It was really early, and Professor Ichihara was very pretty, and Dima wasn't focusing at all. Sure, sure, it was great so far— tapestries, myths, foxes. beautiful women probably extremely similar to this period's instructor. But the ear-to-brain-to-mouth thing just wasn't happening yet.

So Dima was going to sit this one out, yeah? He wasn't staring at Ichihara with the glazed look of a lovestruck teenage boy; no, it was more curious. Where was she going with this, and was it going to be any good?

She could have bonus brownie points if she kept him awake this morning.

Ok listen, Charlotte Kettleburn was LATE.

Her hair was PUFFED OUT all crazy like it had been windblown in a giant wind tunnel, and her cheeks were red and streaked with TEARS. TEAARS. Also there was a shoebox in her hands which she was carrying with great tenderness and care.

She didn't have her books or anything either. Just the shoebox.

....................and a MIASMA of TRAGEDY and DESPAIR.

Oh, she'd seen.

... who was he kidding, of course she'd seen.

Regardless of his embarrassment, he was quite glad to see that Professor Ichahara was smiling at him while she addressed him specifically. Cheeks softening back to their normal shade, Sam remained silent but returned her smile with a small, genuine one of his own.

That is, until he heard a light giggle emanating from the desk beside his. It must have been directed toward his incident because the girl had had a word or two to go along with it. Aah. A stray paper. And.. "Oh, it's you," Sam said, and with the completion of his sentence he felt awkward for not actually knowing her name. "Thanks," he added as he took the parchment and sat down. He turned and opened his mouth to finally exchange introductions with his classmate, but at that moment their professor began speaking and his words stopped in his throat.

Well, they could get to that later.

He watched as Professor Ichahara gracefully touched each tapestry and brought the artwork to life. Kitsune, he had heard of them. Nine-tailed foxes. But to be honest, he didn't know nearly enough about them when compared to some of his classmates. And here he had thought he was a bookworm. But he was interested, and listened attentively as his professor enlightened him about the myths associated with them, about their supposed 'souls' or 'spirits.'

When the time came for input from the class, Samuel didn't hesitate to let some of his classmates answer before him. He preferred to mull it over a little more in his head. Finally, when there was an opening in the discussion, he contributed. "I think I'd like to think that the Kitsune were some other sort of magic. Something special." It certainly added some allure to the topic. It made for a good story, and Sam was a sucker for a good story. "But," yes, there was the 'but,' "When I think about how none of them are around today, or none that we know of, it makes me think that the most logical conclusion is that they were just animagi using their abilities for their own protection, that the Kitsune aren't around today because they no longer have to protect themselves and their wizarding identity with a disguise." It made sense. Sam liked when things made sense.

And as for her next question, whether the soul could be replicated, Sam quietly shook his head. No, from what he had read and even what he simply felt, creating a soul was beyond the magic of even the cleverest in the wizarding world.

Jace was pretty much just watching the tapestries’ pictures move. One could tell that he was in his element because he was highly entertained. It’s his culture right there, well, more of his mother’s but the pictures made him miss Japan more. He’d whispered the word ‘Kitsune’ as soon as he saw the whole thing. Jace nodded as the professor spoke, and thought the subject to be a very complex one. Not only did the fox represented malevolence...or witch animals during the Edo period, but the Kitsune was also revered as one of the prinicipal spirits of the Shinto religion.

The half-Japanese Ravenclaw remained silent and observed his professor. He wondered if she is a Kitsune herself. The high cheekbones, close-set eyes, and a narrow face, she’s got everything to look like one. It didn’t help that she’s a Transfiguration professor too. Maybe she could shape-shift anytime she wants, right? He wouldn't be surprised if her animal form is a fox. Jace calmed himself, and commanded his brain not to over-think. They’ve got a question to answer, after all.

Jace slowly raised his hand, and offered his answer. “The Kitsune, for me, is a form of ‘yokai’ or a spiritual entity that guide us, for they have been blessed with the gift of enlightenment. They react to our actions, good and bad, that’s why I think there is a good fox, Inari, the bringer of good fortune, and its opposite, Yako, the bringer of bad luck. I suppose here, in the western world, you’d call it Karma.” Jace took in a deep breath, hoping he actually made sense. He’s got a good feeling he went overboard though. Typical Ravenclaw, right?

The follow up question though was harder. Jace raised his hand again. “The spirit, though it is typically enlightened, some are born out of darkness. I suppose even in the Spirit World, there must be balance. Yin and Yang, Heaven and Earth, so it could bring forth blessing to those who deserve it, and bad karma to those who did evil. I don’t think it can be replicated though, professor. I always thought being a spirit is part of an arduous process, after one has exhausted his life form. Replication is a form of creation so in this case, I don’t think one can create a spirit. Although, manipulating it, such as putting life into an inanimate object could be possible. Not all spirits are strong, I think.” Jace blinked, and grinned at the professor sheepishly as he picked up his quill and pulled his parchment closer to him, ready to take down notes. He purposefully skipped the last question though, because he felt like he’s been talking too much now in this class.

Melbourne grinned over to Carl and then turned to listen to Professor Ichihara. Spirit? In the heart region…that was an interesting concept Carl…Mel just grinned at the idea of the Kitsune being animagi. She did however reaaally lean forward and look over at Jace when he was speaking.

What? He was half Japanese and knew about Kitsune and that was freaking awesome right? Whaaaaaaat…weren’t they talking about them possibly being real? Mel thought to her self nearly chewed on the end of her quill, as she got ready to take notes. Raising her hand, “Professor Ichihara if the Kitsune were real because of the fact that then as what Jace was saying couldn’t all foxes then be Kitsune?” She posed the question and then tipped her head as she looked at the tapestries “could their transformative abilities then be why they aren’t in many Care of Magical Creatures textbooks because they aren’t creatures they would be more akin to being an animagi then being a creature, beast or being…” she nodded and then quickly added. “also…with Gamps laws and the fundamental laws of magic wouldn’t creating life be prohibited or cause dire reactions after death?” she asked honestly curious about that.

Just because her training might be on pause with this current Professor didn't at all mean the fifth year had halted her practice or studies. In fact she had actually increased her reading and was very much progressing in all she had been told to do by Nana earlier in the year, she also knew for a fact that Frankie was doing the same. So there was no reason for her behavior to change towards the women, in all honesty she in fact liked her. Especially today's topic.

Hady didn't make a sound or offer up any answers to any of the questions. At least not right away. Her attention was peaked the very second the tapestries were reviled showing the Kitsune. Knowing what they were was one thing to her but listening to what all her peers and Professor Incihara's take on what these creatures could very likely be had her mind in a whirl and she was currently taking down notes. Many, many notes. Some answers really caught her attention more so then others like Mason's and Haddie's. Two first years with really in depth replies. Two younger girls she knew but was still surprised with how well they spoke. She glanced their way giving them both a grin.

As a small child Hady always believed that the Kitsune was more then just a story. They were something special. Magical. Maybe they were animagi or maybe they were something else entirely she really didn't know but everyone was free to their own thoughts. "Like many of the others around me have said already Professor the most simplest answer would be that they are animagi but however like someone else had mentioned it would be highly unlikely that so many were the same EXACT form. So I guess what I'm saying is maybe their something else entirely... I'm not even sure. Could it be some different type of metamorphic ability?" Yeah, her words were completely jumbling up now and she was starting not to make any sense as her mouth kept moving but her mind was already wandering away on thoughts. Why was speaking her thoughts so much harder out loud then on parchment?

The next set of questions once more had her head spinning. It was insane how serious this talk was getting and how quickly. The soul or spirit of a person was something that could be created. Not to her anyway. "There are spells which can be used to make an object animate and do as you want it to but without a soul of it's own which it would be born with it wouldn't go and do those things on it's own. Not naturally anyhow. Though a wizard or witches wand is said to react badly or not at all if it's not the true wand for them so maybe there is more to this creating a soul thing then we know." And there she was doing it again. Giving both sides an answer. Sorry Professor but she just couldn't agree on where her heart and her thoughts lay on this matter.

Kitsune...

Somehow this reminded her of Naruto, INTERESTING!! So it was real? Not really a thing from anime and stuffs? Could they be Naruto today? (though her favorite one was Kakashi--and that's why she dressed up like him when Halloween. hehehe) "I think the soul is what makes human human, or an animal animal." The young lioness said. "I've heard that when someone died so it means her or his spirit was... gone. And I don't think it can be replicated magically."

Also... Was that Charlotte Kettleburn? What's going on with her? And why on earth she was bringing a box?

Whilst this lesson was completely and entirely interesting, Rooney wasn't sold on everything that was being said by his peers. He listened in on their answers and made a few little notes on what he thought could be things to remember. And when he was ready to give his own answer, he raised his hand. "Professor, I--" His attention wavered and was drawn across to a latecomer...the latecomer...the Miss Charlotte. Roo beckoned her over to sit near him with a hand and a small smile, because she looked like...well, it was a bad word and he wasn't sure if he could associate a bad word with her. Actually, he was certain that he couldn't.

He was also certain that attention would be on her right now, and as much as she sometimes seemed to like that...he didn't doubt she wouldn't want it right now. Especially with her hair looking like it did. "I think there's something in your teeth, Professor."

Please, please don't look at Miss Charlotte anymore. Please, please don't draw attention to the fact she was still pretty even when she didn't seem to own a hair brush.

Janelle listened as the professor began to speak. She took notes, trying to keep up with all of the important information that was provided. It was a lot to take in and Janelle was having difficulty trying to process it all. Transfiguration. Kistune. Tapestries. Foxes. Arrrrrgh.

Then came the questions, which didn't help. Janelle took a moment to ponder everything that Professor Ichihara had said. Then she thought about the questions and was not quite sure how to answer them. She did have a question of her own though. Finally, Janelle raised her hand and jumped into the conversation. "I'm not sure what they really were...........but, if Animagi wanted to live among muggles, wouldn't changing back and forth from fox to human draw attention to themselves? It seems to me that you would just want to stay human and blend in."

The second question was even harder. "I think the spirit is combination of animal and human soul." Janelle wanted to say that it couldn't be duplicated, but seeing that this was Transfiguration class, the answer was probably yes. She went for it anyway. "I don't think that you can replicate spirit." Janelle thought about it some more and wondered. Putting spirit into an inanimate object though.........was that anything like making a horcrux? Putting someone's soul into an object? If it was, it was not a good thing.

It was no secret that Transfiguration wasn't his best subject, that being said, it was far from being his worst. While he wasn't particularly interested in the practice, and was mildly confused about the whole 'kitsune' thing, he did at least have thoughts regarding her last question.

Could free-thinking, self-sustaining beings be created to do biddings? Ha. No.

"Professor, the use of dark magic can enable us to use beings to do our bidding, as could potions and the like, but to be free-thinking and self-sustaining also... no. As far as transfiguration's concerned, it goes against Gamp's law. It might though, be possible to give the illusion that something has been created and is self-sustaining and free-thinking while doing our bidding." Mmmhhhmmm.

Or something like that.

Ollie was fast asleep and didn't know what in the world was going on around him until someone came up behind him and TICKLED him awake. He jumped a little off his seat and giggled louder than he would have liked and saw Esme was the culprit. Of course.

Catching his breathe, and fully unaware of anything having been written on his forehead by the professor, he sat back in his seat and worked on his breathing. The fourth year squinted his eyes at Esme and then stuck his tongue out at her. One day he was going to have to wake her up from her precious nap. Just before the professor began, he whispered, "yousuck." Of course he wasn't upset at the Hufflepuff, but he was just sooo tired. As Ichihara began her lesson, Oliver say up straight and tried his best to stay awake.

He wrote minimum notes, and was really just too tired to answer this very long question. Oliver also hated theories so he was just gonna sit this one out. He might be Sleeping Beauty, but no one ever said Sleeping Beauty was smart.

The clucking tongue didn't register to him, no more than half her words about a fox and babies and muggles and the spirit. In some ways, he supposed he should have been happy he didn't walk into a class where it was immediately 'wands out' and no stalling mechanism but by now he'd learned this was one of those classes where at SOME point wands would be drawn and he would be more miserable than he was now--because yes, that WAS possible.

In the middle of the long winded speech, he caught sight of Charlotte walking in looking like they'd cancelled Christmas. First thought? She didn't want to be here either but it was possible it was related to the box she was clutching.

Blaise turned to the Professor again, gauging her for a response while ignoring any and all questions she'd asked. He knew what spirits were. He didn't know what Kitsune was. Quite technically, she COULD create life with a soul and make it do her bidding. It was called reproduction. Of course, this was a magic lesson and something that simple would never fly. It was never simple. Never.

Stupid magic.

Transfiguration=sitting in the VERY FRONT of the classroom as ever. She was no late riser either, so she was as awake as she could be. She was listening as carefully as a highly intelligent first year could listen. She'd expected this class to be practical too, but the topic presented didn't promise that as of yet. However, it was VERY interesting. An animagus... sly, really sly.

She didn't approve of it.

However, it was time to discuss now. She raised her hand and listened to others until it was her turn. Though no one contributed much to her thinking.

"I think she was an animagus," she said, "I read once somewhere that the most plausible theory is the easiest one. Therefore, her being an animagus is 90% true." In her opinion at least. She was open to other ideas, of course.

"It is impossible to create life," she said directly, "well, artificially, that is." Otherwise, conception was creating life in a way, but that wasn't the point of the question. "Soul is something that gives us personality, to animals," she didn't add to humans, because scientifically humans were animals, "it's a core element of us and what makes every animal unique. Therefore, it's the most important element of being and as it's impossible to create life, it's also impossible to create spirit or soul." Quite clear.

Enough people had given their answers now for Kitty to feel comfortable giving her own answer.

"I think she was an animagus too, Professor,"responded Kitty, agreeing with Katherine and the majority of her fellow students. "It makes sense given what we know about magic. But I don't think it's possible for us to create a spirit or soul. One of the most important laws of magic is that you can't bring people back to life. A soul is what makes a person alive, so if we can't bring someone back - then why would we be able to create one?"

Quiet Ones;

Though they were quiet, they did not go unnoticed. As Nana walked through the aisles of desks, she made sure to give each one an encouraging little nod. Whether they were soaking in the information, mulling over their theories or simply had nothing to say, Nana could respect their silence. Sometimes the best way to learn was simply to sit and listen. Still, if they were interested, there was plenty of time for them to gather their opinions and put them to use.

“Now remember, there are no silly or foolish answers when it comes to today’s subject, when it comes to myth, legend and tales of old we have only our theories to set standard by. Points will be given for those who are creative, and allow their minds to wander, and who come closest.” She did not expect the students to grasp the idea quickly, after all, it had barely been taught aside from a seminar so long ago that these students might very well be the children of the ones who had been in attendance.



The Spirit, Ghosts, and Creatures:

“An interesting theory, but keep in mind that ghosts as we know them are very much stuck to one form and cannot change to another. Also, keep in mind Transfiguration next time, but as I said, very interesting, Miss Stevens.” Nana gave the young girl a small smile, one that shifted as the young girl carried on, bringing up a point which made the older witch’s eyebrows rise quite a bit. “Yes, the Imperius Curse does turn one into another’s puppet, but you are correct, no form of magic can give true life.” She paused. “Some very dark words from one so young.” Another child to perhaps keep an eye on.


“Livers seem like an awful diet, don’t you think?” She lightly said, considering the young girl, and her answer as she made her way through the desks. It helped her to think, all the walking. “This would make them very similar to the English Hag” - (speaking of, she had never been more pleased to hear of a colleague’s sacking) - “It would account for the more.. malicious behavior in earlier stories.” Another interesting theory, another classic example of a bright imagination.

She smiled softly at the Ravenclaw. “I am very much in agreement, Miss Kennedy.”

Nana grinned, though not very widely. “Yes, the Korean Gumiho and Japanese Kitsune are cousin myths. Though the difference is Gumiho are almost always thought of as evil, whereas Kitsune are known more for their ambiguity.”

“Now Veela are well known for their transformations from beauty to true beast when threatened, and this is its’ own form of Transfiguration that we call evolutionary transfiguration. Survival, adaption. Very close to our Kitsune.”[i] Nana nodded again. “A fine answer, Mr. Song.”

“No, not quite. We can indeed, clone inanimate objects with the use of the Gemino spell, but we cannot clone a living thing and give it life. Not with magic.” Nana said, not unkindly in response to Miss Potts.

“They do not. Hence the discussion today about what they might have been, if not animagi in disguise.” Nana calmly said, brow slightly raised as she surveyed Mister Thomas-Borsekowski. His next point was more of note. “No, an inanimate object absolutely cannot be given the gift of life.

Nana blinked. Was.. She wasn’t sure that Miss Johanson was asking a question or what exactly said question might be. Pursing her lips at the young girl’s slightly meandering speech, Nana shook her head. “All foxes most certainly not Kistune. The Common Vulpes Vulpes is not in any way, shape, or form, magical. “It is not. Many creatures with transformative abilities are noted in beastiarys. This creature is something in-between, but perhaps you should take a little time in consideration before your next answer.” And maybe see Professor Draper about remedial CoMC.

“That is the problem with the Animagus theory. Many have said that perhaps the Wizard in question might have been trying to grab Muggle attention.” Which sounded… silly to her, but who was she to judge.

“It’s possible that they do. But as of yet most proof of their existence is older wizarding and muggle tales, along with a few historical stories that are… Not the most reliable.” For lack of a better word.

“Very like a golem, Mister Choi.” Nana nodded encouragingly.


Animagi:
“Very well said, Miss Watson, on both counts.” she nodded encouragingly as the young woman paused.”creatures created solely through magical means such as a gollum or a homunculous will not have a mind of it’s own. They would simply be a puppet. an empty vessel.”

Miss Lupin had a point, despite the slight rambling of her answer, it was there and very clear, one only needed to do a bit of digging. “you’re correct in that it is not an inheritated trait, but one earned through hard work and much dedication. However. There might not have been many Kitsune, it is entirely possible the myth originated from one instance.”

Still, a very nice answer.

“It is as you’ve said, Miss Wojack-Gusey, much more common, and for all intents and purposes in this exercise it is the most likely answer. The key is here that these creature were wont to do a master’s bidding. I have do doubt an Animagus would not allow themselves to be so used.” she certainly wouldn't.

“Exactly so.” She paused. “You can animate an object, breath something of yourself into it, but you cannot create real life.” Another pause. “That would be rather adorable.” She couldn't help herself.

“Ah. Inferi, I had wondered when we would reach them.” She had not expected them to be mentioned by a hufflepuff prefect, but stranger things… “That is something very different from creating life. It is something more like borrowing it. Imbuing something with energy, or a bit of your spirit to make it yours.” Mister Nicolei was on the right track.

“It certainly could be. Many beasts, both Magical and Mundane have the ability to change their appearance when threatened, after all. A very well thought out question, Miss Greingoth.” Nana commended.

“regular foxes with magical abilities.” Nana said, echoing the young man. “Boggarts, Kelpies and others do have the ability to make themselves look like people at times, it isn't unlikely that a magically imbued fox would have the same abilities.” well said, Leonard, on both accounts. Nana gave the young man a smile as she turned about to face the class again. “in the case of the Kelpie it is Evolutionary Transfiguration to help keep the creature safe from predators. In the case of our creature, their Transfigurative ability is used to assist their master.”

“I have heard something similar, Mister Chevalier. I have also heard theories saying that they could be similar to the Dodo in the aspect of changing themselves or disappearing to escape poachers, Muggles after all, believe they killed the Dodo bird.” he had brought up some really wonderful points, perhaps bumping into his desk had helped wake him properly.

All excellent answers, and though her classmates had said much the same- it did not lessen the value of Miss Lynch’s. Smiling softly, Nana nodded. “Has you know, Miss Lynch, Animagus forms are varied, rare and on occasion completely useless. Though it is likely that a wizard during that time might have had this ability and could even turn into a fox, it is highly unlikely that there would be enough to create such a widespread myth, but the class would do well to keep in mind that we are speaking in merely a theoretical manner.”

“Wandlore is an especially… interesting and delicate subject. Many wand makers are prone to even saying that their wands retain a soul because of the magic within them.”

“A very sound, and logical way of thinking, Miss Moss.” Nana’s smile just the tiniest bit shifty. “That other ten percent can be dangerous territory to dabble in.”

“Well spoken, miss.” Nana said, giving the girl a nod as she made her way back to her own desk.

“Gamp’s Laws constitute that life, precious and special as it is, cannot be recreated. Though many have made attempts to do so. The Peverell Brothers were believed to have created an artifact that could bypass death, but that is a myth for another time.” Elder wands, and resurrection stones had little to do with this class.

Giving Spirit, with a side of Combo Soul:

Naturally Miss Denaker had spoken up, Nana had absolutely come to expect it of the young child, as well as the unusual amount of depth in her answers. “If they were real they most certainly went extinct some time ago if they were simply natural born creatures as some scholars have argued.”

Nana nodded, listening on as Denaker continued, speaking on things in her peculiar way. “There is some life in a bit of everything, that is very true, and it is something very integral to our magical community. Names have power, it is true names and words that Wizards harness the magic in themselves and the wider world around them. As you said, Life cannot be created, but it can be shared in certain cases, though, not in the same form.” This was something of a grey area here, and one of the reasons that Transfiguration for all it’s practical use, was in fact a philosophical subject.


Though his answer was neither here nor there, Nana appreciated it for it’s surprisingly deep and very thoughtful air. “Very well said, and an interesting concept… Though I believe they were of a more physical nature, I appreciate your theory, Mister Reed.” These children were so young, time and time again they were surprising her.

Though slightly bemused by the first year’s strong concepts of such very hefty subjects (heaven, earth, evil, good), Nana nodded along as he spoke, pausing as she considered his answer, picking it apart in search of the bit of illumination she had seen. “Inanimate objects can borrow a semblance of life, and can become tethered to a wizard through magical means, the same can occur with animals, though you cannot create those circumstances, they have to come about naturally.”

“very good answer, Miss Stone.” Nana smiled warmly. “Or perhaps they were linked to a witch or Wizard by means of a special connection.”


CHAR KETLLEBUM:
What. On. Earth.
Nana froze, midway through class, through her thoughts, and midway to the meat and potatoes of it all as the teary eyed Gryffindor walked in. wide eyed and mouth agape, Nana rushed over to the young woman with concern burning so deep it was in her blue veins.

“Miss Kettleburn! Amaterasu’s name- what on earth happened to you?” she asked, ushering the miserable looking child inside and sitting here down at a random open desk. Her first and foremost worry was that the Gryffindor had gotten into some of danger (after all) this [i]was[i/] Hogwarts). “What are you holding, dear?” She asked, kneeling near the desk and eyeing the shoebox with trepidation.

She thought back to the Hag that had only been run off to the forest. It would be a very Gryffindor thing to have a leisurely stroll through the forest, only to be accosted by a children-hungry witch-woman. Perhaps Nana ought to count Miss Kettleburn’s fingers and toes. Make sure none were missing.

Class would carry on as soon as she saw to this.


OOC: Hi guys, Due to a family emergency I am not sure when I will be able to post again, but questions and participation are welcome in the mean time. <3

“Mm.” Jace gave the professor an enthusiastic nod, and took down more notes about the subject. He liked his theories being contested because that way, he get s to learn more. As he scribbled down more points on his parchment, he opened his mind further to what the professor had to say. Jace paused, and placed his quill down to listen.

When Nana spoke of tethering, Jace blinked and wondered if it could be a form of Dark Magic? It’s like leaving a piece of one’s self to an object to give it power. Jace tilted his head in curiosity, and more questions floated in his mind. “So...I suppose the wizard or witch should form a bond with the animal first?” he asked, raising his hand for the second time. “Or...is it typically the animal who chooses its human counterpart? Is that...” his voice drifted off as he looked at the writings on the board, “Is that how familiars work, Ichihara-sensei?” Oops. “Professor Ichihara, I mean. Sorry.” Jace’s face turned pink as he picked up his quill, ready to write more notes.

He did draw a figure of a raven on his parchment as he remembered the Hag’s bird. Could it be her familiar? And where did that bloody bird go anyway?

His thoughts were disrupted though when the professor went to the back of the classroom and checked on...a girl wearing Gryffindor robes. What...happened to her? Jace followed the woman with his eyes, and looked at the girl she was comforting. What’s...going on? And...what’s inside the box?

Ellery's mouth was slightly agape as she stared in the general direction of Professor Ichihara. She was trying to pay attention…but she hadn't gotten much sleep last night in a psychology experiment on herself (it didn't work, if anyone was wondering).

Animals? What? Is that what they were talking about?

Sorry, prof.

It was WAY too early for Scarlett to think about such an...abstract concept. Souls? She thought over what she wanted to answer as she scribbled with her color changing ink in the corner of her notes, drawing a multi colored unicorn before she finally raised her hand.

"No, I don't think you can create a soul - but I think it's possible to BREAK a soul to do your bidding. Like with horcruxes maybe? Or mind control spells?" she suggested. She wasn't sure. She needed some iced coffee before she could fully come up with a good answer.

But then something happened that really woke her up - that Gryffindor girl, the one she recognized from class, came in LATE, and she was carrying...shoes? WHAT? What was happening??

Haddie caught sight of her name twin grinning at her after she gave her answer, and felt a little bit of pride swell through her. The other Hady was impressed by her, and being someone that Haddie liked and respected, it meant a lot to her. She returned Hady's grin and waved, before turning back to listen to Professor Ichihara's response to her answer.

Haddie couldn't hide her surprise as Ichihara spoke. The response was full of validation. Haddie had been telling everyone all her life that everything, even inanimate objects spoke to her, and a lot of the time, told her their name. Every so often she'd stumble upon and untrusting object that didn't share its name. Of course they didn't speak with words, or anything like that, but things did talk to her in a very indescribable way.

And now, here was a Professor stating fully that there was life in everything and things had names and both those were essential to magic. Finally, a teacher saying, a lot more clearly, what she's been saying all her life. But if it was so essential to magic, why did everyone else seem to not believe she was actually gleaning these things from the objects herself?

Haddie's look of surprise turned into one of puzzlement. Was this a rare ability maybe? Maybe most people really couldn't pick up on these things the way she could. Something else came back to her then, how Mel had talked about magic surfacing like it was the most normal thing for their kind... but it was the first Haddie knew of that. Strange things had been happening around her since the day she was born. There had never been a point when her own magic had surfaced. Maybe those were connected. If the life and name of things were essential to magic, and she'd always been able to see and knows those things in the things around her... it would kinda make sense then that her magical abilities would be there from the start as well, right?

"Huh," she said, mostly to herself. She looked up at the Professor again, clearly surprised, yet pleased with this unexpected epiphany. "Wow. Thanks, Professor."

So yes he finally settled down into his seat, but not before smiling to himself how he got his teacher to be all sorts of smiley too. Mission accomplished hehe.

But now lessons were starting, oh so those paintings were about Kitsune. Nope havent heard what those are. Then again foreign terminologies specifically of the Asian variety always gave Tenacius some trouble. Basically if its not food or robot related he wont remember it.

"Uh... Maybe Kitsune is the Asian version of Werewolfs? Since yeah fox-faced and the tendency of not wanting to tell their family what they really were and all that."

Then again this was transfiguration class and the Animagi theory held a lot of sense too.

And as for the second question "Uh nah... Souls cant be replicated or created." This much he knew, he didn’t know how, but instincts says that is fact. "I mean there are a bunch of spells that can create birds and bats too but those arent real birds or bats right?"

Dima smiled a little at the subtle call out for the silent ones in the class to raise their voices, but he paid that no mind. He wasn't ready to speak, lady. The sixth year would, in time.... when he was awake enough and positive nothing that came out of his mouth would be dumb and mortifying.

Right now, he was going to continue on being silent.

...... and why did Char look like that...?

Nana saw it. The spark in the young boy’s eyes that meant lightning had struck. “Yes, it is exactly how familiars work, Mister Reed.” She grinned, dark eyes twinkling. “I don’t mind Sensei Ichihara.” She warmly added, before she carried on with the lesson.

Horcruxes. What were they teaching these children at Hogwarts? Amateratsu’s name, this girl was much too young to speak of such a thing. “These are not late hearted topics, Miss Reynolds. Though they are good points I suggest you be careful in the manner you mention them.” Dear. Dear.

“That is…. An interesting theory. Certainly the first of it’s kind that I’ve heard.” Stranger things, after all. “thank you, Mister Salander.”



======================



A true smile, the kind that twinkled the eyes and gave beautiful women laugh lines, spread across Nana’s face. “Miss Denaker, Mister Reed and Miss Stone all alluded to in their answers, the true soul cannot be replicated, but spirit can be borrowed, or even shared.” She had made her way back to her desk. Taking up her wand, Nana reached back and tapped the tapestry, causing it and the others to be still once more. “Mister Reed was quite correct in his questioning. Many experts say that Familiars choose their partner, a witch or wizard with exceptional skill that the Familiar deems worthy of the bond. It is something that cannot be recreated, or replicated, it is special. Singular.”

“As discussed, these creatures may very well have been Animagi, some other now extinct magical creature, or even an illusion brought to life by a witch or wizard to scare or distract Mugglekind. None of these answers are incorrect, and that is the true beauty of theory and discussion, something that goes hand in hand with Transfiguration in my opinion.” She paused, lips pursing as she carefully thought over her next words. “Another option for the Kitsune’s origin comes from Familiar Magic.” No, not familiar as in something you might know well, this was altogether a very different matter. “Familiar is the term used in Transfiguration to describe an animal that shares a bond so strong with it’s owner that it no longer is an ordinary pet, but more a partner. True familiars are said to be tied to their partners by a string of fate, a soul connection that binds and brings Wizard and animal together. Many Historians claim that the Kitsune myths were the product of a Muggle crossing paths with a wizard who had with him a Fox Familiar. It’s a far-fetched idea, but one that in recent years has gained credibility.”

“A Fox Familiar would not only be able to do it’s partner’s bidding, but could also give aid in certain spells, and even protect their partner from danger… “ Were they still listening? She had a little ways to go now. “To a lesser extent, you can create a tethered bond to an object, gift it a bit of your own spirit or magical essence, but the object will not think for itself or be able to exist on it’s own. The suits of Armor here in the castle are Insentient Familiars, many have speculated that Quick-Quotes Quills are a bent version of the Familiar spellwork, but the manufacturers are not the kind to divulge company secrets.” Nana could hardly blame them, it was a rather ingenious little tweak.

“A few of you mentioned Inferi in your answers. There are similarities between Familiar magic and Inferi, but there is much more complexity in the second, and a great deal more danger. insentient Familiars, like Inferi need a physical form to settle their magic into.” Nana glanced around, she had worried about broaching the subject of Inferi, but after hearing the word slip from student mouths she had decided it would do after all. “In the case of Insentient Familiars something of the caster must be added to the object in some way to strengthen the bond between caster and familiar. Hair, spit and true tears are the most commonly used options.” She paused, eyeing the class, considering her next words with delicate care speaking again. “In darker forms, blood is also used but I strongly urge against the practice as it can lead to dire circumstances should it go awry.”

“Insentient Familiars and Natural Familiars are as different as a living being and a comic book character. It is possible in your life times that you will never come upon a true familiar or find your own, but you can, as we’ve learned today, something that will give you an idea of what that bond is like and something that you may harness in the future how you see fit.”




Activity:

Clapping her hands together, Nana stood from where she had been sitting on her desk. “Now. I believe that’s enough discussion for the day. If you are all ready, we will move on to today’s activity. Creating an Insentient Familiar to better understand the significance of a true Familiar.”

Nana nodded to a small table beside her desk where little groups of Molding Clay that rested in wait there. “Each of you will take one lump back to your desk, you are to mold it to whatever shape your heart might desire, so long as the shape is not indecent.” - She gave a particular glance to the young men in the room - “The first step, however is to take something with your own DNA and place it into the clay. Imbuing it with a bit of your physical self so that when you cast your spell it will stick.”

“As I stated, there are three options. Spit, a lock of your hair, or heartfelt tears. The spell works best when it is combined with an emotional sacrifice. Spit is the weakest of the three for it is the easiest of them to part with, a lock of hair for some is nothing to part with… While for others it is quite a sacrifice indeed. Last, and strongest are tears. They cannot be crocodile tears, they must absolutely be born of true emotion otherwise they will prove as useless as water. It is up to you to decide what to use, keep in mind that this will effect your overall performance. Whatever material you choose to work with must be placed within the clay first before you begin the molding process.”

“For those in need. I have scissors available near the table that holds our molding clay. I suggest that younger students be care. No running with them.” That was something of a joke, class.

“Any and all questions are welcome as you work.” Get to it, class.









OOC: Sooooooooo sorry for such a delay guys. I appreciate your patience more than I can say. let’s get right to the meat of it.
For this part of the class your student will very simply walk over, grab a bit of clay, place the one material they are to use into it, mix it all up and then creature a little figurine in the shape of their choosing. Have fun, get messy, get creative. This activity can be done in two detailed posts or three smaller posts.
If you have any questions you may have your student ask Nana or you can PM me.
We’ll be moving on in 24 hours, guys.

Honestly the lack of response to his answer had left him baffled, like... was he on the right track?

Yes?

No?

Was he purposefully being looked over? Was it because he in fact did suck at transfiguration??? ... it was hard to tell, and while he felt stung by the lack of attention, he quickly recovered, instead becoming indifferent to the whole thing. In fact, note taking could wait until he got back to his dorms, he'd rely on the text book... effort right now, was just not going to happen.

Ichihara's hand clapping got his attention eventually, and so it signalled the beginning of an activity. Right. He supposed he could engage with that. Naturally he was a little disappointed that indecent shapes weren't permitted, and that spit was the weakest form they could choose. Boo. Just boo. He was incredibly uninspired already.

Releasing a light sigh, Zeke did as told and collected for himself a lump of the clay.

Right.

So he was supposed to impregnate his DNA into it, too easy.

Deciding he wasn't going to cry in front of the whole class, the only option left, was hair. Hair from his head was easy enough, but instead he decided arm-hair might be more appropriate. After all, it was more painful, and therefore harder to give up... which would mean it was stronger, right?

Whatever.

Rolling up his sleeve he did just that, YANKED out a hair. He pressed it into the clay with his thumb, creating a semi-tunnel to conceal the hair, and with a good squeeze between his palms, he collapsed it. There. Hair in clay ball. For now though, he continued working the clay, rolling it, twisting it, massaging it... he wasn't sure what shape it would take, but it felt nice between his fingers.

Mouth ajar, the boy nodded, “Wakarimashita...I got it.” Jace smiled at the professor sheepishly, and tipped his head to acknowledge her words. He’s a happy camper knowing that he was able to get through her questions, and was able to come up with the right answer. Piecing clues together was awesome. What made him feel better was the fact that Ichihara-sensei doesn’t mind calling her in the standard honorific for teachers in Japan. Jace beamed at this, and gave the professor a series of enthusiastic nods.

As he wrote down more notes, Jace couldn’t help but feel small when the professor mentioned his name alongside his fellow Ravenclaws. Obviously, he’s not used to being called out even if he gave the right answer. Jace kept his head down, scribbling away in his parchment, and would pause to listen to the professor from time to time.

“Oh.” He muttered as he picked up his quill again, and added more notes to his parchment. Apparently, Familiars can be classified to two: The True Familiars, and the Insentient Familiars. He thought of the same thing when the professor mentioned about the possibility of not meeting their true familiars. He thought, maybe one should be concentrated to his magic to call on his true familiar. One could probably be subject to such extremes as well to get one, right? Not that Jace was interested to have a true familiar. He was sure he’d be okay without one, unless the universe conspires for him to have one, he won’t object.

After he was done with his notes, he neatly placed it to the side of his desk, got up and picked up a lump of bright green clay from the side table, and bits of other coloured clay to give his work more flair. He was going to give it life anyway, so of course, he’d want it to look pretty.

After collecting his clay, he returned to his desk, took the bright green lump first and started to roll it out, making it flat to receive his DNA. It would be hard to harvest real tears now though, so his second option would be his hair. Jace paused wondering if he should go for his spit? The Ravenclaw made a grossed out face. There was no way he’d spit on something. That’s disgusting...and outright rude. Sighing, he got up to retrieve a pair of scissors from the same table, returned to his desk...and calmed himself down. Jace didn’t want to cut his hair. His hair is precious really, but...it seemed he was stuck with it. Taking a deep breath, he reached up behind his right ear, held on to a lock of hair, and snipped it.

SNIP.

Jace cringed at the sound it made, and examined the lock of hair clipped in between his thumb, index, and middle finger. He did cut a good amount of hair alright, but calmly shrugged his feelings off, and placed his DNA on to the clay.

Rachel smiled at Ichihara. She was simply pleased that the Professor had praised her answers and even agreed to her on the account of the body would be completely empty without a soul. There was much, much information to follow up. Rachel tried to take as much of them down as possible. It was all rather fascinating, wasn't it?

The Eagle thought she had captured a satisfactory amount of the notes so she now focused on the activity. She stood up and went over to the small table, selecting (rather obviously) a lump of bright pink clay. As of now she had no idea which shape the lump would take but she had already decided on the form of DNA she would use. Saliva was automatically ruled out. Tears were an option as all she would have to do was look at Haddie and think about their ruined friendship but Rachel thought she had done enough crying for this reason. The only other option remaining was hai- oh, no!

She had been thinking of Haddie and as ever so often when she did, Rachel felt her eyes well up. Turning around quickly to go back to her seat, her thoughts most stubbornly fixed on her ruined friendship, the tears overflowed. Blinded by them, she pressed on the clay to flatten it. Just in the nick of time too for the tears ran down her cheeks to meet just below her chin where she easily collected them onto the clay.

Rachel set it back down on her desk to hastily wipe her eyes. She didn't want anyone to see her crying as it was something she preferred to do alone and out of sight of everyone else. She tried to force herself to think of happier things- Ariel the Mermaid, a library full of books, baking with Austin, tending to Flutterbies with David- as she tried to regain composure.