Centaurs. A Centaur has a human head, torso, and arms joined to a horse's body, which can be many different colours. They are very intelligent, and capable of speech. They are believed to come from Greece, but nowadays they are found in many parts of Europe. Centaurs are not troubled by Muggles, so they don't need a lot of wizarding help. They are mysterious creatures, they are also mistrustful of wizards and Muggles. They live in herds from 10-50. Centaurs are too good at magical healing, divination, archery and astronomy. If you ever get a chance this reporter suggests that you talk to Hagrid the gamekeeper from Hogwarts about Centaurs if you want to know anymore information.

Werewolves - Man or Beast?
Reported by Kate Granger

This has been a long asked question. It is a very confusing matter, so I'm here to clear things up a bit. Werewolves are human most of the time. When they are, they are perfectly normal. As a matter of fact, Proffeser Lupin, a former Hogwarts Professor was a werewolf. One young Hogwarts student, Ronald Weasley says, "Professor Lupin was perfectly normal. He was one of my favorite teachers. He was much better than that lunatic Quirrell. Boy, was he crazy!"

Sorry Ron, but thats a different story! Anyways, werewolves are, for the most part human. But When the moon is full, they turn into a blood-thirsty creature that puts the wolf in werewolf. Whoever gets bitten by a werewolf in this form will turn into a werewolf. This experience is very hard for werewolves. As one werewolf, who will not be named says, "Being in my beast form was strange and scary. I didn't want to bite anyone, but I couldn't control myself. Now I take anti-change potion, though."

An anti-change potion to prevent werewolves from changing? Yes, it's true. These potions are handmade by Professor Snape, The Professor of Potions at Hogwarts school. So now that werewolves can prevent changing, there will soon be no more people being bitten, so eventually there will be no werewolves. Therefore, I think the Ministry of Magic should just declare werewolves human and get it over with!

The Winged Miniature
by Riley Ravenclaw

Now as most horse lovers know, the Miniature horse is the smallest horse in the world, only being around 34" tall at the whithers. But so far, no Miniatures have been found among the winged horse. That is, until now. On Sunday, a wizard, Patrick Ghavenser and his wife Dawn Ghavenser, stumbled upon a herd of wild winged Miniatures while searching the deserted Greek island Thera. The herd took flight, but trained equestrian Ministry workers are hot on their trail. Thera is believed to be the real fantasy Atlantis, so it is a theory that that ancient Atlantians may have used these tiny horses in many of the ways we use them today, and is being researchedclosely. On Monday I joined a group of the workers trailing them since I had grown up on a horse farm and was quite knowledable on the subject. We caught a small herd and are training them to become pets. But don't worry, we will still leave many herds in the wild, but if I were you, I would get one of them fast, because just like their Muggle counter species these little horses are really friendly and are going to be awesome companions.

Pet Puffskein Saves Kids
Reporetd by Kate Granger

For those of you not familiar with popular wizarding pets, a puffskein is a fluffy, usually pastel colored creature. It looks remarkbly like a fuzzy basketball. Puffskeins love to eat anything from PB and J sandwiches to Children's boogers! They also like to drink from toilets, as do dogs, a muggle pet.

Well, a few days ago, the Mycinni family was making potions for their friends as Christmas presents, when Myrtle accidently added wort root instead of mort root. It started a fire! In their haste, myrtle and Mallory "accidently" left their kids, Monty and Mike, in the house. They were 2 and 3 years old and so they were taking naps. The family Puffskein, Minty, was also still inside. When Minty heard the kids' cries of distress, he quickly wrapped them up in his long tongue( another feature of Puffskeins) and carried them off to safety.

Another Magical Creature Spotted by a Muggle
By Lucinda Kingston

"I don't know how this could have happened!" exclaimed Jeffrey Newman, Head of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Apparently a muggle man saw a hippogriff in the sky with a figure atop it on a Sunday afternoon. Although hippogriffs are for only experts to care for, they are quite harmless unless not treated with proper respect. But the hippogriff was in the sky and no one was harmed.

"It is the second magical creature to be spotted this week," revealed Mr. Newman, "We will find that hippogriff and whomever is with it will be arrested immediately! This might even be the answer to a hippogriff escape a few years ago."

This escape he was talking about was the one at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry that happened just a couple of years ago.

The other sighting he referred to was a young girl who found a ghoul in her attic on Tuesday morning. But a little girl will not be believed of this such thing.

The ministry is looking for the man to perform a memory charm, but he has escaped. If you see him, please contact the ministry. The man is believed to be 6 ft. tall and has stawberry-blonde hair and looks 33 years old. With luck, if the M.O.M. does not find him, he will not tell any other muggles, or will at least be declared insane.

Skrewts: Where Did They Come From?
By Jon Finnegan

In a year populations of Blast Ended Skrewts have gone from 0- 10000000. Where did these beasts come from? After interviews I have the answer. The first person I interviewed was mister Rubeus Hagrid. Know here are the answers he gave me.

Q: Where do they come from?
A: Africa.
Q: Who gave them to you?
A: A friend living in Kenya.
Q: On a danger rating of 1-5, what would you give them?
A: About a 4 & a half.
So there you have it folks. Know I have proven Rita Skeeter wrong. Skrewts are legal.

Poachers Kill Ten Unicorns
By Shawn Patrick

Today two wizards discovered the remains of ten unicorns in a small grove of trees outside the Forbidden Forest. The Unicorns were all left in one place.

"Who could have done this?" said George Wildbury, one of the wizards. "It's terrible! Who would do such a thing?" said his wizard friend, Fred Noting.

"This is a true mystery; no blood was taken, and the horns were still attached, so it seems that nothing was taken." said a representative of the Ministry of Magic.

If anyone has a clue to this mystery, send a letter to the Ministry of Magic. There will be an award of 10,000 Galleons for the capture of these criminals.

Latest Update: Two people, believed to be involved in the unicorn deaths, have been captured."I didn't do nuttin!" declared Joe Schemoe and his partner, Tar Pat, but the Ministry of Magic discovered that Unicorn hair were taken and sold to a wand shop at Diogan Alley. "I had no idea!" said the owner of the shop. The two poachers will spend 70 years at Azkban.

Weekly Review, Part Three
By Caspian Storm

Phoenix- The phoenix is a magnificent, swan sized, scarlet bird with a long golden tail, beak, and talons. It nests on mountain peaks and is found in Egypt, India, and China. The phoenix lives to an immense age as it can regenerate, bursting in flames when its body begins to fail and rising again from the ashes as a chick. The phoenix is a gentle creature that has never been known to kill and eats only herbs. Like the Diricawl, it can disappear and reappear at will. Phoenix song is magical; it is reputed to increase the courage of the pure of heart and strike fear into the hearts of the impure. Phoenix tears have powerful healing properties.

Roxiumous: Fantastic Felines
By Alanna Quenby

Roxiumous are cat-like magical creatures that very much resemble the Siamese cat of the Muggle world. These animals are sought after for pets but, are extremely hard to locate and catch. When found at places like Mertle's Magical Creatures, these feline's are quite expensive.

These cats generally have a great temperment and love curling up on their masters' laps. Roxiumous are born ghostly gray in color but later mature into a deep plum color for females and more of a blue-purple color for males. The eyes of a Roxiumous are usually the most loved feature of them. The hypnotic gaze is one a master will grow to love. These cats have large golden eyes that resemble an owl's. Along with overly large eyes, these creatures also posess longer-then-average ears with about 6 hairs coming to a point at the end of them.

Before buying a Roxiumous, you must always be sure you're ready for a commitment. These animals usually live to the age of 85 and have an excellent memory. They are noted forhaving a quick wit that can sometimes cause them trouble. Their diets can sometimes cause displeasure to their caretakers, since they enjoy feasting on freshly killed rodents, but their main diet is of boiled fish (usually, hailbut).

If you're looking for a loyal, lifelong companion, I would suggest thinking about getting yourself a lovely Roxiumous.

Wild Pixies Escape from Zoo
By Sirius Koshen

Glasgow, UK - Over the weekend, 500 pixies broke out of their cages and ravaged both the wizard and muggle communities. Over two hundred thousound galleons in damage has been reported.

The zoo officials reported that someone was feeding the pixies when they attacked him, sending him running. The Ministry of Magic immediately sent trained wizards to perform massive memory charms.

About one hundred of the pixies have been subdued and sent to back to the zoo. Several wizards have reported large packs of pixies as far away as Oxford.

Tree Cats: The Purrrfect Pet
by Isabella Jynx

Need a lovable pet? Tired of those ordinary toads and rats? Well check out this new animal! No, I'm not here to sell it, but I want the world to know about these animals that can be excellent friends.

Tree cats are small, cat like creatures that A) have shorter tails, B) have longer ears, and C) have a whole new personality. They're herbiovores, and they love nothing more than playing, cuddling, and giving off little squeaks all day. When kittens, the tree cats are silver, and are too little to do much but pounce around. At age 19-21, they'll turn completely blue and about as big as an ordinary house cat. They'll also try to climb trees; keep an eye out! When they're 35, they'll be big as a lioness, bright green, and able to climb any trees.

Since these cats live about as long as us wizards and witches, since Muggles have a risk of car accidents and other sicknesses and horrifying events...I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. Ahem, since tree cats live as long as us, they are understanding and friendly.

So if you're exploring in the forest, try to spot these kits. They are friendly, but it is against law to take one without permission. Hope you've enjoyed learning about this new creature!

Weekly Creature Review
By Caspian Storm

Here every week I will add a new creature for you to learn about . This weeks Creature is:

Billywig- The Billywig is an insect native to Australia. It is around half an inch long and a vivid sapphire blue, although its speed is such that it is rarely noticed by Muggles and often not by wizards until they have been stung. The Billywig's wings are attached to the top of its head and are rotated very fast so that it spins as it flies. At the bottom of the body is a long thin sting. Those who have been stung by a Billywig suffer giddiness followed by levitation. Generations of young Australian witches and wizards have attempted to catch Billywigs and provoke them into stinging in order to enjoy these side effects, though too many stings may cause the victim to hover uncontrollably for days on end, and where there is a severe allergic reaction, permanent floating may occur. Dried Billywig stings are used in several potions and are believed to be a component in the popular sweet Fizzing Whizbees.

If you have any questions or comments please send me an e-owl.

Living With Nifflers
By Alanna Quenby

Every year the Ministry of Magic gets hundreds of complaints about nifflers digging up people's flower beds and ruining their well manicured lawns. Many witches and wizard find cruel and unkind ways to dispose of these little fellows, but when put to use, these little guys can be a valuable asset to your life. Below is just a few examples of the uses for nifflers:

1. Since nifflers are considered cute by some, think about purchasing one to keep as a pet. Nifflers usually don't like being in the vicinity of each other, so this would also prevent wild nifflers from turning your Tuliblums into overturned plant life.

2. Being small but smart animals, nifflers won't be fooled into leaving just because a niffler decoy is set out. They usually only leave unless there's no more vegetation or food, or because they've grown bored finding the same old "treasures" around your yard.

3. The Ministry of Magic has recently passed a law making it illegal to kill or purposely injure a niffler since the numbers in the wild are lingering. If you must rid your yard of nifflers, contact your local Niffler Relocation Agency.

4. Please remember, wild nifflers and tame nifflers differ greatly. Wild nifflers are NOT pets. Tame nifflers have been raised by wizards and witches and are used to people handling them. It is extremely unwise to take an animal out of its original habitat and force it to live in a place it's not used to.

Getting a new Hippogriff
By Sirius Koshen

Step one: Try to find a nice hippogriff breeder. Make sure never to by a Hippogriff from a Hippogriff mill. They treat Hippogriffs very cruely there, and a Hippogriff born there will be very aggresive later in life.

Step two: When you bring your Hippogriff home, let it rest. It will be tired from the days adventures. For a couple of days, keep away other pets, as they might startle the baby hippogriff. Once thet are 2 monthes old, take them to a vet to have all the neccesary spells done. At 4 monthes the hippogriff should be completely house broken and able to fly on its own.

Next week will countinue this column with step three: Training.

Unicorns in Extinction
by Hannah Hedwig

Unicorns are helpful and beautiful creatures. It's horn, blood, and hair are useful for making potions, and the hair for making wands.

But all that will change soon, if the unicorns become extincted. But who would kill such beautiful creatured? The answer is power hungry poachers. They only drink unicorn blood, to make them live until they stop drinking. But what they don't know is they are going to have bad luck for the rest of thier lives.

I recently visited the National Unicorn Society, and they are trying to rescue as many unicorns as they can and bring them to their private grounds. So far they have 100, but what about the rest of the unicorns? "Whoever has done this will have a conscience that will haunt them for the rest of there life,"says National Unicorn Society imployee.

You can help save the unicorns to. If you find one, send an owl to the National Unicorn Society. With your help, we will catch the pochers, and they will serve an unhappy life in Azkaban.

Weekly Creature Review
By Caspian Storm

Here every week I will add a new creature for you to learn about . This weeks Creature is:

Demiguise- The Demiguise is found in the Far East, though only with great difficulty, for this beast is able to make itself invisible when threatened, and can be seen only by wizards skilled in its capture. The Demiguise is a peaceful herbivorous beast, something like a graceful ape in appearance, with large, black, doleful eyes more often than not hidden by its hair. Demiguise pelts are highly valued as their hair may be spun into Invisibility Cloaks.

If you have any questions or comments please send me an e-owl.

Bubotubers
By Aurora Flitwick

This year for bubotubers has been very hard. A bubotuber is a creature that looks like a giant black slug coming vertically out of the soil. They are   know to squirm and have large, shiny swellings, which are full of liquid. You squeeze them and collect the pus which is very valuable. It is sugested when squezzing wear dragon-hide gloves. The pus is thick and yellowish-green and smells strongly of petrol.The pus is world widely sold as a cream for teenagers. To use on there ance such as pimples. The year has been hard for the bubotubers, because the demand for the cream is so vauge, the bubotubers became worn out and cannot produce anymore pus,for the cream. I highly suggested you get a book on bubotubers if you have teenagers and buy a bubotuber. So, when you child runs out of the cream you can make some from your own bubotuber. You might want to get one as soon as you can, before the shops run out. Also it takes a bubotuber 1 year to fully develop before you can begin squeezing them. So if you ever are in need for some bubotubers cream, and the store has ran out, please considor the bubotubers and how hard they are working for you.

What Every Witch and Warlock Should Know About Getting a New Dragon

By Dark Raven

1. Before going out and actually looking for the perfect dragon, do a little research. I recommend the following sites:
http://www.draconian.com
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/4352/dragon/dragon_types.html

2. Decide which type is good for you. If you decide you need a dragon to help you with potions involving heat, fire, or cooking, then a Fire Breather is the kind for you. A few types of Fire Breathers are:
a. Flamus Ignis
b. Red Dragon
c. Fire Drake

If you’re leaning more towards a flying-type, then winged dragons are obviously the best. Airus Fliogan and Vindan Pladcidis are two very well known winged dragons, known for their gentle nature and smooth glides through any type of air.

If you’re the fighting type, who would enjoy a nice rough fighting companion, then it’s best if you get a fighter dragon. Fighter dragons are my personal favorites, because they are blends of fire breathers, flyers, fighters, weaponed, faerie-type, and ice-type. These can be hard to tame in the beginning, but it is worth the work.

Of course, there are more types, but these are the most well known dragons. The second link pretty much covers most of the other types.

3. After you have decided what kind of dragon you would like, I suggest you stock up on appropriate supplies, depending on what kind of dragon you have chosen. Diagon Ally has a particularly useful store on North Street, right next to …. The store manager, Julius Megarus, happens to be a former student of Hogwarts Academy, and a very dear friend to Professor Albus Dumbledore. He is a kindly old man that will gladly aid you in buying the proper equipment for caring for your future dragon. I also suggest learning new spells, depending on your dragon type. For example, if your choice is the Fire Breather, I suggest learning the Luminarium Luxus spell to help in fire breathing. The Furor Furibundus, the Exarmo, the Antiferratilis, and the Frendo Frequentia spells are very useful for Fighting Dragons. The Frigus Fulgeo Spell is a well-known ice beam spell for all ice dragons. For a sick dragon, the Jumentum Lacerta spell will come in handy for dragons of all types, shapes, and sizes. There are many more spells, but a witch/warlock needs to know only a few basic ones before getting their new dragon.

4. Now you are finally ready for your dragon. Go to a nice Magical Creatures shop (Diagon Alley has two or three excellent selections such as Azrael’s Magical Creatures or Arsenius Dragons), and explain which type of dragon you have decided upon. They will gladly aid you in choosing out your companion. Before making a final decision, ask if you may spend a little time alone with your dragon to get to know it and to let it get to know you. If you are sure the dragon you have picked out is the one for you, then you may find yourself leaving with a new companion.

5. Once you get home, you have to let your new dragon get used to you and its surroundings. It would also be a good idea to name it. I don’t suggest getting him a long time before school starts up again, because then it won’t be able to adapt so quickly to your Hogwarts house.

6. Be sure to buy a couple books, with at least one you can carry around, in case of emergencies, to care for your dragon.

Outbreak of Mad Dragon Disease in Transylvania
Reported by Callisto Riddle

The wizarding community has been alarmed today to discover a new outbreak of the fabled Mad Dragon Disease (MDD) in Transylvania. The disease, thought to be responsible for the rampage of a crazed dragon in Rumania earlier this year, has struck again in Mid Europe. The Transylvanian Ministry of Magic released the following statement concerning the disease today: "As this disease travels by air and wand, movement in the area of the outbreak has been severely limited. All Portkeys have been blocked and all Apparition has been banned on penalty of a ten thousand Galleon fine and several nights in an extremely damp dungeon. As to rumours that You-Know-Who is behind this, if the International Confederation of Wizards has refused to answer them, do you really expect we can?"

It is believed that Charlie Weasley, the hero who saved a Quidditch crowd from the aforementioned deranged dragon in Rumania, will be flown out to Transylvania as soon as he is fully recovered from his injuries, to help shoulder the strain which the Transylvanian M.O.M. is currently struggling to cope with. An entire dragon reservation has been set apart in neighbouring Yugoslavia to cope with creatures affected by the disease, which is well known for increasing the need of dragons to kill humans.

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"Proper Care of Dragon Hide"
By Michael Padfoot

The hide of dragons is one of the most useful items a wizard can possess. Tougher than the toughest Muggle leather and tannable only through extensive potions and magic, dragon hide is the best protection against hostile environments available. Whether you're hunting treasure for goblins or going for a stroll through the bubotuber patch, dragon hide is your best friend. And with proper care and cleaning, you can own an article for a lifetime, however long.

Dragon hide is used primarily in two articles: gloves and boots. As both have different functions, both require different care and maintenance. While both come clean with gentle detergere spell, the demands of the environment around them may require more. In addition, such articles also require the application of a protectant to ensure that they maintain their function as well as their quality.

The function of gloves is to protect the hands from extreme temperatures as well as from toxic substances and potions. Consequently, they have to be thin to maintain dexterity. Most gloves today are made from the thin areas between the wings which maintain their protective quality, yet are stretchy and allow the user to feel what they are touching perfectly. In order to clean them after use, start with the detergere and a little bit of magical mess remover. Rub gently until all traces of potion have disappeared. If the gloves are still dirty, try a little heavy duty mess remover, but sparingly as it will also take out the oils in the gloves which are the secret to their protective properties. After the gloves are clean, apply a small amount of oil of ferret to the gloves to restore softness and touch. Occasionally a bit of kerosene will also be needed to restore their finish.

Boots, however, are another matter. With them, thickness and strength is most important, so the hide is taken from the strong back skin. Sometimes the detergere spell isn't enough and the purgare spell must be used. Take care, though, as the purgare has been known to make holes appear in the hide. Once the boots are clean with that and some elbow grease, apply a solution of petrol and kerosene mixed with mineral grease to the boot, sole and all. Set the boots aside to allow them to absorb the solution well.

By following these simple steps, you are assured that your dragon hide items will stay soft and protect you for years to come.

Always Vigilance, Padfoot