Monday, February 11th 2008

Welcome to Hufflepuff!

A warm welcome to all new Huffies! You've been sorted into a wonderful house, and we're sure you'll make plenty of friends and enjoy your time with us! We have won both the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup several times in the past terms, and we are counting on you to help us be on top again!

If you're a bit confused or lost at first, don't worry, it's completely normal! In fact, the purpose of this special issue of the Herald is to help you with any concern you might have about life here at Hogwarts! It contains a staff list, helpful links, a FAQ, roleplay tips and classroom tips. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our Head of House or an older student. Have fun!

Head of House - Prof. Natasha T. Blaylock-Erikson (Nabiya)
House Mod - Prof. Macadrian A. Shackleton (lemondrop13)
House Prefect - Amelia Rose (PhoenixRising)
Quidditch Captain - Jack Langley (Tinkerbell*)

The Herald's History

The Hufflepuff Herald is your number one source of information concerning everything school-related. This is the 9th edition of the Herald, which has switched hands several times: Nabiya MacPherson, Raymond Luxury-Yacht, Evy Abagnale and Evan Cassels have all been editors of the Herald. Your current co-editors are Evzen Ferez (Evy) and Caitlin White (the.time.is.now).

Helpful Links

Hogwart's Weathervane
This thread is constantly updated to display the current weather at Hogwarts.

What in Merlin's Beard!
Did a niffler attack a student during a CoMC lesson? Did you spot Professor Erikson and Blaylock kissing by the lake? This is where we are keeping track of everything that is happening in the school during the term. You may only post updates on the school plot in that thread.

The House Point Hourglasses
If you are wondering when and how house points were lost and gained throughout the term, this is the place to look. Teachers edit the first post of the thread when students win or lose points for their house.

School Directory
Can’t find your way around the castle? Don't remember on which floor the Arithmancy classroom is located? This thread might help you.

Hogwarts, A History
This website holds information about the current and previous staff, a timeline of events as well as summaries of the plots from the previous terms. (Please note that it's been a while since it's been updated.)

All I Really Need to Know…
This thread contains tips on how to RP or improve your RPing skills.

SS Board Rules
As a member of Snitchseeker.com, it is your responsibilty to abide by those general rules, otherwise you may receive a warning.

Hogwarts School FAQ
This section contains all the information concerning the school RPG.

Suggestion Box
This is a forum where you can post suggestions for ways to improve the school RPG. Please make sure there isn’t a similar thread before creating a new thread, and be respectful to the staff and members when posting your suggestion.

Question Thread
You can ask any questions relating to the school RPG in this thread. A staff member or an older member will answer your question.

F.A.Q.

Where can I find my member number?
You can find your member number by clicking on your username to view your profile, and then by looking at the number at the end of the link. For example, mine would be 49537.

What year are we supposed to be in?
The RP is taking place in 2064.

Do I have to do the homework and attend classes?
No, it is not mandatory. However, if you want to earn house points for Hufflepuff, completing homework and participating in the classes is the best way to do it.

What does OOC mean?
OOC means ''Out Of Character'', while IC means ''In Character''.

How can I get involved in the school story? I feel so out of everything.
There are so many ways to get your character involved in the RPG! The best ways are having them join the Quidditch team, participate in the classes, and meet other students! Also, if you're confused about what's going on in the school's plot line, take a look at Hogwarts, A History; it should help answer a lot of your questions.

Is there a Head Boy and Girl? Are there Prefects?
Well, currently we do not have a Head Boy or Girl. However, there are Prefects for each house, and they do the same as in the books; they can easily get you in trouble if they catch you misbehaving.

If you have any other questions concerning the school RPG, feel free to contact your Head of House.

Role-Play Tips

1. Try to use proper spelling, grammar, etc. It makes what you've typed look much more attractive and also easier for others to read.
2. Be realistic. Don't RP in two different places - if you're injured and carried to the Hospital Wing, how could you possibly be carrying on another conversation in the Charms Classroom uninjured?
3. Keep OOC comments low. Sometimes it is unavoidable, but if you can, PM the member you're RPing with to chat.
4. Be nice. It can be hard to bite your tongue, but it's much easier to avoid a fight then to get detention, loose house points, and have a lot of people upset with you.
5. Make new friends! If anything, having lots of friends in the RPG spices things up. It makes things a lot more fun.
6. Try to avoid posting one-line role plays. It looks a bit tacky, and it's a lot better to go into detail about what you're character is doing. Despite keeping things realistic, it also gives you more to talk about.
7. Have fun! What would the role play be if everyone was bored our of their minds? Attend classes, join a team, or even just talk to anyone you meet.

Classroom Tips

1. Respect your teachers and classmates.
2. If you come online while the class is already going on, do not announce that you are late. Simply act like your character’s been there the whole time, otherwise teachers will deduct points from our house.
3. If you’ve got to leave before the end of the lesson, do not announce it.
4. Unnecessary chatting in the classroom will not be tolerated.
5. Keep OOC comments to a minimum.
6. When the teacher asks a question, feel free to raise your hand and offer an answer. The quickest answers as well as the most creative answers can be rewarded with house points.
7. Please be patient if the professor doesn’t answer you straight away. We all live in different timezones and have other responsibilities in real life, so it is possible the teacher had to leave for a few minutes/hours.
8. Be creative and have fun!

Staff List

School Administration
Headmistress - Prof. Cassandra Rae-Branxton (Cassirin)
Deputy Headmaster - Prof. Doyle Branxton (Biochemkris)

School Staff
Ancient Runes - Prof. Allegra M. De Luca (dracocutie89)
Arithmancy - Prof. Macadrian A. Shackleton (lemondrop13)
Astronomy - Prof. Edward Forrester (Mistress Vondella)
CoMC - Prof. Fabian G. Clark (Mamushkaleontti)
Charms - Prof. Doyle Branxton (Biochemkris)
DADA - Prof. Cassandra Rae-Branxton (Cassirin)
Divination - Prof. Natasha T. Blaylock-Erikson (Nabiya)
Herbology - Prof. Armand Erikson (Zellanna)
History of Magic - Prof. Angelica Lainey (Mad Eye Touz)
Muggle Studies - Prof. Kyle Carter (Grangerfn1)
Potions - Prof. Adam Dresden (Taking Back Kirstie)
Transfiguration - Prof. Alexandria Pierce (Raider)
Flying & Quidditch - Prof. Maximus O. Vindictus (demented_death_eater)
Groundskeeper - Mr. Ocean Tea Jones (Boys Like Ama)
Groundskeeper - Ms. Maddison C. Daaé (BrightestWitch)
School Nurse - Ms. Ariana Numel (angelwing)
Librarian - Madame Angela Kohan (Granger1814)

Gryffindor
HoH - Prof. Zaria G. Dainsie (Dainsie)
House Mod - Prof. Fabian G. Clark (Mamushkaleontti)
House Prefect - Kerry Brandywine (shortfry)
Quidditch Captain - Agie Rae Brandywine (SweetAussie)

Hufflepuff
HoH - Prof. Natasha Blaylock-Erickson (Nabiya)
House Mod - Prof. Macadrian A. Shackleton (lemondrop13)
House Prefect - Amelia Rose (PhoenixRising)
Quidditch Captain - Jack Langley (Tinkerbell*)

Ravenclaw
HoH - Prof. Maximus O. Vindictus (demented_death_eater)
House Mod - Professor Kyle Carter (Grangerfn1)
House Prefect - Juno Novak (Hawken Terrell)
Quidditch Captain - Tagren Sevens (Seeker_Seven)

Slytherin
HoH - Prof. Edward Forrester (Mistress Vondella)
House Mod - Prof. Alexandria Pierce (Raider)
House Prefect - Cassandra Trelawney (SeerCassandraTrelawney)
Quidditch Captain - Marco Denver (Jenster)

Monday, February 11th 2008

Scheduled Classes

Arithmancy Review for Beginners
Friday, February 15th @ 4pm EST
(Read Chapters 1, 2, 6-10 in the textbook as preparation.)

Arithmancy Lesson I
Sunday, February 17th @ 12pm EST
(Read Chapters 13 and 14 in the textbook as preparation.)

Quidditch Tryouts

If you've always dreamed of representing your team on the pitch, now's your chance! Head down to the Hufflepuff Locker Room and sign up for the tryouts! First-years are allowed (and encouraged) to apply, so do not hesitate to sign up even though you've never played! Take a look at the Quidditch Rule Book for more information about how Quidditch is played here in Hogwarts. See you on the pitch!

Thursday, February 14th 2008

Classes in Session

Dueling Lesson

Scheduled Classes

Arithmancy Review for Beginners
Friday, February 15th @ 4pm EST
(Read Chapters 1, 2, 6-10 in the textbook as preparation.)

Arithmancy Lesson I
Sunday, February 17th @ 12pm EST
(Read Chapters 13 and 14 in the textbook as preparation.)

Quidditch Tryouts

If you've always dreamed of representing your team on the pitch, now's your chance! Head down to the Hufflepuff Locker Room and sign up for the tryouts! First-years are allowed (and encouraged) to apply, so do not hesitate to sign up even though you've never played! Take a look at the Quidditch Rule Book for more information about how Quidditch is played here in Hogwarts. See you on the pitch!

Extra Credit

The Greenhouses
Professor Erikson might need some students to assist him in the Greenhouses. Learn about the different plants, help the professor, and you could being rewarded with house points!

Magical Creatures Parks
This is the place where all magical creatures reside and are taken care off; feeding, cleaning, training.. etc. If you want to learn more about them in your spare time or lend an extra hand to take care of them with your CoMC Professor then this is your place to be. Extra credit points will be issued for dedicated students.

Potions Lab
This is a place to practise potionmaking, where Prof. Dresden will set tasks and be there for any questions you may have relating to Potions. Who knows, you might even get rewarded for your good work!

Interesting Happenings in Astronomy
This is where you can post interesting things happening in the world of Astronomy/space. Prof. Forrester might reward you for your contribution.

Astronomy Observatory
A place to think, stargaze, or maybe earn some extra credit.

Friday, February 15th 2008

Classes in Session

Dueling Lesson

Arithmancy Review for Beginners

Scheduled Classes

Arithmancy Lesson I
Sunday, February 17th @ 12pm EST
(Read Chapters 13 and 14 in the textbook as preparation.)

Homework

HoM Homework I
Due: February 21st

Explain, in your own words, what you think a cupid is and why. Include a picture if you can find one. PM your homework to Prof. Lainey. It'd be nice if you labeled your homework with the Lesson number, but she's pretty sure she can figure it out if you forget. Member numbers are also nice, but not required. Refer to the lesson if you want to know what happened; it may help with the homework.

Special Events

Professional Quidditch players return to Hogwarts! See the world's best athletes challenge the Hogwarts staff and athletes in the Wizarding World's favourite sport.

Session 1: Friday, February 15th @ 9pm to 11pm EST
Session 2: Saturday, February 16th @ Noon to 2pm EST

Quidditch Tryouts

If you've always dreamed of representing your team on the pitch, now's your chance! Head down to the Hufflepuff Locker Room and sign up for the tryouts! First-years are allowed (and encouraged) to apply, so do not hesitate to sign up even though you've never played! Take a look at the Quidditch Rule Book for more information about how Quidditch is played here in Hogwarts. See you on the pitch!

Extra Credit

The Greenhouses
Professor Erikson might need some students to assist him in the Greenhouses. Learn about the different plants, help the professor, and you could being rewarded with house points!

Magical Creatures Parks
This is the place where all magical creatures reside and are taken care off; feeding, cleaning, training.. etc. If you want to learn more about them in your spare time or lend an extra hand to take care of them with your CoMC Professor then this is your place to be. Extra credit points will be issued for dedicated students.

Potions Lab
This is a place to practise potionmaking, where Prof. Dresden will set tasks and be there for any questions you may have relating to Potions. Who knows, you might even get rewarded for your good work!

Interesting Happenings in Astronomy
This is where you can post interesting things happening in the world of Astronomy/space. Prof. Forrester might reward you for your contribution.

Astronomy Observatory
A place to think, stargaze, or maybe earn some extra credit.

Wednesday, February 20th 2008

Classes in Session

Charms Lesson I

Scheduled Classes

CoMC Lesson I
Thursday, February 21st @ 6pm EST

Homework

HoM Homework I
Due: February 21st

Explain, in your own words, what you think a cupid is and why. Include a picture if you can find one. PM your homework to Prof. Lainey. It'd be nice iyou labeled your homework with the Lesson number, but she's pretty sure she can figure it out if you forget. Member numbers are also nice, but not required. Refer to the lesson if you want to know what happened; it may help with the homework.

Potions Homework I
Due: February 25th

1. List two other potential ingredients for a boil-curing potion and explain what properties they posess that would be beneficial.
2. Why is it improtant to make sure your cauldron is clean before you begin brewing?

Email your homework to professordresden@gmail.com, and include your username, member number and house.

Transfiguration Homework I
Due: February 25th

Give five situations where you would need to use a switching spell, and what exactly you would switch. PM your Homework to Prof. Pierce and please include your username, member number and house.

Astronomy Homework I
Due: February 25th

1. What did the THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) mission observe? (2pts)
2. What is a magnetic rope? (2pts)
3. The substorm lasted 2 hours. What was the total estimated energy for the event? (2pts)
4. Where did the energy come from? (2pts)
5. THEMIS also observed a number of small explosions in Earth's magnetic bow shock. What is the bow shock? (2pts)
6. What does NASA’s Explorer Program provide? (3pts)
7. What are the THEMIS satellites equipped with? (2pts)
8. When will the satellites line up against the Earth-Sun line? (3pts)
9. What do researchers expect to observe over the next two years? (2pts)

Homework must be PM'd to Prof. Forrester. Be sure to include your username, member ID, and house. Improperly labelled/claimed homework will be subject to the classroom rules.

Arithmancy Homework I
Due: February 26th

PART A. Matching (Answers can be used more than once.)

Choices:
a. Number 10
b. Number 13
c. Number 14
d. Number 16
e. Number 19

Questions:
1. This number indicates past abuses of acting in a completely self-absorbed manner, blind to everything except self-fulfillment of one's own desires.
2. This number indicates an abuse of freedom.
3. This number differs from the others because it represents good karma.
4. This number symbolizes rebirth and potential.
5. The goal of this number is to link the personal spirit with the universal spirit, thereby destroying one's old ways and rebirthing with new.
6. A person exhibiting the negative traits of this number would be selfish, dependent, intimidating, failing to stand up for him/herself, egotistical, lazy, and aggressive.

PART B. Calculations

7. Calculate the Karmic Lessons and Karmic Debts for Tom Marvolo Riddle. (NOTE: This will likely require you to calculate his Core Numbers, Maturity Number, and Birth Day Number. Use the DOB: Dec. 31, 1926. I must see your calculations if you wish to receive partial credit, should you make a mistake calculating any of these numbers.)
8. Pick either Hermione Jean Granger, Harry James Potter, or Ronald Bilius Weasley and calculate his/her Hidden Passion Number and Subconscious Self Number.

PM your homework to Prof. Macadrian with your name, house and member ID.

Quidditch Tryouts

Session 2: Friday, February 22nd @ 7PM EST
Session 3: Saturday, February 23rd @ 3PM EST
Session 4: Sunday, February 24th @ 2PM EST

Extra Credit

The Greenhouses
Professor Erikson might need some students to assist him in the Greenhouses. Learn about the different plants, help the professor, and you could being rewarded with house points!

Magical Creatures Parks
This is the place where all magical creatures reside and are taken care off; feeding, cleaning, training.. etc. If you want to learn more about them in your spare time or lend an extra hand to take care of them with your CoMC Professor then this is your place to be. Extra credit points will be issued for dedicated students.

Potions Lab
This is a place to practise potionmaking, where Prof. Dresden will set tasks and be there for any questions you may have relating to Potions. Who knows, you might even get rewarded for your good work!

Interesting Happenings in Astronomy
This is where you can post interesting things happening in the world of Astronomy/space. Prof. Forrester might reward you for your contribution.

Astronomy Observatory
A place to think, stargaze, or maybe earn some extra credit.