Second Years Lesson One

Geo knew that working with her new second years would be different to the first, because they were probably expecting to see Professor Waldgrave standing at the head of the room instead of herself. She waited until they'd settled down in their seats, before finally making the official introductions. "I can see a few confused faces," she began, stood in her long black jacket with her blonde hair braided neatly at the back of her head. The woman cast her eyes over the group in the front of her, "I'm sure you were expecting to see someone else here, but my name is Professor Adler and I'm covering for your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year," Geo explained, not going into too much detail. Geo knew there was a particular elephant in the room amongst those with older siblings who'd already experienced these classes, murmurings that had already been brought to light despite Geo having only been here a short amount of time. "I want to make it very clear, while I am your professor there will be no requirement to practice spells on one another," she told them, her tone firm. "While we'll be going through a number of practical lessons this year, we are fully stocked with dummies that you may typically find the dueling chamber for those that would like to hone their skills, but even this is your choice. You can decide this year whether you would prefer to practice on the dummies or focus on the theory." Not everyone was like Geo, keen to put themselves in harm's way.

"We will be going through various jinxes and curses, some of which some people may consider to be pranks." Professor Adler however struggled to understand why casting spells on other people was funny at all, especially if it were only to make a mockery of them. "We'll also cover the counter-curses for them, which is perhaps even more important than knowing how to cast the jinx or curse in the first place," this was Defense after all. "Some of you may be participating in the Dueling Tournament for the first time this year, so it's likely you see some of these spells performed here, if not use some for yourself. If you would like to practice your spellcasting on another person because a dummy isn't quite the same, you're welcome to come and see me in my office to discuss it." Technically it was Noel's office, but it would suffice for this purpose. "Anyone who does choose to do this can receive extra guidance, but it will be outside of these regular lessons." Professor Adler only expected those students who either had a burning desire to win the tournaments or strive toward a career as an Auror to do voluntary work, but the option was there for those that wanted it.

Professor Adler began to take a few steps closer to the students, standing tall as a smile grew on her face once more. "Back to the jinxes and curses, can anyone give me a definition of either of these?" Geo chose one of the students that had raised their hand, nodding as they told her the answer. "Very good! Ten points to you," the blonde continued, choosing another student at random, "and what about the difference between a jinx and a curse. Can you tell me that?" Professor Adler was impressed with the students as they gave her another correct answer, "You can have ten points too, don't spend them all at once," she mused, moving back to the front of the classroom.

"Next week we will be exploring our first jinx, so have a think about whether you're someone that prefers theorical or practical learning," Geo noted. "For your homework today, I would like you to list three jinxes and three curses, including their effects. If you're unsure or struggling to know of any, I'm sure the library will be your first point of call." Geo would always be around to help her students, but it would be good if they learned to take the initiative to search for themselves, too. "See you next week and don't forget to bring your wands!"

---

In order to get an O in this class:
- Please roleplay the lesson.

For additional credit:
- The two people to answer Professor Adler's questions will be rewarded.
- Complete the assigned homework.

If you would like Professor Adler to interact with you, please tag me!

 

[Theodore Harper]

Theodore was excited to be back at school. He was happy to see his friends and, of course, Quidditch as well, and was trying to sort stuff out for his and Miles' unofficial Quidditch club. Theo was also quite keen on lessons. He had liked his defence against the dark arts lessons last year, and he had quite liked Professor Waldgrave. So when he walked into his dada classroom, he noticed the face of an unfamiliar professor, which had made Theo confused. Did Professor Waldgrave leave without letting any of them know? Nevertheless, the Ravenclaw quickly took a seat and took out the things he needed before placing them on the desk in front of him.

Theo then moved his attention towards the unfamiliar professor as she got started with the lesson. The Ravenclaw listened to the professor closely, grinning excitedly at the fact that it seemed they would be doing practical lessons this year, which included practising spells on dummies, which was quite exciting if Theo was being honest. He made sure to take a few notes of what the professor had been saying, as he also wanted to make note of what they'd be covering this year. The Ravenclaw hadn't put his hand up for any of the questions that the professor had answered, but also made sure to make a note of the answers his classmates had said.

It wasn't long before classes were dismissed and he quietly let out a groan at the mention of homework. He made sure to make a note of the homework, before quickly packing his things and saying a quick thanks and bye to the professor before heading out the door with his classmates.

O

 

[Aaron Dela Cruz]

Aaron was not all that surprised when he noticed the professor that walked into the class was not Professor Waldgrave - he was used to having different teachers in different years, so the strange thing for him would have been if it was the same teacher - it didn’t really affect his learning, as far as he knew, so maybe they were just keeping up with the times, the fact that all the first years had been mostly in the same classes but in different semesters had also been weird, because what a strange set up. Still, he wasn’t about to question it. He’d stopped trying to understand how wizards and wizardy things worked a while ago, because it certainly didn’t make any more sense, nor get any easier. He did appreciate not having to cast spells on each other though, he didn’t think he would have really enjoyed that but had managed to avoid it last year - not that he remembered much about last year because like any normal child he’d deleted the information as soon as the holidays had come around. The lesson came to an end soon after, but he didn’t pay much attention to the homework - sounded boring. So he left the class and then immediately deleted everything the new professor had said out of his brain.

O​

 

[Julian Nightray]

Julian walked into Defense Against the Dark Arts watching the professor with suspicion. He sat at the edge of the room, close enough to the door but not directly near it. They had a different professor this year - Adler, not Waldgrave. It wasn't that he liked the man, but Waldgrave was familiar. Julian did not know this woman. When the woman said however that they wouldn't be required to hex each other, Julian frowned. How else were they supposed to know if their spells were working? It wasn't like the dummies could trip or like be stunned midway through a spell. Did the dummies even throw spells? How were they going to learn to shield? He was certainly unimpressed with the professor and wondered if Waldgrave would be gone for the whole semester. And pranks. Such foolishness too. It seemed like some of his classmates were looking forward to class with this professor. Not Julian though. He didn't like Waldgrave but he certainly made more sense than this woman.

O​

 

[Henri Fontaine]

Henri walked into the defence against the dark arts classroom and took a spot int he room, opting to sit near the back given that he didn’t particularly see the point in defence against the dark arts but here he was. He looked up at the professor and wasn’t sure why he should be confused. He wasn’t sure if he was to expect anyone else, or anything of the sort. The professor just got started and it was a lot of information for a first class back. He had his quill in hand but his notes weren’t good, he was mostly doodling little stars on the page as the professor and others spoke. He was very glad when the lesson wrapped up and he was able to leave the room.

O