Professor of the Issue: Professor Everby

This issue we will honour a fine member of staff named Professor Everby, a History of Magic Professor here at Hogwarts. Stick around until the end to see an exclusive interview.

Biography

Early Life

Quinn Maya Everby was born in 1978 to Joseph Edmund Everby and his wife Gabrielle in Hidden River, New Brunswick. Raised by an english-speaking father and french-speaking mother, Quinn's proximity to diverse cultures and Metis traditions gave her a deep appreciation for the earth and both its magical and mundane properties. This gave her a special aptitude in potions, herbology and caring for magical creatures, as well as a special reverence for history and the ritual practice of storytelling.

Family History

Quinn's magical heritage dates back to Josephina Flint, former Minister for Magic in the early 1800s belonging to the Sacred 28. Some notable figures from her family include the famous HIT wizard Edmund Everby, magilinguist Quinndolyn Oleria Everby and their mother Serafina Burke, founder of the Maritime Institute of Higher Magical Education.

Serafina Burke was a relation of Caracterus Burke, founder of Bougin and Burke's Antique Shop, as well as his son, dragon racer Colonius Burke, and daughter Elizabeth Burke, former Headmistress of Hogwarts.

Education

Quinn attended Hogwarts in the late 80s with the support of her distant relations. After graduating from Hogwarts, Quinn went to St Mungos for 4 years of vocational training in alchemy.

Work

Her research contributions garnered a great deal of attention and she was later recruited into the Department of Mysteries, translating ancient runes for a number of projects. Unfortunately, her experience at the Ministry was obstructed when she began to question some of the institution's outdated political structures.

As a result, Quinn left the Ministry at the age of 27 and became a more vocal advocate for social justice and a student of contemporary history. She transferred to MIHME, the Maritime Institute of Higher Magical Education where she eventually became an associate lecturer in the field of linguistics and sociology.

Notes

As a true Hufflepuff, Quinndolyn is a kind and nurturing person whose pursuits are always in the best interests of those around her. She loves all living creatures big and small and believes strongly in fairness, truth and justice.

Interview

Me: What made you want to become a History of Magic teacher?

Professor Everby: I was drawn to teaching because of how much I loved being a student. The world is so much more interesting and beautiful when you're surrounded by curious people. I wanted to bundle up that feeling and share it with others.

Me: What are your favourite aspects of History of Magic?

Professor Everby: My favourite aspects of the course are the patterns that connect people over time, and space. History's gift to us is perspective and I'm grateful for that.

Me: What are your favourite historical periods?

Professor Everby: I am deeply drawn to the 18th and 19th centuries. So much was converging at that time, and I think it has had the most significant impact on our world today for better and worse.

Me: What are your favourite history books/movies/documentaries/podcasts?

Professor Everby: I love stories about ordinary people so I love folk tales from all over the world. I just find them all so fascinating.

Me: What is your favourite thing about teaching and learning history?

Professor Everby: My favourite thing about teaching history is connecting the past to our future. I hope listening to our past can help us become better, otherwise, what's the point?

Me: What do you think is the most rewarding thing about teaching history?

Professor Everby: The most rewarding thing is to see students light up after they see something ordinary in a new way.

Me: What do you think is the most important thing that students should learn from history/History of Magic?

Professor Everby: I think the most important thing to know from history is that stories have immense power. Think critically about the stories you hear and the stories you tell yourself. Sometimes that's all you may have.

Me: What do you think is the most important thing that students should take away from their experience in your classroom?

Professor Everby: I want students to walk away from my classroom seeing their world and those around them in a new way.

Me: What do you think is the most important thing that students should know about you as their teacher?

Professor Everby: I want my students to know that I don't knows everything about everywhere at all times, but I'm certainly willing to learn with you!

Me: What do you think is the most important thing that students should know about history?

Professor Everby: The most important thing to know about history is that it requires persistent questions. Don't settle for assumptions with heroes and villains. The truth is usually much more interesting.

- By Sabrina Tabac, HG Founder, Editor & Manager