UNOFFICIAL LEAKYCON CONTEST

Rules:
1. You must be a follower of our blog and supply the name under which you follow us when you submit your answers.
2. You must be attending LeakyCon 2011 for at least one day in order to collect your prize.
3. You must submit your answers to endofanerablog at yahoo dot com by midnight (EST) on June 10th.
4. You must check back for the winner to be announced in a post in this blog. We will not send out an email to the winner. They must respond with an email to the email address above to set up a time to collect their prize at LeakyCon within seven days from the announcement date.
5. The winner will be chosen by the number of correct answers provided. If there is a tie, a winner will be drawn.

6. If the chosen winner has not contacted us after their week is up, we will chose another winner. The second winner will have a week to respond, and another will be chosen and so on until someone claims the prize.

7. You do not need to answer every question in order to submit your answers, but obviously the more you answer, the higher your chances of winning.

Prize: The winner will receive a hand-made pygmy puff as well as an assortment of other surprise HP goodies.

1. What protective item did Neville buy to protect him from being attacked in CoS?
A. A purple crystal
B. A rotting newt tail
C. A green onion
D. All of the above

2. When was Professor McGonagall born?
A. October 14, 1930
B. October 4, 1925
C. September 10, 1928
D. September 4, 1925

3. Which broom was Wood's second choice for Harry in SS?
A. Comet 260

B. Comet 290
C. Cleansweep 5
D. Cleansweep 7

4. Where did Malfoy get hit with the swelling solution in CoS?
A. Eyes
B. Ear
C. Nose
D. Mouth

5. What was the word Dudley had just learned at the beginning of the American version of SS?
A. “No”
B. “Can't”

C. “Won't”
D. “Don't”

6. What color was Hermione's polyjuice potion in CoS?

A. Yellow

B. Green

C. Murky Brown

D. Khaki

7. Which of the following classes were all at nine o'clock in the trio's third year?
A. Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies
B. Arithmancy, Divination, and Muggle Studies
C. Divination, Muggle Studies, and Ancient Runes
D. Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, and Arithmancy

8. How many types of ingredients are there in polyjuice potion?
A. 10
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8

9. How much does it cost to ride the Knight Bus?
A. 14 sickles
B. 1 galleon
C. 15 sickles
D. 11 sickles

10. When was Buckbeak scheduled to be executed?

A. Sunset on June 9th
B. 7pm on June 10th
C. Sunset on June 6th
D. 7pm on June 8th

11. How many Quidditch World Cup tournaments had been held prior to the one in 1994?
A. 400
B. 440
C. 421
D. 422

12. What other magical creature, besides a Dementor, will a Patronus work against?
A. Lethifolds
B. Fwoopers
C. Red Caps
D. Boggarts

13. In SS, what was the headline on the paper clipping Harry picked up at Hagrid's, while Ron was talking with Hagrid about Charlie's work with dragons?
A. Break-in at Gringotts
B. Gringotts Break-in Latest
C. Gringotts Break-in Update
D. Gringotts Break-in Suspect

14. Which historical figure liked the sensation of the flame freezing charm so much that they allowed themselves to be caught no less than 47 times?
A. Bridghid the Bizarre
B. Sulwyn the Strange
C. Wendelin the Weird
D. Odelia the Odd

15. What did Aunt Petunia serve for lunch the day the Weasleys came to pick up Harry from Privet Drive?
A. Grapefruit
B. Cottage cheese and carrot sticks
C. Cottage cheese and grated celery

D. Yogurt and raisins

16. How old would Frank (the caretaker in GoF) have been on his next birthday?
A. 77
B. 76
C. 75
D. 73

17. When was the portkey the Weasleys, Hermione, and Harry took to the Quidditch World Cup scheduled to arrive?
A. Five past five
B. Seven past five
C. Six past six
D. Five past four

18. Who raised the trophy after winning the World Cup?
A. Troy and Moran
B. Lynch and Connolly
C. Quigley and Moran
D. Troy and Quigley

19. Who was the announcer of the news that Harry was listening to from under the window in the garden?
A. Rod Remington
B. Mary Dorkins
C. Hannah Summers
D. Micheal Leclerk

20. What was the name of the second Gurg of the giants?
A. Golgomath
B. Karkus
C. Bran
D. Morholt

21. How much do primary apparation lessons cost?
A. 10 galleons
B. 12 galleons
C. 15 galleons
D. 8 galleons

22. What society did Hector Dagworth-Granger found?
A. The Most Extraordinary Society of Charms
B. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers
C. The Most Extraordinary Society of Seers
D. The Most Extraordinary Society of Herbologists

23. How many of the original Order of the Phoenix members were definitely killed?
A. 12
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10

24. When was Sturgis Podmore arrested for attempted robbery?
A. August 31
B. August 30
C. August 13
D. August 3

25. What color was Ginny wearing at the wedding?
A. Blue
B. Pink
C. Silver
D. Gold

26. Who didn't know if his father was a wizard or not?
A. Lee Jordan
B. Michael Corner
C. Dean Thomas
D. Dennis Bishop

27. What were the names of the Cattermole's three children?
A. Maisie, Ellie, and Alfred
B. Mary, Ellie, and Alfred
C. Mary, Esme, and Arnold
D. Maisie, Ellie, and Arnold

28. What was the name of the junior minister who was acting like a chicken?
A. Alexander Reynolds
B. Ronald Pierce

C. Herbert Chorley
D. Thomas Cole

29. What is Dumbledore's favorite type of jam?

A. Raspberry
B. Strawberry
C. Apricot
D. Blueberry

30. Complete this line from a wizard rock song: “If you take felix felicis, you just may get lucky, but you gotta wait in line ________ ”

31. Name the artist that sings the song from which these lyrics were taken, “You must stop to see the memories take shape. Going down to the graveyard, coming home”.

32. Which character in A Very Potter Musical screamed, “Ah, Ginger”?

33. Which Twilight team is Umbrigde on in A Very Potter Sequel?

34. In Potter Puppet Pals' video “Potions Class”, how does Snape finally get Harry's attention?

35. Name three bands that have members on the channel fiveawesomegirls on youtube.

36. How many children played baby Harry in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone?
A. 4
B. 3
C. 2

D. 1

37. Which cast member broke their wrist during the filming of CoS?
A. Daniel Radcliffe
B. Rupert Grint
C. Emma Watson
D. Christian Coulson

38. How many Ford Anglias were destroyed to create the scene in CoS where Harry and Ron crash into the Whomping Willow?
A. 4
B. 21
C. 20
D. 14

39. Frances de la Tour, who plays Madame Maxime in GoF, was born in which country?
A. England
B. France
C. Scottland
D. Germany

40. Which actress with whom Daniel Radcliffe worked prior to the HP films told Daniel's mother he could be Harry Potter himself?
A. Emilia Fox
B. Maggie Smith
C. Jamie Lee Curtis
D. Catherine McCormack

41. Alan Rickman played an Irish revolutionary and president in which film?
A. The Wind that Shakes the Barley
B. Michael Collins
C. Rebel Heart
D. The Treaty

42. John Hurt, who plays Ollivander, has been nominated for two Oscars. Name one of the films for which he was nominated (a bonus point to anyone who can name both).

43. True or False: Mugglenet once had a patriotic layout.

44. Name three Harry Potter-related books written by people involved in Harry Potter fansites.

45. Name the band that sings the song from which these lyrics were taken, “Storm is comin' and I've gonna be ready. There's a fire in my home. There's a little boy who needs his daddy. Angel flying all alone”.

46. Complete this line of lyrics from a wizard rock song: “He loved his friends; he would help out any of us if we were in need. And he loved your mother with a fire like you wouldn't believe, but I can't quite describe exactly how he felt about you. ____________"

47. The following lyrics were taken from a popular HP song parody on youtube: “But that's ok. You're not afraid to name the name who must not be named, and I knew when you decided, you went to go and find him, you'd be fine”. What was the title of the popular song that loaned its tune for this parody.

48. Name one youtube collab channel that is being used to gear up for LeakyCon 2011.

49. Bonus: How old was Kat when she first picked up a Harry Potter book?

50. Bonus: Name one sign that Kat and Brae were destined to go to LeakyCon.

Growing Up With Harry

I'm sorry we haven't posted in a while. My mother has been in town and craziness always ensues with that occurs. I will attempt to make up for my absence by making a few posts this week (and continuing to work on the promised LEAKY CON CONTEST that will be posted here as well as on my youtube channel when the time comes, so keep an eye out for that!).

As a middle schooler picking up the first few books, I never really would have thought that this series would have impacted my life in such a major way. I discuss a bit of HP's impact in this video:

But there's much more to the story than that! I don't think I had a friend all through middle or high school that wasn't obsessed with Harry Potter. HP helped me make real life friends in addition to the friendships I forged through my forays online.

High school was a daunting prospect for me. Most of my eighth grade class was thrilled to be leaving and moving on to something “better”, but I was apprehensive. After the utter torment that was middle school, I wasn't sure what to expect from high school despite my parents' assurances that it would be the best time of my life (apparently their memories of high school were a little foggy). So when orientation rolled around, I sat in the corner completely silent, not knowing anyone because most of my eighth grade class went to public high schools or other private schools (though I wasn't exactly sad to see most of them go, my only friends were going elsewhere as well). I was attending yet another Catholic school after eight years at the Catholic elementary school. I literally don't think I said a word all through orientation until I saw the girl next to me taking notes in a HP notebook. I leaned over and simply said, “Nice notebook”. At first she looked apprehensive as if I were making fun of her, but then she smiled and we started a long conversation about the next book due out. We were friends throughout that year and a little after I transferred to a performing art school.

I discussed earlier about my friends who drew up complicated lunar charts to prove our algebra teacher was a werewolf. She was one of them. The other joined our HP crew a little later into the year after she stood up for me when someone shoved me into my locker and shouted “albino” at me. After she told them off, she spotted my Harry Potter quidditch magnets on my locker door and struck up another HP conversation.

Moving through the series, I found myself growing up with Harry. We faced “enemies” together (sure, his were bigger and badder than the kids at my school, but the were against us all the same, forcing us to be stronger than we thought possible and almost turning us into something we didn't want to be). We broke the rules together (him more frequently than I). We discovered and accepted our attraction to women together. We found love and suffered loss together. We went through all of adolescence's trials and more, and we survived.

Harry has brought so much to my life: an escape, countless friends, oodles of good times, a plethora of inside jokes, wonderful life lessons straight from the text and accompanied by other “gifts”, spirituality, self-confidence, self-acceptance, freedom, and countless others things. It has shaped who I have become (and that is most definitely not an understatement). He was always there for me, and I'll always be there with him.

Harry Potter Questionnaire Pt. 3 - Kat

This is the last installment of the HP questionnaire we started a while ago. If you have any other HP questions for us, feel free to comment!

25. What would be your favorite shop in Hogsmeade? In Diagon Alley?

The nerd in me wants to say Flourish and Blotts because I remember reading about all the fascinating books there and wishing beyond anything that I could get my hands on just a few of them. Heck, it even made the illiterate and academicly incapable Harry want to read sometimes! But my desire for something sugary right now is screaming that Florean Fortescue's or Honeydukes would be sweet right now (literally...ba dum bum). And after tasting the awesomeness that is butterbeer at the WwoHP, The Three Broomsticks would be totally awesome too!

26. What would be your favorite wizard sweet?
I've always been intrigued by Fizzing Whizbees, Chocoballs, Sugar Quills, and Peppermint Toads (if I could get over the feeling of something hopping around in my stomach). The rest sound irritating (who wants to chase a piece of candy, breathe fire, have chattering teeth, or deal with a room full of bubbles every time they wanted a piece of gum?) or disgusting. I know for a fact I'd hate Bertie Bott's because I even hate the imitations sold of them because I hate being surprised, and I've yet to find one flavor that I liked at all (I think even the “good” ones kind of taste funny, and they all start to blend together after a while and taste like black pepper). I'd also hate licorice wands and the scary biting licorice things from the movie because I'm not that fond of any licorice.

27. What is your favorite magical creature?

Just for Mairead, I will have to say merpeople. I admit I never really liked the ones described in the books, but after researching them extensively when I created a half-siren character (Mairead Lynch, daughter of Adrian Lynch the misfortunate Ireland seeker from the Quidditch World Cup in GoF), I grew to love them since they helped produce one of my favorite and most intriguing characters ever!

Then there's house elves. No offense to Hermione, but if I could get a house elf, I'd take them! I mean, really? *looks at dishes that need to be done* Who wouldn't...besides Hermione? And I'd be nice to them! Kneazles always sounded intriguing as did Fwoopers (an extra butterbeer to anyone who has seen my video in which I say “fwooper” 2 million times).

Oh! And we cannot forget pygmy puffs! I mean, who didn't love the adorable balls of fluff?

28. What is your favorite magical item?

Oh, this is a toughie! Since I'm almost as paranoid as Mad-Eye sometimes, I'd have to say foe glasses would be a good one (as would sneakoscopes), but a shield cloak would be a good addition to my paranoid collection. Extendable ears always sounded cool to almost everyone who is as nosey as I am, I think.

Then there's the cliché ones like the invisibility cloak, the time turner, the marauder's map, the pensieve, etc.

Self-correcting ink always sounded cool since I am always misspelling things and having to take hours to proofread everything. Metamorph-medals would be sweet since it's almost as cool as being a metamorphamagus (and they help in RP so that not every character has to be one). And I must admit if I had a magically enchanted tent, I'd totally go camping!

The last magical item of note would have to be the scarf of sexual preference! I mean, my gaydar sucks, so it would seriously help me out, and he seemed like a cool accessory to hang out with. Go scarfie!

29. Do you prefer The Leaky Cauldron or Mugglenet?

Erm...Mugglenet, I guess...? They've both brought me different things. I've been on Mugglenet longer (pretty much since I finished PoA when I was thirteen), and I've been on Mugglenet Interactive (MNI) and Mugglespace for a while. TLC, though, has given me a lot as well, even if I haven't been on it long and only just joined MyLeaky.

30. Do you prefer Starkid or Potter Puppet Pals?

Honestly I prefer Starkid. I think that AVPM and AVPS are better (though they're quite different and, thus, difficult to compare) than PPP. I've seen almost all of PPP, and I'm pumped to see them at LeakyCon, but I do prefer Starkid.

31. What wizarding job would you have?

Brae and I were just talking about this the other day, and I finally decided what I would be! It took me forever because most of the prominent jobs (shop owner, journalist, Gringotts worker, Hogwarts professor, dragon tamer, MoM worker, professional quidditch player, etc.) never seemed suited to me as they all involved great boredom, children, or me running for my life far more often than I like.

Then it came to me—wandmaker! You see, I have an intense love for everything Celtic and spend a great deal of my time researching it (for religious reasons as much as personal interest). Since many of the wands are based on the Celtic tree calendar (which I know by heart; just ask the rather annoyed workers at the WWoHP Ollivanders about the girl advising people on their wand in the shop last year), this profession held my interest the longest. In addition, learning about the magical properties of different materials has always been another hobby of mine as well (again, mainly for religious reasons), so using magical items like phoenix feather, veela hair, dragon heartstring, unicorn tail hair, etc. and seeing how they acted, how the wands interact with their users, and researching wand lore would fascinate me!

33. What would be your favorite form of transportation?

Hm...this is a hard one. Flying is out because of my fear of heights. Floo powder, portkeys, and apparation never seemed appealing because they all seem extremely uncomfortable, but apparation would be convenient. So, I guess I'd have to choose that.

34. Who is your favorite non-human in the series?

I rather like Firenze, but I feel like I wouldn't get along very well with a centaur. I guess I'm kind of like Hagrid in that respect because it would irritate me to no end to ask a question and have to decipher an answer with the use of almanacs and other aids. Brae and I discussed what such a conversation would be like if one were friends with a centaur.

Me: So, do you wanna go get a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks tonight?

Centaur: Mars is bright tonight.

Me: Er...yeah. It is, I guess. So do you want to go?

Centaur: Mars is bright tonight.

Me: Yeah, we covered that. Do you want to go or not?

Centaur: Mars is bright tonight.

Me: ...does that mean you don't want to go, then?

Centaur: Mars is bright-

Me: You know what, I'm just gonna go, and you can join me if you want. I'll see you when I see you unless Mars being bright means I'm going to die or something...

So, given that, I'd have to say my favorite non-human would be Fawkes. I've like the idea of phoenixes since I found mention of them, and I find them to be fascinating creatures just like Dumbledore. There's so much they teach us just through their continued life about regeneration and the obvious reincarnation. They're amazing symbols, and I'd love to “meet” one.

I just remembered I needed to add the flying Ford Anglia! What? It's totally a character since it has personality...and it's not human!

35. Which is your favorite wizard family?

The noble and most ancient house of Black, of course! I mean, they're all pretty much purists (which rocks!) and Death Eaters (or at least Voldemort supporters after he came around); plus, they have all the cool people like Sirius, Tonks, Bellatrix, and Narcissa!

36. Where would you find me in the magical world?

In Diagon Alley (at work for Ollivander's), in the Ravenclaw common room, or in the library at Hogwarts (I know, “who studies at Hogwarts anymore?”)

37. Do you listen to any HP podcasts?

Not really. I have listened to mugglecast a few times, but podcasts are not my favorite. I find it difficult to concentrate on them for very long because I'm such a visual person (this is also why I don't really like books on tape). So, even if it's on a topic I'm really interested in, I find myself losing focus after about five minutes.

38. Do you subscribe to or watch any HP videos on Youtube?

Yeppers! Right now, I'm subscribed to alwayspureblood aka The Black Sisters, butterbeerwrocks Lena Gabrielle's (The Butterbeer Experience) channel, fiveawesomegirls (though they are no longer producing regular videos), LeakyCon, StarKidPotter, TheHogwartsSextet (a collab channel of some LC attendees that are also in The Final Battle), and sevenpottergirls (a collab channel for 7 girls who will attend Leaky this summer). I also regularly watch Lauren Fairweather's personal channel (devilishlypure), Hayley's personal channel (hayleyghoover), Christina's personal channel (italktosnakes), and Kayley's personal channel (owlssayhoot). I also regularly search for “LeakyCon” for the past few days to see what youtubers are saying about it as well as try to keep up with the best fan videos and parodies on YT.

Brae the Slytherpuff

Sorry guys, I have been having a crazy work schedule for some time and haven't had the time (much less the energy and creativity) to write anything for anyone lately, but this here will be my first post back and I have decided to tackle the Sorting Hats namesake topic. Now on to that!

Floo Powder Power! Floo Powder Power! Floo Powder Power!

Ah the Sorting Hat, a shifty musical character, he sits on your head and doles out swift judgment on each person knowing little more than any other than hat but what he can read in your head, and he looks grumpy I've always thought, well as far as hats go…in short you can never be sure whether he is an enemy or friend from his description, but he is an integral part of life at Hogwarts, that would sorely be missed if anything were to ever happen to him. If we were ever to meet in those hallowed halls, what would he decide about me? Would he pick out my decisive nature, snide comments, and general negativity? Would he see the "goodness and generosity" in my heart? Would he see the quick and poignant wit or thirst for knowledge that often drives my personality? Lets examine shall we?

First and foremost lets rule out what house I'm not before we begin. I am not a Gryffindor…not now, not like in 5 years, not 10 years ago, just never. Sure I have some of the qualities of a Gryffindor, but just as Harry once sat and called out that thing which he would want least as the Sorter perched on his head, so too would you hear me utter "Not Gryffindor, Not Gryffindor, Not Gryffindor!", in a hushed exclamation. Not that I have anything against Gryffindors (well maybe not nothing…), but I just simply have never seen myself as one and could never stomach the thought of being in that house. To be fair, I am also no Ravenclaw. Ravenclaw, while a respectable house with people whom I would mark as my equals, it just isn't the house for me. Sure it has memorable people from time to time, but I don't want to have to be quirked out of my mind to be noticed amongst a bunch of nerds as that would mean I am probably extra freaky. It would be my third choice after Slytherin, and certainly before Gryffindor, so I still have a fair amount of love and reverence for the work and people in that house.

Now onto the hard stuff (and I haven't even started to tuck into the firewhiskey). Slytherin and Hufflepuff…Slytherin and Hufflepuff…Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Yes, unusual bedmates to have for your neck-n'-neck house choices, but there you have it. I should let you infer your own meaning as to why those two would make it this far up the list and together at that, but that would be too evil of me. What traits do I have (and I am trying to be honest when answering these things so don't think them too cringe worthy please) that may encompass both of these houses. Well firstly I'm snide, scathing, biting at the best of times as far as personality goes. That's maybe an exaggerated version of my ego more than anything, but there you have it. I am soooo sarcastic most of the time, and negative about things in general, and I think very highly of myself. VERY highly. It wouldn't be hard for someone to take me as a Slytherin right off the bat, so I have to admit that it is a house that I fit well into. I am not in any way ashamed of that either as my ego is particularly important to me, and that house would only seek to make light of that fact in ignorance of all others. That being said…I am, amongst other things, a cast off at times. I don't fit perfectly into any house, and in life I often find myself drifting alone, not depressingly so, but everyone has that part of themselves that they feel people don't understand and I just have that in droves I guess. I am loyal though that doesn't mean I grovel or just accept what comes at me, but when you need someone I'm there for you even if I don't know how to handle the whole situation. Oh, I can cook too, though I doubt cooking charms would be a specialty for me hahaha.

So there you have it, I am just a Slytherpuff like any other, loyal and cunning, fiendish and friendly, abrasive and easy to get along with, for all the contradictions I suppose I'm just me, a unique sort of house where up is down and wrong is oh so right.

Kat's Favorite Potter Experiences

We've had our share of amazing experiences related to Harry Potter that we thought we'd share a few of them!

Harry Potter, The Exhibition: The first time I really got out to meet other Potterheads was at the exhibit in Chicago two years ago. We went for my birthday, and, despite some transportation issues that stranded us in Chicago for an extra day, it was amazing!

We waited around with a bunch of children and some other fans that seemed about our age dressed as Gryffindors (pfft). When they finally let us in, I was brimming with excitement, and the man walking behind us kind of made fun of me a little bit. Once we were inside, though, I wasn't the only one freaking out. That's not to say my excitement still didn't draw looks. In particular, I remember frolicking through the Dark Forest portion of the exhibit with all the Dark Arts artifacts. I almost started crying in front of Bellatrix's Azkaban robes and ran back to find Brae who was waiting in line to sit on the chair from Hagrid's hut. Some preteens followed me, laughing that anyone could be that serious about HP. I also was made fun of for being so horrible at quidditch when I tried to score a few goals at one of the interactive parts of the exhibit and for being so weak that I had trouble removing the mandrake from its pot. And then there was the lady in the gift shop who gave me an odd look when I said something about their lack of Slytherin and Dark Arts gifts. She asked why I'd want that, paused, and then added that she thought I must be a Slytherin...as if it was something to be ashamed of! Come to think of it, I was made fun of a lot that weekend...

The only problem I had with the exhibit was that they chose children to be sorted. This is fine, and I understand their reasoning. However, if they were trying to get these kids excited, they should have chosen actual HP fans and not toddlers who had no idea what was going on and couldn't appreciate the experience. One of the kids they chose for the sorting from our tour group was about two or three and when asked what his favorite house was, he answered with “Batman!” Really? Did they think that he'd appreciate being sorted more than the girl in the back hyperventilating on her freakin' birthday?!?!

Here's a video I did right after we got back (I'm not going to lie; it isn't that great, but I thought you guys might want to hear more about the exhibit. My videos now are much better):

The Ollivander's Experience: That problem with the exhibit was rectified at Infinitus last year during Night of a Thousand Wizards when they let us into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter after close. Brae and I grabbed butterbeers and chugged them while we waited in line for the Ollivander's experience because we'd done almost everything else in the park already during the day (incidentally, I would NOT recommend chugging frozen butterbeer as it leads to nausea and a brain freeze). I was not sure where we'd be standing when we got into the shop and, thus, unsure if I'd be picked for the wand ceremony. I am quite pick-able (just look at my picture...I tend to stand out in a crowd). Luck was on our side, and we were let in first for our group and Ollivander pretty much made a beeline for me! I immediately dumped everything I was carrying in Brae's arms and commanded him to take enough pictures to fill up the entire memory card in my camera. I've never felt such an interesting combination of excitement, luck, slight embarrassment (due to my excessive shyness), and the jealousy of others. Needless to say I bought the wand he chose for me to keep as a souvenir so I could retell that story every time someone spotted it!

Harry Potter and the Trip to the Emergency Room: One of the main topics of HP vlogs and blogs is to relive a few memorable experiences from your reading of the books. Most of my first readings of the books were pretty boring to retell (unless you find me stuffing my face with comfort food during some of the more horrible deaths in OotP, HBP, and DH to be super exciting) except for DH.

I ran out with my mother the night it came out and started reading it in the checkout line at Kroger. I don't think I took my nose out of the book until my mom came into my room the next morning to take me to the doctor.

For the rest of this story to make sense, you must understand that whenever I have had a physical ailment, it is always the oddest thing that could possibly happen to a person so that I need to see several doctors and specialists before anyone can figure out what it is. For the weeks leading up to the release of DH, I had seen about five different doctors to figure out why I felt like I had something painfully stuck in my throat, had a few X-rays, and some random tests. The day DH came out, I was scheduled to see a specialist so they could stick a scope up my nose and down my throat to see what was stuck there (a very fun procedure for those of you that haven't had it /sarcasm). We arrived early and sat waiting (me with my nose in DH like a few other people in the waiting room), then they took us back to the procedure room to wait for the doctor (I remember I was mid-chapter at this point and I detest having to stop in the middle of a chapter, especially if there's no change in scenes in sight as a natural stopping place, so I wasn't about to put my book down). When the doctor came, I read through almost the entire procedure (despite the fact that my eyes were tearing because of the pain...that stupid anesthetic spray doesn't do anything really) until they removed the scope. Again, for those that haven't had this procedure, there's an odd sensation when they remove the scope that sometimes prompts people to pass out or become lightheaded. I was apparently in the passing out group. When I came to, my first words were “Who took my book?” My mom said the doctor was slightly worried that I was confused and disoriented (or perhaps too obsessed with HP), but she knew I was back to normal when she heard me say that. The doctor then tried to explain that my lingual tonsils were inflamed and give me a list of instructions on how I'd need to treat this problem, but he made the fatal mistake of returning my book beforehand, so my mom was in charge of taking notes. I mean, really, what is physical health and comfort when compared to HP?

Harry Potter Questionnaire Pt. 2 - Kat

So, I lied. I got inspired and had time before work tonight, so I got another post finished for you guys. So, here's my second post today (Brae's house post and part two of the questionnaire will be up sometime in the near future so I don't leave him too far behind).

13. Who would be your favorite teacher at Hogwarts?

I'd probably like Lupin for obvious reasons, but I'd also probably like McGonagall. I've always liked teachers that pushed me, if I felt I could really live up to their expectations. If I couldn't, I'd probably hate her with a passion that burned with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns. Flitwick always struck me as nice and fun, but his teaching style never seemed like it would suit me because it was too laid back. I might not hate Slughorn if I managed to get into the Slug Club. The only ones I really doubt I'd like are pretty obvious like Umbridge, Lockhart, Binns, Trelawney, etc. as well as Moody (I'd probably freak out in ever class when he yelled about how horrible and dangerous the world was) and Hagrid (who would probably be responsible in some way for my premature death by letting me handle a creature I so wasn't ready for).

14. What lesson would you enjoy the most?

Hm...I know which I would hate, but which I'd enjoy would depend on who was teaching and how skilled I'd actually end up being in that area. I'd HATE Herbology (because I hate being dirty and uncomfortable), Arithmancy (math...ugh!), Care of Magical Creatures (I'd probably spend the entire lesson running from something terrifying), History of Magic (*snore*), Divination (*double snore*), Muggle Studies (we're not that fascinating), and possibly Ancient Runes (though runes and divination do fascinate me in real life, the lessons never seemed particularly thrilling in the books). I'd probably like Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Potions.

15. Which position would you want if you played Quidditch?

I don't think I'd play quidditch or like flying much at all (I'm terrified of heights), but if I had to choose, I'd probably be a beater. I can't catch worth a darn, so that pretty much rules out all the other positions. Plus, it seems like a good outlet for aggression.

16. What are your favorite spells (or potions)?

Aguamenti! No, I'm kidding, but there is a hilarious story from RP behind that one (someone tried to drown someone else using this spell after freezing them with Petrificus Totalis. It was the single most hilarious moment in the history of RP). Or how about Feraverto because I often find myself in dire need of a water goblet but with a spare bird or rat lying around...?

For reals, though, I'd say the summoning charm because I'm that lazy (can we say “accio remote”, “accio double stuff”, and/or “accio hottie”?), the muggle repelling charm (because who doesn't want to get rid of those nasty muggles always hanging around?), or the pack and wizard space charms (because I often travel and hate packing and unpacking with a passion, especially when it comes to having to choose what to leave behind due to a limit of space).

17. What would your Patronus be?

It's boring, but it would probably be a cat. I've always had a real connection with cats (hence me letting people call me Kat despite my hatred of most nicknames I've been given through the years). My first real pet (that lasted for more than a few months) was a cat, and we had a very strong connection.

18. What would Amortentia smell like for you?

Sandalwood (my inner hippie/Pagan is coming out), chocolate (yes, I'm a girl), and lavender. Yes, I realize that together those would probably smell atrocious, but I've always wondered if you smell them all at once or separately.

19. What would your boggart be?

I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat to be honest, so I don't know. A giant spider is a real possibility (though I hate to admit I'm like Ron in any way). It would be difficult for it to turn into something to resemble my fear of heights, so that one might be out. Other than that, ghosts, ax murderers, and random other horror movie monsters rank high here.

20. Do you think you're like any of the characters? Which ones?

I really don't think that I am. I like to think I'm like Hermione (without being annoying) and Dumbledore so that I can be intelligent but still approachable, helpful, and loving. McGonagall wouldn't be bad either since I do have a love for rules and tend to push people to be the best they can.

In terms of looks, I'd say I'm more like (movie) Luna, (book) Narcissa, and/or (book) Fleur if only because of my hair and complexion.

21. How did you react when your Hogwarts letter didn't arrive when you turned eleven?

If I'd read the books then, I'd probably have been sad. Since I didn't pick up SS until I had already turned 12, I never had that build up of anticipation and the let-down of actually being a muggle. I do remember being pretty darn sad once I truly fell in love with the books that I couldn't just run off to Hogwarts. I am still holding out hope for Pigfarts, though, and I'm working on the rocket ship dilemma!

22. How do your friends/family react to your HP obsession?

My family is okay with it, for the most part. My dad even likes HP after listening to SS on tape during a fifteen hour car ride one summer (I fell asleep, but he never turned it off) and watching the movies with me (sometimes taking me to the midnight releases to see them). My sister will watch the movies with me and my dad, as will her husband. My brother is a fairly big fan, though he's nowhere near my obsession. He's read all the books, even the little ones like Beedle the Bard and Fantastic Beasts and seen all the movies. He was jealous when we went through the slideshow I made of Infinitus pictures, but that's about where it ends. He'd die laughing if I ever told him I listen to wizard rock, which I'm fairly sure he doesn't know exists. My mother hates the fact that I'm as obsessed as I am and takes every opportunity to try to talk me out of going to conventions, laughs at me when I mention HP, and generally thinks I'm too old to still be as involved in the fandom as I am and like a “children's book”.

For the most part, my friends are cool. Some don't like HP, but they tend to keep that quiet around me. The rest like it, but aren't as into it as Brae and I are (Merlin's beard, I love having a fellow Potterhead for a roommie!)

23. Do you have any inside jokes that relate to HP?

OMG! Yes! Well, I don't know if they'd classify as “inside jokes”, but we get weird looks when we use them, so I'm dubbing them “inside”. Brae and I attempt to incorporate “Anything off the trolley dears” and “Just what you wanted, actually” into just about every conversation. We'll also quote AVPM and AVPS at the drop of a hat. Oh, oh, oh! Brae just reminded me about “Finnigus Shamigan”. One night, we'd been up for hours watching HP and talking when one of us tried to say Seamus Finnigan, but it obviously came out wrong (ironically it might have been when making fun of his unclear speech in HBP when he attempts to say “Don't you dare talk about my mother like that” and it comes out “Donyoudaretalkaboumymodderlikedat”). The rest is history.

Also, freshman year of high school, my friends were just about as obsessed as I was, and we'd wait on my front porch for Dumbledore to either drop off Harry or a Hogwarts letter, developed intricate theories about how my algebra teacher was a werewolf (there were charts involved), and played quidditch in my backyard. Yes, we were 14...and it was awesome! I'm counting these because we sometimes still refer to them.

24. If you were at the store and saw Harry Potter buying whole milk, what would you do?

First, I'd probably be wondering why he was buying whole milk (bleck!). Then, I'd pinch myself. Once I was sure I wasn't dreaming, I'd probably direct him toward the Squirt.

If we're talking about Daniel Radcliffe, I'd probably just go about my business. The only interest I have in him is when he's playing Harry (often poorly).

If we're talking about Darren Criss, I'd absolutely die!