The Daily Prophet; June 23
Breaking News
Several muggle families were murdered on Midsummer’s Eve. The Ministry of Magic has confirmed that while the Dark Mark was not seen over any home, there was at least one child missing from each and most of them were killed through magical means. The missing children had seemingly reported having magical abilities. With no suspects, the Ministry of Magic implores its citizens to speak up with any information or knowledge of suspicious activity.
Social Event Commentary
As is usually the case during Litha, there were simply so many events that covering them all would be rather superfluous. Listed below are some highlights.
It is notable to mention that the Selwyns’ largest celebration in years was well attended and rather exclusive. When juxtaposed against the inclusive Crouch celebration, it was quite evident that wizarding society has doubled down on tradition and extravagance. The Daily Prophet has no complaint.
Arcturus Black’s yearly speech did not disappoint and many noted that most attendees at the Black Family Midsummer Brunch did all they could to avoid falling asleep in their soup. Perhaps it is time for the Blacks to allow the younger generation to take charge as it has clearly worked for the Selwyns.
The Burke Dinner Party also deserves a mention, as it was the first large event that has been held since Octavius Burke took over as head of the family. Whether it was truly planned by Octavius or if it was a Nott celebration in all but name remains to be confirmed.
The Avery party, while going long into the night, was rumored to descend into debauchery as the elder generation left, though that rumor was not confirmed by any known attendees.
Witch Weekly; June 24
Seen in Britain:
Roman Delacour: seen attending Henry Sayre’s morning after Midsummer brunch. Witnesses were heard to remark that he was not, technically, invited.
Coraline Parkinson: seen looking rather bereft at Hazel Fawley’s Midsummer party. With an engagement on the horizon, one would assume that Miss Parkinson would be happier on a daily basis.
Violet Wilkes: seen having tea with Fletcher Travers in a Diagon Alley cafe. Stepping out on Richard Selwyn already?
Octavius Burke: seen looking rather besotted by his fiancee. It is worth mentioning that Ava Nott was the perfect society hostess at the Burke Dinner Party.
Amycus Carrow & Rabastan Lestrange: overheard arguing as if they were scorned lovers before leaving a Litha party together.
Rhiannon Crouch: heavily involved in conversation with Roman Delacour at the Crouch Midsumer’s Eve Party. WW has to wonder if she was the only person he graced with a smile that evening.
Emerson Yaxley: seen kissing Henry Sayre. Witnesses report Miss Yaxley ran away immediately after. Is Mr. Sayre that bad at snogging?
Bellatrix Lestrange: noted as perhaps the only one who appeared to take in the erstwhile speech of Arcturus Black during the Black Family brunch.
Richard Selwyn: overheard to have lamented the loss of a great deal of money in poker to Amycus Carrow.
Rodolphus Lestrange: seen in the company of Maida Flint looking decidedly more than a little friendly. What would his wife say?
Ariadne Greengrass: seen talking animatedly with Hazel Fawley at the latter’s party to the point that one has to wonder about her state of intoxication.
Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black: seemed strained during the Black Family Midsummer brunch, missing the loving glances we are used to seeing.
Tristan Nott: seen giving lustful glances to both Bellatrix Lestrange and Ariadne Greengrass. Does he think he can have them both? Or, to be more specific, could he handle them both?
Rosalind Selwyn: seen dancing with Charles Avery at the latter’s party before walking off in a huff. Witnesses noted that words unfit for print were mentioned.
Isla Rosier: overheard to be arguing with her brother, Evan Rosier, at the Black Family’s Midsummer Brunch. About what, however, is anyone’s guess.
Rita Skeeter’s Blind Items
This man was noted giving his sister-in-law adoring gazes during multiple Litha events to the point that it made even this reported uncomfortable.
Overheard arguing, this couple may not be headed toward marriage after all. One is unsure of what to expect given that he was already known to have a wandering eye.