Wizarding Times

Five years ago, I joined HOL shortly after I became an avid Harry Potter fan. Not once did I think that I would still be here for my fifth year, though I hoped I would be. I'll be the first to admit that back then I wasn't really one to commit to anything long-term. However, here we are five years later and I am still here. It's strange to think that I will actually be taking my OWLs this year.

I've had some hardships over the last few years where I either didn't have Internet, or I couldn't come to HOL as much. Yet, at the end of every school year, I managed to scrape by and get both quills to advance to the next year. I'm really hoping that this year things will be different because I really would like to be more involved than I already am. This is the first time in five years that I have submitted to the Wizarding Times, although I've really wanted to for previous issues.

While I was browsing the HOL page, I saw the advertisement and I really wanted to submit something this time. At first I had no idea what I would write about, but then it came to me. I am starting my fifth year. Though it's not as big of an accomplishment as finishing seven years here, it's still a big deal for me. As I said before, when I signed up for HOL, I didn't believe I would still be around a year later, let alone five.

When I first signed up, I was really hoping to be sorted into Gryffindor House. I figured that's where I would end up after all. I've been known to be a risk-taker in the past. However, when I saw that I was sorted into Hufflepuff House, I was very pleased. I think I fit in this house better than any other one. I've also always liked the combination of yellow and black. So, happy about where I was sorted, I signed up for the Sett.

As a first year, I wasn't nearly as active as I could have been. I was actually very shy. I signed up for a lot of classes, but unfortunately I didn't complete them all. I was still in school back then, and trying to juggle both at the same time was hard. When I did come to the site though, I did do what I could to earn socks. Yes, I remember when we earned socks instead of citrines. I believe we were also sorted into Kingdoms back then as well. Although I don't remember which one I was in.

When I finished my first year and saw that I had passed into second year, I grew determined. I wanted to try and complete all seven years at HOL. I figured if I could make it through a year, I could try to finish the rest. I believe that is the year when I didn't have the Internet for a while, though. I had to use libraries' computers, or my cell phone, just to access the site. For a good part of the year, I wasn't sure if I was going to finish the second year. I honestly don't even remember how I managed to get both quills in the end, but I did. I do remember how pleased I was that I had managed to pass though.

Third year is the year that I remember very well. That is the year when I decided I wanted to be more active around the site. I became a Badger Buddy because I wanted to help out the new first years. I also decided I wanted to do more for the Sett as well. That is the year when I helped organize Huffleween. I spent most of October with Elyranna Reginhart coming up with events. I've always enjoyed planning activities, so it was a fun month doing that. I was very sorry when it was all over and couldn't wait for another event to organize.

That didn't happen for me though. As it was, I ended up having to move in with a friend because of job cut backs. I really didn't have Internet access, so all I really could do was my homework. I tried my best to be around in case my Badger Buddy needed me though. I also popped into the Sett as much as I could. I was surprised when the end of third year came, and I'd once again managed to scrape two quills.

Last year, my fourth year, I was just very busy. I am sorry to say I wasn't able to be active at all around the Sett or HOL, although I did try. I ended up having a big move to a city, and I started working midnight shifts. If anyone has ever worked that shift, you'll understand how hard it is to have a life. I just didn't have the time. I wasn't very happy working that shift though, so I switched to days. Still, I managed to finish two of my classes!

Here I am starting my fifth year, and I am rather nervous. First of all, I am taking my OWLs, and I am sure those won't be easy. I'm also worried about what will crop up this year. It seems every year something happens, and I have to work hard to try and pass the year. I'm really hoping this is the year I can be more involved with the Sett and HOL as well. I've already signed up for Badger Buddy again. I also decided to sign up for the First Friends program. I think I am taking a big step by also sending in an article for the Wizarding Times.

The last four years have been good years despite all that happened, and I am looking forward to my last three years. I am determined that I will make it through all three of them. I hope that in three years' time, I will be writing an article about completing HOL. I also am hoping I'll be able to write more about the activities in which I've participated. I suppose I am lucky to have been able to organize an event such as Huffleween, but I really am hoping to do more.

So although I am nervous, I am ready to start a new school year as a Fifth Year. Hope to see you all around, and get to know more people.