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CoMC Lesson 2: Through the Portholes With the weird weather going on lately, and the fact that Cornish kept getting lost in the mist and finding himself encountering strange piles of papers that threatened to fall on him every time he thought he'd found his caravan, he didn't relish the thought of the students wandering around blindly on the grounds in search of his hut. Hey, guys! Class starts in about 24 hours, if not sooner, so pull up a cushion and be uncomfortable encroaching on the Slytherin personal bubble. |
Merlin.. Merlinnnnn. She really wasn’t feeling heading to the Slytherin common room at the moment, seeing as most of her crushes and her exes were in this house. And she had been trying to avoid it.. and what happens they had a class in here, thanks to whatever the heck was going on outside. She was going to extend a personal thank you to the mist for making her life that much harder. She smiled at the house elf as she walked into the common room and took a breath. This was fine. “Hello Professor. ” Came her quiet voice as she settled down on a cushion and drew her knees up.. This was fine. |
What an easy way to get to class for once. She didn't even have to leave the common room at all. Eloise quite likes this. Well maybe not all the time but like once a year would be acceptable. It would suck having everyone else in the common room constantly. She was already in the common room because, duh Slytherin. "Heya, Professor can i sit on the couch or do we all need to sit on a cushion?" It was a simple yet important question for the fourth year. |
The Slytherin Common Room was probably the last place on the grounds where Avalon would choose to attend class, besides the field beneath the Whomping Willow. It was cold, dark, and downright dreary in the dungeons, and she didn't want to spend any more time down there than necessary. She definitely thought it was odd that Cornish had chosen to have class here. But with all the weird stuff happening around the castle lately, she wasn't surprised that they weren't in the forest or by the lake today. "Hello," she said politely to the house elf as she entered the door. She had never been in the Slytherin Common Room before, but it was just as she imagined it to be. She plopped down on a black cushion and started to greet her professor before noticing that he wasn't even looking at the students. Rather, he seemed to be preoccupied with something outside the porthole. |
Sebastian was on time and even a little early today. Probably because he happened to be in his own common room which isn't far from the Slytherin common room. It sucked that they had to do a creatures lesson in doors, but with the creepy mist outside...he didn't even want to go to the Owlery to send letters. Turning the corner, he nodded and smiled at the House Elf holding the door open, before peeking into the common room. It was so weird...and so cool to see the inside of another common room. That didn't happen often if at all, so this was a really cool opportunity. Plus it would be a great view of the creatures in the lake seeing as it was basically in the lake. "Hello Professor Cornish." He said with a smile before making his way over to Kam and sitting on the cushion next to her. He placed his bag on the ground in front of him and leaned over, whispering, "Isn't this the coolest! We get to see another common room!" He hadn't stopped to think this might be hard for her...considering her ex's and crushes. He was just too excited to be in a different common room. It's the simple things in life that make us happiest. |
Eni felt a little strange going into the Slytherin Common Room at all let alone class. How did the Professor swing permission for this? "Hello Professor." she said as she pulled up a cushion and tried to relax in such a foreign environment. |
Nina Castillo would never be one to skip a lesson, even a Care of Magical Creatures lesson (the ones she dreaded the most). She was far too mature for skipping lessons, it was something only the foolish did. Why would she invite the threat of detention or make herself susceptible to a visit with the Headmaster? She may have been unhappy, but at least she wasn’t reckless, she’d leave that to the Gryffindors. Something else she was quite displeased with? The fact that Professor Cornish had decided to bring the entire castle to her common room. This was an absolute invasion of privacy and it was also far too crowded. This wasn’t fair! She didn’t want grimy Gryffindor hands on her sofas!!! Gryffindor hands were always stuck in the grossest places, didn’t Professor Cornish KNOW? And moreover, if they were dealing with a creature in the common room, Nina Castillo would never come here again. Because what if it CAME BACK. The only good part of all of this was that Nina didn’t have to travel very far to make it to the lesson, something that always made CoMC even more agitating than it already was. She had been up in her dormitory before the lesson and only began walking towards the Common Room just as time neared. As she made her way down, she paused very briefly to give her Professor a polite look in acknowledgement (she hated this, but still had MANNERS, unlike some of her schoolmates) before going to find a place to sit on one of her favorite couches (where she sat with her arms crossed firmly over her chest and wore a look of mild distaste). |
Cassidy made her way towards the dungeons glad they weren't going to have class outside. She didn't like going outside since that strange mist showed up. She was afraid to even leave the safety of the castle since she had been stuck out in the mist. However bad she was still feeling, she was still somewhat excited to see what the Slytherin common room looked like. Sure it probably wasn't too different from the Gryffindor one, but it was in the dungeons. When she got there she was glad to see it was dark and dreary like the rest of the dungeons. It looked like a common room. She tried to find a seat close to the front. "Hello professor." Cassidy mustered as she grabbed a spot. |
Cordelia was, once again, nibbling on her regularly scheduled 10am snack on her way into the slytherin common room for care of magical creatures class. It was very important that she had her snacks at the scheduled times so her blood sugar didn’t go low. What could they possibly be doing today that required them to be in the Slytherin common room? The farthest common room from hers, no less. She had no complaints about that though as she thought it was really cool to get to go in a common room that she had never been to before. This almost felt like she was doing something forbidden, which only added to her interest in this lesson. ”Good morning, Professor,” Cordelia greeted the grumpy man as she took another bite of her granola bar. She pulled up a cushion and took a seat. Hopefully they would be staying inside for this one and not going out in the lake or the thick mist. Wouldn’t want to lose anyone out there. Besides, she preferred the warmth of the castle. |
The notice as to the new location for the next CoMC lesson had piqued Stasya’s interest. If only because she hardly imagined Professor Cornish had managed to smuggle any creatures down into the dungeons, so it likely meant a more theoretical lesson. Which usually she got somewhat less enthusiastic about, but she was feeling the tension of the encroaching mists as much as anyone. Plus, there was the little matter of the fact it would have been more interesting to get a sanctioned excuse for seeing the Slytherin common room if she’d still had Koen there with her. Former Slytherin boyfriend, and she was chafing against the lack of her regular visits out to the barns as well. It didn’t dim her fascination for the subject, though. “Hello, Professor Cornish,” she greeted the man with a smile, after thanking the house elf at the door for helping them out and finding a seat close to the front. She hoped it wasn’t an involuntary action on the elf’s part, anyway. SPEW member and everything. He looked awfully disgruntled, over there by the portholes. She hoped that didn’t bode inauspiciously for the creatures outside the castle walls. |
Unlike some of her fellow peers, Rylee was rather interested in the days lesson... whatever it might be. Not only did this lesson give her the perfect excuse to see the Slytherin common room but she would also get to see the view of the lake from inside it. Her cousins always bragged about their inside view of the lake and now she was going to get to see it for herself! Right now her excitement was so focused on that, that she wasn't even thinking about the mist that was making it's way across the entire grounds outside. The lioness greeted the elfsie at the door with a bright cheerful smile before entering the common room that wasn't hers. "Hello, Professor," she smiled at the man despite his grumpy look. Finding a cushion to sit upon beside Stasya she gave the older lioness a warm smile before her attention was drawn to the portholes that looks out into the lake. |
It wasn't everyday that students from the other houses were allowed to "Hello Professor." She'd been here before he'd arrived, getting some studying in. Cleaning up her notes, she joined the rest of the class and put her focus on the subject at hand. One thing was for sure, she was happy not to have to go out on the grounds. Her experience with the mist had been...well, she'd had nightmares after, so it hadn't been good. |
Hi, Nina. When Józef had started Hogwarts, he'd been determined that he would be sorted into Slytherin - something the Sorting Hat hadn't taken into account when it had shouted Gryffindor practically before it had been put on his head! Rude, if you asked Józef. He'd very much grown to love being a Gryffindor and everything that came with being in that house, but part of him was still that first year who'd sat in the Prefect's Compartment with his older cousins badge on. So he was fairly happy to be having a lesson in the green common room - even with the faint spark of 'this isn't as good as ours' that happened at the back of his head. "Hi, Professor," Jó grinned at him as he entered, before finding a cushion next to Nina. "Hello," he said, crossing his legs in front of him and looking around the room. "Nice place you've got here." |
It was safe to say that Lucas had questions. A LOT of questions. But right now, he was mostly excited to have the opportunity to look into another common room and try to figure out what this had to do with creatures. It was far from Gryffindor tower, yeah, which only meant more exercise for him but if it meant that he was still in the warmth Speaking of, he gave a nervous smile at the house elf by the door and a slightly bigger smile towards the Professor when he did His main focus? The common room. The lake part stood out the most to him but he still had questions that needed answering. Why was it so dark? And cold? And were those SKULLS over there?! Again, why???? But, no complaints. |
SPOILER!!: All the hellos Now that the students were gathered, albeit a bit more closely together and uncomfortable than they would have been out by the lake like usual, it was time to begin. Cornish spent another long moment staring into the murky lake water before turning to the students. He was hoping for eager faces, hopeful expressions, but he wasn’t surprised by the mix of unease and discomfort there instead. “I’m sorry that we can’t be outside today, although I’m sure we’re all glad to be inside out of the inclement weather. But it’s important to remember that, no matter where we are, we aren’t far from some magical creature or another. And just because we’re stuck inside, it doesn’t mean that our friends outside are beyond our reach.” Cornish touched one of the portholes with his hand as a reminder that it was there, giving it a firm rap of the knuckles. “One of the creatures we’ve mentioned as part of our ecosystem are the merpeople. Specifically, the merpeople who live in our lake fall into the sub-category of ‘merrow’. What can you tell me about our merrow colony and merrows in general?” He replaced his hand on the glass with a tap of his wand, and the frame around the porthole lit with glowing runes. For later. |
Avalon's eyes traveled around the common room as her professor greeted the arriving students. Why was it so dark in here? Weren't common rooms supposed to be a relaxing, uplifting place? This room was downright dreary. However, her spirits lifted when Cornish brought up merpeople. Avalon was fascinated with the mermaids of the magical world, and she was looking forward to studying them at Hogwarts. And it seemed like today would be the day! She didn't have a whole lot of knowledge about merrows, although she knew they had some differences in appearance from normal mermaids. And they certainly weren't as friendly. She raised her hand, poised to share a little bit of what she knew. "I think that merrows look more like fish than typical merpeople. They're known for not being as beautiful," she said. It wasn't anything ingenious, but it was a contribution to the discussion nonetheless. |
Nina's expression of distaste immediately changed, as Józef came to sit next to her. "Hi Józef," she gave him a grin. She liked that he seemed impressed with her Common Room, maybe she'd invite him over sometime. "Thank you." Her dormitory was another impressive space (though the company was less than ideal). She'd invite him there as well. But for now, Professor Cornish had decided to move away from the porthole and finally addressed the class as a Professor (though Nina wasn't convinced of his qualifications). Truthfully, she was quite thankful that their Creatures lessons had been more theory and less practice this year. Had she ever mentioned how much she hated animals? They all scared her. And to sit at a comfortable distance, while still being able to learn about them? Ideal circumstances. And so when Professor Cornish explained that they would be learning about Mermaids today, Nina found herself quite pleased (though she didn't show it on her face, as that would be against her brand). The weird knuckle rap thing he did was strange. Professor Cornish is so weird. Furthermore, there wasn't anything she wanted to contribute to this discussion. So she stayed quiet. Though... the glowing runes around the porthole very much tickled her interest (again something she would a) NEVER ADMIT and b) did not show on her face). Would they be working with Runes today? |
*finger guns* Maxie liked this class a little too much- it was tunnel vision, he could only ever see the creatures without being able to focus on the work surrounding them. however, today Maxie was a tall, sulking figure of a boy. It was common knowledge that the lake had housed sleeping inferi- the kind you couldn't kill, and while he had been told they were gone- the Hufflepuff wasn't convinced something else- something just as wicked and cold- wasn't lurking in the green water just beyond the giant window. If Professor Cornish had them going into the water... well... He could very well count this chaser out. A fact he decided to make clear. "P-Professor." Maxie began, raising his hand into the air. "A- w-w-we're not g-going i-into the lake, r-right?" His tone was surprisingly calm beneath the stutter, perhaps because they weren't very far off from the hufflepuff common room and all the comfort he could find there. |
To absolutely no one's shock, Eiji Rasting was irritated. This was his common room, the Slytherin common room, and it was supposed to be a sort of special place for Slytherins to own themselves. Ignoring how hypocritical he was in that he had brought Missa and others back here more than a handful of times, of course. Were they going to have class in all of the common rooms or was it just the exploitation of the Slytherin one? Yes, he would eventually see the practicality of the aquatic based teaching...but for now he was slumped in his chair (off in the corner but still easily within hearing distance of the professor) with his class materials on his lap....participating but his usual observant listening methods. As discussion quickly moved to the merpeople and specifically the merrow, his hazel-green eyes shifted to the portholes. All to easily recalling his first year here at Hogwarts and how he had sat in this very chair while watching the inferi just stroll on by towards the grounds. The only good thing about the experience being that he figured out the name of his sphinx rat. As he went over his mental check list about merrow in his head, a very sobering thought crossed his mind. Music. Like all merkinds, the Irish merpeople had a love of music...and the thought had him scrutinizing the professor rather openly. He was not going to spend this time singing Kumbaya with his peers. No. Thank. You. |
Kamryn was a little less than pleased at the fact that her bestie had just bounded in here, sat down next to her and said how cool it was to be here. No.. no it wasn’t cool at all. It was in fact the one place she didn’t want to be. If she was honest she’d rather be outside lost in the mist then be sitting here in the common room that held so many bad memories for her. She gave Bast a tight smile. “So cool. ” She whispered back to him before nodding at the Professor. She was looking peakish? Must be the lack of sleep.. or food. Or both. Anyways.. Merrows. Right. She raised her hand and spoke. “They are from Ireland. ” She said softly, which begged the question.. how did they get to be here? In their lake? |
Cassidy looked over at the portholes as the professor knocked on one of them. It was kind of cool that the Slytherins got to look into the lake every day. She wouldn't mind having that view all of the time. She still loved her tower though. But as far as what she knew about the merpeople that lived there not much. She realized that she wasn't being as chatty in classes lately. Not since the incident. Again, something she needed to get checked out. But she sat and let her classmates handle this question. |
So warm and welcoming....NOT. In fact, she had never felt more unwelcome than she was right now, seating here in the Slytherin common room. I mean, it was no one's ideal situation, but she was definitely in agreement with avoiding the fog at all costs. After all, she'd actually been in the stuff and to say it wasn't pleasant was an understatement. And in light of this, the Slytherins should've been trying to make the rest of them feel as comfortable as possible. "They're supposed to be able to form an attachment to humans," Archer ventured. "Plus, they have this cap that supposedly makes them able to live under the water." Something that she didn't believe, since if they're merpeople, shouldn't their bodies have evolved to allow them to do that? |
Rylee allowed her gaze to roam over the area taking in the fact that it was quite a bit like her own common room, except for the colors and the porthole looking into the lake. That's where her interest truly lay today. However she did once more turn her attention onto Cornish as he began the lesson. Merpeople. Merrow. Consider her attention captured. Like always. They were from Ireland and a lot of their physical characteristics varied. Rylee raised her hand to offer what else she knew. "They choose to be classified as Beasts under the Ministry of Magics Classification." |
Been here all along. Patrick couldn’t believe that class was being hosted in their common room. He kind of figured there were other windows around to do what they needed. He wasn’t to sure about Merrow. He probably should have done his readings a little more thoroughly. But here he was living his best life showing up for class underprepared because he had a few essays due last week. He was taking in everyone’s answers but weren’t they territorial? “aren’t they territorial with their piece of... water?” and here he was ladies and gentlemen, your house prefect answering questions with the wrong answer. |
Aaron had never seen the inside of the Slytherin common room, but it was interesting to catch a glimpse of where Jolie spent her time. And... though he wasn't judging, it really wasn't as warm as its Hufflepuff counterpart. The hairs of the back of his neck had yet to settle, and he got an overall unpleasant feeling in the pit of his stomach... Maybe this was why Slytherins seemed so angry all the time. Yeah, Aaron couldn't tell the Professor anything abut merrows. He... didn't even know why he still sat CoMC lessons.. He wasn't much a fan of creatures and their varying odors, but... Aaron supposed he liked the community of class. And Professor Cornish was an interesting man. .... He still felt uneasy being here, however. Even more so seeing the runes surrounding thick porthole glass. What was that? Being further back, he couldn't get a clear look. The Hufflepuff raised his hand, a small frown starting to form on his face. ".... What are those runes for, Professor?" |
Been here all along... It was uncomfortable, but fascinating too Ellie supposed to see the inside of another houses common room. Many of her Slytherin peers though looked upset by the Professor Cornish choice of venue for their CoMC lesson but considering the abysmal weather she was more than pleased. Sitting on her cushion trying to see the lake through the portholes Ellie's hand shot up like an attacking snake at Professor Cornish question and she answered eagerly. "Merrows have developed their own language called mermish and they are very fond of music and can also craft weapons." |
Eni couldn't help but chuckle at some of the answers. Her classmates were...interesting. She always found the idea of the Merpeople interesting, but never actually had seen any. Raising her hand, she answered "Merpeople are known to have thriving cultures and communities." |
"I believe they live in cooler waters," Vita offered, watching the professor carefully. She wondered just how hands on this lesson would be, and waited eagerly for his answer to the younger boy's |
Sebastian's smile faltered a little at that look Kam had given him, making him quickly realize...this is probably the last place she would truly want to be. He was just about to apologize when Professor Cornish started the lesson. He gave her his best 'I'm sorry' face and turned to the face the professor. Listening to the professor's questions however got his mind racing. This was his favorite subject and he knew a lot about the different species of Merpeople. But something didn't sit well. In fact, he was pretty sure Hogwarts had Selkies and not Merrow, but the thought quickly left him as Kam gave her answer. She was definitely upset and he had made her feel worse. Great. Worst best friend ever. Sebastian raised his hand, "Specifically to our group of Merpeople, they helped out with a task during the Triwizard Tournament that Harry Potter was a contestant in, which is amazing because Merpeople don't typically like the Wizarding kind." He hoped that was a sufficient answer. At the moment he was to worried about his comment to Kam to be sure. |
SPOILER!!: All mah frens “I suppose it’s fair to say that our knowledge of our neighbors is fair to middling. We know they have a language and a culture, they live in community. We know they prefer cooler climates and are native to Ireland and Scotland. I got only vague descriptions of what a merrow looks like – have any of you seen one in person? We’ll rectify that soon enough.” Cornish tapped his wand against the rest of the portals as he spoke, lighting each with the glowing runes. “I hope you took note of Prichard’s comment that merpeople have opted to be classified as beasts in the Ministry of Magic classification. Now, I personally find this classification system very arbitrary – living things are categorized into beings, beasts, and spirits sort of willy-nilly. Anyone want to take a swing at telling me what creatures might fall into any of those categories? Or have an opinion on where merpeople in general ought to fall?” Feel free to answer the first question, if you haven’t or you have more to say, and take a stab at these new ones. Class continues in 24 hours (ish). |
Maxie's fears weren't fully assuaged by any means, but the class was going to carry on whether he was calm about it or not. The hufflepuff did not reply to the Professor, choosing instead to chew on his chapped bottom lip and listen to his classmates. There wasn't much to focus on, the majority of the comments were common sense or conjecture, nothing to wrap his thoughts around. The young boy fidgeted, his eyes time and time again finding the runes covering the portholes. "Beings. W-w-we're beings. Humans a-are." He distractedly said, tucking his hands forcefully into his robe pockets. He clutched his wand tightly, comforted by it's presence and familiar weight. Maxie exhaled deeply. He was fine. this was fine. |
She was hanging on every word the professor was saying now that he brought up merpeople. She thought they were so interesting and loved reading about them. It was one of the languages she wanted to try to learn someday, so this was going to be super cool if they were going to get to see them or learn more about them. Listening to everyone and writing things down in her notebook Chloe was taking it all in but soon her hand was up. "Merpeople wanted to be classified as beast and they have a classification of XXXX." Though when someone else said being she started to second guess what she read was outdated or she didn't read correctly. No, she had read a few books and Chloe was certain she had it right. |
Avalon wanted to sink so far down into her cushion that she became invisible. Cornish thought her answer was disrespectful to the merpeople! Obviously, that wasn't her intention, but upon reflection, she realized that her phrasing could have come across as rude. She debated whether to laugh it off or offer a response. After a quick moment of deliberation, she opted for the latter. "I apologize, sir. I didn't mean to sound disrespectful." And it was true that merrows were a lot less attractive than the other species of merpeople. She didn't think it was just because they looked less human that she found them ugly. Some fairies didn't look like humans at all, but she found them to be quite striking nonetheless. "You're right - I was just trying to say that they're less human-looking that some other species." And that would be a great segue into her response to his next question. "But they're still amazing creatures. I personally think they should be classified as beings. They have the ability to understand speech and the magical world in general." She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "Do you think that some merpeople are smarter than or at least just as smart as we are as humans?" If his answer was yes, merpeople should definitely be categorized as beings. She thought it was rather odd that they refused to join the category. |
Did Nina Castillo have anything she wanted to contribute to this discussion? No, she did not. In fact, she was going to focus on how absolutely irritated she was that everyone was sat in her Common Room. It was an absolute invasion of privacy. Not to mention that creatures was the most unappealing class of them all. Perhaps had it been a different class, she may have been slightly less irritated. As it stood, however, she was not pleased. The only part of this that had actually captured her attention were the Runes. Unfortunately, however, they were not getting to that quite yet. And so Nina just watched her Professor. She hated every part of this. |
Was the look intimidating.. yes.. yes it was and Kamryn bit her lip and looked away for a moment. Taking a moment to compose herself as she looked over at Bast, Just in time to see him mouth that he was sorry. She just gave him a shrug and turned back to the Professor. It was getting rather annoying that all her friend did lately was check out everyone.. and forget about her. Anywaysss.. She listened to the question and she titled her head a bit as she raised her hand. “Acromantulas.. ” Look Professor, she got their name right this time. “Are classified as a beast with a XXXXX rating.. though it’s possible that they could have been a being since they can speak. ” However they also liked to dine on humans. So there went that idea. |
After the praise she got Ellie was beaming from ear to ear up at Professor Cornish and listening closely to every word uttered about merrows and merpeople in general. Seeing her professor tap the portholes in the wall again she wondered if he did that to attract the attention of the merpeople in the lake or some other creature. It was hard to know if it was going to be merpeople or the giant squid or something else that answered professors porthole tapping. Time would tell. Merpeople we’re though pretty fascinating to read about since they we’re like humans in many respects. The next question though was not on merpeople at all but creatures of different classifications. Thinking of banshees a chill went up Ellie’s spine as she raised her hand to answer. "Banshees are classified as spirits. They are dark creatures that look like old ragged aunties and their cries are fatal to anyone that hears them." She wondered what made a creature a being or a spirit was it certain boxes of classifications that needed to be ticked off for the creature to fit or not fin in a classification? |
She was still amazed and its been oh whatever month it is that Cornish Pixie was not saying dude after each sentence or something like that. Maybe it was in his contract. That made the most sense to one Eloise Fairfield. She took his whatever attitude to heart and had planted herself on the couch and was just listening. The classifications of such things should have been left to the mermish anyway and not the dumb humans at the ministry but she was only 15 and hardly had a say in that. She was just going to judge all the answers she hears and than Cornish Pixie of course. |
Was the Professor sounding...happy? This is...strange. Too strange. Strange that made her a little uncomfortable. She'd never really heard him be jolly before. Eni shrugged it off trying to get back to the normal Cornish. That she was comfortable with. Getting back to the questions the Professor asked, "Giants, sir. They're classified as beings, but that doesn't mean they're treated equally by the Wizarding community." It was horrible to think of how some beings and beasts are treated. |
............ Uhhhh.......... Did Cornish just hint that they were going to MEET some of the merrows? Actually meet? Oh Merlin. His eyes widened significantly as he glanced from the man to the portholes. Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no. No no. Could he leave? It was exciting, sure - and something he would be VERY upset to miss - but what do you even say to a merperson? They weren't going to talk, right? They couldn't. Oh Merlin, what if they had to TALK?! Lost in thought, Lucas completely forgot about the question that was being asked and his answer for it. Sorry, Cornish, there were bigger things to worry about. |
Eiji was officially tuned out of the conversation the moment the runes glowed. So...the merrow would be making their presences known and those runes had something to do with that. The discussion (debate?) about the classification system went almost entirely in one ear and out the other, though he personally respected their desire to label themselves and not be catergorized by others. It was very relatable. Very VERY relatable. So, as far as he was concerned, let them be classified as Beasts. It sent a message and sentience should be respected. But about these runes...Eiji peered a bit more intently, elbows on his knees and tried his best to make out the tiny carvings in hopes of making sense of something about their purpose. He could only assume that one purpose was to act as a translation device of sorts - even if there was a bit of a loop hole in that the common room was not above ground and therefore their voices could sound. The more correct phrasing would more likely be 'we cannot sing outside of a liquid". But anyway. Runic carvings to assist with translation and...what else...hmmm... |
Merpeople chose their classification based on what other creatures were listed in the beings class, or so she'd read. As far as she was concerned, if a creature was of sound mind to decide something like that, they should be able to. Who was she to comment on their choices? Speaking of reasons for their choices... "Hags are classified as beings, sir. " |
SPOILER!!: Hi, frens "So we have some in each category. Thank you to those who contributed." Looking at you, Rasting and Castillo. "Banshees. Ghosts. Those are considered spirits. Merpeople, acromantulas are considered beasts, along with unicorns and plimpies, and baby kneazles. And salamanders and flobberworms. Most of what we study, really. And beings includes humans, giants, hags." It was such an imperfect system, and if Cornish could shove his way into the Ministry, he'd tell someone about it. "Frankly, kiddos, I hate this system. I think it's stupid. You can write your parents about it, and I'll tell them that too. Our merpeople friends have made the decision not to be categorized as beings out of protest. No one mentioned that, so I'll bring it up. They hated it too, hated that creatures they knew to be capable of self government, of community and art, were considered beasts out of our own snobbery." And now he'd ranted and raved like a lunatic. Not chill. "Sorry about that. I feel strongly about it, although I don't expect any of you to feel the same way. Shall we move on, or does anyone have some opinions of their own to express? I welcome debate." Merlin knew they'd probably be wrong, but at least it would be entertaining. While they debated, Cornish had a little project for them. "But back to the merrows of Black Lake. If we want to visit with them, we need to make it worth their while. They like music, but they also love jewelry." Cornish grabbed a box resting behind one of the cushions and opened it to reveal brightly colored beads and great balls of twine. "I want you to pick out a few beads, make something worthy of their attention... and discuss with your classmates what songs we should try singing to draw the merrow down to our portholes. And for those who worry about it, the beads are made of natural ingredients and won't pollute the lake." Not that any of them cared, tbh. So, lots of questions to answer AND a fun jewelry making project. We'll start up again in 48 hours or so (maybe more, if you're having good discussion), and I want TWO good posts of discussion, creation, and SINGING if you want. |
Eniola moved over towards the beads supplies and grabbed some clear thread and black and yellow heads to begin threading some earrings. Her mum had taught her a few things when she was growing up for threading a needle and Eni always liked to make her mum jewelry. It had been years since she'd tried it. Thinking of the memory just made her miss her family that much more. It may be time for a trip to the Owlery soon. Eni was always down for a good debate! Especially if it distracted her from missing her family. "Professor, why is it that no one in the Ministry is making headway in changing relations amongst all beings, beast and spirit relations? You would think it would just expand our educational base and relations in order to prevent any divisive wars that have happened in the past." She stated, "It seems rather obvious and there can't have been every Ministry employee that was scared of every being and be cause to such little headway in the field." She's not one to believe that other creatures are less than her. Me people have obviously thrived in their environment which humans wouldn't have done quite as easily as them in the situation of underwater living. |
Well, she was half-muggle, so it made sense that muggle knowledge would sneak into her brain somehow. So apparently, it was only muggles that believed that merpeople could grow attached to humans. Maybe it was the Disney company's fault. After all, they did have that cartoon with the mermaid that-wait, how'd it go again? She fell in love with a human and lost her voice or something? Anyway, it didn't really matter now. But wait, did Professor Cornish just say that a merperson and a human could reproduce? How would that work? Hmmm.... Well, of course they didn't know much about the merpeople. Who made a habit of going that deep in the lake? No one, for the obvious reasons. Basically, it was impossible for them, unless they had some gillyweed or scuba gear and who kept that on hand? Honestly, she had no clue on the whole classification system beyond what her classmates said. Though, she did agree that it all was rather arbitrary, especially with some getting to chose their places. One thing she did know, the fact that all of them being in Slytherin territory was so obviously bothering some of the members of the aforementioned house down to their very SOULS was giving her life here. Also giving her life? That Professor Cornish was basically inviting debate. "You know what I think the problem is? Most of the people who are 'lucky' enough to put in leadership positions are either super OLD," and she meant old as in, like, their sixties and seventies "and set in their ways, or they're purebloods who can't see the world beyond their own noses." Sorry any purebloods in the room. And yes, she caught the irony in saying that in the common room of the house the very Hogwarts founder who argued against witches like her being allowed into the school. "Like, they're either afraid of change, or afraid of losing their positions in society by supporting something that would shake things up too much. Basically, we need more people like you in there." Or all you old folks got to go, basically. |
Been here the whole time... Analiese moved herself to a more comfortable position in her cushion and shot a rather nasty look towards the older girl who commented about purebloods. Although she did have a point. She looked away and - Sorry, but did Professor Cornish just they needed to discuss songs? Merlin, this class was getting stranger and stranger by the minute. But jewellery making! Something she enjoyed! The young Ravenclaw stood up and walked over to the supplies. She grabbed some clear thread and a handful of blue and bronze beads. She began threading a bracelet and thought of a few songs. Her mind was very blank. |
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He gave the girl a nod, although he wasn't sure that the problem with leadership was age or blood status. "Maybe the problem is that people in power want to stay there? But sure, if you'll vote for me, let's do this thing." |
There were a few things Nina Castillo was certain of concerning this particular lesson today. She was certain that the Hufflepuff Prefect was always looking to pick a fight. Certain that she had no real interest in the discussion at hand. And she was certainly thankful that they wouldn't be near any creatures today. As far as the discussion went, the Slytherin had no real interest. Why would she debate something so trivial if even the Professor thought the system was broken. Clearly he had given his own opinion, so if anyone were to share any others... Wouldn't they be unwelcome? While she didn't mind classroom debates (so long as no one disrespected HER opinions because she was clearly always right), she found it quite unprofessional for their Professor to be sharing his opinion. Some of their schoolmates were very impressionable. A Professor's opinion would easily morph into their own and wasn't education meant to foster the ability to develop one's own educated opinions? Not that Nina would ever share hers during a lesson. She didn't like speaking in front of the class. As for the activities, Nina also didn't care for them. But she did move to grab herself some beads and twine. If nothing else, maybe she could end the lesson with a nice necklace for herself. |
Oh yes she did kind of know this, but before she answered others were talking and he went on to explain it. That was okay though, she knew she had read about it and the fact they were going to do things that the merpeople might like. She went to grab some pretty purple and green beads when one of the students said their opinion on things, "Maybe some are, but I don't feel all are like that. Some are really wanting to make a difference, like the minister we have now. " She had read things, even if she did live in Germany, she tried to keep up on both ministries. "What if the problem isn't really on the classification, but the prejudice we place with the classification, I mean what makes being a beast lower then a being? If you think about it aren't we, humans, just beasts as well? Maybe the classification system doesn't really work and things should be moved away from it instead. There are too many gray areas to look at, not everything is black and white like these categories try to make." As for the singing, she wasn't even sure what the merpeople liked, "Do merpeople have a type of music they like over others?" |
Avalon breathed a sigh of relief at the professor's response. At least he didn't think she was totally stupid and disrespectful. As for the latter part of his question back to her, she thought for a moment. Sure, merpeople had language and music. But were they really as complex as human beings? She supposed that if they had enough wits to create their own culture, they probably were. "I definitely think they are as smart as humans. Maybe even smarter. I just wanted to hear your opinion on it," she said truthfully. Avalon liked hearing Cornish's thoughts about magical creatures. He always had some wisdom to impart. She always felt like she left his classes a bit more informed than she was at the beginning. As for his opinion on the classification of magical creatures, the first year certainly understood his reasoning. While she usually enjoyed categorizing things -- organizing was a hobby of hers -- it seemed stifling to put all creatures into a category. However, she also saw the other side of the argument, too. The classification system helped preserve safety and understanding of creatures. To be perfectly honest, she was torn. But at least they were going to meet the merrows! Avalon had never encountered a merperson before. Making her way over to the box, she grabbed a few bright aqua, silver, and gold beads, along with a string. Now, should she make a bracelet, necklace, or something entirely different? |
Mostly, the talk of merpeople, merrows and the like had caused Stasya to wonder if they were going to get to practice their Mermish. Although being inside the common room and therefore having the glass of the porthole window might restrict that activity, but it was entirely possible the professor had plans that would make that less of a problem. Not that she hadn’t seen the merpeople of the lake before anyhow, since she’d seen them from a distance during the field trip terms ago that had led to the inferi attack. The debate was something entirely different, though. She’d gotten up to collect some cord and shell beads before she chose to speak, but speak she did. “Both the merpeople and the centaurs chose to forgo being status for those reasons, and honestly, I think they have every right to be annoyed by the way they’re seen,” she pointed out, thinking of the Divination professor among others. “I think it’s a little crazy that people think they’re better, too. Some witches and wizards are way less deserving of the qualification than some merpeople and centaurs, and it works the other way too. Just like how merpeople and centaurs probably have differences among their own species, like in personality and choices, so do we. But we think we’re better?” Okay, maybe she didn’t think she was better, and she’d become resigned to the fact people thought she was odd for her ideas about creatures. But she’d been asked, and it sort of seemed like she agreed with the professor which she really didn’t mind. Creature people stick together, and she’d lapsed into silence again as she applied herself to the supplies she’d gathered, slowly letting a necklace come into existence. |
Lucas found himself tuning back in to the lesson in time to hear Cornish talk about systems and writing to his parents (?) and then...... protests? His eyebrows went straight up while the man ranted. Yeaaaaaah, he was adding this to the list of things he wasn't arguing with the man about. Getting up, he wandered over to the box and grabbed a long piece of twine and a handful of shell beads before heading back to his seat again. Making jewellery sounded simple enough - and if he had some extra, he miiiiiiight just make a bracelet for Emma just because - but discussions? TALKING?! With the entire class?? No, thank you. Nuh-uh. He wasn't taking part. Count him OUT. Even so, it was hard not to listen to whatever it was everyone else was talking about. Someone mentioned how no one in the Ministry was doing anything, someone else mentioned that they're all old or purebloods and don't want to make change, and then someone else started talking about prejudices, which....... caused the third year to squirm. And apparently, Cornish was going to run for Minister, or Department Head. (this was a very weird lesson) Lucas, being Lucas, decided not to say anything. Nope. He was just making jewellery over here. |
Kamryn didn’t really have much to say on the topic of magical beings and creature classifications. If she was honest she thought that perhaps the creatures could put themselves in classifications like the Merpeople did. But of course that was out of protest. Cause humans were dumb most of the time. She felt bad as she stood up and moved to get some beads and some twine, she was planning on making a few bracelets with them and she moved back to her seat and started to thread some beads onto the twine. She made a knot between each bead and held it up.. that wasn’t bad looking at all. |
Vita liked keeping busy, and having something to do with her hands was the perfect way to get her ready for whatever they'd be doing next. Selecting a few eye catching beads, the seventh year got enough twine for a bracelet and took her finds to an empty chair. She had her own opinions on the class system, of course, but she decided active listening was the best course of action for now. As for songs, she figured something old would suffice. A classic. Something they might recognize the melody of, at the very least. |
Eiji had been nothing but content in ignoring this conversation about classifications. How could one reasonably apply such status to sentient beings that did not share the same set of moral conduct as humans anyway? It was stupid and so was this conversation they were having. What were they going to do, sign a petition and send it off to the ---- What? WHAT? W H A T? Eiji set his pathetic attempt at jewelry down - it sparkled and that was what counted, or whatever - and STARED at the Hufflepuff prefect. Grandpa Charles may be up there in years but the implications of pureblood status and just wanting to stay in power was BEYOND offensive. But he didn't want to give that Hufflepuff the time of day - she always seemed to crave chaos and debate and he, frankly, did not have the energy. "I am certain, professor, that if you request an audience with the Minister he will hear your concerns," he said as calmly as one could when the hairs were standing on the back of one's neck. "Private debate," ...complaining really... "...without proactive actions won't change anything." Not that he thought things needed to change, he just hated the implications that his uncle was some stuffy old hat. Now...back to adding something else that sparkled to this...necklace? Keychain? He wasn't sure what he was making anymore. |
After Cornish's response Eni began to focus on her work. She was older than that nine year old girl making her mum a pretty necklace and she wanted to be able to see the Merpeople, or at least one. She began to hum a song her mother had sung when she was growing up. Man, the nostalgia was hitting her hard today. |
Nina carried forward beading together the necklace, which she would most certainly be keeping whether or not her Professor had the intention to let them keep them. She was also entirely tuned out to the discussion, only picking her head up to linger when she heard Eiji speak up. He hardly ever voiced his thoughts in class, and when he did he only ever offered up sarcastic singular remarks. And so this was quite peculiar. Something must have rubbed him the wrong way, Nina was somewhat regretful that she hadn't been paying more attention to pick up on what exactly that was. She'd ask him about it later maybe. But for now, her attention was back on the necklace that she didn't really care to be beading in the middle of the lesson. This felt pointless. She would have much rather learned from the textbook. |
Continuing to thread her bracelet, Analiese thought of suitable songs for the particular purpose. She was genuinely struggling to think of some. The only song in her head was God Rest Ye, Merry Hippogriffs. It was playing in repeat in her head. She began humming it quietly as she finished beading. She stopped humming after a minute and raised her hand. " In my opinion, acromantulas, centaurs and merpeople deserve to be classified as beings more than humans. Some humans even deserve to be classified as beasts!" The young Ravenclaw paused for a second to take a breath. "And I think that the people in the Ministry are just too scared that they will lose their position in the hierarchy pyramid of society if they try to speak up about it. What we need at the Ministry is a good Minister for Magic, good department heads and good employees. I'm not saying that Charles Hollingberry and any of the department heads is in anyway bad, but they need to do something about the classification system. However, if the acromantulas, centaurs and merpeople do not want to be classified as beings, and instead want to be classified as beasts there is nothing wrong. I know that merpeople and centaurs were given the chance to be classified as beasts but they did not want to be the same classification as hags and vampires, but has anyone tried to change the classification of acromatulas? No. Why? Because they have a taste for human flesh. However, the quality which centaurs, merpeople and humans have in common is present in acromantulas too. Also, nobody has tried to make vampires beasts because they are of human intelligence. However, they also have a taste for human flesh, just like acromantulas. Acromantulas have human intelligence, in my opinion, and should be classified as beings." Was that too much? Probably. |
SPOILER!!: Frens "Okay, enough discussion, and I want you to wrap up your jewelry making now. We're missing our party guests here, and you can't have a party with no guests." Cornish set the bracelet he'd made on the sill of the porthole and touched the runes again. "Professor Beryl helped me with these. They allow us to be heard and to hear through the glass, and there's some fancy automatic translation going on. The merrow speak English, but I think it's polite to speak to them in their own language. They're much more eloquent and we're much less likely to offend them." The water beyond the porthole was dark and murky, seemingly too dark and murky to see more than a few feet out into the lake right now. If there were merrow close by, they weren't visible. Really, nothing was. Cornish hummed softly and peered out into the dark water. "If you have a gift to offer, I suggest you place it on a sill and present a song. I can't promise anything will happen, but if we don't try, nothing will." So step up to a porthole, offer your jewelry, and sing a song. Let's see what happens. You can join a group if you don't want to sing alone. |
Analiese stood up and walked over to a porthole. She placed her bracelet on the sill and thought of a song. Merlin, she was really struggling to think of a song, even with her singing skills. Oh no. Now her head was filling with Celestina Warbeck. When was she from? The 1960s? Either way, it was a long time ago. A Cauldron of Hot, Strong, Love was the song in her head, to be exact. She began humming it and eventually began singing it. And it's bubbling for you! Say Incendio, but that spell's not hot As my special witch's brew! Don't you be afraid, come and take a sip Of this steamy, tasty treat! What's in my cauldron full of hot, strong love Will make your life complete! I've got a cauldron full of hot, strong love That's about to be unfurled Got a flavour that beats anything You'll find in the Muggle world! Mix a pinch of spice with a dash of charm And a sprinkling of romance They're why my cauldron full of hot, strong love Is worth it, take the chance!" |
What a beautiful bit of magic. Eniola thought as she approached the runes. She couldn't help but run her hand over them. Absolutely beautiful. Eni placed the simple earrings and began to sing an old French lullaby her mother had sang to her and her brother. L’enfant dormira bien vite Dodo, l’enfant do L’enfant dormira bientôt. Une poule blanche Est là dans la grange. Qui va faire un petit coco* Pour l’enfant qui va fair’ dodo. Dodo, l’enfant do, L’enfant dormira bien vite Dodo, l’enfant do L’enfant dormira bientôt. Tout le monde est sage Dans le voisinage Il est l’heure d’aller dormir Le sommeil va bientôt venir." She truly hoped she'd get the chance to see and speak to one of the Merpeople today. It would be something she would never forget. |
They had to what now? Sing a song? Kamryn hurriedly finished up her bracelet and stood up. She brushed off her robes and stuck her bracelet with the shiny blue beads on the windowsill. But.. what should she sing? She bit her lip as she peered out into the murky water. She couldn’t think of anything that the Merrow would like.. and that wouldn’t hurt the ears of her fellow students of course. Singing was not her forte. She could bake a great cake and draw a pillar, but sing? Did they like muggle songs? Wizarding ones? Gah! |
SPOILER!!: SneakySeverusSnape The song was rousing, and offering of pretties on the ledge alluring, and as the song drifted through the runes into the water, a young female merrow drifted up to the window and pressed a webbed hand against the cold glass. That. That bracelet. Was that for her? *bubble bubble bubble* SPOILER!!: gritandgrace The moment the lilting song stopped, a broad and grinning face slammed against the glass, streaming hair and seaweed caught between the runes and the pointed yellow teeth of that terrifying smile. The merrow already had plenty of earrings jammed along the cartilage of his green ears, but he still was all eyes for this particular offering. LOVELY. HIS. SPOILER!!: MunchyBubbles No song? Maybe share a porthole with someone brave enough to sing or hope one of the merrow will spot your offering on their way to another song. |
Some ketchup! It would completely wrong to suggest that Archer wasn't somewhat proud of herself. It would also be completely wrong to think she had something against the current minister because she didn't. But..."Of course, I would!" Purebloods though, she did have a problem with. She truly meant what she'd said about them, or most of them, not being able to see beyond their own noses. I mean, how many of them even knew how to operate a phone or anything else remotely muggle... (you know aside from those who attended Muggle Studies here)? Which is why she returned the little first years look with one that just oozed a challenge: go ahead and prove me wrong. Seriously, little one. Eiji's look was returned with the same, as she obviously had no clue that his granddad was the current minister. Not that that would've stopped her. So, of course, she thought that look was about the whole pureblood thing. Uh...no one really wanted to hear her singing voice. No seriously, it was bad. |
The young Claw rolled her eyes when the older Hufflepuff returned her look with a nastier look. She honestly did have a point though. She looked back to the porthole she was standing in front of. Analiese slightly jumped when the merrow appeared. "Hello. How are you today?" She was in no interest to speak any Mermish. Thank Merlin the runes were there. She spotted the merrow eyeing the bracelet. "It's for you." How were they exactly supposed to give the bracelet to the merpeople? Were they even supposed to? The 12-year-old looked at Professor Cornish in questioning. |
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"It's very dark today," the merrow's voice sounded a little hollow through the water, glass, and runes, but her words were in English. "It's been dark for many days. The sun doesn't shine on us." She touched the glass by the bracelet, but of course, it was out of her reach. |
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They were supposed to sing to the merrows now? It seemed a bit strange - standing by a porthole and singing aimlessly. How were the merpeople even going to hear them through the window? Her question was immediately answered as she spotted a merrow approach her friend Analiese. So they could hear through the windows. Avalon wasn't complaining...she liked to sing, and she felt like she didn't get to do it often enough. The young Ravenclaw had a pretty voice, too, thanks to the school choir she was forced to participate in back in the second grade. Nothing professional by any means, but it was at least on key and pleasant to listen to. The only question now was what song to sing. As Avalon finished up her necklace, which was sparkling with metallic and aqua blue beads, she considered a few different melodies to sing. The first song that came into her mind was Frère Jacques, which her mother used to sing to her. But it seemed odd to sing a song about sleeping when she wanted to merrows to come to her. So, she decided on a fun, albeit silly song that she remembered from kindergarten. Approaching the porthole, she took a deep breath and began to sing. Down by the bay Where the watermelons grow Back to my home I dare not go For if I do My mother will say She paused for a brief moment, trying to think of a quick rhyme involving the merpeople for the next line. Have you ever seen a merrow Emerging from its burrow? Down by the bay She couldn't help but laugh at herself. The lyrics sounded absolutely ridiculous! But hopefully her voice was enough to draw the merrows near. |
Nina did not want to sing and she certainly did not want to give away her necklace. Sorry. So instead of offering a song, she stood behind the crowd. In hopes to blend in. She didn’t particularly love the idea of befriending a mermaid, and was quite happy being far from the porthole. Honestly. If there was one thing she loved about this common room, it was how little the creatures swam up to the windows. Truly, it was a blessing. And so, instead of going up to take her turn, she stood back and watched as her classmates went up one by one and embarrassed themselves with silly performances. This was a classroom, not an after school musical. Nina intended to keep it that way for herself. Mhm. |
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Eni plucked up her courage and gave a gentle smile, "Hello. My name is Eniola. Do you like the earrings?" she lifted them up towards the glass so he could have a better view. "They're for you. You already have some lovely ones though, don't you?" |
She couldn't help the big smile with the professor's words, but now her focus was on the activity at hand. The fight for more equal rights could be another time, right now THEY WERE GOING TO MEET MERPEOPLE!! This was so exciting and she jumped up with her bracelet, but she didn't know what to sing. Listening to everyone else's she realized everyone was doing something different. Would that hurt their chances of getting to see them? Maybe they should all be working together to sing one song. All their voices together with the same song could be very pretty and attract better, but since everyone was doing their own Chloe tried to think and started singing the first song that came to her mind. "So oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh You need to calm down, you're being too loud And I'm just like oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh (oh) You need to just stop Like can you just not step on my gown? You need to calm down." |
SPOILER!!: Fireheart This one was special... a song about the merrow themselves! The song and the giggling drew a young merrow boy to the porthole. Seaweed floated around his bright, interested face as he tapped on the glass curiously. Tap. Tap. Hello-tap. "What is this... burrow? Like flounders in the mud?" SPOILER!!: gritandgrace The merrow touched his ear at the mention of his earrings before turning his head so she could see how gorrrrrrgeous his collection was. Truly, he was fashion. "Eniola. I am Aniaitis." Very polite one, yes. Eniola, was that a typical wizarding name? "Do you have more? Earrings?" SPOILER!!: Bazinga They had been promised gifts, and it seemed that the wizard-man Cornish was going to keep his promise. The lady merrow drifted up from the dark water, yellow teeth bared in a smile and webbed fingers tracing the shape of her gift through the glass. "Taaaaaaaaaay-lor Swift." Even the merrow knew this one. |
OH-MY-MERLIN!! adlkfjkdl;fjklafjla;dsjkl;ajfal There she was, there they were, there were Merpeople! Chloe could have peed herself she was so excited. She sang a little longer before stopping and smiling back at the merperson. What was she to do, could she just talk to them or did she need to sing more. Her eyes moved around to see if she could see anyone else doing anything, but no, she wanted to see her new friend. Yes, they would be friends now! "Hello, you know Taylor Swift?" That was super cool, she knew it was an old song that she had found, but she loved the old ones. Seeing that she was tracing the gift Chloe felt she did a good job or she at least opened she did, "Do you like it?" |
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"Yes, thank you. Perhaps we should give you a gift as well." CLASS IS ENDING IN 24 HOURS |
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It was a shame that only a few of the merrow had made an appearance, but it was still probably the only proper introduction these students had. The first conversation with a beast, except for those lucky enough to chat with Thereos during his classes or in the Great Hall. "Please say goodbye to the merrows, gather your things, and get back to your own common rooms. Don't hang out in here or I'll give the Slytherins leave to hex your noses from your faces." He began to gather the jewelry offerings, which would eventually make their way to the merrows outside. |
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Now she was talking about gifts for Chloe, "No, you don't have to give me anything. Just getting to talk to you is an amazing gift, it's something I could have only dreamed about." Was she boasting a bit too much, probably, but soon she heard the professor. "Time to go already?" She frowned looking at her new MerFriend. |
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