The Hogwarts Headliner, Bonus Issue

Reducio

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?

I’d love to say 10, because that’s usually it, but right now I’ll have to disappoint you with a five or so. But I’m not worried! I’ll get back to 10 in no time. It’s always only a few chocolate frogs away.

How do you usually start your day?

I have to force myself out of bed most days, believe it or not... Or my cat does. I hardly remember anything that happens before 8.30, which is partly why I can’t really tell you what I have for breakfast. Except for tea, of course, but that’s a given.

If there was one person on the team who you would spend the rest of your life with, who would it be and why?

I really do like all of them... but I suppose I can’t really say anyone but Ami, can I? Not honestly, anyway. She’s my best friend. We don’t always understand each other, and she can be… well, Ami- but it doesn’t matter. Because we’re both there anyway. She’s one of my favourite people.

She’s also the author of all these questions and I don’t think I’m wrong to suspect there’ll be more of them along this theme.
*Editor's note: .... guilty as charged.

Who on the Headliner team is a secret Gryffindor?

Oh that’d be Ami, you, again. I don’t think I know anyone bolder... She’s loyal too, of course, and all that stuff- but at some point I can’t help but think our dear hat made a little mistake… People sometimes say that about me, too, but that’s of course preposterous.

What’s your favorite color?

I really like blue! Light, coral blue like in the sky or a piece of pretty fabric.

Do you like surprises?

Only nice ones. And they’d have to be quite good, because I don’t like being left out of the loop or out of control. I like to know what’s going on, even if I don’t always understand.

What are three things you can’t live without?

1. Lady Madeleine
2. Family
3. Waistcoats

What’s your biggest fear?

Oh. Uhm. Ain’t that a question! I suppose, in all its convenient vagueness, I don’t like the idea of seeing people I love changing for the worse. Or to recognise it in myself. I’m scared either them or I will lose ourselves to something... Like anger. I’m no good with anger.

Dream country to visit?

I’m not so sure if it has anything to do with the country itself, but my brother always goes on about how great it is to play on home ground in Estonia. We all want to go someday, and watch him. Haven’t been able to, so far, because we don’t want to leave without my mother (though she insists we should).

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My mother told me once that if you ever find beauty in anything, then you shouldn’t wait for others to agree with you. I know what that meant in her case, and I still think about it... But I also know that she doesn’t always follow that rule herself.

How do you define beauty?

Can’t it be a million things! The most beautiful place I know is Ballintoy. The most beautiful song I know I don’t even remember the name of. Beauty is something that makes you feel calm, or feel safe, because it’s almost perfect.

Coffee or tea?

I didn’t use to like either, but now it’s definitely tea. Every day of the week. At home I drink Namberrie, which we do (especially dad and I), to tease my mother- She hates it. Only drinks unreasonably expensive and English stuff that you can’t even buy in bags. It doesn’t taste as nice.

Pumpkin juice or butterbeer?

It depends, summer or winter? I prefer the feeling of a warm tankard, though.

Best compliment you’ve ever received?

I don’t remember ever receiving that many... A girl once called me “perfectly lovely”! And though I’m not quite sure what she meant (or whether she was really aware of what she was saying) I took it as a compliment all the same. She’s always been a bit strange.

What’s one advice you’d give your first-year self?

I’d probably tell him to relax, if only a little bit… Between you and I, he’s got it quite easy.

What’s the best thing that’s happening to you this year?

2020? Well… I suppose I’m happy I’ll be spending some time at the camp this summer! I’ve never stayed at Hogwarts before, not through the summer, and though of course it takes place in London this year- I think I’m excited to experience what our school is like… well… without the school bit.

What’s a habit you wish you could break?

I don’t like the way I go quiet when I actually have things to say. It makes me feel really weak, or dumb.

What does creativity mean to you?

To me, creativity is the ability to let your imagination take charge, even when there’s already a set way to do things. However small or seemingly insignificant. It’s lovely to see that in others.

What’s your favorite dessert?

My favourite dessert is the madeleine cake, those french little almond cakes that look like shells? We always had them for my birthday at home, in the morning (which is about as scandalous my mother will get when it comes to the culinary, mind you…). Now they’re sent to me every year by owl!

How do you like to spend rainy days?

Well, not in the rain. I used to love being outside when it was pouring down, but now I’m not so keen anymore. I don’t like being wet. Or muddy. I’d rather stay inside, maybe play a game with a friend or two until I can go outside again.

What’s your worst class right now?

I’m really no good with History of Magic. It’s so much reading, and I don’t like that. It’s just one thing after another, isn’t it? History doesn’t seem to ever end.

What do you think your Patronus will be?

I’ve always wondered whether it could be some kind of bear… a friendly-looking one, of course! I think my father’s is a brown bear. Or it was a big dog…

I do love the hares that live in the plains by my grandparents’ house, too. There’s a whole family of them, always been there! I wouldn’t be unhappy to cast one of them, either.

(My brother says it’ll be an earthworm, but he’s just mad he still can’t cast one).

Favorite baked good?

Madeleine cakes! Again!

What’s something you’ve learned the hard way?

We’ve all got different ways of protecting ourselves, and each other.

What’s your biggest strength?

I can bring myself to do a lot of good even though I don’t want to, or I don’t think someone deserves it.

What’s your biggest weakness?

Some might say that, in comparison to my otherwise quite …mellow personality, I have disproportionately passionate responses to remarks about my family. Whichever part of it.

What’s one goal you’re determined to achieve in your lifetime?

There are some people I have yet to see smile.

What do you first notice about someone when you meet them?

Whether or not they seem to be in a good mood. Though I have sadly been known to ignore it, talking to people who are mad or want to be left alone… I can’t help that! If they’re happy then I want to share that, and if they’re not then I want to cheer them up.

Favorite type of flower?

Probably orchids. We have a lot of them around the apartment, since they’re my mother’s favourite. The purple ones in our kitchen bloom around my birthday, and I think that’s when she got them.

Favorite holiday?

Christmas! What else? It’s really no competition in my case. If you’re with the right people it can just be the most magical time, and that’s saying a lot between the two of us. But I suppose, when you’re not, then there’s really no point...

What makes you smile the most?

My two brothers have a whole bunch of inside jokes that they came up with when they were younger. I don’t understand a single one of them myself, but the way they can make each other laugh, hard, when they really want to- is hilarious. I wish it happened more often.

Favorite thing in the world?

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

If you had to live in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

I know it’s normal for us to say that Hogwarts feels like a home, and it does, but it’s just not the kind of home I could stay in forever. Sorry Professors. I suppose it’d then be a race between London and Ballintoy… And though London continues to excite me, and has been an amazing home my whole life: everybody I know is more happy on the island than they are in England.

Is that simply because it’s not our home? Maybe. But it’s still a feeling I’d be happy to keep.

What’s one thing you miss about Hogwarts when you’re at home?

Probably, and I know this sounds like a cliché, all the students. Mostly my friends, of course, but I honestly miss just the sound of hundreds of people making their way from corridor to corridor... I’ve been in some very quiet castles in my life and I don’t prefer them one bit.

What about something you miss about home when you’re at Hogwarts?

Who’s your favorite sibling?

You know you can’t ask me that, Ami, it’s not a fair question.

Owl, cat, or toad?’

You’re really not giving owl or toad a fair chance here, are you? They’re both lovely animals, though... I’ve only really met one toad but he was amazing.

If you could choose a different name, what would it be?

I know that my mother wanted to name me Thomas, at first. It was my grandfather’s name, and I’ve often been told that the two of them were close before his passing.

I also know that the reason why I wasn’t named that (even though it would’ve made sense for his eldest child to name her son after him, since it’s almost a tradition in our family) wasn’t a very pleasant one.

If it hadn’t been such a sensitive thing, then I would’ve wanted to be called Thomas. She didn’t even dare make it my middle name.

Would you rather always be too hot or too cold?

Too hot. Too cold is terrible. Awful.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl! What’s most beautiful about the night is often most horrendous about the morning… Alan would know. He’s my personal alarm clock, that maniac. Wakes up before six. Before six!

Who’s your favorite professor?

I like Professor Pendrast. She teaches one of my favourite subjects, and is of course my Head of House! Quite sombre, but what’s the fault in that? Some of the best people in the world are sombre. Like… Well, like Professor Pendrast!

Do you wash your hands in cold water or hot water?

Hot water. I’m not a masochist.

How do you really feel about being in Gryffindor?

I- it’s perfectly fine! Really, people keep assuming I don’t belong here. But I do! I’ve done a ton of brave things. And though I realise this isn’t the most important quality; if I’m not chivalrous then I’m not sure if I’m anything at all.

It might not have been what some in my family expected of me- but what better way of exceeding someone’s expectations, than by first breaking them?

If you could be sorted into another house, which one would you choose?

Keeping at the theme here, are we? My family (by which I mean the Alexanders, since the other side didn’t go to Hogwarts) has always kept a clean record of Slytherins and Ravenclaws. So my inner diplomat would probably feel at peace with either of the two…

In reality, I think I’d fit pretty well in Hufflepuff. The students I know from that house are all very kind, and some of them are undeniably my favourites.

What’s your third favorite subject at Hogwarts?

…Third? Well. I always say my favourite is Charms, and then it’s Defence Against the Dark Arts. I haven’t thought much of what the third would be, but since I still prefer to use my wand I’m going to go with Transfiguration, however impossible it might feel sometimes.

Do you wear deodorant?

Of course I do! But I won’t tell you which one because you always start laughing. Just because the name of the brand is in French doesn’t mean it’s for women, Ami.

There’s nothing gendered about roses.

What’s your favorite thing about your best friend?

I was right to believe your questions would be angled, wasn’t I? Well. My “best friend” is among the absolute funniest and warmest people I know. She somehow manages not to take herself too seriously, whilst still regarding her friendships and values with the strongest integrity I’ve ever come across.

She’s quite unlike me, in the end, and I like that about her.

What’s your favorite quidditch team?

The Ballycastle Bats! It’s my family’s favourite team. Dad’s completely obsessed with them, and Ben is too... Whenever they play a game we turn the radio up, and no one is allowed to make a noise until it’s over.

What’s the weirdest skill you’ve ever learned?

Tap dancing. Grandfather. I look ridiculous so no, I won’t show you.

What’s your favorite part of being on the Headliner team?

...That I don’t have to write any articles. I’m not a man of few words, most people know, but when it comes to writing… well, it takes you long enough that you have to believe that you’ve actually got something interesting to say. When I talk I don’t have time for that.

Reducio

Describe yourself in a hashtag.

#WIP

If your life was a musical, what would the title be?

“A Redundancy of Epic Proportions”

Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, text by a tired five-year-old who just learned how to rhyme. /hat, that kind of stuff.

Who do you want to write your obituary?

Do I look like someone who knows what an obituary is?

What’s your current TV obsession?

I’m really not watching any TV at the moment. In fact, all of the things I used to watch or stream have been cast aside to accommodate the disproportional amount of Critical Role content I instead consume in a day...

What 3 people, living or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

Gordon Ramsey, to hate the food, the head chef of the restaurant we’re eating at, and a boxing commentator to guide me through the fight that will inevitably ensue.

What’s your go-to for a good laugh?

Well I would text you or Marla but the chances of either of you replying within 400 hours are minimal at best… Listening to music and daydreaming about ridiculous things often works.
*Editor's note: You've got to admit, I've gotten much better with timely replies.

How do you cope with school work, headliner work, and still have a life?

A what?

If you could make a documentary about anything, what would it be?

The cult scene through the ages, maybe? Movies, music, literature… Just everything outrageous.

If you could grab lunch with someone from the past, who would it be?

Somebody chill? I bet Jesus would like spring rolls.

What’s the weirdest word in the English language?

Language. Its end should be spelled like it is in sandwich. Langwich.

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

I’d love to have the power of God and anime on my side.

Who was the last person to text you?

Right before this Alexx sent me a hockey meme and I replied with “lol” even though I didn’t understand it.

Last book you read?

While working on my summer job, which was in a library, I read a lot during my breaks. Went through a couple of Alan Bennett works, not sure which one was last. The Uncommon Reader? These are the first books I've finished in a long time.

What’s a book from your childhood that positively shaped you?

Well there’s childhood childhood, and then there’s the young adult novels. When I was little, I adored the times my mother would read us Karlson-on-the-roof (I believe that’s the English title?) by Astrid Lindgren before bed. I just loved that silly kind of humor, and I still do.

When I got older (9 or 10) I submerged myself in Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart world… It inspired a great love for writing in me, since it was all about storytelling. Truth is, I still don’t know how that trilogy ends! I’d remembered how heartbroken I’d gotten when I ran out of Harry Potter books, and so decided not to ever finish the last one.

All modesty aside, what are you better at than 90% of people?

I’m very good at avoiding questions that would in any way challenge my instinct to never talk myself up unironically.

What’s the strangest phone conversation you’ve ever had?

Got a call from a nationalist party once, wanting to discuss Sweden’s immigration policies with me whilst I was trying to watch a r.i.p. vine compilation on my phone. Xenophobia really kills your vibe.

What would make an excellent new ice cream flavor?

I’m definitely not bold enough to assume that Twix ice cream isn’t already a thing (it must be), but it’s not something that I’ve ever had or seen and it breaks my heart a little bit.

How much personal space do you need to be comfortable?

None. Come closer.

What’s your favorite smell?

Probably the smell in the kitchen when my grandmother is cooking, which would be of a mix of pancakes, bacon, meatballs, sausages, fries, sauces, potatoes and steamed vegetables. Power meal.

What says the most about a person?

How quick they are to judge another? If they do it at the speed of light, then I always fear they’re either convinced that they’re perfect themselves (which no one is), or that they are trying to ignore the fact that they’re not...

If they’re slow to judge, on the other hand, I’m more trusting of their own principles. Because since they are confident in their values themselves, they don’t seem to need to put anybody else down.

Damnit. I judge people fast by how fast they judge people, don’t I?

What’s the worst advice someone has given you?

“You deserve better” What’s better than what I want? I know me.

If you were an Olympic athlete, what would your event be?

Didn’t they use to have competitive painting? If not, then I’d probably be stuck with some boring snow stuff. Except I am quite alright with both shot put and the high jump… Nothing terrifies me more than hurdles.

What would your perfect meal be?

Me, cause I’m a snack.

Reducio

What’s your proudest moment?

When the wildest stallion I have ever met, Manticore, came to trust me enough to let me ride him. I grew up on a ranch raising many kinds of animals, but I have never met such a proud and fierce creature as him.

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?

The damp mineral smell of a cavern.

What’s your favorite food?

Chicken Tikka Masala. It helps me pretend I am travelling around the world.

What do you wish you knew at the beginning of the year?

If I could go back and tell myself one thing back then, I would say that “it will work out here” and not to worry so much. For a long time I was afraid I would be kicked out for various reasons, that I would not make friends, and that I would never fit in. However, I am finding that certain people make this a good place for me to be and that it is okay to call Hogwarts home.

Are you more of an indoors or outdoors person?

Outdoors. I grew up herding animals across the vast countryside and I have a bit of claustrophobia when it comes to confined spaces.

Do you like flying?

When I first came to Hogwarts I did not really know a person could fly without an expensive machine, and for my first month I was not captivated by the concept of quidditch. However, that was before I saw the majesty and blinding speed of a seeker in pursuit of the snitch. From that moment on I kept thinking about how incredible it would be to be able to fly free, up high, away from all the walls and mundane problems of the world below… To be able to go fast, so fast, and with such a precise attunement to the environment as you cut through the air… laser-focused on the one simple thing you need to obtain. Now I find the whole thing captivating. I can’t understand how I didn’t see how beautiful it was before.

What’s the silliest fear you have?

I am afraid the walls will close in on me and that I will not be able to escape.

What gives your life meaning?

Becoming wiser and stronger, exploring and feeling the sensations of the world around me, and developing deeper relationships with the people I love.

What do you not care about?

I have a hard time caring about etiquette. If I am generally thoughtful and not mean to people, why should I have to be subjected to rules of etiquette? It seems like such a waste of time and it is controlling for no good reason.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Sorry to be repetitive, but it was the same as my proudest moment. The fact that a huge, powerful horse would trust me and be interested enough in me to let me ride him is the best compliment I have ever received.

Do you like to cook?

I like to cook small treats on special occasions, especially when I can make something by living off the land. A special favorite is fire-roasted acorns on a cold night while camping.

What does your name mean?

My whole name is Scottish Gaelic. “Aida” means “she who returns.” My mother’s surname is Mòrsgor-Ama while my father’s is Ellwood. The Ellwood family name (pronounced in Scotland as “Ell-ott”) is a variant of “Elliot.” This family is famous for being a border reiver clan, and my father’s ancestors came from the Hermitage Castle settlement. Etymologically “Ellwood” comes from either the Old English "Aelfweald" (literally “elf rule”) or it could derive from Old English’s “Ellern wudu” meaning “elder wood.” Whichever it was appears lost to history. As for “Mòrsgor-Ama,” this is a surname meaning “time rift,” which is probably tied to my mother’s homeland (the Glenfinnan area) that has a lot of spooky stories about time magic tied to it.

What are you always game for?

Anything having to do with creatures. Well, anything that is not mean anyway. If there is a beast, magical or otherwise, I want to be there… no matter how small or common. No matter how dangerous. Call me over, please.
*Editor's note: Why couldn't Aida have been here during the pygmy puff infestation last year...?

What’s something you aspire to be?

I want to become a special kind of magizoologist that gets magical creatures out of abusive and unhealthy situations, relocating them to natural environments where they can be safer. I would also like to play some role in preserving habitats for magical creatures so that they have some place to go after unfortunate run-ins with wizardkind or muggles.

What’s something you’ve had to unlearn?

It feels like I have been caught in a time loop of learning and unlearning how to trust people. Just when someone makes me lose faith in humanity, I meet someone who raises me back up and gives me hope again.

Do you want kids?

That would be entirely dependent on if I can find a partner who would make possible the kind of family that I would want for children… and it may be that I have unrealistically high standards that I will not relent on.

What’s your morning ritual?

As soon as I wake up I go for a run across the campus, always stopping at certain places on the grounds and by the lake. Then I shower and get my books and equipment together for those early morning classes.

Who’s someone you admire?

I didn’t know him for very long but I admired Professor Morfran Griffith. As for people I have never actually met, I admire Newt Scamander and a long list of other magizoologists. I also have a weakness for ancient wartime tacticians such as Sun Tzu and Miyamoto Musashi. They had several such books in my local library growing up.

How do you manage stress?

I either go for a run or I close my eyes and pretend I’m in my secret cave, all alone in the dark.

If you made a documentary, what would it be about?

Conflicts between wizardkind and beasts throughout time.

Why did you apply for the Headliner?

I wanted to be a part of history writing itself.

When are you happiest?

When I feel the love of others and feel confident in the future.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to help out at Care of Magical Creatures, I joined the R.O.A.M. program and … well… these days I do a lot of running. Maybe this summer I’ll start a fencing club, because who doesn’t like a good sword fight?

What hurts your feelings?

Deceit, manipulation, and attempts to control others hurt my feelings more than anything else.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’s never met you?

Someone told me once that I’m intense. I don’t really know what that means, but I’ll go with that.

What would be the best city to live in?

What, a city? Well, if it has to be a city, then I suppose the best kind would be an ancient one full of libraries with magical tomes and legendary mysteries just waiting to be discovered.

Who do you have a hard time taking seriously?

Olphie Bercegeay. Just when I’m beginning to learn something she does something that just cracks me up.

Do loud noises bother you?

Yes. I grew up in the quiet countryside and so cities tend to be terribly noisy in my opinion. As for momentary, infrequent loud noises, I can deal with them but like any animal I don’t enjoy having to hear them. You could also say my hearing is a bit on the sensitive side, especially when I close my eyes.

How do you calm yourself down when you get angry?

I remember the promises I made… those promises about holding it together so that I can take care of others.

What’s your happy place?

My “secret base” is my happy place– though I guess it is not very secret anymore if it is in the Headliner! This place is a large cavern near where I grew up, tucked away in the mountains and practically only accessible by horseback. I often close my eyes and imagine that I am there when I am overcome by claustrophobia. The darkness makes me feel like the walls are not there somehow. At that point it becomes like an embrace.

Do you like artichokes?

Yeah, they’re fine. Unlike those heartless other vegetables out there...

Is having a big ego good or bad?

Having a big ego is bad when it makes your reach exceed your grasp. The rest of the time it’s pretty funny though.

What risks are worth taking?

The risks that are worth taking are those that your heart believes in so much that, no matter the outcome, you will be able to say to yourself you really thought it was right. It’s when you don’t know what’s right that you are most at risk of making a decision you will hate later. Those situations are the hardest, but at some point all you can do (after thinking it through as best you can) is go with it.

What’s your favorite cupcake flavor?

I actually prefer honeyed bran muffins, very nicely browned with a huge crown… but if it has to be a cupcake, let’s go with elderberry with a lemon poppyseed base.

What’s your favorite shade of blue?

Blue that is so black you can only tell that it’s a rich blue in certain kinds of light.

What’s something that your friends wouldn’t believe was true about you?

Probably only one person knows this, but I really love to sing. I used to sing all day long while herding animals over the mountains. I liked to hear the sounds in different environments: bouncing off the walls of a cave or the cliff faces of a ravine, across a wide-open meadow, or deep in the thickest woods when the birds are just beginning to sing in the morning.

Are you a good liar?

Absolutely not, hahaha. I couldn’t even lie to a giant spider to save my own life.

What’s your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is probably also my biggest weakness: curiosity. I learn a lot and can grow from diverse challenges by being curious, but sometimes I get myself in over my head. Sometimes I drag other people into those situations, too, and when others are involved I have to be especially careful not to let my inquisitiveness get too dangerous.

Do you collect Chocolate Frog Cards?

Yes, I collect chocolate frog cards. I currently have 17 of them and so far my favorites are Gondoline Oliphant and Havelock Sweeting.

What do you strongly suspect, but have no proof of?

I strongly suspect that Headmaster Lear is alive somewhere, but I don’t have any proof of that.

Does beauty have a functional purpose?

As a student of magizoology I must admit thinking that beauty has a very pronounced functional purpose. On a basic biological level it signals health and good genetics, and on a more psychological level it creates an enjoyable meaning for things that are desirable.

Which professor are you most afraid of?

The professor I am the most afraid of is Elaine Pendrast. Is she not a specialist with a profound knowledge of the dark arts?

What do you hope you’ll grow out of?

I hope that I will grow out of my desire to run away from social problems and instead grow the courage to confront them. This year I have been trying to take on adversity for personal growth, but somewhere in me there is still a voice that tells me that I should not care and that I should get away from conflict and people who intimidate me.

What do you judge people for that you probably shouldn’t?

I judge people for intelligence more often than I should. People have all kinds of qualities that are interesting or otherwise good about them which I should be taking more interest in.

How (in)decisive are you?

I’m not actually very indecisive. I usually know what I want, and if I don’t know then I make it a point to obsess over the situation until I have a conclusion.

Would you want to become an Animagus?

Absolutely. I have lamented being a simple human since the day I was born. If I could be closer to creatures psychologically or otherwise by becoming an animagus, I would sign up for that the instant it was offered.

What game do you always lose?

I always lose political games for influence, especially those based on manipulation and social engineering. I don’t even want to play them, but I lose them when they are imposed on me. Besides, I’m not even interested in being popular for its own sake.

Who inspires you to be better?

My friends Alexander, Dealla, and Sylvain inspire me to become better. Also, beasties inspire me to improve, not just because I need to get stronger in order to help those who are in need, but also because they all have such diverse strengths themselves. Lastly, Griffith’s memory still inspires me to be better.

Do you like classical music?

Unfortunately I’m not very knowledgeable about it, but I did hear Valentin Schnell play once and it was absolutely inspiring. That music made me feel like I was flying at times, and at others I felt as if I could transform into any creature I wanted… So I guess I do like classical music, at least on piano, from what little I’ve heard!

How do you define success?

I define success as having worked at something and then having the outcome become satisfying. This means that the outcome does not need to be exactly as you expected, so long as you are happy with the results in the end.

Reducio

Do you wear perfume?

Yes. In fact I make perfumes which I sell on online and at small markets. I especially like all-natural perfumes, and I hugely enjoy talking about the chemistry behind perfumery.

Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Sure, why not. I don’t usually order this, but I would enjoy it if it were given to me.

Do you wash your hands in hot or cold water?

Cold. Sure, it’s an inferior solvent when it’s cold but I just can’t be bothered to wait for the hot water to come down the pipes. Even when there is instant hot water, this habit is fully ingrained and I don’t mind it. Though sometimes a frigid river can be a bit intimidatingly cold during a wash.

What’s the best way to destress?

A night of casual fencing surrounded by your best friends with a campfire, s’mores, and mass cuddling under the stars.

What’s your best example of “easy come, easy go”?

I’m a perfectionist at a lot of things so this is a hard question. I guess the thing I care least about personally is cooking for myself. If it’s got the right nutrition and it is efficient, I will cook it, but I never go far out of my way to cook an elaborate meal for myself. I don’t really bake for pleasure either. On occasion I will make some extremely elaborate dish or baked goods for a friend, but this is not my norm. I have too much to worry about to bother with cooking amazing food all the time. As a result, whether a dish I made is great or isn’t very good, I would consider it “easy come, easy go” and not give it much thought in the future. I know how to cook, and I cook well… but it just takes too much time to invest much time into the fancy stuff.

What are you looking forward to?

I am looking forward to 1) developing my Durmstrang iNPC (Valentin “Der Niffler” Schnell), 2) a cordial match with Durmstrang vs. Hufflepuff, and 3) to seeing the next Ravenclaw quidditch game (and lending support in whatever way I can.)

What’s one of your guilty pleasures?

Ice cream. I can eat an entire pint in one sitting. Don’t tempt me.

Where’s the line between soup and cereal?

Cereal requires the liquid base to be milk of a rather basic variety (plain, chocolate, strawberry, or whatever) while a soup would have many other components in its base in addition to any milk it included. Additionally, the soup is likely to be salty while the cereal is likely to be either sweet or bland.

What’s your favorite month of the year, and why?

I love October. The weather starts to cool down and with the approach of Halloween, there is much celebration of fantastical things. Halloween is for me the best day of the year because it is when people allow themselves to role play whatever their imagination allows them to be. In general, flights of the imagination are better appreciated during October, at least where I am.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m going to have to go with receiving a major science grant a few years ago for my project. I was very fortunate.

What’s your “back in my day, we…”?

Back in my day, the only way to binge watch anything was to rent a whole stack of VHS tapes at one time.

What’s something that’s better broken than whole?

An intimidating workload is better broken down than whole. The only way to deal with that kind of thing is in manageable chunks, if you ask me.

If you were a ghost, what places would you like to haunt?

Maybe a movie theater would be fun. People would be primed to be spooked there, and if I got bored of scaring people I could watch a movie. Otherwise, I would like to haunt some place where I could be helpful to people after death. Haunting a university might be nice for that reason, assuming some number of people would be receptive to such help. Maybe the best option would be to haunt an absolutely incredible wilderness full of endangered species and scare anyone who tried to destroy or degrade the land. Yeah, let’s go with that.

How useful would you be in a zombie apocalypse?

I would be of above-average usefulness. I have outdoors skills from many seasons of fieldwork in remote backcountry across the world. I know about the harvesting of wild foods in a variety of places as well as how to process them. I have had assorted self-defense trainings. I am a first responder and so have some basic medical skills. As a geographer I have above-average wilderness navigation skills. I’m a craftsman and good with my hands, I’m good at a lot of mechanical repairs, and I’m adaptable and stubborn as all hell… so I would be a versatile ally in a variety of situations.

What song always puts you in a good mood?

“Tummy” by the Radwimps.

What would you put inside a mental health first aid kit?

A music player. This has been the most faithful source of solace throughout my life and I don’t think that will ever stop.

Do you believe in luck? Why (not)?

I believe in probability and I believe in stochastic situations that are nearly impossible to predict the outcome of no matter what you do. If you just happen to win in a situation where you cannot reasonably predict the outcome, then I would call that luck.

What do people idealize, but really shouldn’t?

People idealize love at first sight, but they really shouldn’t do that because if you are to judge a person it should be based on a lot of things about them gained over a long time and in a variety of circumstances. Certainly feeling love at first sight is not wrong, but as the primary basis for a long-term relationship it is perilous.

What are you most grateful for?

That’s a hard question because there is so much for me to be grateful for. I guess most of the other things would not be possible if I didn’t have my life, though, so I suppose I am most grateful to be alive.

Is teaching a skill that can be taught?

Almost anything can be taught if the student wants to learn and if the teacher is good enough. I believe that pedagogy is a real discipline with things to offer interested learners, and while it is not perfect, there are definitely many practices that studying pedagogy can improve.

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

I like to draw with pencil and paper more than digitally. I don’t have a tablet, so maybe that’s why I never came to enjoy it, but I would rather illustrate something by hand and scan it in for digital modification instead of making everything in the computer from scratch.

Which body part do you wish you could detach and reattach at will? Why?

My eyeball. I would like to improve my observational powers, so it would be cool to stash my eyeball in a secret or inaccessible area where I could not otherwise put the rest of my body with ease. Besides, if I were to put a disembodied arm somewhere, it would not necessarily be able to sense its environment well enough to be very effective at a given task. (This all assumes detaching these body parts would magically still allow them to function normally.)

What makes someone a “good” person?

A good person is someone who is not overly egocentric, has compassion, wishes and strives for the well-being of their friends/family/allies, and in general tries to be of service to at least somebody (if not several people) outside of themselves.

Reducio

Fruity candies or chocolate?

Chocolate for sure. It makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

What does your name mean?

My name, Aurelia, comes from latin and means golden. My parents apparently thought it was fitting for me.

Do you like vegetables?

Some. Broccoli, tomatoes and carrots I don’t mind but then there are others that- Eww.

What’s your proudest moment?

First time riding a broom. The rush of air, the feeling of freedom and just feeling proud that you don’t suck.

Do you like flying?

No, I absolutely frickin love flying.

What’s the silliest fear you have?

Well… spiders kinda freak me out and fish too, I don’t know why.

Should people care more about doing the right thing, or doing things right?

Doing the right thing. Trust your gut, and if you helped someone just a tiny bit, you already accomplished something.

What gives your life meaning?

Life itself, I think. Just having the opportunity to be alive, to explore the world.

What do you not care about?

Grades. People stress about them too much. They are only letters to me.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

My mother once told me that I had great athlete qualities, that meant a lot to me. Especially since she’s a quidditch player.

What are you always game for?

A nice prank. Not the stupid ones. Like an actual planned-through prank. Although any prank brings a good laugh.

Do you like to dance?

Yes, but more modern dance. Also, My grandparents (the same that gave me my middle names) insisted on teaching me some classic dances like the Waltz.

What’s something you’ve had to unlearn?

To trust people so willingly, there have been many times when I was younger that I was backstabbed by a “friend”.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes and no. Yes because I know that it is possible to feel a certain connection to a person when you first meet them... but no, because at first sight you only look at the outside, and you have to get to know them more to actually fall in love.

What’s your favorite place that you’ve been to?

I think my favorite place was New York City, it’s very unique and full of awesome people, and there is just so much to do. Not to mention how good the pizza is if you know the right place....

What amazing adventures have you been on?

We once got lost in the countryside of England. No towns nearby, no busses no streets. We wanted to take a quick hike to a light tower but then kept going. Also, we didn’t bring any water, maps or food. It took us about 5 hours till we found a road. In the end we had to cross a cow field and let’s just say the cows were really into us… so my dad ended up running to a fence with the cows chasing him and distracted them while the rest of us got help from a farmer.

What are some obscure things that you are or were really into?

Not many people know that I like to sketch or paint in my free time, I guess people think it’s nerdy but it helps me take a break from the world.

What do you do to unwind?

I snuggle into some blankets and listen to some good music, that always helps.

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be?

A cool breeze? Is that a smell? Oh and probably banana bread.

What would be the best city to live in?

City? Hmm. I guess I would want to be in New York since that’s my favorite place but it’s not really that great to live in. I think living in Europe would be better, maybe somewhere close to the alps.

When do you feel most out of place?

At the library, all the bookworms are discussing their favorite books while I just stand there and nod. I end up running away most of the time.

What’s your favorite holiday?

I really like Christmas, but winter is a bit too cold for me so I think I prefer Halloween. It’s just the perfect season of pranks and dressing up. I kinda want to go as a bacon this year...

How do you hope you’ll change as a person in the future?

I obviously hope I become prettier and richer- just joking… kind of. Hm, I think I want to collect more knowledge, learn to enjoy reading books, and improve my art. Also, I hope to learn a thing or two about not interrupting a private conversation.

If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would that rule be?

This is easy. BE KIND. How frickin hard is it to show a little kindness to people. Imagine how much the world would be different.

What’s your morning routine/ritual?

I usually wake up way too late to everything so I don’t have time for much, but I make sure that I slap myself in the face and realize how privileged and awesome I am.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever given?

What I gave? Uh, it- was for a boy. I will not say his name, as he does not deserve the shoutout. We went on a trip to the mountains, where we saw waterfalls, watched the sunset and lay under the stars….don’t worry, I’m over him now. I just miss the memories.

Do you like to cook?

Not really. I try it every now or then, but it never ends up tasting good and mostly just stresses me out.

What’s something you wear every day, besides your uniform?

A bracelet from my grandma. She passed away just before I got to attend Hogwarts.

What do you think your Patronus will be?

I don’t really know. I think I want it to be a surprise.

Do you want kids?

Yeah, I think so, but I don’t want to think about it too much. All the stress that must come with parenthood- gosh I hope I have some time before that.

Do you carry a water bottle with you to class?

Uh, no? Was I supposed to? I usually just drink in the great hall...

What do you first notice about someone when you meet them?

It’s probably cliche but… their eyes. Eyes can convey a lot of messages, and you can know what they feel before asking them. I would probably also look at their kicks, you gotta see if they have good taste.

What’s something you aspire to be?

A good friend, I hope I am an ok friend right now, but I know that I can improve.

What’s a city you want to visit?

Las Vegas and Los Angeles! So many celebrities live there, I want to see what it’s all about…

What is something you like to do that other people would probably consider “weird” if they knew?

I like to take two different flavors of droobles blowing gum and then I chew them at the same time. It’s quite interesting. Don’t worry professors, I don’t eat gum on school days.

What’s the worst topping to put on ice cream?

Gummy bears, I used to love them on my ice cream as a kid, but I’ve realized that they just become hard when they are cold and it doesn’t taste good.

What’s your middle name?

I have four: Liliane, Charlotta, Katherine and Mckinley. They are mostly from my mother's parents, who are pure bloods. I think they are fine but I rarely use them. Aurelia or Auri is just fine.
*Editor's note: ... is she trying to give Ana a run for her money?

What’s your favorite food?

Definitely my mum’s sticky toffee pudding. Yum.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Night owl, I like to watch the stars for a while before I fall asleep. You know, maybe if Quidditch player doesn’t work out for me, I’ll become a muggle astronaut.

What’s your best piece of advice you could give to someone?

Try not to think about what others think. I know that it’s hard, but most people don’t notice your imperfections. People are quite self-centered really.

What do you wish you knew at the beginning of the year?

Don’t be too harsh on yourself, everyone makes mistakes.

Do you have a good memory?

I think so… but then again, I like to only remember the good things. I try to push the bad ones away.

What do you never get tired of?

That feeling when you finally did something scary, it feels like you could do anything.

What’s the hardest you’ve ever worked for something?

Learning how to fly. I remember practicing almost every day for a while. I am still waiting for a position to open on the team.

You’re obviously good with art and layout, but would you ever consider writing for the Headliner?

Nah. Writing isn’t my thing. I’m not that much into interviewing or staying objective and all that.

Are you more of an indoors or outdoors person?

Outdoors for sure! Staying indoors gets boring after a while, I want to see new things!

What says the most about a person?

How they handle themselves when you get into an argument. Usually you can tell if they really care about you or not.

What are you most grateful for?

My parents. I know that many people don’t have parents anymore and I’m grateful that they are so supportive and caring.

What’s your favorite Headliner article you’ve ever read?

The Pride Month article! I’m totally not just saying that because you are interviewing me right now. Noope. Just kidding, it’s actually really interesting.

What is the meaning of a good life?

When you feel like you have accomplished everything you have ever wanted to and feel like you could die right then and there and be okay with it.

Reducio

What song would you probably be caught dancing alone to?

Electric Love by Børns and Backyard boy by Claire Rosinkranz. They are both songs I found on Tiktok and they just make me feel all tingly and happy.

Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Yes! I truly don’t understand people who don’t like it. Whatever, I guess. Don’t @ me.

What’s the best way to destress?

A nice walk. Anything nature really. Slap some music on and you're good.

What are you looking forward to?

Somehow… school. I’ve been stuck so long in quarantine without any siblings and can’t wait to go back. Although preferably when covid has passed.

What’s one of your guilty pleasures?

On my period I get this crazy craving for ice cream. Yeah. I can easily finish a tub (is it called a tub?) on my own.

What music artist do you never get tired of?

I don’t think I’ve ever had an artist who stuck. I just shift from artist to artist when I don’t like their music anymore. I also have an on/off phase with Billie Eilish.

How have you changed from when you were in middle school?

Oh gosh. Do you know that awkward period in middle school where you are totally into unicorns, slime, rainbow and watched 5 minute crafts? Never again.

What was the most beautiful view you’ve ever experienced?

I recently went to a national park in the US where we hiked a bunch and there was this one view where you were over the clouds and it felt like you were flying.

What country do you not know the location of, even though you should?

Uh, Morocco. I’m always so confused. It’s in Europe right? But like, idk where and I lived in Europe for 8 years. XD

What are some of the events in your life that made you who you are?

Most impactful was moving to the US. I grew a lot when that happened. Maybe it was because I was a middle schooler then, but I think it had a lot to do with the new environment.

What would be some of the most annoying things about being your roommate?

Probably me getting really moody and annoyed on my period but also me trying to be responsible one day and then completely chaotic the next.

What’s a movie that made you cry?

The first time I watched Titanic I burst into tears. I tend to get very emotional with movies but then just try to hide it.

What do you love most about yourself?

I guess I love how spontaneous I am. If someone would ask me to go skydiving with them I’d be like: “Sure, let’s do it”

What blows your mind every time you think about it?

Ok I saw this on Tiktok. I know what you’re thinking but hear me out. So this dude was talking about how everytime you open your mouth only your bottom jaw opens. Like the top half doesn’t move and afterwards I spent 10 minutes in front of a mirror trying to move my upper jaw.

Do you wash your hands in hot or cold water?

Erm… never really thought about it until now. Lukewarm I guess?

What’s something you can never seem to finish?

So in my school’s homework system there is an overdue column and however hard I try, it is never empty. Homework from the beginning of the year just stays there.

What seemingly insignificant accomplishment are you most proud of?

I guess it would be improving my art. You never really think that you have improved until you look back at sketchbooks from 2 years ago.

Do you wear perfume?

Sometimes, usually I don’t bother though.

What’s your Hogwarts house?

I’m a Gryffindor like Auri! At least that's what the Pottermore quiz says. I think it’s true though. My second house is Hufflepuff.

What gets you fired up?

I get quite fired up when I’m with friends and we are just dancing and shouting the lyrics to songs.

What’s your best example of “easy come, easy go”?

I don’t know if this makes sense but friendship. For example you can suddenly become friends with someone but then get into an argument or realize that they are toxic and then- poof. All the memories, all the happiness associated with them is gone.

On a scale of 1-10, how much do you like water?

5.75. Essential and refreshing (sometimes), but bland and dry.
*Editor’s note: I know we keep talking about whether water is wet or not, but I- guys, she’s saying that water is dry.

If you could do one illegal thing without getting caught, what would it be?

I think it would be something stupid like sneaking into Las Vegas’ most expensive hotel room or getting to live a like a billionaire for a day because I’m pretending to be someone else.