HOL

Time to get to know our side characters a little better.
This is another chance to flesh out your character’s backstory. You can use what we know about them from this or other books in the series but we’d also love you to use your imagination to spice things up (that's particularly the case if the books have already specifically answered the prompts for your character - it's totally okay to build off that canon, but please try to add some creative touches of your own to keep it fair). 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.
There are 3 prompts to choose from, one per chapter. You need to choose one and respond to it in 100 words or more to earn 20 beans and a dice roll for the board game. You’re more than welcome to do the other prompts for more beans but you won’t earn any extra rolls.
Chapter 4: Where was your character when they received their Hogwarts letter and how did they and/or their family react?
Chapter 5: How old was your character when they first visited Diagon Alley? What were their first impressions and which shop did they like best?
Chapter 6: What was your characters first journey to Hogwarts like? How were they feeling about going? Who did they sit with? Did anything interesting happen?
Post your responses below by 11:59 PM HOL-time on the 31st of May

Seamus Finnigan
Where was your character when they received their Hogwarts letter and how did they and/or their family react?

I was just doin’ a bit of work on me broom at home when the Hogwarts letter landed in. Me mum was over the moon, so she was. She went there herself, y’see, and always said they have the finest Quidditch pitch in the world. Me dad, now, he wasn’t quite as chuffed. He always knew the day would come, but sure, bein’ a Muggle and all, I don’t think he ever really got the buzz of it. Probably hadn’t thought much of it since mum told him she was a witch. He came ’round after a few days. Mind you, it might’ve been for mum’s sake, or maybe mine too.

Chapter 4

I was at home, with both of my parents, when an owl showed up with my Hogwarts letter. This did not come as a surprise; after all, my mom was a witch from a distinguished line... and I had performed some accidental magic (getting certain interesting items and snacks closer to me than I could reach)! She was, of course, excited that I was going to follow in her footsteps at Hogwarts... and I was looking forward to having a chance to have my own experiences at the school! Definitely learning more than what the Muggle world could provide... but she refused to tell me too much as she wanted me to discover the school through my own eyes when the time came!

Hannah Abbott
What was your characters first journey to Hogwarts like? How were they feeling about going? Who did they sit with? Did anything interesting happen?

My first journey to Hogwarts was a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. Mum and dad escorted me to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, where they made a fuss ensuring I had everything I needed before waving me off.

It was hard to say goodbye, but the parental concern in their care also fueled my jitters, making me even more ready to grab the goblin by the gold and get the trip started.

On the train, I was hesitant at first but eventually settled in a compartment with a group of friendly first-years, including Susan Bones.

The initially awkward small talk was interrupted by a commotion in the hallway when a clumsy older student accidentally set off a trick wand, which exploded into a fountain of turquoise sparks. When our initial shock quickly wore off, the incident made everyone laugh and helped with breaking the ice.

Me and Susan bonded at once over our shared love of magical creatures, and I really admired her kind and direct attitude.

As the train approached Hogwarts, I felt a mix of awe and anxiety, but Susan’s steady presence reassured me. By the time the castle came into view, my nervousness had begun turning into a gaining wisp of confidence. That was the moment I truly believed I was ready to embrace this new chapter in my life.

Dean Thomas

How old was your character when they first visited Diagon Alley? What were their first impressions and which shop did they like best?

I was 11 when I visited Diagon Alley for the first time, just after receiving my Hogwarts letter. I’m really glad Professor McGonagal came with me and my mum, otherwise I don’t think we’d have been able to cope at all-even finding the place would have been a struggle! Seeing the goblins at Gringots was a shock-I’m still getting over the fact that magic exists at all, let alone fairytale creatures-but at least they were helpful in changing our pounds for galleons so we could shop.

We did all the boring stuff first, like robes, potions ingredients and quills. Then we went to Flourish and Blotts for books, which was pretty cool as I’m really excited to learn about the world I’m now part of. We didn’t go into the shop selling broomsticks, but the professor did explain quidditch to me after we passed it. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to see it. But my absolute favourite shop was Olivanders. Having gold sparks come out of my new cherry and unicorn hair wand was the moment I realised I really am a wizard!

Padma Patil
How old was your character when they first visited Diagon Alley? What were their first impressions and which shop did they like best?

Father was forced to bring my sister and me to Gringotts with him when Mum had all-day catering events. We were around 3 or 4 years old the first time. I remember struggling to keep up with him and Parvati on the cobblestone street. Also, the brightness of the snow-white walls really contrasted the overcast sky outside as soon as we passed through the main doors of Gringotts. Father had meetings all day, so we were left in the care of a goblin named Odbert. We were fortunate that Odbert loved children, unlike many of his co-workers. He took us through all the vault passageways. I believe Father had trouble making us get out of the Gringotts cart at the end of the day!