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This will be an annually updated magazine/news source created by a specific Writing club. If you are interested in joining either the writing team, the editors, or you prefer to do comics, owl Rowan Blackclaw.
Editor in Chief: Rowan Blackclaw
2nd in Command and Head Artist: Joanna Quinn
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
11
Reads
4,477
August 9Th
Chapter 6
art by Joanna Quinn
The Three Broomsticks vs The Dragons Lair : Is It Time For a New Pub ? Written by: Anmol irfan Edited by: Rowan Blackclaw We all know and love the three broomsticks; whether it's wee little ones going to warm up with a Butterbeer, or adults popping in for a quick Fire Whiskey. It's been the go-to pub for as long as we can remember. But lately, the high traffic level has been causing some problems. With the opening of a new Hogsmeade pub, the Dragon's Lair, magical folk are wondering if the Three Broomsticks will be able to compete. While the Three Broomsticks might have been popular in the past, this generation of young wizards and witches are searching for something new, something that hits closer to home. The Dragon's Lair brings them exactly that. The atmosphere is modern and a lot more upbeat when compared to the older competitor. The drinks served are the likes of which you've never tasted before, and I speak from personal experience. There is a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks available for younger customers, like Hogwarts students who frequently visit while in hogsmeade. The best of these Is called "Icy Paradise" and is just a heavenly mixture of 3 flavours of ice cream , milk and sugar with a dash of magic. Of course in winters there is another favourite. It is labelled on the menu as “Classic Caramel Crunch” but is more popular amongst students as "Hell's Cup" . It is so called because of a special ingredient which keeps it warm until you finish it and it heats your insides in the most delightful manner to make you feel toasty and cozy even in the coldest of weathers. Their last special is for elder customers. Named the “Hinkypunk”, this drink really packs a punch. It's fizzy and syrupy at the same time and it is by far the most often purchased drink this last week. The Hinkypunk is not to be missed, unless you're under age, then you’ll definitely miss it. While some of you might still think that old is gold and stand by the Three Broomsticks, it seems unlikely that it will run much longer. It may be close to our hearts but the sad truth is that after Madam Rosmerta's death, the pub will slowly lose it's charm. The arrival of the lair will simply speed up its downfall . So I would advise you to enjoy it while it lasts for that won't be too long now. |
Ask Ivy! Written by: Ivy Nettlebed Edited by: Shelby Hastings Have you Floo Powder turned to glue? Is your eye of newt lazy? Then it’s time to Ask Ivy! Happy to be with you again my dear readers! Tiggy is very excited to share this week’s recipe; it’s a chocolate and peanut butter perfection that could even make a Dementor smile! This recipe was owled to us by our friend and reader Ashley Bussell. You know a recipe is good when the owl’s been nibbling on the parchment, so, we submit for your enjoyment Evanesco Pie. Evanesco Pie - author Randall Petty Ingredients Crust - 25 whole chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos - 4 tablespoons butter, melted Filling – 1-cup creamy peanut butter - One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened - 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar - One 8-ounce package whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, thawed Directions For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Crush the cookies until they're fine crumbs. Pour the melted butter over the top and stir with a fork to combine. Press into a pie pan and bake until set, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow cooling completely. For the filling: Beat the peanut butter with the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add in the thawed whipped topping and beat until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Pour the filling into the crust, evening out the top with a knife or spatula. Chill for at least an hour before serving and watch your house elf, they tend to stick their fingers in the pie for tasting. |
Dragons: Fun Facts and Baffling Fiction
Written by: Rubi Vargas
Edited by: Denise Crume
Dragons are classified as XXXXX (according to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) meaning that they are known wizard killers and cannot be tamed. There are currently ten known pure-breeds of dragons, though they have been known to interbreed. While muggle lore is fraught with confusing and clashing tales of dragons, there are bits of truth to some of the stories.
Some stories show them as blundering, greedy beasts who thirst for gold, while others depict them as benevolent creatures with vast wisdom and kindness. These are the results of confused stories passed down by word and scrambled in the process, and cultural differences and beliefs. Muggles carved out stories to suit their own beliefs and ideas, not to mention that in some cases, magical beasts and beings really did differ from country to country. While some dragon breeds have sadly gone extinct (there was once a breed of dragon in China that brought rain, which is why Chinese myths include such dragons) those that remain share the same attributes of breathing fire, having bat-like wings, and a lizard-like appearance.
Dragons are intelligent creatures in their own right. One woman of the MacFusty clan claimed that she once taught a Hebridean Black how to do math. However, they are not capable of speech or match human intelligence (the Hebridean Black could only do addition, so he wasn't much help when it came to balancing a checkbook). Muggle stories usually have dragons who can speak, and though a Chinese Fireball was once taught to read (she particularly enjoyed historical fiction) they cannot write or truly communicate with humans.
And now for some fun facts about dragons to tell your kids or younger siblings!
Antipodean Opaleye- The prettiest dragon with pearly scales and multicolored eyes without pupils. It is the easiest to tame, killing only when it's hungry. It resides in New Zealand and Australia, both of which are known to harbor huge populations of acromantulas and other such dangerous creatures. Once, Opaleyes and acromantulas were pitted against each other in caged fights, but that quickly became outlawed.
Chinese Fireball- The smartest of all the dragons, it is characterized by its scarlet scales and golden spikes. It also known as a Liondragon since the fringe of gold spikes around its head are reminiscent to a lion's mane. Fireball egg shells are a lovely crimson with specks of gold, and are highly prized by Chinese wizards, going for thousand. Recently a series of fake Fireball eggs have entered the market, fooling many tourist wizards.
Common Welsh Green- Green scales and a relatively docile nature, preying on small mammals such as sheep. They live in the mountains of Wales, rarely harming humans save for the Ilfracombe Incident. The Welsh Green is especially sensitive over the fact that people tend to believe Wales to simply be part of England (the same with Scotland and Northern Ireland. They are part of the United Kingdom, not England. Totally different) so avoid bringing that topic up when around a Welsh Green. (Or people from the same areas, as a general health tip.)
Hebridean Black- The other breed of Great Britain (different from England again. They live in Scotland, okay?) it has dark, rough scales, ridges along its back, violet eyes, and an arrow tipped tail. The MacFusty clan has long taken care of these dragons in a reservation on the Hebrides Island of Scotland. The MacFusty Clan use to allow visitors into the reserve, but this has stopped ever since a man lost an arm, an eye, and received third degree burns (he called it an Irish dragon. What did he expect would happen?).
Hungarian Horntail- The most vicious and largest of the dragons, it is pitch black with bronze horns and spikes protruding from it tail. It is one of the few dragons that actually has a taste for human flesh, so be careful when approaching a Horntail. Actually, don't approach a Horntail at all. Running won't help you, they're fast, faster than you can imagine. Not to mention that they can shoot flames up to fifty feet. Their preferred food is Hunt's tomato ketchup.
Norwegian Ridgeback- Similar to the Horntail in appearance, the only difference is its slightly brown hue and black ridges on its back. One of the few dragons with venomous fangs, along with the Vipertooth. There is a famous tale called “Lucky the Ridgeback,” which is about a Norwegian Ridgeback named Alexander who makes an unlikely friendship with a Rhodesian Ridgeback (a breed of dog) named Lucky. I would highly recommend it as a childrens story, but children aren't ready for that sort of heartbreak. No one is ready for that sort of heartbreak. No one should read it. Lucky dies at the end...
Peruvian Vipertooth- The smallest dragon at only 15 feet (5 meters), it is the fastest dragon, and venomous. It has smooth copper scales with black ridge markings and small horns. It has a notorious craving for human flesh, and is particularly good and concealing itself due to its small size. In one case a man named Pedro Bianchi kept several Peruvian Vipertooths in his home, having somehow tamed them. One day a band of thieves broke into his home only to be completely and horrifically devoured by the Vipertooths. What a nice story, right, kids?
Romanian Longhorn- A green dragon with golden bull-like horns, which are valued for its uses in potions. Because of this, its numbers have plummeted rapidly. Extensive and innovative breeding programs have been implemented in an attempt to increase the declining population, and they have been relatively successful. For just a few Knuts a day, you can help fund these projects and help save the Romanian Longhorns. If you donate enough, you can even name some of the newborns. My favorite would have to be Fang Lizard Longhorn Spike Flameo McDaniels.
Swedish Short-Snout- Silvery-blue scales and a matching blue flame that can reduce you to ashes within seconds. Such a lovely way to die if you ask me. Though it is agile in the air, it's slow on the ground due to its lack of forward limbs. Its beautiful skin is highly sought for making clothing, which, in my opinion, is sick and wrong. Allow me an editorial for just a moment, dear readers. To kill and skin such a lovely and majestic creature is deplorable! Shame on you dragonhide companies! Shame... on you...
Ukranian Ironbelly- A bipedal dragon with large wings and gray scales said to be as hard as steel, (what now, dragon hide companies!) these dragons are notably slow due to their large mass, but are deadly nonetheless. These dragons are typically used to guard the vaults of Gringotts, though there has been much protest over the cruel treatment towards them. Back in 1965, there were a series of protests outside of Gringotts, which stopped after the Ironbellies were unleashed on the protesters, killing hundreds. The death toll was only given at 73 since the protesting goblins were not counted in the death toll. Once again, allow me an editorial by saying that that is simply sick and wrong. No wonder the goblins protest so much! Luckily, there have been some reforms since then, but the incident has still been covered up. Word on Knockturn Alley is that the death toll was actually 257 when you included the goblins. If you want to know something, visit the man that lurks outside Petersen's Apothecary and pay him a Galleon. Never actually enter Petersen's Apothecary though. It's not really an apothecary.
Next edition will feature an interesting tale of Nundas. Would they win in a fight against Quintapeds and Lethifolds? Possibly.
Hold On To Your Hats
Written by: Isabel Williams
Edited by: Rowan BlackclawOn The Fashions of the Day
This month, with the Quidditch finals just a hop, skip and a jump away, may witches and wizards have taken to proudly showing off their team’s colors. The Bulgarian Quidditch fans, long known for being an aggressive and lively bunch, can be recognized for proudly displaying their red and gold in the streets, while the Brazilians like to show off their vivid greens and yellows wherever they can. Madam Malkin, owner of Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, has reportedly hired a designer named Chimerae [Ki-MEER-ay] who is known in her hometown of Italy to be a huge Bulgarian Quidditch fan (much to the displeasure of her peers) to create a new line of designer robes revolving around popular Quidditch teams.
Chimerae’s style has been praised by many a tough critic in the wizarding fashion industry, called a “breath of edgy, poisonous fresh air” and “a step into the future with a nod to the past”. She presented at Floressa Dexter Fashion Week, a large-scale event for up-and-coming designers such as herself. When interviewed by the Daily Prophet’s fashion consultant, Barbara Willikins, she admitted to “having a thing for long Muggle garments” and can often be seen out and about, sporting one of her trenchcoat-inspired robe sets with a lopsided, spiky witch hat to accentuate the look.
In other news, we’ve heard word that another designer’s trends have been rising to fame. Luna Lovegood, daughter of the Quibbler’s founding editor Xenophilius Lovegood, was known in her Hogwarts class to often choose eccentric fashions. After she gained hero status in the Battle of Hogwarts for aiding Harry Potter in his discovery and subsequent destruction of Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem, one of Lord Voldemort’s seven Horcruxes, these fashions gained immediate popularity and have been replicated and reminisced in several important designer fashions. Her “radish earrings” she liked to wear have been given many nods of appreciation throughout the industry, including an entire line by designer Georgius Nickelore, featuring bold radish-print robes, radish-print Converse shoes and radish-print kneesocks. Her addition of Spectrespecs to many of her outfits (buy Spectrespecs for 15 Sickles and 22 Knuts now!) also gained designer attention, and now designer Valencia Morgan makes a point to include the glasses in all her looks.
Fashion Advice This Week: Show off your pride with a pair of bright, edgy robes in your team’s colors! Will it be Brazil or Bulgaria, or are you still stubbornly loyal to the Chudley Cannons? Whatever it is, pop into Madam Malkin’s now and get the best of Chimerae! Top of the look with a signature Luna piece--whether it be a butterbeer-cork garland around the base of your hat or a sunflower-yellow tiered dress on a sunny day, put some of her style into your fashion picks!
Magical Mishaps and Muggle Misdirection Written by: Luna Alexander Edited by: Hazel Cunningham The magical and muggle worlds have cohabited fairly peacefully thanks to the laws and oversight of the Ministry of Magic. Some of these laws and rules may not seem fair, like the use of underage magic, but they are necessary. The Department has to go to great lengths to maintain our secrecy, which becomes particularly difficult when magical mishaps bleed over into the muggle world. There is a department within the Ministry of Magic known as the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee. It is their task to create muggle explanations for magical events. They work closely with muggle politicians, police force, and news reporters to make sure that any event or mishap is covered within the confines of muggle understanding. This can get tricky for stranger situations - like the famous incident when Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were spotted in the flying car over London skies. Finding an incontestable excuse for that was a challenge. Most recently, a witch was discharged from St. Mungo's Hospital and upon returning to her home in London, proceeded to turn her entire house into a gingerbread house. Complete with gumdrops, candy canes, icing, etc. Muggle reports and children rapidly flocked to the scene. As soon as the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee caught wind of the incident, they went on red alert. They contained the chaos by stating that the gingerbread house was a "Christmas in July" publicity stunt for a local (wizard run) bakery. The Muggles were delighted by the delicious display. Ministry officials apprehended the rogue witch, who was promptly returned to St. Mungos. She is being held under close medical supervision. When reached for comment, a committee official stated that no one was harmed during the incident, and that the buttercream icing was delicious. |
House Points: Do They Really Matter? Written By: Skye Lunar Edited By: Rowan Blackclaw I see a lot of people frantic about topping the Great Hall leaderboard with extravagant amounts of House Points. However, does being at the top really matter? I understand that many people see the leaderboard as a bit of friendly competition, but it seems to be getting out of hand. I think it's actually harming more students than it is helping. I've seen a lot of students working tirelessly to "climb the ranks", though what most people don't seem to realize is that there's a difference between working hard and overworking. A lot of Second Years are driving themselves to exhaustion completing not only their own assignments, but the new First Year assignments as well. HiH is meant to be a fun place, but a lot of people are ruining the fun for themselves by trying to max out their House Points. Now, I'm not saying that everyone on the leaderboard is overtired and not enjoying themselves, but quite a few of them must be with all the work they're doing. Those students who know they can handle the work and actually want to do it (as opposed to working only for the leaderboard) should by all means go for it, but nobody should be working for the sole purpose of earning House Points. After all, it doesn't really matter whether or not you get Extra Credit on an assignment, as long as you're absorbing the material and having fun doing it. Because if you're not having fun, what's the point of even being here? |
