Here comes another spotlightThe first for year 2026
As per tradition, every month we staff will look for biographies, developments, anything used to truly develop your character to use as inspiration to new and old members alike.
And this month we would like to spotlight ~Professor Yvonne Dubois, RPed by none other than Kadi! Yvonne was just named Slytherin Head of House for this IC year, so it only felt fair to celebrate her a bit more than dealing with the Slytherins for the rest of her tenure
You can check out these links for her biography and aesthetic.
And we asked her some questions.
What was your initial thought when you were contacted about being spotlighted?
I was surprised! I thought it was another PM about stuff I needed to do or I had somehow missed something haha
What was the inspiration for your character?
Oh where to start, I also struggle to remember that far back since it's been a minute. I think when the Divination professor spot opened up the idea for her came almost instantly.
A big part of her inspiration was wanting represent my own family ties to Louisiana. New Orleans specifically has some rich lore when it comes to witchcraft, like you can't walk around the French Quarter without finding some kind of voodoo/witch shop. So it begs the question, well in a world with real magic what kind of magical families would live there and thrive there etc.
What is your favourite RP that your character has taken part in?
Probably this thread in The Stands, that lead into this thread. It was a Ilvermorny vs. Hufflepuff final game, where Ilvermorny was just getting torn to shreds and Yvonne, Angel (Kris), and Lydia Drage (Amanda), who were all Ilvermonry grads and were just watching in horror.
I don't know if I have an exact thread to point to but I've also really loved the relationship she developed with Elvera over the years, and honestly any time she gets to be nosy is very fun for me.
What is your favourite aspect of your character?
Her whole vibe is just super fun and I love getting to write her outside of class. She can be a bit cheeky and loves to gossip, and has this effortless confidence that she's always kind of performing.
Your least favourite aspect?
I don't know if I'd really say it's my least favorite aspect, but her biggest flaw is that she can be very avoidant when it comes to serious things. She hasn't really had to face any head on conflict and she would love to keep it that way.
If you could meet your character in real life would you want to? Why or why not?
Oh my god, that is a hard one. On one hand I would be very intimidated by her and I think she'd read me like a book haha. But on the other hand I do think she'd be a great time to get a drink and gossip with.
What do you feel your strength in developing characters is?Your weakness?
I would love for someone to tell me haha. But I think I usually always try to make sure characters have some kind of flaw, like being insecure, or stubborn, or just something that they probably need to work through or is ready to cause conflict. I feel like every character needs a hook like that to get the most satisfying growth. Do I succeed? Up for debate.
As for weakness? There's probably plenty. I do worry I sometimes get stuck with characters not always changing or growing. Or if I have a character with one main interest I can struggle for them to engage with much else. Which can lead to them stagnating a bit.
What would you recommend to those looking to further develop their characters?
I feel like I could use this advice right now haha. But I guess, sometimes it's good to let some things happen "off screen" if you need to mix things up a bit and give characters something new to dwell on or react to. I think with so much of HNZ being back and forth its hard to remember you can also control the narrative if you want. (For your own characters of course lol)
What are you most looking forward to on HNZ in the next several months?
Hmm, well the semester has just begun which is always an exciting time and I'm really just looking forward to getting back to writing and plotting, and getting my kids into trouble haha.
What is your favourite part of HNZ?
I feel like everyone says it but the community for sure. It's such a special thing to write with people and to build something together.
I was surprised! I thought it was another PM about stuff I needed to do or I had somehow missed something haha
What was the inspiration for your character?
Oh where to start, I also struggle to remember that far back since it's been a minute. I think when the Divination professor spot opened up the idea for her came almost instantly.
A big part of her inspiration was wanting represent my own family ties to Louisiana. New Orleans specifically has some rich lore when it comes to witchcraft, like you can't walk around the French Quarter without finding some kind of voodoo/witch shop. So it begs the question, well in a world with real magic what kind of magical families would live there and thrive there etc.
What is your favourite RP that your character has taken part in?
Probably this thread in The Stands, that lead into this thread. It was a Ilvermorny vs. Hufflepuff final game, where Ilvermorny was just getting torn to shreds and Yvonne, Angel (Kris), and Lydia Drage (Amanda), who were all Ilvermonry grads and were just watching in horror.
I don't know if I have an exact thread to point to but I've also really loved the relationship she developed with Elvera over the years, and honestly any time she gets to be nosy is very fun for me.
What is your favourite aspect of your character?
Her whole vibe is just super fun and I love getting to write her outside of class. She can be a bit cheeky and loves to gossip, and has this effortless confidence that she's always kind of performing.
Your least favourite aspect?
I don't know if I'd really say it's my least favorite aspect, but her biggest flaw is that she can be very avoidant when it comes to serious things. She hasn't really had to face any head on conflict and she would love to keep it that way.
If you could meet your character in real life would you want to? Why or why not?
Oh my god, that is a hard one. On one hand I would be very intimidated by her and I think she'd read me like a book haha. But on the other hand I do think she'd be a great time to get a drink and gossip with.
What do you feel your strength in developing characters is?Your weakness?
I would love for someone to tell me haha. But I think I usually always try to make sure characters have some kind of flaw, like being insecure, or stubborn, or just something that they probably need to work through or is ready to cause conflict. I feel like every character needs a hook like that to get the most satisfying growth. Do I succeed? Up for debate.
As for weakness? There's probably plenty. I do worry I sometimes get stuck with characters not always changing or growing. Or if I have a character with one main interest I can struggle for them to engage with much else. Which can lead to them stagnating a bit.
What would you recommend to those looking to further develop their characters?
I feel like I could use this advice right now haha. But I guess, sometimes it's good to let some things happen "off screen" if you need to mix things up a bit and give characters something new to dwell on or react to. I think with so much of HNZ being back and forth its hard to remember you can also control the narrative if you want. (For your own characters of course lol)
What are you most looking forward to on HNZ in the next several months?
Hmm, well the semester has just begun which is always an exciting time and I'm really just looking forward to getting back to writing and plotting, and getting my kids into trouble haha.
What is your favourite part of HNZ?
I feel like everyone says it but the community for sure. It's such a special thing to write with people and to build something together.
So come forth and ask Kadi questions about Yvonne, or just congratulating her on her character!
~ Ghost
(On behalf of HNZ Site Staff)
Congratulations again and very well deserved! 
