Welcome Back! By Miranda Dawes (Camilla) |
And just like that, another year at Hogwarts comes to an end! It’s been another extremely busy year at Hogwarts with plenty of activity around the school to keep everyone occupied. Thank you to all the professors (including Professor Pirrip, who in error I forgot to welcome to the school last semester - so welcome!) for getting us through the exams and congratulations to everyone for surviving, especially the fifth and seventh years. I hope you all get the OWL and NEWT grades you want - and if you don’t, it’s not the end of the world! Missed anything this semester? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, just read on! |
By Eoghan Blyth (Zephie) | 
By Miranda Dawes (Camilla) |
Game 1) Slytherin vs Hufflepuff It's important to note in this game that these houses are playing to not become last place in the tournament. That's why when I pulled the Devil card to represent this game, whoever did lose will likely do so because they have an issue with the teams' attachments and restrictions, perhaps something to note for next year. As the game progressed it was hard not to consider that this may have been a game between the two Edogawa siblings, Jonah and Sayuri. The former however seemingly much more confident than his previous game, calling across the pitch, defending himself as the Slytherin tried to kick him off his broom, and scoring all the goals of the game, and that was while Alana hit him repeatedly with a bludger.Despite a solid attempt from 33% of the Chasers, it was Ignatius that finally caught the snitch, giving the snakes the win. I'm not entirely sure though whether they didn't win from luck alone, given the improvements that Hufflepuff seemed to have this game. The Devil card that represents restrictions, is perhaps an indication that if Hufflepuff fully allow themselves to free themselves while in the air and follow in Jonah's footsteps when it comes to giving the game their all, maybe next year it will carry them to a full victory. Game 2) Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw I didn't have to pull a card for this game. Instead, I did a three-card reading with Teddy a few days prior, and the results of this were very interesting. During our discussion, we had the Pope, Justice and The World. My belief was that someone on the Gryffindor team had been wronged and if that injustice was fixed, then the Gryffindors would have a good chance of coming out on top. (I should note now that I said this prior to realising it was Ravenclaw they were about to come up against, so I'm sorry to my own house for that mistake.)We all know how this game ultimately played out. Teddy took my advice and changed up the team, putting Veronica Walden-Cade in the Beater position. The Lucy Captains of Ravenclaw however also caught everyone by surprise, moving Lilith Ilves into the role of Seeker. Unfortunately for Savannah this would mean she would unlikely be playing in her final game while at Hogwarts but given how often Lilith had been catching the snitch during practice, it was a fair assessment to make. Despite how well Lilith played however, Gryffindor took the win for this game, giving them the Quidditch Cup for the year. It's the first time Gryffindor have won for years, and I can't help but wonder whether the cards were right, and Veronica's injustice has now been righted. Game 3) Gryffindor vs Beauxbatons. As is tradition, the winning Hogwarts house goes on to play the international game. This year that came out to be Gryffindor vs Beauxbatons, the lovely students that reside down in France. Teddy swapped out the teams again for Gryffindor, moving Rose Edogawa to Beater and Veronica Walden-Cade this time to Seeker. I'm not sure whether any of the Gryffindor team members expected such drastic changes to take place on the pitch, but it seemed as though this was once again in Gryffindor's favour to keep their members on their toes. The game was a long one, and with very little action, however it was Veronica that caught the snitch for Gryffindor, securing them not just the win for the Quidditch Cup, but for the international victory. For readers that are unaware, Professor Cade also used to play on the Quidditch team in the role of Seeker, so I have no doubt that this was both a win for Gryffindor and a win for the Cade family. Final Note And finally I want to take a moment to do something a little different. For each of these three games, there is to me, an MVP. Someone that stood out for their efforts. For each of you I've drawn a card while asking about your future in Quidditch. By all means take it with a pitch of salt but you may find it helpful. Game 1) Jonah - The Star - Representing your hope, renewal, faith, and encouraging trust within yourself. Game 2) Lilith - The High Priestess - Trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice that you're on the right path. Game 3) Veronica - Strength - You're beginning to understand how to harness your strength in your world. | This year’s duelling tournament was bigger than ever, thanks in no small part to the almost overwhelming enthusiasm of the second years. I’m not quite sure what it is about that year specifically that makes the students want to fight each other, but whatever it was I hope they worked it out! There were twenty entrants from that year alone, so many that the group had to be split into two, and while they may not have had a wide range of spells at their disposal they definitely made the most of them. And if spells failed, there was always psychological warfare. Some of the second years were keen to employ their words as well as their wands to varying degrees of success. Perhaps one ought not get too distracted in conversation when in a duel - a hard lesson to learn for next year. It was a gruelling road to victory in the two groups, but it was ultimately Slytherin’s Sybil St. James and Ruth Thorne sharing honours for this year. Gryffindor’s Ivy Cullen took the win in third year, finding more success with the summoning charm than one might expect. It’s a unique way to make a statement to seal the victory, you have to admit. While in fourth year an all Gryffindor affair was retroactively made into a title fight due to an unfortunate disqualification in the all Slytherin duel. Aroha Blenheim ended up winning against Apolline Fontaine, but both girls really gave it their all and it was a worthy final (even if unintentional). By fifth year, the spells being used are more varied and dangerous. One ought to duel at their own peril, for they’re at great risk of being blinded, knocked back by blowing up the stage, or worst of all, scalped. The latter was used to great effect by Gryffindor’s Teddy Pirrip, who once again took the title for that year. I suspect he may not have won many Slytherin fans, but he was as ever enjoyable to watch. What wasn’t enjoyable watching, unfortunately, was the sixth year duels. The spell choice was aggressive, and there were a couple of frightening injuries (including to my esteemed co-editor, much to my horror). Add to that some flirting that quite obviously crossed the line into harassment, and I’m sorry to say that it was altogether an uncomfortable experience. There is no denying the obvious skill of the duellists, not least Hufflepuff’s Hinata Edogawa who was crowned the winner. But perhaps it is wise to consider what might happen if a shield should fail. I wouldn’t think that exploding a classmate is something anyone could live with. And while Elio Boneheart showed some extremely nimble footwork and clever thinking, Terror Zhefarovich ultimately had the better of him for the title of seventh year champion. The professors also dueled once again, which was a great display of magic mastery (without attempting to blow each other up, hint hint sixth and seventh years). Professor Pirrip employed transfiguration to great effect. Who else would have thought of turning an opponent’s buttons into beetles? Professor Cade and the eventual winner, Professor Moncrieffe, showed off a variety of uncommon spells in their duel. Though I’m not quite sure who decided that the slug vomiting curse wasn’t bad enough and decided to create a frog vomiting version. Thankfully nobody was subjected to that level of disgrace. Big thanks to Savannah Walters as head of the Student Defence Association for organising the tournament and to Professor Pirrip, Professor Josephs, Professor Borisyuk and Professor Haden for giving up their time to proctor the duels. But between Quidditch and duelling, might I suggest we consider having a school event for house points that isn’t based on beating each other up? A bit of variety might be nice. School debates, perhaps? Something to think about! |
Interview By Finley Mackintosh Baros (Zazz) |
In today’s issue of Hogwarts Monthly, I chose to have a quick chat with someone I think we’ve all seen around the school, Gryffindor Second Year Felix Layton-King. If you weren’t aware, Felix has been in the Entrance Hall talking to other students and trying to help them out with anything they might be struggling with. It’s admirable, really, especially since we didn’t have a tour this year, which I’m led to believe was an annual thing until very recently. Starting at Hogwarts can be overwhelming, especially without proper guidance. Whether it's struggling with coursework, dealing with homesickness, or just trying to find your way around, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where Felix Layton-King comes in. His initiative aims to bridge that gap, making sure students don’t feel alone in their struggles. I wanted to learn more about this, so I decided to talk to Felix to see what he had to say. Finley Baros: Thanks for talking to me Felix! I know this has been really important to you. I think the most important thing we should start with is; what exactly is it that you're trying to do here? I've seen you talking about "have your say" and stuff, but what do you want people to have their say about? Felix Layton-King: I'm trying to help! I want students to know that if they're having a tough time either at school and doing their work or like, at home or with friends, that they don't have to try and do stuff on their own you know? Yeah there's Professors but it's not really the same thing as talking to someone as a friend. FB: Have you noticed any particular struggles that new students face the most? FLK: Hmm, I think it's pretty common at school that people are being bullied. I was at one point too. It's hard to just go about your day when you're always nervous that someone's going to put you down just because they can. Another thing is that I don't really think home lives get talked about. We're here because it's a boarding school and we're away from our families and we get to be independent, but that doesn't mean that suddenly we're all on good terms with our family, but we're just expected to not worry about it now we're away from them? FB: What kind of response have you been getting from students? Are people open to talking, or do you think there’s still a bit of hesitation? FLK: Currently er.. no one has come forward. BUT I've had a bunch of students ask me about it so clearly word is getting around that someone is here to listen, even if no one has made use of it yet. I want everyone to know though that every year, I will be at the same place. Until I leave. Even if no one wants to talk yet, you've still got six years if you want someone to speak to. Despite not having any students come forward yet, Felix remains committed to being a reliable presence for anyone in need, determined to show that no one has to go through Hogwarts alone. FB: What do you hope students take away from what you’re doing? FLK: That they don't have to do things by themselves, and that there is always someone who will listen. I don't have all the answers but I promise I will try help you with whatever is going on. FB: Thanks Felix, I just have one last question. Since there wasn’t a tour this year, do you think Hogwarts should bring it back? Why? FLK: When I did it last year, students sort of trailed off the longer it went on so I'm not sure how helpful it is. But what would have been helpful is having smaller groups. Maybe someone who is a fifth year or older, takes 2-3 of the younger students on a tour, and then they can also answer any questions the first years might have. It can be hard to speak up when you're in a group full of everyone in your year, I think. FB: That’s a really good point actually, I know I tend to get distracted in large groups! Maybe we should try your suggestion next time? I just have one more thing, but it isn’t really a question so much in knowing how to support you. If Hogwarts Monthly readers want to support what you’re doing, how can they get involved? Should they come talk to you? FLK: That would be good! I would want to help too but I probably don't know as much lore as the older students, so it's probably better it's them more than me for now. If anyone wants to help me support students, yeah just come and speak to me! Also if you want to talk I can usually be found in the Great Hall if I'm not in class, since it's sort of the hub for student activity. FB: Thanks so much Felix! Everything you said was so interesting, I can't wait to see what happens from here! FLK: Thank you for asking (he had a big smile) If you're an older student who knows the castle well, consider offering guidance to younger students. Whether it's answering questions or just being a friendly face, every bit of support counts. Felix's efforts may just be getting started, but they already show the importance of student support at Hogwarts. If you need help — or want to offer it — consider following his lead. After all, Hogwarts is at its best when we look out for one another. |
Heta Omega vs Brotherhood: Musical Chairs By Morrie Ayre (Verity) | 
Valentine's Day and Roses All Around! By Sybil St. James (Kadi) |
Congratulations to any readers who missed the musical chairs event that Heta and the Brotherhood hosted because you avoided the most shambolic, totally rigged, and utterly pointless dungheap event of the year. I wish I’d never signed up for such a childish game and yes before anyone snides “Well duh, it’s musical chairs,” SHUT UP. IT WAS RIGGED. FROM. THE. START. Certain individuals like that slimeball Eurydice Nightray were set on inappropriately sitting on people at any opportunity and even tried to steal my chair, which she was successful in doing because of RIGGING! And then Gryffindor’s biggest princess, Felix whats-his-face, threw a tantrum because the game wasn’t being played to his exact liking. Instead of being told to grow up, Professor Kaster gave him his way because of RIGGING. Meanwhile, actual innocent players such as myself were punished for apparently being unsportsmanlike whatever that means, and unfairly kicked out of the game for not being able to read Professor Kaster’s mind. Oh I’m sorry NOBODY TOLD ME BEING A LEGILIMENS WAS REQUIRED FOR MUSICAL CHAIRS!!?!?! I can’t tell you who won because I left early after all that nonsense. I don’t even care who won, no one deserved to win. I reckon Professor Kaster probably announced himself the winner after what I saw. Editor's Note: Aroha Blenheim was the last person standing giving the win to Heta Omega. | Everyone knows Valentine's Day is the day to celebrate love. But how you celebrate can be different depending on what kind of love you're talking about. That's why the return of rose giving this year has made it easier than ever to express yourself. It was hard to miss the absolute flurry of roses of all color around the school, yellow, red, and pink to be exact! There were even a few bouquets given to some of the more popular students. A huge thank you and congratulations to Teddy Pirrip and Audrey Beauchamp for organizing the lovely event and making the whole day so wonderful, not to mention the 37 kind students who volunteered to deliver over 250 roses. I hope some of you out there received a sweet note or two, or even a date to the dance! If you didn't have your fill of roses after that, all you had to do was go to the Great Hall for the annual Valentine's Dance! The dance was a love-ly affair with the themed decorations you'd find at every school dance. I'm sure the couples enjoyed the cozy tables and slow music, but single students had plenty to celebrate too with great food and a dance floor where all are welcome. It's hard to find much to complain about on a day all about love, and I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds next year! |
Top Ten Things A Muggle-Born Misses About The Muggle World By Angelo Dela Cruz (Marga) |
Coming to Hogwarts is an experience. The magical world has flying brooms, potions, magical creatures, and hello - actual magic! For us muggle-borns however, or anybody muggle-raised, there have definitely been things we'd never thought we'd have to give up just to get to know this world. Now don't get me wrong, magic is awesome, but there's definitely some things that we wish we could have here too. And if you guys only knew, trust us, you'd want them too. Here's the Top Ten! 10. Pens and Notebooks Let's start with writing. Really? Quills, ink, and parchment? Ever had an essay ruined because of those pesky ink splotches? I'd given up on them really. Sorry teachers! Pens exist. They're this writing thingy that already has ink inside so all you have to do is write on any surface. Don't even get me started on mechanical pencils. Oh and notebooks. I don't know about you guys, but it's so easy to lose one piece of parchment but it's harder to lose a notebook. It's essentially parchment all stitched together anyway. That way, you can keep all your notes in order! 9. Laptops We muggles have improved though, so someone of us don't even write with pens and notebooks anymore. Or at least, I actually preferred to use a laptop. It's a device that keeps all my notes. And I don't have to have cramps from writing because all I have to do to take notes is press a button for every letter! Much faster than writing every stroke! Of course, a laptop has many more uses but we can stick with that for now. 8. No Spell-Related Accidents In the muggle world, the worst that can happen related to class is that you fail your quiz or your exam or the class, or your year! I just found out that if you make one mistake in Charms class things can explode! Or you can accidentally turn someone into an animal of some sort in Transfiguration. Is it also true that the plants in Herbology eat humans? Like come on. Studying is hard enough without thinking if the flower in the room can eat you. Or that you'd mess up as a spell really badly because you were surprised when someone sneezed. 7. Electricity Speaking of fires, really? Candles? It's 2064. Why are we still giving off medieval vibes? I swear to you, some places here could use better lighting. Like better, brighter lighting than what fire can give. And that's what electricity is for. And oh my god, airconditioning and heaters. Sure magical people probably have cooling and heating spells, but hellooooo, what about us first years! We can't exactly Wingardium Leviosa the heat or Accio the cold thank you very much. 6. Escalators and Elevators And on that note, Hogwarts has too many stairs. What is the point of stairs that move side to side? Please. Couldn't someone have at least figured out how to make the steps go up and down? Cause I tell you now, that would be really useful. Going up from the Basement all the way up to the Eighth Floor? Poor Gryffindors. Escalators are the muggle version of moving stairs. They either go up or go down so you don't have to climb those pesky steps. Elevators are metal boxes you go into to lift you up or down several floors! 5. Food Why oh why can we not have McDonald's? Or KFC? I would love some Jollibee right now really. Why is there only pumpkin juice? Can we have more Coke please? Or Sprite? Also, why would you have candy that taste like booger? Or puke? Or stinky socks? Just why? And why does your chocolate fly jump away? I just want food that tastes good, won't make me chase it, and if softdrinks and fast food could be readily available then that would be great, thank you. 4. Movies and TV Shows You know what else I won't mind? Popcorn. While I watch movies and TV Shows. I get that there's a lot of books in the library for entertainment, but some of us just aren't that interested in reading. Sometimes you just want to watch instead you know? A TV would be nice? Some Disney? Maybe Netflix? Or just you know. A TV in general with cable like what grandma used to have? Do they even still sell those? 3. Games If you can't watch movies, at least give us some games to play! The only games wizards seem to have is Wizard's Chess which is fancy chess. And Quidditch which is Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, and Hide and Seek in the air. And not even everyone can play Quidditch! Board games and card games would be nice at least but I'm not really a fan of those. I really miss video games though but considering there's not even electricity here, I can't even bring a console. Even just a Switch would have been nice you know? Play some Overcooked at least. 2. Phones We are in 2064 people! Why do I still have to send letters?! If I had my phone, I could send my mum a message and a photo within a second and probably get a reply back within the next minute if she notices it immediately! And she's in another continent! But noooo, owls. How do I even know I even know if the owl makes it to the Philippines? What if they get lost in what floor? Do they even know how to count floors? What if my mum isn't home? Our condo doesn't have a balcony you know! Phones! 1. Internet Oh the wonders of the internet and finding answers within a second - if you have fast internet anyway! Sometimes it's slow at home, but that's fine. So many things you could do at least online. Need homework help? Sure. Wanna find somebody? May take some effort but why not. Care to watch something? No problem. Would like to know what's happening on the other side of the world? Easy-peasy? If you want information, you just need to ask. Here I have to dig deep through books like its the Middle Ages. Look, sometimes magic is incredible. But sometimes, some of us would also like to have the same conveniences we had as muggles. We just want our games, our Wi-Fi, maybe some fast food, less dodging of spells. I could even settle for not climbing the five flights of steps everyday. Until then though, this muggle-born would just have to keep dreaming of escalators and phones. |
By Sophie Shepherd (Maria) | 
By Morrie Ayre (Verity) |
Welcome to the 'Aunt Meg' section, where Aunt Meg tries their absolute best to give you advice on all things you have questions on! We managed to get a couple of submissions in, Aunt Meg has tried their best to answer your questions and concerns. ----------------------- Submission 1 I sent a snake chasing after a girl I hate and it was really fun. Can you think of any other fun ways I can make her life a misery? Response: Hi there! You sent a snake chasing a girl? I wonder what the girl did to deserve that? Though I don't think sending a snake in the first place was a good idea to begin with? I'm sorry, but I personally don't have much expert advice in that department, and I don't really think it would be a good idea for me to help you in that area. You might have to figure that one on your own. ------- Submission 2 Dear Aunt Meg, There's a girl in my year who's super cool and smart and I really want to be her friend, but I'm not even sure if she likes me. How can I ask her if she likes me without it being weird? Should I just leave her alone? ~Trying her best Response: Dear, Trying her best, I understand the idea of making friends can be quite scary at times, and I'm sure the cool girl would be keen to be a friend of yours! I reckon, try and hang around her, try to get to know each other a little bit! I feel like you'd have some sort of feeling if she doesn't like you, but I'm sure she would! | Aries: Right, we're back again for this totally 100% researched and not completely made up horoscope section. I don't know if you remember Aries, but last time you were doing a lot of masking and not asking for help. I gave you your advice and you only have yourself to blame if you didn't take it. Taurus: P.U! Oh my goodness you absolutely stink! Everyone is turning heads when you walk in the room and it's not for good reasons. I suggest you put down Hogwarts Monthly and go wash immediately! Gemini: You were offended by the last horoscope that called you out for being two faced, but what do you expect? It's not like it's changed anything and you've still come crawling back for more just like you always do. Well we both know I have absolutely nothing nice to say to you, you two faced little [censored]. Cancer: Oh dear you're feeling things again and everyone is sick of listening to it. As a last resort, the school counselor has tissues (probably) if you want to blub away to them. Leo: You’re still waiting for a particular person to acknowledge how great you are, but the problem is, they are stuck down a hole of their own making, and everyone else who knows you is not really that impressed. You need to settle down and stop acting like you're the main character here because other people are dealing with stuff too. Virgo: We've got something in common you and me, we're both Virgo. And there ends the similarities. See the problem is, you plan but there is nothing more boring than a Virgo with a planner. I threw mine away and no one ever calls me boring. In short my advice is, be more like Morrie. Libra: You’re at the intersection a potentially catastrophically stupid decision and it just so happens to be the first decision you've ever made in your life. Whatever you are about to do, please do it somewhere I can watch and laugh at you. Scorpio: The good news is, you’re keeping all your secrets safe. The bad news is that they are eating away at the very essence of your soul. And the even worse news is that you can't share said secrets because your whole world will implode. Anyway, ummm, I'm going to move onto Sagittarius now. Sagittarius: The stars predict a string of bad luck for you again. You just can't seem to catch a break but no change there. Capricorn: Congratulations, you won again! And you're prize? Well it's a lifetime of stress related ailments and a never ending to do list of course! But I think you'll handle it well enough. Aquarius: Well hello background character #17, thanks for joining us, we're doing horoscopes right now. I don't really know what to suggest to you except maybe taking up Quidditch? That's what lots of other people who have absolutely nothing interesting about themselves end up doing. Pisces: Not everything is about you so take your little fishy little personality and swim away. Goodbye. |
"If you had to be sorted into a different house which would it be, and why?" By Sybil St.James (Kadi) |
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Miles Flynn GRYFFINDOR First Year "Well, the sorting hat said I would make a good Hufflepuff, so maybe there? I don't really want to be sorted anywhere else, though, Gryffindor suits me just fine" | Imogen Styx-Cade SLYTHERIN Second Year "If I had to choose another house, I would go with Gryffindor. My dad is there, and seems like a good, easy way to get noticed." | Magne Kleos RAVENCLAW Third Year "Maybe Gryffindor... I like adventures?" | Zaros Lodowick HUFFLEPUFF Fourth Year "Oh, um... Slytherin, maybe? My two friends are Slytherin, it'd be nice to see them more." |
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Veronica Walden-Cade GRYFFINDOR Fifth Year "I wouldn't want to be, first off but if I had to? Ravenclaw so I could be with my sister (and away from Teddy). But I never would be because I don't have the Ravenclaw brain and I'm allergic to the library." | Mikael Nightray SLYTHERIN Sixth Year "..... Gryffindor." | Thistle Carnahan RAVENCLAW Seventh Year "I really like my house but I guess it would be Hufflepuff, everyone there is really nice so I think it'd be easy to get along with my roommates." | Professor Benjamin Kaster II COMC Years 5-7 "Fun fact, I was actually a Ravenclaw when I was sorted, but I always wondered what it would be like to be a Hufflepuff because they're resilient." |
Muggle Moment By Angelo Dela Cruz (Marga) & Finley Mackintosh Baros (Zazz) |
The magical world is full of surprises for someone like me who grew up without magic. It's amazing and cool and sometimes it feels like I'm in a movie - do you guys know what movies are? I can't tell what you guys are supposed to know. Anyway, it sometimes feels like you get put in a movie but no one told you the backstory and you're just along for the ride. Thankfully, I have my good friend Finley who lived with magic his whole life and he's here to set straight everything that confuses poor muggly me. For this edition: transportation! The Tele-Portkey Angelo: Okay, so when I first heard about the Portkeys, I just heard Porty and thought "hey that makes sense! A teleporter!" It's like in a movie where you step into this big machine and then you press a button, and then things start lighting up, maybe an explosion or two, and then badabim-badaboom, you're somewhere else! Only downside is there needs to be two because ya know, it's like a doorway? You enter on one side and out the other. And then I found out it's not even a porty! It's a portkey! Finley here says it's a key to a port. I actually forgot we used one in History and it was awful. Finley: Yeah it’s basically an object, usually small and can fit into your hand, sometimes a little bigger so it can’t be easily lost that ports you from one place to the other. we use them for more long distance travel, and they’re heavily regulated by the Ministry and really difficult to make, I’ve been told so you can’t just have them made for you. My dad has one to our home in America, but that’s the only one I’m aware of! It's The Floo Network, Not The Flew Angelo: You can probably imagine my disappointment that a Flew Network was not a magical highway for brooms. When Finley first told me about it, I was picturing a whole sky full of brooms in like... maybe two lines? Three? Is four two much for a highway? It was a little traffic because I don't really know how many people use brooms but if you use brooms like cars then maybe it'd be just like back home and when I tell you the traffic is awful, I mean the traffic is awful. But no! It's not flew and it's fireplaces! Like Santa! Except Santa's on fire! Why would you wanna be a Santa on fire? Finley: Well you’re not really on fire, because the flames aren’t hot and I don’t think they’re much like real flames either. I don’t use the floo system a lot because I have no where to go with it, but every wizarding home is connected to Obsidian Harbour and Brightstone probably, unless you live there, and some places like the Ministry and St Mungo’s have floo channels you can use to get there. My dad uses them for that. It’s more localised I think, but I’ve heard there are longer distance Floos as well! You step into one floo shute, and you step out of another! Angelo: I have no idea what I thought 'parition' meant and now that I think about it, it was probably because it's a little to close to partition and I don't really want to imagine that magic people have been dividing themselves into tiny little pieces to be sent via owls but the thought is now here and we can all share it. Anyway, Finley told me that it's like using the portkey but you do it yourself so I don't really get the difference? I probably should have asked him before writing this but I ran out of English because we talked about regrowing bones and how is that a thing but yeah back on track. If you can portkey, why would you apparition? Why is it called different if your by yourself vs. in a group? Finley: So the portkey carries multiple people and can be used over longer distances, it’s a lot harder to apparate over longer distances, it takes a lot more practice and it’s a magical skill we learn. Any witch or wizard can use a portkey and it takes you all to the same destination, you’re not likely to get injured accidentally because it’s all highly regulated and very safe. Apparition needs to be learned and you need to have a licence. You can injure yourself by practicing it if you don’t have the ability and it’s mostly for one person. You could accidentally lose an arm! Portkeys have specific destinations and they only go to one place, but you can apparate anywhere as long as you can picture it. And so in conclusion... well, I don't really have a conclusion. Hey, if you guys have trains why don't you have cars? Sure the teleporting thing appartition is cool and probably convenient but at the risk of losing an arm? I need someone to invent a taxi service that is easier on the stomach. Adding onto Angelo's conclusion, we actually kind of have taxi's! they're carriages pulled by flying horses. You're welcome Angelo. |
By Hugo Stark-West (Mia) | 
Peregrine Piper's Twisted Tales By Peregrine Piper (Camilla) |
Hello, and welcome back to Hugo’s book club. This edition, we are covering two books and are unintentionally following our last book with another magic ‘school’. We were reading the first two books of the Circle of Magic series by a muggle author, Tamora Pierce. Sandry’s book also published as the Magic in the Weaving and Tris’s Book also called The Power in the Storm. The Circle of Magic series follows four children (who seem to be about ten years old), each unaware of the magic they possess, who get sent to study as Winding Temple for different reasons. Sandry, the daughter of nobility, lost most of her family to a plague of smallpox, Tris, the daughter of merchants, was tossed between family members before being left at a temple school due to funny things happening around her, Daja, a trader, lost her family to a shipwreck and was outcast from her culture for being bad luck, and Roach Briar a street rat got saved from being sent to the docks for hard labour. Not fitting in in the dormitories, each child ends up in Discipline Cottage. However, instead of it being punishment, and under the watchful eyes of dedicates Lark and Rosethorn the cottage gives them a home, something that they have each given up on having, as they each learn that they possess an unusual form of magic instead of the usual ‘academic’ magic theirs is tied to everyday things, Sandry to thread and cloth, Tris to the weather, Daja to metal and Briar to plants. As the books progress they study under teachers giveted in the same area as they are face disasters like an earthquake and attack from pirates where they have to work their magic together. As they face these threats their relationship develops from annoyance at being forced to live with someone from an opposing class to a real sibling like bond where they tease each other but wouldn’t think twice about helping the other if they are in danger. I enjoyed this book more than i thought it would, i know it is for younger readers but it was a fun light read which is why we have the first two as our book club book. while each book switches between each of the children it seems to focus mostly on the title characters growth. I also liked the other characters Lark and Rosethorn as mother figures. and the world and magic systems were interesting how they tied in with each of the elements. I definitely want to finish the series and the two following series, The Circle Opens, and The Circle Reforged. if anyone is looking for me over the holiday you know where to find me (though i guess that is not much different to normal. | Since coming to Hogwarts I have learned about a few different muggle fairytales! They have a lot of different versions but they are really interesting. I decided to make them fit with real magic a little bit more. Please enjoy! The Frog Prince adapted from the fairytale published by the Brothers Grimm Once upon a time there was a princess who lived in a castle next to a forest. One day she was wandering in the forest in all her finery because she wasn't exactly the most sensible and a man holding a toad ran up to her. The princess was afraid but the man assured her he meant no harm, he was a footman to a prince but the prince had been turned into a toad by a wicked witch who used her magic to trap people with transfiguration. The footman said his prince was lucky not to have been turned to stone, but that the curse couldn't be broken in a normal way, in fact it could only be broken by a kiss. The princess was a bit skeptical but she also didn't know enough about magic to doubt him so she kissed the toad. Right before her eyes he turned into a very handsome prince! Since they had apparently been running from the witch the princess invited them into her castle where they stayed for a while. Unfortunately what the princess didn't know was that the toad prince was not a prince at all! He was a very talented wizard who had become an animagus, but he used his skills to lie and cheat and steal for his own benefit. His footman was actually his partner in crime. The two of them carefully snuck gold and jewels out of the castle and were just about to leave when the witch who had supposedly cursed him came to the castle. She was actually the last person he stole from, sneaking out some of her rare magical equipment. The princess was ready to tell her to leave however she was able to summon back the last bag of gold and jewels the thieves were taking and prove that the so called prince really was a toad! His animagus form didn't lie. The witch helped the princess and all the other girls that had been scammed get their treasures back and everyone lived happily ever after. Except the thieves. This time the witch really did turn them into stone. The end. |
The End of an Era By Elio Boneheart (Zazz) |
School is over. It feels strange to say it. Years of routine, waking up early to drag yourself to the Great hall for the good food and napping before your Astronomy classes at midnight - late night study sessions in the library or out on the grounds is all over. It’s done. You survived - I’m proud of you! The halls of Hogwarts New Zealand once filled with the chaos of a panicking NEWT student or someone practicing their apparition are now just spaces that will forever hold memories for us. This is the end of our era. And there’s a lot of things I want to say, so please bear with me as I get through as much of it as I can in this article. School for a lot of us is a place where we grow and discover who we are, what things mean to us, the people we want to be around and what our future is going to look like - there’s good (new friends!), there’s bad (detentions!) there’s unforgettable moments (Gryffindor won the Quidditch cup!) and one’s we’d rather forget (Theo flirting with half the school). The stress of exams got to some of us, I know it got to me, and it all filled up our whole world, like that would be the end of it if we didn’t manage to survive the last year - it felt like we couldn’t do anything else if we couldn’t even pass our exams. It was nerve-wracking and it was entirely possible the world was about to end any second. But we had those people walking this journey with us, holding us together, the friends and mentors and classmates that shared our pain and let us keep our heads up. When I think about my first day, walking into that hall, it’s always so surreal. I came later than most, transferring directly into my sixth year and so many friend groups were already established, it felt like I didn’t know where to turn or who I could rely on. So many people had built these routines I wasn’t privy to and I didn’t know if I would ever manage to fit in, or if I would ever make a mark on the school. Everything happened so fast after that, and now looking back it’s incredible how so much has changed. I’ve changed too, and so have the people I’ve interacted with. I remember so many sleepless nights when I wasn’t sure I’d have the right grades or answers to a test. I remember when I first told someone that I didn’t want to be a healer, and that I didn’t think it was the right path for me. The advice I got then was to be myself, and stop trying to be someone else. That lead me to what I want to work on now, to Hogwarts Monthly and ultimately, I hope, to being a Journalist. It took me a long time to realise being myself was enough. I remember the people who believed in me even when I didn’t and I remember how proud I was (and still am) about being a Gryffindor and how quickly I developed pride in a house I was only part of for a short time. I remember how encouraging Professor Joseph’s is in her classes, how willing to chat Professor Cade is, and how… enthusiastic about history Professor Borisyuk is. (Please don’t mention my name to him). I learned that house pride wasn’t just about the colours we wore or the people we roomed with, It was about having the courage to be who we are, and who we wanted to be, about facing our challenges head on and being honest when we need help. It meant standing up when we saw something wrong and sharing a bond like fire with the people in our house, carrying each other through tough times. The final moments of school feel surreal. I don’t know if it’s just me beginning to feel sentimental, but I feel like there are things I never got to do, that I just won’t have the time to do now. I wonder what it would have been like sometimes if I had started from scratch, been sorted as a first year and had the same group of friends around me from day one. I like to think I would have at least once, beat out Teddy Pirrip for top points earner, but I guess we’ll never really know - then again, Teddy you are a bit of a nerd dude - but also a great Brotherhood leader, and excellent Prefect. Am I allowed to start his campaign for Headboy? I know it’s a while away. (I’m mostly kidding, but also kind of not) I’m feeling a lot of emotions over the fact this will be the last thing I write for the monthly, because everyone here has been so wonderful with letting me have my say, but I’m also really excited about what’s going to happen in the future. I know this chapter is ending, and a new one is beginning, but I will be looking out for everyone I’ve met here, everyone who’s ever managed to make me smile or make me realise what I wanted to do when I graduated. And if anyone ever wants to look me up, you know you can always find me at Honeydukes - since my mum owns it. Let me know and maybe I can get you a discount. So here’s to the memories, to the lessons, to the friendships that will last beyond the castle walls, and here’s to the end of one era and the beginning of the next. Cheer’s Hogwarts, and thanks for always being a home. Elio Boneheart Gryffindor Class of ‘64 |
Editor's Note By Miranda Dawes (Camilla) |
| The Hogwarts Monthly wishes to reiterate that the opinions expressed in all the above articles are the opinions of the authors and not the paper as a whole. A huge thank you to all the staff at the Hogwarts Monthly, your hard work and your patience is greatly appreciated. Hugo and I would like to express our deepest appreciation for not only the staff but for everyone who's taken the time to even read one article. We look forward to continuing to bring you news, opinions, and creative writing and being a safe space for developing writers! In the meantime, we hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday break, that all our graduates take care and enjoy a well deserved rest, and we'll see you on the flipside! |