SnitchSeeker.com - CoMC Lesson 2: Through the Portholes

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- Term 52: May - August 2019 (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-52-may-august-2019/)

- - CoMC Lesson 2: Through the Portholes (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-52-may-august-2019/comc-lesson-2-through-the-portholes-112760/)

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 ~~who looked rather horrified at the idea of going into the water~~ question. She really wouldn't mind a bit of an escape from the castle.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireheart (Post 12417581)

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.

Sinclair was clever for a first year, and Cornish couldn’t fault her answer. Well, he could fault it, since it wasn’t very kind to the merpeople, but it was technically true. “I doubt they’d appreciate you saying so. I suppose they think we’re rather ugly ourselves, and no gorgeous tails to get us through the water. How useless we are at swimming.” He shook a leg to indicate.

“I think what you mean is that they look less human than some other breeds of merpeople, and to our minds, that makes them less attractive. But if you look beyond that to the clever construction of their hands, the strength and power of their tails, the shimmer of those scales in the water, they’re quite magnificent.” And that was enough from him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black (Post 12417584)

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.

Mr. Anderson-Belfort typically had something to say for himself, but today, it appeared that his contributions were entirely fear based. Nervous Ned. It wasn’t like any of their professors would let them get hurt. Mostly. Probably not.

“We’re inside, sir, and I promise you that I have no power to blast through this wall without drowning us all. We’ll stay inside.” For now, but he had hopes for better weather soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MunchyBubbles (Post 12417604)

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?

Did he bite? What was wrong with the girl? Cornish fixed her with a steady look, crossing his hands across his chest. Not to intimidate, although it was definitely intimidating. “There are colonies of merrow in Ireland. My last post was one of those colonies, and they were very like the merrow we have in our Black Lake.”

Nearly the same, actually, although some minor cultural differences that he found fascinating… although he doubted anyone else would. “But they’re comfortable in northern waters. You’ll find them here, in the Baltic, and in some of the lakes and waters of North America.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazykitty (Post 12417612)

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?

“Someone’s been reading Muggle mythology. A very good source, although they do get some things wrong,” Cornish corrected Calrissian gently. She wasn’t wrong, but she wasn’t quite right, either. “I think you should ask a merrow about their attachment to humans.” That would be hilarious. “As for the cap, I’ve heard that story too, although I’ve heard that the children of merrows and wizarding kind can take either form so long as they have this cap. I’ve never yet met one of those children, so I suppose we’ll have to leave it to science to figure out for us… someday.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander (Post 12417632)

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."

“They do, yes. Excellent, Prichard. Can you tell your classmates any more about that? It’s something I very much want us to mull over today.” And it was nice to know that some of them took an interest in the politics of magizoology.

Quote:

Originally Posted by siriusblackliveson (Post 12417636)

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.

“Territorial?” Cornish mulled that over. It wasn’t the word he would have used, but it was apt. “Perhaps, Dooley. They don’t mind other creatures in their lake, and we obviously are allowed to swim and boat, but they would fight off another colony in a second.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Govoni (Post 12417646)

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?"

Cornish smiled hugely and cast a glance over his shoulder at the glowing runes. They were pretty spectacular, weren’t they? He couldn’t take credit for them. “Spoilers, Botros. I promise you’ll find out soon enough.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch (Post 12417647)

“Smethwyck, bravo. Say it louder so Rasting will wake up and start paying attention there in the back.” Cornish applauded the girl. “Merrows have a developed language, love music, and have made use of tools and weapons. Anyone who doesn’t see that as sophisticated beyond a mere ‘creatures’ definition probably should take a hard look as how developed they are themselves.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by gritandgrace (Post 12417660)

“Now you’re just buttering me up, Abara. I see right through you.” But he said it lightly and almost seemed jolly. Jolly? If his students were willing to appreciate how clever and developed the merpeople were, then he supposed they weren’t all bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow (Post 12417672)

Cornish gave Mallari’s answer a nod of approval. “Yes, just so. The merrow prefer the colder climates. Ireland, Scotland, Canada. Some are fresh water, some salt, but if you spot a merperson around England, chances are good it’s a merrow.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suziella (Post 12417687)

“Agreed, that is amazing. I think that has as much to do with the respect Albus Dumbledore showed them and their Chieftainess as anything. We have a good relationship with our colony here, which helps maintain their willingness to do things for us.” Things being properly vague. They weren’t pets or lackeys, but friends did favors for each other.

“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

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black (Post 12417692)

Humans. Yes, that was an apt assessment. Cornish tried not to look amused by the absolute trembling of that answer, since the lad seemed to think he could possibly have gotten it wrong. "We're beings. Correct. Not much to say for the category, though, is it?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga (Post 12417698)

"Right, they're classified as beasts, but do you know why? An XXXX classification suggests they're terrible and dangerous, but the only people I know killed by a merrow really really deserved it." That sounded sort of flippant about death, but honestly? Don't poke a bear and don't tick off a mermaid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireheart (Post 12417701)

"I know what you meant, kid. I'm not upset, but I want you to broaden your mind." She shouldn't believe that he was mad just because she held the same opinion as pretty much everyone else... or that they had different opinions. She seemed more concerned with not upsetting him than she did with really understanding what he was trying to say, but she'd get it. Hopefully.

"I think most merpeople are smarter than most humans I know, honestly. What makes you think they aren't? Do you remember what your classmates said? They have language, culture, music, art. What else do you need?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by MunchyBubbles (Post 12417712)

"Acromantulas are classified as beasts, although you bring up a good point. What do you suppose keeps them from qualifying as a being? They have language, albeit they speak our language." He hoped they would see that it wasn't as easy as all that. It wasn't simply a matter of sentience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch (Post 12417737)

"Good. We often forget about the spirits. A banshee is a good example. What do you suppose are the characteristics of a spirit?" They could make a list, but it was likely that no one would come up with the same list.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh its Erik ok (Post 12417765)

Quote:

Originally Posted by gritandgrace (Post 12417783)

"So giants get to be beings, but acromantulas and merpeople are beasts. Doesn't seem very fair, does it?" Not to mention the second part. The interesting point that she'd just brought up. "And an excellent point. Even the creatures that we've deigned to classify as beings aren't treated as if we believe them to be equals."

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow (Post 12417798)

"Exactly so, Mallari. Thank you. Hags are considered to be beings, as they are sentient. But more so than acromantula? Merpeople? Centaurs, who also have opted to be considered beasts?"

"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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gritandgrace (Post 12417817)

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazykitty (Post 12417844)

Cornish lifted a hand helplessly, although the gesture was somewhat ruined by the rather lovely wood bead and abalone shell bracelet he was stringing. The shell was a favorite of the merrow back in Ireland. "There are some who are interested in a more accurate categorization system for creatures, but they get stuck in how to build it. And, perhaps, the most important thing is that a categorization system is merely the means we humans have to control and define things, but it doesn't change what we do with those things we've controlled and defined. What good would it be to have all sentient creatures in the same category if we continue to put ourselves above them? That's my opinion, at least, and it seems good enough for Calrissian here. She's my new campaign manager."

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.