Hogwarts Up-to-Date: by Esmeralda Licorice

(Please note that the clubs mentioned are not yet available on Hogwarts is Here.)

Hogwarts is constantly changing—literally, the stairs are always moving—and it can be hard to keep up with what’s going on around the castle. So, to help you out, here’s a list of what’s new around Hogwarts.

Hogwarts Young Advocates (HYA) — A group of students have recently banded together under the name Hogwarts Young Advocates, or HYA (pronounced high-yah). The president of the group is 5th Year Anastasia Lupin, the daughter of Teddy Lupin (who founded the Magical Beings Rights Group during his time at Hogwarts). They have 19 members so far. Miles Finch-Fletchly, a member of the group, said that one of their first goals would be “rectifying the Muggle Studies class.” They meet every Wednesday during lunch in the library, and, in Anastasia’s words, “would be delighted if more students joined us in the fight for justice.”

Kwikspell-Led Summer School — Kwikspell, an organization dedicated to teaching magic to witches and wizards who weren’t taught magic in school, is starting a Hogwarts summer school program for the first time ever! Cassius Boot, the head of the summer school program, said “We are very excited to be able to work with struggling youth. Kids, I’ve found, are much better at improving on their magical skills than adults.” Students who have been recommended to join the summer school program have been sent owls.

Harry Potter Appreciation Day — Dennis Creevey, the Muggle Studies Professor, has decided to commemorate Harry Potter’s birthday (July 31) with a “Harry Potter Appreciation Day.” The day will include “a face paint stand where you can get Harry’s scar painted on your face, a photo gallery from my brother’s collection, and Harry Potter himself, if we can convince him,” said Professor Creevey. Mr. Potter declined to comment, but Ron Weasley said, “It’s absolute rubbish. Harry hates it. Dennis, I know you’re trying to be nice, but this is-“ the rest of Mr. Weasley’s remarks were censored due to profanity. Meanwhile, James Sirius Potter, Harry’s son, said “I love it. I’ll definitely-“ James was then cut off by Harry shouting “No, James, you are not going!”