|
Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on May 13, 2023 4:56:49 GMT -8
Defense Against the Dark Arts – Lesson Three – Gorgon - Practical
Classroom Description Tall windows line the outer wall of the classroom, providing the dominant source of light, small sconces lining the wall to provide supplemental light as needed. The walls tapered towards the center; arches positioned on each side of the window to provide structural support for the domed ceiling. The desks have been removed and a transparent barrier separates a small portion of the classroom from the rest of the room where the Gorgon roams freely. The barrier is magicked to protect those on this side from the effects of the Gorgon’s stare. A table near the window at the front of the class is lined with numerous vials, separated into three categories, the first is a mandrake restorative draught, the second is the anti-venom to the snakes, and the third is a group of general healing potion for other minor to moderate injuries.
Lesson Three Dragomir perched in his usual spot on the windowsill, watching as the students enter the classroom. Last class they had studied the theory of Gorgons. Today he figured a practical lesson was in order. Typical to his sense of comfort being more important than formality, he opted for the typical Romanian dress rather than more typical robes professors tended to wear in the castle. He watched the Gorgon circle in its cage. He would release her where she belonged once the class was over. However, her agitation at not completely understanding the nature of the confinement made her less predictable. He would enter the enclosure with whatever pairs wanted to attempt to subdue her. Although, participation was not mandatory. This was more for those who wanted to test the theories they had learned in the last class or during their studies. He hoped most would attempt it, there was no real danger as he could remedy any damage the Gorgon could manage. The blackboard listed the rules for the class. Rules for facing the Gorgon:- Students who wish to challenge the Gorgon will do so in pairs.
- Students will be given 10 minutes to subdue the Gorgon. The goal is submission, not to kill. Although granted killing would be the intended goal in a less controlled situation. We only have one Gorgon.
- The later in the class the more irritated the Gorgon will become and the more fiercely she will fight.
- If I suspect there is excessive danger to a student, or a student is petrified or bitten, I will end the session by putting a magical barrier around them to extricate them from the situation.
- The snakes have been milked this morning so their bite will produce little to no venom, allowing for plenty of time to administer the antidote.
- You will listen to my directions when given. If you decide to disobey, I will remove you from the class and prohibit you from participating in the next practical lesson. Additional consequences may be handed out as necessary.
- Please sign up below with your partner if you would like to participate in the class. (Participation will earn extra house points)
Teams for facing the Gorgon:-
- Ms. Oden & Mr. Vaisey
Class Rules
1. Wands will be present at all times but will not be used unless instructed. 2. No one will disturb anything in the room unless given permission. This goes specifically for any creatures that may be present in the classroom. 3. This is a Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the history and practice is not peaceful, therefore be prepared for some possibly unsettling discussions. 4. Questions shall be answered only with the raise of a hand to ensure order (OOC: to answer questions, raise your hand in the post and assume you have been called on and provide the answer, do not wait on me to actually call on someone). 5. No horseplay within the room. 6. The use of dark arts is strictly forbidden on school grounds outside rooms of instruction. 7. Punctuality is expected. Material will not be repeated if you cannot show up on time. (OOC: Even if your first post is several posts after a class has started, unless you want/need to be late for story line reasons, just post as if you have been sitting quietly in the class the whole time.)
House Cup Points for Participation:
1. Attend Class (minimum 1 post per class) +10 pts 2. Correctly Answer Question in Class (first to respond correctly) +5 pts 3. Earn or lose house points assigned by the Professor at their discretion.
|
|
|
Post by Loce Vaisey on May 13, 2023 20:12:09 GMT -8
Loce and Anneli wandered into the classroom, hand in hand. They were nearly always together these days. And he personally liked it that way. He whistled as he saw the set-up for the class. Practical lessons. He glanced at Drake and nodded. “Hello Professor.” He turned back to the Gorgon, taking a good look at her through the barrier. He watched her for a few, then turned to wink at Anneli. “Det här borde vara roligt. Du och jag är ostoppbara.”He turned his attention to the blackboard and nodded. Subdue a Gorgon. This could be interesting. Magic provided little damage unless hit in the right place. The best attack would be a slicing attack at the neck, but sectumsempra had a good chance of resulting in enough damage the Gorgon would be done for the class, if not permanently. They would have to come up with something else. “We, Anneli and I, would like to go last professor.” He said, speaking up as he wrote their names in the last spot on the board. He pulled Anneli aside. “Felly fy ngwraig hardd. Oes gennych chi unrhyw syniadau am strategaeth?” He asked, turning to watch the Gorgon. The snakes fascinated him. He’d never been around snakes before. They terrified his mother, so they were never allowed near them, and if one ventured into the yard, his mother’s wards would simply fling them out again before anyone had a chance to get a better look.
|
|
Ezra Ansel
Ravenclaw
6th Year - Prefect - Ravenclaw Captain/Chaser
Posts: 105
|
Post by Ezra Ansel on May 13, 2023 21:24:30 GMT -8
Ezra bounded through the corridors with a navy blue scarf loosely at his neck. His hair was disheveled. There had been no time for a shower after his late night outing to the astronomy tower. He had stayed up late enough to witness the Taurids Meteor Shower. Ezra had drawn the colourful fireballs produced by the shower into his notes. His mind was captured by the sky. The tower offered a place of solace away from his dormitory. His bed hadn't welcomed him in weeks since the nightmares took hold. They bewildered him. Ezra hadn't suffered with such random visions before. If anything, he was usually the first snoring in the dorms. Maybe this was just another newfound trait of turning into a teen. He shook off the thought.
The classroom was void of desks. Instead, the Gorgon was circling in her cage. He instinctively looked away before realizing a barrier had been placed. Ezra nodded at Professor Ghica, "Hello Professor. Don't think I'd be pleased standing in the same room as her," He nodded toward the Gorgon, "Without you also present." He chuckled. Ezra looked toward Loce and Anneli. His Slytherin friends and the most connected couple in the castle. Ezra looked at Anneli curiously, wondering if he should talk to her about some of the things he had seen. Perhaps he could mention it to Loce first, feel it out. Or maybe, he shouldn't say anything at all.
Ezra strolled up to the pair, "Hey Loce, Anneli, don't think this is a good time for a prank, huh?" He laughed, running his hand through his hair. Ezra gave the Gorgon a weary look.
|
|
Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
|
Post by Anneli Oden on May 14, 2023 23:48:44 GMT -8
Anneli walked into the classroom with Loce. Their hands entwined. She allowed his steady hand to guide her. Perhaps it was his Keeper strength, but Loce had a firm grip. She preferred it that way. Around her neck was a Victorian style necklace with an emerald pendant. The green stone seemed to darken as they entered the room. It turned black upon seeing the gorgon. The necklace had been a gift from her Aunt Vilhelmina, a women well-versed in defending against the dark arts. She looked curiously at the pendant, a smile playing at her lips. It worked.
"Hello Professor Ghica," She nodded in greeting, looking curiously at the Gorgon. A swirl of excitement ran through her stomach. A shiver played up and down her arms. Anneli stood ready. She loved, if not needed, practical lessons. This is where she exceled. Her mind ran through everything she knew about Gorgons. She watched her carefully, noting her movements. Anneli looked toward her bag. A mirror would do the trick, no? A gorgon cast in stone herself would be the best bet. She was sure Professor Ghica wouldn't appreciate her beheading the gorgon.
She smiled as Loce offered they go last. A smart choice. Anneli moved aside with him, smiling curiously up to him, "Fy ngŵr clyfar," Her voice was soft, "I remember Professor Ghica mentioning that their biggest weakness is that they can turn themselves to stone." She cast an eyebrow upward, "Ydych chi'n meddwl y gallai gwrthrych sgleiniog wneud?" Anneli asked, wondering if that might be the most practical offense given their limitations. "Otherwise, I might need to behead her." She laughed, winking at him. Her dark sense of humor hadn't left her yet.
|
|
Isla Reinhardt
Gryffindor
5th Year - Gryffindor Seeker - Prefect
Posts: 116
|
Post by Isla Reinhardt on May 15, 2023 18:18:54 GMT -8
Isla strolled into the classroom, raising an eyebrow as she saw the Gorgon pacing. If she could master this class, then becoming an Auror wasn't too far off. It was a pipe dream in some respects. Her family would completely disown her if she ever thought about becoming one. If they left it up to her parents, she would dive deeper into the dark arts instead of only defending against them. Isla shivered at the thought. It wasn't what she stood for. Simple as that.
She smiled at Professor Ghica as she took her spot in the forming circle of students. Isla nodded at Anneli, Loce, and Ezra, "Hey guys." She murmured quickly. Isla made sure not to be standing directly next to Loce and Anneli at all times. Their relationship was already dangerous enough, no need to add more fuel to the fire. She knew she would need to keep her parent's trust, whatever was left of it for her, in tact. It would be needed moving forward. Besides, they always found a way to hang out in secret anyway.
Isla read the board. Her stomach flipped. This would be one of their first real practical lessons. She was anxious to give it a shot. Her heart raced as she looked toward the door. No Theo or Gwen yet. Not even Ameryn or Oliver. Their presence would be greatly appreciated, if not needed, right now.
|
|
|
Post by Cordelia Burke on May 15, 2023 20:04:11 GMT -8
Cordelia Burke walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, her gaze immediately drawn to the ominous creature caged at the front of the room: the devilish gorgon. Its eyes seemed to glowing with a menacing gleam, a transparent barrier seeming to protect the students. The sight sent a chill down Cordelia's spine, but she quickly composed herself. Today's lesson was going to be hands-on and she knew she had to be prepared.
One glance at the board, confirms her assumption. The class would be facing off against the gorgon in pairs. It was a test of their skills and their ability to defend themselves against dangerous creatures. Cordelia felt a mix of confidence and nervousness welling up within her. She knew she had honed her magical abilities, and trusted her own skill... but the thought of facing the creature was just a little daunting.
As she made her way into the room, all desks cast aside to make room for the students to gather round, she quickly spots Loce and Anneli, exchanging excited whispers. Undoubtedly they'd be paired up. "Should be an interesting lesson." She smiles at them.
She hopes she would be matched with a capable partner as well. Cordelia contemplates who her partner might be. Fergus, seemed like a likely choice. Simple. But then, her mind drifted... to Wolf. The mere thought of working alongside him made Cordelia's heart skip a beat. She could still recall his hands on her waist, his lips against hers...But would his skill in the classroom match hers? Then there was Reece of course. Pureblood. Slytherin. Cute. Thinking of him brings a coy smile to her face.
She shakes her head and refocuses herself on the task at hand. God. What has gotten into her? She glances again at Loce and Anneli and smirks knowingly. That likely has a little something to do with it, she was sure.
This was hardly the time for distractions or boys.
|
|
|
Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on May 15, 2023 20:20:58 GMT -8
Wolf sauntered into the classroom. He glanced at the Gorgon. His stomach turned. This wouldn't be a lecture class he could tap in and out of. No. This was a practical application class. He feared as much. Although he had picked up enough to venture safely into the forest, a gorgon was an entirely different beast. He managed to look at her for a few seconds. If she wasn't so daunting, she might actually be beautiful. Perhaps without the snakes. He smiled at Professor Ghica, "Good afternoon Professor, not sure I can say I'm looking forward to this one," He admitted, laughing. Wolf ran his hands through his hair.
He strolled over to Loce and Anneli. "What's up, Loce, Anneli? I hope I'll be able to handle a gorgon." He smiled at the pair. The couple had invited him into the fold. Wolf never thought he would associate with Slytherins, but this was a new year. His heart raced as he saw Cordelia. He cast a confident smile in her direction anyway, "Hey Cordelia," Wolf greeted, his gaze pausing on her. He had wondered about her interest level in him. Ameryn had seemed quite enthusiastic, still there was something about the reserved Slytherin.
|
|
|
Post by Loce Vaisey on May 16, 2023 18:39:11 GMT -8
Loce smirked at Ezra as he joined them. “Naw, just talking strategy. Why share with the group at large?” He said and nodded in the direction of the Gorgon. “This will be fun I think. You looking forward to it?” Loce was actually excited about the proposition. It seemed like good practice overall, given what he likely had to look forward to before the end of their 7th year, he’d take all the practical help he could get.
He winked at Anneli. Gwr and gwraig It was true, no one could deny them that much. Not that they would ever give anyone the opportunity to. He nodded. “Perseus used a polished shield.” He had gone back and re-read some of the mythology his Gran had read to him as a kid. So anything with a honed shine might work. “Ydych chi'n meddwl y bydden ni'n dianc rhag y felltith Imperious? O ystyried hud mae angen ergyd fwy uniongyrchol, ond os gallaf Imperius hi, gallaf wneud iddi edrych ar ei hadlewyrchiad.” He glanced at Drake, wondering if he would let them use it. “Hey Isla, Theo going to join you for this one? Or are you going to snag Gwen before Fergus does?” He asked, confident their conversation couldn’t do any harm with those currently in the room. “Hey Cordelia. I’m excited about it. We have a couple ideas, and I have a secret weapon.” He said winking at Anneli. She had a few tricks up her sleeve if needed. He knew she could best him in a duel any day of the week and was proud of her for it. He was good, but she was certainly better. In any case, they made a formidable pair, at least on a classroom level. They just needed to master it on a real-world scale if they were going to succeed. Loce nodded at Wolf. “You got it, just a few venomous snakes and a gaze that can turn you to stone, plus a limited target for magic. What could go wrong?” He laughed, and slipped an arm around Anneli’s waist. He glanced between Wolf and Cordelia “You two going to pair up? This is going to be more of a street fight than a dual, I think the boy from New Yawk would be a good partner in that case.” He grinned affecting his Boston accent on the state name. He figured he would give the pair a bit of a nudge. He knew Wolf liked her, and she was at least curious about him. But neither was making the first move, so why not try to help them along? He turned to Anneli “Ska vi ordna en privat middag för till exempel sex personer?” He nodded to Wolf and Ezra in turn and winked at her. That would be a lot of fun. “I helgen?” He asked, kissing her cheek. He turned back to the group. “Sorry, bit of plotting going on.” He nodded at the Gorgon.
|
|
|
Post by Theo Cole on May 17, 2023 21:46:02 GMT -8
Theo's anticipation and nerves mixed as he made his way to the Defence Against the Dark Arts class. Today's lesson promised to be different from the usual theoretical lectures—a practical encounter with a Gorgon. The idea of facing such dangerous creature both excited and unnerved him, but amidst the uncertainty, there was an undeniable thrill running through his veins. It was a break from the mundane routine, a chance to experience something more... exhilarating.
As he entered the classroom, Theo's gaze was immediately drawn to Isla. Yes, definitely exhilarating. She stood there, her presence radiating a sense of confidence and determination. Like a magnet he found himself gravitating towards her side. With a smirk, he greeted her, "Hey, Isla," he said, "How are you feeling about today's lesson? I mean, facing a Gorgon? It's definitely not something we do every day."
Theo's hand subconsciously brushed against the wand tucked in his robes, finding comfort in its familiar weight as he glances momentarily at the creature. This would surely be a departure from the monotony of studying and assignments.
A sense of camaraderie surged within him as he looked around the classroom, all desks cast aside so they could all stand together in the small space. He noted others preparing themselves for the challenge, coming up with plans of attack, chatting away. An expression of determination here, an apprehensive smile there. Everyone was talking about it.
Theo couldn't help but feel grateful for Isla's presence by his side, knowing that together they could face whatever lay ahead. She was one of the stronger people he knew. She just radiated that kind of vibe "I'd bet on you, hands down." He says, leaning close to Isla's ear to whisper.
|
|
|
Post by Gwendolyn Shaw on May 18, 2023 19:48:47 GMT -8
Gwen Shaw hurried down the corridor, her dark robes billowing behind her as she made her way to her next class, Defense Against the Dark Arts. The previous lesson on gorgons had piqued her interest, especially with an actual gorgon present in the classroom. It had felt more pressing somehow faced with the actual creature. The experience had left an impression on her.
However, today's lesson was bound to be more challenging. Gwen was certain that Professor Ghica had something more practical and hands-on in store for them, and this made her slightly nervous. The unpredictability of working with a live creature added an element of excitement, but it also made her apprehensive about how things would unfold in the moment.
As she entered the classroom, Gwen noticed that all the desks had been pushed to the sides, creating an open space in the center. Her fellow classmates stood scattered around, anticipation and curiosity evident on their faces. Spotting Isla amidst the group, Gwen greeted her with a cheerful "Bonjour, mes amis." and a quick kiss on the cheek.
Gwen's eyes then fell upon Theo, who stood with Isla. A warm smile crossed her lips as she made eye contact with him, silently conveying her happiness for him that he was with Isla. At least, somewhat. Gwen wasn't sure if they'd put a label on it yet. Theo and Isla were two of Gwen's favorite people and seeing them together made her smile.
Taking a deep breath Gwen mentally prepares herself for whatever lay ahead. The practical nature of the lesson would demand full attention and quick thinking, that was for sure.
|
|
|
Post by Fergus Reinhardt on May 23, 2023 21:33:25 GMT -8
Fergus sauntered into the dimly lit classroom, "Afternoon, Professor Ghica," He greeted, his German accent weighing each word down. His mind was prepared for class. Fergus thought to the private lessons he received in the Dark Arts. An order from both his parents. At the time, he had been perturbed by the order to completely engulf himself into the subject. Though with time he grew to understand it's necessity. Fergus was from a long line of Purebloods who ran most of the German underground. His place within that society was held, yet not fully secured. He would need to prove himself.
His eyes glazed over Loce and Anneli. It was difficult to deny the envy in his core. His parents spoke of Anneli Oden like she was already his wife, yet she was being kissed by another. Loce Vaisey. It burned away at him, yet the feeling was soothed. Fergus gazed at Gwen before he approached her. She helped to aid his heart, growing colder by the day, with some warmth. He understood that he would need to be honest with her soon, if this were to continue.
Fergus slipped next to Gwen quietly, "Hello beautiful." He said softly, quiet enough so Isla wouldn't hear. He scanned the Gorgon, "How are you feeling about today's lesson?" Fergus winked at her, curious as to her level of experience in this subject.
|
|