| The Owl Gazette |
| Issue: 34 Date: Sept. 2006 F |
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| Books With.... Professor Cecilia Opal
By Adrianna La Cerva In a familiar room of red and gold, the sun shines through Gryffindor's many arched windows. Today I am meeting with my Head of House, Professor Cecilia Opal. I've taken the liberty to set out a plate of wizarding pops, her favorite magical sweet, right before she arrives. Dependable as always, Professor Opal enters the common room on time with that pleasant air she always has about her. She takes a seat in the crimson plush chair by the fireplace; I decide to get right down to business. �Okay Professor, what are you favorite books," I ask with my parchment in my lap and quill at the ready. She smiles before she begins. "Well, the Harry Potter series has always been one of my favorites, but besides the obvious there's many more books that are close to my heart." She takes a wizarding pop off of the tray before she continues. "One of my first real favorite novels was White Oleander. It's a coming of age story about a girl and her time in California foster care. The main character, Astrid starts out young and grows into a woman. It's a powerful book, but I don't recommend it to young readers, because it has a lot of adult content." I'm surprised by this, a woman who is so cheery liking a book that is so.... somber. I think about that girl Astrid and how her mother's actions and beliefs have a huge impact, both good and bad, on Astrid's life. My quill pauses and I look up at Professor Opal."In your opinion, what do you think is be best recipe for a great mother/daughter relationship," I hadn't expected to ask this particular question, but it is basically the theme of White Oleander."Hmm... Well, I think the best thing is to have a good understanding of each other. It doesn't hurt to be good friends and be honest. I think those things were missing from Astrid and Ingrid's relationship." I pour two glasses of pumpkin juice and hand one to her. Picking up my quill, I ask "What else�.� My other very favorite book series is Lemony Snicket's a Series of Unfortunate Events. I first saw this series at the book store and thought it looked interesting," she says with a smile and a light laugh. "It turns out the story is about three orphans and their unfortunate adventures as they try to escape from the evil Count Olaf. It has a lot of great humor, and sometimes you just want to stop reading because of the terrible things that happens to these kids. But in the end you can't stop reading because the story just grabs you. I recommend it to anyone who likes good stories that you can finish in a few hours. The books are very short!� I nod in agreement. The books are a definite light read- [I] a phrase which here means easy reading.[/I] A tooth lacerating baby, a brotherly version of Hermione Granger, and a likely-to-be-employed-as-an-engineer older sister, what's not to love? Suddenly, our conversation is interrupted by a loud bang followed by much laughter up above us. Professor Opal and I exchange smiles; we both know what it's like to be part of a House who are almost as excited over pranks and jokes as they are when our Head of House announces that she's taking avatar orders. I grin and shake my head as I urge her to continue. �I also love the book To Kill a Mockingbird. It's a classic story and I read it in high school. The character, Scout, who is telling the story of her childhood, narrates the book. The characters are compelling and in the end you feel for everyone in the book. If you haven't read it yet, you should soon because it's a story I think everyone should be required to read. �Again, I nod in agreement. The book is able to tackle quite a few societal issues in spite of the fact that a child narrated it. It was also able to maintain an innocence and charm because a child narrated it. I look up at Professor Opal. �Leo Tolstoy once wrote, "All happy families are alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in it's own way". Do you feel that this statement accurately describes any/or all of the books you've mentioned and do you agree with such a statement?" "I'd say that describes these books quite well. I didn't notice, but many of my favorite books involve unhappy families in some way, and it's true that they each have different problems that make them unique. But I think the thing that relates them is that they're all still families and in the end they still have each other, which I think is an important theme in those books." I didn't anticipate our conversation about books getting this deep, but it just goes to show that if you want to know more about a person, ask them what books they like to read. |
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| A Slytherin�s Perfect Summer Vacation
By: Jennifer Kull (JUNK) Cold Caves! Creepy Castles! Colossal Cabanas! Climatic Climbs! Cocoa Cabals! All of these eerie ideas and places are thought up when one describes a preferred place for one who resides in the House of Slytherin. But is it true? And if so, exactly how much of it? In fact, it is well known that Slytherins often vacation in Florida, which is a warm-climate American state�Pause much? Yes, I know what you must be thinking? Warm? How can that be? But it is true. There are many attractive as well as leisurely places in that area, and Slytherins, former Slytherins, and family of Slytherins often own estates there. But wait, aren�t there those who do prefer the cold, dark, and creepy places of the night? Well, certainly, but they mostly go to Transylvania�Need I say more? Now, as for the perfect summer vacation for a Slytherin? I suppose it would be the same as anyone else�s, Muggle or magical being. The best seats in the best amusement park and/or sport possible with smug grins, loads of money, and tons of little ones to bully. Of course, we must have our parents there to back us up when we talk our talk, too. |
| The Illusion of the Dungeon
Wednesday Addams Coming down the Grand Staircase you enter the dungeons�or do you? I mean, you are in a corridor and there is Hufflepuff, the kitchen, the Caretaker�s office, Potions class and the Slytherin common room. But are you in the dungeons, the only dungeons? According to many Slytherin RPGs, there seems to be a �lower� dungeon, and even more beneath them. Why don�t you see these on the castle layout? What is down there? I was told once that a certain professor took a class trip to the lower dungeon and well, I won�t say what happened, but suffice to say, it was BELOW the dungeon you see. Maybe there is the torture room that Flinch hinted at that has the chains on the walls to hang bad students up by their thumbs! Could these be where the old school supplies are? More chambers? I mean the Chamber of Secrets had to be below the dungeon or you could have easily gotten to it without the trip down the tunneled sink route. I would venture to say there are more chambers down there. Maybe the chamber of not-so-secret, or the chamber of tattered banners, old cups, dishes, even the chamber of old DADA teachers! So, the next time you are in the dungeon, just know, it isn�t the only dungeon! |
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| Frenzied Writers
Abigale Turner If an outsider were to glance in on the work done on the Quibbler, they'd be shocked by how much goes into it. Even the smallest and most crammed-in issues (Issue #8 was put out in less than twenty-four hours, after the idea appeared in a late-night chat between a couple of friends. The issue was put out the following afternoon, thanks to some BRILLIANT work by a few of our Gryffindors) required a lot of time and effort. Writing the Quibbler, however, has been a fun experience for everybody. Even though sometimes it's hard to come up with ideas that seem plausibly publishable, we've enjoyed every moment of brainstorming. From pirates to three-headed-dragons to vampire! Ministers, the Quibbler's been filled with imaginative (if . . . alternative) works of writing since the beginning. And now, as hard as it is to believe, Gryffindor's hard at work at their TENTH ISSUE. It's exciting to think that we've come so far with the magazine that started so small and experimentally. Trust me on this one: it's going to be the best issue yet! |
| Perfect Prefects
Abigale Turner It's always a challenge to be a new Prefect - there's so much to learn in such a short time. To be a Prefect means setting an example for everybody in the house, and it's no easy job. But our Gryffindor Prefects (Audrea Martin, Kristin Johnson & Felicity Hedwig) have done an amazing job leading the house so far. Though they've only been working the position since early June, they've already stepped into the role smoothly and are glowing brightly as models of exemplar for the rest of the house. Between organizing events and earning house points and posting, it seems like they never rest. And though we know that our Prefects can only do so much, it seems like they do what they do amazingly. If the Prefects maintain the level of enthusiasm that they have so far (which we know they will), Gryffindor is in for an awesome - and accomplished - year. |
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| House of Art
Abigale Turner A glance around the common room is enough to reveal a well-known fact: Gryffindor is a house filled with artistic ability. Whether it be poetry or dolling or photography, the members of Gryffindor house have used their abilities to their greatest potential. We all know that Gryffindor's head of house, Professor Opal, is an amazing doller. But she's not the only pixel-enthusiast in Gryffindor: a peek into the "Artwork" sub-forum of our General section is enough to show you that. Prefects Kristin Johnson and Felicity Hedwig are amazing and improving with every piece they produce. Hattie Gryff, another member of Gryffindor house, has taken to making avatars for house members. It's easy to admire her skill (and, I've discovered, a bit harder to keep from squealing at her work), and the best part is that she's been sharing her talent with everybody. But though she's a really experienced doller now, she's not the only member who's been working hard. Elizabeth Prentice, a newer member of Gryffindor, has just recently taken to dolling herself. Taking constructive criticism with grace, she's done a great job in her improvements. Besides the dolling-enthusiasts, there are bunches of people who write truly amazing and meaningful poetry. Aerwin Turner, Megan Miller, and Linda Danes have been known for producing awesome poetry, but these are just a few of the members who have taken a liking to the art. We're proud to say that Penshire isn't the only crafty house! |
| You May Be More Like The Professors Then You Know!
By: Jenii Chang You might be like Professor Lockhart if... 1. Giving free autographs takes up most of your time 2. You have a wall full of mirrors and are looking for more space. 3. You have more hair care products then you can count. 4. You love giving your prefects lots of work to do. 5. You love Hufflepuff! You might be like Professor Snape if... 1. Giving torturing little 1st years is fun. 2. You will always have plenty of dirty cauldrons for Huffs to clean. 3. You have never heard of a hair product you felt was worth using and washing your hair is out of the question. 4. Thinking up cruel unusual punishments can be great fun! 5. Slytherin is the best house hands down. You might be like Professor Fairydust if... 1. You can fly. 2. You love pretty colors especially purple. 3. Professor Lockhart will always be your "Silly Billy" 4. Spending some time with the Huffs is fun! 5. You love Ravenclaw! |
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| �Charmed� in Hogsmeade
By: Seraphina Rosehill The town of Hogsmeade all came together on the evening of August 18th, to celebrate the opening of their first Night Club, �Charmed�. Owned by Gregory Glockenspiel, the nightclub features a Wizarding theme, including bubbling cauldron tables, Deatheater waiters and waitresses, dark, gloomy lighting, and an enchanted dance floor. The new club was a big hit among the townsfolk, one was quoted as saying, �This place is great, it�s like being at home, but with people to wait on you.� And another patron said, �The dance floor was wicked! The scenery changes around the area and you go from dancing in the street to dancing in the middle of the jungle!� Spicing up opening night, Heathcote Barbary and Myron Wagtail of the Weird Sisters made an appearance, followed by Celestina Warbeck, the �Singing Sorceress�. The arrival of the famous folk, created quite a stir at the new club, as many of the townsfolk were seen clamoring for autographs. After mingling and signing various items for fans, the trio retreated to the VIP room, where they remained for the rest of the evening. It is no doubt, that after starting off with a big bang, Charmed is sure to be a favorite spot in Hogsmeade Village! |
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| Chocolate Frogs out of Control?
By: Seraphina Rosehill Recently, the MOM of has been receiving a high volume of complaints about many students favorite treat, chocolate frogs. Apparently, a few batches of the yummy, hopping candies were hexed and have been wrecking havoc anywhere they are opened! One report received by the MOM mentions 3 frogs, opened at the same time by friends wanting a snack, ran all over a small village in England, called Durbinshire, and frightened a group of muggle tourists! The tourists were wandering around the village taking pictures, when the evil frogs came upon them, and blew fire at the tourists. One muggle was injured, having received 3 burnt toes, and the MOM has already responded and erased the memories of all muggles involved. Another reported incident involved another group of muggles in downtown London. Somehow, some of the hexed candies ended up in a muggle candy shop. After they were purchased, an unsuspecting shopper opened one and was cursed with bat-bogey�s upon taking a bite! The poor woman, ran throughout the shopping district, and was eventually committed for mental health issues. The Ministry is still investigating the person or persons responsible for this So, students beware! You�re favorite snack or candy may just come with an unexpected surprise! |
| BUBBLING BUBUTUBERS
By Elizabeth A new Honeydukes sweet for Honeydukes, made by the owner herself! The crowds become larger as they snake their way through to the beloved Honeydukes sweetshop to try, test and buy the fab new Bubbling Bubutubers! Better than the fantastic fudge, better than Bright Bertie Botts Every flavour Beans! Testing free the yummy sweets for only 3 galleons for 400 grams. What a bargain! There are no interviews here as it is hard to hear people talk over the noise in Honeydukes and it is impossible to drag wizards or witches a like out of this amazing sweet shop just for an interview, but news of this new wizard sweet spreads far-but there is a warning: WARNING If you eat more than sixty of these beans in five minutes you will turn into a bubatuber- and have to be turned back with this new spell "Bubatuber-le-osis" by a friend! Ingredients: Bubatuber seeds covered in fudge and chocolate and caramel. *Do not try making these yourself otherwise Honeydukes will reach you! * Now, to get these-go to Honeydukes sweet shop NOW! |
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| Straight from the Slytherin Confessional� (by house of Slytherin) Kayla West ~ I confess I love being an auntie, even if my nieces and nephews aren't quite human. I [also] confess that I yell incantations from the HP books and movies accordingly during my day. Professor Ripley ~ OK, so I can't wait, so I confess I am the biggest fan of OLANDO BLOOM bar none! And as a pirate?? **faints** **wakes up on floor** Huh? What happened, oh yeah PIRATES IS COMING AND OLANDO!!! **faints again** Kelsey Nevaeh ~ I confess that I'm singing right now... and it isn't all that good, as my throat is sore�Therefore I further confess that I'm glad the only one home is Grandma.. and she can't hear me =) Arcken Cirith ~ I confess that no place has color without Igraine� Not that I care much about color, but I do like green, red, black and purple. Anyway, be seeing you not. Saya Erickson ~ I confess that for the next 5 days I will be cleaning my house, because that's what I do when I�m sick, and I want to confess Kayla is right, I�m usually like bed ridden sick, but this time its like Physical sick then burst of Energy followed by Me whining about being sick and hurting and a 5 hour nap. And I would like to confess that Andrew is greatest. Just Cause. -Hugs- I confess that I will Miss Igraine and Arcken [sp] and Most of All Kamron. Cause he was like my first friend on here. And I confess that Beonca was missed and shouldn't disappear again. I also confess this was the longest confession ever, and that I want pizza. Seraphina Rosehill ~ I confess that I am overly paranoid about people who fart a lot, and they give me the willies! |
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| Cobra Dance Instructions
By: Jennifer Kull (JUNK) 1. Stand straight with your feet slightly apart and your palms together as if in prayer, raised above your head. Tilt your head to one side of the other and bend your knees a bit. This is your Beginning. 2. Move your knees inward, then outward, and sway your head on your neck in a fluid, snake like motion. This is the start. 3. Suddenly kick with your right leg and left hand at the same time, keeping your other hand and arm in the previous positions, then return to the start. 4. Now do it in opposite, with your left leg and right hand, then return to start. 5. Say "ha!" like a fighting ninja, then hiss, bending low while still in start 6. Repeat. :D |
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| Recipe for Sugar Quills!
By Lynexe Couronne Some of us Penshires really enjoy Pocky, thanks to Sephiroth, though others have to admit that when it comes to sugar, the first thing that comes to mind is a sugar quill. Here is a recipe to make those sugary sweet sugar quills your self, without having to go buy them. Though they may take some practice to finally get right, its great way to spend time and to have some fun with sugar! Ingredients & Materials -Sugar! As much as you�d like -A Quill -Two pieces of wood or any other material that have the form of a Quill inside [This might take longer, all you have to do is let the substance take the form of a Quill by placing the quill inside and tapping it so that the hollow space inside the pieces has the form of a quill] -Some hot water; not too much Instructions 1. Mix the hot water and sugar in a bowl together until the mixture is extremely thick, this is why you do not need too much water. 2. Pour the mixture into the hollow space in the two pieces 3. Clamp the two pieces together so that the hollow space is closed up 4. Wait until it cools down by putting it into the freezer or just freezing it with your wand 5. Ready to eat and get hyper! |
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| Random Questions from the Slytherin CR
By: Seraphina Rosehill Kamron: What is going on in here? Jen: What, don�t you eat squirrels? Kelsey: Why is the sky blue? Darmean: Why do we ask so many questions? Kayla: Why are sheep pink? Sera: Why would I question your authority? Saya: Who else thinks Kayla needs some serious mental help? Professor Opal: Don�t you want to be a rebel? Professor Fairydust: Who marks what?? Emma De: Marco? Polo? Marco? Polo? Marco? Professor Lockhart: Why are you confused? Amaya: Why don�t we play in fields anymore? Professor Snape: Okay, who had the camera? |
| A game started by Prof.Lockhart while he was in Ravenclaw: (by house of Ravenclaw)
Professor Lockhart is so cool because... -he is so good looking-written by himself -Because I am so cute-Again by Prof. Lockhart -Because I am Professor Lockhart -yep you guessed it right written by Prof. Lockhart -Because I'm famous-gee...who wrote that? -Because everyone loves me...*roll eyes* -Because he has a special charm about him... (yep he wrote that too) -Because I can start a thread about myself... -Because he is just one of the best 'Temp' Head of Houses (who do you think wrote that? LOL) -Because he has Ravenclaw discussing a fan club Do you need me to go on? Let's just say that Prof. Snape was very close of losing his scones that he had for breakfast after reading that thread... |
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| Top Ten Slytherin Dishes
Wednesday Addams 1.) Crane under glass 2.) Badger stew 3.) Lion-heart meatloaf 4.) Raven soup 5.) Squid 6.) Hippogryff-burgers 7.) Spider casserole 8.) Rat-on-a-stick 9.) Road kill Surprise 10.) Cheese-covered chocolate frogs! |
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