The Hogwarts Headliner, Issue #0

We first years are now over halfway through the school year; this means that we are done with the introductory classes and getting to do some more exciting things. Today, I am pleased to give a review of a first year Herbology class to express just how wonderful these more advanced classes are!

Not many people seem to be interested in plants, but I, for one, think that Professor Davis does a great job of keeping things interesting. She began the lesson by handing each of us students a box; we didn't know what was inside! All the professor had told us was that the boxes could wiggle just a tad.

Imagine my surprise when my fellow students and I found out that there was a purple bulb the size of our heads in each box! Having grown up primarily exposed to Muggle plants, I could not believe that there existed plants that moved so vivaciously! Furthermore, Professor Davis let us know that they could cause harm. How exciting! In the Muggle world, for those of you who don't know, there are very few plants that can cause damage without someone eating it. This was a completely new experience for many of my peers and me.

As we examined the bulbs, chained by their bulbous body, Professor Davis gave us some more information. Did you know that Bouncing Bulbs can grow to the size of doors? I didn't either, until the professor enlightened us with such a fact! The whole lesson was fascinating. I am so grateful to be at Hogwarts where we can have such hands-on experiences, like we did during this Herbology class!

My only complaint is that Professor Davis waited until some daring students attempted to poke their bulbs to tell us that that was, in fact, a bad idea. I'm not one to risk injury, but I would hope that a professor would always ensure that students - especially first years - were as aware of the consequences of their actions as possible!

Overall, Professor Davis did an excellent job of introducing us first years to the Bouncing Bulb. I have been quite pleased with the quality of our Herbology classes and give this class five out of five Cauldron Cakes!

Greetings, Hogwartsians, and welcome. While there are many nooks and crannies that are unknown to our students, the real things we want to know about are what has been going on socially in these halls. The Hogwarts Founders knew what they were doing when they put a bunch of preteens and teens together, right? I, for one, know why all the ghosts have chosen to haunt our hallowed halls: there's never a dull moment. So much has happened this year that I feel that it is my civic duty to inform the masses about what our Hogwarts students have been up to. It is my pleasure to bring you the most transparent and honest account of these wild antics. In the Muggle world there has been quite a bit of discussion on "fake news," but let me tell you, folks, this stuff is all real!

Now that we've gotten our formal introductions out of the way, (and no, I don't care to know your name or what your great-aunt Muriel has been up to - unless she's murdered someone, of course!) let's get started.

First, did you notice that Hogwarts seems to breed such rule breakers? I'm not talking about the innocent ones, either. I've heard rumors of many little students having to rectify their nasty actions with some nasty punishments. Some are more tame by breaking into the Restricted Section and disregarding curfew. Others choose to throw epic parties, sneak off from dances, and even abuse potions. My, my...bet Lear wouldn't want the parents knowing about his naughty pupils, would they? Can't seem to think they'd be too thrilled, hearing about all those kids abstaining from their studies for more reckless pursuits.

On a tamer note, did you know that there are extracurricular clubs at Hogwarts? I sure didn't, until news of the bulletins traveled my way. One Professor Griffith has even given younger students the opportunity to interact with creatures before their third year. How precious. I have to say, I never saw a more wild looking man with such an adorable affinity for small children. Rumor has it, though, that even Griffith's "R.O.A.M" (don't ask; I don't know, nor do I care) event wasn't all pygmy puffs and chocolate frogs; I've heard that one student decided she was better than Mokes, and Griffith decided to set her straight with a after-dinner conversation. If you hear more, send it my way...I'm dying to know.

Life isn't all classes and clubs, however; as I mentioned before, some students have decided that they need some parties to spice up their lives! Jury's still out on who started the party, but I hear there were quite a few Gryffindors and Slytherins in attendance. My, my, I thought those two houses hated each other! Guess these students just wanted to hide their friendships until they could celebrate over a few mugs of butterbeer. Also present? Quite a few prefects, including one known for a permanent stick up her behind. While some students were able to flee before curfew, I'm under the impression that others got a pleasant reward for their actions: detention. It seems the party organizers need to do a better job of being exclusive with their invitees.

Extracurriculars seem to extend beyond parties, though. My sources have informed me that one student in particular has found classes so dull that he has chosen something more worth his time: bomb-making. You read it here first, folks, Hogwarts has a maniac loose in its halls! While I have been informed that I cannot name names, I will tell you that this inventor's name is not Daemon Lifemote. Use that information as you wish. I'm just here to give you the facts, not to ruin lives, after all! By last count, over four students landed themselves unconscious in the Hospital Wing, two professors (including our knight in shining armor, Headmaster Lear) were involved, and many sparks were flown. I can't begin to imagine what these ickle first and second years will bring upon Hogwarts as they refine their skills. Hopefully Lear has begun reinforcements on the castle!

On a final, lighter note: spring is upon us, lovelies! What does that mean? Blossomfest! One hopes it will be less lit than years past, but with our current Headmaster in charge? I can't say that I'll be too surprised if things get a little wild, even for Hogwarts standards. More to discuss for our next column.

With that, I bid you adieu my dear readers! As always, shoot me an owl for the latest happenings at Hogwarts - the juicier, the better! You know I'm dying for a little drama to spice up these dull classes. Kisses!

Celebrity Highlight: Celestina Warbeck "The Singing Sorceress!"



For many years, the famous Celestina Warbeck has been the face on many eager wizards' Chocolate Frog cards, but do you know where she got her jump start to fame? For many, the popular pub, The Blind Pig is a historical place. It is also is where this famous diva got her start. She was a sensation, grew up in a home of creativity, and knew the spotlight. Her father, meanwhile, worked with the Ministry in Muggle Relations, but her mother was Celestina's main inspiration. Mrs. Warbeck was a failed actress, and many say that Celestina was inspired to start a career on the stage in order to finish what her dear mother started.

Celestina's extraordinary talent was discovered when she was very young. She was eager to go to Hogwarts and make a change in its society as well. Her mother took a stand and demanded the school establish a choir for her daughter to be recognized. All was successful for this young inspiration, and little did she know she was already on the road to fame and fortune. She began doing tours. Through these tours garnered many galleons and beloved fans. Fame, unlike some celebrities, didn't phase her kindness. She used her hard earned money to donate to St. Mungo's and other healthcare facilities. She is also a strong activist and had no fear in standing up to the Ministry after their disagreement on her favorite holiday, Halloween. In addition to her music and performance interests, she was also a devoted Quidditch fan and even recorded Puddlemore United's anthem.

This all around superstar is an inspiration to the wizard community, a face we all see on Witch Weekly, and an icon on our favorite chocolate frog cards. Kindness and honor was her motto, and we all look up to her each and every time we hear her hit single, "A Cauldron Full Of Hot Strong Love." Celestina certainly is full of love! So, take what you learned, be the change you want to see in the world, and do as the famous Celestina Warbeck would!
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- Donnovan Perrywinkle


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Disney is considered a fairy tale monopoly. They have bought the rights to nearly all stories from The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by the Brothers Grimm. While the original tales are dark, gory and mysterious, Disney inserts color, inspiration and animals to make the tales appropriate for all ages.

Fairy tales often allow items such as red shoes, a glass slipper, or an enchanted rose to keep the plot alive and intriguing. These are their way of symbolizing the unexpected, or in some cases, the expected story lines that we all love. In turn, Disney not only uses items as a way of adding to their plot, but they also add in friendships that are truly special. What kind of friendships are they? Friendships among animals, of course! This is their way to keep the story diverse and alive!

In actuality, animals are often therapeutic for humans. They allow us to express ourselves in a calming matter and take our minds away from the irritated, stressed, anxious, and perhaps depressed lives we live in. Animals add in a sense of hope, happiness and determination. The concept of Disney using animals in their movies is considered scientific. Well look at it this way, did you notice that animals are often presented when a human is in trouble or is confused?

Here are some nifty examples of Disney’s psychological works:

Mulan doesn’t know what direction her life will take. She’s confused about who she really is. Mushu (Bearded Dragon) helps her find her identity.

Tiana is troubled when she turns into a frog. She has to find a way to break the spell and what better way than to have friends such as Louis (Alligator) and Ray (Cajun Firefly) to help her along.

Aurora, or Briar Rose, is hidden away in the forest to ensure that the spell Maleficent placed upon her does not happen. Aurora is troubled and wants to find true love. The animals in the forest not only dress up as a prince but also find a prince for her, too.

Nearly every Disney movie has an animal with not only a personality, but also a purpose to a specific human being. There is not one story without an animal at the human’s side. The following is a list of human and animal relationships:

Cinderella - Gus (Mouse), Jaq (Mouse)
Ariel - Flounder (Fish), Sebastian (Crab), Scuttle (Seagull)
Belle - Phillipe (Horse)
Pocahontas - Meeko (Raccoon), Flit (Hummingbird)
Snow White - Animals of the forest
Jasmine - Raja (Bengal Tiger), Abu (Monkey)
Rapunzel - Pascal (Chameleon)

How does this relate to us now? Well, we are now able to bring our pets with us to Hogwarts. When times get challenging or lonely, we have our pets to help us clear a strong path. Just like the animals and pets did for these Disney princesses, our own pets can help us find who we are and strengthen ourselves throughout our educational journey.

Nightmares, sometimes you get them from your past and sometimes they show up because you’re tired or because you’re scared of a new place, or the future.

So many kids here, me included, get nightmares. So that begs the question, how do you stop them?

Well, the first way to help stop nightmares is to start turning your dorm into a home. Where you are may be a box, it may be too small or too high or too dark, but what you need to do is make it your box. Put up photographs of the people you love, or drawings of things you like, or maybe just letters from home. Whatever makes you happy, I have little wooden animals hanging from a string.

Although, sometimes all that can heal nightmares is time. Time and love and friendship, knowing you’re not alone makes all of the difference. Remember, you can make your family, and your family are the people that make you happy.

A journal can help sometimes, but don’t write down your dreams or nightmares. Write the down the things that make you happy, all the best memories you’ve made so that if you do wake up from nightmares. All you need to do is read until you feel safe again.

Nightmares are just as much physical ailments as mental, and if they’re bad then don’t forget that they’ll leave you eventually. Just like with a broken bone, over time the bone will mend and you’ll be left even stronger than before.

Sleep well readers,
Elly

Hello students of Hogwarts, or Professors, I don't know if they will read this. Anyway, I am Delilah Stewart, a Second year Ravenclaw. Anybody who read the final issue of the Diadem will have seen my recommendation for the Naughts and Crosses Series. Well I'm back with another series, this time it's called the Jessica Daniel Series written by Kerry Wilkinson.

Kerry Wilkinson is a currently 38 year old Author and sports journalist born in Bath, England, he was the first man to win a RNA (Romantic Novel of the Year Award) in 2018 in the Young Adult section. He has best sellers in multiple countries and at one point in November 2011 he had a hold of the top 3 spots in the ITunes Crime Novel Chart.

The book in question for this recommendation is the first one, it has 2 names for different locations, it is called Locked In for some and The Killer Inside for others. The book series follows Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel to solve a case. The case is as follows;

A body is found inside of a house, seems positively average, the only issue is, the whole house was locked from the inside. Who murdered this person and how did they do it?

The book is filled with twists and turns that you could never envision, secrets that are revealed over time and plot holes that get filled up when you least expect it. It will leave you scratching your head until you get to the end and all is explained. It's overall a very satisfying experience.

I really like the way it is written, it shows off the life of a Detective when they have a difficult case to solve, and it isnt all crime, crime, crime. It also has elements of everyday life and the building of relationships with friends, it is a very good read in my opinion.

-by Elena Jones

Food, Food, and More Food

The snow has melted, people are freaking about final exams, and the food in the Great Hall’s starting to get a little bit old. I mean, yes, the house-elves are amazing and the food here is the best, but there’s just something so satisfying about eating the food that you make with your own two hands… unless you burn it. All this is to say, try and maybe DIY your breakfast sometime this month! (don’t be shy about dropping off samples at the Herald office, either)

Blueberry Pancakes
Is there no other fruit as adorably sweet as the blueberry? Is there no other breakfast item as classic as the pancake? Is there no better way to combine the two? This classic Muggle delicacy is best enjoyed dripping with syrup, is meant to be eaten friends- at any time of day. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients~
1 1/2 cups (180 g) All-purpose flour
3/4 tsp (3 g) Baking soda
1 1/2 tsp (6 g) Baking powder
2 tbsp (24.75 g) Sugar
1/4 tsp (1.5 g) Fine sea salt
1 3/4 cups (440 ml) Buttermilk (additional as needed)
2 Large eggs
3 tbsp (42 g Unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups (340 g) Fresh blueberries
Canola oil for cooking
Maple syrup for serving

Instructions~
In a large bowl, sift together your flour, baking soda and powder, sugar, and salt- then set that aside for the time being. In a medium bowl, whisk together your liquids- buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour your wet mixture into the dry and stir just until combined. Gently fold in your blueberries.

Place a griddle (or frying pan) over high heat until hot. If you flick some water onto it, the water should skitter across the surface. Once hot enough, lightly oil the griddle. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup (30 grams) of the batter onto the griddle (if the amount varies, cooking time varies). Cook until bubbles form on the surface, which will take about two minutes. Flip your pancakes and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about one to two more minutes. To keep your fresh pancake toasty and warm, place your cooked pancakes in the oven at 200°F (93°C) on a baking sheet. Repeat the cooking process until all the batter is used. If your batter begins to thicken, thin it out with a bit of buttermilk. Serve your delicious pancakes piping hot, with maple syrup to taste.


Dried Cherry-Chocolate Muffins
Are you as guilty of harboring a sweet tooth as I am? Say no more- instead, wake up to a beautiful day and stuff your face with a delicious cherry-chocolate muffin. Rather than using paper liners, simply butter your muffin tin for an excellent crusty exterior. This recipe makes twelve muffins.

Ingredients~
2 oz (60 g) Unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 3/4 cups (280 g) All-purpose flour
1 tsp (4 g) Baking soda
1/4 tsp (1 g) Salt
1/2 cup (125 g) Unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup (220 g) Golden brown sugar (firmly packed)
1 Large egg
1 tsp (4 g) Vanilla extract
1 cup (250 ml) Buttermilk
3/4 cup (90 g) Dried cherries
1/2 cup (60 g) Hazelnuts (filberts), toasted, skinned, and chopped

Instructions~
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and make sure there's a rack in the middle of it. Butter 12 standard muffin-pan cups.

Place your chocolate in the top of a double boiled placed over, but not touching, barely simmering water. Stirring often, heat it until the chocolate melts. Remove from the water and set aside to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, stir together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually beat in the brown sugar until dissolved. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and chocolate. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix together just until smooth. Fold in the cherries and nuts. Spoon your batter into the muffin cups, filling each cup about three-fourths full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let your delicacies cool in the pan on a wire rack for two minutes, then turn them out onto the rack. Serve them warm, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.


Hopefully, these recipes make you hungry enough to want to try them out for yourselves. Pancakes, muffins, maybe some cookies… wow, now even I’m hungry- I’m predicting that Hogwarts will be filled with delicious aromas in the near future.

Chocolate Cake

CHOCOLATE CAKE:
1 1/2 cups (7 oz / 200 g) all-purpose or plain flour
1 1/2 cups (11 oz / 310 g) white granulated sugar (or a natural granulated baking sweetener measuring 1:1 with sugar)
1/2 cup (1.7 oz / 50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tablespoon (20 ml) pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup (190 ml) milk
3/4 cup (190 ml) boiling water mixed with 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder

CHOCOLATE GANACHE:
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream or thickened cream
8 ounces (250 grams) semi sweet or dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan with non stick cooking oil spraying.

CHOCOLATE CAKE:

1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to combine well.
2. Add oil, egg, vanilla and milk to the flour mixture and beat well to combine. Pour in the boiling water (with the coffee), and mix until glossy.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 40 - 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the chocolate cake comes out semi-clean with small amount of cake (not runny batter) on it due to the fudgy texture.
4.Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Transfer cake from the pan to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE:

1. Pour the cream into a small saucepan and heat over low heat for a few minutes. Watch that it doesn't boil or simmer it. Once the cream is hot, turn stove off and take the saucepan off the heat.
2. Add in the chocolate chips; cover saucepan with a lid and let sit for a good 5 minutes to soften and melt the chocolate. 
3. Uncover, and stir slowly first, with a spatula or wooden spoon, gradually mixing faster until ganache is smooth, creamy and glossy. Refrigerate for one hour or hour and a half until thick enough to spread (similar consistency to Nutella).
4. Spread evenly over the cake.