Charms Lesson: Gripping Charm (Queritorto)

[PhoenixRising]

Today's charms lesson has been planned for the grounds today. Fortunately the time is in the afternoon so hopefully if you forgot and headed to the third floor - when you were greeted with a locked classroom door and a reminder note - you still had enough time to head to the grounds.

There are no chairs waiting for near the edge of the grounds, but wooden benches have been arranged if you need to sit. Although don't get too comfortable because you won't be sitting long. Professor Mancini is standing in the middle of the circled benches, juggling a small kickball (12.7cm size), as she awaits your arrival.

ooc: note that this is NOT your first charms lesson of the term, so your characters should be familiar with Mancini by now (and vice versa). Also, your students would have been instructed to wear comfortable clothes prior to today's lesson. We'll start in about 24 hours from now....


Lesson Progression
* Question ONE: What do you know about the gripping charm? Can be anything from uses to who/when it was invented.
* Mini activity: Incantation/wand movement practice!!
* Main Activity: Climbing trees and egg hunt!

numbers found already: 4, 38, 294, 174, 331

* Followup post

[FearlessLeader19]

Jude hadn’t forgotten that today’s Charms lesson would take place outside. Okay, that was only because he had written it down but it still counted, right? It still counted that he was seemingly getting his life together. Dressed in comfortable clothing as instructions, the Hufflepuff headed out and soon came across Professor Mancini and her ball. Because he was having one of his better days today, Jude offered the woman a small smile.

“Good afternoon, professor." It still wasn't his usual enthusiastic greeting but it was still a polite one. Selecting one of the benches at random, he planted himself on it to wait for things to get started.

[emjay]

Being a first year, Phoenix wasn't too accustomed to having classes other than their respective classrooms, so it was something of a novelty for him to have Charms be outside today. An outside class sounded fun and so after bundling up for the cold November weather and still in comfortable clothes as instructed, he headed out, eager to see what class would be like today.

His eagerness seemed to indicate that he was early, Phoenix noticed, as he was one of the first students to arrive. "Hello, Professor," he greeted Mancini politely, noting the ball in her hands before looking for a place to sit. "Hi," he greeted the older boy already sat there, then took a seat a couple spots away.

[Lady of Light]

Valentina headed out to the grounds, quite relieved that it was an outside lesson. Any reason to get out of the castle, really. It was a little chilly ( ugh ) but she was dressed warm and cute, her hair pulled back in a messy bun for once.

“Professor.” She greeted with a smile before giving the younger boys a wave. Taking a seat, val waited for her friends to show up.

[Waddles]

Charms, outside, and in comfortable clothes? Yes, please!!

Dressed appropriately for the weather, hair plaited for practicality, and her trusty pair of charmed gloves in her pocket (just in case), Margaret headed outside.

As she approached the circle of benches, Margaret spotted first Val, to whom she gave a little wave, and Jude, who got a smile, and some little first year, who also got a wave. "Good afternoon, professor!" she said brightly, noticing the ball. "Are we playing a game today?" she asked. If so, this class was going to be even better than she'd expected (and she always expected good things in charms).

[ArianaBlack]

Charms was one of the few classes Kinsay felt good about after having received her examination results. So, that coupled with having class on the grounds and getting to leave her itchy uniform behind? It put her in the absolute best of moods.

Of course, the notice had said 'comfortable clothes,' but seeing as the opportunities to dress out of uniform were so few and far between, Kins never took these moments for granted. Which meant that she would prioritize style over comfort if it ever came down to it. But, fortunately, she knew how to expertly do both at once. And so, she made her way down to the grounds wearing a comfortable pair of worn-out, high-waisted jeans, a lavender strappy top with a white, long-sleeved button down (which she left unbuttoned and half tucked) over it, and her favorite pair of chunky, white trainers. Comfortable and cute. Get you a girl who can do it both!

Except ... Her eyes widened a bit when she saw the ball in her professor's hands. "... Are we running today, Professor?" Because. Because if they were, that's really something that ought to be written on the notice too. Denim wasn't super ideal for a run. But Kinsay would make it work if she had to. She was nothing if not committed to the fit. So.

That concern aside, she went to sit next to Val.

[DuckyLinJi]

Trissa was proud of herself for checking the notice board in the common room before heading to charms class. She would have been met with a locked door on the third floor if she hadn't. As she approached the circle of benches in the distance, she checked her watch on her left wrist, slowing her steps somewhat as she realized she was earlier for class than she had expected.

The Gryffindor had dressed comfortably, as had been instructed. She wore black training pants with a red shirt (with a little unicorn on the bottom hem) and a grey vest that was charmed to keep her warm. She did, however, regret sporting her white sneakers now that she was out here.

"Hi there, Professor Mancini!" she waved energetically with both hands before reaching for the back of her head to tighten the ribbon in her hair. The darn thing kept sliding down her ponytail, but she refused to remove it!

[astrocat]

Ash had BRAIDS in her hair today. This was a very important fact that everybody needed to know.

"Hi Professor Mancini... Hi everyone." She hesitated a moment, then stood near Margaret. "I hope we get in some good exercise today..." Exercise always cheered her up. She didn't see what charms they'd be learning, but then again, she didn't know everything.

[Charely Potter]

As Caes walked among the crowd he wondered what exactly they'd be doing so close to the Forbidden Forest. Not that he was complaining, it did give some excitement to attending. He dressed in a simple t-shirt and knee-length shorts since he had a feeling it would be an active day.

"Hello Professor," He said. Everyone seemed excited around him whilst he was merely curious.

[Stefan]

Despite his usual serious and brooding demeanor, Enzo Mordaunt was chuffed to have lessons outside of the castle. Aside from the fact that he enjoyed the outdoors, it was also a good opportunity for him to scout the grounds (meaning, taking the long route), and to take his trusty sidekick owl for a walk.

With a few minutes to spare and his owl perched on his shoulder, Enzo approached the forming group at a leisurely pace, observing who was already there, and who he'd sit next to.. or stand. Nearing the closest student, Enzo turned to his owl, and gestured for it to fly to the nearest tree-- didn't want the professor to be telling him off now, yes?

And so, with his trusty companion eyeing the whole thing from its perch way above them, the second year Slytherin finally joined the circle, giving their teacher a quick and quiet greeting as he passed her by. "Professor, hello." the ball she was juggling was noted as well, promptly reminding him of his older brother across the pond living his best life. With a sigh, Enzo picked an empty spot at one of the back benches, and scanned the trees around, wondering what they will have for dinner that evening.

[TakemetotheBurrow]

Outdoor lessons were a nice change of pace, Luca decided. He preferred the wide open spaces and fresh air to the classroom and he even appeared to be relaxed as he walked over to where his classmates were gathered, hands in his pockets. ”Hi Professor.”

Were they going to be playing a sport today? He was athletic enough, but perhaps not mentally prepared for that kind of thing. Group sports could get a little intense. Also loud, so…yeah. He guessed he’d just wait and see and try to go with the flow.

[SilverTiger]

Sable Ileana was quickly deciding that outside lessons were absolutely better than inside ones, even if magic meant the professors could technically bring outside in if they wanted. Still, outside was refreshing, and the first year had rather literally bounced her way out if the castle and down to where the Charms professor was waiting, ensconced in an oversized jumper that may or may not have been stolen from her cousin ages ago (hence the oversized) and leggings with trainers on her feet.

“Hi Professor!,” she greeted the woman brightly, glancing around to see who had arrived before her. Hence who she could glom onto while they waited for the lesson to start. Lots of older kids, not that it bothered her. No twins or Logan that she could see yet, but… oh hey there’s Enzo and his owl.

The smol blonde bounced her way over to the Slytherin, skidding to a stop even as her eyes followed the owl’s flightpath to the tree. “We can bring pets to lessons?” Not that she had hers even at the castle to bring even if they were allowed.

[MadMadamMalfoy]

Desiree had mixed feelings when she saw the notice for today’s charms lesson. This was the class her dad used to teach, which made it her favorite by default! But the instructions to wear comfortable attire and trainers had her mildly worried. Everybody knew that “comfortable attire” was professor code for “likely to get dirty”! She was just glad she’d been practicing cleaning charms since last year, so hopefully if she did get dirty, she wouldn’t stay that way for long!

As per the directions, she arrived wearing jeans, glittery pink trainers, and a very princessy pink sweater with a tiara on the front, which matched her hair clip. A waterproof (and hopefully mud-proof!) pink jacket completed the outfit. Slowing as she approached, she noticed the kickball. Was that what they were doing today? No thanks! She always hated kickball in muggle gym class! Or maybe…

She watched, mildly intrigued, as Professor Mancini juggled the ball. Maybe they were going to learn to juggle instead. Was there a juggling charm she didn’t know about? Now that would be cool! “Hello, Professor!” she greeted the woman with a bright smile and a small wave. She took a seat on the nearest bench, eagerly waiting for the lesson to begin.

[Chelliephone]

Vera skipped her way towards the grounds, having made a pit stop at the Charms classroom only to find the locked door. It had taken her a couple attempts of trying to UNLOCK before she'd finally read ew the notice that class was to be outside today. That was actually the BEST news, because who didn't prefer being outdoors?!

Another few skips and Professor Panini Mancini and all her classmates came into view. She kept her skips going, until she was close enough to jump in front of her Professor and give a bright smile. "Hi Professor M!" Now where to stand? The obvious answer was Sia but she was standing next to a boy V didn't know so... She'd rather not.

So instead she focused in on Trissa, the fun older student from her own house and bounced over to pause next to her. "hi!!" She chirped, before bouncing between her two feet. Hearing one of the older students ask about running, V perked up even more so. "OOOOOH that sounds fun! Can we do that? Go running?" Professor M WAS involved with the health group thing right??

[Watson]

Outside lessons were always something that she looked forward too. It was something different and being outside on a chilly day would ensure she stayed awake after a tumultuous night of tossing and turning in her bed. Her imagination was running wild, thinking through the conversations she had with friends and more over the past few days. Being fourteen was strange. Her mood could change in a matter of moments based off a comment or someone’s body language. She had begun to read into things in more depth which led her to stay up late overthinking things.

So she was glad to be out in the crisp weather.

Appropriately dressed for the weather, she joined the group and nodded her head towards their Professor in greeting. “Hello Professor. Should we stretch before today’s activities?” she asked having picked up on the comments around games. With that, she made her way to stand near Kinsay and Val. “Hi”, she whispered.

[sweetpinkpixie]

She supposed today was as good as any day to hold class outside. There had been an unfortunate aura surrounding the Charms classroom anyway, and Mitsuki knew this because she had once again been following a little floating lint about the corridor which lead her there. It had also been a reminder that class was not to be held there this day. By happy accident, she had arrived early and therefore there had been no need to rush or otherwise hasten her steps to arrive outdoors and make her way over to the group. The only unfortunate snag in it all was the fact that she had arrived in uniform which, to be fair, was not all that different from what she constituted as comfortable clothing. Dark skirt, blouse, knee socks, foot coverings. The only notable difference was that her outer black robe was now folded over her bag.

Giving the group a glance around, the second year pondered briefly over where to cease her movements...when she found herself distracted by a bit of dandelion fluff floating by on a breeze.

It was one of those days.

Her hand moving in tandem with the movement of the delightful fluff until it landed on Luca's shoulder. Plucking it from his shoulder, she held it in the palm of her hand and gently pushed it around there while settling into a seat beside her yearmate. The rest of the set up and potential hints of the lesson ahead? Completely lost on her. There was dandelion fluff, you see.

[MadAlice]

Violet was right on time for Charms. She had not forgotten that it was being held on the grounds rather than the classroom, because she had written it down (as she wrote all her assignments down) in her notebook. And comfortable clothes were no problem, because comfort was the main thing Violet looked for in clothes. However, she had learned that the term "comfortable clothes" was school code for "we're going to do something outdoorsy or athletic" so she had dressed accordingly. "Hello, Professor Mancini," she greeted the teacher dutifully.

She gave a shy but inviting smile to Caes, but did not go over to stand with him just now, because she didn't want to seem pushy and she was still not quite sure how he felt about her. Walking over to stand near Ash she commented, "Hi, Ash. Like the braids--good look."

Looking around her, Violet noted how close they were to the Forbidden Forest and tried to suppress a slight shiver. When she'd first come to Hogwarts, Violet had been consumed with the desire to go out and investigate the Forest, partly out of curiosity and partly because it was forbidden. But ever since Headmaster Trent (no, not Trent, she reminded herself) had led them out there into a trap and left them surrounded by Acromantulas to make their way out as best they could--well, that tended to dampen one's enthusiasm for investigating a place. So Violet really hoped that their lesson did not involve going in there.

[Cassirin]

Mercer flopped down next to Mitsuki and casually eyes her fluff-clutching fist. Why was she... what was she doing eating dandelions? He stretched his legs out in front of him and admired the grass around his feet and the sun on the back of his neck. He didn't really care about Suki and her fluff, because it was NICE to be outside.

"Heya, Professor! I just found a spider. Do you want to see it? Also, Suki is eating dandelions, but I don't think they're poison."

[Felixir]

Milo settled wordlessly on Mercer's other side, kneeling rather than sitting on the bench and finishing up the impromptu second year line-up - furthest from the Hufflepuff. He sat back on his feet and kept them folded one over the other, then the other way around, to bring a little warmth back to them after the long shoeless walk on the cold ground.

Leaving the professor ungreeted, as was his wont, Milo didn't acknowledge the ball in her hands either. He was instead preoccupied with Mercer's comment, yet another indicator of all his two friends were susceptible to and all they were oblivious of, and all that they did to vex him. Most of it apparently intentional, though the motive was less clear.

For his part, Milo had been feeling strange all day, the kind of strange which often led him to avoid the grounds, and the kind of strange that occasionally led him to find himself out there all the same. There was nothing to be said for now, so he shredded a fallen leaf into tiny pieces of confetti foliage and waited for something to happen.

[Emzily]

Something was seriously up with this Gryffindor today, and it would be best to approach with caution. It wasn’t Charms class’ fault, nor the weather, not even her awful and scruffy hair. A mixture of big feelings happening in the dorm room, and what society would call: Getting out of the wrong side of the bed.

Charms class normally would have every potential to cheer her up, but it being on the grounds only made her frustration worse. Especially the sight of Professor Mancini with a kick ball.

Major shuddering.

Remy slumped quietly onto a bench and was upset about the lack of desk to rudely place her elbows onto.

[Nordic Witch]

An outdoor charms lesson in comfortable clothes promised fun so of course Maria skipped down to the meeting point on the grounds after lunch. She was not going to miss this chance to be close to the Forbidden forest. Waving over at their professor she beamed brightly, her good mood hopefully showing in her voice. "Good afternoon Professor Mancini! Shall we play ancient wizarding charms sports today?" She couldn't help to ask given the ball in their professors hand.

Unsure of where or with who she wanted to sit Maria glanced around before her eyes landed on Desiree who had saved her on that first night. Without her she wouldn't have gotten the courage to get herself sorted infront of everyone. She owed the other girl gratitude for that. Heading over to sit down next to the eagle girl on the empty seat on the wodden bench, Maria beamed "Hi Desiree! Do you think we will play a wizard or muggle sport today?"

[Granger Danger]

Charms... one of Tadhg's second favorite subject in all his subjects he's taking besides DADA. It was nice to have some change of scenery besides being in Charms class not that it was anything wrong with that, but he felt all he done lately was study, eat and sleep. Of course it was that brutal O.W.Ls year for him, so he was making sure his marks were the best they cab be. Wow... who knew after your third year everything just flew by so quickly? Last he knew he was a first year here at Hogwarts that didn't know anything, now he was a fifth year who had his O.W.Ls this year.

The fresh air hitting his face, he smiled in a small breath of relief and calmness. Walking towards the area where class was taking place he smiled and nodded. "Good afternoon Professor, hope you're well this fine day." His eyes scanned his surroundings, hm... interesting were they playing sports perhaps?

[AlwaysSnapesGirl]

Lessons were always better when they were outside. Even if they were about a massively boring topic, they were still better. Much easier to tune everything out when there were trees and grass and clouds to watch when needed.

But this was Charms, which wasn't the most boring subject in the world, so it had that going for it. And the professor had a ball, so this seemed promising too. Lio had a good feeling about this lesson.

"Hi, Professor," he greeted her, before taking a seat on one of the benches.

[Kolyander]

Unlike his twin sister Vera, Vasca had remember that the lesson was being held outside and therefore hadn't made the same mistake as she. He wasn't even going to tease her about it either and make it common knowledge that he knew about it. There was much more important matters at hand but those would have to wait for another day.

Arriving on the grounds a polite smile was given to the professor. "Good afternoon, Professor." He eyed the ball she had for a brief moment before choosing to stand near his sister. If they needed to work as a team or something they might actually be able to handle that. Maybe?

[Awarlesta Black]

Siri trudged up to the wooden benches, his hands buried in the pockets of his sweatpants. His curly hair was getting a little longer now, so he had it tied back into a tiny ponytail.

The young Hazelwood narrowed his hazel eyes at the ball being juggled by the Professor. He grimaced slightly. Sports were not his forte, but it being Charms class, perhaps he wouldn't have to break a sweat.

His eyes caught sight of Ash and her braided hair. Sirius felt his cheeks flush a little and quickly turned to look at something else...like this bench, where he will sit, yes.