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Being October already, this is hardly the first DADA lesson that students have been subject to, assuming none have played hookie. But where the former lessons were basic spells, review and practice, this is the first time the room has looked so different.
Walls and crates of varying sizes have been carefully placed and positioned throughout the practice hall in a labyrinth-like design. The shortest wall stands a good seven feet, preventing any curious students from peeking over. The tops of trees and tall bushes can be seen poking over the walls as students file in, as if curious as to their presence.
At the entrance to the labyrinth, Professor Dakest has perched on top of a crate, his legs crossed under him as an otter patronus darts this way and that, sliding and frolicking along the open floor between the Professor and the Practice Hall door with unbound glee.
File in, take a seat somewhere on the floor and feel free to interact with the otter patronus as you wait for the rest of your classmates to arrive. The lesson will begin shortly.
------------------------------------------------ OOC: Hi all! While this is our first offical class, please remember that it is already October IC, so there would have been several DADA classes thus far.
Feel free to RP your student arriving and settling down We will move along in about 12-13 hours. Lastly, please read the Rules before posting.
dream until your • dreams come true ~ Human pygmy puff
Janelle was all set to try the spell again. She was sorta pleased with her last attempt and hoping that she could do even better this time. Time to get her mind right. The closing eyes thing had worked for her before, but if she really was in danger, eye closing would not be advised. She decided that for now, she would only close her eyes to get her mental picture going.
Closing her eyes, Janelle pictured her happy moment. It was amazing how just thinking of a powerfully happy moment could protect a person. Good beats evil, yeah? She would definitely have to work on keeping control of her positive vibe. To hold on to happiness in the middle of a fearful situation would definitely be challenging.
Happy memory firmly in place, Janelle opened her eyes. Wand at the ready, she circled it and said, "Expecto Patronum". More silvery white smoke shot out of her wand. This time it lasted a few seconds more before evaportating. Well, that was progress. Janelle smiled and prepared to try again........and again.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Salt!
He stayed watching the sheet of mist flow and float deliberately for a minute or two before calling it back and watching it dissipate. That had been a pretty happy thought, but maybe he needed to go harder. An amalgam of the powerlessness he'd made people feel throughout the years. Those had been in short supply lately, however due to his Healer prescribed potion to cut out the impulses.
The patronuses, corporeal and non, were building up and some of them were spilling out all over the classroom space. A smooth-headed one that Cutty mistook for a seal at first made itself known. The dragon though. It took on a stunning appearance and he turned his head to see who had produced. Puck. His evil twin! He smiled at her and considered the ride in on the Hogwarts express. It wasn't so much what he'd done, but what he could do. The memory had ingrained within it so much potential. His self-inflicted station in the form of Puck Greyvson was, he thought other-worldly.
The 16 year old piece of lawdhavemercy sighed and was beginning to look rather starry-eyed as he recalled the excitement of that experience. He could almost feel the softer texture of the polyjuiced skin and the walk that came a bit naturally considering her Amazonian legs.
Maybe the problem was that she wasn't remembering her memory enough. Maybe if she did that a little more, her spell would get better? It was worth a try. So she closed her eyes again and imagined she was there...
Timber and Jasper were playing some music, it was one of her favourite songs and she could even hear her mum singing along to it... she liked it when her mum sang, even if she wasn't the most wonderful singer in the world, she had a voice that made you feel free. Like a little songbird. Then she imagined she could see Robin feeding crumbs of their cake to one of the bunny friends outside, and Laurel and Peter trying to throw bits of food into each other's mouths, and Lily and Abby dancing to the music. And then she thought about the smells. The smoke from the little bonfire, the warm, sweet smell of plum cake, the fragrant scent of the rose bushes...
She almost didn't want to open her eyes, the memory was such a lovely place to be, and she could almost feel the flickering warmth of the fire on her skin. So she stood in the classroom for a few moments, eyes closed, smiling because of the memory, until she finally decided she was ready to try the spell again.
"Expecto Patronum!!" she said, doing the wand movement and opening her eyes to see a stream of silver mist pour from her wand and make a wall in front of her. It was much more solid than the last time she'd tried, but still no animal....
WAIT... WHAT WAS THAT?? A... flutter? Was it? It was gone before she could make anything out, but she was sure she'd seen something in the mist...
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Eh. Just eh.
Grayson wanted to produce a REAL patronus. A corporeal one. Not one that was only a tiny whip of smoke, what in the name of Merlin was THAT about? That wasn't gonna save his butt against some kinda evil creature or another. He needed a PROPER one, HELLO?! And he was kinda curious to see what form it would take because let's face it: it had to be a pretty epic otherwise the dude was gonna be dead annoyed.
But this?! Way to get on a guy's last nerve.
Taking another deep breath, the boy changed memories and tried again. "Expecto Patronum!" Nothing. "Expecto Patronum!!" Still nothing. Why in the name of Merlin was this going backwards?! Jeez, that wasn't meant to happen. "Expecto Patronum!" .........
..........
ANOTHER.
FREAKING.
TINY.
WHISP OF SMOKE.
Alright. It was alright. Better than nothing and whatnot. The memories kept on changing to ones that made him happy just thinking about them so maybe they weren't strong enough. He twirled his wand around his fingers while he searched his memory bank for something linked to the things he was incredibly loyal to.
Finding the perfect memory was too freaking difficult, mkay?
Once he thought he did, though, the boy held up his wand and tried for what felt like the hundredth time. "Expecto Patronum!" YES? WAS IT? Grayson perked up and his eyes widened as something shot out of his wand. Something big and bright and...........
........... another whisp of smoke.
The Slytherin deflated like a balloon as he watched the smoke linger there. It was definitely bigger than his previous attempts but was it in the shape of something? No. MAN, way to let a dude down like that.
<--- Random | Funfetti | Lima Bean | Slytherpuff | PURPLE | Hoarder of pens | ALWAYS Severus
SPOILER!!: professor
Shaking his head, Sabel returned his attention to the few students who had read his rules, and then back to AJ. "No food in the class. I would hope that you're not exerting yourself so much with this spell, that you're going to pass out." Self control, restraint, all that jazz. Some of them had it, right? [i]Right?![/b]
"Not only that, but it's a distraction to the current lesson. Instead of focussing on a truly happy thought, you'll be distracted by the happiness chocolate brings and that won't be enough for a patronus. If you're feeling faint, let me know and take a break. You can eat to your heart's content after class is over."
Kids and their frogs.
You know MOST professors would appreciate the fact that AJ was putting forth so much energy that she just MIGHT pass out. Didn't that mean she had serious spunk and dedication and all that other stuff professors looked for in students? No? Fine. She had tried, and failed. Failure didn't sit well with her. This wasn't over. "It's just that I try so HARD, professor..." She wasn't going to argue though. Nope. Instead she thought maybe a good flow chart or some kind of graph showing the benefits of food in class might help. That seemed like an awful lot of work though. Actually, it sounded like a good job for her Ravenclaw sister. Oh, Abby...
Wait. AJ figured the chocolate would have the exact opposite effect on the spell. "I thought it would just enhance your already super happy thoughts." Wouldn't that just make you even more happy and in return make your results even better? Just sayin'
Back to her patronus. She had thought of her happy memory and practiced both the spell and the wand movement. It was time to put the two together and see the results that she got. Her mind thought of Adi and all of their fun times together. "Expecto Patronum!" Circle movements with her wand were made. Annnnd nothing. Bummer. Bet she would have had better luck if she was noming on a chocolate frog.
PHILOMATH ❅ not one atom, but two ♪ ♪ made of starstuff ❅ def main():
Bloody hell, first years were getting to his level. FIRST. YEARS.
He might have cried if he weren't in the middle of the classroom surrounded by all the student population of Hogwarts AND their Auror of a professor. No, no, he wasn't a crier. He did not sob or sniff or do any of those things anymore. He'd sworn them off a long time ago. Stupid and unhelpful, they were. Better to get angry than get sad.
But, then again, getting angry usually got him in trouble, and there was no use getting angry at the moment. Professor Auror would never take him seriously again; he'd just assume he was completely mental and Benzi was perfectly sane, thank you very much.
He sighed again. Sane, yes. Over the mood, practically giddy with happiness? Not so much.
Benzi closed his eyes, and blocked out everyone. Watching other people succeed wasn't helping him in the slightest. Usually it made him competitive but today it just made him want to either leave the room like Sophie had - where did she even go anyways? she'd managed the bloody charm - or hex them all into next week. Neither was an option.
C'mon, Rider, think. This was important. Concentrate. Focus. He knew why he couldn't do this, after all. Deep down, Benzi knew. Shutting his eyes again, he remembered Suri's fourth birthday. Such a happy event, lots of laughter and happiness and cake. The cake had been fantastic. Uncle Jake, aunt Nina, Lucas and Alice. His ability to cast the perfect patronus was in those memories. The ones that were ruined. Benzi knew that once the longing for them went away, he'd be fine. He'd finally be 'happy'. Whatever the heck that meant.
All right. He could do this. No time like the present to let go of his dead family. He could do this.
"Expecto patro-" the incantation caught in his throat, and his wrist jerked to the right. No. No, he couldn't do it. He just couldn't. Benzi's stomach clenched painfully, his hand dropped to his side and he deflated. He couldn't. Ever so slowly, the sixteen year old inched his way to the back of the classroom and leaned against the back wall, his eyes screwed shut. No. It was still... too soon. Still too fresh. All these years and every single time this came up, it still hurt.
But Benzi didn't cry. With a stony face and fisted hands, the Ravenclaw glared at the classroom and all its occupants and he waited for the professor to move the lesson along. Enough was enough.
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yeah I like tеlling stories________________________
but I don't have to write them in ink_____ _____________I could still change the end
Last edited by Daemon; 05-19-2015 at 01:31 PM.
Reason: post number
A CORPOREAL Patronus. That was what Leah wanted. She knew it would not happen anytime soon, but she was determined to cast at least an Incoporeal one this year.
The sad thing? You needed to learn the CHARM to cast one successfully. She was no expert with charms. Might as well ask Yoongi for advice later on. The fifteen-year-old had always dreamed of the day when she could casually conjure her SPIRIT GUARDIAN like it was the easiest thing to do. She had never actually tried it though. That was saaad too.
So Leah began thinking about a memory. That seemed like the simple part in this charm. She had SO MANY happy memories in the past. The day when her Hogwarts letter arrived, her first meeting with her best friend Angel, the reunion with her parents after her awful fourth year... then her train of thoughts landed on the End of Term Feast from the previous term. THAT was indeed a happy evening.
Otter This World ♡ Catpurrccino ♡ Slotherin ♡ Pandamonium
The tiny puff of whitish smoke from her previous attempt had given her the needed push to keep trying. It was proof that the memory she'd chosen to use was the one and she just needed to focus on it more completely. Seeing it in her mind like she was reliving it.
Hady was completely oblivious to everyone around her as she cleared her throat to prepare for trying again. Standing up taller and straighter she twirled her wand once, twice in her hand to keep from getting stiff. Deep breathe in, breathe out slowly. She did this a few more times as she went of the incantation in her head before clearly her mind completely and letting the memory take over again. The water, the breeze and sunshine, the laughter. It was all there as clear as day.
"Expecto Patronum!" Hady cast firmly and clearly while making the circular wand movement at the same time. More whitish wisps of smoke sprung forth from the tip of her wand. A grin started to form on her face as she watched the wisps start form something before it faded away.
So close! This was no easy take but Hady was now more determined then ever before and she was getting closer and closer.
Post 2 (anyone welcome to interact- shoot me a VM)
Jupiter's Satellite
Have confidence, he said, it'll be alright he said. Tora didn't know what to think anymore. There were far too many feelings of frustration building up, she couldn't breathe, think, whatnot. Yeahhhhh, she decided she needed to calm down. Obviously freaking out about a silly memory when she wasn't in mortal peril was only going to banish whatever vivacious memories she had farther into the recesses of her mind. How poetic. How frustrating.
She gave a great sigh and raised her head. "Thank you professor, for the advice," she said, her voice sounding more defeated than she had meant it to.
She rolled over so she was no longer laying on the floor and shoved the crook of her arm over her eyes. If she was going to relive her past, she had better do it without any distractions of other people's partronuses floating around. Hopefully Dakest wouldn't think she was sleeping, but she counted on him being observant. He seemed pretty good at that.
She let her thoughts drift, not really allowing herself to remain on a single topic, clearing her mind for a white space. Isn't that how meditation worked? She relaxed. No longer all tensed up, Tora realized with a start that she hadn't even considered her passion for astronomy into the happy memories. She remembered when Grandpa had taken her on one of his traveling trips into the mountains. There weren't many people, and certainly no lights. It was the first time she had seen the stars properly. Would this be her memory? It wasn't overtly happy, but it was secure. She felt safe and lighthearted thinking about it.
Still in the same position, she fumbled around for her wand. "Expecto Patronum" she whispered, not daring to look. What she didn't see happen was a dribble of silvery smoke that coalesced into a rough form. Slowly, it turned into a little fennec fox which promptly curled up on Tora's chest and 'fell asleep'. But Tora didn't see any of this, she was lost in thinking about the stars.
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
Poor AJ, being deprived of chocolate like that. Of course Adi couldn't let that happen. "After class, I'll give you half of a Foggy,'' he told his girlfriend and absently waving his wand around. Hehe. Half... he was joking but he could never resist teasing AJ. She was the one who got most of that because she was the only one who would play right back and not take stuff seriously. Adi also knew that if he gave her a frog now, she would just nom on it so she would have to wait until after class like he and Dakest said.
....................
Who was that clapping him on the shoulder? Adi looked around. Oh! It was only the Professor. And he was encouraging him. Cool! Adi grinned at the man. "Thanks for the encouragement, Professor! I'll keep trying until I get it.'' Indeed he would! For some reason, the Puffer was not feeling dejected about this charm as he would usually feel with other spells when he was having a difficult time with other spells.
Zombie Apocalypse Team Leader ★ ★ in a crown of pepperoni and artisan cheese
SPOILER!!: This!
[QUOTE=Tazenhani;11754532]After his first question about Patronuses, there were a few students that had stood out to him. A few students who seemed to be locked in troubled worlds or states. There was little other reason to fear a Patronus charm, and it was disheartening to see.
Especially when one looked near enough to having a panic attack in the middle of his class. Did he bring a paper bag? Sabel patted his pockets down and made a mental note to bring one. Perhaps he'd enlist Zeke to make up a lovely first-aid kit, begrudgingly complete with chocolate frogs.
Stopping near the boy, Sabel tucked his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels a little. It was hard not to glance at the paper, but it was the private nature of the lesson that kept his curiosity at bay. "Don't feel you have to force yourself to an accomplishment today, Mr. Banner. This lesson is purely for the benefit of each of you. I cannot tell you what you should get out of it." An encouraging smile went to the boy. "That, is up to you."
There was another thought tickling at the back of his mind, but he put it aside. "If you need help, just ask. Or swing by my office later, and we can chat."
.
.
Gabriel didn't realize that a 'panic-stricken' expression was written all over his face. How could he? He wasn't peering into a mirror...but the professor had seen, nonetheless. Of course, the man had. He was teaching defense. Wasn't 'constant vigilance' a motto to his kind?
.
.
Cheeks stained a brilliant red, the Ravenclaw ducked his head and nodded to the Professor's offer. "Thank you, sir."
SPOILER!!: This!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tegz
She might've got started daydreaming about Grayson (because honestly, happiest memories were definitely wrapped up in him), but Ruby noticed her brother being boring. And quiet. And like honestly, there was no reason he shouldn't already be casting a billion patronuses right?
.... yes, she had a lot of faith in him, basically.
She scooted over and gave his parchment a nudge.
Here she was, big brother.
...and there was his sister.
Without hesitation, Gabe grasped at her hand and held onto it, steadfast. She didn't have plans to go anywhere, did she? She wouldn't mind....staying with him a bit....right?
"I'm sorry." Okay, so...maybe he still looked a little freaked out by the task at hand. Professor Dakest had made it clear this wasn't important and for his benefit...but Gabe glanced around, noting that others that were having so much success. He knew that success wasn't measured by one lesson...somewhere deep down, but it was discouraging to his pride, nonetheless. Yes, Gabe did have some pride. Not in the way that others might...but in the sense that he took knowledge and practical application seriously. And it begged to reason that...Merlin forbid, if he ever found himself in danger, would he be able to save himself? No, most likely not. So, due to personal safety, THAT made it important.
"I don't think I can do this."
__________________
We live in cities you'll never see onscreen..._______________________________________________
So very pretty, and we sure know how to run things..._______________________________ Livin' in ruins of a palace, within our dreams...____________
We're on each other's team._____
lives in a hobbit hole || Ern and Touz's Nuzzle || roflysst || looking at a seed packet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Govoni
...and there was his sister.
Without hesitation, Gabe grasped at her hand and held onto it, steadfast. She didn't have plans to go anywhere, did she? She wouldn't mind....staying with him a bit....right?
"I'm sorry." Okay, so...maybe he still looked a little freaked out by the task at hand. Professor Dakest had made it clear this wasn't important and for his benefit...but Gabe glanced around, noting that others that were having so much success. He knew that success wasn't measured by one lesson...somewhere deep down, but it was discouraging to his pride, nonetheless. Yes, Gabe did have some pride. Not in the way that others might...but in the sense that he took knowledge and practical application seriously. And it begged to reason that...Merlin forbid, if he ever found himself in danger, would he be able to save himself? No, most likely not. So, due to personal safety, THAT made it important.
"I don't think I can do this."
"Of course you can." Ruby asserted. "Don't worry about them, they'd rather look at me than you anyway --I'm cuter." It didn't matter what anyone else was doing or what they'd think, right?
"And besides, if you don't get it now we can work on it later okay? I probably won't get mine now." Even if she did have some AWESOME happy memories, thanks very much.
"I know you have some happy memories in there somewhere."
__________________
love is like a letter wrote :: and life is like an envelope
be careful who you give it to :: they might not give it back to you
"Expecto Patronum." Cutty gave the spell another go, the thoughts of Puck were merging with the events of that and other days and soon the pleasurable sensation was radiating outward through to his hands. The wisp had whirled out in a giant napkin-like sheet of the cloudy material and found it's way over to Agatha Hapgood.
Cutty followed it with his sight, then seeing Agatha there and remembering her...issues, he cut his spell. His smile faded a bit and he realized that getting her to do this particular spell would not be like the times before. With the inciting her anger so that her intention was strong. Nope. But it needn't be difficult. He waited and then found the opportunity to lean in for a whisper, something he knew she'd find great amusement in, if not outright pleasure. They were not too different, he and Agatha.
Then he heard Benzi's voice...saying only half of the spell. He wouldn't have minded telling Benzi the secret as well, but somehow he doubted it would make him as happy as it could potentially make Agatha. Benzi had a purer heart. "Hey, Benz. Remember that time Fairn fell over on the boats when we were on our way to the castle?" If he recalled Fern had gotten a knot in the forehead as well.
A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.
Maybe Natalia should think about the corporeal form of her patronus. Perhaps, having that image in her mind, it should be easier for her to project the physique?
What would I be if I were an animal? The Lioness plunged herself into deep thought, forgetting all about the essential practical trials. She would very much like her patronus form to be a fox… or perhaps a dog! A porcupine! A porcupine?? o.O
Noticing that some students have already achieved performing the charm, Natalia was beginning to feel a little panicky. What if she never got the chance to perform a full patronus? What if nothing came out of her wand tip at all? WHAT IF-
Breathe, Nat.
She was ready to try again. Think of an animal that I want my patronus form to be…
Norah didn't move from the position she was stuck in after casting the spell. Well, more like attempting to cast the spell but y'know what that wasn't the point. The point was that she was stuck with her arm sticking out and her eyes on the floor because even if she wasn't actually stuck she didn't really want to move again because that'd mean another try. Normally she'd be all for more tries, because when did she ever get a spell in one try? But today was different for some reason that didn't make a whole lot of sense but it was different and she could FEEL all the differentness.
She shut her eyes tight, wishing she could open them again and suddenly be invisible, except when she opened her eyes it was very obvious that she wasn't. Could she do ANYTHING today? With an absolutely positively ginormous sigh, she repositioned herself to try again. Norah knew she couldn't do it. She'd known this whole entire time. She was never ever going to have an animal friend like Sophie. With another deep breath she tried to bring her mind back to the day with Marcel and Sebby, feeling the baby skin against her own and breathing in the smell of outside and seeing Sebby's big blue eyes all impressed. But this time the old memory thoughts were fighting the ones in the present, like they were sword fighting in her brain or something. Normally that'd be cool to imagine but it wasn't the point anymore. The thoughts of youcan'tdoityoucan'tdoit were BEATING the memory, which meant the memory wasn't good enough but it was her bestest one and it wasn't good enough. C'mon c'mon c'mon, Sebby and Marcel and pretending and outside. C'MON. "Expecto Patronum." Her circular wand movement came out shaky. Nothing happened, but Norah thought it was a bigger sort of nothing than last time. She slid down and sat cross-legged on the floor, pulling her bag towards her to take out a bottle of sparkly ink and laying her wand on the floor. She dipped her index finger into the ink and smiled softly as she drew swirlies and flowers on her arms. See? Sparkles could do anything.
__________________
Last edited by Sararara; 05-19-2015 at 02:29 PM.
Reason: title
Zombie Apocalypse Team Leader ★ ★ in a crown of pepperoni and artisan cheese
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tegz
"Of course you can." Ruby asserted. "Don't worry about them, they'd rather look at me than you anyway --I'm cuter." It didn't matter what anyone else was doing or what they'd think, right?
"And besides, if you don't get it now we can work on it later okay? I probably won't get mine now." Even if she did have some AWESOME happy memories, thanks very much.
"I know you have some happy memories in there somewhere."
.
.
Ruby was being Ruby...and Gabe felt embarrassment at the possibility of explaining. Well, explaining THIS, anyway. It wasn't...sensible. And really, he didn't want her trying to fix the problem. Ruby liked to do that...but some things couldn't be as easily mended. He'd been trying with the potions from Culloden and in making 'friends' and all these little things that were considered normal behavior for someone his age.
Really, the Ravenclaw couldn't try any harder.
"We remember things differently...I think."...which wasn't too strange. They were two completely different people and that happened quite a bit. But if he understood the theoretical part of this charm, it had to be a memory that could fill you up to the brim with happiness. Unfortunately, nothing made Gabe feel that way.
Except for science. Science was the epitome of perfection...
...which only scratched the surface of things. The memory was only one facet.
__________________
We live in cities you'll never see onscreen..._______________________________________________
So very pretty, and we sure know how to run things..._______________________________ Livin' in ruins of a palace, within our dreams...____________
We're on each other's team._____
lives in a hobbit hole || Ern and Touz's Nuzzle || roflysst || looking at a seed packet
Quote:
Originally Posted by Govoni
.
.
Ruby was being Ruby...and Gabe felt embarrassment at the possibility of explaining. Well, explaining THIS, anyway. It wasn't...sensible. And really, he didn't want her trying to fix the problem. Ruby liked to do that...but some things couldn't be as easily mended. He'd been trying with the potions from Culloden and in making 'friends' and all these little things that were considered normal behavior for someone his age.
Really, the Ravenclaw couldn't try any harder.
"We remember things differently...I think."...which wasn't too strange. They were two completely different people and that happened quite a bit. But if he understood the theoretical part of this charm, it had to be a memory that could fill you up to the brim with happiness. Unfortunately, nothing made Gabe feel that way.
Except for science. Science was the epitome of perfection...
...which only scratched the surface of things. The memory was only one facet.
Well. Ruby sighed quietly. She'd give up working on her own patronus in order to be there for Gabriel. She already was pretty sure of exactly what memory would do it for her, so she could just work on it later, right?
She squeezed his hand.
"I wonder if you can make something up? I mean, not a memory but like.... your happy place. Something ideal. I'm guessing no people around, lots of books, and a lifetime supply of pumpkin flavoured things?" She said lightly.
__________________
love is like a letter wrote :: and life is like an envelope
be careful who you give it to :: they might not give it back to you
Merlin, the mood in this place was explosive. Between all the happy and the sad, Sabel was beginning to wonder if such a paradox would be created that the whole classroom would just erupt. His eyes slid over his shoulder to the labrynth again, wondering if his choice of final activity really was a good idea. He had forgotten how emotionally charged teenagers could be. But then, maybe it would be good for them.
Fingers crossed Dakest, fingers crossed.
Text Cut: Individual responses - replies within
SPOILER!!: Puck
Quote:
Originally Posted by Optimist
There were many memories that she could try to think of but where they strong enough? Were they genuine? Had her own childhood ruined the chance for her to cast a patronus? She wasn’t sure, but she was going to try. She smiled a bit as she thought about when she met Kace, and meeting Bianca...and how Bianca's family had accepted her.
***
“Expecto Patronum” she muttered, practicing the spell aloud once. Circular wand motions seemed easy right? Right? She could do this, well, that part of it at least. Picking up her wand she simply had to focus right? That wasn’t going to be hard.
***
Then it hit her like a punch to the gut. “that’s it” she whispered and started to smile in earnest. The time’s she spent with her mother in her darkroom, those special times that made her feel special and loved as a child. Sure, she missed her but she always had those memories.
“E-“, she paused, “Expecto Patronum” she cast again her smile brightening as she thought about her. Hey…look…it was a thing? It wasn’t a disk which she would have been happy about, it was more…well like a thinly shaped dinosaur? Wait…no, it had wings! And Scales! It seemed to grow brighter as she watched it and beamed.
“It’s a dragon,” she grinned but the dragon seemed to fade and flicker as the pain of thinking about her mother came into play…she had to think about other things as well…about spending time with Claire and about those summers with Lo, and of course about Bianca and her family…and it seemed to be stable again as it soured around the room.
This was one of those times when he wasn't sure how the kid was going to react. At first, he thought Greyvson might be one of those students to throw her wand against the floor and walk out. She looked...frustrated. Beyond frustrated. Thinking way too much.
He was making his way over to her, when things started changing. Her mood, her countenance, everything. She was finding a memory. Sabel paused to watch, more impressed by the moment. When her dragon patronus showed itself briefly, his concerns were gone, replaced by a proud smile.
"Very good Miss Greyvson. Keep with that memory, work with it. It'll become easier."
SPOILER!!: Janelle
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daydreamer11
Closing her eyes, Janelle tried to get in the concentration zone. So younger kids had a harder time with this spell because they had the attention span of a gnat. Well that and a bunch of other reasons. But Janelle was not your average little kid. She could focus.......when the situation called for it. And this spell was something she really, really wanted to do. Desire had to count for something, right? Eyes closed, she took herself back to the best time of her young life......so far. If there was one thing that Janelle was good at, it was daydreaming. She was right there, on the beach with her family.......together.
Janelle tried hard to keep herself focused while at the same time moving her wand in a circle. "Expecto Patronum", she said with authority. Aaaaand nothing. Well, she hadn't really expected to hit the ball out of the park on the first try. She'd try again and again.......as many times as it took.
***
She closed her eyes again and took herself back to the beach. She was there with Mom, Dad, Jasmine and Jason. Janelle was concentrating so hard, she could almost smell the salt water. Good times. Happpy times. She had to keep herself there and cast the spell at the same time. Holding her wand, Janelle made a circle and held onto her memory. "Expecto Patronum", she said even more powerfully this time.
Opening her eyes, Janelle did not see a patronus, but she did see a puff of something........smoke?, vapor?.......coming from the tip of her wand. It was gone so fast that for a second she thought she had imagined it. But it was there and that was something. It was a start. Janelle was on her way. She would get this patronus if it was the last thing she did.
***
Janelle was all set to try the spell again. She was sorta pleased with her last attempt and hoping that she could do even better this time. Time to get her mind right. The closing eyes thing had worked for her before, but if she really was in danger, eye closing would not be advised. She decided that for now, she would only close her eyes to get her mental picture going.
Closing her eyes, Janelle pictured her happy moment. It was amazing how just thinking of a powerfully happy moment could protect a person. Good beats evil, yeah? She would definitely have to work on keeping control of her positive vibe. To hold on to happiness in the middle of a fearful situation would definitely be challenging.
Happy memory firmly in place, Janelle opened her eyes. Wand at the ready, she circled it and said, "Expecto Patronum". More silvery white smoke shot out of her wand. This time it lasted a few seconds more before evaportating. Well, that was progress. Janelle smiled and prepared to try again........and again.
Progress, the young Ravenclaw was making really good progress. And not giving up. Nothing and then little wisps of smoke were enough to keep her going, to keep her determined. He nodded unneeded encouragement as he passed by. "Excellent work Miss Guidry. Very well done."
SPOILER!!: Sophie and Toby
Quote:
Originally Posted by feeheeheeny
Dakest's sudden presence and encouragement to Tobes made her smile, and she gave the man a nod of encouragement of his own, letting HIM know that she thought HE was doing a good job with this whole consoling and teaching thing. [/color]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
It was a good job the ferret had sort of woken him up out of his earlier reverie, otherwise the clap on the shoulder from Dakest would have made him jump about a foot in the air. But no, it was fine, even though Toby hadn't heard him coming over he simply looked around to see who was there, one hand still petting Soph's patronus.
Take it easy. Words... he had been told a bazillion times before, though in a very different context, and words that were easier said than done.
He was quiet for a moment, eyes searching Dakest's face. Talk later? Toby had his misgivings, but... it was worth a shot. He liked visiting professors anyway, and while he was there he could insist properly about how there were no real Dark wizards. And maybe talk patronuses. Maybe.
"Okay, sir," he finally said, with a nod. "... Thank you."
Dakest just... seemed real nice? Patient. Toby liked that.
***
... off to the very edge of the room, where he promptly sat back down and watched everyone else at work. He was technically still ~thinking~, though he'd already decided on two memories that would have worked. One, easy, the day he was officially adopted, though sometimes that memory was still tinged with fear of things. He'd not even have considered that if Dakest hadn't mentioned the whole 'don't let it get shaken up by fear', 'cause that only happened when things got really bad. But now he was thinking about it anyway. And then there was Curtis, his little brother. Not even a particular memory, just Curtis. Thinking of him. But... oh Merlin, he missed him, he wanted to be home and with him, and that made him so sad. And now every happy memory he had was turning sad, and he was trying to take it easy but it was hurting his head and making his eyes sting and none of it felt very fun at all.
Toby put his wand away, now back to playing with that darn thread on his sleeve while he waited out the rest of the activity.
Quote:
Originally Posted by feeheeheeny
And all the pure elation that had been filling her up was sucked right out of her.
She was just going to... go... over there... "Professor?" She neared closer to Dakest, her jaw still set firmly, and she tried to look calm and composed. "I've gotta use the loo. Really quick. Three minutes, I'll be right back. Emergency. Can't hold it. Girl things. You know. I'll be back in a flash, scout's honor. Y'know I wouldn't miss this kinda lesson for the world."
And she darted from the room without another thought. Needed to clear her head without all eyes on her, which wasn't something she was going to be able to do IN the room, as everyone had been watching her and her patronus. Just... needed... a moment, okay?[/color]
He was relieved to say, that Fuller-Thompson seemed to be doing a bit better. That, or he was good at using masks. But Brown seemed to be doing a good job of encouragement, and what was better than a student-friend who understood you, to help you with such a thing?
He clapped the boy on the shoulder once more before moving off with a nod and a smile. It wasn't long after his departure however, that he noticed Fuller-Thompson was suddenly at one end of the room and Brown was .....
"Uhm...yeah. Of course. Do what you...need to do." Suspicion, he had it, but now was not the time or the place. His eyes drifted from the retreating Brown to the dejected Fuller-Thompson and he let out a breath. Break time soon. Very soon.
SPOILER!!: Heather
Quote:
Originally Posted by lazykitty
Thinking was going on. Only her thinking probably looked more likew meditating. What, it helped her think and remember sometimes. And she hadn't moved from her spot either. Nope, just crossed her legs, closed her eyes and started breathing deeply.
Only problem was, once she found a memory, it was quickly dismissed as not being good enough. But Heather did overhear Professor Dakest telling someone they could use the rather general 'home' or 'family'. Which was what she was going to do. Now, thinking.
There were a lot of closed-eyed thinkers. But Xanthopoulos didn't have any veins buldging on her head or sweat beading on her brow, so he slipped by her quietly, not wanting to disturb whatever thoughts she was focussing on. As long as they were good thoughts. Gooood thoughts, Miss Xanthopoulos. Gooood thoughts.
SPOILER!!: Natalia
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldenSnake
Natalia was actually having quite a good time humming, when the professor turned up.
The fourth year quickly nodded, smiling sheepishly as she shifted her feet anxiously. Did he want her to start attempting the charm now?
I'm going to start now. Natalia thought to herself, hoping that the professor would turn away from her and not watch her fail. Hehehe... this is going to my first attempt...
After a couple seconds of hesitation, the Lioness lifted her wand and exclaimed: "Expecto Patronum!" As expected, she was met by empty space. It was no no deal. Natalia understood that it was challenging magic; it was anticipated that most people would not be able to conjure it at first try.
Perhaps, a powerful charm required a powerful voice?
"EXPECTO PATRONUUUUM!"
Thaaaaat... was probably a little too loud, too loud that it would certainly scare the little corporeal animal away. Was there another way that she could approach this? The wand movement? The pronunciation of the incantation? THE CLOTHES THAT SHE WAS WEARING, PERHAPS?
"Expecto Pah-tro-NUM."
"Expect-OH Patrol-nuuum."
"Ex-pec-toe Pae-tro-nium."
"Expect-me at three tomorrow afternoon at the coffee shop."
"Ex-cuse me, why are you stepping on my toe?"
*AHEM* Natalia, please concentrate here.
"EXPECT MY PATRONUS."
"RESPECT MY PATRONUS."
***
Maybe Natalia should think about the corporeal form of her patronus. Perhaps, having that image in her mind, it should be easier for her to project the physique?
What would I be if I were an animal? The Lioness plunged herself into deep thought, forgetting all about the essential practical trials. She would very much like her patronus form to be a fox… or perhaps a dog! A porcupine! A porcupine?? o.O
Noticing that some students have already achieved performing the charm, Natalia was beginning to feel a little panicky. What if she never got the chance to perform a full patronus? What if nothing came out of her wand tip at all? WHAT IF-
Breathe, Nat.
She was ready to try again. Think of an animal that I want my patronus form to be…
Fox. "Expecto Patronum!"
Dog. "Expecto Patronum!"
Porcupine. "Expecto Patronum!"
So humming did help? Well fancy that! "Maybe I'll try it one day." You know, if he was having a particularly bad day and hard time casting his patronus. Maybe. Humming, who knew.
Sabel gave the fourth year an encouraging smile. "Keep up the good work. And don't worry about the others."
As he walked away, he was amused to hear her practicing the spell. The different forms of the incantation reminded him much of when he had been a fourth year, trying to wrap his tongue around all the Latin words. The 'stepping on my toe' was his particular favorite out of her attempts.
SPOILER!!: Kace
Quote:
Originally Posted by Expecto-Penguin
Kace heard Professor Dakest comment on his pronunciation. He said it sounds good which made him feel even more confident. He breathed a sigh of relief and now was more focused. He knew the incantation by heart and the wand movement, now it was time to zone in on his memory. He needed to think of a happy memory. A powerful happy memory like he did before. He thought about it and how it brought a smile to his face. With that aside time to get down to business!
He focused on it really hard and then said the spell, "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" and then used the circular wand movement and he looked at his wand and saw nothing. Eh he didn't expect it to happen the first time. It was a 50/50 shot the first time around. He thought he might try again. "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" and then did the circular wand movement and saw nothing again. Hmmm maybe he needed a stronger memory? That could be it.
Sabel could see the boy's confidence draining from a mile away. A question rising after the second try. "Lecium, keep trying. If you've got a memory you think will work, keep trying. The charm won't necessarily come on your first few tries."
SPOILER!!: Dot
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cassirin
Dot almost jumped right out of her shoes when the professor's voice came from right over her shoulder. She didn't poke herself OR him in the eye, at least, when she swung her wand hand wildly. So. That was so graceful. Good job, Dottie.
"I'm not telling you, so don't you dare ask me," Dot gave the professor a cheeky smile and flourished her wand correctly this time. Just watch this, Professor Man. She screwed up her face tightly, not thinking too hard about the incantation or the wand movement. She'd practiced those, although not a LOT, but enough that she could think about her happy memory. Not just think about it, but sink into how it made her feel, what that happy was like. It was more than happy. It was belonging and home and love.
Hmm. "Expecto Patronum." And there it was, the tell-tale streak of silver. "I DID IT, PROFESSOR MAN." She was queen of Charms, basically.
HA! Someone had been minding his words carefully. Good. Very good.
He returned the cheeky grin and nodded. "Dully noted, Miss Gusey." He stayed where he was for the moment, watching her wand movement and the concentration on her face, which turned into a prideful-joy at success.
Granted, he was grinning pretty broadly too. "You did! Fantastic work. Must be some memory." She got an eyebrow wiggle for that, a 'sure-you-don't-want-to-tell-but-I-know-you're-not-going-to' eyebrow wiggle, before he moved off.
SPOILER!!: Eden
Quote:
Originally Posted by kayquilz
Her cousin and his girlfriend..she just..ugh. The past weekend being able to talk to them? Maybe she could think of that...that would be nice. It was happy and something that Eden knew was affecting her current happy mood. So there. She would try this memory first! If not, she thought the second one on her list would be the bakery opening...her mam's bakery...last summer, was it? That was a very happy day for her, too...
So.
Expecto Patronum.
She closed her eyes, thinking of the past weekend, the news she had received...everything. Eden did the wand motion, and said, very softly..."Expecto...patronum...." and, as Eden expected...nothing. She didn't know if what she had done had counted as a try, though...but she sighed and sat back down in her desk, rubbing her face. This was pointless...she couldn't DO this...she just wasn't meant to have a patronus...
McGee looked like she was doing okay. Thinking a lot, but okay. That was, until she tried the spell.
Merlin these kids. Did they think they were going to get it first go? But then, granted, he could understand the disappointment at finding a happy memory, only to discover it wasn't working.
With a sigh, Sabel made his way over to the seventh year and gave her shoulder a nudge. "It's an uphill battle Miss McGee. Don't get discouraged. You'll get it. You all will."
Why was he so confident? Because he had to be. Because this was important to them. Because this, could one day save their lives.
SPOILER!!: Norah
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sararara
Norah nodded slowly and gave Professor Dakest a small smile. He was a nice guy, this one. Real nice. And the imagination bit made sense, mostly. Even she couldn't imagine stuff that well, and she was practically a professional imagine-er. "I'll find a real one then." She wasn't entirely sure if she was saying it to him or to herself, but it didn't really matter.
The fourth year rested her head on her knees so her cheeks got all squishy, closing her eyes again because it was time to think. Real thinking. Yeah. A smile stretched across her face as well as a smile could in this position as she zeroed in on a memory. It wasn't a memory of an event as much as it was the memory of a feeling, or something like that she wasn't really sure. Where did you draw the line between those two, anyways? Whatever it was, it was doing something right because as she thought and thought about that feeling-memory-ish-THING she felt it pushing out the darkest horrible-est things that were sitting in her brain and usually weren't given any attention at all. They didn't deserve any attention, and now they were being pushed out. With renewed enthusiasm, she stood up so quickly that her head felt funny and she had to hold onto the edge of her chair to make sure she didn't fall over. She'd probably lose hold of the memory if that happened, and after all this work she couldn't just lose it. It was special, okay? Really special.
She took a deep breath and started whispering the incantation over and over. "Expecto patronum. Expecto Patronum. ExpectoPatronumExpectoPatronum." Another deep breath. Norah's eyes followed Sophie as she left the room, suddenly wishing she could abandon the class all together and give her a big ol' squish. Or something. Anything, really. The Hufflepuff wasn't going to be able to do the spell. Everybody knew it. Even she knew it, and she probably barely knew anything at all. She lifted her wand regardless, because what if Professor Dakest got sad because she wasn't doing the activity? Professor Dakest didn't deserve sadness at all. So there it went. Another deep breath, 'cause it seemed like she did a lot of those recently, and then the memory. She closed her eyes, going back to that time years ago, not focusing on how old she was or where they were because she wasn't entirely sure she could recall those bits at all. There they were, Sebby and Marcel both on her lap because Marcel was so teeny weeny that they could both still fit, and she was reading to them. Or at least pretending to read to them, because she was too ickle to be good at reading at all, but her brothers hadn't known that and Sebby had looked at her with his blue eyes ginormous and in awe. Sebastian had been in awe of HER, the big kid who could do stuff. He'd thought she was smart. The corners of her lips quirked upwards as she let the memory fill her from her toes all the way up to her head just like Professor Dakest had said. She moved her wand in a circle. "Expecto Patronum!"
Norah's eyelids fluttered open. There was nothing there. She wasn't entirely sure when she'd let herself believe there would be, but there was most certainly a hundred million percent nothing there.[/color]
***
Norah didn't move from the position she was stuck in after casting the spell. Well, more like attempting to cast the spell but y'know what that wasn't the point. The point was that she was stuck with her arm sticking out and her eyes on the floor because even if she wasn't actually stuck she didn't really want to move again because that'd mean another try. Normally she'd be all for more tries, because when did she ever get a spell in one try? But today was different for some reason that didn't make a whole lot of sense but it was different and she could FEEL all the differentness.
She shut her eyes tight, wishing she could open them again and suddenly be invisible, except when she opened her eyes it was very obvious that she wasn't. Could she do ANYTHING today? With an absolutely positively ginormous sigh, she repositioned herself to try again. Norah knew she couldn't do it. She'd known this whole entire time. She was never ever going to have an animal friend like Sophie. With another deep breath she tried to bring her mind back to the day with Marcel and Sebby, feeling the baby skin against her own and breathing in the smell of outside and seeing Sebby's big blue eyes all impressed. But this time the old memory thoughts were fighting the ones in the present, like they were sword fighting in her brain or something. Normally that'd be cool to imagine but it wasn't the point anymore. The thoughts of youcan'tdoityoucan'tdoit were BEATING the memory, which meant the memory wasn't good enough but it was her bestest one and it wasn't good enough. C'mon c'mon c'mon, Sebby and Marcel and pretending and outside. C'MON. "Expecto Patronum." Her circular wand movement came out shaky. Nothing happened, but Norah thought it was a bigger sort of nothing than last time. She slid down and sat cross-legged on the floor, pulling her bag towards her to take out a bottle of sparkly ink and laying her wand on the floor. She dipped her index finger into the ink and smiled softly as she drew swirlies and flowers on her arms. See? Sparkles could do anything.[/color][/QUOTE]
He was glad she asked, because it was a point of clarification he had not thought to make. And it seemed to help the girl. He watched as she sat down and really got to thinking. There was a distinct moment when the memory of choice came to her, a change in her entire countenance. He had a feeling, that one would stick.
Even if there was no charm from the tip of her wand, there was the potential. There was the memory, and that, was the hardest part. "You've got the memory. Now, all you need is belief in yourself."
Did he mention that was important? Cause, it was.
Not sparklies like she had deviated too. Really? But she had been doing so well. Then again, he couldn't say much. He had told them to take breaks if they needed it. And perhaps it was time for a change of pace.
SPOILER!!: Cilla
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ginevra
Cilla had been concentrating very hard. So much in fact that she had not heard Professor Dakest at first. She gave a small, slightly startled jump when Dakest spoke.
"Thank you, Professor. I think a breather would be good," Cilla replied as she wiped her brow with her sleeve. She looked around at her fellow students. If they wanted any help, she was very willing if Professor Dakest allowed it.
Good. Someone who knew their boundaries.
Sabel nodded to Ashcroft and moved to let her have her breather.
SPOILER!!: Penelope
Quote:
Originally Posted by griffin
They were going to try to produce patronuses? Penelope knew that she wouldn't be getting her corporeal patronus today, but she could work on the happy memory stuff. Happy memories. Did she have any patronus conjuring happy memories? Snaps, divination lessons... Hmm... What could she use as a happy memory? Penelope thought about butterflies and her sister and her parents and some of their pets and her mother's garden. Not just any random thoughts about these things, a specific happy memory that she would never tell anyone, just like Professor Dakest had said. Maybe that would work for a happy memory?
Another thinker, but another non-distressed thinker. Good, very good. Miss Wright got a faithful smile as he passed. She could do this. They all could!
SPOILER!!: Xavier
Quote:
Originally Posted by Presley Black
"Rodriguez," he sighed for what felt like the millionth time as the professor walked away. His first surname was Rodriguez. And Professor Dakest needn't worry about him. Xavier was certainly going to work on this spell obsessively until he mastered it. Just maybe not quite so loud in a room full of students.
He took another deep breath, calling back that elated feeling of the fire and the dancing and the people and tried again. "Expecto Patronum" softly, and intensely. There were no visible results, but this time Xavi felt a little energy slip away from him, as if the spell had tried to work and just hadn't quite made it, but that was progress from the last time.
He thought he heard something, a mutter of some sort from over his shoulder. He paused to look back at Fullmer, a frown quirking on his brow. It was hard to tell, the kid was back practicing the spell, albeit a bit quieter this time. But at least he was trying again.
Unsure of what he had heard, Sabel moved off. Was it something to do with last names again? Maybe he should just start going by first names. But then habits.
SPOILER!!: Lux
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squishy
Feeling more confident and proud of herself, Lux was so ready to give this spell another go. She was determined to make her patronus even stronger this time, and the challenge made everything more worthwhile in the end. She had her game face on, and she would DO THIS.
Bringing her mind back to her happy memories, Lux let them all play through her head over and over again. There were so many of them and they were all so happy. She loved this so much and tried her best to let them fill her like Dakest said. It was hard, but she was totally trying her best. Performing the wand movement again, she cast the spell. "EXPECTO PATRONUM!!"
The result was even stronger than last time, and Lux let out a squeal. "Did you see that, Professor???" EEEEP!! Even if it wasn't a true Patronus, she was getting there. Her thoughts were super happy, but maybe the concentration was her problem; she needed to focus even harder.
Sabel had to laugh at Carrington's excitement, not because it was funny but because her joy and pride at seeing her patronus starting to take form was contagious. "I did indeed. Very well done, Miss Carrington."
SPOILER!!: Brooklyn
Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverTiger
“Expecto Patronum…expecto patronum, expectopatronum, expectopatronumexpectopatronumexpectopatronum,” she said, gradually finding her whisper gaining speed until the words had bled together until they were barely recognizable. At least she knew she was still pronouncing them correctly. “Expecto Patronum.” See? She could totally manage the incantation. And she wasn’t really worried about the wand movement either. A simple circle. She could do that in her sleep, but she took out her wand and did it a few times just to prove it. Easy. The hard part was the stupid memory part, and being happy when she was steadily getting more and more frustrated by how hard it was to decide on one.
Sabel was starting to suspect that for some students, the practicing of the technicalities of the spell were more of a diversion and tool of procrastination, than a needed feat. The wand movement and the spell were rather simple, but it was the memory where their faces changed. Usually not for the best.
It was surprising to him how many students were having a hard time finding a happy memory. Or maybe it was simply they thought they needed something uber happy, and nothing they had would do. They were, still young after all. Still had a lot to learn and experience. Hopefully good.
Passing by, he gave the young girl a smile. "Relax. You might scare those good memories away."
SPOILER!!: Zhenya
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jessiqua
Zhenya felt quite full of her memory. Her happy memory. She had peeked over her shoulder to see how everyone else was going. Lots of silver, a few hints of a patronus. As she became more aware of her surroundings, she heard the Professor speak to the others in the class and give suggestions or encouragements. She told herself that she would be able to cast a patronus. That was easy, wasn't it? Telling yourself you could do something. She got into a good stance again, raised her wand, and spoke; "Expecto Patronum," clear and loud, performing the circular wand movement at the same time. There was a few hair-like silvery wisps coming from the end of her wand, and she was DELIGHTED. It was something! Seeing the silver gave her more encouragement, she concentrated on her Grandpapi. His kind, wrinkled face, the knowing look he always had, how he could sit there for hours just listening, how good he was at teaching, how patient, how loving and caring he was. She felt full of warm energy and raised her wand. "Expecto Patronum," she said again, loud and clear, circling her wand in the air. Something MORE came out of her wand. She looked in astonished delight as what appeared to be a silver dome came out of her wand. It was very clearly NOT an animal, but it seemed she had been able to cast a nice, strong, if possible, non-corporeal patronus. It remained coming out of her wand, sort of fuzzy, until she dropped her hand, breaking the spell.
OH WOW, she mouthed to the wall.
Despite her facing the wall, Miss Burton's success wasn't lost on him. It was impressive, highly so. And he couldn't really say he was surprised. Pleased, but not surprised. From the get-go, she had been one of the students who had seemed to instinctively deviate towards a strong memory. And he hadn't noticed her having the questioning, second-guessing brow twitches either.
Moving past her, he grinned. "Beautiful work Miss Burton."
SPOILER!!: Benzi
Quote:
Originally Posted by fire_faerie
Eyeing Toby as he went to sit in the corner, Benzi was sorely tempted to join him. But no. He had to show the professor he could cast a strong, albeit disc formed, patronus. At least that. After over two years of hard work, that's all he managed. Benzi sighed, and shrugged his shoulders to shake this heavy feeling. With a long exhale, he closed his eyes and brought forth his happiest memory.
***
Recalling that first night ever in London, a small smile finally appeared on Benzi's face and he raised his wand. Relaxing his wrist, he did a couple of circular motions with his wand to familiarize himself once more with the movement before he sucked in a deep breath.
"Expecto Patronum!" he cast, and watched with a wry smile as an almost blinding bright disc erupted from his wand, large enough to protect him from the odd dementor or lethifold but not strong enough to morph into his animal familar.
Abruptly, the silvery light melted away and Benzi sighed.
***
"Expecto patro-" the incantation caught in his throat, and his wrist jerked to the right. No. No, he couldn't do it. He just couldn't. Benzi's stomach clenched painfully, his hand dropped to his side and he deflated. He couldn't. Ever so slowly, the sixteen year old inched his way to the back of the classroom and leaned against the back wall, his eyes screwed shut. No. It was still... too soon. Still too fresh. All these years and every single time this came up, it still hurt.
But Benzi didn't cry. With a stony face and fisted hands, the Ravenclaw glared at the classroom and all its occupants and he waited for the professor to move the lesson along. Enough was enough.
Rider was another one of those students he was keeping an eye on. Especially the way the kid eyed Fuller-Thompson with...longing? At least he was willing to give the charm a go, without completely discarding it.
Not to say that it seemed to do any wonders for him. Despite his admirable progress, Rider seemed more inclined to give up to whatever was eating him, than hold onto the memory he had found. Curious and concerning. More concerning when the kid clearly demonstrated that he would have nothing else to do with this lesson.
Sabel let out a breath, and on his way past paused, not looking at the kid but speaking to him pointedly nonetheless. "You did good. That was a very strong non-coporeal patronus. Don't feel you have to do anymore if you can't." Again, he didn't so much care about the success of the lesson as making sure the kids at least had working knowledge of the charm. "Why don't we have a chat later?"
Because something was bothering him, and while he wouldn't push Rider to divulge, he did want the boy to know that there were people he could talk to.
SPOILER!!: Zeke
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hera
Heh. WHOOPS?
It wasn't him, he swore, though... he wouldn't mind if Sabel thought it was him that started this, what would the man even do about it? Not that any accusations of the sort would stick anyway, if there was anyone with a liking for mid-class treats as much as him, it was AJ. The girl was all sorts of fierce.
Head down, Zeke continued his considerations of the Patronus Charm.... and he his a light chuckle while he was at it.
Shame AJ couldn't get through to him either.
...
...
It didn't bother him the slightest that Sabel was wandering around, it was to be expected, and as much as he would have liked to share his memories with the man, it was NOT going to happen. Nope.
"Expecto Patronum," he said clearly and with measured breath. "Expecto Patronum, Expecto Patronum, Expecto Patronum...."
It really wasn't a difficult incantation to learn, the words lid from his tongue without effort.
Time to try together?
***
"Expecto Patronum!" Zeke announced, his wand moving in a tight circular fashion.
Nothing.
Perhaps he wasn't thinking hard enough.
Letting the memory of that day at the park overwhelm his senses, he could almost feel the discomfort in his chest, he could hear the wind in his ears, he could remember the kids scattering...
...
Again, he cast the Charm.
"Expecto Patronum!"
This time he wasn't unsuccessful, so to speak. Whips of silvery white escaped his wand tip, falling like a curtain briefly before fading away.
That was a good sign, right? Right? Granted, it was neither a shield nor a corporeal patronus.
Sabel didn't miss Zeke's grin, and he couldn't help but roll his eyes. Kids these days.
Admittedly, he was a bit surprised that the patronus wasn't an instant thing on Browne's casting. The boy understood the spell, understood what memories were required and had appeared to have chosen a good one right off the bat. Perhaps it was the distraction of chocolate. He was going to go with that, because chocolate frogs were apparently a thing.
There was relief though, when the young boy did get something. Goodness knew he didn't need a Browne joining a Fuller-Thompson and Rider. And the other Brown, where was she?
SPOILER!!: Benny
Quote:
Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline
He decided to try working on the actual incantation, knowing he'd need that right too. "Expecto...Patronum," the Gryffindor spoke at first, the two words divided as he got his mouth around them. "Expecto Patronum...ex-pec-to pa-tro-num...Expecto Patronum." The circle of the wand moment was simply enough, it was all the incantation, happy memory, and intent behind the spell that mattered. "Expecto Patronum."
Benny was proving to be one of those quiet, thoughtful types. And Sabel didn't mind. Less drama for the classroom was much appreciated.
He nodded at the kid's prononuciation and wand form. Both looked to be really good. Now, all he needed was a memory. Did he have one, he wondered?
SPOILER!!: Marsha
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiro MacMhuirich
”Expecto Patronum!” She said, twirling her wand. Marsha watched as she got a handful of silvery whisps… GRIN! She knew it wasn’t a full Patronus, but she didn’t care! SHE had managed something.
However, if she could manage something, surely she could manage more… right?
Holding her wand in her hand, she turned it in the circular motion, imaging that she was pulling all of the happiness that was bubbling up inside of her out of her body through her wand. Closing her eyes, she felt the happiness of her little bundle of Alis in her arms, the amazingly tight protective hugs that her Tad could give her, the careful way that her Mam helped her get up onto her horse. The way Rusty’s smile could light up a room. Lance and HIS smiles. There was nothing their strength wouldn’t be able to help her do.
”Expecto Patronum!!”
Opening her eyes, a huge GRIN paired with a bubbly laugh as she saw a patronus infront of her. It wasn’t in the form of an animal, not yet anyway - but it looked like a solid(ish) incorporeal patronus. WOAH. She had done that. HER! Marsha.
GGGGGGGIIIIIGGGGGGGGLLLLEEEE.
Moving her wand around slightly, she watched the disc moving with her. Woah.
If any kid in the room needed a happy memory, or a reason to be happy, they should have watched Hanover. The girl was pratically the definition of happy. A bubbling, bright ball of happy. It made him grin.
Admist all the negative emotions that were floating about, it was a breath of fresh air to see a student finding so much freedom and happiness in their patronus. This was what it was about. This was how patronuses worked.
Except, the thought tickled against the back of his mind, how would she do against something dark? The thought troubled him and he shoved it away for congratulations. "Excellent work Miss Hanover. Very nicely done!"
SPOILER!!: Ethan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mordred
Ethan was momentarily distracted when he caught the proud smile from his professor. The Slytherin gave him a smile back, and saluted him with his wand. “I’ll give it another go professor. I got this.” He said confidently, and nodded back to the man. “I shall not fail, jedi master Dakest.” Hehehehehe. What? He needed confirmation too that the professor was indeed a StarWars nerd like himself! Hehehehe.
The Slytherin slowly ceased his smile, and focused at the task at hand. He’s an ambitious student, and he wanted to produce a corporeal patronus. He just HAVE to, because he believes SO MUCH in his happy memory.
Centering himself once more, Ethan focused on the bright blue-white light in him and supplied that light with the positive energy of his happy memory. For him to get what he wanted, Ethan knew that he needed to follow through with the spell. Inhale, exhaled, “Expecto Patronum!” Again, another thick puff of smoke came out of his wand, but it lingered somehow. The Slytherin knew it was his cue. He just needs to project the memory more.
Wait…of course!
A projection! That’s what he needed to do. Ethan lowered his wand, as he theorized inside his head. The memory, the energy, all of those needed projection. He needed those two elements to come out of him, but still connected within his soul. Maybe…maybe that’s the secret to sustain and form an animal figure!
Clearing his mind of everything else, the Slytherin gripped his wand in his hand and raised his arm in front of him. Inhale, exhale, and Ethan with his serious façade, concentrated on his happy memory supplying the blinding white energy inside him, and imagined it to come out of his wand arm and through his wand. “Expecto…Patronum!!” Ethan, with all his might imagined the ball of energy projecting out of him while keeping the same energy at the center of his whole being, protecting him.
Ethan did not dare blink, and stared proudly at his Patronus. “Whoa…” He was definitely…definitely a happy camper!
Mordaunt's reference had him laughing. The kid reminded him of himself back in his younger days, except for him, it was Lord of the Rings. But Star Wars, that was definitely a thing. He arched an eyebrow, trying to be all serious-business. "Good, because one day, you might be someone's only hope."
It was a joke, but the truth behind it nagged at that unnerving thought. This time, it was easily dispelled by the successful cast of yet another coporeal patronus. "Fantastic!" His own otter patronus darted over and scampered about through the bears legs, zigzagging this way and that. "Hold tight to that memory, Mr. Mordaunt. It's a powerful one."
SPOILER!!: Angel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harry174
Angel was not enjoying this, she had to think of a memory that made her super happy, well that was a choice of well what had she done that she was super proud of, there was a few things that were good but were they strong enough to make this spell work and to help her.
Angel decided that the next thing that she had to do was practice the wand movement and so without even coming up with a thought, she could do that later right... she started to make sure that the wand movement was 100% correct, it would be a shame to get everything right then have it all go wrong because she got the wrong wand movement.
As he passed by Valentine, Sabel noted the creases in her brow and the general troubled nature of her eyes. Either she was thinking or she was....thinking. Best to let one .... well ... think.
"Let me know if you have any questions." In case she was thinking of a question he might have an answer to.
SPOILER!!: Hady
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpiritWolfe Malfoy
[COLOR="DarkGreen"]She could feel eyes on her, watching her and she knew it was Professor Dakest. She didn't lift her gaze or try to catch his attention because she was A-OKAY and didn't need help. This was something Hady was going to do on her own no matter how long it took her.
With the wand movement and the incantation both down the third year closed her eyes letting some of her deeper more passionate memories overcome her. Ones from when she was just a very young child. So far back in fact she had to take down the carefully constructed walls up in her mind just to be able to access them. As she let her mind wander freely through these memories the third knew she had found the memory she needed for this. The beautiful clear blue sky on that spring morning, the slight breeze blowing her hair about her face, the sounds of laughter and water splashing against the rocks. What it was like to be picked up and spun so fast in a circle and set on your feet so dizzy you fall over but you get up wanting to do it again. The young snakette could see their faces clearly and hear the shouts of delight.
This was it. There was no denying the face that she knew which memory she needed to use as her free hand lifted to fiddle with the locket around her neck for the briefest of moments. Opening her eyes slowly she inhaled deeply shaking the feeling the memory gave her and focused on nothing but the happiness or it. Holding her wand firmly she was ready.
Making a perfect circle movement with her wand in front of herself she spoke the incantation clearly her focus set on the memory she was going to use, “Expecto Patronum!” A tiny puff of smoky white shot from the tip of her wand and faded away after a few seconds. Nothing else happened. It was a huge start though!
***
The tiny puff of whitish smoke from her previous attempt had given her the needed push to keep trying. It was proof that the memory she'd chosen to use was the one and she just needed to focus on it more completely. Seeing it in her mind like she was reliving it.
Hady was completely oblivious to everyone around her as she cleared her throat to prepare for trying again. Standing up taller and straighter she twirled her wand once, twice in her hand to keep from getting stiff. Deep breathe in, breathe out slowly. She did this a few more times as she went of the incantation in her head before clearly her mind completely and letting the memory take over again. The water, the breeze and sunshine, the laughter. It was all there as clear as day.
"Expecto Patronum!" Hady cast firmly and clearly while making the circular wand movement at the same time. More whitish wisps of smoke sprung forth from the tip of her wand. A grin started to form on her face as she watched the wisps start form something before it faded away.
So close! This was no easy take but Hady was now more determined then ever before and she was getting closer and closer.
It was easy to get the hint to move on. The lack of eye contact, the lack of speaking. Best to just, move on here too. Whatever thoughts the little snake was having, they were important to her and didn't require his interference.
He did check back after a few minutes though, pleasantly surprised to see a wisp of smoke from her wand. So, she had found a good memory. He gave her a thumbs up, because that was less disturbing than speaking, right? Right.
SPOILER!!: Michael
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mell
Standing up from his chair, Michael moved into a clear area and drew his wand. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind from everything else before bringing up a happy memory. He chose the time when he and Zahra had been about seven years old and they had built a fort and were guarding it from imaginary wild beasts.
He made a circular motion with his wand and said the incantation. "Expecto Patronum." At first there was just silvery mist shooting out of his wand, but as he concentrated more on his happy memory, the mist changed into an animal. A sea lion to be exact. It swam around him a few times before dissolving.
"Hey Sir! Can I try doing the spell non verbally?"
Despite the gum incident, Sabel was starting to like Toussaint. Practical, down to business, no muss no fuss. And he didn't have any of that conflicted-brow-syndrome that was going on.
Pausing to admire the sea lion patronus, Sabel made a mental note of Toussiant's progress. His smile widened at the request, and he nodded. "By all means. I encourage it."
SPOILER!!: Grayson
Quote:
Originally Posted by hermionesclone
Grayson wasn't aware that there was someone standing near him, let alone the freaking 'fessor. Dude had been standing there letting his emotions show because guess what? If he was alone in his own world, he can show as much of his deepest darkest emotions as he wanted and no one could stop hi--
HOLY FREAKING MERLIN WHAT THE ACTUAL--
The Slytherin jumped at the sudden hand on his shoulder and turned around to see Dakest standing RIGHT THERE. Jeez! Talk about scaring a guy. He immediately let a neutral expression cross his face as he listened out to what the guy had to say. What would he protect most in the world? ......... Er......... jeez, this was hard, man. Those questions really made him think because honestly? Grayson didn't know. Had no clue whatsoever.
Why in the name of Merlin was this so difficult?!
After a couple of seconds, he nodded slowly and said, "So like friends. Family. My girlfriend?" Those were the very few things he was absolutely loyal to and would defend without a second thought. And it sounded kinda cheesy and all but whatever. "I also like my face very much but I don't think that's what we're going for here."
"Yeah, I'm gonna try one of those. Thanks, Professor." Nod. See? He had MANNERS. He took a deeeeeeeeep breath and tried to think of one of those things. Namely, family. The family that annoyed and embarrassed him to no end but the family he WOULD do anything for, even if he didn't like to admit it.
"Expecto Patronum!" he called with enough confidence to fill the oceans. The result?
.........................
A tiny whisp of blue-white smoke. Tiny. He could just about make it out but it couldn't be bigger than his fist
***
Taking another deep breath, the boy changed memories and tried again. "Expecto Patronum!" Nothing. "Expecto Patronum!!" Still nothing. Why in the name of Merlin was this going backwards?! Jeez, that wasn't meant to happen. "Expecto Patronum!" .........
..........
ANOTHER.
FREAKING.
TINY.
WHISP OF SMOKE.
Alright. It was alright. Better than nothing and whatnot. The memories kept on changing to ones that made him happy just thinking about them so maybe they weren't strong enough. He twirled his wand around his fingers while he searched his memory bank for something linked to the things he was incredibly loyal to.
Finding the perfect memory was too freaking difficult, mkay?
Once he thought he did, though, the boy held up his wand and tried for what felt like the hundredth time. "Expecto Patronum!" YES? WAS IT? Grayson perked up and his eyes widened as something shot out of his wand. Something big and bright and...........
........... another whisp of smoke.
The Slytherin deflated like a balloon as he watched the smoke linger there. It was definitely bigger than his previous attempts but was it in the shape of something? No. MAN, way to let a dude down like that.
He wasn't normally a jumpy fellow, but Whitlock's jump had him jumping too. Alright then, be careful around thoughtful students here. Merlin, did they not pay attention to their surroundings. Auror habits, he reminded himself.
Thankfully, the kids shock didn't make him deaf. Sabel nodded. "Like those. They don't have to be specific, they can be of a person or a group of people, with many memories comprising that single idea."
Did that make sense? He hoped so.
As for the face? Sabel laughed, shaking his head. "I don't think so either. Good try though."
With that he moved off, leaving the boy to his own devices for a time. There was progress, and then there was backwards progress and then there was a bit more progress. Two steps forward, one step back type deal. Sabel let out a breath and waved his finger in a circle motion. "That last one, the last memory you used was stronger. Try to expand upon it. Don't worry about anything else but it."
Easier said than done, but for now, where it was safe, that was all they had to do.
SPOILER!!: Brian
Quote:
Originally Posted by laurange
Inhaling deeply, he made a lousy attempt at calming his nerves as he attempted the incantation. "Expecto patronum," he said, the words tasting funny on his tongue. "Expect patronum." I await a protector. The more he said it, the less stupid he felt. "Expecto patronum." If he really thought about it, it was just a little funny. His ma would probably laugh. She'd say something about sending him to a prestigious magic school to await a protector was ridiculous.[COLOR="SeaGreen"] "Expecto patronum."
***
The incantation down, Brian decided that it was time to move on. The wand movement was apparently simple, but what if the circle wasn't actually round? What if it was oblong? Would small things like that throw off the mechanics of this spell, being all complicated as it was? Well, probably not considering that this charm was used in emergencies but he was obviously procrastinating.
What an awful Hufflepuff he was, afraid of work. No, not afraid of work, just afraid to fail. Taking out his wand and sighing, he set out to draw a perfect circle. Yes, he was still procrastinating.
It was like watching someone doodle. Except with their wand in air, rather than on paper. Perhaps the kid was really lost in his thoughts, but the almost blank stare at his wand hinted otherwise.
Sabel wanted to push up the corners of his own mouth with his two fingers to try and encourage the kid to smile, or laugh or something, but good thoughts and memories couldn't be forced. And really, he didn't know what was going on in that brain. Hopefully, there was some memory diving of some sort.
SPOILER!!: Cutty
Quote:
Originally Posted by SlytherinSistah
But her timing was perfect. As they were asked to begin considering happy thoughts. The Sophsicle went off without a hitch and he was actually quite proud of it. Plus, the look on Toby's face was particularly hilarious. Drawing a hand up to his mouth to stifle the laughter, Cutty took his wand in the other and casted.
He'd stopped his shoulders from shaking and the laughter was only a threat now. He had use of his mouth once again for it was not spilling over his snarky little laughter. "Expecto Patronum." The tip of Cutty's wand leaked the usual ethereal looking whisp of glowing mist and it swirled and thickened into a sheet of the mist.
***
He stayed watching the sheet of mist flow and float deliberately for a minute or two before calling it back and watching it dissipate. That had been a pretty happy thought, but maybe he needed to go harder. An amalgam of the powerlessness he'd made people feel throughout the years. Those had been in short supply lately, however due to his Healer prescribed potion to cut out the impulses.
The patronuses, corporeal and non, were building up and some of them were spilling out all over the classroom space. A smooth-headed one that Cutty mistook for a seal at first made itself known. The dragon though. It took on a stunning appearance and he turned his head to see who had produced. Puck. His evil twin! He smiled at her and considered the ride in on the Hogwarts express. It wasn't so much what he'd done, but what he could do. The memory had ingrained within it so much potential. His self-inflicted station in the form of Puck Greyvson was, he thought other-worldly.
The 16 year old piece of lawdhavemercy sighed and was beginning to look rather starry-eyed as he recalled the excitement of that experience. He could almost feel the softer texture of the polyjuiced skin and the walk that came a bit naturally considering her Amazonian legs.
***
Expecto Patronum." Cutty gave the spell another go, the thoughts of Puck were merging with the events of that and other days and soon the pleasurable sensation was radiating outward through to his hands. The wisp had whirled out in a giant napkin-like sheet of the cloudy material and found it's way over to Agatha Hapgood.
Cutty followed it with his sight, then seeing Agatha there and remembering her...issues, he cut his spell. His smile faded a bit and he realized that getting her to do this particular spell would not be like the times before. With the inciting her anger so that her intention was strong. Nope. But it needn't be difficult. He waited and then found the opportunity to lean in for a whisper, something he knew she'd find great amusement in, if not outright pleasure. They were not too different, he and Agatha.
Then he heard Benzi's voice...saying only half of the spell. He wouldn't have minded telling Benzi the secret as well, but somehow he doubted it would make him as happy as it could potentially make Agatha. Benzi had a purer heart. "Hey, Benz. Remember that time Fairn fell over on the boats when we were on our way to the castle?" If he recalled Fern had gotten a knot in the forehead as well.[/QUOTE]
He caught the laughter of Morduant, but wasn't sure what was so funny. A good memory maybe? It would be helpful, and it seemed to be helpful, whatever it was.
Sabel tried to ignore the nagging sensation he was getting at the back of his mind watching the kid. Something just seemed...off. But he couldn't really put his finger on it, and Merlin if teenagers weren't full of weird and 'offness' to begin with.
So as he passed by, he gave the boy a nod and a smile. "Good work."
Though the whispering and the comment got an arched eyebrow. This one, he made a note to watch out for this one, for completely different reasons that some of the other students.
SPOILER!!: Ruby and Gabriel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tegz
She might've got started daydreaming about Grayson (because honestly, happiest memories were definitely wrapped up in him), but Ruby noticed her brother being boring. And quiet. And like honestly, there was no reason he shouldn't already be casting a billion patronuses right?
.... yes, she had a lot of faith in him, basically.
She scooted over and gave his parchment a nudge.
Here she was, big brother.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Govoni
Gabriel didn't realize that a 'panic-stricken' expression was written all over his face. How could he? He wasn't peering into a mirror...but the professor had seen, nonetheless. Of course, the man had. He was teaching defense. Wasn't 'constant vigilance' a motto to his kind?
Cheeks stained a brilliant red, the Ravenclaw ducked his head and nodded to the Professor's offer. "Thank you, sir."
...and there was his sister.
Without hesitation, Gabe grasped at her hand and held onto it, steadfast. She didn't have plans to go anywhere, did she? She wouldn't mind....staying with him a bit....right?
"I'm sorry." Okay, so...maybe he still looked a little freaked out by the task at hand. Professor Dakest had made it clear this wasn't important and for his benefit...but Gabe glanced around, noting that others that were having so much success. He knew that success wasn't measured by one lesson...somewhere deep down, but it was discouraging to his pride, nonetheless. Yes, Gabe did have some pride. Not in the way that others might...but in the sense that he took knowledge and practical application seriously. And it begged to reason that...Merlin forbid, if he ever found himself in danger, would he be able to save himself? No, most likely not. So, due to personal safety, THAT made it important.
"I don't think I can do this."
While he wanted the students to try and focus on their own memories, their own patronuses, he couldn't well ask them not to help each other. Or try to be encouraging. Especially not when some of them looked so down. Especially when it came to the Banner boy.
So, once his offer was acknowledge, he gave Miss Banner a small smile and then the both of them a wide breadth of the privacy issue. He was relieved that the young girl hadn't pressed the D'Isigny issue. That, would be his happy thought for the day.
SPOILER!!: Rowan; see our previous post for answered question ;) just incase it got lost/missed
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustAlice
Rusty closed her eyes for a few seconds and tried to imagine herself at the party with all her family around her, cutting into the plum cake that their Grammy made, then took a deep breath and... "Expecto patronum!" She did the wand movement and opened one eye to see if anything had happened...
No. Well... not no... there was a silvery mist floating in front of her, and it looked like it had come from her wand. But no animal friend yet... Huh...
How could she improve? She'd done it all right, hadn't she..? It had yet to occur to Rowan that magic, just with almost everything else you had to learn, needed practice, and it was very unlikely that she would get spells right first try, especially when she was only eleven.
***
Maybe the problem was that she wasn't remembering her memory enough. Maybe if she did that a little more, her spell would get better? It was worth a try. So she closed her eyes again and imagined she was there...
Timber and Jasper were playing some music, it was one of her favourite songs and she could even hear her mum singing along to it... she liked it when her mum sang, even if she wasn't the most wonderful singer in the world, she had a voice that made you feel free. Like a little songbird. Then she imagined she could see Robin feeding crumbs of their cake to one of the bunny friends outside, and Laurel and Peter trying to throw bits of food into each other's mouths, and Lily and Abby dancing to the music. And then she thought about the smells. The smoke from the little bonfire, the warm, sweet smell of plum cake, the fragrant scent of the rose bushes...
She almost didn't want to open her eyes, the memory was such a lovely place to be, and she could almost feel the flickering warmth of the fire on her skin. So she stood in the classroom for a few moments, eyes closed, smiling because of the memory, until she finally decided she was ready to try the spell again.
"Expecto Patronum!!" she said, doing the wand movement and opening her eyes to see a stream of silver mist pour from her wand and make a wall in front of her. It was much more solid than the last time she'd tried, but still no animal....
WAIT... WHAT WAS THAT?? A... flutter? Was it? It was gone before she could make anything out, but she was sure she'd seen something in the mist...
"So, one memory is usually the most helpful, but it can be generalized or grouped." A summary of his answer, albiet possibly more confusing. Hopefully it made sense to the young girl.
Sabel stepped back and watched as she tried for her patronus. His grin grew at the sight of the mist that then, on the second try, turned wall. "Very good! That's a great start. Seems like you've got a good memory in mind."
SPOILER!!: AJ
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhoenixStar
You know MOST professors would appreciate the fact that AJ was putting forth so much energy that she just MIGHT pass out. Didn't that mean she had serious spunk and dedication and all that other stuff professors looked for in students? No? Fine. She had tried, and failed. Failure didn't sit well with her. This wasn't over. "It's just that I try so HARD, professor..." She wasn't going to argue though. Nope. Instead she thought maybe a good flow chart or some kind of graph showing the benefits of food in class might help. That seemed like an awful lot of work though. Actually, it sounded like a good job for her Ravenclaw sister. Oh, Abby...
Wait. AJ figured the chocolate would have the exact opposite effect on the spell. "I thought it would just enhance your already super happy thoughts." Wouldn't that just make you even more happy and in return make your results even better? Just sayin'
Back to her patronus. She had thought of her happy memory and practiced both the spell and the wand movement. It was time to put the two together and see the results that she got. Her mind thought of Adi and all of their fun times together. "Expecto Patronum!" Circle movements with her wand were made. Annnnd nothing. Bummer. Bet she would have had better luck if she was noming on a chocolate frog.
Sabel did his best not to sigh. They were still on the chocolate issue, weren't they? Merlin's beard...
"I have no doubt you do, Miss Valentine, but my rule is there for a reason. So, you'll just have to mind your energy, or make sure you have a good, healthy meal before class." Breakfast. That big, important meal of the day. Remember?
As for happy thoughts, he nodded slowly. "It will enhance your thoughts, yes, but not because of the memory you have. Because of the chocolate. You should learn how to do it without the chocolate, because you're not always going to have time to grab a piece of chocolate to get that bit of extra happiness." Although, then again, maybe there was the possibility that was how some wizards got their patronsues. He wasn't going to suggest the idea. It would result in no small amount of trouble. The answer was simple. Not in his class.
Admittedly, he rather hoped she would get a patronus something on her first try. Then maybe she wouldn't be so inclined to depend on the chocolate. Sadly, it wasn't to be. Still, he gave her a smile. "Keep at it. You'll get something." Maybe...stop thinking about frogs?
SPOILER!!: Leah
Quote:
Originally Posted by nanyjj
So Leah began thinking about a memory. That seemed like the simple part in this charm. She had SO MANY happy memories in the past. The day when her Hogwarts letter arrived, her first meeting with her best friend Angel, the reunion with her parents after her awful fourth year... then her train of thoughts landed on the End of Term Feast from the previous term. THAT was indeed a happy evening.
He was relieved to see yet another eager face among the students. One that appeared to approach the task with excitment, rather than fear. Hopefully, he wouldn't see her face fall into darker thoughts as she delved into her memories.
Not like some of the other students....
SPOILER!!: Tora
Quote:
Originally Posted by amadshade
Have confidence, he said, it'll be alright he said. Tora didn't know what to think anymore. There were far too many feelings of frustration building up, she couldn't breathe, think, whatnot. Yeahhhhh, she decided she needed to calm down. Obviously freaking out about a silly memory when she wasn't in mortal peril was only going to banish whatever vivacious memories she had farther into the recesses of her mind. How poetic. How frustrating.
She gave a great sigh and raised her head. "Thank you professor, for the advice," she said, her voice sounding more defeated than she had meant it to.
She rolled over so she was no longer laying on the floor and shoved the crook of her arm over her eyes. If she was going to relive her past, she had better do it without any distractions of other people's partronuses floating around. Hopefully Dakest wouldn't think she was sleeping, but she counted on him being observant. He seemed pretty good at that.
She let her thoughts drift, not really allowing herself to remain on a single topic, clearing her mind for a white space. Isn't that how meditation worked? She relaxed. No longer all tensed up, Tora realized with a start that she hadn't even considered her passion for astronomy into the happy memories. She remembered when Grandpa had taken her on one of his traveling trips into the mountains. There weren't many people, and certainly no lights. It was the first time she had seen the stars properly. Would this be her memory? It wasn't overtly happy, but it was secure. She felt safe and lighthearted thinking about it.
Still in the same position, she fumbled around for her wand. "Expecto Patronum" she whispered, not daring to look. What she didn't see happen was a dribble of silvery smoke that coalesced into a rough form. Slowly, it turned into a little fennec fox which promptly curled up on Tora's chest and 'fell asleep'. But Tora didn't see any of this, she was lost in thinking about the stars.
That was the least convincing thank you he had ever recieved. And only for the reason that what he had said, really didn't seem to help. Sabel let out a sigh, trying to think of something else to say but then closed his mouth. Clearly, she needed some time alone.
And if anything was important while casting a patronus, or at least figuring it out, it was time to think. So he stepped back and moved off a ways. He checked over his shoulder a few times, to make sure she hadn't curled into the fetal position, and on his third check he stopped. A smile over took him.
Well would you look at that? As much as he wanted to say something, he let it be. She would notice, eventually. And if she didn't, either he or someone else would tell her. For now, she needed to stay in that memory.
SPOILER!!: Adi
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Who was that clapping him on the shoulder? Adi looked around. Oh! It was only the Professor. And he was encouraging him. Cool! Adi grinned at the man. "Thanks for the encouragement, Professor! I'll keep trying until I get it.'' Indeed he would! For some reason, the Puffer was not feeling dejected about this charm as he would usually feel with other spells when he was having a difficult time with other spells.
"Expecto Patronum!'' Here we go again! Wheeee!
This one didn't freak out at the hand-on shoulder. Good. That made him feel a bit better. And the acceptance? Brilliant.
"Good. And you will get it." So nothing to worry about there.
Alright, definitely time for a change of pace. The class was getting, moodier than moody.
Moving back to the front, Sabel raised his voice to get everyone's attention. "Awesome work so far, everyone. I know it might not feel like much progress, but everyone of you should be proud of what you've accomplished today." Including those that had not really accomplished anything and had given up.
Everyone had at least tried and to him, at the moment, that was all that mattered.
"We're going to do something a bit different now." He guestered back at the labrynth. "This is a maze, a course that you are free to run through. The objective is to make it out to the other side. Along the way you'll encounter three challenges." Start with the less scary first, yes? "At some point in the maze, you'll come across a completely dark passage. The goal is to get through to the other side. The other two are a dementor-APPEARING figure and a Leithfold-APPEARING figure. Mind you neither are real and they can NOT harm you." So no one freak-out, okay? "It will be nothing like encountering the real thing," Merlin forbid, "but I would like you to try and see if you can use your patronus against them."
Because he had a feeling some students might find their patronus in the grip of an encounter, rather than sitting around trying to think happy.
"For both tasks, try your patronus. It doesn't matter how much of a patronus you get. If you manage even a wisp, the illusions will leave and the dark corridor will become bright. If you can't, don't worry. Use another spell for the tasks. A shield, a light charm, stupify, whatever you would like." He looked around, gauging the reactions. "I know normally these spells wouldn't work, especially against a dementor or lethifold, but we're not interested in that right now. For now, I just want you to problem solve and see what you can do."
Stepping to the side, Sabel glanced at the labrynth. "Feel free to help each other out. And if you get scared or lost, just holler. I'll hear you and come get you."
Tucking his hands in his pockets, Sabel let out a breath. "For those of you that would prefer to stay here and practice your charm, you are more than welcome. This is your time. Ask me questions if you have any."
And that was it. It would be interesting to see who went into the labrynth, and who didn't.
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OOC: Main activity time!!!
So pretty simple. You can do either task: practice the patronus or go through the labrynth. Minimum of 3 posts please.
Also keep in mind the dementors and leithfolds, as Sabel said, are NOT real. They may look similar and act similar, but they are muted versions of the real thing. They are just representations, and Sabel doesn't want to scar any students for life XD
Feel free to RP together or separately. And you can add little challenges of your own too, if you like. There are trees, so you can assume there's going to be some bush, some water, maybe a few rocks to climb over here and there.
Most importantly, have fun! VM/PM me if you have any questions. Class will close sometime in the early morning of the 21st (GMT time). So approximately 39 hours from now.
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I've got a fire for a heart._________________________________________________
I'm not scared of the dark._________________________________________ _______________________________________You've never seen it look so easy.
Torie beamed at the professor when he'd said well done. He had a little silver poofs appearing so that was good! He was very proud and looked forward to sending an owl to mum and dad telling them about his patronus poof! He couldn't wait for the patronus to appear and see what it really was! His eyes drifted to the professor when he started speaking and telling them what was inside the maze.
Oh merlin...
A lethifold and a dementor? They might not be real but he'd never seen one before too! He was now really nervous about what they'd find in there! Pfft, stay out and practice? He'd never live it down! Two parents who were both aurors and he sits and practices spells. Right, Jay and Chris would tease him mercilessly. He stared at the entrance to the maze now and took a step towards it. He really didn't want to do this alone!
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
Yesh, YESH! Adi WILL get this spell. He was DETERMINED! How determined was he? Well, he had already decided that after class he would have a chat with Professor Sabel about taking up the offer at the beginning of the class. Yeah, see? He really needed extra help. The last attempt on casting the charm was futile. Not so much as even a wisp of things. Hmph.
No matter though for now, he would be distracted by the activity! Wheee! Adi stood up as Dakest was speaking. Ohhh! This sounded like FUN! Thank Merlin the Dementor would not be weird. Adi would not like to see his fear materialise in front of him right now, thank you very much. He glanced towards Benny and AJ as they were part of his fear. Well, his life without them actually.
Right! He was set to go! Armed with his happy memory and wand, the sixth year started off towards the maze, pausing at the entrance to peer in. This was nothing like the Maize Maze. At least he had Nats have some fun with at that one. And he would definitely not be falling through any wall of a maze this time around. Hehe. Nope, he had learnt from his mistake of walking backwards and not paying attention to where he was going.
"Hey, Torie!'' Adi noticed one of his newbie Badgers. Was the lil guy nervous? Yeah, definitely. The older Puffer could understand that. No worries though. "Want to go in together?''
Henric turned to look at the professor when he heard his voice. It was calming in a sense that Professor Dakest had came over to lent his support. "Thank you, Professor..I will try,"he smiled uncertainly back at his teacher. He needed to concentrate, he let go of the thoughts which had once feared him and looked back at his most memorable moments in his life..
Going to HOGWARTS....his family...his animals he cared for...the orphan children he missed...the friends he met...(Adi...yes you...>.<)....the professors who helped him along the way...his bestfriend,llia, who he was grateful for everything...and not to forget their pet toad P.Charlotte...and Leah...whom he had yet to tell her how he felt about her....all of them had made his heart whole once again. Henric drew in his breath before casting upon the charm confidently,"Expecto Patronum!" A sudden trail of white mist unexpectedly came out from the tip of his wand, but it only last a few seconds before it dissaparated.
"Noo...don't go..."Henric thought, feeling disappointed that it happened so fast. Oh well...He succeeded in producing something, didn't he?
A maze?! Like what he read about the triwizard tournament back in the days when the famous Harry Potter was in?! Wait...there would be fake dementors inside?! Great....not something he would look forward into meeting one. Dark passage..huh...more and more of his past fears started to pile on top of each other.
He stood there for a moment, pondering whether he should go...he certainly didn't want to look like a scaredy-cat in front of his classmates. "Time to man up Henric..and face your demons...they're not real...they are just props...props...nothing more..."he thought quietly to himself.
And Eden was feeling really bad. She had only tried once, but she HAD produced a non-corporal patronus last term...with Lux...so she had just expected to be better able to this time. Meh.
Professor Dakest touched her shoulder, and she looked up, with wide eyes, and nodded silently. Maybe he was right....Dakest wasn't the type to be...overly coddling, but he also had a genuine concern for his students, something Eden didn't take lightly. So she sat up a little straighter and would try again. And IF she failed...she couldn't get upset. She had to stay focused and okay--and class was not CLOSE to being over. So. She couldn't let this bring her down.
She gave herself a silent pep talk in her head.
And then...she cleared her throat and raised her wand once more. She wanted to try ONE more time before moving on to the obstacle course, she did totally want to do that..it looked interesting, and she didn't want to linger on this patronus stuff too much.
She closed her eyes and thought of...something. Of Iwin...of Emmalee...and how they had managed to set up this meeting with her grandparents...and how much HOPE that gave her? It made her feel really nervous, but also very good. Very believed in, etc.
"Expecto patronum!" she cried, and she thought she saw....a sliiiiiim figure of cloudy smoke erupt from the end of her wand, but it was gone before she could really be sure. She bit her lip and ran a hand through her hair. Okay.
This was okay.
THIS WAS OKAY.
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"You can justify anything if you do it poetically enough."
Roman Gellar ● 1st Year ● Slytherin
After managing to make himself feel worse and worse for all sorts of reasons that he was, by this point, refusing to even think about, Toby was focusing on something else entirely. In previous years he'd gotten better about not putting walls up, and dealing with things in the way he'd been since been taught, but it was becoming increasingly clear that the old ways were the best ways. Partly because he'd realised he was dangerously close to crying in the middle of the class, and if THAT ever happened he would drop out of school that very same day, and to heck with NEWTs or what his parents had to say about it.
So the walls had gone up, and Toby sat there with an uncharacteristically blank expression on his face, pushing all that negative energy down down down, except the happy energy wasn't coming to replace it like it was SUPPOSED to, so the negativity was sneaking back anyway. Now it was getting frustrating, and it made Toby nervous. He WASN'T a negative person, not under normal circumstances, and yet here he was, being just that. Conjuring a patronus had been like... a question he didn't need answered, regarding things. But one that he now felt like he had the answer to, and... No. Nope. Ignoring it. Pushing it all away. Not happening. Conceal don't feeeeeeeel. Don't let them knoooooooooow.
... ahem.
Toby had been hoping against hope that Professor Dakest would call an end to the lesson soon, even though the big walls there were obviously hiding something relevant to the remainder of the class time. Obviously something they'd need to use a patronus for, too. So when the next activity was introduced, well...
The labyrinth hadn't sounded SO bad when Dakest mentioned just getting through it, and then the dark passage, 'cause you could just use Lumos for that. But then the word 'Dementor' was mentioned, and any possibility of Toby going in there was immediately snuffed out, regardless of the rest of Dakest's words. No. No. Not happening. No. He didn't care if he was being a literal anti-Hufflepuff today, what with not even trying and with being all... whatever... Toby was not going any place where there would be anything resembling a Dementor. Not a chance, not today, not ever.
He cast a look towards the door. He could just... leave. Just go and not hang around here and go back to his dormitory and hide under his bed for a few days. Was there any point in staying? Because he wasn't willing to attempt to practice either... No... no, he should stay, it would be really rude to just leave, especially when Professor Dakest was turning out to be a real awesome professor. He couldn't, wouldn't, disappoint him more than he likely already had.
Toby would just... watch the others and look like he was thinking of a memory. Or keep taking that break, mhmm. He stayed sat where he was, and left his wand undrawn.
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Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
"Hey, Torie!'' Adi noticed one of his newbie Badgers. Was the lil guy nervous? Yeah, definitely. The older Puffer could understand that. No worries though. "Want to go in together?''
He nearly jumped when Adi spoke to him. He was a tad nervous and jumpy now thinking about what it was they were going to encounter in the maze! He looked up with relief showing "Hi Adi." he said softly but beamed at him when he asked if he wanted to go in together. "Could we?" he asked "I can at least make a puff of silver stuffs come out at them but...." He really didn't want to go in alone!
A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.
Finally! It was time for the main activity, which sounded a lot more interesting than the first one. For the first time practical magic could be used instead of just standing idly at one spot and practice a charm that no one could possibly produce fully yet. This also meant that Nat, who had decided that she would not attempt the patronus charm until it was ABSOLUTELY necessary, would be able to get about the problem using another method. *AHEM* Not cheating.
Maze, maze, maze! Natalia loved puzzles, riddles, mazes, and all of that sort. The fourth year did not hesitant to step into the labyrinth and started her adventure.
The eager Lioness was met by cloak of darkness enshrouding over her vision. It wasn't dark to the point that she could not see what was in front of her, but it was dark enough to extract most of her initial excitement. Uhh...
Columns of thick trees and dark bushes guided her in an uncanny dirt-like path. There was not a single feeling of merriness about the place.
"Lumos!" The tip of her wand lit up obediently, brightening up the small are of space around her. The air appeared to be a lot luminous on the end of the path if only she could run down there without tripping over a branch or falling into the hostile-looking bushes.
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DADA Lesson I: Your Greatest Protection 
We will move along in about 12-13 hours. Lastly, please read the 
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Post 4- AJ & le Prof! 
Liz/ Torie <3 
