Gryffindor Head of House
After five years of teaching Care of Magical Creatures, Magizoologist Professor Wayland returned with the new position of Gryffindor Head of House. Our beloved and very Hufflepuff professor demonstrates his kind, patient, and fair traits to all of his students. But how did this very badgeriffic professor feel about his new position of Gryffindor leader? Fortunately he had some free time and I was able to ask him.
Hello Professor Wayland, thank you for taking some time to sit down with me today. I just wanted to ask some questions!
Hello, Hanna! Thank you for asking me to do this interview! Ask away!
Of course, I’m very interested, though… you know… a little nervous about creatures. But they are fascinating, and obviously so is the man who takes such good care of them. First off, the stock standard one. How did you feel when you were offered the post of Gryffindor Head of House?
Ah thank you, Hanna, and remember if you are nervous you make them nervous...go in with confidence. Well, other than shock, I was very excited and humbled to be asked. It was a great honor.
After the shock settled a little, what did you think you might want to bring to the position of Gryffindor Head of House to make it you?
As you know, Hogwarts can be a very...stressful school at times, and I feel like I am a very laid back person and I wanted the Gryffindors to feel a sense of calm. That was why I decided to have the Bonfire night, which of course every house was invited to, but it was mostly so everyone could relax and enjoy their time here. I hope I was able to bring some relaxation and calm this year after such a difficult term last year. I am not sure it worked, but I hope it did!
Professor, you were a huge rock for so many of us last term, and I don’t think many were able to provide us with the same level of calm that you were. And speaking of, some of your qualities shine through as the Hufflepuff you are, and were of course. But now, as an adult, and being the Head Lion, do you find you relate more with the Gryffindor or Hufflepuff qualities? Or perhaps something entirely different?
Well, thank you for that, Hanna. In times of fear and difficulty, it is always best to stay as calm as possible in any situation. Oh, I am a complete Hufflepuff. There is no question about that! Though it was interesting and really fun to see the inside of another houses common room, I will say that, as well as getting to know the Gryffindor students better. I did enjoy that as well. They are a great group.
I must say I love the Ravenclaw common room so much, but I think a lot about what the other common rooms would look like. So, besides seeing the scarlet and gold common room, what was something else that you were most, and least looking forward to upon becoming the Lion Head?
Yes, seeing he other common rooms is really interesting, indeed! Well, on the most end, it would be getting to interact with my students more. I have loved that about being Head of House. On the least side, I have been so ridiculously busy with Head of House duties, grading papers, lessons, taking care of the creatures. I think my blood is officially Chai now, I have drank so much of it to keep energized! But it has been completely rewarding and I have loved every minute of it.
Mmm Chai, I forever associate that smell now with the hay bales and learning about creatures. Now, we all know you in class but just so we can all get to know you a little better, what is one animal you’ve not had the chance to encounter but would love to?
Ha! Well, I am glad that will be a reminder of my lessons for you. Chai is so calming and delicious! Oh...I may have to think about this for a moment..... well, I have always wanted to encounter the Swooping Evil. Though it would definitely have to be domesticated because in the wild they are quick to attack if you make the wrong move. But I have always found them ridiculously interesting, and completely amazed that Newt Scamander was ever able to keep one.
Goodness me, I might be sick for that lesson! But if there was someone besides Mr. Scamander, I think you’d be the one.
Oh, I don't think I would ever get that creature approved for a lesson, so no worries there! And thank you for that massive compliment! Mr. Scamander is my greatest role model and someone I strive to be like.
Well, thanks again Professor Wayland! I hope your summer is full of fun creatures and relaxing times before you get back to the Lion and teaching duties.
Thank you, Hanna for the interview! I am sure it will be wonderful. I hope yours is fun and relaxing as well.
Hello Professor Wayland, thank you for taking some time to sit down with me today. I just wanted to ask some questions!
Hello, Hanna! Thank you for asking me to do this interview! Ask away!
Of course, I’m very interested, though… you know… a little nervous about creatures. But they are fascinating, and obviously so is the man who takes such good care of them. First off, the stock standard one. How did you feel when you were offered the post of Gryffindor Head of House?
Ah thank you, Hanna, and remember if you are nervous you make them nervous...go in with confidence. Well, other than shock, I was very excited and humbled to be asked. It was a great honor.
After the shock settled a little, what did you think you might want to bring to the position of Gryffindor Head of House to make it you?
As you know, Hogwarts can be a very...stressful school at times, and I feel like I am a very laid back person and I wanted the Gryffindors to feel a sense of calm. That was why I decided to have the Bonfire night, which of course every house was invited to, but it was mostly so everyone could relax and enjoy their time here. I hope I was able to bring some relaxation and calm this year after such a difficult term last year. I am not sure it worked, but I hope it did!
Professor, you were a huge rock for so many of us last term, and I don’t think many were able to provide us with the same level of calm that you were. And speaking of, some of your qualities shine through as the Hufflepuff you are, and were of course. But now, as an adult, and being the Head Lion, do you find you relate more with the Gryffindor or Hufflepuff qualities? Or perhaps something entirely different?
Well, thank you for that, Hanna. In times of fear and difficulty, it is always best to stay as calm as possible in any situation. Oh, I am a complete Hufflepuff. There is no question about that! Though it was interesting and really fun to see the inside of another houses common room, I will say that, as well as getting to know the Gryffindor students better. I did enjoy that as well. They are a great group.
I must say I love the Ravenclaw common room so much, but I think a lot about what the other common rooms would look like. So, besides seeing the scarlet and gold common room, what was something else that you were most, and least looking forward to upon becoming the Lion Head?
Yes, seeing he other common rooms is really interesting, indeed! Well, on the most end, it would be getting to interact with my students more. I have loved that about being Head of House. On the least side, I have been so ridiculously busy with Head of House duties, grading papers, lessons, taking care of the creatures. I think my blood is officially Chai now, I have drank so much of it to keep energized! But it has been completely rewarding and I have loved every minute of it.
Mmm Chai, I forever associate that smell now with the hay bales and learning about creatures. Now, we all know you in class but just so we can all get to know you a little better, what is one animal you’ve not had the chance to encounter but would love to?
Ha! Well, I am glad that will be a reminder of my lessons for you. Chai is so calming and delicious! Oh...I may have to think about this for a moment..... well, I have always wanted to encounter the Swooping Evil. Though it would definitely have to be domesticated because in the wild they are quick to attack if you make the wrong move. But I have always found them ridiculously interesting, and completely amazed that Newt Scamander was ever able to keep one.
Goodness me, I might be sick for that lesson! But if there was someone besides Mr. Scamander, I think you’d be the one.
Oh, I don't think I would ever get that creature approved for a lesson, so no worries there! And thank you for that massive compliment! Mr. Scamander is my greatest role model and someone I strive to be like.
Well, thanks again Professor Wayland! I hope your summer is full of fun creatures and relaxing times before you get back to the Lion and teaching duties.
Thank you, Hanna for the interview! I am sure it will be wonderful. I hope yours is fun and relaxing as well.
Gryffindor Prefects
If you haven't had a chance to meet the WISE, UPLIFTING, and WHOLESOME Gryffindor prefect Abraham Botros, then you just haven't lived. This reporter had a chance to sit down with this absolute ray of sunshine to pick his brain about life as a student leader and other interesting topics.
Hi, Abraham Botros. JUNIOR. Tell me truthfully and for posterity, what nickname do you prefer?
Hi! Okay, well, actually, I prefer the nickname Abra, but I don't get mad or upset or anything if people call me anything else. As long as they're not being mean about it, you know.
This was your second term as prefect and your third as a house leader. How did it feel coming back as prefect after everything that happened last term?
My first term as prefect was really, really stressful actually, so I was sort of nervous to come back to the same role, even though we were pretty sure everything was going to get more or less back to normal. After how strict everything was last term, it was difficult to sort of gauge exactly how prefect-y we needed to be this year, but I think I adjusted to things okay.
Do you sort of wish you could have just stayed quidditch captain forever? I mean, people hate you less, it seems. Not you. No one hates you.
Well, sort of, because being a prefect does mean you have to behave in ways that can make you unpopular with other students. But, actually, my year as quidditch captain was even more stressful; I had to let a bunch of people down who tried out for the quidditch team, and I found that really difficult.
What was the best thing about being a house leader this term?
Maybe this is a predictable answer but for me it will always be the prefects' bathroom. That place alone is well worth all the responsibility of being a badge-holder.
And the worst? You can be as honest as you’re comfortable.
Definitely getting on Trent's not-so-good side after that whole multiple Max Carden fiasco. He's a really good headmaster - Trent, I mean, not Max Carden, though maybe he would be too, I don't know - so disappointing him was... well... it wasn't fun.
Tell us some of the places you like to be quiet and alone at Hogwarts.
I actually hate being alone around Hogwarts, and I usually make sure I have company if possible. That being said, I like flying around the quidditch pitch when I need some quiet time on my own, though it's rare that I ever find the pitch empty. Other than that, anywhere that I can paint or play my guitar are my favourite places to go and unwind.
Where will I see your name in lights in the future? What are your plans after graduation?
Well! Actually, I'll be releasing some music as soon as possible, so maybe look out for my name in your local music shop. I'm hoping to make it in the music business, but if that doesn't go well, then I have magical portraiture as my back-up plan. I'm not bothering with university, I never was very good in school.
There are a ton of Botroses running around these days. I come from a big family too, so like… how do you make your own mark? What do you think your legacy is?
That's a really good question, and actually it's something I've worried about ever since I was little. With so many Botroses it was always easy to believe I'd never live up to the family name or achieve something that hadn't already been done. But I think that, actually, it's no good if worrying about all of that makes me so stressed out all the time. I'd rather be happy and just do what I can do and be known as the Botros who followed his heart. Not that I don't still get anxious about living up to the Botros name and leaving my own individual legacy behind; I do, and it worries me to think that I might not ever do anything that will make me worth remembering, but still, I try not to dwell on it much, if possible.
What will you actually miss about this place once you’re gone?
That's easy, my friends. All the friends I've made at school. And some of the professors, too. Just... the people. They made a lot of more trying times really worth it, and I'll miss them.
Share your life motto with the future generations.
I don't actually have a life motto, but let's pretend it's something really wise and profound and wholesome and uplifting. Or something that makes me sound cool.
Hi, Abraham Botros. JUNIOR. Tell me truthfully and for posterity, what nickname do you prefer?
Hi! Okay, well, actually, I prefer the nickname Abra, but I don't get mad or upset or anything if people call me anything else. As long as they're not being mean about it, you know.
This was your second term as prefect and your third as a house leader. How did it feel coming back as prefect after everything that happened last term?
My first term as prefect was really, really stressful actually, so I was sort of nervous to come back to the same role, even though we were pretty sure everything was going to get more or less back to normal. After how strict everything was last term, it was difficult to sort of gauge exactly how prefect-y we needed to be this year, but I think I adjusted to things okay.
Do you sort of wish you could have just stayed quidditch captain forever? I mean, people hate you less, it seems. Not you. No one hates you.
Well, sort of, because being a prefect does mean you have to behave in ways that can make you unpopular with other students. But, actually, my year as quidditch captain was even more stressful; I had to let a bunch of people down who tried out for the quidditch team, and I found that really difficult.
What was the best thing about being a house leader this term?
Maybe this is a predictable answer but for me it will always be the prefects' bathroom. That place alone is well worth all the responsibility of being a badge-holder.
And the worst? You can be as honest as you’re comfortable.
Definitely getting on Trent's not-so-good side after that whole multiple Max Carden fiasco. He's a really good headmaster - Trent, I mean, not Max Carden, though maybe he would be too, I don't know - so disappointing him was... well... it wasn't fun.
Tell us some of the places you like to be quiet and alone at Hogwarts.
I actually hate being alone around Hogwarts, and I usually make sure I have company if possible. That being said, I like flying around the quidditch pitch when I need some quiet time on my own, though it's rare that I ever find the pitch empty. Other than that, anywhere that I can paint or play my guitar are my favourite places to go and unwind.
Where will I see your name in lights in the future? What are your plans after graduation?
Well! Actually, I'll be releasing some music as soon as possible, so maybe look out for my name in your local music shop. I'm hoping to make it in the music business, but if that doesn't go well, then I have magical portraiture as my back-up plan. I'm not bothering with university, I never was very good in school.
There are a ton of Botroses running around these days. I come from a big family too, so like… how do you make your own mark? What do you think your legacy is?
That's a really good question, and actually it's something I've worried about ever since I was little. With so many Botroses it was always easy to believe I'd never live up to the family name or achieve something that hadn't already been done. But I think that, actually, it's no good if worrying about all of that makes me so stressed out all the time. I'd rather be happy and just do what I can do and be known as the Botros who followed his heart. Not that I don't still get anxious about living up to the Botros name and leaving my own individual legacy behind; I do, and it worries me to think that I might not ever do anything that will make me worth remembering, but still, I try not to dwell on it much, if possible.
What will you actually miss about this place once you’re gone?
That's easy, my friends. All the friends I've made at school. And some of the professors, too. Just... the people. They made a lot of more trying times really worth it, and I'll miss them.
Share your life motto with the future generations.
I don't actually have a life motto, but let's pretend it's something really wise and profound and wholesome and uplifting. Or something that makes me sound cool.
If you've met the sixth year Gryffindor Prefect Stasya Dalgaard-Volkova, you already know her by her warm smile, shiny blond hair (not a single one out of place), and how she practically haunts the barns. If you haven't met her, then you're in luck... this reporter sat down with her recently on your behalf!
Hi, Stas! It’s been my pleasure to be your friend during our time at Hogwarts. Thanks for answering my questions.
Me too! I’m glad I got to know you and be your friend too, and that you and Derf have each other now.
So this was your THIRD term as prefect. How did it compare to the last two?
That’s kind of weird to think about. I’ve been doing this for three years… I’m kind of surprised I didn’t lose my position last term when Headmaster Scrimgeour was here. No matter how much I pretended I’m pretty sure he knew I didn’t agree with him. But I’m still here and I’m lucky to still be able to show the younger students how to be the best they can.
I’m kind of surprised you were willing to come back after how hard last term was on people. What convinced you to continue on as prefect?
There were times I thought about stepping down. But I had some good mentors who helped me realize I’m stronger than I thought I was. I’m grateful I still was able to stay in contact with them during the worst parts, even if I had to do it secretly. Professor Hirsch taught me that I needed to do things for myself, not just to make others proud. While I still want people to be proud of me, I’ve tried to remember that. Staying is the best thing I could have done.
What do you appreciate most about the job?
I appreciate being able to be there for the younger students, like how people were there for me when I was an ickle and struggling with a lot. I know I could do that without my badge, but it does make things easier. That and maybe I can help people realize that we aren’t scary.
What’s the woooooorst part? I know my answer, but what’s yours?
Knowing that the headmaster expects the best from us, because we’re supposed to be role models for the others. Sometimes I struggle with that because I’m just me. I don’t always make the best decisions, but I try to make the ones that won’t hurt anyone?
What are some suggestions for romantic date spots on the grounds?
This is a weird question, y’know. Considering I’m known for practically living in the barns and they’re hardly romantic. But picnics by the lake can be nice. Everyone’s ideas of what’s romantic are different.
What will you actually miss about Hogwarts once you’re gone?
I don’t know if it’s one thing. I mean, I think Hogwarts has taught me a lot about who I am. I’ll miss that, and I’ll miss the professors who will still be here. The creatures in the barns.
We’re GRADUATING. Wild, right? What are your plans next term?
I’M GOING TO MISS YOU GUYS!!!!!!!! But anyway, I think I want next term to be, hopefully, less stressful. I’m hoping I won’t have to worry about mutants or minions or anything else like that. SO I can be the best prefect I can be.
You’ll keep in touch, right?
Of course I will! I always keep in touch with my friends.
Any advice to pass along to future generations?
Remember that you shouldn’t do things just to please other people. You have to make decisions that are best for you, and just because someone isn’t around, you don’t have to forget them and how they’ve helped you be who you’re meant to be.
Hi, Stas! It’s been my pleasure to be your friend during our time at Hogwarts. Thanks for answering my questions.
Me too! I’m glad I got to know you and be your friend too, and that you and Derf have each other now.
So this was your THIRD term as prefect. How did it compare to the last two?
That’s kind of weird to think about. I’ve been doing this for three years… I’m kind of surprised I didn’t lose my position last term when Headmaster Scrimgeour was here. No matter how much I pretended I’m pretty sure he knew I didn’t agree with him. But I’m still here and I’m lucky to still be able to show the younger students how to be the best they can.
I’m kind of surprised you were willing to come back after how hard last term was on people. What convinced you to continue on as prefect?
There were times I thought about stepping down. But I had some good mentors who helped me realize I’m stronger than I thought I was. I’m grateful I still was able to stay in contact with them during the worst parts, even if I had to do it secretly. Professor Hirsch taught me that I needed to do things for myself, not just to make others proud. While I still want people to be proud of me, I’ve tried to remember that. Staying is the best thing I could have done.
What do you appreciate most about the job?
I appreciate being able to be there for the younger students, like how people were there for me when I was an ickle and struggling with a lot. I know I could do that without my badge, but it does make things easier. That and maybe I can help people realize that we aren’t scary.
What’s the woooooorst part? I know my answer, but what’s yours?
Knowing that the headmaster expects the best from us, because we’re supposed to be role models for the others. Sometimes I struggle with that because I’m just me. I don’t always make the best decisions, but I try to make the ones that won’t hurt anyone?
What are some suggestions for romantic date spots on the grounds?
This is a weird question, y’know. Considering I’m known for practically living in the barns and they’re hardly romantic. But picnics by the lake can be nice. Everyone’s ideas of what’s romantic are different.
What will you actually miss about Hogwarts once you’re gone?
I don’t know if it’s one thing. I mean, I think Hogwarts has taught me a lot about who I am. I’ll miss that, and I’ll miss the professors who will still be here. The creatures in the barns.
We’re GRADUATING. Wild, right? What are your plans next term?
I’M GOING TO MISS YOU GUYS!!!!!!!! But anyway, I think I want next term to be, hopefully, less stressful. I’m hoping I won’t have to worry about mutants or minions or anything else like that. SO I can be the best prefect I can be.
You’ll keep in touch, right?
Of course I will! I always keep in touch with my friends.
Any advice to pass along to future generations?
Remember that you shouldn’t do things just to please other people. You have to make decisions that are best for you, and just because someone isn’t around, you don’t have to forget them and how they’ve helped you be who you’re meant to be.