Through Snake Eyes....

by Alexandria Faethorne

My first year, or semester, has been awesome. I never expected it to turn out like it did, but one thing's for sure: I wouldn't give up my experience at HOL this year for anything. I've met so many great people, some who I've become good friends with. And without my friends, I know that my HOL experience would have been totally different.

My house, Slytherin, is wonderful. Great people and fun times, are two ways of describing it. When I was first sorted, I wasn't too sure of how I would fit in Slytherin. Now, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad to do whatever I can for Slytherin: for my friends, the professors, and the other members of the house. The two things which completely took me by surprise were winning the "Snake in the Grass" award for March and receiving the position of Assistant Prefect. Completely unexpected, but great honors.

The classes I took were great, and learning things within them was fascinating. I've learned so much that I never knew, and even in some of my interests. My professors are the best, and I'm glad I took their classes. The classes I took were Alphitomancy and All That with Prof. Paddy O'Brien, Celtic Myths and Symbols with Prof. Morrighan McCuill, DADA II with Prof. Tricky Doubt, Dreamscapes 2004 with Leah Samson, and Introduction to Greek Mythology with Prof. Angela Amaunet. It was worthwhile to take these classes, especially for my first year.

HOL, to me, is the best Hogwarts simulation on the internet and always will be. I honestly don't remember what I was looking for when I stumbled across HOL, but it was Harry Potter-related. But I do remember that after I did, when December of 2003 came around, I came to the site every day to see if the Admissions Office had opened, even though I knew it wouldn't be. After joining, it was a rocky start, but it definitely got better. HOL is great, but yes, you do have your run-ins and drama. But I assure anyone who asks me, it is definitely worthwhile to sign-up and spend time here.

So, overall my year was the best that I could expect. Everyone has made it wonderful and an experience to never be forgotten. And no, I haven't met everyone, and probably never will, but the people I've met so are the best people you can meet. Thank you to everyone who has made this year the best, and I know that next year will be awesome too.