art by Joanna Quinn

Magical Menagerie

A Field Trip to Diagon Alley

Written By: Luna Alexander

Edited By: Hazel Cunningham

In honor of many Muggle children returning to school in a few short days, I took a trip to Diagon Alley to stock up on some supplies and to visit Magical Menagerie. My last article referenced the types of pets allowed at Hogwarts, and Magical Menagerie has a plethora of them and more. If anyone hasn’t recently been to Diagon Alley, it is quite a treat. There are many fine vendors there including the Menagerie, and they are the shop I will be focusing on in this issue. 

Magical Menagerie specializes in all kinds of creatures. The walls, and ceiling, are lined with cages carrying all manner of beasts - including poisonous orange snails, Puffskeins, rabbits, ravens, and cats of every color you can think of. There are few details on when the shop was established, as most of the staff’s knowledge pertains to the inhabitants. But nonetheless, Magical Menagerie has been a cornerstone of Diagon Alley for a very, very long time. 

Regardless of the student limitation on pets, the Menagerie suits the needs for all witches and wizards seeking a furry or feathered (or poisonous) companion. I took particular delight in seeing the Transforming Rabbits - which can poof themselves from fluffy white bunnies into black silk top hats. There was also an array of Puffskeins, which are round little balls of soft fur. Though these come in “normal” colors, or shades of brown, unlike their colorful counterpart Pygmy Puffs. They make a soothing humming noise when they are content. The shop staff lets them run loose to help keep the shop clean. Puffskeins are scavengers, so they will eat any loose bugs or crumbs that are left from the other inhabitants. 

The Menagerie also breeds cat-Kneazle hybrids. They are quite like regular cats, so that they can be easily cross-bred to give the lion-like tails. Kneazles have their own magical abilities, in that they are incredibly intelligent and perceptive of dishonesty. They are helpful to keep around if you need to be careful of the company you keep. Because they are interbred with cats, Kneazles can be brought to Hogwarts as pets.

There are many other varieties of creatures available, but some were too dangerous or terrifying to get close to. Otherwise, it was a very successful trip and I very much enjoyed the visit to the store. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, and I highly recommend it for all of your magical creature needs.

photo courtesy of Luna Alexander

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Shipping Wars and Amortentia: A Magical View on OTP's

Written by: Rowan Blackclaw

Edited by: Shelby Hastings

Cupid Crystals, Kissing concoctions, Beguiling Bubbles, and Amortentia. These are some of the most well know love potions in all of the wizarding society. What ever the reason, these potions all share the function of temporary love; In other words, they make whoever consumes them temporarily fall in love with a desired target. However, there is a difference between wanting love for yourself, and wanting it for others.

This is where “shipping” comes in. Shipping is the act of willing two people (real or fictional) into some sort of a relationship. These relationships can be platonic, romantic, or completely sexual. The Harry Potter community is known for it’s long, unending list of pairings and ships, there are so many, that I could not possibly list every single one in this article without developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Here is my attempt at finding the most popular Harry Potter pairing.

First I would like to briefly mention that their are all kinds of different ships. There are ships solely based on friendships (sometimes known as BrOTP’s), and there are more commonly romantic or sexual ships. Ships can be between straight couples, such as Harry/Ginny, or Luna/Neville. They can be between Gay couples such as Ron/Harry, or Draco/Harry. And they can also be between Lesbian couples such as Luna/Cho, or Ginny/Hermione. Some pairings can even include three people.

Today I will take a look at the “canon” relationships (for those who don’t know “canon” relationships refer to those who are actually true or have occurred either in real life or a fictional world).

First up, is Ron and Hermione.

I asked Laura Jean a few questions about her “OTP” (One True Pairing).

Laura states, “Romione [Ron + Hermione] was the first couple I ever remember ‘shipping’. I’ve loved them together since the third book, so I think that’s part of the reason why they have remained my favourite couple throughout the series.” Laura tells us she enjoys the couple because “I love the build up to it. Yes, they bicker a lot. But that’s down to two teenagers not knowing how to handle the feelings they have for each other. I think that is very real, especially for two people who were friends and then started to develop feelings for each other.” Laura continues to express her belief that both characters “balance each other out”, meaning that there partially contrasting personalities, can bring out the best in them and provide encouragement. On a closing statement Laura Jean shares, “I honestly cannot imagine these characters with anyone but each other. They care so deeply for each other and I think that is reflected more so in the books than in the films.”

Next, I would like to discuss “Ship Wars” A ship war is when two communities who ship different characters argue over which ship is better. Laura tells us the main ship-wars are usually towards the Harry/Hermione pairing. Laura argues that Ron makes a better partner to Hermione then Harry, she states, “Harry and Hermione have a stronger friendship than she and Ron did, likely because for so long both had underlying feelings for each other which caused tension in the friendship. Harry and Hermione’s relationship is special, and I always loved the fact that it was a platonic relationship. Hermione was a caring almost sister like figure in Harry’s life, but they never had the chemistry she and Ron had. Harry could never have brought out the passion in Hermione that Ron does. The two came together over the years despite their differences. That is very special.” I spoke with Alexmycus Damblehopper earlier about why he ships the opposing pairing, Harry/Hermione.

Alexmycus disagrees with Laura’s earlier statement regarding Ron and Hermione’s contrasting personalities. “[Ron] always mocked [Hermione] for her intelligence, the one factor that made her who she was. Harry, while never willingly participating Hermione’s studying habits, never held her back and at times even encouraged her.” Alexmycus continues to argue that Harry and Hermione have always been loyal to each other, further stating that Ron often walked out on both of them due to his overwhelming Weasley temper. He states that harry and Hermione “understood what the other wanted and did what they could to help each other obtain their goals.” Finally, Alexmycus disputes that the constant bickering and fighting between Hermione and Ron, is not a good basis for a healthy relationship, “Harry and Hermione always had an easy and open relationship, where no secrets were kept and neither judged the other harmfully.” on a final note Alexmycus continues to describe the deep sense of understanding and trust between Hermione and Harry, versus the lack thereof in Ron and Hermione’s relationship.

In order to address the issue of “which pairing is the best of all pairings”, I took to facebook, and asked Hogwarts students to vote on their favorite pairing. At last Ron/Hermione and Harry/Hermione shippers can rest easily knowing which ship is better.

The answer is neither because the most popular pairing was Luna/Neville.

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The Kitchen Cauldron

Written by: Ivy Nettlebed

Edited by: Shelby Hastings

This week we have a very exciting recipe in the Kitchen Cauldron! Tiggy had a great idea to promote inter-house harmony through food. I definitely think Tiggy is on to something here and we encourage you all to try this recipe and share it with friends. Tiggy and I have even snuck down to the kitchens to share this treat with the kitchen elves and what a great time we had! This recipe is adapted from JustJenn thanks to a muggle website: http://justjennrecipes.com/broken-glass-jello/

House Point Jello

Ingredients:

- 4 small boxes (3 oz. each) of Jell-O or store brand "gelatin dessert" in different colors. (I used strawberry, lime, orange and blue. My store only sells the big 6 oz. box of blue jello so I weighed 3 oz. or half of the package).

- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (don't get evaporated milk)

- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (that Knox stuff)

Directions:

For each flavor, dissolve one box of jello in one cup of boiling water. Pour into a container and chill (overnight is probably best, but I chilled it 3 hours until firm). I just love these retro Tupperware containers I picked up at a garage sale!

Please note: Only add 1 cup of water to each box of colored Jello. Ignore the instructions on the box of Jello (they say to use 2 cups of water). Use only 1 cup of water so the Jello is firm and can be cut into blocks. After chilling the four flavors, cut them into small blocks.Carefully mix the blocks in a 9 x 13 pan.  In a separate bowl, sprinkle 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin into 1/2 cup cold water. After the gelatin blooms, add 1 1/2 cup boiling water and dissolve. Add the can of condensed milk. Stir and cool. Pour cooled milk mixture over jello and chill overnight. Cut into blocks or shapes and serve!

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Nundus: The Most Dangerous Creature Ever

Written by Rubi Vargas

Edited by Denise Crume

Sure, dragons are seriously misunderstood and the existence of Quintapeds is still seriously debated among some magizoologists just like Ringwraiths (they do to exist!), but all can agree that the Nundu is by far the deadliest beast out there.

Let's see why.

Nundus are native to East Africa, and resemble an ordinary leopard. They are exceedingly rare though, which is fortunate given their fearsome ability. A Nundu has a toxic breath that spreads disease, which are constantly evolving as well. Recently, there was a case in which one man by the name of Faraji Osei was infected with, “Super Flu Cancer Dragonpox Tuberculosis Mumps Ebola Whooping Cough Typhoid Fever.” Luckily, Osei is on his rode to recovery and according to the healers, he will be fine.Osei was fortunate since most people would not survive such a dreadful combination of various diseases (the Super Cancer is the worst though since there is no definite cure, and dead ashwinders mixed with crushed fairy wings does not work). Nundus cannot be subdued without the teamwork of one hundred of wizards, so it's easy to see why these creatures are so fearsome.

But are they possible to tame?In the case of Eldon Elsrickle, the man who invented the Unlocking Charm, he kept a Nundu to protect the treasure he had accumulated from robbing the houses of London. He had raised it since it was a cub, stunning it daily and only reviving it when he went out on a stealing spree. Once Blagdon Blay invented the Anti-Alohomora Charm though, Elsrickle returned to his home and, in his fit of anger, forgot to stun his Nundu, which promptly killed him.

It is still unknown what happened to Elsrickle's Nundu after his death, but that could explain why England became such a disease ridden place in the 17th century. However, there have been many cases in which wizards have tried to smuggle Nundu cubs out of Africa. One American tourist named Hal Mursburry managed to take back a Nundu cub to the wizarding community of Kettletosh in Missouri. However, he was unable to contain the beast as it grew, and the Nundu killed almost everyone in the town, save for a few people who managed to survive the pestilence.

Wizards were called in to subdue the Nundu, and managed to kill the beast before any harm was done. Unfortunately, one of the plague survivors had a nascent illness that was overlooked by healers, which resulted in the apparent Swine Flu Epidemic that occurred in America. That is why the wizarding government has since been very strict on the transportation of magical beasts. One kid got her pet Puffskein confiscated, another woman had her invisibility cloak taken away since it was made of Demiguise fur, and a leprechaun was denied passage via Floo Powder. The leprechaun was very upset, and filled the manager's office with marshmallows.

Not to mention that one woman from Peru tried to smuggle a Lethifold into Mexico. They're still not sure how she even managed to capture a Lethifold, but she claims she mistook the creature as a blanket. Just as a Nundu can be mistaken as a leopard, a Lethifold can be mistaken as a blanket-dementor. We suggest that for your own safety, you avoiding petting, or even approaching, leopards, blankets, and dementors.

Next week, we'll be talking about the interesting habits of Quintapeds and if we can possibly bring one into the office. We've been meaning to test our theories of whether they would win against a Nundu. We have yet to obtain a Nundu as well, but would anyone like to donate a Nundu to help our cause? If you would like to donate a Nundu, or know someone who would, please contact The Quibbler staff by attaching a letter to a rock and throwing it through our office windows.

And now for a word from one of our many sponsors. I didn't even know we had sponsors, but they apparently put ads in our magazine. I didn't even know we had a magazine.Manticores. Can they kill your children? Yes, yes they can. How did you not know that? Why would you even ask that in the first place, or did you really consider putting your child near a Manticore? That's stupid and irresponsible! And you call yourself a parent. This message was sponsored by Potage's Cauldron Shop.

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‘TIS THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

Written by Audrey Watson

Edited by Ellie Pelto

Autumn time is known for the changing of leaves, cooler weather, and the return to school. For many Hogwarts is Here students, the upcoming weeks will be filled with moving and starting back to Muggle schools, or knowing people that will be starting. It’s an exciting time of course, but also a stressful and busy one - especially if one is planning on staying up to date in Muggle school and Hogwarts.

The number of people that are planning on doing just that is a surprisingly large one. In a recent survey, it was found that 63% of the responders said that they rated HiH importance to be an eight or above (on a one-to-ten scale). Thus, it can be said that many people are planning on staying on Hogwarts even as their life grows more hectic.

The reasons for taking a break from Hogwarts or perhaps just not spending as much time here varies greatly. Most of these are school related, however. For instance, First Year Ravenclaw Samuel Conde says, “I am attending university with 19 semester hours worth of credits, maintaining a few jobs, and I am highly involved on campus. I can get very busy and wrapped up in my responsibilities and opportunities for fun IRL if I don't make sure that I'm logging in regularly.” But other reasons range from going back to school to teach, careers, and family obligations.

So what’s the answer? What’s a good strategy to balancing Hogwarts coursework and Muggle responsibilities? Jimmy Dunwich, a Second Year Ravenclaw, suggests, “I forgo sleep. Maybe not the healthiest strategy, but it's working for me so far!” That truly isn’t probably the healthiest method, Jimmy, but is was definitely a common response.

However, some are taking perhaps a more healthy approach. “I plan on doing as much HiH work before school starts. Then, I will remove HiH from my bookmarks so I don't get distracted and set a specific day in the week where I will allow myself to visit HiH for 30 minutes to catch up, do one assignment and grade,” says Ravenclaw Prefect Nadin Tamer. Similar set-ups were common in responses, and would most likely be a healthier method (albeit not the fastest).

The general consensus of those surveyed was that they would not be on as often as before, but they would log on when they could. It is unfortunate, but nevertheless, it is the reality of the situation. Second Year Hufflepuff Morgan Kail-Ackerman sums up the situation well, “HiH has become my home and I will miss every day of doing assignments and seeing what is up with our wacky and hilarious professors, along with talking my with new friends. Until summer when I can fully commit to the site, it will be missed.”

So, new students: the choice is yours, whether or not you wish to remain active on Hogwarts is Here as you start back to school, or whatever else your Muggle responsibilities may be. Just remember this sage advice from Hufflepuff Prefect Zsófia (Sofia) Király, “Don't forget that it is just a game and the real life is more important. HiH is a good place where I can spend my free time, and meet new friends from the HP universe, but my friends and family are more important than HiH.”

Author’s Note: I found the various responses to my survey to be very interesting and encouraging. If you’d like to peruse other students’ answers, you may do so here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1msim1_3eDYPd1DX_aMVg6kdXYBL9MF9f0DgOiEZ5FGQ/viewanalytics?usp=form_confirm). I’ve removed the question about identity for the sake of confidentiality.

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The great Quidditch pre-season transfer flurry

Written by Jenny Harper

Edited by Rowan Blackclaw

As the off-season reaches its conclusion with the new Quidditch season just around the corner, annual event takes places throughout British and Irish Quidditch. This period, informally known as Transfer Week, or The Week of Musical Chairs, is when a flurry of activity takes place in the transfer market as teams make last minute attempts to fill their roster ahead of the first match of the season. Even as I write, many teams are locked in negotiation, debating which players switch sides or even leagues during this annual event that precedes the start of the new Quidditch season. This week I give my verdict on just a few of the recent transfers of this year’s Transfer Week.

Chrisy O’Niell (Ballybunion Blazers to Kenmare Kestrels)

As I've written before, many amateur Quidditch  players go on to play professionally, often joining a professional team in the British and Ireland Quidditch League (or abroad) after two or three successful seasons playing for an amateur team.

The latest player to make the transition from amateur to professional Quidditch is Chrisy O’Niell, who this week was signed by the Kenmare Kestrels for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of 10,000 galleons. One of my players to watch out for this season, Chrisy (see my Quibbler article dated from the 26th July) was a key member of the Blazers and had a tremendous season last season playing for the Blazers, finishing with the highest passing completion rate in the league as well as bring called-up as a reserve for the Ireland National Quidditch team.

Speaking to the Quibbler, Chrisy said “I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and very excited about joining the Kenmare Kestrals. They're a great team, with a great squad and backroom staff, as well as some of the best fans in the league.  I know it’s going to be a challenge making the step up from amateur to professional Quidditch, but it’s a challenge I'm relishing. I wish to thank the staff and my colleagues at the Blazers for their brilliant support over the last two seasons, without whom I would not be the player that I am today.”

Alistair McDermot, the Head Coach of the Kenmare Kestrals, had this to say: “We're very much looking forward to working with Chrisy who we have no doubt will be a great addition to the team. Our scouts watched her play on a number of occasions last season and were highly impressed with what they saw. As a result, it is an easy decision to bring her to the Kestrals”)  

Grade:  Outstanding

Jane McIntosh (Kirkwall Knights to Haverfordwest Hawks)

Another transfer made this week was the movement of Jane McIntosh from the Kirkwall Knights to the Haverfordwest Hawks. Another player I highlighted as a player to watch this season, Jane was one of the few bright lights in a terrible season for the Kirkwell Knights which saw the Scottish side finishing bottom of the league, and it was only the heroics of Jane that kept the scoreline from becoming (too) embarrassing in a number of matches.

The Hawks see Jane is a direct replacement to long-serving goalkeeper Alistair Jones, who retired at the end of last season after having spent 15 years with the club.

It will be intriguing to see how Jane will adapt to playing for a stronger side where she isn’t facing a barrage of quaffles. As well as the lightning reflexes that personified her play last season, other qualities such as concentration will be much more valuable. In addition, there is the pressure of following in the footsteps of the Hawks legend. Nevertheless despite these challenges, I think this will be a good signing for the Haverfordwest Hawks

Grade: Exceeds Expectations

Timothy Burns (Holybourne Hornets to Kirkwall Knights)

Not all of the players that have moved in the last week have received a great deal of attention, as some of the less prominent players from last season have also been on the move. One example is Timothy Burns, a beater who has recently been signed for the Kirkwall Knights.

Timothy’s season last year was somewhat nondescript, with the beater not getting much play time in the Hornets’ first team. On the rare occasion that he did play, Timothy did not shine with glory, making the occasional good hit but overall, many of his hits lacked accuracy and timing. This could, however, have been a result of limited time out on the field.

It is possible that the move to the Kirkwall Knights will help kick-start his Quidditch career, particularly if it means that Timothy will play more regularly. However, after last season, it seems unlikely that the signing of a new beater will make a huge impact to the Knights’ season, particularly after their loss of goalkeeper Jane McIntosh. 

Grade: Poor

Sean Grant (Falmouth Falcons to Denbigh Dynamite)

Not all player movement are from the amateur Quidditch leagues to the professional league, as each year a number of players make the move in the opposite directions. These include players who, after a season of struggle, may wish to drop down to the amateur leagues with the aim of reinvigorating their career and the ultimate goal of making it back into the professional league.

Sean is one such player, having joined the Denbigh Dynamite from the Falmouth Falcons. After a moderately successful first season for the Falcons, Sean only played in two first team games for the last season, although he played a bit more regularly for the side’s reserve team. Nevertheless, he found the lack of first team opportunities frustrating and so opted to drop back to amateur Quidditch.

His first season at the Falcons showed that he does possess a great deal of talent natural talent, but was unable to show this last season. There is also the question of whether Sean will be able to adjust to the change of playing styles in amateur Quidditch compared to in the professional league. Nevertheless, Sean will be determined to get his career back on track which could prove beneficial for the Dynamite.

Grade: Acceptable

These are just a small number of the transfers which have taken place this Transfer Week. Other recent transfers include:

Titus Green (Castletown United to Portpatrick Pirates)

Michelle O’Brien (Aclare Arrows to Kinsale United)

Xeno Smith (Brecon Boomers to Stroud Swans)

Claire Roberts (Brockenhurst Blue Dragons to Chepstow Cardinals)

David O’Connell (Carryduff Cyclones to Waterville Waves)

Fergus McDonald (Appleby Arrows to Pride of Portree)

It is likely there will be further movement in the transfer market before the start of the new season.