Gryffindor Head of House
In the year 2088, a very special person graced Hogwarts with his presence. A kindly gentleman skilled in the art of Potion's making and tea creation, Professor Newton quickly elevated himself to one of the school's foremost favorites. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a tea-loving institution, as you know. After a few short years, and the departure of former Hogwarts Professor Airey Flamsteed, Professor Newton found himself at the helm of Gryffindor House, the home of the brave and fearless. As a member of this House, this writer feels she can validate that we are indeed very blessed to have him as our Head Lion.
1. Professor Newton, it is my pleasure to be sitting down with you today! Before we officially start, I just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion to Gryffindor Head of House. Following in the steps of such an iconic, inspirational man, did you have any reservations?
Thank you... Er... n-no not really. I knew that Professor Flamsteed was a very well respected Professor and Head of House, of course, but... but I had, of course, taught many Gryffindors, as well as being a Gryffindor myself, and I was, uhh... was confident I'd be able to fit in. They are a magnificent bunch of Gryffindors, too.
2. I'm sure they think you are equally magnificent, sir! Now, there has been a notable camaraderie among the Hogwarts Professors (and faculty) over these past few years. Do you have any that you are particularly close with? Didn't you have a family member join you this year?
Yes, my niece Rosalyn, actually. I'm a bit biased, of course, as we're very close. But uhh... I actually went here with Paul. He's a few years younger, but it was nice seeing a familiar face.
3. Oh, Professor Myers! He's one of my absolute favorites! You're both lucky to have one another. On a related note, what's it been like working closely with Franklin Paton and Kaycee Richards this term? With both graduating, what lessons and values do you think your younger Lions have taken away from their leadership?
Mr. Paton and Ms. Richards are well suited to their leading roles, and I think they've been doing a wonderful job; whilst, of course, studying for their NEWTs. And I hope that leadership has helped them feel more confident in their individual abilities, because they have been doing a wonderful job. Teamwork, as well. They're Gryffindor leaders and apart from their leading of this house, and stepping up when matters affect the students, they have been welcoming to the younger years and helpful in orientating them to the school in general.
4. That was absolutely wonderfully put, Professor. I hope they both know of your very high opinion of them! Moving on, unlike in recent terms, this year was chalked full of drama and magical mishaps around Hogwarts castle...and none from actual human beings. Professor, what's your take on the Peeves and Miffy union? And their newly adopted "child"?
Oh, er... w-well, I initially saw no harm in the two getting.. well, married. And after witnessing everything that was happening around the castle, the pixies in one of my lessons which I think was their doing, I just wanted to see an end to their mayhem. It seemed to work, but then... well, when that other poltergeist came along, I was a bit worried. Very worried. I don't know too much about poltergeists, but the child must have some sort of... of power that is uncontrolled. I worry about how Peeves and Miffy will control such a young and potentially unpredictable entity. It's my hope that we don't see any further drama from them next term.
5. I feel they might be too wrapped up in running after Storm to bother too many people next term. Lastly, though Second Place is nothing to sneeze at, what do you hope for your Gryffindors to accomplish next term?
I'm very proud of my Gryffindors, even if they were to place fourth. And we won first place in the Gobstones Cup race, too. The lions worked well together, as a House and in branching off to develop relationships in other Houses. I think my hopes are to continue making Gryffindor a fun place for all to-to feel welcome, and for them to have a place to belong.
1. Professor Newton, it is my pleasure to be sitting down with you today! Before we officially start, I just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion to Gryffindor Head of House. Following in the steps of such an iconic, inspirational man, did you have any reservations?
Thank you... Er... n-no not really. I knew that Professor Flamsteed was a very well respected Professor and Head of House, of course, but... but I had, of course, taught many Gryffindors, as well as being a Gryffindor myself, and I was, uhh... was confident I'd be able to fit in. They are a magnificent bunch of Gryffindors, too.
2. I'm sure they think you are equally magnificent, sir! Now, there has been a notable camaraderie among the Hogwarts Professors (and faculty) over these past few years. Do you have any that you are particularly close with? Didn't you have a family member join you this year?
Yes, my niece Rosalyn, actually. I'm a bit biased, of course, as we're very close. But uhh... I actually went here with Paul. He's a few years younger, but it was nice seeing a familiar face.
3. Oh, Professor Myers! He's one of my absolute favorites! You're both lucky to have one another. On a related note, what's it been like working closely with Franklin Paton and Kaycee Richards this term? With both graduating, what lessons and values do you think your younger Lions have taken away from their leadership?
Mr. Paton and Ms. Richards are well suited to their leading roles, and I think they've been doing a wonderful job; whilst, of course, studying for their NEWTs. And I hope that leadership has helped them feel more confident in their individual abilities, because they have been doing a wonderful job. Teamwork, as well. They're Gryffindor leaders and apart from their leading of this house, and stepping up when matters affect the students, they have been welcoming to the younger years and helpful in orientating them to the school in general.
4. That was absolutely wonderfully put, Professor. I hope they both know of your very high opinion of them! Moving on, unlike in recent terms, this year was chalked full of drama and magical mishaps around Hogwarts castle...and none from actual human beings. Professor, what's your take on the Peeves and Miffy union? And their newly adopted "child"?
Oh, er... w-well, I initially saw no harm in the two getting.. well, married. And after witnessing everything that was happening around the castle, the pixies in one of my lessons which I think was their doing, I just wanted to see an end to their mayhem. It seemed to work, but then... well, when that other poltergeist came along, I was a bit worried. Very worried. I don't know too much about poltergeists, but the child must have some sort of... of power that is uncontrolled. I worry about how Peeves and Miffy will control such a young and potentially unpredictable entity. It's my hope that we don't see any further drama from them next term.
5. I feel they might be too wrapped up in running after Storm to bother too many people next term. Lastly, though Second Place is nothing to sneeze at, what do you hope for your Gryffindors to accomplish next term?
I'm very proud of my Gryffindors, even if they were to place fourth. And we won first place in the Gobstones Cup race, too. The lions worked well together, as a House and in branching off to develop relationships in other Houses. I think my hopes are to continue making Gryffindor a fun place for all to-to feel welcome, and for them to have a place to belong.
Gryffindor Prefects
- It takes a certain level of charisma and stick-to-itism to remain in control of an entire pride of lions with at times questionable students, but Franklin Paton has proven it's completely possible. Most Prefects worry about keeping their housemates in line and ensuring they don't lose too many points, but Frankie's always had the additional responsibility of ensuring his lions all make it onto the train at the end of what always proves to be a very long year--even more, he does it with a grin and that can do attitude that many admire. It'll be a real shame to see the house without his guidance come September but for now, we were able to catch up with the lion Prefect and get some last words out of him.
1. Gonna be weird not having you around Frankie. You’re the only Prefect I’ve had. What was your reaction when you heard the status was upgraded to Head Boy?
I was pretty pumped about the upgrade. I wasn't expecting it, so I was quite surprised when one of the school owls dropped it off.
2. Pretty cool that your girlfriend got to be your partner around the castle. Were there any celebrations when you two realized?
We were actually with each other when we got our badges. Mine came in first, and then a second owl flew in for Hady. Needless to say, we were both pretty ecstatic. Lots of celebrating was had once both letters were opened. *wiggles brow*
3. Did YOU know Professor Airey was leaving? Was it one of those “best not tell them, they’ll only get sad” type deals that kept you silent?
No, I didn't know he was leaving. His sudden departure at the final feast last term was a bit odd, but I figured that he was just being the goofball he is and would be back roaming around the castle. So I was just as shocked as everyone else to see Ms. Burbage floating in his place.
4. Why’d you think shooting random spells at gloomy lions would be a quick fix when half the house has tempers that rival a kneazles?
It's called having a bit of FUN. Merlin. And it wasn't like I had vials of laugh-inducing potion on me. Though let that be a lesson to all the Gryffindors out there: don't be gloomy trolls or you'll face the consequences.
5. How on board were you with the whole chaos of the poltergeist wedding?
Who am I to judge? Yes, it was definitely not something we all witness every day, but love is love. Though, in all honestly, I was there mostly for the food.
6. How did you manage to juggle classes, homework, responsibility AND a girlfriend? They’re a lot of hard work—just don’t tell Clara I said that.
After getting through OWLs, being able to manage classes, homework, responsibility, and a girlfriend is pretty easy to do. Fifth year is when you really learn how to prioritize your time. Plus having a brilliantly intelligent girlfriend has its perks too.
7. What’d you think you’ve loved most about these years of leading the lion pride?
Simply getting to know my fellow lions on a deeper level. Be there to strengthen friendships and be there to help out in whatever way I could, whether that was homework or giving advice about the drama going on in their lives, to the best of my ability.
8. What would you say has been your most memorable moment?
It's a tossup between making my first successful Animagus transformation ... or witnessing Genny ride a sofa-sheep while Ace steps in poo and Torrance tries tackling the beast. Neither are memories I'll be forgetting any time soon.
9. What will you do now that you’re not Hogwarts bound when September rolls around?
Obviously never touching another History of Magic textbook ever again. Though, in all seriousness, I'm heading straight for the Ministry and signing myself up for the YATI programme.
10. Any departing words for your lions?
Hasta la vista, baby.
Gryffindor Prefect, Kaycee Richards, knows how to raise a pride. It's very simple, let them grow, interact with a smile and take things day by day. That's the formula according to several Gryffindors who've seen her at work and it couldn't be any more true. Even in her last year, Kaycee was ready to dive right into her duties and the fact the Common Room isn't on fire is indication enough she's done a brilliant job. Seventh Years are special in that they board that express for the last time and we don't expect them back when September rolls around so that made this interview all the more special. These are her final words to her rowdy bunch of lions and the rest of the school.
1. What were you most looking forward to when we got back to the castle in September?
What I assume all people my age are looking forward to – seventh year. Being in your last year is something exciting and, at times, overwhelming. But I was ready for my last year.
2. Would you say you’ve enjoyed your time as Gryffindor Prefect?
Definitely. Getting to know the younger kids was great. I'm not really one to spend a lot of time with people younger than me so it was a much needed push in that direction. Also, the Prefect bathroom was amazing. That was a great bonus.
3. Did you ever find yourself under attack by Hogwarts’ resident poltergeists?
Nope. Thankfully. I did witness the bridal party auditions though. That... was interesting, to say the least.
4. Would you consider yourself a fan of the wedding between Miffy and Peeves?
No. Not at all. I'm not exactly sure why something like this happened, honestly. Do they even have feelings? They aren't really... anything.
5. Where was your favourite place to hang out at Hogwarts?
I am a HUGE fan of any open spaces, especially ones with good acoustics and mirrors.
6. NEWTs are coming up, how ready do you think you are?
Ready enough. I just need enough to graduate. My future doesn't really include magical education. Of course, I DO want to be ready for whatever I may need in the future. It's a pretty delicate balance.
7. What would you say has been your favourite thing about being a Gryffindor?
Having to climb all those steps keeps you in shape. Hahaha. But seriously, I enjoy the spirit of Gryffindor. We're a strong, proud group of people. We may be loud and brash, but we're a family that would do anything for each other.
8. What will you miss most about this castle?
The castle itself, honestly. How often in your life do you get to say home is a castle?
9. Any last words you want to leave with the lions?
Be true to yourself, always. Things might not always go your way, or even go well at all, but keep being your best self and you'll figure it out as you go.
10. What’re your big plans now that you’re graduating?
I'm heading to New York City. My plan is to pursue dance, possibly running a studio one day or something. We'll see.
1. What were you most looking forward to when we got back to the castle in September?
What I assume all people my age are looking forward to – seventh year. Being in your last year is something exciting and, at times, overwhelming. But I was ready for my last year.
2. Would you say you’ve enjoyed your time as Gryffindor Prefect?
Definitely. Getting to know the younger kids was great. I'm not really one to spend a lot of time with people younger than me so it was a much needed push in that direction. Also, the Prefect bathroom was amazing. That was a great bonus.
3. Did you ever find yourself under attack by Hogwarts’ resident poltergeists?
Nope. Thankfully. I did witness the bridal party auditions though. That... was interesting, to say the least.
4. Would you consider yourself a fan of the wedding between Miffy and Peeves?
No. Not at all. I'm not exactly sure why something like this happened, honestly. Do they even have feelings? They aren't really... anything.
5. Where was your favourite place to hang out at Hogwarts?
I am a HUGE fan of any open spaces, especially ones with good acoustics and mirrors.
6. NEWTs are coming up, how ready do you think you are?
Ready enough. I just need enough to graduate. My future doesn't really include magical education. Of course, I DO want to be ready for whatever I may need in the future. It's a pretty delicate balance.
7. What would you say has been your favourite thing about being a Gryffindor?
Having to climb all those steps keeps you in shape. Hahaha. But seriously, I enjoy the spirit of Gryffindor. We're a strong, proud group of people. We may be loud and brash, but we're a family that would do anything for each other.
8. What will you miss most about this castle?
The castle itself, honestly. How often in your life do you get to say home is a castle?
9. Any last words you want to leave with the lions?
Be true to yourself, always. Things might not always go your way, or even go well at all, but keep being your best self and you'll figure it out as you go.
10. What’re your big plans now that you’re graduating?
I'm heading to New York City. My plan is to pursue dance, possibly running a studio one day or something. We'll see.