Sorry I haven't introduced myself earlier...it just slipped my mind as slippery as it is Okay, so the basics are, I go by Amanda-never Mandy (not since I was like 12) I am a single parent of a 6 year old and 19 month old-a boy and girl and live in Hawaii Oh yes, it is something to cheer about.
Favorite book OOTP because Neville is showing some nerve and I like that. I also like the intensity of the plot. My two favorite characters are Neville as previously stated and also Snape for his complexity and subtle wickedness-it doesn't hurt that he's played by Alan Rickman either
I guess that's enough for now. I'll let you guys discover my stance on issues when I post.
~Amanda

Yay! I'm in. Hey yall, my names Free! It's not my real name, just a nickname but that's what everyone calls me. I've been on these forums for quite a while but not in here mainly because I was scared to apply, lol, and a large part of it being laziness. I'm a procrasinator too, big time! Yet, manage to keep an A average. Amazing! I'm 16 and have been living in the southern part of the United States for about 4 years. Before I lived in Canada for about 11 and a half years, and before that, for 8 months of my life that I don't remember, I lived in Nigeria.

Well anyways, my favorite Harry Potter book is the Order of the Pheonix. I think that the books get better as they go along, but the Half Blood Prince wasn't as good as I would have liked it to be mainly because of a certain ship and character. I read a lot! However, there are probably a lot of books that you have read that I have never heard of. Currently I'm reading this book by VC Andrews called Into the Woods. It's really good.

I used to be very active, now not as much. But I still love to get down and rough it in sports because I can be really competitive. I'm generally very friendly and easy to get along with. I can be stubborn, opinionated, and cocky at times, but hey, we all have our bad sides . I love horror and comedy movies. I also like romance movies, but if I had the choice to see the NoteBook or Disturbia, it would be Disturbia all the way. But I still haven't seen that movie yet (Disturbia) and look forward to it just like the fifth movie of Harry potter. I'm so excited!

Well that's pretty much all about me. Of course I could go on but that's enough rambling for now and I'll debate with you all in the other areas of these forums.

Hey everyone.
Well, first off you can all call me AJ, it's my nickname. I'm about 16 and I live on the East Coast of the US, and I've lived here all my life. I play lacrosse and I take karate, I'm actually testing for my black belt in June. I teach karate also. I play guitar, I have been for about 4 years now.

My favorite HP book is OotP. It just showed a lot more cool magic, and the DA was excellent. It showed that Harry could take charge. HBP is close though. I think the whole background we learn about Voldemort is really cool, also I'm a H/G shipper, so that was nice to see happen.

Like Free, I read a lot. Obviously, I read Harry Potter. I also like the Dark Tower Series by Stephen King. I highly recommend it. It's an excellent story. Right now, I'm reading Wicked. I saw the show, and I bought the book right after I saw it.

That's enough babbling. Can't wait for the debates.

Hello all! I'm new here so I thought I'd introduce myself.

My name is Micah, I'm 15 years old and I'm a sophomore in highschool. I live in the Midwestern United States, the lovely place where it's not hot, it's humid. I've lived here my whole life, although all of my relatives live up North. I really wasn't a big reader until recently, as a matter of fact, I only started reading HP in January, but I do enjoy reading. Some of my favorite authors are Charles Dickens, George Orwell, Edgar Allan Poe, and of course, J.K. Rowling! And right now I'm in the middle of a book called "Gray Matter" by Gary Braver, which is pretty good so far. My favorite thing to do is play sports. I love basketball and soccer.

My favorite HP books are Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince. I can't really decide between the two. OotP brought us so much action and character development, and HBP had so much conflict, and I absolutely loved learning about Tom Riddles past. The only thing I really didn't like in HBP was the whole "whose going out with who" semi-theme, but it's not that big of a deal.

That's pretty much it for now. I'm looking forward to some good debates!

Hey everybody
Well here it goes..
My name is Imogen and I'm 15 years old, turning 16 pretty soon. Wow time flies!
I live in South Wales in a little town called Llanelli (it's welsh!) in Britain. I also speak a little Welsh aswell.
I have been a gymnast and a dancer for about 10 years and also represented my country in gymnastics so I' pretty dedicated to the sport. I now coach gymnastics to advanced girls which are only 4 years old! So cute!

I have to be honest that as soon as the Harry Potter books came out I wasn't interested at all. But finally I gave in to all the publicity and I am so greatful! Now I'm so obsessed, my mother worries about me! I take one of the books I'm reading out with me everywhere and quite literally don't let it out of my sight! I take to school and everything so yes you can call me a little crazy!
My favourite of the books is HBP. I loved all the info about Tom Riddle's past and thought all the horcrux stuff was amazing. My favourite character is of course Harry. But I love all the other characters and how they have been bulit up. I just don't know how J.K.Rowling can be so imaginative. It's unbelievable the things she's come up with.

Well that's me and my thoughts! I could go on forever but I'll leave and see you all in the forums

Hello all! Hermione here -- and yes, that really is my name! I was named for Queen Hermione in Shakespeare's "A Winter's Tale" and I've always loved it.

The really strange thing is that I am so very like HP's Hermione. Big front teeth, bushy hair and a bit of "an insufferable know-it-all" to boot. (just kidding) My nose is always in a book, I particularly love to read history or science textbooks and medical/first-aid books when I'm not reading Harry Potter, Shakespeare, Dante, CS Lewis, Robert Louis Stevenson, Victor Hugo, Gordon B Hinckley or Scriptures. I feel like I need a constant stream of new information flowing into my brain at all times! But then again, I'll read the same book 3 and 4 times in a row so it's firmly engraved in my brain.

Also like Hermione, I used to adhere strictly to the rules and tell off those who didn't. Now I'm a lot more laid back about it all because I realize some rules are just stupid. Once while in High School I said the ENTIRE Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer over my school lunch, and gave a Bible to a friend during break all in the same day and boy was I called on the carpet! I told the principal that separation of church and state had nothing to do with any of it -- the whole concept is supposed to mean that the State can't dictate our religion, nor can any religion govern over the State. After debating with him for a good half hour, he let me off the hook. He liked me too much anyway -- I used to bring him cookies every friday.

Anyway........

I suppose the only other thing to say is that I am totally in love with Snape and I think Ron is a bit of a pansy, but he's great comic relief. Oh, and Fred and George make my toes wiggle gleefully -- they are so darn cute!

Cheers!
HRH_Hermione

Welcome HRH_Hermione!!

I like your spunk and need for stimulation/knowledge! I think you will be a welcome contributor here.

I love that you argued the point of separation of church and state. Things have gotten way out of hand.

Anyway, Welcome
Cris

PS I love Snape too. He is highly talented, intelligent and driven, even though JKR says he was bad at one point, he is a Slytherin and well, just plain mean sometimes.

Hello! I am Bella. Well, that's not my real name, but it is what everyone calls me. I love books. I am either reading a book, or I am on the internet reading fanfiction. I love to write, read (odviously), act, draw, day dream, and talk to my friends. I really like school. I love learning. I know that it sounds weird, but I do. And I don't really hate school, either. Although I would me much happier if I was allowed to drop certain subjects... *coughSpanishandMathcough* I am very good at figuring out problems and peicing together mysteries. My favorite book series is Harry Potter (obviously), but it is closely followed by Twilight and New Moon. I am currently taking on the task of peicing together what happened the night the Potter's died. I have an entire folder devoted to it. I am a perfectionest, and up until recently I was a complete goody two shoes. I wouldn't do the slightest thing that even remotely went out of line. I am a lot more relaxed now. I love to laugh, and I am cordinately challenged. I like Harry Potter even more because the main character has glasses (as do I and a lot of my friends). I can be a bit of a drama queen at times, and I live for the spot light. I am more comfortable with 500 people looking and paying attention to me than only 5 people looking and paying attention to me. I have a video camera, and I love to make videos with my friends. I am in love with Orlando Bloom and I like Dan. I am obsesed with Pirates of the Caribbean. It is my favorite movie series. I am organized in a chaotic way. I am sorry if that doesn't make sense. Organized chaos. I get upset if I get a grade lower than an A-, and I never leave my homework until the last minute. I have nocturnal sleeping patterns, and I am a but of a feminist. There is this one boy at school who is a sexist pig, for a loss of beter words. I really dislike him with a passion. We always end up arguing in homeroom (I usually win). He isn't very good at making a point. I like Snape as a literary achievment, but I hate him as a character. I love to hate him. James is my favorite character. I am similar to him. The Marauders (minus Peter; he is dead to me) are my 3 favorite characters, ever, in any book. I am really nice to my teachers, and I almost suck up to them. But I do it in moderation (I only compliment them, behave when they are in the room, and do well in their class). I also have friends in a lot of different social circles. It can get difficult, since most of my friends won't talk to my other friends. *sigh* I am also an overachiever. I will do a sport outside of school, a sport with school, the school musical/play, acting class, and communtiy service all at once, finish my homework on time, get As, and have time to write and read. I do get stressed out, but that is what weekends are for!

~Prod (or Bella, whichever one you prefer)

Hey everyone! I'm workaholic_1231, but you're welcome to call me Ashley. I live in the U.S. in what feels like the middle of nowhere, which is acutally in Missouri if you want to be specific.

I, like most here, am an avid reader. Considering it's summer and school's out, I 've spent most of my time reading fan fictions,beta-ing for a friend, perusing Vtm, and writing. I'm currently working on writing a fan fic that comprimises Severus Snape/Hermione Granger. This is in fact my preferred ship, though unfortunately not very many people agree. I realize my obsession with Alan Rickman and his marvelous portrayed character Severus Snape is quite obvious, and that just seems to not be something I can contain. My reasoning for loving his character so much is because of his underlying mystery. He manages to mistify me in curiousity about his past and the depth of his personality. As for Mr. Rickman, I just find his acting talents to be stupendous and I enjoy watching him perform in his various movies.

Alright, I love to study law, journalism, history, and debate. I'm somewhat of a 'history buff', along with being a, as my friend puts it, a Harry Potter Nerd. She'll get over it. The last of my hobbies includes tennis. I have an immense tennis obsession. I play 2nd varsity Doubles at my school, and I take the game very seriously. There is no better feeling to me than being out on those courts, awaiting that first serve, and taking control of that matchpoint.

Ok so I think I've managed to ramble on about myself long enough to bore you into the ground, so on that note, I will begin to check out the rest of the Great Hall! Thanks for listening and nice to meet everyone! *shakes hands all around*

~Ashley

Bella, sorry it has taken so long to welcome you *blushes and hangs head in shame* I look forward to your comments here.

Ashley, Welcome! Boy it sounds like you are the Renaissance woman! I am looking forward to your imput here since your comments on the forums have been intelligent and insightful!

Make yourself comfortable and join in.

Cris

Hooray! My application has been accepted and I am now able to join in on this wonderful discussion group!

My name is Laura and I am a 32 y.o. mother of 2: Holly-9 (almost 10) and Joey-2. I live in the southern US but that doesn't make me a redneck! I'm a bit of a country girl, though. I love to line dance, 2-step, and swing. But since my husband isn't a dancer, I haven't been in a few years. Oh well, small price to pay for happiness!

I don't have a lot of free time, but when I can, I am also attending college courses trying to get my accounting and business degrees. It's coming along slowly but surely!

My daughter is on the year around swim team and recently swam a 19 second 25 yard butterfly which is really good for her age group and that she has been doing it for only a year. It placed her in 1st! Her dream is to get a full scholarship to college in swimming and then on to the Olympics. My son loves the water so I'm sure he will be taking swim in the next year or two as well.

I've watched the Potter films since they came out, but I didn't get into the books until a couple of years ago. Since then, I'm completely hooked. My husband jokes around and calls me a freak (jokingly) or Harry Potter because I am constantly on VTM and reading the books for facts and clues. I've already told my daughter that she couldn't have DH until after I have finished reading it. My excuse is that I read faster than her.

My favorite HP character is Luna. I just love her floating-through-life attitude. She doesn't care what other's think of her because she is completely at peace with herself. That's a great quality to have.

Anyways, I'll stop rambling now. I know I've "met" several of you before out around the forum. I look forward to posting with you again but here in the GH and meeting some new people along the way. Have a wonderful day!!

Laura

Hello everyone! My application just got accepted yesterday, I believe, and I have already started posting here. I'm sort of new to VTM, as well, so I'm still getting used to things. I really love the website, though. I don't have many friends who are that interested in Harry Potter, so to come here and have a long discussion or debate with other fans is like a breath of fresh air.

Well, to start, my real name is Andrea. I'm seventeen and I, too, am from the Southern states. Sometimes I wonder if I really belong in the South, though. So many people believe my city to be a redneck city, and I am far from that. I enjoy it, though, even though I don't fit the image. I have a boyfriend of over a year that I love very much and I spend a lot of my time with him. I play tennis and I'm about to enter into the oh-so-glorious senior year, and I'm just short of terrified. I have senior portraits in a few weeks, and I'm probably going to cry my eyes out. But, after high school I plan to go to college and become an Interior Designer. I'm excited and scared and happy and sad all at the same time. With so many emotions, you'd think I'd explode!

OK, books. My favorite book in the Harry Potter series has always been Chamber of Secrets. I don't know why, so I couldn't tell you. I guess that one seemed the most mysterious to me, really. Other than Harry Potter, my favorite books are Rebecca and Angels and Demons. They are really great and if you haven't read them I suggest you check them out.

My favorite Harry Potter movie... well, I loved the first one. It is the closest to the book by far, and I loved Richard Harris as Dumbledore. I mean... amazing! Next in line is definitely Prisoner of Azkaban. It's quite a bit darker and I really loved that. But I have a feeling that Order of the Phoenix will take the lead. The trailors are amazing!

My favorite Harry Potter characters, besides the trio, are the Twins and Ginny. The Twins are probably two of the most awesome characters I have ever read about. And I also like Ginny because I have red hair and so when I read the series when I was little I always used to pretend I was Ginny Bit wierd, but true. I guess I'm most like her, as well, because we have similar characteristics.

OK, I believe I've said enough about myself. I've posted with some of you in other forums, and I look forward to posting with all of you.

LittleRed and BamaGirl Welcome to the Great Hall!!

I am also in the Southern US. I live in the North Western area of North Carolina.

Andrea, I understand the redheaded thing. I identify more with Mrs W because I am more her age but Ginny is definitely (sp?) a younger me....

Laura, great or your daughter. That is a fantastic time for fly! I used to swim and could never do fly. I was a freestyler and breaststroker (with a little backstroke thrown in) but never, never that good. Tell her to keep up the great work but don't let it to get to be a chore and something she has to make herself do. Then it is time to take a break....I will root for her when I see her on TV!

(my 3 year old is watching me post and made me post the loving smily because he wants to see it)

Anyway, I will briefly reintroduce myself, I am Cris, I am 41, married, have 3 boys: Buddy, 13, Danny 9 and Beau Hunter 3 1/2. I teach English as a second language at two schools so I am off with my family (my husband teaches Computer Technologies). We both just started teaching me 4 1/2 years and him 1 year. We both obviously love education and reading.


Welcome and enjoy the debates!!

Cris

Talk about a small world. It's unusual enough to see one redheaded person in one location. Even more so when you see two separate people. But for there to be 3 redheads posting back to back on here-that's just unheard of! Although my hair used to be more of the strawberry blonde, it is completely red now. Well, ever since I turned 18 it turned red and stayed red. I miss the strawberry blonde days. Oh well, I'll have to live those days through my daughter and son. They have the strawberry blonde color. It's pretty certain that their's will turn red eventually.

Cris, I've never been much of a butterfly person myself. I didn't have the opportunities my daughter has when I was a kid. Since my father was in the Navy, we moved around and we never seemed to end up in a place where I could do swim team. I've always loved the water. I did get to do something most other's never got to do. I was a certified SCUBA diver at age 10. That was a real treat. We were living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba at the time.

Anyways, she just had another meet today and did a 26 second 25 yd breast and a 1:36 100 yd free. She came in first in her heat but I think 1 or 2 others may have beat her in another heat. Oh well, she's doing great considering she's only been doing this a year. And thanks for the encouragement! She loves to here people root her on. I ask her from time to time if she still wants to do swim or if she wants a break, but she always says that of course she still wants to swim and that she loves the sport. So, as long as she's happy, that's all that matters!

Oh, and Cris, I have to admire you. I don't know how you can handle 3 boys! I have a hard enough time handling my one boy. He is non stop into everything and going everywhere. He is like a machine. And he has no fear whatsoever. I've almost had a heart attack more times than I can count because of his dare devil attitude. I don't know how I make it through the day sometimes!

Anyways, thanks for the warm welcome! I'm sure I'll be seeing you around. We seem to be bumping into one another quite a bit lately!

Laura

hi, you all can call me Jake or ddisalive if you like. I am a sixteen year old male in the U.S. My favorite HP book is HBP and my favorite character is and will always be Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Favorite movie is Goblet of Fire. I like Harry Potter but I also like to discuss about world issues and Harry Potter issues and I think it is just fun

Jake

Welcome Jake! We look forward to you added opions and thoughts here. I love HBP too, it is so dark, twisted and has so many secrets we need to unlock!!! Enjoy.

Cris

Hello all! I am new here in the Great hall, as you can see by my vtm, I love Draco malfoy! No really I'm Marcey, I'm 35 years old with two kids, a 13 year old son and a six year old daughter (also avid HP lovers like myself). I'm so exited to be a part of all of these different discussion forums!

I love to debate all kinds of issues, whether it be HP topics or real life topics. I am a former debate club member from high school, so I feel that I will be a natural at this lol.

Lets see what else should I say about myself? Well I am currently stationed in New Mexico with the military, I am originally from New Hampshire and have lived in Virginia for 20 plus years. I am also an Air Force brat and even lived in Germany for three years. I am also a college grad, with a degree in Criminal Justice.

As far as the HP world goes my fave book is OOtP and my fave movie is PoA. I am so looking forward to watching OOtP when it comes out next week. And I'm also going to a HP midnight madness party on July 20th, can't wait I'm going as Pansy Parkinson (gotta love those Slytherins lol)

I'm looking forward to chatting with all of you.

Marcey

Welcome to the Great Hall, Marcey! My name is Laura and I'm 32 with 2 children ages 9 and 2. I'm a Navy brat myself! I lived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for 7 years when I was a kid. That was the extent of my overseas stay. I would have loved to have gone to Germany, though.

Seeing as how you have some experience in debating, I look forward to some good healthy debates with you. I'm sure I'll see you around the forums soon. Have fun!

Laura

Hello there! I'm new to the Duelling Club and you can call me Lauren!

I'm sixteen (finally!) and I live in England, but I have also lived in America. I am English though.

I love Harry Potter and it's great being a part of a forum where I can talk about Harry Potter all day long! (My friends seem to find it annoying ) I found Veritaserum two years when I Googled Harry Potter when I was bored and soon became a fan. I thought about joining the forums but it wasn't until April this year when I actually did and I'm annoyed that I didn't join sooner!

I would have to say that my favourite book is... HBP I think, though it is rather hard to choose. My least favourite would have to be DH, I don't know why but I enjoyed it the least out of all of them. My favourite movie would have to be either PS/SS or CoS. For me they truly captured the magic of Harry Potter. (No pun intended )

I'm at senior school and I've just started year 12 which is Junior year in high school I think. It's hard work I must say. But only two more years left of school!

Well that's my say, I look forward to debating!

Hi there!

My name is Anita but (like I've said in almost all introduction threads) it was already taken as a username, so I use my mum's middle name instead. Feel free to call me either, I'm pretty fond of Kaitlyn myself.

I just got admitted into the Duelling Club this Sunday, and was very eager to start posting right away!

I'm 23 years old, and I live in Costa Rica, Central America, but my mum is Irish, hence the name in English.

I study journalism and law in college, and hopefully I'll graduate in May from journalism. I plan on starting a post grad on diplomacy in August.

Like Lauren, I discovered VTM some time ago, but decided to join later. Now, I am completely obsessed with it, and find myself browsing through the forums on every little free time I've got.

I first got started in Harry Potter around 1999, when I was going through a rough patch in high school. My mum got it for me to cheer me up, but I wasn't really into starting it. Then one day, I decided to start reading it, and it changed my life. I couldn't stop, I became a huge fan!

My favorite book is Goblet of Fire because I feel it was the most adventurous one, and were everyone matured the most. Also, I think everyone's friendship was strenghtened during that year. My second favorite is Half Blood Prince, but I don't have a very strong argument on why. My least favorite is Chamber of Secrets because I feel it was very dark... I don't know why.

I've been sorted on almost every website I've found, and they all say I'm a Gryffindor because I'm impulsive, and value my friends and family, but they also say that there's a little Hufflepuff in me.

I'm a strong believer on the fact that our decisions make us.

I love cats.

And I guess that's pretty much everything about me!

I wish I can contribute to the D-Club with my opinions, I haven't seen anyone from Costa Rica in the forums (I've seen from El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, I think), so that's a different point of view from the tropics!

I look forward to seeing all of you around here!

~Kat/Anita.

Welcome to the Dueling Club, Anita and Lauren! We're glad to have you! I think a lot of us are like you . . . we discovered VTM for a time before we joined up. I think I joined in May 2005, but I wasn't an active poster until a few months after that! It can be a little intimidating to know where to just jump in and start talking! Once I did, though, I never quite shut up!

I hope you guys like the Dueling Club, though it's been a little quieter since the release of DH. We hope to be able to spice some things up and get some more discussions going. I mean, there are still a lot of things to ponder and to discuss. If you have any ideas you'd like to see discussed in here, let one of us know!

Welcome again!

Janet

Thanks so much Janet!
One of the nicest things here in VTM is how polite and nice people are towards each other. The environment is really friendly and so are the moderators and admin guys.
Thanks so much for making all of us feel so welcome!

~Anita.

Welcome, Anita!

The Great Hall isn't getting as much action these days, so feel free to jump in and post under any topic that strikes your fancy. I know if someone new takes the time to post in here, the new blood tends to bring some members back in to add to or comment. That is what makes the Great Hall such an exciting place to post: there are so many different view points, but everyone is polite and debates fairly.

Again, welcome and have fun posting!

I would like to welcome all of you as well! There are so many people who got accepted since the last time i checked this thread that i don't remember all the names. But i am giving you all a huge hug! I hope you will have fun here. It is more of a serious place the Great Hall where you can talk about real-life issues and exchange views with the other members. Our posts are mostly extended so be prepared for long-posting!
As Sirren said as well, we hope that you will give this place the chance to revive with your ideas and thoughts!
I hope I'll see you all around!

Alkisti

GREAT HALL NOTICE:

I am pleased to announce the addition of two new Inquisitorial Squad members: Alkisti and Sirren! These two members have been invited to the inquisitorial squad based on their dedication to the site, their outstanding posting history, the contributions to the Great Hall, and their determination to make the Great Hall an even better forum!

Please give them your utmost respect as the Inquisitorial Squad is in charge of the running of the Great Hall!

Congratulations, alkisti and Sirren! I know you'll do a wonderful job in the Hall!

Congratulations you two! You are very much deserving of this new title and responsibility! I'll try not to give you too hard of a time. *rubs hands together in a menacingly way with a wicked grin across my face* Hee hee.

Seriously, enjoy the new post and have fun with it! I know you will do great.

Laura

Congratulations Sirren and Alkisti!

I don't know you guys but you must be really good at this! I look forward to meeting you and all of the forums and VTM members around here, and hope not to meet you in your labor but as in a friendly kind of way... *blushes*

Anyway, I'll try and post in some more topics (somehow I always have something to say, hihihi!) to keep the conversations flowing!

Thanks for the welcome Sirren! You seem really nice!

See you all around the Great Hall!

Go Duelling Club!

Firstly, in my welcoming of Anita, I missed Lauren and I'd like to correct that. So...

Welcome, Lauren!!

We are here to help in any way we can, so feel free to browse around, have some fun, rejuvinate some older threads that could still have lots of life in them with a bit of interest!

Secondly, the Duelling Club is a fabulous place to voice your opinions on life issues, as well as some Harry Potter issues, too. Although the series is concluded, there are plenty of things to talk about between members, if someone would set off the first, new spark.

Have fun, we'll be seeing you here!

Welcome welcome to Lauren, Anita, Alkisti and Dorthy!! We're glad to have you with us!

Just ignore Laura who is over there in the corner plotting. She does that all the time.

Your entry is well deserved, and I really hope I'll get to read some of your insight soon around the Great Hall!

Ashley

Thank you, Ashley.

Although I've not jumped into the threads and posted up a storm yet, but it is coming! I've just been a bit busy with my three dimentional life lately.

There are so many great topics that could be rejuvinated with a little attention, and I sure hope to get that moving later this week. Feel free to jump in, too!

See you in the threads and happy posting.

hello all! i'm stefany or stef i answer to both. i'm 20 years old (i'm young ) and i live in mexico. i'm a newbie duelling club member. but i've been through several of the threads and i personally feel at home

well congrats to alkisti and dorthy for the promotion hope i don't have to be told off by you guys *looks innocent*

-stef

I'd like to send a hearty welcome to fany_monkey !!

Welcome to the Great Hall. Enjoy your time here, breath some new life into some old threads, and have fun. Aliski and I are here to help with anything you might need, and if you don't need us, that's fine, too. I see you've already jumped into a couple threads and posted up a storm. Well done!

~Sirren

Welcome once again Stef!
I am glad to see you here and i hope that you will enjoy the new threads!
As Dorthy said, if you need any kind of help, please feel free to pm any of us! And don't worry about being told off...Well, not yet!

Also, thank you guys for welcoming us here! It feels good doing something nice for veritaserum for a change, and i hope that we will make the Great Hall an even greater place where you can all feel comfortable and ready to duel! Hope to see you around!

Alkisti

Hi everyone!

I was granted the access into the Great Hall some three weeks ago, but didn't want to contribute before I introduced myself properly first, to which I got only now. I know, shame on me.

My real name is Jana, which I usually attach to my posts, so most of you know it by now anyway, I think. You can address me by either my real or screen name, I really answer to both of them and haven't chosen yet which one I like more. Though Jana is the most common female name in my country, I still like it.

My country. I come from a rather smallish state in the very heart of Europe which used to be Czechoslovakia, and now it is Czech Republic. Though people keep complaining about anything and everything here, I like the place. People are just blind to the beauties that constantly surround them, that's it.

Like Janet, I too have a degree in English (and History) and now I'm studying Comparative Literature for my PhD. And, like her, I also like using my knowledge of literature on HP books. Though I try to avoid this topic with my supervisor. She is such a nice person, but I'm afraid she wouldn't completely understand my HP obsession.

As for HP universe and me. Well, what to say, I started reading the series just last Christmas. I know, I have lost so many years of being a fan. But I'm trying to make up for the lost time now, though my friends sometimes wish I wasn't. I’m only testing their patience and they are still able to accept my constant rambling and parallels drawn from the books calmly. But who knows what such an over-dose of HP information can do in the end?

Favorite HP book? Certainly OotF as it is the longest, very closely followed by HBP (with "The Cave" scaring me to death) and then DH (with the second half making me cry my eyes out). Childish? Maybe. Oh, I'm 25 by the way. Born in March and being an Aries and as stubborn as could be. But I am also patient and accepting, don't worry.

Favorite movie? PoA as it is the last one where there is still the beautiful balance between a fairy tale and spooky atmosphere.

Favorite potion? Hmm, I haven't decided yet, but I definitely love the Potions Professor. *sigh*

After having lived with my future husband for six years, we now live in two different cities (seeing each other at weekneds) and I'm not used to being alone. A week into being separated, I remembered that some time in the past I had stumbled over much likeable site on HP while exploring HBP. A quick googling and the result is my VTM-addiction since then. With all the nice people around here, my living alone is far more bearable.

If VTM allows, I devote myself to writing my dissertation (if only I have written so much of it as I have of posts here, the dissertation could have been written by now), teaching at the university, learning to play violoncello (for two months now and my fingertips are killing me) and.. reading, hiking, listening to jazz. Actually, there are many other things I love doing apart from being here, but VTM is definitely somewhere around the top of my agenda. Oh, how I wish my days had thirty odd hours.

Ehm.. sorry, I sometimes simply don't know when to stop rambling. But I'm finished for now, unless you have any more questions, which I will be more than happy to answer and to ramble on for some more.

I'm looking forward to meeting you in the Great Hall. It so nice being a member of the Dueling Club.

~Jana

Welcome, Jana the Potions Mistress! See, I incorporated both your names and now you have a title.

Well, giving your credentials in English and History you will definitely find yourself a welcome asset to the Duelling Club. There are incredible members in this forum, which we are working to coax back here to play in the threads. Please, explore the territory and post in any of the threads that might spark your interest. Pay no attention to the last time the posts might have been active, if you post, people will come to check it out.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, Alkisti and I are here to help you if we can, or point you where you can find the help or answer you may desire. You'll find the rules for the Great Hall conveniently located in my signature.

Enjoy yourself, post away and welcome, again!

~Dorthy

Gasp** I haven't welcomed newbies in ages! Apologies.

Welcome to Stef and Jana. I look forward to getting to know you through our discussions here in the Hall. Yeah, we're a little quiet these days but if we post...they will come!

Congrats Sirren and Alkisti, I know I am super late in that. Forgiven?

Welcome Jana! I hope you will have fun around here! Can't wait to hear some stories from your country- I've never met anyone from Czech Republic! I am really glad to have yet another new member and i hope that we will get some conversations started soon!

As Dorthy said, we are here to help you. If you need to ask any questions about the Great Hall, please pm any of us and we will give you a hand! (It feels weird saying this to someone 6 years older than me... ) I hope you will have fun!
Oh and it's never too late to become a Harry Potter fan!

Ah thanks nevillesgirl! Better late than never, right?
Just kidding! Thank you!

Alkisti

Thank you all for such a nice and warm welcome. It's really one of the best things around VTM, that everyone can feel so accepted in here, provided that s/he follows the rules, I guess. Which I have already double-checked in order not to do anything wrong. I just hate being told off so I usually take care to obey them.

And oh, Dorothy, I love the title you came up with for me. Though it would be even nicer if the signified of the title was really what the title says. I can very well imagine myself brewing potions in the dungeons with Severus passing me ingredients, and-. Oh, sorry I suppose I must be in a wrong thread.

Thank you both, Dorothy and alkisti, for your offered help. I hope I will not encounter any problems debating in the Great Hall, but if I do, I will certainly make use of the offer. And alkisti, don't worry about the age. I'm convinced there are way too many things a person of your age can help me with.

Though I'm constantly busy I will try to do my best and assist in stirring the debates in here. I promise.

~Jana

PS: alkisti, I wouldn't be looking forward to hearing stories from my country that much. Some of them tend to be slightly shocking from time to time. But about this in another thread.

So I guess I'm the most awful person in the Duelling Club... I come around practically every day and totally forgot to check on the Intro thread since Dorthy and Alkisti were named to be part of the Inq Squad!

Welcome Stef and Jana!

I'm one of the newbies here too... but I've been around for a little longer... Stef is now way ahead of me posting (I've already checked the awesome discussions being held on animal rights).

Well, I hope you enjoy your time here! I can tell you I am!

And by the way, Happy Halloween to everyone!

P/S: Don't forget to collab on the Great Hall's Halloween Story! It's going pretty nice so far!

Hi, I'm Mundu! I'm another Newbie here, but I haven't actually received any sort of conformation that I am a member, even though I sent my application off a couple of weeks ago. I'm guessing since I can reply, I'm in. My sincerest apologies if I'm not!

Anyway I'll introduce myself properly.


I'm Mundu, or Rebecca, or James, or indeed anything else you feel like calling me. I'm really not bothered.

I come from New Zealand, which I sometimes think is a country too patriotic for its own good. Apparently it's a very pretty place, but having never been out of the country, I don't really have anything to compare it too, so it's just home to me.

I'm 17. Yep, still at school. Just one year left! The end is in sight! If a little clouded by the forthcoming exams - eek.

I'm not so much a newbie to this site, I've been here a while. I really do love it, though I have to moderate myself and am only allowed to go on once a day (to ensure that I don't end up as one of those computer nerds that only have virtual cyberspace lives rather than the real thing, you see). I'm just really annoyed I hadn't discovered it before DH. I would have loved to have taken part in the build-up...

I do have other hobbies however. I love to cook, even if only out of a cookbook (some would argue that this isn't real cooking, and I'm inclined to agree, so I declare myself a proud cheat), playing my saxophone, watching the many wondrous things on tv, listening to music and planning what precisely what I'm going to do with the great big piece of land in the country that I will to buy as soon as I have the money. Wishful thinking...


Anyway, I'm very excited about being here, even if my membership seems a little iffy.

Welcome, Rebecca!

Please note the PM I sent you indicating you are definitely a Duelling Club Member! Nothing iffy about you being able to post in here.

Virtual cyberspace lives instead of the real thing? Silence! I'll hear nothing of the sort. When was the last time I left the house? VTM is definitely a wonderful place to unwind and relax. The Great Hall has a plethora of topics you can delve into and express your opinion. Some are thought provoking, some are emotionally charged, others are just fun. May you explore them all!

I would love to see New Zealand. Although, right now, I would be happy knowing summer is just beginning, rather than the winter that is looking me in the eye. Lucky you, get some sun for me!

Cooking is the only hobby that I have. I prefer to think of cooking as a exercise in chemistry! I don't consider cooking from a cookbook cheating; you have to learn somewhere.

If you have any questions, Alkisti and I are here for you. PM us anytime you wish.

nevillesgirl, thank you! Even if it is a bit belated on my part, now we're even!

Kaitlyn, the Great Hall collaboration is a hoot! Wonder how long it will be open for posting?

Members, let's Duel!

Welcome Mundu! Or Rebecca or James! There must have been a glitch with your application, but you were certainly accepted! I hope you will have fun here, it is an amazing place to discuss more serious issues and you get to see how other people think and how it feels living in the US, in UK, in Italy...etc I would like to learn more about New Zealand since I am totally unaware of your way of living. Lucky you, you have summer ahead of you! The only thing I wouldn't like about living there is having Christmas on summer. I love the snow! Have fun! And as Dorthy said, if you need any help, please pm either of us!

Jana, still, I would like to hear these stories, no matter how shocking! It'd be good to know the world out there, and how it really is. If that makes sense!

Hi, I recently sent off me application to join the Duelling Club and I’m happy to say it was accepted so here I am

My name is Sabrina or you can call me Lauren, it’s up to you. I’m from England but that’s all I’m saying

Well I love Harry Potter therefore I’m here on Veritaserum...erm...I love the following TV shows:
-Heroes
-Prison Break
-Walking the Dead
-Torchwood
-Doctor Who
And lots more

Okay to be honest I’m not quite sure how to introduce myself anymore then that...

Welcome Welcome to Rebecca and Oh my goodness is it really you Lauren? I would have thought you would have been here ages ago! Looking forward to the fun of discussion with both of you.

Yes it is really me Who else would it be? I am surprised myself that I have not came here sooner but now I am so let the fun begin And thanks for the welcome nevillesgirl

Lauren! Welcome to the Great Hall!!

I hope you will have fun here, and I am waiting to see you participate in our discussions. I used to have so much fun at the vampires and werewolves thread! I know you can be a good poster, and thus, I am glad you are here!

If you need any help at all, please feel free to pm me or Dorthy (Sirren). We are here to help you out and guide you through this forum!

Enjoy your being here! And post freely!

Alkisti

Albeit late, I would like to welcome Lauren and Rebecca among the Club Members. I'm looking forward to the discussions with you, girls. It'll be great to learn about some points of view coming from the very opposite part of the world (I have New Zealand on my mind, of course, England is not that far from here). This will be so enriching.

Enjoy The Great Hall area, ladies.

~Jana

PS: I know personal chitchat is strictly forbidden, here more than anywhere else I guess, so alkisti, just one quick promise I will share some of the stories in an appropriate thread around.

I would like to take this moment to welcome ChannelingGinny as the newest member of the Great Hall!

In her brief time she has hopped on a variety of threads and posted her heart out. Yeah!!
The more you post...the more other members will wander back in and see what you have to say. So, post, post, post.

Welcome, we are excited to have you in here!

I would like to welcome ChannelingGinny as well!!
Your application has been quite an adventure with all the recent problems we faced in the forums, but I'm glad to say you're one of us now! I can't wait to read your replies, cause I know that you have lots to say!
By the way, pop by this thread and introduce yourself so that we get to know you more!

~Alkisti

OK,
Since I have been warmly welcomed by Dorothy (Sirren) and Alkisti (Alkisti ) I guess I should post a bit about myself...

I am quickly approaching my 4th decade, the mother of 2 boys (ages 8 and 2), the wife of one man, and am very busy as the CEO of our Household . I am a business major and worked most of my career in the travel industry. I have been a stay-at-home mom with a little part-time work about 5 years ago, but am now back home full-time. However, with all the volunteering I do at my boys' schools and church I don't feel much like Susie-Homemaker, and when I am home I'd prefer to be here than cleaning house .

I got into the HP books a little over a year ago. I was one of those that took the "HP is evil" at face value and refused to fall into the trend. It didn't help that my "liberal" in-laws loved the series, so that just solidified my (very wrong) belief about the whole series. It wasn't until my sister got into the books that I realized "hmmm, maybe I'm a little off base here!" However, at the time I was pregnant and the last thing I wanted to do in my free time was read (sleep was more inviting ). Then came motherhood and free time seemed to be even less than before (I have no idea why). I refuse to see a movie until I have read the book, so I didn't see any of the movies, either.

I FINALLY started reading the series last spring with my oldest son. I read SS and CoS outloud to him, then read the rest on my own. I purposely left HBP until the week before DH came out and finished sooner than I thought I would (I tend to lose sleep when I get into a great book, that and the fact I'm a completionist) and went crazy waiting for DH to come out. July 21 was also my wedding anniversary and I have to admit that HP won out over going out for our anniversary. Luckily (?) I was feeling under the weather so I had a legitimate excuse (since my hubby doesn't share my HP passion). I have since read the series through 3 times total and am sure I'll re-read it every so often just to refresh my memory. I always find something new with each reading.

As for the movies, I wasn't all that fussed over GoF or PoA, but I liked the rest. Probably SS is my favorite and only because my 2-year old loves it as well. We were watching it 4 and 5 times a day (I'd tune out or go do housework and with his attention span he wouldn't sit for the whole movie anyway). During that time he'd walk around with anything that resembled a wand (pencil, older brother's HP wand, golf club) saying "Gardum OH-sah" , I guess trying to say "wingardium leviOHsah" (not levio-SAH)!

I grew up in NC (North Carolina) and after college moved to Chicago and then Minneapolis. I then convinced my MN-husband that North Carolina had much nicer winters and we moved back here about 6 years ago. I love being back!

OK, that's more of an introduction than you wanted. I will add that I am quite opinionated and will definitely post! Looking forward to meeting more of you!

Kathleen (or ChannelingGinny, either is fine)