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emjay · 03-22-2016, 01:13 AM

As you walk into the History of Magic classroom, you will see that the room is set up as Professor Finch usually has it. The tables with four chairs at each one are set up throughout the room, but the name tags that have been there most of the year are gone. He has permitted students to sit where they want today, within reason.

Professor Finch is found leaning casually against his desk at the front of the room, waiting for students to arrive as he greets each one. "Good morning! Find a seat and we'll begin shortly." Hopefully they could have a little fun once they got the necessary learning out of the way, though he hoped both would be a memorable learning experience.

OOC- Although this is our 2nd and last RPed History of Magic class of the term, you can presume that we had class all year even if it was not RPed.

Lissy Longbottom · 03-25-2016, 03:31 PM

Was Scarlett supposed to copy ALL THAT DOWN?! OMG. Her hand was going to fall off. Still, she chugged along, using different colored inks for each different section. That, at least, made it a TAD more fun. Once she got to about the middle of the notes, she took a break to shake out her hand and then raised her hand to answer the professor's question. Seemed like a good stopping point...

"Prejudice, Professor. Usually involving muggles but you've got other magical creatures too. Either the muggles hate us, or wizards hate muggles and muggleborn, and they decide to try and make one type of blood better than the other," she explained. Seemed plain as day to her.

And now...more notes. UGH.

griffin · 03-25-2016, 08:19 PM

Penelope jotted down the information that was written on the board, carefully noting all the details. What did these conflicts have in common? Penelope thought about the question. What was needed in order for the conflict to take place at all? There was something, or multiple things, that all conflicts had in common. Many of her classmates had good answers, and it was time for her to add her opinion. "At least one party involved wants something, such as a change in society, or more power or rights. They're fighting for a purpose." It was fascinating, really, when one examined the causes of things. Everything was for a reason, even if it didn't look like it.

Goblinfrog · 03-25-2016, 08:26 PM

Kitty listened as the others gave their answers before raising her hand to give hers. "They all involved intolerance on at least one sides part. In the goblin and wizarding wars it was intolerance between the goblins and magical community and in the witch trials it was muggle intolerance and superstition about people with magic. Grindelward also thought he was superior to everyone else, and Voldmort hated everyone that did not have two magical parents. I don't know very much about the wars with the giants, so maybe this doesn't apply to them." She felt it was a good answer, but she hoped that the last statement didn't detract from her overall point.

Hiraeth · 03-25-2016, 09:10 PM

Notes, notes and oh! Some more notes!

She was writing down mostly everything, from what Prof. Finch was saying and the stuff that was scrawled on the board. Yeeaahhhh, and that was A LOT. She winched a little as she flexed her hand, trying to shake the cramp from it. . . she really needed a Quick Quotes Quill, that was for sure.

Ooooo, the cause of war. . . interesting question. . .

Mason listened intently as the other kids answered. She agreed with Miss Headgirl the most. . . people got angry, and when people get angry, they got stupid. But she had her own answer to this.

So she cleared her throat and lifted her hand once more. Prepare yourself for another lonnnngggg answer, Professor.

"Religion. . ." she answered simply, (at first). "Especially in the case of Muggle-Wars. One party believes that their gods are the right ones . Anybody who apposes them and their ways should be killed. It was the same with most of the Wizarding Wars. Voldemort thought that he was the true and rightful lord, as did his minions. They slaughtered anyone who opposed them as well. Everybody wants to believe that their views are the right ones, and so they try to shove their views down everyone else's throats. And when they're met with resistance, they freak out and start killing people."

She had to take a deep breath after she was done. People really did do stupid things for what they believed in. . . and they didn't even realize how wrong they were sometimes. "As for what they have in common. . . Death. Destruction. Sorrow. And they all have a master pulling at the strings, and the soldiers are just puppets dancing on the strings."

emjay · 03-26-2016, 01:49 AM

Ansley listened to each answer as many of the students provided them. They were all on the right track and he didn't have too much to say to each one individually, especially as they all said similar things. Instead, he summarized and compiled the answers on the board to discuss them collectively.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackboard

• Simple minor disagreements can’t be resolved so they just escalate into violence and aggression

• People who think they're right want everyone to see their point of view

• Everyone seemed to be fighting for an ideal, for their right in something. The right to try and take over the world, or their right to save it

• A shared passion and belief in what they were fighting for

• Opposing parties wanted control over power

• Some people think that they are better and should be treated differently. They fight to make themselves superior and to conquer the world.

• To make a stand for what is right, for equality

• A difference in opinions, and then the arguments became violent

• Believing they're fighting for the right cause or for more power

• A change in society, or more power or rights. They're fighting for a purpose

• Prejudice and intolerance

• One party believes that their gods are the right ones and anybody who opposes them and their ways should be killed

"Nice work, everyone," he said gesturing to the board. "As you can see, most of you feel that wars and battles are started when there are opposing sides to what each feels passionately about, so much so that disagreements turned violent. But why would someone feel that going to war is necessary over something that they believe in? War is filled with death, strife, and sacrifice... Are there some things that are truly worth that?" He certainly wasn't saying that there wasn't. Just more of a hypothetical question for them to think on to further the discussion.

And one more question before the real fun could begin. "Is there anything that you find so important that you would be willing to go to war for?"

FearlessLeader19 · 03-26-2016, 05:02 AM

Rachel began making her notes once more from the blackboard. Like her, many persons had listed the reason for wars as being passionate about something but there were other great points made too. Setting her quill down, she drew her full attention back to Professor Ansley.

Yes, this was precisely why Rachel hated violence and arguments alike. They always ended up causing pain in some form of the other. "There are many important things to me,'' the first year said, her hand up. "But I don't see the necessity to go to war over any of them. Violence is never the answer.''

Weasley174 · 03-26-2016, 07:31 AM

Angel had just been listening to the class like she had been doing all year in every lesson she had attended, she wasn't really up for putting her hand up and talking but when she heard the next question her eyes lit up and she had a little smirk on her lips.

Angel raised her hand, this question was a fun question and she totally had a great idea to what she would go to war for. "Professor, I'd go to war over make-up, if someone stole my make-up that would mean war." Angel knew that probably wasn't what the Professor wanted to hear but well she hadn't been her usual self since last summer.

Stefan · 03-26-2016, 09:51 AM

Jace made a mental note not to become like his dad in the future. Wars...or even fights don’t sit well with him, because he simply doesn’t understand why people have to fight, when they can just...talk it out like proper, civilised people. But then again, he quite liked going through these people’s thoughts. What made them go way below the belt?

Again, Jace found his hand rose in the air once more, to offer his answer. “They think it is necessary to instill fear in the opposing party so that they will be forced to accept the principle they are fighting for, or perhaps, to show the opposing party that they will not bow down to their wishes?”

War begets war, after all.

And will he go to war if his family is at stake? Definitley.

Hiraeth · 03-26-2016, 10:36 AM

Her family. . .

That was the first thing that came to mind. She would go to war in a heartbeat for them.
So after scribbling down a massive amount of words (again), Mason raised her hand, not so eagerly this time and with a solemn look on her face.

"Family." she said, "If anybody ever tried hurting my family, I would go to the above and beyond to bring hell straight into that persons life. They may not be perfect, but I love them. . . and I'd be willing to kill for them."

Her mother's kisses on her forehead, her father's letters, her cousins Troy and Natasha. . . she'd do anything for them. "Our family words are Amo te Semper, and that means I Love You Always. And loving someone can make you do crazy things for them. . . "

And war was one of those crazy things. . .

Kolyander · 03-26-2016, 11:55 AM

As her answer was combined with everyone else's up on the board Hady just continued to write it all down. If she could be using a muggle tape recorder right now she would be. It would be so much easier then writing it all down...buuuuttt she was one of those that understood things better by writing it out and rereading it on her so. So maybe a recorder wouldn't be so great.

Hadleigh paused mid-word her quill dangling just over the parchment, her eyes shifting upwards towards the Professor. Something she would go to war for? Sure there was. Deep down there was something anyone would go to war for even those that didn't believe in the excessive use of force and or violence to get ones way. As much as you wouldn't admit it there was always that one thing that could push you over the edge giving you the strength and courage to do the unthinkable.

Slowly her hand went up into the air. "As much as I'm one that would much rather find another way to solve things I would go to war over my loved ones." Family. And her family was getting larger. Whether it be biological or her closest friend to her they were one in the same. For them she would do anything she had to.

Daydreamer11 · 03-26-2016, 12:19 PM

Janelle listened as her classmates gave their answers and copied them down as they were written on the board. They made some good points. Things could definitely get out of hand when people felt strongly about things. And if they felt very strongly about very different things........watch out.

When the professor asked another question, Janelle had to think about it for a moment. It was a difficult one, but deep down she knew her answer. Raising her hand, Janelle gave her thoughts. "It depends on whether you mean "go to war" in the literal of figurative sense. Figuratively, I would go to war for my family. I would definitely fight for them if it came to that." Janelle hoped that it never did, but her family was the most important thing in the world to her. If there was any other possible option, she would try that first of course, but......

MunchyBubbles · 03-26-2016, 01:24 PM

Azura bit her lip a little as the Professor asked if she would go to war for someone and her hand instantly shot into the air as she spoke. "I go to war for my family and friends. If it meant keeping them safe and happy, I would probably do just about anything to ensure that they stayed safe and happy. "

If she could do anything to keep a smile on Jace's face, to see Jazzy's eyes light up, To hear Garreth ramble on about things, even to hear Haddie's shoe this against the wall when they woke her up.. These things were precious to her!

And then her family! To see her Mothers warn smile, feel her Daddy's hug.. Even Wes's teasing!

If she didn't have any of that, her life wouldn't be the same! She would do anything to keep those moments and people safe.

*PhoenixRising* · 03-26-2016, 03:06 PM

So the class was pretty much in consensus about why wars and battles were started, but the topic turned to why someone feels its necessary to go to war over something they believe in. Death, strife, sacrifice. And people started stating answers that their friends and families were worth that sacrifice, but honestly, Tia wasn't convinced. Maybe it was her innocence and purity or her desire to hide in the face of danger, but Tia thought that NOTHING was worth the death toll. She loved her family more than anything, but killing innocent lives on their behalf? That seemed far-fetched.

"None of the wars were started because of defense of friends and family. Yes they continued because of defense of family and friends, but the death toll of innocent lives with immeasurable. I love my friends and family, I do, but to fight and kill more innocent lives to protect them? I don't think it's worth that risk. Innocent lives are taken because of war and you can never get those lives back and evil never dies. Winning comes with showing evil love and kindness and hope they change their ways. Sometimes a little kindness goes a long way." And sometimes it's pointless, but kindness always wins over war.

Goblinfrog · 03-26-2016, 03:24 PM

As usual, Kitty did not want to be the first one to answer. She was moved as her friends Rachel, Mason, Hady, and Ajura gave powerful and compelling answers. And she giggled when a Gryffindor girl (Angel) said she would go to war over makeup, a sentiment which on a non-serious level Kitty could relate to. She loved them all, and that made answering the question easy.

"I'm not very good at fighting at all. I don't know very many fighting spells and I'm not that strong. But if my family or friends were under attack, then I would fight for them with everything I had. Even if I didn't know you I would still help you if you were in trouble. And I don't believe in killing sentient beings, but I would GLADLY maim anyone who tried to harm my friends."

Hiraeth · 03-26-2016, 03:31 PM

SPOILER!!: Miss Head Girl

Oh . . .

See. . . there she didn't agree with Miss Head Girl.

Treat the Evil with Love and Kindness. . . no.

She couldn't keep her mouth shut over this.

So, with a frown etched on her face, Mason turned towards Tia. "How do you want to treat the Evil with kindness? They don't change their ways. Do you think that if someone gave Voldemort a hug he would have suddenly become a good guy? No, he wouldn't." she stated, matter-of-factly, "Imagine if those types of people were threatening your family, killing and hurting them, would you be able to be kind and loving towards them? Those people who did things like that weren't 'innocent' and they deserved to be killed." It wasn't a pretty thought, but it was the truth.

Ba! Innocent bad guys, please. . .

*PhoenixRising* · 03-26-2016, 04:01 PM

SPOILER!!: Mason

Tia turned in her seat when a young first year Slytherin spoke in response to her opinions on treating evil with kindness. No they didn't ALWAYS change their ways, but they weren't born evil either. "Evil doesn't change overnight. They also weren't made into bad guys overnight either. Life changed them and made them hate," Tia replied back. "Think of the Malfoy family. Kindness and forgiveness was shown to them numerous times and in the end, they weren't so bad. Sure if evil types are threatening my family I wouldn't want to be kind towards them, but why should I succumb to their level and resort to violence? Maybe all they need is just ... what I have and they don't. A loving family."

Whether it be Voldemort from the wizarding world or Hitler or Stalin from muggle wars, all were severely unstable individuals who didn't have the family security of love. And by family, it didn't even have to be biological.

Anna Banana · 03-26-2016, 06:19 PM

Is there anything so important she'd be willing to go to war for it? O_O. She was only twelve years old! She wasn't built to go to WAR. Besides, she didn't want to fight. She wanted other, more war-worthy people to fight FOR her. Now that would work just fine, in her opinion.

Ariadne had always thought things like wars belonged in HISTORY. You know, where she just learned about it or read about it. She didn't think about it as anything current. She DID get to thinking about it after that, though. "I guess I'd have to say my family," she said, raising her hand. That sounded SO unsure. "I mean, I'm certain of it and all, but I just don't think I'd be a really good warrior." She hadn't even won ANY of the duels she'd tried this year.

Her family would probably take one look at her as a warrior and just go ahead and throw the towel in on defeat. "I'd probably do better under pressure, though, and hopefully if there was THAT big of a threat, I'd have an army of people to help me!" she added.

oh its Erik ok · 03-26-2016, 07:29 PM

Merlin, they were really on a depressing topic. War. Dante did not really have a opinion on it either way. If you wanted to go off to war. More power to you. But it you didn't well okay then. But the question of is there anything of importance that he would go to war over. Well now that was a hard question. Dante fidgeted in his spot thinking about it and well everybody else's answers made sense. Loved Ones and all that jazz. Dante could tell you reasons why countries go to war.

But himself well that was harder. Maybe if all his friends were going and then maybe.

Nah, he would just stay quiet. Loved Ones was already said and that was all he could think of.

emjay · 03-26-2016, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Yes, this was precisely why Rachel hated violence and arguments alike. They always ended up causing pain in some form of the other. "There are many important things to me,'' the first year said, her hand up. "But I don't see the necessity to go to war over any of them. Violence is never the answer.''

War certainly wasn't a fun topic, but Ansley wasn't going to sugarcoat history. Things like this happened and it was important to learn about it. "Many people agree with you, though many others don't." And some think one way but when are pushed to it can change their way of thinking. Rachel wasn't wrong as it was her opinion, but he was interested in hearing it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry174

Angel raised her hand, this question was a fun question and she totally had a great idea to what she would go to war for. "Professor, I'd go to war over make-up, if someone stole my make-up that would mean war." Angel knew that probably wasn't what the Professor wanted to hear but well she hadn't been her usual self since last summer.

Ansley raised an eyebrow at Angel. There always seemed to be at least one smart alec in every class and Angel seemed to want to fill the quota today. "I'd appreciate a serious answer to contribute to the discussion today, Miss Valentine."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefan

Again, Jace found his hand rose in the air once more, to offer his answer. “They think it is necessary to instill fear in the opposing party so that they will be forced to accept the principle they are fighting for, or perhaps, to show the opposing party that they will not bow down to their wishes?”

Ansley nodded. "I think that is a very good point. Often people in charge of starting wars feel the need to force their ideals on those that are not in agreement." And sometimes it was a good thing if it was to someone very clearly in the wrong as in the case of infringing on basic rights.

SPOILER!!: family answers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nc.Ap.

"Family." she said, "If anybody ever tried hurting my family, I would go to the above and beyond to bring hell straight into that persons life. They may not be perfect, but I love them. . . and I'd be willing to kill for them."

Her mother's kisses on her forehead, her father's letters, her cousins Troy and Natasha. . . she'd do anything for them. "Our family words are Amo te Semper, and that means I Love You Always. And loving someone can make you do crazy things for them. . . "

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpiritWolfe Malfoy

Slowly her hand went up into the air. "As much as I'm one that would much rather find another way to solve things I would go to war over my loved ones." Family. And her family was getting larger. Whether it be biological or her closest friend to her they were one in the same. For them she would do anything she had to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamer11

When the professor asked another question, Janelle had to think about it for a moment. It was a difficult one, but deep down she knew her answer. Raising her hand, Janelle gave her thoughts. "It depends on whether you mean "go to war" in the literal of figurative sense. Figuratively, I would go to war for my family. I would definitely fight for them if it came to that." Janelle hoped that it never did, but her family was the most important thing in the world to her. If there was any other possible option, she would try that first of course, but......

Quote:

Originally Posted by MunchyBubbles

Azura bit her lip a little as the Professor asked if she would go to war for someone and her hand instantly shot into the air as she spoke. "I go to war for my family and friends. If it meant keeping them safe and happy, I would probably do just about anything to ensure that they stayed safe and happy. "

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblinfrog

"I'm not very good at fighting at all. I don't know very many fighting spells and I'm not that strong. But if my family or friends were under attack, then I would fight for them with everything I had. Even if I didn't know you I would still help you if you were in trouble. And I don't believe in killing sentient beings, but I would GLADLY maim anyone who tried to harm my friends."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Banana

Ariadne had always thought things like wars belonged in HISTORY. You know, where she just learned about it or read about it. She didn't think about it as anything current. She DID get to thinking about it after that, though. "I guess I'd have to say my family," she said, raising her hand. That sounded SO unsure. "I mean, I'm certain of it and all, but I just don't think I'd be a really good warrior." She hadn't even won ANY of the duels she'd tried this year.

Her family would probably take one look at her as a warrior and just go ahead and throw the towel in on defeat. "I'd probably do better under pressure, though, and hopefully if there was THAT big of a threat, I'd have an army of people to help me!" she added.

Well, it was awfully interesting that quite a few people in class chose to say that they would go to war over family, friends, or loved ones. Emotions often did incite a lot of passion. "I'm glad you all feel so strongly about those you care about," he said with a faint smile. "And though wars aren't usually started for that specific reason, many times they are continued or fought for reasons that are related. Sometimes they are fought to keep people safe in the long run, which includes family and friends, or to make sure they have the rights that they deserve. But many people are sacrificed in the process. Is it fair to sacrifice someone else to save the one you care about?" It really was a rhetorical question and not one that he expected an answer from anyone. And yes, that was a hard question. Who was to say that one life was more valuable than another's? How did one decide that?

SPOILER!!: Tia and Mason

Hmm, and this was what Ansley was actually hoping for - several different opinions and a debate about them. This was partly why he liked starting discussions. It was interesting to hear what people thought and how they worked through their opinions. "I think you both have very good points," Ansley nodded. "Wars are often fought to defend people as a whole, or at least what people believe their rights should be. But it comes with a lot of sacrifice too. Perhaps if the world was a little kinder there would be less wars, but not everyone feels that fighting violence with kindness is effective. Certainly not when one side seems more powerful. Some say that the sacrifice of a few is worth the safety of many... but do we have the right to decide that? And do we have the right to decide who 'deserves' to be killed?" Again, rhetorical for them to think on. There wasn't exactly a right answer.

"Okay, great discussion, everyone, even if it is a heavy topic," he said, chuckling a bit. "Why don't we lighten things up with a game." Or maybe it wouldn't lighten things up depending on how competitive people were, but it would relate back to the lesson. "Let's all head outside and we'll continue our lesson there." He walked from his desk across the room and opened up the door, gesturing for his students to follow. Heading out, he led them outside the castle and onto the grounds.

Anna Banana · 03-26-2016, 09:27 PM

Ohh, AWESOME. This lesson just took a surprising turn for the better! Games in classes always made things more fun, and the best part was that they got to go outside! Any thoughts that this might just be a boring history lesson just went out the window. Ariadne quickly gathered her things and followed everybody out.

WhittyBitty · 03-26-2016, 11:04 PM

Esme honestly had no idea how to respond to the question of whether or not she would go to war over something. The environment was something that she cared a lot about, but something as destructive as war would be counterproductive to what she would want to achieve... There was also her family, but she really couldn't see WHY she would have to go to war over them even if she WOULD do it. What a thought provoking lesson this was turning out to be.

In the end she remained silent and continued with note-taking; that was always an effective way to deal with things when she didn't know what to say because at least she was still participating in a way.

When Professor Finch announced that they would be going outside for a game, Esme quickly gathered up her things and followed her classmates out the door. THIS WAS MORE LIKE IT.

Ameh · 03-26-2016, 11:55 PM

Jaemin was twelve years old. He didn't know all of the intricacies of war and battles, or how strategy worked. So he couldn't really say if he'd go to war for things he believed in or loved. He could blithely say that he would kill for his parents, but when it came down to it... he was twelve. He knew full well that he wouldn't be able to. He could hex someone for his mom, but going to the point of war? Probably not.

He was glad when the professor announced an activity, and that they were going outside. He liked outside! The small Slytherin popped up out of his seat, made sure his wand was in his pocket, and bounced after Ansley, all the way outside.

Jean Granger · 03-27-2016, 01:00 AM

Carl listened to the discussion silently, not wanting to answer the last question. He did not want to go to war, whatever the reason was. Sure, he could have raised his hand and said just that like Rachel did, but he was afraid that people might think he was a coward. All he wanted was peaceee.

However, the Badger grinned as Professor Finch announced the game. Finally! A game would definitely lighten things up. What was more, they were heading outside. Putting his wand into his pocket, he followed the group out the classroom.

FearlessLeader19 · 03-27-2016, 04:36 AM

Rachel listened with keen interest as to what other had to say. She was curious about what they would go to war for because she knew that as Professor Ansley had said, not everyone would agree with her. Almost everyone seemed to be willing to fight over family and friends and there were a few which Rachel was astonished over that had been listed at all. She looked at the students giving less serious answers in amazement. Really now...

But Rachel's admiration and respect rose for Tia. The older girl understood exactly what she herself had reasoned. Mason on the other hand... her other friend just did not get it. She hoped the two girls wouldn't end up having and argument and was relieved when Professor Ansley said there would be a game. She gathered her belongings together to follow the others.

Stefan · 03-27-2016, 07:19 AM

Jace turned in his seat and watched the Head Girl and Mason do a mini-debate. Wars start small. Like in...debates. What they have shown in class was the classic example. Without a word, the Ravenclaw diverted his attention back to his things, and packed everything away neatly inside his bag. Once his table was clean, he followed his classmates outside.

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