Leaderboard

2020 is nearly at an end and so is the Autumn term. Most classes will have a final deadline of 15th January but make sure you double check yours so you know for certain when you need to get any last minute assignments sent in by. We're lagging a little behind in that cup race right now so let's start off 2021 right and snag a few extra points if we possibly can. :D If you signed up for Secret Elf, the deadline is drawing near! Remember to get your gift sent off to the organisers at the dedicated activity email before 11:59 PM HOL-time on the 31st of December. Land of the Sweets is also in full swing. Make sure you head over to the main forum to enjoy some of the sweet, festive goodness on offer before January 17th! Go go Gryffindor!

“—You may say We grows seasonals of transparency, yet there’s reason We grows annuals of opaque.” - C.Y.M. The ‘Potion of Inscne’ [“INSH-kna”] gives its drinker power to shift the quality of their expressive gender to any area on the spectrum between the spirit of feminine and masculine energies. This was discovered, through a necessary request of assistance from her parents, by 11 year old Irish muggle, Eilís Ryan [“AY-lish” or “EYE-lish” meaning ‘Pledged to God’, corresponding with the English name Elizabeth, sometimes Alice; “RY-en”, derived from the Gaelic word “Rí” meaning ‘King’], whose neighbor, Miss Cemphra Maebh (18th century Herbologist), was the notorious Witch believed to have spent her post educational life Imping crafts of plant and baking Magic into the presence of children labeled “without the sense.” Ryan (who was later referred to by many as “Our King” or “King from God”, as her name implies) grew up to be a powerful influence on both communities. Miss Maebh fell off of the radar at a young age. Appreciated only after by notepads left behind containing memory fragments of any developments or progress along her quest toward cultivating the divide between the world she grew up with and non-magic people through the local youth. Notes which some have argued were riddled with signs of mental insanity. There are those who still say that the children Cemphra spent her time with were either falsely “lead” into their successes (that it came directly from Maebh herself to be used as evidential ‘proof’ of her own opinions), or at best that her young friends only showed signs of unusual ability “by accident” or some other form of “coincidence.” INGREDIENTS: Brigid’s plant (Dandelion) Rosemary Valerian root Blackberry Vinegar INSTRUCTIONS: Inscne Potions cannot be made by a single individual, nor by uneven numbers.*{1} Otherwise, this is a relatively simple potion to create with a surprising amount of flexibility. It is essentially impossible to fail if basic instructions are followed. All who are involved must split themselves into two groups: one 'feminine', the other 'masculine'. Both sides must be represented. This is not pendant on an individuals physical sex —which was found to be irrelevant— but asks each person to decide where the spirit of their energy dwells in that moment. Meaning one could represent the other essence during subsequent batches, rather than always being bound to a single perspective. One requirement being this may not be decided mindlessly (i.e. without any level of consideration). If not chosen with intentionality, common knowledge says the potion will refuse to benefit those who ignore this factor or anyone working alongside them. Most scholars suggest this is the case even if they technically have aligned with the “correct” side during the encounter. This is seen as a sign of disrespect. Contrariwise, those whose intentions are pure will never be ignored by Magic. Both teams must boil their own small amount of water. The feminine side adding Valerian root*{2} while stirring counter-clockwise, the masculine side adding Brigid’s plant while stirring clockwise. Remove from heat and cool to a drinkable temperature. The masculine side should then add rosemary to their brew, which at this point can be transferred into the Valerian water at any time. From here, the potion is ready to be strained for use or to be stored, with or without delay. Blackberry vinegar must be added —only by a member of this specific feminine group— immediately prior to consumption (within a half-minute). Effects will take place in a matter of moments, lasting on average approximately 2-3 hours. *{1} the exception to this rule is when preparers form in multiples of three (the only time uneven groupings has been practiced successfully) which typically brews incredibly potent batches —particularly when numbers are also in balance: i.e. 3 and 3 or 9 and 9 vs. 3 and 6 or 6 and 12, though structures such as 1 and 2 or 7 and 5 would also be acceptable in this case— regardless of the dominating gender *{2} it doesn’t matter how little or how much any ingredient is used in this potion. In fact, if other prompts are followed appropriately, the incorporation of additional ingredients for preference of taste has been known to work with equal effectiveness

Maxim yawned as he dragged himself to the top of the Astronomy Tower. After his Astronomy OWL he promised himself never to step foot into it again, but there he was. With blankets and hot chocolate for all students that would join the star-gazing night. He really needed to stop getting the short straws between the Head Students. 'Good evening, students,' Maxim greeted anyone who was inside. 'I got some hot chocolate, cookies and warm blankets for anyone who wants them. Who's game?' he asked around, giving items out as they were requested. 'Hot chocolate, Manya?' Maxim smiled at the girl, patting her on the back a bit. She seemed inconsolable, but he waited for her to explain if she wanted.

Hi everybody! *stands up and waves eagerly* I'm so excited to further my journey at HOL and even more excited to meet my classmates. I'll start by saying a little bit about myself. I am a first year Gryffindor. My favorite color is yellow. I love listening to music and playing instruments. I love drawing and anything having to do with art. I love to take care of animals and nurture them to their fullest potential. I like to exceed expectations and do my very best in anything I set my mind to. I will strive to do an outstanding job at anything I dedicate my time to. I am a cat person. I hope to participate in the Book Club and the HOLLERS Club. I am very interested in making new friends as I said earlier. Please make an effort to reach out to me if you can because I would love someone to help guide me through HOL. I guess that's all I really have to say about myself as of right now. I would really appreciate it if you guys would start up a conversation with me as I pass by you in the campus or something. Don't be shy, I'm a pretty social person! I hope to encounter you all later! *smiles and sits back down*

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had wonderful Holidays! I am glad to finally be back! Today is first time been able to logon since early December. Mom had unexpected illness, but is doing much better now. I have missed you all!

Hope you all had a great Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or any celebration and that you are getting ready to receive this 2021 which I know will be better than this year *fingers crossed* . But please, remember all the good things from 2020, even if you feel like there aren't any, try and find the silver lining. I know to me, HOL was one of the best things that could have happen to me this year and I'm forever thankful for all the games, classes and people I've met here <3 Wish you all only the best. - Carrie.

Happy birthday, Rose! I hope you have a superb day full of magic and that you get many, many books.

Happy birthday Rose! Hope you have a great day. :)

Happy Birthday, Rose!! Have an amazing day! (We always have space in the den for more books! :D)

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

You have just over 48 hours to turn in things for Owl Winter Long! We'll need everything signed, sealed and delivered by 11:59 PM HOL-time on December 20th.