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(Poca Varita, Barcelona, Spain) France Bound!
Author: Peyton Summers
Date: 08-25-10 17:54
With a British accent, the man spoke: "As Nietzsche once said..."
"Really?" Peyton's expression was amused, but not in an overly 'ZOMG LOLZ' way. "You're really going to quote Nietzche? You know what? Next you will be on about the political significance of Roman Polanski's Muggle films. No offense to Muggle films and all, you're just being very cliche." Peyton couldn't resist herself from using air-quotes as she began to dramatically describe her new acquaintance as 'a typical coffee shop philosopher with a black turtleneck, green eyes, and a tool smirk'.
The man to whom Peyton was describing smiled brightly. "I underestimated you, miss. Here I thought you were just another blonde from America. Another Paris Hilton here to party it up in Barcelona before school starts."
"Right, 'cause all American blondes are vapid sluts and all Brits have bad teeth," Peyton said as she took a sip of her coffee. "By the way, the Muggle philosophy lines work better in Muggle coffee shops. Half the people here probably barely know who Nietzsche is."
"But you do. How is that? Are you a Muggle born?"
"Nah," Peyton said as she looked up at the man just in time to see her father enter the coffee shop. "I'm just a girl who is way too smart and witty for her own good. Either way, I gotta jet. I'll totally scour coffee shops looking for you when I'm in the UK. Screw studying and all that stuff. I will be on the constant prowl."
"I can't wait," was all the man could say before noticing Peyton was already about two feet away from where he was sitting. He also noticed the man Peyton was now with staring daggers at him through amber-tinted sunglasses.
Peyton must have noticed her father's glare too as she pushed his face until he was looking forward again. "Don't bother. He's just some lame coffee shop artiste wannabe. Betcha anything he's a huge jock with some closet issues back in the UK. Plus, you were supposed to come get me so we could blow this popsicle stand and catch a train to Paris. Stay there two weeks, go to St. Emry's? Get me situated? Remember? We can save the caving in loserish guys' faces for later."
A slow sigh came through Mr. Summers' slightly opened mouth as he shrugged and turned around. "We still have to get packed. The train leaves in an hour. You know, sometimes I wish you were a boy. Then I wouldn't have to worry about sketchy foreigners hitting on you."
"Seriously, dad," Peyton said as she grabbed her father's arm and escorted him out of the coffee shop and through the magical archway that led them back into Muggle Barcelona. "You know me. If any of those sketchy foreigners tries anything with me, I can open a can of kung-fu on their asses. Or at least use the tazing hex you taught me. It's like a stun gun without the batteries!"
Mr. Summers smiled as he maneuvered his bound arm around his daughter. "That's my girl."
--
Tazing hex is just slang - I promise. Originated from those who are familiar with tazers and stun-guns. Wizard girls have to protect themselves too, amirite?
Creepy Kid
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 08-25-10 18:01
The first class in Ethan's schedule this term consisted of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw fourth years. All of them had been in his class last term, so there was no need for introductions or getting-to-know-you activities. He began by going over the course syllabus and then launched into a discussion of counter-curses, what they were, when they were used, and examples of them.
There wasn't time to start practicing the various counter-curses listed in the syllabus, but Ethan promised his students as they packed up their things to go to their next class that they would begin with the flame-freezing charm on Tuesday.
Ethan had just enough time to set his fourth year lecture notes aside for his first year ones, when the very first of his Gryffindor and Slytherin students walked into the classroom. Ethan smiled and started to say "good morning", but somehow the words remained frozen on his lips.
The boy gave Ethan only a fleeting glance that was a mixture of friendliness and cool indifference. He sat down in the front row and systematically arranged on his desk his textbook, quill, ink bottle, parchment, and wand. He kept his gaze forward and only occasionally glanced at the door whenever someone entered the room.
Ethan tried to recall the boy's name from the Sorting Ceremony, but he couldn't remember it. He only knew that when the boy's name had been called, his gaze had met Ethan's for only the briefest of moments. Many students looked up at the Head Table to see who the professors were, so it wasn't unusual for the boy to do so, especially when he was facing the front of the Great Hall. Ordinarily, it wouldn't be something Ethan would even remember. He only did because he'd felt a chill go down his spine when he'd looked into the boy's eyes.
He didn't know why. The boy didn't look like anybody he knew, and he certainly hadn't registered the name, whatever it was, as being familiar. There was just something off about the child. Something Ethan didn't particularly like.
Ethan really didn't need another mystery to solve, particularly when he hadn't even followed through with his plan to confront Meadow about the book. Somehow, all his free time had gotten sucked up on revising lesson plans, reviewing textbooks, and going to checkups at St. Mungo's with Rosamond. He hadn't forgotten Meadow, of course, but he knew it was unlikely he'd close the book on her anytime soon.
And perhaps there was nothing wrong with the Slytherin boy who stared stonily at the blackboard in front of him. Maybe it was all in Ethan's imagination.
When it seemed like all of the first year Gryffindor and Slytherin students had arrived, Ethan introduced himself and then went to his roll book.
"When I call your name, please say "here" or "present" or something else to acknowledge that you are in class today. Alcmene Acker?"
"Here."
"Penn Ellison."
"Present."
Ethan paused, for the boy he'd been thinking about had just answered. Penn gave his professor a long look before turning to the textbook on his desk and opening it to the first few pages.
Ethan forced himself to read on, and when it seemed all were accounted for, he turned to the syllabus. He flicked his wand at the pile on his desk and sent a copy to each of his studens. The Muggle-borns were surprised by the spell and hoped to learn how to emulate it. Some already had their wands in their hands and flicked them in the air.
Ethan said, "Wands down for now. Today we're going to talk about defense against the dark arts. What is it? Why do we need to know about it? What is the purpose of..." Ethan found himself distracted when Penn's hand went up in the air.
"...this class. Yes, Penn, was it?"
"Yes, sir," the boy said very politely. "To answer your first question. Defense against the dark arts is exactly what it sounds like. Defensive techniques to block dark magic, to counteract the dark arts, and to protect against dark creatures. It's very useful should you ever find yourself in a dark situation."
Despite the uneasy feeling he got from Penn, Ethan couldn't help but be pleasantly surprised by his answer. "That's correct. 5 points to Slytherin."
The boy smiled, and for the first time, Ethan didn't feel creeped out. He went on to talk more about the subject, and before long, it was time for lunch.
Lunch Break
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 08-26-10 14:51
Adina finally had a break from her first run of classes today. Mondays and Wednesdays were going to be her busiest days of the entire school year. She had five classes on both days, and only four on Fridays. Tuesdays and Thursdays weren't going to be too bad with only two classes, and her first not even going to start until ten-thirty in the morning.
This morning had been full of Charms, DADA with the delightfully gorgeous Ethan Somerset. Now, it was time for lunch, and she would be heading to Herbology at one, and then after that she would head to History of Magic at two. After History of Magic, she would have a thirty minute break before she had to head to Fitness and Athletics until five.
Currently she was mentally sorting her homework assignments from Charms and from Defense Against the Dark Arts. She had Professor Ravenscroft this afternoon right after lunch, and she was looking forward to it. She headed into the Great Hall, and hadn't been paying attention and collided with a young first year from Ravenclaw, the one that had apparently been looking at her at the Start of Term Feast yesterday.
"Oh. Umm...sorry." She said, shifting, and bending down to pick up the few parchment that had scattered when she'd run into him. "Are you heading out, or just going into lunch?"
"Just going in..." He said, and shifted lightly. "My name is Melichor, and you are?"
She nodded. "Adina. Want to join me? Or are you just grabbing a quick bite before running to your next class?" She asked, running a hand through her hair.
"I've got some time, and sure, I can join you, if you think we can eat at the same table, given that we are in different houses." Melichor said.
First Night Class
Author: Illyria
Date: 08-26-10 19:06
For the very first night of class, Illyria opted to use her classroom instead of the observation deck. The ceiling was enchanted just like the one in the Great Hall and served as a perfect version of the actual night sky when the weather was less than cooperating for observation. As it happened, there was a chance of showers tonight and though Illyria didn't mind a little summer rain, the cloud cover made viewing difficult.
Her first class consisted of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff second years. They took their seats and glanced at the cosmos that whirled over their heads.
"Welcome back to Astronomy class," Professor Jones warmly greeted. She glanced over her attendance sheet to make sure everyone who should have been in class was present. She had no need for a roll call since she already knew everybody, and her class wasn't very large besides.
When she'd confirmed everyone's attendance, she raised her wand to the ceiling and said, "Last year we discussed basic aspects of the solar system and then went into detail about the sun, some other stars, and comets. I hope you haven't forgotten everything you learned because I'm afraid the material will come up again in the future. I won't test you today, though."
Her students let out a collective sigh of relief. It wasn't unheard of for a teacher to give them a pop quiz on the very first day of class, and while quizzes and exams were never fun, they were especially horrible on the first day of school.
The images on the ceiling changed as Illyria zoomed in on what she wanted to discuss today.
"This year we will spend a great deal of time discussion the constellations. Who can tell me what a constellation is?"
Glori Hodfuffer raised her hand. "It's basically a group of stars that form a pattern in the sky. Usually the pattern looks like an animal or a person or some other recognizable form. Constellations also usually have names."
"Very good, Glori. 5 points to Hufflepuff," Professor Jones said with a smile.
"There is another type of star pattern you should know, called an asterism. The most famous asterism is the Plough*."
The image on the ceiling zoomed in on the familiar star pattern of a plough. Illyria thought it looked more like a giant ladle, though.
"Asterisms are simply star patterns that are not classified as constellations, and which sometimes actually consist of parts of constellations. For example, the Plough is actually a part of Ursa Major."
The ceiling changed to show the whole constellation. Illyria used a laser pointer-like effect with her wand to indicate each of the stars that made up the Plough as well as Ursa Major.
"Now, let's move on to the constellation I want us to focus on today. Aquila. Who can tell me about Aquila?"
No one could, as Aquila was not one of the more famous constellations. Illyria waved her wand at the ceiling and brought up a view of it.
"Aquila, which translates to eagle in the Latin language, lies north of the celestial equator and was first described by Ptolemy in the 2nd century."
Professor Jones went on to describe Aquila in more detail and towards the end of class, she asked her students to fill out a star chart on Aquila for homework, which would be due next class meeting.
* The Plough is known as the Big Dipper in the United States and Canada.
New Favorite School Day
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 08-26-10 19:18
Entering the castle after staying outside on the grounds well past the 3:30 end time of his favorite class, Care of Magical Creatures, Christopher decided that this school year Thursdays are his favorite of the school days. He's got Herbology at 9 and then is free until having to go down to Care of Magical Creatures, which starts at 2 o'clock. The only way the day would be better is if his Herbology class started later in the morning, allowing him to sleep in a little.
Taking the stairs two at a time heading to Ravenclaw Tower, he goes over his schedule again, still trying to fully commit the new order of classes in his mind. Tuesdays also start with Herbology but with Fitness & Athletics in the late afternoon and with Astronomy at midnight. Tuesday is not Christopher's new favorite day of the week because of the lateness of Astronomy coupled with having Charms first thing the next morning and because his absolute favorite class is Care of Magical Creatures. Which was today.
Reaching one landing and starting up the next set of stairs, Christopher can't help but wish that Care of Magical Creatures met more than once a week. He doubts he'd mind much if it met daily. He's already talked with Professor Kent about helping out again though with this being his OWLs year, come spring, he might have to cut back on the amount of help he's got time for.
Christopher sees Jack Emerson and Hadrian Rabnott just ahead do hurries to catch up with them, not surprised to hear they are once more discussing the seven school Quidditch tournament, speculating which six schools Hogwarts will be up against. Jack pauses mid-sentence to ask Christopher, "Where'd you go after Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Stayed there. You?"
"Daniel and I went to the library. He's still there."
Hadrian, who isn't in that elective says, "You lot should have taken Ancient Runes with me. I was done by noon today."
"Yet were in the library too," Jack grins. "Anyway, back to what I was saying," he says, starting up the tournament conversation again.
They only stop talking about when Christopher gives the current password, "Graphologists," to get into Ravenclaw House. Hadrian and Jack resume once through the door, settling onto a sofa but Christopher heads up to the dorms to grab a few things so he can shower before going to eat supper. After spending time in the stables today, he knows anyone around him long enough at the dinner table will appreciate him not subjecting them to the stable smell. As he takes off his prefect badge and puts it on the table by his bed, Christopher can't help still being surprised that he, not Jack, had received it. He'd been certain that Jack was first choice.
Shrugging, both physically and mentally, Christopher knows it's not really worth expending energy over. Any of the fifth year Ravenclaw boys would have been a good pick. Those that he knows that is. Abdul is new and thus a mystery. Seems all right though.
Shrugging again, he grabs up his things to go shower and leaves the room.
Fear Of Flying
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 08-27-10 15:21
Zabrynna glances at her schedule, double checking for the two or three hundreth time so far today, added to that all the times she'd looked at it yesterday, what her classes are this morning. There had been Potions to start off the day. Considering the instructor is Severus Snape, she feels the class went well though as it's a Monday-Wednesday-Friday class, beginning each and every week with Snape's sunny disposition will get old rather fast. After that came Defense Against the Dark Arts. Zabrynna tried to avoid eye contact with Professor Isuki, still convinced that the woman hates her. Even after all that was said to her last term and all the therapy since , she hasn't been able to accept that Kissy Isuki does not hold her in utter contempt. Not helping was that across the bottom of Zabrynna's syllabus the words suddenly appeared, blinking several times before staying static as Professor Isuki went over the syllabus information with the seventh years. Just before the professor finished going over the information, the message vanished. At least if Anne or Philippa were to see her DADA syllabus, there wouldn't be the message on hers that she's sure wasn't on theirs.
On her way now to Transfiguration, Zabrynna cluthes her schedule more tightly in her hand prompting Philippa to remark, "You've been extremely fidgety with that all morning."
"There's a mistake on it and I'm hoping there won't be a problem fixing it."
"What mistake," Anne asks.
"I didn't sign up for Fitness & Athletics."
"Oh, but you should take it. It's loads of fun!"
Zabrynna shakes her head at this enthusiastic suggestion from Anne. "No, it's not for me."
"Why? It really is lots of fun," Philippa tells her.
Zabrynna cluthes her schedule more tightly, looking from one friend to the other, none of them slowing their pace to get to Transfiguration on time. "Neither of you have twigged it yet?"
Anne automatically responds without thinking, "Twigged what?"
Philippa doesn't say anything, her eyes getting a sort of distant expression as though she's trying to put something together. Just as they reach the Transfiguration classroom she says, "You've never been to a Quidditch match. When some of us gather in the commons to listen to a match on the WWN, you never join us."
"Ooooh, and you never say anything when the rest of us get to talking about it. Sometimes you even leave."
"And what does that tell you?"
"That you don't like Quidditch," Philippa offers. "But Fitness & Athletics is about so much more than that."
"It's not so much that I don't like Quidditch."
Anne, taking a seat next to where Philippa is now seated, looks up at Zabrynna, "I don't get it then."
"Flying."
"What about it?" Anne asks.
Zabrynna, dropping into the seat on the other side of Anne, says, "I don't like it."
Philippa shrugs. "It's still a very small part of the class."
"I don't like it as in it petrifies me."
Anne and Philippa simultaneously say, "Oh."
"Yeah."
"In that case, I hope you can get it taken from your schedule," Anne tell hers. "Why didn't you take care of it yesterday? It's not as though your Thursdays are jam packed."
"I was in too much shock seeing it on my schedule when I knew I hadn't signed up for it. I thought it was some colassal joke even though I've never talked to anyone here, until now, of my flying phobia. I kept expecting at some point the class would vanish off the list and be replaced with a Ha Ha Gotcha! type message."
Philippa gives an empathetic smile. "But it didn't."
"Sadly, no."
Further conversation about Zabrynna's schedule, or anything else for that matter, is temporarily put on hold as Professor McGonagall begins speaking.
What is Herbology?
Author: Marzipan
Date: 08-27-10 18:04
Already that morning, Professor Ravenscroft had taught her third year Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students about adder's tongue and her fourth year Ravenclaw and Slytherin students about the blister plant. She wasn't sure how she managed to get through both class periods, since she had an upset stomach and had the overwhelming urge to keep her head in a giant flower pot. By some miracle, she'd managed not to vomit, and now, at the start of her third class of the day, she felt a little bit better.
She smiled at the young faces congregated around the giant work table in the greenhouse. Many of the students were so short that their feet dangled off the floor.
"Good morning," Marzi greeted. "My name is Professor Ravenscroft, and I am your Herbology teacher. Before we get started, I would like to get to know each and every one of you a little bit better. Please go around the room and state your name and something about yourself."
It took some time, even for so small a class, to get through all of the introductions, but by the end Marzi thought she remembered everybody's name. It helped that some of her students had older siblings she already knew. Not all of them looked like each other, but some of them did share a strong resemblance. Then there was Madoc McGonagall. Marzi had been meaning to ask Minerva if they were related. She thought they might be, but then it may be a coincidence that they share the same surname.
"Now, let's go over the syllabus," Professor Ravenscroft said. She summoned a stack of parchment from the cluttered little desk in the corner of the greenhouse and took one sheet before passing the whole stack to Hunter Green.
He took one and passed the stack to Luke Walker, who took one and passed one to the person next to him. When the remaining sheets reached Marzi again, she sent them back to the desk with a flick of her wand.
"In this course, we will discuss the basics of what herbology is and then spend most of the year learning about different kinds of plants, how to care for them, and what they may be used for in certain situations. Are there any questions?"
A hand raised in the air. "Edgar, am I right?"
"Yes, professor. Will there be a lot of homework?"
Marzi smiled. "There will be some, but most of your work will be done during class."
"Anything else?"
When no one else raised a hand, Marzi conjured a blackboard and wrote the word HERBOLOGY on it in large capital letters.
"What is herbology?" she asked. It was a rhetorical question, though a few hands went up in the air. "It's somewhat obvious, isn't it?" she went on with a smile. "Herbology is the study of magical plants."
Her students listened with interest, though their gazes often wandered to the many different kinds of plants that filled the greenhouse. Most didn't look too out of the ordinary, but there were plenty that were new to the Muggles and some of the wizards as well.
Class went by quickly, and then it was time for lunch, though Marzi wasn't sure she wanted to chance eating anything when it might try to come up again!