Headmaster
With Headmistress Truebridge leaving after last term's terrifying acromantula debacle, the vacancy she left was filled by none other than our beloved Ancient Runes professor, Abraham K. Botros. After eight long, successful terms of enlightening young minds to the study of ancient runes and three terms acting as Deputy Headmaster, there was no question that Botros would be a perfect fit to fill Truebridge's shoes. Headmaster Botros has a degree in Primary and Secondary Wizarding Education, Pre-Healer Studies, and Rune Study, making him highly qualified in a variety of areas to take on such an important leadership position at this school. Anyone who has stopped by his office will also know that he is very much a family man as family photographs bring life to the room, which certainly gives off the impression that this kind, gentle man cares deeply about the well-being of each and every one of his Hogwarts children. He was certainly a fine choice for the job, and he soon showed us his big heart right from the start of the term.
We saw our first evidence to the new Headmaster's big ideas and kind heart when he announced at the start-of-term feast that there would be multiple camps throughout the year to encourage positivity and encourage school spirit. After the many difficult, traumatizing years that preceded us, Headmaster Botros felt that the school body at large needed to regain its footing and harness the strong foundation upon which Hogwarts was built. Students and professors alike experienced the joys of a breakfast picnic out on the grounds, a sleepover in the Great Hall to celebrate the holidays, and even got to build snowmen and ice skate inside igloos, thanks to Botros' brilliant ideas! He sought to bring harmony to our bodies, minds, and hearts through these camps, and he even went one step further throughout the term in his quest to enrich our lives, too, by enacting fun new rules throughout the school. For instance, upon entering the Great Hall on Saturdays, one was expected to hum the Hogwarts school song, and when approaching the stone gargoyles leading to the Headmaster's office, one was required to switch shoes their shoes around or else their feet would crisscross! Though some may have questioned what good these silly rules would do, there is no doubt that Headmaster Botros managed to engage students, help us forget some of the chaos that had reigned over past terms, and give Hogwarts new life. His first term as Headmaster proved to be a true success, and his competence is evidenced by the fact that no one died.
We saw our first evidence to the new Headmaster's big ideas and kind heart when he announced at the start-of-term feast that there would be multiple camps throughout the year to encourage positivity and encourage school spirit. After the many difficult, traumatizing years that preceded us, Headmaster Botros felt that the school body at large needed to regain its footing and harness the strong foundation upon which Hogwarts was built. Students and professors alike experienced the joys of a breakfast picnic out on the grounds, a sleepover in the Great Hall to celebrate the holidays, and even got to build snowmen and ice skate inside igloos, thanks to Botros' brilliant ideas! He sought to bring harmony to our bodies, minds, and hearts through these camps, and he even went one step further throughout the term in his quest to enrich our lives, too, by enacting fun new rules throughout the school. For instance, upon entering the Great Hall on Saturdays, one was expected to hum the Hogwarts school song, and when approaching the stone gargoyles leading to the Headmaster's office, one was required to switch shoes their shoes around or else their feet would crisscross! Though some may have questioned what good these silly rules would do, there is no doubt that Headmaster Botros managed to engage students, help us forget some of the chaos that had reigned over past terms, and give Hogwarts new life. His first term as Headmaster proved to be a true success, and his competence is evidenced by the fact that no one died.
Groundskeeper
In typical Hogwarts fashion, a new term brings along with it new professors and staff members. In particular I am referring to the school's newest groundskeeper, Justin McLeod. I was lucky enough to get Mr. McLeod to agree to an interview with me so we can get to know him a little better. So sit back and relax as we get to know a little bit about the man who is taking on the dreaded curse of the Hogwarts Groundskeeper.
1) It's a well known fact around here that the groundskeeper position is cursed. In the past eleven years before you, we had seven different groundskeepers, none who lasted here more than two years. Were you aware of this curse before accepting the job? If so, what made you want to take a position that is known to scare people away?
Sure, but the curse didn't scare me. I saw more to offer here with all the secrets this school has always had. Headmaster Botros helped remind me of that. Then remembering how I managed to survive my student years here... Hogwarts doesn't seem so scary after all.
2) You've made it through one term here so far. Do you think you have what it takes to break the curse and last more than two terms as groundskeeper? If so, how do you intend to make this happen?
I have a good number of charms and protection spells up my sleeve when needed.
3) Is it true that before coming to work at Hogwarts you got to travel the world as a photographer for the Quibbler? If so, why would you want to give up a job like that to come work here, in a position that will most likely last no more than two years?
You've heard right, but I didn't give it up. I simply made a new change that was for my benefit. If the curse does happen to get me, the option to return is always there.
4) With this being your first term on staff, what would you say was the hardest thing you had to do as groundskeeper?
Making sure no students got themselves hurt badly on the grounds. It takes ages to escort a student up to the castle let alone to the infirmary when needed.
5) Do you have a favorite place on the grounds that you like to hang out at? If so where is it and what do you do there?
The Great Lake is one of my most favourite places. Sitting by with a nice book or the occasional nap makes it so relaxing.
6) Do you have any pet peeves? If so what are they?
You're asking the wrong fellow for that.
7) What is your favorite memory from this year?
Watching Slytherin kick butt at the camps.
8) What is your favorite food? Yes students want to know these things.
Bacon.
9) Do you get many student volunteers to help out around the grounds? If so, what kind of things do you have them do?
Hah!
10) If you were to give one piece of advice to the Hogwarts students, what would it be?
Let it go.
Well there you have it Hogwartians, Mr. McLeod believes he's the man to break the long standing curse of the Hogwarts Groundskeeper. I say if we want to see him stick around longer than two terms then maybe we should help him out a little around the grounds, and while we're at it, take the man some bacon.
1) It's a well known fact around here that the groundskeeper position is cursed. In the past eleven years before you, we had seven different groundskeepers, none who lasted here more than two years. Were you aware of this curse before accepting the job? If so, what made you want to take a position that is known to scare people away?
Sure, but the curse didn't scare me. I saw more to offer here with all the secrets this school has always had. Headmaster Botros helped remind me of that. Then remembering how I managed to survive my student years here... Hogwarts doesn't seem so scary after all.
2) You've made it through one term here so far. Do you think you have what it takes to break the curse and last more than two terms as groundskeeper? If so, how do you intend to make this happen?
I have a good number of charms and protection spells up my sleeve when needed.
3) Is it true that before coming to work at Hogwarts you got to travel the world as a photographer for the Quibbler? If so, why would you want to give up a job like that to come work here, in a position that will most likely last no more than two years?
You've heard right, but I didn't give it up. I simply made a new change that was for my benefit. If the curse does happen to get me, the option to return is always there.
4) With this being your first term on staff, what would you say was the hardest thing you had to do as groundskeeper?
Making sure no students got themselves hurt badly on the grounds. It takes ages to escort a student up to the castle let alone to the infirmary when needed.
5) Do you have a favorite place on the grounds that you like to hang out at? If so where is it and what do you do there?
The Great Lake is one of my most favourite places. Sitting by with a nice book or the occasional nap makes it so relaxing.
6) Do you have any pet peeves? If so what are they?
You're asking the wrong fellow for that.
7) What is your favorite memory from this year?
Watching Slytherin kick butt at the camps.
8) What is your favorite food? Yes students want to know these things.
Bacon.
9) Do you get many student volunteers to help out around the grounds? If so, what kind of things do you have them do?
Hah!
10) If you were to give one piece of advice to the Hogwarts students, what would it be?
Let it go.
Well there you have it Hogwartians, Mr. McLeod believes he's the man to break the long standing curse of the Hogwarts Groundskeeper. I say if we want to see him stick around longer than two terms then maybe we should help him out a little around the grounds, and while we're at it, take the man some bacon.
Healer
Hogwarts can be an incredibly unpredictable place. From acromantula invasions, to bizarre possessions, to bewitched ice cream, to the common cold, the castle and those who reside within have seen it all and then some. Healer Cecelia Murdoch, now celebrating her 12th year fixing everyone's scrapes and bruises, may seem like she has a look that can kill in an instant, not unlike a basilisk, but that is a misconceived perception of the Healer. She was ever so kind as to take a break from organizing the various fantastical healing elixirs in the hospital wing to answer a few questions and help reveal that this Queen of Serpents isn't so scary after all.
1. It was a very quiet year at Hogwarts this year. Without quidditch or any life threatening situations endangering students, how did you pass the time?
I was actually able to spend more time with my husband this term, away from the school. But fear not, Mr. McLeod kept a watchful eye out for me and knew exactly how to contact me if I was needed back at the school.
2. What subject do you think is most important for an aspiring Healer to achieve O marks in during their time at Hogwarts? What advice do you have in order to excel in that subject?
Potions, Herbology and Charms. These are all subjects any student aspiring to be a healer needs to excel at if they expect to be any good at their job. In order to do that you will need to study hard, focus on what you are doing and take your studies very seriously. Remember, you will have someone's life in your hands if you do make it far enough to become a healer.
3. Being a Healer is a great responsibility as the very life of a person can be in your hands. How do you handle that sort of pressure?
I have been a healer for the past seventeen years. It's what I love to do. When stressful situations arise I go into full healer mode and don't think about anything else. My focus at that time is making sure my patient, be it a student or a staff member come out alive. And before you ask, yes, I have lost patients before. There are just some situations that arise where you can't save a life.
4. Would you ever consider performing joint healing practices with a centaur as a means of encouraging magical cooperation? We learned first hand that they are very gifted in magical healing!
I wouldn't say no to it, but I would have to think about it and consider all aspects of the class.
5. What would you say is your greatest achievement in the field?
Saving lives of course.
6. Some of the potions one must taken due to illness or injury can taste pretty awful. Do you ever think about doing something to make the flavor more appealing?
Never. I look at it this way, if you students know the cure is going to leave an awful taste in your mouth, then just maybe you will take all preventative measures needed to keep yourself from getting sick or injured.
7. Forgive me for getting off topic, but I've heard that Hufflepuffs are the ones with the really nice hair but your blonde locks are especially luscious. A Healer's secret or do you also have some hair care tips?
I don't know where you heard that ridiculous story, but anyone can have nice hair if they care enough about how they look. What house you're in has nothing to do with it.
8. If you could bottle your personality for healing purposes, what would the name of your unique brew be and what would be its purpose?
I'll have to think on that one and get back to you. Maybe I'll work with the Potions professor and come up with something.
9. Honeydukes is one of my favorite shops and I especially like chewing Droobles Best Blowing Bubble Gum, but I accidentally swallowed some last week when my owl startled me while I was writing my Herbology essay...should I be concerned? Will it really stay in my stomach for seven years?
Yes you should be concerned. Do you know how bad that stuff is for you? Never mind it getting stuck in your intestines and never working its way out. If I was you, I would be more concerned with it rotting your teeth. All that sugar is not good for anyone.
10. What is your number one tip on how to stay healthy at Hogwarts?
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay away from junk food, and in your case, bubble gum, frequently wash your hands, get plenty of rest and exercise, and most importantly, don't do anything stupid to get yourself injured and land yourself in the infirmary. Stupidity and carelessness do not sit well with me.
1. It was a very quiet year at Hogwarts this year. Without quidditch or any life threatening situations endangering students, how did you pass the time?
I was actually able to spend more time with my husband this term, away from the school. But fear not, Mr. McLeod kept a watchful eye out for me and knew exactly how to contact me if I was needed back at the school.
2. What subject do you think is most important for an aspiring Healer to achieve O marks in during their time at Hogwarts? What advice do you have in order to excel in that subject?
Potions, Herbology and Charms. These are all subjects any student aspiring to be a healer needs to excel at if they expect to be any good at their job. In order to do that you will need to study hard, focus on what you are doing and take your studies very seriously. Remember, you will have someone's life in your hands if you do make it far enough to become a healer.
3. Being a Healer is a great responsibility as the very life of a person can be in your hands. How do you handle that sort of pressure?
I have been a healer for the past seventeen years. It's what I love to do. When stressful situations arise I go into full healer mode and don't think about anything else. My focus at that time is making sure my patient, be it a student or a staff member come out alive. And before you ask, yes, I have lost patients before. There are just some situations that arise where you can't save a life.
4. Would you ever consider performing joint healing practices with a centaur as a means of encouraging magical cooperation? We learned first hand that they are very gifted in magical healing!
I wouldn't say no to it, but I would have to think about it and consider all aspects of the class.
5. What would you say is your greatest achievement in the field?
Saving lives of course.
6. Some of the potions one must taken due to illness or injury can taste pretty awful. Do you ever think about doing something to make the flavor more appealing?
Never. I look at it this way, if you students know the cure is going to leave an awful taste in your mouth, then just maybe you will take all preventative measures needed to keep yourself from getting sick or injured.
7. Forgive me for getting off topic, but I've heard that Hufflepuffs are the ones with the really nice hair but your blonde locks are especially luscious. A Healer's secret or do you also have some hair care tips?
I don't know where you heard that ridiculous story, but anyone can have nice hair if they care enough about how they look. What house you're in has nothing to do with it.
8. If you could bottle your personality for healing purposes, what would the name of your unique brew be and what would be its purpose?
I'll have to think on that one and get back to you. Maybe I'll work with the Potions professor and come up with something.
9. Honeydukes is one of my favorite shops and I especially like chewing Droobles Best Blowing Bubble Gum, but I accidentally swallowed some last week when my owl startled me while I was writing my Herbology essay...should I be concerned? Will it really stay in my stomach for seven years?
Yes you should be concerned. Do you know how bad that stuff is for you? Never mind it getting stuck in your intestines and never working its way out. If I was you, I would be more concerned with it rotting your teeth. All that sugar is not good for anyone.
10. What is your number one tip on how to stay healthy at Hogwarts?
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay away from junk food, and in your case, bubble gum, frequently wash your hands, get plenty of rest and exercise, and most importantly, don't do anything stupid to get yourself injured and land yourself in the infirmary. Stupidity and carelessness do not sit well with me.
Librarian
In between all the unexpected changes of new and old staff members, we have several figures who have been the backbone of the school for several years now. Today we're talking about none other than the great Mr. Leobald Kitridge, completing a decade here in the castle as our ever calm caretaker of knowledge and books. Along the way, Mr. Kitridge added more responsibilities to his mantle and can now be seen just about everywhere. What more could be said about this great man that hasn't been said before? We took the opportunity to sit down with the good librarian and ask him some of our burning questions.
1. Hello Mr. Kitridge, back for another year as our beloved Librarian, Gobstones advisor, head of Ravenclaw house and the staff adviser of our other school publication, the Quill. Busy fellow. Mr. Kitridge, what propelled you to take on so many roles here at Hogwarts?
I've always liked to have many irons in the fire so to speak. I enjoy being busy. Books I love, so taking on the library came naturally to me. Quill advisor I accepted on impulse more than anything since I've always enjoyed reading a good article. Gobstones was for fun and enjoyment and the unpredictably of it. When you've tossed the marble you don't know where it will stop. Becoming Ravenclaw's head I accepted with pride and love for my old house and wish to help and guide the new generation of witches and witches.
2. Let's talk about the library now, simultaneously the most popular and unpopular hang out in the castle. Let's be honest sir, how many people have you had to wake up from impromptu naps, drooling over the precious tomes?
I didn't know that the student view of the library is so changing. Almost like a love/hate relationship depending on the month? I'm not going to give up any names but yes, over the years I've had to wake more than a dozen or so sleeping and drooling visitors, and that includes colleagues. On those days I pride myself for waterproofing most tomes and texts.
3. Including colleagues! We will investigate this matter further off the record. Speaking of the castle's inhabitants, we like to boast our diversity here at Hogwarts. We have varying amounts of magic and muggle heritage roaming our halls. Is this the same for our books? How many muggle books do we house, comparatively, and how often are they checked out?
We house about a hundred muggle books in the library in the section designated for muggle books. It varies how often they are checked out but at least four a week, sometimes more, and it always goes up in time for the exams.
4. Goes up in time for exams? Muggle Studies students hard at work or procrastinators suddenly finding Sherlock Holmes extremely fascinating? Which would you say was the most checked out book of the year, including all genres, textbooks and novels and why do you think it was that popular?
I'd say a mix of both but the majority is checked out by Muggle Studies students hard at work to impress Professor Moxley. Sherlock Holmes is actually extremely fascinating. You should read one sometime. The most checked out book is believe it or not 'Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century'. I guess that book is so popular since it takes up both famous witches and wizards and how they've impacted history by what they've done, discovered, invented etc. It's a book that inspires and encourages.
5. I'll make sure to grab a copy. That says something about the student population here at Hogwarts, we aim for greatness! Now that we know roughly where the students like to roam, which is your favourite section of the library?
It's not like it isn't known and probably widely gossiped about among the students but my favourite sections are for baking and fishing. For page turning books I look in the crime novel section.
6. Speaking of leisurely activities, summer's almost upon us! Now that we're about to go off for two months, and some of us leaving for good, all our books will be solely in our care and if they fall apart we won't be able to nip to the library for another copy. What are your tricks for preserving books and keeping them in good condition?
I use a combination of spells, muggle tricks and old preserving methods. There are also some solutions and potions you can use to keep the writing on the pages of the oldest books from fading or becoming clearer.
7. Finally, a year without tragedies. It seems like Hogwarts has given us some time to breathe. How did you use the free time?
Free time? Just because there were no tragedies doesn't mean I wasn't busy. We had wonderful camps and events. But I did have some time so I can announce with excitement that the book club meetings will be coming back next term, along with another surprise in the library, but I'm not spoiling what that will be.
8. New library happenings! I bet all of our readers will be looking forward to the surprise next term. Let's talk Gobstones for a moment. What do you like most about the game, and what is it like watching the students improve, year after year of getting sprayed in the face with that truly awful liquid?
The unpredictably I like most. When you've shot the marble it's up to luck and chance how it will turn out. Fascinating really. It’s heartwarming to see improvement in the students year after year. Makes me wonder if they play Gobstones during the summer break, but I've never asked. The foul smelling liquid adds a surprise element and suspense, which even if it sometimes makes me want to vomit and not have it any more is as integral part of the game as the shooters, so we still have to have it.
9. And the game is better for it. We took the time to go speak to the Hogwarts masses and a trait of yours that kept coming up again and again is your incredible patience. What's your secret Mr. Kitridge? Students must irritate you from time to time. We're no saints.
My secret? I'm not sure I have one except that I can relate and sympathize since I was after all a young boy once. That's what I remind myself when all I want to do is lecture a student in a high pitched voice for messing up, causing trouble or just being careless around the castle or the library. I'm not a saint and sometimes I can overreact or stuff up but then people/family are mostly patient with me. So I do my utmost to give that to all the students, an incredible patience or I'd make my parents think less of me and I don't want that.
10. Finally, as the wizard essentially responsible for all of Hogwarts' collective knowledge, what advice would you give graduating students leaving this year? Some of whom you've seen grow up before your eyes.
My advice is that for your career choices, think about what truly makes you happy and what you enjoy, then shoot for your dream job. In relationships, follow your heart and instincts more than what other people think of you. You all deserve to be happy both in your private lives and in your professions. And if you experience bumps in the road, pick yourself up and fight onward. You all have the potential for greatness and I'm proud of every one of you.
1. Hello Mr. Kitridge, back for another year as our beloved Librarian, Gobstones advisor, head of Ravenclaw house and the staff adviser of our other school publication, the Quill. Busy fellow. Mr. Kitridge, what propelled you to take on so many roles here at Hogwarts?
I've always liked to have many irons in the fire so to speak. I enjoy being busy. Books I love, so taking on the library came naturally to me. Quill advisor I accepted on impulse more than anything since I've always enjoyed reading a good article. Gobstones was for fun and enjoyment and the unpredictably of it. When you've tossed the marble you don't know where it will stop. Becoming Ravenclaw's head I accepted with pride and love for my old house and wish to help and guide the new generation of witches and witches.
2. Let's talk about the library now, simultaneously the most popular and unpopular hang out in the castle. Let's be honest sir, how many people have you had to wake up from impromptu naps, drooling over the precious tomes?
I didn't know that the student view of the library is so changing. Almost like a love/hate relationship depending on the month? I'm not going to give up any names but yes, over the years I've had to wake more than a dozen or so sleeping and drooling visitors, and that includes colleagues. On those days I pride myself for waterproofing most tomes and texts.
3. Including colleagues! We will investigate this matter further off the record. Speaking of the castle's inhabitants, we like to boast our diversity here at Hogwarts. We have varying amounts of magic and muggle heritage roaming our halls. Is this the same for our books? How many muggle books do we house, comparatively, and how often are they checked out?
We house about a hundred muggle books in the library in the section designated for muggle books. It varies how often they are checked out but at least four a week, sometimes more, and it always goes up in time for the exams.
4. Goes up in time for exams? Muggle Studies students hard at work or procrastinators suddenly finding Sherlock Holmes extremely fascinating? Which would you say was the most checked out book of the year, including all genres, textbooks and novels and why do you think it was that popular?
I'd say a mix of both but the majority is checked out by Muggle Studies students hard at work to impress Professor Moxley. Sherlock Holmes is actually extremely fascinating. You should read one sometime. The most checked out book is believe it or not 'Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century'. I guess that book is so popular since it takes up both famous witches and wizards and how they've impacted history by what they've done, discovered, invented etc. It's a book that inspires and encourages.
5. I'll make sure to grab a copy. That says something about the student population here at Hogwarts, we aim for greatness! Now that we know roughly where the students like to roam, which is your favourite section of the library?
It's not like it isn't known and probably widely gossiped about among the students but my favourite sections are for baking and fishing. For page turning books I look in the crime novel section.
6. Speaking of leisurely activities, summer's almost upon us! Now that we're about to go off for two months, and some of us leaving for good, all our books will be solely in our care and if they fall apart we won't be able to nip to the library for another copy. What are your tricks for preserving books and keeping them in good condition?
I use a combination of spells, muggle tricks and old preserving methods. There are also some solutions and potions you can use to keep the writing on the pages of the oldest books from fading or becoming clearer.
7. Finally, a year without tragedies. It seems like Hogwarts has given us some time to breathe. How did you use the free time?
Free time? Just because there were no tragedies doesn't mean I wasn't busy. We had wonderful camps and events. But I did have some time so I can announce with excitement that the book club meetings will be coming back next term, along with another surprise in the library, but I'm not spoiling what that will be.
8. New library happenings! I bet all of our readers will be looking forward to the surprise next term. Let's talk Gobstones for a moment. What do you like most about the game, and what is it like watching the students improve, year after year of getting sprayed in the face with that truly awful liquid?
The unpredictably I like most. When you've shot the marble it's up to luck and chance how it will turn out. Fascinating really. It’s heartwarming to see improvement in the students year after year. Makes me wonder if they play Gobstones during the summer break, but I've never asked. The foul smelling liquid adds a surprise element and suspense, which even if it sometimes makes me want to vomit and not have it any more is as integral part of the game as the shooters, so we still have to have it.
9. And the game is better for it. We took the time to go speak to the Hogwarts masses and a trait of yours that kept coming up again and again is your incredible patience. What's your secret Mr. Kitridge? Students must irritate you from time to time. We're no saints.
My secret? I'm not sure I have one except that I can relate and sympathize since I was after all a young boy once. That's what I remind myself when all I want to do is lecture a student in a high pitched voice for messing up, causing trouble or just being careless around the castle or the library. I'm not a saint and sometimes I can overreact or stuff up but then people/family are mostly patient with me. So I do my utmost to give that to all the students, an incredible patience or I'd make my parents think less of me and I don't want that.
10. Finally, as the wizard essentially responsible for all of Hogwarts' collective knowledge, what advice would you give graduating students leaving this year? Some of whom you've seen grow up before your eyes.
My advice is that for your career choices, think about what truly makes you happy and what you enjoy, then shoot for your dream job. In relationships, follow your heart and instincts more than what other people think of you. You all deserve to be happy both in your private lives and in your professions. And if you experience bumps in the road, pick yourself up and fight onward. You all have the potential for greatness and I'm proud of every one of you.