Halloween Mixer

[Wendy]

My answers to the mixer:

* Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?

I don't *not* believe in ghosts, but since I have never actually 
seen one (or at least never seen something I was *certain* was a 
ghost), I'm not willing to say unequivocably that I believe. I am 
definitely open to the idea, and I am curious about just what a 
ghost really is - just an imprint of someone's energy field in an 
area? In which case this would be more like a video of a person - 
something you could see, but that couldn't interact with its 
surroundings. Or are ghosts actual entities (like in the 
Potterverse)? Hmnh. In writing this I realise that I do believe in 
entities that we can't see (Iggy mentioned his grandfather. I also 
believe that I have been contacted by the spirit of my departed 
grandmother - once, in a dream, but I believe it was really her, not 
just a regular old dream). I'm just not sure I'd call them ghosts. 
In any case, I've never seen a white glowing, moaning thing. And 
glad of it. I think I'd be really frightened if I were to see 
something like that. :-)


* What things about you often come as a surprise to others?

People are often surprised by my age. I guess I look younger than I 
am - I'm 37, and often get mistaken for being much younger (in my 
mid-20s). Not complaining about this, of course ;-). And it's not 
because of any particular virtue or fanatical health consciousness 
on my part. Just lucky, I guess. Or good genes - thanks, mum! :-)


* Provide the etymology of your signature/handle/email address. In
other words, how and why did you choose the name you use on the
HPfGU lists.

There are two names I use, and both of them are related. For the 
longest time, I'd just used my name as my e-mail address and ID 
(well, usually wstjohn with some number or another after it). But 
when I had to switch ISPs because we were moving, I decided to get 
more creative. I wanted a Harry Potter "handle," so I looked through 
the books. Dragons are my favourite creatures, and I chose the 
Hebridean Black because it is the breed of dragon native to Scotland 
(which is where we were living before our recent move back to the 
U.S.). So, I became "hebrideanblack." 

But that's a bit impersonal, so I sometimes go by a more "human" 
type name - Professor MacFusty. She's my "Potterverse persona," if 
you will, and is a member of Clan MacFusty (the family who takes 
care of the Hebridean Black dragons on the Outer Hebrides). Again, a 
Scotland connection, but this time I'm a person, instead of a dragon 
myself. <g> Although I'm sure there are some who find the fire-
breathing aspect fits my personality quite well. <GGG>


* Whose signature/handle/email address on the HPfGU boards {a} would
you like to steal or {b} intrigues you?

I don't think there's anyone else's handle I'd like to steal. I'm 
actually very happy with my own. There are several intriguing ones, 
though. I've wondered about the origin of Cindysphynx (why sphynx?), 
and also about the origin of bboy. Hopefully they'll both answer the 
question above, and then I'll know. <G>
 

* Describe your ultimate Halloween costume.

Hmnh. This is tough. There are so many. Maybe a really cool 
Galadriel costume - like she looks in the films. With the glow, too.


* If you lived in the Potterverse, who would you be, and what would
you do for a living?

I'd be a dragon trainer, of course (see answer about my name) - 
working on the reserve in Romania. At least until Hagrid gets sacked 
(or dies, take your pick <g>), and then I'd return to Hogwarts and 
teach Care of Magical Creatures.


* What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?

Me and my true love. 


* What shape would a boggart take, if you chance upon one?

Same as Molly's - well not the *same* (I wouldn't see the Weasley 
children <g>), but I have no doubt that my worst fear is having 
something horrible happen to my son. (Just like June, too. I suspect 
that several of us will have this same deepest fear).


* What happy memory will you rely upon, if you are to conjure up a 
Patronus?

My son's smiling face.


* What form might your Patronus take?

Hmnh. I have a strong connection to owls, so it might be that, but I 
actually think it's more likely that I'd get some sort of big cat - 
a lioness or mountain lion. That's how I see myself when I'm on the 
defensive, anyway. For example, someone messes with my kid - here 
comes mamma mountain lion. Watch out! <G>


* What might your animagus form be?

I think I'd answer the same to this as above. Although in this case, 
I think I'd more likely be an owl than a big cat. Could go either 
way, though.


* What basically harmless things scared you as a child (for example,
a certain toy or household item)?

I already answered this - it's dolls. I was afraid they'd come alive 
and hurt me. And yes, I have seen the "Talky Tina" episode 
of "Twilight Zone," and needless to say, I didn't enjoy it! <GGG>


* What's your scariest moment from a film or television show? Or,
tell us which horror movie is your all-time favourite, and why.

Heh heh heh . . . I used to really *really* love horror movies, but 
I don't really watch them now. I used to love being scared, but 
found that often I would have bad effects after the fact - nights 
spent laying awake in bed afraid to sleep for fear of some creature 
from a movie (or Stephen King character) coming to get me. (And yes, 
I've done that "covers pulled up to my chin" thing on many occasions 
<g>). I've decided that it's better for my peace of mind to just 
avoid putting in scary images, so for the most part I don't actally 
watch horror movies anymore. Not anything with a lot of blood and 
gore, anyway. Suspense is fun - graphic violence is not, not for me 
anyway. <g> 

Having said that, I think my scariest moment isn't from something 
I'd call a "horror" movie - it's the velociraptors from any of 
the "Jurassic Park" movies. (WARNING - JP SPOILER AHEAD) They just 
scare the heck out of me, and I often will leave the room during the 
parts they are in - it's just too stressful for me to watch. 
Particularly that scene in the kitchen of the first movie - even 
though I know they don't manage to eat either of those kids. Gah! 
Terrifying. And sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night 
convinced that they've overrun my house, and then I'm scared to get 
up and use the bathroom. <g>


* Ever wonder into which Hogwarts House the Sorting Hat would put
you? If you're not sure, here are a couple of sites where you can
get sorted:

Seven Dragons put me into Gryffindor this time (although this hat 
has also, on occasion, put me into Ravenclaw). Professor MacFusty's 
hat (can you guess who wrote this one? <g>), also put me into 
Gryffindor.

This works for me - I do believe I really am a Gryff. Sometimes I'd 
prefer to be a Ravenclaw, because Gryffs can be a bit thick <g>, but 
I'm just not sure I'm really clever enough for that. Plus, I'm a LOT 
like Hermione, and she's a Gryff. So, Gryffindor it is. And yeah, 
sometimes I'm stupid enough . . . erm, I mean *brave* enough to go 
charging in before thinking things through. Works for me. <g>


* Is your interest in Harry Potter just good, harmless fun . . . or
are you bordering on obsessive? Find out here:

ARGH! I'm 63% obsessed: "Very obsessed. You may be suffering from 
withdrawl symptoms while waiting for the next book to come out." 
Well, that must explain the depression I've been going through 
lately! <g> 


* Finally, just how well do you know the canon? Take the quiz here
and let us know if you are savvy or sorry:

Hmnh. I'd say I was a bit sorry today - my high score was only 17 
(although at the time I played, I was the top score for the day. I'm 
sure that record won't stand for long). My highest score ever is 66. 
Grr. Must brush up on my trivia. <g>


:-)
Wendy
(Who will be dressing up as a dragon trainer tomorrow night. 
Pictures to follow)