Author: Livia Rue Fallow
They say if you spy a pack of Nifflers, there must be treasure nearby. In my case, that treasure turned out to be the heartbreaking, soul-stirring, bounce-on-the-dorm-bed songs of upcoming musical artist Novary — also known as Aryiana Novelli, a traveling merchant and Hogwarts alumna.
When I approached Novary’s pop-up stall during the Dueling Tournament in October, my only goal was to leave with one of her charming Niffler-shaped picture frames secured inside my hoodie pocket. I never anticipated that its creator would chat with me so warmly, or respond to my questions by handing me a copy of her debut EP with firm instructions to listen to a song called “Extra-Ordinary.” While this encounter left me curious, I had no idea what to expect when I eventually slotted the album, entitled “Prelude*,” onto my phonograph.
Just a few weeks later, I found myself sitting with Novary in the Three Broomsticks, listening to a track from her upcoming holiday album she rushed to complete just so I could have a taste. I was in full fangirl mode, overwhelmed by her musical talent – but also her kindness, her determination, and her resilience.
Because all those questions I asked Novary at her booth? The ones she wanted to answer with her songs? Well… they were inspired by the revelation that Novary is a werewolf. The artist is so open about this fact that she cracked a joke about it while taking my galleons.
“I was bitten before my fourth year,” Novary explained, after granting me permission to share her story. She arrived at the interview dressed all in white, her hair styled into her trademark wolfen ears. “My first turning, I wasn’t sure what to even do. There was an article done back in the Owl Post that year, about a beast in the Long Gallery spotted first day of school.”
With wry humour, Novary solved the mystery of the Long Gallery Beast by pointing at herself. “It all panned out, and no one got hurt. [Headmistress Fischer] was very kind to help that evening, and keep it under wraps. From then I had to stop drawing attention to myself for what I was, and gave up music, as you could understand.”
While safety issues forced Novary to dull her sparkle for a time, it couldn’t be denied for long. When other students learned about her condition, the covert bullying became so intense that she eventually decided to out herself. “I announced it my seventh year, near end at graduation. […] And there was silence the moment I announced it. It echoed through the hall and yet… everything got better. The bullying stopped, I had students reach out to tell me I was brave.”
Themes of hiding and revealing one’s true nature, embracing the differences that shape us, and reveling in the power to write your own story are woven into the songs on Prelude. The album begins with a bang, as “Extra-Ordinary” is a pride-driven power anthem with a perfectly shoutable hook (especially if you’re in the midst of studying for OWLs): “Witch, you are extraordinary!”
My favourite track, “Unbreakable Soul,” explores a bittersweet romance through vocals that range from wistful reminiscence to a resolute, but plaintive plea to honor an Unbreakable Vow. As Novary herself explained, “[It’s] a story about loving someone and knowing you aren’t good for them, so it’s okay to love someone and not be with them if it’s better off for them.” The lyrics echo this painful truth:
If I had a Time Turner to relive it all
I’d find myself again heeding nature’s call
Standing before the Mirror of Erised after we fall
What I crave for you, echoes through my heart for what I saw
“Caught a Little Red Handed” showcases Novary’s sly sense of humour, allowing her to share her history of overcoming dangerous bigotry, even being hunted, in a way that challenges the listener’s preconceptions. Finally, “Sweet Bite (Suga Suga)” is like a cool bite of ice cream, a flirtatious homage to every teenage couple who’s spent a Hogsmeade weekend making eyes at each other over the counter in Honeydukes.
I asked Novary about her release schedule and upcoming album plans. “My debut album is about everything you may encounter on a journey in their youth to young adult. Not feeling like you belong with your own peers, being different, and how everyone can relate to one another if they just opened up and listened.” While Novary continues to work on the full album, she also set aside time to create some holiday cheer. “The holiday album does tie into Prelude.” It will be released on the 22nd of December, and from the smoky, torch-song teaser I was allowed to hear, it promises to be something truly special.
When she’s not composing, Novary spends her time crafting trinkets and treasures for Ary’s Extra-Ordinary Emporium. Should you ever catch sight of her booth at an event, I cannot recommend a visit highly enough. Novary has a gift for transforming adversity into beauty, even when crafting something as small as a perfume bottle. She is also happy to receive letters from students.
As we round into the New Year, my resolution is to seek out and support more local artists. With talented wixen like Novary passing by mere steps from the castle doors, I’m sure I’ll be spoilt for choice.
