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[Professor Penvellyn]

There was no fireplace in the room that Penvellyn had elected to use as her classroom for teaching Defense a few years ago. At the time, late spring, it hadn’t mattered much. Now though, in the early days of January just after one of the largest snow storms to ever sweep through the area, she was sincerely regretting the idea. Eleanor ignored the visible puff of air that she made and made quick work of warming up the room. A few heating charms were placed on the chandelier that hung over the desks and the thick windows. They had been built to keep out the cold several hundred years ago, and continued to work as if the spells had been cast the day before. But the warming charms helped to increase the temperature of the room so that Eleanor was alright with taking off her gloves.

Pleased with her decision to arrive early in case something unexpected had happened over the holidays; she knew of at least one student that had been caught magicing themselves through locked doors. The stacks of pillows and rows of desks, along with some of her personal collection of books that lined the shelves near her desk all looked untouched. Convinced that nothing was awry, Eleanor made quick work of reorganizing the room. She had initially intended to start the term off with a pop quiz, but upon noticing the weather, decided that there was a more appropriate spell that could be taught instead. Perhaps she could assign the quiz for homework.

With a few waves of her wand, the professor had the desks and chairs neatly stacked atop one another along the two sides of the room. She then pulled out the pillows. One at a time she engorged them all to be about six feet long and three feet wide. These were laid out on the floor in long rows with the long sides parallel but a few inches apart. Hopefully they would make reasonable landing pads for students.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, the warning bell signaled throughout the castle. She quickly had the chalk write “please find a partner and stand near a cushion” on the board as she took her usual perch to the side of her desk. The start of the new year meant fresh and excited first years, right?

[Meghan Morris]

Meghan hurried anxiously up the stairs of the towers to the Defense Against the Dark Arts room. Of course on the way she had stumbled into two older Ravenclaws that had treated her with a glare, and she had fallen when someone stuck their foot out on the stairway. Entering the doorway, she looked over the classroom and decided to stand alone for the time being.

Meghan headed over to a cushion in the far corner of the room whilst greeting the Professor with, "Hello Professor! I hope your holidays went well!" Setting her things at her feet Meghan wondered what they'd be learning today. Perhaps practicing the spells they had already learned, or a new one all together! Meghan was eager to begin and looked towards the door in hope for a friendly face.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Glorious, glorious Hogwarts. How Sweet Art thou!

Alexander raced up to the top of his very first lesson back and the first lesson of the day. He was glad that he was finally back, he hadn't minded having to spend holidays with his uncle and aunt in Upper Flagley but he felt homesick for Hogwarts during the whole entire time.

Passing a few Ravenclaw second years who were sniggering, he caught his breath before he reached for the door handle and opened it. He wondered how Professor Penvellyn would act having caught him mere weeks ago in her office. He didn't think it was going to be a good idea to act guilty and really, all he wanted is to forget the whole episode.

"Hello Professor, hope you had a good Holiday" he said slinking to the back of the class and standing a bit apart from Meghan.

"Hello Meghan, how are you?" Alexander said casually smiling at the girl.

[Elisabet la Barre]

Elisabet rushed through Hogwarts, excited to be back. When she had first come to Hogwarts, she had missed the quiet country life, but being stuck in the country during Christmas break had her rethinking that idea. Looking at her watch she realized she would be late for her class and continued running up towards the tower.
Finally! she thought as she reached the door. Taking a deep breathe to calm her nervous excitement and opened the door, she was relieved as she noticed she was neither first nor last.

Hello Professor, Meghan and Alex. Did you all have a great holiday? she was glad Meghan and Alex were there, she hadn't seen them since she made a fool of herself in front of Emmanuelle at the sweet shop last week.

Edited by Elisabet la Barre, 06 December 2011 - 02:20 AM.

[Mary Lynn Wilkins]

So Christmas was finally over, and now it was time for lessons once more. Mary didn't mind this at all, study was always a worthwhile practice and perhaps in her Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson, a class she rated highlt, she might learn something massively useful.

She was pleased to see the room was a little warmer than those surrounding it, the castle had felt somewhat nippy of late as castles generally tended to do although the cold mid-winter weather had also contributed. She reasoned the warmth must have been magically generated since there was no fireplace. However it came about though, it was clearly welcome.

"Hello professor, hello everyone" she remarked as she entered, feeling that a small group had started to build by now so a group-greet was probably far more efficient than reciting names individually. She read the notice on the board and having noticed that they would require partners for this lesson she went over to join the Ravenclaw. "Would you like to work together on this one?" she offered in a welcoming tone. She hadn't had much opportunity to get to know Elisabet so far, but of course there was no time like the present.

Edited by Mary Lynn Wilkins, 06 December 2011 - 03:54 AM.

[Meghan Morris]

Meghan easily returned Alexander's smile with one of her own and remarked, " Why Alexander! I do not believe I have ever seen you so happy! Glad to be back I presume? I know I am. Though I might say I did not miss the homework that is sure to come!" Alexander's mood was infectious and Meghan could not be more relieved to see he was so utterly gay!

Hearing a sweet familiar voice Meghan turned to greet Elisabet. "You look well! My holidays were splendid, it was nice seeing you at the sweet shop! I was sad we didn't really get the chance to talk though. I am most excited about being back. Going back to Muggle London helped me appreciate magic even more!"

[Emmanuelle Armand]

Emmy sauntered hesitantly into the toasty Defense Against the Dark Arts room, hoping she there wouldn't be many people in the class yet in case they had to partner up. She always hated being late for class, but hated having to choose a partner to sit by even more. Normally she made sure to arrive several minutes early, pitying the latecomers who had to search awkwardly around the room for an empty seat.

That was not the case today. When Em walked into the classroom, she saw that it was almost completely full. She looked, wide-eyed, around the noisy room; she couldn't help but feel she'd made enemies of nearly everyone there.

"Aurais-je pu sentir plus pathétique?" she muttered quietly under her breath.

With a small sigh, she greeted the professor politely and headed to the corner of the room opposite Meghan and Alexander. Not wishing to let them see how lonely she actually was, she pulled out her History of Magic book and began flipping through the pages.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Meghan smiled back at him and said " Why Alexander! I do not believe I have ever seen you so happy! Glad to be back I presume? I know I am. Though I might say I did not miss the homework that is sure to come!"

"It's good to be back," Alexander said just as Elisabet came over to them. "... Meghan and Alex. Did you all have a great holiday?"

Alexander smiled at Elisabet but before he could say anything, he watched Emmanuelle enter the room and go off to the opposite side of the room, clearly avoiding them. He felt a pang of guilt; she claimed she had tried on two different occasions to apologize to him.

"It was good," Alexander paused thinking hard for a what seemed like eternity, he hard Meghan reply. He had made up his mind. "Excuse me ladies, I think it's time to bury the hatchet."

Walking over to Emmanuelle, he felt a bit awkward as she didn't seem that she'd be willing to give him the time of day.

"Emmanuelle," he started "I just, well, I just wanted to bury the hatchet." he said looking at the girl who was looking at her History of Magic book. "I'm sorry, I've acted like an arrogant pompous buffoon." feeling his voice falter and crackle a bit he attempted another go at the apology. "Perhaps we can't be friends, but I'd like to apologize for what it's worth ..."

[Emmanuelle Armand]

Em looked up slowly from her book and raised an eyebrow. She could feel her cheeks starting to burn with annoyance; did the boy not know when to drop a situation? Sometimes thing were better left unsaid, though he clearly didn't understand that. And what was this mess with burying the hatchet?

"Alexander, really now," she began irritably.

She had a fully formed rant in her head and was ready to begin shouting when he said something about being arrogant and pompous. At least he understands that, she thought, the ghost of a smirk on her face; the memory of him going on and on about she and Meghan using him as a trophy to win ran through her mind. Suddenly, she remembered her cousin's words about keeping calm and discussing things rationally. With that in mind, she took a deep breath and continued.

"Zat eez very good of you, though eet could 'ave been said weeks ago eef you 'ad ever let me apologize," she said blankly. "I am sorry, too. Per'aps we can start over? I 'ave been working on my temper."

Edited by Emmanuelle Armand, 08 December 2011 - 12:13 AM.

[Meghan Morris]

Meghan watched Alexander and Emmy with a wary eye. They seemed to actually be getting along. Had some sort of leeway been made between the two, or had hell simply froze over? Meghan was taken aback to put it mildly. If the two had let bygones be bygones, what did that mean? Would Meghan stop being prey to Emmy or would Alexander join her in her taunts?

The very idea had Meghan tighten her hand which had taken the form of a fist unwillingly. Alexander would not succumb to Emmy's ways. Even if she had to take care of Emmy herself. It seemed she and Emmy needed to have a chat sooner than later. Turning back to Elisabet she attempted a smile but the end result lacked as it was a scowl instead.

[Elisabet la Barre]

"Would you like to work together on this one? Mary asked Betta.


Of course, it should be fun being partners with you. I seem to be hanging out with only a few people. I really need to meet some more, especially because I was too shy last term to barely talk to anyone. she replied.

Walking over to the nearest cushion she asked Mary, So what do you think of Hogwarts? I heard that you and you're brother were muggle born.


Elisabet stood there nervously awaiting Mary's reply and hoping the other student didn't take offense to what she had asked. There I go again, making a fool of myself because I never think before I speak. Where is Zella when I need her. She always stops me from doing these stupid things. she thought.

Edited by Elisabet la Barre, 11 December 2011 - 12:13 AM.

[Mary Lynn Wilkins]

Mary was pleased that Elisabet had agreed to her suggestion that they team up, she herself had met a number of people since arring at this school and for the most part they had been decent, but she hadn't gone out of her way to get to know the young Ravenclaw yet. Now seemed like a reasonable time for that. "I've met a few people here and there" she pointed out "and for the most part they have been decent. I'm sure you'll be just fine." Mary gave her an encouraging smile, but deliberately chose not to discuss the other girl's admission of shyness, She didn't want to draw attention to it, especially since she apepared to be open enough now.

Her next question seemed reasonable enough, and it wasn't spoken in an unfavourable manner so she was happy to respond to it. "I would say it is fascinating" she pointed out "it confuses me sometimes but Joe has helped prepare me for some of the greatest shocks." It was helpful to have an older brother who had spent two years at the school before she arrived, she probably would not have fitted in quite so quickly if he hadn't been there to support her. "Was it what you expected?" she countered.

[Professor Penvellyn]

The first years were easily the chattiest bunch Eleanor had; they hadn’t yet learned to spend their pre-class time preparing for the lesson ahead. It was terribly useful, most of the time they didn’t bother to keep their voices low. More than once she had caught wind of a scuffle brewing before it could turn into a duel. She busied herself with a few papers to hide her smile when she heard Emmanuel and Alexander making amends over something. The gossip could wait until later though; it was time to start the lesson.

“Good day everyone. Please stand with your partner at one of the enlarged cushions. Today you will be practicing immobilizing your partner. Take your places, please.” While the students shuffled around, Eleanor invited the closest one up to the front of the room. “Now then, watch closely. A steady wand speed is vital to correct spell casting; don’t make any jerking motions.” She waved her wand in a counter clockwise half circle, then out to the right, and then down an inch or so, “Patrificus Totalus.” The student’s arms and legs snapped to the body before they took a fall to the plush cushion behind them.

“Don’t be fooled. The spell will not last forever and you have done nothing more than still the non-vital muscles in the body. For that reason, your target can still breath, see, and hear.” To save the student some amount of dignity, Penvellyn released her hold over them and watched as they returned to their partner. “Yours spells should only last a few moments, if you manage to cast it completely.”

{OOC: 4 things to remember. One, if you come in late, RP that you arrived on time. Two, if you don’t have a partner, use an NPC. Three, if you are the first person and you want to be the one Eleanor uses in her demonstration, you may, but you don’t have to – that student can also be an NPC. Finally, recall that you’re all first years and even Hermione Granger didn’t get everything right the first time.}

[Alexander Sowerby]

Not being sure whether he should rejoin his friend Betta or should try and stay with Emmanuelle, Alexander looked fleetingly at his Ravenclaw best friend who was talking to Mary Wilkins.

Before he could decide what to do next he was being beckoned on by the Professor. As if the sound of the room had suddenly been turned off Alexander saw the Professors lips move while bringing her wand to point at him.

Next thing he knew he was lying stiff as a board on his face, blood pouring from his nose into his mouth. His eyes watered furiously trying to blink and not being able to. Professor Penvellyn must have released him just than because he felt his limbs mobile once more. Standing up he quickly turned around while the professor wasn't looking to dry the tears and the blood off his face on his handkerchief. The pain was excruciating, he felt that he couldn't keep the kerchief to his face. So he shuffled slightly to the wall, so that the Professor nor anyone else could see his bloodstained kerchief.

In his haste to not be discovered with a nose bleedhe did not realise the droplets of blood left on the floor where he had broken his nose.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 13 December 2011 - 12:05 AM.

[Meghan Morris]

Gesturing to Bethany(NPC), a fellow Gryffindor they stood side by side and watched Alexander be frozen. Meghan smiled at his good sportsmanship, but became concerned when she saw a bit blood. Trying to see over the various heads of over students, Meghan knew there was no way she could make it over to him without being called out.

With a sigh she turned to Bethany once more and said, "Alright, I guess I'll go first. Try not to land on your face like Alexander!" With a flick of the wrist and the muttering of the spell Bethany was quickly solidified and fell on the mat, thankfully not face first. The spell took little time to abrade and Bethany was up again. Following Meghan's example she cast the spell and Meghan landed with no trace of dignity. Such a humiliating for them, yet effective, way to knock down an enemy!

Edited by Meghan Morris, 13 December 2011 - 11:40 PM.

[Emmanuelle Armand]

Emmy watched as Sowerby was frozen, a bit grossed out at the blood gushing from his nose. She found this suspicious, because he had fallen onto a cushion; perhaps he was just fragile? Students soon began taking turns freezing one another, and Em quickly partnered up with a rather arrogant Slytherin boy who had taken a spot next to her.

"You go first," he offered snidely.

Emmanuelle immediately took this as a challenge and wanted nothing more than to put him in his place. Did he really think she didn't have enough skill to petrify him? She'd had all the practice she needed when she and Meghan Morris ventured into the Forbidden Forest and were almost attacked by centaurs.

"Gladly, mon ami," she smirked, raising her wand. "Petrificus Totalus!"

In a snap, the boys arms and legs jerked together and he appeared to turn to stone. With little more than a shocked countenance, which Em found quite pleasant, he fell backwards onto his cushion with a thud. When the spell wore off, he did the exact same to her, though her fall was a bit more graceful than his.

Edited by Emmanuelle Armand, 13 December 2011 - 11:47 PM.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander kept pinching his nose to stem the flow of blood. Believing it was safe to finally let go, he saw a room full of people casting spells. Stunning each other left right and centre. Deciding it was best to participate in the lesson, he walked up to a tall Gryffindor named James Coates.

"You mind if we practice together?" he asked the boy casually who nodded taking his eyes off Meghan and Bethany.

After giving the boy time to prepare himself, Alexander casting the spell first. "Petrificus Totalus" he murmured as the jet of light shot out of his wand and hit the Gryffindor right in the chest. The Gryffindor fell over and lay on the matted floor. Feeling his nose runny, Alexander pulled out the blood stained handkerchief from his pocket. Tapped it once and said "Scourgify" the blood stained handkerchief cleaned itself off, although it now looked as if it had been dipped in copper.

Wiping his nose, he saw that his nose was bleeding just as profusely as before. Before he could turn around to walk up and ask the Professor if she could fix his nose up, the Gryffindor had cast the body binding curse without a heed of warning. Alexander froze and fell backwards onto the mat.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 14 December 2011 - 01:02 PM.

[Mary Lynn Wilkins]

Once the professor started the class, Mary automatically took that as a sign that their little debates should cease immediately and that they should concentrate on the busienss at hand. "We may as well get started" she hinted, moving over to stand in front of one of the cushions that had been provided.

She had seen Alexander fall onto the mat, apparently that was the result of a successful spell. How long was the boy going to remain motionless like that though? A part of her wanted to check that he was alright, especially after she noticed the blood, perhaps the professor could do something. "Professor, Alexander is bleeding. I think he should be taken to the hospital wing."

Having alerted the professor, she turned her attention to her partner and the spell she was going to atttempt. It didn't sound too bad but the words were a bit of a mouthful. "Are you ready?" she offered as she raised her wand. "Petifius Totalus" she tried, clearly mangling the words and not feeling at all surprised when nothing happened. She wondered if perhaps Elisabet might have any better luck.

[Alexander Sowerby]

His limbs freed themselves of the invisible bind, but as he made to stand up he felt the world spinning. Alexander blinked furiously to get the room back into focus, but just as that happened he heard Mary speak up to the Professor.

"Professor, Alexander is bleeding. I think he should be taken to the hospital wing."

He felt a bit sheepish at this, he protested. "No, it's okay Professor. I'm alright." he said a bit quickly to ensure that he wouldn't miss such an important lesson as this.

[Elisabet la Barre]

Elisabet closed her eyes and before she could reply with a ready. Mary had already said the spell and cast it on her. Or so she had thought.
Surprised that nothing had happened it actually took her a moment to realize she wasn't laying on a cushion. Slowly Elisabet opened her eyes. "Good try! I think I might have felt something too." she told the other girl with a smile. "Are you ready? she asked Mary.
"P-petrificus Totalus she said, stuttering a bit, since she was nervous about hurting her partner. A weak, thin jet of light branched out from her wand towards Mary.