|
|
DADA OWLs & NEWTs
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-28-13 13:20
This morning, I'd proctored the written portion of the DADA OWL/NEWT, and there was anxiety abounding. Broken quills caused near panic attacks with one fifth year, who went through at least four of the special quills for the examination.
By the time I'd collected the written exams, I had a feeling about four of the fifth years would spend the time between the written and the practical examinations visiting Madame Pomfrey for calming draughts to ensure that they did not have panic attacks during the practical examination this afternoon.
I was thankful that I didn't have a final today, because I wouldn't have any time to study, but I would be done after my last two exams tomorrow afternoon. Then I would have my advanced degree in Herbology, and Ariella would be done with her own studies at St. Emrys.
I met Ariella for a quick lunch in the Village, letting her know how things were doing with the fifth and seventh years. I had no classes today, as my students were done, and I only had one class tomorrow because in my class loads, only the sixth years were taking classes right now.
Now, I was currently directing students into the Great Hall for their practical examination. Johanna Steele had just gone in for her practical, which would be overseen by Professor Tofty. Within the next few minutes, I sent in three more students.
There was conversation among those still left, but most were currently going through their own mental notes to prepare for what could possibly be presented in the DADA practical examination.
"Charisma Stone. Caerwyn Valentine. Polly Potts." Three students sent in, and within a few minutes of them entering the Great Hall, I was given the sign that I could send in a fourth student.
Sending in the fourth student, I thought about my own OWLs, remembering how crazy they were, the stress that was so intense during this two week period of the year. Then once again during seventh year for the NEWTs. But, it was worth it, and I was happy how my life had turned out.
Right now, I was attempting to figure out how Ariella and I would be spending the summer. I know she will be working at the Ministry, but I'm sure she could manage a week or so off, or even a weekend if we took a trip this summer, but for now, I think this might be another quiet summer at home for the pair of us.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I quickly send another couple of students into the Great Hall for their exams.
Of Boggarts and Patronus
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 08-28-13 14:15
DADA was one of my best subjects, and I'd been considering becoming an Auror or at least studying Defense Against the Dark Arts after I was done with school at Hogwarts, and I knew that there was some very good professors at St. Emrys. But, there were also other things that I was interested in and did well in. I didn't know what I was ready to do yet, an it would probably take me at least one or two terms to figure out what I was going to take and ultimately focus on.
Right now, I was feeling confident after the practical, and had ultimately spent the time in between studying and not taking the nap that my body tried to tell me I needed. I'd probably nap after dinner - but at that point it wouldn't do me any good because I still had one more day of OWLs this week, and then the weekend to relax a bit and then the final week of OWLS, and I would be done with my fifth year at Hogwarts - though it should be my sixth year.
It is honestly, times like this that I wished I was a sixth year, when I'd still have two more weeks of classes before my final exams began and I would not have to stress, would not have to drive myself crazy right now with worrying about how I did.
I'd been so distracted that it took Professor Masterson three times to get my attention, to send me in to the Great Hall for my practical exam.
I went into the Great Hall and offered a smile to Professor Tofty, and after a few moments, we got down to the business of my practical exam.
I'd performed a couple of counter-jinxes, dealt with a Boggart which had taken the shape of Alecto Carrow, one of the biggest things I have to fear at this point in time. Right now, I couldn't have even told you what my Boggart had been my third year, when we initially studied them, but now it was always Alecto Carrow.
I stared at the Boggart, knowing the entire time that it wasn't actually the former Headmistress of Happy Haven School for Nons standing before me, but I still had to quell the urge to cast a dark spell upon the creature. It took me a moment, before I shoved that part of myself back into its little box. Now was not the time to dwell on Happy Haven and that miserable time of my life.
"Riddikulus!"
Within seconds the form of Alecto Carrow was dressed as a bright yellow bird, similar to Sesame Street's Big Bird. I couldn't help but giggle, seeing the death eater now bright yellow, and covered with feathers. That done, I turned, looked at Professor Tofty who nodded, and then asked me to summon my patronus.
Calming myself, I used the last couple of minutes of my exam time and even through the tears, summoned my patronus.
The spell left my lips with confidence, and from the tip of my wand the simple figure of a direwolf soon appeared in that shimmering, silvery glow. It was right, it was the proper fit, and I was glad that I was given a chance to summon it after dealing with that Boggart.
My head ached by the time I stepped out of the Great Hall and headed toward the Common Commons. I needed something to eat, and I needed to forget what had happened during my DADA practical, but something told me that tonight would be a rough night and I would probably spend most of it wide awake.
Seriously? (Vasilka)
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 08-28-13 16:57
Getting a sample of her cousin Drucilla's hair or skin flakes or any other usuable part of her body for the finishing touch to Polyjuice Potion has proven much more difficult than Vasilka anticipated. The first time she attempted getting a sample, she got back to the place she's currently calling home, dropped two hairs into the potion then spent six hours, some of the time toddling impatiently around as one and a half year old Zaria, while waiting for the dose of Polyjuice to wear off. That during those six hours she had the best nap she can remember having was offset by having Zaria's still maturing bladder and bowels. Even with an ointment, the rash didn't full go away for three days.
The second attempt went just as swimmingly. The long silky blonde strand Vasilka had been so sure was from her cousin's head was, unfortunately, not. Apparently, Drucilla and the children had gone pony riding. Vasilka never realized until then that a well groomed pony's mane is not necessarily easily distinguishable from human hair. As yet, she's not found a spell to repair the hoof marks to the kitchen floor.
Third time is the charm. Unless one is gathering potion ingredients by stealthily bumping into or brushing against one's cousin while disguised as various people said cousin wouldn't give another thought. The third time the hair Vasilka picked off Drucilla's sleeve as she made a pretense of reaching for the same item on a shoppe shelf must have been deposited there when a clerk from another shoppe had bent over to retrieve something from under a counter, her hair flopping over Drucilla's arm in the process. Why Vasilka hadn't given consideration to that incident, which she had witnessed, she doesn't know other than she was starting to feel desperate. At least this time after drinking the Polyjuice she looked young and attractive and though the visage wouldn't get her into Potter's room, it along with the shapely body got her a number of drinks brought at a Muggle tavern along with a free meal.
Tired of one error after another, humiliating mistakes if anyone else were to ever learn of them, Vasilka embarked on the more daring plan of slipping into the Eternal-Black home while the family was there but in the backyard as the children played. She wished she'd had an invisibility cloak but as she doesn't even know where she could steal one that isn't under high security, she made do with a camouflaging spell, which really work best if one is stationary. Vasilka snuck into the house then, after searching the unfamiliar upper floor, found a hairbrush that had to be Drucilla's.
Now, finally appearing as Drucilla, Vasilka passes through a security checkpoint, the only remaining obstacle to Potter's room and ultimately finishing him off. An male nurse is in the room. He nods in acknowledgement, finishes whatever he's doing then says, "All finished." He walks to the door while writing something on a clipboard, paying "Drucilla" no additional attention.
Once the door has shut, leaving Vasilka alone with currently comatose but soon to be dead Harry Potter, she checks to ensure no one is near the door with its small window. Moving to the bed, she smiles, wand now in hand. Without further hesitation she says firmly, with conviction, "Avada Kedavra."
There is the expected green flash of light followed by the very unexpected blaring of an alarm. She tries to disapparate but as she has suspected even before attempting it, one of the security measures is anti-apparition. She whirls from the bed to look at the door as it jerks open, people standing there with wands pointed at her. Vasilka could attempt to fight her way out but that might result in her death. Even if not death, she's clearly outnumbered and would be captured. Might as well go peacefully, and uninjured, and hope to find a way to escape.
At least Potter is dead. Dead. Dead. Dead.
Or, Vasilka wilts a little, as one of the Aurors reveals a dummy in the bed. Seriously? Does that mean Potter's in another room entirely?
When one Auror asks, "Are you Drucilla Eternal-Black or an imposter?" she says nothing. He shrugs. "Doesn't matter if you want to say anything nor or not. Given time, we'll know if you're an imposter or not."
Vasilka is led out to be taken, no doubt, to a British Ministry of Magic holding cell.
Proposition
Author: Carys
Date: 08-28-13 17:47
The door to the classroom swung open and students streamed out, glad to have another final exam behind them. For Carys, it was her last of Trinity Term. She followed her classmates from the room, her portfolio tucked underneath one arm. The course had been Studio Photography and all students had had to create a portfolio and give a fifteen minute presentation on their work. Carys thought she had done well, but she supposed she would soon find out if her gut instincts were true.
Juliet peeled off the wall and fell into step beside her. "Hi, how did it go?"
"Hi, I didn't know you were waiting for me. It went well, I think."
"I wasn't waiting long," Juliet replied, "and I figured you would ace your final. Photography is definitely your thing. Are you rushing home?"
"I should, but I will dawdle a little bit just for you."
"Oh, how sweet!" Juliet gushed. She pulled Carys to the side of the corrider and said. "I had the most brilliant idea."
Carys quirked an eyebrow. "Should I be frightened?"
"No, I promise you'll love it. It really is brill, Carys."
"So, tell me already."
"Well, what if we went into business together? I know you are taking some business classes mixed in with your photography ones, but after tomorrow, I'll have my business degree. So, I was thinking I could help run the business aspect of your photography studio, while you do the actual photography part. What do you think?"
Carys mulled it over. "I'd always imagined myself doing this on my own, but I think I like your idea. Can we talk about it in more detail later?"
"Yes, I've got to go anyway," Juliet said, nodding to someone across the hall.
Carys turned to look and blinked. "Is that Jude Fairchild?"
"Yeah," Juliet said. "We've got a study thing tonight. Last exam tomorrow and all that." She looked a little pink in the cheeks.
"I see. Well, you two have fun."
"Yeah, we'll talk later," Juliet said, crossing the hall backwards.
Carys waved and then set off for the fireplaces, and though she was tempted to look over her shoulder at Juliet and Jude, she resisted the impulse. There would be time for questions and gossip later.
Making Amends
Author: Josie
Date: 08-29-13 02:50
The students entered the Great Hall in an ordained line. I started to position the students in their individual desks, using the help of a scroll that had their names on it.
Some seemed very nervous, particularly a Ravenclaw girl at one of the front rows that kept muttering to herself the difference between two very similar runes. It was clear she did not want to mix them up during the exam. On the other hand, a few students revealed an apparent tranquility. I caught a NEWT Slytherin boy, observing the enchanted ceiling as if it was just another quiet day of classes and he was not about to start a very important exam.
Once everyone was seated and everything seemed to be ready, Professor Huntingdon indicated to the students that they could begin. I started to walk around the Great Hall carefully not to disturb the focused students and ready to attend their needs in case they needed an extra quill or parchment. I was also attentive to any fraud attempts although that was something that rarely happened at Hogwarts.
As the time passed, I could not help to think about my latest encounter with Connor. He had come to my house a few weeks ago, while I was busy correcting some essays.
This time he had been polite enough to knock the door. He was wearing burgundy robes and his hands were still covered with bandages, although I was pretty sure after all this time they would already be healed. Connor was just dramatizing; perhaps he wanted me to feel sorry for him. But I couldn't. I was no fool and I happened to discover he has been the one who provided Rita Skeeter information for her article at The Daily Prophet. Who else had told her about the philosopher stone?
"What do you want Connor?" I asked him, my hand discreetly reaching for my wand that was on the desk.
"I would like for us to start over. Pretend that all these past encounters had never happened. You don't want to help me with my research and I will respect it. After all, I can't make you do it, can I?"
"You could always curse me," I teased him.
He sighed.
"Please Josephine…I am trying to make amends…"
I nodded, although I did not believe him. Connor apologized and asked me if I could forgive him. He wanted us to be friends again and he promised he would not mention the philosopher's stone ever again.
I do have a forgiving nature and my first thought was to accept his excuses. But something told me Connor was not being sincere with me. Instead of telling him so, I pretended to forget everything he had done to me and that we would friends again. Connor had left my apartment pleased with himself, promising me that one of these days he would invite me to have lunch with him. Such invitation never came and I was actually glad for it. I wondered if he had got himself busy with one of his alchemical experiences.
A Gryffindor girl raised her hand and I came to her encounter, noticing right away she had broken her quill and needed a new one. After replacing it, I continued to proctoring the Ancient Runes exam not thinking about Connor again.
Making Up (Zabini Park)
Author: Blaise Zabini
Date: 08-29-13 11:00
Blaise had decided not to go into the office. Working from home was easier than trusting Niccolo not to trash the place and drive the house elves mad while he was gone. He was somewhat surprised when Pansy was shown into his office though, she'd been scarce since their fight while visiting Grimsay, and while things were somewhat back to normal, there was still undeniable tension between them.
"Pansy, my darling, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he said, getting to his feet.
"I thought you might be in danger of wasting away from missing me," she drawled, kissing his cheek as he took her hands and led her to a chair.
"So my mother Flooed then?"
"Naturally. She's concerned that you haven't said much to her since young Niccolo came to live with you."
"As if I want to expose the poor kid to her ways," he said with a shudder. "My luck she'll decide she has to vamp him like she does every other male she meets."
Pansy laughed and sat in the chair, every move graceful and sinuous like the snakes she was so fond of. Around her neck, the present Blaise had sent her for Christmas was just visible, peeking out from her robes, the serpent and the flower a common theme in gifts over the years.
"I'm glad to see you like my Christmas present, even if it was a bit late," Blaise said, an easy grin masking the questions in his eyes.
For once, her gaze met his and she smiled. "You knew I would, even if you were quite late. But I can understand why. Things have been rather, awkward between us lately. I've decided that just won't do, I actually miss talking to you, so we shall have to fix it."
Blaise snorted and leaned on his desk. "I'm not the one who went running off on holiday," he pointed out.
"Don't be smug, Blaise," Pansy said sweetly, a slightly poisonous tint to her smile. "I may have to hex you."
"Never know, I might like it," he teased. There was still a wariness in his eyes as she got up and stepped up close to him.
"You always did have a kinky streak," Pansy murmured. "Which explains the gift I brought you." A delicate hand reached into her pocket and pulled out a box. Blaise wasted no time in opening it.
"I hear the muggles have various uses for these," she said. "Their please-men use them when restraining criminals, and I hear some have found other uses as well. These have been tinkered with though, so I'm not quite sure what will happen."
Blaise's smile was distinctly predatory. "I can think of a number of uses for them," he murmured, picking up the linked bracelets and contemplating it. "Think it will fit your pretty wrist?" he asked, playfully grabbing for her. The two wrestled for a moment, and when they tried to part, they were surprised to find themselves joined at the wrist.
"Blast it, Blaise," Pansy said, pouting at him, but his smile was still in place.
"I don't know, this might have it's advantages," he said, discretely stepping on the key that had fallen to the floor. "Like, you can't run when I tell you the truth." Pansy's eyes went wide for a split second before Blaise's free hand slid into her hair and he kissed her, years of pent up emotion and truth spilling into the gesture.
No Puddlemere United For Now (Wiggy)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 08-29-13 17:54
Wiggy rubs one eye, wondering why it's suddenly feeling so gritty. He'd consider taking a nap before time to write the History of Magic NEWT but he's tired enough he needs the energy food at lunch would provide. Food that will in turn start making him sleepy at some point during the History of Magic NEWT. He suppresses a sigh. Maybe grabbing a nap and then downing some sugary snacks would be the way to go even though a sugar crash could be worse.
He gives himself a mental kick. As appealing as nap is then gorging on sweets to get through writing this afternoon's exam, Wiggy knows eating a real lunch is the way to go. He'll do that and then as time allows, he'll take a quick nap and hope to Merlin he wakes up from it in time to get to the Great Hall before the doors shut for the History of Magic exam.
Wiggy finishes reading over the answer he's just written regarding Dalecarlian runes. Satisfied it will do he moves on to the next, which on the face of it seems easy but isn't really. Three images are presented that are exceedingly similar. The requirement is to select the image that represents an actual rune and then identify that rune. There are ten sets of these.
Stopping at after the fifth set to give his hand another shake and quick massage while looking over the remaining sets, Wiggy again has that feeling of grit in one eye. He'll have to put some drops or something in both eyes sometime in the all too brief time after the Ancient Runes NEWT ends and the afternoon exam begins. At least he doesn't have Quidditch practice. The Puddlemere coach gave him this week and the next off, knowing that Wiggy would not only need the time for extra studying and rest, but would be too tired to fully concentrate on practice or scheduled matches. A time turner was out of the question as that would simply have ensured Wiggy was even more exhausted.
Forcing his hand back around his quill, he finishes those remaining five sets of images then moves on to a section involving the translation of Elder Futhark runes. There's not much more after the translation but of those questions left several are tricky. While Wiggy has his career going already and doesn't need NEWT scores, that doesn't mean he's going to slack off after putting so much effort into both completing Hogwarts and playing Quidditch professionally. There's also the fact that he won't be able to play Quidditch forever and he's not sure he wants to go into coaching. It's highly possible that years from now someone will look at his NEWTs and wonder about each score, trying to decide if Wiggy is right for the job, or entrance to university, or whatever he ends up doing in his future life.
When time is called, Wiggy has completed every question though some he isn't as happy with his responses as he could be. The exam and his answers no longer in front of him, the matter is literally out of his hands. Wiggy tries not to dwell, turning his thoughts to lunch, that nap, eye drops, and what the History of Magic NEWT will involve.
Theory of HoM
Author: Jolyon
Date: 08-30-13 16:52
Professor Kent's Friday afternoon classes just happened to be with the fifth year and seventh year students, so there was no need to ask Hagrid to step in and teach while Jolyon proctored the History of Magic O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams in the Great Hall.
He stood up to write the time remaining on the blackboard behind him. The fifth and seventh year students, some of whom looked utterly exhausted after an entire week of exams (and one more to go), had spent a good two and a half hours writing out their answers. The last thirty minutes would pass quickly.
Jolyon seated himself again and thought about everything that had happened over the past school year. The most notable, of course, was the discovery of his twins. Merrie had already agreed to let Arielle and Asher spend a week with him at the beginning of August. Rather then have them come to Hogwarts for that week, Jolyon would take them to his mother's house and hope that Gaius Lorey kept his pants on, or better yet, didn't visit Bridget at all that week.
He knew that Arielle looked forward to the visit and wished above all else that even if Asher didn't want to come, he would keep his true feelings to himself so as not to ruin the week for Bridget. Jolyon's mother looked forward to getting to know her grandchildren better. He didn't want her feelings getting hurt by Asher not sharing her sentiments.
A hand shot up into the air. Jolyon looked over and saw Hugo Hathi in a panic because his quill had just stopped writing. Jolyon brought him a new quill and took the defective one with him. Hugo's expression, though still somewhat unnerved, relaxed a fraction. He continued writing vigorously, apparently never having lost his train of thought for that particular answer.
Jolyon sat back down and cast his eyes to the hourglass on the table. The kernels of sand in the top were rapidly dwindling...
Steadily Writing (Alexa)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 08-31-13 15:15
Alexa turns to the one remaining page of questions of the Theory of Potions NEWT. She does a quick check of the time so she'll know how long she has to devote - or waste - getting these questions answered and going back through the exam. There are a few items she'd like to revisit but first she needs to give full attention to these last questions.
As she goes through identifying several potions based on ingredients, colors during different stages of brewing, and a very general characterization of the potion's effects, Alexa is so glad she has a bit of a break soon. She isn't enrolled in Care of Magical Creatures, which is the exam slated for Tuesday. She does have Astronomy and Muggle Studies to go but the downtime she also gets this week is much welcomed.
Unfortunately, NEWTs are not the only stress Alexa has had recently. She hasn't been able to decide what she wants to do after Hogwarts. Attend St. Emrys, sure, but reading what? Sometimes she thinks she wants to go into the Healing Arts but in what capacity she's not sure. Nurse? Healer? What would she specialize in if going into healing or would she have to do that, just staying generalized?
Other days Alexa thinks she might like to do something with Charms or Defense Against the Dark Arts, or both.
There's also her interest in art and design.
Whatever she decides, she will be dedicated and do well. She is sure she would go far in the field.
Moving on to a short essay question, Alexa composes her thoughts then starts writing a response, wishing as she does that she was more like Wiggy's little cousin Baron who has absolutely no hesitation in telling people he plans to become Minister of Magic some day.
Checking the time again, she moves on at a steady pace, stopping only when the nub of her quill becomes problematic, putting a little smear on each letter. Hand up, she thinks about her answers for the next two questions while waiting for Professor Black to bring her another quill.
When the Theory of Potions exam ends, Alexa is overall pleased with her responses to everything and is fairly certain she didn't overlook getting anything answered.