Olive Mallardson

Backstory

I was born in 1999, so I grew up in the aftermath of the war. My father’s a wizard, but my mum is a muggle from the United States. She doesn’t get our world, but she does pretty well accepting how different it is. I made a few friends right away on the Hogwarts Express, and absolutely no one was surprised when I was quickly sorted into Hufflepuff. I’m very good at being in the background, I’ve always been hardworking, and once I’ve befriended you you’re never never getting rid of me.

My favorite classes were, at the risk of sounding like a stereotypical Puff, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures, though I also enjoyed Potions and Charms. By the time I took my OWLs I knew I wanted to to have my own place. As a kid I had always loved the bakeries around London my parents would take me to, and I had gotten pretty good at baking myself. After I graduated, I moved home for a while until I had saved enough galleons to rent a little space in Hogsmeade.

My two best friends at school were in Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Only Bri (my “Slytherfriend”, I called her) was in my year. She is practicing to become a healer now, and we’re all so proud of her.

I think my favorite thing about being in the wizarding world is the sheer abundance of ways I can use magic to help people. Muggles are limited by what they know; they can’t work on new spells to do exactly what they need. I’ve been told my desire to help is my greatest strength, but I don’t agree. Wanting to help everyone all the time can be a burden, and I don’t know how to say no. My greatest strength is by far my compassion. I remember being at school as I got older and I was always flocked by first and second years. I was called Mother Duck because of how I usually had two or three younger students trailing me like nervous ducklings.

If you’re ever in Hogsmeade and you need a bite, stop on in! I’ll have plenty to eat all day, and a hot cup of tea is just one “please” away. I hope you don’t mind animals, though. I have a barn owl (Persephone) and a friendly cat (Molly) who asks all the customers for some love and attention. Molly has quickly become a fan favorite of the students who visit on their weekend trips.