Hi, Denise, welcome to the Oz on Saturday. It's my favourite too. Let's see if I can answer your questions about last week's puzzle.
1. A young wizard would be Potter, minus the 'p' (penniless) leaves 'otter'.
2. shandy is 'shy' around 'and'. Shy = timid
3. staff crooked is 'mace bent', or as Spooner would say 'base ment' = cellar. Not a great clue.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.