18 August 2011

LONDON - Knockturn Alley's oldest apothecary, Sellaphix Apothecary, has temporarily shut its doors following an apparent break in the early hours of August 17.  The break-in was reported to the Ministry of Magic by owner Zelda Sellaphix on August 17. Auror reports indicate there were no signs of forced entry, and that an estimated 500 to 1000 galleons of damage had been done inside.

Sellaphix Apothecary was the subject of Auror inquiry in 2008 in connection with a Runespoor Venom explosion that injured three and damaged the Black Chimaera Inn. Rafe Sellaphix, husband of Zelda Sellaphix and co-owner of the apothecary, was convicted on smuggling charges and is serving a sentence in Azkaban Prison.

Department of Magical Law Enforcement spokeswitch said, "We take all reports of this nature seriously, and investigate to the best of our ability regardless of who the alleged victims are. I don't know why you'd indicate otherwise."

Madam Sellaphix declined to comment for this report, and it is not known when the apothecary will re-open.