Ground Floor: Tree Decorating in the Great Hall (DADA/Transfiguration)

[MadMadamMalfoy]

It’s a cold, snowy early December afternoon at Hogwarts with the winter holidays just around the corner. The ceiling of the Great Hall is a cloudy gray color, and a light dusting of snow falls onto the tables below. Despite the wintry landscape, the hall is kept nice and warm for the activity planned.


The house tables are in their usual places, each one laid with an assortment of holiday treats, such as candy canes, mince pies, mini plum puddings, and sugar and gingerbread cookies. A hot cocoa bar with plenty of flavors and toppings is set up along the staff dais, and a portable blackboard is set up just to the left of the dais. Several snow-covered Christmas trees stand along the front and sides of the hall, just waiting to be decorated. Professors Carton and Khanna bustle about the hall, putting a few last minute touches in place as the students arrive.


“Welcome in! Have a seat anywhere,” Professor Carton calls from the front of the hall, setting out more toppings at the hot cocoa bar. “We’ll get started shortly.”

Progression:

• Professor Khanna: Greetings + Everlasting Snow Charm details

[FearlessLeader19]

Ten healthy and luscious-looking fir trees had already been delivered to the Great Hall where Norman was waiting, and Dhruv was now guiding the remaining two via magic to join their counterparts. Each was set down carefully at the remaining allotted spots; eleven had been set around the perimeter of the Hall while one sat behind the Staff table. For now, the trees were bare but that would soon be changing. Dhruv could not not help but anticipate the aftermath of the students’ - and professors’ - hard work of decorating the trees.

They joined Norman at the front of the Hall, enjoying the scent the fir trees emitted that joined the aroma of the goodies that had been laid out for those who would be there for the festivities. “All we need are the students now,’’ they remarked cheerfully. Which was about all the DADA professor had time to say before the arrivals began trickling in.

[Nordic Witch]

On this cold, and snowy december afternoon Rose left the lions den to head down to the great hall to take part in the tree decorating. To help decorate the castle for the coming christmas holidays sounded FUN. The dark haired fourth year lioness was though slightly troubled since her gryffindor red sweater that she currently wore had come back from the laundry being all white and her gryffindor red emblem was black. It was so weird. Hopefully nobody would take too much notice.

Coming into the hall Rose waved in greeting to her professors with a little curtsy, and a deep polite head bow. "Good afternoon Professor's Carton and Khanna," She admired the 10 luscious fir trees for several minutes before she head over to take a seat at her house table. Would they put up the decorations with magic?

[Charely Potter]

Ean loved this time of the year, with the holiday season. The festivities and decorating were a fun tradition. So it came to no surprise that he was here as well, eventually arriving with some other students in tow. Here to offer a lending hand, and perhaps just make sure no trees go knocking on over. "Good day, gentlemen." Smiling before standing over to the side nearby the Professors.


Jan was here. Yes, he was as he entered the Great Hall. He loved Christmas with how his family always celebrated. He especially looked forward to this year's celebration. "Hello Professor Carton, Khanna, and Feirgrund." He greeted, his smile wider than usual.

Now, where could he sit? Anywhere, right? There was a classmate he could sit by. "Hi.. Rose right?" Jan offered his hand before taking a seat by them.

[Kolyander]

Bryony was here! There was no way she was going to miss out on helping to decorate Christmas trees! This was the perfect activity to be doing with all of her friends, professors and the house elves if they came too. Everyone working together to make the trees so beautiful was what this was all about, yes? This, the tree decorating.. not the holiday.

It was just a wonderful time. Needless to say, The fourth year was in a wonderful mood as as she entered the Great Hall, the scent of all the trees, holiday treats and hot cocoa filling her nostrils. Mmmm, now she was hungry! "Hello Professor Carton, Professor Khanna and Professor Feirgrund!" Bry wiggled her fingers in greeting. "It smells so nice in here.. like the forest and hot cocoa... Oh and my Mama says she'll be here in a minute." She had left her mama in the reptile room.

Only spotting to others from her year, one she knew well enough through Ary, Bry made her way to sit with them. Hi!"

[Argyle]

Trees make messes when brought inside by professoreses. Yes, they do. As much as the studenteses seem to love them. They not house elves who have to clean after them. Argyle flittering around the front most ones by the staff dais as the others gathered. “Sweep…sweep…sweep,” she murmured softly to herself as her small broom swept at the needles that had fallen on the wooden floor of the Great Hall. Her small form perfect for getting under the trees.

Sweep…sweep…sweep.

[FearlessLeader19]

The first student who came along was Rose, who Dhruv greeted. “Good afternoon, Ms. Snakebark. Good to see you.” It was always wonderful when students turned up to help out with assisting around the Castle. Faculty members too, of course, but Merlin! Sometimes they still had difficulty adjusting to Ean being so formal during certain times. “Thanks for joining us, Ean,’’ they replied with a smile. “Mr. Grunt.” D eyed that unusually wide grin. “I see you’re without your shadow - Mr. Atreyu Rehman.” Those words were hardly out of their mouth when Bryony joined the gathering with Aryan in tow. “Hello, Ms. Paton. Mr. Atreyu-Rehman.” It seemed the Slytherins in general, so far, were eager beavers to get the Hall decorated. “Professor Carton and I look forward to having her here.” Knowing Hady, she was most likely doing some last minute checks on the creatures.

Looking towards the staff table where the soft sweeping sounds could be heard as Arygle worked. Dhruv really did appreciate all that the elves did, and was grateful that a few would be there to assist with the cleaning up. “I think it’s time to get started.’’ A few students had just trickled in, including a very happy looking Idris and a grumpy-looking Paul. Dhruv glanced at Norman then stepped forward to address everyone.

“Thank you all for coming this afternoon. Don’t forget to partake in the goodies so graciously provided by the House Elves.” Why were those plum puddings seemingly {and figuratively} calling Dhruv’s name? “Today, our focus will be on tree decorating. As you can see, twelve trees have been installed around the Hall and they now require decorations. Before Professor Carton shows you a few handy spells, there is one in particular I wish to demonstrate to you. Now, the trees are coated with a light layer of snow, which would have accumulated while they were out on the grounds.” They gestured around the Hall at the said trees. “Soon, it will begin to melt, which means the ‘snow coated’ appearance of the trees will disappear. However, the snow - and in turn the appearance - can be maintained using the spell ‘Perpetua Nivis.”

Dhruv waved their hand so as they spoke, the words appeared on the board beside them. “Pronounced Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS, this spell allows snow to remain frozen until the counter spell - Finite - is cast.” To make the demonstration, Dhruv obviously needed their wand, which they unholstered. “The wand movement takes the shape of the letter Z in the direction of your target.” The professor demonstrated. “Ensure that you never break the flow of the movement. In other words, the movement must be completed in one fluid motion, starting at the top with a horizontal line followed by a short diagonal line and ending in another horizontal line.’’ This was just clarification should any student overthink by starting the movement from the bottom. "If done correctly, your target will glow ice blue for a few seconds. Ice blue can be recognised by the teal aqua-green tones.”

Using the tree at the staff dais, Dhruv gave everyone a visual of what was to be done, of what could be expected. “Perpetua Nivis.” The Z shape was done, and immediately the area covered in snow glowed that icy blue colour. The glow lasted for about five seconds before dissipating. “You are free to practise the incantation and wand movement separately for a few minutes after which professor Carton will move us along. If you need assistance, raise your hand and myself or one of the other professors will be there.”

Quote:

Originally posted by board:
Spell: Everlasting Snow Charm
Incantation: Perpetua Nivis {Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS}
Wand Movement: Z-shaped in direction of target {starting at the top with a horizontal line followed by a short diagonal line and ending in another horizontal line; to be done in one fluid motion}
Light: Target will glow icy blue for a few seconds {recognised by teal aqua-green tones}

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ary grinned at the small gathering of professors and gave them his signature finger wiggle-wave from his place at Bry’s side. Was he excited to be here? Of course! He positively adored Christmas which was always celebrated quite lavishly within his family. Greetings for the professors out of the way, the fourth year followed Bry and went to join Jan and Rose with Ary poking Jan in the shoulder before sitting beside him.

As for the Charm professor Khanna had in mind for today, Ary was familiar with it since he had watched his dads use it on the trees around the Atreyu-Rehman home. Who knew, today just may be the first time he would be able to use it! For this reason, the guy was quite eager to get practising. “Perpetua Nivis. Perpetua Nivis. Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS,” came the words in a weird accent so unlike his regular one. For example, that T in 'Perpetua' was more pronounced so that the word sounded more like 'PerpehhTua'. Still, he found the incantation so easy that he was unbelievably confident that the charm could be mastered in no time. An yes, the wand movement was practised too.

[Schmoop]

Schmoop did not have cookies today. No, Sir! Schmoop did have his little ole bucket and mop. Side to side Schmoop busied his little self with the mopsies. The back of the Great Hall was where he worked but could clearly see and hear all the professorsies were telling the studentsies.

Schmoop dunked the mop back into the bucket. Soon he would change the water within. It was getting filthy.

[Nordic Witch]

Text Cut: Jansher & Bryony

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Now, where could he sit? Anywhere, right? There was a classmate he could sit by. "Hi.. Rose right?" Jan offered his hand before taking a seat by them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Only spotting to others from her year, one she knew well enough through Ary, Bry made her way to sit with them. Hi!"

"Hello Professor Feirgrund!" Rose called over in greeting, a wide warm smile pursing her lips as yet another professor trickled into the Great Hall to as she supposed assist with their tree decorating. The more the merrier like the spirit of christmas. It didn't take long before the black haired lioness was joined by a fellow fourth year student. Taking his offered hand with both of her own hands she gave Jan's hand a hearty vigourous shake smiling excitedly at him. "Yes I am Roseeeeeee. It's so veery nice to meet you. Jansher right? Tree decorating is always fun is it not?"

Moment's later Bryony came over too to join and the other girl got a big smile in greeting from Rose before she blabbered out a question that had come to mind. "Hi Bryony. Do you know if the Hogwarts trees usually has christmas stars on the tops or something else?" Maybe it was just a muggle tradition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Using the tree at the staff dais, Dhruv gave everyone a visual of what was to be done, of what could be expected. “Perpetua Nivis.” The Z shape was done, and immediately the area covered in snow glowed that icy blue colour. The glow lasted for about five seconds before dissipating. “You are free to practise the incantation and wand movement separately for a few minutes after which professor Carton will move us along. If you need assistance, raise your hand and myself or one of the other professors will be there.”



* * * * * * * * * * * * *


As for the Charm professor Khanna had in mind for today, Ary was familiar with it since he had watched his dads use it on the trees around the Atreyu-Rehman home. Who knew, today just may be the first time he would be able to use it! For this reason, the guy was quite eager to get practising. “Perpetua Nivis. Perpetua Nivis. Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS,” came the words in a weird accent so unlike his regular one. For example, that T in 'Perpetua' was more pronounced so that the word sounded more like 'PerpehhTua'. Still, he found the incantation so easy that he was unbelievably confident that the charm could be mastered in no time. An yes, the wand movement was practised too.

"Hi Ary!" Rose greeted, but before she could say or ask anything else the charms professor stood forth, and explained their first task of the day. They were learning a new charms spell, called Perpetua Nivis that kept the snow on the christmas trees for a while longer in an icy blue glow. The snow would melt eventually in the warmth of the hall, but it was nice to see the effect. Rose casted a glance over at the plum pudding and other goodies but thought that it was better to practice first and eat later.

"Perpetua Nivis. Perpetua Nivis. Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS," came the words tumbling out of her mouth. Merlin, this incantation was a tongue wringer. When she said "Purpeeeetuaaaaaaa Neeeeeeeee VISSSSSS." She sneezed loudly. "Oops. My apologies." She murmured with downcast eyes. Before she unsholstered her wand, and got to practicing the Z shaped wand movement. It was safer if another sneeze was to come on.

[Kolyander]

Professor Khanna as per usual got a wide grin from Bry at his simple greeting. "She says this was one of her favorite memories from when she was at Hogwarts as a student, decorating the trees so she wants to be here." Her Mama was always so sentimental!

Of course Bry gave Ary the brightest of smiles, her fingers brushing against his lightly as she normally did whenever close enough to him. Her smile remaining as she shifted her gaze onto Rose at her question. "Stars are most common usually.. that I know of buuuuuut many things can be used." Like the one time one she was younger and she had cried and cried until her parents had finally agreed to let her stuffed animal sit at the top of the tree one year.

Spotting both Argyle and Schmoop cleaning the Great Hall, Bryony gave Ary a gentle nudge with her elbow. "Do you think they'll help us decorate the trees too?" she asked softly, nodding her head in their directions. It would be nice if they got to help .

Before she could really consider anymore about it, Professor Khanna was explaining how they would be keeping the snow the one the trees from melting with a spell. While she didn't know it exactly it must be the one her papa and mama used on the tree at home! Or at the very least quiet similar. Uncle Adi too cause they always had snow on their tree most years. The small blonde listened and watched closely to both the incantation and wand movement. The Z shape movement for her wand being much easier than pronouncing 'Perpetua Nivis'.

More than a few times she had to repeat herself before it even sounded close to how it was meant to sound. "Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS. Pur-PET-you-Ah Nee-VIS." Over and over again. Only pausing for a quick, "Bless you," aimed in Rose's direction. Soon enough though, she had it sounding how it should.. or so she hoped. And that wand movement, that was practiced right down to a T. Or umm.. a Z?

A few of the reptiles seemed to be a little under the weather in the Reptile Room. This was why she had been there for the better part of the day, cleaning enclosures, making sure everyone had food and fresh water, giving some medication to any that may have needed it and checking the temperature in the enclosures as well. Nothing had gone overlooked.

Once she was sure all was as well as it could be for then, Hadleigh made her way inside to the Great Hall. "Hello, hello, sorry I'm late." She smiled warmly at Dhruv, Norman and Ean. "Just let me know how I can be of any help." Christmas was a wonderful time of year and decorating trees with the students was a simply marvelous yearly tradition.