Ravenclaw Head of House
If you are of the female populous, or simply a human being, at Hogwarts, you are surely no stranger to this impressive man. Professor Hirsch, aka, Mr. Head Eagle in Charge, took the reigns after the unexpected departure of Mr. Leobald Kitridge this year, proving that one can be aesthetically pleasing, as well as an insightful, innovative, compassionate leader. Juggling Defense lessons, Dueling Club, and Head of House responsibilities, Professor Hirsch allotted yearbook enough time to answer a few questions. Read on, lovelies!
1. Professor Hirsch, I just wanted to tell you that I'm personally such a fan of yours and your Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons! And also, I wanted to congratulate you on your Ravenclaw Head of House appointment! Being Head Eagle In Charge must come with some perks, right? Was there anything specific you did to prepare for this new role?
Really? Why thank you! I have to say, I'm very flattered.
I was very nervous to take on the role, actually, so I did everything I could to try and prepare for it. This meant seeing to the common room, going over everyone's files and even putting up a practice area in the common room for those Ravenclaws that want to practice some spellwork or general defense. Constant vigilance, eh? I also tried to contact as many former Ravenclaws as I could to see if they were willing to donate their old books and notes to the newer generations. They proved to be useful so I guess all those letters paid off.
2. You? Nervous? I shan't believe it! Anyway, there is a notable camaraderie among the Hogwarts Professors (and faculty) over these past few years. Do you have any that you are particularly close with? You definitely have that "bromance" vibe about yourself, sir!
Hahaha! A bromance vibe? That's new information to me. ...Well, Professor Carraro and I went to Durmstrang together and were part of the same combat team. I guess you could say that it all started from there, really. Groundskeeper McLeod taught us Charms during the mid to later years so he has more information about our awkward teenage years than we'd care to share. Lastly, I do enjoy talking to Professor Sokolov, but I doubt he shares the same sentiment.
3. That's quite a collection of friendships you keep, sir. You are an inspiration! On a related note, what's it been like working closely with Kitty Valentine and Rooney Bronwyn this term? I understand that sometimes strong personalities can clash... Do you think you have that issue among your student leaders? Or does Ravenclaw House harbour a cohesive Prefect unit?
It's an interesting approach, I have to say. Working with them from a Professor side is one thing but working with them from the Head of House side was a new experience and I enjoyed it. You're right, they're two very different people but that was their challenge and what's life without a bit of a challenge? ...Both of them have taken on the responsibility well, despite it being Miss Valentine's first year as a Prefect and Mr Bronwyn's OWL year. They haven't locked horns - or ruffled each other's feathers, I should say - so I don't have any complaints. They've probably had their disagreements, but I've seen the progress they've made throughout the year and I'm proud of them. I can just hope that this is something that continues.
4. Under your fierce and selfless leadership, Professor, I'm sure it will! Now, 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"?
Uh, this is a hard question. I've learnt that drama is practically embedded into life at Hogwarts so this wasn't as surprising as it might have been at any other school, but the union was....... unexpected. I didn't realise poltergeists could get married and adopt polter-kids. I think I'm a bit confused but I guess I could say that I've been to a poltergeist wedding from now on. Frankly, it doesn't bother me. What does bother me is that they hurt students to get there. That was uncalled for.
5. You are a true champion to student life here, sir! Lastly, I know as a Professor and Head of House, that you're proud of your students no matter the situation, but what goals are you hoping to work towards moving forward?
You're not looking to find out my secret plans, are you? ...I guess, I want to be able to work better together as a unit. House camaraderie and all that. A good support system works better than people give it credit for. At school, a good part of that will come from me so I'll do as much as I can... No more major injuries would be a nice objective but who am I kidding?
1. Professor Hirsch, I just wanted to tell you that I'm personally such a fan of yours and your Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons! And also, I wanted to congratulate you on your Ravenclaw Head of House appointment! Being Head Eagle In Charge must come with some perks, right? Was there anything specific you did to prepare for this new role?
Really? Why thank you! I have to say, I'm very flattered.
I was very nervous to take on the role, actually, so I did everything I could to try and prepare for it. This meant seeing to the common room, going over everyone's files and even putting up a practice area in the common room for those Ravenclaws that want to practice some spellwork or general defense. Constant vigilance, eh? I also tried to contact as many former Ravenclaws as I could to see if they were willing to donate their old books and notes to the newer generations. They proved to be useful so I guess all those letters paid off.
2. You? Nervous? I shan't believe it! Anyway, there is a notable camaraderie among the Hogwarts Professors (and faculty) over these past few years. Do you have any that you are particularly close with? You definitely have that "bromance" vibe about yourself, sir!
Hahaha! A bromance vibe? That's new information to me. ...Well, Professor Carraro and I went to Durmstrang together and were part of the same combat team. I guess you could say that it all started from there, really. Groundskeeper McLeod taught us Charms during the mid to later years so he has more information about our awkward teenage years than we'd care to share. Lastly, I do enjoy talking to Professor Sokolov, but I doubt he shares the same sentiment.
3. That's quite a collection of friendships you keep, sir. You are an inspiration! On a related note, what's it been like working closely with Kitty Valentine and Rooney Bronwyn this term? I understand that sometimes strong personalities can clash... Do you think you have that issue among your student leaders? Or does Ravenclaw House harbour a cohesive Prefect unit?
It's an interesting approach, I have to say. Working with them from a Professor side is one thing but working with them from the Head of House side was a new experience and I enjoyed it. You're right, they're two very different people but that was their challenge and what's life without a bit of a challenge? ...Both of them have taken on the responsibility well, despite it being Miss Valentine's first year as a Prefect and Mr Bronwyn's OWL year. They haven't locked horns - or ruffled each other's feathers, I should say - so I don't have any complaints. They've probably had their disagreements, but I've seen the progress they've made throughout the year and I'm proud of them. I can just hope that this is something that continues.
4. Under your fierce and selfless leadership, Professor, I'm sure it will! Now, 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"?
Uh, this is a hard question. I've learnt that drama is practically embedded into life at Hogwarts so this wasn't as surprising as it might have been at any other school, but the union was....... unexpected. I didn't realise poltergeists could get married and adopt polter-kids. I think I'm a bit confused but I guess I could say that I've been to a poltergeist wedding from now on. Frankly, it doesn't bother me. What does bother me is that they hurt students to get there. That was uncalled for.
5. You are a true champion to student life here, sir! Lastly, I know as a Professor and Head of House, that you're proud of your students no matter the situation, but what goals are you hoping to work towards moving forward?
You're not looking to find out my secret plans, are you? ...I guess, I want to be able to work better together as a unit. House camaraderie and all that. A good support system works better than people give it credit for. At school, a good part of that will come from me so I'll do as much as I can... No more major injuries would be a nice objective but who am I kidding?
Ravenclaw Prefects
By now it'd be impossible to find a single guy or girl in the school that doesn't know this particular Prefect. He's a Ravenclaw that needs very little introduction...mostly because he does it himself...all the time...on desks....and any other piece of furniture he can fit on. It's true, Rooney Bronwyn's a real card, a class act if you will but one thing's for certain, when he's around there's never a dull moment. His Prefecting skills, though I'd like to say otherwise, leave very little to be desired and you can tell he's very serious about his 'claws. Before Rooney headed off for the summer, we got in a final interview with him and it was....informative.
1. What’s with all the table hopping and dramatics? I’ve always wondered.
You lack the creative spontaneity gene if you have to ask that question, Blaise.
2. Alice says you weren’t really interested in our play this term, how come? Thought you loved the theatre.
I do love the theatre, very much so. With my Prefect duties, studying for OWLs and also preparing for auditions.. I just didn't have time to devote to an amateur gig.
3. You’d be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t expect this question; what’d you and Tak have against each other?
Nothing. I've no idea what you're talking about.
4. What was your take on this whole Peeves and Miffy wedding deal?
If they're in love, like I am, then what's the big drama about it? Let them live. Let them be happy. They're here forever, so why shouldn't they be allowed a real partner in crime?
5. Do you think Prefecting has gotten any easier after that first year last term?
No, not at all. Each term brings a new dose of struggles and responsibilities as a Prefect. This term I had to balance my life as a student leader with that of a student in need of serious studying. I struggled, but the student leader team is strong.
6. What’s it been like working alongside Kitty to keep the ‘claws in line?
Kitty has her quirks, as I have mine. I'm thrilled to have been able to guide her in her first year as Prefect and have watched her soar.
7. What have you enjoyed the most about this position?
The Prefect's bathroom, obviously. Don't tell me that anyone else answers that differently.
8. If there was one thing you could do as Prefect and NOT get in trouble for it, what would it be?
Ignore my mandatory patrols for a good book by the fireplace.
9. When Prefecting and studies don’t get in the way, how d’you like spending your time?
With my girlfriend -- Olivia Phillips of Gryffindor, I'm sure that you know her. We often use our stage talents to re-enact classic scenes from classic stories or to create our own. When not with her, I usually enjoy creating case files on most of the students. Yours is the longest, obviously.
10. It’s finally summer, any big plans?
Only my 16th birthday, a few theatre trips and an audition or two.
1. What’s with all the table hopping and dramatics? I’ve always wondered.
You lack the creative spontaneity gene if you have to ask that question, Blaise.
2. Alice says you weren’t really interested in our play this term, how come? Thought you loved the theatre.
I do love the theatre, very much so. With my Prefect duties, studying for OWLs and also preparing for auditions.. I just didn't have time to devote to an amateur gig.
3. You’d be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t expect this question; what’d you and Tak have against each other?
Nothing. I've no idea what you're talking about.
4. What was your take on this whole Peeves and Miffy wedding deal?
If they're in love, like I am, then what's the big drama about it? Let them live. Let them be happy. They're here forever, so why shouldn't they be allowed a real partner in crime?
5. Do you think Prefecting has gotten any easier after that first year last term?
No, not at all. Each term brings a new dose of struggles and responsibilities as a Prefect. This term I had to balance my life as a student leader with that of a student in need of serious studying. I struggled, but the student leader team is strong.
6. What’s it been like working alongside Kitty to keep the ‘claws in line?
Kitty has her quirks, as I have mine. I'm thrilled to have been able to guide her in her first year as Prefect and have watched her soar.
7. What have you enjoyed the most about this position?
The Prefect's bathroom, obviously. Don't tell me that anyone else answers that differently.
8. If there was one thing you could do as Prefect and NOT get in trouble for it, what would it be?
Ignore my mandatory patrols for a good book by the fireplace.
9. When Prefecting and studies don’t get in the way, how d’you like spending your time?
With my girlfriend -- Olivia Phillips of Gryffindor, I'm sure that you know her. We often use our stage talents to re-enact classic scenes from classic stories or to create our own. When not with her, I usually enjoy creating case files on most of the students. Yours is the longest, obviously.
10. It’s finally summer, any big plans?
Only my 16th birthday, a few theatre trips and an audition or two.
Responsible but aware of what a good time is and how to have it for the most part. Not a quality you find in most Ravenclaws these days but the 'Claws hit a lucky break to have returning Prefect, Kitty Valentine in charge. Most don't know what's going on in the head of this diverse Ravenclaw gem but we were able to have a sit down interview with her before the train arrived. They say you'll never know until you ask and that couldn't have proven more true than right now. Here's what Kitty had to say about the crazy year that we trudged through.
1. Were you looking forward to putting on your badge and jumping right back into your duties at the start of this term?
Yes I was. Summer was great, but near the end I was really missing Hogwarts and all my friends.
2. D’you think after that first term as Prefect, you were more prepared heading into the second one?
Definitely! In my first term I kept getting mixed up on where we were supposed to patrol so I relied on Rooney's guidance for a lot of things. I'm much more confident now.
3. ‘Claws aren’t a particularly rowdy bunch, is this something you appreciate or something you’re hoping to change?
No, I appreciate who we are and I wouldn't try to change us. Personally I like being able to relax in the common room reading a book, without having to worry about someone letting off prank objects. There are exceptions in every house and that's also good. All the houses are equally important - I appreciate your house (Gryffindor) and wouldn't try to change it in any way either.
4. It’s been a pretty weird term, huh? What did you think about this whole poltergeist wedding fiasco?
Miffy and Peeves getting married was interesting. It definitely was weird, but not nearly as bad as that term when the Hag Ursula Black tried to EAT us during Divination, or the year after when she came back and tried to eat us again. Personally I'm happy that Miffy and Peeves were allowed to be married. They're annoying, but it was the right thing to do.
5. Did you find yourself falling victim to Peeves and his equally annoying girlfriend?
Yes I have, and honestly, I think I might be one of their favorite targets - or at least Miffy's. I've been pranked by Peeves and Miffy since my second year, but this past year was the worst for everyone. It get to be so personal for me that at times I almost challenged Miffy to a duel. Ironically, I was the one who broke the news to Miffy that she and Peeves were going to be married! Then near the end of the term she tried to frame me for knocking down a tray in the kitchens. It turns out the real culprit was another poltergeist who they've decided to adopt. Hopefully they'll be more respectful now that they are married, but I'll keep an eye on them just in case.
6. It’s was really cool of you to play exploding snaps with me during Defense Against the Dark Arts. Most Prefects would have preached at me. Does this speak to a hidden trouble maker in you?
Why thank you. I don't think I'd describe myself as a troublemaker. My friend Haddie is the real troublemaker in Ravenclaw, and I say that very affectionately. I disagree with some of our laws and I wish the Statute didn't exist, but I don't think that's what you meant when you asked if I was a troublemaker.
But it's true that I don't like scolding students. When I first came to Hogwarts I was terrified of getting punished or bullied, so it would be terrible if I became a strict control freak the moment I get a badge. I don't want to be the prefect that other students hate for being strict and who is never invited to games or parties. So I try to be understanding. The only exception is if a student is doing something that could hurt them self or someone else or if they are being overly obnoxious, then I'll scold them!
There was ONE time where you could definitely call me a troublemaker. You might not remember this, but I was one of the Ravenclaws you threw food at in our second year at the start of term feast. I was furious that you ruined my hair so I joined in, and that caused Professor Flamsteed (miss him!) to make it rain over the Great Hall. Looking back, it kind of was fun, wasn't it? So maybe there is a hidden troublemaker buried deep inside me, but generally I'm courteous and well behaved.
7. Any little crushes you find yourself scribbling about at the top of your parchment?
Wow I love these questions! There is a crush I have here at Hogwarts but first let me describe my ideal love. Obviously someone who is kind and loving, someone who appreciates me for who I am comes in first. Additionally, my ideal boyfriend would be either a very cool Muggle or a wizard who is passionate about Muggle rights. The more I read about Muggle/magic relations the more I become political, so my ideal boyfriend would be someone who shared my passion.
But going back to your question, there is one student at Hogwarts who I've developed a guilty crush on. I won't say his name because I'd get in trouble, but I'll give you two clues. This guy is someone you've had lots of contact with, but I don't know if you two are friends. But you probably know each other. Also, although I knew of him for awhile, we only got introduced in my third year.
8. How do you like to unwind after a busy day of studies and Prefecting?
Reading in the library is always relaxing. I love books. Also, watching my pet worms and writing to friends who have graduated.
9. What do you like most about your Ravenclaws?
I love everything about us, but if I could just pick one thing at random that I admire I'd say it is our patience. You probably know that we are the only house who have to answer a riddle every time we want to enter our common room. At first this used to be really annoying but now I've come to like pausing to think about the question and debating it with other Ravenclaws if none of us are able to enter. Of course sometimes this means we are standing outside the common room for twenty minutes but I feel quite clever after it's answered.
10. Any super amazing summer plans you wanna share?
Next summer I'm going to begin studying politics very intently and making contacts. Probably not what many people would consider awesome summer plans, but because of Muggle rights politics is now my biggest passion. My mom wants to take me to America over the summer, and that sounds cool so maybe we'll do that.
1. Were you looking forward to putting on your badge and jumping right back into your duties at the start of this term?
Yes I was. Summer was great, but near the end I was really missing Hogwarts and all my friends.
2. D’you think after that first term as Prefect, you were more prepared heading into the second one?
Definitely! In my first term I kept getting mixed up on where we were supposed to patrol so I relied on Rooney's guidance for a lot of things. I'm much more confident now.
3. ‘Claws aren’t a particularly rowdy bunch, is this something you appreciate or something you’re hoping to change?
No, I appreciate who we are and I wouldn't try to change us. Personally I like being able to relax in the common room reading a book, without having to worry about someone letting off prank objects. There are exceptions in every house and that's also good. All the houses are equally important - I appreciate your house (Gryffindor) and wouldn't try to change it in any way either.
4. It’s been a pretty weird term, huh? What did you think about this whole poltergeist wedding fiasco?
Miffy and Peeves getting married was interesting. It definitely was weird, but not nearly as bad as that term when the Hag Ursula Black tried to EAT us during Divination, or the year after when she came back and tried to eat us again. Personally I'm happy that Miffy and Peeves were allowed to be married. They're annoying, but it was the right thing to do.
5. Did you find yourself falling victim to Peeves and his equally annoying girlfriend?
Yes I have, and honestly, I think I might be one of their favorite targets - or at least Miffy's. I've been pranked by Peeves and Miffy since my second year, but this past year was the worst for everyone. It get to be so personal for me that at times I almost challenged Miffy to a duel. Ironically, I was the one who broke the news to Miffy that she and Peeves were going to be married! Then near the end of the term she tried to frame me for knocking down a tray in the kitchens. It turns out the real culprit was another poltergeist who they've decided to adopt. Hopefully they'll be more respectful now that they are married, but I'll keep an eye on them just in case.
6. It’s was really cool of you to play exploding snaps with me during Defense Against the Dark Arts. Most Prefects would have preached at me. Does this speak to a hidden trouble maker in you?
Why thank you. I don't think I'd describe myself as a troublemaker. My friend Haddie is the real troublemaker in Ravenclaw, and I say that very affectionately. I disagree with some of our laws and I wish the Statute didn't exist, but I don't think that's what you meant when you asked if I was a troublemaker.
But it's true that I don't like scolding students. When I first came to Hogwarts I was terrified of getting punished or bullied, so it would be terrible if I became a strict control freak the moment I get a badge. I don't want to be the prefect that other students hate for being strict and who is never invited to games or parties. So I try to be understanding. The only exception is if a student is doing something that could hurt them self or someone else or if they are being overly obnoxious, then I'll scold them!
There was ONE time where you could definitely call me a troublemaker. You might not remember this, but I was one of the Ravenclaws you threw food at in our second year at the start of term feast. I was furious that you ruined my hair so I joined in, and that caused Professor Flamsteed (miss him!) to make it rain over the Great Hall. Looking back, it kind of was fun, wasn't it? So maybe there is a hidden troublemaker buried deep inside me, but generally I'm courteous and well behaved.
7. Any little crushes you find yourself scribbling about at the top of your parchment?
Wow I love these questions! There is a crush I have here at Hogwarts but first let me describe my ideal love. Obviously someone who is kind and loving, someone who appreciates me for who I am comes in first. Additionally, my ideal boyfriend would be either a very cool Muggle or a wizard who is passionate about Muggle rights. The more I read about Muggle/magic relations the more I become political, so my ideal boyfriend would be someone who shared my passion.
But going back to your question, there is one student at Hogwarts who I've developed a guilty crush on. I won't say his name because I'd get in trouble, but I'll give you two clues. This guy is someone you've had lots of contact with, but I don't know if you two are friends. But you probably know each other. Also, although I knew of him for awhile, we only got introduced in my third year.
8. How do you like to unwind after a busy day of studies and Prefecting?
Reading in the library is always relaxing. I love books. Also, watching my pet worms and writing to friends who have graduated.
9. What do you like most about your Ravenclaws?
I love everything about us, but if I could just pick one thing at random that I admire I'd say it is our patience. You probably know that we are the only house who have to answer a riddle every time we want to enter our common room. At first this used to be really annoying but now I've come to like pausing to think about the question and debating it with other Ravenclaws if none of us are able to enter. Of course sometimes this means we are standing outside the common room for twenty minutes but I feel quite clever after it's answered.
10. Any super amazing summer plans you wanna share?
Next summer I'm going to begin studying politics very intently and making contacts. Probably not what many people would consider awesome summer plans, but because of Muggle rights politics is now my biggest passion. My mom wants to take me to America over the summer, and that sounds cool so maybe we'll do that.