Before they had begun walking, he spoke with Arden at the side. He could tell the girl was dedicated to her studies having explained that she didn’t wish to miss her lesson. It didn’t seem as if what she had was infectious so Simon let it go. However, he did correct her wild conspiracy theory about the house elves. He did narrow his icy blue eyes slightly. “Why would the house elves do this to you? They would never poison a student. That’s a very serious accusation, Miss Toros… Did you say something to someone or do something? Maybe a bad joke?” he asked with a furrowed brow. He let out a sigh of relief before focusing his attention on the rest of the class. In the meantime, he’d keep an eye for any peculiar student interactions.
> > >
The class made a lot of good points. Simon was impressed. “Strengthening international relations in a younger generation is important. We see that similarity through in Muggle history too,” he agreed with Luther. Then Aria added more on to Luther’s train of thought but more focused on the IMPS. “Nothing wrong with some friendly competition between schools or houses even,” nodded Simon. Desiree Marchand brought up a different perspective linking major historical events to the tournaments. “Fantastic! Those events were linked together. Perhaps a distraction to let others take action?” He cast his eyes over the group and then turned to Caes who had been the next to offer his perspective. Ooh! Cultures and sharing knowledge. “Excellent point. Traveling and interacting with new people from various backgrounds and cultures can broaden everyone’s minds. Nice point!”

He was just to turn to another student who had raised their hand to offer an answer when CHAOS erupted. Well not chaos- Hooper had appeared and Simon was about to chastise him for being late AND then saw him as a half chicken. Just like Arden. Had the two of them caused some mischief TOGETHER?! A bad spell to miss class, perhaps? Or upset an older student. “Mr Ridley-Rush, thank you for joining class. Because of your tardy arrival, I will be deducting five points from the Gryffindor House .”

He turned his attention towards Henry who was offering an answer. Financial wealth as an reward. “Yes! That’s true. The IMPS was a very nice reward,” he commented with a nod. “A good motivation. Thanks Mr. Hembree.” Perhaps other students could focus on the matter at hand the lesson instead of the chickens… Summer offered a nice perspective as well around house pride and gave a solid analogy too. “Indeed, Miss Valentine. House and school pride so a sense of unity and camaraderie internally and externally.”

Ash’s answers were along the same vein as Summers. Simon chuckled at Ash’s comment. Did they all go wrong? “Not all of them but I’m afraid those ones never make the headlines or simply get glossed over. That’s the power of media there for you. Another good history topic to cover certainly, Miss Fox.”

More and more students were focused on the student chickens were proving to be QUITE the distraction. Fortunately Mr Adara-Stark, bless his thoughtfulness, offered to seek the Healer. The sixth year had proven to be somewhat reliable so Simon simply paused and asked him to keep an eye on the younger two Gryffindors. “Keep an eye on your younger housemates. Senior housemates should keep an eye out on their younger peers..” Now Stark’s comment did earn a chuckle from Simon. “It does. It certainly would show up on some Muggle websites as This day in history…” His comment reminded him of Olivia’s obsession with that website. His sister was so focused on astrological and numerological signs when it came to her life.

Tahani’s answer was a great summary of some of her peers and she had nicely tied it together. He liked her point about bringing people together. It was a nice addition. Simon was impressed. “Well said.”

Evan built on several of his peers’ ideas more and added in a nod to the several conspiracy theories. “Yes, it was a perfect opportunity to take a fun moment to move your own agenda forward. Good interpretation, Mr. Nam.”

Remy’s pun while simultaneously crafted brilliantly did set Simon a little more on edge. She hadn’t answered his question or chosen to stay quiet and observe them. The behaviour didn’t sit well with him. He could agree with her about one of the chicken’s but not Miss Toros. Simon spoke quietly to Miss Gaeltheos. “It seems like Miss Toros is trying her best to pay attention to the lesson at hand whereas you are also distracting your peers by pointing out their appearance. Second hand embarrassment will not be tolerated in my lessons, Miss Gaeltheos. Have I made myself clear?” Simon was unaware of the full history of the situation so he was only going off of a snapshot.

Thankfully Bella was back on the topic at hand. Thank Merlin. “Fostering relations across cultures and increasing awareness. Good point, Miss Connolly.” His answer was a little lackluster as he was still mulling over Miss Gaeltheos’ pun and his response.

Simon was thoroughly distracted at this point while Mr Luck offered his answer. He did nod but caught onto Mr Luck’s offer. “Can you go get the Healer or Professor Hernandez? We may need an antidote,” he asked the seventh year. Then he tried his best to keep class moving. Miss Barton’s answer was terrific! “Yes, indeed. Good answer!”

His eyes cast over Mr. Moose, Mr Evans, Miss Anders, and others that decided to remain quiet.. We’re they not participating because of the squawking? Simon’s eye twitched.

Mr. Ridley-Rush also didn’t want the attention or want help. He remained silent and simply observed the situation longer. He did see Mr. Ridley-Rush whisper to Miss Gaeltheos which because of Miss Gaeltheos’ nice pun sent Simon over the deep end. They were distractions! The behaviour itself turned Simon’s idea of simply removing points to a more stern reaction. “Mr Ridley-Rush, please stop distracting Miss Gaeltheos. I’d like to see you after class.”

He sighed and took a deep breath before continuing. “We’re getting closer to the centre.” Pause again. Blue eyes flicked to monitor the students. “In the meantime, can anyone share a fact about the participants of either the Triwizarding Tournament of 1994-1995 or the IMPS Tournament of 2094-2095?”

OOC: Ok, great responses sorry for my tardy response!! Next question is up. One fun fact from each student please if your student is willing. Loving the chaos! You’ll have one day before we move on!