Fourth Years, Lesson One

Gabrielle watched as the students took their seats. They were always a bit slow in getting started for the new year, though by fourth year the students were a little better about it. "Good morning, and welcome back! In case you have transferred in, or obtained convenient amnesia, or blocked out third year History of Magic entirely, my name is Gabrielle Moncrieffe and I am your History of Magic professor for one more year." She wished she could keep teaching all the way through to seventh year. She'd probably drink herself to death over it, but she liked her job. Most of the time. "Thank you for sticking with the class and I hope we'll enjoy this last year together. If you're continuing with History of Magic into OWLs and NEWTs, even though I won't be your teacher for it please feel free to reach out to me if you need a hand or have any questions about the materials. Or just want to do some slightly more interesting study that's not on the course." It also went for anyone not continuing, but she suspected those students probably wouldn't want or need to reach out to her anyway.

"Obviously, you all know how to behave yourselves by now so I don't need to remind you of the classroom rules." The fourth years were old enough not to be treated like kids. If they acted up, she'd talk to them, but otherwise she trusted them to be responsible. "What I might need to remind you of is what you've studied so far. There was a lot of lecturing, I know, you might have tuned it out over the holidays." Gabrielle smirked at the students, knowing some of them will have probably forgotten. "You know that for your OWLs you're going to have to go back over first through fifth year work, yes? So, little homework exercise for today..." she started, hearing a couple of groans and looking a little smug. "Yes, yes, it's terrible and you're all suffering so greatly. It's week one. You'll survive. Just write me a short essay on something you've learned in the last three years of History of Magic. Doesn't have to be long, as long as it's accurate. And in your own words, please. But you know that by now." It was in the rules, after all. Plagiarism was frowned upon, not just at Hogwarts, but everywhere. "If you have any questions, or desperately need any reminders, I'll be here for a little while, otherwise, go enjoy the rest of your day."

Homework
RP the lesson. Extra credit for a short 'essay' (though honestly 1 or 2 sentences is sufficient) about one thing you've learned in History of Magic so far.

 

[Hazel Ashworth]

Hazel was excited about fourth year. Something about it sounded very grown-up to her. She felt like she finally wasn't part of the young students anymore. Her brother being sorted was a bit annoying, but she knew they would probably largely leave each other alone. She was determined to shine more than ever this year, and started off the first week by wearing large disco-ball earrings to class. She knew they would perhaps be a little distracting to others, but she didn't mind that.

The Slytherin made her way to class, taking a seat near the back. If she was honest, she had always been a bit intimidated by Professor Moncrieffe and tried not to draw her attention if she could help it. The professor introduced herself and then talked about OWLs and NEWTs like that was relevant to them yet. Hazel tried to not too obviously tune out. She was glad the professor didn't list all the rules like Hazel had thought she might. She did keep talking about the OWLs though, which made her oddly nervous. Should she worry about that? It felt so far away. She noted down the homework quickly, glad to leave the classroom once they were dismissed.

 

[Kyousuke Kurosawa]

Between history of magic and ancient runes, Kyousuke would struggle to pick a favourite. In saying that, it probably leaned heavily towards history of magic simply because of the fact that the reason he liked ancient runes in the first place was the history that came along with it. Kyousuke had this on his mind as he entered the classroom, taking a spot at the front. He got out his supplies, ready for the lesson and hoping for a lecture. He was a bit disappointed there wasn't any new information but he respected Professor Moncrieffe enough not to express that disappointment. There'd be chances to learn more during the semester. Kyousuke appreciated the reminder about OWLs - something he was constantly preparing for. Lastly, he took note of the homework (at least there was that) as the lesson drew to a close. He put away his things and left at the dismissal.

Spoiler: Homework

One thing I still think about is the Salem witch trials. We learnt a lot about them from a perspective I hadn't been aware of. That it was one of the causes of the statute of secrecy was an enlightening insight into some of the foundations of modern witchcraft and wizardry.

 

[Morrie Ayre]

Morrie sat slouched in her seat, her arms crossed as Professor Moncrieffe began the usual start of year spiel. It wasn’t that she didn’t like History of Magic, well, okay, maybe she didn’t, but she could admit that Professor Moncrieffe had a way of making things tolerable and that was the only reason Morrie hadn't dropped the subject long ago. She listened to the lecture, then jotted down the homework reluctantly, Morrie couldn't really remember anything Professor Moncrieffe had ever taught them, but something might come to her when she starts writing. When the lesson ended, Morrie stayed seated just a moment longer than most, letting the others filter out. She didn’t have any burning questions, but she lingered just long enough to make a show of packing up. On her way out, she muttered “Thanks, Professor,” before heading off.

 

[Apolline Fontaine]

Apolline was very keen for the new semester, she had her classes and she was more than interested in learning. She had enjoyed the break, and had enjoyed being able to spend time with her mum. She’d used the time as well as she could, but was happiest now being back. Her brother had arrived at the school, and had been sorted. She was pretty pleased to have him around, though also pretty keen to not be too involved in him. She just knew she had to look out for him. Which Apolline knew she could do. Apolline grabbed the last few things she needed for the day ahead and then went to class.

Apolline walked into the history of magic classroom and took her usual spot in the room. She glanced up at the professor as she took out her notes and books. She gave a little smile to the joke the professor made about remembering it and then the lesson quickly moved on. She got down what the professor told them about the year they’d have in the class, ut the professor didn’t give too much away about what they’d be covering. She then had them do homework, or well, the piece of classwork which could also be homework. To write about what they’d done in the previous year. She began working on it and left for the library when she could and continued to work on it until it was perfect enough to be handed in.

 

[Violet Owens-Rosemary]

Violet wasn't so happy to be back at Hogwarts and was more nervous. She had to try and make an effort this year to make friends, to carry on her lie to her sisters that she had so many. It was going to be difficult, but at least she had earned herself secretary of Heta Omega, so that was a good starting point in making herself look popular. The Ravenclaw had classes to attend now however, so she packed her backpack and headed to them.

Violet entered the History of Magic classroom, smiling slightly at the professor in greeting as she took her seat. She liked this professor as she was simply better than most. She began letting them know what they would be doing that semester which sounded easy enough. If they were simply going to be going over old material, that would be absolutely fine with Violet as she had frankly had enough of studying and learning new things. As the lesson came to an end the teen was happy to leave and head straight to her next class.

 

[Aroha Blenheim]

Aroha yawned at she stepped into the classroom, taking a seat and settling in. She didn't take out anything. History of magic had long been her story time class - the closest thing she got to being at home again, at the feet of her father as he read a book to her and her siblings. There turned out not to be a story today but instead homework, which Aroha wasn't the most pleased with but at least the lesson ended up short. She went on her way, wondering what next lesson held in store.