04 November 2011

In the early morning of the 2nd of November, the remains of seven dead Runespoor serpents were found on the shores of the Thames in East London.

According to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, the serpents had been dead at most a fortnight, although the conditions in the river make it difficult to determine exactly how long ago.

"Regardless of how the public might feel about Runespoors," commented Balfour Spectre, head of Beasts Division, "we must bear in mind that the mistreatment of creatures is strictly illegal and inhumane."

The appearance of these Runespoor carcasses is a reminder that the illegal trade in Runespoors and Runespoor parts is still active in the black market. An interdepartmental effort ending in 2008 nearly put an end to most trade and resulted in multiple convictions. But by 2010, Runespoors began to again make an appearance in underground circles.

At time of publication, the origins of the Thames Runespoors are unknown.