Gryffindor head of house
Inside the chest of every Gryffindor beats the heart of a lion. It’s not certain how long it’s been, but this particular belief has since been debunked. Look no further for evidence of this than the very head of the pride himself, Professor Gaston Marchand. It takes real nerve and a steel will to lead the more rambunctious of the castle’s residents, leaving many to doubt just how up to the task the man really is—there’s always something a little sketchy about looking like a kicked cruppy at the words of a Hufflepuff—but you can’t argue with results. No gravely injured lions is likely as good as it’s going to get when dealing with a house of students who believe window diving and “the floor is lava” are brilliant ways to pass the time. What’s more, whether this was actually his doing or not, he’s managed to convince them NOT to turn the floor into real lava. If that’s not an achievement, very little else could be. It would’ve been nice to get him explaining in an interview how he felt his specific skill set and personality have contributed to Gryffindor over the time he’s been placed in charge of them but for now we’ll have to go on wondering. In that same vein, we can only hope his often times proven faint heart doesn’t give out from the antics of his young charges before we can get this answer.
gryffindor prefects
head boy
Tenacius Salander, affectionately known as Ace to those who know him best, is the Gryffindor hearthrob patrolling the halls this term as Hogwarts' head boy. Salander is no stranger to being a student leader, his badge wearing days starting way back in his fourth year, so it's no surprise that he took to the role so easily. His kindness, willingness to help others, and interest in a multitude of areas make him an easy guy to connect with. It is, perhaps, this ability to connect that is Ace's secret weapon. That special something that makes fellow students respect him, look up to him, and want to befriend him.
When the Head Boy is not focused on his studies, or making his rounds, he can be found participating in many clubs around school. Music being a passion of his, Salander enjoyed both orchestra and the frog choir during his time at Hogwarts. A creature companion, one wouldn't be surprised to find him spending time with those housed in the barn, as well. Athletically, the seventh year was a good flier with an interest in Quidditch, among other outdoor activities. How he had the energy for it all, we can't be sure, but perhaps we can chalk it up to that Gryffindor liveliness. Olivia Holden, Tenacius's girlfriend and fellow prefect, gave us a more personal take on the boy behind the badge. "He is, honestly, an inspiration to me both personally and emotionally," She shared when we sat down to speak with her. "I'm sure he will go down in Hogwarts History as one of the few Prefects who was able to successfully manage the balance between people and rules." One thing is for sure, Mr. Head Boy will be missed when he moves on to bigger adventures, and there's no shortage of younger lions hoping to follow in his footsteps.
When the Head Boy is not focused on his studies, or making his rounds, he can be found participating in many clubs around school. Music being a passion of his, Salander enjoyed both orchestra and the frog choir during his time at Hogwarts. A creature companion, one wouldn't be surprised to find him spending time with those housed in the barn, as well. Athletically, the seventh year was a good flier with an interest in Quidditch, among other outdoor activities. How he had the energy for it all, we can't be sure, but perhaps we can chalk it up to that Gryffindor liveliness. Olivia Holden, Tenacius's girlfriend and fellow prefect, gave us a more personal take on the boy behind the badge. "He is, honestly, an inspiration to me both personally and emotionally," She shared when we sat down to speak with her. "I'm sure he will go down in Hogwarts History as one of the few Prefects who was able to successfully manage the balance between people and rules." One thing is for sure, Mr. Head Boy will be missed when he moves on to bigger adventures, and there's no shortage of younger lions hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Olivia Holden is the bright-eyed beauty leading the lions this term alongside her curly-haired cutie of a boyfriend. She's kind, she's smart, and most of all, she's caring. The Gryffindors were in luck with such a leader representing their house and looking out for their best interest all term.
Prefect Holden, thanks for answering some questions for us! First off, what's it really like to walk the halls with a polished prefect's badge pinned to your chest?
No problems! It's my pleasure to answer your questions. It's a little strange to be honest. To me, I had always associated this badge with Noelle Summers and endeavored to follow in her footsteps of being a good Prefect. The badge-wearer carries a lot of responsibility but it's also quite exhilarating. A lot of younger students look up to you and its important to always be available to help those in need.
Looking after those rowdy, ever energetic Gryffindors can't always have been easy. How did you gain the respect of your peers so that they would respect your role as prefect?
Those rowdy Gryffindors give me a run for my money but I adore them. They were fairly easy to look after. Provide a little food here and there and it would go a long way. Gaining the respect of my peers wasn't too difficult. I am a quieter Gryffindor. I'm not like Matt Merriwether who is very much the epitome of 'RAWR! RAWR! Gryffindor team spirit! Woohooo!!!' I think being close friends with Ace and being willing to help others academically or socially helped me gain my peers' respect.
Student leaders are often role models for younger students aspiring to greatness. Do you feel pressure to be a good example to them?
Yes, I did feel pressure to be a good example to younger students. Though I think I had always felt that way ever since becoming an upperclassmen. Regardless of whether I was a student leader or not, I felt as if it was my duty to set a good example for younger students whenever I could.
If you could be any magic creature, which would you be and why?
A pygmy puff because they are fluffy, fun, and energetic! Positive balls of fluff!
How did you like working side by side with your boyfriend?
It was great! Ace is very supportive and a fantastic student leader. To be honest, I never thought that we would be collaborating together as student leaders but it was fantastic. I think I may have found it more difficult than he did. Ace has been a student leader since his fourth year and has been amazing at it. At times it could be difficult to focus on my own duties but he and I had established certain professional boundaries so that we could both be able to focus on our duties as best as we could.
The events in Dufftown proved trying on much of the student body. How do you support students struggling with the chaos that can be Hogwarts life after a scary situation such as that one?
Dufftown was a terrifying ordeal. I remember walking and seeing many of my friends become ensnared in a trance.During the event of Dufftown, I tried to gather people who were affected by the mind-control event and usher them into a safe place. After we returned to the castle, I stayed with those students and made sure that they were okay. I made sure they had something to drink, a blanket, and someone who would listen to them. I do think most people just needed someone to listen to them speak and express their feelings.
When you're not dealing with schoolwork and prefect duties, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends, especially Etta, Mel, and Prim. If not with them, you can find me in the Music Room playing the piano or singing or drawing up new designs for wands. I’ve always been a fan of creating new wand designs that fit my friends personality. I also enjoy dancing in my free time too.
Where's the best spot in the castle to take a snooze without having someone doodle a mustache on your face?
Def. the Arcade Room. There's so many distractions that people wouldn't know what to do with themselves. They wouldn't be able to draw a mustache on your lip unless they were a brilliant mastermind. Hey Lions. This is not a challenge to you. FYI.
Looking back, what was your favorite memory from this term?
Tough question there... It'd have to be the final train ride home where he invited students who were not Student Leaders to the Prefect's Compartment and had a celebratory feast. This past term had been difficult with the re-appearances of the hawk on walls and whatnot.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Gryffindors looking to follow in your footsteps?
I do have some words of wisdom for Gryffindors looking to follow in my footsteps.... I'd say be true to yourself, trust yourself but always verify an answer, if you don't know an answer to something- find out an answer and follow through, speak candidly, learn from your mistakes, ask for help, and.... and just have fun! Life's to short to worry about so enjoy and learn form your own mistakes.
Prefect Holden, thanks for answering some questions for us! First off, what's it really like to walk the halls with a polished prefect's badge pinned to your chest?
No problems! It's my pleasure to answer your questions. It's a little strange to be honest. To me, I had always associated this badge with Noelle Summers and endeavored to follow in her footsteps of being a good Prefect. The badge-wearer carries a lot of responsibility but it's also quite exhilarating. A lot of younger students look up to you and its important to always be available to help those in need.
Looking after those rowdy, ever energetic Gryffindors can't always have been easy. How did you gain the respect of your peers so that they would respect your role as prefect?
Those rowdy Gryffindors give me a run for my money but I adore them. They were fairly easy to look after. Provide a little food here and there and it would go a long way. Gaining the respect of my peers wasn't too difficult. I am a quieter Gryffindor. I'm not like Matt Merriwether who is very much the epitome of 'RAWR! RAWR! Gryffindor team spirit! Woohooo!!!' I think being close friends with Ace and being willing to help others academically or socially helped me gain my peers' respect.
Student leaders are often role models for younger students aspiring to greatness. Do you feel pressure to be a good example to them?
Yes, I did feel pressure to be a good example to younger students. Though I think I had always felt that way ever since becoming an upperclassmen. Regardless of whether I was a student leader or not, I felt as if it was my duty to set a good example for younger students whenever I could.
If you could be any magic creature, which would you be and why?
A pygmy puff because they are fluffy, fun, and energetic! Positive balls of fluff!
How did you like working side by side with your boyfriend?
It was great! Ace is very supportive and a fantastic student leader. To be honest, I never thought that we would be collaborating together as student leaders but it was fantastic. I think I may have found it more difficult than he did. Ace has been a student leader since his fourth year and has been amazing at it. At times it could be difficult to focus on my own duties but he and I had established certain professional boundaries so that we could both be able to focus on our duties as best as we could.
The events in Dufftown proved trying on much of the student body. How do you support students struggling with the chaos that can be Hogwarts life after a scary situation such as that one?
Dufftown was a terrifying ordeal. I remember walking and seeing many of my friends become ensnared in a trance.During the event of Dufftown, I tried to gather people who were affected by the mind-control event and usher them into a safe place. After we returned to the castle, I stayed with those students and made sure that they were okay. I made sure they had something to drink, a blanket, and someone who would listen to them. I do think most people just needed someone to listen to them speak and express their feelings.
When you're not dealing with schoolwork and prefect duties, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends, especially Etta, Mel, and Prim. If not with them, you can find me in the Music Room playing the piano or singing or drawing up new designs for wands. I’ve always been a fan of creating new wand designs that fit my friends personality. I also enjoy dancing in my free time too.
Where's the best spot in the castle to take a snooze without having someone doodle a mustache on your face?
Def. the Arcade Room. There's so many distractions that people wouldn't know what to do with themselves. They wouldn't be able to draw a mustache on your lip unless they were a brilliant mastermind. Hey Lions. This is not a challenge to you. FYI.
Looking back, what was your favorite memory from this term?
Tough question there... It'd have to be the final train ride home where he invited students who were not Student Leaders to the Prefect's Compartment and had a celebratory feast. This past term had been difficult with the re-appearances of the hawk on walls and whatnot.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Gryffindors looking to follow in your footsteps?
I do have some words of wisdom for Gryffindors looking to follow in my footsteps.... I'd say be true to yourself, trust yourself but always verify an answer, if you don't know an answer to something- find out an answer and follow through, speak candidly, learn from your mistakes, ask for help, and.... and just have fun! Life's to short to worry about so enjoy and learn form your own mistakes.