Confessions, rumours or Questions can be given to our friendly messenger owl that loiters outside The Great Hall, he takes any messages to The Owl Post, just have a few owl nuts handy!

What was up with the pointy-eared runt at Transfigurations? She looked terrified or something.

Birds are in fact not of a feather it seems. A poor eaglet seemed to have been looking to seen leaving the ground keeper’s hut with some freshly singed robe sleeves!

It was a sight to see! The Headmaster and our youth rep were looking fit in their matching pink dresses this weekend! 

Cats have so much charm that even the wailing ones are planned to be smuggled home this summer. 

All we heard all Sunday afternoon was how great Merlin was or how wonderful Merlin did this or that! Merlin, Merlin, Merlin! 

I heard all the wet cats crawled out of the black lake to go for the chickens. That’s why they are all void cats.

Rumor has it that the violin-playing lioness invited her crush to see her play, and he didn’t show. He’d better hope he doesn’t become her next muse. 

Yall, when did Jace become so buff?

I saw way more adults go into that wagon then should be able to fit.  Magic is great I guess. But WHY?

The camp thing in Hogsmeade was mostly gone!  Anyone find out what happened?

Rumor has it the fashionable lioness has a crush on the ginger drummer. How do I know? She gave him fudge, then ran away.

Rumor has it you can get a discount at Goode’s Potions Supplies if you go on a date with one of the Ashworths.

(( Oocly you can use Discord to send  Rumours and Confessions for The Owl Post via Picsy! Just open a DM with her, select “commands” and choose either Rumour or Confession! or hit / then enter and pick which one. ))

Hufflepuff V Slytherin – 690 – 660

Right…

Who asked this year to go by so quickly? 

It seemed like it was just yesterday when we were reporting on the first game of the season, and now… Look at this! 

Two more games, and the season is done -and some of us graduate too, why, oh, cruel world, why? Actually, this might be alright. Freedom?

Anyway, back to where it matters now!

After the last four games, and despite their last loss, things are looking well for Slytherin. If they manage to win this game, they might even be able to hold onto the cup for another year. However, Hufflepuff is not far behind, and if they win, we could be seeing them taking the crown and exchanging it for snacks -unless Gryffindor decides it is their time to shine, or Ravenclaw performs a miracle during their next game. 

For now, let’s take a look at both teams’ formations! 

HUFFLEPUFF TEAM ROSTER FOR THIS GAME: 

1 – Leilani ‘Alley-Oop’ Tamriel: The first Chaser position and the role of captain is for Leilani Tamriel this season. She’s fierce inside and outside of the pitch, and everybody knows to stay away from her very well trained wand. Confident in her team, this Badger is ready to bring the cup for her house -at least the Quidditch Cup. For now, she has delivered us a good pre-game statement: “Well it’s been a pretty good season so far I would think. My chasers are doing fantastic and my beaters are on point, and even though it’s Kayla’s first time keeping, she has shown promise. Tybalt is one of the best seekers in the school. I’m super proud of my team. I don’t put a lot of pressure on winning, I just want them to enjoy themselves, and play to the best of their abilities. I think this game is gonna be another great game. No matter who wins. Though I still hope it’s us.” Confidence! 

2 – Lachlan Stewart: Usually portraying a chill and calm -even shy- demeanour, Stewart seems to radically switch his personality when he’s on the pitch. A cocky side that speaks volumes backed up by his results. Although a reserve for many years, this fifth year chaser is finally making a name for himself -even if it is a copy of the Real Lachlan Stewart, a professional Quidditch Beater playing for the Falmouth Falcons. Speaking of the Falcons, aren’t they playing the semi-finals against the Wigtown Wanderers…? Anyway! Back to the Not Real Lachlan Stewart! When asked how he felt about facing Slytherin’s Golden Boy Jasper Hawksworth, this is what he mentioned: “Let me tell you something about Jasper Hawksworth. He’s been raiding Argyle Demoray’s ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ shampoo kit. Apparently that dweeb from Ravenclaw had some go missing, and suddenly Jasper’s hair is gleaming? Naw, naw.” Interesting, very interesting. Someone is definitely having hair envy. 

2 – James “Twinkle-Toes” Matthews: Second Chaser of the Hufflepuff team, as well as the Vice-Captain. With a quiet personality -at least most of the time-, James seems to be a player who truly enjoys simply playing Quidditch. However, said quietness can be easily agitated when the game is not entirely clean, as we’ve seen through the past years. A veteran on the pitch, this Badger does not seem to be afraid to switch his wand for a fist when the situation requires it. Although he didn’t seem to punch anyone last year. And this year, so far -after all, his team is doing beautifully for now. “I’m just glad they got someone to cover for me in the last match, and I got to watch my own team from the stands which was a change of pace even if I still got dizzy just watching.” Truly, a great team player. 

4 – Muriel ‘The Sweet’ Maple: With a shared passion between cooking and quidditch, this fourth year Hufflepuff is the second beater of this roster. Will she be cooking with bludgers too? One thing is for certain, she’ll probably cook trying. Or try cooking? Is the pitch a kitchen? This is getting confusing. But she has a bat, beats and cooks. And bites? Or so one of our non-confirmed sources tells us. Did she truly bite someone to win a game once? When confronted, this is what she told us. “Honey, you might feel my bludgers faster knocking your teeth out before feeling my pearly whites sink into your flesh.” At this point, she made a theatrical chomp chomp with her indeed perfect teeth. “All I need is my broom, a bat, and a flying iron ball.” Bat away, girl! Or Bite? Bat, definitely bat.  

5 – Jenny ‘The Sting’ Reader: A last minute sub for the Hufflepuff team! Jenny ‘The Sting’ Reader has done some amateur Beating in the past, but never has truly committed to the team -schedule conflicts, we’ve heard. She might look like a quiet girl, but what we also have heard is that she knows her way around her bat and a bludger. Slytherin should probably keep an eye on her!    

6 – Kayla ‘Stonhenge’ Jaxson: The Hufflepuff Keeper for this game is yet another reserve. Kayla Jaxson is a young Badger that seems to be definitely shy and nervous, but -as some unconfirmed sources have told us- when the time comes to enter into the pitch, she transforms into some sort of ‘You shall not pass’ situation. We’ve managed to get her to tell us about her feelings before the match: “Well… I’m just a reserve Keeper for this game only… It’s my first time playing, so I’m kinda nervous… but we’ve got a solid team!” Ah, youngsters nowadays! Always thinking positively! Beautiful! 

7 – Tybalt Tarrowwood: The male part of the Hufflepuff Mini-Veela Duo is Seeking for the Badgers this match. Not a stranger to the Golden Snitch, Tarrowwood was out of the first Hufflepuff game of the season, leaving spectators wondering whether he’d be too rusty to seek or not. We know from last year that he’s truly someone to be aware of. 

Will he keep terrifying his opponents as some sort of ‘secret weapon’ this season too? So far, when facing Gryffindor, things did not go his way. But perhaps Slytherin is another animal -actually, it is, you know a snake, rather than a lion? Heh.

SLYTHERIN TEAM ROSTER FOR THIS GAME: 

1 – Jasper Hawksworth: With yet another game where Troy Mercer is out of the picture -the excuses are now the N.E.W.T.s-, the pressure of being the first chaser falls once again in our favourite Golden Silent Boy. Last match without Mercer looked as if Hawksworth was missing ‘something’ -definitely not hydration for his golden locks, have you actually seen his hair? 

Whatever was missing last match, we certainly hope he has the time to find it on this one, as we know he is more than capable to lead the Chasers -or else, a certain Head Boy will find yet another alleged reason to confront him. Did you hear about that fight…? Oh, we’re not talking about that, apologies. Only Quidditch! When asked if he’d consider Lachlan Stewart his nemesis for the match, he gave us such a typical Hawksworth flat answer: “Can’t exactly be my nemesis if I have no idea who he is.” The thing is, considering Golden Silent Boy, he probably has no idea who the Hufflepuff is. After all, he only has time for books and scoring angle sided quaffles. 

2 – Noelle ‘Sweetest Penguin’ O’Brien: Our lovely Darkhorse of the team returns to shine as a Second Chaser. To fall for her demure demeanour and soft ways would be the biggest mistake anyone in an opposing team could do. When she chases, she does so to win; there is no doubt she will slither in through those hoops.

When asked if she was ready for the match, this is what she told us:

“My dear, do I look like I eat hay? I eat badgers for breakfast.” ME-OW! She’s certainly ready for battle! After a moment of reflection, she added: “I just plan to do the best I can do. I have a badger and a lion cheering me on. I can’t let them down.”  Noelle O’Brien and how to be a Sweet and Sour Penguin.  

3 – Noxira ‘Accio’ Briarley: Whilst Briarley hasn’t been on the team ‘officially’, she certainly has been ‘unofficially’. Our unconfirmed sources tell us that she definitely was practicing with the rest of the team at the start of the season, and then, somewhere before Slytherin’s second match, she dropped from the team, blaming a certain half-bird’s bludgers. Was there trouble in paradise? Or perhaps Briarley was buried in textbooks, preparing herself for her O.W.L.s? Whatever it was, it certainly got sorted for this game! 

As per her game style, do not let her quiet and reserved looks fool you. She might actually be one of Slytherin’s secret weapons. 

4 – Zenith ‘Firebird’ Kovalainen: Co-Captain and the seasoned -just for one year- beater of the team. When Kovalainen goes up in the sky, she has only one thing in mind: violence. Violence that she needs to control in order to prevent the pitch ends up in flames. This is perhaps the reason why the Half-veela tends to play on the defensive side, allowing her chasers to score easily. Will we be seeing a more ‘uncontrolled’ fire this year? So far, during her last games, she has definitely shown a tactical side to her bat and bludgers -perhaps she’s imagining a certain dark haired Slytherin after an alleged messy break-up? Whatever the case, Hufflepuff might want to keep an eye on her last match of the season! 

5 – Phoebe ‘Cry About it’ Peyroux: Peyroux certainly proved her worth during her last two games. She might speak bluntly, but her bat speaks even louder. If you’re in the way, she’ll beat you down. And she will enjoy seeing you cry about it, all whilst she checks her fit is still on point. Simply as that. Her progression has been noticed, and she seems to make a really good duo with Kovalainen. 

And as per her decision and attitude? 

Only winning mindset, as she told us before the game. “We’re winning yeah, none of that lose mumbo jumbo.” 

6 – Alara ‘Dainty Hands’ Ravenhurst: Captain of the Slytherin team, and the young woman responsible for keeping those defenses up for her players. Her icy gaze shows her cold and precise demeanour. She’s all about hard work, statistics and results. 

As the last game of the season approaches for her, these are her insights about her team: 

“I have the utmost confidence in my team.” She assured us. “Win or lose, we are going to go out there and give it our all.” 

7 – Echo ‘The Pirate King’ Solidad: Last season, Solidad managed to consolidate himself as a confident Seeker towards the end. It was a great progression that gave the Snakes the cup last year -alongside with the amazing effort of Hawksworth and Mercer as Chasers. 

This year, ‘The Pirate King’ had been in the shadows, probably prepping for his N.E.W.T.s, but as Slytherin’s previous seeker had mysteriously stepped down, Solidad was more than ready to go back to his old spot: “I’m what confidence feels when it wants to feel empowered.” 

And this concludes our players’ stalking insight.

How did the actual game go? 

This game was expected to be tense, dramatic, and mildly dangerous -have you seen those Bludgers?

Somehow, it exceeded expectations on all three fronts. 

By the end of the match, the final score hardly mattered to most students in the stands. What did matter was the fact that Slytherin was delusional enough to allow the Hufflepuff Keeper to play.

Even with the poor badger battling her First-Quidditch-Game-Experience-Demons on the field, Quaffles were flying at speeds that were usually reserved for the Ministry’s Owls carrying tax notices. The Slytherin Chasers attacked the hoops with the determination of someone who is trying to give a Keeper whiplash -or when someone whispers “extra credit” near a Ravenclaw.

And yet.

Save after save, after save.

It seemed Hufflepuff wasn’t going to make it easier. 

At one point, the Badgers’ Keeper Kayla Jaxson blocked three consecutive shots while upside down, half-spinning, and very clearly screaming something unprintable about Slytherin’s bloodline, or so we’ve heard from an unconfirmed source.

A fourth-year in the crowd was allegedly overheard, “I wouldn’t be surprised if someone from Slytherin put a hex out on her after this.”

Honestly, fair assessment. 

The Slytherin team grew increasingly irritated as the match went on. One Chaser we shall not name cough, cough, Golden Boy Jasper Hawksworth stole right out of his endzone, with referees forcing him to sit out for five minutes, as well as conceding a penalty for Hufflepuff. This was a bad outcome for the Snakes, as Lachlan Stewart was selected by his team to shoot… And scored, making the Slytherin team probably lose their cool -even if they do live in a Dungeon most of the time.  

Unfortunately, this was not the end of the troubles for the Snakes. Another of their Chasers that won’t be named, cough, cough, Noxira Briarley was seen aggressively arguing with a Quaffle as though it had personally betrayed her. This altercation ended up in yet another time out -five minutes for the girl- and another penalty for Hufflepuff. This time, the responsibility fell on James Matthews, who also scored against the hoops of Slytherin’s Captain and Keeper Alara Ravenhurst. 

While the Hufflepuff’s Keeper was already busy turning into a living brick wall, both teams’ Beaters apparently decided that subtlety was for Ravenclaws. Bludgers were flying with enough force to qualify as bullying –why you bully? 

One of these Beaters decided to go the extra mile, and rather than just beating Badgers the entire game, Slytherin’s Zenith Kovalainen appeared to spend half the game tactically guarding her Chasers, specially Jasper Hawksworth -coincidence? Whenever bludgers got remotely close to him, she seemed to intercept them frequently, making others question whether Golden Boy had an extra charm on him that made him ‘Bludger untouchable’. 

At one point, an exhausted and very exasperating Hufflepuff fan was reportedly heard yelling “He hasn’t been hit ONCE. They have to be using Hexes!” Full disclosure, he was beaten, eventually.

As the match progressed -despite the numerous time outs, complaints, and penalties-, it was clear that both Lachlan Stewart and Jasper Hawksworth were carrying their teams with their Quaffle-Charming-Abilities. And whilst in Hufflepuff Leilani Tamriel and James Matthews followed suit on scoring as per usual; on the Slytherin side Noelle O’Brien and Noxira Briarley shared their Darkhorse title. The Snake girls impressed their team with their achievements. 

However, the true final nail in the coffin came from Slytherin’s Seeker Echo Solidad. At exactly one hour and forty-three minutes of game -and with a score of 690 to 510 for Hufflepuff-, the shine from the Golden Snitch was caught in the Slytherin’s seeker, who was always one step ahead of Hufflepuff’s Tybalt Tarrowwood. 

A bitter-sweet moment that ended a match with a final score of 690-660 for Hufflepuff.

There is always next season, Slytherin! 

by Jace Hume

Your eyes, ears, and quill reporting in! Today was full of action, suspense and a hint of drama as the court was chock-full with interested Wixen! Who was the topic of the day? The ever brilliant, snazzy, and powerful, Merlin!

For all those news junkies out there, you already knew that today was debate day. As a follow up to an anonymous letter sent in to the Wizengamot, dated 22 April of this year, the court gathered to discuss a very serious request. In regards to the events surrounding the mirrors at Hogwarts in 2030, the letter asked that the Wizengamot consider suspending the use of Merlin’s name. 

For those who somehow missed that chapter of Hogwarts life, and honestly, lucky you, the Mirrorverse was a world inside of an enchanted mirror. Those who happened upon the mirror were pulled or pushed in against their will. They were trapped inside the mirror without magic or a way out! As they entered through the mirror, a magic-made duplicate was produced. The duplicated magical-being had the person’s appearance, personality, memories up to that point, and their wands! The duplicate remained in their places in our world. Eventually, those trapped inside found a way to escape the Mirrorverse. The whole ordeal was frightening for all. Some came back changed. Some did not come back at all. The anonymous author of the letter argued that if Merlin created these mirrors, or had any hand in the magic behind them, then continuing to honour his name without question may feel like ignoring the suffering of those affected. 

This might seem like something for the dustbin of history, but it is not. Really, it’s not. Merlin’s name is stitched rather deeply into our wizarding world. We say it. We study it. We attach it to history, myth, and legends. Merlin’s name is everywhere in our world. He has been such an important focal point that for over five hundred years one of the most prestigious honours a witch, wizard, or wixen can receive is even named for him. The Order of Merlin.

Let’s review that, shall we? We shall! The Order of Merlin is an ancient honour, awarded by the Wizengamot for over five hundred years. It represents the wizarding community’s admiration and has three different levels. Order of Merlin, First Class is the highest level, for outstanding bravery or distinction in magic. Order of Merlin, Second Class is given for achievement or effort beyond the ordinary. And, Order of Merlin, Third Class relates to the contributions to magical knowledge or entertainment. Really class, innit? Imagine being able to put that abbreviated O.M. after your own name someday!?! 

Moving on, we found out some key factors to this particular debate. The main question of the day was whether there was sufficient evidence to justify changing the name of the Order of Merlin. During the discussions, it was brought up that the court would need more information. Questions lingered in the air like the smell of wet tweed and stale Earl Grey. There’s a need to know! Who needs to know? We need to know! What exactly caused this enchantment? What’s the full nature of the magic that was behind it? What was the ‘intent’ of the Mirrorverse? Was the magic created to harm? Was it meant to protect something dangerous from falling into the wrong hands? Did an old enchantment twist itself into something cruel over time? Allegedly, Merlin is pointed to as having some sort of involvement, is he actually responsible? Do we know enough to judge Merlin himself? Can good intentions still leave terrible damage behind? Inquiring minds want to know!

With the lack of solid evidence, even more questions arose almost as fast as the castle cats seem to multiply. Some of what is believed about Merlin’s involvement may come from a portrait and perhaps from writings linked to him. But magical portraits are not perfect witnesses, are they? I’ve had a few grass on me when it wasn’t even me that done it! And, who’s to say that the portrait or the writings were actually Merlin’s doings? We just don’t have all those answers yet.

In the end, the Wizengamot did not vote to rename the Order of Merlin. Not today, Merlin!

Instead, the court chooses investigation over accusation. A Special Commission to Investigate the ‘Mirror’ World at Hogwarts School has been established. It will be led by former Headmistress Aoife O’Keeffe. The commission will take a closer look into what happened in the hopes of finding answers to all those questions, and more! Until that investigation reports back, no new Orders of Merlin are expected to be awarded. Since the honour is not exactly handed out like chocolate frogs, this is more of a careful pause than a grand disaster.

So, where does that leave us? If the Mirrorverse has taught us anything, it is that reflections can be misleading, old stories can hide sharp edges, and sometimes the thing you think you understand needs a much closer look.

Until next time, this has been Jace Hume, British Youth Wizengamot, the Dude on the scene, where Merlin survived the vote, the questions survived the debate, and I survived the roundtrip by Floo! Back to you, Hogwarts.

It appears the Fire-breathing Chickens are no longer… present. What remains instead is a trail of singed feathers, suspiciously smug cats, and the distinct impression that something used to be alive here and then very decisively stopped being alive. For those just now joining this rapidly escalating poultry crisis, a brief refresher may be in order. Fire-breathing Chickens (FBCs) are not, contrary to persistent second-year rumor, the result of magical chickens “finally snapping” after years of egg theft. They are the product of illegal breeding programs designed to create the ultimate fighting bird, highly territorial, aggressively defensive, and equipped with a short-range flame attack. They had recently taken a concerning interest in Hogwarts as their preferred battleground. Normally, this would be the part where we report escalating sightings. Instead, we are reporting… aftermath. Feathers. Everywhere.And cats.A lot of cats. Most notably clustered around the Great Stairwell and long gallery, the castle cats appear to have either resolved the situation or become the final chapter of it.Professor Bane has reiterated the approved survival method remains the G.E.T. protocol: Cast Glacius. Escape. Tell.

Smokescreen charms (Fumos) remain acceptable alternatives, and the Dodge Charm (Evasio) continues to enjoy a surprisingly high success rate among students who prefer not being on fire.What is not recommended includes attempting to feed, pet, or reason with Fire-breathing Chickens, or per one optimistic third-year “befriending them through shared trauma.” However, none of these guidelines account for the current variable: feline presence.While students focused on survival strategy, the castle cats appear to have developed their own interpretation of G.E.T.: Grab. Eat. Territory established. There is no official confirmation of this interpretation. There is also no official denial. At present, no Fire-breathing Chickens have been observed in the Great Stairwell or lower corridors. In their place, there are significantly more cats behaving as though they have just completed a very successful exam season. Whether this represents a natural predator-prey correction, an unsanctioned ecological reset, or simply coincidence involving highly motivated cats and unfortunate poultry remains under investigation.And if you hear soft purring near a pile of ash and feathers: Do not assume it is friendly.Do not assume it is safe. And above all do not assume it is finished.

Field Interview: Imogen Paige (7th Year, Ravenclaw Head Girl)

Paige confirmed she and Professor Bane “might have figured out the cross,” referring to a possible interaction between the Fire-breathing Chickens and the castle’s feline population. She reported that the cats appear to have “handled the Fire-breathing Chicken situation… at least for now,” though she expressed uncertainty regarding the permanence of that outcome. Paige also suggested the cats may represent a hybrid magical classification similar to Pliffler’s creatures whose outward form conceals more complex magical origins.This theory would reframe the situation not as coincidence, but as evidence of an active cross-species system operating within the castle. Further discussion highlighted unusual feline vocalizations described as “caterwauling,” most notably occurring during deteriorating weather conditions.This has led to speculation that the behavior may resemble rare magical phenomena associated with weather-linked vocal responses, though no direct classification has been confirmed.At present, the relationship between weather shifts, vocal activity, and the disappearance of Fire-breathing Chickens remains unverified but increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Theoretical Commentary (Unverified): Professor Jett Bane

Note: The following reflects Professor Bane’s personal theory and is not official Hogwarts classification or confirmed magical research.

Professor Jett Bane suggested the situation may be the result of “mis-breeding,” a category of magical anomaly previously observed in castle-adjacent cases. He proposed the Matagot as the most likely base classification, citing prior observations of uniform black feline behavior and possible replication patterns. He further suggested a secondary influence from Augurey traits, referencing their known sensitivity to incoming storms and characteristic mournful vocalizations during weather shifts. In addition, he raised the possibility of a third contributing factor: the Water Vole, a native British semi-aquatic species whose damp fur and habitat behavior may account for the “soggy” appearance reported in multiple sightings. Bane emphasized that this remains an incomplete and evolving theory, and should not be considered confirmed classification. However, he described it as “the most promising working model currently available.” No Fire-breathing Chickens have been observed since.The cats remain.Whether this represents resolution, escalation, or simply the castle developing yet another problem-solving method remains unknown. And Hogwarts, as always, refuses to clarify.

An Open Letter to the Wizengamot

I write as a concerned graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to the Chief Warlock and the Seated Wizengamot.

I write this open letter not as an historian, but as someone who has witnessed the immeasurable harm caused by the wizard known as “Merlin”. I am only just beginning to recover from the trauma inflicted by his actions, and I now petition for the “Order of Merlin” to be renamed in honour of someone truly worthy.

The events surrounding ‘the mirrors’ are now widely known. We are told that many years ago, Merlin created them to protect an ancient power, capable of trapping individuals and replacing them with magically fabricated duplicates. 

As the year 2030 approached, students – myself included – found ourselves drawn into these mirrors with something wearing our faces sent back into the world to pull more in. Imagine, for just a moment, how this would feel; the loss of identity and watching a shadow form of yourself walking in your shoes and changing your life. Imagine the pain of not knowing if you are the real version – isolated and stripped of autonomy. 

Inside that false world of glass and imitation there was no way out. No magic. No escape. Only a constructed existence, forced to adapt, to survive, and ultimately to confront versions of ourselves in a choice no wixen should ever be forced to face.

Even now, the consequences remain. Some were never returned, and some still remain unaccounted for. And those of us who experienced this curse carry the weight of what was done to us. This is not a closed chapter of our history, but an ongoing and living wound; a wound that becomes torn open each time His name is used, and held as one of the highest honours this country may bestow. For those who suffered this injustice, this name is no longer synonymous with kindness, protection, or wisdom, but with fear, violation, and the loss of sense of self. To continue to elevate His name without question feels like a quiet dismissal of those of us who suffered through His actions.

I do not claim to have all the answers, and if this is a mistaken belief then let it be investigated. But if there is even a chance that the legacy of Merlin is not what was long believed, then we must ask ourselves why we continue to enshrine it without scrutiny. Tradition should not outweigh truth, not without accountability.

I therefore call upon the Chief Warlock and the Seated Wizengamot and, indeed, the wider public, to suspend the use of Merlin’s name pending a full investigation and public vote.

The Ministry’s Response

Minister for Magic, Matthew Soo, has declined to comment on the matter, however a source close to the Minister’s Offices spoke to The Daily Prophet on condition of anonymity.

“Of course the whole Ministry is in uproar with this! But with the elections looming in the next year or so, Soo is obviously sitting on the fence to see what the public actually wants before making a statement for or against! I’ve never seen him so pale before.”

The Daily Prophet has reached out to the Chief Warlock Alistair Colquhoun for response, whilst there is no official statement, the Chief Warlock has confirmed that the Wizengamot will be convened to debate the issue. Whether or not this will be an open debate or not is yet to be seen.

Dear Sir Ladd,

With OWLS and NEWTs just a few months away, what is the best advice the cards have for the 5th &7th years as they study?

Signed,

Stressed Out Wixen

Dear Stressed Out Wixen,

The Nine of Cups, a pick-me-up! This card’s telling that your best studying will not come from panicking yourself into a dark and gloomy corner, unless you like that. You want good notes, good snacks, good rest and good vibes for your brain to actually work. The Nine is all about relief, encouragement and giving yourself the right environment that encourages things to bloom. So revise cleverly. A bit o’the fresh air, comfort and some faith in yourself. OWLs and NEWTs are not conquered by misery, Mate. They are much better tackled with a plan, some sleep and good food!

May your cuppa runneth over,

Lucky Ladd

———-

Dearest Lucky,

On a scale from 1 to 10 how likely am I to pass my potions exam?

(signed under a paw print)

El Gato Azul

Dear El Gato Azul,

Four of Cups isn’t giving me a dramatic doom and gloom sort of feeling. Put away the bag pipes and keep living life. On your scale, I would say you are sitting more around 6-7. The card’s showing a lot of doubt, sulking and staring so hard at what might go wrong that you are missing what’s already in your paws. Mate, you likely know more than you think you do! This card is a nudge to stop stewing over the cauldron, take the help that is there and use what you have got. Revise, ask a question, but don’t let a bad mood convince you that you got an impending failsauce looming in the future before you’ve even sat the exam.

Mind your potion and your pout,

Lucky Ladd

————————————-

Do you have a burning question about homework woes, friendship tangles or why your Transfiguration partner keeps setting things on fire? Lucky Ladd will draw the cards and lay out the answers! Don’t be shy. Your secrets are safe with me. Write Dear Lucky today and see what the cards reveal!

(( https://tinyurl.com/LuckyLadd ))

Why should you be interested?

As mentioned previously, work experience over the summer months provides padding for your C.V. when you graduate. It also enables you to forge connections with the wizarding world for when you do graduate, potentially landing you in jobs further up the ladder!

Who do you need to contact?

Send a letter to your Head of House to organise a meeting discussing which work experience roles you are interested in. Your Head of House will contact the necessary people and relay any required information back to you

Gryffindor – Professor Moore
Hufflepuff – Professor Priaulx
Ravenclaw – Professor Galagher
Slytherin – Professor Rask

What do I need?

• An enthusiasm in the field you’re interested in
• A cover letter detailing your personality, why you’re interested in the position, your OWLs, your predicted NEWTs
• A reference from your Head of House
• Further references if you feel it to be necessary

All submissions MUST be completed by 15th June!

What work experiences positions are open and what does it involve?

Popular Choices

• The Daily Prophet  – working at The Daily Prophet involves early mornings and late nights to assist in the publishing of the newspaper. You will be allocated to a member of the staff who will take you under their wing to guide you in the day to day runnings of the paper, they may take you to press conferences, breaking news events, The International Confederation of Wizards in Switzerland, and more!
• St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries – Due to the complexity of healing, positions at St. Mungo’s will involve shadowing the reception witch with the potential of spending hours shadowing the healers and mediwitches and wizards

The Ministry of Magic

• The Department of Magical Law Enforcement will be taking on one to two students to work alongside a member of the team. 
• Wizengamot Administration Services will be taking on one student who will be able to attend all trials and investigatory hearings
• The Department of Magical Games and Sports, are looking for one student eager and enthusiastic about all aspects of Magical Sports. Free tickets and all access passes to the British & Irish Quidditch League Cup Final are included. 
• The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures will take one to two students. Students will be taken on the majority of patrols with a qualified professional to learn the ropes of wrangling magical creatures
• The Department of Transport will be taking one student to attend floo inspections, apparitions classes, and organising portkeys. Successful students will be taken to Switzerland for the International Confederation of Wizards, and will receive free transport and tickets to the British & Irish League Quidditch Cup Final
• The Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes is looking for one to two enthusiastic students eager to learn about the department and support adjacent departments.
• The Department of the Minister for Magic, will take one student who is enthusiastic about working within the political side of the Ministry. They will work directly under the Minister for Magic’s assistant. Successful students will be taken to Switzerland for the International Confederation of Wizards, and will receive free transport and tickets to the British & Irish League Quidditch Cup Final

Shops

• Quality Quidditch Supplies/Spintwitches Sporting Needs – For all you Quidditch fans the famous Quality Quidditch Supplies and Spintwitches Sporting Needs – who hold branches in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, respectively – will be taking on ONE shop assistant for each branch who will assist in the shops day to day running with the chance of going on buying trips. (OOC Note: this shop does not have an active staff member so you would be creating your RP)
• The Thirsty Dragon – Godric’s Hollow “Cat Pub” sees record numbers in the warmer months so are vying for an enthusiastic work experience student to learn about the running of a pub.
• Magical Menagerie/Eeylops Owl Emporium – The Magical Menagerie and the world renowned Diagon Alley Eeylops Owl Emporium are both looking for students with a keen interest in caring for magical creatures to assist in day to day shop activities (OOC Note: this shop does not have an active staff member so you would be creating your RP)
• Flourish and Blotts – The owner of Flourish and Blotts has expressed an interest in a student with an affinity for books, reading and learning, to help in sourcing the best new books, store maintenance, and shop assistance
• Tomes & Scrolls – Hogsmeade’s book shop has expressed an interest in a student with an affinity for books, reading and learning, to help in sourcing the best new books, store maintenance, and shop assistance
• Goode’s Potions Supply Shop – An affinity for potions is essential in this role where you will work with the owner of the Hogsmeade Apothecary to select the finest ingredients to sell. BYOB (Bring your Own Bezoar)
• Dogweed & Deathcap – The Hogsmeade botany shop is perfect for a herbology enthusiast to assist in the preparation in plant based potions ingredients
• Honeydukes – Hogsmeade based, world famous Honeydukes Sweet Shop has expressed interest in a student with an enthusiasm for Homemaking Magic, candies, and wonder to assist them in the making of magical candies and day to day shop activities.
• Snitches Get Stitches – The up and coming Hogsmeade metal charming shop is looking for a student gifted in Transfigurations and Charms to join the team and learn some skills that the school may not be teaching
• La Porte Rouge – The Godric’s Hollow patisserie is looking for a student with an enthusiasm for baking and learning how to run a small independent business. Any work experience student will get 5% of the income of ALL sales
• Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop – The Hogsmeade cafe is looking for a student with a knack for waiting on tables and excellent communication skills.
• Florean Fortescues – The Godric’s Bay Branch, and The Diagon Alley Branch are looking for two enthusiastic youngsters with a sweet tooth ready to sell sell sell over the hot summer. Any work experience student will get 5% of the income of ALL sales at their chosen location. What an incentive!?
• Shoeburyness Magical Creature Care Centre – The chosen student will be required to join in on the day to day work and responsibilities that come with caring for Magical creatures, and the maintenance of their habitats.

Make sure to organise your meeting with your Head of House and prepare your cover letter, it doesn’t hurt to ask for additional references prior to the meeting too! If you have requests for other lines of work your Head of House will do their best to assist in organising this however cannot make any guarantees.

By Violette Twiggs, who asked for career advice and received twelve different answers and a pamphlet

Returning to the castle after Spring holidays comes with the annual parade of chaos, pollen, and panicked students pretending they care about exams. Yes, the sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and yes, it’s time to open that ancient rune notebook that you’ve tried to ignore since last September. The castle is alive. The students are reckless. Jeeves is thriving. And somewhere, a third-year student is still convinced they can invent a spell that makes homework do itself. (Spoiler: they cannot.)

Yes, it is that time of year again. The weather becomes brighter, the grounds are inviting, and soon, somewhere, quietly and without mercy, every fifth year (and up) will be summoned for what is officially called a Career Advice Meeting with their Head of House (and unofficially known as “The moment you realize you were supposed to have a plan”).

The exact moment of solitude where you have to, without warning, answer the most tricky question you could ever be asked in an academic situation. “What do you want to do with your life?”

Now, this would be reasonable if we were all ancient, wise, and emotionally stable. We are not. We are sleep-deprived teens, hormonal messes, mildly confused at best, and still recovering from that one lesson where something caught fire for reasons no one fully explained.

And yet, here we are. Being told to choose subjects. To specialize. To “think about our future.” As if any of us even know what we are doing next Tuesday.

Let us begin with the process itself.

You sit down. Your Head of House looks at you. Not casually. Not kindly. Evaluatively. There is parchment involved. Possibly notes. Definitely judgment. They pop the question. 

Now, there is always a pause here. A long one. A dangerous one. Because this is the moment where you must decide whether to sound ambitious, realistic, or vaguely mysterious. Most students settle for something along the lines of “I’m considering my options,” which is widely understood to mean “I have no idea, but I would like to leave this room with dignity.”

Unfortunately, dignity is not part of the process.

Because this meeting is not just a polite conversation. It is preparation. For O.W.L.s. For N.E.W.T.s. For your future. You are told, gently but firmly, that your exam results will determine which subjects you can continue, which will determine your career path, which will determine everything that follows, which is a completely unreasonable amount of pressure to place on someone who still occasionally forgets where they left their bag.

But, you are expected to choose. To decide which subjects you will carry forward into N.E.W.T. level. To narrow your focus. To define your path. To look at your current abilities and say, with your best confidence, “yes, I would like more of this.”

Let us examine what that actually means. Each one is presented as essential. Important. Potentially life-defining. Choose wisely, they say. Your future depends on it, they say.

No pressure.

Defense Against the Dark Arts is always presented as the sensible choice. Practical. Essential. Reassuringly useful in situations where things are actively trying to harm you, which, to be fair, is not uncommon here. It is the subject that makes students feel capable, prepared, and slightly heroic, right up until the moment they are asked to demonstrate those skills under pressure while something unpleasant moves toward them with intent. If you are considering a career as an Auror, a Hit Wizard, or anything that involves chasing danger rather than running from it, Defense is non-negotiable. You will need excellent marks, strong reflexes, and the ability to remain calm while your surroundings become increasingly unreasonable. If your instinct is to panic, reconsider. If your instinct is to stand your ground, congratulations, you are either very brave or very optimistic.

Potions, meanwhile, attracts those who enjoy precision and control, which is admirable, because Potions does not tolerate anything else. This is not a subject you can charm your way through. It is not a subject you can “mostly understand.” It is exact. It is demanding. It is the academic equivalent of being handed a ticking situation and told not to make a mistake. Careers in healing, advanced potion-making, and medical magic all rely heavily on Potions. If you aspire to be a Healer, you will be expected to perform under pressure, follow instructions perfectly, and not panic when something starts bubbling in a way it absolutely should not. If your idea of measuring ingredients involves approximation, I suggest you develop a new idea quickly.

Charms is often underestimated, which is impressive considering how quickly it proves people wrong. It looks simple. It sounds simple. It is not simple. Charms requires finesse, timing, and a level of consistency that leaves very little room for error. The worst part is that mistakes are immediately visible. There is no hiding. Your wand either does the thing, or it does not. And everyone knows. Charms opens doors to a wide range of careers, from spellcraft to Ministry work, and is particularly valuable for those who enjoy practical magic that actually functions in daily life. If you like results, Charms will give you results. If you do not, Charms will give you public failure.

Transfiguration is where confidence goes to be tested. It is complex, intricate, and deeply unforgiving. You are not just performing magic. You are altering reality. And reality, as it turns out, has standards. Students who excel in Transfiguration often pursue advanced magical theory, research, or high-level Ministry roles where precision is not optional. If you enjoy challenges that require complete focus and absolute accuracy, this is your subject. If you enjoy guessing, it is not.

Herbology has a reputation for being calm. This reputation is false. Herbology is alive. It reacts. It responds. It occasionally retaliates. It is less about gardening and more about managing organisms that have no interest in cooperating with you. That said, Herbology is essential for careers involving magical plants, potion ingredients, and environmental magic. If you can identify a plant before it attempts to injure you, you are already ahead of most people. If you cannot, you will learn. Quickly.

Care of Magical Creatures is, in many ways, the subject that reveals who you really are. It asks a simple question: do you remain calm when faced with something unpredictable, potentially dangerous, and significantly larger than you. If the answer is yes, you may have a future in magizoology, dragon handling, or any number of creature-related professions. If the answer is no, you may still pass, but your experience will be considerably louder.

Divination is… Divination. It attracts those who are curious, intuitive, and willing to engage with the unknown. It also attracts those who enjoy being right occasionally and mysterious the rest of the time. Results vary dramatically. Careers in Divination are less structured, often involving advisory roles or independent practice. It is a subject that requires patience, interpretation, and a willingness to accept that not everything will make sense immediately. Or ever.

Ancient Runes is for those who enjoy complexity, history, and the satisfaction of understanding something that initially appears impossible. It is quiet, demanding, and deeply rewarding if you commit to it. It is also essential for Curse-Breakers, researchers, and anyone dealing with old magic that has not been updated in several centuries and may be holding a grudge.

Arithmancy is logic. Structure. Patterns. It is the subject for those who find comfort in numbers and clarity in systems. It is also the subject most likely to cause others to slowly excuse themselves from conversations. Arithmancy leads to careers in magical theory, spell development, and analytical roles within the Ministry. If you enjoy understanding how magic works rather than just using it, this is your path. If numbers make you uneasy, consider literally anything else.

Now, in theory, you choose based on interest, ability, and future plans. In practice, students mostly choose based on… which friends they are taking it with, which subject sounds least likely to cause immediate distress, and whether they believe they can survive it with minimal effort.

There are also rumors. Always rumors. “That subject is impossible.” “That one is easy if you just…” “You don’t need that for anything important.” None of these statements have ever been universally true, and yet they continue to influence decisions every single year. One student reportedly chose an entire set of subjects based on a single conversation that began with “I heard it’s fine” and ended with “how bad could it be.” They are currently reconsidering many things. Another attempted to select only subjects that “felt right.” They have since described their schedule as “emotionally challenging.” 

The truth is, choosing your path at Hogwarts is less about certainty and more about educated guessing. You are not expected to have all the answers. You are expected to try, to adapt, and occasionally to realize that what you thought would be easy… is not.This is not failure. This is learning. Annoying, inconvenient learning. So what should you actually do?

Pay attention to what you are good at. Not what you wish you were good at. Not what sounds impressive. What you can actually do without setting something on fire. Consider what interests you. Not in theory. In practice. If you dread every lesson, that may be a sign. And perhaps most importantly, accept that you are not choosing your entire life in one moment. You are choosing your next step. Hogwarts has a remarkable way of adjusting your expectations for you, usually when you least expect it.

So you’re sitting there in your head of house office, and now, after reviewing all of this, you are expected to choose. To look at your strengths. Your weaknesses. Your interests. Your vague, possibly unrealistic career aspirations. And make a decision that feels both informed and entirely premature. Some students leave their career meetings inspired. Others leave confused. Some even leave it with a new trauma. 

The truth is, you are not expected to have everything figured out. Despite how it feels, you are not choosing your entire life. You are choosing what you are willing to continue learning, struggling with, and occasionally questioning at a higher level. So be honest. With yourself, if no one else.

If you hate a subject now, more of it will not improve your feelings. If you are good at something, that matters. If you are choosing based on reputation, rumors, or the vague hope that it will somehow become easier, I wish you the best. You are about to find out exactly how wrong that assumption is.

Spring may be distracting. Exams may be approaching. But this moment, this decision, is one of the few things that will actually follow you beyond the castle walls. No pressure.

No pressure.

Yeah, right.

• V.Twiggs, reporting what no one asked but everyone needed.