A long, long time ago, way before any of you were brought into this world, dinosaurs roamed the earth underneath our feet and Amanda Overton, our guest for this interview, wandered the halls of Hogwarts. During our interview - seated among busying students crowded within Hogsmeade - Ms. Overton reminded us of the awe-inspiring Quidditch team that Slytherin once possessed, starkly contrasting the depressing state of this new era.
Listen up, Slytherin Quidditch Team, we are dedicating this to you.
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Q: Good afternoon, Ms Overton. Thank you once again for meeting with us today. Please, for the benefit of our readers who don’t know, could you tell us about what you’ve been up to since you left Hogwarts 17 years ago?
A: Has it been that long!? The Quidditch fanatics reading this will know my history but for those who don’t follow Quidditch or only have started following the game recently, I signed with the Falmouth Falcons as a chaser almost immediately after graduation. My start was a bit shaky but I managed to start consistently on the first team after a year or so and I’ve enjoyed a long and successful playing career since then. Eleven years ago I transferred to the Appleby Arrows when they made an offer too good to refuse. That was when I had my daughter, Cadence, who will be starting Hogwarts next year! I’m a regular on the English National Quidditch Team too and have played in World Cups over the years. I’ve also been working with some wonderful foundations such as ‘Quidditch For All’ which provides brooms and other supplies to low income wizarding communities to establish local Little League teams. It also provides scholarships for promising young Quidditch players to Quidditch summer camps. I received a few scholarships while I was at Hogwarts and I’m forever grateful as it helped me perfect my skills and meet many players that I looked up to. Eventually I got the chance to play with them too! That was wonderful and I’m not sure I’d be what I am today if not for Quidditch For All.
Q: Sounds like a busy life! Let’s get right down to business: have you recently had a chance to revisit your alma mater - or, more specifically, watch some of the Quidditch games at Hogwarts?
A: Ah, I can’t remember the last time I was at Hogwarts to catch a game - I’ve been fairly busy over the last few years but I want to say I last caught a game about two years ago? That sounds about right. Even if I can’t attend the games I still follow Slytherin Quidditch religiously.
Q: With every year comes an endless wave of ups and downs; Slytherin Quidditch was hardly spared from a vicious cycle of downs while facing a startling run of losses in recent years. As a former Quidditch player, and one who was in the team when Slytherin won the cup for two consecutive years, what are your thoughts on this?
A: It happens to every team but I know Slytherin's players will return to their former glory. It’s not their first time in this situation and it always ends in the same way - victory for Slytherin. The current team features a lot of younger players which is great for the future and I’m sure that we’ll start winning the cup again soon enough! The worst thing you can do to a team you support is to lose hope because it affects the team’s morale when their friends and classmates mock them. Keep attending the games and show your Slytherin house spirit!
Q: New captains Henry Chamberlain and Norda Tawni seem determined to end Slytherin’s losing streak, and understandably so. Is there any advice you would like to give them? Precautions and warnings about the returned spirit of Sheffield haunting them in their sleep if they fail, perhaps?
A: Like I just mentioned, they’ve got a team full of promising youngsters which means a great future. Keep practicing and focus on development. Scout for new talent - I suggest discreetly watching Flying classes as it can help you find future superstars.
Q: That’s great advice. We also understand that numerous members of the current Slytherin team aspire to enter the world of professional Quidditch upon graduation. Is it difficult to make it as a professional player? Can you give these players any advice on how to get there?
A: It can be difficult, yes but never give up on your dreams. Try to attend the summer camps - if you there are many scholarships that you can apply for if you can't afford the fees. At the camps you’ll get a chance to perfect your skills and meet influential figures within professional leagues around the world! Never stop practicing, I spent almost all of my free time when I was a student on the pitch either practicing or scouting other houses.
Q: Wonderful. And finally, do you have any idea what you’d like to pursue when your highly successful career as a professional Quidditch player draws to a close?
A: I’d like to keep with Quidditch For All and possibly get into an administrative role for a professional team. I’d like to see how the other side operates, since there’s so much work that goes into a team. It’s not just the players and managers that bring success to the team - it’s the people working behind the scenes too.
Q: Thank you for your time, Ms. Overton. It has been a pleasure interviewing you.
A: Thank you for reaching out to me for an interview! Getting sorted into Slytherin was one of the best things ever to happen to me so I enjoy giving back to the house when I can.
written by Asia Chadwick and Sebastian Snyder, with Amanda Overton
