Season 1 – Issue 4

View the paper

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Contents

• Divination
• Grammar School
• Creative Corner
• Story Corner
• Great Book Review
• Dear Aunt Molly
• League Table
• Trivia and Puzzles

THE SORTING HAT: Magic?

To truly analyse Madam Présage’s theory, we must delve deep into the past and look at one of the world’s first well-known Seers: Marie Anne Lenormand, a famed divinator in the French court, who had accurately predicted the misfortunes of royalty, politicians, and even a Russian Tsar. Lenormand was a Muggle-born witch who had attended Beauxbatons and was abandoned by her family due to her uncanny ability to foresee the misfortune of her loved ones. This led them to believe that she was possessed and inflicting these misfortunes upon those around her. It is all too common for us Seers to be looked down upon by society, those in the Muggle world attribute our gifts to the satanic, and even witches and wizards are all too quick to call us fraudulent – it is a cross that we must bear. It was never debated that Marie Anne Lenormand had a close correspondence with the Founders of Hogwarts, particularly Rowena Ravenclaw. It is even relatively well known that they consulted her when it came to the creation of the Sorting Hat, more academic-minded wizards have assumed that this was due to other areas of skill that the soothsayer may have possessed.

It is with great pride and genuine humility that this Wizarding World News Reporter has got herself a sit down with none other than Beauxbatons Professor for Divination and renowned Seer, Madam Présage, who is petitioning for the right to research and examine hidden qualities of the important magical object.

Madam Présage, who was hired recently by Madam Hope of Beauxbatons, has conducted extensive research into the historic Seer Lenormand during her last year at the French Academy of Magic. Lenormand was believed to have died in Paris; however, the truth is that she finally sought to escape her notoriety in the Muggle world and took up residence at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. It was with Lenormand’s skill and natural gift at Beauxbatons that the school became so renowned for its excellence in the field of Divination. It is, for this reason, I would have loved to study at Beauxbatons myself; however, I was content learning from one of our own great Seer: Professor Sybill Trelawney. What Madam Présage believes is that the Founders of Hogwarts had sought the assistance of the most talented Seer of their time – Marie Anne Lenormand – to create the Sorting Hat. This is a fascinating idea that many people have scoffed at, but not everyone is able to grasp and understand the true nature of divination truly. In fact, during a palm reading at school a supposed great witch was told – and most accurately I add – that she had never seen a mind so mundane and possessed no talent for such a noble art, this apparent ‘O-class’ student soon failed the class and dropped out altogether.

Présage’s noble research comes in defence of The Sorting Hat, as In recent years many have called out Hogwarts most talented bonnet, stating that it has made gross errors in judgment regarding many of its sortings. The hat itself denies all assertions that he has made any mistakes! One Peter Pettigrew – a Death Eater, and the reason why You-Know-Who murdered Lily and James Potter – was sorted into Gryffindor, which many believe to be the most significant error in judgment. Madam Présage disagrees and is currently petitioning the British Ministry of Magic to examine the priceless magical artefact. Ms Hermione Granger-Weasley, states that this artefact is far too valuable to undergo such – in her words – frivolous study. It is worth pointing out that our Ministress of Magic has given very little time to the area of Divination while she has been in office, and some believe that this could be due to cracks in her failing marriage. This article will not be looking into the relationship of said politician, though. Despite the problems in the personal lives of those in the public eye, I abhor gossip in all its forms. However, it is appropriate to point out that Ms Granger-Weasley is relying solely on facts and logic, and refuses to acknowledge the research that has already been done in the fields she is less familiar with.

Initially, this did cause tension between French and English relations; however, Beauxbatons Madam Hope has worked tirelessly with Hogwarts Headmistress Verity Grahams to come to an agreement. It was through this international cooperation that a deal was made. Madam Présage will present her evidence and argument for examining the artefact and outline her plan to do so in Diari d’adivinació – a prestigious journal in the field of Divination, a journal that yours truly has published in on occasion! A British Ministry Official – hopefully not Ms Granger-Weasley – will review the historical evidence that Présage will present, and after a short hearing, said official would alert Madam Présage as to whether she will be granted access to the Hat.

I asked Madam Présage if she would be able to give me some insight into her reasoning, and why she felt so strongly that Lenormand had a hand in creating the Sorting Hat.

Madam Présage: “Well Lavender, it all boils down to correspondence between Rowena Ravenclaw, Marie Anne Lenormand and Godric Gryffindor, prior to the Sorting Hat’s creation.”

Lavender Brown: “So you do have a great deal of concrete evidence, not airy-fairy mumbo jumbo, as our Minister has called it?”

Madam Présage: “Of course, I have copies of the correspondence that Lenormand received. I realise that the art of Divination is not exact, and you must exercise caution, but I do feel mumbo jumbo is a bit strong!”

Lavender Brown: “And you have more than just letters I believe? I know you can’t share everything, but do you have a juicy titbit for your favourite reporter?”

Madam Présage [laughs and winks at me]: “Yes, you see it is well understood that the Hat was given the ability to look into the mind of those that wear it – Legilimens, a skill acquired through Salazar Slytherin. How then is it inconceivable that the skills of a noted Seer could also have been imbued into this most powerful artefact? The Founders are known to have frequent correspondence about its creation with Seers; I do not understand why this research is being called frivolous!”

Of course, we were not happy with these vague statements as evidence, and surely it is not all Présage will be putting forward to get her hands on the mystical headpiece; and that is why we pushed a little further, asking what gave her the idea that the Hat indeed had the gift of the Inner-Eye.

Madam Présage: “Well, it is the sortings themselves. Peter Pettigrew was a Slytherin by nature; but had he been placed in Slytherin, what chance would he have had given the political climate at the time?”

For those readers who do not know, this was when Lord Voldemort was beginning his first rise to power. Peter Pettigrew was a close friend the parents of a dear friend of mine, Harry Potter. This friendship gave him the opportunity to stay on the right side of the war, alas that was not the case, and Peter Pettigrew became instrumental in You-Know-Who’s plans.

Madam Présage: “And Severus Snape, while an obvious Slytherin, displayed many Gryffindor traits, being both honourable and remarkably brave.”

Severus Snape was revealed after the war to have dedicated his life to the protection of his lost love’s child – Harry Potter. The man was clearly romantic, chivalrous and I for one would be proud to count him amongst Gryffindor Ranks!

Madam Présage: “There are many more examples. Many call these missorting. I do not believe that they are; I believe the Sorting Hat has Seer capabilities and places a student where he feels they have the best chance in life. Did Peter Pettigrew have a chance of choosing the right path by being sorted into Gryffindor? Severus Snape was key to the end of the Second Wizarding War, would he have been able to do this without his Slytherin traits being nurtured within that house? After all, it was the Slytherin traits that enabled him to be such an effective spy!”

During mine and Madam Présage intimate and friendly chat, she insisted that she has many more examples and much more evidence that will be put into the print in the coming weeks. As one Seer to another, we discussed the sometimes frustrating vagueness of the Inner-Eye, but also the blatant discrimination from academics who consider the field to be a worthless endeavour. Divination is by far one the most critical areas of magic, and unfortunately, it is not something that can be learnt, or taught. You either have it, or you don’t. I would like to finish by giving you an example of one of the most important prophecies of modern times, two predictions from my own mentor and friend Sybill Trelawney:

“The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as he equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches will be born as the seventh month dies…”

Sybill Trelawney

Without this prophecy, the war of the Dark Lord may still be plaguing this country, and it may even have spread across the nations. Harry Potter had a great deal to do with winning the war, but would he had the prophecy not been made?

Always Yours! Lavender Brown

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Introduction to Divination

Divination is the art of seeing into the future, and is seen as a very uncertain branch of magic. It is often disregarded by most magical peoples. It can be performed in many ways. Palmistry, tea leaves, astrology, crystal gazing, and dream interpretation are just a few of the different ways you will learn to do this.

Be careful when viewing the future, however. Don’t get sucked into, ‘what may be’, so much so that you don’t live your life. Prophecies and such often come true because the people whom they are about believe in them.

Good luck… whatever the future holds.

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Theme in Divination

I hope you’re settled now, because you are in Divination class, and things could start to get a little weird. Being a strange and other worldly subject, we decided to make this a strange and other worldly round! Are you going to get out your tea leaves or your crystal ball to see what things are like in your Alternate Universe?

Ilvermorny – Royal AU

This is an alternate universe where someone who was not previously a member of a royal family, is a part of a royal family! The time frame is unspecified, and whether they are part of a ‘real world’ royal family, or fictional royal family is up to you. It is important to still keep those characters true to their canon characteristics, unless you give good explanation within your story that is.

Beauxbatons – Voldemort Wins AU

This is an alternate universe where Voldemort definitely won the war! The Battle of Hogwarts went a completely different way, but why is that? Did Snape turn and clue Voldemort into the fact that Harry needed to stay alive for him to win? Or maybe Harry chose not to come back, and no one else was brave enough to stand up to Voldemort? What you need to do is write about the world that they now live in.

Durmstrang – Grindelwald Wins AU

This is another ‘bad guy wins’ alternate universe! Gellert Grindelwald has won his war, and now the statute of secrecy has been broken. Never mind broken, it’s non-existent! You need to write about what that world is like, is the magical community happier? What about the Muggle community? Is Grindelwald ruling the wizarding world with an iron fist? This story can take place in any era of the Wizarding World, however, it must be clear that this piece of history has influenced the world you are writing about.

Mahoutokoro – Neville is the Boy Who Lived Lived

So you glance into the crystal ball and Voldemort makes a different call: He tried to go after Neville, but what do you know, he lived! You don’t have to write about Neville, him being the boy who lived might change more than just his life? Maybe now that Lily is alive, Snape is a lot happier, scheming to try and break James and Lily up? Maybe Harry is as bad as his father ever was, due to having a rather bad example set by his doting godfather Sirius Black! And what of Peter Pettigrew?

Hogwarts – Slytherin Harry

So, the Hat wanted to put Harry into Slytherin; maybe this time, he didn’t take no for an answer! This could have affected many of Harry’s relationships, for example, what if Draco ended up accompanying him on the Horcrux hunt instead of Ron and Hermione?

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Creative Corner

Hello all, and welcome to another edition of The Creative Corner. We were so grateful to be able to showcase Paceso in the last edition, and her homework submission for Gilderoy Lockhart definitely earned it’s ‘O’ for Outstanding. This round we are showcasing the talents of a fine writer from Hogwarts; Silver Orbed Lioness wrote a song that she has graciously allowed us to share with you all.

A Song, by Silver Orbed Lioness

Children, want to hear a story should be?
Are you sitting comfortably?
Good, I’ll begin reciting
I promise it’s exciting…
Ladies and Gentleman
I welcome you to the show
Leave your worries behind the door
Concentrate on what’s in store…

Verse 1
It’s time to write a different story
Where heroes don’t fight for glory
Time to taste a different flavour
Where the princess is the prince’s
Saviour.

Verse 2
Time for And They Lived Forever
Their kingdoms safe from plunder
Time for smiles underneath the crowns
Faces should never be marred with frowns

Middle 8
(It’s time to admit our faults tomorrow
Time to own up from our vaults of sorrow
Other enticements will follow us around
Hissing voices a discordant sound

(Discordant sound!)

Chorus
But we shall not
Shall not
Shall not
Shall not
Shall Not
Be dragged on ignorance rope
With the paws of a beast
Down the road
Down the road
To leave the meadows hope!

Verse 3
It’s time for another melody
A time for a truthful key
It’s time for the poetess to sing
Her words cry silvered tears do bring
Light to the darkened soul
Making us whole,
Making us whole.

(chorus)

(middle 8)
Time for dragon to slay George
In the keeper’s gorge
Time for Kings to be stable boys
For them to work hard for new toys
Time for the pirates to slay the admiralty
For the heiress to swear fealty
To the Jolly Roger
And drive her sword through the leering
Soldiers!
Time for the General to die for his men
And live in the trenches with them
Eating ersatz food in damp dens
For him to cross no man’s land first
His throat parched with thirst for
True heroics!

(chorus)

(middle 8)
The story of old, the story of time
The story where a child commits the crime
The story of the servant girl
Sitting on the throne
Happy to rule on her own,
Wearing Versace blouse, jeans and mules
A woman who never understood the rules
One who refuses to live in a Palace
Where everyone can truly shout
“Long lIve Alice!”

(middle 8)

(Chorus)
Time for a new key
A change of melody
Re-tune the discordant sound
Of disunity
Time to rid us of preconceptions
Time to adore the variety
Time show humanity
Rather than depravity
Time to glow
Time to grow
Time to redefine
Time to rid borderlines
Equality not iniquity
Have fun not guns
Farm not harm
Cure not endure
Capable not Culpable

(middle 8)

(chorus)
Be the best you
You can be

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The Great Book Review

Durmstrang

The Truth Will Out by LittleTee

This story portrays a spot on Severus Snape. He is snarky, he is grumpy, and he is all I ever needed!

I love how this story starts with an impressive introduction into magical everyday life which glued me to the pages from the very beginning. I felt thrown into a scene that reminded me of The Prisoner of Azkaban – one of my favourite Harry Potter movies – in all its deatil and wonder. It felt like real magic was happening, just like the scene in the Leaky Cauldron where Harry meets Ron and his family. The details in the introduction of this story are vivid and fit perfectly into the Potter-Universe.

As the conflict evolving around a very spicy story featured in the Daily Prophet unfolds, the story has already won my heart, and I simply cannot stop reading! Spiced with subtle humor, the writer captures Snape’s reaction perfectly.

When our two heros finally meet, their interaction is natural and fun to read, and despite the unconventional pairing, I cannot help myself but root for Hermione.

In the end, I was quite melancholic when I read the last sentence, not because the story was sad, but because reading it had brought me so much joy. This definitely is worth a follow up chapter! I am too curious to see what the both of them come up with to stop here!

By Headmistress Lun

Ilvermorny

Frosts Corner by Twinkling Frost

I settled down for the evening, in my cute little cottage get away, the perfect night for a good read, and I opened Frosts Corner, by renowned Ilvermorny writer, Twinkling Frost. I will admit, that I am not a fan of the main event in this story. But this goes back to my first experience of Order of the Phoenix, and the tragic loss at the end—the focus of this story—caused me to swear of Harry Potter for a couple of years… maybe 10 to 15! Despite the feelings I had about this, Frost’s exploration of what happens after, was interesting.

Frost takes us through the grief process, but not with Harry, or any of Sirius’ other loved ones, but with Sirius himself. She moves through—exploring Sirius’ reaction to death—the five stages of grief. Each one is talked through by those that Sirius needs the most, his friends; Lily and James. James in particular, can add a humorous note at times, something that can be needed in a more emotion driven story. The timing was good and the story had a nice flow from one section to another.

I would heartily recommend this story to anyone, even those that were greatly affected by the death of Sirius Black!

Beauxbatons

Bust a Move by Vanilla Orchid

This story was by a breath of fresh air! I read it, and it wasn’t long before I realised I exactly what I would be reading. There weren’t any surprises, but that wasn’t the beauty of the story, you knew exactly what was going to happen, and you just couldn’t wait to read it! I have often thought about what it would be like to be a fly on the wall when Severus Snape was forced to teach Slytherin Students how to dance, and I can say that this didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I know exactly which fic I will open next time I need a smile!

The characterisation was on point, when it needed to be! The comedic timing was as effortless as Snape’s dance moves—surprisingly good—and while it wasn’t a very deep story, it was a lot of fun! Give this a read if you want to get a turbo injection of joy in your life!

By Headmistress Verity

Mahoutokoro

Silence of the Plants by 3CheersforIdiots

I have recently gone away to the british countryside, and with me I took this rounds Judges Picks! I was outside the cottage looking at the vast green fields to the horizon, the sounds of sheep in the distance, and settled down to read a fabulous fic by 3cheersforidiots; Silence of the Plants. I was gripped almost right away, I knew something had happened, but having not been given all the details just yet, I was left wondering. I loved that.

The story really delved deep into the emotions of our main character, Hannah Longbottom, and they were so well described, so well written, that I immediately felt for her! Slowly, but surely, 3Cheers revealed the sad and tragic truth of what had happened, and the story was revealed. There were supporting characters that tried to help, and this was endearing, though I would have loved to see more of them earlier in the story too. The story ended with the promise of resolution, rather than resolution itself, and this left me hungry, wanting more, wanting to know how Hannah would fare.

I would love to read more of this, as there are still some questions for me, what was Neville’s experiment? And, will Hannah move on? I would certainly recommend this story, and it does well under its restrictions. I heartily ask that all read and review this story, begging for a follow up chapter!

By Headmistress Verity

Hogwarts

A Path of Ambition and Power by Silvermist Ruhi – 5 POINTS!

It is not everyday that I get to read a story from the point of view of one of the most hated characters in the Potter Universe—Bellatrix Black. It certainly is not everyday that I get to read a story where I actually feel what she feels, think what she thinks and continue down the rabbit hole together with her, as her formerly grey character descends into darkness, and her soul becomes marred in the quest for self determination. Her desperate wish to free herself of the domestic cage her parents locked her into pushes her towards the lure of the power that the Dark Lord radiates.

This story provides a feminist view on an ambiguous character and creates a depth I wouldn’t have imagined possible for Bellatrix.

In the end, the patriarchal reality catches up with her, and her parents punish her for trying to break free from their corset of misguided parental love; but no matter how many times they punish her for not complying to their expectations, Bellatrix has breathed freedom and power, even if only for a single moment, and she isn’t going to give up on that.

By Headmistress Lun

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Dear Aunt Molly

Dear Aunt Molly,

I’ve recently found an absolutely amazing product that not only seems to keep my hair blonde rather than green whenever I swim (although let’s be honest, green is a gorgeous colour), but gives it that head-turning lustre. A special friend of the family brewed it especially for me.

However, my problem comes from this: recently, I’ve noticed the levels going down. When confronting my son about it, however, he insists he hasn’t touched it. I’ve even resorted to marking the levels and giving him extra vials, but the extra vials remain sitting unopened in his room whilst mine continues to drop. The expense of the potion means nothing to me, of course, but it does take some time to brew. Should I be upset that my son is lying to me? How do I get him to admit the truth, or do I simply leave it?

Meanwhile, my husband is offering absolutely no support on this matter. He simply doesn’t understand why I am upset—it’s not my fault my hair needs the extra potion unlike his which seems to be more illustrious than ever.

What should I do?

Regards,

A queen needing to keep her golden crown to herself

Hello, dear, I think you have answered your own question here! I don’t believe it is your son at all, but your husband! If I was you, I’d put an undetectable caterwailing charm on your potion bottles, but from what you’ve said, to me, it most definitely sounds like your husband is the light-fingered thief in this situation.

Dear Aunt Molly, I have quite a problem. I *may* have accidentally gone a little crazy with the firewhiskey and told a certain Hufflepuff seeker that his “cheekbones are sharp enough to cut straight to my heart” which is… rather embarrassing. Now all of Slytherin won’t stop teasing me about it. To make matters even worse, Mr. Cheekbones thinks it’s the best thing to ever happen to a Hufflepuff and keeps hinting that we should go to the Yule Ball together. Please help!! Sincerely, Stabbed in the Heart

Hello, dear, my my maybe that’ll teach you to drink! That was rather foolish now wasn’t it? My advice is to just ignore the teasing, they’ll get bored when you don’t rise to the bait. As for the Hufflepuff, well, I would tell him the truth you were drunk and it didn’t mean a thing, that he’s nice and all, but you really just aren’t interested in him that way! Or you could bite the wand and say yes to the Yule Ball, you need to decide exactly how you feel about ‘Mr. Cheekbones’ one way or the other.

I am a Slytherin and have been bullied at school in the past, now I have a problem. I have a crush on my peer’s father. He is tall, elegant, blond, and just utterly dreamy to me. His cut glass tones and the way he fingers his cane just makes me wonder… erm, anyway… moving on. I know nothing will happen as he appears to be happily married – but I can’t stop thinking about him! Argent Feline

Hello, dear, my advice; don’t even go there! You need to find someone else to transfer your affections too, otherwise in the long run you’re only hurting yourself by letting this infatuation carry on, believe me I know this pain, and I assure you it won’t end well! Plus, he is far too old for you, and most likely wouldn’t look twice at you. No, dear, find someone closer to your own age, that would be best.

Hello Dears, if you have a problem, or you want to ask a question, send an owl over to my personal account. I will do my best to answer them all. You can ask a question about the competition, personal issues, or maybe you would like to send a fictional problem in from any of the Wizarding World characters? All are welcome!
Dear Aunt Molly

Shout outs

–Tigger, Mahoutokoro, part-timer–

I just re-read the issue of the WWN, and saw that we could send in some shout-outs for members who are excelling. Whilst I haven’t been as attentive these last few weeks as I’d liked to have been, and everyone has been lovely that I’d love to shout them all out (I’m sure I’m missing a tonne of amazing players right now), there are two members in particular that have really stood out. I don’t mind if they’re reworded, anonymous or signed 🙂

I’d like to thank Liasis from Beauxbatons for her friendship and offers of help—your messages really put a smile on my face, and I’m glad to have made a new friend so early in the competition, even if we’re not on the same team 🙂

6 Three cheers for Ninja from Mahoutokoro for constantly working hard to get Mahoutokoro those extra points! It’s greatly appreciated 🙂 If I may, I’d also like to shout out my entire team for being so welcoming, and to the mod team for creating such a vibrant, friendly, and amazingly organised competition.

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The International Wizarding School Competition League Table

School	Place	Points	MVP
Beauxbatons	1st Place	519.5	Paceso
Hogwarts	2nd Place	463.5	Bandito
Mahoutokoro	3rd Place	418.12	Ninja
Durmstrang	4th Place	383	Claude-Amelia-Song
Ilvermounry	5th Place	363.25	Sonya-Heather-DeVito

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Trivia and Puzzles

School Quiz

Welcome to another trivia challenge, and as usual it’s worth five points for your team. Another shout out goes to Paceso who has won three for three! I will admit that I struggled to keep things Divination themed for this trivia, but I have scoured the books for some interesting trivia. As always, please send the answers to the competition account, first to get the answers right gets the points!

1. What is the most imprecise form of Divination?
2. Which criminal wizard had seer capabilities?
3. What chapter of which Harry Potter Book does the initial prophecy get revealed in? (should include book, chapter number, and chapter name) –
4. During the time of the Philosophers Stone (Sorcerers Stone) what were the ages of both Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel?
5. What was the vault number of the Black Family?
6. What was the password to Dumbledore’s office during christmas time of Harry’s fifth year?
7. Why did Vernon not believe her, Petunia and Dudley were in danger during the events of the Deathly Hallows?
8. What advice does Ron, and only Ron, give give Harry the first time he uses the Floo Network?
9. What did Neville think the sound in the egg was?
10. Which village was Slughorn hiding in?

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MagiWord

The last challenge was a runedoku, and Tiggs was the one that scored the points for Mahoutokoro. Well done Tiggs! We are back to a MagiCrossword, and each highlighted square is the letter of a word from the Wizarding World.

print edition

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Feel free to contribute to other aspects of the paper by sending a private message to the Competition account. We are always looking for pieces of fanart, and even your thoughts or recommendations. Even if you want to send a message to someone in the competition that you think has excelled, or maybe they helped you out? Send it to Aunt Molly! Anything else should be sent to Wizarding School Championship In the Subject should be Wizarding World News: [Name the section of the paper you are writing about] depending on what you’re messaging about.