Head of House
For many years Gryffindor has been blessed with the guidance of one of the greatest Head of Houses to ever wrangle the rowdy bunch. Many can argue that letting those with 'Red Shirt Syndrome' share one Common Room up in the Tower is among the riskiest things attempted within the castle but that's never been a problem for Airey Flamsteed! Tough when he needs to be but understanding--and merlin very patient--it's no wonder he's been the perfect fit for that vivacious bunch. The scarlet and gold won't be the same without him. Thankfully, we were able to grab a final interview with him before the lot of us parted ways for the final time.
1. Professor Flamsteed, Captain, Admiral… thank you for for taking the time to reminisce about another great year at Hogwarts. Considering that Hogwarts is always a place full of surprises, what is it that surprised you the most this year?
After 11 terms of seeing everything from dementor attacks to finding yourself locked in a storage closet of your own classroom covered in food post a fairy tale character possession, very little surprises you. But if I must pick one thing it would be how difficult it is bidding it farewell.
The pink rose situation outside my office every day for the entire term comes in a close second.
2. Despite Gryffindor finishing in third place, I’m sure you must be proud of all they have achieved to date. What do you feel you have contributed most toward the Gryffindor Culture during your time as Head of House - which has been quite some time if I may say so.
A sense of pride. Pride in being bestowed the great honor of being placed in Gryffindor, a pride in one’s own abilities, a pride in those who helped shaped you to who you are right now, a pride in what will shape you to who you are meant to be, a pride in your accomplishments, a pride in your mistakes, pride in yourself. While factual, I did not leave a giant boulder in the middle of the common room and named it Pride all these years simply because I have a certain affection towards pet rocks after all.
3. But on a serious note, we’re all dying to know… what do you like to do when we’re out of sight or tucked into bed? I’m sure it’s something pretty outrageous, please don’t disappoint us.
What I do in private shall remain just that, private. Although those who have stepped into my office have taken notice of my mecha collection - all hand crafted and painted by yours truly, save for a few - and my even more extensive Star Trek action figurine accumulation. Some may also recall my Starfleet uniform I donned during a few lessons and feasts over the past 11 terms. Now, I make no promises, but certain areas of the castle make for stellar away mission locations. Just as long as you do not spook someone and thus prompt them to turn you into a ferret.
4. Professor, only last year your were asked what made you stay here at Hogwarts and you had replied by saying you were motivated by seeing students journeys and by seeing them reach for the stars, or I guess, their goals. Now that you have decided to leave us I have to ask you; what motivated you to continue your journey elsewhere?
I suppose there is little sense in keeping these details from the student body now that decisions have been made and transitions in place. Prior to my appointment at Hogwarts, I was an astronaut candidate at NASA - an ambition of mine I have had since I was very young - during which time I suffered an injury during centrifuge training that left my back with permanent damage that not even magical means were capable of undoing for particular reasons that would take far too long to explain even laymen’s terms. Some of you may recall a few terms ago when an aging curse infected the majority of the Hogwarts population, myself included. I discovered the beginning of term during a routine screening for my post as Astronomer Royal that the treatments I received at that time combined with the effects of the curse rapidly aging my body also altered my cell structure in such a way that the potions administered not only removed the curse, but also healed that injury in full. With nothing to ground me from the space program, the UK Space Agency offered me a spot on their candidate list and it was an opportunity that I just could not pass up.
While my decision to leave Hogwarts may come as a shock and upset some, I hope it serves as a reminder that your ambitions, much like Plato described astronomy, compel the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another. Never give up.
5. I can safely say that you will be missed by most, and remembered by many more. Thank you for your services to the school and for all that you have taught us. Do you have any final words? Any pearls of wisdom or advice? A cheat-sheet for surviving life?
“Live long and prosper.” Simply that.
1. Professor Flamsteed, Captain, Admiral… thank you for for taking the time to reminisce about another great year at Hogwarts. Considering that Hogwarts is always a place full of surprises, what is it that surprised you the most this year?
After 11 terms of seeing everything from dementor attacks to finding yourself locked in a storage closet of your own classroom covered in food post a fairy tale character possession, very little surprises you. But if I must pick one thing it would be how difficult it is bidding it farewell.
The pink rose situation outside my office every day for the entire term comes in a close second.
2. Despite Gryffindor finishing in third place, I’m sure you must be proud of all they have achieved to date. What do you feel you have contributed most toward the Gryffindor Culture during your time as Head of House - which has been quite some time if I may say so.
A sense of pride. Pride in being bestowed the great honor of being placed in Gryffindor, a pride in one’s own abilities, a pride in those who helped shaped you to who you are right now, a pride in what will shape you to who you are meant to be, a pride in your accomplishments, a pride in your mistakes, pride in yourself. While factual, I did not leave a giant boulder in the middle of the common room and named it Pride all these years simply because I have a certain affection towards pet rocks after all.
3. But on a serious note, we’re all dying to know… what do you like to do when we’re out of sight or tucked into bed? I’m sure it’s something pretty outrageous, please don’t disappoint us.
What I do in private shall remain just that, private. Although those who have stepped into my office have taken notice of my mecha collection - all hand crafted and painted by yours truly, save for a few - and my even more extensive Star Trek action figurine accumulation. Some may also recall my Starfleet uniform I donned during a few lessons and feasts over the past 11 terms. Now, I make no promises, but certain areas of the castle make for stellar away mission locations. Just as long as you do not spook someone and thus prompt them to turn you into a ferret.
4. Professor, only last year your were asked what made you stay here at Hogwarts and you had replied by saying you were motivated by seeing students journeys and by seeing them reach for the stars, or I guess, their goals. Now that you have decided to leave us I have to ask you; what motivated you to continue your journey elsewhere?
I suppose there is little sense in keeping these details from the student body now that decisions have been made and transitions in place. Prior to my appointment at Hogwarts, I was an astronaut candidate at NASA - an ambition of mine I have had since I was very young - during which time I suffered an injury during centrifuge training that left my back with permanent damage that not even magical means were capable of undoing for particular reasons that would take far too long to explain even laymen’s terms. Some of you may recall a few terms ago when an aging curse infected the majority of the Hogwarts population, myself included. I discovered the beginning of term during a routine screening for my post as Astronomer Royal that the treatments I received at that time combined with the effects of the curse rapidly aging my body also altered my cell structure in such a way that the potions administered not only removed the curse, but also healed that injury in full. With nothing to ground me from the space program, the UK Space Agency offered me a spot on their candidate list and it was an opportunity that I just could not pass up.
While my decision to leave Hogwarts may come as a shock and upset some, I hope it serves as a reminder that your ambitions, much like Plato described astronomy, compel the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another. Never give up.
5. I can safely say that you will be missed by most, and remembered by many more. Thank you for your services to the school and for all that you have taught us. Do you have any final words? Any pearls of wisdom or advice? A cheat-sheet for surviving life?
“Live long and prosper.” Simply that.
Prefects
This American beauty is no stranger to dealing with others, growing up with a twin sister and an older brother, but it was her willingness to help her fellow housemates and students that made her an obvious choice for being the newly named Gryffindor Prefect. With her love of dancing & learning Charms and a school shared hatred of Spiders, I sat down to speak to Kaycee Richards about her experiences this term:
1. First year as Prefect! Congratulations once again! How did you find it? Was it more stressful than you thought it would be?
It was fine. Not to stressful, honestly. For the most part, Gryffindors are amazing, so not much needed to be done there. The responsibility aspect was new.
2. Facing not only your sixth year exams and being a Prefect for the first time, what did you learn about yourself this term?
Leadership. I never really considered myself one. I guess it’s kind of weird to consider yourself something like that though, huh? Anyway. Not terrible at it.
3. And with all of your academic responsibilities, did you still manage to dance? Where can we find you dancing around the school grounds and why do you like it there?
Of course. Dancing is my passion. Not only that, it makes me happy. I think everyone should have that thing that keeps them calm and centered. Dancing is mine.
Wherever inspiration strikes me. It’s not uncommon to spot me dancing down the hallways between classes.
4. Kyroh is your dance partner in your group… what are you planning on doing now that he is graduating? Are you planning on finding another partner? Going solo? Forming a bigger group?
I’ve actually been mostly competing solo and have been for years. Kyroh was a happy random partnership. He was absolutely great to work with. I’m sure we’ll still dance occasionally.
5. Every year something new and potentially dangerous happens, this year that creepy hag from last year turned up again… What do you think, have we seen the last of her now?
I feel like you can never say anything with certainty here. So, I’m going to go with no, I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of her.
6. Is there actually a way that we can feel safe at Hogwarts?
Power in numbers. Have a hallway buddy. Let someone know where you’ll be and who you will be with and what time you’ll be home. There’s a reason your mom always asked those questions growing up.
7. And, on that note is there something you think the school should do to promote our safety … and to make us feel safer?
I don’t necessarily think so. There’s a lot that can happen living in an unplottable castle. I think the important thing to emphasize is not being stupid.
8. Having been here for so many terms now, what would you change about the school, its classes, Professors, [etc?] if you could?
I think there should maybe be more emphasis on life after school. Like, simple cooking workshops or career prep.
9. Unfortunately the Professors love to lace the food that they give us… but what do you think about all of the love potions that were around this term? Anything we should be worried about?
Worried is a little paranoid, isn’t it? I think, more than anything, people should… realize their actions hurt others. Don’t go messing with other people’s emotions or functions.
10. Finally, if you could tell the incoming first years anything that would instantly help them with their Hogwarts journey, what would you tell them?
Just breathe. That’s the most important thing. No matter what you do, Hogwarts is going to be the craziest most uncontrollable and amazing time of your life. Don’t stress out about it. Make friends and be there for each other.
1. First year as Prefect! Congratulations once again! How did you find it? Was it more stressful than you thought it would be?
It was fine. Not to stressful, honestly. For the most part, Gryffindors are amazing, so not much needed to be done there. The responsibility aspect was new.
2. Facing not only your sixth year exams and being a Prefect for the first time, what did you learn about yourself this term?
Leadership. I never really considered myself one. I guess it’s kind of weird to consider yourself something like that though, huh? Anyway. Not terrible at it.
3. And with all of your academic responsibilities, did you still manage to dance? Where can we find you dancing around the school grounds and why do you like it there?
Of course. Dancing is my passion. Not only that, it makes me happy. I think everyone should have that thing that keeps them calm and centered. Dancing is mine.
Wherever inspiration strikes me. It’s not uncommon to spot me dancing down the hallways between classes.
4. Kyroh is your dance partner in your group… what are you planning on doing now that he is graduating? Are you planning on finding another partner? Going solo? Forming a bigger group?
I’ve actually been mostly competing solo and have been for years. Kyroh was a happy random partnership. He was absolutely great to work with. I’m sure we’ll still dance occasionally.
5. Every year something new and potentially dangerous happens, this year that creepy hag from last year turned up again… What do you think, have we seen the last of her now?
I feel like you can never say anything with certainty here. So, I’m going to go with no, I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of her.
6. Is there actually a way that we can feel safe at Hogwarts?
Power in numbers. Have a hallway buddy. Let someone know where you’ll be and who you will be with and what time you’ll be home. There’s a reason your mom always asked those questions growing up.
7. And, on that note is there something you think the school should do to promote our safety … and to make us feel safer?
I don’t necessarily think so. There’s a lot that can happen living in an unplottable castle. I think the important thing to emphasize is not being stupid.
8. Having been here for so many terms now, what would you change about the school, its classes, Professors, [etc?] if you could?
I think there should maybe be more emphasis on life after school. Like, simple cooking workshops or career prep.
9. Unfortunately the Professors love to lace the food that they give us… but what do you think about all of the love potions that were around this term? Anything we should be worried about?
Worried is a little paranoid, isn’t it? I think, more than anything, people should… realize their actions hurt others. Don’t go messing with other people’s emotions or functions.
10. Finally, if you could tell the incoming first years anything that would instantly help them with their Hogwarts journey, what would you tell them?
Just breathe. That’s the most important thing. No matter what you do, Hogwarts is going to be the craziest most uncontrollable and amazing time of your life. Don’t stress out about it. Make friends and be there for each other.
There isn’t much that this Seventh year can’t do. With a love of Defence and Transfiguration, and a penchant for dueling, it won’t be a shock that Frankie Paton wants to continue to protect us from the rude and unsavoury wizards as an Auror after he graduates next term. With three sisters to keep him on his toes at home, and a girlfriend who is just as good in classes as he is, it’s a wonder he has any time to be as active as he is around the halls of Hogwarts. Thankfully, I managed to steal some time with him to speak to him about this year:
1. Second year as Prefect! It’s been great having you help with our house for a second year, Frankie. How did you find it? Easier this year? Or was it harder with more expectations?
I definitely found being a prefect to be much easier this year. I already knew what was expected of me and knew how to do the job well. Keeping an eye on the first years and everyone else was more natural, since I already knew how they’d respond to everything, and was able to help them whenever they needed me easier.
2. Facing not only your sixth year exams, being a Prefect and juggling your social commitments, what did you learn about yourself this term?
I’m not going to go into much detail because I’d rather not remember those months, but I was temporarily in a rift with someone I cared very much about. I was pretty miserable because I only focused on my opinion rather than try to see how the situation was from the other side. Moral of the story here: always try to see things from someone else’s perspective before acting.
3. And with all of your academic responsibilities, did you still manage to find time to relax? What do you like to do, and where do you like to go?
Yes, I do find time to relax. I’d be going completely bonkers if I didn’t. I’ve found during my years as prefect that it’s important to enjoy the little things. Those early morning runs, brief naps in between classes, those spare moments of solitude in my dorm or elsewhere in the castle … I’d go into more specifics, but then everyone would be showing up in my special spots.
4. It isn’t a secret that your girlfriend is Slytherin, Hady Lynch - She’s awesome by the way - but what is it like to be a power couple around Hogwarts?
I really don’t understand this whole “power couple” thing. The fact that a lot of the school is fascinated with our relationship and identifies us as such is a little odd to me. But thanks, I guess? We’re just being us and doing our thing.
5. Every year something new and potentially dangerous happens, this year that creepy hag from last year turned up again… What do you think, have we seen the last of her now? Can the staff find a way to keep her away from here next term?
I think it’s safe to say we’ve seen the last of her. The Aurors took that old coot away and will deal with her appropriately. Likely will end up in Azkaban where she belongs, so I don’t think we’ll be seeing her any time soon. As for what the staff can do, they can make the security charms on the castle stronger, keep communication with the Ministry more open (the hag thing could’ve been resolved a lot faster had ), and be quick to take action when things at Hogwarts are weirder than they usually are.
6. And, on that note is there something you think the school should do to promote our safety … and to make us feel safer? … Do you think we can actually feel safe at Hogwarts?
Most of the time I feel we are safe at Hogwarts. We should feel safe, anyway, as we are in capable hands. However, there are certain instances when we cannot control our safety. Danger seems to find a way within our walls. Can’t that be said about anywhere, though? The best we can do in those situations is be resilient, put up a fight, ask for help whenever it is necessary, and do all we can to protect each other.
7. Last year, I asked Hugo if he lost his magical abilities but could still perform one piece of magic what would it be… and he said non-verbal spells. I was wondering, can you do non-verbal spells? Are they harder than normal… or do you like that added challenge?
In my fifth year, I started dabbling with non-verbal spells, though I wasn’t very successful with them then. This past year my ability to cast non-verbals improved drastically in comparison. They’re difficult to do, but practice makes perfect. Once you start getting the hang of it, it gets easier and easier.
8. Having been a proud Gryffindor for so many terms now, what would you change about the school - classes, Professors, etc - if you could?
I’ll never say no to there being more meals throughout the day. Food is the fuel that keeps us going. Though, on a more serious note, more career exploration opportunities for us older students would be great. I didn’t know what I wanted to do post-Hogwarts until I was in my fifth year, so a program that could introduce all of our options and give us the chance to see what the job is all about until we graduate would be a good thing to have, I think. Bringing back Quidditch games would be nice too -- it’s been long overdue in my opinion.
9. Unfortunately said Professors seem to love tricking us… do you think they spend their spare time planning pranks? Which Professor do you think is the biggest prankster?
I don’t think the professors spend their spare time planning pranks for us. Don’t they have better things to do with their time? If anything, I think it might be more of a spur of the moment thing when they do decide to pull a little trick on us. As for who the biggest professor prankster is, I’m not going to comment on that as a precaution. We all know who it is.
10. Finally, what would you tell the new students that will help them during their time here?
Make a lot of friends, have fun (even in classes), and don’t die.
1. Second year as Prefect! It’s been great having you help with our house for a second year, Frankie. How did you find it? Easier this year? Or was it harder with more expectations?
I definitely found being a prefect to be much easier this year. I already knew what was expected of me and knew how to do the job well. Keeping an eye on the first years and everyone else was more natural, since I already knew how they’d respond to everything, and was able to help them whenever they needed me easier.
2. Facing not only your sixth year exams, being a Prefect and juggling your social commitments, what did you learn about yourself this term?
I’m not going to go into much detail because I’d rather not remember those months, but I was temporarily in a rift with someone I cared very much about. I was pretty miserable because I only focused on my opinion rather than try to see how the situation was from the other side. Moral of the story here: always try to see things from someone else’s perspective before acting.
3. And with all of your academic responsibilities, did you still manage to find time to relax? What do you like to do, and where do you like to go?
Yes, I do find time to relax. I’d be going completely bonkers if I didn’t. I’ve found during my years as prefect that it’s important to enjoy the little things. Those early morning runs, brief naps in between classes, those spare moments of solitude in my dorm or elsewhere in the castle … I’d go into more specifics, but then everyone would be showing up in my special spots.
4. It isn’t a secret that your girlfriend is Slytherin, Hady Lynch - She’s awesome by the way - but what is it like to be a power couple around Hogwarts?
I really don’t understand this whole “power couple” thing. The fact that a lot of the school is fascinated with our relationship and identifies us as such is a little odd to me. But thanks, I guess? We’re just being us and doing our thing.
5. Every year something new and potentially dangerous happens, this year that creepy hag from last year turned up again… What do you think, have we seen the last of her now? Can the staff find a way to keep her away from here next term?
I think it’s safe to say we’ve seen the last of her. The Aurors took that old coot away and will deal with her appropriately. Likely will end up in Azkaban where she belongs, so I don’t think we’ll be seeing her any time soon. As for what the staff can do, they can make the security charms on the castle stronger, keep communication with the Ministry more open (the hag thing could’ve been resolved a lot faster had ), and be quick to take action when things at Hogwarts are weirder than they usually are.
6. And, on that note is there something you think the school should do to promote our safety … and to make us feel safer? … Do you think we can actually feel safe at Hogwarts?
Most of the time I feel we are safe at Hogwarts. We should feel safe, anyway, as we are in capable hands. However, there are certain instances when we cannot control our safety. Danger seems to find a way within our walls. Can’t that be said about anywhere, though? The best we can do in those situations is be resilient, put up a fight, ask for help whenever it is necessary, and do all we can to protect each other.
7. Last year, I asked Hugo if he lost his magical abilities but could still perform one piece of magic what would it be… and he said non-verbal spells. I was wondering, can you do non-verbal spells? Are they harder than normal… or do you like that added challenge?
In my fifth year, I started dabbling with non-verbal spells, though I wasn’t very successful with them then. This past year my ability to cast non-verbals improved drastically in comparison. They’re difficult to do, but practice makes perfect. Once you start getting the hang of it, it gets easier and easier.
8. Having been a proud Gryffindor for so many terms now, what would you change about the school - classes, Professors, etc - if you could?
I’ll never say no to there being more meals throughout the day. Food is the fuel that keeps us going. Though, on a more serious note, more career exploration opportunities for us older students would be great. I didn’t know what I wanted to do post-Hogwarts until I was in my fifth year, so a program that could introduce all of our options and give us the chance to see what the job is all about until we graduate would be a good thing to have, I think. Bringing back Quidditch games would be nice too -- it’s been long overdue in my opinion.
9. Unfortunately said Professors seem to love tricking us… do you think they spend their spare time planning pranks? Which Professor do you think is the biggest prankster?
I don’t think the professors spend their spare time planning pranks for us. Don’t they have better things to do with their time? If anything, I think it might be more of a spur of the moment thing when they do decide to pull a little trick on us. As for who the biggest professor prankster is, I’m not going to comment on that as a precaution. We all know who it is.
10. Finally, what would you tell the new students that will help them during their time here?
Make a lot of friends, have fun (even in classes), and don’t die.