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THE HOGWARTS MONTHLY: YEAR 31 ISSUE 2
THE ELECTION RESULTS AND WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW By: Nixon Mercury |
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Unless you've been living under a rock, you would know that for the past year or so an election campaign has been underway to select a new minister for magic. You would also probably know that voting opened, and recently closed for results of this election to be tallied. Lastly, you would have also heard via the daily prophet or from a friend that the new elected minister is Claudia Holland, with Alexander Cade as the deputy! If you're anything like me, you were waiting on the edge of your seat and speculating which of the candidates would be the elected! But for those who weren't so enamored with the election and following it as closely, while I'm sure you're aware of who the new minister and deputy are by name, you might not be as familiar with their points of view. Throughout the course of the election, both Claudia Holland and Alexander Cade have shared their views on things pertaining to Hogwarts and its students, and I am here today to recount to you the most relevant things we should know about their opinions. Because as we are students and the future of the wizarding world, we will be made to live with and adapt to whatever changes Mrs. Holland or Mr. Cade might make! 
Claudia Holland generally spoke with a focus on bettering the wizarding community itself, and no matter the subject of the debate she was in, made it obvious she would create open communication about issues and provide education to combat them. This was clear in her answers during the first debate about crime and safety, where she discussed education should be used to reduce prejudices that contributed to some criminal organizations. Claudia's focus on education in her campaign was well suited to the second debate where she further discussed the issue with prejudice stemming from a lack of education. One of the first things she suggested in regards to combat prejudices towards muggle born students was to make muggle studies mandatory for all first year students that weren't raised in a muggle environment. Another suggestion she voiced during this debate was making pre-hogwarts education also mandatory, as well as looking into post-hogwarts education. In the final debate about the economy, Claudia mentioned supporting young entrepreneurs start their own businesses through, you guessed it, education! Later on in the debate she also answered that she believes students should not hold a job as a shop assistant unless they are at least thirteen years old, and that this age should be higher for students working in establishments that sell alcohol. The last thing Claudia mentioned that was relevant to us students, more specifically the students that did hold jobs, was that the hours we work should be regulated, so we aren't working too often. 
Alexander Cade, although also promoting communication in some ways, for the most part had a more direct view of what his intentions were and his means of executing them. He was to the point with most of his answers, and was the most direct during the debate about crime and safety, understandably so as justice was one of the main focuses of his campaign. The belief of education to reduce prejudice was one he shared with Claudia, however he focused more on bettering the ministry itself to reduce the activity of criminals in New Zealand. During the second debate Alexander echoed the belief that prejudices stem from ignorance, and that education to change these prejudices was important, and later during the debate he agreed with her suggestion to make muggle studies a mandatory first year subject. The sentiment of making pre-hogwarts education mandatory was one he also agreed with, however, he was against post-hogwarts education and answered that he believed Hogwarts is already doing a great job at educating young people. In the final debate about the economy, Cade mentioned that he did not believe an age restriction on students holding jobs should be required, and this should be left to the discretion of whoever was hiring students. So there you have it, everything our new minister, and deputy minister have said during their campaigns that us students need to know about! As we move forward and these new leaders begin to make changes in the community, I think that what has been said about students during this election should be on everyone's minds. This way we will all know what to expect, and won't be completely caught off guard if we're suddenly too young to be working in our jobs, or if we're suddenly not allowed to work as often as we used to! |
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VALENTINE'S OVERLOAD By: Sophie Wilson | HOW TO TELL SOMEONE YOU LIKE THEM By: Evelyn Manning |
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There's no escaping it, the entire first half of the month of February seems to be all about Valentine's Day here at Hogwarts. First, there are the rose deliveries. Don't expect to have a peaceful day at Hogwarts even if you don't get any roses yourself. The constant shouting of the delivery people is enough to make anyone moody, and the smug expressions of people that get more than three roses just adds to the misery of it. If you like someone, why wait until people deliver roses to them to tell them so? But apparently many people like the romance of it, because the delivery service is always very popular. It has to be said that Thaddeus Miller, the student running it, does a wonderful job organizing it all. It's just too bad the entire thing is very noisy and disruptive. But after all the roses have been delivered and the students receiving them have finished gossiping about who sent a rose to whom, there is another yearly tradition at Hogwarts. The Valentine's Dance. By the time it rolls around, everyone's dancing feet have barely recovered from the Yule Ball. But still you see the same couples attending the dance together, acting as if it's a rare occasion. Sometimes I wonder if these couples only go together to be seen together in their best clothes. There really isn't anything very romantic about a crowded dance floor where you're bumping elbows with other couples. Especially when you take the nauseating decorations into account. Though some of the students did seem to have a genuinely fun time, so to each their own. Not too many of the couples going together were really surprising or noteworthy, but as always, a lot happens at these events. First things first. Professor Kalif Styx was spotted dancing with the new Transfiguration professor, Professor Burke. As far as I know, Professor Styx has never before been seen at an event like this, so his presence alone turned some heads. It's always strange to be reminded that professors have lives outside of teaching, and this is certainly an unexpected sight to many students. But the two seemed to enjoy their time together, even though they were surrounded by lovesick teenagers. So that's kind of impressive. But not only the professors had fun at the dance. Tristan Collins was seen handing October Alcott a red rose at the entrance of the great hall. Maybe he didn't trust the delivery system? Either way, she seemed happy with it and the two spent the night dancing, turning a few heads. Unfortunately, it wasn't such a rose-colored night for everyone. Fifth years Camelia Kyle and Braxton Woodlock seemed to have had some sort of drama, which had something to do with Octavian Vetrov. I honestly don't know what is happening there, and I don't really care. But it does seem like Ravenclaw/Gryffindor couples are doomed, as fellow fifth years Rose Holland and Charlie Abberline seemed to be having some troubles of their own in the entrance hall. It really is kind of sad when a date to a dance doesn't even make it to the actual dance. All in all, Valentine's Day remains kind of a strange holiday. It seems specifically manufactured to create romantic tension, and here at Hogwarts that often ends in dramatic situations. But I think that's probably half the reason many students go to these events. Or maybe it's just because they get to wear a pretty dress. Either way, most of the students attending seemed to have a fun time. The ones that didn't have any romantic luck might have to look at Professor Styx as an example, strange as that seems. Though really, you shouldn't wait until Valentine's Day to make your move if you like someone. The day is really nothing special, and if you need the romantic atmosphere created by heart-shaped tables in the great hall to make a date memorable, you have some things to work on. | When you like someone that can feel amazing! When you see the person in front of you in class you feel butterflies, or every time you see the person walk through the halls you dream about how it would be if you were together and walking down the halls. But some people don’t know what do do with these feelings, and just ignore them and pretend that they are not there. Because you are telling yourself: "He/she will never like me." STOP thinking that! You are worth it and if you like someone you should let the person know. But how do you do that? Here is my advice: Tip one: Make sure that you look fabulous! When you dress up nicely it will give you more confidence. Tell yourself in the mirror that you are beautiful because you are. Honestly there is no excuse for not looking amazing. Make sure that your crush has to notice you! (For fashion advice you can always come to me). But it’s most important that you feel good in what you are wearing. But you can take risks and try something new! Tip two: Let the person know who you are. Introduce yourself if you never have spoken before! Let him/her know that you are around. Start a conversation, give them a compliment about how they look or about things he/she is doing. You can talk about anything. If you want to talk about the weather that’s fine too, but talk to him/her! Tip three: If you have trouble with finding the right words, write what you want to say down on some parchment. You can think about what you want to say. Make sure that it’s from you and not someone else. Use your own words and feelings into it. Write down how you want to tell your crush that you like him/her. Perhaps you need to write it down a hundred times, because you are not sure if it’s the right way. That’s okay! But don’t be too hard for yourself. You can be short about it if you feel confident enough. But if you want to turn around it and explain yourself you can make it longer too. I will advise you to just tell the person face to face, because with your amazing look and confidence they will know you put effort into it. Tip four: If you are not sure and confident about talking face to face, you can always write a note with the fact that you like your crush and give it to them, or ask a friend to give it. But that is your choice! Practice in front of the mirror with your expression and show him/her your most beautiful smile. Tip five: If you don’t feel confident enough to speak to your crush alone, you can always ask a friend to come along if that gives you more confidence. But make sure that you are speaking and not your friend. Otherwise you're better off sending an owl. Or your friend is your owl in this situation. But your friend can help you out if you can’t find the words or a silence falls. Tip six: Be honest with your crush. If you are a bit insecure and scared of telling him/her, they can tell. It’s easy to tell. Perhaps your crush never had the courage to tell you how they felt about you? Don’t be afraid to dream of an amazing future together. It’s most important to let your heart speak. Say what is on your mind and what you want to tell your crush. Tip Seven: Smile at your crush in the class and say hello when you see him/her. Or wink at your crush. You can show that you like him/her. But don’t be too confident, that can scare people sometimes. Because they may think how can I ever compete to that. But nothing is wrong with a bit confidence. I hope I have answered this question and helped out some people. For advice or my help you can always come to me. |
QUIDDITCH: RAVENCLAW REIGNS By: Mia Mendoza | DUELING UPSETS By: Lennon Cohen-Knight |
Even though there were only two matches left in the season, each game was just as exciting to watch in their own right. In the first match of the semester, we saw Hufflepuff play against Slytherin. Although neither team was competing for a chance at the Cup, it was still an interesting game to watch as the two houses battled it out for third place. Hufflepuff started off strong with Chaser Geovanna Volt taking the quaffle and Beater Norton Gillespie sending the first bludger of the game towards the Slytherin Seeker. But seasoned veteran and Slytherin captain Odette Harper immediately evened the score by sending her own bludger to the Hufflepuff Seeker in return. Although Hufflepuff didn't manage to score, Norton did retaliate by hitting the Seeker once more. Then in perhaps one of the funniest moments of Quidditch ever, Norton managed to hit himself with his own bludger! It might be said that Norton's blunder caused April to be distracted, thus leaving the snitch wide open for the Slytherin seeker to catch. With neither team managing to score during this game, Slytherin won 150-0, ultimately leaving Hufflepuff with a disappointing 0-3 record. Not a good send off for the seventh year captain, Ares Jeffreys. Although this year did not go particularly well for many teams and their seasoned players, this seemed like an especially bad year for Hufflepuff Seeker, April Ward, who usually did well in previous years, but was unable to catch a single snitch this year. It seems as soon as she was bumped up from alternate to permanent Seeker, she lost her ability to perform well. Does she think she can coast on by now that she's got the position, or was it truly a case of bad luck all year round? The final game of the year was of course the championship game with Gryffindor against Ravenclaw who had been tied up until this game. The game began with Gryffindor captain Marisol Woods making the first goal of the game, and Ravenclaw beater Isaac Kain hitting the Gryffindor Seeker Tomas Wode with a bludger immediately afterward. Not long after, Ravenclaw Seeker October Alcott managed to catch the snitch despite repeated attempts from the beaters targeting her. Both teams' seekers were new additions to the team but considering this was a championship game they had done well all season for being new, but ultimately it was October that won her team the Cup and managed to end Gryffindor's winning streak. It'll be interesting to see what we can expect from her in the years to come. Each house seems to go through its phase of consecutive Quidditch Cup wins, with the most recent ones being Slytherin and Gryffindor, perhaps the reign of Ravenclaw is starting now. Unfortunately, the annual match against Beauxbatons that we've now come to anticipate had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, so Ravenclaw got to ride its victory unchallenged all the way to the end of the year, which is pretty nice. It's a pity we didn't get to see a different house play against the foreign school, since Gryffindor has been the house to go up against Beauxbatons most of the time. Hopefully that means other houses will train hard next year for that opportunity just like Ravenclaw did this year. | After the professors showed their impressive skills in their own dueling tournament last year, many students wanted to try and follow in their footsteps by signing up for the Student Defense Association's annual Dueling Tournament. There were so many students who signed up to participate, namely the overzealous second years, eager to show that they know a few more spells. There were so many of them, it dragged the tournament on and on, though it was pretty entertaining to watch. Who knew Hufflepuff Analei Louw would end up taking first place? She is someone to watch out for. Third year Cassander Howard seemed determined to take the top spot this year after coming in second place in the tournament last year. He did end up winning for his year, though his opponents Neven Lurken, Charlie Madison, and Simon Vanity all gave him a good run until the end. Fourth year Alistair Lancaster surprised everyone by beating out the former champion in his year, Gideon Zelinsky, though one has to wonder how either of them made it to the end at all. Tristan Collins surprised no one in winning for his year yet again, even going up against his rumored girlfriend October Alcott and showing her no mercy. His determination to win at all costs reads a little desperate for validation, but congrats to him anyway. Older students seem less eager to participate in the dueling tournament, perhaps the novelty of shooting spells at each other to harm without getting in trouble worn off, or otherwise too focused on their studies to waste their time on such trivial things. Though the few upper level students that do sign up do make watching them worthwhile with their sharper skills. Rory Fergusson took home the title of champion for sixth years. Perhaps the biggest shock and upset of the tournament came when Head Girl and SDA president herself, Bethany Zanders, lost against Octavian Vetrov, breaking her consecutive streak. Although Zanders had fired back a spell at Octavian, her timing was off and she was ultimately hit with Vetrov's spell rendering him the winner of the duel. She must've gotten complacent throughout the years and lowered her guard too much. What a poor way to leave a legacy. With the tournament getting bigger and bigger each year, it'll be interesting to see which students come back for a chance to reclaim the top spot or whether those defending their spot will keep it. |
H O R O S C O P E S By: Noemie Vanity |
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Capricorn: Have you been spending more time upon yourself Capricorn? It is definitely paying off, eating better and taking care of oneself is as important as studying, socialising or working. Take that time you need for yourself. It is important to spend some time on you, take an extra long lie, read that book you always wanted to, spend some time shopping for yourself. It is important to spend time re-adjusting yourself, to re-evaluate what is important to you in life. Doing this can help clear your mind, it can help you focus more on those tasks you were struggling with and adding a little bit of healthy eating and exercise will go a long way to helping too, a healthier you will be a more confident, better working, more focused you. Aquarius: The pressures of day to day life have become a little more difficult to handle, right Aquarius? It can sometimes become easy to be bogged down in the work and pressures of life, whether its those exams that are looming, the essays from all the classes and some of the extra-curricular things youve got. They can all be a lot to handle, they can pile up and become difficult. But fear not Aquarius, lean on your friends and family they will help guide you through all this, dont give up and keep moving forward, things will ease and they will get better and youll be happy with the result at the end. Add in a bit of exercise or some more fruit and thatll help you feel better too. Pisces: Pisces, youve been so busy, havent you? There seems to not be a day when you arent doing something, being dragged out to something, or some extra school work to do. It is good to be active and busy, but you need time to relax too. With a lot of things going on in your life if it also good to step back from it and spend some time to yourself. But, not too much, if being this busy and active keeps you happy then keep at it. Being so involved will open more and more doors for you. Add in a little you time, a little exercise which is proven to make people happier and more satisfied then everything will come together and youll get quite the pay off, pisces. Aries: Feeling a little lonely there Aries, something about the world just not seeming right to you. It can be difficult to always feel good about everything all the time. I would definitely suggest first off if you are feeling like this to consider adding a morning or daily run to your schedule it can go a long way to help raise that mood with very little effort. Other than that, Aries it would do you well to get more involved in clubs or sports, engage with some of the other students and allow yourself the opportunity to make more friends. You might think you have enough, but a few new ones can help bring fresh eyes to problems. Get out there, Aries, meet new people, try new things, take the time to go for a run, theyll help lift you out of this mood. Taurus: Those friends of yours have been less than ideal lately, havent they? Not making the time for you, never listening, all they ever appear to do is take take take. Whether that be just a little or a lot. These are not the sort of people you need in your life right now Taurus. With the stars predicting a slightly turbulent road ahead you need people who will stand by you, are willing to listen and spend the time with you. Now Taurus is the time to have harsh and difficult conversations, talk to them, and if they dont listen, let them go. Take time in new clubs and experiences to help you feel more and better connected to people. Who knows in these places might be better friends, and even new loves. Take the time to broaden yourself and better people will be in your life soon. Gemini: They always say bad things come in threes, but there have certainly been a lot of threes for you, Gemini. Things get better and then a series of things happens and things get worse. During this time in your life you should turn to your family or your friends for support. They can help you get through this difficult time, they can be the people who support you. Spend some time with them, let yourself remember why you have them in your life. Ask one of them to join you in something, like running, invite them to do some exercise with you, or some other sports and you can relax with a friend. Do this enough and it will help you find everything easier. Rely on friends and family a little and itll make things that little bit easier for you. Cancer: Cancer, life seems quite stagnant for you doesnt it? There just seemed to be the same things happening day in and out. Routine can be good for you, but it doesnt feel like it currently. Theres a lot that you can do to help this Cancer, even just mixing up one thing per day, have some fruit in the morning instead of toast, do some dancing in the morning instead of running. Spend the time seeking out new opportunities and this rut that you are in will break off. It may also allow you to meet new people, talk to people of different perspectives and just make some new friends. Youll find trying new experiences and talking to new people will help life vary enough. Just try to keep a little bit of routine so you get up in time for classes in the morning. Leo: Things have been going well for you Leo, its difficult to keep this up but the work youve been putting in has been coming back to in even bigger ways and will continue to. Youve had a whole load of new opportunities come your way. Its provided you with new friends, new experiences and a whole load of doors opening themselves for you. It is good in these moments to still reflect upon those whove stuck with you in your life. Take the time to appreciate old friends, to appreciate old hobbies. Take the time to do things with old friends, go to the quidditch pitch and run some laps together. Engaging in things with others can be an easier way for life to keep going at the rate it is, to keep things going well. Virgo: With deadlines looming over you Virgo it can be difficult to find time to do anything other than work and study. Theres a lot that you have to do, a lot of things that you need to be revising for, and it can definitely seem like there is no end to it. Especially perhaps for those doing their NEWTs or OWLs. But fear not Virgo, the end is in sight. Keep working hard, keeping putting in those hours and it will all be worth it. Youll find what you need, youll do well and everything will work itself out for you. Virgo what you should try to do is add in a little you time, time for your friends, time for just sitting and relax, time to work out. Spending a tiny bit of limited time you have on something like that will help you succeed in your deadlines. Libra: You should be careful of taking advantage of your friends. Its true that they are there to support and help you as you do with them, however, Libra you should be careful of taking advantage of their kindness. Things have been difficult for you admittedly, whether its just because of a change in family, a loss of a love or a friend, youve not had it too easy, but friends can only do so much. Take some time for yourself, go running first thing in the morning or late at night to clear your mind and ready yourself for the day. There is a lot to be said in doing things yourself. Focus on your work, on your classes and try to be a better self. Friends are good to rely on, of course but doing things yourself can be good too. Scorpio: The end of any relationship, of any kind, can always be tricky, right Scorpio? Theres a lot going on in life and the end of a relationship that was in some way cherished doesnt help your current mood. The loss of anything can be difficult, but Scorpio, you can get over this. Take this opportunity to take stock of everything you currently have in your life. Allow yourself to be open to new opportunities and experiences, throw yourself into new relationships, greet more people, start you own club like a running club. Open yourself up to new people during this time and you will see yourself being greatly rewarded, in better health, new friendships and all round more positive attitude. Dwelling on what cant be changed will do you no good, reach with open arms into a bright and busy future Scorpio. Sagittarius: Removing yourself from society has never faired well for anyone Sagittarius, and it will not do you any good. Though in stressful and busy times like the end of a semester in school can allow you to think that drawing away would help, the stars do not indicate thus. Allow yourself to be involved, allow yourself to take time for all the things you enjoy. Dont allow yourself to be alone all the time and only focusing upon the work you have. Make time to eat better, to workout, to spend time with friends. Be sure that your mind and body are as healthy as they can be will benefit you more than isolation and bad food habits. There might not be the time for new hobbies, but dig into to something you enjoy doing thats not related to your school subjects. Take some time for you Sagittarius and the results and opportunities that will come from being so open will be far greater. |
STUDENT POLL Photographed by: Caro Taylor |
"If you could change one thing at Hogwarts, what would you change?" |
Abian Hunter Hufflepuff First Year "Flying lessons. It shouldn't be all about brooms! We should learn to fly on many other things, like cars or bicycles or skateboards. Let us choose! I think that would be way cooler than broomsticks." | 
Willow Cullen Gryffindor Second Year "More chances to leave the castle at the weekend and have adventures. I mean time to go to more places than just brightstone and class visits." | 
Mervyn Strangewayes Gryffindor Third Year "Only one fing? Awright... well, I'd make meself the 'eadteacher, that's easy. Oh, 'n' I'd make a school council, so the students could suggest fings properly, 'n' that." | 
Elizabeth Chatwin Ravenclaw Fourth Year "I would change the fact that if you don't get a high enough grade in your OWLS, you can't continue that subject. There are people who struggle, but still enjoy the subject. In my eyes there should be two levels after the OWLS, one that is easier and one that is harder." |
Xena Dragonslayer Slytherin Fifth Year "More big get together's or like, more dances. And more co-school activities." | 
November Albertson Hufflepuff Sixth Year "Oh well, I guess I would change maybe the library books? Plenty more have been published in recent years by new authors, also books have been updated but our library as a whole has yet to catch up I feel." | 
Lilyanna Hope Slytherin Seventh Year "I would make sure flying is not a subject taught at Hogwarts as I believe it is dangerous and unnecessary. There are many more useful things to learn instead of wasting time learning how to fly on a broomstick." | 
Professor Katherine Alicastell Headmistress "I'd like to see a change for the better in how comfortable students feel to approach myself, or other members of staff with questions, concerns or suggestions - unprompted. My office is always open to hearing students thoughts." |
Editor's Note: After being the Editor of the Hogwarts Monthly for roughly four years, it's time for me to say goodbye to it! When I first joined the paper, I had no idea I would become this involved with it and be a part of its growth. All I wanted was a place to have a voice and I hope that I have been able to give that to the students in return through this paper. Even though I'm graduating, I look forward to seeing the progress of the Hogwarts Monthly knowing it will be in good hands under the new leadership of Sophie Wilson as next year's Editor! Thank you to the staff that was here when I first joined for seeing my potential, and to the staff I got to work with while I was editor, for working so hard alongside me all this time, it couldn't have been done without you! Editor: Lennon Cohen-Knight |
