Week 3 - Character Discussion

[Prof. Amy Lupin]

With these character discussion threads, we would love to hear more about the character you've been assigned. Not much is known about these characters, so you are free to come up with your own ideas. You can respond to the prompts in the first person (as they would, in their own voice) or you can tell us about them in the third person (like the book does with Harry), it’s up to you.

We'll be offering one prompt per chapter. You'll need to answer one of them in 100 words in order to earn 20 beans and a turn. You're welcome to answer any of the other prompts for extra beans, but you won't get extra turns.

The prompts are as follows:

• Chapter 7: What were your character's first impressions of Hogwarts?
• Chapter 8: What was your character's first day/week of classes like? Which subjects did they enjoy most?
• Chapter 9: What was your character's first interaction with their Head of House like?

Post your responses below by 11:59 PM HOL time on 31 May.

[Luna Ravenlong]

Dean Thomas

What were your character's first impressions of Hogwarts?

I got my first view of Hogwarts castle when we were crossing the lake-in boats that moved by themselves! It looks really cool and is absolutely massive. I can’t believe I actually get to live here. When we were waiting to get sorted , actual ghosts came and talked to us and then we went into the hall which had a calling that looked like the sky. There was a talking hat that put us into our houses and then a brilliant feast-I don’t know who is doing the cooking but they must work very hard to make so much delicious food. When we were taken up to Gryffindor tower there were lots of paintings that moved and then had to give a password to a portrait that talked to us! If Hogwarts has been this amazing on the first night, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year is like.

[River Fenwick]

Seamus Finnigan
What was your character's first day/week of classes like? Which subjects did they enjoy most?

My first week of classes at Hogwarts was mighty craic altogether. I’ve always been a bit wild wanderin’ around the countryside, but I never managed to land myself in real trouble. But sure, Hogwarts is full of magical dangers I wasn’t quite ready for! In my very first Potions class, I got teamed up with a fella from Gryffindor, Neville. We were meant to be brewin’ a Boil-Cure Potion, but he somehow managed to melt my cauldron! The thing went everywhere, splashin’ all over the place and coverin’ Neville head to toe. Professor Snape nearly took the head off me, shoutin’ at me to get him to the hospital wing, and I wasn’t about to argue. The whole week went on like that, one disaster after another, but the flying lesson was the best part by a mile. It was like bein’ back home in the countryside, just me and my broom without a care.

[Prof. Sindor Aloyarc]

Hannah Abbott
What was your character's first interaction with their Head of House like?

I met Professor Sprout on my first evening at Hogwarts during a house meeting in the cozy common room. The Professor welcomed us all with a warm smile, explaining that Hufflepuff values hard work, loyalty, and fairness above all else. Her voice had a kind, encouraging tone that immediately put me at ease.

When Sprout asked us first-years to introduce ourselves, I shyly mentioned my family’s love for plants and healing potions. Sprout’s eyes lit up and she said, “Ah, a natural fit for Herbology, I see! We’ll make sure you feel right at home in the greenhouses.” That personal attention meant the world to me while still adjusting to the bustling new environment.

Later, when Sprout made her rounds, she noticed my persisting nervousness and quietly reassured me, “You’re going to do wonderfully here. Just remember, Hufflepuff is like a big family. We all help each other.” That small moment stayed with me, solidifying my sense of belonging within the house.

[Prof. Will Lestrange]

Terry Boot

What was your character's first interaction with their Head of House like?

I knew I would end up in Ravenclaw - nearly all Wildsmiths tended to - but I was a bit surprised to be looking down at my Head of House! Professor Flitwick introduced himself to the first years at the end of the Welcoming Feast, and once I was able to take in his appearance, I got the sense that he was very excited about the school, his students, and his subject. For now I just stayed back and didn't try to make an impression - good or bad - but I did tell him that I looked forward to learning Charms from him this year! He may or may not have known that my mom had been one of his students... after all, my last name comes from the Muggle side of my family!

[Prof. Scarlet Leslie-Lewis]

Padma Patil
What was your character's first interaction with their Head of House like?

After meeting the no-nonsense Gryffindor Head of House, Professor McGonagall, prior to the Sorting ceremony, I was extremely nervous to find out which professor led Ravenclaw. To my delight, Professor Flitwick greeted all the new first years with enthusiasm, not just the ones in Ravenclaw. He reminded me so much of my former goblin caretaker Odbert, eager to take us all under his wing. He also had a sharp eye, using the Summmoning Charm to confiscate some contraband from a couple of fourth years a few tables away halfway into his friendly introduction to us. I was too shy to say much to Professor Flitwick, but I don't think I imagined the little wink he gave me when I told him my name.