I was fidgeting around the shelves in the Hogwarts Library, bored, when I met this amazing girl rummaging through books with a huge smile on her face. I waved to her.

Hiya - Hello, I am Hiya, a second-year Gryffindor student. I had never seen you around earlier. Are you new? What is your name?

Vaella - Greetings, Hiya of Gryffindor. I am Vaella Targaryen, a first-year Slytherin. Indeed, I am new to these halls, having arrived as an exchange student from Beauxbatons Academy.

Hiya - I am glad to meet you. I am from India. Where are you from? Oh, I am also the Compiler, Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, and a Journalist for the Hogwarts Monthly Magazine. If you do not mind, could we do a quick interview for the Hogwarts Monthly Magazine February 2024 Valentine's Special Issue?

Vaella - It's a pleasure to meet someone as accomplished as yourself. I am from a Scandinavian realm with ties tracing back to the esteemed lineage of the Targaryens. Your multitude of titles is truly impressive, and I would be honored to participate in the interview for the Hogwarts Monthly Magazine February 2024 Valentine's Special Issue.

Hiya - Thank you so much for obliging. What do you most love about Hogwarts, and what do you most love about HiH? What, if anything, would you wish changed about HiH?

Vaella - What I most cherish about Hogwarts is the enchanting atmosphere that surrounds the castle, especially during the occasional trips to Hogsmeade. Additionally, the library holds a special place in my heart, offering an endless reservoir of knowledge for learning. As for HiH, it provides a remarkable platform for magical individuals like ourselves to navigate our dual lives and deepen our understanding of witchcraft and wizardry. While HiH is excellent overall, I believe the library could benefit from further enhancements to better serve our academic pursuits.

Hiya - You have such an interesting personality. How did you become a Harry Potter fan? Who would you say is your favorite witch or wizard from the era when Harry Potter was a Hogwarts student?

Vaella - My journey into the realm of Harry Potter began in childhood, captivated by the tales of Harry and his extraordinary friends. Each character held a special place in my heart, inspiring me to aspire to greatness in my own magical pursuits. While it's challenging to pick a favorite among such esteemed wizards and witches, if pressed, I would choose Tom Riddle for his complex and enigmatic nature.

Hiya - What an interesting and bold choice. If not Hogwarts, which school would you want to study at and why?

Vaella - Having experienced the wonders of both Beauxbatons and Hogwarts, I must say they are both enchanting in their own right. However, if given the opportunity, I would be intrigued to study at or visit Durmstrang Academy. Their unique culture and the caliber of their students fascinate me, and I believe there would be much to learn and experience within their halls.

Hiya - I noticed that you were sorted into Slytherin House. Why do you think the Sorting Hat must have put you in Slytherin?

Vaella - Indeed, the Sorting Hat likely detected traits such as ambition and cunningness within me, leading to its decision to place me in Slytherin House. However, I hold great respect for all the houses and their respective values. If given the choice, I would find myself drawn to Gryffindor House. I believe its emphasis on courage and bravery resonates deeply with me, and I see a parallel between these qualities and the ones often associated with Slytherin House.

Hiya - Ooooohh, I have always thought Slythergryffins were cool. Which subjects at Hogwarts are your favorites? Are there any subjects you do not enjoy or would say you are struggling with?

Vaella - My favorite subjects at Hogwarts are Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms. I find these subjects captivating and enjoyable to study. However, I must admit that I am currently struggling with Potions. While I do have an interest in the subject, I find it challenging to master the intricacies of potion-making.

Hiya - Potions can be a tough subject to master. But I hope Professor Draekon's expert guidance lights up your path to perfection soon. What are your interests and hobbies outside of Hogwarts?

Vaella - Outside of Hogwarts, my interests and hobbies revolve around reading books and indulging in the art of ballet dancing. Whether immersed in the pages of a captivating novel or gracefully moving to the rhythm of dance, these pursuits bring me immense joy and fulfillment.

Hiya - If you could be a Professor Assistant for any subject, which subject would you choose?

Vaella - I don't believe any subject is inferior to another; each holds its own importance. However, if given the opportunity, I would be interested in being a Professor Assistant for Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, or Transfiguration.

Hiya - You have included some of my own favorite picks. By now, I really like you. How do you manage toggling between the Muggle world and Hogwarts? Do you think time-turners are very useful for this purpose? Does it help that HiH is self-paced?

Vaella - Balancing dual lives can indeed pose challenges, especially when explaining prolonged absences at Hogwarts. While Time-Turners could offer a solution, their frequent use carries risks. Nonetheless, platforms like HiH prove invaluable, providing us with the opportunity to pursue magical education at Hogwarts while managing our responsibilities outside of the wizarding world.

Hiya - Being a Muggle-born witch, I agree with you there. Thank you so much for the interview, Vaella. I would love to join you for a chat over a butterbeer or tea in my Common Room or yours. 

The interview concluded with me smiling as brightly as the lovely girl in front of me.

- Hiya Debnath, Journalist, Editor-in-Chief, Compiler, Publisher, Hogwarts Monthly Magazine.