5th March 2011


Poised to intercept an illegal shipment of Manticore eggs earlier this week, the DRMC's Beast Division found themselves confronted instead by a fully grown Manticore on the docks of Glasgow. No eggs were discovered.

Balfour Spectre, in an attempt to talk down the creature whilst the docks were evacuated, was temporarily blinded by venom from the Manticore’s stinger. No other serious casualties were suffered. However, the docks will not be used as a trading port for the remainder of the month.

Protest is expected from Scandinavian merchants who still use archaic methods of transport to ship oceanic goods - including Sea Serpent and Kelpie parts oft used in potions and wand making respectively.

The Division Head was treated by mediwitches on location before being rushed to St.Mungo’s. It has been noted that although Manticores are apparently capable of human speech, they are less inclined to human reasoning.

Spectre has since been recommended to the Medieval Assembly of European Wizards for a Bravery Against Fantastic Beasts Award [1]. He will be accepting this honour in an official ceremony conducted by the assembly next weekend.

When approached for a statement, the department issued a response announcing that neither Spectre nor the Ministry “advise engaging Manticores in conversation as part of future protocol in creature handling”.

The Manticore in question has  not been reached for comment.

1.	Ref. - Canon, also received by Gilderoy Lockhart and Martino Frolic