Lesson: Transfiguration lesson: TBA

[MadMadamMalfoy]

It’s a unseasonably warm mid-March afternoon outside, so much so that the transfiguration classroom is a pleasant temperature without the use of heating charms. The desks are arranged in their usual rows. Nothing about the setup looks out of the ordinary, other than the presence of four animal figures on Professor Carton’s desk.

The figures in question are of the following hybrid creatures: a liger, a hippogriff, a deeraffe (a giraffe with the tail, ears & antlers of a deer), and a kelppa (a kappa with the head of a kelpie). As you approach the desk, you’ll notice the figures move and make noises. Professor Carton stands beside his desk, waiting for the students to arrive. “Welcome in,” he greets. “Feel free to examine the creature figures on your way in. You may touch them if you wish, but they’re to stay on my desk.”

OOC: Welcome to transfiguration! Please keep in mind that this is not the first IC lesson your student has had with Professor Carton. We’ll begin in ABOUT 24 HOURS CLASS HAS STARTED.

Lesson Progression:

Q1: Which of the four hybrid creatures is not like the others?
Mini Activity part 1
Mini Activity part 2
Q2: Which of the 2 switching spells would be more useful in creating a hybrid creature? Why?
Main Activity

[Zoe]

She had been struck by the unseasonably warm, inviting atmosphere that felt more like early summer than mid-March. When Gillyweed entered the Transfiguration classroom, she took note of the desks arranged neatly in their usual rows. However, her attention was quickly captured by the peculiar figures on Professor Carton's desk.

Curiosity sparked within her as she approached the desk, her brown eyes widening with wonder. She was familiar with the first two hybrid creatures: a liger with its powerful feline build and a majestic hippogriff with its striking wings. The towering deeraffe and the sleek kelppa, however, were a bit bizarre, but she was nevertheless intrigued by the creature combinations. The fourth year watched in awe as the figures began to move and make sounds, bringing the classroom to life with their whimsical antics.

She giggled as the deeraffe let out a soft bleat, a delightful combination of the giraffe's grace and the deer's charm. "These are quite incredible, sir," she commented. It was a joy to see such a playful demonstration of magic.

After glancing at the figures once more, Gilly made her way to an empty seat. As she pulled out her parchment and quill, she couldn't help but wonder if the hybrid creatures were meant to represent cross-species transformations that did not go as intended. The thought intrigued her, sparking a flurry of questions.

[FearlessLeader19]

Transfiguration still was not one of Ary’s strongest subject and he was starting to see that it just might never be. But for some odd reason he had easily mastered the Vanishing Spell. He wasn’t going to question this strangeness, preferring to just take the win. But this afternoon, Ary was hoping that a stroke of luck {and hard work} would help him master whatever it was that Carton had cooked up for the lesson.

He offered the man the finger wiggly-wavey greeting though his attention was quickly diverted to the moving figures on the desk. “A hippogriff! Hi, buddy!’’ Ary said in delight, quite particular to the creatures as his fathers’ Reserve specialised in the creatures, in addition to dragons. “And hello, you rest.” Because they were quite interesting as well!

The fourth year then moved himself along, plopping himself in a seat beside Gilly whom he gave a shoulder bump. Hi, friend!

[Kolyander]

This little blonde was only a couple of steps behind her fellow snakes in entering the Transfiguration classroom this afternoon, a bright smile on her face. In previous years she hadn't been the greatest in this subject however, this term she really had improved leaps and bounds working and studying harder than ever before. Thank you animagi training studies!

"Hello Professor!" Bry chirped, happily wiggling her fingers in greeting at Professor Carton. Her gaze immediately falling up on the moving creature figures on the man's desk which she HAD to go checkout before doing anything else! There was a hippogriff which got a gentle pat from her and a beaming smile, griffs were a love of hers after all. The deeraffe and kelppa each got a little pet too cause those were so different! But.. the liger... Oh, how her blue eyes zoned in on that one for some reason. It was so... Pretty! "Hello there," she hummed giving it a soft pet on the head, beaming when it sounded like it purred at her, loudly.

"These are lovely, Sir. Will we be creating hybrids today?" Now that would be something interesting to learn! Bry made her way to the empty desk beside Ary, wiggling her fingers at Gilly along the way. Once settled into her own seat, she reached over and gave Ary's fingers a quick squeeze.

[MadMadamMalfoy]

SPOILER!!: Individual replies

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

She had been struck by the unseasonably warm, inviting atmosphere that felt more like early summer than mid-March. When Gillyweed entered the Transfiguration classroom, she took note of the desks arranged neatly in their usual rows. However, her attention was quickly captured by the peculiar figures on Professor Carton's desk.

Curiosity sparked within her as she approached the desk, her brown eyes widening with wonder. She was familiar with the first two hybrid creatures: a liger with its powerful feline build and a majestic hippogriff with its striking wings. The towering deeraffe and the sleek kelppa, however, were a bit bizarre, but she was nevertheless intrigued by the creature combinations. The fourth year watched in awe as the figures began to move and make sounds, bringing the classroom to life with their whimsical antics.

She giggled as the deeraffe let out a soft bleat, a delightful combination of the giraffe's grace and the deer's charm. "These are quite incredible, sir," she commented. It was a joy to see such a playful demonstration of magic.

After glancing at the figures once more, Gilly made her way to an empty seat. As she pulled out her parchment and quill, she couldn't help but wonder if the hybrid creatures were meant to represent cross-species transformations that did not go as intended. The thought intrigued her, sparking a flurry of questions.

Norman watched the door from his place at the front of the room, waiting for the students to arrive. He hadn’t been waiting long when Beery appeared. “Hello, Miss Beery,” he greeted, smiling slightly at the compliment. “Thank you.” His smile grew to a slight chuckle as he watched the deeraffe figure bleat and prance about, clearly enjoying the attention it was getting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Transfiguration still was not one of Ary’s strongest subject and he was starting to see that it just might never be. But for some odd reason he had easily mastered the Vanishing Spell. He wasn’t going to question this strangeness, preferring to just take the win. But this afternoon, Ary was hoping that a stroke of luck {and hard work} would help him master whatever it was that Carton had cooked up for the lesson.

He offered the man the finger wiggly-wavey greeting though his attention was quickly diverted to the moving figures on the desk. “A hippogriff! Hi, buddy!’’ Ary said in delight, quite particular to the creatures as his fathers’ Reserve specialised in the creatures, in addition to dragons. “And hello, you rest.” Because they were quite interesting as well!

The fourth year then moved himself along, plopping himself in a seat beside Gilly whom he gave a shoulder bump. Hi, friend!

Atreyu-Rehman’s finger wiggle was likewise met with a smile. “Hello, Mr. Atreyu-Rehman,” Norman said, watching the boy’s interaction with the figures with a slight smile. The hippogriff figure bowed in greeting, then flew a few inches off the desk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

This little blonde was only a couple of steps behind her fellow snakes in entering the Transfiguration classroom this afternoon, a bright smile on her face. In previous years she hadn't been the greatest in this subject however, this term she really had improved leaps and bounds working and studying harder than ever before. Thank you animagi training studies!

"Hello Professor!" Bry chirped, happily wiggling her fingers in greeting at Professor Carton. Her gaze immediately falling up on the moving creature figures on the man's desk which she HAD to go checkout before doing anything else! There was a hippogriff which got a gentle pat from her and a beaming smile, griffs were a love of hers after all. The deeraffe and kelppa each got a little pet too cause those were so different! But.. the liger... Oh, how her blue eyes zoned in on that one for some reason. It was so... Pretty! "Hello there," she hummed giving it a soft pet on the head, beaming when it sounded like it purred at her, loudly.

"These are lovely, Sir. Will we be creating hybrids today?" Now that would be something interesting to learn! Bry made her way to the empty desk beside Ary, wiggling her fingers at Gilly along the way. Once settled into her own seat, she reached over and gave Ary's fingers a quick squeeze.

Norman nodded politely in reply to Paton’s finger wiggle. “Hello, Miss Paton,” he greeted. He smiled slightly as he observed her petting the liger figure. It purred and nuzzled against her hand, enjoying the attention. His smile grew at her question. “You’ll find out soon enough.” That was all he could say without spoiling the lesson.

Norman glanced at his watch to see that it was almost one o’clock. After allowing another minute or two for stragglers, he peered out the door. Upon seeing no students dawdling in the hall, he closed the door with a flick of his wand.

“Good afternoon, class. Let’s get started, shall we?” He addressed the group. “Today we’re going to begin with a game of “Odd One Out”. One of these four hybrid creatures on my desk is not like the others; your job is to guess which one it is and why. If you haven’t done so already, please come up and observe the creatures. You may touch and pick them up if you wish, as long as they don’t leave my desk.”

He stood to one side to give the students more room to observe the creature figures. “When you’re ready, make your guess. There are no right or wrong answers.”

OOC: Class has officially started! Feel free to join at any time, just pretend your student had been here all along unless you want IC consequences for a late arrival. For this question, Norman is asking which of the four hybrid creatures (liger, hippogriff, deeraffe, and kelppa) is different from the others and why. We’ll move on in ABOUT 24 HOURS..

[FearlessLeader19]

Bry’s idea about them creating hybrids for the lesson wasn't a bad idea at all. It would be interesting if they actually did but of course they needed to wait to find out. Ary had only just done getting out his books and writing material from his bag when Bry joined him and Gilly. He offered her a gentle smile and readily gave her fingers a firm return squeeze.

He looked up to see if that hippogriff was still hovering off the desk but at the same time, his attention was caught by Carton closing the door. It was clearly time to focus on whatever it was they all were about to learn. Oh? One of those was an oddity? Truthfully, Ary hadn’t given any thought at all to one of the hybrids not belonging because all creatures belonged in his opinion. Perhaps this was why he was having such a difficult time figuring out an answer. Excuse him while he remained silent for now.

[MadMadamMalfoy]

Norman’s bluish-green eyes scanned the room in search of hands in the air. To his surprise, he saw none. Was the question really that difficult? He noticed Atreyu-Rehman lost in thought and gave the boy an encouraging nod. Silence was fine with him, as long as the students were paying attention.

After allowing a few more moments in case anyone wanted to volunteer a guess, he spoke again. “No ideas? Not to worry, there could be a case for any of the four creatures to be the odd one out. The liger is the only feline and the only naturally-occurring mundane creature. The hippogriff is the only naturally-occurring magical creature and the only one capable of flight. The deeraffe is the only herbivore. The kelppa is the only water creature. There was no one right answer to the question. It was meant to get you thinking about hybrid creatures, specifically naturally occurring ones vs. ones created with magic.”

He paused a moment to allow the information to sink in before continuing, “Two of these creatures, the liger and hippogriff, occur in nature. The other two, the deeraffe and kelppa, were created with switching spells. Switching spells are a sub-branch of transformation that switch the physical features of two targets. Today we’ll be covering two switching spells; the first of which is Mutatis Mutandi.”

He reached into a box behind his desk and pulled out two animal figures, a rhinoceros and a hippopotamus. “To cast, visualize the transformation you want to make. Move your wand in a quick upward motion, followed by a sideways flick, and say the incantation, Myoo -TAH- tis Myoo - TAN - de.” He pointed his wand at the hippo figure, making the upward motion and flick. “Mutatis Mutandi!” He cast. In an instant, the hippo figure had a rhino’s horns, and the rhino figure had a hippo’s snout.

With a flick of his wand, the spell information and definition of switching spells appeared on the board. “Take a few minutes to practice the wand movement and incantation separately. If you feel confident, you may try casting on your own items. You have ten minutes, starting now!”

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackboard

Switching spells - a sub-branch of transformation that switches the physical features of two targets

Mutatis Mutandi
Pronunciation: Myoo -TAH- tis Myoo - TAN - de
Wand movement: quick upward motion, followed by sideways flick
Use: switching spell

OOC: The mini activity starts here. For this, your student will practice the incantation and wand movement for two variations of switching spells. The first is up now; the other will be posted in ABOUT 24 HOURS. Your student may try casting the spells, but it’s not required for credit. If you have questions, please indicate in the title of your post. You’ll have 48-60 HOURS for this activity.

[FearlessLeader19]

Oh.

Each hybrid had a difference. Ary had been about his thought process all wrong by thinking three had something in common and one had nothing at all. Ah well. Now he knew the differences since Carton had given the class the rundown. But it made sense that today’s focus was the Switching Spells, however, and Ary felt a wave of dread run through him. Just how good was he going to be at these spells?

He wrote the information on the spell in his book then focused on his practise. “Myoo -TAH- tis Myoo - TAN - de. Myoo -TAH- tis Myoo - TAN - de. Mutatis Mutandi. Mutatis Mutandi.” With that bit of incantation practise out of the way, the Slytherin fell silent to focus on the wand work: a quick upward motion then a sideways flick, exactly as Carton had shown everyone. This step was repeated a few times.

[Kolyander]

Now there was only one true reason this fourth year hadn't answered the first question. The answer being incredibly simple too. Bry had turned all of her attention onto the figures on the professors desk once more. There was no way she could look away from them. Really she shouldn't be so surprised or focused on them all... But... So small and cute! Each one was exactly like it's larger self would be only in tiny form!

So when it was said that they could go back up and have a look again.. Bry had. Each hybrid getting the same special treatment it had earlier only this time she had picked each one up in her hand to inspect it much more closely. Returning to her desk to take notes as Professor Carton explained each ones difference. Now that.. made sense but also was unexpected. It had been a trick question, everyone creature is different in its own way. Interesting.

More interesting though was that she was right! Sorta. They would be learning switching spells today. This was something she could have a whole ton of fun with! "Professor," her hand went into the air as a question came to her
"Can this spell be used to switch the characteristics of any two items or are there limitations to what it will work on? Does it only work with two things or can more be used?" The curiosity within her had been peeked.

In order to do any sort of switching of any kind, this spell needed to learned! More notes were scribbled down on her parchment before Bry got to work with reciting the invention. "Myoo -TAH- tis Myoo - TAN - de, Myoo -TAH- tis Myoo - TAN - de." What a mouthful that was! Over and over she repeated it.

Then came the repeated process of a quick upwards motion then a sideways flick of her wand. This took some practice to get right.

[MadMadamMalfoy]

Norman roamed the room as the students practiced, watching their work as he went. He liked what he saw so far. “Excellent pronunciation, Mr. Atreyu-Rehman,” he said, nodding in approval as he passed the boy’s desk.

Elsewhere Paton was doing quite well too. “Well done, Miss Paton. You’re on the right track with your wand movement,” Norman said.


Reversing course, Norman made his way back to the front of the room. “Excellent practice so far! If I could have your attention for just a moment, please?” He paused a moment or two to allow the students time to find a stopping place and refocus.

“Our second switching spell for today is Obiectum Verto. As always, you’ll need to visualize the change clearly before you cast. To cast, say the incantation ‘Oh -BEE - eck -TUM VAIR-to’ and make an incomplete infinity symbol with your wand. It should look like a sideways 8 with an open end, like so…”

Once again he aimed his wand at the rhino and hippo figures. “Obiectum Verto,” he cast, making the incomplete infinity symbol with his wand. An instant later, the figures had swapped ears. The rhino now had tiny hippo ears, and the hippo had bigger rhino ears.

With a flick of his wand, the new spell information appeared on the board underneath the first. “Take a few more minutes to practice the incantation and wand movement for this spell. If you feel confident, you may try casting on your own items.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackboard

Obiectum Verto
Pronunciation: Oh -BEE - eck -TUM VAIR-to
Wand Movement: incomplete infinity symbol
Use: Switching spell

OOC: Sorry for the delay, been under the weather the past couple of days. You’ll have ABOUT 24 HOURS to practice this spell. Thanks for sticking with me!

[FearlessLeader19]

As usual, Ary was keeping tabs on Bry’s practice. No, he wasn’t being a controlling boyfriend or anything of the sort. He only did it because Bry often asked him to help her. And she was doing wonderfully if she asked him, as evidenced by the compliment Carton gave her. Oh yes, him too. “Thank you, Professor. It’s sort of an easy incantation. For me at least.” That wasn’t boasting; more like an observation about himself.

The Slytherin thought the same about incantation number two. Eager to try the incantation, he quickly made his notes then got right to it. “Oh -BEE - eck -TUM VAIR-to, Oh -BEE - eck -TUM VAIR-to. Obiectum Verto. Obiectum Verto.” See? Easy Peasy. So was the wand movement, which was traced out a handful of times.

[MadMadamMalfoy]

For the record, Norman didn't find Atreu-Rehman's response boastful. He was pleased when his students picked up on an aspect of a spell quickly, as he knew transfiguration was a difficult subject for many. The boy got another approving nod as Norman observed the second round of practice. ”Nicely done, Mr. Atreyu-Rehman,” he said.

After a few minutes, Norman checked his watch to see it was time to move on. ”Great work, everyone,” he addressed the class once more. ”You may continue practicing if you need to, but while you're doing that, her are a few differences between the two spells to consider. Mutatis Mutandi is best used on inanimate objects. Obiectum Verto is best for detailed transformations or those involving living organisms.”

”With that in mind, which of the two switching spells do you think would be more useful in creating a hybrid creature like the ones you see up front, and why? Remember there are no wrong answers.”

OOC: Question 2 is up. For this, Norman is asking which of the two switching spells your student thinks if more useful for creating a hybrid creature. As always, catching up is allowed. We'll start the main activity in ABOUT 24 HOURS.

[FearlessLeader19]

Oh, yes. Transfiguration was indeed difficult; it was one of Ary’s and he was resigned to the fact that it always would be. Grinning at the next compliment, he flashed Carton a thumbs up. A professor’s encouragement always went a very long way in terms of motivation. As for further practice? Well, he thought he had that under control. It was why he focused thoughtfully on the next question.

After a couple of minutes, a hand went up and he waited to be called upon. “I think Mutatis Mutandi would be better because technically, the figures we’re working with aren’t living creatures even if they are animated to act like them.”

[MadMadamMalfoy]

Norman’s eyes scanned the room. The first hand he noticed in the air was Atreyu-Rehman’s. He called on the boy, nodding approvingly as he listened to the answer. “Sound reasoning, Mr. Atreyu-Rehman,” he replied with a slight smile. “You’ll have a chance to test that theory in a minute.”


Seeing no more hands up, Norman took that as his cue to move on. “As you may have guessed, you’ll be creating your own hybrid creature like the ones you see up front. Take a few moments to brainstorm your creation. When you have your concept in mind, come up to the front and choose your figures from this box. You may take as many as you like, but at least two are needed.” He picked up a large box from behind his desk and set it to one side for easy access.

“Use Mutatis Mutandi and Obiectum Verto to switch the figures’ features until you’re satisfied with your creation.- Remember to visualize the changes clearly before casting. You may decide which of the two spell works best for you, but I’d like you to try each at least once. The spell information is on the board, and I’ll be coming around in case you need help. You have the rest of class, starting now!”

OOC: Thank you for sticking with me! We’ve reached the main activity. For this, your student will create a hybrid creature figure using Mutatis Mutandi and Obiectum Verto. Group/partner work is allowed, but each person must attempt both of the spells for credit. If you need help, please indicate in the title of your post. Norman and I will check in throughout. You’ll have AT LEAST 72 HOURS for this activity.

[FearlessLeader19]

Ary eyed professor Carton. Why did it sound as though his theory was wrong and he’d find out just how wrong once he got to practising? Oh, well. That was a problem to deal with in a couple of minutes. For now, he tried to decide what hybrid he wanted to create. It would definitely involve a griffin. Hmm… maybe a deer as well? Perhaps he could create a creature with the head and flank of a deer and with the wings and talons of a griffin. A Griffineer perhaps?

Yes, the Slytherin liked the sound of that.

Off he went to grab the two respective creatures from the box. Back at his seat, he quickly got to work since it was already decided what spell he wanted to use first. “Obiectum Verto!” It came as no surprise that the incantation and the incomplete infinity symbol produced nothing - Ary wanted to switch the griffin’s claws with the deer’s hooves. There was a mental sigh from him. It was a long road of work ahead of him.

A lot of work indeed was put in before claws and hooves were switched because Ary was unable to switch all of them at once; one hoof and one claw had to be switched at a time. But in the end, it was done so that definitely counted as progress. With that spell used, he decided to move on to the other. Maybe this time he’d have an easier time. Ary could only hope.

“Mutatis Mutandi!” It turned out, this was not an easy spell either. However, buoyed by his success earlier with his practise and determination, the Slytherin continued his focus on visualising the deer’s head on the griffin and vice versa. Multiple times that incantation was said, multiple times that quick upward motion followed by the sideways flick was done. How many tries did it take him to achieve his goal? Only six. Yep. Six.