Notes in Transfiguration
Class
Author: Azaelia Bramble
Date: 12-29-01 09:13
Azaelia coughed as she tore a piece of paper from her notebook and wrote on it, then folded it once and slid it over to Isolde, her eyes still on McGonagall as she was teaching.
Isolde narrowed her eyes a bit and took the paper, pretending to be reading along in her Transfiguration book:
Hey, I've been thinking about setting that Devaki girl up with Malfoy -- whatcha think?
From the corner of her eye, Azaelia could see Isolde's brow furrow. Then, she took her quill, penned a note back to her cousin, and slid it back to her.
What do you wanna do that for?
Lia rolled her eyes and wrote back, then slid it across the table again.
'Cuz...they're kinda cute together. I dunno.
The note came back, with a giggle from Isolde:
Whatever
Suddenly, a high-pitched brogue sounded right next to the cousin's desks.
"Find something amuzing, Bramble? Farnon?"
It was McGonagall--Busted.
Azaelia, keeping her eyes on McGonagall's, slid the paper into her book, and the note went unnoticed.
"No, Professor. Ma'am. Just a funny dream that Isolde had last night that she told me this morning over breakfast," Azaelia lied, still keeping her eyes on McGonagall, and smiling slightly.
McGonagall arched an eyebrow. "I see," she finally said.
"Well, I hope you can keep your dreams from disturbing any other future Transfiguration classes, Miss Farnon. It would be very wise of you."
And the professor turned her back to them, and walked back to the front of the classroom, a few giggles and snickers heard from various students in the room.
[London:
Ministry of Magic] Returned
Author: Lord L. A. Higginton-Smythe
Date: 12-29-01 21:11
Lord Lludd Alfred Higginton-Smythe sat in a soft chair across a table decorated on all sides by the board of directors. He was an ailing man in his mid one hundreds, lightly haired, pleasant with small rimmed glasses and a grandfatherly look about his cheered face. If he were one thing it were an actor. Lludd Alfred could conceal a dislike or disagreement to his dying day if necessary, but across from him sat a publicly acknowledged dislike, Cornelius Fudge.
You either liked Lord Lludd Alfred or you didn't, and in the case of the two gentlemen, they never cared much for each other. Lludd Alfred had a status of a man who worked for the better good for his family, and then the better good of everyone else. Cornelius meanwhile was considered only a shadow of the greater ones, where Dumbeldore was great and where Higginton-Smythe was powerful. It was common knowledge among everyone that Lludd Alfred did not support Cornelius as Minister and it was common knowledge that Cornelius would no longer be Minister had it not been for his quick request to Lludd Alfred to be his deputy. Lludd Alfred was in it for two reasons: he was a step away from being Minister, or in Cornelius's case barely that, and he agreed that if the ministership changed hands at this wary time the Ministry would crack.
The general meeting was rather dull and pointless. Lludd Alfred had just returned from private gatherings on the continent. He watched the windows as they began to fog across at a rapid rate. He tapped the oak table with his fist causing Cornelius to become silent.
"Excuse the interruption Minister Fudge, I have something I would like to bring before this board... "
No Luck
Author: Adriana Fairchild
Date: 12-29-01 22:06
Now the only reason Adriana flew all the way to London was to find this Gringotts Bank which didn't seem to exist. She called every bank in the country, talked to dozens of British lawyers, looked on the internet, and now after a full day of exploring London, she still found nothing.
When Adriana finally returned to her hotel she was exhausted. She sat down at the desk and took out the items her father had given her on his deathbed. A tarnished but elaborate golden key as big as a letter envelope and an old map drawn on dingy parchment. I'm such a fool, she thought to herself, this is just more of my father's craziness, it has to be.
It's true. Her father was crazy. He had been ever since her mother died when she was seven. For a long time he was harmless, always muttering things about wizards and magic and such. But the year before his death he became unpredictable and violent, ranting about a dark lord returning to power, evil magic, and even about her mother. The worst part of all was that he was completely unstable unless Adriana was present. This inconvenience forced her, at the age of twenty-one, to leave school and care for her father herself.
Nothing he said ever made sense, they were just jumbled thoughts–until the day he died. It was the evening of June 24, and he turned to her and spoke so clearly, so sanely, that Adriana had no choice but to believe him.
"My darling Adriana, I'm so sorry I haven't been a real father to you, but you must listen to me. Great danger is coming, I have foreseen it. You must return to England. Here is a key to our vault at Gringotts Bank, it should be more than enough for you to live on–500,000 I believe. And here is a map to Hogsmeade, where you must go to Hogwarts Castle and find a great man named Albus Dumbledore. He will tell you all that I should have but could not. You must promise me that you will go."
And she did. But honestly she
was more interested in the money than anything else. She had five days before
her flight home, and although she had no luck finding Gringotts, she still
had a map and a name. Now Hogsmeade didn't appear to be real either. It was
somewhere north in Scotland, but the only map it appeared on was her own.
Adriana decided she would travel on train as far as she could and then by
car the rest of the way. If she didn't find anything it would just be more
proof of her father's insanity. But if she did she'd be rich. And if anyone
would know where she could find her inheritance, it would be Albus Dumbldore.
If he even really existed.
Adriana packed her things and forced herself to sleep. She had a long day ahead of her. Tomorrow she would set off for Hogsmeade.
[London:
Ministry of Magic] The International Wizarding Convention, 1995 Proposal
Author: Lord L. A. Higginton-Smythe
Date: 12-29-01 22:13
Cornelius sat aghast at Lludd Alfred's sudden interruption and he was even more worried about what would venture from Lludd Alfred's mouth.
"The board recognizes Lord Higginton-Smythe, Deputy Minister." Cornelius growled underneath his breath, This had better be good. Lludd Alfred knew the look on Cornelius's face ("Absolute frustration of emotion" was how he always explained it) and grinned a little with pleasure.
"Gentlemen, in my travels of late across the continent adjoining these isles I have gathered a good wealth of feedback on the concern over the Dark Lord's (his emphasis of Voldemort brought a shiver among the others) re-arise. As Deputy Minister and acting head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation I wish to issue forth a request by this ministry for the gathering of wizards and witches in another International Wizarding Convention of this current year, 1995. The issue at hand will be obvious, for the arrangement between fellow nations so that we can combine our resources against this emerging threat."
"Preposterous Lludd!" Cornelius looked across the other faces finding no ally in sight, "You all favor this? What good would any wasteful convention do for us."
"It is for the greater good of ending this trouble and this time for good. I imagine that with good attendance from each nation with magical knowledge well shall be able to establish some sort of international institution to deal with this troublesome business," Cornelius obviously wasn't biting into it though, but was having difficulty in finding a stand without a supporter. Obscured to him, Lludd Alfred had secretly received approval from all the other necessary heads before the meeting, "Agree to it Cornelius, there is no way we'll be successful a second time. Harry Potter was a miracle before, a good one at that, but please don't rely on miracles this time. If we can have widespread support rather than ourselves and everyone else then we can come out atop. Britain must be the one to call though. This is our problem especially and it has twice come about on our soil."
Cornelius sat back in his armchair and burrowed in thought, he had no choice but to agree. If he didn't Lludd Alfred would find a way around him and if necessary force him into resignation, the one thing he promised to use as last resort. At least if a convention came about he would be out of Cornelius's matters... unless it was in Britain.
"Where will it be held?"
"The French have set aside an area southeast of Biarritz where there is an beautiful town named Baliseon, un-viewable to Muggles by magic. They have told me the facilities there are always prepared for any such event." A golden map appeared from nowhere and he pointed out the town, which shimmered with a garnet tint on its name.
Cornelius looked Lludd Alfred straight in the eye, "I take it everyone here is in agreeance?" They were. "Issue the call."
In a Rush
Author: Pete Marsh
Date: 12-30-01 00:19
Pete ran through the Common room and up the stairs.
"Pardon me" he said to a new painting as he went quickly past. Wouldn't help to be late to his 9-10 am History of Magic class. Not that Pete was ever late if he could help it. Must get lots of house points.
DADA Class
9-10 AM
Author: Dr. Armageddon Endikut
Date: 12-30-01 02:12
I called the roll. As I called the names the students raised their hands. "Stewart Ackerley, Orla Quirke, Elenor Branstone, Owen Cauldwell, Laura Madley, Kevin Whitby, Alanis Archer..."
Once I finished, I started to teach the second year's lesson. "Students, I want you to pay close attention in this class. It may just save your life," I started it how I was going to start every first class. "If you are not careful, you can be turned into stone, turned into a pile of ash, blown up, drained of your blood, will power, or your emotions; you could be tortured to death or madness, or even become a monster. Out of any family that knows the seriousness of this class is my own. I come from a long line of vampire hunters or aurors, and each of what I have mentioned happened to at least two members of my family. Any questions?"
The students were a bit scared, not as much as the first years though. "Now that I have your attention, I will give you some assurance. The best weapon you can have against evil is knowing what you are dealing with and how you can deal with it. It is to my understanding you had a more, eccentric teacher last year. We will cover annoying creatures. Open your books to the first part of the creatures section, the red pages," I said to a confused student. "We will study Gnomes," I said pulling a cover off an empty fishbowl except for a vulgar gnome and some dirt. "I thought gnomes looked like Santa Claus," said a student I'm guessing was raised by Muggles.
"I'm sorry, that is a popular interpretation started by medieval Muggles. This colorful creature is native to where?" I asked. "Gardens?" asked the student that thought a gnome looked like Santa. "Good Guess. Just so you know they are commonly found in wizard gardens, in fact that is how you can tell the differnece between a wizard's home and a Muggle's. I asked Professor Sprout if I could use one, and she handed me a huge crate full." I said pulling up a huge crate of gnomes onto my desk.
"Miss Archer, can you open that window?" I asked. The student did as she was told and opened the window. I grabbed the gnome's feet and started to spin myself like an athlete thowing a hammer. "This is the most popular method of extracting gnomes," I said tossing it out the window, and it landed in a big mud puddle. "However, they will return," I said pulling out another from the crate and closing it. I placed the new gnome in the fish bowl.
"Gnomes love magical plants, but there are plants that can ward off gnomes, and there is a spell that can rapidly make these plants grow," I said. "Any guesses on the plants or the spell?" I asked. "Dragontail flowers," said one student. "Yes, Dragontail flowers plant can actually repel many magical creatures too. How about its locale or the spell?" I asked. "The foot of the hidden volcanos in Illinios," said a student. "Yes, and a very rare flower. You need to the right amount of clay and ash. Now the spell." "Uh, Vulcanis?" asked a student. "Try it," I said. "VULCANIS!" said the student waving his wand but nothing happened. "Vulcanis Growin Gallover," said another student. "That sounds more like it," I said. "Vulcanis Growin Gallover," said the student waving her wand as a beautiful flower grew and bloomed inside the bowl. The gnome begged to be set free. I did by tossing the gnome out the window. "Now remember to have the correct ash, clay ratio. Unfortunately, Professor Sprout gave me the correct soil. She will tell you if you want to learn how to grow them." The students then started tossing gnomes as I taught them as I decayed the flower and let the students regrow the flowers.
Lost
Author: Aoife Wright
Date: 12-30-01 02:28
Aoife looked down at the small scrap of parchment with her class schedule. Aww man! she thought, If I don't find my next class I'll be late again! Can't let that happen! Walking past an open door she heard some one talk.
"Excuse me," the person said.
Startled, Aoife backed up until she could see into the classroom. "Hmm? Were you talking to me?"
"Yes." the man said. He was standing behind the large desk at the front of the room. Obviously the teacher since the class was full of students. "You looked like you could use some help."
"Yeah. I don't know where my next class is." she walked up to the desk. Ignoring the stares and murmurs from the class. "It's Herbology. I'm completely lost."
"Hmm." he thought for a moment. "Well I believe it's in the Greenhouse."
"Oh ok! Thanks!" Aoife turned around to leave when she heard him call her back.
She turned around with a confused look on her face. "Yes?"
He held out a rolled up piece of parchment. "I was wondering if you could give this to your teacher."
Aoife took the piece of parchment and stuck it in her bag, carefully. "Ok I'll deliver it for ya."
"Thank you." he replied.
Aoife turned around and headed out of the room. She muttered lightly to her bag and tried to hide the slight movement as she turned around the corner.
Chat in the
Corridor
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 12-30-01 03:44
Fred linked his arm through Samantha's, while George did the same, and together the three seventh years sauntered through the hallways. Their next destination was Herbology class, which was held in a greenhouse on the Hogwarts Grounds. Gleefully trotting through the massive crowds of students, the Weasley twins suddenly spotted their best friend, Lee Jordan.
"Lee! My man!" Fred unhooked his arm from Samantha's and clapped his buddy on the back, "'Ow goes it?"
Lee's toothy grin lit up the darkened corridor, "Smashing, Fred. George." His eyes trailed over Samantha, whom he had not had the pleasure of meeting just yet.
"So you're Samantha Thatcher," Lee said knowingly, snatching her dainty hand into his own. "Lovely to meet you!" He placed a delicate kiss on her hand, then cast a glance at Fred, who was bouncing up and down as if he had ants in his pants. Samantha, realizing that Lee's gesture was the cause of Fred's antsy-ness, released her hand from Lee's grip and threw an arm around Fred's shoulders.
"Where are yeh off ta, Lee?" Samantha inquired, leaning into Fred's now heaving chest.
Fred quickly slid from Samantha's hold in order to calm himself. "Yeah, what's up?" he asked, gripping onto his chest in an attempt to slow down his thumping heart.
"Oh, not much," Lee answered, waving to someone down the hall. "Just screwing around. Can't wait until Quidditch starts up."
"Ditto that," George piped in, grinning lopsidedly at Fred.
Lee started shuffling away after giving a firm handshake to his twin friends, "You guys best be getting along to class...or wherever you're going. I'll see you later!" And with that, he disappeared into the crowd leaving the boys alone to escort Samantha to Herbology class.
"And then there were three," George said quietly, as the three began to walk out of the castle.
I Wanted to
Go Back to Our Adventure, I Did
Author: Alanis Archer
Date: 12-30-01 05:50
I never really had much temperament for classes.
Gnome tossing in DADA was rewarding, I suppose, and I tossed a few of them with appropriate abandon. But I hated the prof's scare tactics.
Monday's schedule looked to be classes most the day. Definitely I wasn't going to be happy with Monday. Three classes in the morning; one at midnight - not a way to make a carefree (?) Hufflepuff happy. And not with that pathetic roomie I'd drawn.
By the time I got to the third class, whatever it was, I wasn't paying a speck of attention. Charms. That's what it was. Charming, I was sure. I popped a "keep apparently awake" spell at myself, and drowzed as the class droned on.
Finally free - until midnight - I roamed off to the Great Hall for something resembling food. Maybe I'd run into Jet or Hannah - although Jet had said something about having six classes today, which was less than promising.
Onward to
Phase 2
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 12-30-01 05:53
As soon as Transfiguration wrapped up, Py made his way over to Azaelia and Isolde. It was just going on ten and he didn't have another class until Potions at one. This meant lots of time for him to continue his scheming. As they walk from the classroom, Py loops one arm with Isolde and the other with Azaelia, pulling them close enough to hear him whisper.
"You two do realize that my dear sister has Transfig from 8 to 9 on Mondays and Wednesdays? This means we can more easily implement Azaelia's blindingly brilliant idea for Phase 2. I have to say, Azaelia, it's a singularly smashing plan. Phase 1 should be wearing tomorrow. We can put Phase 2 into action as she leaves Transfiguration Wednesday. How's that sound, ladies?"
Both Isolde and Azaelia seemed pleased with the plan. After they talked a bit longer, Py excuses himself. He's got another plan to hatch and goes in search of Clara and Tempest. Pyrrhus realizes he might have to wait until lunch to locate them but he decides he'll look anyway and as he looks he'll run over the logistics of the scheme again.
Advertisement
and Lunch
Author: Dr. Armageddon Endikut
Date: 12-30-01 08:17
A student was lost and was trying to find the Greenhouse. I gave the student a thank you note for his teacher Professor Sprout. I said:
******************************************
Thank you for the gnomes. I'll cast that mint spell to keep away the rabbits, gnomes, and other pests. Dr. Armageddon C. Endikut
******************************************
Afterwards, I finished teaching the third year Gryffindor and Slytherin's class right out Lupin's lesson plan. I then went to the Great Hall posting posters on the wall.
*********************************************************************************
ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS Professor Endikut has invited a few beings and has-beings to speak about life or afterlife in the wizarding and Muggle world. Friday mornings 8am-9am, bring many questions, a quill and paper, no quizzes. Must be able to write an essay on one speaker of the student's choice. List of speakers will be supplied on first day of class. Please show each guest as much respect as you would wish upon yourself. Class Fri. 8-9 all houses, all years welcome. Class is supported by S.P.E.W.
*********************************************************************************
After I finished posting a few students were interested in it. I must be honest with myself. The idea was not just mine. Lupin was the man whom suggested I take the job as DADA teacher. I agreed only if he would be there if I need a subitute. I respect Snape but I think he needs more practical experience, like being the Malfoy's personal dog catcher. When I was on the Committee, little then five year old Draco was worried about a monster in his closet.
So I was woken up after a long day of de-gnoming Malfoy's garden. The little snot thought his toy dragon was a real one. That was one of the reasons I quit the Committee of Dangerous Creature Disposal. I sat near Professor Sorcha, but before I uttered a word to her Professor McGonagall informed us to be less public and more professional. She then moved me closer to Hagrid, whom had a decent day teaching Creature Care, not many hurt.
