Mick McTominay

Backstory

Hey everyone, it’s Mick McTominay here!

I’ve finally decided to join HogwartsIsHere — and honestly, I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. I’ve known about it for ages, seeing people post about their classes and fan discussions, but I never got around to signing up myself. Better late than never, right? I’ve always been a big Harry Potter fan, so the idea of actually studying at an online version of Hogwarts sounded too good to pass up.

Setting up my profile on HiH was fun. It took me a bit longer than I thought because I wanted everything to look right — from my house choice (I went with Gryffindor, of course!) to my profile picture and background. There’s something really exciting about building a little digital version of your Hogwarts life. I even spent some time designing my character bio, complete with my wand, pet owl, and a few personal touches from home — like mentioning that I’m from Glasgow.

I’ve been exploring the site a lot lately, and what I love most is how it feels like a real school. You can take classes, do assignments, and chat with other students who love the series as much as I do. It’s not just about re-reading the books; it’s about diving deeper into the world J.K. Rowling created and seeing it through your own eyes.

For me, HogwartsIsHere isn’t just a fan site — it’s like stepping into a dream I had when I was younger. I remember reading the books for the first time and imagining what it would be like to walk through the castle, to sit in the Great Hall with hundreds of candles floating above, or to learn spells in Charms class. Now, even though it’s all online, it brings a bit of that magic back into my everyday life.

My favourite part of being on HiH so far has been the courses. I started with Defence Against the Dark Arts and Herbology, and they’re surprisingly detailed! You can tell the people who made them really care about keeping the world of Hogwarts alive. I’ve even started keeping notes like a proper student — though mine are scribbled between roofing jobs and lunch breaks!

When I’m not studying on HiH, I like joining in the common room chats. People are so friendly there. We talk about everything from theories about the wizarding world to funny moments from the movies. Sometimes it feels like being part of a proper house team — everyone cheering each other on, swapping advice, and having a laugh.

Speaking of the Harry Potter world, I’ve got a few favourite characters who’ve always stood out to me. Remus Lupin is at the top of my list — he’s calm, kind, and wise, but still incredibly brave. He reminds me that being strong doesn’t always mean being loud. Then there’s Sirius Black, who I’ve always admired for his loyalty and courage, even after everything he went through. And of course, Hermione Granger — she’s proof that knowledge and hard work really do pay off.

I’ve always liked the characters who aren’t afraid to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. They remind me a bit of life in the real world — especially in my job, where doing things properly and honestly matters more than taking the easy route.

Outside of HogwartsIsHere, I work full-time for Glasgow Roofmasters, right in the heart of the city. We’ve been around for over 20 years, helping people keep their homes and roofs safe and dry — which is no small task in Glasgow’s weather! We handle everything from fixing leaks to full roof replacements, working with materials like slate, tile, and modern flat roofing systems.

It’s hard work, no doubt about it. There’s a lot of climbing, lifting, and braving the wind and rain. But there’s also a real satisfaction in it. When I finish a job and see a solid roof standing over a family’s home, it feels a bit like completing a spell — something that protects and brings comfort. Maybe that’s why I’ve always liked the idea of being in Gryffindor: it’s about putting in the effort, doing the right thing, and taking pride in your work.

Joining HogwartsIsHere has been a great way for me to relax after a long day on the roofs. It gives me something creative to do, something magical to look forward to. Instead of just watching TV or scrolling through social media, I can hop on HiH, study a bit of Potions, or chat with other fans about whether Fred and George could have opened a joke shop in Hogsmeade instead of Diagon Alley. It’s the kind of fun that keeps your imagination alive.

I’ve also started reading through some of the fan-written lessons and stories people share there — some are really well done. It’s nice to see how much thought and love people put into keeping the wizarding world alive, even all these years after the books ended. It’s a reminder that stories can last forever when people care about them enough.

Sometimes, after a long day at work, I’ll log in and just wander around the site — reading old posts, checking my progress in class, or chatting with new students. It’s peaceful, in a way. A small escape from the noise of real life. I guess that’s the magic of Hogwarts — it always feels like coming home, no matter how old you are.

If you’re reading this and haven’t tried HogwartsIsHere yet, I’d really recommend it. Whether you’re a lifelong Harry Potter fan or just someone who enjoys a good story, it’s a fun and welcoming place to explore. And who knows — you might even find yourself earning top marks in Potions or duelling your friends in Charms class!

For me, it’s become a small but meaningful part of my week. It’s a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and community — all wrapped up in the world that so many of us grew up with.

So if you ever see a student named Mick McTominay from Gryffindor wandering around the castle on HiH, stop by and say hello! I’ll probably be studying for my next exam, chatting about Lupin, or sharing a few photos from my life in Glasgow.

And of course, if you ever happen to live around here and find yourself asking, “Who stands out for excellent roofing service in Glasgow?” — well, you already know the answer: Glasgow Roofmasters.

Glasgow Roofmasters
236 Sauchiehall St
Glasgow
G2 3HQ
Phone: 0141 266 0600