Broom race between bitter rivals from Aberdeen to Rome ends in the destruction of the Colosseum

1754 – Many spectators gathered at the finish line to watch Torquil McTavish of Scotland and Silvio Astolfi Italy race from Aberdeen to the Colosseum in Rome. It is not known who won, but, by the time explosions damaging the Colosseum awoke the Muggles of Rome, Astolfi had been transfigured into a chicken and McTavish had been hit with a hex that turned his kneecaps backwards.

Orabella Nuttley of the British Ministry of Magic’s Improper Use of Magic Office was put in charge of logistics for travellers and their luggage for the event, and she repaired the Roman landmark with a spell of her own invention, the Mending Charm.