Some say he's creepy. Others have nothing but nice things to say about him. He's Slytherin's very own House Ghost.
Welcome to this Month's Chatting with... The Bloody Baron.
I was really nervous about this interview. I have never had the chance to speak with the Baron myself. I'm not sure if it was just because of the stories I heard about him or if I just assumed he didn't want to talk to anyone and be left to his own devices. When I approached the Bloody Baron for this interview, he greeted me with something I didn't expect - a smile.
I returned his smile, sitting down at the far end of the Slytherin table in the Great Hall. Taking out my parchment and quill, I begin the interview.
Serenity Black: "Mr. Baron, sir! Do you mind if I ask you a few quick questions for the SOUP?"
Bloody Baron: "Oh the Slytherin paper? I'd be delighted, dear."His voice was oddly calm and not as scary as I had always imagined.
SB: "Thank you, sir! I must admit, I was a bit frightened to approach you, but our theme for this paper is about you, so I just knew you'd be the perfect one for this month's 'Chatting with...' article!"
BB: "Me? What an honor! I must say, it's about bloody time! What is it you kids say these days? No pun intended?"
I laughed at his response. I had no idea he would be so pleasant to talk to. Nearly Headless Nick always complained how insufferable the Baron could be.
SB: "That would be an appropriate use of that phrase. I'm curious as one of the ghosts that resides here on the grounds, am I correct to presume that you went to Hogwarts, sir?"
BB: "You are correct, young lady! I did attend Hogwarts and, naturally, was sorted into Slytherin."
SB: "Do you remember in what years you attended?"
BB: "Oh it was so long ago, let me think. I'd say it was in the late part of the 10th Century."
SB: "Hogwarts was founded in the 10th Century. Sir, did you attend Hogwarts when the Founders were still here?"
BB: "Indeed I did. Salazar Slytherin himself had a hand in teaching me the magic I know!"
SB:"That must have been exciting?"
BB: "It was just school for us, it was all we knew."
SB: "I must ask, your hair. A wig, yes?"
BB: Chuckles. "What an interesting question. But yes, in my time people of my status wore wigs. Before you ask, as a ghost it is permanent and I can't remove it."
SB: "You must get that question often if you knew where I was going with that."
BB: "I may have gotten it once or twice in the past."
SB: "If this question is too personal, feel free to decline. I notice you wear chains, is there a reasoning for that?"
BB: "It's quite all right, young lady. The chains are a representation of atonement for the terrible wrong that I committed when I was living. I was a man with a temper that did not handle rejection...well. This lead me to do something I still regret to this day. I will continue wearing these chains for eternity as a sign of my penitence."
SB: "Thank you for sharing that with me, sir. Let's move on. You and Peeves have an interesting relationship." BB: "That poltergeist is a menace. Always playing tricks on the students. Really, how can one be so uncivilized? I have to put him in his right place every now and then. I like to think he's frightened of me."
SB: "Well I speak for everyone that Peeves has personally pranked and thank you for putting him in his place when he takes things too far. Now, last I like to play a game of rapid fire questions with those I interview. It's simple, I ask you a question or say a word and you respond with the first thing that comes to your mind. Would you mind playing?"
BB: "I'd be delighted!"
SB: "Okay. Favorite place to go?"
BB: "Astronomy Tower"
SB: "Slytherin?"
BB: "House pride."
SB: "Favorite color?"
BB: "Green"
SB: "And finally, House Cup?"
BB: "Shall be ours!"
SB: "Thank you for your time, sir! I truly appreciate it. It was pleasure getting to know a bit more about you."
BB: "Good day!" And with that, he floated out of the Great Hall.
I hope you all enjoyed getting to know our very own house ghost a bit better. If you see him in the hall don't be shy and say Hi!
That's all for this month's edition of Chatting With... See you all next month. This is Serenity Black, signing off!