Spellbound Issue 3: Free-For-All [1972-73]

[Holly Foxglove]

Consequence's Embrace
Written by: Rae | Edited by: Holly Foxglove

You’ve taken that plunge; you’ve steeled your nerve. That voice inside your head has been silenced and the furious pounding of your heart has been quelled. You take a deep breath—not, too quickly—and forge ahead bravely. The dark deed has been done. Euphoria fills you, flooding every crevice of your body. There’s disbelief. You can’t believe you’ve done it.

Don’t look now; here come the consequences of your actions.

Consequence.

It’s a dirty word to be sure. It hides in the shadows, lulling the unsuspecting into a false sense of security. They carry on like they don’t see the heavy hand hovering over them, ready to smack them into the ground without a shred of hesitation. The naïve walk the earth with glistening eyes. They’re tempted by the thrills that meet them, convinced they are invincible. How could a world so magnificent produce anything but good? They don’t know. They don’t have a clue. They march solemnly to their graves, never once realising they are being led there by the work of their own hands.

Consequences stand guard at the gate. These burly beasts sneer and growl. Their glowing, red eyes pierce through you in search of the stuff you happen to be made of. Their mean look and gnashing teeth chase away all but the most daring.

It’s all too easy for knees to buckle and hands to shake when faced with such a terrifying creature. Will it bite or will you walk away with nothing more than a nip? Will it strike immediately or allow you to walk around oblivious to its ever-encroaching stance. It’s a gamble; it always is. Not everyone has the constitution to flirt with such a monster. They fear the danger of it sinking its claws into them.

They don’t see.

The claws aren’t as sharp as they appear, it’s teeth nothing but dull blades. It doesn’t wish to devour you but to gently guide you. It knows the way, the spindly path. Do not fear its embrace for it’s only through acceptance that you can gain access to the things you truly desire. When you set out, know that consequence walks behind you. It will never leave, no matter the choice you make.

So, choose the path that suits you best and give consequence a hug when it meets you there.

 

[Holly Foxglove]

How you can be a superhero
Written by: Max Smellie | Edited by: Holly Foxglove

Do you look at your wand and wonder what you can do with it that could make you a superhero who does good in the world? We learn all these spells but the object of them in classes is to demonstrate our magical ability and use them to gain future employment in wizarding jobs. Though when it comes to wizarding jobs one could easily argue any healing spells are basically superhero level doctoring as it is way better for a cut to be magicked away then to have to bandage it up and wait. Let me give you a few examples of villain scenarios seen in comic books that magic could make you a superhero capable of solving. 1) A wizard could have easily saved Professor X from losing at the ability to lose his legs - and ending up in a wheelchair. The evil villain Lucifer dropped a huge boulder of stone on Charles Xavier crushing his legs. A wizard could have easily been a superhero that saved the day by breaking up the stone with a hex, floating the stone so it fell on no one, or even conjuring the stone so it had an arch in it so when it landed on Charles Xavier there was arch around him so he could just crawl out. There are other situations where people get crushed by things that wizards could save them from such as attacks from wars like bombs. 2) You'd only need the warmth of a warming charm, fire charms, conjuring of fire to defeat the villain Mr. Freeze. Mr. Freeze is a villain who has lots of cold icy weapons and has to wear a suit to keep himself cold. Wizards could easily be superheroes and defeat him with a multitude of warmth generating spells. 3) Many supervillains have super strength they use to empower themselves. However, wizards not only have magic from there wands to make them tougher they can drink potions to make themselves just as tough as as the strongest supervillain in order to save the day. Naturally, as comics have proven that same magic can be used to become a villain. However, being a villain is bad so don’t look at villains like Loki who is a prime example of what not to do with magic.

 

[Elodie Gao Garnier]

Beyond the Wand
Written by: Cordelia Von Stein | Edited by: Elodie Gao Garnier

In Ravenclaw, we know too well,
That wands alone don’t weave the spell.
For magic lies in heart and mind—
The spark of thought, the rarest kind.

Too often I have leaned on wood,
To conjure spells I never should.
With willow’s sway and dragon’s breath,
I’ve touched on power, danced with death.

Yet when the wand is laid to rest,
Do I still stand, still know what’s best?
Without its swish, without its flame,
Am I myself, or just a name?

The wand’s a crutch, a whispered cheat,
It makes us fierce, it makes us fleet.
But wisdom grows when wood is bare,
When magic’s found in open air.

So now I seek to trust in me,
In silent strength and mastery.
For spells should live in whispered thought—
Not merely cast, but deeply wrought.

As Ravenclaw, I’ve come to find,
The truest magic’s in the mind.

 

[Elodie Gao Garnier]

Poems
Written by: Anonymous | Edited by: Elodie Gao Garnier

Our cherry blossom

greets us both ways, her and I

white bye, flushed welcome.

---

Little girl crayons

a blur of colour and life

greys remain untouched.

---

The white stork guffaws

hopping and flapping proudly

the nest was waiting

sunlight dances on metal

and the wedding ring stays cold.

---

He grins like a child

tilting his head, big eyes bright

hands in his pockets

but as the woman waves back

stolen candy stays unseen.

---

Four lines to ponder,

four lines to write,

four lines to take me from the blue yonder

into the bright, glaring light.

 

[Elodie Gao Garnier]

10 Things To Do Before You Leave Hogwarts
Written by: Tigran Razi | Edited by: Elodie Gao Garnier

With another year coming to a close, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the most epic things to do before one leaves Hogwarts.  While all of us aspire to do good in our classes, often we forget the magical environment that Hogwarts is and the simple fact even if we live in the wizarding world, once we leave it will never be Hogwarts.  So here is a list of things that are uniquely Hogwarts that everyone should try before they leave.

While some of them can be dangerous, with proper planning this whole list can be done and is fun.  Trust me.  I’ve done this whole list.

1. Play fetch with the Thestrals

I know when one looks in books the Thestrals look scary, and there is an association with those who’ve seen death being able to see them.  However, they are truly sweet creatures that love a good piece of raw meat from the kitchens - non-fatty please.  They also enjoy a good game of fetch with a quaffle sized round ball that is hard.  Unlike dogs they usually kick the ball back to you, but it is still fun.

2. Swim with the Squid

When First Years first come to the castle, they arrive by boat.  Forget the boat and try to take a swim with the squid.  I recommend having some gillyweed in case it drags you underwater and having your wand just in case you need to get it to let go.

3. Find a Secret Passage

There are plenty of secret passages around Hogwarts.  Find one and don’t forget to keep it a secret.

4. Pull a Prank

Some of the most creative usages of magic I’ve seen at Hogwarts is in the bullying of a good prank.  It can be as small as just conjuring some toilet paper sticking to someone’s shoe.

5. Spend All Night Outside

This is the ultimate curfew breaker's goal.  To spend a whole night outside the castle.  A mix of adventure and camping.  Just don’t make a tent or you’ll likely be caught.

6. Try to do the Hedge Maze under the influence of Melofors or Pompion Potion

The main point of this is that the hedge maze, while a fun puzzle at the start of term, gets a bit dull.  Add some spice to it by trying to do it with a pumpkin head.  Anyone who sees you will laugh.

7. Magical Snowball Fight

There is nothing better than a magical snowball fight.  This is accessible to wizards of all skill levels as there are charms and summoning spells that can be used to move snow balls through the air.  Also don’t forget one can conjure snow above people's heads and dump it on them too.

8. Halloween Night Ghost Hunt

While there are ghosts at Hogwarts all year round,  it is one of the few places one can go on a proper Halloween ghost hunt with good odds of finding an actual ghost.  Ghosts like dead food so pack some to offer up to them so they enjoy the holiday too.

9. Snog someone in the Room of Requirement

Of all the snog spots in Hogwarts, the Room of Requirement can be anything.  Get creative.

10. Enter the Forbidden Forest Under A Full Moon

This is probably the most dangerous item on the whole list.  So some recommendations to make it a bit safer.  First, don't go alone, gather a few friends in your plans.  Secondly, fly brooms in the forest as that will let one of you  fly higher in the air if one sees a werewolf as, while they are fast, they can’t fly.

 

[Elodie Gao Garnier]

Hogwarts Houses: A First Year's Guide to Slytherin
Written by: Ren Al-Sayeed | Edited by: Elodie Gao Garnier

As we First Years settle into our lives at Hogwarts, it’s hard not to wonder about the houses we've all been sorted into. What makes each house tick? And how do they view each other? To get some answers, I’m setting out to interview a member from each house to give us an insider perspective. First up: Slytherin House, as seen through the eyes of Ruth "Rae" Elliot, a fellow First Year.

Inside Look: Slytherin House
Slytherin — the House of ambition, cunning, and tradition. At least, that's what the brochures say. But according to Rae, the reality of life in the dungeons is a little less impressive. Here’s what she had to say:

“I couldn’t care less about Slytherin. They’re always on about house pride while telling me what to do and moaning about losing points. Someone said your house is your home and your family, but I could take or leave them; it’s all the same to me.”

Not exactly a glowing review. For Rae, the famed "Slytherin pride" is just a lot of hot air. To her, it feels more like living with a group of bossy, points-obsessed acquaintances than a second family. It’s not that she’s actively against the house, she just doesn’t see what all the fuss is about.

Ren’s Take: Rae’s point is pretty refreshing, honestly. You usually hear about Slytherin as this ultra-loyal, tight-knit house, but her perspective shows that not every Slytherin’s here to march to the same (heavy metal?) beat. She’s in Slytherin, but she’s not defined by it, and I think that makes her even more of a Slytherin than she realizes. Maybe Slytherin pride isn’t about blind loyalty; maybe it’s about being true to yourself, whether you’re all-in or not.

The Other Houses: Ruth's Perspective
After Rae’s take on Slytherin, I asked her for her views on the other houses. Here's her rundown:

Ravenclaw: “I don’t have much to say about Ravenclaw. They’re kinda just there, y’know?”

Ren’s Take: Ravenclaws might find this a bit harsh, but Rae isn’t wrong. From a Slytherin perspective, the Ravenclaws mostly keep to themselves, popping up when they’ve got something clever to say and then fading back into their books. Quiet and mysterious? Or just minding their own business? You decide.

Gryffindor: “Gryffindors are loud and obnoxious… most of them. I’ve heard I should’ve been placed there. I’m still trying to decide if that’s an insult or not.”

Ren’s Take: Gryffindor’s reputation for bravery sometimes comes off as… a bit much, especially to someone who isn’t impressed by flashy heroics. Rae’s reaction to the idea of being a Gryffindor shows that not everyone is thrilled by the idea of shouting about courage all the time. If you’re looking for quiet confidence, Gryffindor might not be your scene.

Hufflepuff: “Hufflepuff… is a nice house. They feed people a lot and don’t really fuss about much, so I think it’s a pretty cool house.”

Ren’s Take: Looks like Hufflepuff is getting some respect from Slytherin this time! Rae appreciates the Hufflepuff vibe — laid-back and low on drama (verification needed). It’s a reminder that even Slytherins recognize the Puffs as a friendly bunch, maybe even an underrated one.

Final Thoughts
Slytherin might be known for ambition and cunning, but Rae's view challenges that stereotype. For her, Slytherin is less about house loyalty and more about surviving the daily drama with a shrug. Her honesty brings a different kind of pride to the house. One that’s all about authenticity.

[Elodie Gao Garnier]

Hogwarts Houses: A First Year's Guide to Hufflepuff
Written by: Ren Al-Sayeed | Edited by: Elodie Gao Garnier

Continuing my series on Hogwarts Houses from a First Year's perspective, this week I talked to Hufflepuff’s very own Benji Cuddrun. Hufflepuff has a reputation for kindness, loyalty, and… well, a lot of plants. But Benji’s take is anything but typical. Here’s what he thinks about the “House of the Badger.” Inside Look: Hufflepuff House Hufflepuff is known for its warmth and chill, but to Benji, it feels more like a collection of Hogwarts’ anomalies. Here’s his perspective: "I don’t feel any attachment to the rodent house. My housemates, except for Nael, are quiet and standoffish. They’re all kinda weird, you know? It’s like the reject house. I don’t know how I got stuck in here. I was supposed to be a Gryffindor, but I guess that’s what happens when you let an old ratty hat run the school.” Benji's view on Hufflepuff definitely breaks the mold! To him, the vibe is less "homey" and more "awkward family reunion," and he’s not exactly thrilled about it. It's clear he's a rebel at heart, and maybe one day the Sorting Hat will reconsider. Until then, though, he's making the best of his time among what he calls the "weirdos." Ren’s Take: Benji’s definitely not what you’d expect from a Hufflepuff. While he’s quick to point out his housemates’ quirks, he seems to get along with at least one of them, Nael. Maybe he’ll find a way to bring a little Gryffindor-style chaos to the Badger common room. Or maybe he’ll just keep dreaming of the day he can make his escape! The Other Houses: Benji's Perspective After giving his take on Hufflepuff, I asked Benji about his views on the other houses. Here’s his rundown: Ravenclaw: “Ravenclaw is full of uptight bookworms who think they’re better than everybody. It must be really boring to be in a house full of people doing nothing but reading and staring down their noses at other people all the time. P.S. Tommy, I bet it’s hard to look down a broken one, you weasel!” Ren’s Take: Sounds like Benji’s got a bit of a personal grudge against a certain Ravenclaw! But he’s not alone in thinking that Ravenclaws can come off as a bit… well, stuffy. They may be brilliant, but it’s true that not every Ravenclaw has mastered the art of chill. Gryffindor: “Gryffindor is awesome. They have the coolest House Head who can turn herself into a cat. My House Head is a really nice lady but she prefers it if you don’t call her ‘Professor’. Or ‘Mrs.’ for that matter. Anyway! Except for Smelliot Ridgefield, the lamest seeker ever to play Quidditch, the Gryffindors are super cool. Always chill and laid back, and up for snacks!” Ren’s Take: Gryffindor’s reputation for bravery and excitement holds strong with Benji. He’s clearly a fan of the house, especially its “chill” atmosphere and the legendary Professor Dragomir. And, well, let’s just say he’s got some opinions on their Head Boy's Quidditch skills (or lack thereof). Slytherin: “Slytherin is the second best, and they have some of the best people, despite popular belief. Two of my best friends are snakes… well, one is sort of an enemy, but that’ll be worked out soon. Anyway, snakes are actually super loyal if you get to know them, and their ambition makes for a great sneaking out partner. The older snakes are all kinda grouchy. I’m sure it’s still because of the torture chamber they have down there somewhere. Professor Kelton tried to convince us it doesn’t exist. A likely story. It’s the only explanation for the constant glares and bad attitudes from the older ones.” Ren’s Take: Benji’s got a refreshingly open take on Slytherin! For him, they’re more than just the “dark and mysterious” house. They’re friends, sneaky partners, and occasionally, rivals. And while he might be joking about the dungeon “torture chamber,” it’s clear that Slytherin has a reputation for being intense, even among the First Years. Final Thoughts Benji’s view of Hufflepuff and the other houses is a reminder that not every student fits perfectly into the stereotypes. He’s bold, outspoken, and maybe a little too sassy for a “typical” Hufflepuff, but that’s what makes Hogwarts great. After all, the Sorting Hat might know what it's doing... or maybe it’s just an “old ratty hat,” as Benji says.

 

[Elodie Gao Garnier]

Hogwarts Houses: A First Year's Guide to Gryffindor
Written by:Ren Al-Sayeed | Edited by: Elodie Gao Garnier

Continuing our series on Hogwarts Houses from a First Year’s perspective, this week I talked to Gryffindor’s own Matilda Davin.

Known for bravery, courage, and sometimes a bit too much loud enthusiasm, Gryffindor is one of Hogwarts' most iconic houses. But what’s it actually like to be a lion? Matilda shares her thoughts on what it means to be in Gryffindor and her views on the other Houses.

Inside Look: Gryffindor House

Gryffindor is known for its adventurous spirit, but Matilda didn’t feel that way at first. Here is her perspective:

"When I first got placed in Gryffindor, I thought there was a mistake. I didn’t feel brave or adventurous or anything like that, but I guess the Hat knew me better than I knew myself. I love my House and I am so proud to be a lion."

Despite initial doubts, Matilda has embraced the Gryffindor spirit. She’s discovered that bravery isn’t always about fighting trolls or seeking out danger—it’s also about facing the challenges that come your way and being proud of who you are.

Ren’s Take: Matilda’s story is a reminder that the Sorting Hat sees qualities in us we might not even know we have. Maybe bravery isn’t always something you feel right away; sometimes it’s something that grows as you live up to the expectations of your house. Matilda’s pride shows that Gryffindor courage comes in many forms.

The Other Houses: Matilda’s Perspective

After talking about Gryffindor, I asked Matilda for her thoughts on the other Houses. Here’s what she had to say:

Hufflepuff: “Hufflepuffs are so nice, loyal, and friendly. That might be because my best friend is a Hufflepuff, but I truly just love them.”

Ren’s Take: Hufflepuff seems to have a universally positive reputation, and it’s no surprise that Matilda has nothing but good things to say. Hufflepuffs are known for their kindness and loyalty, and it sounds like they’ve made a strong impression on her. A Gryffindor and Hufflepuff friendship seems like a perfect balance of courage and compassion.

Ravenclaw: “Ravenclaws are pretty rude, in my opinion. They seem standoffish and full of themselves, and they always have to be right.”

Ren’s Take:Ravenclaw might be known for wit and wisdom, but to some, that can come off as arrogance. Matilda’s take shows that while Ravenclaws are often brilliant, their tendency to be a little… intense… can rub some people the wrong way. Perhaps the pressure to be the smartest in the room leads some Ravenclaws to forget a little friendliness now and then.

Slytherin: “Slytherin, well, I guess they’re okay. Some people say they’re mean and nasty, but I don’t think so. I’ve met some nice ones. Some act like they’re above me, but most just seem a bit rough. I can appreciate their determination.”

Ren’s Take: It’s refreshing to see that Matilda isn’t quick to judge Slytherins by their reputation alone. While Slytherin House has a certain edge to it, Matilda’s open-mindedness shows that Gryffindors and Slytherins don’t have to be rivals. Her respect for their determination hints that maybe the lions and the snakes aren’t as different as they seem.

Final Thoughts
Matilda’s take on Gryffindor, and Hogwarts Houses in general, shows that there’s more to being a lion than daring adventures and flashy heroics. For her, bravery is about finding pride in who you are, even if you don’t fit the typical Gryffindor mold. And when it comes to the other houses, Matilda’s open-mindedness and honesty remind us that each House has its own strengths and quirks, whether it’s Hufflepuff’s kindness or Slytherin’s determination. Except for Ravenclaw.