Sometimes Viktor wished he was back to being a student and the only thing he had to worry about was classes and passing. They were fun times. But then he remembered everything else about being a teenager and well he was content with not being one. And there was the first one and look at that a Prefect. Setting a example even if it is by accident which is his guess.

"Afternoon Prefect Valentine. I'm fine. Of course unless you want to wait til everyone leaves and do it here?"

Either was fine with him.

And now it starts. It was a tiny bit surprising seeing her her early. Though maybe a small calming potion would help her in the future and others in her house. Viktor smiled at the thought

"I am Dora and i hope you are as well."

Polite and going right to a seat was a good way to go about entering a class.

"Afternoon Miss Penrose. Hope you are well"

He hoped a couple people would be able to reconginze the symbol on the board if not. Then well everyone was learning something new today.

Someone was not in the best mood. Fight with the boyfriend maybe. She looked that age. Or maybe just sick. He liked his first option better. He remembered being a teenager. Fun Times. Yeah that smile was a little creepy.

"Miss Kramer"

Best just let her get over it herself and not say anymore.



And right after her another Hufflepuff. The mostly all houses travel in packs he cant help but notice Hufflepuff do it more than usually.

"Afternoon Miss Delgado"

He is probably just imagining it though.


...What was this one doing before class. It looked like he was walking to his funeral. Obviously not that intense. But still.

"Hello, please have a seat"

Seems like he needs one.



You can never assume the family of a previous Headmaster and Runes Professor knows anything about Runes or maybe the individual just did not like them. Also considering this Botros is a first year. He was not doing so bad so far. Always room for improvement if he cared. Just on the grasp of telling him the answers. He will ignore the name thing for now. He will correct him if he says it against.

"How are you Mister Botros"

Soklokov now that sounds funny.

Did she seriously just say What's Up? What did she think this was the early 2000's or something? Questions he could ask her if he ever got the chance to actually ask questions instead of constantly answering hers.

"The opposite of down. How are you Zoryn?"

And no it was not a pitchfork wheel. It was a good guess for a first year.

Oh he almost missed this slytherin entering. Still focused on gryffindors.

"Afternoon Mister Emery"

Was Derfael alright. He seemed more enthusiastic than usual and this wasn't Jordan's class. Oh well

"You alright?"

Seemed so since he went to find a seat

Okay maybe he was being a tad unusual today by being by the door instead of at the desk. But he forgot to bring a book today and well this is what you get. Now this reaction made him smile.

"Good to see you too Miss Carden."

At least this one was not surprised and polite with a simple nod.

"Afternoon"

"Afternoon Prefect Salander and no its not a snowflake. But good guess"

So was that two guess' for snowflake now.

Viktor gave the Prefect a smile and watched her go to her seat.

And a nod to apparently the girl Gryffindor Prefect's friend. Well that was probably why he had the reason for no assigned seats. Forcing people to sit somewhere was not fun for him.



No, no pillows or anything crazy. You can have all that on other class's. And another nod and Hello to Miss Holden. He must be getting close to time to start this lesson.

At least Miss Guidry did not guess it was a snow flake.

"Afternoon Miss Guidry"

Well considering most of Ancient Runes has its base in the Norse Myth's. It was the safest guess out of any culture. But he was not wrong.

"Correct it is Norse. I will give you points if you know what it is called"

Did he just run through the door. Well that was something new. Skipping or marching was normal. But actually running when he was not even late. Okay Viktor greeted him before letting him do whatever he is doing. Hopefully that will include finding a seat.

"Good, how are you Miss Griffel"

Also he thought his class was not that boring so maybe it will go by not that slow. He could never guarantee time will fly in here.

It was Runes after all.

Hiya was better than What's Up in Sokolov's opinion.

"I am. How are you Prefect Bronwyn?"



He had an attitude with everyone so not his fault. But since he was the adult he would be taking the blame for it. Also he was 110 percent fine with anyone annoying Gaston. He will even get on it this year with teasing him about Rose.

"Afternoon Olivia"

She might have competition this year with asking questions considering another Gryffindor was here.

He figured one would know what was on the board and well he was not surprised with Charlotte knowing what it was.


"Always, though its not just for battle is it?"


Also he hoped nothing would blow up today. But you never know.

And with that it was time to start the class. Viktor waited a little bit for an stragglers who would be running in and when none came he closed the door and went over to his desk. He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and now time to talk.

"Before we get to what i have on the board. I have a simple question that i think everyone can answer....Say you were going to get a runic tattoo. What rune or runic charm you think is best. There is no right answer."

Now everyone don't all answer at once.


OOC: I'll be moving on in around 24 hours

"Nope, not just battle, but that's most exciting!" Charlotte answered and then leaned forward a little in her seat as the class began properly. Oh. What kind was best to get as a tattoo? Char thought about that very sigil as a tattoo on one of her best friends and then her mind zoomed around, wondering about tattoos in general and runes and... she put her hand up:

"One that you understand, professor. Runes are powerful, and if you just chose something that looked pretty without understanding the meaning, you could get yourself in big trouble, like end up with a sigil that's actually a curse or something."

Dora smiled over at Char as she slipped into the seat next to her. YASSSSS! GRYFFINDOR POWEEERRR!

Ahem.

No need in all that, right?

But Char had mentioned BATTLE and letsbehonest, if people were going into battle, then Dora and Char were sure to have a leg up, yes? YES.

Of course.

But hey... had he mentioned tattoos and runes? Rune tattoos?! The blonde thought about it for a moment before raising her hand. "Kenaz."

Because fire. Torch. Whatever.

Made total sense to the lion.

Professor Sokolov, please! Also, had everyone heard that?! She'd gotten a "first name" mention. He liked her, Liv knew. Slowly melting that icy exterior one lesson at a time.

Anyway, he was a vastly unpleasant man, and that made him an easy target for trolling. Actually, was it possible to troll with kindness? Olivia thought so. Even through depression and anger, the blonde planned to BLAST HIM with kindness. Like... We're talking gale-force level pleasantness. It'd be a bit of a chore for her, but worth it. And successful in the quest of appearing as normal as possible; for anyone who didn't really pay attention, in the first place.

"Professor." The Gryffindor was forciby sly. This was all a performance, you see. She was just playing at being carefree and happy. It was easier said than done, yes, but definitely more attainable thanks to her love of the theatre. "Nauthiz, it's supposed to represent self-reliance, endurance, and survival." For personal reasons.

Slate was quickly learning that this school was all about... teaching yourself. Why even have teachers? They might as well be just handed a textbook.

Speaking of which...

He opened up his textbook and idly flipped through. Which tattoo would he get? The one that looked the coolest, obviously.

"Thanks, but I think it would be better to visit after classes, as I don't have all my stuff with me right now." That answer might confuse him a little, but later today he'd know what she meant. She smiled brightly at him and turned her attention to his first question.

Her hand went into the air after some consideration. "There are many good ones, but if I had to just choose one - I'd probably pick Wunjo. Wunjo is the rune for happily ever after's, which I believe in strongly."

And she didn't mind if anyone thought that was corny.

Leon raised his eyebrows a bit as the Professor spoke, he had gotten the Norse bit right, so what WAS it called? Helmet.. no not helmet.. something shorter.. ohh! Helm!

That's right!

"The Helm of Awe and or Terror, Professor." He said with a smile..Phew! Was he sweating? That had been by the skin of his teeth!

And now for the rune..

He raised his hand..

"I too would have the rune Kenaz. " He nodded towards the blonde girl who had given that answer as well. Fire, creation, inspiration! What could be better!

OHEY. Kat was sitting next to her. Etta gave her dorm-mate a smiiiiile and a high-five. And then, class had already started. TATTOO? Etta considered the question. Not that she was EVER getting a tattoo but if she had to get one.. Um. UMMMM. This question was hard. The rune had to be something positive, something that would be meaningful.

"Maybe.. Dagaz. It means security, happiness and um... growth." Etta answered finally, raising a hand. Yeah. That would probably be the one she'd get. She went back to absently doodling in her notebook.

Class was about to get underway, and Brent found himself getting a little uneasy. Was he even going to pass this subject? He had little to no hope in that, but yet here he was anyway. He looked around the room and caught a wave from Carter. Brent grinned at him and returned the wave.

Just then, class started, and Brent turned his attention to the professor. A runic tattoo? Hmm. He'd always hated Runes so much that he'd never actually considered that. "I think I'd choose Eihwaz for its defense and protection purposes," he finally said, raising his hand. He didn't have enough rune creativity to think further outside the box. He figured everybody could use more defense and protection, though.

SPOILER!!: ABEY!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Abey was still sitting there trying to wrack his brainbox about the symbol thingy up there on the board, and mostly only fragments and things were coming back to him, about what was special about how it was all made up and everything. The proper name was still eluding him, and it probably always would actually because it was a tricky word that came from neither of the languages Abey actually knew, but there was another name for it he was trying to remember.

Derf was the one that finally tore Abey's attention from the board though, when he came and sat by him. FRIEEEEEEEND!

"Hi Derf!" Abey greeted the boy, lowering his voice to a whisper in case the professor was feeling extra grumpy today. "No, not snowflakes. I can't remember what it's-"

But then that older blonde girl walked in, and her mention of battle was enough to jog Abey's memory. He could very distinctly recall Jaddi explaining loaaaaads about it (most of which he couldn't understand actually) a million years ago, when Abey had seen a picture in a book while playing 'Runes Master' and asked him what it was. He turned back to Derf, suddenly even more excitable.

"It's a Helm of Or, I think. But I can't remember what an Or is." Why did he think it was some kind of rock? Did people throw rocks in battle? It could actually make sense actually.

And also, did this mean Abey was smart yet?

Oh...not a snowflake. Although the Hufflepuff was not surprised at all that his guess was wrong. "Helm of Or?" he repeated, blinking a few times at how foreign the word felt on his tongue. "Helm like...a helmet? Or like a wheel?!" Like...was this for defense or steering...or BOTH?!

And he didn't know what an Or was either - unless they were talking about the ones used with boats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

And with that it was time to start the class. Viktor waited a little bit for an stragglers who would be running in and when none came he closed the door and went over to his desk. He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and now time to talk.

"Before we get to what i have on the board. I have a simple question that i think everyone can answer....Say you were going to get a runic tattoo. What rune or runic charm you think is best. There is no right answer."

Now everyone don't all answer at once.

Derf didn't response to the professor's concerns - only because he had been on his way to his seat already and hadn't heard, no offense meant, sir - but he was EXCITED that he actually had an answer for this question!

"Runic number 6! The s-salamander one!" he chirped in reply. "Alfough....runic number 0 looks-s-s-s really neat too...demiguis-se and all fat."

A runic tattoo? Oh that sounded exciting! Are they gonna get tattoos today? He wants a cool tattoooooo....

So there he goes flipping through his textbook, slowing down by a lot when he got the chapter about all these symbols. Gosh they're a complicated sort innit?

"Uhm... I like this one Professor-- Gibo Auja--" he may have mispronounced that "-- it means good luck."

She hadn’t gotten any further into her wracking of her brain as to what the symbol on the board had been, although Elle had glanced over as Professor Sokolov responded to others who had actually voiced guesses. The whole idea that it was Norse was a given. As far as she remembered, most runes were Scandinavian in origin, so that didn’t help her one bit. Nor did the obvious fact that they weren’t going to be given the answer any time soon, aside from that Charlotte-provided detail about battle.

Elle wasn’t one for battle, and her train of thought shifted slightly as a question was posed to the class. “I don’t think I would get a rune as a tattoo even if I felt like getting one,” she said, starting things off with that. In fact, she’d probably get a flower of some sort, but that wasn’t what they’d been asked. “If I had to choose, though, I’m with Etta. I’d get Dagaz.” Security and happiness sounded good to her.

ooh Tattoos! This was a great subject. Hattie wanted one when she was older, so this was great! She just needed to decide what she actually wanted. But she needed to think about what rune she wanted. The subject wasn't her best so she needed to look in the book so that she could find what she wanted. She hummed as she looked in the book, trying to find one she liked. Ooh that was pretty actually.

"I think I'd have Inguz. It's pretty" Though that really shouldn't be the basis for a tattoo. "Though I'd have to look into it, to make sure it means what I want, and that I really wouldn't regret it"

Looking at the professor she tried to think about a answer but… A tattoo? Really? She never had thought about tattoo’s and absolutely not about a tattoo from a rune, what, could be cool of course when she would be old enough to get one… But what rune? She knew only how to recognize much of the common runes but their meaning she still didn’t knew that well so… What was there to say? Raising her hand she spoke slowly and honestly, “I don’t know about the meaning of most of the runes, so I honestly wouldn’t pick anything right now before understanding them” she said slowly while thinking about all the possible consequences for carrying a unwanted rune on your body…

Before Janelle knew it, class had begun. She focused her attention on the professor, determined to do a good job in class today. There was a question and Janelle liked it, at least she did at first. It turned out to be more difficult than she had anticipated. Choosing a tattoo that was permanent meant you had to get it right the first time.......even if it was hypothetical. And what Char said was true. You couldn't pick something randomly without taking the meaning into consideration.

The biggest problem was, there were several that appealed to Janelle. However, there was one that called to her the most. It wasn't the prettiest, but it's meaning was perfect. Unfortunately, this also appeared to be the rune of choice for several of her classmates. Raising her hand, Janelle said, "I would choose Kenaz.". Wisdom, insight, solution to a problem......yeah, that was the one. "Anything that will help me see the light is the one for me." She was a Ravenclaw after all.

Carlton blinked. Huh?

..........

...

HUH?

He didn't know anything about runic tatoos. Once, his friend back home drew a spaceship on his arm in class. But he doubted that counted as a rune. As the other students hands shot in the air, Carlton flipped through the textbook in panic. Anyone could answer this question he'd said. Carlton doubted that. Anyone wasn't Carlton.

But then he found something.


Carlton waved his hand in the air. Hi. "What about this one professor?" He pointed to the rune he deemed would be a good rune to put on his body. On his boday. Although, none of his class mates had chosen this rune, he wondered why. It seemed neat. "Ansuz..." He read out loud, voice monotone. "'To increase communicative skills, pass exams and gain wisdom.' Hey, I need that!" Wait, that wasn't a positive thing.

Carlton frowned. "Would that really help me pass my exams, Professor?" Now, when could he get this rune on him?!

The first year blinked. How was he supposed to know this kind of thing? He was only eleven! He didn't think he should be planning on having tattoos or looking into weird things like runes just yet! The boy paused and thought of his Grandpa. He was rather good with runes... what was the one he always liked? "If I'm going by what my grandfather would probably like me to say it would be the Thurisaz rune... It has something to do with fire right?" Levi shrugged slightly, he was pretty sure that was the name his grandfather had used.

Harvey wasn't really sure he'd get a tattoo, like ever, though if they actually worked... well, it would be useful to have some added... help.

"I think I'd go with perfection, so the wunju rune, Professor," he answered. "I don't necessarily think it's the best one - I don't think there is such a thing, to be honest, since everyone is different, and so different runes would have different effects on people. But I think that's the best one for me, to remind me to strive towards perfection."

And perhaps make him a bit less clumsy, too.

Huh.. That...was a good question, actually... Rooney hadn't thought about it before now and was only now considering the logistics of it. "Wouldn't it take a lot of magic for it to do all of the things for you that it supposedly means, Professor? Or is it really as easy as any other tattoo?" His thoughts were going into overdrive and he was considering all of the runes he had a knowledge of. But Rooney was struggling to come to a finite answer as quickly as some of his peers. He definitely agreed with what Miss Charlotte said, nodding as she spoke but still trying to think of his own answer.

Nothing, though.

He had nothing to offer because honestly, it was a big decision. What if he said something now and then one day got something completely different and someone remembered what he had said right now. No. He couldn't make that sort of commitment to a rune right now. So he stayed quiet, but looked completely deep in his thoughts.

Maybe Professor Sokolov should talk to the Headmistress about changing the schedule of the lesson. Having lessons at 1pm was hard and Daisy was sure that that was the reason she couldn't concentrate. That and the really comfy seats.

Even when they were talking about cool things - like getting tattoos - the Slytherin still felt her eyelids growing reaaaally heavy as she looked over the textbook. No, focus. Get the wrong rune and you're probably stuck with defeat all your life. She shook her head, trying to wake herself up, and looked through the list.

She could've sworn she had never seen half of these before.

"I'd get Tiwaz, Professor!" She replied after raising her hand, finally picking a rune. "It means victory and honour which are important in every part of life." Also.... "It also look like an arrow, which is cool."

He was warming up to her. Zoryn could tell.

Though he did ignore one of her five questions... Sooooo that meant Zoryn would just have to ask him some other time, which Professor Sokolov had OBVIOUSLY planned all along. See, she had him all figured out.

What she didn't have all figured out, however, was what kind of runic tattoo would be best. Probably the coolest looking one. Which was... THIS ONE!!! Man, who knew textbooks could be useful!! "Othala," she nodded LOADS, as if the movement proved her point (which it didn't). "It kind of looks like a fish." That's why she'd get that one.

What would be better than a fish tattoo?

That's right. Nothing.

Except maybe an actual fish. Hm.

A tattoo? Ew. That always seemed like a terrible idea to Sinead; though maybe there were spells to get rid of them? That could change a lot...

Anyway, if she had to have one... Hm. Could runic tattoos affect magic? That wouldn't be so bad after all. She didn't exactly have an extensive knowledge of runes yet, but she could think of a couple that stood out to her and put her hand up as she finished copying down the rune from the board onto her parchment, the strokes tidy and meticulous.

"I'd like Laguz, Professor," she piped up with confidence when Sokolov turned to her. "It could link to Occlumency and Legilimency, couldn't it? And I'd like to learn. I think if you're in charge of your mind, it helps you to do better at everything, especially learning and concentrating on your magic." All things mental and 'uncovering the hidden' were going to appeal to Sinead; nothing appealed to her more than the idea of being able to use her subconscious to her will, and probably find out loads of amazing new bits of magic in doing so.

A runic tattoo? What on Earth was Professor Sokolov talking about? Skylar raised an eyebrow wondering why she was still taking the subject, but then remembered it was cause of her determination and ambition to be the best she could be. That and she was only a third year and not liable to focus her attentions more specifically until after she completed her OWLs.

"Wunjo or Fehu, probably." Yup. They seemed most motivational to her in ensuring competition of tasks and success. Things to do with success were undoubtedly a good thing, right?

True the battle part of it was the most exciting. And what was that with Valentine not having her stuff again. It intrigued him. And welp guess he would be giving Kenendy some points. Not even one answer before he had to answer a serious question. He was impressed.

"You would hope so, but some people have no common sense. But yes a curse and if they actually try invoking it..well it will backfire on them immediately"

Kenaz was a good one same with Nauthiz. Though he was surprised no one has said the extremely obvious one. He hoped since it was November that most even some first years would know some Runes. So far so good. Wunjo, good choice. Kenaz again. Dagaz, Eihwaz and then a number. Well that is surprising. Nothing wrong with that. Just was not expecting someone to want a number. Then a rune charm with Fehu and Gebo together. Very Nice. He nodded to all the answers until he heard one answer. Fair enough if you dont want a tattoo. Though before he could say anything she answered. So that was that. Inguz.

If you don't know the meanings of most runes then well it was a good idea to wait on a tattoo and at least learn one. For class maybe and not even for a tattoo. Still waiting and Kenaz again. Probably should have expected fire to be popular. Ansuz was a new one. But it was Mister Lewis's second question that he would actually have to answer.

"Ansuz is a fine one. But its mostly for helping with making wise decisions. which help with leadership and success. And no. Nothing that easy. Sorry to say"

Thurisaz was a interesting one as well. And Wunjo again. And another serious question.

"It's definitely not as easy as any other tattoo. The chances of it going wrong are high and increase depending on how complicated you make the tattoo. Example is The Helm of Awe and or Terror" Viktor pointed at what he had on the board. "You try invoking that incorrectly and you will suffer and even maybe be cursed. Sorry for answering your second question first and as for your first one. It would take a lot of magic. But you mostly pick and choose what aspects of the rune you want. Since as you said it would take a lot of magic to have all the properties of a single rune. Say you have an Kenaz tattoo. It could offer you some insight. But there will be a price. Same with any rune. There is always a price"

Still excellent question Prefect Bronwyn. Tiwaz and then Othala. Well no one even mentioned the one he was hoping someone would since it was in the Aegishjalmur. Well now time to say what The Helm of Awe was and for everyone's answers.

"Good answers everyone. Even the one's who didn't speak. I'm shocked that none of you said Algiz. Rune of Protection. Oh well. Onto what i have on the board. Aegishjalmur or know as The Helm of Awe and or Terror. It is one of the most powerful symbols in Norse Myths and one of the key runes in it is Algiz. Since you do want protection when you are running into battle. It was meant to inspire awe and fear. In the Fáfnismál, which is one of the poems in the Poetic Edda, which is a collection of Old Norse anonymous poems,the havoc-wreaking dragon Fafnir attributes much of his apparent invincibility to his use of the Helm of Awe. Okay that enough history about that. Now onto curses. Since well one way to hold a curse onto someone is through Tattoos. Ask Professor Hirsch i'm sure he would love to tell you more. Can anyone guess why this was the most spectacular way of cursing an enemy in Old Norse times? "

And a flick of his wand and just like magic a new picture was on his board



OOC: I'll be moving on in around 24 hours

This was one of the few lessons Char paid full attention to. Well. Ish. Sometimes the professor said things and her brain went off on a tangent, but generally speaking she was all there. OOOH. Cursing poles! Char put her hand up. She'd seen a few of these, actually, not with gore and blood dripping, just a bare, consecrated skull, but still.

"That's a níðstang! You can channel the forces of the goddess of death through that, in Norse myth! And you carve in a bunch of runes and insults and things in the pole -which is SUPER long- and invoke them! Lots of negative ones mostly, or merkstave runes! Its a horse because you carve Ehwaz on its head, which is Odin's sacred horse! And I think its kind of like how wands work, where you have a stick part, and then the core, except the core is actually on the outside, the horse's skull is the core basically, and that's how the components come together to channel what you want."

OH WERE THEY GONNA MAKE SOME? Hopefully they wouldn't have to hurt any horses though, that was more of a Durmstrang and Koldovstoretz thing, wasn't it?