9 March 2010

LAST NIGHT in the town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed in Northumberland, two brothers were the victims of an attack by a Dementor.  Garreth Prewett (35) and Gawain Prewett (35) were walking home from a muggle cinema when they were beset upon by a lone Dementor. 

"It was horrible.  I... I... just...horrible.  We learned about them in school but they're more terrifying than ... I'm sorry."  There was little Gareth Prewett could say.  He is currently under care at St. Mungo's Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.  However his brother may never be the same.

"Mr Gawain Prewett was the subject of a full-on Dementor's attack.  He'll be plagued by what we call Dementor Dementia for the rest of his life, sadly.  The encounter was just too severe," said Healer Wallis Watson-Wilson.  "Pity."

Both Prewetts were considered skilled Unspeakables and reports show that at least one Patronus Charm was cast.  The Patronus Charm is bar none the most effective defense against Dementors but not always 100% effective.

"It can be difficult to cast the spell properly under the influence of a ravenous Dementor," said a fellow Unspeakable.  "It's hard to believe the Prewetts wouldn't have had the snuff.  I just can't believe this."

Dementors have been largely unknown in Great Britain and Ireland since 1996 when they were banished from Azkaban.  It is believed that without the constant source of misery to feed on, their numbers dwindled.  This is the second recorded Dementor attack in more than 10 years.

The Department for the Regulation & Control of Magical Creatures has issued a statement saying they have dispatched experts to the area and hope to find and capture the being as soon as possible.  Anyone who sees a Dementor should find safety immediately and alert the Ministry of Magic as soon as possible.

"Chin up, you know!" advised one agent.  "That's the best defense!"