Harry Potter House Swap

Hello wizard folks,

I recently stumbled upon the Harry Potter books again (which I do periodically every other year or so at least) and thought about how much those books have meant to me as a child and still do as an adult. I'm probably not the only one fantasising about going to Hogwarts, so this swap is for all the other rejected pupils out there (or maybe the letter will arrive... any day now ...). ;-)

For this swap, you will create a parcel in the theme of one of the 4 Hogwarts houses for your partner. When signing up, please post the house you feel closest to in the comment section (or take one of the million tests online that sort you into a house :D). When partners are assigned, check which house your partner chose and start getting creative!

Your parcel needs to include 5 items, out of which two have to explicitly show the house crest, the other three can be generally Hogwarts themed. Feel free to hand craft your items if you prefer (or make a mix of handmade and bought things), but make sure they are of good quality. If you get stuck: Etsy is an awesome place for Potterheads, there's lots of items and ideas to be found. Imagine you were sending a parcel to a new pupil at Hogwarts. What would he/she need for their first week? Please refrain from sending just paper items - a maximum of 2 items can be paper based!

Along with the items, send a letter from the perspective of a new student at Hogwarts. What are your first impressions? Which classes and teachers do you like? You can write from any "era" you want - whether the time of the Marauders or as if you were Harry's class mate. Just try to make it believable and write at least one page front and back. And why not make it look like it really came from Hogwarts? I'm thinking parchment style paper, wax seals ... get creative! :)

Now for the rule part (I know, not pleasant, but necessary): This is a type 3 swap, so please be aware that you're expected to send a parcel or a big padded envelope. The total value of the swap should be min. 15€ (if you're handcrafting and you're unsure: estimate how much you would pay for an item like this on etsy). Because of the value this is not a newbie-friendly swap. I will allow only seasoned swappers with a minimum of 20 type 3 swaps (completed and rated) under their belts and a flawless 5.0 rating. You also need a well filled-out profile - no specific Harry Potter paragraph needed, but something your partner can draw inspiration from concerning the things you like. And please don't forget to post "your house"! Swappers who haven't done so by the time partners are assigned will be dropped! I reserve the right to ban suspicious profiles from this swap, but will always be in touch with swappers I ban. I'm giving lots of time for this swap, since it will probably be time intensive, so please use the time and don't start at the last minute.

So, to sum things up:

• 1 themed parcel to 1 partner with a minimum of 5 items (min. 2 with the house crest, max. 2 paper based)
• value: min. 15 €; handmade and store bought allowed
• 1 letter from the perspective of a new student at Hogwarts (min. 1 page front and back) -> Swappers need to post their preferred Hogwarts house in the comments, partners have to create the parcel around the chosen house.

I hope to meet lots of nostalgic Hogwarts-lovers in this swap - and maybe you'll take this as an opportunity to pick up one of the books again!

I will angel this swap, but would be very disappointed if it became necessary.