SSRPG Yearbook Term 50
Hufflepuff Head of House
Professor Ignatius Noble is known for his impressive potions skills and-dare we say-prickly demeanor. Recently he added another identifier to his résumé. This term, he took on the role of Hufflepuff Head of House following the departure of Professor Myers, a friend and former colleague of Noble. There were certainly big shoes to fill, but the potions master seemed more than ready to take on the challenge and help lead the badgers by example.
Hello Professor, thanks for taking time out to answer a few questions. First off, how did you feel about taking on the role of Head of House for Hufflepuff this term?
Of course. It was with mixed emotions, given it meant the retirement of Professor Myers...but I also felt ready to take on a new challenge in my Hogwarts career.
This was a year of change as far as faculty was concerned. How did you feel about the rules implemented by Headmaster Scrimgeour?
Discipline and structure isn’t a bad thing. Unfortunately Scrimgeour and his hires seemed to forget that this is an institution of learning, and not some sort of satiric boot camp.
Now for a few get to know you questions. What potion is your favorite to brew and why?
A strong cup of coffee to get me going in the morning. I’ve also always had a thing for brewing the Draught of Peace. It was the first OWL-level potion I truly understood.
What is your most embarrassing professor moment?
Any time a student asks me if what we’re covering today is going to be on the exam. The first years I can forgive their ignorance, but everyone else should know anything they’ve been taught in their Hogwarts career is fair play.
As the school year draws to a close, what are your summer plans, professor?
It’s not really any of your business...but I’ll be heading to Tuscany to spend some time wining and dining with a certain former Hufflepuff Head of House. The rest of the time I’ll be relaxing at home in Oxford, or watching the cricket.
Hello Professor, thanks for taking time out to answer a few questions. First off, how did you feel about taking on the role of Head of House for Hufflepuff this term?
Of course. It was with mixed emotions, given it meant the retirement of Professor Myers...but I also felt ready to take on a new challenge in my Hogwarts career.
This was a year of change as far as faculty was concerned. How did you feel about the rules implemented by Headmaster Scrimgeour?
Discipline and structure isn’t a bad thing. Unfortunately Scrimgeour and his hires seemed to forget that this is an institution of learning, and not some sort of satiric boot camp.
Now for a few get to know you questions. What potion is your favorite to brew and why?
A strong cup of coffee to get me going in the morning. I’ve also always had a thing for brewing the Draught of Peace. It was the first OWL-level potion I truly understood.
What is your most embarrassing professor moment?
Any time a student asks me if what we’re covering today is going to be on the exam. The first years I can forgive their ignorance, but everyone else should know anything they’ve been taught in their Hogwarts career is fair play.
As the school year draws to a close, what are your summer plans, professor?
It’s not really any of your business...but I’ll be heading to Tuscany to spend some time wining and dining with a certain former Hufflepuff Head of House. The rest of the time I’ll be relaxing at home in Oxford, or watching the cricket.
Hufflepuff prefects
The last term was challenging, especially for the prefects. This reporter sat down recently for tea and biscuits with the Hufflepuff prefect, sixth year Derfael Ashburry-Hawthorne to get his thoughts and feelings about what it felt like to be a Hufflepuff leader during a crazy Hogwarts term.
Congratulations on being a prefect AGAIN! What were you looking forward to most about another term as prefect?
Thanks, Chloe. It's kinda nice, you know, being asked to continue on in the position. Stressful as it can be and stuff. At first, I was most looking forward to the new team of student leaders. It's always exciting to get on the Hogwarts Express the start of term and see who you're going to work with and how the dynamic between you all shifts from term to team. Wasn't disappointed at all, you know?
There were a LOT of changes this term, right? Like more than I could even keep up with sometimes. How do you manage change?
.....depends on the change, honestly. Most of the changes with Hogwarts this term really did not bother me. Not that, you know, I went around advocating or anything...but a lot of it felt like overdue changes? And, um, I know I didn't exactly...you know...make friends with some of my actions. Obligations that come with the badge, yeah? We aren't given these just to turn a blind eye to the rules and such...though I was wicked jealous Jessa got away with that so often!
But...in terms of change in general? Kinda just take it one step at a time and you gotta not just judge new things because they are unknown to you, you know? Give things a fair shot first and make an attempt to understand the change. Otherwise, well, you might miss out on something amazing as well as the chance to grow. Don't be afraid of something just because it's new and different.
Did you make friends with any of the new professors?
I don't reckon any of them were hired because of their ability to make friends with students...but I didn't mind Professor Fletcher so much. I'd rather not talk about or even mention the others by name, if you don't mind.
And what did you think of Headmaster Scrimgeour? I think his curmudgeonliness was kind of cute… sometimes.
You have very unusual tastes, Chloe. I didn't mind him so much at first...but when certain details regarding his hires came to light my opinion changed entirely. Will not miss him at Hogwarts one bit.
Oh! And you could take POINTS this term? Was that hard? Or weird? Or hard and weird?
I hated that black journal. I know the rumors going around are that I love it and loved whipping it out, but anyone who knows me shouldn't have bought into that at all. Didn't have to be in the prefects' bathroom the day they were laid out to us to know I would have been opposed to them in essence, you know? Only negatives and no opportunity to create positives? It was awful. It felt like I was carrying a Pogrebin or even a dementor around in my pocket all term.
Tell me about the best thing about this term. A favorite memory or experience.
....I can't think of a single thing right now, sorry. Maybe quidditch?
How’s Picketta?
Inconsolable...as are the rest of the bowtruckles. What they went through and what they witness was just...it was terrible. I can't believe a person would do that to a creature and do so with a gleam of delight in their eyes. They're afraid of being at Hogwarts now, feel abandoned entirely because of...well...because of things...
Plan is to take them home with me over the summer. It's not right to keep a living creature somewhere they feel unsafe and stressed, especially when they ask you to remove them from it. So...they'll all come home with Picketta and me to get away from the toxic air that has taken over Hogwarts so they can refresh and then I'll bring them back in next term...assuming things change, you know?
So, I know this is awkward, but you found yourself in hot water a few times this term. With the professors. I mean, you knew who with, but for the readers… anyway. I forget the question I was trying to ask.
I'm going to forget to answer then.
I remember! Can you reflect a little about how students can avoid getting caught making trouble? I mean OBVIOUSLY avoid causing trouble?
...or not. No one should go out of their way to make trouble. I cause trouble all the time, on accident, you know? Like...my spellwork isn't the best so I create messes. Like the butter in Charms class a few terms back and other, well, my trouble tends to be explosive I guess.
Bottom line is, I reckon, I don't have advice on this. You can call me stiff and stuff if you wanna, I won't hold that against anyone.
What are your plans for next term? Prefecting goals?
I want to find balance...we were completely robbed that opportunity this term, you know? So...yeah...I wanna be a balanced leader.
Congratulations on being a prefect AGAIN! What were you looking forward to most about another term as prefect?
Thanks, Chloe. It's kinda nice, you know, being asked to continue on in the position. Stressful as it can be and stuff. At first, I was most looking forward to the new team of student leaders. It's always exciting to get on the Hogwarts Express the start of term and see who you're going to work with and how the dynamic between you all shifts from term to team. Wasn't disappointed at all, you know?
There were a LOT of changes this term, right? Like more than I could even keep up with sometimes. How do you manage change?
.....depends on the change, honestly. Most of the changes with Hogwarts this term really did not bother me. Not that, you know, I went around advocating or anything...but a lot of it felt like overdue changes? And, um, I know I didn't exactly...you know...make friends with some of my actions. Obligations that come with the badge, yeah? We aren't given these just to turn a blind eye to the rules and such...though I was wicked jealous Jessa got away with that so often!
But...in terms of change in general? Kinda just take it one step at a time and you gotta not just judge new things because they are unknown to you, you know? Give things a fair shot first and make an attempt to understand the change. Otherwise, well, you might miss out on something amazing as well as the chance to grow. Don't be afraid of something just because it's new and different.
Did you make friends with any of the new professors?
I don't reckon any of them were hired because of their ability to make friends with students...but I didn't mind Professor Fletcher so much. I'd rather not talk about or even mention the others by name, if you don't mind.
And what did you think of Headmaster Scrimgeour? I think his curmudgeonliness was kind of cute… sometimes.
You have very unusual tastes, Chloe. I didn't mind him so much at first...but when certain details regarding his hires came to light my opinion changed entirely. Will not miss him at Hogwarts one bit.
Oh! And you could take POINTS this term? Was that hard? Or weird? Or hard and weird?
I hated that black journal. I know the rumors going around are that I love it and loved whipping it out, but anyone who knows me shouldn't have bought into that at all. Didn't have to be in the prefects' bathroom the day they were laid out to us to know I would have been opposed to them in essence, you know? Only negatives and no opportunity to create positives? It was awful. It felt like I was carrying a Pogrebin or even a dementor around in my pocket all term.
Tell me about the best thing about this term. A favorite memory or experience.
....I can't think of a single thing right now, sorry. Maybe quidditch?
How’s Picketta?
Inconsolable...as are the rest of the bowtruckles. What they went through and what they witness was just...it was terrible. I can't believe a person would do that to a creature and do so with a gleam of delight in their eyes. They're afraid of being at Hogwarts now, feel abandoned entirely because of...well...because of things...
Plan is to take them home with me over the summer. It's not right to keep a living creature somewhere they feel unsafe and stressed, especially when they ask you to remove them from it. So...they'll all come home with Picketta and me to get away from the toxic air that has taken over Hogwarts so they can refresh and then I'll bring them back in next term...assuming things change, you know?
So, I know this is awkward, but you found yourself in hot water a few times this term. With the professors. I mean, you knew who with, but for the readers… anyway. I forget the question I was trying to ask.
I'm going to forget to answer then.
I remember! Can you reflect a little about how students can avoid getting caught making trouble? I mean OBVIOUSLY avoid causing trouble?
...or not. No one should go out of their way to make trouble. I cause trouble all the time, on accident, you know? Like...my spellwork isn't the best so I create messes. Like the butter in Charms class a few terms back and other, well, my trouble tends to be explosive I guess.
Bottom line is, I reckon, I don't have advice on this. You can call me stiff and stuff if you wanna, I won't hold that against anyone.
What are your plans for next term? Prefecting goals?
I want to find balance...we were completely robbed that opportunity this term, you know? So...yeah...I wanna be a balanced leader.
Fifth year Hufflepuff Prefect Daisy Swann was a new addition to the leadership team this term. This polite young badger with the classic good looks was a pleasure to talk to, and she opened up a bit about how the activities of the last term impacted her in particular.
Hi! Congrats on being a prefect! Were you excited to be asked?
Thank you so much! It was very exciting to get my Prefect badge. My mum and aunt were thrilled, especially my mum.
What were you looking forward to most this term? And what worried you?
What I looked forward to and what worried me were actually the same thing, and that was performing well in my OWL exams. I tend to put pressure on myself.
It was a super crazy term with all the new rules. How hard was it to keep track of them and enforce them?
Ugh, it was immensely difficult. It was like being thrown in the deep end. I wanted to show my responsibility but I didn't want to abuse my position. I did go over the top on the train journey to Hogwarts. That was something I regret but I've been suffering from PTSD after the attack last term and I couldn't take any Sleeping Draught as I had been during the holidays.
What about all that RUNNING we had to do, right? I mean, I got super good at it, but did you figure out any tips for avoiding showing up for class a sweaty mess?
That was torture! I was attacked by some Inferi the previous term and couldn't walk properly. The Healer at St Mungo's said that I needed to slowly get back into walking. Running was not the right thing for me to be partaking in. However, it slowly strengthened my leg function and by the end of the term, I was no longer limping. Anyway, sorry for rambling. In order for me to show up to class without being sweaty, I did the exercises as quickly as I could so I could shower and change without rush. Having some deodorant, dry shampoo and a hairbrush in my bag helped.
Did you take points from anyone? If it isn’t too nosy, could you tell me about it?
No, I didn't because I personally didn't come across anyone breaking the rules that hadn't been dealt with already. If I did then I would've for sure, though I thought a few of the rules were unnecessary.
What do you think is the MOST important part of being a prefect?
I think it would be showing respect to the rest of the school because that way you are given respect in return.
What would you change about the job if you could?
I don't think I would change anything. Oh, wait, the amount of walking done during patrols. It can be painful when you've got a serious injury.
So your name is Daisy… is that your favorite flower? No, that’s a wasted question. Do you even like flowers?
My parents wanted to give me a floral name and to them, Lily, Petunia, Pansy or Rose didn't fit hence the name 'Daisy'. I like flowers in general. I don't really have a favourite one in particular.
I’m terrible at this. What wisdom would you like to share with future prefects?
Oh, you're not terrible. I'm loving these questions. Wisdom? Ooh, tough question. Show respect to everyone, be a good guide to new and old students such as helping with a problem such as homework or being emotional support for them and go with your gut instinct. If you feel something is wrong, talk to a member of staff or the Head Boy/Girl.
Do you have any goals for yourself for next term? I mean, aside from not dying, am I right?
Not dying would be the number one goal. Well, hopefully, my grades would be good enough for me to start thinking about my future career. I am toying with the idea of being a Healer.
Hi! Congrats on being a prefect! Were you excited to be asked?
Thank you so much! It was very exciting to get my Prefect badge. My mum and aunt were thrilled, especially my mum.
What were you looking forward to most this term? And what worried you?
What I looked forward to and what worried me were actually the same thing, and that was performing well in my OWL exams. I tend to put pressure on myself.
It was a super crazy term with all the new rules. How hard was it to keep track of them and enforce them?
Ugh, it was immensely difficult. It was like being thrown in the deep end. I wanted to show my responsibility but I didn't want to abuse my position. I did go over the top on the train journey to Hogwarts. That was something I regret but I've been suffering from PTSD after the attack last term and I couldn't take any Sleeping Draught as I had been during the holidays.
What about all that RUNNING we had to do, right? I mean, I got super good at it, but did you figure out any tips for avoiding showing up for class a sweaty mess?
That was torture! I was attacked by some Inferi the previous term and couldn't walk properly. The Healer at St Mungo's said that I needed to slowly get back into walking. Running was not the right thing for me to be partaking in. However, it slowly strengthened my leg function and by the end of the term, I was no longer limping. Anyway, sorry for rambling. In order for me to show up to class without being sweaty, I did the exercises as quickly as I could so I could shower and change without rush. Having some deodorant, dry shampoo and a hairbrush in my bag helped.
Did you take points from anyone? If it isn’t too nosy, could you tell me about it?
No, I didn't because I personally didn't come across anyone breaking the rules that hadn't been dealt with already. If I did then I would've for sure, though I thought a few of the rules were unnecessary.
What do you think is the MOST important part of being a prefect?
I think it would be showing respect to the rest of the school because that way you are given respect in return.
What would you change about the job if you could?
I don't think I would change anything. Oh, wait, the amount of walking done during patrols. It can be painful when you've got a serious injury.
So your name is Daisy… is that your favorite flower? No, that’s a wasted question. Do you even like flowers?
My parents wanted to give me a floral name and to them, Lily, Petunia, Pansy or Rose didn't fit hence the name 'Daisy'. I like flowers in general. I don't really have a favourite one in particular.
I’m terrible at this. What wisdom would you like to share with future prefects?
Oh, you're not terrible. I'm loving these questions. Wisdom? Ooh, tough question. Show respect to everyone, be a good guide to new and old students such as helping with a problem such as homework or being emotional support for them and go with your gut instinct. If you feel something is wrong, talk to a member of staff or the Head Boy/Girl.
Do you have any goals for yourself for next term? I mean, aside from not dying, am I right?
Not dying would be the number one goal. Well, hopefully, my grades would be good enough for me to start thinking about my future career. I am toying with the idea of being a Healer.
Head Boy character was filled by NPC Anthony Kelly