Prompt: Read All About It

[Prof. Sky Alton]

From ‘Terror at the Quidditch World Cup’ to the return of Voldemort, We’ve seen many notable events in the Wizarding World reported in the pages of the Prophet and the Quibbler. Newspaper cuttings make for very interesting additions to stories as they tell us a lot about the world and the people reading them.

I’d like you to sharpen your reporter’s instincts and produce a newspaper article (200 words or more) about a fictional happening or issue. It could be a normal report, an editorial or an interview. It can be one from ‘the real world’, one from the Wizarding World or one from another fictional world (you could even report the event you wrote about for May’s prompt). Keep in mind the HOL rules though and steer clear of anything too political or graphic. You’ll earn 20 beans for completing this prompt as well as it counting towards the chance to snag our shiny Quill and Ink award.

There is no deadline as such for these prompts but if you’d like it to count towards your chance of earning the award for a specific year, we’ll need it by the end of that school year. If you’re comfortable sharing, then post below. If not, email your story to us via hol.bookclub @ gmail.com (without the spaces). Oh and remember it’s a good idea to check through your piece carefully for spelling and grammatical errors as they make it harder for people to properly enjoy your work.

[Prof. Maxim Trevelyan]

The Literary Legend Returns

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a historical day of wizarding literature. As readers of my column may know, I am a long-time fan of Gilderoy Lockhart, writer extraordinaire, rescuers of many communities, Muggle and magical alike is back after twenty years with his new book Obliteration of Obliviation.

Flourish and Blotts is filled with mostly witches, though we can see some wizards as well, who hope to get the newest Lockhart’s book fresh off the shelves. I, of course, already pre-ordered a copy, so I could avoid the immense crowd that gathered here and how right I was to do so.

It seems, dear readers that just as the last time during a release of Magical Me, there is a brawl happening between the bookshelves on the topic of magical maladies and magical creatures. Yes, that is right, a witch in shocking pink robes just attacked a wizard in emerald green over what appears to be the last copy of Obliteration of Obliviation. Luckily, the security is better this time and both are getting escorted out of the store.

How exciting! Back to the signing, I am nearly standing before the wizard, the myth, the legend and I cannot stop trembling. All around me are whispers about his appearance, even more charming than before, with those silver streaks that now adorn his hair. Another step forward and it is my turn. I gave the book to Lockhart, and his smile make me weak in my knees. Some people say that he will never be awarded another Witch Weekly award, but I say hogwash.

I watch his loopy writing, not as elegant as before, but that is part of the charm and when I get back the book, I sniff it subtly. I am glad to report, dear readers, that Lockhart uses Eau du soleil, new fragrance that can only be bought in Paris. I am sad to report that nothing exciting happened until 4 pm, when the signing officially closed and the crowed slowly trickled back to their homes.

Until next week,
S. B.

[Shiloh Adlar]

This year will be the first year that Kennilworthy Whisp has decided to share many of his famous vegetarian recipes at a very new fair that will be held outside of Hogsmeade later this summer. The "Magical Veggie Fair" will boast all kinds of plant based foods for the veggie wizard or witch in our community. Whisp was contacted by organizer of the "Magical Veggie Fair," Ms. Viridian Greenlake as well as yours truly, Shiloh Adlar and fellow plant extraordinaire Arielle Lemoyne.

Whisp was interested in the classes and articles being written by these two ladies and was thrilled to join in and help out. He admits that this is a new venture for him since most of his public speaking events have involved quidditch, but since vegetarian cookery is a hobby of his, he says that this event will give him something to do to keep from growing old. As he will tell you, "Plants are the key to a long life. Living foods give life."

The fair will also hold host to several herbologists and magizoologists who will share on how to cultivate plants and herbs for eating as well as how to protect magical beasts. There may even be a special appearance by Newt Scamander and of course Luna Lovegood who is well known for her love of magical vegan food and fight for creature rights as well.