Seventh Years: Lesson 2

Professor Killian Borisyuk was behind the desk, with his arms crossed over his chest, as he looked down at the seventh years as they entered the classroom. His expression was like it always was - stern and cold. He was always so serious and rarely cracked a smile. Even with a lesson like the one he was about to teach them, there would not be a smile out of the part-giant. Once they were settled, the door closed with a gesture and Killian could start the lesson. After all, this would be going over not just one conflict but two, as well as the effects that it had across the centuries. "Greetings. Today, I will be going over the Goblin Rebellion and the Giant Wars. You will need to take notes because this will be on your NEWT. Unless you want to gamble just remembering it, then it is up to you." Killian made a small, careless gesture with his hand.

"The Goblin Rebellions in history refers to a series of rebellions where the goblin population revolted against wizards and witches because of discrimination and prejudice toward their kind. Most of these have occurred in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. All of the rebellions are described as bloody and vicious, as there were heavy casualties from both sides. There was one instance in 1612, where a rebellion took place around Hogsmeade Village and the Three Broomsticks Inn was used as a wizard headquarters for the rebellion. Unfortunately, this was not the first or the last of the goblin rebellions. Another occurred in 1752. The aftermath of this rebellion left a Minister for Magic to retire named Albert Boot, and then another one to leave when the goblins allied themselves with werewolves. Couldn't imagine why goblins would do that since it wasn't like they had a lot in common." The last part, Killian was obviously being sarcastic due to how the wizards and witches ostracized the werewolves as well as the goblins.

Killian folded his arms across his chest and continued, "There have been a number of attributes to why the goblins rebelled, and I'll list them. Perhaps it was because of the lack of wand privileges; maybe a lack of goblin representation on the Wizengamot, and even trying to enslave them like house-elves. When you look at all of these factors, who wouldn't want to rebel against the discrimination and prejudice that existed? Before I ask you to use your heads, I'll move on to the next conflict: the Giant wars." This subject was one that was a little touchy for him because this involved his own ancestors and kind, but it had to be said. And, Killian would not sugar coat it in either direction. "Now, the Giant Wars took place in the nineteenth century that involved heavy casualties as well. While the wars have ended now for the giants and the wizards, there was some benefit to the wars as the results have informed the wizards and witches on how to stun a giant. After all, if a lot of magic doesn't work on me, imagine a full-blooded giant. That is useful information."

Killian paused for a moment, as he put his arms behind his head to continue with the lesson.
"As you may recall, giants were involved in the wizarding wars, causing devastation wherever they went when they allied with Voldemort. They are dangerously violent, but that has not stopped others from reaching out to try to strengthen the relationship between wizards and giants. The inter-species relationships between giants, goblins, and wizards have been strained at best, and historically terrible. Now, I want you to think about today's age and look around. Have things improved? Will there be another goblin rebellion or a giants war? Goblins are still unable to have wands, but they have representation at the ministry. Those with lineage that come from both might still face scrutiny for being part-giant or part-goblin. Yet, a werewolf ran for Minister not long ago here in New Zealand, and I had no issues becoming your professor. As long as things continue going in the right direction, perhaps there won't be senseless wars."

The part-giant gave a shrug of his shoulders and added, "Can't say that about full-blooded giants though, since if they are confined, they will fight and kill each other. At least, that is what it is said in the textbooks since I haven't seen it myself." Killian took out his wand and tapped the board for the homework to write itself for the seventh years. "That is the homework, due next time we meet. Class dismissed." Killian snapped his other hand for the door to pop open for the seventh years to leave.
Assignment: RP the lesson.
Extra credit: Write a short essay over your opinion on what contributed most to the goblin rebellion, and how things are better today. If you think they are not, tell me why. Worth 5 EC points.
 
Elio was not a fan of History of Magic and he was pretty sure this was a well known fact about at this point. He certainly had no love for the professor and Borisyuk probably had no love for him either, that was what tended to happen when you clashed with a professor in your first meeting, kind of. Still, no harm really. Well, not really much harm anyway. He didn’t think it would cost him any grades and if it did he was just going to go and see his head of house. He sucked on his teeth as the lecture dragged on for what felt like hours. Elio really hated History of Magic. Maybe he should have taken Kael’s advice and just dropped the class, only he was pretty sure he needed it for whatever he decided to do in the future, which he was pretty sure was working at the Daily Prophet. Still, better than nothing. Goblin rebellions, giant wars—he wasn’t sure if the professor was trying to get them to think critically or just proving a point about history repeating itself. Either way he didn’t care all that much about it to be honest. He kind of wanted to zone out but was worried that Borisyuk would catch him out and so he stayed focused as much as he could. Interspecies relations was a topic he didn’t like to think about because there was still a lot of tension in it. He knew veelas and part-giants and there was a part goblin in the school even and it made him sad that they faced discrimination all the time. When the professor got to giants, Elio noticed the shift, there was a personal weight to it, and he couldn’t help but wonder what it was like, being part-giant in a world that still clung to old prejudices. Though he couldn’t imagine there was much that intimidated the 11 foot tall professor. They got to the essay part and he sighed, thinking about what to write. There was a lot.
Essay

The Goblin Rebellions: Causes and Modern Implications

The Goblin Rebellions, and I hate to use that term, were a direct and foreseeable result of the centuries of mistreatment, prejudice and oppression by the wizarding community towards those of Goblin heritage. There were many factors that contributed to these conflicts and the rage and suffering of the Goblin people, but one of the most significant and largely cruel factors was the restriction of wand use. Though people with goblin heritage are generally allowed to use wands because of their wizarding heritage, the fact remains that they are only allowed to do so - that term, allowed - because wizard kind allows it. This limits them an their magical abilities, though many goblins have learned how to work without them. Though there has been some progress made with relations, there is still a lot of systemic racism that exists throughout the magical community and many wizards still resist Goblin wish to be included.

source - HP wiki about goblin rebellions as well as Elio's own thoughts on the matter
 
Savannah walked into the history of magic classroom and took her usual spot in the room. She glanced at the professor as the man got started, while taking her quill and beginning to take notes. It was funny to her that history had only really gotten interesting in the last couple of years, and she had always thought about ditching it. Doing something else. But she did eagerly get down what the professor was saying. Trying to get the important names and dates from what the professor was saying, eager to not miss anything that she would then be able to use later. The lecture was pretty interesting and relatively long, but she didn’t mind the length given the subject matter. Savannah then was able to pack up her things when the lesson was wrapped up and headed out of the class.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top