Headmistress
If there is one thing that we have come to expect from our newly appointed Headmistress since she joined the staff four years ago, is that she will always be there if we need her. Professor Meredith Moxley has approached her new role like she did being Head of Hufflepuff House; with understanding, genuine interest and with a constant and unwavering commitment to both the student body and to her fellow Professors. With large shoes to fill and a full workload over the year, she has had quite an initiation to being the Head figure of Hogwarts. Thankfully, she managed to spare some time for me so that I could get her opinions on this year and learn just a little bit more about the bundle of joy that is our beloved Headmistress.
1. It’s been an… interesting year, but I don’t think it’s been one of our worst, especially after the acromantula’s two terms ago. How do you think your first year as Headmistress went? |
I think it went swimmingly, considering! Hogwarts has always been a place where you need to expect the unexpected and I came in prepared and ready to take on anything that came my way!
2. Speaking of this terms adventures, what are your thoughts on Hogwarts having two Poltergeist’s?
I think it means more headaches for the staff and students, that’s for sure.
3. Maybe stock up on potions... Which did you find the most worrying this term in regards to the student’s safety; the disappearing delirious doll or the hideously horrible hag? Both seemed to have their own agendas.
I think the most worrying thing all term were those ponchos Professor Myers was sporting! The man’s sense of fashion could rival any Hogwarts horror. I love him, I do, but he needs a makeover!
4. Aww, he's happy! On a lighter note, if you could teach a subject that isn’t Muggle Studies, what do you think you would like to teach and why?
I quite enjoy Defense Against the Dark Arts! Teaching the kiddos not to get themselves killed is invaluable, if you ask me!
5. Especially at Hogwarts. What do you think is the most important thing about studying magic in a boarding school?
Getting to know the members of your house! Your house is your family while you’re away from home and family is everything!
6. Four years ago when you joined the Staff, did you think that you would have just finished your first year as Headmistress and looking forward to another term? Do you have anything new planned for next term?
I can’t remember what I had for lunch this afternoon, let alone remember what my thoughts on the future would be four years ago! I’d like to think I always knew I was destined for greatness, though! It’s the Moxley way! As for next term, I’m a go with the flow kind of gal. We’ll see.
7. I love creatures, so I was wondering if you could be an animal for a day which would you like to be and why?
I’d be a unicorn, no question! I’ve always fancied myself a majestic creature.
8. Amazing, that is a great choice! As you are at school for the whole year with us, is it hard being away from your family? Do they come to Hogsmede to visit you at weekends?
I miss my husband and daughter all the time while I’m here with you lot! Mirror calls, Hogsmeade visits, and letters help me keep up to date with what’s going on with them but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that not seeing them all the time was easy.
9. Umm, thank you for being here with us especially when it is so hard. What if, you could only use one muggle thing or device every day, what would you want to keep?
This is a hard one! I got myself one of those segways recently-they’re a motorized personal vehicle that gets you places faster than you can say Merlin’s pajamas-and I can’t imagine my life without it!
10. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today, Headmistress. For my last question can you tell us what your favourite thing to do is, when you have any spare time around your duties here at school?
I love to go antiquing! There are endless treasures out there in the world, magical and mundane, and I aim to find them in my free time!
2. Speaking of this terms adventures, what are your thoughts on Hogwarts having two Poltergeist’s?
I think it means more headaches for the staff and students, that’s for sure.
3. Maybe stock up on potions... Which did you find the most worrying this term in regards to the student’s safety; the disappearing delirious doll or the hideously horrible hag? Both seemed to have their own agendas.
I think the most worrying thing all term were those ponchos Professor Myers was sporting! The man’s sense of fashion could rival any Hogwarts horror. I love him, I do, but he needs a makeover!
4. Aww, he's happy! On a lighter note, if you could teach a subject that isn’t Muggle Studies, what do you think you would like to teach and why?
I quite enjoy Defense Against the Dark Arts! Teaching the kiddos not to get themselves killed is invaluable, if you ask me!
5. Especially at Hogwarts. What do you think is the most important thing about studying magic in a boarding school?
Getting to know the members of your house! Your house is your family while you’re away from home and family is everything!
6. Four years ago when you joined the Staff, did you think that you would have just finished your first year as Headmistress and looking forward to another term? Do you have anything new planned for next term?
I can’t remember what I had for lunch this afternoon, let alone remember what my thoughts on the future would be four years ago! I’d like to think I always knew I was destined for greatness, though! It’s the Moxley way! As for next term, I’m a go with the flow kind of gal. We’ll see.
7. I love creatures, so I was wondering if you could be an animal for a day which would you like to be and why?
I’d be a unicorn, no question! I’ve always fancied myself a majestic creature.
8. Amazing, that is a great choice! As you are at school for the whole year with us, is it hard being away from your family? Do they come to Hogsmede to visit you at weekends?
I miss my husband and daughter all the time while I’m here with you lot! Mirror calls, Hogsmeade visits, and letters help me keep up to date with what’s going on with them but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that not seeing them all the time was easy.
9. Umm, thank you for being here with us especially when it is so hard. What if, you could only use one muggle thing or device every day, what would you want to keep?
This is a hard one! I got myself one of those segways recently-they’re a motorized personal vehicle that gets you places faster than you can say Merlin’s pajamas-and I can’t imagine my life without it!
10. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today, Headmistress. For my last question can you tell us what your favourite thing to do is, when you have any spare time around your duties here at school?
I love to go antiquing! There are endless treasures out there in the world, magical and mundane, and I aim to find them in my free time!
Groundskeeper
Everyone knows that the position of Groundskeeper at Hogwarts is cursed with an especially short tenure and often unpleasant end to life. There is one man, however, who seems to have defied all odds of the position, and is alive and in perfectly good health. A curious man, Justin Ivan McLeod is given both to dispositions of comical relief and episodes of secrecy and reservation. While obliging of the prospect of an interview, Mister McLeod held back truths and explanations for a very concise, and ergo suspicious, set of answers. If you ask me, I wouldn't turn the back of my head on him unless I had eyes affixed to it.
1. What do you have to say for yourself for breaking the traditional curse of the Hogwarts Groundskeepers, which your role is legendary for? I must be a real legend then in that case. |
2. When do you expect you might succumb to the curse of the Groundskeepers? If never, what, exactly good Sir, have you done to break it?
Never of course. I just continue doing my job, sharpening my dueling and defensive skills with fellow colleagues, and not making careless decisions.
3. What has been the most frightening moment of your career as Groundskeeper?
Probably the time when Professor Myers turned my hair into antlers.
4. Any words of wisdom to depart to those that roam your grounds?
Watch your step, I can't guarantee you won't get picked up by the Willow if you don't. Or stepping in any hippogriff droppings Professor Draper neglected to pick up.
5. Where did you bury the treasure?
That's a secret.
6. If you could meet your successor, what advice would you pass along?
You might want to ask me this when I plan to leave.
7. Why did you choose to enter such a dangerous position in the first place?
For personal gain, of course. Seven years as a student was dangerous enough to not make this scary.
8. Are you good friends with the Giant Squid?
Maybe not good, but 'close' friends would be the right word.
9. Have you ever almost died at Hogwarts? If so, who saved your butt?
Nah. If that ever was the case I can see Professor Myers, Hirsch or former Professor Dakest coming out of the dark to help me out.
10. Who is your favorite person in Hogwarts?
That would be me.
Never of course. I just continue doing my job, sharpening my dueling and defensive skills with fellow colleagues, and not making careless decisions.
3. What has been the most frightening moment of your career as Groundskeeper?
Probably the time when Professor Myers turned my hair into antlers.
4. Any words of wisdom to depart to those that roam your grounds?
Watch your step, I can't guarantee you won't get picked up by the Willow if you don't. Or stepping in any hippogriff droppings Professor Draper neglected to pick up.
5. Where did you bury the treasure?
That's a secret.
6. If you could meet your successor, what advice would you pass along?
You might want to ask me this when I plan to leave.
7. Why did you choose to enter such a dangerous position in the first place?
For personal gain, of course. Seven years as a student was dangerous enough to not make this scary.
8. Are you good friends with the Giant Squid?
Maybe not good, but 'close' friends would be the right word.
9. Have you ever almost died at Hogwarts? If so, who saved your butt?
Nah. If that ever was the case I can see Professor Myers, Hirsch or former Professor Dakest coming out of the dark to help me out.
10. Who is your favorite person in Hogwarts?
That would be me.
Healer
In a school like Hogwarts, it's nearly impossible to go a term without needing the care of a Healer as many can attest to. It is for that reason we have to appreciate just how much our very own Cecelia Murdoch does, though for some of us, that appreciation didn't come until she had to leave for some much needed bed rest. Carrying twins isn't the easiest thing out there but we're glad she was able to return for us to get a few words with her.
1. I’ll try not to keep you too long, Healer Murdoch, just have a couple questions and I think I’ll start with how you’re doing. You had to leave at some point in the term and a lot of us got worried….and injured…we got injured too. Yes, I had to leave for a bit because I had some medical complications with my pregnancy. You students had nothing to worry about though. I was only an owl away if I was needed for any real emergencies. |
2. Don’t be weirded out okay, but would you let a kid feel your stomach? For science?
Umm, I'd prefer if you didn't. Science or not, no touching allowed.
3. Did you really lock a kid in the dungeons for calling you a ‘Nurse’ or is that just a myth?
Not sure where you heard that one from, but I've never done that. Now call me a professor and see what happens.
4. For someone as active and healthy as you, I don’t imagine being away was much fun. How did you spend your time?
I was going crazy not being active. I did a lot of reading and a lot of staring out the window. You have no idea how happy I was to get back to work.
5. Will you be having a boy or a girl—and which are you hoping for?
I don't know what I'll be having. As long as the babies are healthy I really don't care if they are boys, girls, or one of each.
6. I mean this in the nicest way possible, but my mum wasn’t that…um….er…uh….hm…well…you know…expanded when she had my little sister. Does this concern you? Can pregnant women pop?
Were you not paying attention to my last answer child, or were you too busy staring at my expansion as you called it? I'm having twins, as in two babies. So no, I'm not concerned at all.
7. Very important question, HOW is the dueling club still a thing when I nearly get killed in almost every duel? Don’t you think Hirsh should be spoken to about this for all the times I end up in your office afterwards?
The dueling club is still a thing because it is used to teach you how to stay alive. It's better to duel here where there is supervision than it is to go out in the real world, get caught up in a duel that you are unprepared for and then really end up dying. But I could have that chat with Professor Hirsh if you are willing to take that chance later in life.
8. Do you have any medication for wand allergies? You know…in the event I’m allergic to mine.
Sure. Take some dueling lessons and learn how to use the thing properly. Or you know, you could always get rid of it and just live like a muggle. Without magic.
9. What’s the most common thing you end up treating in the Hospital Wing?
Wand allergies. Maybe you should just give me yours now so we can prevent anything from happening to you.
Just kidding. I would say the most common thing is illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. Injuries really haven't been that big of a thing since we got rid of that barbaric sport of quidditch.
10. It’s finally summer; any plans once you’ve popped?
Yes. Spending the whole summer with my husband and babies. This summer will be all about my family.
Umm, I'd prefer if you didn't. Science or not, no touching allowed.
3. Did you really lock a kid in the dungeons for calling you a ‘Nurse’ or is that just a myth?
Not sure where you heard that one from, but I've never done that. Now call me a professor and see what happens.
4. For someone as active and healthy as you, I don’t imagine being away was much fun. How did you spend your time?
I was going crazy not being active. I did a lot of reading and a lot of staring out the window. You have no idea how happy I was to get back to work.
5. Will you be having a boy or a girl—and which are you hoping for?
I don't know what I'll be having. As long as the babies are healthy I really don't care if they are boys, girls, or one of each.
6. I mean this in the nicest way possible, but my mum wasn’t that…um….er…uh….hm…well…you know…expanded when she had my little sister. Does this concern you? Can pregnant women pop?
Were you not paying attention to my last answer child, or were you too busy staring at my expansion as you called it? I'm having twins, as in two babies. So no, I'm not concerned at all.
7. Very important question, HOW is the dueling club still a thing when I nearly get killed in almost every duel? Don’t you think Hirsh should be spoken to about this for all the times I end up in your office afterwards?
The dueling club is still a thing because it is used to teach you how to stay alive. It's better to duel here where there is supervision than it is to go out in the real world, get caught up in a duel that you are unprepared for and then really end up dying. But I could have that chat with Professor Hirsh if you are willing to take that chance later in life.
8. Do you have any medication for wand allergies? You know…in the event I’m allergic to mine.
Sure. Take some dueling lessons and learn how to use the thing properly. Or you know, you could always get rid of it and just live like a muggle. Without magic.
9. What’s the most common thing you end up treating in the Hospital Wing?
Wand allergies. Maybe you should just give me yours now so we can prevent anything from happening to you.
Just kidding. I would say the most common thing is illnesses such as the common cold or the flu. Injuries really haven't been that big of a thing since we got rid of that barbaric sport of quidditch.
10. It’s finally summer; any plans once you’ve popped?
Yes. Spending the whole summer with my husband and babies. This summer will be all about my family.
Librarian
Mr. Leobald Kitridge has become a well known face around Hogwarts. Resident librarian for the past twelve terms, Ravenclaw Head of House for the past six terms and Gobstones official for the past twelve terms, the man sat down to answer some questions about his personal and professional life.
1) Hello Mr. Kitridge. Thanks for taking time to answer some questions for us. I'm going to get right to it. You've been the librarian for 12 terms now. You've no doubt seen many, many things happening in the library with the students. Anything in particular stand out that you would like to share with us? Well Isfrit, the spirit that burned down parts of the library several years ago is still achingly fresh in my memory. So many books were destroyed then. I'm still super grateful to everyone that donated books after. Speaking of books, the book from the restricted section that enchanted students and staff is also hard to forget. In the present term there has luckily not been that many things to stand out, but each term there are always students that try to go into the restricted section without permission. |
2) Do you find it hard balancing your Head of House duties with your librarian duties, along with the role of officiating Gobstones?
Not at all. I find it easy to balance all my duties since the library isn't super busy at all hours of the day, thus I can do my Head of House duties in between. Gobstones I usually officiate during weekends with Groundskeeper McLeod so they go pretty fast, and I can trust in the students to not run amok in the library when I'm not available.
3) Being a staff member in a school you have to live in has its disadvantages, like not being able to see your family every day. How hard is it on you to be away from your family, especially that little boy of yours?
It has been extremely difficult to not be there with him and Cassie to witness all his firsts, but I love working at Hogwarts so that's something I have to deal with. Cassie takes pictures and we talk daily, but it's not the same. I try to go home for short visits on the weekend if time allows.
4) What was the biggest challenge you had to face this term?
The biggest challenge was to handle rule breakers in the right way while getting through to them. Also to co-exist at meal times with a hag up on the staff dais. I must say, she gave me the creeps.
5) With all the mysterious ghostly things that went on around the school, did you find any of the pranks had made it to the library? If so, how did you handle them?
Luckily enough no pranks made their way into the library. Miffy and Peeves chose other places to hit. I did however handle the glue and feather mess they caused at the feast. I don't think I've ever had to use so many strong cleaning spells to rid both students and furniture of glue and feathers. I always try to be calm and practical when something unexpected happens to restore order as quickly as possible. This incident was no different.
6) What’s the most difficult part of being the librarian? The most rewarding?
Most difficult part is making sure that no books get defaced in any way or that, Merlin forbid a book finds its way out of the restricted section to cause problems like a few years ago. The most rewarding is recommending books to students and then hearing that they enjoyed reading the ones I picked out for them. As well as the conversations a book can start.
7) Outside of Ravenclaw winning the house cup, what do you think was the best thing that happened this term?
That's a tough one since Ravenclaw winning the house cup was pretty central. Personally, I became a father of a beautiful son that I value more than the house cup win. The third best thing that happened this term I must say was getting to know all my eagle students and the new ickles better. I cherish the relationships with all the students I come in contact with and try to build on them.
8) Do you have anything new and exciting planned yet for next term? Will you still be holding book club meetings?
My plan is to hold one or two book club meetings next term but what they will be about I have yet to work out.
9) Any words of wisdom for students aspiring to be a librarian in their future?
To never judge any book by its cover. Just because a book's exterior doesn't look much for the world, doesn't mean that within, there isn't a story worth reading. Also all aspiring librarians should read a lot, any time they can, and of course be gentle with their books and handle them with respect and love.
10) Finally, got any big plans for the summer you would care to share with us? Possibly the sound of wedding bells in your future?
Yes, your sources are correct, I'm getting married to my lovely snappy blond fiancé and former Divination professor of Hogwarts, Cassiopeia Morgan, then going on my honeymoon. Yes, my summer will be packed with happiness.
Not at all. I find it easy to balance all my duties since the library isn't super busy at all hours of the day, thus I can do my Head of House duties in between. Gobstones I usually officiate during weekends with Groundskeeper McLeod so they go pretty fast, and I can trust in the students to not run amok in the library when I'm not available.
3) Being a staff member in a school you have to live in has its disadvantages, like not being able to see your family every day. How hard is it on you to be away from your family, especially that little boy of yours?
It has been extremely difficult to not be there with him and Cassie to witness all his firsts, but I love working at Hogwarts so that's something I have to deal with. Cassie takes pictures and we talk daily, but it's not the same. I try to go home for short visits on the weekend if time allows.
4) What was the biggest challenge you had to face this term?
The biggest challenge was to handle rule breakers in the right way while getting through to them. Also to co-exist at meal times with a hag up on the staff dais. I must say, she gave me the creeps.
5) With all the mysterious ghostly things that went on around the school, did you find any of the pranks had made it to the library? If so, how did you handle them?
Luckily enough no pranks made their way into the library. Miffy and Peeves chose other places to hit. I did however handle the glue and feather mess they caused at the feast. I don't think I've ever had to use so many strong cleaning spells to rid both students and furniture of glue and feathers. I always try to be calm and practical when something unexpected happens to restore order as quickly as possible. This incident was no different.
6) What’s the most difficult part of being the librarian? The most rewarding?
Most difficult part is making sure that no books get defaced in any way or that, Merlin forbid a book finds its way out of the restricted section to cause problems like a few years ago. The most rewarding is recommending books to students and then hearing that they enjoyed reading the ones I picked out for them. As well as the conversations a book can start.
7) Outside of Ravenclaw winning the house cup, what do you think was the best thing that happened this term?
That's a tough one since Ravenclaw winning the house cup was pretty central. Personally, I became a father of a beautiful son that I value more than the house cup win. The third best thing that happened this term I must say was getting to know all my eagle students and the new ickles better. I cherish the relationships with all the students I come in contact with and try to build on them.
8) Do you have anything new and exciting planned yet for next term? Will you still be holding book club meetings?
My plan is to hold one or two book club meetings next term but what they will be about I have yet to work out.
9) Any words of wisdom for students aspiring to be a librarian in their future?
To never judge any book by its cover. Just because a book's exterior doesn't look much for the world, doesn't mean that within, there isn't a story worth reading. Also all aspiring librarians should read a lot, any time they can, and of course be gentle with their books and handle them with respect and love.
10) Finally, got any big plans for the summer you would care to share with us? Possibly the sound of wedding bells in your future?
Yes, your sources are correct, I'm getting married to my lovely snappy blond fiancé and former Divination professor of Hogwarts, Cassiopeia Morgan, then going on my honeymoon. Yes, my summer will be packed with happiness.