100 Questions: Iris Melinda Conway
Part 1: The Basics1. What is your full name?
Iris Melinda Conway.2. Where and when were you born?
I was born on May 18, 1962 in London.3. Who are/were your parents?
My da is Corner Conway, and my mum was Lois Conway. I didn't really know her, though since she died when I was really young. 4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
I don't have any siblings, just a cousin that I saw on a few occasions. Rick isn't too bad but our relationship is mostly based on awkward holiday get togethers, so I don't feel like I'm a good judge of character for him.5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
Currently I live at Hogwarts and my roommates are so busy with things they practically don't exist. At home in London, it's just me and Da. Da is very sweet natured and kind, even if he's not always around because of his work.6. What is your occupation?
Well, right now I'm a student. And I've been hoping to become an Auror like Da, but I don't think that will happen anymore. I'm crap at Transfiguration, and that's just a bit vital for the position.7. Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.
I'm a white female with blonde hair and blue eyes. I'm about 5 foot nine inches tall and am on the average side, weighing about 150 pounds, give or take a bit. I don't have any tattoos yet, nor do I have any distinguishing marks. My style of dress varies from fancy to casual to slaggish depending on what sort of mood I'm in.8. To which social class do you belong?
Upper middle; things were always comfortable growing up.9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
I'm allergic to bullshit.10. Are you right- or left-handed?
I'm left handed, but I use my right hand to eat.11. What does your voice sound like?
It's medium pitched; most of the time I sound inquisitive, I think. Not too thick of an accent or anything, just very...plain.12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
Bugger, prat...erm, I don't know. I don't really think about the stuff that comes out of my mouth, so I'm not sure what I say more than anything else, you know?13. What do you have in your pockets?
My wand, a bit of lip balm, and spare change.14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
Da always told me growing up that I sound like Mum when I laugh. Sometimes it worries me that it hurts him when I laugh, but I try to not make it obvious that I think so. I worry a lot; about Da, about my friends, about what I'm going to do two weeks in the future. My worrying causes teeth grinding and nail biting, which I would really prefer to kick at some point in time.Part 2: Growing Up15. How would you describe your childhood in general?
I don't want to say that it was lonely; I had play dates and spent lots of time with the various nannies that Da hired, but I never got the chance to really spend with my family. It was just Da and I, and maybe a few trips to visit Rick and Aunt Sarah. There were lots of nights that Da ended up working late, so I wouldn't see him until breakfast the next morning (if I was lucky). Holidays were hard after I started Hogwarts; that's when things started really picking up for Da and he was home less and less and less.16. What is your earliest memory?
I remember talking to my mum very faintly, I'm not sure how old I was to be honest. My strongest early memory, however, was finding out that she had passed away. I remember Da was upset and I couldn't understand why he was so distraught. He told me that Mummy had gone on a trip to somewhere else but that she was stuck there and she couldn't make it back home. In my three year old mind, this was like Mum going to the grocery but being unable to come back because she was infinitely shopping about. It took me a few years to really understand what Da was trying to delicately tell me.17. How much schooling have you had?
I took private schooling lessons from my nannies while I was growing up and am currently in my sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.18. Did you enjoy school?
I love school very much. I work hard because I enjoy it (and because I want to make my Da proud), though there are some classes I'd much rather be without.19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
From school; I wouldn't be able to control my capabilities if it weren't for Hogwarts.20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
My Da was my role model. I was (and still am) so proud of him for working his way to his current position. He takes his job seriously and wants what is best for the wizarding community. I remember always wanting to be an auror (and a princess) growing up, and I think a lot of that had to do with Da.21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
Very well. I was Da's little princess, and as there was no one else to really get along with, things went smashingly.22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an auror.23. As a child, what were your favorite activities?
I loved coloring, dressing up, having tea parties, reading all kinds of books, and dancing. Dressing up really was the best one, however.24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
I was rather shy as a child when it came to other kids. I liked to stay to my own little world, me and my nanny or me and Da. I was afraid to branch out, I think, but it didn't take me long to outgrow that. Probably about 9 or so I came out of my little shell, and I've been out and free ever since.25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
I was pretty solitary before school, but was close to the various nannies that took care of me. I liked to pretend my stuffed animals were real (and I do recall a few times when I was very very upset where they would actually hug me without me touching them because of my magic going haywire). Once I started school, I was very shy but made friends with the kids in my year and those that were a year above me in my house. It hasn't been too bad, but I do feel like I'm less popular than others simply because I am so quiet and reserved.26. When and with whom was your first kiss?
My first kiss was with Joey Jenkins when we were both first years. He told me while we were studying in the library that he fancied me and when the older students went to Hogsmeade around Valentine's Day, we went for a walk around the lake. We held hands the whole time and when we got to the small cluster of oak trees (where you can't really be seen from the castle), he leaned in and gave me a kiss. It was short and sweet, but I will probably always remember it.27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
I am still a virgin. I think that it's important to wait until you're absolutely ready to have sex for the first time and that it should be something meaningful, not something you do simply to check it off your list of goals in life.28. If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
Well, I don't know if being a witch counts as supernatural, but there wasn't really a story to it. I was born this way. But influences from my past: certainly my mother and her passing has influenced how I react to situations as well as my mannerisms. Being raised by Da, being cared for during the day by nannies. I think that there isn't one specific thing that has truly shaped who I am; it all works together.Part 3: Past Influences29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Starting school; it was good to get out and explore the world and be with people my age and such.30. Who has had the most influence on you?
My Da; since I can remember, I've wanted to be like him. The next closest to that would be Julie, the nanny we had for the longest amount of time.31. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Passing my Transfiguration OWL with a high enough letter to make it to the NEWT course.32. What is your greatest regret?
Not insisting as a child on more time with Da. Even though his career is important, I get this small feeling that somewhere deep down, I play second fiddle. It's there for the briefest amount of time but thinking about it hurts. I regret not being more outgoing. I regret being a shy child when I first started school. I think 7th year will do me some good. I'm ready for it.33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
Sometimes I'm almost sure that there isn't an evil bone in my body. But if I had to go for the most evil thing I've ever done? Trying to make poor Bertram Aubrey go a month without a sexual innuendo. Honestly, I can't think of anything super evil.34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
If I did, I would be grounded for fifty years. As I'm free to roam about as I please...35. When was the time you were the most frightened?
I was at school, but I heard news of a big fight involving Da's department and I was so terrified that something was going to happen to him. Everything dealing with his job worries me (though I've never really told him that before).36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?
Well, it was during the summer between my third and fourth year and Da had been at work and er--I owled him freaking out because I'd started on my rag, but I didn't know what was happening so I thought I was DYING and because I didn't word things properly, he popped home and then had to tell me everything about how I was not dying and how it was natural and what to do and after everything was said and done I could even look at Da for a good week or so.37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
I'd want my mum to still be alive. I've had female influences in my life but I think that having a mum to give me advice would be much different...maybe a little better.38. What is your best memory?
My best memory is coming to school for the very first time. I was so nervous, but I was so excited at the same time to meet all of these new people. There was so much going on. I remember the Sorting hat and the ceremony and how excited the house was to have me sorted into Gryffindor.39. What is your worst memory?
All those times Da had to be taken to St. Mungo's. I'm sure nothing was ever serious but as a kid...it was the hardest thing to have my Da's life in someone else's hands, not being able to do a damn thing. Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
I'd like to think that I'm very optimistic. I assume the best in everyone until they prove me wrong.41. What is your greatest fear?
Something happening to Da because of something I have done. He doesn't usually divulge secrets to me, but I'm always afraid that I'll give something up and because of that he'll be killed. I'd much prefer to not be an orphan, you know?42. What are your religious views?
I think that there is an all powerful something-or-other, but I've never been to church or anything so I can't really say that I'm that invested in my beliefs.43. What are your political views?
I think that being aware of what is happening is really important, but maybe that's because I have personal ties to the ministry. Getting involved in politics doesn't sound very fun, but the people in charge of us need to be scrutinized heavily before taking up that position.44. What are your views on sex?
I think that most of the time sex before marriage is unnecessary, but if you know you're going to end up with that bloke eventually and that the relationship is legit then it's probably not that bad.45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
I don't think I would be able to kill someone; it takes a deep seeded hate or vendetta for that kind of thing. I do believe that killing in the instance of self defense is acceptable, however.46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Torturing others. To use the cruciatis curse for some sick and twisted pleasure is appalling and disgusting.47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
I think that it's a romantic idea and that it's nice to imagine that there's a special someone out in the world who's waiting for me, but at the same time I don't think that I'll ever really find someone out there. You can't wait around your entire life for that soul mate to find you. What if he's already died?48. What do you believe makes a successful life?
Financial and emotional stability.49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?
I think I'm pretty blunt about how I feel. I wear my heart on my sleeve and if I'm in a crummy mood, people can generally tell. I'd probably be the world's worst poker player.50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
I hate Slytherins. I think they've brought that upon themselves, though. Prejudices though...with the exception of that, no. Not really.51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
I don't like to quit; I don't think I'd go as far as refusal to let down from something in that sense, but it's pretty close to that. Erm...I'm not really for breaking rules, either. I think it's because I'm the example setter for younger years but I don't think that my position gives me the right to goof off.52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
My family and defending them. I wouldn't kill to become an auror (as in if you don't kill this person you won't get into the training), but if it was what was right and that person at the other end of my wand deserved it for outstanding crimes...like, killing and raping innocent people. I would kill then. Maybe. You have to mean it when you use a killing curse, sometimes I don't think I have the backbone for it. Part 5: Relationships With Others 53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
It depends on a lot of things; if I'm on duty, I'm polite but serious. If it's a friend or someone I know pretty well, I'm friendly and talkative. If it's someone I dislike, I'm very blunt and (depending on the person) snarky.54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
I think the most important person is my Da; he's always there for me, always looking out for me and ever since I can remember I've wanted to be like him.55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
I feel like I've said this so many times already, but I truly respect my Da. He's been there for me and I respect him immensely. Even if he can be a bit of an arse through all of his over-protectiveness. I still love him.56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.
Most of my friends are Gryffindors. We're like a brotherhood, really and you don't mess with that sort of friendship. I know for a fact that everyone in my house would have my back in a fight without even questioning it. That's just how it goes. Best friend, though, that's a bit tough. I don't feel really close to anyone enough to share my deep dark secrets. That's what a journal is for, right?57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.
Nope, I am currently quite single.58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
I don't think I'v ever really been in love; that requires being with someone for a substantial period of time.59. What do you look for in a potential lover?
I like pretty eyes. Kindness. I don't want to be drawn to someone just for their physical appearance; the whole package is always nice.60. How close are you to your family?
I'm very close to Da; we tell each other everything and we look out for each other.61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
I haven't yet, but I think I'd like to once I found the right bloke to settle down with. I think it'd be nice to be a mum, though I am very terrified that I won't be a good mum at all because I didn't have one to set the bar for me.62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
Da. He's big and scary. That or my housemates (they are also big and scary when poked with a stick or provoked in some other way).63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
Da, because he's a BAMF. And because he's been trained to protect everyone (not just me) and he's very good at what he does. I think I would trust most of his Aurors, too, just because he's whipped them all into shape and trained them and made sure that they're up to snuff.64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
Da, most definitely. I think people from school would be very shocked; housemates would miss me. I doubt anyone from other houses, save prefects, would really miss me.65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
The person I know personally would be Franzy Dolohov, because she knows how to get under my skin and it annoys me to no end.66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I can argue my mouth off, especially when it's certain Slytherins, but I'm not particularly good at being witty on the spot. I think it'd be better for me to completely ignore conflict but sometimes I get pulled into it by...certain people.67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
I'm a prefect, so yes...I'm sort of obligated to do so. If I didn't hold a position that required it, I might be more wary to step out.68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
Not particularly, but I've adjusted to it because it's part of my job and I wouldn't be a good prefect if I couldn't handle it.69. Do you care what others think of you?
Sometimes. It all depends on the situation that I'm in at that particular moment, you know?Part 6: Likes And Dislikes70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
I really love herbology. I know it seems like such a simple subject, but there's so much you can do with it. It's such a practical subject. It makes sense. I like watching muggle films (though I don't always understand them). I think if I had a chance to really do it at Hogwarts, my favorite pastime would be making a difference...the only chance I really get for this is with my Prefect duties.71. What is your most treasured possession?
I have a heart locket that used to belong to Mum, and ever since she passed I've worn it. I love it to pieces and I don't know what I would do if it were to be lost.72. What is your favorite color?
I love the color orange.73. What is your favorite food?
I love shepherd's pie. So good, especially when I talk Da into making it.74. What, if anything, do you like to read?
I love to read all sorts of things. I love reading for classes, actually. The theory behind things is so fascinating. I don't enjoy Transfiguration reading, but...I think part of that's to do with Barty Crouch and his insistence on me reading everything multiple times.75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?
I think the best thing in the world is to curl up with a good book and just read for hours on end. I also love art galleries and exploring paintings; expressionism, realism, impressionism...anything as long as it sparks my creativity and inspires me.76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
Nope. The closest to alcohol I've gotten is a glass of wine at holiday dinners and butterbeers in Hogsmeade.77. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
With friends in the common room. Cards, wizard chess, gobstones, chatting. Never doing homework, that's what Sunday is for.78. What makes you laugh?
Silly blokes, funny anecdotes, chipmunks (don't ask). I like when Da tries to tell a joke when I'm having a bad day. They're never spectacular, but I know he's trying and that he cares.79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
I'm shocked by a lot of things, probably too many to write down. But...I find people who are insistent upon grating my nerves very offensive. People like Barty Crouch and Franzy Dolohov.80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
I'd probably start writing a novel about a group of wizards who live as muggles and all of the hilarious scenarios that occur as a result. If they make it for six months, they win a prize of 1,000 galleons. Ooh, maybe I should get started on that insomnia thing now...81. How do you deal with stress?
I pace. A lot. And fret. I'm crap at dealing with stress because I can't just compartmentalize it like others do, it just builds and builds on me and there's nothing I can do. I can't give you an exact breaking point, but it manifests itself with tears.82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I have to have a plan. I'm the least spontaneous person you will ever meet, especially for a Gryffindor. I wish I could just be as crazy and wild as my housemates are.83. What are your pet peeves?
I'd have to say that my biggest pet peeve is leaving tasks unfinished. If I have something ongoing, I get this nagging and I can't stop until I finish it and it bugs me so much. Part 7: Self Images And Etc. 84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
Lots of classes usually, and rounds. I have to do everything in a certain way and in a certain order. If this does not happen, I am very anxious and on edge all day.85. What is your greatest strength as a person?
My determination and inability to give up. It's not a choice. No, I have to keep going with things even if everything is crashing and burning around me.86. What is your greatest weakness?
I think it's how easily I become flustered. Because when I'm flustered, I end up showing and saying much more than I wanted to. As a hopeful auror, I think you need to have a good, strong front. I would break so easily.87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would want to have a smaller stick up my arse...or maybe no stick at all. I can be pretty rigid at times; I have to do this, I have to become that...I think if I just let loose and said c'est la vie, I would be better off in the end.88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
I'm a forced extrovert. By nature, I'm a very introverted person but because of who I am, I have to be outgoing.89. Are you generally organized or messy?
I'm very organized. Everything has a place and if it's not there it is in the way.90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.
Good: charms, leadership, and cheerfulness. Bad: transfiguration, taking a joke, and getting myself out of a sour mood.91. Do you like yourself?
I do. I wish I could be better at certain things, but everyone has a weakness. I know that a lot of people see me as this big Daddy's girl, innocent and pristine (perhaps even a prude) but that's me. I'm happy with who I am under my skin.92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that RPG characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...)
I don't do anything strange or heroic. I want to be heroic, I suppose, and my reasons for that are the same as what I tell everyone around me. I want to be like my Da and make him proud. Following in his footsteps just feels right.93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
I'd love to paint a famous portrait and to become an auror. Those are my two biggest goals.94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In a cubicle in the ministry working under my Da for the department of law enforcement. It's what I've seen myself doing since I was five and I hardly think it will change now.95. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Valiantly, with my head held up high, fighting for something I believe in.96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
I would read one of the books I've been putting off, I would go dance outside whether it was sunny or rainy, and I would probably snog Bertram Aubrey for the shock factor...and then die right afterwards because I wouldn't want to deal with talking to him or anyone else about it.97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
I don't think I've really done much in my life to be remembered for...but I think I would like to be remembered as a kind, hard working person. I want to die knowing that I fought all the battles I possibly could...not literal battles, but metaphorical and such.98. What three words best describe your personality?
Kind...simple. And orderly, I suppose?99. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Kind, serious, uptight.100. If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character? (You might even want to speak as if he or she were sitting right here in front of you, and use proper tone so he or she might heed your advice...)
To quote Stephen Sondheim, "take extra care with strangers, even flowers have their dangers, and though scary is exciting, nice is different than good." Be careful who you trust with your information and how quickly you come to a decision. I know, I know...you've got that Gryffindor stubbornness holding you back from thinking something through, but I really hope you'll try it Iris.