A Conversation Over Wine with Gail
By Kay
Summer was well on its way. Summer nights were lonely and warm. As fabulous as I am, company seems to elude me every night until one day a brilliant idea came popping into my head. I should probably invite Gail over for dinner. She conducted a brilliant interview with me and maybe I should return the favour. I am after all fabulously gracious and grateful. Perhaps a lobster dinner would say thank you in a grand way.
I wrote a letter to Gail, you might know her as Demostene; inviting her to dinner the following night. I was pleased to receive her reply and her acceptance to my invitation. I set out that day to buy the things I need to impress Gail and hopefully have her spill her juicy secrets to me. I am a writer, a Slytherin writer at that. I have to be cunning to get the scoop!
I started dinner early the next day. When the lobster was in the oven, I set the table with candles and flowers. It should be inviting and warm; the only two settings that can pry open treasure chests of gossips.
Gail arrived precisely on time and I ushered her into the dining room with a glass of wine in her hand. We sat down, got the pleasantries out of the way and began digging into our lobster dinner. As we were eating, I contemplated the day I met Gail.
I just returned to HEX after a long absence. Gail was one of the first people to welcome me back. We weren’t previously acquainted but over the months we got to know each other gradually. She’s somewhat new; perhaps the shine of a new object had slightly waned. But today, I wanted to know Gail through the eyes of a newbie.
We set our plates aside as I began my interview, “Can you tell me more about yourself? Who is Gail? How do you see yourself? ”
I could see the wheels turning as she pondered my question, “Gail is the lass under the username of Demostene. Actually, this lass is known - both in real life and the virtual space - under about a dozen different names, each different than the last. But Gail is who she is and who people on Hex know her as.
I'm from the capital of Romania, Bucharest - somewhere in south-eastern Europe, at a sort of border between the East and the West. Personally, I lean towards the West, but still greatly admire the East. I'm also a student, second year now, majoring in English. I'm this ditzy redhead forgetting about classes, but sitting front row when I make it, asking questions and discussing ideas like it's the job of a lifetime. *grins* I'm open and friendly and curious about people and the world; always have been. I'm interested in ideas, art, culture - silly things and deep issues - and I try to take things with a grain of salt, but never underestimate or disrespect any thoughts shared with me. I like creating - writing and dabbling in Photoshop - I like sharing and helping, and I cannot stand seeing someone down. It's a genetic quirk of mine; fuelled by a protective and nurturing instinct I've had since before I remember. I'm possessive, honest and loyal to a fault and can be stubborn as a mule. And I've discovered that I really can't do anything about any of that, so I might as well micro-manage and deal with it. I also like Christmas, the colour brown, gingerbread, watermelon, red hair, children, cooking, runes, sunrises and blue eyes make me melt like no tomorrow. ”See what a lobster dinner with some wine can make you spill? I pushed on to dig deeper into Gail’s psyche, “We know anyone on HEX is a lover of Harry Potter. How did you come across the series? Why did you stick to it? How did you find HEX? ”
Gail took a deep breath. My quill was at the ready to jot down everything she said, “My first contact with the Harry Potter series was when I was about eleven years old, ironically. My cousin had gotten the books for Christmas and I managed to make him lend me one (The Chamber of Secrets). Needless to say, I loved it - the whole world seemed so possible and beautiful to the eleven-year-old me. I read the rest of the books in frenzy and then eagerly waited for my own Hogwarts letter.
It did arrive, albeit eight years later - when I found HEX. I had just stumbled upon Pottermore and after exhausting its content; my Harry Potter appetite was still not satiated. So I googled, HEX was not the first site I came across and joined, I'm afraid to say, but it was the one to which I stuck to.
It did seem a tad daunting at first, I have to admit, but having some experience with forums and such, I perhaps found my way around easier than others. After being sorted in the Noble House of Slytherin (of which I had a rather shy interest in before HEX), I found myself more or less fitting in and certainly beginning to immerse myself in the experience. ”
I had a follow up question to my last. I didn’t hesitate to ask. Gail seemed relaxed and we we’re enjoying the talk, “What made HEX stuck to you? Did you find yourself comparing experiences between HEX and Pottermore? ”
Gail smiled, “You found HEX before Pottermore I reckon? Wait - did Pottermore exist when you joined? Well, you're older than me, so technically you read it before.
HEX and Pottermore are very different. The latter is a nice, sure addition to the books - especially since Rowling has a hand in maintaining and providing information for the site - as well, as being interactive and relatively fun. But it does in no way compare to the vastness, diversity and frankly, life of HEX. HEX first and foremost (at least in my opinion) is about people, about its users. The economy, the chats, contests, the role-playing and art being created here are all controlled, created and enjoyed by HEX's members. And it caters to all kinds of different personalities, tastes and moods.
What really kept me on HEX were the opportunities, the people and the variety that it provides. Sure, at first all this may have seemed a bit much, or inaccessible - but after I stuck around for a bit, I found out that it's all to my benefit and not inaccessible at all.
There's always some competition going on, whether it's writing, graphics, logic (which I'm terrible at), role-playing or whatnot - and I often find myself participating, sometimes even winning and in the processes bettering my skills and feeling a sense of accomplishment when I manage to finish something.
The role-plays are also lovely and there are always people willing to role-play with you about a hundred different things that one might to want to.
Lastly, but the most important, are the people. I've honestly never come across a community this big and still accepting, open and friendly. I've formed friendships here, and more. I've collaborated with folk and exchanged ideas and opinions - I've always found someone willing to give an ear out to listen. And yes, even if there are groups or cliques or people who have been on this site since before I was in high school, there's still a sense of possibility, of not feeling set aside or ignored. It's the brightest quality of the Hex community, to my belief. ”
I nodded while furiously jotting down her answer. Gail had proven to be a good subject for my article. I took a sip of wine and soldiered on, “I was here long before Pottermore was created. HEX came first and my, what a lovely answer. Now tell me, do you remember what you wrote in your sorting form? Did you expect Slytherin? What do you think about the house, your own personal opinion and how do you think HEX as whole perceives Slytherins? ”
Gail shifted in her chair and leaned towards me. There was seriousness in her expression. I guess we Slytherins take this question seriously, “Oh, I do remember a couple of things I wrote in my sorting application. I spoke about loving the shades of grey in some Harry Potter characters - namely and especially Severus Snape who endlessly fascinates me - and how I somewhat identify with Luna. I do believe that I went on a bit longer in describing my passions and a tad about myself, but I can't properly remember.
It's true, I was quite surprised to find myself in Slytherin - I was expecting Ravenclaw or even Hufflepuff since that's where people usually end up categorizing me. But, at the same time, I have to admit I was more surprised and intrigued by being sorted into Slytherin than I might have been if I was sorted into any other House. I began to notice the competitive streak in myself, a subtle sense of cunning and a deep sense of loyalty to my kind.
I love my House, truly. Though it would be perhaps more appropriate to say that I love the people that make up Slytherin. They're never dull, always varied and opinionated and make up a lovely atmosphere - friendly, with a touch of sizzle and fizzle now and again, very creative and all very very different. It's what makes Slytherin stand out from other Houses, in my opinion - we may not always get along and we may be a mismatched bunch - but we're unique and engaging and from what I've seen, very very talented - be it art, writing, critical thinking or any other craft or quality - we have it in plenty. And on top of that, most of my friends on Hex are Slytherins - the closest to me anyways - and I deeply admire some very dedicated people around. Heck, sometimes even stalk them - but uh, forget I said that.
As for how other people perceive Slytherins, I can only guess. My guess would be that they see us as competition when such things are involved and when such things are not, simply a contrary, intriguing bunch of people possessing a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them both fit into this House and stand out.
There may be prejudice because of the books, but any person with two eyes and a open mind can see that each and every member of Slytherin is wonderfully human and certainly not a character in a book - even if that book is Harry Potter. ”
A well thought out answer indeed. I began to wonder how it was for her when she first joined. I remember my first day. Was it the same? I inched closer and lay my question, “What were the challenges you faced as a newbie? How are you faring now than when you first joined? ”
“When I first joined, the most daunting thing for me (and I suppose for everyone) is that you don't know anybody and everybody else seems to know each other. It's natural that this happens, but it can be a bit intimidating. Another thing was getting into the flow of HEX - figuring out what things are acceptable and what aren't, the economy and all the different places catering to different needs/wants of any Hexian.Also, I was never one for asking many questions or pestering about concerns unless I really couldn't figure it all out by myself. So, stubborn as I am, I lurked and participated where I found an opening (be it a contest, featured chat, role-playing or simply chats that didn't appear closed to a select few) and otherwise got myself involved in any way I could without appearing too green.
It takes a while to adjust, but I reckon that, personally, I adjusted pretty quickly, even if there are still things that I'm learning about and understanding. The Hex community helped quite a tad - they can be a really friendly bunch, even with new users joining everyday and having to repeat the same things over and over for them.
How am I faring now? Well, let's just say that I'm well-adjusted. I've formed beautiful friendships with a few people, found a missing piece of my heart around here, got into memorable discussions and debates, befriended people who I can now recognize and joke/talk with and pretty much enjoyed the company of awesome Hexians all around.
Also, I'm working my way and trying to improve what I call 'my picture skills' which is a silly saying for 'graphics-making' because I never felt really comfortable calling myself a designer or such and writing too. I suppose Hex pushed me to open myself up, ” Gail answered with a wide smile on her face.
It was getting late. The lobsters were gone and the candles were getting shorter. It was best I wrap up our little interview, “My last question to you dear, what are your hopes for yourself on HEX? ”
Gail sat back in her chair, thinking about the question. When she finally answered, I was pleasantly surprised, “My biggest and truest hope is to continue to connect with people here - both those who I've already met and/or befriended and those who I have not.
That being said, I hope to get myself involved in whatever way makes sense: competitions, contests, writing or picture-making. I also want to do a good job as a professor this next term, prove myself a competent writer for SOUP and further my skills in graphics. (One of my most ardent wishes is to figure out the new forum layouts)
I want no grand positions of power and respect and no titles or renown or any some such. Just want to help, get involved, have fun, build friendships and dust off a few skills along the way. ”
Such refreshing honesty from a fellow writer and one I consider a friend. Gail has such a warm heart and a sweet disposition. If you have not made friends with her, I suggest you approach Gail. You have nothing to lose but a Gail to gain. I sent my friend off with a bottle of wine, because I’m fabulous like that and called it a night.
Full and a bit buzzed,
Kay