Ancient Runes
After Professor Strum’s departure from Hogwarts, big shoes were left to be filled for the post of Ancient Runes professor. This term, we welcomed Professor Oakey Gunter into the community and along with him came some interesting lessons and activities. For some brief background, Professor Gunter himself was a former Hufflepuff student of Hogwarts. Prior to his Hogwarts professorship, his teaching experience includes being a professor at the Edinburgh campus of the Wizarding University, and an associate professor at the same university’s Cairo campus. Aside from those, he also worked in the ministry as a spell reversal specialist under the Accidents and Catastrophes department. His experience and expertise surely boast and affirm his competence to teach us, students.
I honestly cannot remember every single Ancient Runes lesson we’ve had, and there were times when I struggled to even stay awake because runes just wasn’t my thing. Parts of it are fun, but most of the time my brain takes longer to process things. But from all the classes that I can remember, my most favourite was that one where we got to dance and play derby. Some probably didn’t really like that lesson because the classroom looked different. There was a whole dance floor! Some people just don’t know how to have fun! Besides, no better way to start the day than to get ourselves moving. It was then revealed later on that the rune we were specifically studying for that class was the movement rune. (Professor Gunter, if you’re reading this, I actually forgot the name of the rune. I’M SORRY FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF MY HEART.) There were mentions of horses too, so I think that might be related to the rune as well. Anyway, great class, that was!
Even with all the great and moving lessons we had with Professor Gunter, it is sad to see him step down from his position and leave Hogwarts. Despite his short time with us, it goes without saying that we learned many valuable information and hopefully appreciation for runes through him. Wherever you’re heading, Professor Gunter, thank you for a great term and you will be missed!
I honestly cannot remember every single Ancient Runes lesson we’ve had, and there were times when I struggled to even stay awake because runes just wasn’t my thing. Parts of it are fun, but most of the time my brain takes longer to process things. But from all the classes that I can remember, my most favourite was that one where we got to dance and play derby. Some probably didn’t really like that lesson because the classroom looked different. There was a whole dance floor! Some people just don’t know how to have fun! Besides, no better way to start the day than to get ourselves moving. It was then revealed later on that the rune we were specifically studying for that class was the movement rune. (Professor Gunter, if you’re reading this, I actually forgot the name of the rune. I’M SORRY FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF MY HEART.) There were mentions of horses too, so I think that might be related to the rune as well. Anyway, great class, that was!
Even with all the great and moving lessons we had with Professor Gunter, it is sad to see him step down from his position and leave Hogwarts. Despite his short time with us, it goes without saying that we learned many valuable information and hopefully appreciation for runes through him. Wherever you’re heading, Professor Gunter, thank you for a great term and you will be missed!
Charms
For Charms class, the most charming Professor Neva Peralta makes a comeback this term for not only the same post, but also as school healer. Personally, I think that just fits. Healers are supposed to be very good with charms and other spells. If you haven’t done so, you should certainly congratulate the professor. Well-deserved, I would say! I’m not exactly a frequent of the hospital wing, but on couple of times I’ve visited to them a wound or scrape treated, I knew I was in good hands. Students in need of a healing potion or two are lucky to be under her care.
I sidetracked for a bit there, I’m sorry. Moving on!
Professor Peralta always made sure to start our classes with something interesting. I very much remember that one class where we had to enter the classroom almost blindly because it was just super dark in there! While that was fun and it was fortunate that nobody broke a bone during that activity, I had no qualms with the darkness until the light came back. Slowly, sure, but just let me quote this one song. Oooooooh, I’m blinded by the liiiiiight! Okay, that’s it. Anyway! The spell we learned from that class was the Night Vision charm, and I’m telling you…it has been so useful. The corridors in school can get really dark at night and it’s been great for navigating. Not that I’m encouraging you guys to sneak around the castle. That’s not the point. AnYwAy!!! We also learned the importance of our feet in Charms class too. The Sticky Toes Spell, which we learned from Professor Peralta, is any person’s dream if they hated the ground so much. Not that I do, but I do see the appeal of just leaping from wall to wall. That’s just really cool. Like Spiderman without the web-shooting mechanism! (I’m exaggerating here. The spell’s used to keep balance or navigate better on uneven surfaces, but let me live.) The best part of being able to throw water balloons at other classmates. Could we please do that again, Professor? If you’re reading this? Kindly visualise cute puppy dog eyes here for better effect.
Fun and education definitely go hand-in-hand, and it’s truly amazing to learn charms through these exciting means thanks to Professor Peralta. There’s never a dull lesson with her (although I have to admit that I do get the sleepies when it’s time to talk charms theory). It’ll be hard to beat the blind maze activity and the balloon fight, but surely Professor Peralta never misses. We’re excited for more enjoyable classes with you, professor!
I sidetracked for a bit there, I’m sorry. Moving on!
Professor Peralta always made sure to start our classes with something interesting. I very much remember that one class where we had to enter the classroom almost blindly because it was just super dark in there! While that was fun and it was fortunate that nobody broke a bone during that activity, I had no qualms with the darkness until the light came back. Slowly, sure, but just let me quote this one song. Oooooooh, I’m blinded by the liiiiiight! Okay, that’s it. Anyway! The spell we learned from that class was the Night Vision charm, and I’m telling you…it has been so useful. The corridors in school can get really dark at night and it’s been great for navigating. Not that I’m encouraging you guys to sneak around the castle. That’s not the point. AnYwAy!!! We also learned the importance of our feet in Charms class too. The Sticky Toes Spell, which we learned from Professor Peralta, is any person’s dream if they hated the ground so much. Not that I do, but I do see the appeal of just leaping from wall to wall. That’s just really cool. Like Spiderman without the web-shooting mechanism! (I’m exaggerating here. The spell’s used to keep balance or navigate better on uneven surfaces, but let me live.) The best part of being able to throw water balloons at other classmates. Could we please do that again, Professor? If you’re reading this? Kindly visualise cute puppy dog eyes here for better effect.
Fun and education definitely go hand-in-hand, and it’s truly amazing to learn charms through these exciting means thanks to Professor Peralta. There’s never a dull lesson with her (although I have to admit that I do get the sleepies when it’s time to talk charms theory). It’ll be hard to beat the blind maze activity and the balloon fight, but surely Professor Peralta never misses. We’re excited for more enjoyable classes with you, professor!
Defense Against the Dark Arts
To say that Headmaster Malachi Trent has had a rough couple of years would be a MAJOR understatement. We were all super thrilled to FINALLY have the big guy in charge back - for REAL - next term, but as one can imagine, it wasn't an easy transition back into the Headmaster's role for our favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts professor!
We got a chance to sit down and ask him some questions about his classes, Headmaster duties, and trying to return to normal after being...you know...being held captive for over a year.
First off - we are SUPER happy to see you back, alive and well! How was it coming back to teaching after…everything you went through the last two terms?
Honestly...a little crazy. There were times I doubted I could still get it done but on a whole, I'd say it went better than I expected. Sure, there was still the usual brand of Hogwarts craziness, but compared to the prior two years....it was almost welcomed nonsense. It didn't feel like the world might come to an end, which already made this better than I can say the last two terms went in every sense of it.
I think I speak for everyone when I say the play the staff helped the students put on was a much needed distraction! Which part would YOU like to play in Peter Pan given the chance?
Captain Hook, of course! I'm not sure I could get fully into the character of a boy who refuses to grow up, but Captain Hook is a man of ambition. His motives may not have been the best and you could certainly call his leadership into question, but that hunger in him and that determination are to be admired and played up to the fullest extent of theatre law.
Captain Hook, huh? Guess the character runs in the family (looking at you Kale Trent). So, what was your favorite part of teaching during the last term?
Seeing my students leave the classroom alive? It may seem like a joke, but for those who remember the infamous Kelpie less...they would understand the relief I feel each time no one gets terribly hurt.
What advice do you have for students looking to join a career focused around DADA when they leave school?
Learn to keep a level head no matter the situation. Always think three steps ahead. I don't just say "strategy" in class to take up some time and give you fond memories. It's a real thing. Ensure you understand defense and then in what situation you could feasibly use that defense. Make as many back up plans as you can, and pay keen attention during the lessons.
Finally, which is more difficult? Being headmaster or teaching defense?
That's a hard one. Can I say both? No but really, Headmaster does consume quite a bit more of my attention and efforts. It's not just walking down the corridors ensuring everyone is standing at least 12 inches part and no Gryffindors are hurling dung bombs out windows. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes, a lot you're held accountable for and a lot to ensure remains are organised and efficient as possible. By comparison, teaching you all Defense Against the Dark Arts is a treat.
Taking on BOTH roles at the school cannot be an easy task, and we are super thankful for everything you do for us, Headmaster Trent. We sincerely hope the next few terms are a bit less...hectic for us all!
We got a chance to sit down and ask him some questions about his classes, Headmaster duties, and trying to return to normal after being...you know...being held captive for over a year.
First off - we are SUPER happy to see you back, alive and well! How was it coming back to teaching after…everything you went through the last two terms?
Honestly...a little crazy. There were times I doubted I could still get it done but on a whole, I'd say it went better than I expected. Sure, there was still the usual brand of Hogwarts craziness, but compared to the prior two years....it was almost welcomed nonsense. It didn't feel like the world might come to an end, which already made this better than I can say the last two terms went in every sense of it.
I think I speak for everyone when I say the play the staff helped the students put on was a much needed distraction! Which part would YOU like to play in Peter Pan given the chance?
Captain Hook, of course! I'm not sure I could get fully into the character of a boy who refuses to grow up, but Captain Hook is a man of ambition. His motives may not have been the best and you could certainly call his leadership into question, but that hunger in him and that determination are to be admired and played up to the fullest extent of theatre law.
Captain Hook, huh? Guess the character runs in the family (looking at you Kale Trent). So, what was your favorite part of teaching during the last term?
Seeing my students leave the classroom alive? It may seem like a joke, but for those who remember the infamous Kelpie less...they would understand the relief I feel each time no one gets terribly hurt.
What advice do you have for students looking to join a career focused around DADA when they leave school?
Learn to keep a level head no matter the situation. Always think three steps ahead. I don't just say "strategy" in class to take up some time and give you fond memories. It's a real thing. Ensure you understand defense and then in what situation you could feasibly use that defense. Make as many back up plans as you can, and pay keen attention during the lessons.
Finally, which is more difficult? Being headmaster or teaching defense?
That's a hard one. Can I say both? No but really, Headmaster does consume quite a bit more of my attention and efforts. It's not just walking down the corridors ensuring everyone is standing at least 12 inches part and no Gryffindors are hurling dung bombs out windows. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes, a lot you're held accountable for and a lot to ensure remains are organised and efficient as possible. By comparison, teaching you all Defense Against the Dark Arts is a treat.
Taking on BOTH roles at the school cannot be an easy task, and we are super thankful for everything you do for us, Headmaster Trent. We sincerely hope the next few terms are a bit less...hectic for us all!
Divination
Professor Andromeda Euka joined the Hogwarts staff this year as the new Divination professor and Librarian. Professor Euka stepped into the position under very difficult circumstances, following the tragic death of Professor Kitridge last term. In spite of that, the new Divination head performed admirably. She hit the ground running and along with a peacock named Irvin shared her knowledge of the Noble Art.
The year began with a lesson on Oneiromancy. Those who weren’t familiar with the subject learned that Oneiromancy is the study and interpretation of dreams to predict the future. Professor Euka shared some of the important aspects of dreams and how information could be obtained by studying their details.
Then to everyone’s surprise, it was nap time, Pillows were handed out to the students along with a potion to bring on a light sleep and help with remembering dreams after the fact. Needless to say, there were some who were wary of drinking an unknown potion from an unfamiliar professor. There were also those who preferred not to dream at all, but Professor Euka tried to put everyone at ease and earn their trust. With soothing lullaby music in the background, most drifted off into what they hoped would be a peaceful sleep.
After the potion wore off and the short naps were over, those who chose to, shared their dreams with the class. Everyone had a chance to try their hand at interpreting their dreams. Little did we know that this lesson was a sign of things to come.
Later on in the term, students got to participate in a long term class project. It involved keeping a dream journal for one month. After choosing and decorating the journals, everyone was instructed to keep it with them at all times. One never knows when sleep or an unexpected nap might occur. Notes were to be taken immediately after any dream, including all details, no matter how small. We were to look for patterns, messages, meanings and then take a whack at interpreting what we found. For those who experienced dreams and not nightmares, the project proved to be fun and insightful. Overall, it was a successful first year for the new professor and I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to next year’s Divination classes.
The year began with a lesson on Oneiromancy. Those who weren’t familiar with the subject learned that Oneiromancy is the study and interpretation of dreams to predict the future. Professor Euka shared some of the important aspects of dreams and how information could be obtained by studying their details.
Then to everyone’s surprise, it was nap time, Pillows were handed out to the students along with a potion to bring on a light sleep and help with remembering dreams after the fact. Needless to say, there were some who were wary of drinking an unknown potion from an unfamiliar professor. There were also those who preferred not to dream at all, but Professor Euka tried to put everyone at ease and earn their trust. With soothing lullaby music in the background, most drifted off into what they hoped would be a peaceful sleep.
After the potion wore off and the short naps were over, those who chose to, shared their dreams with the class. Everyone had a chance to try their hand at interpreting their dreams. Little did we know that this lesson was a sign of things to come.
Later on in the term, students got to participate in a long term class project. It involved keeping a dream journal for one month. After choosing and decorating the journals, everyone was instructed to keep it with them at all times. One never knows when sleep or an unexpected nap might occur. Notes were to be taken immediately after any dream, including all details, no matter how small. We were to look for patterns, messages, meanings and then take a whack at interpreting what we found. For those who experienced dreams and not nightmares, the project proved to be fun and insightful. Overall, it was a successful first year for the new professor and I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to next year’s Divination classes.
Flying
After the tumultuous events of last term, it was pretty exhilarating to return to the Quidditch pitch for a subject as fun and freeing and flying. Joining the Hogwarts staff this term as our new instructor and groundskeeper was Professor Kamran Kazmi—and his action-packed lessons on stopping and dropping were like a breath of fresh air. (Perhaps we'll learn about rolling next?) I got to sit down with the fascinating fellow to talk everything from Quidditch to...well, bread.
Hi Professor! Thanks so much for chatting with me today. We'll start with an easy one: What is your favorite part about teaching flying?
Not a problem, Miss Sinclair. Though I have to say, we have different definitions of easy. If I had to pick just one thing, I would say it's seeing a student not naturally inclined to flying steadily making progress and becoming more comfortable in the air, and growing to understand it's not necessarily about innate ability. Having said that, I also enjoy providing an opportunity for those students who struggle to find a foothold in academia, and who benefit from the active pursuit of flying. Not just one thing after all.
We love learning more about our professors' normal, non-professor-y lives. What do you like to do in your spare time, whenever you're not teaching?
I like to keep busy, I'm definitely not a fan of having nothing to do. Keeping fit and active, writing to my (grown-up, allegedly) kids to make sure they're staying out of trouble, and being menaced by my troublesome cat, Amir... all that usually takes up most of the day. I like to be outdoors too, so a lot of walks around the grounds. I ate a lot of bread this year too; surprising how much that keeps a person occupied.
I completely agree. That bread was really something. Since you're the flying instructor, I have to ask: What Quidditch team has your support?
I don't have a Quidditch team, as it happens. I was never too into it at school, always more invested in racing. However, given a number of students play in the Under-17 league, my support naturally goes to those teams. Couldn't possibly declare for just one.
Keeping it fair...I like that! We certainly got our fair share of theater this term. The whole thing has got me thinking thespian. What famous play or musical would best describe your life and why?
I won't claim total ignorance about this subject, but my knowledge is limited. It's a bit of a reach, but perhaps - and apologies in advance for the bread association - Les Misérables. Not because my life has been even remotely unfortunate, but purely for the fact that I derailed a lucrative career and upended a comfortable life in order to take in some unfortunate kids, on short notice and with no idea what to expect. I raised my niece and nephews as my own, and would do it all over again. A regular Jean Valjean... excepting some fairly significant details here and there.
Wow, Professor. That is so noble of you! I'm impressed. But we might have to start calling you 24601 now. Okay, so finally, if you could give your students one piece of advice, what would it be?
The most liberating thing you can do is to stop expecting perfection, from yourselves, and from others. Strive to try, to persevere, and to understand, and you'll go far.
Hi Professor! Thanks so much for chatting with me today. We'll start with an easy one: What is your favorite part about teaching flying?
Not a problem, Miss Sinclair. Though I have to say, we have different definitions of easy. If I had to pick just one thing, I would say it's seeing a student not naturally inclined to flying steadily making progress and becoming more comfortable in the air, and growing to understand it's not necessarily about innate ability. Having said that, I also enjoy providing an opportunity for those students who struggle to find a foothold in academia, and who benefit from the active pursuit of flying. Not just one thing after all.
We love learning more about our professors' normal, non-professor-y lives. What do you like to do in your spare time, whenever you're not teaching?
I like to keep busy, I'm definitely not a fan of having nothing to do. Keeping fit and active, writing to my (grown-up, allegedly) kids to make sure they're staying out of trouble, and being menaced by my troublesome cat, Amir... all that usually takes up most of the day. I like to be outdoors too, so a lot of walks around the grounds. I ate a lot of bread this year too; surprising how much that keeps a person occupied.
I completely agree. That bread was really something. Since you're the flying instructor, I have to ask: What Quidditch team has your support?
I don't have a Quidditch team, as it happens. I was never too into it at school, always more invested in racing. However, given a number of students play in the Under-17 league, my support naturally goes to those teams. Couldn't possibly declare for just one.
Keeping it fair...I like that! We certainly got our fair share of theater this term. The whole thing has got me thinking thespian. What famous play or musical would best describe your life and why?
I won't claim total ignorance about this subject, but my knowledge is limited. It's a bit of a reach, but perhaps - and apologies in advance for the bread association - Les Misérables. Not because my life has been even remotely unfortunate, but purely for the fact that I derailed a lucrative career and upended a comfortable life in order to take in some unfortunate kids, on short notice and with no idea what to expect. I raised my niece and nephews as my own, and would do it all over again. A regular Jean Valjean... excepting some fairly significant details here and there.
Wow, Professor. That is so noble of you! I'm impressed. But we might have to start calling you 24601 now. Okay, so finally, if you could give your students one piece of advice, what would it be?
The most liberating thing you can do is to stop expecting perfection, from yourselves, and from others. Strive to try, to persevere, and to understand, and you'll go far.