Interviewer-Dean.J.Weasley

Dean: Hello Professor Laurel, good morning. I am Dean Weasley, a 1st year Slytherin student. I was hoping to interview you on behalf of Hogwarts Seasonal Magazine for the Autumn 2024 Issue. Is this a good time to talk?

Professor Laurel: Absolutely, Dean. The Charms Magical Studies Group was just dismissed, and I was cleaning up for the day. I would be honoured to participate in an interview for the Hogwarts Seasonal Magazine - I have read a few issues myself, and I think you students have done a wonderful job with it. 

Dean: Thank you so much for your time, Professor. May I start with the thousand Galleons question everybody has been waiting to see answered? What do you love about Charms, and why did you pick this subject to teach? What fueled your interest in the subject?

Professor Laurel: Honestly, teaching Charms - teaching in general - was not at all something I had planned for my life. I was so convinced that Magical Theory research was my destiny. I dreamed of working in the Ministry and of making fantastic discoveries, but when I finally got there… I realised that it was not what I wanted.
After I had my daughter, I kind of just fell into working as a tutor in our small magical village, and I was surprised to find that I actually loved it. I wasn’t looking for anything more, but a friend approached me and told me about an opening for Charms professor here at Hogwarts, and I knew I had to apply. You ask me why I picked Charms, but I would argue that Charms picked me.
I love teaching Charms because I believe it is the foundation of all magic. It encompasses both everyday magic, like a quick Wand-Lighting Charm to find your quill under the couch, and extraordinary magic, such as an Auror using the Fidelius Charm to protect innocents. In my class, you will learn everything from the basics of spellcasting to advanced Magical Theory. Every day, I get to work with magical objects, teach about charming and counter-charming, and watch as my students slowly master spells that affect the body, the mind, and the very elements. There is no shortage of excitement in my line of work, I assure you. I absolutely love it.

Dean: Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s really fascinating how your path changed from Magical Theory research to teaching Charms here at Hogwarts. Why did you decide to teach at Hogwarts and not any other school?

Professor Laurel: As I mentioned, teaching at Hogwarts was not so much a planned career move, but my love for this school cannot be denied. I grew up near here, and Hogwarts was the first school I attended. Although I have travelled all over the world, when it was time to settle down, Scotland was the only place that felt right. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to teach magic in the same place I discovered it myself.

Dean: Your connection to Hogwarts is truly heartwarming. What are your expectations from your students? Is there any standard of homework you would like your students to try to achieve?

Professor Laurel: I expect my students to be present and willing to learn. If they go beyond that and have curiosity as well, all the better - I adore relevant questions and when students dig deeper and propose their own theories. For homework, I do not expect perfection; I only expect effort. For my perfectionists out there, remember: “Done is better than perfect, because perfect never gets done.” More than anything, I want to see more of my students reach Second Year and beyond - too few ever do. If you really want to impress me? Do not just read the lesson and complete the quiz - practice the spells! What do they do? How could you apply them to your life or to your other classes? 

Dean: Many students are afraid of not performing up to the mark. Are there any pointers you would like to give them?

Professor Laurel: As I said above, done is better than perfect, but I do understand that fear. Even I fail in my charms from time to time. It is important to remember that failure is just a step in your learning journey. Failure tells me you are trying, you are taking risks, and you are reaching outside your comfort zone. These are things I respect. I am not looking at your mistakes; I am looking at how you respond to those mistakes. Reread, ask questions, practise, persevere; grow from those mistakes and be better. If you give up, complain, or blame someone or something else, then you are not progressing and you have truly failed.

Dean: That is a very positive perspective. How has teaching at Hogwarts been so far? What is your favourite aspect of being a Charms teacher at Hogwarts? Are there any challenges associated with being a Hogwarts Professor?

Professor Laurel: Teaching at Hogwarts has been incredibly rewarding. My favourite part has to be working with my students, answering their questions, and the rare moments I have been able to discuss theory with them. I love my fellow professors; I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Working with the Charm curriculum has been amazing as well. I have some big plans that I can’t wait for everyone to see, and writing Year 7 has been a fun challenge. The only downside is never having enough time in my day to keep working!

Dean: Would you like to tell us why you think the Sorting Hat may have chosen to put you in Hufflepuff? I have an inkling that will be an interesting story for the student readers.

Professor Laurel: Ah, the Sorting Hat. I remember being so nervous the day I was sorted. I wish I could remember exactly what it had said to me, but I do remember it noting that I am both hard-working and goal-oriented. I can’t say that I felt I had those qualities at the time - I was quite the meek one - but I certainly was not going to doubt the wisdom of the Hat. Over the years (and two more sortings at other wizarding schools), I have found what a perfect fit I am for Hufflepuff. Throughout my life experiences, I have proven myself to be honest, persistent, open-minded, patient, non-confrontational, loyal… I hope that I can continue to embody the qualities that make the Hufflepuff House proud.

Dean: I can certainly say that you’re an amazing Head Of Hufflepuff House. We wouldn't like to pry into your personal background, but many Hogwarts students would agree that you have a most interesting backstory. I see that you have experience in Magical Theory research and working in the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee. How does this background influence your work as a Charms professor?

Professor Laurel: Yes, I have quite a love for Magical Theory actually, so I try to incorporate theoretical concepts into my lessons as much as possible. I deeply enjoy when students ask difficult questions, and I always encourage them to talk through their ideas about how and why magic works the way it does. I am currently working on writing Charms’ Year 7 curriculum, and - though I won’t give too much away - it is heavily focused on Magical Theory.
As for my work in the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee: I believe I have benefited from my time there as it showed me just how many different ways charms can go wrong as well as how they can help fix the problem. I like to use this experience to give my students practical exercises and real-world scenarios in which they may apply the spells we’ve learnt.

Dean: That’s fantastic! Did you ever take the DISC personality profile test? What would you say your DISC personality profile would be? What are your motivations, fears, and emotions, when it comes to teaching at Hogwarts?

Professor Laurel: I actually have not taken the DISC personality profile test myself, but I do know of it. If I had to guess, I think I would fall into the "Steady" category. I am patient, reserved, persistent, passive… When it comes to teaching at Hogwarts, my motivation is to see my students grow and improve in both their spellcasting and their personal passions. There is nothing that gives me more joy than seeing a student discover their future career and work hard to achieve their goals. My biggest fear? Not being able to help a struggling student and seeing them give up. I care about my students - not just academically, but as people. I hope that I can inspire them and give them what they need to succeed.

Dean: Your students are fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring teacher. Thank you so much again, Professor. Do you have a final message for all your students?

Professor Laurel: Remember to ask questions, don’t be afraid of making mistakes, and keep making progress. If you appreciate the experiences you’ve had here and would like to give back to the school, I would love to see you apply for a PA or professorship position. Regardless, keep working hard, and I look forward to seeing you in class.

Dean: That’s such encouraging advice. We are grateful and much obliged to have had this opportunity to interview you. Thank you so much, Professor. Have a good day.

Professor Laurel: It was a pleasure, Dean. What a wonderful way to celebrate my one-year anniversary of professorship at Hogwarts. Thank you.

Dean: The pleasure is all mine, Professor.