Flying
While patience is allegedly a virtue, it must have still come quite hard to some of the first year students this term. They had to wait until March - MARCH - to finally have their first flying lesson. So many months probably spent daydreaming about zooming through the air on the fastest broom ever and looking like it’s the easiest thing in the entire universe. Well, the flying lesson with Professor Tanner might have just burst some of these bubbles. No expensive brooms, no supercool flying around and accidentally making it on a Quidditch team without really trying - not everyone can be Harry Potter, sorry. Instead, the students first had to use a school broom and place it on the ground next to them. School brooms might not be as awesome as, say, a Firebolt (making everyone slightly jealous there, Professor Tanner) but imagine who else might have learned how to fly on exactly that one school broom you’re currently holding! To earn the broom’s trust - yes, they can be temperamental - the students were instructed to hold out their dominant hand over the broom and use the command “UP!”. Sounds easy enough, right? No. However, after a few tries every first year student managed to convince their broom that they are in fact worthy of their trust.
Now, onto the part of the lesson everyone had been waiting for: the actual flying on a broomstick. First, Professor Tanner demonstrated how to mount a broom, before instructing the students to carefully kick themselves off the ground with their feet. After hovering in the air for a few seconds, they were then told to gently nudge the handle downwards again in order to make a safe landing. No injuries so far. The following step of learning how to accelerate and change directions on your broom turned out to be slightly more complex. Surely, braking is often considered to be uncool, yet it is still a very much relevant aspect of flying as well. So in a final step and with a hard pull on the broom’s handle everything surrounding the (basic) wonders of navigating a broom had been covered. This having been Professor Tanner’s last flying lesson at Hogwarts, she would like to give the person who succeeds her in the position of flying instructor the most basic advice there is: Don't let anyone die. Sounds easy enough, right? We’ll see.
Now, onto the part of the lesson everyone had been waiting for: the actual flying on a broomstick. First, Professor Tanner demonstrated how to mount a broom, before instructing the students to carefully kick themselves off the ground with their feet. After hovering in the air for a few seconds, they were then told to gently nudge the handle downwards again in order to make a safe landing. No injuries so far. The following step of learning how to accelerate and change directions on your broom turned out to be slightly more complex. Surely, braking is often considered to be uncool, yet it is still a very much relevant aspect of flying as well. So in a final step and with a hard pull on the broom’s handle everything surrounding the (basic) wonders of navigating a broom had been covered. This having been Professor Tanner’s last flying lesson at Hogwarts, she would like to give the person who succeeds her in the position of flying instructor the most basic advice there is: Don't let anyone die. Sounds easy enough, right? We’ll see.
Herbology
If you think the kiddies only show up to Herbology for the meditation, ambiance, and positivity, you'd be partially wrong. Professor Myers, on top of being one of the kindest, most patient staff members to ever walk the halls of Hogwarts, also boasts a theatrical streak that would make even the WADA elite proud. And that's saying something, right?! Needless to say, between the outlandish costumes and enchanted flowers, there is truly never a dull moment when it comes to this zany man's teachings. It has often been said that if one were only to experience a few subjects at this school, that Herbology be among them. To put it simple, its entirety can be summed up in one word. Three syllables. Brilliant.
Take the first Herbology lesson of the term for example. It truly set the bar, as far as first lessons go! Imagine the scene: small tea tables and chairs dressed in white crowding the room, potted rosebushes literally decorating every available surface (sporting WHITE blooms, at first), tea cups, sweeteners... If one didn't know any better, one could've easily thought that Professor Myers was gearing up to host the most lovely class tea. However, upon accidentally bumping into (or outright handling) these flowers, the most interesting change occurred. THEY TURNED RED. Now, if that didn't raise suspicions about day's activities, Professor Myers bursting into the greenhouse in full Queen of Hearts regalia surely did. Some of the more Disney inclined students, as in second year Gryffindor Olivia Phillips and fourth year Ravenclaw Prefect Rooney Bronwyn, were quick to join in with the act; exchanging dialogue loudly (and dramatically) with their beloved professor. All in the name of putting on a showstopping performance! However, a few of their classmates were not amused with the scene, opting to sneak out of the room amidst the commotion, but not before sharing barbs with their resident Ravenclaw theater buff. Never fear, however! The Queen of Hearts was able to settle the tiff without much fuss, effectively getting them back on track! The actual subject matter of the day would, of course, revolved around these very special roses. What was it exactly that caused them to react so drastically to human touch? Would the reaction have been similar if say, a bug had been landed on its petals? Or if an animal had accidentally bumped into them? The answer came soon enough! Temperature! Body heat, to be more specific. Also, a fun fact about these flowers: they actually turn white to communicate they are too warm. With the general discussion, things had seemed to take a turn for the more controlled, but that was until the students had discovered that their tea had been spiked with shrinking solution! Without much time to fuss about it, they'd already diminished in size; effectively getting a bug's eye view of the roses underbelly. As the lesson progressed forward, it was revealed they they'd be answering a series of riddles to discover what actions they needed to be taking with these flowers. With a bit of water, salt, and pruning (which required great care seeing as they were all fairy sized)... the day's lesson turned out to be an adventure. A marvelously dramatic one.
Now, you may be asking yourself, how does one top such things as The Queen of Hearts and shrinking solution... but we mentioned that Professor Myers was brilliant, didn't we?! Ahem, the second lesson to note for the term came after the new year. Surprisingly, he'd chosen to revisit his Alice In Wonderland inspiration, arriving to this lesson fully decked from head to toe in a Mad Hatter ensemble. Oh, the style and flair! The class was quite excited (and nervous, let's be honest) to see him back in costume, but with instructions like "Grab a Honking Daffodil before you sit," what could go wrong? Nothing, surely. To start, did you know that these particular flowers make different sounds based on their surroundings? Interesting, right? When they're content and happy, they honk softly, and when something is wrong, they screech. Loudly. So loud, in fact, that it can cause permanent damage to human ears. Let's take a moment to understand that they could essentially be weaponized (like mandrakes). Apparently they were being especially loud today due to discomfort from too small pots. So naturally, the students were going to be giving these beauties new homes (aka new, bigger pots). The first step was mostly common sense: silence them. Second year Gryffindor Matthew Meriwether, utterly aggrieved by this request, passionately advocated for keeping his daffodil vocal. Another second year Gryffindor, Tenacius Salander, also opted to keep his plant unsilenced, and could be found profusely shushing it at his desk. Actually, a good number of the class were being chatty with their daffodils. Alas, these weren't the only screeching flowers to be introduced. After completing work on the daffodils, a very intriguing plant known simply as screechsnaps was put on display and explained. Now, unlike the previous flowers, the screechsnaps could experience pleasure and pain (which was very interesting). Professor Myers also mentioned that the older ones have been known to pick up one or two words, but insisted this phenomenon was rare, and truly that; a phenomenon. Additionally, under no circumstances were the students to silence these flowers while they were working on them. Mainly because their noises would be the only indication of pain... and hurting flowers was BAD. These were only to be pruned and that wasn't too much trouble, considering. A few of them did get slightly violent, which nearly caused them to be knocked over and smashed, but all in all, everyone showed remarkable skill in handling the screechsnaps. Just before class ended, a valentine needed to be delivered to a very special Hufflepuff first year. Four for you Hattie Paton! You GO, Hattie Paton.
Take the first Herbology lesson of the term for example. It truly set the bar, as far as first lessons go! Imagine the scene: small tea tables and chairs dressed in white crowding the room, potted rosebushes literally decorating every available surface (sporting WHITE blooms, at first), tea cups, sweeteners... If one didn't know any better, one could've easily thought that Professor Myers was gearing up to host the most lovely class tea. However, upon accidentally bumping into (or outright handling) these flowers, the most interesting change occurred. THEY TURNED RED. Now, if that didn't raise suspicions about day's activities, Professor Myers bursting into the greenhouse in full Queen of Hearts regalia surely did. Some of the more Disney inclined students, as in second year Gryffindor Olivia Phillips and fourth year Ravenclaw Prefect Rooney Bronwyn, were quick to join in with the act; exchanging dialogue loudly (and dramatically) with their beloved professor. All in the name of putting on a showstopping performance! However, a few of their classmates were not amused with the scene, opting to sneak out of the room amidst the commotion, but not before sharing barbs with their resident Ravenclaw theater buff. Never fear, however! The Queen of Hearts was able to settle the tiff without much fuss, effectively getting them back on track! The actual subject matter of the day would, of course, revolved around these very special roses. What was it exactly that caused them to react so drastically to human touch? Would the reaction have been similar if say, a bug had been landed on its petals? Or if an animal had accidentally bumped into them? The answer came soon enough! Temperature! Body heat, to be more specific. Also, a fun fact about these flowers: they actually turn white to communicate they are too warm. With the general discussion, things had seemed to take a turn for the more controlled, but that was until the students had discovered that their tea had been spiked with shrinking solution! Without much time to fuss about it, they'd already diminished in size; effectively getting a bug's eye view of the roses underbelly. As the lesson progressed forward, it was revealed they they'd be answering a series of riddles to discover what actions they needed to be taking with these flowers. With a bit of water, salt, and pruning (which required great care seeing as they were all fairy sized)... the day's lesson turned out to be an adventure. A marvelously dramatic one.
Now, you may be asking yourself, how does one top such things as The Queen of Hearts and shrinking solution... but we mentioned that Professor Myers was brilliant, didn't we?! Ahem, the second lesson to note for the term came after the new year. Surprisingly, he'd chosen to revisit his Alice In Wonderland inspiration, arriving to this lesson fully decked from head to toe in a Mad Hatter ensemble. Oh, the style and flair! The class was quite excited (and nervous, let's be honest) to see him back in costume, but with instructions like "Grab a Honking Daffodil before you sit," what could go wrong? Nothing, surely. To start, did you know that these particular flowers make different sounds based on their surroundings? Interesting, right? When they're content and happy, they honk softly, and when something is wrong, they screech. Loudly. So loud, in fact, that it can cause permanent damage to human ears. Let's take a moment to understand that they could essentially be weaponized (like mandrakes). Apparently they were being especially loud today due to discomfort from too small pots. So naturally, the students were going to be giving these beauties new homes (aka new, bigger pots). The first step was mostly common sense: silence them. Second year Gryffindor Matthew Meriwether, utterly aggrieved by this request, passionately advocated for keeping his daffodil vocal. Another second year Gryffindor, Tenacius Salander, also opted to keep his plant unsilenced, and could be found profusely shushing it at his desk. Actually, a good number of the class were being chatty with their daffodils. Alas, these weren't the only screeching flowers to be introduced. After completing work on the daffodils, a very intriguing plant known simply as screechsnaps was put on display and explained. Now, unlike the previous flowers, the screechsnaps could experience pleasure and pain (which was very interesting). Professor Myers also mentioned that the older ones have been known to pick up one or two words, but insisted this phenomenon was rare, and truly that; a phenomenon. Additionally, under no circumstances were the students to silence these flowers while they were working on them. Mainly because their noises would be the only indication of pain... and hurting flowers was BAD. These were only to be pruned and that wasn't too much trouble, considering. A few of them did get slightly violent, which nearly caused them to be knocked over and smashed, but all in all, everyone showed remarkable skill in handling the screechsnaps. Just before class ended, a valentine needed to be delivered to a very special Hufflepuff first year. Four for you Hattie Paton! You GO, Hattie Paton.
History of Magic
Professor Finch, Hogwarts own handsome Historian, returned for another fun filled term of History of Magic and boy were we excited to have him. The snooze fest of a subject isn’t always easy to get the students jazzed about but good old Finch has the skills to engage and educate even the most lackluster Hogwartian. Let’s recap on some of his finest lessons from this term, shall we?
Shortly after the holidays, the students found themselves back in class and Professor Finch was waiting for them, ready to impart some new knowledge on the Wizard's Council. Unfortunately, some of the students seemed a little preoccupied… and by a little, we mean a lot. It’s normal for teens to obsess over their favorite Wrock star or lip gloss but talk of lost eggs and moonstones raised eyebrows all around. Concerned but not entirely deterred, Finch continued on with class, getting students involved with a round of question and answer. Essentially their knowledge was summed up and in Finch’s words, “the Wizard’s Council was a basic governing body for the magical community. Once the secrecy statute was enacted, it was found to be necessary to have a more sophisticated form of government.” Simple enough to understand, yes? A discussion on some of the laws of the wizarding world followed soon after and it came as no surprise that the students had strong opinions on the subject. Politics, am I right? The opposing opinions made for the perfect transition into the final activity for the class, a debate! Students were meant to pick a subject they were passionate about, as if they were proposing a new law, and be pro or con that new law. Then they had to argue their point in groups or on their own. If you’re one to like having your voice heard-we’re talking to you, Gryffindors- this was the lesson for you.
The end of term brought warmer weather and relaxed attitudes, as was evident by Professor Finch’s act of tossing his assigned seating plan. Way to loosen things up, Mr. F! The main topic of this particular lesson was organizations within the wizarding world and what they all had in common. Though wizards and witches form groups varying in size and purpose, there is something that each group shares. Groups that form do so in order to work towards, and achieve a common goal. For example, The Headless Hunt exists to bring headless ghosts together and give them a sense of community while they enjoy a bit of sport. After offering up other examples of organizations and their purpose, the students were asked to come up with a new organization that would help fill some need at Hogwarts, or out in the wizarding world. The task gave students the opportunity to be creative and consider their own interests and strengths. Again, Professor Finch managed to give his class the freedom to think outside the box and come up with some really interesting stuff. It was a great way to end his final lesson of the term.
Shortly after the holidays, the students found themselves back in class and Professor Finch was waiting for them, ready to impart some new knowledge on the Wizard's Council. Unfortunately, some of the students seemed a little preoccupied… and by a little, we mean a lot. It’s normal for teens to obsess over their favorite Wrock star or lip gloss but talk of lost eggs and moonstones raised eyebrows all around. Concerned but not entirely deterred, Finch continued on with class, getting students involved with a round of question and answer. Essentially their knowledge was summed up and in Finch’s words, “the Wizard’s Council was a basic governing body for the magical community. Once the secrecy statute was enacted, it was found to be necessary to have a more sophisticated form of government.” Simple enough to understand, yes? A discussion on some of the laws of the wizarding world followed soon after and it came as no surprise that the students had strong opinions on the subject. Politics, am I right? The opposing opinions made for the perfect transition into the final activity for the class, a debate! Students were meant to pick a subject they were passionate about, as if they were proposing a new law, and be pro or con that new law. Then they had to argue their point in groups or on their own. If you’re one to like having your voice heard-we’re talking to you, Gryffindors- this was the lesson for you.
The end of term brought warmer weather and relaxed attitudes, as was evident by Professor Finch’s act of tossing his assigned seating plan. Way to loosen things up, Mr. F! The main topic of this particular lesson was organizations within the wizarding world and what they all had in common. Though wizards and witches form groups varying in size and purpose, there is something that each group shares. Groups that form do so in order to work towards, and achieve a common goal. For example, The Headless Hunt exists to bring headless ghosts together and give them a sense of community while they enjoy a bit of sport. After offering up other examples of organizations and their purpose, the students were asked to come up with a new organization that would help fill some need at Hogwarts, or out in the wizarding world. The task gave students the opportunity to be creative and consider their own interests and strengths. Again, Professor Finch managed to give his class the freedom to think outside the box and come up with some really interesting stuff. It was a great way to end his final lesson of the term.
Muggle Studies
Not many people can appreciate the subject that teaches us about our Muggle counter-parts, cursed to roam the world without magic. Not many see the logic in doing things manually when there’s a spell that works just fine and the suddenly departure of our beloved former Muggle Studies Professor, left very big shoes to be filled. Professor Kaysha Stewart was ready to take up the challenge of broadening the minds of those who refused to accept that magic isn’t the only way of living…much to the scepticism of some that had yet to adjust to the changes.
Possibly more eager than the First Years, the Professor was by the door bright and early Spetember morning ready to begin her first lesson. The topic was one that stirred much debate, drawing a clear line in the sand where the upbringing of the students were concerned. Cartoon characters littered the board, some as old as dirt. It didn’t come as much surprise that only those secretly in possession of a timeturners were properly acquainted with the figures set before them, some trying to cover it up with talks of an…internet that has no basis for existence. It was an animated class to be sure, with the students being asked the reason behind their viewing of such things, or their lack there of. Answer ranged from the animations themselves, to the humour and even to the spectrum of students whose parents would never let them waste their time on such frivolous things. The question of the type of animation the students preferred should have been a giveaway to the activity of the lesson but for those who missed it, the students were expected to draw and animate themselves as their favourite characters. An all around very animated lesson.
The Second lesson found the students out on the grounds, as it was to be a joint with Potions. What do the two subjects have in common? Why they both have an element of cooking, of course! Free food right before dinner, a delight for the greediest among our cohort. The students were instructed to build their own fires and get their own cauldrons going—the muggle way. It was a brilliant and refreshing change from needing to use magic as is the norm in plain Potions. You’d think that with such a welcomed reprieve everything would run smoothly but alas some things will never sit well as proven by Second Year Slytherin, Jaemin Song who did not appreciate his name being moved to the past tense. There were losses in points and threats of detention before his fellow student intervened and saved him from what would have otherwise been an unnessary and unpleasant night in the dungeons. Disagreements aside, the students were able to enjoy their cooked meals of damper and Fårikål while they shared spooky ghosts stories.
Now, I wasn’t there for…the majority of the remaining lessons due to circumstances outside my control but the way I heard it, there was a lesson that took students to the French side of life equipped with its own replica of the Eiffel tower. I’m sure many important things were discussed and my source tells me facts were given about the tower before they moved into an activity I’m now sad I missed—they would make their own ice-cream treats! Here’s to hoping there’s another lesson like this one in the coming term, and here’s to also hoping the next time the Professor takes the students back in time, everyone has already gotten their hands on a means of getting there.
Possibly more eager than the First Years, the Professor was by the door bright and early Spetember morning ready to begin her first lesson. The topic was one that stirred much debate, drawing a clear line in the sand where the upbringing of the students were concerned. Cartoon characters littered the board, some as old as dirt. It didn’t come as much surprise that only those secretly in possession of a timeturners were properly acquainted with the figures set before them, some trying to cover it up with talks of an…internet that has no basis for existence. It was an animated class to be sure, with the students being asked the reason behind their viewing of such things, or their lack there of. Answer ranged from the animations themselves, to the humour and even to the spectrum of students whose parents would never let them waste their time on such frivolous things. The question of the type of animation the students preferred should have been a giveaway to the activity of the lesson but for those who missed it, the students were expected to draw and animate themselves as their favourite characters. An all around very animated lesson.
The Second lesson found the students out on the grounds, as it was to be a joint with Potions. What do the two subjects have in common? Why they both have an element of cooking, of course! Free food right before dinner, a delight for the greediest among our cohort. The students were instructed to build their own fires and get their own cauldrons going—the muggle way. It was a brilliant and refreshing change from needing to use magic as is the norm in plain Potions. You’d think that with such a welcomed reprieve everything would run smoothly but alas some things will never sit well as proven by Second Year Slytherin, Jaemin Song who did not appreciate his name being moved to the past tense. There were losses in points and threats of detention before his fellow student intervened and saved him from what would have otherwise been an unnessary and unpleasant night in the dungeons. Disagreements aside, the students were able to enjoy their cooked meals of damper and Fårikål while they shared spooky ghosts stories.
Now, I wasn’t there for…the majority of the remaining lessons due to circumstances outside my control but the way I heard it, there was a lesson that took students to the French side of life equipped with its own replica of the Eiffel tower. I’m sure many important things were discussed and my source tells me facts were given about the tower before they moved into an activity I’m now sad I missed—they would make their own ice-cream treats! Here’s to hoping there’s another lesson like this one in the coming term, and here’s to also hoping the next time the Professor takes the students back in time, everyone has already gotten their hands on a means of getting there.
Potions
In spite of multiple thefts from his prized store room, Professor Newton still managed to offer a full term of hands-on Potions instruction. Don’t let his nervous exterior fool you—this Potions professor is no stranger to tough and exciting lessons in his classroom. Newton even provided extra special opportunities by opening up the lab for eager Potioneers to sample potions outside of class. From love to age to much-needed sleep, Professor Newton taught students to attain it all!
Professor Newton seemed a bit ill during the first lesson of the term, but that didn’t keep him from introducing an epic challenge. Once an array of ingredients was revealed, students solved the mystery Newton’s apparent weakness, as well as the subject of the lesson: Aging Potions! Students eagerly stepped up to the challenge of brewing an Aging Potion, a task that proved to be both complex and physically taxing. Ten entire minutes of stirring was enough to make anyone’s arm feel like it was about to fall off, but that didn’t keep second year Hadley Denaker from taking the opportunity to sample her her potion…and shrinking to a seven year old. With Professor Newton still under the influence of an aging potion, it was up to Slytherin’s Hady Lynch and Ravenclaw’s Katherine Moss to track Haddie down and save the day.
Potions met Muggle Studies this winter when Professors Newton and Stewart lured students into the freezing outdoors with promise of a super cool joint lesson. Students had the chance to adapt their potions knowledge to tackle an exotic cooking activity. At first glance, cooking a Norwegian stew may seem to be at the same level as advanced potion brewing, but don’t be fooled. Professor Newton turned the class into professional cabbage-cutters with unrivaled layering skills, all while sporting growling bellies. The Fårikål and Damper ended up even more delicious than they were hard to pronounce, and the class relished the opportunity to feast on all their hard work.
Professor Newton maintained his high standards for his students through the very end of term. The Potions final exam was a heated affair for first years and seventh years alike, as the professor divided the class by age to test brewing expertise at every level. First and second years kicked off the testing day by speeding through Girding Potions with great success. Next came the third and fourth years, whose complex task was to brew the sleep-inducing Wiggenweld potion. Those pro-potioneers worked through the long ingredients list with relative ease, completing the exam with no evidence of catastrophe. Finally, fifth through seventh years entered the classroom to show off their potions prowess by whipping up the Elixir to Induce Euphoria in just 90 minutes. The potion was deemed “very challenging” by Ravenclaw’s Jangle Guidry, but that didn’t stop her and her classmates from executing the potion with clear proficiency and attention to detail. All in all, the final was proof of Professor Newton's super teaching and a solid finish to a great term of Potions lessons!
Professor Newton seemed a bit ill during the first lesson of the term, but that didn’t keep him from introducing an epic challenge. Once an array of ingredients was revealed, students solved the mystery Newton’s apparent weakness, as well as the subject of the lesson: Aging Potions! Students eagerly stepped up to the challenge of brewing an Aging Potion, a task that proved to be both complex and physically taxing. Ten entire minutes of stirring was enough to make anyone’s arm feel like it was about to fall off, but that didn’t keep second year Hadley Denaker from taking the opportunity to sample her her potion…and shrinking to a seven year old. With Professor Newton still under the influence of an aging potion, it was up to Slytherin’s Hady Lynch and Ravenclaw’s Katherine Moss to track Haddie down and save the day.
Potions met Muggle Studies this winter when Professors Newton and Stewart lured students into the freezing outdoors with promise of a super cool joint lesson. Students had the chance to adapt their potions knowledge to tackle an exotic cooking activity. At first glance, cooking a Norwegian stew may seem to be at the same level as advanced potion brewing, but don’t be fooled. Professor Newton turned the class into professional cabbage-cutters with unrivaled layering skills, all while sporting growling bellies. The Fårikål and Damper ended up even more delicious than they were hard to pronounce, and the class relished the opportunity to feast on all their hard work.
Professor Newton maintained his high standards for his students through the very end of term. The Potions final exam was a heated affair for first years and seventh years alike, as the professor divided the class by age to test brewing expertise at every level. First and second years kicked off the testing day by speeding through Girding Potions with great success. Next came the third and fourth years, whose complex task was to brew the sleep-inducing Wiggenweld potion. Those pro-potioneers worked through the long ingredients list with relative ease, completing the exam with no evidence of catastrophe. Finally, fifth through seventh years entered the classroom to show off their potions prowess by whipping up the Elixir to Induce Euphoria in just 90 minutes. The potion was deemed “very challenging” by Ravenclaw’s Jangle Guidry, but that didn’t stop her and her classmates from executing the potion with clear proficiency and attention to detail. All in all, the final was proof of Professor Newton's super teaching and a solid finish to a great term of Potions lessons!
Transfiguraton
A core subject taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and mandatory through to OWL level, Transfiguration is considered a staple magical ability in the wizarding world. From flashy displays and useful transformations, to conjuring from nothing and vanishing into non-being, to creating what one needs from what one has, Transfiguration proves time and time again to be an essential skill to any witch or wizard. This year was the calm and composed Professor Ichihara’s second year of teaching Transfiguration at Hogwarts, and she again stepped up to the task with same the kind of unflustered demeanour and cool-headedness she is so rarely seen without... the kind of demeanour that yearns to be tested.
One notable Transfiguration lesson this year saw the students of Hogwarts arriving at the classroom, only to be met with an oppressive and clearly magically induced humid atmosphere, while a variety of tanks - containing flora, water, and rocks - lined the room. Once everyone was settled into the (grossly uncomfortable) classroom, Professor Ichihara temporarily reversed the roles in the room, and had the students pose questions to her for once, in an attempt for them to deduce the topic of the day. This topic turned out to be ‘the exploration of the concept of live transfiguration’, with a focus on muggle insects and arachnids. A short discussion followed, on the usefulness and potential practicality of live transfiguration. Ichihara also covered the feasibility of transfiguring any creature into any object, summising that it is more manageable if the original subject and desired outcome have similar characteristics, though not necessary, and that it is ultimately only a psychological hurdle that the witch or wizard needs to overcome to broaden their Transfiguration skillset. Truly feeling a spell is what makes the magic work. I am sure this is news to... at least one of you.
The class activity for the day involved attempting to transfigure a variety of creatures, from the more anatomically complicated Brazillian Black Tarantula, to the more delicate Spiny Leaf Bug and Megastick Bug, and the simple American Walking Stick Bug and Baron Caterpillar. First, students studied their creatures; some, mostly the Hufflepuffs, befriended them, others threatened theirs into submission, like Slytherin sixth year, Dante Barrington, and overall there was a disappointing lack of terror from the students in attendance - though Slytherin fourth year and all round wimp, Calrissian Desario, beat a hasty retreat before any of the many-legged creatures could enter his immediate vicinity.
Once everyone was well-acquainted with their insects or, in some cases, arachnids, the practical portion of the lesson began. The spell Thistilaz was to be used to transfigure tarantulas into prickly pears, Follio-Anmortum for turning a Spiny Leaf Bug into a dead leaf, Follio-Musa transformed caterpillars into banana leaves, and Cladus was the spell to magic a Megastick Bug into a winding branch. As is expected from any class at Hogwarts, students were met with varying degrees of success, though there were, unfortunately, no spectacular failures to be witnessed, and every last student, professor, and bug - transfigured or otherwise - made it through the lesson with their life forces in tact.
One notable Transfiguration lesson this year saw the students of Hogwarts arriving at the classroom, only to be met with an oppressive and clearly magically induced humid atmosphere, while a variety of tanks - containing flora, water, and rocks - lined the room. Once everyone was settled into the (grossly uncomfortable) classroom, Professor Ichihara temporarily reversed the roles in the room, and had the students pose questions to her for once, in an attempt for them to deduce the topic of the day. This topic turned out to be ‘the exploration of the concept of live transfiguration’, with a focus on muggle insects and arachnids. A short discussion followed, on the usefulness and potential practicality of live transfiguration. Ichihara also covered the feasibility of transfiguring any creature into any object, summising that it is more manageable if the original subject and desired outcome have similar characteristics, though not necessary, and that it is ultimately only a psychological hurdle that the witch or wizard needs to overcome to broaden their Transfiguration skillset. Truly feeling a spell is what makes the magic work. I am sure this is news to... at least one of you.
The class activity for the day involved attempting to transfigure a variety of creatures, from the more anatomically complicated Brazillian Black Tarantula, to the more delicate Spiny Leaf Bug and Megastick Bug, and the simple American Walking Stick Bug and Baron Caterpillar. First, students studied their creatures; some, mostly the Hufflepuffs, befriended them, others threatened theirs into submission, like Slytherin sixth year, Dante Barrington, and overall there was a disappointing lack of terror from the students in attendance - though Slytherin fourth year and all round wimp, Calrissian Desario, beat a hasty retreat before any of the many-legged creatures could enter his immediate vicinity.
Once everyone was well-acquainted with their insects or, in some cases, arachnids, the practical portion of the lesson began. The spell Thistilaz was to be used to transfigure tarantulas into prickly pears, Follio-Anmortum for turning a Spiny Leaf Bug into a dead leaf, Follio-Musa transformed caterpillars into banana leaves, and Cladus was the spell to magic a Megastick Bug into a winding branch. As is expected from any class at Hogwarts, students were met with varying degrees of success, though there were, unfortunately, no spectacular failures to be witnessed, and every last student, professor, and bug - transfigured or otherwise - made it through the lesson with their life forces in tact.