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Ravenclaw & Slytherin 3rd Years
Author: Marzipan
Date: 07-13-09 09:04
On the first official day of classes, Marzi woke early and quickly showered and dressed into beige-colored robes. She left Weston to sleep in, though he only stayed in bed a little longer before getting ready for the day himself. They took breakfast in the Great Hall and watched as Professor McGonagall went around the student tables and passed out schedules. Marzi already knew her schedule for the day: third years Ravenclaw and Slytherin first, then fourth years Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, and finally first years Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
After breakfast, Weston left Hogwarts for his job at the Ministry, and Marzi went to the greenhouses to expect her first class. She and Lawrence had already worked out a schedule for the greenhouses and expected not to run into any conflicts throughout the day.
A little before 9 AM, the first students started trickling into the greenhouse. Marzi greeted them warmly with a smile, recognizing some as slightly older versions of the first year students she'd had in class two years ago. Others faces she recognized from the same time, only she didn't recall their names since they'd been in Lawrence's class when Hogwarts had been segregated.
When it seemed that everyone had gathered in the greenhouse, Marzi addressed the class at large with greetings and a formal introduction.
"Good morning. Welcome to Herbology. Some of you may remember me as Professor FitzRoy––I've since married and now go by Professor Ravenscroft."
She picked up her class roster and announced, "When I call your name, please take a place at the main table. For now, I would like you to sit in alphabetical order. Perhaps later you can pick your own places."
Marzi had two reasons for arranging her class this way. First, it would help her remember everybody's names, though she usually didn't have any trouble learning them. Second, it would ensure a proper mix of students and would avoid cliques. She was especially conscious of the fact that the pureblood students might stick together and the formerly called "nons" likewise. She wanted everyone to be perfectly equal in her class.
Her students consisted of Catriona Amherst, Bianca Bonfamille, Baltus Crane, Mark Farnon, Megara Flynn, Olive Green, and Alastor Jenkins.
Once her students were in position, she went over the syllabus. The third years would be studying poisonous plants this term, and would begin a discussion on alihotsy.
Fifth Years - Slytherin and Ravenclaw
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-13-09 16:19
Lawrence was meeting his first class of the year in the second greenhouse, Mari was in one of the others. The schedule worked perfectly to ensure that there would be no catastrophes throughout the school year of students needing access to the plants in this building or one of the others when the time came. He’d gotten up early, eaten breakfast with his wife in their quarters and then headed down to the greenhouse where his first class would be meeting at nine am.
It felt good to be teaching again, it was something he adored doing and would perhaps still have been doing if it hadn’t been for Snider sacking him for being romantically involved with Ariella Beck, who at the time they had started dating, hadn’t been one of his students.
As each student filtered in he would wait for them to settle at each seat on the main table that had their name written on the syllabus. His class this morning was fifth year Ravenclaw and Slytherin and included: Deacon Bennett, Georgia Copperpot, Edward Croft, Isabella Hastings, Berengaria Montagu, Edith Parr, Catherine Scott, Cornelia Vanderbilt, and John Worsley.
Once everyone was settled he spoke. “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. My name is Professor Masterson, and welcome to your O.W.L level herbology course. We will be studying both the practical and the theoretical use of herbs much like you’ve done before, however, this will be a bit more intense than previous years.”
“Now, as I call roll, take note of those who are seated on either side of you, this is where you will be sitting throughout the year when we are in the greenhouses. If, for some reason, we can not meet in the greenhouses, we will be meeting in a classroom on the fourth floor of the Castle. I will also have an office next to the classroom on the fourth floor, but my main office will be here in the greenhouses.”
Roll went of simply enough, and then he went into discussing the syllabus. “As you can see, there will be several days where you do have a treat within the course, this does not mean that there will not be assignments due, class work to be done. I know how stressful this year and the following two can be, I’ve been in your shoes before. But, the rewards are well worth the wait.”
He answered a few questions from the students about the course work and what would be expected of them. “We are starting this year with a discussion on a variety of berries, ranging from the tame and edible to the dangerous and highly inedible. There are a variety of uses for berries and other things that are part of herbology. Can someone list off four types of berries that are edible?”
Hands shot into the air and he would call on a series of four students.
“Berengaria.”
“Strawberries.”
“Very good, now, Isabella, another berry that is edible?”
“Cranberries.”
“Again, very good. The last two, will come from Georgia Copperpot and Cornelia Vanderbilt.”
“Blackberry.” “Blueberry.” Came the responses respectively.
“Very well done ladies. Now, four berries that are inedible. John?”
“Poysenberry.”
“And, one from you Mr. Bennett?”
“Holly.”
“Indeed, very well done. Two more, from Edith Parr and Berengaria.”
“Yew.” “Doll’s Eyes.”
“Very well done. Five points for each correct question. All of the berries that were named, will be discussed over the course of the next month in this course. There will be hands on assignments as well as scrolls to be written. Each scroll assignment is to be no less than twelve inches, the exception being the sketch work.”
That done, he would shift into his lecture on the introduction to berries and begin with going over some of the properties of both cranberries and raspberries, as time dwindled down the homework assignment would be given. “Alright, hate to have to give you homework on the first day of class, but that is how it is going to be. Read through the information on cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, and Jerusalem cherry. I want by one week from today a scroll no less than twelve inches on the medicinal uses of two types of berries. Next class period will be the treat for you, as well as collection of samples.”
Time was left for questions, before the class was finally dismissed a few minutes early so that they would have time to get back into the castle for their next class.
Once his first fifth years class was out of the room, he quickly set up for his next class which would be his sixth year N.E.W.T level course, and then his seventh year N.E.W.T class would arrive at two pm.
Introduction to the Course
Author: Jolyon
Date: 07-14-09 17:58
Before Jolyon had ever reached the nurses station at St. Mungo's on the day he'd confronted his father about lying about being terminally ill, an old friend from Jolyon's days as a student at Hogwarts had bumped into him in the corridor. He'd quickly found himself absorbed in reminiscent conversation and wound up too distracted to ever fill the nurses in on what he'd learned. In hindsight, short of conducting an actual test with a doctor or nurse not bought off by Emanuel Kent father, it seemed unlikely that anyone would believe it if Jolyon spoke his mind.
He never even approached his mother about the truth. She doted on her husband unconditionally and would not at all want to accept the fact that he'd lied about something so very serious. It would probably break her heart, and though Jolyon wished his mother would see his father for what he was, he also knew that she'd rather live with the illusion that he was perfect in every way possible.
Jolyon let it go for now.
He spent the morning talking to Hagrid and preparing for his first and only class of the day, the third years. When it finally came time for their class to start, he was more than ready. He met them on the side of the barn, where he'd set up two picnic tables that anyone at Hogwarts could use as long as they weren't needed for one of his classes.
Professor Kent's students were Cat Amherst, Alan Birdwell, Baltus Crane, Mark Farnon, Olive Green, Jill Prewitt, Hunter Rabnott, and Aleydis Vanderbilt. For the most part they were new to him, since they were only third years and had never taken Care of Magical Creatures before. Some faces Jolyon recognized, having seen them around the castle last school year. Others he did not, knowing a handful of his students had been at Happy Haven last year.
He introduced himself and had everyone introduce themselves. Then he described the course, what it was all about and what he expected from his students. Throughout the class period, they covered basic concepts like what is a beast? and what is magizoology?. They discussed Ministry of Magic classifications, Muggle awareness of fantastic beasts, and magical beasts in hiding. Finally, class ended.
Before dismissing his students, Jolyon handed out their homework assignment: They were to choose a beast, absolutely any one to their liking, and to write a short research essay on their chosen topic. To get full credit, they would have to include the beast's name, classification, phystical description, habitat, diet, and uses where applicable.
His first official day of classes closed without incident, and for that Jolyon could not complain. He finished up some business in the loft of the barn and then headed to the castle to eat dinner.
Let Classes Begin
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 07-15-09 03:26
Isma adored her second year schedule, because she didn’t have to actually get up until about eight thirty or nine. None of her classes started until ten or ten thirty, which was a blessing in disguise. It meant that she went later in the day than most, but she could live with that. She had classes with Blake, Eric, Sonia Silver and Polly Potts, whom she was getting along with.
She’d gotten up early this morning however to be in the Great Hall when the class schedules had been passed out, so that way she had hers. After breakfast she’d headed upstairs to her room and then to the bathroom for a quick shower, finishing her hair she would grab her bag and text book for Charms and head toward class.
She slipped into class and found a seat, waiting for Blake and Eric to come in and choose seats beside her, putting her in the middle. They had a few minutes before class was going to start so they started talking as the other second years began filtering in. Some faces were known, others weren’t because they’d been here at Hogwarts or other places instead of being in such a place like Happy Haven School for Nons. A shudder went through Isma, but it soon quieted and she turned her attention to Professor Ivy who was now making her way toward the front of the class to begin roll call and go over the syllabus.
Class progressed on quickly and soon enough the bell was tolling to signal the end of the class for today. Homework assignment was given out, much to the dismay of everyone in class and the second year Gryffindor and Ravenclaws headed out for lunch.
“Coming to lunch Isma?” Blake asked.
“Not just yet. I’ve got to drop an owl off in the owlry and then I’ll be in for lunch. Need to let Mum and Dad know that I’m here, I’m alright, and what my course load looks like this year.” She waved to the pair who turned to continue a conversation that they were having with Sonia Silver, who was taking Fitness and Athletics this year, so she had an extra course during the week. Isma caught snippets of the conversation, they were talking about the Quidditch trials and who was going to be trying out this year when tryouts came around somewhat soon.
Lunch
Author: Ronan Eastwick
Date: 07-15-09 17:51
Ronan entered the Great Hall and set his books on the Gryffindor table next to the place where he sat down. He was famished after a long morning of three very intensive courses. First, there'd been Potions with Professor Snape. Then, there'd been DADA with Professor Isuki. Finally, there'd been Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. DADA had probably been the least stressful of the three, but by no means any less challenging. Seventh year would obviously be a very busy, because not only would Ronan effectively be catching up after last year, he'd also have the NEWT exams to contend with in June.
He helped himself to a smoked salmon sandwich on pumpernickel and some cheddar-flavored potato crisps. Iced pumpkin juice complimented his meal.
After a few minutes, Titus Fitzgerald sat down next to him. Titus had been in Ronan's Potions and Transfiguration classes. Titus helped himself to one triangular half of a BLT sandwich and roved his eyes across the table for something else while he ate.
Ronan sensed that Titus, though a happy sort of fellow, also seemed a bit forlorn. Titus had been at Happy Haven too, so Ronan understood why Titus might keep to himself about certain things. Ronan hadn't exactly reached out to his peers either.
Remembering his mother's plea to make some friends this year, Ronan cleared his throat and made an honest effort to talk to Titus.
"Is there something I can pass to you?" Ronan began, pointing to a couple of dishes Titus couldn't reach.
"Wouldn't mind tasting one of those ham and cheese sandwiches on rye. Are those plain potato crisps over there?"
Ronan reached for the platter of sandwiches and passed it to Titus, nodding. "That they are. Want me to hand them over too?"
"Please, thanks!"
Ronan grabbed the bowl and set it down next to the sandwich platter.
"What do you think of our classes so far?" Ronan asked next.
"Too early to really tell, I suppose," Titus said, "but I bet this will be a difficult year. What about you?"
"Yeah. It's going to be tough. Bad enough that we missed out on a whole year."
"Yeah. Looking forward to Hogsmeade?"
Ronan laughed. Term had only just begun and already a trip to the village seemed to be on everyone's mind. "Definitely. I won a scholarship––why, I don't know––but I've come in some money and I'm looking to splurge on something. What about you? Looking forward to the trip?"
"Oh yeah. I'll get to see my girlfriend. She lives in Hogsmeade."
The boys wound up talking about a number of other things besides classes and Hogsmeade, until it became time for Ronan to leave for Charms. He left the Great Hall in good spirits, ready to tackle the rest of his day.
Tell Us Everything
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 07-16-09 09:55
"You've been very quiet since coming back to school," Philippa comments as she and Zabrynna walk from the Great Hall on the ground floor, where they'd just finished lunch, to the first floor Transfiguration classroom of Professor McGonagall.
"You're mooning over someone, aren't you?" Anne chirps from Zabrynna's other side before Zabrynna can even begin to think of a reply to Philippa's question.
At Anne's question Zabrynna very quickly and rather forcefully bites out, "NO!" She then says in a friendly, almost teasing way, "You're the one hung up on someone, Anne. That's got you all confused."
Anne very seriously replies, "I WILL get Indigo. Wait and see."
"Deflecting the conversation to someone else. What are you hiding from us, Zabrynna?" Philippa asks with a knowing grin.
They reach the Transfiguration classroom just as Philippa next states, "You met someone while in Mexico City and are now pining after him."
"Don't be silly," Zabrynna says, shaking her head hard enough that her hair goes bouncing across her shoulders.
She starts into the classroom but neither of her friends follow. Turning she asks, "Well, aren't you coming?"
Philippa says with an almost apologetic shrug, "I'm not taking Transfiguration this term."
Anne's shaking her head as well. "Me either; but if I were, we'd have this one together."
This Transfiguration class is a Monday-Wednesday-Friday one but since they didn't have classes Monday, it's the first time this one has met. Zabrynna can't imagine how she didn't know before now that neither Philippa nor Anne aren't in the class. Then again, so far today Zabrynna's had Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Charms and only upon reaching each did she learn that Anne isn't taking either Potions or DADA this go around and Philippa isn't in Charms.
Yesterday she'd learned that Anne isn't in Herbology and neither Anne nor Philippa are taking History of Magic. In addition to Charms, Anne's taking Arithmancy & Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, Fitness & Athletics, Muggle Studies, and Astronomy. The other classes Philippa's got are Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, and Astronomy.
Zabrynna is glad she'll have at least one friend in some of her classes but wishes she had one of them, though both would be better, in all her same classes. The exception is History of Magic.
Zabrynna had hardly noticed yesterday during the first meeting of History that she was without a best friend in the class. All she could do was stare at Declan without appearing to be obviously staring. She hopes she also was able to keep the extreme disappointment off her face that Declan hadn't acknowledged her beyond calling her name on the roster when making sure everyone was in attendance.
Turning to go into the Transfiguration classroom before Professor McGonagall considers her tardy, Zabrynna says, "See you both after then or at least catch you up for Muggle Studies."
Anne gives Zabrynna a friendly poke. "We're going to ask you all about your Mexico City love so you'd better be prepared to tell us."
"Everything," Philippa adds before Anne and she walk off leaving Zabrynna to sit in Transfiguruation, thinking up a story to tell them while pretending to pay attention to McGonagall's lesson.
Back in the Habit
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 07-16-09 16:31
For Ethan, it was surprisingly easy to fall back into the routine of teaching children, even after so many years and so little experience. After nearly two full days behind him, he felt very much in his stride and believed he'd made the right decision in returning to Hogwarts. He'd put the past behind him and had moved forward effortlessly.
His last class of the day, Gryffindor and Slytherin third years, was nearly finished. His students, Alan Birdwell, Bianca Bonfamille, Baltus Crane, Mark Farnon, Olive Green, Damian Lampwick, Jill Prewitt, and Hunter Rabnott sat at their desks and copied down their homework assignment from the blackboard.
Write a short essay on the Banshee, including a physical description, geographical distribution, why it is considered a dark creature, and an interesting fact of your choosing.
The assignment would be due a week from class.
"If there are no more questions for the day, then class is dismissed," Professor Somerset announced, to the immense relief of the students. They quickly gathered their belongings together and left the room.
As Ethan straightened up the classroom following the last student's departure, he thought about his entire day. His first class had been Gryffindor and Slytherin fourth years. Like the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw set he'd met with yesterday, they'd begun a discussion on counter-curses. Following that class, he'd met with the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw first years. They, like those before them yesterday, had gotten a general introduction to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Their homework assignment was to write a short essay on why it was important to learn DADA.
As the day progressed, Ethan taught the second years from Gryffindor and Slytherin. They started a unit on basic dueling––just theory to start, but practical dueling would take place soon. Before Ethan's last class he'd taught the other third year group, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws.
Now with the classroom in order again, not that it had been terribly out of order, he retired to his office to prepare for tomorrow.