Braith nodded. “Good. Some people do believe that one theory for the afflictions some of the girls in that time had are actually undiscovered illnesses.” Though there was more than one theory on that point. And as for the second part of her answer? “Well… that is partially true. We will be talking about that in just a bit.” But good for connecting the two.

Good, basic fact, yes. And history dates were often difficult to remember, but Braith felt this was an important one. “They did… though all the executions took place in 1692.” Thankfully most of the trials that ended up being held in 1693 acquitted the accused.

“They were,” Braith nodded at Mr. Starfish … the Ravenclaw prefect as he provided his basic answer.

Braith was glad to hear that Miss Cambridge had no injuries to speak of, though he did vaguely wonder why she seemed to have achy joints. A bit of a change to the hint of hyperactivity bubbling under the surface that he caught the last time he saw her, but he didn’t have time to give it much thought before he was calling on her to answer his question. “That’s one way to put it,” he said, giving her an approving smile. “Many, if not all, of whom were persecuted were likely Muggles.” Though no one really knew for sure if any of the accused possessed any magic or not, no matter how unlikely.

Unfortunate, wasn’t it, that one simply had to be ‘different’ than the majority and others thought they should be put to death. Braith nodded solemnly at Mr. Tinker after he contributed his answer. “Yes, really anything out of the ordinary could be seen as criminal at that particular time. One of the reasons for the prevalent paranoia in the community.” And really, who could blame them.

”Very good, Mr. Branxton,” Braith nodded at the Ravenclaw as he spoke up. “Your facts are tragically correct. Over 200 people were actually accused of witchcraft within that time period, with most of them arrested and imprisoned, and 19 of them executed by hanging. Some of them actually died in prison while awaiting trial and the man crushed by the weight of the stones, that was to prompt him into entering a plea at trial which he ultimately refused.” Horrifying to think about. He wouldn’t add that it took two days.

Calling on Mr. Lecium next, Braith listened to the boy’s answer and paused a minute before responding. Partially correct, but it was important to know these particular facts accurately. “They were executed by hanging actually, but you are correct in the name of the location. Good.”

Braith nodded as Miss Smith offered her answer. “It was awful. A very terrible time in history.” She had her facts mostly correct also. “Nineteen people were technically executed.” At least by the legal definition. “But yes, as I told Mr. Branxton several more died as a direct result of the trials.” All of them tragic and unnecessary though.

Braith nodded in return at Mr. Romalotti as he finished his thoughts. “Yes, certainly at first. Things that seemed unusual or could not be explained away were seen as witchcraft. Though eventually plenty of people were accused just because they were unliked or had gotten in a dispute with someone.” And that was equally terrifying to think about, knowing what the ultimate penalty was, that someone could accuse someone else just because they didn’t like them.

Braith gave Miss.. er, he squinted and glanced at her nametag.. Miss Konstantinova a grim smile and nodded his agreement. “The tests the accused were given were nearly impossible to pass. They were pretty much set up to fail and guaranteed to be found guilty.”

And speaking of tests, Braith listened to Miss Moretti’s answer, nodding slowly, thinking over her words. “Another ridiculous and brutal test for witchcraft, yes.. and one that would set someone up to fail.” No way you could pass that one and be considered innocent and still survive. “Not actually conducted at the Salem Witch Trials but it was conducted in many other trials of magical persecution.” And he did also ask for thoughts on magical persecution in general, so good answer.

Braith gave Miss Wayne a nod. “Yes.. and although many witches and wizards do have cats, even black ones, it is not necessarily a determining factor. Many Muggles have them as well of course. But it was theorized that some people in that time thought witches could transform themselves into cats.” Perhaps someone had witnessed an animagus transforming?

Braith nodded at Miss Fischer encouragingly as she began, just glad that she was eager to participate, prior knowledge or not. Giving her questions thoughtful consideration, he said, “That is certainly a good point to consider. There was a heavier concentration nearby, though that school has the same enchantments on it to keep Muggles unaware as this school does. But, although the International Statute of Secrecy was just being introduced at that time, it was still a period where some witches and wizards did practice magic out in the open. They could have had reason to suspect witchcraft even if they went about it a very wrong and terrible way.” Very intuitive for someone who didn’t know much about the actual trials.

Braith leaned back a bit on his desk as he listened to Mr. Strand’s contribution to the discussion. He seemed to know quite a bit about the trials though his answers did raise other question. And that was a good thing, leading to more thoughts on the subject. “None of the accused were involved in witchcraft? Are you certain of that statement? You are very correct in saying that many were accused simply for the fact that they objected to the entire ordeal..” And that made so many people afraid to speak out at all for fear that they would be next. “But how can you be sure that only Muggles were persecuted for so-called sorcery?” McCormack certainly wasn’t saying the boy was wrong but he wanted him to probe further into his answer. He continued, addressing the next part of the boy’s answer. “Good point. Many of the first accused were people on the fringe of society. People that weren’t well-liked or odd, thereby making it easier in a sense to condemn them. Once people started pointing fingers at more prominent members of society, it threw the entire community into paranoia and chaos.” Not that it wasn’t frightening before then, but that made it even more so.

”Very good,” Braith nodded approvingly at Mr. Kildare. “A confession meant a reprieve from execution. And if that were the case, it begs the question.. If it meant you weren’t killed, why wouldn’t the accused just confess whether it was true or not?” He looked first at Mr. Kildare then at the rest of the class. He knew the answer to this, or at least his take on it. What would they think?

Braith could just tell that this boy was excited for this lesson or just Magical History in general. Was he bouncing in his seat? Awesome. “The actual trials began on March first of that year, yes. Speaking in terms of the witch hunt, however, the first accusations began before that.” But the boy was so close and Braith so appreciated his enthusiasm.

Hm. This was a difficult subject, wasn’t it? Braith expected some of the students would have a difficult time speaking about it. He nodded at Mr. Tempus upon hearing his brief statement. “That they were.”

Braith gave Miss Emerson a small, but encouraging smile as she offered her answer. There were a lot of myths surrounding these particular trials and a lot of what people believed weren’t really associated with the Salem Witch Trials at all, but did happen with other instances of magical persecution. “Yes, mostly right in regards to the Salem Witch Trials. People were basically tricked into answering that they were a witch or wizard, there was really no way they could win when it came to the tests they had to undergo. No dunking into water there, but it was associated with other measures against accused witchcraft elsewhere.”

Braith couldn’t help but grin a bit at Miss Wisteria’s eagerness. A Magical History enthusiast for certain, excited about stories of the past, even if they were horrible. There was still a fascination there looking into the motivations of madness. “It absolutely was chaos,” he nodded. “The town was in shambles. People lived in fear of their lives, never knowing who would next be accused and face certain death..” He trailed off a bit, lost in thought, then nodded again. “And yes, your facts are correct.”

Braith nodded ardently at the boy as he gave his answer. This was something he was going to delve into a little further in the lesson but he was right on point. “Very insightful, Mr. Odessa,” he remarked. “Magical persecution around the world basically culminated to this point, this one blight on the history of humankind..” Magical and nonmagical folk, alike. “The mass executions of people deemed to be witches or wizards for little reason other than someone saying they were certainly pushed the issue for officials to enforce the law of secrecy. Yes, though the Statute for International Secrecy was created a few years before, the occurrence of the Salem Witch Trials brought about its official enactment.” And that was indeed for the protection of both the wizarding community and Muggles alike.

That was an interesting viewpoint and it could very well been at least partially true in terms of people’s beliefs. “It was a different time back then,” he agreed. “Women weren’t typically considered equal.” That went for things other than the trials as well.


”M’hmm,” Braith nodded as Miss Carrington offered a generalized answer. “It was a horrible time and everyone was paranoid, either afraid of witchcraft around them or afraid that they would be next accused.”

Hm, another so sure that there was no actual magic involved. “Are you certain that none of them were actual witches or wizards?” he began after mulling over her remarks. “The original accusers were young girls, now speculated to have been afflicted with an undiagnosed illness. Though it was very likely that others were making up allegations for attention or their own personal gain.” He did hope he wasn’t discouraging her, but did want her to think more in depth about the events. “Yes, one of the first accusers was a girl named Abigail Williams, she was about 11. Maybe the same age you are?” He tilted his head to look at her for a moment. She appeared to be a first year. “Many of these people basically had their fates held in the hands of little girls.” Very scary to think about.

Braith squinted at Miss Lockwood. Was she trying to raise her hand? It looked like she was giving the effort but he didn’t address it as she gave her answer. “Yes, this event in history started with two young girls, one of them being Abigail Williams as Miss Jensen just said. They both started displaying odd afflictions that could not be explained, their bodies contorting in peculiar ways, making strange sounds, complaining of pinching and prickling sensations, and just behaving strangely. Several others in the town began displaying similar behaviors.” There were several speculations about why they then made the connection to witchcraft.

Braith patiently listened as Miss Paulidine provided her answer. She seemed somewhat distressed regarding the whole subject, but that was understandable. It was terrible to think about, even if it was a fascinating story. “M’hmm, it was one of the worst events in wizarding history.” He had said that himself not that long ago. For Muggles as well, but for different reasons as well as similar ones. Eh, but she was mixing facts as well. “Yes, many people were killed needlessly.” Not countless – he could name each and every one of them. “Though you may be thinking of other trials. No attempting to escape death here like in other mentions of magical persecution. The test of witchcraft was just as pointless though.” As he had already said to several other students.

Ah, here was exactly what he meant. “Thank you Miss Delaine,” he said, nodding in her direction, pleased she could offer that point. “That was one way that the court determined if the accused was guilty. Though it seems unbelievable that someone could consider that concrete evidence, especially if a person was making up the fit to begin with.”

Braith merely nodded in Mr. Hirase’s direction as he spoke up. He neither raised his hand nor provided anything that anyone did not already know, so he had no comment. He was sure the young boy could do better than that, though he was satisfied that the hat was no longer on his head if he wasn’t going to ask permission.

And another nod for Miss Starr. That was correct, but surely she knew more than that?

Braith offered Miss Alden an encouraging smile and nod upon hearing her answer. Along the same lines as Mr. Odessa’s answer, though he did find it interesting that she suggested that there were magical folk along with Muggles who were persecuted during that time. “Exactly. Some good did come from this horrific event and it did enforce protection on all humankind, possibly preventing something like this from happening again.” Though there were still many opposed to the Statute.


”Very good point, Miss Edwards,” Braith nodded. “Unfortunately it was very easy to accuse someone with no merit at all and many did just because they had some sort of grudge against someone.” He thought about her next point for a moment. “That’s an interesting theory. Certainly anything unexplained has the potential to invoke fear whether the intent is for good or evil.”

His eyes fell on the Head Boy as it was his turn to answer, slowly smiling as he provided a contribution for the discussion. “Very astute, Mr. Summers,” he nodded. “Yes, it would have been very hard to survive a hanging. And I would agree that actual witches and wizards most likely evaded capture, but possibly not all.” Not that either was any worse or better, but at least this boy was open to the possibility. Good thinking.

Nodding towards Miss Colbert when it was her turn to speak, Braith listened carefully to answer. “No burning at the stake in Salem, though other countries did enforce that practice.” And he did also ask in general terms, so yes she was still on point. “But yes, you are correct that people were accused without any solid evidence or proof. The court established in Salem was the only one that admitted spectral evidence which I will mention in just a minute.” One of the most striking things about the entire situation making it so easy to condemn literally anyone.

Braith nodded towards Mr. Newell as he raised his hand to call on him and listened to what he had to contribute. How old was this boy? He looked like one of the younger ones, but that was a very smart answer. “Yes,” he began. “The Salem Witch Trials was probably the biggest event in our history that brought about a significant change in both of our respective communities. Safety laws enacted and differing communities established.” He nodded as the boy finished his thoughts. “Do you think lifting the Statute is a good idea? Does it ensure witch hunts don’t happen or are we beyond that?” Another question directed towards Mr. Newell but also the rest of the class.

Miss McAlistor was on the right track, but.. “Actually over 200 people were accused. Only 19 were ultimately convicted.” And therefore executed, which was still too many. But it was important to make that distinction.

And then this happened.

Well. She was one reckless brave Gryffindor, wasn’t she? Braith simply stared expressionlessly at Miss Paulidine as she began ranting, patiently waiting for her to finish “Miss Paulidine, you will lower your voice and control yourself,” he began, calmly but firmly. “I understand that this is a terrible time in history and, at times, very difficult to hear about or discuss. I get that, I do. But it is also a very important time to remember, if, not only for us to learn from the mistakes that were made and take efforts against this ever happening again, but also to discover what might be thought of as beneficial to have come out of this tragedy.” Because, you know, sometimes something bad has to happen before something good. “Not only that, but the people that died during this moment in time should not be forgotten.” Not just because someone didn’t want to hear their story for being too gruesome. “And it’s my job to teach you these things.”

“At this point in your educational career..” What was she, a seventh year? Looked about that age. “You are expected to know how to conduct yourself properly in a classroom. Here’s a hint, shouting at the professor is unacceptable. That will be five points from Gryffindor for your outburst. Now, I don’t expect any further issue from you, but if the subject matter is indeed so troubling for you that cannot bear to hear it, there,” Braith pointed at the closed door, “is the door. You are welcome to leave.” It was optional at this point but anything further and he would make the choice for her.

Braith gave her a pointed look then turned back to the rest of the class. Moving on.


Braith nodded. He was quite familiar with the play. “Yes, it really is an interesting story, no matter how horrific." Or maybe that was why. "It has been adapted into several plays and shows.” Tv and movies, but he wasn’t sure how much people here knew about that type of media, so it remained unsaid. “Interesting theory. He could very well have been a wizard, what do you think?” He hadn’t quite thought of it that way, but maybe he’d go back and read it with that thought in mind.

Braith nodded at the Head Girl. “Many did plead guilty, true or not, most likely to escape execution.” He asked her the same question he asked Mr. Kildare and really the rest of the class. “Why do you think more people didn’t just admit guilt if it would save their lives?”

Braith gave a nod to Miss Newell as she raised her hand. “That is correct. Wendelin the Weird did survive burning at the stake using the flame-freezing charm.” He gave her a bit of a grin for thinking along the lines that he would be getting to later on. “Though she was a bit before the Salem Witch Trials. In fact there was no burning at the stake there at all.” Hangings were bad enough though.

Braith nodded at Mr. Radley as he provided an answer next. Good for knowing names. “He certainly was, he was chief judge and prosecutor. Very harsh, in fact, one of the accused, Rebecca Nurse,” He gave a nod towards Mr. Strand who had also brought up that name. “she was originally given a not guilty verdict and he sent them back to deliberate again where she was ultimately found guilty and executed. He was also responsible for admitting spectral evidence.” And, like he said a few minutes ago, he would get to that shortly.

Braith could really use an iced latte right now. He really loved all this classroom participation, but his mouth was getting awfully dry at this point in the lesson from talking so much. Anyway.. he tilted his head at Miss Rawthorne as she provided an answer. “Not quite. There are no recorded incidents of that specific test at these specific trials, though they were said to be present elsewhere. And the tests they did have to undergo were equally unfair and impossible to pass.” But yeah, he had said that earlier.

”At least that specific trial was very different, yes,” Braith agreed with a nod. “In terms of making it near impossible to be found not guilty and accepting evidence that was no basis of proof, though other trials of the day were not like that.” That was just one more thing that made the Salem Witch Trials stand out.

”The Flame-Freezing Charm,” Braith provided when the boy was unsure. “She was known for using that, yes.. but she was not around during the Salem Witch Trials. In fact, no witch burning there. But we will talk about that charm in a bit.”

Braith nodded slowly, thinking over her answer. “That type of persecution did happen,” he agreed. “However there was no burning during the Salem Witch Trials.” Surely he’s said that enough now. He knew that was a misconception for many, possibly because it happened elsewhere, but hopefully it was straightened out now.



Iced latte, right. He’d have to remember to bring himself one for his next class. Anyway, Braith was unduly impressed with the knowledge and participation of his students. Not only did they know quite a bit about the trials themselves, but they had quite a bit of insight into them as well. “Nice work class,” he addressed them all now when it seemed the last of the hands had been raised and nearly everyone had provided an answer. “So.. Let’s summarize.” Pulling all of the class answers together along with him filling in some of the holes. “What is known as the Salem Witch Trials began in early 1692 in several of the small towns in Massachusetts in what is now known as the United States.” It was still under English rule at the time however. “It began in February when two young girls began behaving very strangely, afflicted with fits of undetermined causes. Other girls in the village began exhibiting similar symptoms. Eventually a doctor diagnosed the girls as bewitched and they began accusing other townsfolk of magically possessing them or afflicting them with witchcraft. These first women were considered outcasts of society and no one defended them, but soon more people were accused and people did stand up to them therefore drawing attention to themselves. Everyone who was accused was placed in prison to await trial after their questioning. And everyone who was questioned could not answer without implicating themselves.”

Braith paused to take a breath and look around the room. “For example, someone would be asked if she was a witch, she might say no, then get asked if she knew any witches. Again, if the answer was no, she would get asked well then how do you know you are not a witch? Basically they were tricked and there was no right way to answer. Once they were brought to trial, as several of your classmates have mentioned, if the afflicted girls began having fits and the accused touched them or simply brought into their presence and they stopped, this was considered proof that they were performing witchcraft on the girls. Also the judge at the time accepted what is called spectral evidence. This is testimony of the afflicted who would claim to see the ghost of a person doing things to harm them, even if their physical body was elsewhere. It’s more than likely this was made up, but it was accepted as concrete evidence. There was mass hysteria, chaos, and paranoia in the town as literally anyone could accuse anyone else and it was very nearly a death sentence. Ultimately 19 people were convicted and executed by hanging. Another man crushed to death for refusing to cooperate with the court and several more perishing in the poor conditions of the prisons. The following year saw more trials under a new judge during which the remaining of the accused were acquitted.”

That was about it in a nutshell. He really felt like he was leaving something out here, but it was more a summary than anything else after all the answers he was given. “So our discussion thus far has raised several questions:

• Many students seem very sure that all of those executed were Muggles and none of them actual witches or wizards. How can you be certain of that?
• If those that confessed to practicing witchcraft were spared their lives, why didn’t more people confess, whether it was true or not?
• The Salem Witch Trials had some differences compared to other magical persecutions or trials worldwide. What differences do you see?
• As several of your classmates mentioned, the occurrence of Salem Witch Trials was the catalyst for pushing the enactment of the International Statute of Secrecy. Do you feel this protects against such a tragedy from happening again? And if it was lifted like some think it should be, could this happen again?”

OOC: You are all so impressive and amazing! For this next part, just answer one or more of the bulleted questions, but just one point per question please!