It has come to my attention that some clarification needs to be made about certain rules in the Hogwarts RPG that have been overlooked and have caused a discussion on Twitter. So this post goes out to you (you know who you are), as well as everyone else, so we are all on the same page.

1. There is a pet rule in the Hogwarts RPG. This is not something that is new to the rules. In fact, it has been present on site for a very long time with some minor tweaking along the way (the addition of acceptable pets and the person of contact). The pet rule can be found HERE, which is also emphasized SEVEN times HERE. The Hogwarts RPG staff maintains a list of members that have been granted permission to have special pets present in the RPG. For many terms this list has been kept only for staff eyes and it will remain that way; it is a system that has worked well for us for a very long time and does not need to be put on public display. This list is simply an OOC reference for us to know who has permission and who doesn't, which ultimately determines how we should respond when we/our professors stumble upon students with their (un)approved pets.
   
   If you want your character to be given permission to bring a pet to Hogwarts that is not a toad, cat, rat, pygmy puff, or owl, then you need to send me a PM. I will either accept or decline your request following a discussion with the CoMC professor (note that smaller and/or non-dangerous/destructive pets are likely to be accepted over bigger and/or dangerous/destructive pets). This will be documented in the list that the Hogwarts staff maintains.
   
   If you do not want to go through the process described above, but want your character to try sneaking their unapproved pet to Hogwarts, feel free to do so for the role-play experience. Just know that there will be IC consequences for your character who does not have permission to bring that special pet of theirs (point loss, detention for breaking a school rule/not having permission, and the removal of their pet from the school). This is something that the present staff and I have discussed and agreed upon.
   
   
2. There is a special (dis)abilities rule in the Hogwarts RPG. This also is not something that is new to the rules and has been present on site for a long time. The special (dis)abilities rule can be found HERE, and the topic has been discussed numerous times in the past. Like the pet list, the Hogwarts RPG staff has a list of members that have been granted permission to role-play a student with a special (dis)ability. For many terms this list has been kept only for staff eyes and it will remain that way; it is a system that has worked well for us for a very long time and does not need to be put on public display. This list is an OOC reference for us to know who has permission and who doesn't, which ultimately determines how we should respond when we/our professors stumble upon students that have a special (dis)ability.
   
   If you want your character to be given permission to play a student at Hogwarts with a special (dis)ability, then you need to send me a PM. I will either accept or decline your request (note that there are certain specifications mentioned in the rule listed above; not everyone can be an Animagus, Seer, werewolf, etc. because that just is not realistic). This will be documented in the list the staff maintains.
   
   If you do not want to go through the process described above and play a student with a special (dis)ability without permission, then do realize that there will be OOC consequences. If you do not have permission, your posts will be deleted and you with receive a PM. Further posts in which the student continues to have that special (dis)ability without permission will be deleted and you will be suspended from the Hogwarts RPG.
   
   
3. This is a gentle reminder: be courteous and show respect to others. There is no need to be rude or short with people that are trying to inform you of something or help you when it comes to SS matters, whether on- or off-site. There is no need for dramatics over things that are, honestly, simple. Also, if you are having issues with another member or have a concern that you would like addressed, please feel free to go to a staff member or myself via PM. We will do the best we can to clear things up for you as we want to help maintain an environment that is welcoming and fun for everyone.

If you have any questions or suggestions concerning the items described above or anything about the Hogwarts RPG, please feel free to contact me. My PM box and my ears are always open. Thank you!