The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #26

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═════════ Appreciate our Professors! ═════════
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBy Regina Miller

As another school year comes to a close, there is no better time for us to reflect on all the lessons learnt from our incredibly hard-working Professors. The reward of their efforts are, undoubtedly, the endless	xx	admiration of their students; some of them even went out of their way to express it through heartfelt words on parchment paper. Such was the purpose of the Professor Appreciation errand on 8th May.	xx
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Today, I present to you an interview with one of the event hosts herself: the ever respected Slytherin Prefect Monica Evans. Regina Miller: Prefect Evans. Thank you for allowing me a moment of your time and giving our readers an insight to your thoughts on the Professor Appreciation errand. Now, as I understand, you were not the sole organiser, correct? Monica Evans: That is correct! I actually hosted this event with my best friend Beatrice Langstreth. Regina Miller: I must say, that was quite a grand project for just the two of you. Can you tell me a bit about the organisation process? What was it exactly that inspired you to host this event? Monica Evans: Well, I don't really remember how the topic came up, but Bea and I were chatting one day, about ─────────────────

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❝ ─ ───────────┓ x ─. On behalf of all those who pass through these halls. Thank you. ── x┗─────────── x❞ Left to right; Beatrice Langstreth and Monica Evans

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being prefects and all the work that goes into it. Then we got to thinking about all that our Professors and assistants do for all of Hogwarts every day! Bea was the one that suggested the time, since it was a common event to have a professor appreciation week, and so that is how the idea formed really. After that there were a lot of conversations on how to host such a day! Making posters, gathering supplies, I really wouldn't have been able to do it without Langstreth, she did so much for this event! Regina Miller: I see. Your efforts were most commendable, as I'm sure our Professors are moved by your dedication. The event did turn out to be very lively, and I noticed by the end of it there were a surprisingly large amount of letters. How do you feel about the successful turnout? Did you expect it to receive so much attention? Monica Evans: To see that many fellow students as passionate as we were to ─────────────────

encourage and bless our professors wasn't a surprise, but I will be honest, as we were setting up I had my doubts that anyone would show up. I am just so happy we were able to do something to say thank you to our professors as a collective. Regina Miller: That's good to hear. You deserve the credit for being able to motivate them to show their true appreciation for our dear teachers. But I'm more curious about you. Specifically, did you end up writing a letter of your own as well? If so, will you tell us who your favourite Professor is? Monica Evans: Well like my mum always said with us kids, I have no favourites (chuckle). Though the day of the event I didn't have time to write my own letter, wanting to be available for those who participated, I did write a letter to the Slytherin Head of House. With all they have helped me with as I have taken on this role of a prefect at quite a young age, I can't wait to deliver it (smile grows, while cheeks become red with embarrassment). Regina Miller: It seems that you have a great admiration for Professor Jensen. Do you have high expectations for her reaction to your appreciation letter? Monica Evans: Honestly I am not one for expectations… I have learnt nothing except that life never	xx	meets expectations. So I am just excited to send her a little something to show her how much I appreciate the work she does. Letters aren't always for everyone, but my hope after this event is that we inspired students to share their appreciation more often to Professors. Whether that be a letter, or a quick word, or small gifts. Regina Miller: After such a well-received event, it is without a doubt that Hogwarts students will learn to express their love for the staff more openly. And lastly, are there any encouraging words you want to give should our Professors be among the readers? Monica Evans: Yes! Thank you for all you do for us. From preparing lessons, ensuring we get the best education in witchcraft and wizardry. Being supportive of us as we grow into young adults, talking through our problems with us, or simply just being there when we need support. Keeping us safe and protected. And for so many more reasons, we wouldn't be able to be who we are or do what we are doing without all your work and effort.
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Appreciate our Professors PG. 02

New Captains PG. 03

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Horoscopes PG. 05

Book Review PG. 07

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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ As the school year comes to an end, this time for change also introduces new beginnings. For three talented students, this included becoming co-captains of their respective house sports teams in the final few months of the term. Koko Riddle is a rising sixth year, well-established in the Hogwarts community due to being a Headliner reporter and former prefect.		MEET THE CAPTAINS: NEWEST ARRIVALS Ruby Cazares She has been Slytherin’s Keeper since the new teams were formed four years ago and will undoubtedly serve as an experienced leader ready to guide her team in her new role as Quidditch co-captain.
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┏ KOKO RIDDLE ┓ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┗ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ┛	┏ JULIAN PRITCHARD ┓ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┗ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ┛	┏ AVERY McCALL ┓ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┗ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ┛
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Julian Pritchard is the newest duelling co-captain for the house of Hufflepuff. His attitude in duels so far has been largely positive and sportsmanlike, making him a good teammate and co-captain. Since he has been a duellist since the beginning of his second year and is now moving into his fourth year, he too may be able to offer the wisdom of experience to his team. Avery McCall, while currently benched as a second-string Beater, seems to have a talent for strategy and leadership,	xx	as she is co-captain for Hufflepuff’s Quidditch and Broom Racing teams, obtaining both positions recently. Many are excited to see what this high-achiever accomplishes in the future, as she has only just finished her first year and already holds two highly esteemed roles. Now that these three have had some time to settle into their new roles, I reached out to learn some more about them beyond the basics and share their advice with all of you.
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What’s been your favourite thing so far about being a co-captain?
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Koko Riddle: So far, I’ve gotten to understand Quidditch strategy even better, which helps me see a different perspective in which every person’s move affects another’s.	xx	Julian Pritchard: Getting to work with other Hufflepuffs in improving our strategy as a team, and on ways to make duelling a safer sport.	xx	Avery McCall: Honestly, just seeing how much work goes into everything and how it all comes together. It helps to give both sports a whole new kind of depth.
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What advice would you give to students aspiring to join their house’s sports teams?
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Koko Riddle: I’d tell them to be passionate. While any student can become a Quidditch player, the best ones are those who genuinely enjoy the game and put their heart into it.	xx	Julian Pritchard: I suppose I would suggest they spend time researching and practising even if they're not part of the team, so they know what to expect and can be prepared once they join.	xx	Avery McCall: Just go for it! It can definitely be intimidating when you're first starting out, but all of the teams have such amazing support systems.
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What motivates you? ───────────────────────────────────────── Julian Pritchard: I dunno. Learning new things and helping other people, I guess.

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Koko Riddle: I’m motivated by my team. I love working with all of my teammates, and it’s really important to me that they’re all feeling content with how things are going.

────────────────────────── What do you believe all students should know about your sport and about being a captain? ──────────────────────────	xx	────────────────────────── Is there anything you hope to change in the next school year, either for yourself or for your team? ──────────────────────────
Koko Riddle (Quidditch): About Quidditch—it’s not all about hitting people. Or about the Snitch. It’s about what you can bring to the table and how that can complement your teammates’ skills. Being a captain is just understanding what everyone needs most and what will work xx best at a specific time. Avery McCall (Broom Racing, Quidditch): Even if everyone seems to be doing their own thing, each player is connected and working together the entire time. Communication and trust in your team can really go a long way. xx		Koko Riddle: Well… Admittedly, I would like to change things for the better, as in, I’d like my team to win the Quidditch Cup… But I’d also like to spread the word about Quidditch and increase excitement around games. xx Avery McCall: The teams are honestly in a great place and we've had a great year overall. If anything, maybe just looking into some team outreach to try and drum up even more interest. The more, the merrier! ────────────────────────── ────────────────────────── ────────────────────────── ──────────────────────────

Sports fans will be watching these three to see how they shape the future of their teams. Will these students’ new captaincy status help their teams achieve victory? Time will tell, and perhaps those interested in joining one of these sports will feel inspired to go for it after hearing from these co-captains. We’ll see what happens when the next school year comes, but for now, enjoy your summer and keep practising what you love!

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Appreciate our Professors PG. 02

New Captains PG. 03

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Horoscopes PG. 05

Book Review PG. 07

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It’s that time of the year! Heading into summer, this one question always looms on professional racers and fans alike: ‘Which riders change teams next season?’ Yup, these people are fast. They start discussing, or even deciding, the next step in their career half a year before. No real changes have been formally announced, but here are our predictions for 2024.	xx	┏ ┗ The Motorcycle Diaries: To Change or Not to Change Maverick Castle ┓ ┛ What’s in a Number? Some riders do have contracts with their current teams ending in 2024, but who says that these contracts can’t be terminated? Maverick Viñales did so back in mid-year 2021. Fabio Quartararo, for instance, may not wish to stay even for another year. A World Champion with the team in 2021, 2022 saw the French begin to struggle; this year it isn’t unusual for him to finish outside the top ten. While Quartararo has stated he’d give Yamaha another year to improve, a new team may knock at his door anytime…	xx	Once considered the two best constructors on track, Yamaha and Honda have been struggling for a couple of years. Three out of four Honda riders have contracts that end in 2024 - Joan Mir and Marc Marquez, as well as Alex Rins, but they’re all far from content. Mir has suffered many injuries and DNF results with his new motor. Rins once publicly criticised Honda for not involving enough to develop their bikes, and his employers didn’t take this well. Marquez, whose golden days were synonymous with Honda, can’t even finish even one race so far this year. With his ambition to win another World Champion title and himself not getting any younger, the Spaniard may consider leaving sooner or later, despite his initial denial.
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On the other hand, there are three pairs of riders who seem comfortable with their current teams: Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, Jack Miller and Brad Binder, as well as Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez (RNF MotoGP Team). In addition, Pol Espargaro also looks set to continue, unless the injuries he’s been suffering since the beginning of 2023 persist.

Both Aprilia Racing riders may not have performed very well in the last few races, but Aleix Espargaro remains optimistic; the Spanish has stated he would continue racing with Aprilia in 2024. Maverick Viñales, though, is another case. Although he hasn’t said anything regarding the declining performance, the 28-year-old is known to be hot-headed and sometimes controlled by his emotions. We wonder if he might explode one of these days…

Jorge Martin is performing well, but it’s no secret he wants a factory seat, and his contract allows him to leave if he’s offered one. It’s reported that Yamaha wants Martin to be in their team, but the 25-year-old is concerned that the Japanese manufacturer ‘continues not to keep its promises by the engineers’. Still, as Crash puts it, he can be ‘the first domino to fall before the avalanche of rider market moves’.

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No String Attached What about those whose contracts end this season? Augusto Fernandez, Johann Zarco, and Alex Marquez all seem good. In contrast, Takaaki Nakagami might need to be in constant vigilance. While no finite threat is visible, his performance lately hasn’t been as good as it used to be. Luca Marini, whose results may not be as good as most other Ducati riders, has been putting on some good performances. We think it’s likely his contract will be extended. His teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, is performing better but has made it clear he wants a factory bike. Like Martin, the Italian is a ‘crucial cog in the 2024 MotoGP rider market whose future will dictate many of his peers’’.	xx	But the favourites to lose their MotoGP seats are Alex Marquez’s teammate Fabio di Giannantonio and Quartaro’s Franco Morbidelli. Di Giannantonio has reportedly received a now-or-never signal from Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti, and Morbidelli has been booed quite a lot by fans. Although our sympathy is with Morbidelli (as we believe the problem lies more with the motorcycle instead of the racer), Yamaha did name some potential replacements in the likes of Bezzecchi, Martin, and World SBK’s Toprak Razgatlioglu despite Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis’ claim that their current rider is still their first choice. The Italian has since been coldly dropping not-so-subtle hints that he doesn't
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	xx	want to stay. If he truly leaves, our guess is he’ll move to Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Who Can Spoil the Party? Pedro Acosta from Moto2 class has made it clear that he wants a spot in MotoGP next year. His closest rival, Tony Arbolino, has also been linked with a move to the top class, and so has Ai Ogura, who was rumoured to replace Nakagami. We don’t forget Jake Dixon who has been speaking with teams in MotoGP for a possibility to move in 2024, either.
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Appreciate our Professors PG. 02

New Captains PG. 03

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Horoscopes PG. 05

Book Review PG. 07

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June's Horoscopes! by Koko Riddle

After a short hiatus, the Hogwarts Headliner’s horoscopes column has returned for the month of June! Marking the start of summer, June is often a month in which people embark on new adventures, especially as, for students, the school year begins to wind down and those studying can return home. Whether or not you’re staying where you are or returning home, June’s horoscopes are below:

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ARIES Aries natives might find the month of June a bit tumultuous. If you feel like your finances are wavering, try not to worry. Although things might not be great initially, the situation should improve eventually. For now, power through. Don’t be afraid to spend time with friends and family.	xx		xx	TAURUS This June, Taurus natives might find their friendships blossoming. Your family should be there to support you, and as long as you remain cautious, you might find ways to increase your financial gains this month. All in all, Tauruses have nothing to fear during the month of June.
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GEMINI Mentally, Gemini natives will likely feel much happier than usual. After all, it is your birthday month. Let this happiness spread to other aspects of your life. Your relationships will continue to grow, but some might become increasingly detrimental to your health. This is the month to figure out what is best for you and to take steps towards improving your well-being.	xx		xx	CANCER In June, Cancer natives might feel stressed. This could stem from a need to be in control, so try to delegate tasks. You don’t need to do everything on your own. Lean on those who love you, and don’t be afraid to take time to relax. It’s important to make sure all your tasks are complete, yes, but it’s also important to take care of yourself in the process.
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LEO Leos should find June to be an empowering month. Have you had any new opportunities spring up? Any sudden job prospects? Chances are, there is more to come. Continue to work towards your goals, and don’t be afraid to make the most of unforeseen advantages.	xx		xx	VIRGO This month, Virgos might notice their relationships with family members growing stronger. Perhaps you have already noticed this. You might have to spend more time with family, so be prepared. However, if they usually get on your nerves, this month might be different.
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LIBRA Although Libra natives’ relationships with others might not noticeably improve, you will have the potential for financial gains. You might feel the urge to travel, and if you do, it very well might be worth it. New chances for you to better your living situation may arise, so keep an eye out.	xx		xx	SCORPIO June will likely be hectic for Scorpio natives. No day will seem like the one before it. Monotony will go out the window, but that shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, you might find it exciting. However, be careful – there will likely be events you are unprepared for, so don’t be afraid to improvise.
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SAGITTARIUS Unlike Scorpios, Sagittarius natives will likely find June to be a month of relative peace, especially when compared with prior months. Take advantage of this while you can. It will be the perfect time for relaxation and self-care.	xx		xx	CAPRICORN This month, Capricorn natives will likely need time to themselves. You might have many commitments that you can handle, but they may seem like too much to bear all at once. When you can, take time to rest. Remember to take care of yourself if the day seems too stressful.
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AQUARIUS Aquarius natives will need a break from monotony. Maybe you’ve been doing the same thing every day for weeks now. June is one of the perfect times to take a break – or, if not a break, to change your scenery. Take some time in nature if you want, or maybe venture into the city. The choice is yours.	xx		xx	PISCES Like Scorpios, Pisces natives are likely to find June to be increasingly busy. However, this should go well for you, and anything that comes up shouldn’t be a hindrance but should instead help you further your goals. You might even find yourself more content than usual.
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June marks the beginning of summer for those in the northern hemisphere, and for most, this month should be one of enjoyment. To students and teachers – enjoy the break from school! To everyone else, enjoy the warmer weather and the greater amount of light. Take care, and have a great month!

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Appreciate our Professors PG. 02

New Captains PG. 03

─

Horoscopes PG. 05

Book Review PG. 07

PAGE 06.

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You've Got a Friend in Me
By Simon Kincaid
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“You got troubles, I've got 'em too There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you We stick together and see it through 'Cause you've got a friend in me You've got a friend in me” Friendships. The task of finding and maintaining friendships can sometimes throw us into the first line of A Tale of Two Cities written by Muggle author Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. How exactly do we go about finding and maintaining friendships? What makes this so important in our lives? Let's begin with the basics – how do you meet these people ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─	xx	that might become potential friends? Here are several suggestions: get out of your dormitory and explore the castle, join team sports and school clubs, get a quill pal, go to school functions, talk with your housemates in your common room or a classmate sitting nearby in class, or start a new hobby. Once you've met them, build an authentic foundation by being your true self – show them what you love, what makes you upset, your strengths and your weaknesses. Don't expect perfection. Talk about the little things first and build up to the big things. Encourage them, listen, and support their goals. Embrace your similarities and your differences. Once a friendship has been built, maintaining it can be difficult.
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Communication is the key to keeping those friendships active. Create opportunities to interact with each other – maybe by creating a special event or project for the two of you, arranging regular meet-ups, or writing letters. Be honest with each other. Be supportive ─────────────────

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❝ ─ ───────────┓ x ─. You can do this! ── x┗─────────── x❞

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of one another. Accept them as they are. If conflicts arise, don't let them escalate – talk about them or apologise. Maybe it was a misunderstanding, or you might be able to see their side to the situation. Take the time to show you care, be helpful, and support their dreams. ─────────────────

The benefits of healthy friendships are numerous! Our friends provide support and motivation, reality checks, free therapy, self-esteem boosters, someone who understands us, a helping hand, and someone to help us grow and achieve our goals. You can do this! You can get out there and make some amazing friendships! I believe in you, Hogwarts, and as always, remember to be kind to one another.	xx
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Appreciate our Professors PG. 02

New Captains PG. 03

─

Horoscopes PG. 05

Book Review PG. 07

PAGE 07.

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Del's Book Reviews:
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
Delilah Stewart

It’s been a little while since I’ve written about a book I’ve been reading, and this is one that has somewhat mixed reviews. On Goodreads, the book has a 3.6/5, on Amazon UK, a 3.8/5, and on Waterstones, a 5/5. There have been worse reviews of the book, but overall the general consensus seems to be around 4/5 stars. I read through a few of the reviews and I generally agree with their rating. The author, Jessamine Chan, is a first-generation Chinese-American who is also half Taiwanese. This is important as her debut novel – The School for Good Mothers – touches on many topics based around being the only Chinese-American or even Asian in a scenario. xx The beginning of the novel centres around Frida Liu, who has a severe lapse of judgement that results in her 18-month-old daughter, Harriet, being taken from her by Child Protective Services. The ‘treatment’ for this is a sci-fi, futuristic approach in the form of a year-long school program in which the mothers have to look after extremely realistic dolls of a similar age to the children that were removed from their care. The story is interesting – it’s not often I get into a futuristic book and enjoy the premise, but this time I did. The thing that holds it back is the writing. It took me an entire month to read this book, and considering I have a current goal of 50 books in the year and I’m x────────────x xx x────────────x	xx	still ahead of that goal, that says a lot. Even though the pace was slow, some parts felt choppy. I could be reading for what felt like weeks about the playing practice, but then the emergency classes went by in the blink of an eye. Personally, I would’ve preferred more evenness throughout similar topics. I feel I had to drag my heels through the mud for 80% of the book, and only the last couple of chapters were worth it. This brings me to the ending. I like to try and keep my reviews mostly spoiler-free, so I won’t discuss details, however, I was left wanting more. The ending is very open-ended, which I know many people enjoy, and it could be leading up to a sequel, but if it was, I likely won’t be reading xx it. I like my endings to have at least some information about how the plot of the entire novel panned out, but we don’t really get that here and it’s quite empty. Overall, the premise was interesting but the result didn’t seem to quite work out the way it should have. I wouldn’t be against reading future novels by this author, however, it’s not a book I’d pick up again for a nostalgic read in a few years time. This is the first review I’ve written publicly that wasn’t pure praise, but I don’t want anybody to think that I didn’t like the book – it’s just not a top 10 for me. Still, if you like futuristic books, I’d give it a shot. That’s all from me! If you have any specific books you want me to take a jab at, send me an owl. Ciao!
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Appreciate our Professors PG. 02

New Captains PG. 03

─

Horoscopes PG. 05

Book Review PG. 07