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After numerous questions from parents about the safety of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Board of Governors, with support from the Ministry of Magic, waited until the twelfth hour to take action for the new school term. Former Headmistress Regina Hawthorne was dismissed by a letter from Alanna Marsh on behalf of the Governors at the Start-of-Term Feast yesterday evening, barely moments before she was due to giving her opening remarks for the new academic term. The letter was hand delivered by her appointed successor, Julian Scrimageour, who arrived with a new Divination professor Calvin Fletcher in tow.

Scrimgeour certainly has the credentials to improve security and protect the next generation of witches and wizards at Hogwarts; a decorated ex-Auror, he's best known for the capture of the Dark wizard duo Isaiah and Jeremiah Furey, which resulted in the loss of his wand arm and a prompt retirement.

In his speech to students, he chose to emphasise progressive changes that will be taking place, highlighting a current lack of safety protocol and discipline. “Hogwarts will soon be world class once more,” Scrimgeour told the Prophet by return owl. “Structure will be the key to the future success of the school, and new initiatives will soon come into fruition for the betterment of the students.”

Hawthorne, meanwhile, was stoic despite her newfound unemployed status after a five year tenure at Hogwarts. “The school will continue to persevere come what may, and I will do the same,” she responded, having nothing more she wished to say on the matter.

There were a large number of other staffing changes this year. Gaston Marchand (Charms) was promoted to Deputy Head, after the retirement of Paul Myers at the end of last year. Alongside Myers, Roderick Hirsch and Laurel Vance also left over the summer, leading to Ignatius Noble (Potions), Kaysha Stewart (Muggle Studies) and Kalen Kennedy (Astronomy) stepping into the role of Head of House for Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively. Ancient Runes will be taught be former curse-breaker Katrina Sabra, Arithmancy by Foster Davis, Herbology by Joshua Wishart and History of Magic by Alice O'Hara.