#npc: millicent bagnold

[veritas-dailyprophet]

KESTRELS SWOOP IN TO STEAL SPOT IN SEMI-FINALS FROM ARROWS

BY CORMAC HALLOWS, 28 June 1979. “Son of a Snitch” Sports section, pg. 3.

Wednesday’s game saw the Appleby Arrows take a bruising defeat by the Kenmare Kestrels and lose their spot in the semi-finals. The Arrows were looking strong coming into the quarter finals after defeating the Tutshill Tornadoes, but the English team couldn’t stand up against its Irish opponent this Wednesday. 

Fans of the Arrows were bitterly disappointed right off the beater’s bat when the end of the season championship games were announced, with the Wimbourne Wasps nowhere in  sight for the Arrows. Longstanding rivals, the Wasps and Arrows were both looking forward to another grueling match together as they’ve had every year during finals season. But the NQL board had other plans, apparently, facing the Wasps off against the Ballycastle Bats, whom they lost to last week with a final score of 520-480 in the Bats’ favor. 

“We’re just happy to be moving into the semis,” Kestrels’ captain and seeker Alyssa Trenton said in an interview after the game. “We’ve worked really hard all season to get here, and we’re ready to make it to the finals.” 

The Kestrels join the other three remaining teams, and will face off against Puddlemere United next week. Next Wednesday, the Holyhead Harpies will face off against Pride of Portree. Pride of Portree is the home team of current Minister, Millicent Bagnold, and have received the ringing endorsement of the Minister herself. Meanwhile the Harpies go into the semi-finals with high confidence after their painful defeat of the Caerphilly Catapults three weeks ago. The Harpies are fan favorites to win the championships. 

Meanwhile, Puddlemere United has gained a more enthusiastic following since their defeat of the Ballycastle Bats. “I hope they get to the finals so we can see them take on the Harpies. It’s always more fun to watch when there’s some behind the scenes drama happening,” said one Harpies fan during the Arrows-Kestrels face-off this week. The behind the scenes drama is of course referring to the defection of chaser Wilda Griffiths from the Harpies to Puddlemere United. Puddlemere-Harpies games have always drawn a bigger crowd than most since a fistfight broke out at the first match between the two after Griffiths’ departure from the team, and fans are always hoping to see some action outside the game on the field again. “We’ve all had people screw us over at one time or another,” junior referee Denise Hairman said right after that first match. “It’s nice to know that people like them get just as pissed about that sort of thing as the rest of us do.” Puddlemere United and the Harpies will of course only face off against each other if they both make it to the finals, so fingers crossed for both teams to have victories against their semi-finals opponents. 

Until then, we’ll cheer for our favorites, support our teams, and watch this upcoming week as we head into the last leg of the championship. 

[veritas-radio]

BROADCASTED 31 DECEMBER 1978. HOGSMEADE, SCOTLAND.

Hello, listeners. This is Basil Aldertree, here to bring you the weekly wizarding news. Welcome to our program.

This last.... well, this last year has been a difficult one, but these last few days alone have been enough to make even the strongest of us question things. As we try to put our lives together after the riots riots on Boxing Day, we must remember the lives of even more that we have lost-- one hundred and seven brave witches and wizards were killed in the riots on Tuesday, a number which has risen to one hundred and thirteen over the weekend as a result of injuries during the riots-- and those that have fought hard to keep the peace. Tonight, we would like to take a moment to thank the healers and mediwizards at St. Mungo’s for the incredible work that they are still doing to minimize the damages after this horrible tragedy. 

The riot, started by one Mrs. Helene Nott, was in direct protest of the recent Ministry arrests made. We know the current justice system is flawed. We know there’s more that can be done. Two weeks ago, four brave individuals came forward and gave information to the Ministry that allowed for several arrests of dangerous witches and wizards. We need the justice system to move forward, though, not remain where it is, or be stuck behind so much procedure and overcrowding that people go without trials for months, if not longer. We need to fix this, and as we leave 1978 behind, it’s something we must remember and fight for. 

Evelyn Minchum’s trial is scheduled to resume on January 8th with the prosecution presenting their evidence. The defense has so far argued that Mrs. Minchum was under the Imperius Curse, and therefore not responsible for her actions or the murder of her husband, Harold Minchum. Is this realistic to believe? I don’t think so, listeners, but it’s not for me to decide. We’ll be keeping you up to date with all the latest news on this case, so stay tuned for more.

Minister Bagnold released a brief statement about the riots and unrest earlier today, and we were surprised by the seriousness of her tone. We know Bagnold is fond of her humor, but for once, her tone was a little more on the mark for what was going on. Listen in--

“We’re definitely at a turning point right now. We can call it a day here, give in, tune out, and just hope things will settle down. Or we could, y’know, not do that. I’d rather not do that. It’s tempting, definitely, and would it be better? Maybe, yeah. But not for the side we want to make things easier for. This wasn’t a Death Eater attack, but does everything come down to them versus us? No. This was the system’s failure against everyone’s frustration. We’re doing better. But we’re not doing amazingly. Hopefully this year will be the year of us doing amazingly. We’re certainly gonna’ try.”

Not exactly on point, but it’s better than the usual. We’ll be waiting to hear more from Bagnold in the weeks to come. But this is the start of a new year, as she said, and hopefully, one that will bring change along with it. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. 

So until next time, listeners, wishing you good luck, this is Basil Aldertree. Good night, and happy new year.

[veritas-roleplay]

WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY : Sunday, 23 September 1979

Temporary healing centers are set up around Diagon Alley, including at the Leaky Cauldron.

The Magical British Disaster Relief Program begins cleanup of St. Mungo’s. Volunteers are welcome in assisting them.

Ignoring the advice of her staff, Minister Millicent Bagnold spends the day assisting with the cleanup of St. Mungo’s. 

Minister Bagnold’s ratings increase to 56%, the highest a Minister has had in the last five years.

Toots, Shoots, ‘n’ Roots with Tilden Toots airs its biweekly program.

[noyaderp]

first of all, welcome to all of our new followers! we are so excited to continue to share our site with you and rev up the excitement! now, we have our biggest document to share with you -- our canon list.

here at noyade, you will see that we host a large, fairly open canon list. we want to give you all as much inspo as you need, but also leave it open-ended for your own creativity. there are a few easter eggs in this document, however, regarding canon deaths and allegiances that have been predetermined in order to align with the overall site plot. also, while we do want to leave things open, we highly recommend looking at the harry potter wiki for information about a canon. it’s highly possible we forgot some names or mucked up -- please send an ask our way so we can fix it before the grand opening!

be on the lookout for reserves very, very soon! and don’t hesitate to send any questions our way.

ABBOTT

pureblood

ABERCROMBIE

open blood status

ACKERLEY

open blood status

AGRIPPA

open blood status

AVERY

pureblood

BADDOCK

open blood status

BAGMAN

open blood status

LUDOVIC --- BAGMAN

OTTO --- BAGMAN

BAGNOLD

open blood status

MILLICENT --- BAGNOLD

BARBARY

open blood status

BELBY

open blood status

BINNS

open blood status

CUTHBERT --- BINNS

BISHOP

open blood status

BLACK

pureblood

BELLATRIX --- BLACK

ANDROMEDA --- BLACK

NARCISSA --- BLACK

BLACK

pureblood

SIRIUS --- BLACK

REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK

sirius is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

BLETCHLEY

open blood status

BLUDD

blood status

the blood family are vampires.

BOARDMAN

open blood status

BOBBIN

open blood status

BODE

open blood status

BONES

open blood status

AMELIA --- BONES

EDGAR --- BONES

--- --- BONES

edgar is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

BOOT

open blood status

BORAGE

open blood status

BORGIN

open blood status

BRAITHWAITE

open blood status

BRANSTONE

open blood status

BROADMOOR

open blood status

BROCKLEHURST

open blood status

BROWN

open blood status

BULSTRODE

pureblood

BURBAGE

open blood status

BURKE

open blood status

CADWALLADER

open blood status

CAMPBELL

open blood status

CARMICHAEL

open blood status

CARROW

pureblood

AMYCUS --- CARROW

ALECTO -- CARROW

CATCHLOVE

open blood status

CATTERMOLE

open blood status

CHAMBERS

open blood status

CHANG

open blood status

COOTE

open blood status

CORNER

open blood status

CRABBE

open blood status

CRESSWELL

open blood status

CROUCH

pureblood

BARTEMIUS CASPAR CROUCH JR.

CUFFE

open blood status

DAVIES

open blood status

DAWLISH

open blood status

DEARBORN

open blood status

CARADOC --- DEARBORN

caradoc is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

DELACOUR

open blood status

DERWENT

open blood status

DEVERILL

open blood status

DIGGLE

open blood status

DEDALUS --- DIGGLE

dedalus is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

DIGGORY

open blood status

AMOS --- DIGGORY

DIPPET

open blood status

DOBBS

open blood status

DOGE

open blood status

ELPHIAS --- DOGE

elphias is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

DOLOHOV

open blood status

ANTONIN --- DOLOHOV

DUMBLEDORE

halfblood

ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE

ABERFORTH --- DUMBLEDORE

ARIANA --- DUMBLEDORE

albus is the creator of the order of the phoenix. aberforth is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

DURSLEY

muggle

VERNON --- DURSLEY

D’EATH

open blood status

LORCAN --- D’EATH

the d’eath family are vampires.

EDGECOMBE

open blood status

ELDRITCH

open blood status

ENTWHISTLE

open blood status

EVANS

muggleborn

PETUNIA --- EVANS

LILY JOANNA EVANS

lily is estranged from her husband, james potter. her son, harry, was murdered by voldemort.

FAWCETT

open blood status

FAWLEY

pureblood

FENWICK

open blood status

BENJY --- FENWICK

benjy is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

FIGG

open blood status

ARABELLA --- FIGG

arabella is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix. she is also a squib.

FINNIGAN

open blood status

FLETCHER

open blood status

MUNDUNGUS --- FLETCHER

mundungus is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

FLINT

pureblood

FLITWICK

open blood status

FILIUS --- FLITWICK

FORTESCUE

open blood status

FLOREAN --- FORTESCUE

FROBISHER

open blood status

FUDGE

open blood status

CORNELIUS --- FUDGE

GAMP

open blood status

GRAVES

open blood status

GREENGRASS

pureblood

GREGOROVITCH

open blood status

GUDGEON

open blood status

DAVEY --- GUDGEON

HAGRID

halfblood / tainted

RUBEUS --- HAGRID

rubeus is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

HARKISS

open blood status

HOOCH

open blood status

ROLANDA --- HOOCH

HOOKUM

open blood status

DAISY --- HOOKUM

HOOPER

open blood status

HOPKIRK

open blood status

HORNBY

open blood status

JENKINS

open blood status

JOHNSON

open blood status

JONES

open blood status

HESTIA --- JONES

GWENOG --- JONES

it is up to the player to determine the relation -- if any -- between hestia and gwenog.

JORDAN

open blood status

JORKINS

open blood status

BERTHA --- JORKINS

ALBERT --- JORKINS

JUGSON

open blood status

KARKAROFF

open blood status

KETTLEBURN

open blood status

SILVANUS --- KETTLEBURN

KIRKE

open blood status

KOVACS

open blood status

KRUM

open blood status

LAPIN

open blood status

LESTRANGE

pureblood

RODOLPHUS --- LESTRANGE

RABASTAN --- LESTRANGE

LEVSKI

open blood status

LI

open blood status

LOCKHART

open blood status

GILDEROY --- LOCKHART

LONGBOTTOM

pureblood

FRANK --- LONGBOTTOM, NPC

ALICE --- LONGBOTTOM (nee open surname)

frank is a npc and resides in st. mungo’s after being tortured by death eaters when voldemort came to murder the longbottom son, neville. alice survived.

LOVEGOOD

open blood status

XENOPHILIUS --- LOVEGOOD

LUPIN

halfblood

REMUS JOHN LUPIN

LYNCH

open blood status

MACDONALD

open blood status

MARY --- MACDONALD

MACMILLAN

pureblood

MACNAIR

open blood status

MADLEY

open blood status

MALFOY

pureblood

LUCIUS --- MALFOY

MARAT

open blood status

MARSH

open blood status

MAXIME

open blood status

OLYMPE --- MAXIME

MCCORMACK

open blood status

MCGONAGALL

halfblood

MINERVA --- MCGONAGALL

ROBERT --- MCGONAGALL

MALCOLM --- MCGONAGALL

MCKINNON

halfblood

MARLENE  MCKINNON marlene + her family were murdered by death eaters.

MCLAGGEN

open blood status

MEADOWES

pureblood

DORCAS --- MEADOWES

MONTAGUE

open blood status

MONTGOMERY

open blood status

MONTOYA

open blood status

MOODY

open blood status

ALASTOR --- MOODY

MOON

open blood status

MORGAN

open blood status

MOSTAFA

open blood status

NOTT

pureblood

ODDPICK

open blood status

OGDEN

open blood status

OLLIVANDER

halfblood

GARRICK --- OLLIVANDER

PARKINSON

pureblood

PATIL

open blood status

PEAKES

open blood status

PEASEGOOD

open blood status

PEPPER

open blood status

OCTAVIUS --- PEPPER

PETTIGREW

open blood status

PETER --- PETTIGREW

peter is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

PICQUERY

open blood status

SERAFINA --- PICQUERY

serafina is american.

PINCE

open blood status

IRMA --- PINCE

PODMORE

open blood status

STURGIS --- PODMORE

sturgis is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

POMFREY

open blood status

POPPY --- POMFREY

POLIAKOFF

open blood status

POTTER

pureblood

JAMES --- POTTER

james is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix. his son, harry, was murdered by voldemort as a result of the prophecy.

PRANG

open blood status

PREWETT

pureblood

MOLLY --- PREWETT

FABIAN --- PREWETT

GIDEON --- PREWETT

gideon was murdered by voldemort while watching the potter’s son, harry. fabian is a current or former member of the order of the phoenix.

PUCEY

open blood status

PYE

open blood status

QUIGLEY

open blood status

QUIRRELL

open blood status

QUIRINUS --- QUIRRELL

RIDDLE

halfblood

TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE

ROBINS

open blood status

ROOKWOOD

open blood status

ROSIER

pureblood

ROWLE

pureblood

RUNCORN

open blood status

SATO

open blood status

SCAMANDER

open blood status

SCRIMGEOUR

open blood status

SELWYN

pureblood

SHACKLEBOLT

pureblood

KINGSLEY --- SHACKLEBOLT

SHAFIQ

pureblood

SHUNPIKE

open blood status

SINISTRA

open blood status

AURORA --- SINISTRA

SKEETER

open blood status

RITA --- SKEETER

SLOPER

open blood status

SLUGHORN

pureblood

HORACE --- SLUGHORN

SMETHWYCK

open blood status

SMITH

open blood status

SNAPE

halfblood

SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE

SPINNET

open blood status

SPROUT

open blood status

POMONA --- SPROUT

THICKNESSE

open blood status

THOMAS

open blood status

THRUSTON

open blood status

TIMMS

open blood status

TONKS

muggleborn

EDWARD --- TONKS

TOOTS

open blood status

TOTH

open blood status

TOWLER

open blood status

TRAVERS

pureblood

TRELAWNEY

open blood status

SYBILL --- TRELAWNEY

sybill is a seer and presented a prophecy that led to the deaths of harry potter and neville longbottom. she is currently captured by voldemort.

TREMLETT

muggleborn

TROY

open blood status

TWYCROSS

open blood status

UMBRIDGE

open blood status

DOLORES --- UMBRIDGE

URQUHART

open blood status

VAISEY

open blood status

VANE

open blood status

VANCE

open blood status

EMMELINE --- VANCE

VECTOR

open blood status

WAGTAIL

open blood status

WATANABE

open blood status

WARBECK

open blood status

CELESTINA --- WARBECK

WARRINGTON

open blood status

WEASLEY

pureblood

ARTHUR --- WEASLEY

BILIUS --- WEASLEY

WHITBY

open blood status

WILKES

open blood status

WINTRINGHAM

open blood status

WOOD

open blood status

YAXLEY

open blood status

YEN

open blood status

ZABINI

open blood status

ZELLER

open blood status

ZONKO

open blood status

[veritas-radio]

BROADCASTED 26 SEPTEMBER 1978. HOGSMEADE, SCOTLAND.

Good evening, listeners, this is your host Basil Aldertree here. Welcome to our program.

Many of you know that Tuesdays are reserved for roundtable discussions about current affairs. However, given recent events and broadcasts, we-- or rather, I-- have decided that it needs to change. So tonight, I’ll be taking to the airwaves by myself, to bring you my opinion on the current state of things, and the most recent developments taking place in the wizarding world right now. 

These past few weeks have been filled with miscarriages of justice, listeners. As a reporter, it is my job to try and remain objective and unbiased, but this is one of those times when I come to you not as a reporter, but as a member of the community that is lucky enough to be able to reach so many with my words. Many of you may have noticed that Rita Skeeter, who’s been a... let’s say personality here at the station for quite some time now, held her tongue for once when it came to discussing the current state of affairs. I’d like to take a moment to thank her for doing so, and for giving me this opportunity to address all of you tonight with a new and fresh take on what’s been going on, rather than repeating what we heard yesterday at you. Now, however, it’s time to get to the heart of it. 

Ratings keep going up for Minister Bagnold during her three and a half week term, which is a fact that does not cease to perplex and horrify me. Why are her ratings going up? So far, all she’s done is increase the number of dementors around London and Hogsmeade, and she’s praised for it. What sort of initiative does that show? What sort of impact does that make for the better? The answer is simple, listeners, and it does nothing. While I think dementors are an incredibly useful and effective resource in Azkaban, they don’t belong out here. There’s no one to keep them in line, or to keep them from attacking your everyday witch or wizard out on the street. All this does is make things more dangerous for all of us, which isn’t helping anyone. But somehow, listeners, this became a good thing. Dementors are not the solution. They’re part of a much larger problem, which is that our Ministry continues to take ineffective measures against real problems, and demand to be congratulated for it. This is not an action that should grant a pat on the back, it’s a problem. 

Let’s talk about what the Ministry is really doing, then. Realistically, to deal with the problems we’re facing. We have a curfew, we have more dementors, we have raids on suspected Death Eater safe houses which is, if we’re really stretching, an excuse to harass purebloods and purists under the guise of justice. The Ministry is being ineffectual, and it’s a problem. Not only are they not doing anything to take care of the problems we’re having, but they’re also contributing to it. This is not unification. This is floundering about and putting papers up over the windows so no one can see what’s happening on the inside. 

I can practically hear the frantic scratching of quills writing up complaint letters about this broadcast already, but I did not come on the air this evening to point out problems and offer no solutions. I’m not a politician, it’s true, and my background as a reporter doesn’t exactly give me a ton of credentials to be handing out advice of this scale. But I have a voice, and many of you, I imagine, are like me, looking for something to do and a purpose right now. So here are my suggestions and my thoughts on the matter and the situation-- 

Report dangerous or suspicious activity. There are DMLE employees regularly patrolling around Diagon Alley whose job is to handle things like this, so report it to them. And on that same thought, write to the Minister and the Ministry insisting that DMLE patrols-- and not dementors-- be placed in Hogsmeade as well. Students are there. Children are there. Why aren’t we trying to protect them at all?

Don’t travel places on your own. Day or night, no one should be wandering around by themselves. People are disappearing and getting hurt every single day, so why haven’t we learned by now that you shouldn’t be on your own?

Make yourself heard. I’m fortunate enough to be able to speak to all of you on the radio, but just because you can’t do that, doesn’t mean that you don’t have a voice. Protest, speak out, make your presence known through your words, which are far more powerful than actions can be. We’ve seen the damage that actions can be. We shouldn’t be passive, but take a moment and look around at what’s happening, listeners. We are reaching a generation that has known nothing but war their entire lives, known nothing but the violence and hatred and prejudice that we’ve been facing for years. Speak out against this, oppose it. And maybe we can drown out some of that hatred with a more powerful message. 

It’s never too late to make a change, listeners, and there’s never a voice that’s too quiet to make a difference. Until next time, this is Basil Aldertree, signing off. Goodnight, listeners. 

[veritas-radio]

do you think bagnold will make churchill resign?

No, I don’t think so. Frankly it’s not a decision for Rita to push anyone towards. If Bagnold makes Churchill resign, it should be for her own reasons and decisions, not Rita’s. 

[veritas-radio]

BROADCASTED 24 OCTOBER 1978. HOGSMEADE, SCOTLAND.

Hello, listeners. This is Basil Aldertree, here to bring you the weekly wizarding news. Welcome to our program. 

Yesterday’s dedication of the Diagon Alley War Memorial ended with the arrest of Evelyn Minchum for the attempted murder of Minister Millicent Bagnold. Minchum, 51, was wife of former Minister for Magic Harold Minchum, who was murdered September first this year. While it’s reported that she claimed responsibility for the murder of her husband, Minchum has officially been charged with the attempted murder of Minister Bagnold only. Witnesses say that Minchum drew her wand on Minister Bagnold, but was unable to launch an attack before Junior Auror Calissa Duke tackled her to the ground. Duke, 21, received minor injuries, and was one of the two Aurors to be injured in Minchum’s arrest. It was announced this morning that Duke is to be honored by an award of valor from the Minister herself. 

Bagnold’s ratings have, surprisingly, dropped since yesterday. In a poll taken this morning, three quarters of the community are glad that Bagnold is okay, but only half of them think she should remain in office. We interviewed Alyssa Monroe, one of the shopkeepers in Diagon Alley, about why, listen in--

“I’m glad she wasn’t hurt or anything, I mean she’s the Minister. And after what happened to Minister Minchum, no one wants to lose another Minister like that. But the jokes she made after they arrested Mrs. Minchum.... I know it was probably just nerves, but it made a lot of people really uncomfortable.”

Can’t say I disagree with that one. 

The Ministry released an official report on the events of yesterday early this morning. Coriolanus Hodge, Head of the DMLE, spoke personally on the matter. Hodge is, as many of us know, not a man of many words. His statement lasted less than three minutes, and included a brief and altogether vague Q&A session after. Listen in--

“Evelyn Minchum has been officially charged with attempted murder of Minister Millicent Bagnold. We are looking into her claims about the death of her husband. At this time, she has not been charged with Minister Minchum’s murder. Mrs. Minchum’s actions were unlike her, and we’re looking into the possibility that she was under the Imperius curse. At this time, however, we have no further information to give.”

      “Mr. Hodge, do you think Death Eaters are behind Evelyn Minchum’s actions?”

“We don’t know.”

                “Was Minister Minchum murdered?”

“That’s still under investigation.”

       “You said he died because of medical reasons-- were you lying to the public?”

“I can’t say.”

                               “Can you give us anymore information?”

“At this time, no. Thank you.”

Not exactly enlightening. We’ll keep you up to date on the developments of this case as they come. 

In the meantime, Diagon Alley has been closed on the north end once again, as the memorial is examined for any evidence of dark magic or suspicion. No time was given officially for how long it would be closed. Our reporters attempted to get an interview with the Auror department, but Head Auror Alastor Moody avoided answering any questions. It seems not even an attempt on the Minister’s life is enough to get him to break his strict “no interview” policy. 

Tonight’s radio round table discussion will have witnesses from last night’s attack telling stories of their experiences. Tune in at 8pm for more. Until then, I’m Basil Aldertree, wishing all of you a good day and good luck. Until next time, listeners. 

[veritas-radio]

rita, what are your thoughts on minister bagnold?

She’s better looking than Minchum, but not like, super pretty. She’s average. Like on a scale of Glenda to me, she’s a John Dawlish.

[veritas-radio]

is there someone that you think could do a better job as minister?

That’s not really for any of us to say. I admire Bagnold. I think she could be doing more, but I admire her. 

[veritas-dailyprophet]

QUIDDITCH SEMIFINALS SPARK VIOLENCE AS CHAMPIONSHIP NEARS

BY ELIZABETH GOODWIN, 8 July 1979. “Current Events” Politics section, pg. 1.

Controversy over the most recent National Quidditch Championship turned to violence on Thursday as several arrests were made over the most recent victory by the Holyhead Harpies over Pride of Portree. Twelve fans were arrested in the Leaky Cauldron for getting into a large brawl over Portree’s defeat, four of which are facing more severe charges than destruction of private property. 

Violence in sports is obviously nothing new, and violence when it comes to Quidditch has reached the point where it is somewhat expected. However, the latest in a string of these incidents has brought something we should all be asking ourselves to the forefront : why? Why do sports cause such violence to come out, and what is it about competitions that get people so worked up?

It is critical that we look at the current political environment before we try to discern why things are the way they are right now. The Ministry of Magic have been alarmingly silent of late, with the biggest announcement from our political epicenter being the Minister’s show of support for her home team, Pride of Portree. Much like this misplaced faith in her team, the Minister’s meaningless gestures have done very little so far to help the magical community. Former Minister Harold Minchum was not an effective leader, or even a good one, perhaps, but something was to be said about all he tried to accomplish during his time as Minister. Minister Bagnold, on the other hand, has done very little for the community other than try her best to distract us from everything going on, both in her office and outside of it. The Ministry’s silence leaves the community to try and base its view on the state of affairs on public opinion. 

Of course, there is no better platform for mob mentality to take effect than in sports. The Quidditch Championships is the perfect place for resentments and competitiveness to come out at its ugliest. The brawls in the Leaky Cauldron are innocent enough, typical sports-fueled aggression, but it becomes vastly more complicated under closer inspection. 

Admittedly yes, the initial victims of the brawl were all fans of the Holyhead Harpies there to celebrate their team’s victory. Portree supporters initiated the fight allegedly because of the outward support of their rivals. But the five initial fans attacked-- the action which started the brawl itself, and one where three of the initial five were arrested along with several others engaged in the fighting-- were not the only Harpies fans out celebrating. So why, then, were they the ones that were targeted before all others? 

Interviewing several friends and family members of the five confirm that the Harpies fans present at the beginning of the fight were, in fact, all muggleborns. Once again, the dichotomy of blood status rears its ugly head, but this time, it is hidden under the guise of violent but ultimately ‘harmless’ sports-driven aggression. It is all too easy to disguise a hate crime in an already harsh environment. So perhaps this is something we should look at during finals season, more than the  statistics and the scores that while important to many now, will hold little meaning in two weeks compared to the lasting effects the season will have on others not because of what team they support, but because of what team their blood statuses put them on. 

[veritas-radio]

minister bagnold please marry me love kevin from accounting xoxo

I don’t think she’s gonna’ do that, Kevin. 

[veritas-radio]

BROADCASTED 7 NOVEMBER 1978. HOGSMEADE, SCOTLAND.

Hello, listeners. This is Basil Aldertree, here to bring you the weekly wizarding news. Welcome to our program.

Today we have a special guest on our show. We’d like to welcome Minister for Magic Millicent Bagnold onto our program. Minister, thank you for being here with us. 

Glad to be here, Basil. 

Now Minister, you’re coming off a recent assassination attempt. Evelyn Minchum, your predecessor’s wife, attempted to kill you at the dedication of the Diagon Alley war memorial. How are you feeling? 

I think better than most people anticipated. 

That must’ve been a really scary moment for you.

Honestly, it was over before I’d really realized it had started. By the time it sank in what had happened, she was on the ground and the Aurors were taking her away. 

A lot of people have been very critical of your reaction to this attempt on your life, saying your jokes at the dedication were inappropriate. Do you have anything to say in response to that?

Wasn’t fan of the critiques, if I was honest. It’d be one thing to give me constructive feedback on my material, but slamming even trying to make jokes seems a bit harsh. Would it have been better if I’d cried? I was fine. And it was hardly an assassination attempt, Basil, let’s be honest. She barely pointed her wand at me before the Aurors took her down. 

So you don’t think it was an assassination attempt. 

I think it was an attempt at an assassination attempt. Evelyn Minchum is harmless. 

But she did make an attempt on your life. Or attempt to, at least, in your words. 

And it won’t be the last time someone does. Maybe my jokes weren’t all that funny, sure, and maybe they were in poor taste, but what am I supposed to have done? I was fine. If I’m not joking around, that’s how people will know I’m not fine. I think the fact that the headline on the Daily Prophet the next day was “Minister Mocks Former Minister’s Wife for Botched Assassination” says something about the priorities of people these days. If the DP need help coming up with headlines, I’ve got plenty of ideas. 

Do you disagree with Evelyn Minchum’s arrest, then? You don’t seem to think she’s all that guilty. 

I think I trust the Wizengamot to make that call. I know Evelyn, and I find it hard to believe she’d ever try to hurt me. Well, before I told the jokes. After, sure, but before, eh. That’s still up for debate. But it’s not my call to make. 

You seem to have a very laid back approach to being Minister, if I can say that. 

You seem capable of using words, Basil, yes. 

Do you think that’s something the community is looking for in a leader?

Well I’m still in office, aren’t I? I respected Minister Minchum’s work in the job, but I think maybe he took things too seriously. 

We’re in the middle of a war, I’m not sure how else he should’ve taken things. 

See, that’s the thing. Yeah, we’re in the middle of a war. We’ve got our heads so far up the-- am I allowed to swear on here?

We’d prefer it if you didn’t. 

Right, well then the butt of this whole thing, none of us can actually see what things were like before the war. Won’t say my age but I’m old enough to remember what things were like before we were “officially” at war. And you know? It wasn’t amazing, but it was a better time than this. We’ve been fighting the war and fighting the war and fighting the war, with the goal that one day, it’ll be over. It’s a bit of a dumb mindset to have, isn’t it?

I’m not sure I follow you. 

Alright, Basil, say you’re baking a cake. What’s the goal of baking the cake? Having it baked? It’s eating it. No one makes a cake without the intention of eating it. Baking is fighting, the cake is peace. What happens after the war is over is actually getting to eat the cake. If I can’t see beyond the oven and the cookbook, or if how stressful baking is for me is the only thing I can focus on, what’s the point? We gotta’ focus on eating the cake one day, Basil. And we’re not gonna’ do that or be able to do that if we can’t even picture what life after the war is gonna’ look like. We all know what cake tastes like, and I think a majority of us really enjoy cake. We’d like to eat it. But we’re still baking. I think Minister for Magic is a position that means to set an example for the rest of the community. And I think being war-centric isn’t doing anyone any favors. The war is important, but so is education. So is progress. So is art, and culture. They’re the frosting that makes the cake beautiful. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure we get to eat our cake. 

Do you think the installment of more dementors around wizarding centers is really helping us get closer to that point?

I knew you were gonna’ ask me about that, I heard your psycho rant. Listen, Basil, I’m not especially fond of dementors. But they are helpful. They would be even more helpful if the community would stick to the Ministry curfew we’ve got in place. We can’t force anyone to do anything, but we’ve put out various suggestions for a reason. The dementors are really the enforcers of things like curfew and things like that. If you stick to the rules too, then there shouldn’t be any problems. 

Alright, Minister, we’re just about out of time, so I’ll leave you with one more question-- is there anything you think the community can do to get us closer to.... eating our cake. 

Nice, nice. Well, I think people need to take a breath and do something fun.

Something fun?

Yeah. My dad and I used to go to the park every day and wander about, feed the birds. Boring, normal stuff. I still do that. It reminds me that there’s still normalcy in the world. No matter how bad things are or how difficult it is, those birds still show up every day. Find something normal and hang onto it. Do it. Embrace it. We gotta’ remember how to have fun, Basil, and if there’s anything I hope I can do in my term as Minister, I hope it’s to remind the community how to have fun again. 

Wise words I think we can all learn something from. Minister, thank you so much for coming on our program, it’s been a pleasure talking to you. 

It was cool being here. I never really realized how small this building is, your offices are so tiny. 

Thank you, Minister. Alright, that’s all we’ve got time for tonight. Tune in next for the musical magic of Glenda Chittock on Witching Hour, who’ll be talking to Celestina Warbeck--

Oh I love her!

Thank you, Minister. Tune in next for Witching Hour. Until next time, I’m Basil Aldertree--

And I’m Millicent Bagnold.

Thank you, Minister. Until next time, listeners.