Chatting With...

by Nicole

Come one, come all! I know you’re going to want to grab a seat and take your time reading this column. You have just come across an exclusive interview with the one and only Albus Dumbledore. I have heard he is the favorite Headmaster (perhaps the wisest) that Hogwarts has ever had. And since he is very wise and has been around quite a while, I’ve decided he would be the best to go to for some help with how to start off the New Year and how to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions.

It was really difficult scheduling an interview during the holidays, especially with someone so busy. I was lucky that I had a really flexible schedule. Now that I have my apparition license, I can go all over with ease. We were able to set up a meeting place, at a small coffee shop in London. I guess he was in town getting loads of Sherbet Lemons. Now, let me tell you, we definitely got stared at by some of the other patrons.

“Thank you so much for meeting with me, Headmaster!” I took a sip of my coffee. “I’m glad we could find some time to meet up for this interview. Everyone’s going to love it.”

“The pleasure is all mine. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the castle for a little while.”

“Alright, so the first question is, what do you like best about Hogwarts? What would you do if you weren’t at Hogwarts?”

“Oh, that’s a good question. All of the intelligent, young witches and wizards. It’s a great opportunity to watch them grow. If I was to not be at Hogwarts, I’d be sitting somewhere peaceful with some of these.” He held up a sherbet lemon and popped it in his mouth.

“Very good answers! Peaceful does sound the way to go. Are you ever retiring to this peaceful place? Not that I want you gone or something or that I’m calling you old…people just want to know.” I really didn’t want him to take it the wrong way, I mean, that would be awkward!

He gave a good chuckle before answering. “Eventually, I suppose. It’ll happen when the time is right.”

“Great! It’s good to know you won’t be leaving any time soon. Since you’ve been around awhile, though, what do you suggest people do to keep their resolutions? Have you ever made a New Years’ resolution?”

“Well, I have never personally made a resolution for the new year. It was never a thing that intrigued me, you see. However, I do have some advice for everyone. First, make sure it is something you actually have a chance at sticking to throughout the year. You also need to be positive and believe in yourself. Then, all you need to do is work hard at it.” Who knew that he never made a New Years’ Resolution?

Dumbledore ended up grabbing a couple more sherbet lemons and put them in all at once.

“Wow! Thank you for such great advice.” You all should be taking notes right about now. “Do you have any plans to start the New Year? Do you ever partake in the festivities?”

“I do sometimes. It all depends on what others are doing. I might spend an evening with food and drinks and friends, or I could spend an evening in front my fireplace. I do not go ahead and plan the parties, no. That’s just not for me.”

“We’ll have to invite you to the Slytherin party sometime. Maybe. Yeah, maybe that’s not the best idea…”

All Dumbledore did was laugh. “Either way is fine with me.” Yet another lemon candy was eaten.

“Alright, so, do you have any other advice on how to make a great start to the New Year?”

“I do, actually. I suggest working diligently in all of our courses. Make sure to be on top of things, especially you seventh years. You don’t want to be behind. You know, if you work hard on them, the summer holidays will get here even faster.”

“True! We should come find you for advice more often. Now, what are some things you are looking forward to this upcoming year?”

“This year, I’m going to go to a warm, tropical island during the summer. Though, don’t expect me back at the beginning of next term with a tan,” he joked, “And of course, awarding the house cup is always an enjoyable time.”

“That does sound like a lot of fun! Thank you so much for this interview. Do you have any last words before I go back to the SOUP HQ?”

“Sherbet Lemons.”

As I left, I couldn’t help but to laugh at his last words. I wonder if that’s all he’s been thinking about lately. He did eat about a billion during the interview. At least he did offer me one!

Now we know, go to Albus Dumbledore if we have any questions or need advice.

Happy New Year!
Nicole