Workers Eleanor—Editor Natasha—Proof Reader
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
P
eople celebrate Beth—Fashion Stylist Christmas in different Imogen—Film Reviewer ways. For some, it is about the meal; hours spent Em—Upcoming Books/Films slaving over the hot stove to Emilie—Interviewer create a succulent turkey, crisp roast potatoes Emily—Grammarian and a melt-in-the-mouth yule log. For others, it Emma—Illustrator is about presents, both giving and receiving, and Eve—Columnist seeing the faces of loved ones light up in joy as Imi—Music Editor they open the perfect present. People young and Jessica—Fandom Updater old are still enthralled by the magic of Christmas. It is always possible to hear shrieks Juve—Quiz Master of delight as the first drop of snow falls and Saffy—Book Reviewer later figures of all shapes and sizes will always be fighting in the snow (their ammunition being get in touch snowballs, of course) and creating homes made Email us at from ice and snow. Sometimes you can even see fandomsassemblemagazine@ cats slowly testing out the new ground and, gmail.com having decided it is safe, catching snowflakes Tweet us at between their paws. @fandommagazine
Follow for fandom news at fandomsassemblemagazine.t umblr.com
Christmas is a beautiful and magical time, so tell me: what is your favourite thing about Christmas?
ELEANOR x
Find out what some of our workers are loving right now
EMILIE
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I am enjoying that Glee is back and Catching Fire has been released!
IMI
At the moment I’m really enjoying One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill may have ended but Netflix is keeping it very much alive for me, having watched seven seasons in just under two weeks.
Updaters Rae—Creative Director
FOOD UNTIL WE
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is' the season to be jolly. I mean how can Imi—Chief Updater you not be jolly with Beth—Ariana Grande, mince pies, roast Phandom chicken, mashed potato, roast Cian—Harry Potter, Once parsnips to name but a few. Not everyone enjoys Upon A Time, Percy Jackson, the Christmas spirit, but there is no denying that the Pretty Little Liars Christmas dinner is something that everyone has Jessica—Doctor Who, Marvel, been waiting for all year round. Pull the Sherlock crackers, place on the hats and gobble down all Laura—Divergent that food until you're past full. Victoria—Publicity
Lisa—Jedward
Christmas dinner has been a celebration for many Rae—Disney, Harry Potter, generations and each time it just gets bigger and Game of Thrones, better. Your great great great great grandmother Supernatural most likely even experienced the same things. Even Saffy—Divergent, Lord of the your distant family who you have no idea how you Rings, The Mortal are related to will come and share the festivities. Instruments Although you're looking forward to the food, the fact Editor Soshin—Mumford & Sons, that you get to spend time with family who you've Vampire Weekend missed is great too. And even like me, if you're only Yasemin—The Hunger Games having Christmas with your mum, it will still be just as good. So I throw a mince pie to you and wish you a very merry Christmas.
RAE x
Find out what some of our updaters are loving right now
VICTORIA
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Barcelona has always been a favourite band of mine, and lately I’ve had their cover of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” on repeat—it’s absolutely amazing.
SOSHIN
Vampire Weekend’s tour has been brilliant! Although I wasn’t able to go this time, I know many friends who have.
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CONTENTS 8
6. Tagged 10. Interview: @LawrencelyJen
12. Quiz 14. Confessions
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18. Fashion 22. Fandom Updates
24. Music Updates 25. Music Review
WHAT TO WATCH
26. Upcoming Films
20 GOODBYE MATT SMITH 4 4
27. Film Review 28. Upcoming Books
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29. Book Review 30. To Read Next 31. Book Club 32. My Favourite: Clemence Posey
FANDOM GIFTS
33. Column
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36. Top Ten 38. Birthdays 43. Tweets of the Month
46. Fanart
12 DAYS OF FANDOMS
16 WINTER FANDOM FASHION 5
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Interview:
@LawrencelyJen
@LawrencelyJen is a fan account run by Youstina. Her time on Twitter has seen her gain over 23,500 followers and often seen the account be mistaken for Jennifer Lawrence’s. She talks about The Hunger Games, the release of Catching Fire in cinemas and why she thinks it
was better than the first, and her love of Jennifer. When did you first get into THG? In 2011. I knew about the movie sorta but didn't know much Youstina with Jena Malone at the Catching Fire about it. premiere
Why did you decide to dedicate a twitter account to Jennifer Lawrence and THG?
Well, I'm in love with Jen. She's just so amazing and wise and everything she stands for is just perfection. There needs to be more people like her in this world.
What do you love most about THG? Probably its message, and Youstina10at a Catching Fire book signing with Sam Claflin, Jena Malone and Jeffrey Wright.
the fact that it's so realistic and has you thinking that maybe one day, this world is going to be so bad, that something that bad can happen to us. So hopefully we'll be smart enough to stop something like that from happening.
Do you have a favourite THG Twitter or Tumblr account, besides your own? Uhhh I like JLdaily because
Je
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Favour ite
she posts so much about Jen and obviously I love Jen! Haha.
Obviously Catching Fire has just come out, what did you think? Was it better than THG, did it do the book justice? I think it was much better than THG. So much detail and it was so true to the book. I'm so unbelievably proud of Francis Lawrence.
You camped out for premiere tickets and met some of the cast, what was that like? It was unbelievable. I met literally everyone from the cast and it was just an amazing experience. Especially meeting Jen (although it was the second time I met her) but still. I
wish I could relive it.
Had you previously been to any THG events?
book:
Catchin g Fire
Favour ite
Finnick
charac
ter:
Fa
vourite I went to the cast m ember Jen! mall tour in LA : back in March 2012 where I met Jen, Josh, & Favour ite ship : Liam. Everlar k Anything left on your THG bucket list? Do you plan on going to more premieres?
Definitely plan on going to the premieres of MJ [Mockingjay] 1 & 2.
Do you belong to any other fandoms? I do, yes. But there is no fandom besides Harry Potter that I've ever belonged to as strongly as I do to Catching Fire.
Are there any Youstina with Josh Hutcherson at the Catching fandom Fire premiere related events All photos belong to Youstina. you're looking forward to in the new year? Not really, Mockingjay!
besides
ennifer at11the Catching Fire premiere
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WHAT TO WATCH THIS CHRISTMAS Presents opened, dinner eaten. Now it's time to kick back, relax, and check out whatever treats the television channels have to offer, or dig out the classic, Christmas DVDs... Like every year, the soaps, such as Eastenders and Coronation Street, are bringing out the most explosive and dramatic episode for your entertainment on Christmas day. A bittersweet choice next. For Doctor Who lovers, there will of course be the Christmas special played. Savour this episode, as it will sadly be Matt Smith’s last performance... and we're sure it will be an emotional one. You and the family could join the Crawleys this Christmas at Downton Abbey. You can count on the sweet characters or the Dowager Countess to entertain us! ...and we pray there won't be the heartache we experienced last year.
Call The Midwife is also on, so why not settle down and watch the drama, laugh and cry with the midwives on screen - or at the cute little babies. Your choice really... Elf. Incredibly awkward and unaware Buddy the Elf is ready to entertain the whole family with his amazing Christmas spirit on Christmas day, and come on, who doesn't love this film? It's a Wonderful Life is not only a Christmas film, it's also very heart warming, sweet and includes some very meaningful lessons. Harry Potter: one of everyone's favourites, and perfect for the family. Settle down and imagine you're at Hogwarts at Christmas, with the trio... Love Actually: funny, sweet, and full of some of our favourite actors and actresses. With different, interesting and intertwining storylines... (but maybe not for the younger members of the family). Polar Express. The snowy beginning, Santa and his elves; this movie couldn't be any Christmassier. Great animation and storyline and suitable for all ages of the family. Miracle on 34th Street: sweet story, beautifully shot, and full of dreams and Christmas spirit, with the message for everyone to just believe in Christmas and enjoy the holiday season. 13
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CONFES I hate how obsessed Whovians are with the New Who companions. Have they forgotten about Classic Who?
I hate how they got almost nothing right in the first Percy Jackson movie! The sixth Harry Potter movie annoys me.
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Seriously, they didn’t even have Ares or Kronos in it.
SSIONS
I think The Hunger Games is terribly written and completely overrated. Katniss is one of the worst protagonists I’ve ever read about.
I think The Mortal Instruments are horrible books. The pacing was terrible and the ending was rushed. The characters shift from annoying to mature and then back. It is so unrealistic.
When I first heard of All Time Low, I thought that they were a spin-off of The Wanted.
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SO LONG, FAREWELL Auf wiedersehen, goodnight, Matt Smith.
MISS MATT SO SO MUCH GREAT DOCTOR!
Matt Smith has graced our TV “I’M GOING TO screens for the past three years, portraying a quirky and childlike Doctor, whose dark side is darker than ever. We AND HE WAS A have seen him change and mature under the BBC’s I watchful eye, however, it is now time for us to let him go. AM EXCITED FOR PETER Ever since it was announced CAPALDI THOUGH.” he was leaving, thousands of carrot juice”? Who knows? All speculations for the new Doctor we do know is that we will miss spread across the internet. We our bow tie wearing, fez-loving now know it is Peter Capaldi, eleventh doctor. however, people are still guessing. How will he die? What Raise your sonic screwdrivers will his last words be? Can they with me in a toast to Matt ever beat “I don’t want to go” Smith. May he have the best and “Carrot juice, carrot juice, career he could possibly have, and may he be “I DON’T WANT HIM TO LEAVE immortalised as the BECAUSE HE IS MY Doctor and be known for generations to come.
FAVOURITE DOCTOR BUT AT THE SAME TIME I’M
EXCITED FOR PETER.” 20
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Goodbye Matt Smith, you will be sorely missed.
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FANDOM UPDATES What is happening in the fandom world right now MARVEL
ONCE UPON A TIME New stills were released from episodes 6 and 7 of Once Upon A Time. In the fairytale world of episode 6 (entitled Ariel) has Ariel saving Snow White. Meanwhile, the other characters must find a way to rescue Neal, which involves them revealing their deepest secrets. In episode 7 (entitled Dark Hallow) it has Ariel going to Storybrooke to warn the people of the danger that is coming. 22
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Finally! Thor: The Dark World was released. Many pictures from different premieres surfaced the internet, mainly ones from the U.K. and the L.A. premieres. The U.K. premiere included the main cast, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Eccleston and Kat Dennings. At the L.A. premiere were Chris and Tom again, as well as Stan Lee, Anthony Hopkins, Zachary Levi and Jaimie Alexander. Also at the L.A. premiere was the beautiful cast of Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Clark Gregg, Chloe Bennett and Elizabeth Henstridge.
PERCY JACKSON The release date for Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods was announced on the House of Hades tour and will be August 19th of next year! The book will be a retelling of the Greek myths from Percy’s voice. The novel will also have full colour illustrations done by John Rocco.
DOCTOR WHO
HARRY POTTER Queen J.K Rowling was at the Lumos fundraising event at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter tour with fellow actors Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Warwick Davis, Evanna Lynch and some not-so-friendly death eaters on November 9, 2013. Also at the event Emma tweeted out a picture of herself beside a wax figure of herself, mimicking it.
#SaveTheDay! Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary was on the 23rd of November and there were many interviews and promos leading up to the event. As everyone should know, the special stars were Matt Smith, David Tennant, John Hurt, Billie Piper and Jenna Louise Coleman. There was also a 50th anniversary royal reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate with special appearances by John Hurt, Matt Smith, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Jenna Louise Coleman and Catherine Tate as well as a few daleks.
SHERLOCK The first still from the muchanticipated season 3 of Sherlock has been released! The new series is set to premiere on January 19th in North America but there is no confirmed date for the U.K. However, a special screening of the first episode will be played on December 15, 2013 at the National Film Theater with Q&A after with the producers and actors.
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THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG
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HANG
OVER 3 9th
CATCHING FIRE
Was it really only last year that this dark, twisted and game-changing franchise had stepped onto our screens and captured an entire teen generation's hearts? From January with the arena set photos, all the way to the final trailer released last month, we've been on the edge of our seats every step of the way. It's been a tedious and pain-staking journey, but it’s finally here! Admittedly, I was moderately dissatisfied with some aspects of 'The Hunger Games' (certain castings, cut outs and unstable cameras to say the least), but as I entered the theatre I remained sceptical about whether the movie would live up to its book counterpart. I was undeniably protective of my favourite book in the series, and after ‘The Hunger Games’ laid the storyline foundations, ‘Catching Fire’ is really the book where the universe started to capture my heart. Not only do we delve deeper into the secrets of the Capitol, but also we're introduced to characters such as the fandom's favourite Finnick Odair. ‘Catching Fire’ has been undoubtedly the fandom universe's most anticipated movie adaptation of 2013. It has not only quadrupled its fandom domain in just over a year, but it has gained media attention from a 27
range of audiences; it’s undeniable that newcomer director Francis Lawrence has a fandom that won't accept another cringey slap-dash movie adaptation for an answer. So, will Catching Fire ever live up to it? For those who have not yet been blessed by these books (where have you been?!) 'The Hunger Games' is a series about Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old hunter who is thrown into an annual twisted reality-tv show death match with 23 other teenagers. In a desperate attempt to stay alive and gain the audience's hearts, Katniss must pretend to be deeply in love with Peeta Mellark, her fellow tribute. Our favourite dystopian couple both win the games by manipulating the game makers, consequently igniting a rebellion that could destroy everything they know. f However, the story doesn't end there, as a year later they're reaped as tributes again in a gruesome 75th anniversary special, and this time they're up against previous victors. The stakes have never been higher in this action-packed, loyal cinematic masterpiece that lives up to its book parallel. h If you're up for a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and pure character investment, ‘Catching Fire’ is everything and more. However, a personal highlight of mine is the casting. Jena Malone as Johanna Mason being my personal favourite; she displays the feisty and vigorous side of Johanna that we all either love or hate. Conversely, she simultaneously shows us the dejected and lonely parallel to Johanna, which I'm excited to see shine in ‘Mockingjay’. h At a close second is the biggest and most anticipated casting that had us all shrieking on rooftops. Yes, I'm talking about Finnick Odair. Lionsgate seemed adamant that we had no material on Sam Claflin's interpretation of him until the movies release (excluding a handful of set photos, 1 still and a 2 second trailer clip). This left us to see Finnick on screen for the first time in the cinema, which aided my instant like for Sam's portrayal of him. He has all the charm and looks (especially looks) that made half the fandom completely gawk over his character. Yet we can still detect the sorrowful and reserved core. I've fallen hard for movie Finnick just as I did for book Finnick, and I honestly can't wait to see him in ‘Mockingjay part 1 and 2’ (okay, excluding his uncalled for departure that left me sobbing for days). The truth is, ‘Catching Fire’ is a movie that will leave you wanting more, long after you've left the cinema. The acting, special effects and storyline are a recipe for immense box office success; just remember to bring some Kleenex!
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Am aking The Da Bad: A nge n I r boo ew m k th ust the mo at fe have exc st v it ola atures tile from ing a m a ll fi om nd of e v nts e se sho the a s w. C o t om elevis ns me p lete ion mo rab wit ilia h .
Tes s girl a is th , e eve and new r she y ne l w ike i s and girl aw k l o w n of ar d ely . h wh er s Think e u kiss n a cu rprise e tur s he te guy ns r her …..and wo lf. into Bec a o
The Wit h W Bor out a F orld n b She u ehi nd ture w as day wa ll b end the orn t s. h e wo e wo d. I r r n ld thin ld, o the n eve g rem ly o ir a n r blo ything ins tru e od. e: en not hin It is ds in g. all or
BOOKS OF DECEMBER
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C mo der hain n s hig hlig book is a hts stru tha t and ggles o t h e f day slaver racis y in m mo and t v age his bas ing . e A free d on y b dom ear ook mo n fo der r i n n set ting plan tati a . on 28
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Bei n ver g lo n y Aur daun ely i ti s elin to ea i ng, bu t s re Her face ady it e’s a at L o oki ll. You ng ab o is u dem t faci a nove n l hap ons an g you r p you y wi d bein g t h w rea lly are ho .
D Litt eadl y le Pre Sud L i a tt d are enly rs # y 1 t A's quest he gi 4 r i the plan oned. ls yw suc cee If i aw ay ll be d eve for g lock s, ryo e ood d n eve ryt e fin . Will h d o hav e d ing ut one the ? y
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I St Gho st in ay m As h Ash eets es a n es, th t ew e f irst o tee Car n r i acc ie die duolo n ide g nt, d in y. her an a le g wo rld. host aving in odd But the f o r e r stil l h ason, some ere she . .. is
rol is a (e-p inte s n pir ub) a sto se, ry rom ling, s ab o a nt et i u i gen t the n 215 c etic 0 hu tha t so “mist man a to c forg iety w kes” rea et. a d A g nts kin ood dle for . you r
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SO YOU’VE READ ‘ON THE JELLICOE ROAD’ BY MELINA MARCHETTA AND ENJOYED IT? WHAT NEXT?
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A LITTLE WANTING SONG—CATH CROWLEY
A STRAIGHT LINE TO MY HEART—BILL CONDON
Charlie Duskin loves music and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country. She's got all her recording equipment but she wants a friend. Rose Butler lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and can't wait to leave their small country town. She’s won a scholarship to a school in the city, and now has to convince her parents. This is where Charlie comes in: Charlie might be Rose's ticket out.
School is over, not just for the year, but forever. Tiff and Kayla are free, but now summer is nearly at an end and that means life decisions. Tiff is hoping her job at the local paper will lead to something more, but is soon put straight on what it takes to become a reporter. Then in stumbles Davey; the first boy who has ever really wanted to know her.
RAW BLUE—KIRSTY EAGAR
SIX IMPOSSIBLE THINGS—FIONA WOOD
Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook. Surfing is the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago at schoolies week. And then Carly meets Ryan, fresh out of jail. When Ryan learns the truth, Carly has to decide. Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and finally be happy?
Fourteen-year-old nerd-boy Dan Cereill is not quite coping with a reversal of family fortune, moving house, new school hell, a mother with a failing wedding cake business, a just-out gay dad, and an impossible crush on Estelle, the girl next door. His life is a mess, but for now he's narrowed it down to just six impossible things...
Editor’s pick:
BOOK CLUB
Eragon by Christopher Paolini Eragon is a about a young farm boy whose destiny changes in a flash of light when a mysterious blue stone appears before him. Follow Eragon as he journeys through a disturbed kingdom with his Dragon Saphira, without falling into the pits of the dark king‘s hands. Eragon is a book that you either loathe or love, but it is definitely worth a try.
@Laura_Chisnall Noughts And Crosses by Malorie Blackman is brilliant. It’s a great dystopian novel but also looks at racism.
@Finnicktastic Looking For Alaska by John Green is such a beautiful book!
@youkatie_atsix OKAY YOU HAVE TO READ MAZE RUNNER BY JAMES DASHNER. IT’S A TRILOGY AND YOU WILL CRY I GOT SO ATTACHED TO THE 31 CHARACTERS OH NO.
See what’s on our staff’s bookshelves
Allegiant by Cassandra Clare.
Looking For Alaska by John Green.
It is my second John Green I’m loving it so far! I book that I am reading have managed to avoid and I am really enjoying it spoilers but I’m and the whole concept of bracing myself for the inevitable it! Cian—@triwizardschamp_ pain. Emilie—@holy_hippogriff
The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins After watching Catching Fire, my buzz for the series has been rekindled. Gotta love a good reread! Imi—@saltysummerday_
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott I’m (slowly) re-reading Little Women again whenever I am free and it is really entertaining, sweet and great to relax with. Ellie—@jamesandlilys_
Read an absolutely magnificent book recently, and you can’t help but want to share it with the world? Tweet us and it will appear here! Don’t forget to hashtag it. #fabookclub
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COLUMNIST
THE TIME HAS COME
It’s finally December, and it seems we can’t shake the fact that Matt Smith is leaving Doctor Who. It’s actually going to happen this month, and none of us are going to be prepared for it. Instead of enjoying Christmas dinners or opening presents, we’re going to be sobbing our hearts out. It seems that our favourite actors sometimes just decide to leave when we least expect it, or the TV shows we watch religiously end so suddenly, we’re not sure why it’s happened.
Of course, David Tennant leaving was a painful experience for all fans. At first, no one could bear the thought of getting a new Doctor. The last episode with David Tennant had been emotional enough seeing Donna again and then watching the Doctor visit all of his companions put us on the very edge. When he finally regenerated, we were already swimming in a pool of tears.
INSTEAD OF
ENJOYING
CHRISTMAS DINNERS OR ways, we are just OPENING PRESENTS, Inlikemany the Doctor. He doesn’t endings, and neither WE’RE GOING TO BE like do we. If only we could
SOBBING OUR HEARTS OUT
When the last ever episode of Merlin aired on December 24th, we were all so shocked by the ending, we refused to believe it. There just had to be another series. Were the BBC tricking us? Was there going to be a spin-off series? So far, our questions haven’t been answered, and we’re still struggling to get over33the ending.
rip out the last page and not know the ending. But then, we must try not to think about the negatives. We can think about the episodes he’s been in and smile at the memories. We can do that with everything that’s ended. And even if we can’t stop thinking about him leaving, we can stick together to help heal the pain.
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12 DAYS OF On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Fandoms Assemble magazine.
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me 2 The Hunger Games films.
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me 3 Divergent books.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 4 Lord of the Rings (and a Hobbit) books.
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 5 Percy Jackson books. On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 6 Sherlock episodes. 34
F FANDOMS! On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me 7 Harry Potter books
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 8 Avengers, Fury and Coulson
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 9 Supernatural seasons
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 Friends seasons On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 Disney Princesses
On the twelfth day of Christmas my 35 true love gave to me 12 Doctors 27
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Kayleigh (kayleighgaga.tumblr.com)
FAN
Emma (@Emmajradford) Ciara (@Romione69)
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Remember to email us your fan art at fa
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Beth (@BAMansfield) Alison (@taylorbakes13)
Kathryn (@maraudylan)
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andomsassemblemagazine@gmail.com
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