HOL Show of Hands

By Prof. Tarma Amelia Black

In this edition of HOL Show of Hands, people of HOL said what their favorite Hogwarts core subject is. The choices in the poll were Astronomy, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions and Transfiguration.

Charms was the highest rated class, with 25% of the people voting for it. February Fortescue wrote, "Charms. I love Snape, but I'd be lousy at Potions. But the Patronus Charm? Cheering Charm? I'd master those." Amy Darvill also chose Charms. "I chose Charms, though Potions was a pretty close second. Charms seems to cover the most useful spells, so I would enjoy that. The thing I loved most about the Harry Potter world, besides the characters, is the magic. Transfiguration seems like a tough subject, and I'm too much of a coward to make much use of DADA, so charms it is!"

History of Magic, oddly enough, tied for second place, with 18.75%. Jessica Barnes chose it because, "growing up in a muggle world the only history I was originally taught were about kings and queens and not how this could relate to us. I've always been a fan of history but muggle history is boring and I would always feel bored." Prof. Tarma Black wrote, "I chose History of Magic, albeit I'd probably be reading all the books and not giving much attention to Professor Binns. The thing about history is that all the core subjects are covered in it, as well as many more! For example, flight (of all kinds, on broomsticks, on flying carpets, solo flight by oneself (such as Snape did)) and magizoology are all addressed in the study of history." Louis Walles also chose History of Magic; "I chose History of Magic because it sounds fascinating. Additionally, I love history so it sounds like one of the best subjects ever!"

Astronomy was right there with History of Magic, with 18.75%. Hannah Lovegood said, "I chose astronomy because the planets are really interesting." Harry Walles chimed in with, "I chose Astronomy because this subject sounds extremely interesting! I would love to learn more about the universe and all the planets and stars!"

Potions was ranked #3 (along with Herbology and Defence Against the Dark Arts) with 12.5%. Prof. Felicia Hartwick wrote, "My favorite core subject is Potions. Yes, Snape was always my favorite character, but that really has nothing to do with it. The main reason my favorite core subject is Potions is because it's the closest thing to cooking. I love to cook!" Another who chose Potions was Emily Spencer. "For me, it has to be Potions. I love Muggle Chemistry, so I imagine that I would like potions equally as well."

Prof. Will Lestrange was one to choose Defence Against the Dark Arts. "I think I have to go with DADA as it seemed the most 'natural' of the subjects to me. If only Parseltongue was a core subject, though... that would probably be my favourite!" Another to choose DADA is Cailyn Woodenvale: "I chose DADA, basically all because of Remus Lupin in Prisoner of Azkaban, I always have had a weak spot for him. Also, I'm sort of attracted to Dark Arts? Not in a way that I like to use Unforgivables, but more like the way OTHER people use them, if that makes sense? I don't know how to explain it, it's just fascinating and interesting and yeah I like it."

Incidentally no one voted for Transfiguration!

Keep an eye out in the Fireplace at the Sett for the next round of HOL Show of Hands questions.