Getting into the Ravenclaw Common Room isn’t as simple as just saying a password. Instead, students have to answer a tricky riddle before the door lets them in. The eagle-shaped doorknocker that guards the entrance doesn’t budge unless you prove your wit by solving the riddle it asks. Here are two riddles that have stumped even the cleverest Ravenclaws in the past. If you manage to solve one (or both), you could win five Knuts, a free advertisement in our magazine, and a special shout-out in the first issue of the Hogwarts Seasonal Magazine. Just owl your answers to Hiya Debnath, Compiler and Publisher of the Hogwarts Monthly Magazine, or drop them off at "The Hogwarts Monthly Magazine Office" to claim your prize.

Riddle of the Month

“Did you know that this flower is more than a Valentine’s Day gift?

Some of its pretty secrets, Pliny the Elder gathered.

In forty ways, it can be used for healing.

And who knows how many more of its benefits are yet to be discovered?

From eye diseases to diarrhea, anything does it cure.

Wherever you feel pain, and whether it’s anxiety or stress that you endure,

This so-called mundane flower relieves it all.

It blooms at its best between late spring and early fall.

Available in a variety of colors and unique scents,

This versatile shrub grows well in the care of romantic singers.

Dragon dung is one of its very good friends.

But be careful if you try to get too close, for it may as well prick your fingers.”

What is it? Put on your thinking cap and show us you’ve got the smarts of a Ravenclaw.

Bonus Riddle

In every special issue of our magazine, we treat our readers to a bonus riddle inspired by one of the nine electives at Hogwarts. Here’s this month’s challenge (and just so you know, it’s not necessarily themed around Valentine’s Day or the Spring Festival):

“We are speaking of a Germanic deity.

She is the feminine Goddess of fertility, love, and beauty.

She rules the beginning of the three aettir,

And you may find her evoked in texts from Norse mythology.

She is not the one who is said to have lost her son to the pranks of the trickster Loki.

But if you are familiar with the runes of the Elder Futhark, you must know that she rules the first family.”

Think you know the answer? Don’t keep us waiting!

While your owls fly toward us with your answers, let’s reveal the winners of last month’s riddles. Unfortunately, it looks like nobody solved last month’s riddle. :(

But don’t worry! We’re sharing the solution here so you can see what you missed.

Last Month’s Riddle

“If you’ve cast too many spells,

Take some time to rest.

Exercise gives you sore muscles.

Practicing too many charms doesn’t make you feel your best.

It starts with nausea, breathlessness, and fatigue.

And finally, you can’t even stand.

You have difficulty doing almost anything.

If you end up casting accidental magic, I would understand.

What is that two-word phrase

that describes this feeling you get?

The more you practice, the less easily it sets in.

Give yourself enough time to recover.

Do not stretch yourself thin.”

Solution: Magical exhaustion.

Explanation: We all know that casting spells requires magical energy. In Charms class, we learn about willpower, which is basically a way to measure that energy. It’s like when you need physical energy to lift something heavy. The more you use your magical energy, the more tired you get. With practice, though, it takes longer for that exhaustion to set in, just like how you get stronger with regular physical exercise. The symptoms of magical exhaustion can be pretty intense, starting with nausea, breathlessness, and fatigue so bad you might not even be able to stand. The best cure is rest, just like after a tough workout. But be careful, because some witches and wizards end up casting accidental magic while they’re recovering from magical exhaustion. So, it’s a good idea to keep anything breakable safely stowed away while you’re resting up!