Khione Hawthorne
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- Holly Wand 11 Essence of Phoenix Feather
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- 1/2021
Year 20 - Semester 1 - Issue two
Farewell! Adios! Goodbye!
Another year has passed us by and Hogwarts is getting ready for yet another Graduation. Walking along the corridors surely brings on a nostalgic air as the once mysterious walls now surrender their secrets to us. Emotions are at an all time high as our Graduating class makes the most out of their last few weeks in this school. Opening the massive oak doors and stepping out into the vast world that lay before us is surely one of the most terrifying things to be done since learning to walk. Everything we have learned in the past eighteen years of our lives really comes to a climax in this moment. We can all breathe a sigh of relief however as we leave behind the stresses and hardships of exams, classes and study to take on something more meaningful and passionate within our lives.
Whether you desire to be an artisan, a member of the ministry or a world famous Quidditch player, our place in the world is to be decided by us and by those of us we desire to keep in our lives. As we walk the halls of this amazing establishment, many different memories present themselves to us. For a lot of us, the memory of our sorting or our first class becomes our prize, for others still perhaps it is a first kiss or a first friend. Whatever we are feeling, Graduation is sure to be a big deal for all of us. Those of us Graduating have much to look forward too, including speeches from our beloved Headboy and Headgirl as well as a major farewell to our friends, our professors and our student lives. No matter where we come from or where we are going we can be assured that our lives are really only just beginning and that our next great adventure is just beginning.
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Author: Kialla Smith
<i></i>Top Ten ways to celebrate Graduation!
Host a graduation party
1. You've spent the last seven years studying, now it's time to let loose! For the extroverted, socialite types, hosting a graduation party for all your former peers is a great way to celebrate putting your books down and starting your new life as an adult. Be wary of the next morning however, a long guest list means a lot of mess to clean up!
Attend a graduation party
2.If you're a social butterfly but not the greatest host or hostess, you can always attend a graduation party! It's a way to socialise and celebrate finishing school with your fellow graduates, without worrying about cleaning up the mess!
Burn your uniform
3. Not many people would agree this is a good way to celebrate graduation. But if you're a darker person, did not have a very cheerful time during the past seven years of school, and/or want to try some sort of cleansing ritual with your friends, you may see it fit to burn your uniform. As long as you're reliable with fire spells, this can be an interesting way to celebrate graduation.
Burn your school books
4. Much like burning your uniform, burning your school books can also be a way to celebrate graduation. It's an interesting and unique way to symbolise the end of your time as a student, and the begining of your new life as an adult. Fire safety is of paramount importance though, so make sure you have someone that's handy with fire or water spells around!
Have a dinner with your Family
5. Organising a dinner with your family is a more traditional way to celebrate graduation. If you're family oriented, or just want to have a mellow time with your family after graduation, this would be the best option for you!
Have a quiet night in
6. If you're an introvert, or just simply don't want to party with others, a quiet night in could be the option for you! Some might consider spending some quiet time alone to be antisocial, but after seven years of spending plenty of time with others, wanting to celebrate by yourself is perfectly understandable. You could spend the time reading, sleeping, writing, anything you want!
Spend time with your friends
7. After spending many years with your friends, of course you want to make the most of the time you still have left! Whether or not you and your group of friends choose to keep in touch after graduation, it couldn't hurt to have some fun with them while you can!
Reminisce old times
8. Looking back on all the fun times you have had the past seven years could be the way to go. If you enjoy feeling nostalgic, but don't want to look back on your school memories alone you could always reminisce with a friend or two. It's a great way to appreciate the time you spent at school, so you're even more excited to start your future!
Thank your professors
9. Many would consider this as "sucking up" and if you're not a teacher's pet already, thanking your professors could easily brand you as one. However, it makes perfect sense to celebrate leaving school by thanking the professors that made it worthwhile.
Just celebrate!
10.Do what you want to do, alone or with the ones you love! You're starting a whole new chapter in your life, and celebrating what once was will make your future even more bright!
Author: Ferdinand Oakley
<i></i>Professor and Student's Spotlight!
Kialla: Hey Ben! Can I trouble you for an interview, you know with you being the Headboy and all?
Benjamin: As you know I have a hundred responsibilities out there but with you interviewing... I think I'm not gonna pass this up.
Kialla: Yay! Okay, so first question, what did you think when you were told that they had picked you to be Headboy?
Benjamin: I thought, "Holy sh*t, this must be a twisted joke." Honestly, I thought Hogwarts was pulling some prank on me to get a reaction and I remember even double checking the letter to see if it was really addressed to me. When I realized the letter and the badge attached to it was authentic, I swear to Merlin I felt myself explode. Not that kind of explode -- more like in a pleased and satisfied way. It was a glorious day for me.
Kialla: What a reaction! So how do you feel about the added responsibility?
Benjamin: Some would say it must be difficult and I couldn't help but agree very much. You know, with the added pressure of the exams and simply graduating, my entire seventh year so far has been a bumpy ride. Despite that I'd like to think that these added responsibilities push me further into doing something a lot better than what I normally do, which is a great motivator for me to keep up this constant striving. If I wasn't mature enough to handle all of these I must have gone insane already. No joke man!
Kialla: Of course not, responsibility is a good thing. Anyway, what do you think you will be doing after you Graduate?
Benjamin: Perhaps I should bum around... Okay no, I would never do that. I am sure though that once I graduate, I will be in America and work under my father to actually get to know the world of businesses and finance and all that. But I would also definitely travel to at least three different countries and stay there. Wanna come?
Kialla: Sure, that sounds like fun. How do you feel about Graduating then?
Benjamin: Fantastic, let's talk about the plan later. Oh and graduation? Well I consider it as life changing event which it really is... I feel excited that I'll be done with my schooling, but perhaps I will miss the comforting places here like the common room and the lakefront. No matter though because I will be out in the real world where opportunities and lessons mold you further. Basically I will miss this school, but I won't cry like a schoolgirl once I deliver my year end speech.
Kialla: Awesome, sounds like a plan. Thanks for this interview, Benjamin, I just have one more question. What would you like to say to all the little first years before you leave?
Benjamin: to all first years, don't act like know-it-alls. It isn't pleasant, especially to us, the older students. And if I may add something too? Right, to the next Head Boy; Don't. Screw. Up. Hogwarts. Last thing I want to hear is the school being burnt down.
Kialla: Very lovely, thanks for that Ben. I'll give you the final draft before I submit it, thanks again!
Benjamin: Anytime, Cheetah.
There we have it guys. Word to the wise, you might want to stay out of this Headboy's way.
Kialla: Hi Professor Hensel. I've heard you are retiring from your Potions position. I thought it could be nice to have a last interview with you before you go off into the big wide world. Would that be okay with you?
Hensel: Yeah, I'm retiring. An interview? I can't promise it'll be anything interesting...but sure, I'll give it a go.
Kialla: How long have you taught Potions?
Hensel: I've been teaching potions here for, oh......I don't even remember the exact amount of years, but I'm pretty sure it's been more than ten years at least. I think. *coughs*
Kialla: Wow, that's a very long time to be teaching! Have you always taught potions, or did you start out in a different position?
Hensel: No joke! Nope, only potions. To be honest, I'm not really too good with any other subjects. I struggled in school with every subject except potions.
Kialla: Well, I am a big fan of potions, so I really can't fault you there at all. Did you always want to become an educator?
Hensel: When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut. But then my little sister told me how stupid I was because magic and muggle technology just doesn't click, and well....many years later, I find myself here. I'm not sure what made me decide to teach, but I just felt like this was the place to be at the time, you know?
Kialla: Wow, that's quite the drastic difference. What would you say has been your favourite aspect of teaching?
Hensel: I really like watching students improve as they get older. It's so cool seeing them come into your class as fifth years and just barely able to brew or understand some of the more difficult, then they come back as seventh years and I'm absolutely amazed by some of the things they can do. I bet some of them could even put my potion skills to shame!
Kialla: Oh, I don't know about that. Just one more question and I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing. Do you have anything you want to say to whoever might be taking over for you?
Hensel: Sure! Don't blow up the classroom, it's one hell of a mess to clean up. Even with magic.
Kialla: Thanks Professor! I'll be sure to send you a personal copy of the article!
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Author: Kialla Smith
<i></i>Dear Aunt Meg...
"Dear Aunt Meg,
Graduation is fast approaching and I am worried. I dont know what I want to do. Well I do, I have always dreamed of being an auror, but I dont have the grades. All my friends are going to be exiting things, one wants to be a healer, and can easily get there, one already has had trials for a couple of quidditch teams, and a couple of them are having a gap ear and are always talking about where they are planning on going. As for me, well I have only ever wanted to be an auror and now dont know what to do, and I am worried I will end up on the street.
From,
Disheartened graduate
Dear Disheartened Graduate
I am sure you wont end up on the street. Aiming to be an auror is aiming very high, but is certainly a good aim, but shouldnt be the be all and end all. If you are worried then your head of house can offer you some advice. In the mean time, make sure you study hard for your NEWTs as no matter what you want to do the better the grades you have the more options you have. If your mind is set on being an auror then there are more ways to get in than straight through school. Maybe try a different department then transfer once they get an idea that you are more than just a grade.
Good luck,
Aunt meg
Author: Rhiannon McGowan
<i></i>Horoscopes for Everyone!
Aries:
Aries, have things been proving a little tricky lately? Nothing really going that right? There is reasons for this, you life has become very cluttered. Take some time out. Go for a fly, go out with friends. Just spend some time de-stressing. You'll find doing those things, will help the issues ease up, and new clarity will help in passing those upcoming exams.
Taurus:
That love life of yours Taurus has been doing well hasn't it? New, interesting people entering your life, giving you plenty of choice. But you should remember those old friends. Don't leave them behind because you've found something new and exciting.Be careful Taurus, those old friends are people you should keep close in the upcoming months.
Gemini:
Things have been going well for you haven't they Gemini! This is good, but to keep this going you should continue to be open to new and exciting opportunities. Perhaps not all seem good to begin with, but trust that good things will come from them! That's the advice I'd give you Gemini, work on that trust, and open yourself to all opportunities.
Cancer:
Something has been causing you to be upset Cancer, a person, or a grade perhaps. Whatever that something or someone is, you should work to get rid of it. You have some very good and loyal people in your life, but do not be so quick to trust all of those people who surround you. Cut off a few excess things in your life, and reaffirm those old friendships for they are the most loyal.
Leo:
Leo you've been incredibly open these past months, and congratulations on that. It is fantastic to hear how well things are going with both your friends and in school. Continue to work hard Leo, do not let how well things are currently going stop you from still working hard and being open and welcoming to your friends. Opportunities and friendships will continue to flourish.
Virgo:
You've had trouble keeping all those thoughts in might straight, haven't you Virgo? It's been fun these past few months, but you are a little confused. Not quite sure what is next for you. Focus more on that school work, and ignore those pressures from others that would drag you away. School work will help you in the months to come, and from it good things will come.
Libra:
There have been a few people in your life right now that have rocked your boat. You are a little unsure about things Libra, but trust, and things will work themselves out. Step out of your comfort zone a little. Take a little bit of time for yourself. Try something new, or do something you haven't done in a while and that will definitely make things better for you.
Scorpio:
Much improvement on that anger for Scorpios! You have had increased success with those around you. Many new friends and possibilities have opened up for you. Your love life has never looked better. Which is great. You deserve all of it. Perhaps to continue this, Scorpio do something that lets out some of the built up anger. You've been feeling good, but always be wary New activities will lead to new and possibly great friendships.
Sagittarius:
Grabbing every opportunity you can Sagittarius has paid off, you've got new friendships and those grades you've worked so hard on are really improving. You should feel very proud! Take this time to be thankful, spend some time with the people you call family. They can keep you grounded as you continue to reach for the stars.
Capricorn:
Working incredibly hard Capricorn will really pay off in those exams, but you've become a little bogged down in the work you are doing. When these exams are over and you get the grades you were aiming for work, let lose. Go out with friends, go out alone, meet new people, try new things, go to new places. You will have worked hard, and deserve to enjoy yourself after. It is sure to provide new friendships and perhaps a new love.
Aquarius:
Strong friendships have been helping you a lot during this difficult time Aquarius. You have been perhaps trying a little to hard in some areas and need some time to do something else. Turn your attention to your studies, and let them help you out too. The difficult time is a good time to focus energy in those areas of school that have been neglected. It will work out for the better in the future!
Pisces:
All these good things have been happening Pisces, and you've started to be more afraid. Just be confident that all these good things are what you deserve. You have worked hard, and it's paying off. Good opportunities are presenting themselves, and you should be keen to take as many as you can. Keep working hard, work on your friendships and know that you'll continue to be successful.
Author: Sage Ottavi
<i></i>Cookery Corner!
There are many momentous occasions in a persons life from child to adulthood: getting your acceptance letter to Hogwarts, a first date, getting your apparition license, your first job. For many though, the day of your graduation from school is one of the greatest causes of celebration in any young persons life. Some 18 years in the making, this most special day officially marks you entrance into the "real" world, whether you're continuing your education or buckling down and joining the work force. While the ceremony itself is a special occasion the next best thing is the party afterwards. Of course Ferdinand summed up some great ideas to celebrate graduating but here in the Cookery Corner I hope to help with a key part to any party: the food.
If you want your event to be remembered for the right reasons, it will take some planning. Given the importance of a graduation, you might be tempted to go overboard in terms of menu, decorations and activities. Yet I strongly recommend keeping things simple. With regards to food, that means no more than five or six graduate-friendly items that are easy to replenish on the buffet table. Nothing ruins a party more than taking on too much and scrambling at the last minute to pull everything together so my recommendation would be to pick a theme and stick to it. A theme might seem a little hokey past the age of 8 or 9, but it can help keep everything consistent and easy.
For a large bash I suggest a menu of foods that can be picked up and eaten in a bite or two, followed by something sweet and simple for dessert. The last thing you want is to have guests swarming the same food and beverage table, so place the selection of foods in multiple spots throughout the home, as well as outside on the patio and/or on a table in the garden. This will get guests to retrieve their plates, serve themselves, and mingle until they are ready for more. And here's a caterer's trick you can adopt: Serve your bite-size fare on smaller plates, which will make each serving look larger.
Some favourites can range from burgers, kebab skewers, chips and crudités and dips, various salad dishes - and don't forget about your vegetarian guests. The best thing about a lot of finger food favourites is that they are all something that can be prepared ahead of time and in large quantities, making it easier to replenish as the party goes on. With the main course over the next thing is dessert. Of course no party would be complete without a cake but not everyone could like the one flavour of cake. My suggestion for this is to either have smaller cakes with different flavours, or my personal favourite - cupcakes.
Yes cupcakes, it may seem simple but sometimes simple is the best way to go. Quick and easy to make everyone loves a nice cupcake and it's possible to easily make plain and chocolate flavoured cupcakes in the one batch. A fun idea when making cupcakes is that instead of meticulously decorating each one yourself, leave them all plain and create a decorating station full of different toppings and to add a little bit of extra house pride have different coloured icing matching the four house colours. The possibility of toppings are endless, from simple sprinkles to fondant mortarboard caps and diplomas - the choice is yours. Below is a simple recipe for cupcakes and whatever you do for your party, enjoy!
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Graduation Cupcakes<i></i>
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Ingredients:
110g butter, softened
110g caster sugar
110g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 medium eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
*20g cocoa powder for chocolate cupcakes
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/ 350F / Gas 4. Line a muffin tin with paper cases.
2. Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until pale and fluffy.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder (cocoa powder) and salt into the bowl.
4. Beat the eggs and vanilla and add to the bowl. Beat until just combined.
5. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases.
6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until risen, golden and firm to the touch.
7. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
<B>Author: Iason Samartzi
<i></i><B>Editor's Note
"No, this is not the beginning of a new chapter in my life; this is the beginning of a new book! That first book is already closed, ended, and tossed into the seas; this new book is newly opened, has just begun! Look, it is the first page! And it is a beautiful one!"
- C. JoyBell C.
This entire issue wouldn't be here right now without my amazing staff, thank you guys! Cheers to another awesome issue with y'all!