Stepping In

Chapter 3

Step 1: Taking the Portkey

Joining the Discord chat for HiH is simple. You don’t need to have a Discord account long before joining the server; it allows accounts that have been signed up for at least 5 minutes. Though it is easier if you sign up first. You can create a free account (either personal or strictly for HiH), and you can take a few minutes to become familiar with the layout and workings. You will have to read and accept the rules and conditions then. If you are not already signing up through the mobile app, you can download it and sign in, too, but you can also sign in with an internet browser. 

Once that is done, or if you are familiar with the Discord app prior to the HiH server, then you will need the invite code. If you are unfamiliar, the invite code will get you into the server, as it’s not possible to access servers without it. The invite code can be found here, or simply check the Newsroom for an article with the Discord icon (resembling a gaming console controller with a smily face). HiH has slightly changed the original icon to mirror Harry Potter's attributes, such as his glasses and lightning scar, to reflect the Wizarding World aspect. In the article, you will find the Portkey (invite link), which will take you directly to the Discord site (or app if you are on your smartphone), and ask if you want to join the Hogwarts is Here server.

Step 2: Platform 9 & ¾

You’ll be greeted by entering the first channel in a successive line of channels to make sure new students understand rules and regulations, in a mild role-playing aspect of a student making their way to their first year of Hogwarts. The first step, getting through Platform 9 & ¾. 

This forum is just an understanding of all rules and regulations. These include Discord’s rules (linked and listed in Chapter One) and the Discordian Castles rules.

Here is a list of the server rules:

1. Be Civil: Keep interactions respectful and PG-13. No discussing topics such as politics or religion. Hate speech for both Muggle and Wizard aspects will not be tolerated and is an immediate kick from the server.

2. Protect Your Privacy: Do not post any information about your real age. You can refer to the Hogwarts Years system for roleplaying purposes. Mentioning your age (or related information that can discern your age to others) will be removed by mods, and you’ll be given a warning. Also, no one should be asking for your personal information.

3. Do Not Spam: Spamming a channel with irrelevant or repeated messages will have your messages deleted by mods and put you on mute for an extended amount of time.

4. No Outside Media: any non-HiH links or any images are not allowed. There is an exception for PAs and Staff in cases where they are aiding in a student's education.

5. No Advertising: Currently, you cannot advertise HiH groups or clubs. This rule is less strict as many classrooms have their own dedicated groups and clubs on the HiH site, which can be discussed in their appropriate classrooms. It is best to leave the group/club material on the site group/club and minimize the amount of talk or advertising on the server. This will also be edited in new updates as the Discordian Castle grows. Advertising any non-HiH content or spamming certain channels with it will have your comments removed by moderators with a warning. Continuing to do so will get you muted.

6. Use English in Public Areas: Without qualified moderators, all conversations should be in English. Other languages (in informal conversation and not for classes) will have your comments removed and a warning issued. As the site and server do see many international students, you are welcome to ask another student to engage in other language talk by Direct Messaging.

The server has a 3-strike rule. Breaking any rule will result in a strike. If you have accumulated 3 strikes, you will be banned from the server. Being banned means you will be kicked from the server, and any readmittance will have to be approved by a staff member. Some actions, like aggressive or hate speech or admission of being under 13 years old, will result in an immediate ban. 

Now that you are aware of the rules, you can agree to the terms by clicking the green checkmark icon at the end of the script. You will not be able to engage in the forum any other way. The checkmark will signal to staff that you have read and agreed to the terms and are ready for the next step. Be patient here; it might take a while for the staff to be updated and to approve you into the next forum. While that advice starts in this forum, it extends to the next forums as well.

Step 3: Hogwarts Express

Having passed through Platform 9 & ¾, you are ready to board the Hogwarts Express! You move through the cars to find a seat; you come to one occupied by other First Years, so you go to introduce yourself.

Here, you will need your HiH URL to show that you are a student of HiH. It is okay if your Discord account does not match your HiH student name. Your URL will show you as an active student. This step eliminates spamming bots and hacks trying to raid the server. When a green checkmark appears on your comment, it means a staff member has verified your HiH account and will be giving you access to the next forum. Again, please be patient here as the staff configure you into the server. Sometimes, this whole process can take up to 24 hours, or in an influx of new students, it may be longer. 

Without much else to do in the channel, it’s advised that you mute the channel after completing your official entrance into the server (after the next step). This is so you aren’t constantly notified of new students commenting their URLs. 

Step 4: Welcoming Feast

Now you have arrived at the Castle! As a First Year, you will have to be sorted into your House.

You will get to pick an icon matching your House at the end of the message. It will have to match your HiH House. The Sorting Hat app will give you a role for your House, and it will change the color of your name to reflect it. This is to signify to other students your House. Unless you are given other roles that override your House, like Professor’s Assistant, Head Student, or Prefect Moderator, all with different colors. 

As an interesting tidbit, all staff roles are listed in hues of purple. Headmistress Oshiro will be colored royal dark purple. Professors will be colored violet purple. All HSs and PAs will be colored lavender. Prefect Moderators are white. Of course, the Houses are matched with their primary colors: red, green, yellow, and blue.

The next step for you will be changing your server name to your HiH student account name. To change your server name, you can back out until you can see the entire server (with all the classrooms and forums). Then you can click the server name “Hogwarts is Here,” which will bring up a screen of the settings you can access. One of the settings will say “Edit Server Profile." Even with the free version of Discord, the server will allow you to change your server name and edit your pronouns. Make sure they both reflect your HiH account. 

After completing this step, and once staff have accepted your new roles, you will have access to the rest of the server.