Slytherin Head of House
Taking over from Mr. McLeod last term, Professor Laurel Vance has taken it upon herself to continue to lead Slytherin to glory, as they have these past three years. Or, at least, she certainly tried. A certain other house objectively gave our proud snakes quite a bit more than their standard run for their galleons, thus effectively ending their extended streak as House Cup holders. But, never mind that--this isn't about Gryffindor! And who better than two of her current Slytherins to introduce the woman in question:
"Professor Vance is helpful and sweet and didn't let being Head of House overwhelm her." -- Daisy Carden, Slytherin sixth year, the Future of Quidditch.
"Professor Vance is a great Divination teacher as she is Head of House. Reliable, if a bit too nice for my taste, but altogether she gets te job done. I appreciate her presence. It's nice to have a woman in charge." -- Anonymous Slytherin sixth year.
Nothing I can say can top that so I won't try. Now, let's see what Professor Vance herself has to say:
1. This was your first term as Head of House. Was it challenging? Do you recall any particularly tricky experiences that you'd not mind sharing?
Tricky is not exactly as I'd label the experiences during the year but I had to deal with a lot of teen girl drama over boys and who stole whose lipstick. And, please, don't get me started on what I thought about the incident in the boys' dorms where some older years not naming names thought it funny to replay the Creaothceann game that Mr Baldvinsson had taught in Flying class. It resulted in utter chaos and quite a few bruises and scratches, some head bumps and more than one broken personal item. The Bloody Baron isn't exactly known for his tact so I had to deal with some student complaints against him too during the course of the year. But it mostly resolved itself since the easiest advice to give when talking to His Bloodiness is to remain polite and respectful and it usually goes well.
2. Brent and Tejashree did amazingly well in the IMPS. Do you have any words of advice for them in any future endeavors?
Tejashree and Brent did absolutely amazingly well in the IMPS competition. I'm so proud of them. I know they were talented and knowledgeable students before but they really impressed me with how well they both did in the different challenges. I believe that they both have brilliant futures ahead of them. I'm positive that they can in a few years time pick and choose among the many professions out there especially those that are hands on and practical like Auror and Cursebreaker to name two since they both seem fit to work with that if they wish. Regardless of where they dream to work I'd feel honoured to write a letter of recommendation down the line if they'd asked me too.
3. How has it been working with Rula and Oliver?
Working alongside Rula and Oliver has been inspiring, fun and a pleasure. It is nice to see snake teenagers that are responsible, hardworking, considerate and thoughtful. They really made their snake peers feel at home and were my trusted eyes and ears in the common room when I couldn't be there. I'm a little sad that Rula is graduating since she is a lovely young lady. I wish all the best in her life and endeavours outside Hogwarts.
4. Describe yourself in seven words or less.
Just seven words Levi? That's not easy for a woman, but I'll try. I'm a seer, ambitious, empathetic, calm, longsighted, stubborn, was taught to see to herself first and thus has used self-preservation to get herself out of many sticky situations, feminist and of course loving and loyal.
5. Mercifully, summer is nearly here. Any big plans for you?
Hm, well some plans will be like most students since I long very much to spend time with my family. Owl letters isn't the same as talking face to face you know? As for other plans I will for the first time go away for a week with a former Hogwarts professor; Imogen Greyvson to a muggle spa in Ireland. I'm not sure what you do there at the spa, but I've heard they have swimming pools and yoga classes. And I will of course also go away and meet other seers for a conference in Rome but that's secret so you can't tell anyone, promise?
"Professor Vance is helpful and sweet and didn't let being Head of House overwhelm her." -- Daisy Carden, Slytherin sixth year, the Future of Quidditch.
"Professor Vance is a great Divination teacher as she is Head of House. Reliable, if a bit too nice for my taste, but altogether she gets te job done. I appreciate her presence. It's nice to have a woman in charge." -- Anonymous Slytherin sixth year.
Nothing I can say can top that so I won't try. Now, let's see what Professor Vance herself has to say:
1. This was your first term as Head of House. Was it challenging? Do you recall any particularly tricky experiences that you'd not mind sharing?
Tricky is not exactly as I'd label the experiences during the year but I had to deal with a lot of teen girl drama over boys and who stole whose lipstick. And, please, don't get me started on what I thought about the incident in the boys' dorms where some older years not naming names thought it funny to replay the Creaothceann game that Mr Baldvinsson had taught in Flying class. It resulted in utter chaos and quite a few bruises and scratches, some head bumps and more than one broken personal item. The Bloody Baron isn't exactly known for his tact so I had to deal with some student complaints against him too during the course of the year. But it mostly resolved itself since the easiest advice to give when talking to His Bloodiness is to remain polite and respectful and it usually goes well.
2. Brent and Tejashree did amazingly well in the IMPS. Do you have any words of advice for them in any future endeavors?
Tejashree and Brent did absolutely amazingly well in the IMPS competition. I'm so proud of them. I know they were talented and knowledgeable students before but they really impressed me with how well they both did in the different challenges. I believe that they both have brilliant futures ahead of them. I'm positive that they can in a few years time pick and choose among the many professions out there especially those that are hands on and practical like Auror and Cursebreaker to name two since they both seem fit to work with that if they wish. Regardless of where they dream to work I'd feel honoured to write a letter of recommendation down the line if they'd asked me too.
3. How has it been working with Rula and Oliver?
Working alongside Rula and Oliver has been inspiring, fun and a pleasure. It is nice to see snake teenagers that are responsible, hardworking, considerate and thoughtful. They really made their snake peers feel at home and were my trusted eyes and ears in the common room when I couldn't be there. I'm a little sad that Rula is graduating since she is a lovely young lady. I wish all the best in her life and endeavours outside Hogwarts.
4. Describe yourself in seven words or less.
Just seven words Levi? That's not easy for a woman, but I'll try. I'm a seer, ambitious, empathetic, calm, longsighted, stubborn, was taught to see to herself first and thus has used self-preservation to get herself out of many sticky situations, feminist and of course loving and loyal.
5. Mercifully, summer is nearly here. Any big plans for you?
Hm, well some plans will be like most students since I long very much to spend time with my family. Owl letters isn't the same as talking face to face you know? As for other plans I will for the first time go away for a week with a former Hogwarts professor; Imogen Greyvson to a muggle spa in Ireland. I'm not sure what you do there at the spa, but I've heard they have swimming pools and yoga classes. And I will of course also go away and meet other seers for a conference in Rome but that's secret so you can't tell anyone, promise?
Slytherin Prefects
The Botros name is not an unfamiliar one to the castle walls. Granddaughter to the late Hogwarts Head Master, Abraham Botros, Rula Botros carried on her namesake's legacy with grace and strength - which seems very fitting for someone with a swan patronus wand unicorn hair wand core! The task of becoming Head Girl without previous prefect experience may be daunting for some, but Rula handled herself with poise and enthusiasm (not to mentioned dazzling us with her dueling skills!). I had the opportunity to sit down with the Head Girl while she was on break from her NEWT studies to ask her a few super important questions about how her final term at Hogwarts was, her future, and just how awesome her cousin is.
1. Head Girl...woooooooow! What was THAT like?! Were you super nervous or excited or something ELSE when you first pinned the badge to your robes?
All of the above! I was really, REALLY shocked when the owl arrived with the badge, and I definitely freaked out a little, but then once that wore off I was pretty excited and nervous, especially once I got on the train and it was all really official and stuff.
2. I heard you mastered your patronus this term after lots and lots of practice. Congratulations!
Thank you! It's taken me over a year to get to this point, so I'm quite excited that it's finally paid off.
3. So since you like, you know, can make a patronus and all...you totally could have handled that first task! Do you wish the Book of Merlin had picked you to represent in IMPS?
Oh, not really. I'm sure it's very different casting a Patronus in a school room versus casting one in a challenge like that, so I don't know if I could have managed that. I think the Book of Merlin knew what it was doing when it chose the champions, and I had a lot of other things on my plate this term already, so I'm okay that it didn't pick me.
4. Isn't Abey AWESOME and like...you know...just the BEST?
He certainly is! He's lovely and so brave.
5. When can we expect yet another Botros to leave a famous mark on the Wizarding community? What mark do YOU hope to leave?
Well my youngest sister and brother are coming to Hogwarts next term! And who knows what other Botroses the future might bring! As for me...I hope I have changed and will change the world somehow. Even if I haven't actually left a mark on the whole world at large yet - if I've helped change someone's world for the better here, then I'm happy.
6. You're also like a REALLY amazing dueler. Is that all self study? Do you have a special mentor? Naturally BRILLIANT?
Thank you! Definitely a lot of self study, plus lots of things that I've picked up over the years in Defense lessons and paying attention to what my opponents do in a duel. It's good to pay attention to what mistakes you made and the good moves your opponent made, so you can prepare for that and improve your strategies for the next time.
7. Who was your biggest influence at Hogwarts? Who was it helped shaped you into the person that gained that Head Girl badge?
Oh Merlin...I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one big influence. So many people have influenced me over the years, even if they didn't intend to. My whole family of course, the friends I've made both at Durmstrang and here, the professors... But I guess if I had to narrow it down to someone who's still currently at Hogwarts...I think I'd say Professor Myers? I've never been a huge fan of Herbology outside of certain topics, and I had planned to drop it after my OWLs, but I grew to respect the subject as a whole because of his teaching, so I actually decided to keep the class instead. And I think that was important for me to learn that a subject can still be interesting and fun even if it's not initially something you're into. Plus I appreciate that he didn't just give up on me even when I didn't do as well as other students. I think that's influenced me a lot.
8. What spell or charm would you say is your bread and butter?
Probably...something like Obscuro. I like trying to disorient the opponent and catch them off guard if I can.
9. Let's visualize for a second....where do you see yourself in five...or even ten years? Where are you and what are you doing?
Hmm, in five years...hopefully I'll have graduated uni by then and found a teaching job somewhere. And I'll be married and maybe have at least one child by then! Aaaand of course still getting to see my family and friends as often as possible. And in ten years pretty much the same, only definitely having somewhere to teach by then and being an awesome teacher of course, and hopefully have a few more kids too!
10. What legacy do you hope you've left behind as a Hogwarts student and Head Girl?
Hopefully one that helps people embrace who they are. To not let others box you in and tell you what you have to be like because of your house or your school or anything else. You get to decide who you are and who you want to be. If I've inspired anyone in that regard, then I would be happy with that legacy.
1. Head Girl...woooooooow! What was THAT like?! Were you super nervous or excited or something ELSE when you first pinned the badge to your robes?
All of the above! I was really, REALLY shocked when the owl arrived with the badge, and I definitely freaked out a little, but then once that wore off I was pretty excited and nervous, especially once I got on the train and it was all really official and stuff.
2. I heard you mastered your patronus this term after lots and lots of practice. Congratulations!
Thank you! It's taken me over a year to get to this point, so I'm quite excited that it's finally paid off.
3. So since you like, you know, can make a patronus and all...you totally could have handled that first task! Do you wish the Book of Merlin had picked you to represent in IMPS?
Oh, not really. I'm sure it's very different casting a Patronus in a school room versus casting one in a challenge like that, so I don't know if I could have managed that. I think the Book of Merlin knew what it was doing when it chose the champions, and I had a lot of other things on my plate this term already, so I'm okay that it didn't pick me.
4. Isn't Abey AWESOME and like...you know...just the BEST?
He certainly is! He's lovely and so brave.
5. When can we expect yet another Botros to leave a famous mark on the Wizarding community? What mark do YOU hope to leave?
Well my youngest sister and brother are coming to Hogwarts next term! And who knows what other Botroses the future might bring! As for me...I hope I have changed and will change the world somehow. Even if I haven't actually left a mark on the whole world at large yet - if I've helped change someone's world for the better here, then I'm happy.
6. You're also like a REALLY amazing dueler. Is that all self study? Do you have a special mentor? Naturally BRILLIANT?
Thank you! Definitely a lot of self study, plus lots of things that I've picked up over the years in Defense lessons and paying attention to what my opponents do in a duel. It's good to pay attention to what mistakes you made and the good moves your opponent made, so you can prepare for that and improve your strategies for the next time.
7. Who was your biggest influence at Hogwarts? Who was it helped shaped you into the person that gained that Head Girl badge?
Oh Merlin...I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one big influence. So many people have influenced me over the years, even if they didn't intend to. My whole family of course, the friends I've made both at Durmstrang and here, the professors... But I guess if I had to narrow it down to someone who's still currently at Hogwarts...I think I'd say Professor Myers? I've never been a huge fan of Herbology outside of certain topics, and I had planned to drop it after my OWLs, but I grew to respect the subject as a whole because of his teaching, so I actually decided to keep the class instead. And I think that was important for me to learn that a subject can still be interesting and fun even if it's not initially something you're into. Plus I appreciate that he didn't just give up on me even when I didn't do as well as other students. I think that's influenced me a lot.
8. What spell or charm would you say is your bread and butter?
Probably...something like Obscuro. I like trying to disorient the opponent and catch them off guard if I can.
9. Let's visualize for a second....where do you see yourself in five...or even ten years? Where are you and what are you doing?
Hmm, in five years...hopefully I'll have graduated uni by then and found a teaching job somewhere. And I'll be married and maybe have at least one child by then! Aaaand of course still getting to see my family and friends as often as possible. And in ten years pretty much the same, only definitely having somewhere to teach by then and being an awesome teacher of course, and hopefully have a few more kids too!
10. What legacy do you hope you've left behind as a Hogwarts student and Head Girl?
Hopefully one that helps people embrace who they are. To not let others box you in and tell you what you have to be like because of your house or your school or anything else. You get to decide who you are and who you want to be. If I've inspired anyone in that regard, then I would be happy with that legacy.
Saying his name is rather like eating a Ton-Tongue Toffee because it is so heavy in length, but also because Oliver Borzekowski-Thomas is just as vivid in personality as rainbow colored confectionery. Not to be confused with his Gryffindor twin sister (even though their names DO sound kinda similiar), this first term Slytherin prefect not only knows how to handle a wand, but is also talented with a whisk and paintbrush too! The sixth year was awesome enough to take some time out of his prefecting patrols to answer a few choice questions so we could get to know a bit more just what makes this Slytherin hiss.
1. First things first, what was it like when you found out you had been selected to be prefect?
To be honest, I was a bit scared. It seemed like such an important role and I wasn't sure why I had been chosen for it. I was afraid that I was going to do something wrong and let everyone down. But those fears subsided over time and I have really loved the opportunity.
2. Since you are in the kitchens ALL the time baking and stuff...do you have a pretty good repertoire with the house elves? Who is your favorite?
I don't think I could pick a favorite house elf. First of all, they're all so nice. And second, I don't want to be rude, you know. Don't offend those who make your food.
3. What baked good do you associate with house with?
Wow, that's a hard one. Hufflepuff would be something simple and sweet. Maybe some kind of pie. Gryffindor would be a flavor combination that seems strange but is actually really good. You know, something you'd have to be a bit brave to even try. Ravenclaw might be some kind of elaborately decorated cake that obviously took a lot of talent to make. And Slytherin would be… brownies. Yummy, gooey, chocolatey brownies.
4. Okay....but back to house elves. Are they what inspired you to bake?
No. I think my love of the food is what inspired me to bake.
5. I hear you also paint and stuff! What are your favorite kinds of things to paint?
Yeah I do! I like painting scenery, and luckily Hogwarts has no shortage of beautiful views. I also really like to paint my friends. There's not really anything I wouldn't love to paint.
6. Does art school seem to be your path after Hogwarts?
No, not art school. I love art and would like to study it on the side, but my main plans right now are to go to university to study social work. My hope is to help as many kids as possible have the safe and happy childhoods they deserve.
7. Speaking of Hogwarts and all, which Slytherin house trait do you feel best describes you?
When people think loyalty they usually think Hufflepuff, but I've come to see that it's also a very Slytherin trait, just in maybe a different way. Slytherins may not be known for their overt friendliness but, in my experience, they are very protective of the people they hold dear. I would do anything for those that I have chosen as my people.
8. What did you think of the IMPS and your fellow Slytherins selected to represent your house in the competition?
I have to admit that at first I was just a little jealous that I wasn't selected to compete. But after seeing what the champions had to do I was glad that I was just watching. I don't know either of the Slytherin champions personally but I think they did a great job. All of them did.
9. What is something you learned about yourself this term?
I think I've finally learned that I actually was meant to be a Slytherin.
10. Next term is your last here at Hogwarts, what five things do you hope to cross off your Hogwarts bucket list by the end of next term?
1. Study hard and do well on all my NEWTs.
2. Make sure all my friends know how much they mean to me.
3. Continue being the best prefect I can and make all the new first years feel welcome.
4. Make Professor Myers cry (this one will be easy).
5. Do something that'll make sure I'm not forgotten after I graduate
1. First things first, what was it like when you found out you had been selected to be prefect?
To be honest, I was a bit scared. It seemed like such an important role and I wasn't sure why I had been chosen for it. I was afraid that I was going to do something wrong and let everyone down. But those fears subsided over time and I have really loved the opportunity.
2. Since you are in the kitchens ALL the time baking and stuff...do you have a pretty good repertoire with the house elves? Who is your favorite?
I don't think I could pick a favorite house elf. First of all, they're all so nice. And second, I don't want to be rude, you know. Don't offend those who make your food.
3. What baked good do you associate with house with?
Wow, that's a hard one. Hufflepuff would be something simple and sweet. Maybe some kind of pie. Gryffindor would be a flavor combination that seems strange but is actually really good. You know, something you'd have to be a bit brave to even try. Ravenclaw might be some kind of elaborately decorated cake that obviously took a lot of talent to make. And Slytherin would be… brownies. Yummy, gooey, chocolatey brownies.
4. Okay....but back to house elves. Are they what inspired you to bake?
No. I think my love of the food is what inspired me to bake.
5. I hear you also paint and stuff! What are your favorite kinds of things to paint?
Yeah I do! I like painting scenery, and luckily Hogwarts has no shortage of beautiful views. I also really like to paint my friends. There's not really anything I wouldn't love to paint.
6. Does art school seem to be your path after Hogwarts?
No, not art school. I love art and would like to study it on the side, but my main plans right now are to go to university to study social work. My hope is to help as many kids as possible have the safe and happy childhoods they deserve.
7. Speaking of Hogwarts and all, which Slytherin house trait do you feel best describes you?
When people think loyalty they usually think Hufflepuff, but I've come to see that it's also a very Slytherin trait, just in maybe a different way. Slytherins may not be known for their overt friendliness but, in my experience, they are very protective of the people they hold dear. I would do anything for those that I have chosen as my people.
8. What did you think of the IMPS and your fellow Slytherins selected to represent your house in the competition?
I have to admit that at first I was just a little jealous that I wasn't selected to compete. But after seeing what the champions had to do I was glad that I was just watching. I don't know either of the Slytherin champions personally but I think they did a great job. All of them did.
9. What is something you learned about yourself this term?
I think I've finally learned that I actually was meant to be a Slytherin.
10. Next term is your last here at Hogwarts, what five things do you hope to cross off your Hogwarts bucket list by the end of next term?
1. Study hard and do well on all my NEWTs.
2. Make sure all my friends know how much they mean to me.
3. Continue being the best prefect I can and make all the new first years feel welcome.
4. Make Professor Myers cry (this one will be easy).
5. Do something that'll make sure I'm not forgotten after I graduate