The Forbidden Pasture

Deep in the archives of Hookwarts, ancient texts speak of a peculiar enchantment that befell the residents of the Forbidden Pasture nearly a century ago. According to legend, a student named E. King Gill was summoned from the stands during a particularly brutal Quidditch match in 1922, creating what would become known as the Curse of the 12th Man.

Unlike ordinary magical curses that fade with time, this hex appears to be self-perpetuating. Those afflicted feel an overwhelming compulsion to stand throughout entire sporting events — a form of involuntary mobilicorpus that our Healers have yet to reverse. Witnesses report seeing thousands of cursed individuals rise in unison, unable to sit, as if controlled by a single hive mind.

Warning: Prolonged exposure to this enchantment may result in permanent standing, an inflated sense of tradition-based superiority, and an irresistible urge to explain the curse's origins to anyone within earshot.

Every Friday before a home match, as the clock strikes midnight, something sinister stirs in the Forbidden Pasture. Thousands gather in a massive stadium under the cover of darkness, not for Quidditch, but for what they call "Midnight Yell Practice".

Our Department of Magical Law Enforcement has investigated this phenomenon extensively. The gathered masses move in synchronized patterns, chanting in unison, led by five individuals known as "Yell Leaders" (whom we suspect are the ritual's Dark Wizards). The choreographed movements, the coordinated shouting, the eerie uniformity — it all points to either an elaborate bonding ceremony or the largest Imperius Curse violation in collegiate magical history.

Particularly disturbing is the practice of "humping it" — a phrase that, despite our best efforts at translation, remains incomprehensible to civilized magical society. Witnesses describe it as a rapid squatting motion performed while yelling, possibly a form of dark calisthenics designed to channel malevolent energy.

Official Hookwarts Position: While we respect all forms of magical expression, we recommend Longhorns maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from any Midnight Yell gathering, and carry a supply of earplugs and anti-confusion charms.

In the eternal struggle between burnt orange and maroon, Hookwarts has long stood as a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness from the Pasture. This conflict, which mundane historians call "one of college football's greatest rivalries," is in truth a centuries-old magical war.

The Maroon Menace first emerged in 1894, when a group of agricultural magic practitioners decided to establish their own institution. While claiming to focus on "practical magic" and "tradition," they've spent the last 130 years developing increasingly elaborate customs, each more perplexing than the last.

Despite these formidable magical traditions, Hookwarts maintains its superiority through the power of burnt orange excellence, academic prestige, and the occasional stunning upset in the final moments of competition (see: 2011 Thanksgiving Day Miracle).

In the wizarding world, a familiar is an animal companion that shares a magical bond with its master. At Hookwarts, our collective familiar is Bevo — a majestic, powerful longhorn steer whose burnt-orange aura radiates strength, dignity, and occasionally mild irritation at being photographed constantly.

The Forbidden Pasture, in what can only be described as "compensation magic," chose as their familiar a small collie named Reveille. Now, we at Hookwarts are not in the business of familiar-shaming, but one must ask: why would you bring a herding dog to a Quidditch match?

Historical Note: In 1915, Bevo's name was allegedly branded onto his side by enterprising Aggies who changed "13-0" (their score) to "BEVO." Little did they know they were giving our beloved mascot the name he'd carry into legend. We consider this a net win.

Every Hookwarts student must be prepared to defend against the dark arts of the Forbidden Pasture. Below are essential counter-spells and victory charms approved by the Department of Magical Rivalry Management:

Remember: These spells should only be used in the spirit of friendly competition and magical rivalry. The greatest magic is defeating your opponent with dignity, grace, and a really impressive score on the Quidditch pitch.