Head of House
In case the Hogwarts population wasn't aware, Healer Murdoch is a woman that means business! With an impressive twelve years beneath her belt, six of which she's served as Slytherin's Queen Bee, this lady has proven that while her edges may be sharp, there is a nurturing spirit just below the surface. One that is fierce, yet gentle; clever, but kind. Don't believe us? Read onward, lovely Hogwartians! Her answers may very well change your mind.
Good afternoon, Healer Murdoch. I know you have many important things to take care of, especially with it being so close to the end of term, but I do appreciate you making time to answer some questions. So, this has been your sixth year as Slytherin Head of House. The Head Snake. Was there anything you hoped to accomplish this term that you may not have been able to previously?
Yes, winning the house cup. My snakes work very hard throughout the year but still seem to fall short when it comes to the points race. But fear not, we will get that cup from those lions. I have faith in my students.
With Professor Bellaire retiring at the end of last term, a new face was introduced to the Slytherin leadership team. What's the experience been like working with Mr. McLeod? He seems like a very lovely man.
Mr. McLeod has been a wonderful man to work with. We’ve been working on some fun ideas for the students of Slytherin. Next term should be a fun one for the snakes.
There's been a lot of staff turnover lately...and if the records are correct, you are the longest running staffer left. How have you maintained that; your twelve-year tenure?
Yes, I have been here longer than the other staff members. However, that does not make me older than some of the others on staff. I’ve seen a lot of staff come and go in my time here, but I’m just not ready to give this up yet. I love what I do, even when some of you students irritate me to no end.
Hogwarts certainly has a way of continually teaching you, even when you aren't aware you're being taught. Do you feel the same? And if so, was there anything specific you took away from this term?
Absolutely. No matter what you do there is always a learning experience in there somewhere. This term, I learned that we can have a year go by where no one is put in danger; where there are no threats of death.
What's next for Slytherin House under your tutelage?
Taking the house cup from those lions of course.
Good afternoon, Healer Murdoch. I know you have many important things to take care of, especially with it being so close to the end of term, but I do appreciate you making time to answer some questions. So, this has been your sixth year as Slytherin Head of House. The Head Snake. Was there anything you hoped to accomplish this term that you may not have been able to previously?
Yes, winning the house cup. My snakes work very hard throughout the year but still seem to fall short when it comes to the points race. But fear not, we will get that cup from those lions. I have faith in my students.
With Professor Bellaire retiring at the end of last term, a new face was introduced to the Slytherin leadership team. What's the experience been like working with Mr. McLeod? He seems like a very lovely man.
Mr. McLeod has been a wonderful man to work with. We’ve been working on some fun ideas for the students of Slytherin. Next term should be a fun one for the snakes.
There's been a lot of staff turnover lately...and if the records are correct, you are the longest running staffer left. How have you maintained that; your twelve-year tenure?
Yes, I have been here longer than the other staff members. However, that does not make me older than some of the others on staff. I’ve seen a lot of staff come and go in my time here, but I’m just not ready to give this up yet. I love what I do, even when some of you students irritate me to no end.
Hogwarts certainly has a way of continually teaching you, even when you aren't aware you're being taught. Do you feel the same? And if so, was there anything specific you took away from this term?
Absolutely. No matter what you do there is always a learning experience in there somewhere. This term, I learned that we can have a year go by where no one is put in danger; where there are no threats of death.
What's next for Slytherin House under your tutelage?
Taking the house cup from those lions of course.
Prefects
Caleb Newell is the studly Slytherin seventh year who returned to his prefect duties this term. Not an easy task when you're trying to balance studying for NEWTs, classwork, and prefect duties. Just goes to show what a bit of hard work and time management can do. Mr. Newell was nice enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions, giving us a closer look at the boy behind the badge.
1. Prefect Newell, what's your favorite part about wearing the Slytherin prefect badge?
POWER!
You may think I'm kidding, but I'm totally not. I love it.
2. If you could meet any famous wizard or witch from history, who would you choose and why?
Probably Salazar Slytherin, so I could help him change just a FEW things about his time at Hogwarts. like the whole murderous beast in the chamber business.
3. Which magical creature most represents you as a person?
A crup, because I'm happy and joyful most of the time, but will turn into a fierce fighter if I need to.
4. Can you describe your prefecting style in three words?
Responsibility. Quick Thinking. Legendary.
5. Anything you can tell us that we might not already know about your co-prefect, Dot?
I think Dot pretty much wears her heart on her sleeve so I'm not sure what there is to know about her that's NEW to anyone in the school...she's a great co-prefect, though. She always speaks her mind which you definitely need in this position!
6. If you could teach any subject for a day, what subject would you pick and why?
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES! SO I CAN PLAY WITH ANIMALS!
7. Can you tell us a bit about your biggest role model?
Definitely my dad and my grandfather. My grandfather was the Minister of Magic and didn't let anything stand in his way of achieving his goals, whereas my father reminds me to be humble and thankful for what I do.
8. What are your post-Hogwarts plans?
Well, that kind of depends on what my NEWTs end up being, doesn't it? Hopefully I'll be getting a job at the Ministry!
9. If you had to give yourself a superlative, which one would you get?
Seventh Year Legacy for sure!
10. Any advice for younger Slytherins looking to follow in your footsteps someday?
Just keep working hard and don't get disappointed if you don't get what you want the first time around. Keep your chin up and things will find a way of working out!
1. Prefect Newell, what's your favorite part about wearing the Slytherin prefect badge?
POWER!
You may think I'm kidding, but I'm totally not. I love it.
2. If you could meet any famous wizard or witch from history, who would you choose and why?
Probably Salazar Slytherin, so I could help him change just a FEW things about his time at Hogwarts. like the whole murderous beast in the chamber business.
3. Which magical creature most represents you as a person?
A crup, because I'm happy and joyful most of the time, but will turn into a fierce fighter if I need to.
4. Can you describe your prefecting style in three words?
Responsibility. Quick Thinking. Legendary.
5. Anything you can tell us that we might not already know about your co-prefect, Dot?
I think Dot pretty much wears her heart on her sleeve so I'm not sure what there is to know about her that's NEW to anyone in the school...she's a great co-prefect, though. She always speaks her mind which you definitely need in this position!
6. If you could teach any subject for a day, what subject would you pick and why?
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES! SO I CAN PLAY WITH ANIMALS!
7. Can you tell us a bit about your biggest role model?
Definitely my dad and my grandfather. My grandfather was the Minister of Magic and didn't let anything stand in his way of achieving his goals, whereas my father reminds me to be humble and thankful for what I do.
8. What are your post-Hogwarts plans?
Well, that kind of depends on what my NEWTs end up being, doesn't it? Hopefully I'll be getting a job at the Ministry!
9. If you had to give yourself a superlative, which one would you get?
Seventh Year Legacy for sure!
10. Any advice for younger Slytherins looking to follow in your footsteps someday?
Just keep working hard and don't get disappointed if you don't get what you want the first time around. Keep your chin up and things will find a way of working out!
Charlotte Wojack, better known as Dot, is the fifth year Slytherin who has a way with words and an eye for fashion. The red head had herself a busy term, what with handling her studies, OWLs, and prefecting duties. Still, she managed with the kind of attitude we can all appreciate and that makes for a good leader. We had the chance to ask this busy snakette some questions and hear her take on this term.
1. Let’s start out with an easy question first, Prefect Dot. When you’re not patrolling the halls of Hogwarts, what do you do for fun?
Finding time for fun was really hard as a fifth year, because I spent a lot of time getting ready for my OWLs. I'm kind of burnt out on studying these days, honestly. But for fun... I like to dance, I'm interested in fashion magazines and craft projects that I can wear or give away, and I like to spend time with my friends. When they aren't studying, of course.
2. Best spot in the castle to sneak a midday nap?
If I told you that, everyone would be napping there. The key to a napping spot is that it's quiet, solitary, dark, and warm. The library is a good spot, actually, as long as you don't mind the smell of books.
3. If you could be headmistress for a day, which rule would you take away? Which would you add?
I'd like to give people credit for the effort they put into class, rather than the right answers and the book smarts they have. And I'd do away with homework, if I could. The world would be so much more interesting without homework muddying up our free time.
4. How do you manage studying for OWLs, performing your prefect duties, and getting your classwork done?
It's hard work. You kind of have to figure out how to prioritize what's important and what's less important in every moment. It might mean that a project today takes priority over OWLs, but long term, OWLs matter more than individual class grades. And prefecting... even if the long term impact is less important, I take seriously that I've been entrusted with this responsibility, so I owe it to my house to make it my top priority. I don't sleep much.
5. Can you tell us a secret about your partner in perfecting, Caleb Newell?
Oh, Caleb! Caleb is very handsome and very sincere, and I think most girls fancy him a little in secret because he's like a knight in armor you want to have rush into your life and fight off a few dragons for you. Not that he's a Gryffindor at heart, but he's got a gallant air to him.
6. If someone were to write a book about your life, what do you think an appropriate title might be?
This Beautiful Mess
7. Can you give us three words that best define who you are right now?
Just three? I'm not good at brevity, can you tell? How about 'ginger, creative, tired'?
8. Word on the street is that you’re a bit of a fashionista. What’s the best way to glam up your uniform?
Someone told you that? That's so NICE of them. Uniforms can be dead boring, but you should think of them as a canvas to showcase tiny forms of self expression, rather than something stifling it. Figure out where you can be creative and go crazy. I like embellishing my shoes and hair ribbons, accessorizing in subtle ways that don't break the rules, like jewelry and belts and tights. Plus hair style and make-up are an important part. I don't think anyone has to wear make-up, but if you enjoy it, come find me and I'll pass on the Ruby Banner cat eye to you.
9. If you could teach any subject, which would you teach and why?
Charms, probably. I've always liked practical subjects, and I've always had a good hand at Charms. My mum says its due to force of personality, but mums are required to say approving things like that. Plus everything builds off that very simple ability of being able to cast a spell and something expected happening.
10. What advice do you have for younger Slytherins looking to snag the prized prefect position in the future?
Be yourself, first of all. No one needs another version of someone else. That's boring. Be weird, if you're weird; be savvy, if you're savvy; be political if you can. Just whatever you do, do it well. I don't think there's a prefect mold. And if you don't get asked to be prefect, at least you didn't trade your soul away in the bargain.
1. Let’s start out with an easy question first, Prefect Dot. When you’re not patrolling the halls of Hogwarts, what do you do for fun?
Finding time for fun was really hard as a fifth year, because I spent a lot of time getting ready for my OWLs. I'm kind of burnt out on studying these days, honestly. But for fun... I like to dance, I'm interested in fashion magazines and craft projects that I can wear or give away, and I like to spend time with my friends. When they aren't studying, of course.
2. Best spot in the castle to sneak a midday nap?
If I told you that, everyone would be napping there. The key to a napping spot is that it's quiet, solitary, dark, and warm. The library is a good spot, actually, as long as you don't mind the smell of books.
3. If you could be headmistress for a day, which rule would you take away? Which would you add?
I'd like to give people credit for the effort they put into class, rather than the right answers and the book smarts they have. And I'd do away with homework, if I could. The world would be so much more interesting without homework muddying up our free time.
4. How do you manage studying for OWLs, performing your prefect duties, and getting your classwork done?
It's hard work. You kind of have to figure out how to prioritize what's important and what's less important in every moment. It might mean that a project today takes priority over OWLs, but long term, OWLs matter more than individual class grades. And prefecting... even if the long term impact is less important, I take seriously that I've been entrusted with this responsibility, so I owe it to my house to make it my top priority. I don't sleep much.
5. Can you tell us a secret about your partner in perfecting, Caleb Newell?
Oh, Caleb! Caleb is very handsome and very sincere, and I think most girls fancy him a little in secret because he's like a knight in armor you want to have rush into your life and fight off a few dragons for you. Not that he's a Gryffindor at heart, but he's got a gallant air to him.
6. If someone were to write a book about your life, what do you think an appropriate title might be?
This Beautiful Mess
7. Can you give us three words that best define who you are right now?
Just three? I'm not good at brevity, can you tell? How about 'ginger, creative, tired'?
8. Word on the street is that you’re a bit of a fashionista. What’s the best way to glam up your uniform?
Someone told you that? That's so NICE of them. Uniforms can be dead boring, but you should think of them as a canvas to showcase tiny forms of self expression, rather than something stifling it. Figure out where you can be creative and go crazy. I like embellishing my shoes and hair ribbons, accessorizing in subtle ways that don't break the rules, like jewelry and belts and tights. Plus hair style and make-up are an important part. I don't think anyone has to wear make-up, but if you enjoy it, come find me and I'll pass on the Ruby Banner cat eye to you.
9. If you could teach any subject, which would you teach and why?
Charms, probably. I've always liked practical subjects, and I've always had a good hand at Charms. My mum says its due to force of personality, but mums are required to say approving things like that. Plus everything builds off that very simple ability of being able to cast a spell and something expected happening.
10. What advice do you have for younger Slytherins looking to snag the prized prefect position in the future?
Be yourself, first of all. No one needs another version of someone else. That's boring. Be weird, if you're weird; be savvy, if you're savvy; be political if you can. Just whatever you do, do it well. I don't think there's a prefect mold. And if you don't get asked to be prefect, at least you didn't trade your soul away in the bargain.