With the capture of Verandi Farley and several high-ranking Trossach members, the British wizarding world has finally caught a break. The rate of rogue werewolf attacks have started dropping at a steady rate and, hopefully, things will stay that way. The Ministry is starting to loosen some restrictions, like not arresting werewolves standing on the street for loitering, however there’s still an obvious power imbalance between wizardfolk and werewolves.
The Cotswolds pack are continuing to advocate for the rights of werewolves and petitioning to change the legislation that has been set in motion by the current Minister for Magic, whilst the remaining Trossachs members are trying to stay out of the spotlight and keep a low profile… for now.
Whilst the British wizarding world seems to have calmed down, the same cannot be said for over in Northern Europe where a rebellion of magical creatures has risen. The state of things has gotten so bad that the European Ministry has enacted protocols to protect those under eighteen whilst their adult witches and wizards fight to keep control of their countries.
Students from Durmstrang have been sent to Hogwarts to keep them safe and those not old enough to attend school have been sent to live with relatives or designated British Ministry officials outside of Europe for the time being.
Will the low rates of werewolf attacks in Britain continue? How long will Durmstrang students stay at Hogwarts? Will the creatures usurp the wizardfolk in Northern Europe? Only time will tell.
SEPTEMBER 2019 It's been a very long, eventful summer in the wizarding world. A baby was stolen, several high ranking Trossach members were imprisoned, and werewolf attacks have drastically dropped as a result. What will happen now school has returned?
MAY 2019 An attempt to capture the beta of the Trossachs has been launched. Were the Aurors successful in their mission? Go read more here!
Post by JACK O'CONNOR on Apr 14, 2019 11:05:20 GMT
I
t was Jack's fifteenth year teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts and by now, he was used to this gig. The first day back in classes meant introductions, laying down the law and informing the students of his expectations especially from a NEWT class. These students had chosen to take Defense Against the Dark Arts and as a result, he would be pushing them as hard as he could to make them achieve the best results they could get. It was his job, and he took it very seriously after all.
As the students started piling into the classroom, Jack leaned back against his desk. It took a good five minutes but then finally, they were all there sitting in front of him. Pushing off from his desk, Jack levitated a piece of chalk towards the board and wrote his name. "As many of you would know, my name is Professor O'Connor and I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts here at Hogwarts. Unless you are a transfer this year, I have taught every single one of you in the past and as a result, I expect you to know and follow my rules. But still... I will give you a refresher in case some have forgotten."
"In this class, we raise our hands when we want to speak. That means, if you have something to say then you will wait for me to call on you. If your peer is talking, you will wait for them to finish what they are saying. Is that understood?" Pausing, Jack moved onto his next rule. "Whilst 'healthy arguing' is allowed, there are to be no raised voices when talking to each other and your wands must strictly stay on your desk unless you are performing a spell."
With Jack's rules laid out, he moved onto laying out his expectations. "Now, you have all chosen to take this class and as a result, I expect everyone to perform the very best of their ability. All assignments must be turned in on time and your work must be up to par - that means, you must channel all of your effort into your writing. I expect all of the sixth years here to keep up an average of an 'E' in class and if I find anyone lagging behind, you will not be invited to take this class again next year. Understood?"
With that, Jack's stern expression softened and he sent his class a small smile. For now, the serious stuff was over and the mood in the room could become a little bit lighter. "Now I know you all probably know each other, but we're going to go around and do introductions. I'd like you to tell everyone your name, your house and year, and why you selected to take Defense Against the Dark Arts for your NEWTs."
6'0". IRISH. BIG HEART. LOYAL. BRAVE. WORKAHOLIC. BISEXUAL. SINGLE. distinguishing features: a big scar runs across jack's left cheek credit for award goes to ollie! <3
Post by GRACE LONGBOTTOM on Apr 14, 2019 11:51:38 GMT
GRACE LONGBOTTOm
words: 456, tag: open
Walking into Defense Against the Dark Arts, Grace's tummy was filled with lots of nervous butterflies... and she couldn't help but wonder if this would be a practical or theoretical lesson. If it was theoretical, she'd be fine. Practical? She wasn't too certain about... she'd only just passed the practical section of the OWLs exam last year to even make it into this class with the daunting Professor O'Connor.
Brushing off her school skirt, Grace sat down and listened intently as Professor O'Connor revised the rules for this class then outlined his expectations... right, okay. It was good to know what was expected of her but the butterflies in Grace's stomach only fluttered harder, a feeling that only increased as he told the to introduce themselves.
Realising she was first, Gracce bit her lip and stood up, chair awkwardly screeching against the floor as she plastered a bright smile on her face. "H-hi, I'm Grace. I'm a sixth year Hufflepuff... I'm a prefect?" It sounded more like a question than anything, and Grace cringed because how silly. "I, um... I took Defense Against the Dark Arts because I want to become a Healer and I feel like this class will help me understand more about... about the... the dark arts?" With that, Grace promptly plopped back into her chair, cheeks burning brightly because gosh, she hated speaking in front of a crowd of people her age.
Having come from CoMC class, Alana was not currently shadowing her twin brother. It was one class that she never could convince Aiden, just as she could not be convinced of the usefulness of ancient runes. With delicate steps, the little blonde took her position in the DADA classroom; a desk equidistant from the front and back of the class and as close to dead centre as possible. As the professor began his speech, Alana turned to look at the students around her - wondering what new transfers there might be? Also, where were Aiden and Kaylie??
As if summoned by the devil herself, Aiden strolled into class and took a seat to her right. "You're late," Alana whispered and fussed over Aiden's collar as he got his things out ready onto his desk. Then both Valentino children turned towards the blonde Hufflepuff began her introduction. It was so hard to listen to - akin to someone scratching their nails down a chalk board - that Alana briefly considered sending a silencing charm her way. It was unfortunate that Professor O'Connor had already taken that option away from her - it seemed that the man did indeed know his students.
When it was Alana's turn she stood up and held herself with confidence as she began, "I'm Alana Valentino and I'm sixth year, Ravenclaw. I have decided to take Defense Against the Dark Arts as a NEWT subject as I believe it is important to know how to look after myself - I would have liked to also learn the Dark Arts, at least in theory and in conjunction with this class but this will have to suffice for now." Alana took a moment to glance around at her class mates and then back at the professor. "Only because I think that to properly defend, one has to understand what you're defending against, of course. I hope to learn as much as possible in the coming two years." With that, the vampire sat back down in her chair. She was a creature of darkness and though she kept that very secretive, Alana was keen to learning how to counter the defenses that others might come up with against her.
Post by KAYLIE ROUSSEAU on Apr 15, 2019 7:39:58 GMT
And while you are sitting indoors waiting for the storm to pass I will be outside dancing in the rain
❧
Defense against the dark arts. If it were defense against muggles with drinking problems then maybe Kaylie would feel useful here. The blonde was late and just plopped down in the seat behind the twins and was just in time to watch Alana shoot up from her seat and introduce herself and her need for this class.
Kaylie smirked a little bit at it, thinking this was hilarious already and rose her eyebrow as if she was expected to do the same. The blonde remained seated and refused to play introduction with a class full of people she would forget about anyway.
And while you are sitting indoors waiting for the storm to pass I will be outside dancing in the rain
❧
Mavican didn't come here for the classes, she came here for the eyecandy and well.. actual candy. The professor was hot in an old man kind of way but that didn't mean she couldn't look around for other hot people to entertain her. Mavican though was seated next to her new friend with a clear view on Aiden and his twin bitch.
She could have sworn they are like tied together somewhere and though she wouldn't say no to a threesome she did not fancy getting into a fight with a rabid blonde and she wasn't sure whether that meant Alana or her new toy.
Of course the introduction round started with her bean friend and Mavican just shook her head before turning to look at Alana and her introduction. Go fucking figure.
"I'm Mavican and I am here because I got nowhere else to be right now and well... I am sure I will be learning some very interesting things.." she then sat down and shot Aiden a wink before turning back at the professor.
Defense was one of the most important classes to the dark haired Gryffindor. Faith had always wanted to be an auror like her mother. Especially now her personal hero has lost her job and everything. She wanted to be the one to catch the bastards that did this to her. Even if this class and all the others were very important to her, she had a hard time keeping her head where it should be. A lot had happened just before she had to return to Hogwarts. Would her mother be alright? Faith didn't feel good, knowing her mum would go through her first transformation all alone. The Ministry might supply her with one year of wolfsbane and salary as some kind of 'whoops sorry for the work accident. You lost your job. But hey, we'll help you through your first year. Good luck finding work after.' Bullshit.
She didn't have time to sit through their teachers 'don't speak before your turn'-speech. Just get on with it, man. She was seated next to her dear friend Grace. On the other side of Grace was a cute Ravenclaw girl she didn't know very well. The Gryffindor leaned over to flash her a flirty smile. She smiled softly when Grace spoke and squeezed her shoulder in support once she sat down. "You did well," she whispered.
When it was her turn she didn't stand up because she didn't see the need. "I'm Faith, sixth year and I want to be an auror. The red colours of my robe obviously say I'm a Slytherin," she said, not understanding why they needed to call out their house when everyone was wearing a school uniform.
As Alana pointed out the bleeding obvious, Aiden rolled his dark blue eyes and finished setting up his desk without replying. He was only half listening to most of the drivel his professor was spouting because it was something that he had heard each year for the past six. He scribbled a note on his parchment and nudged his sister to look;
Prof obliviated over summer - or old age dementia? Five galleon.
Beside him, Alana flicked her dark eyes over the note and snickered before pointing her long finger to old age dementia. Aiden nodded that he'd seen and waited for his sister to finish her introduction. He prepared to follow, but quickly the loudmouth, confused Gryffindor chirped and then the grating Irish accent of a rather persistent flirt began to give Aiden a headache. He caught the look of hunger that Mavican had sent his way but did nothing to encourage such fancies. Instead, he turned to face the Professor with a renewed attentiveness - Merlin save him from the leprechaun.
"Mi chiamo Aiden Valentino, Alana is my twin sister. I have a similar interest in all intellectual pursuits, which is why I have maintained excellent grades and will graduate the top of your class," he said confidently, his young chest appropriately puffed and jaw tilted defiantly high; his dark eyes locking on the teacher's for a good few seconds before he took a seat once more.
Post by JACK O'CONNOR on Apr 20, 2019 11:03:11 GMT
A
s each student filed in, there were a few latecomers and Jack didn't hesitate to warn them. "In case some students have forgotten, it is of the utmost importance that you are punctual and show up to class on time. This is the only warning I will give you. Next time, I will be docking points," Jack said, turning stern eyes on Aiden Valentino who was a prefect, and then Kaylie Rousseau. They both should have known better by now.
Listening to each students introduction, Jack nodded as he took their words in. There seemed to be quite a few students who were ambitious this year and wanted to suceed. It was good to see. As Jack spoke next, he specifically addressed Alana's statement to the whole class. "Miss Valentino, you make a good point and as the seventh years already know, we will be learning the Dark Arts in theory just as we did last year."
As the introductions wrapped up, Jack moved onto his next point. "Now, for those who are too shy to introduce themselves, that is fine. A three hundred word piece of writing describing your name, year, house, background and the reason why you decided to take this class with suffice instead. I expect it on my desk by the end of the day," Jack said calmly, sending a pointed look towards Kaylie Rousseau and some of the other students. They weren't shy, he knew that much. They were just non-compliant which was a shame considering they chose to take this class. They'd likely do well too.
"Now, moving onto this lesson's subject matter. We will be learning non-verbal spells and practicing them on one another. Can anybody tell me why this is important?" he asked, pausing for somebody put their hand up and answer before moving along.
"Now, for this task I will be assigning your partners and this is what will happen once you're paired off. You will non-verbally jinx your partner who has to use a defensive non-verbal spell to stop it in time. Then you will trade places. Appropriate spells you can use for this are the Dancing Feet jinx, the Jelly Legs jinx, and the Ventus jinx. If anybody uses darker or more harmful jinxes, they will be sent to the Headmistress' office immediately. Understand?" With that, Jack waved his wand at the chalkboard that was situated at the back of the classroom and watched his students carefully.
6'0". IRISH. BIG HEART. LOYAL. BRAVE. WORKAHOLIC. BISEXUAL. SINGLE. distinguishing features: a big scar runs across jack's left cheek credit for award goes to ollie! <3
Post by SCARLETT BIANCHI on Apr 21, 2019 17:41:29 GMT
And while you are sitting indoors waiting for the storm to pass I will be outside dancing in the rain
❧
Scarlett never meant to be late but she had been taking a kid to the hospital wing after she bumped into her and almost threw up on her. She got herself a note just in case the professor was going to be a jerk about it and sighed as she watched students pair up.
Great.
Scarlett ran a hand through her hair and headed for the professor. "Sorry I needed to help a kid sir." she said and held the note out from the nurse. She sure as hell didn't need detention now.
Sam couldn't say exactly that his introduction had been truthful. He'd said something about having a great interest in the subject and, while he did want to be able to defend himself, he'd mostly just taken this class for the theory. Defence Against the Dark Arts. It had been drilled into them all from a young age that it was important, since they were born so soon after the Battle of Hogwarts. He also wanted to draw the dark creatures they looked at. Ever since the Ministry had started clashing with werewolf populations, Sam had been obsessed with identifying them.
So he'd told a little fib, but he settled back next to Faith, his arm around her shoulders. He was glad to not be alone in this class with the creepy twins. Aiden was dazzling, and Sam sneaked a glance in his direction. If only the boy wasn't so nastily purist, Sam would ask to draw him. Maybe one day. Right now, he'd focus on learning to defend against the Dark Arts.
Sam put his hand up. "So they can't anticipate your attack?"
Seeing the names on the board, he said goodbye to Faith and bounced over to his Slytherin chum. "Scarrrlettttt!" he cried, smiling.
There was a certain uncertainty in Raouf's step as he followed Scarlett into the classroom. He wasn't running late because any little kid that needed help, he was the little kid that need help. He had expected that Sam would take him to class but he'd be left at breakfast. He was a little annoyed but he couldn't expect the other Slytherin to show him to every class. However, he'd still be walking around aimlessly if a little third year hadn't pointed out the way to him. He cast his gaze across the room, his eyes narrowing on Sam, but then back to the professor. "I am very sorry for being late sir. I got lost."
He glanced at the board, which was full of names. Had they been paired up? Would he have a pair. He gave an anxious look to Sam and Grace, before sliding into a chair behind them. He had no idea who he'd been paired with. He barely knew anyone's name and he was sure that he'd just have to do the task by himself. Raouf hated feeling so lost but it was now the day to day life. Everyone already had their friend groups at his age, at least the small firsties were just as clueless as eachother. The same couldn't be said for the sixth years in his grade. He was lucky to have anyone to show him anywhere, if he was being honest.
Post by SCARLETT BIANCHI on Apr 30, 2019 11:05:57 GMT
And while you are sitting indoors waiting for the storm to pass I will be outside dancing in the rain
❧
Scarlett was not looking forward to working with people she didn't or liked for that matter. The brunette rose an eyebrow and looked at the slytherin male with a frown and cleared her throat, ready to protest but the way he pronounced her name like an excited little kid she smiled a bit before aiming her wand at him.
"Nope." she then shot an offensive spell his way, hopefully he could dodge.
Post by KAYLIE ROUSSEAU on Apr 30, 2019 11:08:51 GMT
And while you are sitting indoors waiting for the storm to pass I will be outside dancing in the rain
❧
Well this was going to be fun. She sighed and got up so Aiden and her could have a throw down with spells rather than fists. So typical. The blonde cleared her throat and nodded at the boy to let him start. She was not bad with spells and he was never going to let her live it down if she doesn't manage to block one.
And while you are sitting indoors waiting for the storm to pass I will be outside dancing in the rain
❧
Ryker had no issues using magic without speaking, she had been doing it for a long time because it was the best offense. The girl knew little wandless magic but she was aiming high for herself to learn it. She even wanted to ask the professor to teach her because beyond levitating her coin she couldn't do much else.
Ryker had been playing with her devil's coin before her eyes flicked to the board with the names appearing of who was going to face who. Well this would be fun.
word count ● open for interaction ● notes
5'5 || the adventurous one || Morgan Reid sig gift from Erenae @sp
Sam's smile was replaced with confusion, then realisation and disbelief in rapid succession as his eyes fell on Scarlett's wand and he felt the spell hit him. Immediately his legs started to wobble slightly. He kept his balance, glaring at Scarlett.
"I'm disarmed, Scarlett. Find a new partner." with that, he made his way to the teacher's desk, flicking through the textbook until he found the counter-curse. Finally pulling out his wand he, with a venomous glance at Scarlett, unjellified his legs. That was a really nasty thing to do. Straightening up, he closed the book and approached professor O'Connor, pocketing his wand again.
"Professor, Scarlett shot a jinx at me while I was disarmed. I'm not working with her." Raouf seemed to be free. Or, at least, not sure who he should be with. He realised suddenly that he'd left Raouf alone at breakfast, under the impression that he'd have someone to help him get around. That's why he'd come in late! Sam sheepishly walked towards him, poking him in the shoulder gently. "Hey, so, for my safety, and to apologise for leaving you at breakfast... Do you want to shoot jinxes at me?" he queried.
