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(besides birthdays, all IC dates are just for fun)

During your time at Hogwarts, Gryffindor Tower will be your home away from home. Here you can come and relax in the Common Room with your friends, or take a short nap on the couch between classes, mind of course you won't be late. The Study Tables are available to all students and it is a great place to get together and tackle home work assignments as a team, after all, we can all do with a little support. Come night time, the Girls and Boys dormitories will be your haven. Just remember to respect the House Rules and do not sneak into the opposing genders dorms. Triumphs will earn you points... but rule breaking will cost you points. Let's make this a memorable term for Gryffindor House.

Professor Seren Bentley

Hogwarts can be a very big place, even for a lion, so here are a few places that your lion leaders think could be especially important for you to check out during the term.

What in Merlin's Beard . . . ? (Term 30)

Been a little absent or feeling as though you've missed something? Not sure what's going on around the school? Here's where you can get caught up as well as post things having to do what's been happening here in Hogwarts this term!

SS Hogwarts RPG Archive

This section of the RPG is where old threads and lessons have been placed from previous terms; please note that not everything from past terms were saved, the threads that were placed there are important in some way.

Hogwarts School FAQ

Find Sorting and Term Information, General School FAQ and Role Playing in the School info here.

Question Thread

Here's where you can ask any questions related to the RPG School you may be pondering over; whether it be a staff member or student, someone will answer your question.Of course, you can ALWAYS PM your prefects, Quidditch captain, or Head of House with any questions or concerns you may have.

Hogwarts RP Information Forum

The home for the Merlin's Beard thread and other School OOC information. This forum is where you will find all helpful and informative threads directly pertaining to the School RPG. Many of the threads are discussion type threads either started by a school staff member or student (with the permission of the current Headmaster), and you are more than welcome to contribute to them. Remember everyone has their own opinions and be respectful of that while discussing.

SS Hogwarts Haven

Where SS Hogwarts RPG fans can gather to chat about the school, professors and students (in a respectful manner, of course). There's also several other things, such as character bio's, games, school related graphics and more. -- For those who aren't in the FC, you won't be able to see this place. However, we encourage you to join! Go to 'User CP' towards the top of your screen, then scrolling down to the 'Miscellaneous' section you'll see 'Group Memberships' click that then find 'School RPG Addicts' and there you go!

SS Board Rules

All SS rules apply everywhere and anywhere you go around the site. I'm sure you've all read them before, make sure to keep them in mind at all times.

Want to help the Lions win the House Cup? Really, this is a question that shouldn't even be asked because as lions we always seek the best and to be the top of the food chain. In order to do that, here is some advice from one lion to another.

1. Respect your teachers and classmates...ALWAYS.
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. The easiest way to make sure of this is to look for posts by the Professor.
3. Do not do anything without the professor's permission. Whether it is leaving the classroom, performing a spell, or speaking, make sure you have read their post in its ENTIRETY and follow instructions.
4. Unnecessary chatting in the classroom will not be tolerated and could cost Gryffindor precious house points!
5. NO OOC comments in your posts. If you have an issue, please send the professor a VM or a PM.
6. When the teacher asks a question, ALWAYS raise your hand when answering. The quickest answers as well as the most creative answers can be rewarded with house points. Keep in mind that it isn't a race and be sure to put thought into your answers. Don't just copy off everyone else OR copy straight from the internet.
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. While we all want to be like Hermione and know the answer to everything and perform spells perfectly on the first try, this is unrealistic. It is FUN to RP your character struggling and getting things wrong. We all make mistakes, why should our characters be any different? Try to keep your characters acting like how a student their age would be. No first year would be able to perform nonverbals for example. There is NO shame in your character failing at something, and creative RPing is encouraged! You could actually earn MORE points for Gryffindor this way.
9. Subscribing to the Gryffindor Announcement Board and classes when they open up is a very EASY way to keep up to date with everything and is HIGHLY recommended!
10. Be creative and have fun!

Hello everyone! Selina, your Captain, here. It is that time of year again- Quidditch try out season. I know that many of you come down to the matches every game to spectate and support. Firstly, I want to say thank you to everyone who comes and shows their pride every game. However, I am writing to all of you to urge you to become an active participant in Quidditch try outs this term.

Each year many students show major interest in the Quidditch aspect of Hogwarts, but with very little turn out. I encourage you all to break that trend and try out for the team. Whether you are a first year who has never played before or a seventh year that has played on the team since your first term, all are welcome and encouraged to try out.

We have to work together this term to bring home the gold and I hope you will all show your house pride by coming out for the team. A sign up sheet for try outs is currently posted down at the Pitch. So what are you waiting for?

Put down that book, drop that sandwich, unhinge yourself from your boyfriend/girlfriend and head down to the Pitch to sign up. I promise if we all work together we can bring home the gold... so wait are you waiting for... stop reading this... go sign up... I mean it.

Each issue, your student leaders and Head of House will select one special lion that not only represents the house of Gryffindor, but gives back to the school and the RP IC and OOC. This issue, the house of Gryffindor is proud to present Jezzabelle (Jezz) Marie Antoinette (HOPEendures)!

1) How did you feel when your Hogwarts letter arrived?
massie: I was excited and I couldn't wait. I jumped up and down for hours on end showing my mom and dad, although they already knew I'd go to Hogwarts but their calm attitudes didn't stop my excitement!
2) What lesson are you looking forward to the most?
I'm actually looking forward to Herbology the most because when I was younger my grandfather and I had a garden together full of all sorts of magical and non magical plants. He passed away but I still tend to the garden every day like he taught me.
3) What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?
I like to read actually. A lot. I even send my mom out to get me books written by Muggles because some of them are really good at writing. As for hobbies, well I like to tend to my plants which is really about it. Reading and Plants.
4) What is your favorite magical sweet?
heather massie: Hahaha. Well, I really like chcolate frogs because they can move AND because they are made of chocolate; but then again I had one of Kurumi's cookies and even though it isn't reall a "magical sweet" it should be one because that was the most amazing cookie ever. So I guess you can consider that a tie.
5) What does being a Gryffindor mean to you?
To me it means that you're brave. Brave enough to handle anything and everything thrown in your path no matter how complicated or how simple it maybe be. It means doing the right thing because it's right and doing it with your head held high, even when people think you're wrong. It also means that the people in Gryffindor with you are more than just your housemates, they're your family and should be treated as such.

OOC:
1) How did you find SS?
heather massie: I was just browsing through the interent when I stumbled upon it. I clicked the link and when it took me to the hompage I though it was pretty cool and so I joined not knowing exactly what I was getting into.
2) how long have you been on SS?
heather massie: Gah! It's been so long that I actually have to go look it up..It'll be six years on February 20 0_o wow
3) What is your favorite part of SnitchSeeker?
There are actually two places. One would be all the Fan fiction that is on the site because I love reading what other write and seeing the creativity people have. My other one is the RP. It's kind of like coming home when I get a really good RP going with somebody and I'll find myself talking to my computer during a really good conversation and getting really excited about it
4)Why do you like to RP?
heather massie: Haha. Because it makes me feel like I'm coming home and it brings so much excitment into my life. Also it's nice to meet new people behind the Characters, like you (sweetpinkpixie) for instance.
5) Why Harry Potter?
heather massie: Well thats a funny story. I actually startted watching the movies for and fell for the whole concept of magic and trust me if it was real I would totally be on that train Hogwarts bound. But then I read the books and that's what really sucked me in because zI got more of the story line and it all made me fall in love even more

Want to be a Spotlighted Lion? All you need to do is be an active positive force in the RP! Next issue you could see yourself here!

Lions new and not so new, I welcome you all to another year at Hogwarts and am very pleased to have been given the honor of representing you as your female prefect for a second term. I want you ALL to remember that you were sorting into Gryffindor house for a reason and that reason is different for each and everyone of us. When the Sorting Hat was first placed on my head my first year and it declared me a Gryffindor, I was so surprised because I never felt like I exhibited those traits. I wrote to my father telling him that I thought the hat had made a mistake, but he promptly told me that I did belong there. The strange thing is, in the days following that moment...THAT decision to place me here actually made me rethink everything. I feel like I am a bit more brave now. I wanted to take leaps more often and I wanted to find my roar when I thought I had none.

My goal for you this term, lions, is for you to find YOUR roar. Bravery doesn't come in just one form, nor does courage or chivalry. Being a Gryffindor speaks to each of us in a different way, and I hope you find out how it speaks to you.

The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom and this is to serve all, but love only one. So love your house, your family, your pride, and let's WIN that House Cup!

Kurumi Hollingberry

click for a larger version
(besides birthdays, all IC dates are just for fun)

Well lions, the 2076 year is about to come to an end and I think we all have a lot to feel accomplished about. We have come together as a house, made new friends and forms bonds that will last us a life time.

My challenge to you, lions, is to come up with your list of resolutions for the new year and I hope. Now, don't waste your time writing them down. Instead, focus on something else: resolve. While the words are similar, the difference in meaning is significant. A resolution is something you make. Resolve is something you have. A lot of people will make resolutions this new year and immediately break them. Why? Because they’re not really resolving to do anything. They’re just wishing.

So, push through what is left of December and get ready to come back stronger than ever in January! Get ready to commit lions! We can and WILL turn the House Cup around, but we need every single one of YOU to do it!

Kurumi Hollingberry

Hey you lot. This is Selina, your Captain, here with the daily information on the Quidditch happenings at the school. Since the previous gazette many things have occured in the realm of Quidditch at the school.

The Gryffindor Quidditch team held try outs and we had a really awesome turnout. The Gryffindor pride really banded together and we had a wide range of those trying out, from first years to old team members. Regardless of experience, the turn out was brilliant. The Gryffindor students did not dissapoint me. The try outs were fast paced and intense, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. For those of you who tried out: I enjoyed the whole process; for those of you who did not what the bloody hell is wrong with you? Although you can still redeem yourselves none try outers, come to the games!

As I have repeated ample times, I did enjoy all of the try outs and would have wanted all of you on the team, but cuts did have to be made. However, our team this season is steller... Get ready Gryffindors!

As for the team we have an amazing line up. Congratulations to Ariella Adler, Alex Potter, August Goldstein, Zack Fatimids, Grayson Bay, Gideon Gert, Kacie Gert, Anya Philips, Alice Fischer and Jordan Macey.

To a great season!!! Go go gyffindor!!

Each issue, your student leaders and Head of House will select one special lion that not only represents the house of Gryffindor, but gives back to the school and the RP IC and OOC. This issue, the house of Gryffindor is proud to present Tayla Ross Barnhill (affy7ann)!

1) Tayla, what is your favorite part of being in Gryffindor?

Hmmm...that's not an easy question to answer. Haha! But...I think my favourite part of being in Gryffindor is that I'm encouraged to be braver than I think I am. The Lions I'm with are amazing. I admire many of them and it's an honour to be under the same house.

2) You assisted in the capture the flag event for Gryffindor. How did you feel about the whole event and how did you personally participate?

It was great fun and honestly unexpected! It felt great to practice spells like that, to have to think quickly and move quickly, and work as a team. Sadly I wasn't able to capture a flag, but I did try. I think I spent most of my time just running around... Hahaha!

3) What is your favorite class and why?

Charms! I think it's a very rich subject. Very broad, and very interesting. There are so many spells I want to learn! I hope someday I can invent spells of my own, just like my grandmother did. I also want to teach Charms someday, if I'd be given the chance.

4) Did you participate/enjoy the mad hatter prefect event?

Yes, I did! I put quite an effort into my hat for that event. And all the yummy treats! Absolutely delicious! I think you, Adam, and Kurumi did a great job. I hope you invite us to more prefect events!

5) What is your craziest lion pride memory?

Hmmm...I do remember an older Gryffindor boy, Josh Carter. He lost his hands during Potions class when I was a first year. I'm not sure how he finished his brew... I guess that's not exactly 'lion pride', but it was definitely something and I still can't forget it.
OOC:
1) How did you find SS?

My friend showed the site to me around 5 or 6 years ago I think. We were in high school and huge Harry Potter fans. We still are huge HP fans of course!

2) How long have you been on SS?

A year. I joined the forums January 2011, though I've been lurking around SS for years. I joined because of the RPG.

3) What is your favorite part of being on SS?

Role-playing and chatting with fellow Potterheads!

4) What drew you to Harry Potter in the first place?

My mother brought my younger sister and me to a Harry Potter event in a mall when we were little. I think only the first two books were out then. We had Harry Potter colouring books and there was a short play. I still remember seeing Harry Potter jump up and down the stage trying to grab a letter.

I'm not sure when I started reading the books, but after watching the first film, I got completely hooked to the series!

5) Why do you RP?

I honestly wish Hogwarts were real, that I could do magic and all that. (I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way! ) RPing lets me experience a little bit of the magic in Harry Potter's world. It's great fun, helps me practice writing, and improves the imagination.

Want to be a Spotlighted Lion? All you need to do is be an active positive force in the RP! Next issue you could see yourself here!

First of all, I would like to apologize for my disappearance during the opening feast this starting term. I had gained a bad case of Dragon Pox and had been treated for the disease. I, being one half of the Gryffindor Prefects, did not want to start the term by having the possibility of infecting any of you, nor the teachers. So, once again I am sorry for my disappearance.

Many of you may think at first, once being inducted to Gryffindor, that you do not possess the qualities that the sorting hat had informed you on, but that is not true. As the hat says “their daring, nerve and chivalry. Set the Gryffindors apart” but you see, being daring and chivalirious does not mean you must fight against a dragon or even hold your wand to protect yourself. No. There are many different meanings of being brave,some, you might even say, you do not possess these brave qualities. But I think one thing that makes people stand brave is not being a war hero but those who stand up for their friends when someone says something wrong of them, to speak your mind on a matter most people are quiet about, and mostly important, to be yourself. These are all acts of courageous achievements not because you have the muscles to prove you are brave, but standing up for what is right and good takes several more guts than wielding your wand at a creature.

Adam Burn