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sweetpinkpixie · 05-08-2015, 01:45 AM

The first thing you may notice as you step into the Astronomy classroom on this especially sunny afternoon is that Professor Flamsteed is no where to be seen. Is this another test your constant vigilance or is the man uncharacteristically running late? Which ever the reason, you best find a seat among the large semicircle of desks and follow the instructions on the blackboard that read:

Quote:

Take out a quill and write your FULL name and year on the piece of parchment provided.

Once you have done so, give it a tap with your wand.

The parchment, enchanted by the professor himself, will turn into a sturdy wood name plaque when you do so.

Did you remember to use the lint roller on the small table outside of the classroom? It was there next to the sign that reads, "Not to be used as a brush for your hair" and has the signature of a former student in the bottom right corner.

So come on in and have a seat. Class will begin....well...as soon as the professor graces you all with his presence.

⌦Lesson Progression
▸ question 1 :: KABOOM! What was all THAT about?
▸ question 2 :: Why is the Moon important? Do you think the Earth be fine without its existence?
▸ question 3 :: What do you know about tides?
▸ mini activity :: BE THE MOON! Sort of. In an abstract sense.
▸ main activity :: MOVING OUT!
▸ main activity :: house vs house sandcastle battle instructions

OOC: This is IC your character's FIRST Astronomy lesson of the term.

Please be sure you are familiar with Professor Flamsteed's rules BEFORE you post in this lesson. We will know if you haven't read them! All SnitchSeeker site rules apply.

~~Class will officially begin in approximately 14 hours from the time of this post.~~

This lesson has officially started! Please do not announce your character arriving late and just pretend like they have been in class all along. You are free to jump in any time and should use the lesson progression links to keep up.

Saz Hale · 05-13-2015, 01:47 AM

Abby was confident that she was going to do it this time and said "Aquatraxi Gravita" Abby made sure the wand movement was correct and she watched as the balloon ended up as her own personal moon and she was happy and waited for the class to continue

PuppySara · 05-13-2015, 01:47 AM

He sighed and decided to try this again after a few minutes of calming himself down. He didn't want to snap so he just paused, stepping away from the balloon he had left and just muttered the spell again to practice it, "Aquatraxi Gravita..." Now just to say it a little more forcefully without having the balloon explode again. He sighed and looked at the little green balloon that was sitting there waiting.

He stepped back over and sat it down, "Aquatraxi Gravita!" He slowly took a step forward and the balloon slowly moved towards him. He smiled stepping back, the balloon still following! Ha! He had it, maybe he could make a slow walk work?

He took another slow step back and it followed, he continued, slowly walking, maybe making it ten steps before the balloon popped... Okay, at least that was an improvement right?

Cassirin · 05-13-2015, 02:35 AM

Maybe it was just that pink balloons didn't work properly. That was probably her problem. Dot skipped back to the balloon pile and grabbed a green balloon from the stack. Green was better than pink, mostly 'cause Dot could wear green. Gingers weren't allowed to wear pink.

She returned to her spot and placed the balloon gently on the floor. Ooooooone step back, and she was ready to be the moon again. "Aquatraxi Gravita." Clearly, with great intent, wand on the balloon, aaaaaand... the balloon glided across the floor toward Dot's foot.

YES. SHE WAS THE MOON. COME TO ME, GREEN TIDE.

SarcasticStrawberry · 05-13-2015, 04:10 AM

Continuing with knowing what she was doing now. She took her wand. Tapping her head with the tip was the easy part right? Well she took her wand and tapped the top of her head. This was rather interesting. The balloon wasn't moving to her. Why wasn't it working? She glanced around the room EVERYONE elses tide balloons were comiang to them. Why not her? She walked over and gently poked her balloon. "Move!" Like that was going to work, right? She went back to where she was first standing,

WAIT, Wait... Things were starting to make sense now. Real sense. She got it now. Rahahaha

Okay She was going to do this right this time. "Aquatraxi Gravita." Saying it with a little more force, Tapping the top of her again. This time the balloon better move and come to her. Or she just may go over to it and pop it. Okay tide balloon it was show time, bottom of the nine bases loaded. All she needed was for the balloon to come to her.

And here it comes. Sliding into home.

griffin · 05-13-2015, 04:14 AM

This time she could do it. She was going to get the spell to work. Penelope firmly tapped her wand on her head. "Aquatraxi Gravita!" Taking a step forward and the balloon followed her. It was working! Penelope walked around her desk, balloon still being pulled towards her. This was actually king os fun. So far she hadn't even gotten wet. She stopped moving, but the balloon kept getting closer to her. The balloon crashed into her feet and popped. No harm done, just a slightly wet floor. Penelope vanished the remains of the balloon and the puddle that the balloon had left behind. Were they allowed to get more balloons?

sweetpinkpixie · 05-13-2015, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin

Penelope jotted down relevant information in her notes. Oh, a practice activity? Questions, so many questions. "Will the gravitational pull affect other objects and students? Does it make everything crash into you? Or is the gravitational force to weak to attract larger objects? Are we going to be doing this on larger objects? How long do the effects last?" The last thing she needed was Professor Flamsteed coming crashing into her and knocking her over again. Note to self: Never use Carpe Retractum on people or objects larger than you that you don't want crashing into you. She definitely wasn't planning on doing anything that would cause her to get hurt. One water balloon she could handle.

Lamenting his wet foot that made horrible squishing sounds whenever he moved, the professor moved to perform a Hot Air Charm on his feet when he became distracted by Miss Wright. Well, Miss Wright and her string of questions.

"This spell is specifically designed for water," he said as he took another careful step, his shoes making terrible rude noises as he did. "You will not be able to move large bodies of water with it and it is not strong enough to manipulate the water within a person or an object to...oh say...dehydrate it or anything. Depending on the strength of the caster, it may last anywhere from a few seconds to a few days."

That ... covered it all, yes?

The exact science behind the spell and its relation to water and gravitation pull was... a little too complicated for him to get into at the moment and required lots of lengthy calculations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fire_faerie

...
SPLAT. Oh. Right. He was supposed to have run away. One could play a game of tag with oneself using this spell, as sad as it was. Oh HEY. Could they do this to other people? Because an idea just came to him. Benzi raised his hand."Professor, does this spell work if I tap someone else's head? How about an object? Or an animal?" Oh yes, Benzi had ideas. Cue slow smirk. Hehe.

He gave the Ravenclaw a nod. "Yes, it could. You just need to tap the highest point on the target," he replied. Hence why they were all tapping their heads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiro MacMhuirich

...
”Um, Professor Airey?” She continued moving just so the balloon would stay in the bubble. ”How do we stop the… gravity-thingie… without bursting the balloon? Is there a way to?” She would rather not burst it. She would rather stop and then re-use it so that she could practise… Help?

And another question - this time NOT from a Ravenclaw.

"The spell, being fairly weak in nature, will wear off naturally after sometime has passed. However, casting Finite will do the trick as well," he nodded.

Checking his sundial watch one more, the professor clapped his hands together loudly.

"Just a few more minutes!" he announced, finally getting around to drying his feet. "For those of you who have already got the hang of the spell, try taking your balloon around for a walk around the classroom. See if you can make the full circle, perhaps even at a run. For those of you still struggling, keep at it. Nothing wrong with a bit of struggle. Makes overcoming obstacles that much more fulfilling."

And...was that one Hufflepuff...crying?

Airey slowly sidestepped away and sincerely hoped that they would stick by Mr. Toby.

OOC: I'm terribly sorry for the delay <3

Last call for participation points for this part of the lesson. I will post instructions for the main activity in approximately 6 - 8 hours from the time of this post.

Thank you for your patience!

Stefan · 05-13-2015, 11:31 AM

Activity time! After tucking his notes away safely in his bag, the Slytherin got his wand out and watched the demonstration up front. It looked easy...but definitely a messy one. While the others collected their water balloons up front, Ethan transformed his shoes into rubber boots, then followed the rest of his classmates up front.

A firm tap on the head with his wand was done, and “Aquatraxi Gravita.”

The sixteen year old took a step forward towards his balloon, and...yup. The side of the balloon facing him started to bulge. He took another step...but...nope. It didn’t move.

Daydreamer11 · 05-13-2015, 12:02 PM

Janelle was having a bit of information overload as the Professor gave his explanation of tides. She tried to write down all of the important information, but her fingers were having a hard time keeping up.

She stopped writing to observe the spell that they would be working on today. Water balloons, cool. Janelle watched as the Professor worked his magic and she couldn't wait to practice the new spell. Copying down the particulars of the spell, she was ready to give it a try. She decided to start with the incantation because the wand movement seemed pretty straightforward.

"A-qua-trax-i Grav-i-ta, A-qua-trax-i Grav-i-ta, A-qua-trax-i Grav-i-ta", Janelle repeated over and over. Once she said it a few times, the pronunciation became easier. "Aquataxi Gravita", she said once more.

Just for good measure, Janelle took her wand and gave her head a tap. She felt that she shouldn't have any problem combining the two parts of the spell. Now if she could just concentrate and get it right.

Stefan · 05-13-2015, 12:20 PM

“Aquatraxi Gravita.” Ethan tapped the top of his head again, and approached his water balloon. He didn’t have problems making it bulge outwards, but the ‘pull-towards-him’ part was definitely not working. Ridiculous balloon. The Slytherin stepped forward to pick up the balloon when it suddenly popped.

Plosh.

Ethan made a face at his progress. “Indeed. The Force is strong with me.” He said to himself as he got his other balloon and placed it on the ground.

Take two!

Daydreamer11 · 05-13-2015, 12:41 PM

Ready to begin, Janelle went and retrieved a water ballon from the box. Then she went back to her spot and placed it on the floor. She took a moment to get her concentration together and began to focus on the balloon. She pictured the ballon moving toward her as if she was a magnet.

Janelle took her wand and tapped herself on the head saying, "Aquatraxi Gravita". Then she cautiously took a few steps toward her balloon and........nothing. With hope, she moved a few steps closer and still nothing happened. Professor Flamsteed had said this was a rather simple spell and yet it hadn't worked for Janelle. Maybe she would have to concentrate harder on the outcome she wanted. At any rate she would definitely have to try again. Back to the drawing board.

Stefan · 05-13-2015, 01:01 PM

“Aquatraxi Gravita...attract the water balloon towards you.” Should be easy, but...no. Ethan eyed his water balloon, as if he was communicating with it. “I am your Father. Follow me to the dark side!” Lol, what? The Slytherin had clearly lost it.

Shaking his head, Ethan breathed in and out, and convinced himself that he can do such easy spell. Even a first year can do it, right? The Slytherin gave his water ballon a quick nudge with the tip of his rubber boot, walked away from it, and tapped the top of his head once more. “Aquatraxi Gravita.” The Slytherin stepped closer towards his balloon, and the water inside it started to pull towards him. Ethan turned away from his balloon, and started to walk away from it.

“Come on...move...” Without warning, it started to roll towards him. Finally!

Daydreamer11 · 05-13-2015, 01:17 PM

This time Janelle was determined to make the balloon follow her. This spell was going to work......or else. She closed her eyes and again pictured everything working properly. The balloon was moving toward her, in her mind anyway. Now all she had to do was make it happen......for real.

Janelle opened her eyes and looked at the balloon. Was it possible to make a connection with an inanimate object? Well if it was, she would will the balloon to move. Janelle concentrated until she didn't think it was possible to concentrate any harder. Then she raised her wand. Taking a deep breath, she tapped herself on the head with her wand. At the same time, Janelle said, "Aquatraxi Gravita".

She was almost afraid to move, but Janelle took two steps toward her ballon. To her relief, the balloon began to bulge slightly in her direction. "Come on balloon", she said under her breath. "Come on". As if it could hear her, the balloon began to move toward Janelle. Fortunately, it did not come crashing into her feet like the Professor's balloon. Janelle balloon moved at a much slower speed and for that she was grateful.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-13-2015, 01:27 PM

Checking his sundial watch again, and tapping it firmly with his index finger to make sure it was still working, Airey clapped his hands together again and jumped on to his desk to get everyone's attention.

"Alright alright! That's enough practice! If you all could please follow me, we will be heading down to the Black Lake," he roared, jumping from his desk as he finished. "Make sure you bring your wands and footwear. If you wish, you may also bring your things with you so you do not have to come back up as I will be dismissing class when we are done with the activity. Just leave your things on the shore. Banish the water and bits of busted balloon if you wish, but let's get a move on."

Grinning from ear to ear, he began to march out of the classroom with the occasional glance over his shoulder to make sure everyone was following him. On his way out the door, he noticed something was a bit...off about the sign beside his lint roller...but he couldn't quite put his finger on it at the moment. Oh well, ONWARD AND DOWNWARD!

OOC: it would be nice if you posted leaving the classroom before posting in the other thread, but it is not 100% necessary.

Hera · 05-13-2015, 01:31 PM

And time was up!!.... Or more to the point, it was TIME to get started on the FUN stuff.

Any lesson where they were able to go outside won his approval, and any lesson with Professor Airey was bound to be awesome. Seriously, WHY would he drop Astronomy when there were so many cool and FUN things to do.. and erm... LEARN!

Hastily grabbing his things, Zeke was happy to be one of the first out the door.

WET WELLINGTONS AND FRESH AIR HERE HE COMES!

Stefan · 05-13-2015, 01:35 PM

Already? Ethan looked up from his water balloon to the professor as he gave out further instructions. Shrugging, he went back to his desk, water balloon in tow, gathered the rest of his things and slung his bag over his shoulder as he followed the professor down to the lake. As much as he wanted to clean up after his (and someone else’s mess) he decided not to, assuming that the water on the floor would dry up...and that the elves would clean up the busted balloons. With a last look over his shoulder, Ethan went out of the classroom and followed the rest of the kids to the Grounds.

FearlessLeader19 · 05-13-2015, 01:40 PM

WOOT! They were finally heading outside!

Giving Agatha a last grin, Adi shuffled over to his desk to stuff his writing equipment back into his bag since he had already cleared up the water and bits of balloons. Goody! Taking his stuff with him now would save him the trip alllll the way up to the classroom again. "All set, Philipe?" Adi questioned the younger boy as he swung his bag on his shoulder?
....................

Seeing that Flamsteed was already on his way out, Adi followed.

VRSCIKA · 05-13-2015, 01:48 PM

Not that wandering around the classroom popping water balloons hadn't been fun, on the contrary, it had been a blast! Ilia was far more excited for the next part of the lesson though......they were going outside! Outside was Ilia's favorite place of all , so she happily stood at attention and filed politely out of the classroom. She had no idea what they were going to be doing, but she felt ready for it. Hopefully she could meet back up with Henric outside, she pondered as she stepped out.

*Kolyander* · 05-13-2015, 01:50 PM

Whoa! It was time to move on to the real activity already? That was quick.

Hady cleaned up her air of water and balloon bits with a quick but accurately cast charm before returning her wand to her wrist holder. Quickly gathering up her notes and quill she placed them into her bag and slung the strap over her shoulder.

It was time to move out!

She hurried along to keep up with everyone else following Professor Airey outside.

Daydreamer11 · 05-13-2015, 02:01 PM

Before Janelle could try the spell again, the Professor called an end to the Mini Activity. They were heading to the Black Lake so Janelle began to gather and pack her things. Once she had everything in her backpack, she followed the Professor and her classmates out the door. On to the Black Lake.

MudInMyBlood · 05-13-2015, 02:32 PM

Yesssss! This was the part of the lesson that she was most looking forward to. AJ packed up her stuff and got in line behind everybody else. This was going to be awesome. If they were busting water balloons inside the classroom who knows what fun they would be able to get into outside.

Jessiqua · 05-13-2015, 02:34 PM

WOOHOO The Black Lake! Zhenya excitedly collected her things, carefully shoving them into her bag, put the pink balloon back on the pile, the good little thing had survived, and thrown the remnants of her other two balloons in the bin. She smiled to herself seeing Professor Flamsteed jumping onto and off the desk. Maybe he was a gymnast? And she followed him out the class, towards the Black Lake.

Grrr..Meow · 05-13-2015, 02:39 PM

Echo was glad that they were getting some walking in and even more excited now that they were going to go to the black lake. Following the crowd of students Echo left the class and made her way down.

kayquilz · 05-13-2015, 02:40 PM

Oh. THEY WERE GOING OUTSIDE NOW TO PLAY THE GAAAAME. Eden excitedly pointed at her head and said, "Finite!" before going to traipse after the class...this sounded so exciting...and FUN. And being outside was always ALWAYS worth ANYTHING because Eden could just THINK better out there with all the free space...

nanyjj · 05-13-2015, 03:33 PM

She was walking reeeally slowly around the classroom. Don't mind her, she was just taking her new pet balloon for a walk. Leah was amazed by how it did not pop while she managed to complete a quarter of the room. There were a couple of times when it was rolling dangerously close to her foot, but she worked to keep the distance between them.

Aaand time was up! She looked up at standing-on-a-desk Flamsteed and took a step closer, making the water balloon splash against her galoshes. Oh well, it didn't matter now. Wow, the whole class was moving to the Black Lake? Wouldn't it be easier to move the Black Lake up here? But whatever this activity was, it was going to be FUN. Leah pocketed her wand and packed her bag. Soon, she was out of the door behind a group of students.

Then she came back and trashed a couple of balloons using a Banishing Charm. Now she was really out of here.

Symphora · 05-13-2015, 03:52 PM

Ohh...right the finite charm!

"FINITE!" Henric casted and watched the balloon stopped in its tracks.Fuu...he was starting to get tired of endlessly walking around the room with the balloon chasing after him. He then picked up his balloon before heading over to his spot so he could clean the mess he made. As always, he did the muggle way of cleaning instead of using magic like the rest of the class did. He had time...why not spend a few minutes picking up the shredded balloon pieces.

Cool...time to head to the lake! Maybe he would reunite with the rest of his friends again there!

(WEEE!)

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