Headmistress
Choose this theme Hogwarts suffered a huge blow with the loss of Headmistress Moxley and had to contend with Sahnoun for a year but then the school's luck turned right around with the hiring of the most wonderful person to ever walk the face of the earth at any given time throughout history ever. Regina Hawthorne graced use with her presence and suddenly the corridors and passageways weren't so dark anymore. There were birds singing and the sun shun for much longer in the year than it ever has before no matter what anyone else may have to say about it. Hogwarts wasn't the same after she came--it still isn't very great--but it's a little more tolerable now....at least when she's walking through the corridor. I can't be sure about any other time.
There isn't much known about her, this being her first term in power and all but I'd highly recommend a spot of trouble just so you can get called to her office. Of course it'll be completely worth it and if she gets quite angry you can always sit and admire her features before you get thrown in detention or have some points deducted seconds prior to being kicked out. It's really neat in there; she's neat. Always well put together, never a hair out of place and absolutely gorgeous. A work of art, the kind even my quick quotes quill wouldn't do much justice. Headmistress Hawthorne is definitely one to be watched and admired and here's to hoping the threat of a monster doesn't scare her off because I for one would be thrilled to see her returning in September even if I'm not too thrilled to be back at the castle itself.to customize and add content to this page. |
groundskeeper
If you've walked the grounds recently and found it safer and more relaxing than the monster riddled castle, you've got none other than Groundskeeper McLeod to thank for that. It's not an easy task when you consider everything that lives just inside the forest we're technically not allowed in, after all, have you ever tried explaining to a group of acromantula crashers that they can't feed on the first years? It's a tough job but someone's got to do it. As it turns out, here's the man responsible:
1. Awfully lonely out there on the grounds, wouldn’t you say Mr. McLeod?
Nah, you're only as lonely as you feel. There's always someone roaming about the grounds.
2. I heard sometimes if you stay out long enough, all sorts of creepy critters and strange noises will come at it. Might know a few Gryffindors interested in finding out. What would you say on this matter?
Your ears do not lie.
3. Are you the sort that prefers visitors or the solitude of the grounds?
Visitors are nice and always welcome. I make more than enough sweets and tea to share.
1. Awfully lonely out there on the grounds, wouldn’t you say Mr. McLeod?
Nah, you're only as lonely as you feel. There's always someone roaming about the grounds.
2. I heard sometimes if you stay out long enough, all sorts of creepy critters and strange noises will come at it. Might know a few Gryffindors interested in finding out. What would you say on this matter?
Your ears do not lie.
3. Are you the sort that prefers visitors or the solitude of the grounds?
Visitors are nice and always welcome. I make more than enough sweets and tea to share.
4. Were you kinda bummed out when you heard about the adventure in the castle that you were missing out on because of how far removed your hut is?
Not really, someone has to keep a watch on the entire grounds so there wasn't even more danger on us.
5. Did you believe the supposed rumours floating around about another world and a monster?
Well.. this is Hogwarts. After enough strange things happening you're sort of forced to believe in that.
6. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen while going through the grounds?
Naughty kids attempting to sneak into the forest. It's out of bounds for a good reason!
7. Have you gone and made friends with the centaurs and forest dwellers? I almost think it’s a job requirement.
Hahaha, I don't expect them to pop by my Hut for some tea and biscuits, but we have an understanding that keeps things peaceful.
8. What’s likely to happen to say…hypothetically…a pair of Gryffindor boys who…hypothetically enter the forest for kicks?
Hypothetically you say, lad? Then those boys won't be making it back out by themselves.
9. What was your reaction when the monster finally made itself known?
Here we go again..
10. Any epic summer plans?
I'll be traveling with some of the family to Disneyland Paris before settling back home for the remainder as I prepare for my new venture.
Not really, someone has to keep a watch on the entire grounds so there wasn't even more danger on us.
5. Did you believe the supposed rumours floating around about another world and a monster?
Well.. this is Hogwarts. After enough strange things happening you're sort of forced to believe in that.
6. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen while going through the grounds?
Naughty kids attempting to sneak into the forest. It's out of bounds for a good reason!
7. Have you gone and made friends with the centaurs and forest dwellers? I almost think it’s a job requirement.
Hahaha, I don't expect them to pop by my Hut for some tea and biscuits, but we have an understanding that keeps things peaceful.
8. What’s likely to happen to say…hypothetically…a pair of Gryffindor boys who…hypothetically enter the forest for kicks?
Hypothetically you say, lad? Then those boys won't be making it back out by themselves.
9. What was your reaction when the monster finally made itself known?
Here we go again..
10. Any epic summer plans?
I'll be traveling with some of the family to Disneyland Paris before settling back home for the remainder as I prepare for my new venture.
healer
The Hospital Wing was THE place to be this term, apparently. Which, let’s be honest, is hardly surprising considering there were students disappearing for days at a time (and no, not to sneak out for secret rendezvous with their crushes) and a monster on the loose. Newly appointed Healer River Scott Reed’s place of work had gradually turned into a safe haven for both students who had simply caught a cold as well as for those who had been surprised by the monster’s escape from the portal and hadn’t made it back to their Common Rooms in time. Before events escalated around the castle, however, Healer Reed managed to keep people’s spirits up by not only providing excellent care – as well as protection and comfort – for those in need but also by keeping the students – and fellow staff members – on their toes with fun and educational…...challenges.
One winter day after lunch (hopefully this challenge wouldn’t include any physical activity) Healer Reed had prepared a little something for the students to keep them warm (and healthy!) during the cold winter months. With his two loyal assistants – no, not Professor Stewart and Professor Newton – Newfoundland dogs Roscoe and Bumi by his side, the Healer first went over some spell-casting and dueling basics with the students. Apparently they were going to take both Olivia Phillips’ ("high stamina") and Daisy Carden’s ("run fast") answers especially to heart today, seeing as they were asked to run around an obstacle course on the Hogwarts Grounds. And all of that RIGHT after lunch! Onto the obstacle course, however. For those of you who had hoped that Yeti Challenge was just a fancy and creative way of calling today’s activity…..you were wrong. Not only were there a total of FOUR obstacles to overcome but there were ACTUAL YETIS chasing the participants. Or at least they looked like real Yetis. Scary, all the same. Fortunately, everyone made it through in one piece, even though SOME (looking at you there, Professor Kaysha Stewart, among others) received a mouthful of snow in the process. Those who had made it down the hill on a Christmas tree (yes, seriously) and to the final stage were invited to enjoy hot beverages before receiving their very own YETI MEDAL (Huzzah!).
The second seminar of the term dealt with Murtlaps and their "wriggly bits" (©Abey Botros), more commonly referred to as tentacles. While Murtlaps look somewhat like a rat wearing a sea anemone as a top-hat and their bite causes a Muggle’s behind to produce flames (that one must be hard to explain), the essence made from their tentacles is in fact quite useful in curing minor wounds. To harvest a Murtlap’s tentacle it is essential to distract them first by their biggest weakness (one a lot of people probably understand all too well): food. Once sufficiently distracted, it is then fairly easy to cut off their tentacles with a pair of scissors. And no need to worry, if removed correctly, the tentacles WILL grow back. Particularly this Healer challenge would soon prove to play a vital part in keeping minor injuries at bay by providing enough Murtlap Essence to help those wounded during the escape of the monster. It almost seems like Healer Reed had predicted that he would need a larger supply of Murtlap Essence...
One winter day after lunch (hopefully this challenge wouldn’t include any physical activity) Healer Reed had prepared a little something for the students to keep them warm (and healthy!) during the cold winter months. With his two loyal assistants – no, not Professor Stewart and Professor Newton – Newfoundland dogs Roscoe and Bumi by his side, the Healer first went over some spell-casting and dueling basics with the students. Apparently they were going to take both Olivia Phillips’ ("high stamina") and Daisy Carden’s ("run fast") answers especially to heart today, seeing as they were asked to run around an obstacle course on the Hogwarts Grounds. And all of that RIGHT after lunch! Onto the obstacle course, however. For those of you who had hoped that Yeti Challenge was just a fancy and creative way of calling today’s activity…..you were wrong. Not only were there a total of FOUR obstacles to overcome but there were ACTUAL YETIS chasing the participants. Or at least they looked like real Yetis. Scary, all the same. Fortunately, everyone made it through in one piece, even though SOME (looking at you there, Professor Kaysha Stewart, among others) received a mouthful of snow in the process. Those who had made it down the hill on a Christmas tree (yes, seriously) and to the final stage were invited to enjoy hot beverages before receiving their very own YETI MEDAL (Huzzah!).
The second seminar of the term dealt with Murtlaps and their "wriggly bits" (©Abey Botros), more commonly referred to as tentacles. While Murtlaps look somewhat like a rat wearing a sea anemone as a top-hat and their bite causes a Muggle’s behind to produce flames (that one must be hard to explain), the essence made from their tentacles is in fact quite useful in curing minor wounds. To harvest a Murtlap’s tentacle it is essential to distract them first by their biggest weakness (one a lot of people probably understand all too well): food. Once sufficiently distracted, it is then fairly easy to cut off their tentacles with a pair of scissors. And no need to worry, if removed correctly, the tentacles WILL grow back. Particularly this Healer challenge would soon prove to play a vital part in keeping minor injuries at bay by providing enough Murtlap Essence to help those wounded during the escape of the monster. It almost seems like Healer Reed had predicted that he would need a larger supply of Murtlap Essence...
librarian
Is there ever a quiet term at Hogwarts? Hogwarts Librarian Cynthia Davis can attest to this statement being undeniably false when it came to her library this term. From poltergeists on the loose to students sticking their noses where they don't belong (the latter being a matter of perspective according to some), her Ravenclaw quick whit and wisdom were an asset this term. We were lucky enough to catch this busy spitfire woman to ask her a few questions about this eventful term and what was in store next for her as she takes her leave of Hogwarts.
1. What lessons did you learn last term that were beneficial to you this term?
Where there’s children and nice things, there’s always, inevitably, someone who wants to ruin it for the rest of them.
2. We noticed the charms around the fireplace to prevent any books from being burned. Is there a story behind this?
There is. I’ll avoid going into details, however, as to not give any of the students clever ideas to torture any future librarians. Let’s just say, when you’re responsible for things so easily destroyed, you should have all your bases covered.
3. If you had to spend time locked in the library with either Peeves, Miffy, or Storm...which of the poltergiests would you have picked?
Peeves. He’s our oldest poltergeists and the most annoying, in my opinion.
4. What part did you play in the research effort this term in unlocking the secrets of the mysterious portal?
There were some research efforts that took place in the library. Mostly I had to keep people from accessing irrelevant things and taking advantage of the horrible situation. What would have made more sense is to have student that were affected interviewed by the ministry. Instead there were students and professors with low level knowledge and no expertise looking for answers to questions they didn’t know.
5. What IS it with kids and the Restricted Section?
This is an issue. Students should not be allowed into the restricted section unless they have been deemed responsible enough by the appropriate professor. Then, and only then, should they have access to the book they were given permission to view. The Restricted Section is a dangerous place. There’s not only high level books in there, but things that are on the darker side of magic. These things are not meant for irresponsible students. The purpose of the Restricted Section is to allow additional research and Professor lead guidance to students that are above their level or have a particular interest in a subject.
6. We all know librarians love their literature, but what sort of guilty pleasure reading do you indulge in? Witch Weekly? Romance novels? Just looking for some alternative reading suggestions.
I’m a fan of historical fiction. Particularly, Victorian times. And yes, a little romance in them never hurt anyone.
7. You took a hefty point deduction this term. 50! Legendary really. How was that?!
Unfortunate. That’s not something any staff member prides themselves on. However, given the entitlement certain students felt last year, it was a much needed reminder. You are children. You may not do whatever you want. You must uphold the rules, especially if there were professors that deemed you worthy of a badge.
8. What was your favorite thing about this term?
With new staff members come new areas that my fellow staffers make their own. I personally enjoy seeing their new touches every year. It’s a good way to get to know someone – seeing what they like and what makes them feel at home.
9. What was your least favorite thing?
This one should be fairly obvious.
10. We heard you are leaving. What prompted this? Was it the Monster?
There comes a time where you feel like you have to move on from a job. For me, it was just my time. Being a librarian is a passion of mine. Libraries are amazing and a source of infinite potential. One day I hope to find a place that believes that as much as I do.
1. What lessons did you learn last term that were beneficial to you this term?
Where there’s children and nice things, there’s always, inevitably, someone who wants to ruin it for the rest of them.
2. We noticed the charms around the fireplace to prevent any books from being burned. Is there a story behind this?
There is. I’ll avoid going into details, however, as to not give any of the students clever ideas to torture any future librarians. Let’s just say, when you’re responsible for things so easily destroyed, you should have all your bases covered.
3. If you had to spend time locked in the library with either Peeves, Miffy, or Storm...which of the poltergiests would you have picked?
Peeves. He’s our oldest poltergeists and the most annoying, in my opinion.
4. What part did you play in the research effort this term in unlocking the secrets of the mysterious portal?
There were some research efforts that took place in the library. Mostly I had to keep people from accessing irrelevant things and taking advantage of the horrible situation. What would have made more sense is to have student that were affected interviewed by the ministry. Instead there were students and professors with low level knowledge and no expertise looking for answers to questions they didn’t know.
5. What IS it with kids and the Restricted Section?
This is an issue. Students should not be allowed into the restricted section unless they have been deemed responsible enough by the appropriate professor. Then, and only then, should they have access to the book they were given permission to view. The Restricted Section is a dangerous place. There’s not only high level books in there, but things that are on the darker side of magic. These things are not meant for irresponsible students. The purpose of the Restricted Section is to allow additional research and Professor lead guidance to students that are above their level or have a particular interest in a subject.
6. We all know librarians love their literature, but what sort of guilty pleasure reading do you indulge in? Witch Weekly? Romance novels? Just looking for some alternative reading suggestions.
I’m a fan of historical fiction. Particularly, Victorian times. And yes, a little romance in them never hurt anyone.
7. You took a hefty point deduction this term. 50! Legendary really. How was that?!
Unfortunate. That’s not something any staff member prides themselves on. However, given the entitlement certain students felt last year, it was a much needed reminder. You are children. You may not do whatever you want. You must uphold the rules, especially if there were professors that deemed you worthy of a badge.
8. What was your favorite thing about this term?
With new staff members come new areas that my fellow staffers make their own. I personally enjoy seeing their new touches every year. It’s a good way to get to know someone – seeing what they like and what makes them feel at home.
9. What was your least favorite thing?
This one should be fairly obvious.
10. We heard you are leaving. What prompted this? Was it the Monster?
There comes a time where you feel like you have to move on from a job. For me, it was just my time. Being a librarian is a passion of mine. Libraries are amazing and a source of infinite potential. One day I hope to find a place that believes that as much as I do.