CoMC / MS Joint Lesson 3
 

Standing along the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Professor Lawson was feeling both anxious and excited for her last lesson of the term. After her last class, she was understandably weary about bringing her students back into the woods. Thankfully, Marcus would be joining them soon.

Smiling broadly at the glorious weather the day had to offer, Iliana leaned against a tree and waited for the students to arrive.


OOC: If you have not already done so, please read over the CoMC Rules now before posting in this lesson. Failure to do so will result in deletion of your post.

ooh! I can play in a lesson for a little! xD
 

Josh was not running this time as he usually did while aiming to join a class since he had always been the last moment arriver. Because, obviously, he was not late this time having been already spending time in the grounds. Once he arrived the place to the edge of the Forbidden Forest where he always wished to discover, he looked at the professor before casually settling down on the grass.

''Hi, Professor...'' female ''...Lawson''

Too high up.

HE WAS TOO HIGH UP!

This was getting weirder. He hadn't been 5 foot tall a couple of days ago. ZOMG. What if it didn't STOP?!

Clumsy and obviously not pleased with this new height, Jake went up and stood next to Professor Lawson, his eyes flickering momentarily to Josh.

He'd be fine, right?

Right. Another CoMC lesson... plus, apprently the other Professor Lawson would be there aswell. Miranda had a clue why that was, probably to keep them safe should they find a new thing in the forest. Or something actually came a-creepin' from there? Naaaah, probably not. Why would it. But she was determined to go as Mr. Lawson to teach her some practical spells and whatnot, after class.

"Good day Mrs Lawson, how are you today?" She smiled softly at the Professor and went to find a spot in their little area.

Marie was in no great hurry to get to class after what happened last time in the class. She really did not want to end up in the Headmasters office again, she had already been there enough this term.
As she approached the area near the forest where class was being held she noticed only a few students there and none of them were Destiny or Evelyn.

"Hello Professor Mrs. Lawson," she said once she was finally close enough to the class to be heard. Not really in the mood to talk to anyone she sat down away from the other students to watch for any sign of Destiny or Evelyn coming to class.

"Good afternoon," the professor greeted each student in return. "Please keep your wands out; it will be considerably darker once we venture into the forest."

What?! They were going into the forest? Like where bad things seem to happen!

Marie took her wand out and just sat there hoping the professor would change her mind about what they were going to do. Where were her friends when she needed them. If she was going into the forest she wanted them with her. She looked around again for any sign of Evan, Carter, Destiny and Evelyn but still did not see any of them.

O_O

Oh no.

"P-p-professor," Jake began as soon as the woman was finished. "I hhhaven't g-g-got my wwwwand. I llllost... it..."

Oyye. Embarrassing.

"Nnnot that it wwwould have muhh-made much dddifference I ssssuppose."

Nicoletta walked down to the forest, twirling her wand in her hand. "Hello Professor!" she greeted. She smiled warmly and stood next to a Hufflepuff boy around two years older than her. "Hi."

Say WHAT?

They were going inside the forest!?
Miranda's eyes grew wide at this. At first, she was slightly shocked, but a smile spread her lips for the excitement she felt now. It was going to be an adventure!

She grabbed her wand from her thigh holster and kept a firm hold of it, turning her gaze from the forest to the Professor.

Wonder what animals are in there...

Reese hurried down to where Professor Morgan Lawson was standing at, hoping that she wasn't late. But by the looks of it, she wasn't. Thank goodness. "Good day, Professor," she greeted the woman before pulling her wand out of her pocket.

Destiny took her time getting to class. It would be understandable..right?

Right.

She didn't realize how close to the forest they were going to be, and when she reached the Professor, she heard what she said..venture into the forest!?

Whaaaaaaaaaat? Professor MorganLawson was craaaazy! The only way Destiny was going in there would be if she was dragged or if someone held her hand. Pulling out her wand, she gave the Professor a smile and a wave before taking a seat next to Marie. 'Any snakes around? You know..besides us.'

Yeah, she meant the real slithery ones.

Finally, one of Marie's friends made it to class. "Hey Destiny, no I haven't seen any so far." She glanced around the ground quickly to make sure there were no snakes anywhere near them. Nope, none. "Where's Evelyn, is she coming to class today?" If she was going into that forest she wanted all her friends with her. She didn't want to be in there alone. Even if there were going to be professors with them.

Evelyn, having trudged her way down to the class, stood silent in the back and took out her wand, looking as if it had just been newly polished. Well of course it was. There were fingerprints on it that she had to get rid of.

Taking a deep breathe, she glanced at the forest before rolling her eyes at Destiny. "Just think of it this way." she mumbled, taking a few steps towards the Slytherin. "There are probably more spiders in there than there are snakes."

And that was a big problem. There were spiders in there...

And everyone knows that spiders are made of evil.

Yay another lesson. Another chance to see Hot Lawson! He bounded into the class. "Hey Professor Lawson. How things going?" Oh yeah he was excited.

Gooood. No snakes around. Gah they were scary. Slithering about the ground, acting like they own the place. Sorry snake, if Destiny didn't see you on the ground and might have accidentally stepped on you. There was no reason to get all hissy with her. Pfffft. 'Well, if I see any, I'm leaving.' Or she would climb a tree, because snakes can't climb..right?

Evelyn. Where was she at? 'I dunno where Evelyn is.' That was until she scared the bajeeeeeebies out of her..

Jumping slightly, Destiny turned to face her as she crept out of the shadows. Like a shadow person.

..and she mentioned spiders! 'Spiders are way better than snakes.' Everyone knew that. And maybe Destiny might be able to capture one, unless that Jake decided to STEAL it from her like last time. That was not going to happen today, no sir.

Are there turtles in the forest? Destiny wanted one of them too..

Kay walked up to the where the class was going to be. She saw the Professor and walked over. "Good afternoon Professor, How are you doing?" Kay said smiling. She loved this class and Muggle Studies. Both her favorite Professor would be here. "Professor did you say that we would be going into the forest?" She asked hold on to her wand tightly.

Wooooooooohooooooooo!

They were actually going in the forest which was GREAT, COOL, TERRIFIC...and whatever. For quite a long time he had been looking for a good excuse to step in there and here there was the biggest excuse : A CoMC Class!

Smiling widely he took his wand out as if it was a sword and gazed around happily and excitedly. He could not wait for this class to begin. ''This is great!'' he said loudly to no one in particular.

Yeah, Evelyn was in class too. Now all she needed was Evan and Carter then she would be ready to tackle that wicked, scary dark forest.

Marie looked at both of the girls as Evelyn mentioned spiders. After her last attack by a spider she really hoped she didn't see any today. Spiders were not good...Snakes were good because they ate spiders, yes they did.

Chris waved happily at Professor Lawson as he moved up to the front of the class for a better view. "We are going in the forest today, Professor?" he asked curiously as she had just mentioned something about it. "How exciting!" the Prefect nodded, he had always loved to venture in there for calsses.

So exactly why were they out here in the Forbidden Forest? Nikki wasn't the type to scare easily, but something about this place really made her edgy. She felt like a little kid again, like when she had been afraid of the dark. But Nikki walked over to where Professor Lawson and the other students were. "Hello Professor." She said in a cheery voice, hoping it would disguise how nervous she was.

Iliana smiled at Jake and said, "You'll need to get it replaced soon, Jake. But for now, just stay close to me."
Rubbing her HUGE tummy (it was nearly time now. Iliana would be a Mommy very soon), the professor smiled proudly and said, "Thanks Brody. We're very blessed."
"Yes Kay, we are. The creature we're studying today lives in the Forbidden Forest."

...

"Class, while we wait for the last of the students to arrive, can anyone tell me what creatures you know of that make the forest their home? Just one answer per student please."

Nicoletta raised her hand, "Thestrals?" it sounded about right.

"Unicorns," Dylan said, raising his hand.

Destiny knew this answer!

Mostly because Evelyn had just mentioned it like a minute ago. 'Spiders! Really big ones too!'

Merlin, if she got to keep one of those big ole' spiders, she would surely need a bigger container..

Oh yes Unicorn, Thestrals and there was another horse like thing. Was not there?

He this time kindly raised his hand and spoke out ''What about Centaurs, Professor?''

Oh, so they really were going into the forest? Wow, she thought the professor was joking. "Bowtruckles, Professor, could make the forest their home. Depending on the trees of course."

Eh, well it was the first thing that came to mind. After that, a list of other creatures just swarmed through her thoughts making her roll her eyes at herself. There were waaaay better answers than a bowtruckle. Pfft.

Chris raised his hand, "Professor don't owls live in the forest too?" he asked. The other students had picked alot of the cooler creatures, but could a unicorn deliver your mail??

"Okie dddokie," Jake smiled back, edging slightly closer.

Okay, NOW he felt epically safe.

At the question, Jake scrunched up his nose. His first choices of answers were taken, of course... meh... maybe it was something related to the muggle creatures?

Doubtful, but worth a try.

"Bbbbirds."

Indeed. There were animals that ate the birds, which was how he knew. Plus they made noises which were quite scary in the dark if you were already afraid of... well... the dark.

Errr... "Ma'm," Miranda raised her hand, "How about snakes?" Cus...they might live in there... among the other...creatures.


:blink:

Taking her wand out of her pocket, Lori sidled up near Miranda and looked over at Professor MrsLawson. They were going IN the forest. Oh heck. Where was Adam when you needed him, or Goldie, or Annie. Right. If she got scared, Miranda was there, and her hand was totally avaliable to being gripped. Lori knew that much. Heh.

"Bears! They live in forests right?"

Twirling her wand in her hand she scutted closer to Ivory as she stared into the forrest, pondering what they were gonna learn today. Raising her hand she looked back to Lady Lawson."Racoons live in the forrest." Hmm, going into the forrest, well it had to be safe it they were going with a professor.

Marie sat there listening to all the answers everyone was shouting out when she heard Destiny's answer.

SPIDERS!!!!!!

If there were spiders in there, and she knew there was, then there better be snakes in there too.

She was just about to yell out snakes but someone else beat her to it so instead she said, "Professor, what about the clabbert? It is a tree dwelling creature so would it live in the forest?"

Though it was considerably warmer than it had been a month ago, the Hufflepuff held her robes close, and her wand even closer. She was standing close to Miranda. Not to be protected, but to protect.

The Killer/Kidnapper lived in the forest.

But Wesley didn't think she was supposed to voice that theory aloud.

So instead, biting her lip, the third year ran through animals in her head. Most of the ones she would've guessed had been taken, and while she was happy because that meant she was on the right track, Wesley wished she could've been quicker and answered sooner.

At last, having finally thought of something no one had mentioned, she raised her hand and asked in a high, uncertain voice, "Bugs, Professor? Like, ticks?"

Ticks lived in trees.

With this in mind, Wesley pulled her hood over her head.

Forests. Well, there's lots of things in forests... Raising her hand, Becca added to the list "Frogs and snakes live in forests too." Camping with her four older brothers taught her that. Gooooooood times alright. Oopsie! Some one already said snakes. Oh well, there were a lot of them, so they were worth twice the mention.

Okay so what lived in the forest? "Bowtruckles live in the forest." Nikki said. Yeah that was the only animal she could think of that hadn't been mentioned yet. Everyone else was just way to quick! :P

Wand still held tightly in her hand, Miranda had a small smile on her lips as the others talked. Then she heard Wesley speak up, which made her look beside her to see her standing quite close. The Captain put an arm around the girl's shoulder, but as soon as she registered what Wesley had said - and saw her raise her hoodie up - Miranda cocked an eyebrow and soon put her own hood for protection against falling ticks and bugs.

Shudder.

Miranda gave Wesley a wink before looking back at the professor. She would make sure nothing happened to the little girl. Afterall, a hero should be protected.

Professor Lawson (you know, the male one) made his way down to where his wife and the students stood. He gave her a quick wink but remained at the back leaning up against a tree and didn't utter a word.

This was her part of the lesson and he would stand by and listen and make sure no one misbehaved. He looked at Evelyn and Destiny as he thought this and smirked to himself.

Who would have thought you could combine magical creatures with a muggle studies class?

Seriously? They were going into the forest.As in ... INTO IT?!

Oh no, this was not good at alllll.The preggers hormones must be messing with Professor Mrs Lawson's brain.'Cos this was the worst idea she had EVER heard.

So distracted was she, checking both her wand and the forest every few seconds, that Sarah didn't even hear the question when it was asked.It was only the fact that the other students started talking and giving answers that alerted her to it. "Squirrels maybe?" she offered by way of her own answer, still with eyes fixed firmly on the trees.Thinking happy thoughts, of nice, fluffy, non-scary squirrels.

Creatures in the forrest, this will be easy. Jacklyn thought. She raised her hand and said, "Proffessor don't ceanturs, unicorns, threstals, bowtruckles and many other animals live in the forest." Jacklyn Caroline asked interested.

Marie looked up just as Carter waved at her. She waved back at him as he went to sit with Mina. Maybe once they went into the forest him and Mina would stay close to her along with Destiny and Evelyn. Now all she needed was Evan and she would feel much better. Then again, if Evan wasn't in class she wouldn't have to worry about anything happening to him in the forest.

They were going into the forbidden forest? Jack had said her badge was found near there as well as a few other things, so even thinking about going near there was asking for trouble!

Reese turned her attention towards the forest, thinking of anything she could say right now that would get her out of having to go in there. She could pitch a fit, but that would be sooooo un-Prefectlike, so she knew that was out of the question. And pretty much anything that would get her out of participating in class was out of the question since she a Prefect and needed to be here.

Sighing, she looked back towards the students around her who were answering the question of what kind of creatures lived in the forest. Seeing as most of the creatures had been mentioned, Reese just kept quiet.

Miranda looked about and soon heard Sarah's voice, making her look behind her. She noticed Mr. Lawson standing by a tree and was reminded again of how she wanted to ask him something.

But her attention was brought back to the Prefect and the way she looked. That was probably not a happy girl. Miranda couldn't blame her, really, after all of the things they found out here and they were going inside?

Walking closer to Sarah, making sure Wesley came along, she took the Prefect's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

But again, her eyes fell on the Professor. She bit down on her lower lip, frowning, debating wether or not to just ask him now. But, she didn't want to disturb the class and annoy Mrs. Lawson. Right. After the class, she would go up to his office. Right. So, Miranda gave him an odd smile and turned back to the forest and whatever might be living in there. Hoping it wouldn't EAT THEM.

Heh.

Cooooooooooool!

They were going into the forest Oliver had become so curious about. The fact that it had Forbidden in it's title was like reverse psychology to the boy. It was like having a 'Do Not Press' sign next to a massive red button. Of course it was going to get pressed!

Wand in hand, he wandered closer to Miranda and her band of Rodent friends and smiled at them before he turned his attention to the professor. He raised his free hand to answer her question. “Don't those massive creepy spiders live in there, professor? Erm.. Acromantula?”

Iliana nodded at each student's answer and gave them a smile. "Wonderful answers, all of you," she said. "There are all types of wildlife living in the Forbidden Forest. As it has been said, 'the forest hides many secrets'. Today we will uncover the secrets of the Thestrals."

"I realize that some of you are a bit apprehensive about going INTO the forest, but Professor Lawson and I are here to make sure that nothing happens to you." She looked over towards Marcus and gave him a loving smile. "Now if you'll stay together and follow me..." she instructed, holding up her wand. "Lumos," she said, turning towards the tree line and walking into the forest.

"Now some of you won't be able to see the Thestrals. Anyone care to guess why that is?"

OOC: Creative answers are always good for laughs. Let's have some of those please. ;)

"Lumos"

There was no way Marie was going into that forest without some sort of light, even if it was just a small amount from her wand. Looking back she made sure Destiny and Evelyn were right there with her. Now where were Carter and Mina?

She raised her hand, "Professor, only those that have seen death will be able to see the Thestrals." Marie had never seen death before, except when she dreamt about a certain nosy brat being dead. "Does it count if the death you have seen is in a dream?" Because if it did then Marie would definately be able to see them. "Oh, or what about if it was the death of something like say...... a spider? Would that count?" Yes, she had seen the death of a spider before....right after she stepped on it.

They weren't going to find spiders!?

Aww. Now Destiny had an empty container sitting in her dorm and there will be no itty bitty spider in it. Unless she just so happens to find one crawling about..she'll have to keep her eyes open.

Professor Lawsons better protect Destiny. Or she will jump right in the arms of Professor man Lawson, and that would mean actually touching him..ewwww! Standing up, Destiny followed into the forest, maaaaybe walking a little too close to the Professors.

So what..she was scared.

'Some people can't see them because they can't afford special Thestral goggles.' Destiny had heard all about them goggles. They let you see the Threstals, but not the Threstal poo.

Go figure.

"One can only see thestrals if one has seen death. Literally. Like it happened RIGHT in front of you." she said, suddenly realizing how close to the professor she really was walking. Huh, when did that happen? Had she somehow drifted over towards the Professor in the hopes of maybe feeling secure and safe in the depths of this dark forest?

Pffft...Nah!

Evelyn was probably just walking fast and somehow managed to catch up. "I mean...it probably has to be so in front of you, that you could probably feel whatever agony they are in. Almost...almost as close as we're standing right now." she whispered last, gesturing slightly to the minimal space there was between them.

Okay maybe that was too close. And of course, she was pretty much kidding. You didn't have to be close to death to really see a thestral. You just had to see death in Action! BOOM!

Miranda wanted to go inside the forest, like, now. She saw Oliver walk over to them and she gave the boy a smile before turning back to the Professor. Well, this time, she had her own robes one. Heh.

Uh...oh! We are MOVING!
As the Professor lit her wand, Miranda had to release the girl from her 'clutches' and get her own wand lit. "Lumos." But she kept close to Wesley and Sarah and Oliver. Because, y'know... no, you don't know what could hop out from behind a shadowy tree, that was the point. Like a squirrel... or something. o.O

Thestrals!? Ugh. Well, Miranda hadn't actually seen death, so her chances of seeing the creatures was going to be infinitesimall. And she dearly hoped no one here would be able to. Miranda glanced at her friends, wondering if they might actually be seeing them.

"Ma'm," she raised her wand up, casting light around her, "Is it because..." Er, better not to mention the 'D' word infront of Wesley? "...uh, because the Wrackspurts have been at it again, making your brain all fuzzy?" HOW was a brain infesting creature better than...'the deep sleep'?

Heh, who knows.

Sighing Kay started to walk with the Professors ahead of her. She really didn't want to go into the forest but, how could she not. If that was where the class was going to be. Thestrals would be cool and she wondered if she would be able to see them. She new all about death and losing someone. well two someones. "Professors, Thestrals can only be seen by people who have seen death or felt the sadness or loss of death." Kay said holding her wand tighter as she called out. "Lumos." the light that come from her wand made her feel a little better, but she wished Rex was here with her. She was scared and she really didn't like be a lone.

Releasing his wand from its holster, Marcus held it up and said a very soft "Lumos" as he followed behind the students. He snorted softly at some of the students answers but didn't say anything else.

Although he was quite tempted the scare the living daylights out of Evelyn and sneak up behind her pretending he was a thestral but he refrained from doing so. She would probably scream and scare them all off.

And well he needed them for his part of the class.

Twirling her wand Arya walked on the outskirts of the group between the two Lawson's. Having both of them there had taken away most of her fear of walking in the forest. She didn't light the tip of her wand, finding it much more enjoyable to walk in the dark.

Won't be able to see them? Arya could think of no reason why they wouldn't be able to see the creatures and was begining to wonder why they were in the forest looking for a creature they couldn't see. As she listened to the anwsers other students were giving she looked around the forest with curious eyes.

Shivering slightly, Aaron slid inconspicuously closer to his captain as he inched toward the forest with the rest of them, listening to the Professor speak on how they would be uncovering the secrets of Thestrals. Why wouldn't some of them be able to see Thestrals? Forget about DEATH like some of the other kids talked about... HA! Yea right.

Aaron raised his hand up, "Some of us won't be able to see Threstals because you're gonna BLINDFOLD us." Duh. Professors were tricky like that.


ooc: Yes. I spelled thestrals wrong. Yes, it was on purpose, :whistle: *points to character* He's 11; he don't know the difference ;D

"You can only see them if you have seen death." Her hand was in the air and her tones, extremely quiet. The Thestral, it was a beautiful creature - gorgeous in its own way, no doubt about that.

But death?

To say the least, it was a topic that she did not discuss often. Its mysteries were many -- and none of them could fill, could ever fill, the gap that it had created in her life, more than once.

Silently, she lowered her hand.

Jake raised his hand, a frown on his face.

"Yyyyou t-t-told mmme th-that it dddoesn't matter if you ffforget the dddeath you saw either," he said, choosing to elaborate on other answers instead of repeating it. "Yuhh-you ssstill see it even if yyyou ggget the mmmemory taken."

The boy sighed.

"Kkkkind of sssuckish, rrrreally."

''Aha! Because i am coming there and they are sooo scared. Little bittle fainthearted ponnies'' Josh murmured and laughted afterwards as he walked deeper in the forest along with the class, cheerfully waving his wand to enjoy himself with the sight of little light waving in semi darkness.

He grinned again and stopped waving the wand when Jake spoke or tried to spoke. Why was this guy not trying to speak human speech instead of Hello Kitty? Whatever, now he had more important concerns than the stuttering Hufflepuff like that certain Slytherin friend and maybe her friend to share his chocolate. He could not see them but he was going to make them see him.

So, he raised his hand and spoke addressing to the Female Lawson. ''Professor! Professor! I have a problem here. You said 'some of you won't be able to see the Thestrals', right? And some means not the majority as i understood it. Then most of the people here talking about seeing death to be able to see those ponnies which means, if some won't see them and the majority will, the majority of people here have seen a death? Hmm?'' he actually had no idea why would one see them or not but he thought this would be worth pointing out. ''How could most of people here be all experiencers of death? So, i think there must be another way.''

“Lumos.” Oliver muttered and shone his wand at the trees, trying to peer into the forest. He wondered if Mr Masterson ventured in there regularly and knew all the cool creatures that lurked in there. He had no doubt that if there were centaurs in there, as one of the other kids pointed out, that they already knew that they were coming.

Thestrals? Weren't they those horsey lizardy things? He glanced at Miranda, then made a face. Did she just say the professor had a fuzzy brain? He snorted, unable to help it. Well they do say pregnancy temporarily shrinks your brain, so maybe it was true. Still, it was rather a cheeky comment from the yellow captain. The prof should take points for that. Defo.

“Is it cos they're likely to be waaay up in the sky, miss?” Oliver asked raising his hand. “And you've got to have eagle eyes to spot them?” Of course Oliver had perfect vision so he would have no problems here. But.. that didn't make any sense because surely they could look for them from outside the Forbidden Forest.

He listened to the other kids answers. You have to have seen death to be able to see them? Urgh. Well this was going to be a fun lesson. Not. Cos he wasn't going to be able to see zilch.

And that was just the answer she was looking for. "You're absolutely right, Jack," she said, smiling at the Head Boy.

"Thestrals are invisible to anyone who has not seen death," she addressed the class. "Superstitious wizards consider thestrals bad omens because of this anomaly." It was obvious by her tone that she did NOT agree with such ridiculousness.
Professor Lawson grinned at Marie and shook her head. "No dear. The death of a spider wouldn't leave its mark on you like the death of a loved one. More than likely, you won't be able to see them." Oh how she wished they could all be so fortunate.
Laughing openly, Iliana shot Destiny a smile. Honestly, she had no clue why Marcus teased these two so much. They were delightful girls.

"And did you bring your Thestral goggles, Destiny?" she asked playfully. That she HAD to see.
Was it a shock that the WRONG answers were so much more appealing to her than the right ones for this lesson? At least they brought a smile to her face.

"Miranda, I would assume the Wrackspurts have set up quite a camp around me lately," she laughed. "But no... Sadly, I'll still be able to see the thestrals."
With a shocked little gasp, Iliana turned towards Aaron with her hand on her hip. "Would *I* do something like that to you?" she teased, throwing him a playful wink.
Iliana raised an eyebrow and pulled her hair to her nose. She smiled, inhaling deeply and then said, "Smells like Lavender and Chamomile; not roses. But good guess."
When Ili heard Jake's comment, she put her arm around him and gave him a squeeze. "Unfortunately Jake, that's true. I have no doubt that you'll be one of the few that are able to see them. Maybe you can help the others." It wasn't much but maybe helping would take his mind off of WHY he could see them.
"Josh, I used the word SOME because I didn't want to draw attention to those of us that CAN see them. I would prefer not to put anyone on the spot." She was sure he'd understand where she was coming from.

Turning towards the others, Iliana stopped walking and cleared her throat. "Whether or not you can see the Thestrals... it is completely up to you if you'd like to share that with the group. If you do decide to share, I will make sure that this is a safe place to talk about it."

There would be no teasing today. Punishments would be swift and certain.
Continuing down the path, the professor looked up just as Oliver had mentioned the sky. "Actually Oliver, thestrals wings are capable of very fast flight for several hours at a time, but they tend to spend most of their time on the ground. Isn't that interesting?"

...

Out of the corner of her eye, Iliana caught the first glimpse of the winged-horse. She stopped abruptly and placed her finger on her mouth in the universal 'shhh' gesture. "Alright class, there are some thestrals gathered just up ahead. Please spread out into a semicircle around me and be careful not to spook them."

Removing the leather satchel from her shoulder, Iliana handed it over to Marcus and took a few steps forward. From where she was standing she could see seven... maybe eight thestrals nearby. They were BEAUTIFUL!

"For those of you that can see the creatures and would like to volunteer, please come forward and describe to your classmates what you see. Only list one characteristic at a time for now."


OOC: I only need 5 or so volunteers for this portion of the lesson. Points will not be distributed for "seeing" the thestrals so please only volunteer if it makes sense for your charries' history. And remember, most school-age wizards/witches would not have witnessed death so young.

Dylan raised his hand, "Um where are we meant to be looking?" He said, trying to look around. For all he knew he could be looking right at one. Was it right in front of him? "Also, is their excrement invisible too?" She knew he had an aversion to it. How could she put him in this sort of situation.

As she walked slightly behind the Professor now, Evelyn glanced back every now and then to the other Professor with narrowed eyes. Yea, she'd be keeping her eyes on him. Pfft, who knows what he would be up to doing while they were in the dark forest. Probably make them clean the dirt or something if they stepped out of line...

Stopping when the Professor said there were a few of them up ahead, she peered through the dark of the forest to see something moving. Sighing, she glanced around at everyone as she leaned up against the tree, crossing her arms, before looking back and staring at the thestrals. She couldn't remember the memory of someone dying, it was mostly blurred in her mind, but it was still there...Perhaps she made herself forget.

"They kinda have dragon...ish...looking heads." she said, tilting her head to the side to see if that would change the appearance the the creatures. Was it bad that that was the reason she was so interested in thestrals as well? Because they looked partly like a dragon? Well, she didn't think it was bad.

And that's all she was going to say on that...

Miranda, Wesley & ....the lesson. ;)
 

As Sarah continued to stare at the darkness in front of them, she felt someone grab her hand and squeeze it.Looking down at it she could see the fingers attached to the arm, attached to the shoulder of...MIRANDA! -phew- For a minute there she was going to panic.Giving the captain a weak smile, she squeezed her hand back and moved her head forward, getting a glimpse of Wesley the other side of Miranda.Oh boy, the three of them going into this forest after what they knew about it....BAD.

Thestrals? Lumos? WHAT?! They were going in now? Ok Sarah, breeeeeeathe.

After everyone had given their answers to the Thestral question, it was time for her to move.But her legs felt slightly like stone and for a few seconds refused to budge, until her friends started the walk into the forest and Sarah was spurred into action by the thought of getting left behind. "Lumos," she muttered, holding her lit wand out in front of her and grimacing everytime it shone on the shadows.

Then Professor Mrs Lawson told them to stop and keep quiet.Looking around Sarah could not for the life of her see why.There wasn't anything in the vicinity was there...what did she want volunteers for? Suddenly remembering WHY she couldn't see anything, Sarah let out a sigh of relief.Although this lesson might not be as interesting if she couldn't actually see the creature they were being taught about.And then Jack mentioned special cameras. "Yeah, that would be good," she muttered in a whisper, still peering in the direction the Professor was looking.Nope nothing.....which really was a good thing.

Kay walked into the clearing and her eye went wide. The Horse? Looked like something evil. She didn't no what to say. "Professor they look so black and scary." Kay said taking a step back. "They won't hurt us right?" Kay sighed and was shaking a little. Did it mean that her parnets wouldn't be coming back. Was their death worst than she remember? Walking closer to Professor Lawson, she looked at the Thestrals. "Professor will they let other see them even without a death?" She felt better standing by the Professor.

Won't hurt them? HA! Probably not. At least if they didn't feel threatened or anything...or if anyone had a cut...

Smirking though, she moved so her back was leaning against the tree as she looked at Kay. "Why don't you go and find out." she whispered, gesturing her head towards the thestrals.

Thestrals weren't scary! They were just...misunderstood. Like a lot of creatures in the world. Hearing the other question Kay asked, Evelyn shook her head and looked back to the winged creatures further ahead of them, muttering something under breathe that either sounded like 'Don't you read?' or...'Go climb a tree'.

Arya was looking at a squirrel as she walked when Lady Lawson stoped suddenly. She looked around squinting her eyes but couldn't see anything that looked like a winged horse. Though she didn't expect to see anything, she was still slightly disapointed.

Runing her thumb over her wand she shifted her weight from one foot to the other while listening intently to her classmates discriptions, mentalypiecing together an image of the creatures.

Nicoletta raised her hand to volunteer. She'd always wanted to see a thestrals, and there it was. It was so pretty, skeletal-like and black. They probobly turned off the majority of people, but not her. They were almost like anti-unicorns, but in a graceful kind of way. Nicoletta had seen her little cousin Anthony died. At the time, she had been six and he had been three months old. Anthony had died of cancer and severe lung problems. Everyone had been so hartbroken at the time and her aunt and uncle still are. It's sad to see a baby die.

What now!?
Miranda's head turned towards the Professor. She blinked. And then gasped a little. "Ma'm I..." Oh noooooooooooooes! "I didn't mean you having Wrackspurts infesting your brainz..." Eeek! Oh thank goodness Mrs. Lawson was a cool Professor, or Miranda was sure that could've earned her a detention! "I meant...you as in...universally speaking...all of us." Errr. Miranda made a face and HOPED she wouldn't get points deducted by Mr. Lawson for insulting his wife.

Still stepping carefully behind the Professor, she halted rather harshly at the way Lawson had 'told' everyone to shush it up. Ofcourse, shutting up didn't mean stand still, but Miranda was a bit twitchy and that's what happened.

Semi circle, allrighty. Giving Sarah a glance, she manouvered herself to stand more semi-circle-ish, with Wesley still by her side, and hoped they hadn't spooked them like the Professor didn't want them to.


Then suddenly EVERYONE, it seemed, was able to see the creatures. Miranda's features turned worried as she glanced around at the students who were now describing the creatures.

She felt sad. They were all so young and had seen death.
Miranda hoped neither Wesley, Sarah or Oliver would be able to see the Thestrals. Because... y'know. Heh.

Jacklyn Caroline who saw her Charms proffessor die at Delsion Academy said, "Threstals look like a skeleton but they aren't only skeleton's because you can ride on them." She thinks silently of dear old Proffessor Lins, remembering when she had died at the age of 97 during the middle of class when we thought she fainted. Then she turned into a ghost.

"Mhmm," Jake replied, but he felt better from the little hug. And from what she said next when she directed her next words to Josh.

But when it came to actually seeing them, Jake squeezed his eyes shut and whipped his head around so he was facing away. He didn't want to see them.

It was all Set's fault, getting killed in the library like that. Jake had been fine before.

But I think we all know that if it hadn't happened, he'd be seeing them anyway, and be much more confused. xD

Taking the bag from his wife, Marcus slung it over his shoulder and stood with the students and he noticed that a couple more thestrals had joined the throng.

It was a little disconcerting to see so many students could actually see the creatures. He had been in his late twenties before he had seen someone die and that had been horrible. So he could only imagine what it was like for kids so young to see someone who had died.

"They really are magnificent creatures" he said quietly and to no one in particular. And Iliana had obviously done a splendid job at caring for them.

Jacob stopped with everyone else, and tryed to squeeze his way into the semicircle. He craned his neck to try to find them. Nothing. Jacob gave a heavy sigh and listened to the descriptions. They sounded kinda creepy. A creature that could only be seen after youve seen death. Black, skeleton-like. This was not a creature he was eager to get a glimps of. Then he started to wonder "Uhhh... professor. Can muggles see them, if they, well you...the death thing." he started to think, maybe thats why muggles think they go crazy after they've seen someone die.

Marie stood there trying to see what the others were seeing but couldn't. Maybe there really wasn't anything there, maybe they were making it up. Or.....Maybe she needed some of those goggles Destiny was talking about.

Not seeing what the point to this lesson was she decided to ask. "Professor, what is the point in this lesson if we can't see anything?" Because obviousely, Marie was not going to be seeing these creatures today. Maybe if she killed a bunch of spiders she would be able to see those things.

Hearing Carter say he seen them she made her way over to him. "You can really see them? There's really something there?" She looked around again but still didn't see anything.

Tiberius shuffled uncomfortably as his classmates discussed what they saw, looking at the thestrals. He looked over toward Professor Lawson, and saw Jake squeezing his eyes shut and turning away.

Right. He could see them, couldn't he. Tibi frowned, remembering what Jake had told him about that kid from his first year. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to be able to see them. And have seeing them be a reminder of why you could see them. Walking over so that he was standing to Jake's side, Tiberius snaked his arm through Jake's so they were linked elbow to elbow and held tight.

Maybe he was a little scared, too.

"Do you think so?" Iliana asked, tickled by the idea. "Maybe YOU should invent one." Jack was certainly bright enough.

"Jack don't worry. After this lesson, you'll have a pretty good idea of what they look like."
"You worry about "poo" too much, Dylan," she said, grinning widely. "Look, if you get any on you, I'll be sure to clean it off."
Iliana shook her head. "They won't hurt you unless you provoke them, Kay."
"It's okay, Miranda," she whispered. "I knew what you were saying," she added, giving the quidditch captain a warm smile.
Seeing Jake turn and step away, Iliana grabbed him by the back of his robes and gently pulled him over to the rest of the class. "Come on, Jake. I'll be right here beside you."
"Actually Jacob, I can't be certain but no muggle sightings have been reported as of yet so the chances are unlikely."
"That's right children. For those of you that cannot see them, thestrals are winged-horses with black, skeletal bodies, long black manes and leathery wings. Their face does somewhat resemble a dragon and they have shiny, blank, white eyes."


OOC: Okay, okay. That's MORE than enough. LOL All the rest will have to be students that can't see them. Mkay?! Mkay. ^^

Waddling back towards Marcus, Iliana took back the leather bag and opened it up. "Thanks honey. I didn't want them to smell it before we were ready."
Spoting Masterson standing nearby, Iliana smiled and gave him a wave. "You're welcome to join us too if you'd like," she offered in hushed tones.

...

Walking back in front of the studens, Iliana opened the bag and pulled out a piece of raw meat. She held the meat in the palm of her hand and stood very still. "Thestrals have an excellent sense of smell," she explained. Within a few seconds, the graceful creatures started towards her. "Who would like to feed them?"

Dylan shook his head, "You don't worry about it enough." He was standing in it right now, wasn't he? This was grosssssss. "So it is invisible then?"

He shook his head again, "I don't want to, thank you. I can't see them. I wouldn't know where to stick the meat." He watched Iliana though. This would be interesting. At least it wasn't raining. The day could be worse.

Tall!Jake felt someone close to him and he flinched, thinking at first it was a Thestral... but thestrals didn't like arms...

Squinting one eye open, Jake saw who it was, and clutched the boy's arm firmly.

He.

Hated.

Thestrals.

When Lawson pulled him closer, Jake dragged Tibi along with him, trying not to dig his fingers into the boy's arm too hard but unable to judge it. He edged towards Lawson and stood to her left and back a bit.

Feed them?

That meant looking.

Using his free hand, Jake pulled his glases off and tucked them into his pockets. Yay! Now he wouldn't have to see them.

Even thou she was scared of them Kay wanted to do it. She walked up closer to watch the Thestrals and looked back at the Professor. "I would love to try Professor Lawson. Could I please." She asked turning back to watch the Thestrals walk. She felt like they were watching them as much as the students were. They seemed very sad and lonely. "Professor I think I remember reading that the eat meat. Is that right Professor."

Oliver's screwed up his face. Just how many of the kids in this school had seen death!? He shuddered involuntarily as he stared at.. nothing.

Creepy.

But although the lesson may very well be a bit boring for he and the kids who could see nowt but trees, he was glad that he hadn't seen anyone die.

“I can't see them, Miss... but can I have a go at feeding them?” And he went back to staring at nothing. Squinting a bit as if it might make a difference... but of course it didn't. Someone needed to invent some Thestral Goggles like that wee Slytherin girl had suggested before.

Oh, phew! Miss Lawson didn't seem offended, which was good. Very good indeed!

She watched the Professor opening her bag and retrieving something. It was too dark to see what it was, but soon the words 'smells' and 'feed them' made her believe it was indeed...something food-y. Hehe.

Feed them!? Oh oh oh!
"I want! Er, I mean, could I please, Miss?" Miranda whispered and had her hand in the air.

Marcus looked over to Marie and raised an eyebrow. Did she just ask what the point of the lesson was? Thestrals were magical creatures and this was a Care of Magical Creatures class, he thought it was quite obvious.

"Just because you can't see something doesn't mean you shouldn't learn about it Marie. What you learn today could be useful in future years." He allowed himself a little smirk before continuing, "And I would pay careful attention if I were you because my part of the lesson will be coming up soon."

"Anytime love" he said affectionately and couldn't help smiling as he watched her waddle around. Marcus hoped that the kids didn't get her too excited during the class, he wasn't quite ready yet for her to go into labor.

Turning his head towards Neo, Marcus gave the man a huge grin, "Where you been hiding out? I haven't seen you for ages."

Arya continued to listen to the students explain what the creatures looked like until she thought she had a good mental image of them. It was a fuzzy image but Lady Lawson's discription helped to clear her picture.

She watched as the professor made her way over to Sir Lawson to retrieve her bag, noticing that the nice groundskeeper had joined them.

Her eyes lite up when she asked who wanted to feed them. "I wanna feed them." She whispered, moving closer to Lady Lawson.