The Daily Prophet
Pottermania Grips Muggles; Anti-Muggle Security Increases
By Gertie Codswallop
Every witch and wizard in our world knows the story of the boy who defeated You-Know-Who.
The word has spread.
Concealing the existence of the wizarding world from Muggles has always been a source of concern, but an ongoing breach of security has Muggles all over the world on the alert. Five years ago, a Muggle author published the first of what promises to be a seven-book-long series about a young wizard named "Harry Potter" and his exploits at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Three additional books and a "movie"--a sort of Muggle version of a wizard photograph--soon followed. Muggles young and old have latched on to these books in a frenzy termed "Pottermania" by Muggle journalists.
After years of scoffing at the possibility of "real magic," Muggles are now searching high and low for any sign of magic. They seem to identify quite keenly with the story of Harry Potter--which has, naturally, been grossly distorted by the Muggle author. However, the writer does appear to have many of her facts about the wizarding world straight, including the names of Hogwarts staff members and its headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Most or all of the names connected with people in the Muggle world--such as "Harry" himself--have been changed, presumably so the Muggles couldn't identify them.
Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was particularly upset by the stir the books are creating. "Isn't it bad enough we've got these outrageous rumours about You-Know-Who floating about without herds of Muggles coming looking for us? Suppose they actually believed these ridiculous stories about You-Know-Who coming back! Whole countries could be thrown into panic! And of course we can't stop the books coming out now that millions of Muggles all over the world have read them, or they'll really start to get suspicious."
Ministry officials have been unable to determine exactly how the Muggle writer learned of the wizarding world or how she continues to receive information about current affairs. Draco Malfoy, a student at Hogwarts with the increasingly famous young wizard, points the finger at The Boy Who Lived himself. "He's always trying to get attention. Who knows what he tells those Muggle relations of his every summer? He probably blabs wizarding secrets to all his Muggle friends back home." However, no evidence has been found to support these accusations. Witches and wizards are reminded to use extreme caution when discussing magical issues around Muggle friends, relatives, and neighbours.
"We're being driven absolutely batty," a weary Ministry wizard told this Daily Prophet reporter. "There are Muggles everywhere!"
The Ministry has issued a call for witches and wizards with any skill at Memory or Confundus Charms. Interested parties should contact Fortescue Fuddle at the Office of Anti-Muggle Security.
Pottermania Grips Muggles; Anti-Muggle Security Increases
By Gertie Codswallop
Every witch and wizard in our world knows the story of the boy who defeated You-Know-Who.
The word has spread.
Concealing the existence of the wizarding world from Muggles has always been a source of concern, but an ongoing breach of security has Muggles all over the world on the alert. Five years ago, a Muggle author published the first of what promises to be a seven-book-long series about a young wizard named "Harry Potter" and his exploits at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Three additional books and a "movie"--a sort of Muggle version of a wizard photograph--soon followed. Muggles young and old have latched on to these books in a frenzy termed "Pottermania" by Muggle journalists.
After years of scoffing at the possibility of "real magic," Muggles are now searching high and low for any sign of magic. They seem to identify quite keenly with the story of Harry Potter--which has, naturally, been grossly distorted by the Muggle author. However, the writer does appear to have many of her facts about the wizarding world straight, including the names of Hogwarts staff members and its headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Most or all of the names connected with people in the Muggle world--such as "Harry" himself--have been changed, presumably so the Muggles couldn't identify them.
Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was particularly upset by the stir the books are creating. "Isn't it bad enough we've got these outrageous rumours about You-Know-Who floating about without herds of Muggles coming looking for us? Suppose they actually believed these ridiculous stories about You-Know-Who coming back! Whole countries could be thrown into panic! And of course we can't stop the books coming out now that millions of Muggles all over the world have read them, or they'll really start to get suspicious."
Ministry officials have been unable to determine exactly how the Muggle writer learned of the wizarding world or how she continues to receive information about current affairs. Draco Malfoy, a student at Hogwarts with the increasingly famous young wizard, points the finger at The Boy Who Lived himself. "He's always trying to get attention. Who knows what he tells those Muggle relations of his every summer? He probably blabs wizarding secrets to all his Muggle friends back home." However, no evidence has been found to support these accusations. Witches and wizards are reminded to use extreme caution when discussing magical issues around Muggle friends, relatives, and neighbours.
"We're being driven absolutely batty," a weary Ministry wizard told this Daily Prophet reporter. "There are Muggles everywhere!"
The Ministry has issued a call for witches and wizards with any skill at Memory or Confundus Charms. Interested parties should contact Fortescue Fuddle at the Office of Anti-Muggle Security.