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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Mar 31, 2023 15:44:00 GMT -8
Defense Against The Dark Arts – Lesson Two – Gorgon - Theory
Classroom Description The dungeon classroom was smaller and more stifling than the previous classroom. The row of windows that lined the top of the wall are heavily shuttered. The room is illuminated by several floating orbs, giving enough light to counter the shuttered windows, but offering no warmth. Two rows of oak student desks line the center of the room, each offering space for two students. The professor’s desk has been replaced by a solid, cylindrical cage. The cage holds a blindfolded Gorgon with her head restrained such that her gaze is forced towards the ceiling.
Lesson Two- Gorgon Theory The second lesson of the year was moved to the dungeons, out of necessity rather than desire, and certainly not out of convenience. Dragomir sat in a highbacked chair in the darkest corner of the room, contemplating his lesson. He had a two-part lesson in mind, one theory, one practical. He never saw the point of only theoretical classes. But was having more and more trouble procuring the necessary subjects to do practical lessons. 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 struggle a little against the bonds restraining her head and arms. “It’s only until after class.” He offered, not that he thought the Gorgon cared one way or the other. Vampires – Final thoughts and questions Was centered at the top of the blackboard. Gorgon – Theory Was centered directly underneath with the rest blank. He waited patiently for his students to file in and settle so he could begin the first true class of what he hoped would be a year the students might actually enjoy.
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.
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Post by Gwendolyn Shaw on Apr 7, 2023 22:13:14 GMT -8
Gwen rushes down to the dungeons for her next class. One that made her a tad bit nervous. Any time Defence against the Dark Arts was held in this area rather than the previous classroom, it usually infers the inclusion of something dangerous during the lesson. She shuffles into the darkly lit room and hurries to find a seat in the middle of the room. The front row was definitely not for her in this particular instance.
She spies, cautiously, the cage at the front of the room where a blindfolded creature resides. She shifts uneasily in her seat and peeks around the room. It's a little more cramped than she anticipated, especially when compared to the spacious room they'd held class in previously. She continued to observe the room, the small selection of empty desks around her. She was the first to arrive. She felt a small anxious pit in her stomach while she awaited other students. Who would show up next? Would it be a friend? She was just eager for anyone really.
She eyes the cage at the front again, skeptically, and reads the board. Gorgon Theory. She wonders what Professor Ghica has in store for them today... A mix of fascination, excitement, and nerves swirled beneath the surface of her composed features.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 8, 2023 4:45:30 GMT -8
Loce slipped into the dungeon, nodding at their professor in greeting. He glanced around the room, noticing Gwen but no one else. He slipped past the Gorgon’s cage, careful to keep a bit of distance, especially from the snakes. “Hey Professor Drake, So, do we get to play with this one or is it look but don’t touch?” He asked, hoping for a more practical lesson. Although he wasn’t sure how important fighting gorgons would be in the real world, at least they would get to do something other than talk. Maybe. “Hey Gwen, what’s up?” He asked, as he moved to a seat about as far away from her as he could manage. Hoping Fergus would be drawn in that direction and leave Anneli alone. He sat and pulled out his quill and parchment, beginning to scratch some notes down on what he knew of Gorgons.
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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 Apr 12, 2023 0:31:36 GMT -8
Anneli had received notice that the second DATDA lesson would be held in the dungeons. Her mind cast a worry on Professor Ghica. He had become a mentor, and in some respects, a confidant. She thought about his daywalking ability and whether or not the move had been voluntary. In either case, the dungeons didn’t offer warmth. Anneli rolled a pair of sleek, black gloves up her arms and her bag around her shoulder. A faint pain hung at her left shoulder.
She strolled down to the dungeons, hoping that Fergus might be late for class. If present, at all. Anneli thought back to her extra lessons with Professor Ghica and Loce. A small knot grew in her stomach thinking back to some of the memories they had uncovered. She trusted her Professor. He would not allude to it here nor anywhere. She hoped.
Anneli entered the classroom, eyeing the Gorgon suspiciously. She looked incredibly irritated all bound up. Though, she preferred that to the alternative. She smiled and nodded to Professor Ghica, almost bashfully. Anneli naturally drifted to the tall boy with long locks of honey hair. Her love. The only comfort she had among the intrusive previous lessons. A proven good luck charm. Her world in one person. The strongest connection in the castle.
“Hey you,” She whispered to him. Happy to greet him in every class. The couple usually arrived early. Ambition clearly ran in both of them. Anneli looked at the board, noting Professor Ghica’s writings. She conjured parchment, jotting down a few thoughts.
Anneli looked to the words ‘vampires – final thoughts and questions’. Yes, Anneli had more questions. But they pertained to personal matters that might not be appropriate for class. She instead chose to write her questions, 'Do vampires have soulmates? If so, what determines true compatibility? Do they are chosen families? Clans? How is a hierarchy determined within the vampiric family, if one?' Anneli was lost in her notes.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 12, 2023 4:39:48 GMT -8
Loce beamed up at Anneli as she joined him in class. “Min kärlek. Mår du bra?”. He asked, alluding to the extra lesson and being in his classroom. If she wasn’t okay, they would leave together. Gorgon Theory they could pick up on their own if need be. He pulled out her chair for her, a quick kiss on the cheek following as she sat. He glanced over at the questions she was jotting down and smirked. “Oes rhywun yn gwasgu ar yr athro?” He asked, giving her a playful wink.
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Isla Reinhardt
Gryffindor
5th Year - Gryffindor Seeker - Prefect
Posts: 116
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Post by Isla Reinhardt on Apr 12, 2023 11:51:15 GMT -8
Isla made her way down to the dungeons in a hurry. Since last class, she realized her need for the subject. It wasn’t a preferred nor liked subject by her. But necessary. Her family would have pressured her to take the course whether or not she wanted to anyway. Isla had signed up on free will. Defense against the dark arts would be especially useful in the cellar. She would need to take hold of that prophecy before Fergus did. Her brother felt more like a foe these days. Isla frowned.
As she opened the door, her mouth hung slightly open at the sight of the bound Gorgon. A creature she had only read about in old folk tales. Isla scanned the room, nodding respectfully at Professor Ghica. She noticed Loce, Anneli, and Gwen. Isla naturally drifted to her friend Gwendolyn, “Do you think Fergus would care if I stole his seat?” She winked, moving to sit with her friend, “I’m sure you two will have plenty of time later.” Isla rolled her eyes jokingly. "I'm so happy we're in this class together." She whispered, looking to the front of the room. The Gorgon attempted a move. She winced. Turning to stone wasn’t in the stars for Isla, or at least she hoped it wasn’t.
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Post by Cordelia Burke on Apr 12, 2023 14:06:24 GMT -8
Cordelia makes the trek down to the dungeons for Defense Against the Dark Arts. She walks with purpose, each stride of her long legs takes her closer and closer. She wasn’t a fan of the dungeon lessons, but they definitely had a tendency to keep you on your toes. She enters the dark room, her eyes immediately drawn to the illuminating floating orbs. They had an eerie kind of prettiness to them… until she sees the large cage where the Professor's desk should have been. She effectively stifles the full-body shiver that threatens to run through her.
Her eyes dart around the classroom for the professor's presence in the room until she finally notices him in the most dimly lit area of the room. Feeling reassured she turns to see a few students already seated. Cordelia moves to sit at the desk nearest Loce and Anneli. This was becoming her usual. "Anneli, Loce." She smiles while setting down her bag. She takes out her quill and parchment and sits waiting the rest of their classmates to file into the room. Ready to get this lesson going. Gorgon Theory... should be interesting.
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Post by Fergus Reinhardt on Apr 12, 2023 19:34:16 GMT -8
Fergus strode into the classroom, his dark brown hair slicked back stylishly. His dark blue eyes were almost pitch black under the dungeon torches. He found Professor Ghica first, “Hello Professor.” Fergus greeted. He strolled past the Gorgon, unamused by its presence. Once again. Child’s play. Fergus wouldn’t allow any of those thoughts into his mind. He respected the subject enough. Any piece of information he could gain would be necessary to his overall mission.
A pair of blonde heads and Slytherin robes caught his attention. Although Fergus had cast his thoughts elsewhere for now, it still disgusted him to see them together. He absolutely despised the way Loce looked at her. Like he was just a dumb, lucky kid. In reality, that’s exactly what he was. Fergus shook his head, unsure what Anneli saw in him. She had better taste than that.
He immediately spotted Gwen, her pretty brown hair shined under the light of torches. Fergus frowned upon seeing Isla next to her. I mean, of course they would be sitting together. They were friends after all. But still, Fergus had a competitiveness in him that knew no bounds. He just hoped Isla wasn’t always so fast in the race. He waved to the two, “Hey Gwen, Isla.” Fergus smiled, winking at Gwen.
Fergus shrugged and moved to sit with Cordelia. She was a good friend and teammate. Obviously she had taken Anneli’s side during the break-up, but a friend no less. He was comfortable with Cordelia, they came from similar breeds. “Hey Cordelia.” He greeted, smiling at her, “How do you feel about snakes?” He winked, a playful smile coming to his face. The Gorgon twitched.
Fergus moved his bag next to him. Upon coming back up to his desk, his gaze caught the back of Loce’s neck. Sitting right in front of him. A quick curse ought to do it. No need to wait for Halvar. In fact, he was probably the best candidate for the job. He looked at Anneli's pale blonde hair. She seemed buried in her parchment. Fergus made himself tall just to peer over her shoulder to her notes. His curiosity got the best of him.
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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 Apr 12, 2023 21:17:51 GMT -8
Niamh walked into Professor Ghica's new classroom. The cold draft clung at her arms and ankles. She was short and the cold seemed to breeze right through her. Niamh wrapped her robes and scarf around her, scanning the room. "Greetings Professor Ghica," She said, nodding. Niamh then saw her. The gorgon. Her saucer brown eyes widened and she moved further away from the cage. This wasn't her favorite subject, but it would be necessary if she ever wanted to work at the Ministry.
She moved to a middle desk, eyeing the gorgon precariously. Niamh pulled out her secondhand notebook and began to scribble away. She hoped that Zander or Oliver might join.
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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 Apr 12, 2023 22:38:24 GMT -8
Oliver sauntered into the cold classroom. The dungeons. He wasn’t afraid of a few dark, cold corridors. He thrived in the unknowing of it all, the spontaneity. Professor Ghica was shaping up to be one of his favorites. Maybe his dream of becoming an Auror wasn’t so far out of reach. This class was one of the only that could fully capture his attention. Oliver tended to be distractible once bored. And classes such as Care of Magical Creatures weren’t exactly thrilling. But this was.
He noticed the gorgon, raising an eyebrow and smiling widely. “Heya, Professor.” He greeted, strolling through the room. There was a sea of Slytherins in the room, along with Isla Reinhardt and his sister Niamh. He decided to give his sister some space. She was growing, after all. Even if he hated it.
Oliver decided on the lone desk parallel to Niamh. He knew she wasn’t fond of the class, and wanted to be within reach if needed. “Hey sis.” He smiled toward her, glancing back at the Slytherins. Anneli looked cute in her black gloves. All business like. She was that for certain. It attracted him. Oliver took out his parchment from a disorganized bag, moving to take messy notes.
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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 Apr 13, 2023 16:38:50 GMT -8
Taking a seat next to him, her heart warmed despite the drafty dungeons. Anneli gazed at his grin for a moment. A smile she would never take for granted. Under normal circumstances, but especially theirs. Anneli was impressed with his natural fluency in Swedish thus far. The effort to learn it made her smile.
“Ostadigt, men okej. Tack mitt hjärta.” She whispered softly, answering him as honestly as she could. The extra lessons had brought some things to the surface that clouded her mind. Anneli smiled warmly as he pulled out the chair for her. His gentlemanly gestures didn’t feel forced. It was all natural.
It took her a moment to put together what he was saying in Welsh. She grinned, a blush flashing across her face. Anneli moved her hand over her notes briefly. She wasn’t used to having her personal space be invaded to that degree. Anneli liked his intrusion. If anything, she craved it. “Wel, ar ôl gweld i mewn i fy meddwl a'r cyfan…” She winked at him playfully, taking his hand. Anneli kissed him then. In front of her classmates, Professor Ghica, and a gorgon. Couldn’t help herself. It was brief but passionate enough. The touch of his lips colored her cheeks pink.
She noted a few more classmates entered the room. Anneli grinned as Cordelia sat by them, “Hey Cordelia,” She said happily. It was nice that most of the team were friends. Most. Just as she thought of him, Fergus entered. And sat right behind the pair. Anneli didn’t feel the need to greet him right now.
Anneli moved to write a few more notes, ‘Best techniques to disarm a gorgon? Effects of curses on her crown of snakes..?’ She could feel a pair of eyes on her.
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Ezra Ansel
Ravenclaw
6th Year - Prefect - Ravenclaw Captain/Chaser
Posts: 105
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Post by Ezra Ansel on Apr 13, 2023 19:03:43 GMT -8
Ezra strolled through the various staircases and corridors to get to the dungeons. He thought of Professor Ghica. Ezra wondered what it felt like to be a vampire. Would he hate eternal time? He would be able to master every subject, gain every piece of knowledge…but the thought of outlasting loved ones felt sore. Ezra’s mind bounced around with the pros and cons of being a vampire until he reached the class.
He entered, noticing the gorgon at the front of the room. Ezra had a collector’s card with one featured, but had never seen one in real life. He never thought he would. “Hello, Professor Ghica. Hope you are doing well.” Ezra said, thinking back to the silver ball being dropped through his palm.
Ezra scanned the room, waving at Loce and Anneli. He liked the couple. He then saw Isla sitting with Gwen and gave them a wave as well. Overall, he enjoyed all his classmates. Ezra wasn’t sure if Aracely was in this class. He took a lone seat near Oliver, the Gryffindor captain. Maybe Aracely would take the empty spot next to him.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 13, 2023 20:11:12 GMT -8
Loce nodded, he didn’t know exactly how she felt, but if she was okay with being here, he was content as well. The extra lessons were brutal, but necessary. Unfortunately. He vowed to remedy that, to give her a sense of peace and comfort. A safe place she’d want to call home. He nodded his assertion to himself then turned his attention fully back to her. He laughed as she blushed, lightly tracing the blush line with a finger. He nodded at her response and squeezed her hand in response. He was unprepared for her to kiss him and hesitated a second before returning her kiss. He was completely lost in her touch. Every unexpected public display of affection did that to him. Made him work harder to catch his thoughts and bring himself back to the present. He could get lost in her forever if he let himself. “You do know that's not playing fair right?" he teased, winking at her. He nodded to Cordelia as she sat near them. “Hello Cordelia, How goes?” He asked before turning back to his own parchment and wondering if he had any questions he could pose. He decided he didn’t, and started doodling a pair of dragons, tails curling to form a heart. He noticed Fergus enter the classroom and rolled his eyes. He couldn’t think of a more annoying person in the moment…. Okay, no Oliver was more annoying… but Fergus was a close second. One of these days He thought. Smirking at knowing that one day, Fergus would have to deal with the fact that whatever he thought the future held for him, was not going to come to fruition.
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Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on Apr 15, 2023 17:52:49 GMT -8
Beowolf bounded down the stairs. He thought to the muggy subway passageways back home. The dungeons were much colder, and surprisingly cleaner than the metro system. There were much fewer rats. His dark hair was shelved and soil clung to the bottom of his robes. His bag was heavy on his shoulder. He strolled into the room, his eyes widening at the sight of the restrained gorgon. His heart beat with fear. A bead of sweat formed on his forehead. This was a far cry from magical plants and potions. Wolf gave a small nod to Professor Ghica.
He waved to Loce, a classmate he recognized. Wolf sat next to a Ravenclaw girl toward the middle of the room, "Hey," He offered casually, opening his bag to grab a quill.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 16, 2023 8:41:14 GMT -8
As the class filled, he stood, stepping further into the artificial light. He moved more cautiously than usual, a bit slower. And if anyone paid attention to their teachers, he was paler than normal too. It wouldn’t be long, but it was long enough. At least, given his history, this would not occur again for some time. He offered Anneli a smile as she nodded to him. The next few weeks would prove awkward for all of them in some respects as they navigated the changing relationships. At least she was coming to class and made eye contact. That took as much courage as the lessons themselves. “Mr. Reinhardt.” He returned Fergus’ greeting. He watched Fergus take a seat behind Mr. Vaisey and Ms. Oden. He frowned slightly, contemplating the idea of assigning seats, although he hadn’t done that since his third year at Durmstrang. He would see how things played out and adjust things as necessary. “Ms. O’Shea. Good to see you.” He responded with a quick nod. She was quiet, but seemed to have some good potential, if it was fostered. “Mr. O’Shea.” He said nodding in his direction. Noting his excitement at the Gorgon. He shook his head, watching as he turned to look at the table where Anneli and Loce were sitting. Maybe one day he would learn to leave well enough alone. “ Mr. Ansel.” He said with a quick smile. “As well as can be expected, thank you.” He answered as honestly as he could. "Mr. Woodrow." He nodded. "Glad to see you in class."He took up position in front of the Gorgon, “For today at least, it is look but do not touch Mr. Vaisey.” He was glad for the interest in practical application. But he would have to be back to full health before he would even attempting to allow them practical application. He would have to see how it went and may need to postpone the practical exercises a week or two. He hoped not, he was tiring of the dungeons quickly. “Before we move on to Gorgon Theory, I’d like to open the floor one more time to any last questions or comments on vampires and vampire lore. If you do not wish to ask them now, you can always ask after class or leave the questions on the chair over there and I will respond in kind.” He asked, leaving time for those to pose questions before moving on to Gorgon Theory. “Today we will cover the basic theory of Gorgons, including the mythology surrounding them, recognition of them although that should come fairly easy, methods of defense against them, and methods of offense to defeat them.” He took a step to the side and nodded to the gorgon he had managed to procure for the lessons. “Starting with the more important information first… Can anyone tell me what the Gorgon’s main defenses are?”.
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