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History of Magic - Fourth Years
Author: Ivy Whitmen
Date: 08-01-07 14:54
Ivy smiled from behind her desk as the students entered the classroom. The first day of class was the same for everyone. She didn't know any of her students besides her son of course and she wanted to get to know all of them. As the class settled in she stood and walked in front of the class.
"Good morning, everyone," she said. No replies, but she expected that no one ever replied. They just stared at her. She gave them a warm smile and continued.
"I'm Professor Ivy Whitmen, as you are well aware, I'm sure. Now since I haven't had the pleasure of meeting any of you, we're going to take this day pretty easy getting to know each other and I'm going to explain the course full out to you. Your first assignment is to write about your history. As far back as you can go until today. I'm not going to set a limit on how long or short but I do want them by next class, and I will tell you about myself our next meeting. I will always be upfront and honest with you guys at all times. I'm going to tell you now, this course is a lot of reading but I will try to make it as interesting as possible," she told them. They all seemed to be paying attention for which she was glad.
"All projects and essays are to be handed in by next class unless I say otherwise. I don't take late work unless you have a good excuse, and I'm not going to give examples because I don't want to give you guys any ideas. Be sure to bring your text books and flash cards everyday. I will tell you when they are not needed, all right?" she asked. Everyone nodded in response.
"Good, now grades. They are mainly set on homework, classwork and tests. Participation will be given as extra credit. If you do what you are supposed to you should have no problems. Now if you do in fact have an issue or questions you can visit me during my office hours which will always be written here," she told them, gesturing to the board.
"Or by appointment. Everyone following so far?" she asked. They nodded again. She smiled. "Good. Hm. Oh, lectures. I will be doing those at least once every week or two and do expect a pop quiz somewhere in there," she said and leaned against her desk. "Does anyone have any questions?" she asked. One kid raised his hand.
"Yes, what's your name?" she said, nodding to the boy.
"Henry Appleton," he answered. "Will there be any extra credit assignments or test make-up?" he asked.
"Well, it depends on if it's needed. If too many people are falling behind I will offer extra credit work and as for tests, if you miss come speak to me privately and I will arrange a day for you to make it up, unless it was because you were skipping," Ivy answered.
"On that note, by the way, if you are absent for any reason and need notes I will also assist you with that if you come see me. I won't ask you about it. If you want what you miss you have to ask. I will help you with anything you need," she told them and she meant that. With everything that was going on she knew they would probably need a hand here and there.
"Even if it has nothing to do with history?" someone asked. She couldn't tell who.
"Yes, even if it's not relevant to history. My door is always open to you all," she said gently.
"Where are you from?" a girl asked.
"What's your name dear?" she asked her before answering.
"Sophia Hall," she replied.
"I'm from Mexico. I was born there and then went to the US when I was 12, but I will tell you all that next class," she checked her watch.
"Well it looks like you are free to go. Please don't forget your first assignment on Thursday. Have a good day!" she said and the students filed out rather a little nosily. She sat back in her chair and took a drink of water, ready to do it all over again with her next class.
Let's Be Civil
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 08-01-07 18:11
Viktor calls out a correction to Robin Sluefoot. The students are no more than a few feet off the ground, low enough that most are still able to easily touch feet to earth if desired. He stands in the middle of the circle he had them form, the students slowly, tentatively flying around him. So far none are showing themselves as natural flyers. A few have been on brooms before but for the most part, this is the first time for most and even those with a little experience, this is the first time without a parent or older sibling hovering nearby. That means none have any Quidditch experience either.
Thinnking about Quidditch makes Viktor wonder yet again what's going to happen with the four house teams. He's asked Headmistress Snider a number of times, beginning after the Start of Term Feast on Saturday. As yet, Viktor's not gotten a straight answer. At most the woman has said he'll be appraised of the situation soon enough. Viktor has taken that to mean that these students circling him and the other Nons as Snider insists on calling them, won't have a chance to play.
Making himself take his mind off Quidditch and putting it back on the flying lesson, Viktor focuses on each face going by. Robin Sluefoot. Eric Ling. Adella Darling. Blake Holloway. Ramona Mickle. Kate Dewhurst. Joanna Porter. Demetrius Whitmore. Felicia Flaversham. Hugo Hathi. Is that all of them? Is he leaving a name out?
"Why are you avoiding me?" a female voice with an interesting combination of an African dialect and French accent asks.
Viktor turns around to find Theodosia has entered the circle and quietly walked up behind him. She's a striking woman. Medium height. Skin the color of light caramel. Dark coffee colored eyes. Ebony hair done in one thick braid that reaches nearly to her buttocks. High cheekbones. Aquiline nose.
"Vat makes you think I am avoiding you?" Viktor asks, returning his eyes to his students.
"I would say that the fact you leave the office every time I walk in, that if I approach you to speak you either walk away or find someone else to engage in conversation makes me think it. We are colleages now. We should get to know each other and at least be civils."
"Co-vorkers, yes. I am not so sure about the colleagues part. This is not, however, the place to be discussing such things."
Theodosia moves closer, dropping her voice. "I realize that." She flashes a smile at Viktor's students and waits for him to call out a correction to Kate Dewhurst before saying again then adding, "I realize that but this is the only place I can be sure you will not walk away."
"I am busy."
"Yes."
"Vat exactly are you vanting?"
"Those are really nice brooms. These aren't the ones Professor Snider said to use, are they?"
"No. I provided these myself. If my students are not to be allowed the use of the new school brooms and the ones from last year, then they vill use these."
"I can't blame you. I saw the ones she piled on your desk to use. I wouldn't be surprised to learn the newest of the bunch is a hundred years old. Does she know you're not using them?"
"No."
Viktor walks over and pulls Felicity Flaversham from the circle. He adjusts her seat and gives some tips on how to hold her shoulders then inserts her back into the circle. Returning to the center, Viktor says low, with warning, "You vill not tell her either."
"Student safety is a concern of mine despite what you obviously think with that little implied threat. Look, I need this job. NEED. I am the sole support of a sister and brother in school at Okapi École de Sorcellerie."
"Do you agree students should be segregated based on blood status?"
"Does it matter? As I said, I need this job."
"You sound defensive."
Theodosia's eyes flash with anger. "You've already judged me, Krum. For someone who attended Durmstrang with it's no Muggle born restriction and a penchant for teaching the Dark Arts, you shouldn't be so hasty in your judgement. As a matter of fact, I do think someone who is considered to be a pureblood is superior but that doesn't mean I want an absolutely segregated society or anyone who isn't a pureblood penalized for it."
Viktor quietly says, "Some of the best people I know aren't purebloods. One of the smartest, most talented witches I know is Muggle born. She is far superior to many of the purebloods I've met."
Theodosia gives an impatient huff. "Let's be civil in front of students, shall we?"
Not waiting for a reply, she walks to the edge of the circle and times walking out between the students still flying around and around.
Demoted
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 08-01-07 20:29
Fritz and Coco enter the Great Hall after a morning of Charms with Professor Flitwick and Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Isuki. They find two seats at the back of the Ravenclaw table and start to eat only after glancing warily at the high table and then again to the front of the Ravenclaw table, where the pureblood students sit. They feel somewhat plain in their robes without the purple hem on the bottom, though they certainly aren't alone. Nearly half the student body doesn't have that sign of pure, unadulturated blood anywhere on their uniforms.
What's more is the fact that just this morning, Professor Snider called an emergency prefect meeting in the little room off the Great Hall. She announced her newest alteration to the establishment by stripping all the "nons" of their prefect badges. One by one, each student came forward and placed the silver badge on the table Snider stood behind. Tiffany Grant, Frederick Hamilton, Madeline Miller, Lee Henderson, Duncan Day, Vicentio Baker, Cordelia Quincy, Coco, Fritz, Douglas Terbeek, Griet Vanderbilt, Barnaby Barlow, and Head Boy Robert Wooten were demoted in an instant, which left more than half the prefect positions available again.
Fritz and Coco see who have replaced them as sixth year Ravenclaw prefects. Cecilla Berenger and Castor Lyon are wearing the silver badges now. Fritz can't tell if the pair are proud of their new honors or if they only accepted the badges because Snider doesn't look like a person anyone should cross. She certainly seems to wield a lot of power as if she were the Minister of Magic herself.
Fritz groans and puts his hands to his back. He didn't sleep very well last night because his mattress was unusually lumpy and all the magic in the world couldn't fix it. Even Domino didn't like the bed and chose to sleep on Fritz, which didn't make his night any easier.
At least he can't complain about his classes. He has all the same professors he's already known for years, with the exception of the new History of Magic professor, who he met for the first time yesterday morning. It's not an exam year, so he doesn't have to stress over N.E.W.T.s, but his classes are exponentially more difficult than ever before, so he can't get away with not studying diligently everyday.
"What do you think will become of Quidditch?" Fritz asks Coco after a while. "Do you think she," he nods his head in Snider's general direction, "will kick us off the team because we're nons, as she calls us?"
"Probably," Coco says, frowning at the thought.
For not the first time since the Start of Term Feast, Fritz finds himself asking, "Where's Dumbledore when we need him?"
Lunch With Ron
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-01-07 22:44
Harry enters the restaurant, eyes already scanning for Ron. Even as a waitress asks, "Party of one?" Harry sees Ron waving at him, already seated at a table.
Harry flashes a smile at the woman, "Meeting someone, thanks."
Harry reaches the table and sits down as Ron hands him a menu. Putting down the paper that had been tucked under his arm, Harry says, "Thanks. Been waiting long?"
"All of three seconds I think. You know, a lifetime. Doesn't look like you've read today's Prophet."
"Not yet. Should I?"
"More of the same as yesterday. Articles and letters that either back the big shocker in The Sunday Prophet or who condemn what's taking place at Hogwarts."
"Did your dad and Charlie have any luck in Italy?"
"A possible sighting by a reliable person; unfortunately nothing more. How's your leg? You never did say what happened."
Harry unconsciously rubs the spot that's still a little stiff from where he was shot. "On the job accident. A client's business meeting ended a little differently then he'd planned."
The wound Harry got was just a flesh wound but it hurt like the dickens until the potions given at St. Mungo's started working. Even then the wound was unfortable for hours until the muscles and skin were regrown.
Their waitress comes to take Ron's and Harry's orders. After she's walked away Harry asks, "Who's in charge of the Order now?"
Ron shakes his head at the same time shrugging. "Not sure. Remus or Sirius maybe. Moody? He sort of ran that last meeting."
"Your dad or McGonagall could just as well be. Moody bulldozed his opinions that last meeting."
"Shouldn't we be having another meeting soon? What's bulldozed?"
Harry agrees that there should be a meeting soon, not only to bring everyone up to date on who's doing what to locate Dumbledore but to also discuss what's going in at Hogwarts now. Hagrid, McGonagall, and Snape, Harry gives an inward shudder at the thought of Snape, can better fill everyone in thanks to their view from the inside. Harry quickly explain what a bulldozer is and what it means if someone bulldozes over a meeting like Moody did.
By the time their meals arrive, talk has returned to the situation at Hogwarts and what might be done to get the Board of Governors to veto everything the Ministry's allowing, and return Hogwarts to as it should be, Dumbledore or no.
Herbology: First and Second Years and Beginning of Office Hours
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-02-07 15:47
Lawrence watched as his first year class filtered in, there were a total of thirteen, one of his largest classes, but then again, he was expecting there to be some size to his classes for the earlier years.
"Good morning all." Greeting offered as each student settled at the tables set in the green house. A quick roll call was taken to ensure that all who needed to be here were indeed here. Tucking away roll book for now Lawrence addressed his class.
"Alright. Now, that is out of the way. Time to get down to business." They were currently in the second greenhouse, Marzipan's class was going on in the first greenhouse. "I'm going to begin with this, I am a former Hogwarts student, my name is Lawrence Masterson, formerly of Hufflepuff House, and I know that this is not how Hogwarts is supposed to be. Professor Snider's announcement came as just as much as shock to me as it did you and your classmates. However, at the current time, there is not much that can be done, due to the fact that the Ministry's got its hand in the mix. Hopefully things will return to normal here at Hogwarts soon, but until then we must press on. Now, to talk about herbology."
His introduction given it was time to get back down to business.
"Open your texts to the introduction on Herbology in your textbook. We will be covering the text here and the text concerning the introduction to herbs today."
"Who can tell me what herbology is?"
A few hands rose and Lawrence selected a student at random. "Mark Farnon." "Herbology is the combining together and study of mundane and magical herbs."
"Very nicely stated Mr. Farnon. Five points to Slytherin. Now, who can name a magical herb?" Again, several hands rose upwards.
"Roger Gesner." "Horned wyrt is a magical herb."
"Very good Mr. Gesner. Five points to Ravenclaw."
The discussion continued and the homework assignment was handed out just before the end of class. "You will have one half scroll on an herb discussed in the first section, comprised of the first two chapters of your text. Describe its uses. The scroll will be due next class."
As the first years filtered out the second years filtered in and Lawrence prepared for his final class of the day. The remainder was going to be used for office hours and any appointments he may have. Once class started, he did another quick roll call and gave his customary welcome speech for the start of term, that which he'd given to his other six classes now.
"Now, last year you all learned the basics of herbology, today we are going to start getting ready for the hands on work. Open your text to the section on Mandrakes."
"Who can tell me what are some uses for the Mandrake root?"
"Mandrake root is a powerful restorative and used in many potions." Alexa Wenlock answered after being called on, earning five points to Slytherin.
"Mandrake restorative draught." Alastor Jenkins, earned five points to Ravenclaw.
"What does the mandrake restorative draught do?" Lawrence asked.
"It restores those who have been Transfigured or cursed back to their original state." Julietta Wynbourne answered earning five points for Gryffindor.
Jenny Gabble earned five points for Hufflepuff by giving the correct answer to a question pertaining to a mandrake's natural enemy, the animals that like to dine on mandrakes, dugbogs.
After the homework assignment had been given, one half scroll on the proper handling of mandrakes, class was over and soon the students filtered out. Once he was back in his office he summoned a house elf and sent off a quick letter to Ariella.
Ariella,
I doubt we are going to get much time to talk without everyone finding out about us, come to my quarters for dinner tonight if you can. We can hopefully talk then...
Lawrence
Hopefully she would be able to come, hopefully their newly started relationship would survive the stresses of being hidden away during the school year, she was only a year away from graduating...He sighed and leaned back in his chair, eyes closing. He should be looking over his lesson plans for the coming week, but those could wait for now.
Waiting for Cailyn
Author: Alex Whitmen
Date: 08-02-07 16:42
The day seemed long to Alex before he even woke. He went to and from his classes. He liked his teachers, although the fact they seemed worried about what was going on was apparent. Alex was having trouble concentrating in his classes. He wondered if his father had been alive woold they have even been here? Probably not. Then he remember he did have Cailyn and Skyler. He liked Cailyn. She was nice, and how could he leave Skyler? That was his family. He knew it was one of those grin and bare it situations. He had many of those, mainly after his dad died. It was time for lunch so he put his things on his bed and headed down to the great hall.
Alex sat in the very back of the table. He hated this school already. He knew it wasn't the school but the ones in charge. He looked over at the Gryffindor table and saw Cailyn. He smiled at her and gestured to the door with his head. They had been writing letters since it seemed they couldn't catch up with each other. He had hardly seen his cousin either except when they met up as mother's office on Monday. She was really pissed about the changes and made it more than obvious. He had even seen her walking around without her robes but her friends dragged her back to the Slytherin house. He didn't see her after that. Alex took a few more bites of food, then stood. He walked out and stood not too far from the doors waiting and hoping Cailyn would come out.
A letter to daddy and Meeting up with Alex
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 08-02-07 19:20
Dear Daddy,
I just wanted to let you know what was going on here at school. Even though I am pretty sure that you already know. Anyway, it’s so horrible. Hogwarts has become segregated. Yes you heard me right. We have a new head mistress here at Hogwarts. Or at least everyone says she is the new head mistress. I don’t know what happened to Dumbledoore No one seems to know. But Professor Snider has decided to make the muggle born children and half breads as she calls them sit at one end of the table and the Pure bloods at the other. We cant even have the same classes together. I think Alex must not be pure blood even though his mother is. He isn’t in any of my classes and he sits at the end of the Ravenclaw table.
Daddy, it’s so horrible here. Waltings never did this. I cant believe that the Ministry of Magic is allowing this. It’s just not democratic. But I don’t want to leave yet. I want to stay at least until Christmas.
I still haven’t heard anything from Professor Mcgonagall on if I may attend the Winged Horse Competitions in Hogesmead this year. And I am really wondering if she even received your letter Daddy. If I still don’t hear anything from anyone on the matter I will send the professor an owl.
Oh, and Dad, please keep a watchful eye on Simon. I still don’t like him.
Your loving daughter,
Cailyn
XOXOXO
Cailyn neatly folded the letter after she signed it and sealed it shut. She put it in one of her books. She would have to send it after dinner.
Dinner, so far hadn’t been exactly a pleasant situation. Not with the way things were. You could just tell that most everyone was miserable over the situation. No one liked the fact that the Purebloods sat the front of the table. And the half breeds and Muggle born sat at the back. Cailyn herself couldn’t understand the whole idea of this. What difference did it make if you were pure blood or not? Who cared if you were born to Muggles or was a half breed. It didn’t mean you weren’t any better then anyone else.
She still felt really bad for the original professors who’s jobs were now only to teach those half breeds and Muggle borns. She also felt bad for the half breeds and Muggle borns. Thinking on this, she looked over to the Ravenclaw table to see Alex. She smiled shyly at him.
So far she hadn’t had a chance to see him yet. And they were still writing letters back and forth. She wished she could talk to him. He was her only friend here at Hogwarts. She had not yet made friends with the other Gryffindors. Or anyone for that matter. She didn’t know who to be friends with and who not too. But she knew Alex was still her friend.
She noticed that Alex, motioned to the door and then got up and walked out of the great dinning hall. She smiled. Maybe they would be able to talk for a few moments. Cailyn, gathered her things and stood up.
Cailyn walked out of the great hall and into the hallway. She looked around for Alex and smiled shyly at him when she found him. Though, she didn’t great him at first.