Professor Simran Sandhu might be moving on from Hogwarts, but she's made a lasting impression during her time as an educator and head of house. She lead the lions with passion, a protective nature, and a kind heart, creating bonds that are sure to last beyond the walls of the castle. It's no surprise that her absence will surely be felt by every cub of the Gryffindor pride.
As a professor and Head of House, you have constant interactions with kids. What made you want to work so closely with the youth of the wizarding world? I've worked for many years with students who've just left the school system, and who were struggling to adjust to the social and academic climate of university and its demands. While retirement was killing off my brain cells one at a time from boredom, I had the chance to think about how best to help students (especially the magical youth, who have a much harder culture shock entering Muggle/mixed society), I came to the conclusion that this was the best way to help!
Also helps that it's never boring with young people around, and they're usually less uppity than Russel Group researchers.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time teaching here? I have many, but I think one of my favourite ones is taking the trip to Addis Ababa with most of you and watching the eclipse.
It's always so interesting to see students interact with each other in a more relaxed setting, and to be able to interact with them that way too. I don't usually have that with students outside of my house, and I definitely enjoyed the chance to tell them things that weren't entirely academic.
What will you miss most about teaching at Hogwarts? I will miss all of you, of course. There is nothing in the world comparable to watching as a student who's struggled all lesson with a concept straighten up, eyes bright, lightbulb almost visible above their head. Or like the entire lesson getting derailed by heated debate as to whether gargoyles turn back to stone on the moon. Or watching you lot answer each other's questions rather than wait for me to do it.
I'll miss the excellent questions I never thought of, the poring through texts so I can phrase my explanation nicely in the next lesson. I'll miss doodles in the margins of essays – from first and seventh years alike.
I'll miss everything about this place, really, except the part where we keep almost dying.
What is the ultimate lesson you hope students have taken away from your teachings? I think, if they take one thing with them, it's that there's no one way a researcher looks. That if they put their mind to it, they can achieve anything they want. To be kind and patient and understanding, but not to forget to have fun.
That the stars are meant to be enjoyed as much as they are to be studied, and that there has to be balance in all things. Yes, I think those are good lessons to take away, and if I've taught at least half of those, I'll say I've done a reasonably good job in my stint educating the youth.
Do you have any parting words for Gryffindor house in particular, who are sure to miss your leadership and support? My Gryffindors, you will always have a special place in my heart. You embody and value all the traits I'm most proud of in myself and others, and I hope you treasure them just as much as I do.
Remember that we are brave for a reason, and that is to inspire others to be brave as well. We are loud so we can speak out for those who need us to but can't make enough noise. We are assertive so that we can get things pushed through that the people smarter than us think up.
Remember that bravery is not the absence of fear, or running headfirst into danger, but the assessment that whatever is on the other side of it is worth the risk.
Be good to your new Head of House and know that I am only ever an owl away.
May the rate of change of momentum be with you lot.
gryffindor prefects
Lucas Dakest is the Gryffindor prefect with the dreamy eyes and kind smile you've seen walking the halls of Hogwarts this term. He's soft-spoken, smart, and someone younger cubs can look up to. We got to sit and chat with this timid lion and learn a little more about him.
Hi Lucas! Being a veteran prefect now, what’s one thing you’ve learned that you didn’t know when you first started wearing the badge? Hey! Something I’ve learned that I didn’t know before........ I’d say how to communicate with people, especially people I’ve never talked to before. That was always something I’ve struggled with. But it turns out that you can’t hide when you’re a prefect.
Do you you enjoy working with your fellow prefect, Carsyn, or are you the type the prefers to work alone? I’m normally the type to work alone, but it has been nice working with Carsyn. It has helped to spread out the responsibilities and make it feel less overwhelming. Besides, I don’t think I could’ve managed it on my own.
Prefects are often role models for younger students. Do you think you’ve been a good role model this term? Well, I hope so! As long as younger students don’t come to me to ask for the best defense method against portraits. I don’t think I can help you out on that, unfortunately.
What’s your favorite thing to do at Hogwarts when you’re looking to have fun? Oh! I like sitting in the Observatory and spending some time stargazing. There’s something magical about it that makes me forget about any problems I might be going through. It’s even better with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate.
You seem like a super smart guy! What class at Hogwarts challenges you most and why? Oh, thanks. The class that challenges me the most has to be Defence Against the Dark Arts. It takes me a while to pick up on the lessons and learn what the Headmaster is trying to teach us. I’m also not very good at dueling, which doesn’t help.
If you could turn into any magical creature for 24 hours, which would you pick and why? Any magical creature? That’s a tough one. Hmm, I think I might go for..... a phoenix? Because they can travel from place to place and don’t really have to worry about their lives as much because of how they protect themselves. They burst into flames on a dying day, don’t they?
Losing our Head of House is hard. Do you have any parting words for her? It is. I’d just like to say that she’s been a great Head of House and has always been there for the students of her house. She probably knows this but she was one of my favourite professors and I’m going to miss her very much.
With all the portrait drama this term, I was wondering what sort of portrait you’d want for yourself? What items would you include that represented you best? A portrait? Let’s see...... I’d probably want a starry night sky in the background, and a telescope in case I want to stargaze at any given time. Maybe there could be some cups of hot chocolate there as well, which would be nice. I’m not sure what else it should include, really.
What’s your favorite Hogwarts memory to date? Favourite Hogwarts memory? I’d have to say any moment spent with my sister, Emma, has always been a special moment. She knows how to make me feel comfortable. The same goes for Józef as well, actually.
With the year ending, do you have any exciting summer plans you’d like to share? For the summer, we usually go to visit my grandpa in Canada so that’ll be an interesting trip. Otherwise, I’m planning on getting some rest after the OWLs. I think I’ll need it.
She's enthusiastic, she's confident, and sometimes she's got you seeing double. She's Carsyn Rose and she's the gryffindor prefect with serious quidditch skills and twin power to the max. We had a chance to chat with Ms. Rose and learn just a little more about the girl behind the badge.
Hi Carsyn! Let's start with a getting to know you question. What's one thing you think your fellow Hogwartians should know about you? Hi! I'm a pretty great seeker, in my opinion, and play for Wales Under 17 team, which y'all should come check out a game in the summer!
Being a prefect is hard work, but it must easier with a co-prefect to lean on. How do you find working with Lucas? Lucas is literally the most responsible and diligent of the pair of us. He keeps me grounded and focused.
You've got a twin, which is really cool! Be honest. Have you ever considered a switcheroo, letting her be prefect for a day so you can take it easy? Hah! Funny you should mention it since she is a prefect herself, but yes we have considered swapping houses and may have done so .... but who's to know if we're swapped now.
Do you think wearing a prefect's badge makes you carry yourself differently than you used to? Yes in that I think it's a reminder that while i don't necessarily have to be perfect, I am an example and people look up to me
Word on the street is that you really love quidditch! What's your favorite thing about the sport? Being active and a great way to expend some energy and angst, all while making new friends in the process
Which magical creature would you say is your spirit animal? Interesting question, and I'd have to say .... a chimaera, as they've got the head of a lion, body of a goat and a dragon's tail, which is a reminder that while I'm a Gryffindor, I'm also an interesting hybrid with Ravenclaw tendencies sometimes too, likely due to my mom.
What's your best excuse for not having your homework finished? My twin's fault, obviously.
The whole escape of the house founders from their portraits thing was pretty wild! How did you feel about them being in the castle? It was pretty crazy, yes!!!! I think it was amazing to get to "meet them", but after awhile, it was also unnatural and I'm glad they're back locked in their portraits.
Do you have any tips for keeping calm and carrying on when Hogwarts throws you something unexpected? Which is like all the time? I suppose just remembering to keep vigilant and to know that no matter what, your professors and peers got your back. Trust in them. Trust in yourself and your abilities thus far.
In your opinion, what's the best part about being a Gryffindor? Everything. The pride that is felt among every single gryffindor is incredible and unmatched.