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J O U R N A L I S TXX C L U B

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Flying High: An Interview with a Broom Racer

I had the pleasure of interviewing Zach Zaphiere, the talented second-year Ravenclaw broom racing captain, who was a joy. His skill and determination on the broom are impressive for someone so young. With his intelligence and focus, he's a rising star in the sport, embodying the Ravenclaw spirit. It was an honor to glimpse the potential of this future broom-racing legend.

Zach, Would you mind sharing with us the story, of how you got started in broom racing? "I... Uh... I just saw the announcement of the opening Broom Racing Co-Captain position last semester. Then I applied for it."

What according to you is the role of teamwork in broom racing? "Teamwork in broom racing is very important. All the racers in the team have to help each other. At the same time, they must also have good judgment to use the best actions so they can reach the first position. That's why practice is important. It will hone their skills and judgment in the match. Ah, and also create a strong bond."

Quite an Interesting answer, What is the most challenging aspect of broom racing according to you? And how do you prepare yourself physically and mentally for a broom race? "Well, I don't directly race. But if you ask me, it's another attack from opponents because it's unexpected. The racers must focus to pass the obstacles and at the same time, they have to be aware of opponents' attacks. How do we prepare for it? Practice. It can prepare us physically and mentally."

What is your favorite broom racing memory? "I only have one match though. It's the last Fall Games. My favorite memory of it is definitely when the Ravenclaw team won the game. It was a tight game. I was also able to learn about magical creatures like Glow Bug, Swooping Evil, Doxy, and Boggart and see them with my own eyes! Even though I saw them from afar. And one of our racers is still haunted by the Boggart. Well, this one isn't my favorite memory."

What advice would you give to aspiring broom racers? "Have fun! Well, you can be serious about it but don't let the seriousness reduce the racing fun. The official team is open to anyone who aspires to become one. There's also a club that plays broom race for fun. It is Racer Academy. We're open to anyone who wants to learn about it or have a fun broom race."

Coded and written by Elisa Shakestra

THE LIFE OF A HOGWARTS DUELLIST

Hello there everyone! Today I will be conducting an interview on an amazing duellist, a second year, Hufflepuff. Not only is she loyal and brave, she is an amazing duellist, welcome Alyssea Brown!

Lets get straight into it, first question, how long hav you been duelling for?

“I've been a duellist since a little after the start of my second year! Think it was late September? So, I've only had one official match and a few unofficial ones here and there for fun.”

Ooh that must be why you’re so good! Next up, now let’s not forget, we’re still meeting the girl, do you have any favorite duelling spells?

“I wouldn't say good, maybe lucky (chuckles). I love the Dancing Feet Spell and the Tickling Charm. I think a lot of people have figured out those are my go-to spells, so I'm going to have to find some new ones to open duels with. Still, they're definitely my favourites.”

Personally, I don’t know both of those, but it sounds cool enough! Now now, I’m very aware of your duelling skills, and I know you’ve been doing it for <blank> amount of time, but have you ever done any other sports? Or even considered them?

“Racing! I actually signed up for both duelling and racing at the start of the year. I ended up on duelling first, but I've made up my mind that I'll be moving to racing after this year. I'm the new Hufflepuff co-captain for racing, after all, so I think it's definitely time to dedicate all my energy into the sport.”

Oh very nice very nice! I know you’ve won matches before, I’ve personally been one of your victims… but how often do you say, that you succeed in winning?

“I've lost more times than I've won, honestly. I think I've won... two matches? My first ever duel was a landslide that I lost and I'm still developing my strategy, so some loss is natural, especially if it's your first time.”

Well that is still very good!! Let’s move away from duelling questions for just a moment again, do you have any plans for your future, maybe once you’re out of Hogwarts?

“A performer! Before Hogwarts, I did musical theatre and acting, so I want to go back into it after Hogwarts. I also do ice skating (shout out to Pericles in Ravenclaw!), so ice dancing might be on the cards. As long as I'm on the stage, I'll be happy, I'm sure.”

Those plans seem awesome! That was just a quick break so that we don’t get bored, back to the duelling questions! We know that you’re an amazing duellist, but could your wand possibly be part of that? What type of wand do you have? Tell us a little bit about it!

“Ooh, I love my wand! First glance, it's a short white stick, yes. It's a 21.3 cm aspen wood wand with a unicorn hair core.

But for those that love wand lore, unicorn hair is great for casting consistent spells. I've had a few spells backfire, naturally, but many of them turn out well. Aspen wood is historically known to be a good wand for charms and even duellists. Some history for everyone, there used to be an exclusive duelling club called The Silver Spears, and it was because they all owned aspen wands!

But even with the wand, I don't think it's the main cause of why I'm an amazing duellist, or even a decent one, for that matter. It takes practice to figure out the right spells and even the right combo of spells to use for the best damage.”

Ooh I see I see, your wand seems very interesting! Now, last, but certainly not least, why did you choose to do duelling?

“Quidditch was a big no, right off the bat. I'm terrified of bludgers. It was a coin toss between racing and duelling and, since I got on duelling first before racing, I figured some experience is better than no experience.”

As a quidditch player myself, yeah the bludgers are pretty scary, I’m glad I’m not a beater. Well there you have it! That’s just a quick peak into the interesting life of one of Hogwarts’ very own duellists, how fascinating!!

-By Delainie Silverwing

Today, I, Tracey Bailey had just interviewed a fellow first-year Ravenclaw, and her name is Meluna Ravenwisp. While I interviewed her, I learned a lot of interesting stuff, she comes from a divorced family, but she didn't like the idea of her parents getting a divorce and is currently living with her father, tho she was going to live in the Staes with her mother if she didn't show any signs of magic. Of course, that wasn't the only thing I've learned from her. I asked her about her thoughts on Ravenclaw and Hogwarts and she said,
"I would be feeling nervous, I've read a few books in my father's house which he finally spent time with me on after my FIOM. I might be in denial on a few things but my biggest interest at the start of my year is going to be mythical creatures. So I do have something to look forward to."

That is a very good response in my opinion. After that, I also asked her about what her favorite activities are and asked several questions about those activities. I had gotten great responses from her as well. She told me that her favorite activities are reading books, riding her father's horses, and having a cup of tea on her father's porch. And out of all of those, her favorite activity is riding her father's horses. She had described the activity as peaceful, tho I haven't tried it, I'm sure it is!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today, I, Tracey Bailey had just interviewed another fellow first-year Ravenclaw, and his name is Glen Boren. I also asked him about his backstory, and he said,
"I am gentle and sweet, I am kind and always happy and always have a smile on my face. I love to help others and am very smart. I love art and I love to draw in my free time I draw sketches of my favorite foods."

Turns out Glen's favorite activity to do is to draw, and his favorite thing that he's drawn so far is strawberries. I also asked him how he likes Hogwarts and Ravenclaw so far and he said,
"I love Hogwarts. I'm currently exploring the castle and am getting to know my house and slowly I'll be making some friends,"

He's off to a good start, isn't he? I hope he enjoys himself in both Ravenclaw and at Hogwarts! It's quite a big school to explore, I haven't even explored the whole school yet! Now, back to his favorite activity, I think drawing is cool, I hope he challenges himself and draws something other than fruit!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today, I, Tracey Bailey has just finished up interviewing a fellow Ravenclaw, Delainie Silverwing! Like I did with Glen and Meluna, I started off with asking about Del's backstory. And Del is a half-blood like me, but she has a sister. And she also grew up like a Muggle which is really interesting to me. Del loved her life before she attended this magic school, but now she states that her life is even better. Oh, and she's glad she got into Ravenclaw.

I had also asked her about what her favorite thing to do in her spare time is and she had said,
"Hmm, well, usually I like to read. Reading is my favourite. Fantasy mostly, but action or mystery is amazing too! I also have a pet bunny Whiskers, I love him so much, I like playing with him. We dance around and play, I love petting him, cause his fur is SUPER soft!!!"

Now, I don't really like reading, but I have seen Whiskers before, and he really is cute! I also have a pet cat Tiger and he agrees with me on Whiskers being cute.