art by Joanna Quinn

Written by: Luna Alexander

Edited by: Rowan Blackclaw

Animals at Hogwarts: Pets or Pests?

Selecting an animal or pet to accompany you to Hogwarts is no trivial matter. The official supply list states that students can bring a cat, owl or toad; and school policy limits one pet per student. The guidelines seem to be fuzzy on the types of pets allowed, as students have previously been able to bring rats without incurring disciplinary action.

According to school administration and leading magi-zoologists, cats, toads and owls are the most compatible companions for students. Each serves a purpose, both magical and emotional, and their magical qualities are not such that a student could be overwhelmed or harmed. The care of magical creatures is a fine art, and if handled improperly can result in terrible consequences. Reference the first-hand accounts of when Hagrid the Groundskeeper had a pet spider, or the pet three-headed dog, or the pet dragon. It did not turn out very well for Hagrid or the animals.

Several professors have utilized animals in lessons and studies, under carefully controlled environments. Esteemed author Gilderoy Lockhart was a professor at Hogwarts for a brief time, and attempted to utilize Cornish Pixies to teach defensive spells. This also did not turn out well, as the pixies got loose and Lockhart was unable to contain them. 

As far as studies go, cats, toads and owls can be extremely beneficial. Rats, although they may be acceptable are easily lost. Because they are small and move quickly, they can also prove to be a distraction to the owls. Owls obviously are excellent couriers and are used as mail transport in the wizarding world. Cats and toads are beneficial for practicing spells, charms and potions. Toads can also be taught to sing and included in the school choir. However, like rats, toads can also be easily lost. This may be why a majority of students prefer to bring cats or owls.

In the next issue of The Quibbler, I'll be discussing Magical Menagerie: the top choice for every young witch or wizard when purchasing their school supplies from Diagon Alley. 

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Written by: Ivy Nettlebed

Edited by: Shelby Hastings

Has your bacon lost its sizzle? Is your mixing pot confused? Then it’s time to Ask Ivy!Greetings dear readers! We have a real treat for you this week submitted by one of our avid readers Nathalia Bagshot. Natalia says this is one of her favorite recipes. 

Bring a tray of this Peanut Butter fudge into your Common Room and you may find yourself nominated as Prefect! The recipe is thanks to a muggle website: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/10/29/peanut-butter-fudge/Peanut 

Butter Fudge

Ingredients:

1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter*

1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

4 cups (460g) sifted confectioners' sugar*

3/4 cup add-ins, such as chocolate chips, peanuts, or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (optional)

Directions:Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished fudge out.Melt the peanut butter and butter together in a large bowl. I prefer to slice the butter to make melting easier. Stop the microwave and stir the mixture every minute until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the microwave and stir in the vanilla using a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Add the salt if you prefer a salty/sweet fudge. Add the sifted confectioners' sugar and stir until completely combined. The mixture is very, very thick and resembles cookie dough. If using any add-ins, fold them into the fudge while it is still warm.Press the fudge into prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spatula or spoon. The top will be somewhat oily. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and chill for at least 4 hours or until firm. Cut into pieces.Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Fudge may be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

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Safety on HiH

Written by: Julianna Granger

Edited by: Rowan Blackclaw

How safe are you? This article is about keeping yourself safe on HiH and on other parts of the Muggle "Internet". 

Being wizards, it's quite easy to forget about keeping ourselves safe, but it doesn't make it any less important. It's your choice how much information you give away, so choose carefully. Some people use their real name on this game, which is okay, but you should monitor how much information you tell people. 

By telling people your continent, country, or state, you are exposing yourself. So far, I haven't heard anyone give away their city, but it doesn't mean that people haven't been doing so. Even giving away your physical traits and your age might be giving unwanted people a lot of information about you.

Just imagine if somebody got all that information; all that they could do (i.e. Take out money in your name, create a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license).So choose wisely how much information you're going to tell people, and make sure to stay safe. 

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An interview with Chad Zimmerman:  Winslow Wolverines’ title-winning Seeker

Written by: Jenny Harper

Edited by: Rowan Blackclaw

In a side which captivated America last season, the Winslow Wolverines from Arizona were led to their win by their prolific Seeker Chad Zimmerman. Zimmerman, a product of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Quidditch team, joined the Wolverines as a first round pick in 2012, after the Wolverines had finished the previous season in 19th place overall. His impact was immediately felt, with the Wolverines finishing 7th in 2013, just missing out of the play-offs. While some expected the Wolverines to make the play-offs last season, Winslow’s finest surprised even the pundits as they not only made the play-offs but won the league title with a 510 – 380 win against Maplewood Magic. Once again, Chad Zimmerman was instrumental in their season. Today, we chat with the Wolverine’s rising star and title-winning seeker.

“So Chad, please tell us about your first experience of playing Quidditch?”

 I remember I was six at the time, it was back out in Nebraska. My older brothers would play Quidditch a lot. It wasn’t anything particularly organized, just you know, a few makeshift hoops, and I think they used a soccer ball as a quaffle. Anyway, after badgering my brothers they finally let me play. I think I lasted about 30 seconds before I fell off my broom

“Growing up, did you support a particular team?”

No, I didn’t really support any particular team. I kinda, supported them all, if you get what I mean? It was more specific players I supported rather than specific teams. I mean, where I grew up there wasn’t really a local team nearby, the nearest was the Mulvane Mavericks and they weren’t particular close so I just kind of watched whoever happened to by on ESPN Magic [a clandestine channel of the ESPN network, covering sports of a magical nature] at the time.

“So who were the players you supported then?”

Growing up, I was a fan of Charrelle Winterbourne, who was the Seeker for the Claiborne Clairvoyants. She was such a great seeker, she could fly with breathtaking speed and agility, to me, she seemed incredible. I had a poster of her in my room, she was probably my first crush *laugh*

“After graduating high school, you enrolled at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and joined the college’s Quidditch team, how did you find the transition from high school Quidditch to collegiate Quidditch?”

It was tough initially. At high school the number of players and teams you are competing against is much smaller, while once you enter the collegiate system, you’re competing against all the main colleges around the country. Even relatively small colleges have their own Quidditch teams, and the players you’re competing against are some of the best in their age group. Not to mention all the extra stuff that comes with college like having to cope with classes and moving away from home. I think a lot of Quidditch players find it tough initially.

“After graduating college, at the 2012 draft you were picked in the first round by the Winslow Wolverines, who had finished 19th the previous season. Can you tell us about that day?”

It was such a whirlwind of a day. It was quite emotional really. I had to pinch myself at times to make sure it was happening. I’d watched it a lot on TV but it was completely different being there. You don’t really get an idea of how loud and hectic it is. Then when the draft began, I was expecting to maybe be a 5th round pick. Maybe a 4th round pick if I was lucky, to be picked in the first round was incredible. 

“And you were picked by the Winslow Wolverines, can you tell us what you felt when your name was announced as the Wolverine’s first round pick?”

A whole mixture of emotions *laugh* Of course, pride at being picked in the first round, as well as delight at having been picked at all. It just showed all that hard-work and dedication had paid off. The Wolverines are a good side too, so I was happy to sign with them, and just couldn’t wait to get on my broom and get started.

“You had a great season with the Wolverines last season, what was the highlight for you?”

There have been lots of highlights. The most obvious choice would be to say when we won the play-off, and that was a momentous day. But I’ve gotta say the final match of the regular season. We were at home and knew we needed a win to secure a position in the play-offs. The fans were amazing that day, walking out onto the pitch, I literally got goosebumps. I know the Wolverines haven’t been the most successful team in the last ten or twenty years, so I think that made it an even more special occasion, to be on the verge of a conference title, if you get what I mean. As for the match itself, it was one of the best we played as a team, everyone pulled together and got us over the edge”

“Are there any pre-match rituals or superstitions in the Wolverines’ locker room?”

Well, a few of the guys and girls are superstitious, although some of them don’t buy into that kinda stuff. Some have lucky vests or t-shirts that they wear under their Quidditch robes, or lucky bracelets or whatever. I don’t really have anything ‘lucky’ as such, but the last song I listen to through my headphones in the changing room is Heroes by David Bowie. It just gets me in the zone, you know.

“What are your interests outside of Quidditch?”

Well, I do enjoy the Muggle sport baseball. I support the St Louis Cardinals. It’s not nearly as fast paced as Quidditch but I find it entertaining nonetheless. I also enjoy soccer and support Sporting Kansas City, occasionally I go to games at Sporting Park. Outside of sport, I enjoy the same things as any regular guy: going out with friends, going to the beach, that kind of stuff.

 “Finally, do you have any advice for players starting out in Quidditch?”

Firstly, I would say, if you have a dream of playing Quidditch don’t give up. Every Quidditch player suffers a set back at some point, but the mark of a good player is bouncing back from any setback that may occur. Secondly, have fun. Whether you make it into the league or not, it’s important that you enjoy playing Quidditch. If you don’t enjoy it, then there’s really no point playing it.

“Thank you very much for your time”

It’s been a pleasure