SnitchSeeker.com - Transfiguration Lesson 1

SnitchSeeker.com (https://www.snitchseeker.com/forum.php)

- Term 23: September - December 2009 (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-23-september-december-2009/)

- - Transfiguration Lesson 1 (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-23-september-december-2009/transfiguration-lesson-1-a-68340/)

"Well, it's like leaving a memory, like a picture may be perishable, but a statue could last a lot longer," Rafe got a wrinkle in his forehead, he didn't know if his answer would suffice. "I mean maybe someone might turn someone in stone, to keep it as a memory or they could do it as a form of revenge. Either way, it's like leaving an imprint behind for someone else to enjoy or find it disturbing later." He was only a first year and thought his answer wasn't very sophisticated. His answer seemed too simplistic compared to some of the others.

Why would people be worried about stone...why? Why make stone? Lucy had not one idea about this. Uuuuggggh. This was where the hard part began. Why the heck would anyone want to transfigure anything into something else when they could easily get it whenever they wanted to? Go shopping for rocks...Hey!!

"Well, aren't stones and rocks sometimes very...erm...valuable? So...if you turned something into a rock then...you could, um...Eh...you could sell the rock?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655244)

"Is there?" Lars glanced at the board and manually added the word 'wax'.

Eeeeeeh... Miranda reddened. She was sure there was a story about something like that... Gah! she'd have to look into it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655244)

[COLOR=#663333][FONT="Tahoma"]

"From the stories, we learned how things were turned into stone. And oftentimes we heard the reason as well. But in this day and age, why would anybody want to turn something into stone? Aren't there enough rocks around the lake, that you wouldn't want to bother turning you shoe into a stone?"

Miranda raised her hand, "Professor, the reason why anyone would want to turn anyone or anything into stones probably depends on the evilness of the person..." she pondered for a moment, "It could be, like in the Narnia story, that the Witch wanted to be sure that person or animal was out of her way. Any secret the petrifieded had would be lost forever. Though her victims 'decorate' her castle, that can maybe be a way for her to show anyone who'd want to oppose her, what she can do if they dare to fight her." she shrugged. It wasn't easy thinking like a mad person.

Ema raised her hand. "Sir, someone might want to turn something into stone for a weight, if they need something quickly and they aren't by any rocks. They could also turn something to stone to make it more valuble, or turn something into stone to make a house or something...an easy way to make it look impressive, maybe?" Ema wasn't sure where she was going with this. "Wizards could certainly turn wooden objects into stone and sell them to muggles for more than it's worth."

Well, it was possible...right?

"Or they could just turn something into stone to protect them...like, if fire was coming at them they could turn the thing in front of them into stone and protect them a little bit, even if the fire is uncommonly strong. In other words, it could also be used for denfensive purposes."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655244)

"From the stories, we learned how things were turned into stone. And oftentimes we heard the reason as well. But in this day and age, why would anybody want to turn something into stone? Aren't there enough rocks around the lake, that you wouldn't want to bother turning you shoe into a stone?"

LouAnn glanced around from classmate to classmate as answers were given before she could even properly think about the question and an answer of her own. Eventually, her hand shot into the air, and she called out the only thing she could think of that hadn't already been brought into the conversation.

"We could turn an object into stone to stop or slow down its growth or decay. For example, if something were growing too quickly---vines overtaking a building, for example---we could turn them into stone to stop their growth. On the hand, if something were decaying or being wiped away too quickly, we could turn them into stone to prolong their existence," she suggested. Ugh. That answer was mediocre, and she knew it. It had though, as she'd just thought, been the only thing that had come to mind.

Tori raised one eyebrow in interest as she made note of all the questions and answers i her notebook. She wondered exactly how we would be turning things into stone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celandine (Post 8655252)

Cela raised her hand cheerfully.

"Actually sir, I find in a duel, using Duro to turn a shoe into stone is really useful. It slows down your opponent and if you use the toenail growing hex as well it makes it really really really uncomfortable for them. Also if you turn stuff into stone, you can then levitate it and lift it up really high and let it fall down on people."

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanialRadFAN01 (Post 8655254)

Chris thought for a moment and raised his hand, "Well perhaps, Professor, a person had something of extreme value and they couldn't bring it with them when they left their home to do something? Or something to the effect of that. They could turn the object t ostone to protect it from any type of burglers who would mistaken the valueable for a stone." he suggested.

"That's not a bad idea," the professor admitted with a shrug. "But I would suggest anyone thinking of trying that learn the counterspell first."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hermione_loves_Ron (Post 8655261)

Issy raised her hand and instantly blushed. What if the Professor didn't call upon her because she was such a babbler? Nevertheless...

"Maybe, like the su--er... like Celandine said, you could use it in a duel. Stone is heavy, after all. Or, you could use it to turn your treasured items into stone so that no one would know its value or think it just a rock and let it be. Maybe in a fight, one partner would turn someone's favourite item into stone, just for spite? As we saw in many of the stories, emotions often played a bit of a role in turning something or someone into stone."

She stopped herself here.

There was no reason for her babble and carry on.

"That's a very good point you bring up about emotions. I wouldn't be at all surprised if as much as seventy percent of people who use the spell we're learning today do so either in self-defense or because of a powerful emotion of some sort."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin (Post 8655262)

Copernicus raised his hand. "I would think anytime you want an object to become nearly impermeable or heavier, turning it to stone would be a good technique. If I wanted to be sure something would remain undamaged for a period of time, maybe I could turn it to stone until I needed it again."

"Those are both two very good points. Stone is denser than most things, so turning something to stone would make it heavier and harder to break through. And stone stands up to wear-and-tear better than something like...cotton. Or licorice wands."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Lissy Lou (Post 8655263)

Jack tapped his chin in thought before raising his hand. "If someone was chasing you and there was something big nearby, you could turn the big object into a stone to block their path so they couldn't get you," he said.

That was probably not the most practical use but it was still a use, right?

"Great point! But how would you get the big object into their path, if they're chasing you?" he countered rhetorically.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs.Weasley

Abby raises her hand. "Professor, muggle artist throughout the ages have carved statues out of stones. They generally used humans and animals as models. By turning objects into stone, we could also make works of art."

"Very true. Personally, I would rather have a stone that looks like a tree than an actual tree." A pause, then the professor added, "Because then I wouldn't have to worry about keeping it healthy."

Quote:

Originally Posted by dingDong

Cam raaaaised his hand up high again, this time trying to make sure the wand would still be placed on top of his head. Statue. Flamingo. Jahhh. "Weeee could turn garbage into a huge block of stone, right??? SOOO like liiiike it helps stop pollution and all." GO GREEN PEOPLE. GO GREEEEEENN!!111

"That is a great idea and I think you should suggest it to whoever cleans Diagon Alley as a way to combat stinky trash in the gutters," Svensson said quite seriously.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe

Raising his hand, he offered "Maybe if you need to make something big out of stone, but it would be easier to make it out of something else and then turn it to stone?"

"That's a great idea! It goes along with the previous idea of artwork, but with a different spin on it." Svensson gave the boy a smile before turning to the next student.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unicornkeeper07

"Well, it's like leaving a memory, like a picture may be perishable, but a statue could last a lot longer," Rafe got a wrinkle in his forehead, he didn't know if his answer would suffice. "I mean maybe someone might turn someone in stone, to keep it as a memory or they could do it as a form of revenge." He was only a first year and thought his answer wasn't very sophisticated. His answer seemed too simplistic compared to some of the others.

"So you're suggesting a more indefinite form of preservation by turning something to stone? Splendid idea," Svensson mused. "Maybe I can turn some of my owl's feathers into stone and keep them where I'll see them, so I'll remember to clean out her cage sometimes."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saawariya

"Well, aren't stones and rocks sometimes very...erm...valuable? So...if you turned something into a rock then...you could, um...Eh...you could sell the rock?"

"That would work well, except Duro turns things into everyday stone, which is not all that valuable. Good thinking,though!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luna_Laufghudd

Miranda raised her hand, "Professor, the reason why anyone would want to turn anyone or anything into stones probably depends on the evilness of the person..." she pondered for a moment, "It could be, like in the Narnia story, that the Witch wanted to be sure that person or animal was out of her way. Any secret the petrifieded had would be lost forever. Though her victims 'decorate' her castle, that can maybe be a way for her to show anyone who'd want to oppose her, what she can do if they dare to fight her." she shrugged. It wasn't easy thinking like a mad person.

"Ah, at last. An evil person who doesn't need a justified reason to turn something into stone. She just turns people into stone if she doesn't like them."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snitchchaser

"Or they could just turn something into stone to protect them...like, if fire was coming at them they could turn the thing in front of them into stone and protect them a little bit, even if the fire is uncommonly strong. In other words, it could also be used for denfensive purposes."

"Very original. Or even if you were in a burning wooden building, you could turn as much of the wood as possible into stone to have a better chance of survival." Svensson took note of this. He did not want to be trapped in a burning building and forget to turn the wood to stone. "Don't turn a burning boat into stone, though. That would not help one bit."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Banana

"We could turn an object into stone to stop or slow down its growth or decay. For example, if something were growing too quickly---vines overtaking a building, for example---we could turn them into stone to stop their growth. On the hand, if something were decaying or being wiped away too quickly, we could turn them into stone to prolong their existence," she suggested. Ugh. That answer was mediocre, and she knew it. It had though, as she'd just thought, been the only thing that had come to mind.

"An extension of a clever idea. Stone to preserve and stone to kill plants," Svensson said slowly. "A bit of a paradox, don't you think?

"Many of you gave examples of uses of the spell 'duro' in combat." Svensson began to pace the front of the room, slowly tapping his wand in his palm. "Do you think it is generally more of an offensive spell or a defensive spell? Why?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdreams (Post 8655258)

Anna looked at the teacher and said, "What if the one changing the things or people into stone was immortal. They would have all their friends and loved ones . . . leave one by one while they lived on. An immortal can never get close to anyone because it would hurt more when those friends keep going away. They could've turned the people into stone so that they would always be there. Statues can't leave on you, they stay for all eternity. It may be a sad situation for the immortal, but any friend, even a statue can be better than living your life in eternal loneliness because everyone is leaving you behind." She looked down again at her turtle. "And things could also be important to you. Like a love letter from your first crush. You would want to keep that forever. Or maybe a . . . note that your dad left you before he was gone." She looked at Akihiko. "Or a picture of your family before your mom left. Wouldn't anyone want to perserve the happy times of your life?"

Akihiko looked at Anna and then turned away. "Trying to protect happy times is a symbol of weakness. Those who dwell in the past will never move forward. It is useless to remember the times you wish to go to but can't. Those times will never come back." He saw Anna's face droop down. He went a bit too far but it had to be done.

Offensive or defensive? Oy vey. Issy had a flash back to the last History of Magic lesson, with everyone debating things that were not set in stone. Heh, no pun intended. Scrunching her nose, she debated this. Hmmm.

Then she raised her hand.

"I imagine, in duels, the use of the spell depends. Perhaps it can be both offensive and defensive? In defense one could use the spell to prevent someone from attacking you. Or... maybe, if you have the agility, even turn the spells effects to stone? Though... I'm not sure about that." Bristling on, she continued. "However, offensively, you could use the spell to turn things into stone, as suggested, as use that to hinder someone. In a way, though, it almost seems entirely defensive... because in one way or another you're defending yourself, but regardless, I digress. Thus, I believe it plausible as both? Directly it would be defensive, but in using it to turn something else to stone and to use that against someone..."

Babble babble babble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655323)

"Well, I guess I was wrong about the shoe," Svensson said evenly. "But why turn something into stone to drop on someone, if there are already stones in the world? Why couldn't you just summon a stone, or conjure one?"

"Many of you gave examples of uses of the spell 'duro' in combat." Svensson began to pace the front of the room, slowly tapping his wand in his palm. "Do you think it is generally more of an offensive spell or a defensive spell? Why?"

Cela raised her hand again. "Because sir, you can use Duro on things that your opponent conjures, and then you can use a blasting spell and they'll get hit with the shrapnel." Celandine explained all of this quite cheerfully.

"And all defensive spells are offensive and vice versa if you use them right. I'd say if you were going to classify the use of Duro in a duel, it would be a counter spell. It is not useful solely as a defensive spell because like, if you made a shield out of it, like I said before, a blasting spell like confringo or deprimo or even reducto if you are any good at it -- and I totally am-- can make it all shrapnel-y and then you'll get hurt and your opponent gets the advantage."

In response to the professor's question on the "duro" spell Damon raised his hand and said "professor i believe in my opinion that the duro spell is a defensive spell. I believe that be the case because simply turning an object into stone in times of battle or times of emergency for example is a way to defend yourself from being pursued by enemies. Mostly it will stop harm from being done." Damon was almost sure that would be would he thought to be a defensive spell.

"Does that spell actually turn a object into stone?" Rafe asked. He knew it made an object hard he didn't know about turning it into stone. "And I would say it's defensive, as I recall from Rita Skeeter's Memoir of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger used it as a defensive spell against Death Eaters at the Battle of Hogwarts. So, I think defensive would be best!" Rafe loved historym especially during the Harry Potter age. It wasn't his own history of his native country, but still a fascinating read.

Skye raised her hand slowly, thinking over the question. This was a bit tricky."I suppose it's more of a defensive spell," she said, finally deciding on an answer. "You can generally tell when something's stone, but stone is hard to penetrate and everything."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655244)

He could tell that others wanted to share their stories, but his point had been made. "Moving on!" Svensson exclaimed, slightly overwhelmed by the enthusiasm radiating from some students. "As you can see, things turning into stone is a concept that fascinates storytellers. I hope it fascinates you because today... we will be turning things into stone."

Arrick appeared to pale considerably. First, petrifying people. Now, they were going to really petrify things?

Quote:

"Maybe you want it to be around forever," Arrick muttered, suddenly remembering his primary schooling. The last thing he'd learned was that Egyptians made everything out of stone because they wanted it to last forever, and as long as they had statues they'd live just as long. It was all balmy, but they didn't call it ancient history for nothing.

Quote:

"Many of you gave examples of uses of the spell 'duro' in combat." Svensson began to pace the front of the room, slowly tapping his wand in his palm. "Do you think it is generally more of an offensive spell or a defensive spell? Why?"

"You could turn whatever's on you to stone and break off chunks and lob them back," Arrick muttered, though it wasn't clear if he meant it as an answer to the question.

Satine thought about the question and weighed the difference between an offensive and a defensive spell...she slowly raised her hand, "Professor, I think it's a defensive spell because you're trying to prevent the other wizard/being from hurting you....kind of like in Quidditch...when you are playing defense you are trying to keep the other team from scoring...."

Anna thought for a bit, "Is there even a line for that? I mean, by attacking your opponent you also defend yourself. And by defending yourself, you provide an offense by avoiding their attacks and tiring them out. Right?"

Ema raised her hand again. "I would say definitely defensive, Professor. If you cast the spell on something and turn it into stone, it could positively absolutely help you whilst dueling. Spells bounce off of stone, don't they? Yes, I would say defensive." Ema was happy with her answer. "Well that is unless you cast it on the person...then it may be offensive."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hermione_loves_Ron (Post 8655331)

"One vote that it can be both." Clearing the previous notes from the board, Svensson began to take a tally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celandine (Post 8655332)

"I give in. Using Duro on your opponents' conjured stuff is cleverer than throwing stones at them," Professor Svensson admitted, hanging his head briefly in mock defeat. "I'm going to take that as a vote towards Duro as both, as well."

Quote:

Originally Posted by logger31 (Post 8655336)

"Good! And sound reasoning behind your argument is always a plus." Lars marked a new column of tallies for votes toward defensive spell.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unicornkeeper07 (Post 8655343)

"Yes, it does," Svensson said. "Though if your spell isn't strong enough, you may end up merely hardening an object instead." He marked another vote for defensive on the board.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravenclawrox*_* (Post 8655346)

"Alrighty, then. Another vote for defensive."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lezleighd (Post 8655358)

"I'll take your word for that comparison to Quidditch," the professor mumbled as he gave the defensive column another tally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdreams (Post 8655360)

"Excellent point! I take it you would say it is both defensive and offensive, then." He added a tally to the both column and looked around again.

Quote:

Ema raised her hand again. "I would say definitely defensive, Professor. If you cast the spell on something and turn it into stone, it could positively absolutely help you whilst dueling. Spells bounce off of stone, don't they? Yes, I would say defensive." Ema was happy with her answer. "Well that is unless you cast it on the person...then it may be offensive."

"Are you trying to say that it's usually defensive, with the exception of times when the spell is cast on a person? Or that it is both defensive and offensive?" Svensson scratched his head. "Or are you suggesting something different altogether?

Quote:

Originally Posted by board

Offensive Defensive Both
________ | | | | ___ | | | ?

Lars Svensson stepped away from the board. "Are there any questions about what we've covered so far? If not, we'll be moving on to the practical part of the lesson soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655323)

"Sir," Miranda raised her hand, "It could be both though I think it's a more offensive spell. If one has the need for a weapon one could the most harmless item, like turn apples into stone, and then levitate them to whatever you want to attack." she paused.

"For a defending way I see it more of a burden. You cant really make a shield out of something to carry around as it will be to heavy." Miranda shrugged, maybe she was wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655411)

Lars Svensson stepped away from the board. "Are there any questions about what we've covered so far? If not, we'll be moving on to the practical part of the lesson soon.

Practical? PRACTICAL?! Tibi froze. They'd been talking about people turning to stone and the man just said PRACTICAL.

The beads of sweat began to form on Tibi's brow as he thought about the last practical portion of a lesson. You know, the one where his shoes were melted.

Thrusting his hand into the air, panicked, he asked rather hurriedly, "we're not practicing on EACH OTHER, are we?"

"I believe the duro spell can be used both offensively and defensively. As an example let's say I'm dueling with Celadine. We meet at the center of the dueling platform, bow to each other, and assume the proper dueling position. Before Celadine can deliver a spell, I use the duro spell to turn her wand into stone. In that instance I have used the spell offensively.

In another situation, I find myself being out dueled by Celadine's superior skill. The only way I can survive this duel is to stop her from bombarding me with offensive spells. I knock off one of my shoes, turn it to stone, levitate it, and drop it on Celadine's head knocking her out. In this instance I've used the duro spell as a defensive move. The spell should work well either way depending on how and when you use it."

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe (Post 8655423)

Svensson stared at the boy. "Of course not," he replied, just as hurriedly. "We will not be turning any sentient beings into stones in this class. Don't worry." Worrying was the professor's duty, not the students'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655429)

Arrick looked dubious at this. "What if someone gets hit?" He blurted.

"Is there a counterspell to reverse turning something into stone?" Rafe asked. "Or does the spell wear off over time?" Rafe would hate to cast a spell and not really mean it and actually cause some damage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles (Post 8655429)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ratel (Post 8655433)

Arrick looked dubious at this. "What if someone gets hit?" He blurted.

Tibi visibly relaxed when Professor Svensson assured him that they wouldn't be practicing on each other, letting out an audible sigh. He hadn't even noticed he was holding his breath!

But then... that one Hufflepuff boy from his other classes raised the possibility of bad aim.

Oh dear. Tibi chewed on his lip and waited for someone to say something that would make him feel better.