Changes in store for Hogwarts–return to Muggle clothing.
For as long as audiences can remember, Hogwarts schoolkids have been seen sporting neat, organized gray and white uniforms, trimmed in their house colors. But, due to a new costume director this year, it seems that the uniforms have been officially removed. “This is a breath of fresh air for the students,” says a spokesman for the new director. “Hogwarts, is, after all, a school for kids. Why not let them dress that way?” Longtime fans of the Hogwarts uniforms are not so certain. “We’ve seen the uniforms for so long, that it seems a bit weird without them,” says an unnamed Hogwarts follower, “even though we can’t quite remember what spurred the school to use uniforms, and are unaware of their source, they’ve become a mainstay for the students, and we like them.” But not all agree that the uniforms are good. “Hogwarts is a modern school, with modern kids. Why should they use uniforms like everyone else? They should be allowed to dress in modern clothes some of the time–especially the muggle-borns,” asserts another Hogwarts fan. While uniforms appear to have been dismissed, there is good news for those afraid of an all-over facelift. “Robes will be returning, of course. Robes are a Hogwarts mainstay, and we will never go a year without them,” says Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress for the school. The students have mixed feelings, it seems, about the dress. “Uniforms were all right,” says Susan Bones, a fan of the old costume director. “They equalize us, in a way, even though they have different House colors.” “But this way, we can wear what we want–favorite shirts, our own jackets, everything,” says Harry Potter, who seems to like the new idea. “I know I feel more comfortable in my own jackets and sweaters, because here is the only place I get to wear the things I can buy on my own–during summer break, I have to wear my cousin’s clothes.” Others see this change as a liberation that extends beyond the closet. “Well,” whispers a student who wishes to remain anonymous, “I was not only told how to dress, but how to wear my hair. But so long as we’re allowed to be casual, I’ve been allowed to lighten up on the other aspects of my appearance. So I can finally put all my hair gel aside–thank goodness!” Final determination about the uniform controversy will be decided at the end of the year, when a new costume director for Hogwarts will be chosen, and students and parents alike are allowed to review the change. |