Summer at Hogwarts has been a bustling few months, that’s for sure. With all the festivities and new students, this summer couldn’t be any better! There were bizarre weather changes at Hogwarts, from piercing, crisp weather and heavy drops of rain to a beam of sunlight peeking through the branches, casting a golden path on the forest floor. Even though the days have been changing, the irresistible, ravishing plants in the greenhouses still grew beautifully. The forbidden forest—we mustn't forget those unique, stunning creatures that live there. Despite us not being able to see the hidden Thestrals, they have been lurking around the trees, placing those gorgeous eyes on us while we go on with our gamekeeper. It’s the most interesting detention I could ever think of. 

 As usual, the students were putting forth the highest possible performance by practising spells on the field or reading for long hours in the library. They were also found having friendly duels using some impressive spells!! Perhaps the pupils of Hogwarts really do work their socks off. Hmm, and it looked like we had some more plant lovers that were found in the greenhouse, discovering more about this awfully boisterous and disturbing creature, the mandrake. 

 Many quidditch matches were still played. I still don’t know how the seeker is able to catch such a small ball while the sun is in their eyes! Well, they must be very good indeed. Are you too cold, even if you’re sitting right in front of the fireplace? I recommend going to watch the matches. Due to all the spectators there, it’s going to be warmer than a burning marshmallow. Huddle close together, though, so you can get more of the heat. But if the sun has already done the job, don’t huddle too close, or you’ll be more burned than a piece of toast that’s been in the toaster for a day. 

 The fireplaces were turned down a notch just in case you turned into an oven in your common room. However, if the weather did get a bit gloomy (which was the case), the fireplaces went back to work again. 

 The library was full of intelligent students, like always, who try to earn as many house points as they can by getting full grades in their essays and quizzes. Why work hard for so many house points when there are no rewards? Actually, there is a reward, but you’ve got to earn it. There is Professor Plumb’s monthly house point competition, and you can win first, second, and third! Not only is that waiting for you, but so is the annual Hogwarts House Cup. Can your house, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, win the House Cup this year? It looks like there’s only one way to find out...

 In spite of all the main things happening at Hogwarts, the Hogwarts summer holiday recently arrived! So I’m sure many of you are out there travelling the world! But before all that, what else did you do? Yes, Easter! You may have stayed here, in the wonderful, comforting castle of Hogwarts, or you may have gone home to see your family. Most importantly, did you eat a lot of chocolate eggs? I sure did! In the meantime, I’m sure a lot of you spent most of the day hanging out with your friends and enjoying the sunshine. We must make the most of it; it doesn’t last forever. Most excitingly, we celebrated many of the famous wizards and witches' birthdays! We had Harry's birthday along with Neville, Draco, Dumbldore, and Ron too! I hope you wished them all a hoppy, happy birthday!

JOURNALIST-KYRA