Repello Muggletum: a Hogwarts Roleplay discussion

Charms classes are held here-- with the small, kind witch Professor Balique, who doesn't take any nonsense from troublemakers-- where students learn charms and spells for use in everyday life. The room is filled with light and an assortment of odd items, used for instruction.

Aretta was first in the classroom - no surprise there. Charms was her first class of the day, her favourite class for today. The rest were alright, but she had excelled in charms from day one. It was the field of magic her father had been good at, too.

With nothing to do and no one to talk to, Aretta opened her book. A book that would take her no more than two days to read, but was monster in size.

She adjusted her specs with her finger, pushing them higher onto the bridge of her nose. Everytime Aretta looked down they ended up sliding off.

Daniel did not wish to say in the Great Hall longer than necessary and so he ate a sparse breakfast before he headed off to Charms. No doubt it would be yet another dull class practicing spells he'd perfected days before.

One other girl sat alone in the classroom, the professor preparing for the day's classes. But she was reading, and he doubted she would pay him any mind.

The last page of an invigorating chapter, but what was this? Aretta squinted at the page, re-reading that last paragraph. What an odd spell...it couldn't have been real. It was just a book.

Aretta raised her head, hoping to ask Professor Balique about the spell, then she heard footsteps, and another student came in. Green and black robes, the serpentine crest - Daniel Summers, one of Slytherin's top wizards.

Aretta's eyes lingered a moment too long, but she casually looked away, pretending to study the lesson plan on the chalkboard. Revising a fairly difficult spell, learning two more.

Daniel gave a nod to both his fellow classmate and Professor Balique and headed up to his usual spot in the third row. He couldn't quite recall the girl's name--he hardly knew the name of his housemates.

Yes, they were going over a few charms Daniel had learned a few days beforehand. He assumed they would go over them. Why wait for class to teach him when he could learn it in half as much time alone?

Aretta returned the greeting, inclining her head, then going to read her book. The worlds felt jumbled, and her will to continue was gone. She closed it, marking the page with a black-and-brown speckled feather of Aquil's.

"Since you two are here early, would you mind helping me clean this up?" The professor gestured to a pile of minuscule brown boxes. "The fourth years shrunk them - I need them normal again for my next lesson."

Aretta nodded and stood, slipping her wand from its place in her sleeve. They would have to use the enlargement spell.

"Of course, professor." Retrieving his own wand where it was carefully tucked away in his school bag, he made his way down to the shrunken boxes.

A muttered "Engorgio!" after setting aside one of the boxes, and it returned to normal. Simple enough, though a bit tedious all the same. It wouldn't take them too long.

((The Prof's a girl. xD))

"Engorgio," Aretta recited with a flick of her wand, lacquer box after lacquer box resuming its original shape. Her wand's core and wood made charms like these quick and easy; she'd learned that from A Pocket Guide to Wandlore.

The boxes were stacking up fast, Aretta noticed. She pushed her wand into her sleeve and began organizing them. The professor would not like a messy room.

((I would blame lack of sleep, except I had thirteen hours of sleep.))

He almost laughed. After all the time she'd spent studying, she seemed to have forgotten the first charm they'd learned. However, he didn't feel the urge to mention it to her. Instead he resumed returning the boxes to their original size.

((I assumed it was a dude at first, too. xD))

Aretta reached over to get a box that was about to fall off the long table, just when Daniel was casting Engorgio.

Her hand grew, as though it had been stung by a bee, began to swell. And swell. They were easily comparable to Hagrid's hands, she observed with a frown.

Aretta could only stare at it as it grew to twice it size, mortified by her humongous hands and lack of care. Face flushed red, she fumbled with her sleeve until the wand slipped out.

Unlike his slightly panicked classmate, Daniel took his time in returning her hand to normal. Only after her wand clattered to the ground did he cast, "Reducio!" at her hands.

Aretta winced at the feeling of her hands growing and then suddenly shrinking. There was no way to describe the sensation that befuddled her senses. She looked at her hands, relieved that they were back to normal.

But she had noticed that the Slytherin boy had taken his sweet time. Aretta bent down to grab her wand, then came up to give Daniel a level stare.

She was irritated, of course, but it was hard (especially with him) to stay sour. "Thanks," Aretta said curtly, but her eyes seemed to say something else as the unnerving chips of green emerald looked analytically at Daniel.

"Of course," he answered with a smirk which remained as he turned to the boxes to begin stacking them. Not physically, of course. He wouldn't be taking that chance.

"Wingardium Leviosa." Up floated one of the brown boxes until it floated over to where Aretta had been stacking. Much faster, and much less energy.

Aretta blinked. She had forgotten she could use her magic for stacking the boxes. Her mother had always encouraged doing things on her own, relying less on magic for actions that could have been done without it. A habit that some pureblood Ravenclaws thought bemusing.

She refrained getting her wand out, not wanting to feel like an idiot for forgetting the simple levitation spell. Aretta continued hand-stacking, but she was careful to avoid where Daniel's wand was pointed. She did not want to starting floating about the room at Daniel's control.

She cleared her throat, the silence a tad awkward. "So Daniel, have you done the Potions assignment yet?" Professor Nyx had given a tedious assignment that had taken Aretta forever to do.

Another box floated over, resting upon the box that she had just set down. They were in Charms class, after all. Casting charms was encouraged, was it not?

"Yes, I have," Daniel answered. "It was a bit lengthy." But not impossible.

Yet another box came up into the air and leisurely made its way over to the stack of boxes, resting beside its companion. Only a few more to go, and with time to spare.

"I found that as well, but the part on Jobberknoll feathers was surprisingly simple. I bet we'll be using them next class, maybe for some sort of mentality potion."

The stack had gotten too tall and finally Aretta succumbed to bringing out her wand. She pulled it out with a flick of her wrist, then swiftly swishing it at a box with a, "Wingardium Leviosa."

Her wand movements were graceful, practiced, lifting their targets and placing them neatly in a pyramid shape. Aretta had been practicing wand movements ever since she learned how drastically they could affect a spell, and now they were close to flawless.

"Maybe. We'll find out next class."

Daniel said nothing as she finally decided to use the charm to move the boxes. The pile on the table slowly disappeared, and soon the pair was left with nothing more to do.

((Flame, how is she in this class if she's a fourth year? xD And class hasn't started.))

((IT's year specific, which means first years wouldn't be learning the same thing as seventh years, second years don't repeat learning first year classes, etc.))

((7th. ^^))

"Thank you," came Professor Balique's voice from behind her desk, a smile on the witch's face. "Fifteen points to each of your Houses."

Aretta gave her professor a smile back, pleased with having gained points for Ravenclaw with such a small and simple task. She glanced back at Daniel, flashing a quick smile and nod before heading back to her seat.

Daniel gave a slight nod of silent thanks to Professor Balique and headed back up to his seat without so much of a glance at the Ravenclaw. As he sat, students began trickling into the room, a few chatting, others looking drowsy. Class was about to begin.

A small huff and Aretta was back in her seat the front, right in the spot where the professor and the lesson could be seen the best. But at the moment, she wasn't very focused on the lesson.

Making an amateur mistake and getting in the way of a spell.../so/ embarrassing...

Aretta composed herself as the last few groups of people came in, blue and green scattered around the room. Half the class seemed to be asleep. Jeff Davis had some sort of breakfast item stuck to his face, as usual.

"Good morning." The professor's greeting was met by sleepy responses.

"Today we will be reviewing some old charms, and learning a new one. I want your wands out and ready."

Daniel rested his elbow on the table, head in hand. They'd probably practice, and a few would be called out to demonstrate, and then class would be over. Typical. But nonetheless, his own wand lay still on table.

He found himself already reviewing the incatations and motions, though they were not hard to remember at all. Though, he could imagine a good chunk of the students messing up because of their lack of attention and sleep.

Aretta was sitting alert, eager for the class. She listened with intent ears and eyes, carefully observing Professor Balique's swift movements. The Pellucidity Charm was not a hard one. At least, not for Aretta. She had practiced it before class, of course.

"Now," said the professor, a wry smile on the witch's mouth. "Who thinks they have this charm down? Volunteers?"

There was silence, and no volunteers. "I need four of you." Balique was scanning the crowd of students with her sharp teacher's eyes.

Daniel debated on whether or not to volunteer. It'd save time, yes. Though it'd be quite amusing to see those who hadn't quite yet perfect the spell to try. And yet, still no one.

Fine. Daniel raised his hand, an quiet, exasperated sigh leaving his mouth.

"Just one?" No one moved at the disapproving tone.

Aretta, too, wondered if she should go up or not. The majority of the class seemed as if they would rather go swimming in the lake in the middle of winter. She decided with going - her charm work was good, she reassured herself as her hand went up.

"Two." Professor Balique had to scrounge up the other pair of 'volunteers', who dragged themselves up in front of the class from the back of the room.

Aretta stood with her wand in hand and ready, reminding herself of the incantation. She became suddenly nervous when she was called on to first demonstrate the charm.

You can do this. Wand poised carefully, "Translucidum!" Aretta's voice carried and suddenly the blackboard was gone. Upon closer inspection, one could see that it was like glass. See-through.

Aretta couldn't help but grin triumphantly.

She'd earned a few claps--most of which were out of politeness of their fellow classmates. One of the two who seemed to be dreading to perform the incantation was next. He seemed nervous, and rightfully so. He aimed his wand at one of the books lying placidly atop its companions.

"Translucidum!" said the boy, and the book became semi-transparent. It turned to a more faded version of the original darker colour, though still apparent.

Daniel withheld a smirk. Poor scrap. A disappointed look had crossed their professor, which was now directed at the unfortunate student. However, it didn't last long as she called Daniel up, who presumed to select an object which to turn transparent.

His wand pointed at the desk where the previous student had failed at changing the book. "Translucidum!" And then table seemed to vanish, though the contents still rested perfectly still on the seemingly invisible surface.

Now it was the last student's turn. A Slytherin girl, who looked like she would much rather be anywhere but here - bored and irritated. She raised her wand, and gave it a flourish. But she clearly hadn't been listening, because the spell did not require a flourish. "Translucidium!"

The teacher's desk, the girl's initial target, stayed where it was, exactly the same.

"Alright. Good work, Miss Bellamy and Mister Summers." The professor kept her eyes narrowed at the other two students. "You two - try listening next time, hm?"

Professor Balique was unaware of what had happened to the Slytherin girl's spell. It missed its target, but hit somewhere else...Balique's hair. Giggles spouted from around the room, hushed but still audible.

Aretta tried to cover her own laughter, but it was impossible to keep a wide smile off her face. The professor looked hilariously ridiculous.

Less than a breath of laughter escaped Daniel and he turned to make his way back up to his seat as Balique began to teach the newest charm. However, the incessant giggles were quite a bit annoying, though the professor seemed to be completely oblivious.

He took his seat, wand now resting once more on the table, quill unmoving in the inkwell.

The class continued in that bubbly state. Professor Balique had noticed something suspicious at first, though she did not know what. For the Pellucidity Charm only made what it touched transparent, and the old witch could still feel her hair. She abandoned trying to understand the minds of seventeen year-olds.

Some time later the class was dismissed. Aretta gathered her things neatly in her bag, glancing once or twice toward the back. She had spent a majority of class admiring a certain wizard's spell-casting skills.

The was no doubt in Daniel's mind that the class following them would point it out to the professor, and he did not wish to be there when they did. So he packed his bag which did not take long at all, and headed out of the class.

((Fade?))

((yesh))

"Last class, we learned to produce clean, drinkable water. Now we're going to apply that to today's lesson. Remember. . ."

Sitting in the middle row of the lecture seats, a sleepy Rosaline was half concealed by a broad-shouldered boy in her house. Reviewing the previous lesson and the properties of liquids with magic was impossibly dull. She had gotten a sufficient amount of sleep, but it was still ridiculously boring. Balique wouldn't notice if she fell asleep for a minute, covered by the boy, and her eyelids felt so heavy -

"Move a little to the right, Warwick," she prodded the boy, who rolled his eyes but consented to her request.

A paper airplane landed on her desk when Balique turned her back to write something on the board. A note was written in the folded paper, reading:

Like the gift?
;) x

in Cecil's handwriting.

Cecil was sitting towards the back, he, too, ready to fall asleep. Unlike Rosaline, he'd stayed up quite late finishing up homework that was due the week before. His teacher was quite determined to get him to complete all of his assignments.

The note was a bit of surprise. It had been their first actual contact in a while; Rosaline was still wary of approaching Cecil, and she guessed he'd found something else to entertain himself with. Perhaps that something wasn't in this class, which might explain why he'd venture to talk to her. Even if it wasn't direct conversation.

She read over it again, considering the question. The pendant was still in its box, tucked in her bag. Rosaline hadn't actually worn it yet. She decided to play with him a bit:

Which one? You should really sign your name, a girl can get so confused, what with all these gifts from her many, /many/ admirers.

The plane found its way back, landing just as an oblivious Professor Balique turned back to address her class.

In the time they hadn't been speaking, Cecil really hadn't been trying all that hard to find someone new. He was still a bit afraid of talking to her, which was a first. The party was still fresh in his head, and nothing was helping him get over it.

The airplane returned to her once Balique's back was turned once more.

Clearly you know who it is. I did like that ring, though. I do hope it's real gold. Hardly a fair trade if it's not (you have no idea how much that necklace cost me).

Her mouth curled into a smile, and she felt a small weight come off her chest. Rosaline had been worried about what he would think of it, considering she didn't know his tastes very well. She was pleased that he'd liked it, after all her careful choosing.

Oh, now I know who it is. And of course it's real gold - fit for a king. However, I am hurt at how swiftly you dismiss our love, Cecil. Is my affection not comparable to a gem, however beautiful it may be?

Which was to say that Rosaline thought the necklace was gorgeous. She had even poked attention at their kiss, so close to the moment when everything had fallen apart - however badly it had ended, she didn't forget what had transpired before then.

Cecil suppressed the urge to grin. He was glad she liked it, especially since his father had questioned why he'd bought it in the first place (it had taken several hours to convince him that the necklace was in fact, not for Cecil).

How could I possible dismiss it? It's practically taken over my head, which is what I'll tell Jayfox tomorrow when he asks me why my homework is still not on his desk.

She bit her lip to avoid letting out a laugh. Professor Balique would inquire what she found so funny about turning vinegar into water. Still, Rosaline wondered whether he really meant it or not. Admittedly, she had caught herself thinking about it during class, when her mind wandered. It tended to wander towards him.

How dare you put that immense guilt on my shoulders. I'm fragile, darling, I couldn't bear the weight of your poor marks. Now I feel compelled to help you with your work. And you know how I do work - all night long.

Stealing a glance up at Balique, who was still droning on and hadn't spotted them, Rosaline sent the plane back.

((period instead of a question mark?))

The plane was gathering some attention from their classmates, though Cecil paid them no mind. So long as none of them ratted the two out, he didn't care.

I'll have you know that I've only got two P's right now. But I'd love the help. Perhaps it would cure the absolute boredom I feel whenever I open the bloody textbook.

((*edit edit edit*))

Rosaline's brows shot up. She had only been poking fun at him, but it seemed Cecil wasn't taking to school so easily after the break. It scared her to think what his parents might think (especially his mother), unless this was routine. She knew that her mother would be driven mad by just one poor grade.

I can take care of that, sweetheart. Just call me Nurse Kelly.

After returning the note, Rosaline followed its path to the back of the classroom, playfully blowing Cecil a kiss. She was careful to make sure no one was watching.

Needless to say, his parents were still blissfully unaware of his slipping grades, and Cecil intended to keep it that way until they were acceptable. He couldn't help it if the classes were stupidly boring.

He returned the kiss with a wink and a smile as he opened the letter.

Thanks, dear. I appreciate it. ;) <3

Rosaline folded up the parchment and tucked it away, turning back towards the professor and sighing with satisfaction. Class ended shortly after the exchange, and she was grateful for the distraction. Charms was almost as dull as History of Magic.

While the people next to her picked their heads up from their desks, she manoeuvred past them, heading to the door.

((Fade?))

((Yush.))

"Good morning, good morning. . ." The professor was certainly chipper, Rosaline observed, greetings bright as her students entered the class. It was probably the lucky streak of nice weather all week. Only light drizzles happened just at dusk, with everyone tucked safely away in the castle. It was so sunny and clear, Rosaline couldn't help but miss those cloudy days spent in the common room.

With not nearly half as much cheer as Professor Balique, Rosaline said a quiet hello and found a place beneath the windows. It was still early, and many lingered in the halls in the fleeting free time they had before classes began.

Clara was not one of those people. She was already sitting, a few seats back and away from Rosaline, tapping her wand in a rather erratic rhythm against her desk. She was restless--continuous nice weather always seemed to make her restless (probably because she'd been so used to clouds and rain)--and try as she might, she couldn't settle down. She was itching to do something, and sitting here fiddling with her wand was not going to suffice.

It was impossible to ignore the constant, irregular taps. Eyes narrowed, Rosaline tilted her head to discreetly locate the source. She held her tongue, recognising the characteristic green and silver crest first, and then the bored face of Clara Ainsworth. Sitting several seats away, she seemed eager to do something other than sit quietly.

The mannerism had become easy to identify in her childhood friend. She had not lost it. Though, Rosaline mused, other things were not quite the same. Furtive appraisal gave way to openness as Rosaline turned to Clara, waiting to catch her eye and offer a greeting smile.

It was only after she felt eyes on her that Clara realized that she might be disturbing the handful of students sitting in class. And so the taps slowed, trickled off, and eventually ended with a finial three: Tap...tap...tap. Offering a small, slightly amused smile to Rosaline--she'd noticed her fellow Slytherin, watching her with an unusual openness. "Hi, Rosaline," she said, her own tone almost surprisingly friendly. Unlike some others in their House, Clara was not scornful--nor was she scared--of her fellow classmate. She considered her something of a friend, if not an especially good one. They weren't as close as Rosaline and Esther, but that was okay. She wasn't one to have very close friends, anyhow. Perhaps that would change with time--but for now, Clara was quite content to keep her relationship with Rosaline the way it was.