Hello lovely users, today we are going to be interviewing an amazing member of the staff so that you can get to know them better. As you can probably tell, they are a member of Ravenclaw house and we shall welcome our current Transfiguration professor... Today's interview by Pear is with the wonderful Vincent Valois!

Pear: Who are you and what’s your job role on WoP UK?
Vincent: Hello! I'm Vincent Valois, the Transfiguration professor on WoP UK.

Pear: Do you enjoy this job? Why?
Vincent: Yes, I do; very much, in fact. I was a kid when I first became interested in transformative magic, but my passion for it only increased with time. As a teenager I dreamed of doing something great with it, and I suppose I have, even though it's difficult to measure greatness. My career has been successful and I am proud to have come so far. However, the greatest thing I have done is teach Transfiguration to younger generations of witches and wizards.

Pear: How long irl have you been doing this job?
Vincent: Almost a full year now. The gracious Miss Merriweather offered the position to me mid-December (2017) and I accepted it right away!

Pear: What are your favourite things about your job?
Vincent: Oh, so many. I have considerable freedom to be creative as a teacher. My students are adventurous, bold and curious, so it's never boring in the classroom. They keep me on my toes as much as I strive to surprise them with each new lesson. I learn alongside my students too, for it's not always the spells that make magic. I enjoy discussing theory with my classes, exploring new twists to old spells, learning how others perceive Transfiguration, and bringing this wondrous subject closer to many generations. Besides, it's most enjoyable to bear witness to my students conquering spells and expanding upon their magical abilities. It is a reward unto itself.

Pear: Anything that’s not so fun?
Vincent: It might come as a surprise, but there is a fair bit of paperwork involved in teaching. You would think it's just a matter of standing at the front of the classroom and teaching students how to do something drawing upon their magic, but there is a whole lot of work that takes place behind the scenes. I have to come up with detailed lesson plans, devise the exams, grade homework as well as keep files on each student that comes to my lectures. Of course, I wouldn't be doing this job if I didn't enjoy these tasks alongside the actual teaching, but it's not as much fun as performing transfigurations.

Pear: Do you have any skills/talents?
Vincent: I can eat impressive amounts of cheese, for one! :) In all seriousness, I'm good at ballroom dancing; I speak a few languages, and I can perform complicated spellwork. I have an affinity for transformative magic, true, but I enjoy learning new charms and how to cast nonverbally as well.

Pear: Is there anything you would like users to know about you?
Vincent: I'm chattier than most people assume. I enjoy reading and responding to owls, so please message me whenever you want to talk.

Pear: Just for fun, What is your favourite ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour?
Vincent: I'm fond of the Angel's Softice, but I can't have it too often lest I end up dancing my lessons away.