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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Mar 19, 2023 2:30:02 GMT -8
Defense Against The Dark Arts – Lesson One – Dark Magical Creatures
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. A large dragon skeleton is suspended from the wooden cross beams over the center of the room. A table under the window at the front of the class is lined with tools of the trade and a solid wooden framed freestanding chalkboard is positioned on the other side of the professor’s desk angled for ease of student vision. Two rows of oak student desks line the center of the room, each offering space for two students. The professor’s desk stands at the front of the class on a low dais. The small antique writing desk stands virtually empty, with the stool tucked beneath.
Lesson One Dragomir had been in the classroom far before sun-up, organizing. Well, his form of organization at any rate. He was glad to be back in the classroom, especially without having to worry about the harsh winters that came with Durmstrang. He had opted for a more casual appearance, dismissing the formal robes for more traditional Romanian dress. He wore a simple white shirt with gold embroidery decorating the center of the chest, just under the fold of the collar. The sleeves were sinched closed at the wrists, decorated with similar gold embroidery. Black, loose-fitting pants flowed into high leather boots. The outfit was completed with a scarlet sash tied about his waist. He perched in a window, taking in the warmth of the sun. He sat with his back against the cool stone, his pale skin seeming to reflect the dull grey of the walls.
With a flip of his wrist, the blackboard began to transcribe an outline of his lesson. “Professor Dragomir Alexandru Atticus Ghica” was centered at the top by way of introduction. He wondered if any of the students here would recognize the name, he figured not nearly as many as had when he taught at Durmstrang. “Dark Magical Creatures – A brief refresher” was centered under his name followed by a list of creatures: Dementor; Lethifold; Basilisk, Grindylow, Acromantula, Vampire, Werewolf, Inferius.
As he waited for students to arrive, he tapped his long fingers on his knee, his crimson eyes keeping watch over the room.
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: In a response, just show a raised hand and continue, assume you have been called on.) 5. No horseplay within the room. 6. The use of dark arts is strictly forbidden on school grounds outside rooms of instruction. House Cup Points for Participation:[/font]
1. Attend Class (minium 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.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Mar 19, 2023 2:54:41 GMT -8
Loce sauntered into the Defense Against Dark Arts classroom, eager to see if the professor would lean more towards the mundane defenses or would actually delve into the darker side of things. He knew he was hoping for the later. As he took in the room, his eyes met the crimson stare of the professor perched in the window. “Good morning professor.” He offered with a quick nod before slipping into a desk near the back of the class and dumping his bag on the floor by his seat. He wondered if Anneli was in this class with him as well. He made a note to compare schedules. He read the introduction to the class on the board and rolled his eyes, this information was mostly given in years one and two. At least the basics that he anticipated being taught. As his eyes scanned the list of creatures, he did a double take on one, glancing at the professor and turning back to the board as he tried to reconcile what he knew with what he was seeing.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Mar 19, 2023 4:20:43 GMT -8
Anneli almost glided through the hallways toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, excited about who might be the Professor this year. After all, the position did hold a consistent habit of brief tenure. Her robes were well-maintained, with an emerald green silk scarf at her neck. Her blonde locks were softly pulled up, revealing a focused face and deep blue eyes that yearned for more knowledge. This was generally one of her favorite classes, the others feeling mostly lackluster in comparison. A leather bag sat at her hip, carrying all that she might need for class and more.
She strode into the dimly lit classroom, admiring the large dragon skeleton for a moment before bringing her eyes to the Professor. He was unusually pale and dressed in a more casual, yet unfamiliar attire. Anneli briefly eyed the scarlet sash at his waist, wondering if that might symbolize something greater. Her eyes locked with his crimson, knowing eyes for a moment. She thought back to a rare, vampiric visitor Uncle Ludvig had brought to the house for an evening. A tall, beautiful woman named Bronwyn, with pale skin and crimson eyes. Though she had only spoken with the pair at night...
“Good morning, Professor Ghica.” She said softly, wondering momentarily if the wise-looking Professor had the ability to read her mind. If he had, it would be on Loce, who she had just spotted toward the back.
Anneli strode up to him, the golden locks that had escaped her updo now flowing in the air behind her as she walked. “Hej," She greeted him in her most natural tongue, "Seat taken?” She said smiling, alluding to the first class they shared in which she had walked in to see him sitting with Isla. Anneli still held some questions, there. Though she wasn’t too concerned. She didn’t wait to answer before moving to gently sit beside him. Anneli cast a playful smile in his direction, “Dark magical creatures? We’ll see.” She said whispering, pulling out a piece of parchment and her quill. Anneli straightened her posture and looked curiously toward the Professor again, wishing she could mutter something to Loce about him without the possibility of him hearing.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Mar 19, 2023 5:21:08 GMT -8
Loce’s head snapped up at the sound of Anneli’s voice as she greeted the professor. He forced his eyes back down to his parchment. He was going to get whiplash if he kept that up. But his heart leapt as she was in this class as well. He turned his focus to the list of creatures again, pulling out one of his one notebooks to see if he could add to the information he already had. It was his grandfather’s book and it kept a record of a lot of things he had seen and done.
He looked up from the book as she greeted him. “Hej” He repeated, smiling up at her. He grinned as she sat next to him. “I don’t know, I mean I was kind of saving it for someone special.” He chuckled and let his hand rest on hers for a moment. “Glad you could make it, beautiful.” He said softly, ensuring she knew his meaning.
He shifted his gaze from her back down to his grandfather’s notebook. He flipped a couple pages and stopped, then pushed the book closer to her so Anneli could see. The professor’s name was scrawled at the top of the page, with several paragraphs written in the same hand underneath. He let his gaze shift from the notebook to the professor and back to Anneli. He was beginning to think Hogwarts was going to out due his expectations.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Mar 19, 2023 11:43:23 GMT -8
She smiled at his reflection of her mother tongue, still unaccustomed to hearing it being spoken in the castle. Anneli was happy he hadn’t truly been saving the seat for someone special, wondering how she might have felt if he had. Probably not too keen. Her heart involuntarily skipped a few beats upon hearing him call her beautiful, unsure if she could keep control of that new feature.
Anneli peered down to the desk as Loce opened up a notebook and began to write. She followed his words, the Professor’s name revealing at the top of the page. Anneli steadily read the paragraphs before glancing up to Loce, smirking, “Interesting.” She said honestly, her tone soft and low.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Mar 19, 2023 13:06:01 GMT -8
He nodded at her comment. The fact that his Grandfather had known him, and knew his history made this whole year look a little brighter. He had a couple things he wanted to try but would need some help working them out. Maybe this professor would willing to help. But he would have to approach it carefully.
He closed the book and smiled at Anneli. “So… what is the rest of your schedule like?” He asked, dragging the conversation away from anything sensitive, considering the probability that their professor heard everything they said, regardless of how low they spoke or how much he wanted to. Although if he was honest, he had hoped to have a few more classes with her.
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Oliver Seán O'Shea
Gryffindor
5th Year - Slytherin Captain/Beater - What's it ter yer?
Posts: 89
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Post by Oliver Seán O'Shea on Mar 19, 2023 14:53:58 GMT -8
Oliver walked in the classroom with absolutely no expectations for the year. That is generally how he had entered each start of term since finding out he was a Wizard. He had a quiet air of confidence that he didn’t feel the need to share outwardly. Ma and Pa were the ones he had really been hoping to make proud, though he could use a bit of work in DATDA. He thought to Niahm, hoping she might be in this class. The pair had done almost everything since their birth in that small, Irish cottage. He was advanced in application and flying, she in books and theory. There had been many times he was thankful that his twin had been found to be a witch as well. No better partner in crime to have in unfamiliar territory.
He looked toward the Professor, noticing the man’s unearthly, crimson red eyes. Oliver froze for a moment, unaccustomed to seeing the feature. He didn’t gawk, instead nodding, “Maidin mhaith.” Oliver said in Gaelic, shaking his head. This wasn’t primary school back at home. “Good morning.” He corrected, an Irish accent coloring his voice.
Oliver eyed a couple of Slytheins at the back before deciding to sit toward the middle of the classroom, a couple rows away from the mysterious Professor. He read the blackboard, excited and somewhat intimidated for his first DATDA class in his fifth year. Oliver rubbed the old chained pocket watch in his palm, looking down to the inscription on the back which read, 'Ádh mór'. Good luck might be needed, he thought.
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Niamh Cara O'Shea
Ravenclaw
Niamh (NEE-av or NEEV) - 5th Year - Ravenclaw Seeker
Posts: 42
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Post by Niamh Cara O'Shea on Mar 19, 2023 17:32:14 GMT -8
Niamh’s robes clung a little too closely to the floor as she walked steadily through the halls, her short, petite frame being engulfed by them. Her parents had insisted upon these longer, secondhand robes, in case she grew taller within the next two years. They had fallen short on money this year, father’s fishing business producing little yield. Niamh’s hands were still sore from helping him carry the last few crates of trout and mackerel into town. Neither of her parents drove, and magic was forbidden in the Irish muggle streets. She missed home, but Hogwarts had become a second one.
She walked quietly into the classroom, taking in the magnificent tapered walls. Niamh still became excited over extravagant ancient architecture, usually looking up to a cottage wall that barely stood above her head. Defense Against the Dark Arts had become one of her favorite subjects, though more in books than in practice. She was well equipped to answer questions, but only time would tell if that would translate to her wand.
Upon seeing the Professor, Niamh tripped over her unwieldy robes. “Ah...rite, sorry.” She stumbled, her Irish much stronger than Oliver’s. Niamh caught her balance on the back of a chair, looking down to the floor. A streak of heat across both her cheeks. “Mornin’..” She quickly walked to sit with Oliver, who she had spotted amongst mid-fall. “Deartháir.” Niamh said warmly to him, a pet name for ‘brother’ she had said since she were five. She looked up to her brother in so many ways, both in terms of height and bravery, though they had only been born moments apart.
Without looking up much further, she pulled out an old bound notebook and began to take detailed notes on each magical creature listed on the board.
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Post by Aracely Minh Davies on Mar 19, 2023 18:17:40 GMT -8
Aracely left her dorm room with a readied pack. Notebooks and plenty of quills-- it was always good to have extras just in case. She is excited for class, for any opportunity to learn something new… but it is early in te year and that often meant a slower start. Course expectations. Re-introductions. Nevertheless Aracely enjoyed any time spent in a classroom, weird as that may be to some others.
She gave herself enough time to be punctual and when she entered the Defence Against the Dark Arts class room it was fairly empty still. Perfect. She spotted the professor and offered up a polite nod before looking to the desks. She had plenty of choices for seating and normally front row suited her just fine, but, in this particular area of studies and glancing at the board and seeing the topic, she ended up choosing a table near the middle, behind an already fully occupied desk.
She unpacked her items, neatly arranging them in front of herself, parchment and quil at the ready, and then folded her hands on the desk and prepared to wait. She eyes the door, wondering if Ameryn would be in this class or not. A familier face is always nice.
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Post by Cordelia Burke on Mar 19, 2023 19:27:07 GMT -8
The door to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom swings open heavily as Cordelia enters the room. She strides in, observant of the atmosphere even in the dim lighting the room provided. The massive hanging skeleton- quite the decorative element. “Good Morning, Professor.” She expresses with a casual smile. She had been looking forward to this class more than most others. It was without fail always the most interesting. If only each class could be so captivating.
The professor, dressed unlike any of the other professors she’d greeted so far this year, only made her more delighted. And his eyes... She briefly notes the unusual, unsettling shade. Yes, this class would be one of the favorites. She spotted some green robes near the back and naturally gravitates that way. Fellow quidditch mates, might as well set up in their proximity. The last thing Cordelia wanted was to be sat beside some bubbling, babbling Hufflepuff. She could still recall the migraine she’d gotten last time she arrived to a class late and that was the circumstance. That did more for her desire to be on time more than any docked points ever could.
She takes a seat and places her etched leather, crossbody bag on the table top. She sits straight and lets her hands reach back to pull her coppery blonde waves into the perfect messy bun.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Mar 19, 2023 22:13:05 GMT -8
Dragomir watched as the students filed into his classroom. The first two arrivals were from Slytherin, punctual a good habit to have. He wondered briefly if they would live up to the expectations of their house name. “Good Morning.” He greeted both in turn with a thick Romanian accent. Something he had not lost even after decades of travel. He listened in on their conversation for a moment and smiled, thinking he may not be let down by the student’s knowledge after all. He nodded at the Gryffindor boy’s use of Gaelic. “Céad míle fáilte” he offered, although he had never mastered keeping his Romanian accent from coloring his pronunciation. Dragomir smiled at the young Ravenclaw who tripped over her robes. “A bheil thu ceart gu leòr?” he offered in Gaelic, considering her heavy accent and the other boy with a similar appearance had used the language already.
A couple more students filed in and he let them settle in before standing to approach the front of the class. “Good morning. My name is Professor Dragomir Ghica. However, Professor Drake will do if you prefer. I realize that most, if not all, of you are well beyond this introduction class. However, this introduction is typically for a group of first years who have just started at the school I have been teaching at, rather than my entering a new school. There is a valid reason for my stepping back to this level of information. I not only want you to have a good understanding of some of the core indicators and mythologies surrounding the dark magical creatures, I need you to be fully versed in one in particular.” He stated, as he walked over to the board and circled Vampire.
He turned back to the class and perched on the edge of his desk. ”For any of you who did not deduce the fact before now, Yes, I am a vampire, Yes, I am here with permission and authority to teach Defense against the Dark Arts. No, I am not a threat to any student in this castle. He paused for a moment, waiting to see if any of the students would choose to leave the class. It would not have been the first time. ”Now that we are settled, who wishes to name one of the more common understandings surrounding Vampires, their nature, and ways to survive encounters? Additionally, please add your own thoughts as to why it is true or not” He waited patiently for one of the braver students to begin the discussion.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Mar 19, 2023 23:13:29 GMT -8
Anneli quietly noted Professor Ghica’s Romanian accent, wondering briefly where he had spent most of his living life. She thought to Bronwyn, who had been a frequent traveler in their Tower boarding room. Though she only ever spoke to her at night, the ancient vampire helped her to learn practical skills such as learning how to charm hair into different styles. Anneli had appreciated the fleeting bond she had created with the vampire Bronwyn, especially since there weren’t many maternal figures around her in Switzerland.
She smiled at Loce, speaking softly, “I’m taking Advanced Potions this year, not entirely by choice but it will eventually prove useful. I also have Muggle Studies on my schedule this year, also not entirely by choice. I suppose I’ve avoided it long enough.” Anneli laughed, “The rest of my schedule seems to be following standard fifth year courses. Though I’m particularly excited for this one.” She admitted, looking to Professor Ghica again. There was something brilliant in having a vampire teach the course, she imagined their previous years of knowledge invaluable.
Anneli observed the Professor speak to a couple fumbling students in a different tongue. Ah, multilingual? Should have suspected. She prepared her polished quill, thinking this course would prove interesting.
She wrote a few brief notes before looking up to the Professor as his question piqued a curiosity. Anneli raised a steady hand, waiting to see if he might call on her. She looked toward Loce for a moment, wondering if she even had a fully composed answer or question.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Mar 20, 2023 0:37:17 GMT -8
Dragomir watched as students finished notes. One student, raised her hand. He mentally flipped through the student bios he had read and smiled at the young Slytherin. "Ms. Oden is it?" He asked, to ensure his memory was accurate. "Please, what do you have for us?" He leaned back a little, resting his hands on his thighs. This first class with a group of students was meant to set the students at ease with him as much as to glean the level of knowledge amassed and a bit of insight into the personalities of the class.
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Anneli Oden
Slytherin
5th Year - Slytherin Captain - Chaser - Part-Veela
Posts: 296
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Post by Anneli Oden on Mar 20, 2023 0:47:46 GMT -8
Anneli smiled and lowered her hand gently, looking towards Professor Ghica. His crimson eyes seemed to see through her, yet she steadily answered, “Yes, Anneli Oden.” She clarified, “Vampires are classified Living Dead. Though not as historically stigmatized as werewolves, they have walked a fine line with humans for centuries. They have characteristically cold, pale skin caused by low blood circulation. Typically leading nocturnal lifestyles, although some choose to stay awake in the daytime as well, charming their windows closely from sunlight…” She said, curiously looking up to the Professor. The room was silent, so she continued, “Their senses are unlike ours, able to pick up the faintest sound or scent. Their strength, reflex, and healing abilities would overwhelm any one of us in a second.” Anneli said earnestly, “Not to mention their natural ability to pick up on what we’re thinking…” Anneli paused, I’m thinking of Loce and I at the Homecoming Dance…wondering if he had the ability himself. She looked to see if he had read the implanted, trivial thought.
“Their diet consists primarily of blood, although they do not require human blood to survive, I’ve heard they prefer it.” She paused, “If they go without feeding over a few weeks, they weaken and a frenzy to hunt will begin.” Anneli smiled graciously, wondering if reading the trivial ‘Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires’ had proved any bit useful, after all. “Though, most experienced, abled vampires will never let their hunger stray that far. I knew a vampire who enjoyed a feast of rare red meat with Uncle and I every once and a while..” She laughed shortly, hoping that she wasn’t wasting the class's time. Her passion for the topic had unexpectedly been piqued.
“As for defenses, there is some speculation about the usefulness of garlic. Though I’m sure our Professor will be most helpful in answering any questions surrounding them. I know some wizards have attempted to avoid vampires by wearing cloves before the encounter even begins…” Anneli glanced to Loce, then kept on, “A special, wooden stake directly through the heart will render them lifeless. However, if that stake were to be removed from their heart, the vampire will simply reanimate. In addition, pure, undiluted silver is acidic to them. The purity negates their superior healing, which may lead to a painful demise for the vampire with such an injury…”
She glanced down to her desk before looking up steadily, “Though..my questions relate to the Unforgivable Curses, and how they might render a vampire in an encounter. More specifically, the Killing Curse.” Anneli paused, seemingly unaffected by subtle glances her classmates were giving her. She would test the waters for them, figure out the limitations of this Professor’s class discussions. “The curse affects both the body and soul, so in the instance that the curse doesn't affect a vampire's body because it's already dead, could the killing curse just destroy their soul and leave a vampire a mere husk?” Anneli was suddenly insecure then, deciding that she had held the classroom’s attention long enough. She settled more stilly in her chair, smiling toward Loce, wondering if she had been a tad long winded. She looked to the Professor, wondering if she had got any of his real life experience correct, and whether or not he would choose to discuss her question in class.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Mar 20, 2023 7:45:23 GMT -8
Dragomir listened closely as Anneli spoke, nodding every so often. She’d done her homework, or a bit of extracurricular reading perhaps. He let her finish completely before interjecting. ”Very well said Ms. Oden. You’ve read up on the subject, or… have learned from your unique situations.” He stood and paced the front of the class as he expounded on a bit of what she said. ”Vampires are still more welcomed than werewolves among the wizarding community. Which stems mostly from the fact that vampires live daily with the condition and learn more quickly to avoid incidents. Werewolves do not change but once a month and therefore are more unpredictable.”
He continued pacing, glancing out the window, then moving to stand in the rays coming into the classroom. ”As for senses, yes sight, sound, scent are all magnified, as are strength and speed.” He smiled at her, flicking his gaze from her to Loce. ”I do hate to disappoint, but the ability to read minds is beyond the average vampire’s ability. That is a myth that was brought about by the increased hearing and just plain inference. However, there are some that have mastered legilimency and continue to further foster that belief.” He chuckled and met Anneli’s gaze. ”I will be a chaperone for the Homecoming dance, so I am sure I will see you both there.”. He added, indicating that legilmency was one of his talents. He straightened, glancing around to gauge how the students would react to the next bit of information. ”Human blood is preferred, but accurate that it is not needed. Also, there are ways of procuring enough supply that the traditional feeding everyone hears of is unnecessary. The feeding frenzies that are used to frighten the uninformed are typically, as Ms. Oden pointed out, inexperienced vampires who do not know how to read their bodies ques to drink.” He moved back to the desk and picked up a sealed jar with garlic in it. ”Does anyone know answer to the garlic question?” He tossed the question back at the students to see if anyone else could shed some more light on the subject of vampires, then set the jar back on the desk. ” However, yes a stake through the heart, or a silver rod through the heart will kill for lack of a better word, a vampire. Although, removing will allow them to heal and reanimate so, if you need to employ that method, please do not make that mistake, because I guarantee you, that should your defeated vampire reanimate, they will remember you, and they will seek revenge. Also, decapitation will work to end a vampire, as long as the body and head are kept separated until decomposition is finalized.”
To demonstrate her point on silver, he picks up a small silver ball from the desk and holds it up, winces, then quickly drops it into the other hand. ”I forgot how much that actually stings.” He shrugged, showing off the red spots where the silver had burned his fingers for the few seconds it took to heal. ”I will get to your question on the Killing curse, but.. Ms. Oden, lets circle back to your point about sunlight. There are those who do charm windows to stay active during the daytime hours. These windows here, are not charmed to keep out the radiation, you can tell because the warmth of the rays still penetrates the panes. And, as you saw when you entered, I was, in fact, seated on the windowsill. Therefore, does that change your theory about sunlight’s effects on the vampire in general?”
As if on que, the sliver ball he had dropped into the palm of his hand, dropped to the floor. He held up his hand showing a hole the size of the ball straight through it, although already beginning to mend itself. ”And yes, enough silver would be detrimental to the longevity of a vampire as it does tend to have some nasty side effects.”. He picked up the ball and placed it back on the desk before perching again on the edge of the desk, waiting to see if his questions could be answered.
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