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How Far To Push?
Author: Bailey
Date: 08-15-07 17:40
Exiting the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom that last year had been Professor Isuki's, Bailey can't help but wish she were still his professor in the subject. Professor Yaxley knows his stuff but where Professor Isuki made DADA exciting, not just the dueling and practice obstacle course but the lecture portions as well, Professor Yaxley makes it dull, lifeless. Boring would be a really nice way of phrasing it. He's told Bailey's class they will do some dueling and use the rooms that were once Professor Isuki's to use for the obstacle courses, but not for awhile yet. Until then, it's mainly sit in class while the man drones on about defensive and offensive theories and strategies, presenting one drawing after another to illustrate his points.
Reaching Charms, Bailey gets seated quickly and pulls out his homework to turn in. Bailey smiles a tiny smile at thinking that up on the next floor, Jewel is entering Professor Flitwick's class and probably doing the same thing, getting out homework to turn in. The small smile turns into a frown as Bailey thinks yet again about how if not for this bloody stupid segregation shit, Jewel and he would be in the same classes today. He'd get to see her all day today and not just a tiny bit before going to their different house tables at breakfast, a little bit during lunch before or after they've eaten, and then again a little tonight, waving to each other at dinner and then probably getting together in the library to study.
Professor Flume calls class to order. Bailey listens to her speaking but once she's given them their in class assignment, Bailey's mind drifts. He's so angry with his parents for joining with other parents to formally protest what's happening at Hogwarts. When Bailey had first written asking them to lodge a protest, he'd been prepared for them to say no simply because it might mean taking time from their oh so busy social lives.
What Bailey hadn't been expecting but should have knowing what snobs his parents are was Lisbeth's reply. Bailey could practically hear her amusement at his request oozing from her letter.
Bailey,
Why would Ian and I wish to protest students of impure blood having their own classes? We heartily approve and have told Minister Smythe-Jones as such at a party last night.
Warm regards,
Lisbeth
Bailey has written twice since then, asking his parents to please support him on this; asking them to think about how awfl Hogwarts would have been if it had been segregated when they attended. Ian replied to the second letter, making it clear that he is envious that Bailey is attending a segregated Hogwarts. He also cut off Bailey's allowance for a month for Bailey's insolence in reminding Ian that the Gray side of the family had a Muggle born. Ian hotly pointed out that it was only one and was hundreds of years ago.
The third letter saw another reply by Lisbeth. She wondered if Bailey's persistence has anything to do with that little half-blood Jewel. She strongly suspects it does. Lisbeth then went on to write that even if Bailey is seventeen, while he's at school he must abide by the rules. If he continues pestering Ian and Lisbeth about protesting the segregation, Lisbeth will speak with Headmistress Snider about not allowing Bailey to even so much as walk down a hallway with Jewel.
That letter from Lisbeth had come yesterday. Bailey wants badly to keep at his parents but not if it means being cut off entirely from Jewel, being able to only wave on the sly at her during meals.
Realizing he's messing up his classwork, Bailey meets Professor Flume's gaze. She arches eyebrows at him, he mouths, "Sorry," and gives his full attention to the lesson.
What's The Matter?
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-15-07 18:50
Harry had kissed Janine after breakfast, promised to bring her something from Egypt if he could get to a bazaar or other place to shop, then left to meet up with Hermione and Ron. A cough had reminded Harry that Pinky was there to bid Harry farewell and good luck on the mission. Harry had promised Pinky a present as well.
With Hermione providing all the research and coordinating everything on this last minute trip, Ron and Harry are providing the supplies. With a perfect excuse to buy a tent, Harry had rushed off to purchase one during his lunch break yesterday. The tent and supplies are now safely hidden in plain sight. Where they pitch the tent is going to depend on which oasis they are searching when sundown approaches.
Harry had taken one break alone and then the next he found Ron and Hermione together. Harry's not sure why Ron kept giving Harry hard looks from the moment Harry showed up until leaving after a snack to return to his next section to search.
Harry's taken one other break since then and has been drinking lots of water. He can't think of a time when he's been so glad to know the Aguamenti charm and a cooling charm in his entire life. Around the time that Harry's thinking about eating lunch, his search takes him into an occupied area. Harry shows the picture of Adenius Aegyptus around. One old man nods his head in recognition but shakes his head no to indicate he's not seen it lately.
Harry looks at his watch and sees it's about time to meet back with Ron and Hermione at their hidden supplies to check in with each other and to eat lunch. Harry buys a selection of fresh dates and some sort of meat on a skewer - he thinks it's probably lamb - along with some of the other aromatic dishes offered. Unfortunately he doesn't see anything that would serve as gifts for Janine and Pinky.
Apparating back to their starting location, Harry had hoped to beat Ron and Hermione there so he could get the lunch he bought them set up on a from inside the tent. He also wanted to get pitched a large umbrella he'd gotten and stowed in the tent as well, something to sit under at just such times as lunch to eat in the shade. Upon arriving however, Harry immediately sees Hermione pressed up against Ron so closely he doubts he could stick a microfilament between them.
"Not interrupting am I?"
Hermione moves slightly away from Ron and smiles, "We were just saying hello again. Ready for lunch?"
"I am and in fact I bought some things so we don't have to dip into our supplies if we don't want."
Hermione moves closer to Harry, showing interest. "Ooooh, that all looks good."
Ron, meanwhile, is giving Harry the evil eye again. Harry hands off what he's got to Hermione so Ron and he can muscle that table out of the still folded tent and get the umbrella. Drawing nearer to Ron, Harry asks, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," Ron replies in a way that let's Harry know there definately is something up.
"Tell me," Harry insists.
"Nothing to tell."
Harry notes the set line of Ron's jaw and the pugnacious expression in his eyes. Clearly there is something but if asking is going to make Ron angry, Harry's not going to start something. He clams up.
They have the table, a low one, out and onto a blanket Hermione's spead, and the food on it, with the umbrella up offering shade. The three sit cross legged on the blanket around the table. Harry can't help noticing how Ron keeps looking at Hermione then back at Harry as if trying to convey something to him. What it might be, Harry hasn't a clue.
Over lunch they discuss how much of the Wizarding portions of the Siwah oasis they have left to search and realize that thanks to that map Ron got, they've nearly covered all the areas in this particular oasis the plant might be. Ron says, "Why don't you go do the search of the area left and Hermione and I will clean up the remains of lunch, get the table and umbrella repacked and the blanket stowed."
Harry shrugs, "All right though it's just one small area. If we pack up everything now and go together, we'll have it done really quickly and can move on to the next oasis. What is that one, Hermione?"
"Al-Fayyum. I think Harry's right, Ron. It's quicker that way."
Ron smiles in agreement at Hermione but when she's not looking he shoots a glare at Harry. Harry, in turn, asks again, "What is it?"
"Problem?" Hermione asks, looking up from clearing the remains of food from the table.
"No, not at all," Ron says, "was just eating this last bite." To demonstrate his point, Ron shoves the last of the lamb from one skewer into his mouth.
Harry rolls his eyes at Ron and shrugs. If Ron won't tell him what's the matter, what's he expect, for Harry to read his mind? Getting up, Harry helps finish clearing the table then flicking his wand cleans off the top then with another flick has the tabling folding up, ready to be put back into the tent. Within minutes, they have all their supplies gathered up and are disapparating to the remaining Wizarding section of Siwah to be searched.
Can't Sleep
Author: Zahara Destrout
Date: 08-15-07 19:52
Zahara rolled over in her bed for the millionth time, well she wasn't quite sure it was that many but for some reason she just couldn't fall asleep tonight. The treatment of the other students at Hogwarts was finally starting to get to her, but if she didn't sleep soon she would end up falling asleep in History, and falling behind or worse, she wouldn't be able to concentrate in Arithmancy.
Her soft downy bed and silky sheets only served as a reminder of how unfair it all seemed. And how there was little she could do about it. She sat up in bed and peaked out to look at the other girls in her dorm room, they were all asleep, and all of them were younger then her. She didn't know them at all. She sighed before a brilliant idea struck her.
With renewed vigor she pulled the sheets separate from the rest of the comforters and slipped onto the floor directly beside her bed. Sure, it wasn't comfortable but she would rather have an achy back then no sleep at all. After a few minutes she fell asleep, but she still felt guilty.
In the morning Zahara awoke with a moan, but decided that things could be much worse. She sighed and got dressed before making her way down into the Hufflepuff Common Room, but she wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone, not that she really thought anyone would talk to her anyways. She blinked and rubbed her eyes again before heading to the Great Hall for breakfast, she had the feeling this was going to be a long day indeed.
A Whole Different Level of Complication
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-15-07 20:36
The fog had not yet cleared the ground as Lawrence made his way from his quarters and entered the green house. His first years would be heading this way soon for their class, first thing in the morning. He could easily be testy, irritated and all around bloody pissed off at the Minister and Hairy the Snide for concocting this little farce about some non existent school in Switzerland, then it may not have put such a strain on his relationship with Ariella. She wasn't just his girlfriend, no, now she was his student---a whole different level of complication and stress.
Would things have been different if she was a halfbreed? Doubtful, she'd still be a student, and still be off limits. "Bloody hell." He cursed, frightening Catriona and Bianca who had entered the green house when he'd been distracted.
"Sorry ladies. Am a bit distracted this morning." He'd smile brilliantly at both of them, easing them somewhat. Bianca still looked at like he was daft. He very quickly shoved the rest of those distracting thoughts back inside their little box, and turned his attention on the quickly filling room. His first years all in attendance now, save for one.
Gus van Tassel strolled in about half way through Lawrence's lecture on horsemint. "So very nice of you to join us Mister van Tassel. That will be ten points from Slytherin for your tardiness, and a detention with me this evening after dinner." The Slytherin first year grumbled and went to his seat, slouching near Mark. "Purebloods don't get detention..." He muttered to Mark.
"Shall I take another five points Mister van Tassel and Mister Farnon? Or are you both quite done and ready to continue focusing on my lecture? We are covering two herbs today, and I suggest you pay attention." Lawrence said, before returning to finish the rest of the lecture on horsemint and then turning to the lecture on Bergamot. As class came to a close, the homework assignment was handed out, one scroll on Bergamot. "Remember Mister van Tassel, detention, be within my office no later than six this evening."
His second years soon began filtering in, and he motioned them to gather about the collection of Ladybug Mushrooms within the green house. The girls were delighted, the boys didn't know quite what to make of the oddly shapped mushrooms, who did indeed look like their namesake. One even took flight and landed on Julietta Wynbourne. "Now, my dear you will have a spot of good luck soon. That's the legend supposedly tied to actual lady bugs, and it is rumored to apply also to the Ladybug mushrooms."
The lecture went on, and the sketching began, each managing to catch a mushroom in a different stage. At the end of class, he gave out the homework assignment, one half scroll on points of interest of the Ladybug Mushroom.
Finally, his classes were done for the day. The only other thing he needed to do was the detention for Gus van Tassel. He had the perfect punishment for the young Slytherin. Chuckling he would head toward his office and remain there, save for grabbing some lunch, for the duration of the afternoon. Time spent grading papers and wondering if any of his students would have need of him.
Third and Fourth Year Arithmancy (Phoenix Everard)
Author: Plum
Date: 08-15-07 23:36
Entering his classroom Thursday morning, Phoenix looked at the three girls sitting there, attempting to look bright eyed for their first class of the day.
Three.
That's it. His third year class.
Eleanor, Eithne, and Arista.
Being an Arithmany professor, and a new one at that, and thinking he'd be starting out at a brand new school that wouldn't yet have the enrollment of other schools, Phoenix had expected small classes. Just not this small.
Phoenix greeted the girls as cheerily as he could, "Morning!" then requested, "Homework please."
As with taking roll, picking up homework took all of a second.
Phoenix smiled and pointed to an outline on the blackboard. "Last week we discussed the history of arithmancy and of numerology in general. When the Greeks practice arithmancy, what was one of the main uses for it? Eithne?"
"For calculating the names of warriors who were going to fight each other."
"Correct! The purpose of these calculations, Arista?"
"To predict the winner of the fight."
"Excellent. Eleanor, name one other group or culture who used arithmancy in the ancient times."
"The Chaldeans."
"Right you are! Five points to each of you."
Phoenix took the girls through more of the background of arithmancy and numerology. When time for class to end came, he said, "A test not next Thursday but the one after, on the history we've been discussing. We'll wrap it up next time. Also for next time, read the introduction to heart number in your texts."
With only three students in the class, it took all of a blink for them to vacate the room. The fourth years came in and although only five in number they make the class size seem large compared to the three third year girls. As with the prior class, Phoenix put on a happy face to greet the fourth years and called for homework to be handed in. After a really quick overview of the first week's lesson, which in itself had been strictly review, Phoenix began discussing the Chaldean method of calculation.
When classed ended, Phoenix assigned some very basic problems straight out of their text for them to solve using the Chaldean method. After they leave, most likely going off to the Great Hall for lunch, Phoenix sits a bit longer in his classroom.
It's really too large for such small numbers. He really should get rid of most of the desks so that what few students he has don't seem even fewer next to all the empty spaces. As he's done most days, Phoenix wonders what the other Arithmancy students are like. Should he approach Evan Lancaster and ask about joining forces to put together a club?
Phoenix isn't sure what Evan thinks of him. Phoenix isn't sure what he thinks of Evan. He hardly knows the man but he doesn't get the distinct impression that Evan is against what's taken place at Hogwarts.
If you'd asked Phoenix two weeks ago what his thoughts were about Purebloods versus anyone else, including Muggles, Phoenix would have stated with clear conviction that Purebloods are superior. Muggles are the lowest on the rung. Others fall somewhere in between. It's what Phoenix was raised to believe.
Now, Phoenix isn't so sure.
What seems like a grand idea in theory isn't looking so good in practice.
Phoenix has spoken to a few of the so called Nons. Looking at them, he couldn't tell they are any different. Speaking to them, he couldn't tell they are any different, certainly not the dimwitted, near morons who can't string together a comprehensible sentence that Phoenix was taught Half-Bloods and Muggle borns are. Phoenix was raised to think that Half-Breeds are even more imbecilic. In the just under two weeks Phoenix has been at Hogwarts, he's had his eyes opened. He's had to revise everything he'd been taught.
Phoenix has become painfully aware of just how cloistered his life has been before now and just how naive he is.
With a sigh, Phoenix leaves the homework from both of today's classes on the desk. He'll go over the papers after he eats and after he sees if he can't get Evan Lancaster to give him ten minutes to discuss having an Arithmancy club.
Stand Up For What Is Right
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 08-16-07 09:05
Orei's morning had gone fairly well, she'd had class with Flume and Yaxley first off this morning. As much as she loved DADA, she -hated- the way that Yaxley taught it. It was boring. Professor Isuki, Professor Brandon, and even Professor May had all made it interesting. She had loved Professor May's class her fourth year, it sucked that he wasn't still with Hogwarts. But, she also had loved Professor Isuki's class last year, and missed it. She made DADA interesting, exciting even. With Yaxley it was little more than dueling and obstacle courses.
She often thought of sneaking into one of Professor Isuki's DADA classes, but that would no doubt get her in trouble, and possibly get Professor Isuki in trouble. Sighing she would just have to deal with it. There was still so much that could happen, new edicts delivered by Hairy the Snide, what would quidditch be like this year with the segregation in place. Wait? What about the Hogsmeade trips? Would only one blood status be allowed to go on those? That truly wouldn't be fair to the third years, some of whom are truly looking forward to their first trip into the Village after hearing the stories from their upper classmen about the shops and things in the Village.
More and more things were happening, were bound to happen that would further place purebloods over the nons, muggleborn and halfbreeds within Hogwarts. Was the Ministry trying to remove them all together?
If this was how the school year was this year? What would it be like next year if this held? What would become of the place that so many had loved, so many people had attended? Surely some of the alumni could do something! Petition the Ministry? Surely they were already doing that, to bring things back to normal. Then again, if Dumbledore would return, then things would go back to normal and this stupid segregation based on blood status wouldn't continue.
Orei snapped out of her revere, just in time to see a couple of Pures from Slytherin going over to a lonely looking girl at the Gryffindor table.
"You're sitting to close to the purple line mud-blood. Move down. Don't want to poison the air that the pure's need now do you?" Viola's voice was heard, as she spoke to the first year Gryffindor. Orei recognized her as Charisma Stone.
"I...I'm not sitting to close to it. I made sure that I couldn't even touch it from here. Leave me alone please. I'm trying to get homework done while I eat lunch." Charisma seemed close to tears, why were they singling her out, no doubt why every one else on this side of the purple line was singled out. She was of "unclean" blood as the pure's say.
"You are sitting to close because you are near it at all. So, like I said move down mud-blood before I hex you, or worse yet, tell Professor Snider, that a dirty mud-blood is trying to sit with the pures. You'd get detention for certain." Mortimer said, smirking at the little first year who was cowering, clinging to her Herbology text.
"N..no. Please, don't tell Professor Snider...I wasn't doing anything wrong...Nothing." The tears did come now, streaming down Charisma's cheeks and Orei couldn't take it any more.
Orei stood up, and moved down the table, leaving her books open for now. "Leave her be Viola. She is not too close to the pure's line. Bugger off, you as well Mortimer."
An owl flew in and dropped an envelope in front of Charisma, which Viola proceeded to attempt to grab. Orei was faster and grabbed Viola's wrist. "I said, leave her alone Viola. That letter isn't yours and you've no right to it."
"What are you McCoi? Some sort of blood traitor? Why are you helping out a pathetic little mud-blood?" Mortimer asked, smirking at her.
"No, I'm not. I just don't believe that segregation on blood status should be enforced. They are not second class citizens and deserve the same things we do Mortimer. Now, bugger off and leave her be."
Finding that they weren't going to get anywhere they wandered off. Professor Masterson and Professor Flitwick had both been watching the exchange and approached Orei and Charisma. "Very well handled Miss McCoi." Said Professor Flitwick, and Lawrence agreed. "You've shown very strong house loyalty despite the circumstances. Ten points to Gryffindor for your loyalty to house and your beliefs Miss McCoi."
Orei smiled and looked down at Charisma. "Are you alright? I've got some time before I have to head to class, do you want me to get you back to the Common room?"
Charisma shook her head. "N..no, thanks. I think I might go outside and sit by the lake. I'm done with classes today." She looked up at Orei, cheeks stained by the tears that had fallen. "Thank you for your help." She was clutching the letter that had been delivered, almost as if it was a lifeline, rope tossed to a drowning victim in turbulent waters.
"Alright. If you need help in any of your classes, I've had most of your professors before, save for Professor Whitman. I can help you with homework if you want some time. I'm Oreileah, but you can call me Orei." She said with a grin. "I've got to finish reading this chapter before Potions starts, have a nice day."
"I'm Charisma, but you can call me Isma." The first year beamed up at her, before turning her attention to the letter she'd gotten. All altercations between Viola and Mortimer were forgotten.
Orei headed back to her books, wondering if any of the other professors from the Pure's only staff would punish her for what she'd done, chasing Mortimer and Viola away from the first year non. Oh well, she'd take the punishment, but she'd done what she thought was right.