The rectangular strips were all cut out so it was time for Lux to think of the runes she wanted to use on her lantern. Opening her textbook she flipped to the right page before writing down the ones that appealed to her. In the end she selected three.

Raising her hand, she hoped that she was doing this correctly. "Professor, I chose three runes: Raidho, Algiz, and Gebo. Raidho represents journey and protection to travellers, so it offers a safe journey into the afterlife. Algiz is a protection rune to offer safety and assistance once in the afterlife. Gebo represents love and relationships, and everyone deserves love and has people who love them and care about them deeply throughout life and into death."

...So were they allowed to draw the runes? Or did they have to wait for the go ahead? Lux wanted to leave a nice message for Gregoire.

He'd got all that down in his notes, or at least as much as he could before distractions and such had naturally taken over, and all in all Toby was now pretty much following what Botros was saying. All was well.

Until that one word. Mourning. Mourning, a sad word, with all sorts of sad connotations. Toby understood that this whole send-off/memorial thing was probably meant to be just that, like maybe a celebration of life and all that, but that one word stuck with him; 'mourning'. It wasn't a happy word. It meant grief. And grief was all well and more than fitting in times like this, but Toby had always, always preferred to deal with any sort of negative emotions of his own in private.

But it was wrong to bring that up right now and he knew it. Was already feeling the guilt mounting up at just thinking along those lines, in fact. Thinking about himself right now? That was selfish even by his standards. These lanterns were like... a mark of respect, and worrying about his own sensitive tendencies was just... ugh. No, instead of saying anything, Toby's expression became slightly stonier as he got to work with the fabric. He knew, without having to look, that Soph's eyes must have flitted his way at one point, but he didn't look back, just quietly got on with the cutting of this fabric. Though the mental cycle of sad-selfish-remonstration-sad was distracting if not painful.

"Diffindo," the Hufflepuff said, sliding his wand down the fabric in long deliberate movements to make those panels for the lantern. "Diffindo." He'd still not mastered non-verbal spells, though he was long overdue, but there was still plenty of time to learn.

Time that some, like that unfortunate young Slytherin, would never get back.

With her fabric cut into even rectangles set nicely in a pile on her desk she was ready to move on. Now the hard part.

Which runes did she want to use.

Checking her notes once more Hady reached for her textbook flipping it open and turning pages slowly. Her eyes scanned over each rune in turn taking in the meanings.

Using her finger she went through them all in turn, in her friend hand was her quill so she could jot down which ones she might use. This wasn't easy and Hady scratched out several of her notes with a frustrated sigh. After some time she finally settled on the three she wanted. Uruz, Gebo and Wunju...those seemed like a good combination for her.

Slowly raising her hand she gave her thought to the Professor, "Professor, I've decided to go with three runes. Uruz because it stands for strength which everyone needs at different points throughout their lives for many reasons. Gebo for love and forgiveness...to me it's being able to love enough to be able to forgive which everyone needs. Then Wunju which is for happiness which without nothing else would really be worth it."

She didn't have to really get into why she choose these right? Good. She really didn't want to right now...all that mattered was it made sense to her.

So his answer hadn’t been right. Whatever, he didn’t think it would be anyways. Kevin listened to what the meaning actually was and he liked the words of chaos and destruction cause…it was cool. But then …….mourning…. He was obviously talking about Gregoire but to be honest, Kevin wasn’t mourning. He actually kept forgetting that a student had died. He was more and mostly concerned about his best friend, Zander. “Do we have to make a lantern for ourselves or can it be for someone else as well?" he asked. … I’m…more concerned about Zander so uhm…” his face reddened in the face because the Gryffindor almost never did something for someone else. “So, I can make a lantern with runes of …I don’t know, I have to look it up, but can it be for him or …” this was hard ugh.

Anyways, the Gryffindor continued to listen to the steps of instructions and reached for the fabric and placed it on the table. He grabbed his phoenix wand and pointed it at the fabric. “Diffindo!” the fabric cut rectangular panels and then waited grabbed his book to check which runes he would use.

Kace saw Bostros smile at his answer and at least the Puff tried right? He shrugged and knew it wasn't the answer he was looking for but it was something logical right? Now he needed to cut his fabric into rectangular shapes. He got his wand at the ready but he wished the school provided them with scissors because it would give some accuracy. He kept going on anyways.

He placed his fabric on his desk and he began to cut. He heard everyone use the spell Diffindo and he grinned. He slashed his fabric with "Diffindo!" and then he saw the fabric split into two. Awesome. He began to do that a bit more untill he had the right amount of rectangles. Then he began to look in his book for the right runes to use.

Once her rectangular panels were all done nicely, Sophie chewed her lower lip while considering runes. The temptation to flip through her textbook and check each and every one for ideas was great, but she was a fifth year - she needed to have them all properly memorized, so she resisted the urge and took the time to process and cycle through as many runes as she could remember off the top of her head.

Eventually, she raised a hand and tried to make sense of her thoughts and not say the wrong rune names, "I'm gonna use, uhhhh... I think I'll use Kenaz, 'cause like you said, it gives hope, warmth, and reassurance... and also Raidho 'cause it's related to journey and changes in life and the good stuff that's to come after getting through the hard times. And, um, Thurisaz, too, actually, 'cause... well, the whole idea that goes with it is, like... you must suffer to learn or whatever, and we've gotta get through the bad things to see brighter days and learn from the bad stuff, right?"

So... that kind of sounded good to her, and it was at least a start - she felt good about Kenaz as a choice, for certain, so she went ahead to drawing that one first and hoped for the best.

Once he had the panels all cut out and ready to go, Toby sat there, quietly considering them and trying to imagine the runes already on the fabric. Not that that helped the decision process or anything, it was just a good way to keep focus on the task at hand and not get distracted. Having a mental image was pretty helpful too.

It was a while before he decided, and even then he didn't yet start to draw them out onto the fabric, being that he sort of lacked the confidence to go for it just yet. Instead he raised his hand and, still eyeing the fabric, he spoke.

"I'm thinking... Jera. It's more about fertility and harvest and life and stuff but when you use it in runic spells it's all about peace and love and harmony. Might need the galdr chanted to really be beneficial, though. Otherwise it can be interpreted as the sort of positive rune... for positive change and stuff, especially following... hard times, I guess?" It was a risky one, but it was still worth a shot. "Then Gebo, a gift... offering... luck. Another positive one and all, y'know? That's like... good for a message of hope." Toby cleared his throat, and carefully fiddled the fabric on his desk, the fabric he still had his eyes trained on. "I thought about Eihwaz, as it's about life transition and stuff and it would juxtapose Jera and all, but then I figured maybe not, not for this sort of message, not for a message about hope and love and peace. I thought Dagaz would be a better idea, more positive. Happiness. Positive outcome. All that." He looked up. "Those three; Jera, Gebo, and Dagaz... Maybe?"

Angel had no idea which runes to go for... this was really weird she had no idea why she chose these runes but she did and she hoped the Professor didn't tell her off. "I chose Uruz, Wunju and Raidho because I think that they are amazing though I have no idea what that has to do with the lesson, I just think they will be good to put on the fabric."

Norah fought hard to keep her eyes from glazing over as she flipped the textbook's pages. Nevertheless, she DID manage to kind make some progress, and she scribbled the names of relevant (probably?) runes on the corner of her parchment as not to forget them. With her eyes narrowed, she half-contemplated half-daydreamed about her next meal, until she'd gotten through all the pages with rune names. Well. That only took YEARS. The third year read over what she'd jotted down before putting a hand in the air and waiting for Professor Botros to reach her.

"I think I'm gonna start with Gebo--" she paused to make sure she'd pronounced it right before continuing, "'Cause the textbook says it has to do with gifts and love and relationships and stuff, which seems pretty love-ish to me." Looking down at her parchment, she said "And also Berkana because that has to do with new beginnings and fresh starts, which I thought involved a lotta hope and stuff. Then Dagaz because it's all about happiness and success, and I'd like some of that on my lantern-y thing too." BOOM. That wasn't even THAT bad. Okay, it kind of was. But she got to draw now, yeah?

She was right. Or partially anyway.

So...lanterns for mourning. With runes for love and peace. She could do that. Plus, she'd always wondered how those lanterns were done. Like, how did they keep them from catching fire? 'Cause you know. Anyway, Heather reached under her chair and grabbed her fabric, laying it across her desk. "Diffindo," she said, starting to cut the panels.

Once that was done, she flipped open her textbook to the page with all the rune meanings. Right, so runes peace and love.....

Arts and crafts! Dot was pleased that they were focusing on something more hands on, especially since it was rather obvious the professor wasn't too impressed with her answers. She laid out the pieces and parts on the top of her desk, peeking at her classmates to get a feel for how to follow the instructions that the professor had given to them. No scissors, sooo...

Oh, cut the fabric magically! Of course. She flattened the fabric carefully, ironing out the wrinkles with her fingertips until it was pristine, and then Dot measured out her rectangles with straight lines and a notch of ink from her quill at the corners. Once she was happy with her rectangles, she cut along the lines she'd marked with a certain Dottie intensity. It seemed like, if you were going to make a memorial for someone, you ought to do it right.

Reading, reading.......

Ah, that one seemed good. "I think I would start with þurisaz, since one of it's uses is to clear out a bad situation and......yeah," what happened was pretty bad. About as bad as a situation could get. "then add.....wunjo for the positivity and the association with the Viking Valhalla." And some more looking was happening. "And sowilo, because of its association with the sun." Also, was three enough, or did they need more?

The rectangles of cloth were pristine, and Dot couldn't help but pet them fondly. Maybe Botros would wander past and notice how well she'd done? Then he wouldn't think she was such a duffer at his class, even if this part was technically not class-related.

But she still needed to pick a rune, which was definitely class related, and Dot was worried she'd pick wrong. What if she picked something disrespectful and the professor thought poorly of her? She hurriedly flipped through her book to find a likely candidate. Some were obviously a poor fit for their purpose, but the problem was that there were plenty that sort of could work.

"I'm going to do Ingwaz, Mr. Professor Sir. On account... of..." She flashed him a brief smile before returning to her text. "It means safety and home. The end of a... a journey, even if that end might be... permanent." This was a little morbid, actually.

Good, good, everyone was doing great with their cutting and drawings. "There is no right or wrong answer here, of course. Each one of us connects with runes differently. As long as you're going with how you see and understand those runes, they'll glow and offer the energy you intend them to." Botros was slowly walking betwee the desks, supervising their work. "Now, take the small wire, wrap it around the can and then remove the wire from around the can carefully. You can pull it at the sides gently, if you want to give it a better shape." Now they were done with making the body of the lantern. "Glue the panels of fabric you cut to the wire until they're covering the entire wire."

"This way, we'll have the body of the lantern ready with runes drawn on the outside of it. Muggles fuss about making it fly and lighting a small flame inside it but all we need is the right enchantment to let it float... and with the right rune and spell, a small flame will be lit inside it." Botros reached his desk again and turned to face the students. "Look inside your plastic trays again, you'll find a stick with the rune Kenaz carved all over it. Who can tell me what is that? Why would we need it?"

ooc: - We need another 2 posts from you, one to follow instructions another to answer the professor's answer.
- Do not edit your post without coming to me first, please.
- Have fun and class will resume in 20 hrs as usual. ^_^

And it was time to continue which was good because she was growing bored though she didn't show it. Hady listened closer to Professor Botros next instructions. Grabbing her quill she jotted everything down on her parchment to ensure she wouldn't make a mistake. Setting the quill down and the parchment aside she then looked through her little bin thingy for the items she'd need now to continue.

At the question she raised her hand into the air thinking about what he had told them and what she knew about lanterns. "Well since muggles use small flames inside their lanterns I think that's why we'll use the rune Kenaz for ours. It means fire or torch so it will probably be what makes our lantern light up and float." She replied softly lowering her hand to her lap. This made sense to her at least.

Well, he’s right. They can’t go wrong with their chosen runes, because, just like messages, can be personalized. Brilliant! Professor Botros got a nod, and Ethan worked on the next step. He got the wire and can from his plastic tray, then winded up the copper onto the metal object so it could take a nice spiral shape.

The sixteen year old’s brows furrowed in concentration as he pulled on the wire to give it an even form. Taking out the metal can, he placed it back on his plastic tray and continued to adjust the curly wire on his hands until it had the figure of an eastern floating lantern.

Ethan took a quick glance on his tray, and eyed the stick that Professor Botros was referring to. As he constructed his answer in his head, he went on to glue the fabric on the curly wire he made.

Oh goody! The runes he had chosen could work. Adi was certainly glad there was no right or wrong answer when it came to that. Imagine if he had to start all over... that would mean more cutting of rectangles, researching on the runes and drawing their shapes again.

Anywaaaaay... moving on!

The fifth year grabbed the wire and can then proceeded to wrap the wire around the can. Next up, he careeeeefuuuully removed the coiled up wire. Woah! This was so cool! And springy! Hehe. Adi adjusted the wire so that it was in a better shape and more uniformed.

Now, what was that last step? Glue! Yes. Adi went ahead to glue his cut rectangular fabrics over the coil of wire, making sure that the drawn runes would be on the outside. Gotta get alllll that wire covered up, you know.

Covering up the coiled wire with the fabrics, Ethan gently pressed and adjusted the material that was now stuck on the wire with his hands. It didn’t look perfect, obviously, but he believes that he’s at least spot on with his chosen runes. The sixteen year old wore a smug look on his face, obviously pleased with his creation. His lantern was a masterpiece. Not.

Setting his somewhat lopsided lantern on the side, the Slytherin picked up the stick that was on his plastic tray and examined it. Surely, it was carved with the Kenaz rune. Raising his hand once more, “This is a runic wand...or a Gandr, sir.” Educated guess right there. He paused to smell it and wondered about the wood that was used for it. “I suppose we have to stick this in the middle of the lantern, then chant the Kenaz galdr to activate the rune carvings, and...the heat that emanates from the carvings will cause the lantern to float...” But...what about the candles? What’s the use of those? "Or...activate this runic wand with the galdr, then use its heat to light the candles...then we stick those to the lantern." Ethan looked up and looked at the professor sheepishly. Ehehe. Whoops? His detective brain's doing its thing again, isn't it?

Norah picked up her wire as soon as Professor Botros mentioned it and began wrapping the material around her can slowly, her head angled towards the front of the room so she could still hear what the Professor was saying. Oh. A question. Setting her half-wrapped can and wire down on the desk, she bit her lip and pondered an answer. Kenaz kenaz kenaz. She'd JUST read about this, MAN. C'mon brain come ooon. The third year raised her hand as an inkling of an idea about the rune came back to her. "Isn't it like...torch? That'll will make the lantern glow." As for the floating bit she had no idea.

Alrightey, he was done with gluing the fabric onto the wire coil. Next thing to do was to get an answer for old man Botros's question. Adi's eyes wandered over to the stick on his tray. Oh! He knew what it was.

The Puffer raised a hand after studying the stick a bit more just to be sure what he was thinking was correct. "It's a Gandr. We'll have to chant the galdr for Kenaz to bring out the powers of the rune in order to have the flame remain lit or to make the lantern remain airborne. Or both.'' Something like that, yes?

In the meanwhile, Adi studied the covered wire. He had to make sure the fabric was glued on right.

Professor Botros was moving on with the lesson, so Lux began drawing on the pieces of fabric. This was going to be a pretty lantern, so she wanted everything to look perfect. Trying her best, she made the runes as neat as possible and once finished was satisfied with her work.

Sometimes patience really paid off.

Rummaging through her tray, she found the can and wire. Carefully she wrapped the one around the other so that it looked perfect. Once finished all of that hard work, she carefully removed the wire. It took what felt like ages, but in the end she had what looked kind of like a spring.

Botros definitely meant for the lanterns to be for the deceased kid, but if this Gryffindor didn't want to dedicate his lantern to him... then. "It can be for whoever you feel like sending a message or good vibes to, yes." Abraham managed a small smile, although a disappointed one.

Having ensured that Botros approved of the runes he'd chosen (or at least hadn't vetoed them), Toby had spent a good while carefully drawing them out onto the fabric that would make up his lantern. He wanted, needed, them to be perfect, and so the time was wisely spent on getting them just so. Right, moving on then.

Okay, more practical stuff, something else for Toby to do with his hands. That was good. That was a good thing. He picked up the can and rooted around for the wire. It took him only a few seconds to get his hands on it, and before long he was wrapping the wire round and round the can, glancing at those nearest him to see if he was at least doing a similar sort of thing.

Next, noting how fiddly this was already getting, Toby sort of shimmied the wire off the can and attempted to keep it all in shape and everything. He spent a little longer trying to ensure the loops were perfectly round before picking up the pre-cut fabric.

More fiddly actions here, as the Hufflepuff tried to line the fabric up right with the wire, and flick his wand from its holster into his hand.

"Adhaero..." he murmured, tracing his wand along where he wanted the fabric to be stuck. Once he got into the swing of doing it, casting the spell over and over, the rest of the panels were way easier to stick.

There. The wire was covered by fabric, and now this was actually starting to look like a lantern.

It was time to glue the pieces of fabric onto the wire, but first she would answer Professor Botros' question. After studying the object for a moment, Lux raised her hand. "I believe that is a Gandr. The galdr for Kenaz needs to be chanted in order to keep the lantern alight." She remembered using the spell on a torch a few years ago when they ventured outside in the cold. Kace had ended up giving her a piggyback ride back to the castle.

Slowly And carefully Lux attached the pieces of fabric onto the wire that looked like a spring. It was so simple and fun. Maybe she would make a lantern for her Lion that was full of messages of love. She couldn't wait to do that for him.

Inspecting her work, she made sure that all the wire was covered and of course the runes were on the outside. Ooooh, it looked so pretty. BEAM.

After Kace was busy cutting out his fabrics he needed to think of runes to use. He began to flip through his textbook and found some he could. He wrote them down so he wouldn't forget when he told Bostros. He picked Wunjo, Raidho and Nauthiz. Once he got this down he raised his hand and began to tell his explanation of why he chose the runes.

"Professor I chose Nauthiz because it represents hard work and and effort and necessity which kind of describes me in a nutshell. Then I picked Wunjo because one I love the way it sounds and second it represents family bonding which I have a huge bond with my family. It also represents relationship which I have with my girlfriend now. Lastly I picked Raidho because it represents the journey of life and right action." There that seemed about right.

Then as he said his answer he noticed Bostros moved on. Welp better get on that now!