Gryffindor Head of House
Celebrating his tenth year teaching astronomy at Hogwarts and his fifth year as Gryffindor Head of House, Professor Airey Flamsteed has a long history of being well-loved by his students, and none more than his own lions. The man acts as a mentor, a hero, and a father figure to many of his students beyond just his teaching obligations, and he leaves many outside his house wishing they were sorted into Gryffindor, too. With his creative, inspirational leadership methods and his ever-encouraging voice, his students are always in good hands. We were honored to steal some time from his busy schedule to speak with him about his thoughts on his house, his students, and the many peculiar occurrences this term!
1. Hello, professor! Thank you for taking the time out of your day to chat with us. There were a whole lot of weird things that happened this term, from you fainting at the opening feast to getting turned into a ferret, and some of your prized possessions were even stolen! What are your thoughts on these wild happenings this term? Do you think there is something in the water? Why is everything so strange?
Always a pleasure. Admittedly, I’ve come to look forward to these interviews.
Yes...well...every term at Hogwarts has its share of weird happenings and, as anyone learned in magical history will inform you, just seems to come with the territory. Hogwarts would not be Hogwarts without the dramatics, but this term certainly seemed to have a personal vendetta out against me.
The antics observed at the opening feast was certainly an indication of things to come, but who would have thought that having some hag drip putrid perfume all over my suit would be one of the tamer moments?! My collection of Star Trek action figures is STILL missing, so I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that a very VERY handsome reward awaits anyone who can inform me of their whereabouts. Miffy doesn’t seem to be budging on the subject.
The silver lining to it all is that Pebbles did NOT go missing this term. That, in addition to everything else, surely would have forced me into early retirement. Although she does always seem to find her way back to me...her unwavering loyalty often causes me to suspect she is a Hufflepuff.
2. This term you not only had two new Gryffindor prefects, fifth year Franklin Paton and sixth year Candice Messer, but you also had a third badge in your house: Head Boy Yoongi Hyland! Did this team of fresh student leaders step up to the plate? What was the team dynamic like, how did they grow throughout the year, and did they meet your expectations?
It is always a bit unnerving at first when new badges are handed out, especially at such pivotal years as fifth and seventh year as was the case for Mr. Paton and Mr. Hyland, but I am proud to say that each stepped up to the plate and hit at least a double if not a triple. And perhaps one of them may have stolen third rather than actually hit their way there...but I digress.
Miss Messer’s maturity and devotion to her opinions is something that has always stood out to me and served her well in her new role. Her, comparatively, level headedness helped balance out her male counterparts. Mr. Paton’s journey to prefectship is a bit of a symbolic one, for those that read into that sort of thing, as he was quite displeased with his sorting as a first year and grew into the realization that this is indeed who he is - something that was observed during his fourth year and lead him to where he is now. Mr. Hyland has always held a high opinion of himself, oftentimes to his own detriment, so I believe that once the initial adrenaline rush wore off at receiving his Head Boy badge it became a bit of a humbling experience for him. One that helped him step fully into that opinion of himself and not just be a lion with a loud roar, but a lion with the muscle to back up that volume.
These three played off each other’s strengths and were quite the dynamic trio. It was an honor working with them this term and I hope they made themselves proud.
3. As the Gryffindor Head of House, it is no secret that you have loads of Gryffindor pride, and you always seem to work hard at motivating and encouraging the students in your house to be better individuals every single day. You planned something a bit out of the ordinary for your lions this term and took them on a very special field trip to Godric's Hollow. Tell us a bit about that and your goals behind this weekend retreat. Would you say it was a success?
Too often I have overheard a conversation among students or been told outright by one that they were “wrongly sorted” or are “not Gryffindor enough” to be in Gryffindor. Besides astronomy being mistaken for astrology, stains on my suit, the Vulcan salute being performed incorrectly, glitter, felines, and...well...a few other things...there is nothing that upsets me more than individuals trying to place other individuals in boxes. As I told a certain former Head Boy, Neville Longbottom - arguably one of the greatest Gryffindors of the past century - was once questioned for his placement in Hogwarts. In light of the Gryffindoring that occurred at the opening feast, I wanted to bring everyone back to our house’s roots and reflect upon the nature of what it means to be a Gryffindor. By walking in the very birthplace of our founder and so many others I hoped to instill a sense of pride for being honored the privilege of donning scarlet and gold. It is easy enough to feel such sentiments while at Hogwarts within the confines of the castle where reminders of Hogwarts houses are everywhere, but doing so away from campus provides a unique bonding experience and a reminder that lessons from Hogwarts do not just end at the gates, they are with us all for life.
4. You have been here an awfully long time, professor - ten whole years, happy anniversary! - and things at Hogwarts just keep getting more and more bizarre. As a well-renowned astronomer, the sky is the limit for you. What makes you stay here teaching us crazy hooligans? Why not pursue other endeavors? What draws you to come back every year?
One could argue that it is the bizarre and the fact that little about Hogwarts is ever stagnant is what keeps me coming back. Or at least it is a contributing factor. Upon graduating Hogwarts I did not ever see myself returning as a professor and had other aspirations in mind for myself, but circumstances were that those were no longer attainable and thus I discovered education. I was once, and arguably still am, one of those crazy hooligans you speak of. The ones that ride across the Black Lake as a first year full of wonder and uncertainty for their future, the ones that stumble and fall more often than not as they reach self discovery….it is observing the journey of my students, helping them reach for the stars, hearing of their successes that continues to inspire me as an educator. I enjoy knowing that I was a part of that journey.
5. As the defending House Cup champions, Gryffindor had a bit of a tough time, losing that title to Ravenclaw this term. What are your plans for your house moving forward? How will you motivate them to reclaim the House Cup title, and what advice do you have for them?
Losing to Ravenclaw especially was hard to stomach, I will admit that. But perhaps now your librarian’s hairline will stop receding from all the fretting. But in all seriousness, it is as Captain Jean Luc Picard once said, “it is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.”
1. Hello, professor! Thank you for taking the time out of your day to chat with us. There were a whole lot of weird things that happened this term, from you fainting at the opening feast to getting turned into a ferret, and some of your prized possessions were even stolen! What are your thoughts on these wild happenings this term? Do you think there is something in the water? Why is everything so strange?
Always a pleasure. Admittedly, I’ve come to look forward to these interviews.
Yes...well...every term at Hogwarts has its share of weird happenings and, as anyone learned in magical history will inform you, just seems to come with the territory. Hogwarts would not be Hogwarts without the dramatics, but this term certainly seemed to have a personal vendetta out against me.
The antics observed at the opening feast was certainly an indication of things to come, but who would have thought that having some hag drip putrid perfume all over my suit would be one of the tamer moments?! My collection of Star Trek action figures is STILL missing, so I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that a very VERY handsome reward awaits anyone who can inform me of their whereabouts. Miffy doesn’t seem to be budging on the subject.
The silver lining to it all is that Pebbles did NOT go missing this term. That, in addition to everything else, surely would have forced me into early retirement. Although she does always seem to find her way back to me...her unwavering loyalty often causes me to suspect she is a Hufflepuff.
2. This term you not only had two new Gryffindor prefects, fifth year Franklin Paton and sixth year Candice Messer, but you also had a third badge in your house: Head Boy Yoongi Hyland! Did this team of fresh student leaders step up to the plate? What was the team dynamic like, how did they grow throughout the year, and did they meet your expectations?
It is always a bit unnerving at first when new badges are handed out, especially at such pivotal years as fifth and seventh year as was the case for Mr. Paton and Mr. Hyland, but I am proud to say that each stepped up to the plate and hit at least a double if not a triple. And perhaps one of them may have stolen third rather than actually hit their way there...but I digress.
Miss Messer’s maturity and devotion to her opinions is something that has always stood out to me and served her well in her new role. Her, comparatively, level headedness helped balance out her male counterparts. Mr. Paton’s journey to prefectship is a bit of a symbolic one, for those that read into that sort of thing, as he was quite displeased with his sorting as a first year and grew into the realization that this is indeed who he is - something that was observed during his fourth year and lead him to where he is now. Mr. Hyland has always held a high opinion of himself, oftentimes to his own detriment, so I believe that once the initial adrenaline rush wore off at receiving his Head Boy badge it became a bit of a humbling experience for him. One that helped him step fully into that opinion of himself and not just be a lion with a loud roar, but a lion with the muscle to back up that volume.
These three played off each other’s strengths and were quite the dynamic trio. It was an honor working with them this term and I hope they made themselves proud.
3. As the Gryffindor Head of House, it is no secret that you have loads of Gryffindor pride, and you always seem to work hard at motivating and encouraging the students in your house to be better individuals every single day. You planned something a bit out of the ordinary for your lions this term and took them on a very special field trip to Godric's Hollow. Tell us a bit about that and your goals behind this weekend retreat. Would you say it was a success?
Too often I have overheard a conversation among students or been told outright by one that they were “wrongly sorted” or are “not Gryffindor enough” to be in Gryffindor. Besides astronomy being mistaken for astrology, stains on my suit, the Vulcan salute being performed incorrectly, glitter, felines, and...well...a few other things...there is nothing that upsets me more than individuals trying to place other individuals in boxes. As I told a certain former Head Boy, Neville Longbottom - arguably one of the greatest Gryffindors of the past century - was once questioned for his placement in Hogwarts. In light of the Gryffindoring that occurred at the opening feast, I wanted to bring everyone back to our house’s roots and reflect upon the nature of what it means to be a Gryffindor. By walking in the very birthplace of our founder and so many others I hoped to instill a sense of pride for being honored the privilege of donning scarlet and gold. It is easy enough to feel such sentiments while at Hogwarts within the confines of the castle where reminders of Hogwarts houses are everywhere, but doing so away from campus provides a unique bonding experience and a reminder that lessons from Hogwarts do not just end at the gates, they are with us all for life.
4. You have been here an awfully long time, professor - ten whole years, happy anniversary! - and things at Hogwarts just keep getting more and more bizarre. As a well-renowned astronomer, the sky is the limit for you. What makes you stay here teaching us crazy hooligans? Why not pursue other endeavors? What draws you to come back every year?
One could argue that it is the bizarre and the fact that little about Hogwarts is ever stagnant is what keeps me coming back. Or at least it is a contributing factor. Upon graduating Hogwarts I did not ever see myself returning as a professor and had other aspirations in mind for myself, but circumstances were that those were no longer attainable and thus I discovered education. I was once, and arguably still am, one of those crazy hooligans you speak of. The ones that ride across the Black Lake as a first year full of wonder and uncertainty for their future, the ones that stumble and fall more often than not as they reach self discovery….it is observing the journey of my students, helping them reach for the stars, hearing of their successes that continues to inspire me as an educator. I enjoy knowing that I was a part of that journey.
5. As the defending House Cup champions, Gryffindor had a bit of a tough time, losing that title to Ravenclaw this term. What are your plans for your house moving forward? How will you motivate them to reclaim the House Cup title, and what advice do you have for them?
Losing to Ravenclaw especially was hard to stomach, I will admit that. But perhaps now your librarian’s hairline will stop receding from all the fretting. But in all seriousness, it is as Captain Jean Luc Picard once said, “it is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.”
Gryffindor Prefects
There are very few people like Yoongi Hyland. His kind demeanor and willingness to help others is contrasted only by a healthy dose of egocentrism. These qualities together were exactly what was needed to fill the position of Head Boy. A unique and independent student, and a role model to all. Here’s what he had to say about his experiences at Hogwarts: 1. What a way to end your time at Hogwarts, how did you feel when you were selected to fill the role of Head Boy? Did it come as a shock? It did come as a shock. I was quickly over it after I tried on the badge, it looked good on me didn’t it? But my first thought was ‘why me?’ because I’ve only been at Hogwarts for two years and I didn’t see myself as a leader type of person. 2. I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy task, do you have any words of advice for the next Head Boy? He might be needing it… |
I’m really not good at words of advice unless they’re about skin care. So the next Head Boy has to figure it out by himself - like I had to. Yes buddy, I’m throwing you in deep water and just pretend you don’t know how to swim. Just don't drown, you'll get through it.
3. Very sound advice, thank you. What did you find to be the most stressful thing for you this term? Your Head Boy duties, N.E.W.T. exams or something else?
Studying for N.E.W.T. exams. But, if I may say, I only had one nervous breakdown instead of five! Wait, why am I telling you this?
4. Your secret’s safe with us. But now you’re graduating, what will you miss most about Hogwarts?
Oh wow, um, there are so many things I’d miss. I’d miss my girlfriend, Norah. The common room. The Prefects bathroom. Not so sure about some classes though …sorry not sorry.
5. Who has been the most influential figure in your life while at school?
Two people. Hady Lynch and Norah Kittredge.
6. During your time here you must have explored much of the castle, did you have a favourite place to hang out?
I really loved the Prefect’s bathroom. It was a place for me to relax and it was usually quiet because not a lot of people were allowed in.
7. Have you decided on a career path?
Yes. I will first go to Edinburgh University to study and research Experimental Charms after that I’ll see what happens. Perhaps I’ll work at the Ministry, or became a foot model. You never know. I do have nice feet.
8. Lovely…. What would you say has been the best thing about being a Gryffindor?
Uuuh….I don’t know…. wow this makes me a horrible Gryffindor, doesn’t it? I liked the House, I liked the people, I liked the Common Room. It was nice, you know?
9. If you were an ice cream flavour, what would you be?
I’d be a lilac coloured sugar free ice cream. Do those exist? If not, they do now. Oh! Let’s call them 'The Fantastic ice cream by Fabulous Yoongi', catchy eh?
10. It’s a little long, but it works. And last, but not least, what would you like to be remembered for?
My perfect smooth face. I didn’t spend hours on taking care of my skin for nothing! Oh and my excellent Charms skills I suppose.
A woman of very few words, Candice Messer gets the job done. The enigmatic Gryffindor beauty has worked efficiently and effectively with her peer-leaders throughout her first year as Prefect. Clearly though, her former Durmstrang swagger is something that remains with her and has perhaps intimidated the younger classmen into submission - a useful tactic no less. I consider myself fortunate to have been worked into her busy schedule for a brief chat. Here’s what she had to say:
1. First of all, congratulations on your position as Prefect, what were your first thoughts when you received your badge in the post? Thank you. Thank you. My first thought? POWAAAAH! (cough) I mean more responsibility and all that jazz. |
2. Was becoming Prefect something you have always aspired to?
Not really.
3. What do you think has been your greatest success this term?
I kicked (Henric) Nicolei’s butt. I'm allowed to say that right?
4. I'll allow it. Now be honest, we want all the juicy details. What was it like working with Franklin Paton? Any embarrassing details you can share?
It was okay. He's an okay guy. I'm sorry to tell you that I don't do gossip.
5. What were your thoughts on the Divination stand-in at the beginning of the term?
I thought it was insane. Like seriously who in their right mind would hire a Hag, right? Right?
6. If you had to guess what strange occurrence or catastrophe might befall us next year, what comes to mind?
I think anything is possible. It’s Hogwarts after all.
7. What do you like to do in your free time while here at school?
Wandering around the grounds.
8. As far as classes are concerned, do you have a favourite subject, or Professor?
My favourite subject is Herbology and as for the Professors. I like them all. I don't have a favourite Professor.
9. You’ll be going into your seventh year soon, do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
Yes. I want to work with Flesh-eating plants.
10. Neat, and lucky last… What are you most looking forward to next term?
Graduating!
Not really.
3. What do you think has been your greatest success this term?
I kicked (Henric) Nicolei’s butt. I'm allowed to say that right?
4. I'll allow it. Now be honest, we want all the juicy details. What was it like working with Franklin Paton? Any embarrassing details you can share?
It was okay. He's an okay guy. I'm sorry to tell you that I don't do gossip.
5. What were your thoughts on the Divination stand-in at the beginning of the term?
I thought it was insane. Like seriously who in their right mind would hire a Hag, right? Right?
6. If you had to guess what strange occurrence or catastrophe might befall us next year, what comes to mind?
I think anything is possible. It’s Hogwarts after all.
7. What do you like to do in your free time while here at school?
Wandering around the grounds.
8. As far as classes are concerned, do you have a favourite subject, or Professor?
My favourite subject is Herbology and as for the Professors. I like them all. I don't have a favourite Professor.
9. You’ll be going into your seventh year soon, do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
Yes. I want to work with Flesh-eating plants.
10. Neat, and lucky last… What are you most looking forward to next term?
Graduating!
Picture-perfect Prefect Paton made leading the student body look like a walk in the park. With barely a hair out of place, his influence was felt throughout the castle as his busy schedule didn’t exclude him from participating in Gobstones or Dueling Club. Fortunately for us, Franklin Paton has set aside enough time for us to get to know the inner workings of his mind a little better.
1. You survived your first term as Prefect, congratulations. How did you feel when you received the Gryffindor Prefect badge in the post? Thanks. It certainly has been quite a term, but I survived. Naturally. ... When the badge was delivered to me last summer, initially I was quite shocked. Was something that I did not expect. Originally I thought someone was pranking me, but Flammy's signature was legitimate and the badge quite real. After it all sunk in, I was quite thrilled to have been given the responsibility. Both of my parents, former Hufflepuffs, were prefects back in their day, so it is nice being able to live up to their legacy. |
2. What would you say has been the most challenging aspect of being a prefect this term?
Making sure that first years didn't drown in the Black Lake or go play with the Whomping Willow. ... I kid, I kid. ... Actually, yeah. That was the most challenging aspect of being a prefect for me. Not to those extremes, of course. But a handful of those first -- and even certain second and third -- years were tough to keep in line. But none of the Gryffindors died or got into too much trouble this year, so I'd say that's worth a pat on the back.
3. How did you feel working alongside Candice Messer? Are you two close?
Working alongside Candice was pretty cool. I've only known her since she came back to Hogwarts from Durmstrang. We actually met in Diagon Alley the summer before my fourth year began, and she ... uhh ... helped me retrieve my frog Gus from Knockturn Alley. We've gotten along fairly well since then, so us being prefects together was rather painless.
4. Strange things always happen at Hogwarts. Did anything manage to surprise you this term?
All that random giggling and then that doll popping up everywhere was super weird. Then a lot of pranks that happened this term caught be by surprise. A fair share of them were annoying, but a handful of them were absolutely hilarious. Kudos to Miffy for messing with everyone and out-pranking Peeves.
5. What is your favourite subject? And is this the subject you have the greatest ability in?
Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration are tied for my favourite subjects, and those are where my strengths lie. I have no doubts that I will be moving on to N.E.W.T.-level classes for both next term. Very useful and engaging subjects, especially in comparison to others, in my opinion.
6. Based on your experiences, name two Gryffindors you think could rival Peeves and Miffy where causing trouble is concerned.
Blaise Bellaire and Bentley Moore. Enough said.
7. Where in the school do you like to hang out if you have a free hour or two?
If I have a spare moment, I tend to end up on the grounds or in the Room of Requirement. I tend to roam the grounds whenever I want to go for a jog or simply get some fresh air. Otherwise, the Room of Requirement is a nice sanctuary to get away from everything. Very handy, that room is.
8. What do you believe is the greatest lesson you have learned this term?
One of the greatest lessons I learned is how to manage my time. Between prefect duties, studying for OWLs, keeping up with homework, maintaining a social life, and getting enough sleep at the end of the day, time is very valuable. So prioritizing what I needed to do with the time I had was something that I had to learn and quickly adapt to this term.
9. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
(Most perfect hair. Bringing sexy back.) Instinctive. Adventurous. Dauntless.
10. Last question: What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Actually getting some time to sit back and relax instead of studying for hours on end. My brain has officially been fried, and I'm in need of a nice, long break. Thank Merlin for summer!
Making sure that first years didn't drown in the Black Lake or go play with the Whomping Willow. ... I kid, I kid. ... Actually, yeah. That was the most challenging aspect of being a prefect for me. Not to those extremes, of course. But a handful of those first -- and even certain second and third -- years were tough to keep in line. But none of the Gryffindors died or got into too much trouble this year, so I'd say that's worth a pat on the back.
3. How did you feel working alongside Candice Messer? Are you two close?
Working alongside Candice was pretty cool. I've only known her since she came back to Hogwarts from Durmstrang. We actually met in Diagon Alley the summer before my fourth year began, and she ... uhh ... helped me retrieve my frog Gus from Knockturn Alley. We've gotten along fairly well since then, so us being prefects together was rather painless.
4. Strange things always happen at Hogwarts. Did anything manage to surprise you this term?
All that random giggling and then that doll popping up everywhere was super weird. Then a lot of pranks that happened this term caught be by surprise. A fair share of them were annoying, but a handful of them were absolutely hilarious. Kudos to Miffy for messing with everyone and out-pranking Peeves.
5. What is your favourite subject? And is this the subject you have the greatest ability in?
Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration are tied for my favourite subjects, and those are where my strengths lie. I have no doubts that I will be moving on to N.E.W.T.-level classes for both next term. Very useful and engaging subjects, especially in comparison to others, in my opinion.
6. Based on your experiences, name two Gryffindors you think could rival Peeves and Miffy where causing trouble is concerned.
Blaise Bellaire and Bentley Moore. Enough said.
7. Where in the school do you like to hang out if you have a free hour or two?
If I have a spare moment, I tend to end up on the grounds or in the Room of Requirement. I tend to roam the grounds whenever I want to go for a jog or simply get some fresh air. Otherwise, the Room of Requirement is a nice sanctuary to get away from everything. Very handy, that room is.
8. What do you believe is the greatest lesson you have learned this term?
One of the greatest lessons I learned is how to manage my time. Between prefect duties, studying for OWLs, keeping up with homework, maintaining a social life, and getting enough sleep at the end of the day, time is very valuable. So prioritizing what I needed to do with the time I had was something that I had to learn and quickly adapt to this term.
9. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
(Most perfect hair. Bringing sexy back.) Instinctive. Adventurous. Dauntless.
10. Last question: What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Actually getting some time to sit back and relax instead of studying for hours on end. My brain has officially been fried, and I'm in need of a nice, long break. Thank Merlin for summer!