Head of House
Librarian Leobald Kitridge returned this term for his fifth year as Ravenclaw's lovable, kind Head of House. His eagles know that he is always easily accessible to provide a listening ear, words of wisdom, and fodder to feed their curious, knowledge-seeking minds in the form of aid in finding books on particular topics as well as book recommendations for a bit of light reading. There really could not be a better choice to lead such a bright, creative house of individuals, and Mr. Kitridge was more than happy to give us his thoughts on this term and weigh in on the future of his eagles!
1. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, sir! This term, Headmaster Botros had a new vision for the school and enacted a bunch of fun, new rules in addition to holding camps to encourage school spirit and positivity. What did you think of these new ideas, and do you think Botros succeeded in bringing us all together?
I think the ideas of encouraging school spirit and positivity were brilliant! It urged the students to bond more and show compassion for their peers. The camps did their parts, too, since many of them required students to work closely and together with other peers, and that motivates school spirit. Positivity always makes things easier if you are faced with something to figure out or a task to perform. I think Headmaster Botros succeeded quite well in bring us closer on the path to togetherness, but I also think we've proven time and time again that when faced with danger, we come together and fight to defend each other and our school - that's school spirit, if anything is!
2. Both of your Ravenclaw Prefects, Benzi Rider and Sophie Brown, are graduating this term! How has it been having them work alongside you as your student leaders, and what kind of impact do you think they have made on their fellow Ravenclaws? What kind of legacy do you see them leaving behind?
Benzi and Sophie have had a big positive impact on their eagle peers. Just by the initiatives they've taken in their actions and show of leadership both inside and outside the common room as prefects, they've shown the younger students that if you use your intelligence and wits wisely and work hard most of all, you can accomplish anything. They also leave a legacy behind reminding everyone to cherish their friends, to be open to new friendships, and to go out of one's comfort zone to take risks for the possible reward of gaining new loyal and loving friends.
3. A couple terms ago we asked you what your favorite book was, but unfortunately you couldn't remember the name of the book containing loads of fairy tales and fables that was your favorite as a child, so here's your follow-up question three years later: do you happen to remember the title or author of it yet? And, while we're at it, can you give us the name and author of any of your other favorites? The people need suggestions for their reading lists, sir!
You have a good memory, Sophie! I don't remember being asked about the name of my favourite book, but I do know what title I meant is now. It was the book called, "A Thousand and One Magical Fairy Tales and Fables" by Graham Ellingham. I think we have a few copies of it in the library for loaning if someone wants something magical to read before bed every night. Lately, I've been trying a variety of thrillers and fantasy books. The Sherlock Holmes thriller books by muggle author Arthur Conan Doyle have quickly become a favourite, and the same can be said for fantasy genre author Terry Pratchett. There are lots of good books to read, and I suggest looking in the library for book recommendations since many students leave those if they have liked reading a certain book.
4. As a former Ravenclaw yourself, what do you love most about this wonderful house? What's the best part about being in Ravenclaw, and what do you think sets the Ravenclaw experience apart from the other houses?
I love the diversity of the eagle students who are put in the most wonderful house for their intelligence, creativity, knowledge, quick-wittedness, and just for being who they are. It's all right to test methods and types of magic that other houses may just roll their eyes at for deepening one's thirst for knowledge. It's also endearing to know that eagles can be quirky and possess unusual interests because that was me when I was in school as a Ravenclaw. I hope that every Ravenclaw feels that what sets our house apart is that we accept all from the quirky and eccentric to the highly intelligent and knowledge-seeking. We don't freeze anyone out and we embrace and encourage all to thrive and reach their wits' full potential. As the great Rowena said so wisely, wit beyond measure is a man's greatest treasure, and all eagles have that in multitude.
5. It has been a long time since Ravenclaw won either the House Cup or the Gobstones Cup. In fact, the last time either of them were won, Ravenclaw won both of them in the same term in 2071 - that's seventeen years! Wouldn't you say it's time for Ravenclaw to get back on top? How do you plan to move forward and lead Ravenclaw back to victory?
It's definitely Ravenclaw's time to get back on top of the House Cup standings next year and have the end of term feast banners go up in blue and bronze! I think if we get a good addition of new first years and the older years keep working hard and staying out trouble, we can give Gryffindor a tough match for first place. I'll cheer even harder, keep the notice board super updated, and do my best to get everyone working as a team with Ravenclaw bonding time at the start of term.
1. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, sir! This term, Headmaster Botros had a new vision for the school and enacted a bunch of fun, new rules in addition to holding camps to encourage school spirit and positivity. What did you think of these new ideas, and do you think Botros succeeded in bringing us all together?
I think the ideas of encouraging school spirit and positivity were brilliant! It urged the students to bond more and show compassion for their peers. The camps did their parts, too, since many of them required students to work closely and together with other peers, and that motivates school spirit. Positivity always makes things easier if you are faced with something to figure out or a task to perform. I think Headmaster Botros succeeded quite well in bring us closer on the path to togetherness, but I also think we've proven time and time again that when faced with danger, we come together and fight to defend each other and our school - that's school spirit, if anything is!
2. Both of your Ravenclaw Prefects, Benzi Rider and Sophie Brown, are graduating this term! How has it been having them work alongside you as your student leaders, and what kind of impact do you think they have made on their fellow Ravenclaws? What kind of legacy do you see them leaving behind?
Benzi and Sophie have had a big positive impact on their eagle peers. Just by the initiatives they've taken in their actions and show of leadership both inside and outside the common room as prefects, they've shown the younger students that if you use your intelligence and wits wisely and work hard most of all, you can accomplish anything. They also leave a legacy behind reminding everyone to cherish their friends, to be open to new friendships, and to go out of one's comfort zone to take risks for the possible reward of gaining new loyal and loving friends.
3. A couple terms ago we asked you what your favorite book was, but unfortunately you couldn't remember the name of the book containing loads of fairy tales and fables that was your favorite as a child, so here's your follow-up question three years later: do you happen to remember the title or author of it yet? And, while we're at it, can you give us the name and author of any of your other favorites? The people need suggestions for their reading lists, sir!
You have a good memory, Sophie! I don't remember being asked about the name of my favourite book, but I do know what title I meant is now. It was the book called, "A Thousand and One Magical Fairy Tales and Fables" by Graham Ellingham. I think we have a few copies of it in the library for loaning if someone wants something magical to read before bed every night. Lately, I've been trying a variety of thrillers and fantasy books. The Sherlock Holmes thriller books by muggle author Arthur Conan Doyle have quickly become a favourite, and the same can be said for fantasy genre author Terry Pratchett. There are lots of good books to read, and I suggest looking in the library for book recommendations since many students leave those if they have liked reading a certain book.
4. As a former Ravenclaw yourself, what do you love most about this wonderful house? What's the best part about being in Ravenclaw, and what do you think sets the Ravenclaw experience apart from the other houses?
I love the diversity of the eagle students who are put in the most wonderful house for their intelligence, creativity, knowledge, quick-wittedness, and just for being who they are. It's all right to test methods and types of magic that other houses may just roll their eyes at for deepening one's thirst for knowledge. It's also endearing to know that eagles can be quirky and possess unusual interests because that was me when I was in school as a Ravenclaw. I hope that every Ravenclaw feels that what sets our house apart is that we accept all from the quirky and eccentric to the highly intelligent and knowledge-seeking. We don't freeze anyone out and we embrace and encourage all to thrive and reach their wits' full potential. As the great Rowena said so wisely, wit beyond measure is a man's greatest treasure, and all eagles have that in multitude.
5. It has been a long time since Ravenclaw won either the House Cup or the Gobstones Cup. In fact, the last time either of them were won, Ravenclaw won both of them in the same term in 2071 - that's seventeen years! Wouldn't you say it's time for Ravenclaw to get back on top? How do you plan to move forward and lead Ravenclaw back to victory?
It's definitely Ravenclaw's time to get back on top of the House Cup standings next year and have the end of term feast banners go up in blue and bronze! I think if we get a good addition of new first years and the older years keep working hard and staying out trouble, we can give Gryffindor a tough match for first place. I'll cheer even harder, keep the notice board super updated, and do my best to get everyone working as a team with Ravenclaw bonding time at the start of term.
Prefects
A lot of students have to worry their way around Hogwarts, trying to survive while maintaining a balance of hard work and adventure. Not surprisingly, many seem to fail at this, but not Sophie Brown. Oh no, this is one Ravenclaw that knows exactly how to get around the castle and her Professor!besties are certainly a big part of that. The secret to enjoying yourself at Hogwarts without becoming a total bum? You become Sophie Brown of course! But in the absence of such an option, a wonderfully engaging interview will have to do. We caught up with Sophie in the middle of her last few duties and this is what she had to say:
1. Thanks for having this sit down with me, pay no attention to the quill floating right there. I’ve heard loads and loads about you Miss Head Girl and I guess it makes my first question…why do they call you Sophie Brown-nose?
It's my pleasure. Who've you been talking to, kid? Ha. Probably because I'm a charming suck-up and a teacher's pet. But what some may see as brown-nosing, I see as gaining a flock of mentors who will be happy to give me advice, write up recommendations, and provide connections for me as I work toward my career goals. S'the best of both worlds, really: I gain professional resources AND friendships with our super cool professors. I mean, life's gotta be pretty dull if they're JUST friends with the dozen other adults on staff. They should be able to kick back and relax with us sometimes, too.
2. Are you REALLY gonna be Minister of Magic one day or is that just a rumour?
I'd reckon that's a rumor. I mean, I did win that yearbook superlative a couple terms ago - Most Likely to Become Minister for Magic - so I guess people think I'd be a good one, but my career aspirations reside in the realm of wandlore and potion-making. Lemme conquer those first before considering Minister for Magic, but I wouldn't say it's completely out of the question. For the record, though, I bet Evangeline Shacklebolt will snag that position before I do.
3. Head Girl’s a pretty cushy job. What d’you think you’ll miss most about the position now that you’re leaving?
Hmm, I dunno. I mean, the Prefect's bathroom was a great perk, but there was way more to it than that. For one, I was really lucky when my boyfriend got the Head Boy badge, too, so work never really FELT like work - patrolling became more like social time with Zander a lot of the time, so that aspect of it was mega fun. But as a whole, this entire Prefect team is super great, and it's been fun to work with all of them, so I think I'll miss that aspect most of all.
4. What will you be glad to leave behind with this badge?
There isn't much that I won't miss, but I suppose all the responsibility and weight the badge carried. Not physical weight, but that constant pressure to always set a good example, be the best, not let anyone down... I definitely put too much pressure on myself because of the title, so it'll be nice to just be plain ol' Sophie Brown again as I catch my footing in the real world.
5. Ravenclaws are meant to be super smart. How come you’re dating someone as gullible as Zander?—I mean he’s nice and all but Davie got him to believe he reads minds!
Contrary to what most people think, Zander is actually super smart. People are so busy focusing on his moments of silliness that they don't see or appreciate when he's being intelligent or inventive or creative or doing things that warrant praise. If people took their blinders off - the ones that focus on his goofiness and ignore his displays of brilliance - they'd see exactly why I'm dating someone like Zander. He's got way more going on in his head than people give him credit for, and I wish more people had given him that chance to prove himself instead of only viewing him as comic relief. You guys also miss that most of the time he's being intentionally funny because he wants to make people laugh, and he's also falling into that mold that people expect of him because SWEET MERLIN, the world would end if Zander Adair exhibited brilliance. But y'know what? He's an undercover genius, and I'm glad he's mine.
6. Have you ever snuck anyone into your Common Room before?
I... what? Who HAVE you been talking to, kid? I've never done such a thing in my life. Absolutely not. Of course such things are never allowed. Kitridge wouldn't allow that, would he? No, definitely not. Only Ravenclaws around these parts. Obviously. I'm a super good role model. A picture of innocence. Ahem.
7. Do you actually get through 15 chapters of educational reading a day—if so, HOW are you not brain dead? Is that another Ravenclaw thing?
It kinda just depends on the subject. If we're talking Potions, Astronomy, or Herbology, those textbooks I've flown through easily 'cause I'm super interested in them. But... Transfiguration? Ancient Runes? Getting through those is like pulling teeth, so it's all about whether or not I like what I'm learning about. But for the less interesting ones, one of my favorite charms makes the book read its words aloud to you. Super useful, so you can multitask and lay out by the lake, paint your nails, or take a bath to make extra good use of your time and make those dull subjects more fun. Professor Fuller taught it to me. He's a lifesaver on top of being a total babe.
8. This one kid says you attacked Professors with snowballs one term. What inspired you?
Making good with the professors means you can get away with stuff that other students would probably get in trouble for. My motivations are entirely pure when I antagonize them - I wanna brighten their days, give 'em an excuse to have a little fun, and bring out their fun side since they spend most of their time teaching and having to discipline us hooligans. I mean, it can't be too fun to be a professor a lot of the time with all their grading and making sure we don't die and stuff, so I like to make it my mission to add some variety to their lives. A snowball fight is good, clean fun where no one can get hurt. It's perfect.
9. Finally getting out of Hogwarts, did you like it here?
The earliest aspiration I can remember having was to go to Hogwarts like my family, and it turned out to be a way better dream than I ever anticipated. I loved my seven years here and I'll hold them close to my heart forever, and it's because of all the things I learned here and all the people I met that I know I'm gonna have a successful, fulfilling future. So... thanks for everything, Hogwarts. It's been a good run, and I wouldn't change a thing about it.
10. Last words for those you’ll be leaving behind?
It's okay to be afraid. Occasionally remember that some rules are more like guidelines, and always remember that your professors are human, too, and they deserve more credit than they get. Cherish every moment you spend at this magical school, and have faith in yourself. You know more than you think you do, and you are more than you think you are. The sky is the limit when you believe in yourself, and I believe in you, too.
1. Thanks for having this sit down with me, pay no attention to the quill floating right there. I’ve heard loads and loads about you Miss Head Girl and I guess it makes my first question…why do they call you Sophie Brown-nose?
It's my pleasure. Who've you been talking to, kid? Ha. Probably because I'm a charming suck-up and a teacher's pet. But what some may see as brown-nosing, I see as gaining a flock of mentors who will be happy to give me advice, write up recommendations, and provide connections for me as I work toward my career goals. S'the best of both worlds, really: I gain professional resources AND friendships with our super cool professors. I mean, life's gotta be pretty dull if they're JUST friends with the dozen other adults on staff. They should be able to kick back and relax with us sometimes, too.
2. Are you REALLY gonna be Minister of Magic one day or is that just a rumour?
I'd reckon that's a rumor. I mean, I did win that yearbook superlative a couple terms ago - Most Likely to Become Minister for Magic - so I guess people think I'd be a good one, but my career aspirations reside in the realm of wandlore and potion-making. Lemme conquer those first before considering Minister for Magic, but I wouldn't say it's completely out of the question. For the record, though, I bet Evangeline Shacklebolt will snag that position before I do.
3. Head Girl’s a pretty cushy job. What d’you think you’ll miss most about the position now that you’re leaving?
Hmm, I dunno. I mean, the Prefect's bathroom was a great perk, but there was way more to it than that. For one, I was really lucky when my boyfriend got the Head Boy badge, too, so work never really FELT like work - patrolling became more like social time with Zander a lot of the time, so that aspect of it was mega fun. But as a whole, this entire Prefect team is super great, and it's been fun to work with all of them, so I think I'll miss that aspect most of all.
4. What will you be glad to leave behind with this badge?
There isn't much that I won't miss, but I suppose all the responsibility and weight the badge carried. Not physical weight, but that constant pressure to always set a good example, be the best, not let anyone down... I definitely put too much pressure on myself because of the title, so it'll be nice to just be plain ol' Sophie Brown again as I catch my footing in the real world.
5. Ravenclaws are meant to be super smart. How come you’re dating someone as gullible as Zander?—I mean he’s nice and all but Davie got him to believe he reads minds!
Contrary to what most people think, Zander is actually super smart. People are so busy focusing on his moments of silliness that they don't see or appreciate when he's being intelligent or inventive or creative or doing things that warrant praise. If people took their blinders off - the ones that focus on his goofiness and ignore his displays of brilliance - they'd see exactly why I'm dating someone like Zander. He's got way more going on in his head than people give him credit for, and I wish more people had given him that chance to prove himself instead of only viewing him as comic relief. You guys also miss that most of the time he's being intentionally funny because he wants to make people laugh, and he's also falling into that mold that people expect of him because SWEET MERLIN, the world would end if Zander Adair exhibited brilliance. But y'know what? He's an undercover genius, and I'm glad he's mine.
6. Have you ever snuck anyone into your Common Room before?
I... what? Who HAVE you been talking to, kid? I've never done such a thing in my life. Absolutely not. Of course such things are never allowed. Kitridge wouldn't allow that, would he? No, definitely not. Only Ravenclaws around these parts. Obviously. I'm a super good role model. A picture of innocence. Ahem.
7. Do you actually get through 15 chapters of educational reading a day—if so, HOW are you not brain dead? Is that another Ravenclaw thing?
It kinda just depends on the subject. If we're talking Potions, Astronomy, or Herbology, those textbooks I've flown through easily 'cause I'm super interested in them. But... Transfiguration? Ancient Runes? Getting through those is like pulling teeth, so it's all about whether or not I like what I'm learning about. But for the less interesting ones, one of my favorite charms makes the book read its words aloud to you. Super useful, so you can multitask and lay out by the lake, paint your nails, or take a bath to make extra good use of your time and make those dull subjects more fun. Professor Fuller taught it to me. He's a lifesaver on top of being a total babe.
8. This one kid says you attacked Professors with snowballs one term. What inspired you?
Making good with the professors means you can get away with stuff that other students would probably get in trouble for. My motivations are entirely pure when I antagonize them - I wanna brighten their days, give 'em an excuse to have a little fun, and bring out their fun side since they spend most of their time teaching and having to discipline us hooligans. I mean, it can't be too fun to be a professor a lot of the time with all their grading and making sure we don't die and stuff, so I like to make it my mission to add some variety to their lives. A snowball fight is good, clean fun where no one can get hurt. It's perfect.
9. Finally getting out of Hogwarts, did you like it here?
The earliest aspiration I can remember having was to go to Hogwarts like my family, and it turned out to be a way better dream than I ever anticipated. I loved my seven years here and I'll hold them close to my heart forever, and it's because of all the things I learned here and all the people I met that I know I'm gonna have a successful, fulfilling future. So... thanks for everything, Hogwarts. It's been a good run, and I wouldn't change a thing about it.
10. Last words for those you’ll be leaving behind?
It's okay to be afraid. Occasionally remember that some rules are more like guidelines, and always remember that your professors are human, too, and they deserve more credit than they get. Cherish every moment you spend at this magical school, and have faith in yourself. You know more than you think you do, and you are more than you think you are. The sky is the limit when you believe in yourself, and I believe in you, too.
You've heard about Ravenclaws having enough wit to make your head spin but rarely do they have the muscle to back it up. That already makes Resident Ravenclaw Prefect, Benzi Rider a winner in our eyes. Sharp as a nail, you won't get much pass him but he's super nice too if you catch him on a good day. There's lots he can accomplish when he's not scaring his little sister, in fact the wizarding world at large will have to watch out because he's about to be unleashed. Thankfully, we managed to catch up with Benzi before he headed off into the great unknown and he happened to have a few tidbits we can hang on to.
1. I hope you don’t mind, my quill wanted to take its own notes while we get this interview done. Alright, here we go! What was your reaction when they told you you were gonna be in charge of a whole house?
Shock, happiness then concern because my Mother suddenly burst into tears and I needed make sure she was okay. Future Prefects: you have been warned.
2. Did’ja ever worry that people weren’t gonna listen to a single thing you said?
Not at all.
3. How come you like scaring Suri so much? Now she wants to scare EVERYBODY.
I'm definitely not the only one who likes making her pigtails fly. She scares so EASILY, it's fantastic don't you think? And I heard. I'll be helping her come up with ideas... You should watch your back.
4. I’ve been trying to keep up—like a good journalist would but now even I’m confused and just gotta know; are you dating Evie or NOT?
. . . Well. No. I used to, and she's great, but now I'm dating Hayley Diggory. Sixth year Ravenclaw. Multi-talented, funny, bookish, beautiful and lead singer in our band, Wizriots. You should come hear us play.
5. Are you good at fighting? You look like you could be.
I am.
6. I saw you in a couple duels and I guess I’m kinda wondering how you got so good at magic that your wand actually does what you tell it?
Funny, Suri asked me the same thing. Should we mention she's my sister or.. no? Well, anyways. Practice. Day in, day out, all the time. Practice practice practice until you're sick of your own voice, and then an hour after that too. Your wand will listen and you'll be great. And thanks for the compliment. I worked hard.
7. How many bluebell flames can you juggle while skating across the black lake when it’s frozen?
Five. I almost swallowed the fifth one though. Do not try this unsupervised, children!
8. What’d you think you’ll do with your life now that you don’t have to come back here in September?
What do I think? Kid I know exactly what I'm doing. Other than enjoying my freedom as a new adult, I'll be studying Wizarding Law at WU and applying to the Ministry's exclusive YATI program. I plan to be an auror.
9. Will you buy me and Suri ice-cream this summer?
You bet I will!
10. Who will you miss most in this castle?
Who will I miss the most? That's a tough one, Merlin... I'll probably just miss Hogwarts. This school has a personality of its own that no other magical place could really replicate. Make the most of your years here and never stop exploring because suddenly you're done and all you have left are you memories. Don't waste them.
1. I hope you don’t mind, my quill wanted to take its own notes while we get this interview done. Alright, here we go! What was your reaction when they told you you were gonna be in charge of a whole house?
Shock, happiness then concern because my Mother suddenly burst into tears and I needed make sure she was okay. Future Prefects: you have been warned.
2. Did’ja ever worry that people weren’t gonna listen to a single thing you said?
Not at all.
3. How come you like scaring Suri so much? Now she wants to scare EVERYBODY.
I'm definitely not the only one who likes making her pigtails fly. She scares so EASILY, it's fantastic don't you think? And I heard. I'll be helping her come up with ideas... You should watch your back.
4. I’ve been trying to keep up—like a good journalist would but now even I’m confused and just gotta know; are you dating Evie or NOT?
. . . Well. No. I used to, and she's great, but now I'm dating Hayley Diggory. Sixth year Ravenclaw. Multi-talented, funny, bookish, beautiful and lead singer in our band, Wizriots. You should come hear us play.
5. Are you good at fighting? You look like you could be.
I am.
6. I saw you in a couple duels and I guess I’m kinda wondering how you got so good at magic that your wand actually does what you tell it?
Funny, Suri asked me the same thing. Should we mention she's my sister or.. no? Well, anyways. Practice. Day in, day out, all the time. Practice practice practice until you're sick of your own voice, and then an hour after that too. Your wand will listen and you'll be great. And thanks for the compliment. I worked hard.
7. How many bluebell flames can you juggle while skating across the black lake when it’s frozen?
Five. I almost swallowed the fifth one though. Do not try this unsupervised, children!
8. What’d you think you’ll do with your life now that you don’t have to come back here in September?
What do I think? Kid I know exactly what I'm doing. Other than enjoying my freedom as a new adult, I'll be studying Wizarding Law at WU and applying to the Ministry's exclusive YATI program. I plan to be an auror.
9. Will you buy me and Suri ice-cream this summer?
You bet I will!
10. Who will you miss most in this castle?
Who will I miss the most? That's a tough one, Merlin... I'll probably just miss Hogwarts. This school has a personality of its own that no other magical place could really replicate. Make the most of your years here and never stop exploring because suddenly you're done and all you have left are you memories. Don't waste them.