( ISSUE FIFTY-SEVEN: NEW MINISTER FOR MAGIC )

[ELIZA MARIE CUNNINGHAM]

OCT 14, 2007

7 KNUTS

NEW MINISTER FOR MAGIC

It all very sudden. Emily Burke, Minister for Magic since the assassination of Stuart Thawley, stepped down at the beginning of October. Her two year reign was much better than her predecessor, but after nearly two years, she decided that she was done with politics.

Her announcement included details of retiring with her girlfriend and daughter into the country. She said she will always fight for marriage rights (and probably isn't enjoying the fact that new restrictions were recently passed) as well as human rights overall.

The election only lasted a couple of weeks. Campaigns were quick and the voting was swifter.

At the end of it all, newcomer Theodore Whitlock III became victorious. He comes from a long line of politicians. His father even ran for Minister against Emily Burke in 2006. He did not campaign this year, though, allowing his son to shine.

Whitlock III did not qualify for the last election, as he was younger than the minimum age of 35. However, recently turned 35, he took this opportunity to run for the position he long dreamed of.

Joining the Ministry straight out of Hogwarts in 1990, Whitlock III joined the Werewolf Capture Unit. Two years later, he settled down and married his wife, Penelope, and later had two children. Throughout the years at the Ministry, he joined many different sections within the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, making him a clear candidate for the position of Department Head, which he achieved in 2004. Earlier this year, he also joined the Wizengamot.

After being appointed Minister for Magic, his wife and two children attended the ceremony. His son, Theodore Whitlock IV was allowed to leave Hogwarts for the day for the ceremony. We are assured he returned to his studies straight after. His sister is due to start Hogwarts in a year and we are all eager to see which House she will be sorted into.

More than that, we look forward to what changes and legacy Theodore Whitlock III will obtain during his term as Minister for Magic.

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OCT 14, 2007

PG 2

POTTER HUNT CONTINUES

After Harry Potter's escape from the Azkaban prison in late spring, the Ministry doubled up their Dementors on the wizarding prison. With sheer force caused by a band of rebels to rescue their fugitive prince, the Ministry is confident that with more Dementors, the prisoners will be even more protected from the rest of society.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is still on the search for Potter. There have been a few sightings reported, but none led to his capture. The Ministry recommends that everyone continue to report their sightings, but please be sure that it was in fact him and not just your dog.

MARRIAGE LAWS

After many administrative changes, especially within the Wizengamot, a law was put forth and passed that bans any first, second or third cousins from getting married. This was brought on from an increased amount of marriages between cousins over the past century especially between purebloods. The wizarding population is stronger than ever and the Ministry wants to assure everyone that there is a large pool of people to marry who aren't so close on the family tree.

For those who are confused about what constitutes as a first, second or third cousin, the Daily Prophet is here to give you a brief guide. If there is someone you want to marry and you know you are related to them distantly, take a think: What is your closest same relative? If they are your grandparents, you are first cousins. If they are your great-grandparents, you are second cousins. If they are your great-great-grandparents, they are your first cousins. In all of these cases, you may no longer marry. The Ministry has also assured us that 'removals' (ex. second cousin twice removed) counts as banned as well.

With the increase in international relations over the years, the Ministry is also confident that everyone will find worthy candidates who aren't related.

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