Ahhh! Did you see that?? Professor liked her answer- HER answer, she was one of the dorks! Genny beamed at the professor then extended her beam to anyone willing to receive.

The next question, however, was not very easy for her. She had never thought about how Knarls got by despite their eyesight (even though she knew they didn't see well, her friend included that in his story). Ace's answer made no sense to her, and she spoke right after him, "I don't think they'd rely on their friends. Friends fight, what if they fight with their friends because their friends stole their food or hurt one of their babies?" huh? Huh? You can't rely entirely on friends in this type of situation. "Besides, what if they don't have non-Knarls friends? I think maybe they have very good hearing?" She addressed the professor again.

...

What would LIFE be without proper vision? Vivian's eyes widened in horror. That was awful! Poor Knarly things. They wouldn't be able to see their friends or families! And if a female one was pregnant, she wouldn't also have the ability to see her ickle baby! But well, it wasn't as if the Knarls were actually blind or what. They just had poor eyesight, which was still equally just as awful as not having at all, according to the Slytherin. Oh well, the blonde was glad that faulty eyes weren't a thing in her family, unless she was like 'Grandma Vivian' old or something.

Vivian raised her hand to answer. "Maybe that's the reason why they have their spiky thingies as defense, Professor?" Because, well, what's the point of them then if they don't actually use them? Besides, she personally thought those were COOL anyway. Like if something or someone was messing with her, she'd just raise those spikes and poke on their skin and ouch ouch ouch.

And even more innocent smiles all around.

Janelle continued to write down the important facts as her classmates gave their answers and the professor made his comments. She tried to focus her brain and remember everything because..........OWL's and the because she might want to actually work with animals one day. Then it was on to the next question or questions as it turned out.

So it seemed that the knarls had bad eyesight. How would that affect them? Janelle raised her hand. "I think that not being able to see very well would make them more susceptible to predators. That is if any predator was dumb enough to take on a quilled animal." Pausing for a moment, Janelle thought for a second. "I suppose like people, if they don't have good vision, they would rely on their other senses to get by. Maybe they have really good hearing or a good sense of smell. Annnnd of course those spiky quills will protect them somewhat." Yep, the knarls weren't totally defenseless out there in the big bad world.

Taking notice to the look she got for writing down her answer Hady simply smiled. She probably should've stopped near him in the beginning of the lesson and explained, however she had wanted to be prepared. Oops. That was totally on her but it was to late now.

They were moving on anyhow. Hady followed Draper with her eyes watching both the hedgehog and knarl. Once again all the more obvious answers were being given but she raised her hand anyway. This time without the small white board held up in the other. Her answer was short and simple. Saying a few words really shouldn't be all that hard to do. Tucking the mandrake leaf against the side of her mouth against her cheek she gave her answer, "They could also just have a good inner sense of direction." That along with everything else like good hearing, a better sense of smell and those quills. All that together could be very effective for a small creature.

"One or more of their other senses?" Hadley ventured. "Most animals that are lacking in one sense make up for it with another, so the lack of it doesn't hinder them as much. Snakes literally taste the air as their main sense. Since they're nocturnal and don't rely on sight as much, they could rely more heavily on touch, or sound or scent..." Um, yeah.

Two things occurred to Hadley that made her trail off. One she was sounding sooooo Ravenclaw at the moment. So much so that even she was having her doubts about not belonging to the house. UGH. And two, like Drapes, she was acutely aware she wasn't making her usual snarky answers and had no idea why. They just weren't coming in CoMC class lately.

She winced as if the realizations were physically painful.

Azura smiled once again as Professor Draper gave her a good again. She loved Potions and had used Knarl quills for ingredients at times. Not mention, her mom was a healer. So she knew potion ingredients.

She tilted her head a little as he spoke about the Knarls bad eyesight.

Hmm.. Well she supposed there was no such thing as Knarl glasses.. So here came an answer that might not be right.

"Well, Fiyero said their spines are made of fibers, Keratin like you clarified Professor. And I was thinking maybe their quills uses are two fold, not only for protection but to feel the air around them and to help them figure out where to go by the changes in the air pressure or current as they walk. "

Hopefully that made sense, yeah?

"I agree with Hadley's answer. What the knarl can't do through sight it will manage through another sense. For example, bats don't really get by with their eyes either," replied Kitty knowingly. "I mean, they have eyes but when hunting for insects they use their echolocation rather than their eyes. Echolocation is the way bats detect movement. By sending out a series of rather loud ultrasounds that either sweeps from a high to low frequency or vary AROUND a certain frequency, bats can distinguish insect prey from things that are not their prey and then are able avoid the object (like an airplane) or catch the insect. Knarls probably don't have echolocation but through one way or another their other senses that is not sights will take over."

Ohhh, a point for his answer. Awesome. Jaemin listened intently as Draper explained the lack of long-eared knarls, nodding absently along. Descended from one particular breed of hedgehog... but that could change, as things often did. Maybe in the future they would have long-eared knarls for Sniffler to play with!

As for the question... the thirteen year old's hand went back up.

"For hedgehogs at least... their sense of smell." He nodded. "Sniffler smells everything, all the time. And his ears kinda... turn toward every sound too."

It wasn't why he was named Sniffler though. He was named that because he wasn't a niffler. Hmph.

Yeah Yeah Dante heard you Draper he just did not care at the moment since they were still discussing knarls and well closing his eyes for a bit until he stops talking and they moved onto something a little less boring sounds better to him. So for now Dante was going to close his eyes and listen. And did not care if he nodded off.

Wake him up when something interesting is happening Draper or when they moved on.

As you can obviously tell.

Dante did not give one knut about knarls.

Knarls didn't have very good eyesight? Well that was new. Hattie didn't really know much about when people didn't have good eyesight. She had eyes. She could see. But she supposed it would be hard if you didn't have eyes. She closed her eyes, for a few moments, so that she could see what it felt like to not be able to see. It didn't really work, because she knew she could see. But it kind of gave her the idea. Oh. She had an idea. She kind of thought it might be right.

"Uh... Professor...." She murmured, as she raised her hand into the air. "Could their other senses be a little better?" Because she heard that was true. Her nan had great hearing, but wasn't that good with her eyes. "Like... there other senses get better to make up for the bad one." Which would help it manage to live, and not get eaten by other stuff.

"Is their sense of smell good? And their hearing and sense of touch? Like blind people they get by with braille to read and can still talk to other people. Wouldn't the knarl just use it's other senses?" Arielle pretty much always answered in the form of a question. Why she wasn't more confident, she didn't know. Of course she was pretty sure her answer was right, but what if it WASNT. The knarl could have bad hearing too, but then he'd just be a super good feeler. Whatever Arielle thought. The knarl gets around and that's all that matters, answer right or not

Knarls liked daisies and hedgehogs could eat them too even though they weren't as inclined. Right. Esme made a mental note of that fact for in case she ever came across a hedgehog and fed it. Stranger things have happened.

Moving on to the next question there wasn't really anything else that she could have added. Her first guesses were either an inborn sense of direction to help compensate, other heightened senses to assist with getting around, or a combination of the two. Since knarls weren't bats or dolphins she really couldn't see them getting around using echolocation and that option was out. For the moment she chose to remain silent and listen to what her classmates had to say on the matter.

Juno raised her hand, "Maybe they have a really good sense of smell...?" She wasn't quiet sure. Everyone had very good answers though. So she took notes on the possibilities as everyone answered.

Juno wasn't very good with remembering animal traits but she knew she needed to get better so taking notes so she could study was always the best thing for her.

You know that saying that goes 'there's no such thing as a wrong answer'? Yeah, that's just something Poncho Paul made up to be exponentially more Hufflepuff. James didn't buy it.

And .... Mr. Salander had quite the imagination. Unfortunately, it was leading him astray. Honestly, did these kids ever try reading their textbooks? They weren't just there for dorm decor... Were they aware? That in mind, James was about to correct the boy's answer when Ms. Tate swooped in and did it for him. Ah, good. Didn't have to be a complete dream killer today. Always a blessing when the kids did that for him.

Saved him from having to deal with the mess. If he could give Genny 1000 points for that deed alone, he would have. Though, he didn't want to have to explain the suspicious point activity to the Headmaster who was already on his tail so alas. She got a figurative 1000 points. "Excellent critical thinking, Ms. Tate," he nodded. "And you're correct." Didn't have to break it to Tenacious anymore, yeah? Ms. Tate had done a good enough job of playing devil's advocate on her own.



"Interesting thoughts, both of you," he said addressing the similar ideas. "Their spines are their only real defense, however, they are not able to detect motion solely through the use of their spines." The motion part was due to other things seeing as the quills were made of fibers alone and didn't contain any sort of nerve endings, aside from where they were directly attached to the creatures body. But that was a lot of information that he doubted any of them would want to retain, so he kept the answer short. "But when they due detect motion or perceive immediate danger, they will spike up and lift their quills into the air." Did that all make sense? Didn't exactly answer the question they were posed with, but all of it was very true, so he didn't mind.


CORRECT.

All of them. Except, James had no idea what a “Sniffler” was, but he also didn’t care to ask Mr. Song so… There they had it.

"Excellent real life applications," he was almost impressed, actually. They were all thinking very critically. Huh. Not bad. "These were the answers I had in mind," he continued, "Knarls rely heavily on their excellent sense of smell, hearing, and touch. Because of their nocturnal nature, their eyesight isn't useful to begin with and they can fall back on their other senses in order to hunt for food, detect predators, and seek shelter." .... Though this may not be as easy as they thought. But they'd figure that out on their own in juuuuuuust moments.


The evolution of Hady's answering techniques was quite interesting to follow. First silence, then written, and lastly spoken. Of course he still had no idea as to why her behavior was so strange... But now that she was speaking, he wasn't too concerned. "A great guess," he nodded assuringly, as the answer was a very logical one. "But to their dismay," as a lot of Knarls encountered falling mishaps... "A better sense of direction isn't so much due to an innate sense, but something that correlates with being able to follow their sense of smell to keep on a trail." Made sense, yeah? Of course he appreciated her unique answer. The creative ones were always appreciated. Unless they were flat out wrong. Like Mr. Salander. That boy was just taking shots in the dark. And missing. Terribly.


This boy got a silent aguamenti cast his way.

There'd be no sleeping in James' classroom.

A rule he took seriously. Wake up, Barrington. Or else you'd have to run laps.


And the silent one simple got a nod of encouragement or whatever. Apparently that's what you were supposed to do when students didn't answer questions. Did it help? Was she encouraged? Because James wasn't about to stand there and give anyone a peptalk. She could answer if she wanted, but he also appreciated diligent notetakers all the same.

------------

"Excellent answers, everyone," well most everyone. Looking at you Tenacious. "That's it for our theoretical portion of class and I bet by now most of you are itching to know what the obstacle course behind me is for..." They were about to find out!!! "Before I explain our activity I'll need everyone to pair up!" Not yet. But soon. "You may choose your partners, but if I see that there's too much chatter and not enough effort being put in, I reserve the right to choose for you." Not that he actually planned on switching up the pairs.... But y'know.... Disclaimer. Warning. Keeping them on their toes. Making sure they followed the rules. Scaring them just a bit. It was all healthy for a classroom setting.

That and James liked to take every opportunity to remind them of who had control here. It was him. He had control here. His class, his rules. You know the drill.


OOC: Hihi! Almost time for our final activity! I'll be posting in 18+ hours again.

There's no post requirement here, but make sure to look for / grab a partner because you'll want one for the activity! If you can't get it figured it out just poke me or James and we'll help get things straightened out for you!

Right, partners! Vivian stood up from her seat, as she ALWAYS did when they were required to look for a partner during activity portions in classes, and bounced up and down to see everyone. She also waved her arms around and wiggled her fingers in the air. "Anyone wanna partner up?" Well, she was innocent and she was a good choice as a partner. Ahem, just sayin'.

But she also casually glanced at Draper. If nobody wanted to partner with her, Vivian already called dibs - mentally, at least - on the Professor. Mhm, that'd be fun TOO.

Hadleigh smiled. Her answer wasn't entirely off and as she listened she nodded her head to what Draper was saying. It all made perfect sense. Which is why she was writing this down. All of it. Who knew whether or not this would be a part of the NEWTs next term. Even if it wasn't it was something that could very well come in handy when she became a Creature Healer.

More notes were taken down in her fine delicate script in that of her purple inked quill. Once she was entirely sure that she had gotten down what was needed she set her quill back down inside her bag. It was activity time which meant she most likely wouldn't be in any need of a quill. It was a safe bet. Her notes also found a way into her bag as well.

Partners. Hmm. Hady sat quietly, hazel eyes shifting around to take in everyone around her. She'd easily enough work with anyone that wanted to work with her. Well almost anyone. She wouldn't have to do much talking though, would she?

So heightened senses was the correct answer. Totally logical and obviously would play a part in this whole obstacle course thing that they were about to do. Sounded like a lot of fun though she would need a partner first. Would have been fun to do things on her own but she WAS getting better about not being totally independent when it was called for. Go her.

Esme looked around, her eyes landing on various people in turn. Who to choose? Maybe it would be better to let them come to her because the decision wouldn't be on her then. "Anyone want to work with me?" It would be fun.

Hadley was wholly disgusted with herself over how good she felt at being told she had the correct answer. Was she actively seeking the man's approval now? Because that was something she couldn't deal with it. At all.

Luckily there was the obstacle course that would provide suitable distraction. Wait, relying on other senses, obstacle course...Visions of herself stumbling around sightless through the obstacle course played in her head. She wasn't sure if that made it more or less fun. "Drapes? Are we doing the obstacle blindfolded?"

Then she heard Esme ask if anyone wanted to partner with her. "I will!"

Oh boo Gennehhhh. The leonine lad gave her a look, wondering why she had to swat him down like that, when she would give a brilliant answer regardless. Of course his gaze shifted to the Prof and he looked pleased. Okay the Salander boy got it. Hedgehogs and Knarls got ESPN or something.

But right obstacle course. He has been waiting for this yaaaas! Tenacius leaped onto his feet and-- what? Pair up?? "Do we really hafta Prof?" he bounced on the balls of his feet, looking longingly at the beckoning set up behind them. And here he thought he could go all Indy Jones today.

The more they talked about not having their sight, the more Azura was worried that they were going to the the obstacle course..

Blindfolded.

Azura bit her lip a little as she stared at her feet, suddenly wondering why Professor Draper wanted to kill her. She had been a good student hadn't she? Sure there was that one time last year where he had frowned at her because she had answered what another kid had..But he had been so nice the past few times and she had really enjoyed his classes and now..

She was going to die..

She eyed the obstacle course and winced a little as she looked around. Where was Chris when she needed him.. Oh wait..he wasn't talking to her? Cour didn't go here.. Noah wasn't around.. GAH She was quickly running out of strong boys who could carry her..

"Uhh.. anyone want a partner?" She asked as she looked around, still biting her lip worriedly..

Uh oh. Genny's cheeks went a little red for some odd reason, she hated it so she frowned at the ground and pretended she didn't see that look of Ace.

Moving on quickly from that embarrassing situation, Genny moved up to the older Slytherin. "Me." She grinned and stood next to her, looking all thirteen-y and old. "I'm Genny." Gryffindor, duh.

Tenacius just really REALLY want to hit the obstacle course, fully believing he can take it all by his lonesome. Even if he doesnt even know what they were supposed to really do there. Because Gryffindor.

Then there was Azula-- no that was the crazy firebender girl from the Muggle box. This one was uh... uh "Azura? dear Merlin he hoped he got that right. "...You can partner with me if you wanna?" Although he didnt mind if she declined. He wasnt really expecting, or even understanding, why there had to be two people for the obstacle course.

Azura looked up at Tenacius as he spoke and she nodded as she turned towards him. A slow smile spread across her face as he asked if they wanted to be partners and the teen moved over towards him..

"Yeah, that would be great actually." She said with a warm smile up at him.

She wasn't sure what this obastacle course was going to bring, but at least now she had a partner who hopefully wouldn't let her die..

Dying was bad..

Skylar had been dutifully taking notes as most of the reasoning behind their poor vision was already said and she didn't feel like repeating at the moment or thinking of something that was minorly different.

Time for activity portion! Hearing Vivian pipe up about needing a partner, Sky was sad when someone claimed her but just as well. She needed to branch out with new horizons, which meant she shouldn't pick Hattie either ...

Instead her eyes fell upon an older girl, fellow snake who also happened to be really studious and smart. Perhaps she could learn a thing or two from her? Help her out where her young self lacked in knowledge and experience? Plus she vaguely new the girl from the common room when she had seemed down and upset a few months prior ...

"Partners? Hady, right?"

They got to pick partners? Yaay! Hattie loved having partners. Now to pick. She was tempted to go with an older person, cause that would help. But then she really wanted to parter with Sky too. They were besties. They could partner up right? She was sure they'd be able to help cause they both we firsties.

She looked up, trying to find Sky, wanting to ask her. But then she found her with someone else. Oh. She pouted a little. Well that was the end of that. The girl sighed, looking around. "Does anyone need a partner?" Would someone take pity on the firstie?