CoMC :: Lesson 2

[Blackwidow]

CoMC Lesson Two :: Dark Creatures


Required Text: The Monster Book of Monsters!



As soon as you enter Care of Magical Creatures classroom you notice a few tanks (http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc291/Blackdelusions/School/CoMC/tank.jpg) (mostly resemble fish tanks) scattered around the classroom.

"Take your seat please and open your Monster Book of Monsters to Chapter 4, Dark Creatures, class will start soon!" Fabian croaks to you as soon as he spots you, "and watch for your fingers.. I'm sure they'll come handy for this class".





ooc: Class will commence at 6pm EST (in a few hours time), feel free to RP your character into class, and keep chatting to a minimum. Thanks!


Reminder: Class duration is 24-48 hours so it will be intermittent occasionally to try and cover all time zones.

[Lissy Longbottom]

Emma walked into the classroom. The first thing that caught her eye was the tanks scattered around the room. Great, just what I need, a lesson where there is danger of me getting wet...or worse, knocking over one of those tank things, she thought to herself. She took her seat, took out her book (which was buckled with her belt buckle) and prepared herself for class.

[LadyNerd]

Lyra made her way into Fabian's classroom with her bookbag over her shoulder. Since she was by herself, she decided to sit towards the back of the classroom to avoid any eye contact with her uncle. She had not spoke to him in a couple of days and decided she needed to keep quiet for a while.

[Edward Penguin]

Finn came into class, wearing a knit cap which covered his newly black and yellow hair. He also covered himself in some pants which hopefully would contain the blasted feathers which seemed to trail behind him otherwise.

He had absolutley no idea what was going on, but he was determined after class to ask the professor if he knew about spontaneous transfiguration.

[noodles]

Emily wandered into the CoMC classroom and grinned broadly at Professor Clark on her way past. She eyed the tanks suspiciously, wondering what the heck he had in store for them today. Dark creatures? The was better than snakes anyway - You could certainly never accuse CoMC of being boring.

She wandered to the back of the classroom and sat nearer an older Hufflepuff student whom she gave a small smile before rumaging in her bag for her textbook.

[SweetAussie]

Agie walked into the class, "Morning Professor!" She called. She found a seat near the back, relieved that all the snakes were gone. There were tanks however, and Agie was curious.

[Iavas gwae]

Joseph walked into the class. "Very good morning Professor, I hope you've been having a delightful day." Joseph said, feeling quite chipper. he noticed the many tanks scattered around the room, he was curious, but, decided not to ask about them just yet.

[DeathEater24601]

Dia loped into the classroom, grinning widely. Dark creatures were her forte. She took a seat at the very front of the class and got out a quill, a few sheets of parchment, and her textbook (which she hadn't buckled, but just stroked its spine quickly before it could attack), and faced the front of the class, waiting anxiously for the lesson to begin.

[Droo]

Cassandra walked to her seat and began petting the spine and purring at her Monster book of Monsters. "Come on love... open for me... That's a good boy, I'll give you a treat later..." she said as the book opened itself.

[BanaBatGirl]

Rapunzel headed into CoMC, surprised to be early for once. She spotted her friend Dia and immediately took a seat next to her.

"Ello!" she beamed at Diabolica as she got her textbook out. It snarled at once, waiting to be releashed from the Muggle jump rope binding it. Rapunzel sighed and stroked the book's spine, and it fell open to Chapter Four. How convenient.

[DeathEater24601]

Rapunzel headed into CoMC, surprised to be early for once. She spotted her friend Dia and immediately took a seat next to her.

"Ello!" she beamed at Diabolica as she got her textbook out. It snarled at once, waiting to be releashed from the Muggle jump rope binding it. Rapunzel sighed and stroked the book's spine, and it fell open to Chapter Four. How convenient.

Dia grinned over at her friend. "Good day, Rapunzel, ol' chap!" she flipped her book open to chapter four. "Excited about today's lesson?"

[XanaSnape]

Agie walked into the class, "Morning Professor!" She called. She found a seat near the back, relieved that all the snakes were gone. There were tanks however, and Agie was curious.

Xana entered the classroom and nodded to the professor in greeting. She sat next to a young Gryffindor girl. "Hi..." She smiled warmly.

[BanaBatGirl]

Dia grinned over at her friend. "Good day, Rapunzel, ol' chap!" she flipped her book open to chapter four. "Excited about today's lesson?"

"Indeed I am, my fair friend," Rapunzel winked, then glanced back down at her book which had started twitching. "Er, well, maybe..." she raised an eyebrow as she read the title of today's lesson.

[DeathEater24601]

"Indeed I am, my fair friend," Rapunzel winked, then glanced back down at her book which had started twitching. "Er, well, maybe..." she raised an eyebrow as she read the title of today's lesson.

"'Maybe'? Oh, come on, 'Punz...Dark Creatures? What's not to like? They're not the regular magical creatures we find in everyday life! They're dangerous, possibly deadly--fascinating." Dia grinned.

[BanaBatGirl]

"'Maybe'? Oh, come on, 'Punz...Dark Creatures? What's not to like? They're not the regular magical creatures we find in everyday life! They're dangerous, possibly deadly--fascinating." Dia grinned.

Rapunzel tilted her head to the side, considering Dia's point.

"That's true enough. Most dangerous things are at least exciting," she brightened up a bit. "And who doesn't like studying, er, yeah, studying Dark objects?" Punz added in an undertone.

[DeathEater24601]

Rapunzel tilted her head to the side, considering Dia's point.

"That's true enough. Most dangerous things are at least exciting," she brightened up a bit. "And who doesn't like studying, er, yeah, studying Dark objects?" Punz added in an undertone.

"Exciting and fascinating. I remember when I used to sit up in the cliffs of Russia and watch the dragons hunt..." she smiled. "I don't know anyone who doesn't..." the seventh year muttered, smirking.

[D.A Forever]

Savannah couldn't help but eye one of the fish tanks, slightly, shaking her head slightly to move a strand of hair out of her way; shifting in her seat, the fourth year reached back into her messenger bag that sat at her feet to grab her monster book and set it on the desk. Lexi's still gone. She thought, sighing, and used the scrunchy around her wrist to put her dark hair up into a neat, high ponytail, before working with the book properly to prepare for class to start.

[FoxFire]

Agie walked into the class, "Morning Professor!" She called. She found a seat near the back, relieved that all the snakes were gone. There were tanks however, and Agie was curious.

Gwen walked class, tugging on a braid in her hair she'd made earlier. Her eyes widened behind her glasses. "My fingers, huh?" she muttered under her breath.

"Hi Agie," she said, taking a seat near her.

[hermygirl]

Hermy headed to class, her copy of the required text tucked under one arm. It was sort of held together by a couple of lengths of hefty rope, though she could usually handle it. She headed over to Finn, and smiled happily. She slung her bag on the floor and flicked her hair back from her eyes as she looked at the various tanks.

Holding the book carefully, Hermy stroked the spine and gradually loosened off the rope, watching it wearily.

[PhoenixRising]

Amelia headed into the COMC classroom, pleased to see several Hufflepuffs already there. It certainly made the sixth very proud, as she took a seat next to Vannah. "Hello Vannah," she said, taking out her supplies that would be needed for the lesson. Dark creatures certainly would be interesting.

[LeapFrog]

Daphne skipped into class, glad the classroom was warm. She hung her cloak behind her chair and reached into her bag to get out her text book, parchment, and ink. Her book trembled a little, she wasn't looking forward to opening it.

[D.A Forever]

Staring down at the pages she slowly flipped through, taking her time to skim through while finding chapter four since Professor Clark hadn't begun just yet, Savannah glanced up and to the side to see Amelia. "Hey Mia" She greeted in return, quietly, and sat up more straight as she skipped to the right chapter.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco snuck into the classroom. He was very wary of Fabian since the last lesson. He was not going to get eaten this time. He didn't want Fabian to laugh at him, like he was a clown.

[nytingale]

Taylie walked into class and sat down placing her book on the desk. She carefully opened it and began to re-read the chapter in preparation for this class.

[BanaBatGirl]

"Exciting and fascinating. I remember when I used to sit up in the cliffs of Russia and watch the dragons hunt..." she smiled. "I don't know anyone who doesn't..." the seventh year muttered, smirking.

"Russia?" Rapunzel repeated, blinking. "Is that where you met the dragon...what was its name...Havoc?" she grinned as she waited for class to begin.

[jesusfr33ke2010]

Austin entered the CoMC classroom, sitting down. He waited for the class to start.

[Blackwidow]

"Good day!.. Alright settle down in order to commence the lesson, if you haven't opened your book yet. Then please do so for reference" he sat on his desk to face the class.

"Today we will cover Dark Magical Creatures. I dearly hope you won't encounter any until you fully contain the knowledge of handling them. Hopefully this lesson will help you. Can someone please define the term 'Dark Creatures' for me and everyone in the class? What makes a creature so dark?".



Reminder: Class duration is 24-48 hours so it will be intermittent occasionally to try and cover all time zones.

[jesusfr33ke2010]

"Dark Creatures are naturally magic animals that seek to harm people without being provoked in anyway. They are all considered to be evil and embodiment of dark magic." Austin said.

[BanaBatGirl]

Punzel raised her hand to respond.

"A dark creature is...er, don't they usually intentionally seek to harm anyone who crosses their path?" she answered hesitantly. "Or, dark creatures could have been bred for malicious intents and purposes..."

[Disneymaniac]

"A dark creature is one that has dark connections, but are not neccessarily evil," Marco said, raising his hand

[DeathEater24601]

"A creature is classified as a 'Dark creature' by the Ministry when the creature can do considerable damage in ways other magical creatures cannot--for instance, dementors are Dark creatures, and they are capable of sucking out their victims' souls after making anyone in the area vividly remember their worst memories. The trade of Dark creatures is usually forbidden by the Ministry as well. Dark creatures also often do not have a complete life cycle the way a typical animal would but exist simply as a physical extension of an evil intention."

[noodles]

Ems raised her hand "Dark creatues are magical in nature. Some often do not have a complete life cycle the way a typical animal would but exist simply as a physical extension of an evil intention. And they seek actively to harm, often for no other reason than that's what they do."

[D.A Forever]

"A dark creature is called dark, because they basically live to do harm." Savannah responded to the question, hand raised.

[Disneymaniac]

"But not all dark creatures seek to do harm," Marco tried to say, "The Thestral is said to be a dark creature. But it does no harm what so ever. But it is dark because of its death connection."

[DeathEater24601]

"But not all dark creatures seek to do harm," Marco tried to say, "The Thestral is said to be a dark creature. But it does no harm what so ever. But it is dark because of its death connection."

Dia smiled toward Marco. "Exactly so."

[noodles]

Ems raised her hand. “Are Thestrals dark, sir?” Ems asked Professor Clark a bit puzzled. "I thought their dark creature classification was a myth, based on the fact that they are associated with death.

[beautifulmine]

Alexis raised her hand " A dark creature, seeks to harm for the sake of harm, not for its own survival."

[Blackwidow]

"Dark Creatures are naturally magic animals that seek to harm people without being provoked in anyway. They are all considered to be evil and embodiment of dark magic." Austin said.

Punzel raised her hand to respond.

"A dark creature is...er, don't they usually intentionally seek to harm anyone who crosses their path?" she answered hesitantly. "Or, dark creatures could have been bred for malicious intents and purposes..."

"A dark creature is one that has dark connections, but are not neccessarily evil," Marco said, raising his hand

"A creature is classified as a 'Dark creature' by the Ministry when the creature can do considerable damage in ways other magical creatures cannot--for instance, dementors are Dark creatures, and they are capable of sucking out their victims' souls after making anyone in the area vividly remember their worst memories. The trade of Dark creatures is usually forbidden by the Ministry as well. Dark creatures also often do not have a complete life cycle the way a typical animal would but exist simply as a physical extension of an evil intention."


"These are all good answers, 2 points each!" Fabian murmured with a smile, "Marco proves a fairly good point. Not all dark creatures are evil, but caution is always necessary.



Ems raised her hand. “Are Thestrals dark, sir?” Ems asked Professor Clark a bit puzzled. "I thought their dark creature classification was a myth, based on the fact that they are associated with death.


"I'm afraid so" Fabian murmured, "its superstition that started many years ago due to the fact one can only see thestrals once they see a person die. Which started off as a bad omen i believe.. quite untrue of course. But, we cannot deny that they are attracted to the scent of blood and that what classifies them as dark.. just as Vampires" he said the last work with attempted spookiness.

"How can you differentiate a dark creature from a milder or regular creature if you encounter one?"

ooc: Feel free to be creative with your answer =)

[XanaSnape]

"Dark creatures can be differentiated by their intent. For instance, a kappa is fond of strangling people in the water. The Banshee's screams will kill a person. Red cap bludgeon unususpecting travellers so that they can use their blood to stain their cloth caps red... and of course, dementors will suck your happiness and even your soul." Xana said.

[DeathEater24601]

"There are many ways you could, sir--I personally know most Dark creatures' appearences by heart, but someone who has not memorized them could always tell by means of the fact that most have a slightly 'disquieting' look to them if you please--a dementor is practically a skeleton, a chimaera is a mixture of creatures, really, a boggart takes shape of your worst fear, etc." Dia answered. "As these creatures mostly live for harming other living things, some might have some special adaptation that allows them to harm, like talons, sharp fangs, venom, et cetera. Also if you encountered one, you may recognize it as it may be attempting to harm you as normal magical creatures wouldn't." she added dryly.

[beautifulmine]

" a milder or regular creature won't try to kill or hurt you."

[jesusfr33ke2010]

"A dark creature..." Austin began saying, before he realized that he really did not know the answer. "...dont have complete life cycles, but you could only discover that be observation and not just if you encountered and dark creature" Austin hoped that he was making sense, althought he doubted it.

[Disneymaniac]

"I'm afraid so" Fabian murmured, "its superstition that started many years ago due to the fact one can only see thestrals once they see a person die. Which started off as a bad omen i believe.. quite untrue of course. But, we cannot deny that they are attracted to the scent of blood and that what classifies them as dark.. just as Vampires" he said the last work with attempted spookiness.

"How can you differentiate a dark creature from a milder or regular creature if you encounter one?"

ooc: Feel free to be creative with your answer =)



Marco raised his hand, "Sir are you suggesting that vampires are bad? Because I know for a fact that not all are bad. Some decide against it. I only know one that is controlled by the blood lust."

"A milder creature won't try to bite your arm off. That is why I am classing snakes as dark creatures. Especially basilisks. They are are bad. They will kill you. Also a dark creature will eat a steak if you hand them one."

[DeathEater24601]

"A milder creature won't try to bite your arm off. That is why I am classing snakes as dark creatures. Especially basilisks. They are are bad. They will kill you. Also a dark creature will eat a steak if you hand them one."

"Snakes don't bite your arm off, Marco, if anything they swallow you whole," Dia smiled evilly.

[Disneymaniac]

"Snakes don't bite your arm off, Marco, if anything they swallow you whole," Dia smiled evilly.

"A snake tried to eat my hand off. I wouldn't put it past it to have eaten my arm as well," Marco said, eyeing Dia. "If it was big enough it would eat me whole."

[beautifulmine]

"with the up coming quidditch match would that have been a bad thing?"

[DeathEater24601]

"A snake tried to eat my hand off. I wouldn't put it past it to have eaten my arm as well," Marco said, eyeing Dia. "If it was big enough it would eat me whole."

"Ah, please, Marco. It was more afraid of you than you were of it. Merely defending itself. Imagine if someone one hundred times your size picked you up and was jostling you around, observing you." Dia shook her head, looking back up to the front of class. She didn't want to lose Slytherin points, after all.

[Droo]

Cassandra rolled her eyes. Marco and Dia were being a childish... great.

"I do not like the classification of dark professor, I think it is the way a creature is brought up. You can find the tamest, more sweetest occamy, but there are chihuahuas that will chew your ankles to threads.

The way I would distinguish the creatures is looking in their eyes. They are the window to their soul and I believe you can tell if the creature is dark that way..."

Then Cassandra rolled her eyes and added "If you were looking at Ministry classification, then any creature who isn't small, soft and cuddly, then they are dark."

[DeathEater24601]

Cassandra rolled her eyes. Marco and Dia were being a childish... great.

"I do not like the classification of dark professor, I think it is the way a creature is brought up. You can find the tamest, more sweetest occamy, but there are chihuahuas that will chew your ankles to threads.

The way I would distinguish the creatures is looking in their eyes. They are the window to their soul and I believe you can tell if the creature is dark that way..."

Then Cassandra rolled her eyes and added "If you were looking at Ministry classification, then any creature who isn't small, soft and cuddly, then they are dark."

Dia listened to this and rolled her eyes. What about a cerberus? If a cerberus was advancing upon you, would you really be looking into its eyes to find out if it was truly Dark or not? No!

[XanaSnape]

Cassandra rolled her eyes. Marco and Dia were being a childish... great.

"I do not like the classification of dark professor, I think it is the way a creature is brought up. You can find the tamest, more sweetest occamy, but there are chihuahuas that will chew your ankles to threads.

The way I would distinguish the creatures is looking in their eyes. They are the window to their soul and I believe you can tell if the creature is dark that way..."

Then Cassandra rolled her eyes and added "If you were looking at Ministry classification, then any creature who isn't small, soft and cuddly, then they are dark."

"Trelawney makes an interesting point. Is it nurture or nature that determines a creature's traits? Should we assume every hinkypunk is dark and therefore bad? And vampires-- what of those? I know of some nice ones... Is the label really a fair one? Though... I wouldn't want to stare down a creature just to determine its intent, that's just flat-out foolish. " She rolled her eyes at the idea. "But there has to be a better way... is casting the label of 'dark creatures' across all these species really the right thing to do?"

[Droo]

Cassandra hated that she agreed with Xana. "I guess the worse thing you could do is look in the eyes of a basilisk..." Cassandra sighed. "But as you said before, professor, Thestrals got a bad rep, and HellHounds have been known to be tamed..."

[XanaSnape]

Merlin, did Trelawney just agree with her? HAD Hell frozen over? She felt the urge to check the forecast, or see if perhaps Trel had been placed under some kind of strange agreeability charm... She nodded. "Yeah, eyeing a basilisk-- or a gorgon -- would be a bad move, indeed. " She looked Trelawney straight in the eye, smirking. "But without the classification I guess the question is, how do we know which creatures are truly dangerous as a species and which are ... merely 'paper dragons'... and not to be feared?"

[Droo]

"Yes," Cassandra said looking away from Xana. "I wouldn't look in the eyes of a Gorgon as well..." Red headed or not...

[XanaSnape]

Xana looked to Dia and smiled, then returned her eyes to the Professor.

[mathi]

Sana was mesmerized by both the Professor's teaching and him as well. But she managed to tell the answer, raised her hand, "I think, the dark creatures attacks needs heavy remedies though mostly fatal than the moderate and normal creatures."

Finn came into class, wearing a knit cap which covered his newly black and yellow hair. He also covered himself in some pants which hopefully would contain the blasted feathers which seemed to trail behind him otherwise.

He had absolutley no idea what was going on, but he was determined after class to ask the professor if he knew about spontaneous transfiguration.

She smiled at him, still caught by his weird behaviours, he looked so different.
But she had not panicked that much as she was before in the Great hall. But keeping an eye on him, for in case if he need any help.

"A snake tried to eat my hand off. I wouldn't put it past it to have eaten my arm as well," Marco said, eyeing Dia. "If it was big enough it would eat me whole."

Sana laughed at Marco's comment, "I think, the creature might love you, Marc"

[Storm*]

Apedemak raised one of his newly regrown eyebrows. “My apologies ladies, but, it isn’t a question of nature verses nurture. Dark Creatures by definition do not have a complete life cycle and thus are neither raised nor nurtured. They do not cause harm because they feel threatened, the do injury for the sake of doing injury. Such malicious intent is a palatable feeling that is usually easy recognize and as Miss Black affirmed earlier, many have a ‘disquieting' appearance. As to the issue of taming some of them, like hellhounds. With respect to Prefect Trelawney, that simply means that they have been trained and does not change that they are a physical embodiment of harmful intent. Admittedly, some creatures blur these lines somewhat; but, those are the cases where the exception proves the rule.”

[noodles]

"I'm afraid so" Fabian murmured, "its superstition that started many years ago due to the fact one can only see thestrals once they see a person die. Which started off as a bad omen i believe.. quite untrue of course. But, we cannot deny that they are attracted to the scent of blood and that what classifies them as dark.. just as Vampires" he said the last work with attempted spookiness.
‘Poor wee creatures,’ she furrowed her brow. “But surely all carnivores are attracted to the scent of blood, sir… magical or not. And thestral’s don’t meet any of the other criteria to make them dark. ...Surely that’s just what it is - a superstition… because they’re associated with death, and death is associated with darkness.” Emily scratched her head, she was confusing herself here.

"How can you differentiate a dark creature from a milder or regular creature if you encounter one?"Most dark creatures seek to cause harm, whereas creatures which do not carry the classification only hunt for survival. For example if a Maticore attacked it would be for food. Dark creatures seem to attack for no reason. ...Just out of nastiness."

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon snapped back into paying attention to the discussion in class. She seemed to be zoning out more often lately. Other things to think about, maybe?, she thought to herself. Sighing about what she might have missed, she looked down at her notes. She was shocked to find out that somehow, even though she had been out of it, she had still taken notes. That made sense, from what she could tell by the current discussion.

[Edward Penguin]

Hermy headed to class, her copy of the required text tucked under one arm. It was sort of held together by a couple of lengths of hefty rope, though she could usually handle it. She headed over to Finn, and smiled happily. She slung her bag on the floor and flicked her hair back from her eyes as she looked at the various tanks.

Holding the book carefully, Hermy stroked the spine and gradually loosened off the rope, watching it wearily.

Finn smiled as Hermy came over. He was still worried, but it was good to have her close by.

She smiled at him, still caught by his weird behaviours, he looked so different.
But she had not panicked that much as she was before in the Great hall. But keeping an eye on him, for in case if he need any help.

He smiled at Sana. He wasn't particularly hapy to be in class, but he wanted to talk to the professor.

As he listened to Marco talk about a snake trying to eat his hand off, he giggled and wished the blasted snake had accomplished it's mission.

[Eon Spirit]

"I don't think that it's fair that younger vampires are considered dark, and niether the older ones. Younger ones didn't have a choice in the matter, and older ones can restrain themselves. I should know, my cousin has a vampire as a sectional head working near him." I say, slightly disturbed with the whole dark creature description, "And couldn't werewolves find some way to control themselves when in wolf form?"

[Droo]

Apedemak raised one of his newly regrown eyebrows. “My apologies ladies, but, it isn’t a question of nature verses nurture. Dark Creatures by definition do not have a complete life cycle and thus are neither raised nor nurtured. They do not cause harm because they feel threatened, the do injury for the sake of doing injury. Such malicious intent is a palatable feeling that is usually easy recognize and as Miss Black affirmed earlier, many have a ‘disquieting' appearance. As to the issue of taming some of them, like hellhounds. With respect to Prefect Trelawney, that simply means that they have been trained and does not change that they are a physical embodiment of harmful intent. Admittedly, some creatures blur these lines somewhat; but, those are the cases where the exception proves the rule.”

Cassandra's head turned slowly to the boy. "So by what you are saying a Thestral is the physical embodiment of harmful intent? I beg to differ Apedemak. These creatures have acquired an undeserved reputation as omens of evil. They are merely invisible equines whose only fault is that they are visible only to those who have witnessed and accepted a death."

Cassandra crossed her arms and turned to her professor, "How could you tell these creatures were classified as Dark? I mean it was merely on the stupidity of some supersticious, probably muggleborn wizard, -- No offence to the muggleborns in the room -- that these magestic creatures were marked as dark..."

[FoxFire]

"I don't think that it's fair that younger vampires are considered dark, and niether the older ones. Younger ones didn't have a choice in the matter, and older ones can restrain themselves. I should know, my cousin has a vampire as a sectional head working near him." I say, slightly disturbed with the whole dark creature description, "And couldn't werewolves find some way to control themselves when in wolf form?"

"They can, using the wolfsbane potion," Gwen said. "Whether a creature is considered Dark has to be a combination of nature and nurture. I would be on the lookout for any distinguishing physical characteristics, and be aware of my surroundings. A lot of what defines some Dark creatures is where you can find them."

[XanaSnape]

Apedemak raised one of his newly regrown eyebrows. “My apologies ladies, but, it isn’t a question of nature verses nurture. Dark Creatures by definition do not have a complete life cycle and thus are neither raised nor nurtured. They do not cause harm because they feel threatened, the do injury for the sake of doing injury. Such malicious intent is a palatable feeling that is usually easy recognize and as Miss Black affirmed earlier, many have a ‘disquieting' appearance. As to the issue of taming some of them, like hellhounds. With respect to Prefect Trelawney, that simply means that they have been trained and does not change that they are a physical embodiment of harmful intent. Admittedly, some creatures blur these lines somewhat; but, those are the cases where the exception proves the rule.”

"I understand what you're saying about some creatures, like dementors-- but I wonder if the classification is fair to all creatures within it? For example-- Vampires. There are vampires who are not our for injury only, who are good. Do they deserve the classification? What about other misunderstood creatures that are called 'dark'?"

Cassandra's head turned slowly to the boy. "So by what you are saying a Thestral is the physical embodiment of harmful intent? I beg to differ Apedemak. These creatures have acquired an undeserved reputation as omens of evil. They are merely invisible equines whose only fault is that they are visible only to those who have witnessed and accepted a death."

Cassandra crossed her arms and turned to her professor, "How could you tell these creatures were classified as Dark? I mean it was merely on the stupidity of some supersticious, probably muggleborn wizard, -- No offence to the muggleborns in the room -- that these magestic creatures were marked as dark..."

Xana nodded, still astounded to have common ground with Trelawney- wonders never ceased. "Exactly... Professor, do you feel all 'dark' creatures are deserving of the label, and if not- such as in the case of thestrals or vampires, where it seems to be prejudice and ignorance that causes them to carry this label... Should we, as responsible young wizards and witches, be perpetuating such stereotypes?"

[noodles]

Ems nodded in agreement with Xana and Cassandra. This was what she was trying to get at, albeit not very successfully. “Thestrals have been labelled dark because of a human superstition. Not because they possess any characteristics of a dark creature. she piped up again.

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon tilted her head to the side a little as several people start arguing about whether it was appropriate for some creatures to be considered dark. She remained silent, but found the arguments interesting. And, she was curious on if she would be able to see thestrals. She hadn't before, but she figured there weren't a whole lot of them in California.

[Iavas gwae]

In answer to the professor's question, Joseph raised his hand and said, "I would think that many dark creatures would have a darkish aura around them. Plus, most wild creatures are docile and not dangerous at all. I believe that dark creatures would have feelings of menace and attack towards you." Joseph was hoping his answer would work, it was only based on his own observations though.

[Maxilocks]

"How can you differentiate a dark creature from a milder or regular creature if you encounter one?"Shel raised his hand before answering. "Well, if they spit fire, have claws the size of your hands and legs put together, and chew bones that don't exactly look like normal, non-human animals bones, I think they would classify as dangerous, Professor," he said, quite seriously. No, he was not intending to joke.

"That aside, I also assume instant reactions matter. That is, a harmless creature probably won't spring at you the instant it sees you - unless, of course, it enjoys a good cuddle. Dark creatures have more threatening reactions when they witness a human in their vicinity than regular ones, you can sense it. A lot of dangerous creatures possess poisonous fangs, as well. Their eyes and faces, too, tell a lot about what they are inside. If the thing has sharp teeth, sharper claws, spikier tail - Run."

[LadyNerd]

Lyra sat and did nothing more than listen to her uncle's teachings. Clearly, if she were in better spirits at the moment, perhaps answering his questions would be fun. She sat back in her chair with her arms folded to her chest, not paying attention to some of the things that were going on around her. She was good at tuning people out when the situation called for it. When she took notes, she sat up in her chair, scribbled with her quill then leaned back in her chair once more.

[Blackwidow]

Fabian coughed twice, the first was to clear his throat. The second was intentionally signaled towards the group of students that broke out into argument.

"These are all very good theories" he addressed the class, "To differentiate between dark creatures and what not there are four major keys! The first is that they are magical in nature, the second is that they do not carry full life cycles in which they only exist as a physical extension to evil. Thirdly, they actively seek to harm with or without conscious for the sake of harming and not survival, Fourth and last key is that they embody dark magic!".


Marco raised his hand, "Sir are you suggesting that vampires are bad? Because I know for a fact that not all are bad. Some decide against it. I only know one that is controlled by the blood lust."

"A milder creature won't try to bite your arm off. That is why I am classing snakes as dark creatures. Especially basilisks. They are are bad. They will kill you. Also a dark creature will eat a steak if you hand them one."

"Trelawney makes an interesting point. Is it nurture or nature that determines a creature's traits? Should we assume every hinkypunk is dark and therefore bad? And vampires-- what of those? I know of some nice ones... Is the label really a fair one? Though... I wouldn't want to stare down a creature just to determine its intent, that's just flat-out foolish. " She rolled her eyes at the idea. "But there has to be a better way... is casting the label of 'dark creatures' across all these species really the right thing to do?"

"Vampires are classified as intelligent creatures, wizards or humans that have been contaminated. I tend to agree with you that their attacks are milder, but in no way are less harmful. They have impeccable strength, and driven by Blood lust. True that they can only sink their teeth in one's skin, but thats enough to spread venom through bloodstream to keep you immobilized, or leave you bleeding to death. If one was lucky enough and the Vampire has a kindred heart he'll turn you into one, and that doesn't happen very often".


"Werewolves are another example similar to Vampires, they are not harmful when in human form. But once a month, during a full moon. Their intention is to spread their disease onto others and in out of controlled situations, may kill their prey. And thats when my friends, they constitute harm!"


Fabian cleared his throat one more time, "Interesting that we have some part human creatures that are considered dark in their nature, living among us with scarce or minimal features to spot with a normal eye. Other than Vampires and Werewolves, can anyone predict or tell which other part human creature is considered dark?"

[FoxFire]

Gwen raised her hand tentatively. "Erm, banshees, Professor. And erklings, perhaps?"

[Disneymaniac]

Marco was not impressed by Fabian's approach to vampires. He...knew someone. They would never hurt anyone. And neither would he. He just kept his mouth shut, before he said something he really shouldn't. Plus he didn't know what was part human.

[Blackwidow]

Gwen raised her hand tentatively. "Erm, banshees, Professor. And erklings, perhaps?"


"Banshee is one, 2 points for your answer. Erklings resemble elfs more. And they are in no way human" Fabian smiled tenderly at the Gryffindor.



Marco was not impressed by Fabian's approach to vampires. He...knew someone. They would never hurt anyone. And neither would he. He just kept his mouth shut, before he said something he really shouldn't. Plus he didn't know what was part human.


"Marco, I can see your self control scattering, speak up!"

[Disneymaniac]

"Marco, I can see your self control scattering, speak up!"


"My self control is not scattering at all Sir," Marco murmured, "I just feel you are grouping all vampires under one label. They aren't all as you say. I know few that are like that." He tried to collect his thoughts, "Are veela part human and dark?"

[Storm*]

Fabian cleared his throat one more time, "Interesting that we have some part human creatures that are considered dark in their nature, living among us with scarce or minimal features to spot with a normal eye. Other than Vampires and Werewolves, can anyone predict or tell which other part human creature is considered dark?"


Though it wasn't readily apparent, even to those that knew him; the Sudanese boy became more guarded and more alert. His had tensed ever so slightly and his golden eyes were slowly scanning the room.

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon spoke up in a slightly confused voice, after the Gryffindor had spoken. "I think erklings are closer to elves than humans. But they definitely can be considered dark. Doxies have forms similar to humans, like fairies." She stopped, having tapped her memory for the moment.

[FoxFire]

Rhiannon spoke up in a slightly confused voice, after the Gryffindor had spoken. "I think erklings are closer to elves than humans. But they definitely can be considered dark. Doxies have forms similar to humans, like fairies." She stopped, having tapped her memory for the moment.

"True...Professor, are we looking for part-human or humanoid in appearance?" Gwen asked.

[BanaBatGirl]

Rapunzel raised her hand, hesitant to answer.

"Professor, are giants considered dark creatures? Or...are they considered creatures at all?" She wasn't sure if she had understood the question correctly, but that was her first guess...and giants seemed more human-like than creaturish.

[momentai]

Christian remained seated quietly in his seat. The object of being in this class was to stay low and avoid being spoken to, especially Fabian. Christian had a feeling that their next chat wouldn't as usually pleasant. He just kept his eyes on his parchment, scribbling down notes...doodling on the corner of the page...scribbling notes...doodling.

He looked rather pathetic to the sight really. All disheartened and what not, all of course leading to his inability to truly pay attention.

[Blackwidow]

"My self control is not scattering at all Sir," Marco murmured, "I just feel you are grouping all vampires under one label. They aren't all as you say. I know few that are like that." He tried to collect his thoughts, "Are veela part human and dark?"

"Yes, Veelas are also considered dark creatures, 2 points!" Fabian raised a brow, "beg to differ. I barely see them feeding on milk or carrots. Unless you care to elaborate further on that topic before we move on?"

Rhiannon spoke up in a slightly confused voice, after the Gryffindor had spoken. "I think erklings are closer to elves than humans. But they definitely can be considered dark. Doxies have forms similar to humans, like fairies." She stopped, having tapped her memory for the moment.

"These are good answers, but not quite what I'm looking for".

"True...Professor, are we looking for part-human or humanoid in appearance?" Gwen asked.

"Yes, dark creatures that are part human or humanoid".

Rapunzel raised her hand, hesitant to answer.

"Professor, are giants considered dark creatures? Or...are they considered creatures at all?" She wasn't sure if she had understood the question correctly, but that was her first guess...and giants seemed more human-like than creaturish.


"Giants are part human, but definitely not dangerous. Since they do not seek out to harm" he trailed off with a smile.

[BanaBatGirl]

A-ha! Rapunzel nodded at the professor's answer, realizing that did make sense now.

"What about Dementors?" Punz raised her hand again, knowing that they were definitely Dark....and human in appearance.

[Disneymaniac]

"Yes, Veelas are also considered dark creatures, 2 points!" Fabian raised a brow, "beg to differ. I barely see them feeding on milk or carrots. Unless you care to elaborate further on that topic before we move on?"

"A few 'friends' of mine favour ice cream," Marco said, "Maybe you just see them at the wrong time. Judge them when you do not get to know them. That is like me saying you are a human, therefore weak and fragile."

[Droo]

"A sphinx, professor... it is part human. Also a Manticore..." She said quietly.

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon spoke up again. "They may not be 'dark", per se, but aren't centaurs part-human? Or, at least partly humanoid in appearance." She had some weird urge to answer things after Trelawney did. It must be some perverse bone in her body.

[Lissy Longbottom]

Emma raised her hand, "Are werewolves considered part human, since they spend most of their time as normal humans? I mean, since they weren't born werewolves and they only become wolves during a certain time and must be bitten to experience the transformation?" she asked. "Because if they do fall under the part human category, I would definitely put werewolves under dark creatures, since they cause harm to humans when in their transformed state. ONLY in that state, though," she added.

[Blackwidow]

A-ha! Rapunzel nodded at the professor's answer, realizing that did make sense now.

"What about Dementors?" Punz raised her hand again, knowing that they were definitely Dark....and human in appearance.

"Not quite, but they do appear to have human shape! Two points for your answer" Fabian murmured as he waited for more answers.

"A few 'friends' of mine favour ice cream," Marco said, "Maybe you just see them at the wrong time. Judge them when you do not get to know them. That is like me saying you are a human, therefore weak and fragile."

Fabian raised a brow, "Regardless, Vampires don't have the enzymes to digest food. Whatever food they take in merely tastes like dirt or anything on that magnitude to us humans. If one of them likes that taste then i can see why they eat it for social purpose or whatnot. But in no way that satiates their hunger, as i mentioned earlier their soul survival is blood satiation. And when driven by blood lust, they are dangerous!".

"A sphinx, professor... it is part human. Also a Manticore..." She said quietly.

"Manticores are dangerous creatures but not considered dark since they use their powers to hunt for food and survival" Fabian smiled weakly.

Rhiannon spoke up again. "They may not be 'dark", per se, but aren't centaurs part-human? Or, at least partly humanoid in appearance." She had some weird urge to answer things after Trelawney did. It must be some perverse bone in her body.

"Yes, centaurs are part human. They are only dangerous if you offend one, so never go and try that" he broke off with a chuckle.

Emma raised her hand, "Are werewolves considered part human, since they spend most of their time as normal humans? I mean, since they weren't born werewolves and they only become wolves during a certain time and must be bitten to experience the transformation?" she asked. "Because if they do fall under the part human category, I would definitely put werewolves under dark creatures, since they cause harm to humans when in their transformed state. ONLY in that state, though," she added.

Fabian nodded at Emma, "yes, werewolves are considered dangerous only when in werewolf form. Especially since they use that form to hurt or spread their disease".


"Moving on, our final part human dark creature are Zombies. Reanimated humans that seek to hurt or kill by revenge or otherwise. In most cases the best way to defend oneself against Dark creatures is by a handy duel, or an intelligent escape. Never attempt to battle a dark creature unless you know what your doing" he murmured with amusement.

"As you can see" he waved a hand towards each water tank across the room, "we have Grindylows on part of the classroom" he broke off keeping the other creature a surprise to be relieved yet. "Grindylows are water demons that can be distinguished by their pale green color, who can tell me more about them?"

[PhoenixRising]

Amelia had been keeping quiet most of the lesson, considering that she was quite fascinated by the topic of dark creatures. But the sixth year's mind had been elsewhere these past couple weeks, due the certain mysterious events taking place this term at Hogwarts. She shook herself to waken a bit, sitting up straighter, she flipped through her text to find info on Grindylows. Raising her hand, she read aloud some more about the pale green water demons:

"Grindylows are creatures that live in the weed beds on the bottom of lakes in Britain. They have long, brittle fingers which they use to grip their prey, sharp little horns, and green teeth. Some appear to be domesticated by merpeople, as well. They are a sort of "bogeyman" used as a ploy to keep children from getting in the cold water in the area. They were to grab little children with their long arms and fingers and devour them if they came close to the edge of pools, marshes, or ponds."

[BanaBatGirl]

Rapunzel raised her hand again, feeling more confident now that Hufflepuff had some points.

"Grindylows are also called water demons because of their long, brittle fingers that grab onto their prey, and their sharp teeth and horns," she answered. "Like Amelia said, haven't some grindylows been domesticated by merpeople? Or are they more or less harnessed like watchdogs or something?"

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon added to the discussion. "You can get away from a grindylow by breaking the fingers that they are using to restrain you. So, while they are dangerous, it's fairly easy to escape from one." Not that she'd ever tried before.

[Lissy Longbottom]

Rhiannon added to the discussion. "You can get away from a grindylow by breaking the fingers that they are using to restrain you. So, while they are dangerous, it's fairly easy to escape from one." Not that she'd ever tried before.

Emma nodded at the Ravenclaw's comment and raised her hand to add to that, "Their fingers are extremely skinny and brittle, which is why it's the easiest way to escape from them," she added.

[Waddles]

Juniper raised her hand. "Grindylows live in weeds at the bottom of lakes," she said. "They have green teeth and small sharp horns. They're pretty strong when they grip their prey, but their fingers are long and brittle, so you can break them sort of easily if they grab ahold of you." Then she remembered something she had heard once. "Oh, and some merpeople keep them as pets, like dogs, but...underwater."

[Droo]

"Manticores are dangerous creatures but not considered dark since they use their powers to hunt for food and survival" Fabian smiled weakly.

Cassandra grumbled... He didn't give her points for the sphinx one... he hardly ever gave out points...

"Moving on, our final part human dark creature are Zombies. Reanimated humans that seek to hurt or kill by revenge or otherwise. In most cases the best way to defend oneself against Dark creatures is by a handy duel, or an intelligent escape. Never attempt to battle a dark creature unless you know what your doing" he murmured with amusement.

"So... Professor..." she said wearily, "What's the difference between Zombies and Inferi?" She asked.

"As you can see" he waved a hand towards each water tank across the room, "we have Grindylows on part of the classroom" he broke off keeping the other creature a surprise to be relieved yet. "Grindylows are water demons that can be distinguished by their pale green color, who can tell me more about them?"


"They are native to Brittain. It's been speculated that the Grindylow is a cross between a squid, a piranha and merperson. They stay in groups to hunt and generally manage to capture large prey, such as humans, that the group then devours. I've heard that we have some in the lake that are bound to the merpeople, so they do not hurt the student." She said her hand in the air.

[beautifulmine]

Alexis didn't know much about Grindylow's so she kept quite and took notes.

[SlytherinSistah]

"Moving on, our final part human dark creature are Zombies. Reanimated humans that seek to hurt or kill by revenge or otherwise. In most cases the best way to defend oneself against Dark creatures is by a handy duel, or an intelligent escape. Never attempt to battle a dark creature unless you know what your doing" he murmured with amusement.

"As you can see" he waved a hand towards each water tank across the room, "we have Grindylows on part of the classroom" he broke off keeping the other creature a surprise to be relieved yet. "Grindylows are water demons that can be distinguished by their pale green color, who can tell me more about them?"



Claudian's bright green eyes widened at Professor Clark's mentioning of Zombies. He'd just spent the summer in Haiti with his dark witch of a grandmother and the subject was a rather fright-inducing one. He tried his best to conceal any fear, following Clark to the next subject and put his hand up. "Have their ever been any reported Grindylow attacks on Hogwarts grounds, sir? As was mentioned, we do have some in the lake, do we not?", he asked curiously.

[Becky]

"As you can see" he waved a hand towards each water tank across the room, "we have Grindylows on part of the classroom" he broke off keeping the other creature a surprise to be relieved yet. "Grindylows are water demons that can be distinguished by their pale green color, who can tell me more about them?"

"Grindylows grab hold of your foot as you are swimming and try to drown you or kill you underwater" Rebecca shivered as she said it, "But Grindylows can be restrained by shooting hot water at them or using the 'Relashio' charm while underwater" Rebecca informed them as she remebered her encounter with a Grindylow before.

[Eon Spirit]

"Though Dark creature is too firmly placed on these species. True that they may be classified as dark, but that doesn't mean that all are. I know that in muggle myth that if a naughty child were to stray to close to a pond or marsh that a grindylow was to pull them in and devour them, but beyond that they aren't truly dark at all." I say, still slightly irritated with the classification.

[LadyNerd]

Christian remained seated quietly in his seat. The object of being in this class was to stay low and avoid being spoken to, especially Fabian. Christian had a feeling that their next chat wouldn't as usually pleasant. He just kept his eyes on his parchment, scribbling down notes...doodling on the corner of the page...scribbling notes...doodling.

He looked rather pathetic to the sight really. All disheartened and what not, all of course leading to his inability to truly pay attention.

As she was about to answer Fabian on a question asked, Lyra quickly closed her mouth to keep from drawing attention to her. Her eyes shifted over to where Christian sat and sadly, it was not sitting next to her like they did before. She leaned to the side resting her head on her hand, tuning out the lesson for a moment until her brain functioned again. With her quill in hand, she began taking notes once more as she continued to lean against her hand.

[momentai]

Christian's head turned slightly to catch Lyra sitting across the room. He had opted not to sit next to her, not right now. It was too....strange. Oh man, Christian was pathetic. Some girl and he was head over heels, only to find himself back to square one. Sigh... He looked down at his bag to see a couple paws poking out; Shadow was awake. That was a comfort, at least Shadow would never leave him.

[Blackwidow]

ooc: My apologies for the delays guys! been a busy two weeks for me. Thanks SO much for being patient! :)



"Grindylows are creatures that live in the weed beds on the bottom of lakes in Britain. They have long, brittle fingers which they use to grip their prey, sharp little horns, and green teeth. Some appear to be domesticated by merpeople, as well. They are a sort of "bogeyman" used as a ploy to keep children from getting in the cold water in the area. They were to grab little children with their long arms and fingers and devour them if they came close to the edge of pools, marshes, or ponds."

"Very good answer. uh" Fabian murmured with a nod completely forgetting the Prefects' name, "two points for your explanation Miss..".

Rapunzel raised her hand again, feeling more confident now that Hufflepuff had some points.

"Grindylows are also called water demons because of their long, brittle fingers that grab onto their prey, and their sharp teeth and horns," she answered. "Like Amelia said, haven't some grindylows been domesticated by merpeople? Or are they more or less harnessed like watchdogs or something?"

"Yes, Grindylows are one of many creatures that are domesticated by merpeople, two points for giving a few examples"

Rhiannon added to the discussion. "You can get away from a grindylow by breaking the fingers that they are using to restrain you. So, while they are dangerous, it's fairly easy to escape from one." Not that she'd ever tried before.

Clark grinned at Rhiannon, "Thats one method to use when your being attacked by Grindylows, indeed smashing their hands can help release their grip but at the same time injure the poor creature. Another good method is to simply stupefy them, or send a strong wave or water towards them. Two points for your answer!"

"They are native to Brittain. It's been speculated that the Grindylow is a cross between a squid, a piranha and merperson. They stay in groups to hunt and generally manage to capture large prey, such as humans, that the group then devours. I've heard that we have some in the lake that are bound to the merpeople, so they do not hurt the student." She said her hand in the air.

"Very good vindication of their hunting method, they do generally hunt in groups, two points for your answer!"


"Have their ever been any reported Grindylow attacks on Hogwarts grounds, sir? As was mentioned, we do have some in the lake, do we not?", he asked curiously.

"No, Thank heavens above. But thats only because they are located deep in lake waters rather than surface. Plus they are not close to where students usually swim, nevertheless, always be prepared if you ever jump into the lake, aye?" he mused then nodded at the next student.

"Grindylows grab hold of your foot as you are swimming and try to drown you or kill you underwater" Rebecca shivered as she said it, "But Grindylows can be restrained by shooting hot water at them or using the 'Relashio' charm while underwater" Rebecca informed them as she remebered her encounter with a Grindylow before.

"Thats a very good method of defence without harming the creatures dreadfully, three points for your answer!"

"Though Dark creature is too firmly placed on these species. True that they may be classified as dark, but that doesn't mean that all are. I know that in muggle myth that if a naughty child were to stray to close to a pond or marsh that a grindylow was to pull them in and devour them, but beyond that they aren't truly dark at all." I say, still slightly irritated with the classification.

"Very good, they are not dark creatures, but been categorized as so due to their labeling as bogeyman ready awaiting children to be pounced upon" he trailed off with a grin, "two points for your answer!"


"So to wrap it up, Grindylows do inhabit weed beds with brittle fingers, sharp horns and green teeth. And indeed that are labeled as bogeyman merely to scare children from entering or swimming in waters, in no way are these creature dark but are very dangerous if you don't know how to free yourself or protect yourself once they pounce on you".


"On the opposite wall, we have some Kappas in the water tanks. Can someone please tell us a little more about them before we start with the practical part of the class?".

[DeathEater24601]

"A kappa is a Japanese water-dweller resembling a scaly monkey with webbed hands. Kappas will grab and strangle unwary waders in their ponds--though some have only been known to do so when agitated. These creatures are fascinating in my opinion--though they can be fought off with simple spells from a practiced and careful wizard or witch, such as a stunning spell."

[PhoenixRising]

"Very good answer. uh" Fabian murmured with a nod completely forgetting the Prefects' name, "two points for your explanation Miss.."

"On the opposite wall, we have some Kappas in the water tanks. Can someone please tell us a little more about them before we start with the practical part of the class?".

"Miss Rose," the sixth year said, as it appeared Fabian was blanking on her name. She didn't mind correcting him as he had much more important matters on the brain than to learn all the students' names. However, she was slightly disappointed but shrugged it off because she still earned points for Hufflepuff.

She listened as Clark went on to explain the next creature they would be discussing today. "Kappas are water-dwellers that resembles a scaly monkey with webbed hands. They are rumored to grab and strangle waders in its pond. I believe they are also common to Mongolia and they have a Ministry rating of XXXX, which means they are in fact dangerous creatures that requires specialist knowledge. This is very much unlike the Grindelows that are harmless and may be domesticated."

[Droo]

"They are pranksters." Cassandra said with resentment... she didn't like those creatures... they didn't really like her. But this was class and she needed to earn points.

"Kappa translated means "river-child", he is also known as Gatarō (river-boy) or Kawako (river-child.) He is a type of water creature found mostly in Japan. They are considered to be a legend of folklore in the Muggle world, somewhere also a part of cryptozoology, due to apparent sightings. In Shintō they are considered to be one of many water-deities." She said with her arms still raised.

"They are more Monkey like, or Froglike, as they are amphibians. Their faces are apelike, and they have a shell like tortoises. The most notable feature of the kappa, however, is the water-filled depressions atop their heads. These cavities are surrounded by scraggly hair, and this type of bobbed hair style is named okappa-atama for the creatures. The kappa derive their incredible strength from these liquid-filled holes, and anyone confronted with one may exploit this weakness by simply getting the kappa to spill the water from its head." She said...

Now to the fun part. "They've been known to steal crops, and kidnap children. In fact, small children are one of the kappa's favorite meals," She grinned and looked at the first years in the class, "Though they will eat adults as well." She glanced at Xana, Dia and Mia, "They feed on these hapless victims by sucking out their 'life source,' mainly entrails, blood, liver... you know... the guts." she sat back in her chair pleased with herself.

[Blackwidow]

"A kappa is a Japanese water-dweller resembling a scaly monkey with webbed hands. Kappas will grab and strangle unwary waders in their ponds--though some have only been known to do so when agitated. These creatures are fascinating in my opinion--though they can be fought off with simple spells from a practiced and careful wizard or witch, such as a stunning spell."



She listened as Clark went on to explain the next creature they would be discussing today. "Kappas are water-dwellers that resembles a scaly monkey with webbed hands. They are rumored to grab and strangle waders in its pond. I believe they are also common to Mongolia and they have a Ministry rating of XXXX, which means they are in fact dangerous creatures that requires specialist knowledge. This is very much unlike the Grindelows that are harmless and may be domesticated."


"They are more Monkey like, or Froglike, as they are amphibians. Their faces are apelike, and they have a shell like tortoises. The most notable feature of the kappa, however, is the water-filled depressions atop their heads. These cavities are surrounded by scraggly hair, and this type of bobbed hair style is named okappa-atama for the creatures. The kappa derive their incredible strength from these liquid-filled holes, and anyone confronted with one may exploit this weakness by simply getting the kappa to spill the water from its head." She said...
Now to the fun part. "They've been known to steal crops, and kidnap children. In fact, small children are one of the kappa's favorite meals," She grinned and looked at the first years in the class, "Though they will eat adults as well." She glanced at Xana, Dia and Mia, "They feed on these hapless victims by sucking out their 'life source,' mainly entrails, blood, liver... you know... the guts." she sat back in her chair pleased with herself.





Fabian inclined his head at the students, "couldn't have said it better myself, three points to each!" he exclaimed, then added "Kappas means the river child. Their strength and prominent feature comes from water-filled depressions on top of their heads. These cavities are surrounded by scraggly hair and Kappas derive their strength from these liquid filled holes. As much is its their strength it is also their weakness. The best way to attack a Kappa is by simply getting the kappa to spill the water from its head".


"Fabulous! Now we can move to the optional part of the class, if you wish to leave you can feel free to do so. If you wish to hang around and use this extra credit part for your homeworks then feel free to grab either a Kappa or a Grindylow from either of the tanks."


"I plead of you not to let them lose on fellow students, if you work with a creature, you shall be responsible for it until it returns back to the tank!"

Fabian waved his hand across the board to display the homework.


1. What makes a creature so dark? (4 pts)
2. How can you differentiate a dark creature from a milder or regular creature if you encounter one? (3 pts)
3. List four creatures that are considered dark. (4 pts)
4. List four part human creature that are considered dark. (4 pts)

Extra Credit: (6 pts)

5. You worked with either Grindylows or Kappas in class. Write a short paragraph of your encounter with the creature. Including the description of their external features.

{Be creative in your answer. The more creative you are, the higher your score becomes. You must RP in the practical part of class to do this part.}

[DeathEater24601]

Dia grinned. Working hands-on with Dark creatures...what fun. Standing up from her seat, she made her way over to a larger grindylow's tank and eyed it for a moment, contemplating which way to trap it. Finally deciding to carefully pick it up from behind, she removed the tank's lid and leaned it against the side of the tank. Knowing full well she most likely was going to be shredded at first, she placed her left hand in the tank to distract the creature. Immediately the grindylow shot out its long, brittle fingers, only to find that there was nothing to grasp. She had already removed her hand from the grindylow's range and seized it from behind, lodging her left thumb and forefinger carefully--yet firmly-- behind its jaw, which stopped it from biting, at the very least. The poor, stressed water demon thrashed about, its fingers gripping her wrists tightly, struggling to get away. It dug its sharp little horns deep into the seventh year's hand while she hurried back to her desk, causing blood to drip down her wrist. Damn grindylows... she thought, though aside from that she was having a blast.

Firmly--yet not so much that it hurt the creature--forcing the pale green creature onto her desk, Dia drew her wand and conjured thin, strong ropes, and tied its two brittle hands together before temporarily stunning it. At least until she needed to take notes on its movements, she wouldn't be attacked. She began taking notes on the creature and answering the questions.

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon looked around. She was curious about who was going to be willing to stay behind or who was not willing to work with the creatures. She saw Dia go get a grindylow and start studying it at her desk, so far the only student to do so.

Taking a deep breath, she started to think. Which do I want to study? I wonder what everyone else is going to choose. She started thinking about each creature, weighing the pros and cons of trying to control one long enough to study it.

[Blackwidow]

Fabian kept a close watch on Rhiannon, obviously, she seemed reluctant. "Don't fret, and if working in pairs makes you more comfortable. Feel free to do so" he explained as he walked up closer in her direction.

[SilverTiger]

Rhiannon looked up as Professor Clark addressed her. "I'm not worrying. I just tend to think about things before I jump in to doing them. Keeps me from doing anything stupid." Most of the time, her mind added on.

[caseym]

Saylie decided her best bet would be to study the Grindylow. She walked over to the tank and pulled out the quill she'd tucked in her pocket. She had her book and parchment with her and made a rough sketch of the creature before doing anything else. She would take the time to label the drawing and redo it after class, but she knew she wasn't likely to get any real work done in writing once she got the creature out of the tank.

With her drawing complete, she turned and walked back over to her desk, depositing the materials in her bag. Walking back over to the tank, she placed a finger on the glass, drawing the Grindylow's attention. It turned towards her and she mentally noted how it moved through the water and what it's reactions were to her moving her fingers. She knew that merpeople could tame these creatures, so they weren't the most deadly of creatures. She decided she would move slowly and see if she could pick it up without getting injured or scaring it too badly and making it want to attack her. As soon as she realized she was about to reach into the tank with a bare hand, she shook her head and pulled out her gloves. Those ought to keep her hands safe in case the creature decided it didn't want to be touched.

Slowly inching her hand into the water, she paid close attention to the eyes of the Grindylow. It appeared cautious, but not angered or evil. She wiggled her fingers like she'd done on the outside of the glass and it swiped at them, it's long brittle fingers sweeping just inches in front of them. She had picked a young one, and it seemed like it was almost playing with her. She did it again, and this time was thankful for the gloves as it's fingers closed over her own. It turned its pale green little body towards her, looking away from her hand and over at her face. She used this opportunity to lift it from the water, but didn't take it back to her desk. She figured she could study it here, where it was close to the water and she could return it quickly if anything got out of hand. Besides, there was an empty desk close by if she needed to sit for any reason. She was just going to make mental notes for now then jot them down before she left.

[Blackwidow]

Rhiannon looked up as Professor Clark addressed her. "I'm not worrying. I just tend to think about things before I jump in to doing them. Keeps me from doing anything stupid." Most of the time, her mind added on.


"Alright" he mused, eying the Ravenclaw intently, "whatever makes you comfortable. Hollar if you need help" he shot her a gentle smile before he moved around the class.

[Droo]

"Stupefy." Cassandra cast to a Kappa in the tank.

"Accio stupified Kappa!" She wasn't going to stick her hand in the tank... she wasn't stupid...

She pulled out her potions kit and retrieved a large vial.

The creature was disgusting... to think of where it's mouth had been... Ick! She quickly emptied the liquid from the Kappa's concave head into the vial and corked it.

She quickly jotted down notes on appearance and began touching its head to see texture.

"Renervate!" she cast and watched it come to. It didn't have it's fluid so it was rather weak and couldn't really walk well. Still Cassandra took notes on it's movement and it's demeanor...

"Wingardium Leviosa!" She said lifting the creature up, guiding it back to the tank, and resting it in the water, it's empty head floating above. She uncorked her vial with its liquid and cast the levitating charm on it, as well, guiding it above the creature's head and emptying it into the cavity. The creature began to thrash angrily... she hoped no one else would pick that one... he wouldn't be stunned twice.

She gathered her books and stuff and walked to the front of the class. "Thank you, Professor Clark," she said giving him a polite nod before leaving the class.

[DeathEater24601]

Dia glanced up at Trelawney and sighed inwardly. Was she really frightened of a kappa, especially when a professor was in the room? She shrugged, and raised her hand when the professor was nearest her. "Professor, I was contemplating something earlier-- when boggarts catch their reflection in a pond or mirror, do they see the thing they fear most, or does their magic not work on themselves? And is it different on other boggarts?"

[Lizasaurus]

Liz walks over to the tank, and picks out a good grindylow. She says stupefy, and accio to acquire the grindylow. She takes it over to her table, and begins examing it.

Gently she lowers one of the sides of its mouth, and gets a good look at the teeth. Wow, this is soooo cool! She says to herself.

Liz then takes her wand and conjures a tape measure and starts measuring the animal.

She takes lots of notes, including the texture of it's skin. And picks it up to judge it's weight.

Looking down at the creature she thinks if it wasn't so dangerous, it is actually kind of cute.

After using ennervate, using her wand she places the Grindylow back into the tank.

Liz then packs up her items and walks out of the classroom

[PhoenixRising]

Amelia listened to Professor Clark talk to them a little more about Kappas, before he said that class was dismissed. She decided that Hufflepuff was quite in need of house points so she would stay and study one or both of the creatures.

She looked over to Rhiannon, finding that she seemed a bit confused as to where to begin. "Psst... Rhian," she whispered, shifting over a bit so she was closer. "Want to work together on this?"

[SilverTiger]

Amelia listened to Professor Clark talk to them a little more about Kappas, before he said that class was dismissed. She decided that Hufflepuff was quite in need of house points so she would stay and study one or both of the creatures.

She looked over to Rhiannon, finding that she seemed a bit confused as to where to begin. "Psst... Rhian," she whispered, shifting over a bit so she was closer. "Want to work together on this?"

Rhiannon looked over as Amelia whispered to her. "Sure," she whispered back. "Then maybe I won't feel so much like I'm being watched." She thought the professor had walked off, but wasn't going to assume he wasn't still watching her to make sure she did something.

"What do you want to study?," She continued.

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon looked over as Amelia whispered to her. "Sure," she whispered back. "Then maybe I won't feel so much like I'm being watched." She thought the professor had walked off, but wasn't going to assume he wasn't still watching her to make sure she did something.

"What do you want to study?," She continued.

Amelia giggled with the being watched thing. She always felt like she was being watched; especially moreso with the badge than before. She was quite used to the Professors watching and judging her by now, as well as other students too.

"Um, well Kappas seem fascinating. But I need the extra credit, so I wouldn't mind doing both," she said back. "So if you wanted to start with the milder of the two creatures, that would be fine."

[SilverTiger]

Amelia giggled with the being watched thing. She always felt like she was being watched; especially moreso with the badge than before. She was quite used to the Professors watching and judging her by now, as well as other students too.

"Um, well Kappas seem fascinating. But I need the extra credit, so I wouldn't mind doing both," she said back. "So if you wanted to start with the milder of the two creatures, that would be fine."

Rhiannon shrugged. "Extra credit's always good . . ." She glanced off toward several Slytherins in the room before returning her gaze to Amelia. "Especially since some people need to be put in their place. Anyway, we can start with either one. They both seem fascinating in their own ways."

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon shrugged. "Extra credit's always good . . ." She glanced off toward several Slytherins in the room before returning her gaze to Amelia. "Especially since some people need to be put in their place. Anyway, we can start with either one. They both seem fascinating in their own ways."

Amelia smiled at her friend. She should have known that a Ravenclaw wouldn't mind the extra points. She giggled with her comment of how some people need to be put in her place, especially since she thought she knew who the girl was talking about.

"Grindylows it is. Always better to start simple, in my opinion," Amelia said, gazing at the tank of pale green creatures. They were not the prettiest creatures to look at.

"Stupefy," she said, pointing her wand at one particular one in the corner of the tank. "Accio stupefied grindylow", and the creature zoomed out of the tank right to the two sixth years. She turned to Rhiannon with a look on her face of, 'okay, now what?'

[XanaSnape]

Xana sighed. Which to do first... grindylow or kappa? She decided to work with the kappa first... it seemed easier. She passed Prefect Trelawney, who was leaving the area of the tanks. Xana gave her a cool smile and a polite nod as she went over to the kappa tanks and looked at them. The poor things! Trapped in here without their consent, kidnapped really... all so that some students could study them. Perhaps after the lesson the professor would let them go...

She watched the creatures swimming about, like cute little scaled monkeys... Awwww! She saw one little guy who seemed particularly annoyed to be there. She decided to take him-- possibly the professor could be convinced to let him go when she was done working with the poor little bugger.

She tapped one side of the top of the tank and the fierce little kappa immediately launched an attack toward her hand. Quickly, she reached behind him to grab him, counting on the element of surprise. Yeah, that worked. Not.

The little monkey-dude twisted around, quick as lightning, and sank its teeth into the webbing between her thumb and her forefinger. Yeouch! She gasped and instinctively withdrew her hand from the tank, her flesh tearing as the kappa held fast. Dratted thing! She grabbed it from behind with her left hand and squeezed its head at the jawline, causing it thankfully to release its hold. She plopped it into a small tray on the desk, suddenly feeling a good deal less compassionate toward the creature.

The creature narrowed its eyes and hissed at her, apparently offended. Remembering something she read in her text, and praying it was right, she bowed a deep, polite bow. Sure enough, the kappa bowed in return-- ah, saved by the creature's sense of etiquette! He spilled the water from his head and immediately fainted.

She quickly took the necessary notes and answered the questions for her homework and extra credit, wincing with pain as the quill pressed against the wound on her hand. As soon as she was done, she scooped the little guy back up and returned him to his tank, carry the tray containing his cranial fluid with her. She propped him up with her hand long enough to refill the cavity on the top of his head and then pulled her arms out of the tank before he attacked again.

She summoned a cucumber from the kitchens, and while she was waiting for it to arrive she bandaged the wound on her hand. Dratted thing better not be rabid or anything... she glared at the kappa who was glaring with equal dislike at her. She took the cucumber and offered it to the kappa as a peace offering. It immediately seized it and began gnawing on the vegetable.

She wandered back to her desk, watching the other students working with their creatures.

"Hey, Diabolica..." She said softly to her friend. "Are the grindylows that much harder than the kappas?" She still wanted to work with both, but felt her ambition waning after her experience with the kappa.

[DeathEater24601]

"Hey, Diabolica..." She said softly to her friend. "Are the grindylows that much harder than the kappas?" She still wanted to work with both, but felt her ambition waning after her experience with the kappa.

Dia's head snapped up from her work and she put down her quill, carefully picking up the immobilized grindylow and loping over to Xana. "In my opinion? They're a right bit nastier than the kappas. At least kappas are easy to study once they have no water stored in their heads...on the other hand, these creatures are...snarky. Beautiful creatures, but..." she sighed and shifted the grindylow to her right arm, holding up the back of her hand for Xana to see. Two gaping wounds remained where the grindylow had gashed her with its horns in the struggle for freedom, and each were freely bleeding still. There had been no time to heal them...there was work she had to do.

[XanaSnape]

Dia's head snapped up from her work and she put down her quill, carefully picking up the immobilized grindylow and loping over to Xana. "In my opinion? They're a right bit nastier than the kappas. At least kappas are easy to study once they have no water stored in their heads...on the other hand, these creatures are...snarky. Beautiful creatures, but..." she sighed and shifted the grindylow to her right arm, holding up the back of her hand for Xana to see. Two gaping wounds remained where the grindylow had gashed her with its horns in the struggle for freedom, and each were freely bleeding still. There had been no time to heal them...there was work she had to do.

Xana looked at her hand, cringing a bit. "Ohhhkay... I was going to do both creatures but... well, yipes." She looked over at the tanks where the grindylows were, sighing inwardly. Practice would be really helpful and Merlin knows she needed the points in COMC... but... ugh.

She gave Dia a winning smile and a hopeful look. "So, uh, Dia.... Your grindylow is already sleeping like a little angel... You're a master at this! Any chance I could just... you know... make some observations and take some quick notes? No sense in both of us getting all ...stabby-fied... after all. Right?" She looked at her best friend with cruppie-dog eyes.

[DeathEater24601]

Xana looked at her hand, cringing a bit. "Ohhhkay... I was going to do both creatures but... well, yipes." She looked over at the tanks where the grindylows were, sighing inwardly. Practice would be really helpful and Merlin knows she needed the points in COMC... but... ugh.

She gave Dia a winning smile and a hopeful look. "So, uh, Dia.... Your grindylow is already sleeping like a little angel... You're a master at this! Any chance I could just... you know... make some observations and take some quick notes? No sense in both of us getting all ...stabby-fied... after all. Right?" She looked at her best friend with cruppie-dog eyes.

"Mind you, I did get an aggressive one...close to fully grown, as well." Dia shifted the grindylow to her other arm for a moment. She blinked at her friend and shook her head, grinning. "Oh, come now, Xana. They're not that bad...and besides, we would both have to be observing it in all ways, including feeling its texture.... and Merlin, if the spell wore off..." she shook her head. "Here. Hold this one for me, will you? You can study this one for a bit while I get another. Then you can work it out in full detail." She practically pushed the current one she was holding into her friend's hands. Yes, this was indeed just an excuse to go wrestle another out of its tank. It was all fun and games to Dia...well, until someone got gouged. Then it merely was just a common goal to knock the grindylow unconscious.


She made her way over to a tank of a significantly smaller grindylow and repeated the same process as she had for the larger one...distracting it, swiftly grabbing it from behind, and lodging her thumb and forefinger behind its jaw. Thankfully this one was only a juvenile. Conjuring a few more thin, strong ropes, she bound this one as well and stunned him. Poor creature. Nevertheless, she placed the smaller grindylow on Xana's desk. "There we go." she nodded, surprised (and relieved) that the smaller one hadn't harmed her in some way as well. But that was a good thing.

[XanaSnape]

"Mind you, I did get an aggressive one...close to fully grown, as well." Dia shifted the grindylow to her other arm for a moment. She blinked at her friend and shook her head, grinning. "Oh, come now, Xana. They're not that bad...and besides, we would both have to be observing it in all ways, including feeling its texture.... and Merlin, if the spell wore off..." she shook her head. "Here. Hold this one for me, will you? You can study this one for a bit while I get another. Then you can work it out in full detail." She practically pushed the current one she was holding into her friend's hands. Yes, this was indeed just an excuse to go wrestle another out of its tank. It was all fun and games to Dia...well, until someone got gouged. Then it merely was just a common goal to knock the grindylow unconscious.


Xana took the unconscious grindylow, grimacing a little at the feel of it, all wet and slimy and cold... it was a little like holding a human child wrapped in seaweed. Yuck. She watched Dia go over to the tanks, not about to argue if she wanted to help.

She made her way over to a tank of a significantly smaller grindylow and repeated the same process as she had for the larger one...distracting it, swiftly grabbing it from behind, and lodging her thumb and forefinger behind its jaw. Thankfully this one was only a juvenile. Conjuring a few more thin, strong ropes, she bound this one as well and stunned him. Poor creature. Nevertheless, she placed the smaller grindylow on Xana's desk. "There we go." she nodded, surprised (and relieved) that the smaller one hadn't harmed her in some way as well. But that was a good thing.

She watched Dia put the littler grindlow on her desk. "He's beautiful, thanks. I think I'll call him Grindy." She went over to Grindy, still cradling Dia's much larger grindylow in her right arm, as a woman would hold a sleeping toddler. She glanced at the grindylow on the desk with interest, kind of forgetting about the larger model... Until suddenly and without warning, he began thrashing angrily in her arms, trying to free himself from Diabolica's binding curse, using its horns and teeth to try to wrest itself free. Oh, the humanity!

Not knowing what else to do, she kind of held it up toward Dia, holding it high over her head, like Rafiki at Pride Rock, but man was this Simba uuuuuuuugly. And mad as hell. "Stupefy it! Quick!"

[SilverTiger]

Amelia smiled at her friend. She should have known that a Ravenclaw wouldn't mind the extra points. She giggled with her comment of how some people need to be put in her place, especially since she thought she knew who the girl was talking about.

"Grindylows it is. Always better to start simple, in my opinion," Amelia said, gazing at the tank of pale green creatures. They were not the prettiest creatures to look at.

"Stupefy," she said, pointing her wand at one particular one in the corner of the tank. "Accio stupefied grindylow", and the creature zoomed out of the tank right to the two sixth years. She turned to Rhiannon with a look on her face of, 'okay, now what?'

As Amelia stunned and then summoned a grindylow from the tank, Rhiannon's eyes followed the creature as it flew across the room. It really was pretty strange to watch, and unconscious water creature flying through the air.

Once it arrived, Amelia had looked at her like she was asking for instructions. Raising her eyebrows, she haltingly said, "Well, I think we need to examine it. Find out as much as we can before it wakes up and attacks us." She lightly touched the grindylow's skin with the tip of one slender finger.

[DeathEater24601]

She watched Dia put the littler grindlow on her desk. "He's beautiful, thanks. I think I'll call him Grindy." She went over to Grindy, still cradling Dia's much larger grindylow in her right arm, as a woman would hold a sleeping toddler. She glanced at the grindylow on the desk with interest, kind of forgetting about the larger model... Until suddenly and without warning, he began thrashing angrily in her arms, trying to free himself from Diabolica's binding curse, using its horns and teeth to try to wrest itself free. Oh, the humanity!

Not knowing what else to do, she kind of held it up toward Dia, holding it high over her head, like Rafiki at Pride Rock, but man was this Simba uuuuuuuugly. And mad as hell. "Stupefy it! Quick!"

Dia laughed. "Sounds good." All of a sudden, her grindylow had obviously recovered from the stunning spell, as it was just as angry and thrashing as before. Realizing there was no time to take out her wand before it worked its way out of Xana's grip and onto the floor, she grabbed the grindylow carefully from behind, thumb and forefinger behind its jaw once more, and a hand securely around the back of its neck and the other trying to hold down the rest of its body. Pinning it down onto the desk, careful to make sure the other grindylow didn't go scattering, it gouged her with its horns once again, this time leaving two bloody streaks on her right inner forearm. She cursed loudly and looked over her shoulder quickly, hoping the professor hadn't heard. That was all she needed. "Xana, conjure some ropes! Quickly!"

[Disneymaniac]

Marco eyed the tank. He wasn't all for getting extra credit. Without doing the beast question he would get full marks. Something about dark creatures. This should be fun.

[XanaSnape]

Dia laughed. "Sounds good." All of a sudden, her grindylow had obviously recovered from the stunning spell, as it was just as angry and thrashing as before. Realizing there was no time to take out her wand before it worked its way out of Xana's grip and onto the floor, she grabbed the grindylow carefully from behind, thumb and forefinger behind its jaw once more, and a hand securely around the back of its neck and the other trying to hold down the rest of its body. Pinning it down onto the desk, careful to make sure the other grindylow didn't go scattering, it gouged her with its horns once again, this time leaving two bloody streaks on her right inner forearm. She cursed loudly and looked over her shoulder quickly, hoping the professor hadn't heard. That was all she needed. "Xana, conjure some ropes! Quickly!"

Xana drew out her wand and quickly cast 'Incarcerous', binding the small creature. For good measure, she stunned the creature again and it was still. "Are you alright?" she asked Diabolica, a bit worried. How did they manage to get the fiesty ones? Crikey.

[PhoenixRising]

As Amelia stunned and then summoned a grindylow from the tank, Rhiannon's eyes followed the creature as it flew across the room. It really was pretty strange to watch, and unconscious water creature flying through the air.

Once it arrived, Amelia had looked at her like she was asking for instructions. Raising her eyebrows, she haltingly said, "Well, I think we need to examine it. Find out as much as we can before it wakes up and attacks us." She lightly touched the grindylow's skin with the tip of one slender finger.

Amelia nodded. "Right, examine this before it wakes up," she repeated back, thinking it would be a good idea. Creatures weren't really her specialty, but the difference between this and herbology was that with creatures, she could pretend.

She followed Rhiannon's lead and stroked the skin of the grindylow with two fingers. It felt weird. Running her fingers along its spine, she jumped back slightly as she hit one of its spiky horns. "Ow!" she exclaimed, but quietly, pulling her finger away to see a small bead of blood from where she'd been pricked. Mental note: do not touch sharp spiky things.

Carefully, she sucked on her finger as she took notes of what it felt like and some of its characteristics. "Uh, I think I'm done with the examination part of this creature," she said, looking over to Rhiannon.

[SilverTiger]

Amelia nodded. "Right, examine this before it wakes up," she repeated back, thinking it would be a good idea. Creatures weren't really her specialty, but the difference between this and herbology was that with creatures, she could pretend.

She followed Rhiannon's lead and stroked the skin of the grindylow with two fingers. It felt weird. Running her fingers along its spine, she jumped back slightly as she hit one of its spiky horns. "Ow!" she exclaimed, but quietly, pulling her finger away to see a small bead of blood from where she'd been pricked. Mental note: do not touch sharp spiky things.

Carefully, she sucked on her finger as she took notes of what it felt like and some of its characteristics. "Uh, I think I'm done with the examination part of this creature," she said, looking over to Rhiannon.

Rhiannon looked over as Amelia cried out, and saw the tiny drop of blood. "Does it look that bad?", she whispered as the hufflepuff started sucking on her finger. When the girl said she was done, the Ravenclaw nodded, but spent a little more time doing her own examination of the grindylow. She was careful to avoid the horns, though. Once she felt she had sufficiently noted its characteristics, she jotted several notes down before taking her wand out and using it to float the grindylow back to the tank. Before she placed it back underwater, she remembered to revive it, and felt glad she was as far away as she was when it started glaring at the two girls and thrashing around.

Looking back at Amelia, she asks, "Do you want to wait a bit before we start with the kappa?"

[nytingale]

Taylie walked over to the aquariums cautiously while pulling on her gloves and peered inside quickly. She saw a Grindlow that appeared to be smaller than the others and decided that it looked like the easiest to catch. She pulled out her wand and stupefied it. The creature froze in place and Taylie reached in and grasped it. She carried it over to her desk and tried to decide what to do from there. She saw other students measuring there creatures so she decided that it was probably the best starting point.

"Hmmm" she said quietly. Her grindlow was about 10 1/2 inches long and about 7 inches around. It was a pale green on color and it had long thin fingers. The looked as if they could be easily broken so Taylie decided not to touch them. On the top of its' head it has sharp little horns, and its teeth were very green.

As Taylie wrote down her observations she noticed that the grindlow was beginning to wake up. She quickly pulled a piece of chocolate out of her bag and gave it to the animal. While it was distracted she quickly rushed it to the front of the class and dropped it back into the water. Taylie returned to her desk and finished writing about her encounter.

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon looked over as Amelia cried out, and saw the tiny drop of blood. "Does it look that bad?", she whispered as the hufflepuff started sucking on her finger. When the girl said she was done, the Ravenclaw nodded, but spent a little more time doing her own examination of the grindylow. She was careful to avoid the horns, though. Once she felt she had sufficiently noted its characteristics, she jotted several notes down before taking her wand out and using it to float the grindylow back to the tank. Before she placed it back underwater, she remembered to revive it, and felt glad she was as far away as she was when it started glaring at the two girls and thrashing around.

Looking back at Amelia, she asks, "Do you want to wait a bit before we start with the kappa?"

Amelia was trying very hard not to wince excessively; it was just a small prick but the pain felt about ten times worse than the bludgers she'd been hit with during quidditch. She bit her lower lip, when she noticed Rhiannon looking at her, and shook her head. "I'll be fine," as it was the typical quidditch player response.

She watched Rhiannon taking some more notes and then place it back in the water. She thought she caught a glimpse of it glaring at them, but shook it off, figuring it must have been her imagination. She shook her head, when asked if she wanted to wait. "No, let's just get this over with," she told her friend, removing her finger to inspect it casually. It was a bit red and sore, but at least the bleeding stopped.

[SilverTiger]

Amelia was trying very hard not to wince excessively; it was just a small prick but the pain felt about ten times worse than the bludgers she'd been hit with during quidditch. She bit her lower lip, when she noticed Rhiannon looking at her, and shook her head. "I'll be fine," as it was the typical quidditch player response.

She watched Rhiannon taking some more notes and then place it back in the water. She thought she caught a glimpse of it glaring at them, but shook it off, figuring it must have been her imagination. She shook her head, when asked if she wanted to wait. "No, let's just get this over with," she told her friend, removing her finger to inspect it casually. It was a bit red and sore, but at least the bleeding stopped.

Rhiannon raised an eyebrow as Amelia said she was fine. She could tell that the Huffie was trying hard not to look like she was in serious pain, but wasn't going to question her statement. She figured if it got worse, Amelia would say something.

As Amelia said they should keep going, Rhiannon giggled. "That sounds enthusiastic." She stood up and glanced over at the tanks with the kappas in them. It would be so much easier to control one of them if there was a legal spell to make them bow from across the room, she thought.

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon raised an eyebrow as Amelia said she was fine. She could tell that the Huffie was trying hard not to lok like she was in serious pain, but wasn't going to question her statement. She figured if it got worse, Amelia would say something.

As Amelia said they should keep going, Rhiannon giggled. "That sounds enthusiastic." She stood up and glanced over at the tanks with the kappas in them. It would be so much easier to control one of them if there was a legal spell to make them bow from across the room, she thought.

Since the bleeding had stopped, despite the throbbing in her finger she ought to at least pretend like she wanted to be there. She smiled back at her friend. "Sorry. not sure how enthusiastic I should be about a dangerous creature," she said giggling, as she stood up and followed the Ravenclaw over the tank.

"I'm already injured, i could just reach in there," she said quietly, more to herself although loud enough for Rhiannon to hear.

[SilverTiger]

Since the bleeding had stopped, despite the throbbing in her finger she ought to at least pretend like she wanted to be there. She smiled back at her friend. "Sorry. not sure how enthusiastic I should be about a dangerous creature," she said giggling, as she stood up and followed the Ravenclaw over the tank.

"I'm already injured, i could just reach in there," she said quietly, more to herself although loud enough for Rhiannon to hear.

Rhiannon shook her head as she looked into the tank. Speaking in a low voice, she said, "I don't really see how anyone could be enthusiastic about dealing with dangerous creatures." She tried to think of a way to weaken the kappa. If she got it to bow inside the water, the liquid in its head would dissipate in the water, and she wasn't that cruel. But she also wasn't going to reach in and try to grab one when it was at full strength.

She also didn't want Amelia to have to get more injured. Coming up with a strange idea, she slipped her wand out of her bag and surreptitiously pointed it at a small kappa who wasn't really paying attention to them. Accio kappa head liquid, she thought, and was partially shocked when the liquid in the kappa she had indicated's head started to lazily float out of the hollow.

[FoxFire]

Gwen approached one of the tanks that held a kappa. Why not work with a kappa? They're supposed to be more dangerous and anyhow, I'm a Gryffindor. I laugh in the face of danger. Ha ha ha.

She looked around for Emma, hoping to work with her and chat undisturbed about Pierce.

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon shook her head as she looked into the tank. Speaking in a low voice, she said, "I don't really see how anyone could be enthusiastic about dealing with dangerous creatures." She tried to think of a way to weaken the kappa. If she got it to bow inside the water, the liquid in its head would dissipate in the water, and she wasn't that cruel. But she also wasn't going to reach in and try to grab one when it was at full strength.

She also didn't want Amelia to have to get more injured. Coming up with a strange idea, she slipped her wand out of her bag and surreptitiously pointed it at a small kappa who wasn't really paying attention to them. Accio kappa head liquid, she thought, and was partially shocked when the liquid in the kappa she had indicated's head started to lazily float out of the hollow.

Amelia giggled as she said she didn't see how anyone could be enthusiastic with working with dangerous creatures. The thing was, she wasn't scared of the danger necessarily, but she just wasn't much a creatures person. But she was sure that Fabian wouldn't complain about working with such creatures.

She smiled as the Ravenclaw was actually thinking through how to best obtain the creature. There was a reason Rhiannon was sorted into Ravenclaw; clearly. The girl was absolutely brilliant and actually thought through the logic in everything, unlike herself who was a hardworker but very rash and quick in decision-making. "Absolutely brilliant," she said in a low voice and rushed over to obtain a vial from her bag. "Here you go. For the collection of the liquid," she said, realizing that quick thinking did come in handy sometimes.

[Lissy Longbottom]

Gwen approached one of the tanks that held a kappa. Why not work with a kappa? They're supposed to be more dangerous and anyhow, I'm a Gryffindor. I laugh in the face of danger. Ha ha ha.

She looked around for Emma, hoping to work with her and chat undisturbed about Pierce.

"Hey Gwen!" Emma said, coming up to the Gryffindor from across the room. "Wanna work together?" she asked, looking in one of the tanks at the Kappa that was nearby.

[FoxFire]

"Hey Gwen!" Emma said, coming up to the Gryffindor from across the room. "Wanna work together?" she asked, looking in one of the tanks at the Kappa that was nearby.

"Sure," Gwen said cheerily. She flipped quickly through her textbook.

"It says kappas feed on-eurgh, human blood, but can be mollified with a cucumber with the person's name carved on it." She paused. "You haven't got a cucumber, have you?"

[Lissy Longbottom]

"Sure," Gwen said cheerily. She flipped quickly through her textbook.

"It says kappas feed on-eurgh, human blood, but can be mollified with a cucumber with the person's name carved on it." She paused. "You haven't got a cucumber, have you?"

"No, I don't," Emma laughed, jokingly feeling around her pockets. "A cucumber with a person's name? That's weird."

"Ok, so, are we actually supposed to interact with it?" she asked, consulting the assignment again. That was what it said, but she certainly was not going to just stick her hand in the tank and hope that the Kappa didn't take a few of her fingers.

"How about we do the physical description first," she said, pulling out a quill and parchment to take notes.

[FoxFire]

"No, I don't," Emma laughed, jokingly feeling around her pockets. "A cucumber with a person's name? That's weird."

"Ok, so, are we actually supposed to interact with it?" she asked, consulting the assignment again. That was what it said, but she certainly was not going to just stick her hand in the tank and hope that the Kappa didn't take a few of her fingers.

"How about we do the physical description first," she said, pulling out a quill and parchment to take notes.

"Okay," Gwen said, relieved. She did not wish to lose any blood today. She had so far managed to avoid being in the hospital wing, and she wanted it to stay that way.

"Hmm," she said. "Looks like a monkey crossed with a fish. All scaly and stuff. With a great bowl for a head. What d'you suppose that's for? Has it got a brain?"

[SilverTiger]

Amelia giggled as she said she didn't see how anyone could be enthusiastic with working with dangerous creatures. The thing was, she wasn't scared of the danger necessarily, but she just wasn't much a creatures person. But she was sure that Fabian wouldn't complain about working with such creatures.

She smiled as the Ravenclaw was actually thinking through how to best obtain the creature. There was a reason Rhiannon was sorted into Ravenclaw; clearly. The girl was absolutely brilliant and actually thought through the logic in everything, unlike herself who was a hardworker but very rash and quick in decision-making. "Absolutely brilliant," she said in a low voice and rushed over to obtain a vial from her bag. "Here you go. For the collection of the liquid," she said, realizing that quick thinking did come in handy sometimes.

Rhiannon watched the liquid float toward them, and was glad when Amelia ran and got a vial. She hadn't really thought about that. Evidently, there had been at least one flaw in her plan. And she was still surprised that the kappa hadn't seemed to notice the fact that its strength was literally floating away. But then, as the last little bit of liquid starts to leave its head, the kappa swings its head around and glares at the girls.

However, shortly afterward, the liquid is entirely airborne and the kappa faints. She collects the liquid in Amelia's vial and then goes over to the unconscious creature, fishing it out of the water before it drowns. Carrying it over to the Hufflepuff, she places it on a desk and stupefies it, just to be careful.

[BanaBatGirl]

Rapunzel stood up from her seat as class was dismissed and hesitated for a moment, debating between studying grindylows or kappas. She sighed, and finally went for a kappa tank.

She approached a scaley-looking-monkeyish thing and wondered how to get it out. Or get it to bow and spill the water from its head...:hmm:

Punz tapped the glass of the tank, curious to see how the kappa would react. The ugly creature blinked at her for a moment and then tapped back, the same spot Rapunzel had touched.

Interesting, she thought with a raised eyebrow. Maybe the monkey wants to play.....

She smiled crookedly and then scratched her blonde head, rather melodramatically, while making a :doof: face.

Amazingly, the kappa followed suit, even spilling some of the water out of the hollow on the top of his head. It smiled evilly at her, showing an abundance of sharp teeth.

Punz couldn't help but shudder a little at the sight, but she continued with her version of Simon Says. Next, she jumped up once, just a little bunny hop, to see if the kappa would do it too.

And it did. The scaley monkey thing, still showing all its teeth, bounced up and down, effectively spilling about half of the water on its head. When the kappa landed, it weaved a little on its funky feet, clearing getting weak from the loss of water.

Punz beamed at her handiwork and went in for the last bit....she did a little twil, holding her robes like they were a dainty dress, and curstied to the kappa.

The monkey-like-monster was all too eager to follow suit, as it watched her antics with hungry eyes. The kappa twirled around and around, the water in its head hollow sloshing out like no other. And then the monkey bowed - aha, not a cursty, but a bow, because obviously male kappas mcmonkeys don't cursty!

And all the water tipped out with a final splash! into the tank. The little kappa lost its source of strength and with one last glare at Rapunzel on the other side, it passed out.

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon watched the liquid float toward them, and was glad when Amelia ran and got a vial. She hadn't really thought about that. Evidently, there had been at least one flaw in her plan. And she was still surprised that the kappa hadn't seemed to notice the fact that its strength was literally floating away. But then, as the last little bit of liquid starts to leave its head, the kappa swings its head around and glares at the girls.

However, shortly afterward, the liquid is entirely airborne and the kappa faints. She collects the liquid in Amelia's vial and then goes over to the unconscious creature, fishing it out of the water before it drowns. Carrying it over to the Hufflepuff, she places it on a desk and stupefies it, just to be careful.

Amelia watched as the last bit of liquid left the kappa's head and floated into the vial that she brought over. She then gasped and took a step back as the kappa swung around and glared at them. It was for some reason, frightening to her.

Then Rhiannon retrieved the limp kappa from the tank and carried it over to her, placing it on the desk. "I-is it d-d-dead?" the hufflepuff managed to ask, forgetting all about kappas and the liquid in their heads. She jotted down a few notes on its color and the apparent texture, while waiting for her friend.

[SilverTiger]

Amelia watched as the last bit of liquid left the kappa's head and floated into the vial that she brought over. She then gasped and took a step back as the kappa swung around and glared at them. It was for some reason, frightening to her.

Then Rhiannon retrieved the limp kappa from the tank and carried it over to her, placing it on the desk. "I-is it d-d-dead?" the hufflepuff managed to ask, forgetting all about kappas and the liquid in their heads. She jotted down a few notes on its color and the apparent texture, while waiting for her friend.

Rhiannon shook her head. "No, it's not dead. It fainted, and then I stunned it." She followed Amelia's suit and took down some notes on its appearance, carefully raising its lip to look at the kappa's teeth. Glad I somehow managed to avoid those, she thought, looking at the sharp little pointy teeth.

Finishing her examination, she glances at the Hufflepuff. "Can you think of anything else we need to do?"

[BanaBatGirl]

Rapunzel was absolutely tickled to see the kappa tip over, having fainted from lack of strength in the form of water. She swished her wand and levitated it out of the tank and over to her desk for study.

She smiled at Rhiannon and Amelia as she passed, noticing that they too were studying a kappa.

Having reached her table, Rapunzel carefully lowered the kappa onto the ground and hastily jotted some notes down about the creature. Now that she could see it up close, it didn't look so....menacing. Sure, the teeth were still bared in one last stroke of defiance, but otherwise, the kappa looked even more like a scaley monkey than ever. She shrugged and started sketching the monkey, her purple quill moving rapidly over the parchment, with special attention to the hollow on top of the kappa's head. The source of power, Punz thought with a smirk, is also its source of weakness. That, and the fact that it likes to play games with its potential victims....

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon shook her head. "No, it's not dead. It fainted, and then I stunned it." She followed Amelia's suit and took down some notes on its appearance, carefully raising its lip to look at the kappa's teeth. Glad I somehow managed to avoid those, she thought, looking at the sharp little pointy teeth.

Finishing her examination, she glances at the Hufflepuff. "Can you think of anything else we need to do?"

Amelia breathed a sigh of relief as Rhiannon told her it wasn't dead. She was hoping the creature wasn't. She eyed its webbed hands and noting the scaly skin on the kappa. Then gazing towards its mouth, she quickly jotted down a couple words to describe its teeth.

Finally done with her observations, she shook her head. "Nope. Just the homework," she said, with a wink.

[ShaneCollins]

Ryder watched on looking into his book and then back around the room. He pulled out a little container from his bag and began munching on some chicken wings from the great hall. He was starving, he sat there tearing into the chicken wings pieces of chicken falling to the table he was sitting at.

"I knew I should have put a butterbeer in my bag as well." he said picking a piece of chicken off the table and throwing it into the air and catching it in his mouth. He stood up and bowed as if expecting an applause for that show. "Thank you, Thank you." he said pulling out his wand. "And now for my next act I will turn this chicken bone into a piece of broccoli."

And with a swish and flick the chicken bone had become a piece of broccoli, "Professor do any of these dark creatures like broccoli?" Ryder said holding the piece in the air and swishing it back and forth.

[SilverTiger]

Amelia breathed a sigh of relief as Rhiannon told her it wasn't dead. She was hoping the creature wasn't. She eyed its webbed hands and noting the scaly skin on the kappa. Then gazing towards its mouth, she quickly jotted down a couple words to describe its teeth.

Finally done with her observations, she shook her head. "Nope. Just the homework," she said, with a wink.

Rhiannon nodded. "Well, then I guess we need to get this guy back to his tank. Do you think we should revive him first, or give the head liquid back first?" She figured either way they should get it back to the tank first, then do whatever they chose. And if they returned the liquid first, hopefully they could get far enough away before reviving the creature.

[BanaBatGirl]

Rapunzel finished her notes on the kappa and rolled up her scroll, deciding that it was about time to put the little creature back into its tank. She didn't know how long a kappa could go without its "power source", or without any type of water, for that matter.

Carefully, she levitated the kappa again and gently strolled to the tanks, slowly dumping it back into a container of its own. Punz clapped her hands, happy to have survived a lesson regarding dangerous magical creatures unscathed.

She beamed and headed pack to her desk, picking up her items. Now, she just had to finish the homework....and maybe Hufflepuff could pick up a few points to get ahead of the Gryffindors...

[Lissy Longbottom]

"Okay," Gwen said, relieved. She did not wish to lose any blood today. She had so far managed to avoid being in the hospital wing, and she wanted it to stay that way.

"Hmm," she said. "Looks like a monkey crossed with a fish. All scaly and stuff. With a great bowl for a head. What d'you suppose that's for? Has it got a brain?"

"Hmmm...." Emma began to flip through the pages of her Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (her Monster Book of Monsters was misbehaving at the moment) and found the page on Kappas. "It says the bowl...thing on the top of their heads holds water, which carries water. The water gives it it's strength. SO..." she pushed the book to the edge of the desk so she had more room to take notes, "We should try and get it to bow and dump all the water out of it's head, and then we can take it out of the tank and examine it."

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon nodded. "Well, then I guess we need to get this guy back to his tank. Do you think we should revive him first, or give the head liquid back first?" She figured either way they should get it back to the tank first, then do whatever they chose. And if they returned the liquid first, hopefully they could get far enough away before reviving the creature.

"Wait!" Amelia said rather spontaneously when the Ravenclaw mentioned about the head liquid. "Do we uh... need to do anything with the liquid?" She was rather sure that they needed to do something with the liquid, if they were even supposed to add it back in.

[FoxFire]

"Hmmm...." Emma began to flip through the pages of her Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (her Monster Book of Monsters was misbehaving at the moment) and found the page on Kappas. "It says the bowl...thing on the top of their heads holds water, which carries water. The water gives it it's strength. SO..." she pushed the book to the edge of the desk so she had more room to take notes, "We should try and get it to bow and dump all the water out of it's head, and then we can take it out of the tank and examine it."

Gwen glanced warily at the kappa in its tank. It bobbed near the surface, leering at them.

"I suppose we ought to bow first," she said. "Like with a hippogriff, I guess."

She retreated several paces away from the tank and made a short bow. The kappa stared at her.

Gwen took a new tack. "What if we tricked it into bending over? Like if we offered it food or something."

[Lissy Longbottom]

Gwen glanced warily at the kappa in its tank. It bobbed near the surface, leering at them.

"I suppose we ought to bow first," she said. "Like with a hippogriff, I guess."

She retreated several paces away from the tank and made a short bow. The kappa stared at her.

Gwen took a new tack. "What if we tricked it into bending over? Like if we offered it food or something."

"We could try that, but what do they feed on besides blood?" she asked with a slight grimace. "Maybe there's a spell we could use to get rid of the water?" she muttered.

She lifted her wand and pointed it at the creature's head, "Evanesco," she murmered. Nothing happened except a small spark, which jumped out of Emma's wand and zapped the creature in the eye. It yelped and made a weird squeeling noise before going over to the corner of the tank, glaring at them from behind a decorative patch of seaweed.

"Maybe my spell is not strong enough," Emma wondered aloud, "Do you think you could do it?"

[FoxFire]

Gwen thought for a moment. "What if we just Petrified it? Or Stunned it?"

Raising her wand, she muttered, "Petrificus Totalus!"

The kappa froze immediately, its scaly arms and legs stuck in a crouch, a leer frozen on its face. It glared at her reproachfully.

Gwen levitated the kappa and tipped her wand so that the kappa's dome-shaped head emptied.

[SilverTiger]

"Wait!" Amelia said rather spontaneously when the Ravenclaw mentioned about the head liquid. "Do we uh... need to do anything with the liquid?" She was rather sure that they needed to do something with the liquid, if they were even supposed to add it back in.

Rhiannon glanced at Amelia curiously. "Yeah. I think we need to give it back to the kappa. I don't think Professor Clark would like us very much if we permanently hobbled one of his kappas, do you?" She was wondering about the whole thing. Maybe Amelia was more scared of the creature then she thought.

Anyway, she had pretty much decided they should bring the kappa back over near its tank, put the liquid back, then place it in the tank. Then move away a short distance and then revive it. Hopefully returning the liquid wouldn't revive it by itself.

[PhoenixRising]

Rhiannon glanced at Amelia curiously. "Yeah. I think we need to give it back to the kappa. I don't think Professor Clark would like us very much if we permanently hobbled one of his kappas, do you?" She was wondering about the whole thing. Maybe Amelia was more scared of the creature then she thought.

Anyway, she had pretty much decided they should bring the kappa back over near its tank, put the liquid back, then place it in the tank. Then move away a short distance and then revive it. Hopefully returning the liquid wouldn't revive it by itself.

Amelia bit her lower lip slowly and nodded. "Oh right, of course. Perhaps that Grindylow took more of my blood than I thought," she said and followed with a subtle smile. She wasn't scared of the kappas, but well she really didn't know what exactly was her problem today.

She watched as her friend put the liquid back into the kappa and placed it into its tank. And then the Ravenclaw revived it; it was actually like witnessing the birth of a new kappa almost the way it came alive.

"Thank you for your help, Rhian," she told her as she headed back over to her desk and picked her messenger bag up off the floor. "Homework time now, I suppose."

[Lissy Longbottom]

Gwen thought for a moment. "What if we just Petrified it? Or Stunned it?"

Raising her wand, she muttered, "Petrificus Totalus!"

The kappa froze immediately, its scaly arms and legs stuck in a crouch, a leer frozen on its face. It glared at her reproachfully.

Gwen levitated the kappa and tipped her wand so that the kappa's dome-shaped head emptied.

"Nice one," Emma said with a smile as Gwen successfully stunned the kappa. She plucked the little creature out of thin air with a grimace on her face. "Eww, it feels so weird and slimey!" she giggled, placing the kappa on the table very gently so she didn't hurt the tiny, now defenseless, creature.

[Angie]

Willow was having an internal debate on wether she should just leave, and not take extra credit, or staying there and dealing with Kappas and Grindylows. She bit her lip. It was tough.

She hated animals. Well, it wasn't that she hated them, she was just scared of them. And Grindylows are Kappas were definitely not an exception. She shivered.

In the other hand, Ravenclaw needed the points. Badly. If they wanted to win the house cup, they had to take advantage of all the oportunities that they had.

The young Ravenclaw contemplated the creatures, with wide eyes.

[Waddles]

Willow was having an internal debate on wether she should just leave, and not take extra credit, or staying there and dealing with Kappas and Grindylows. She bit her lip. It was tough.

She hated animals. Well, it wasn't that she hated them, she was just scared of them. And Grindylows are Kappas were definitely not an exception. She shivered.

In the other hand, Ravenclaw needed the points. Badly. If they wanted to win the house cup, they had to take advantage of all the oportunities that they had.

The young Ravenclaw contemplated the creatures, with wide eyes.

Juniper eyed first a tank of Kappas, then a tank of Grindylows. She could not decide which she should work with. Both had their pros and cons, and both had more cons than pros. Gaahh, she hated decisions. As she looked back and forth from one tank to the other, someone completely stationary caught her attention from the corner of her eye.

Juniper turned and snickered as she saw anti-nature girl sitting and looking disgusted. Well, anti-nature girl was a Ravenclaw. And she was a whole year older than Juniper, after all. Perhaps she would be useful.

“Want to work together?” Juniper asked quietly as she walked over to Kovac. It was a logical solution, after all. Juniper knew about magical creatures, and she wasn’t afraid of them. Kovac, on the other hand, likely knew useful tidbits that Juniper hadn’t been exposed to.

All in all, the two working together was a logical way to gain the most points for Ravenclaw.

[SilverTiger]

Amelia bit her lower lip slowly and nodded. "Oh right, of course. Perhaps that Grindylow took more of my blood than I thought," she said and followed with a subtle smile. She wasn't scared of the kappas, but well she really didn't know what exactly was her problem today.

She watched as her friend put the liquid back into the kappa and placed it into its tank. And then the Ravenclaw revived it; it was actually like witnessing the birth of a new kappa almost the way it came alive.

"Thank you for your help, Rhian," she told her as she headed back over to her desk and picked her messenger bag up off the floor. "Homework time now, I suppose."

Rhiannon could tell that Amelia wasn't her usual self. She didn't know if it had anything to do with the Grindylow injury, or if it was something else entirely. But she wasn't going to ask the other girl about it now. Maybe if they got a chance to talk after class.

She went through the steps of returning the kappa to normal, hoping that her plan would work. Because she hadn't been lying, or entirely joking, when she had mentioned not wanting to anger the professor. Luckily for her, the kappa didn't seem to have any issues with her plan, and revived at the exact moment she hoped it would. She almost involuntarily let out a breath of relief.

She tilted her head in confusion at Amelia's next words. They still didn't seem like they were coming from the Amelia she knew. Except for the use of the nickname that only the Huffie seemed to use, it almost would have seemed like a mere acquaintance was saying the words. "Amelia? Are you okay?"

[FoxFire]

"Nice one," Emma said with a smile as Gwen successfully stunned the kappa. She plucked the little creature out of thin air with a grimace on her face. "Eww, it feels so weird and slimey!" she giggled, placing the kappa on the table very gently so she didn't hurt the tiny, now defenseless, creature.

"So," said Gwen, suddenly brisk and business-like. She began scribbling on her parchment. "Fish monkeys. Monkeys with scales. With a bowl for head. Responds to minor hexes and jinxes." She cocked her head to the side. "Almost cute when it's paralyzed."

[Angie]

Juniper eyed first a tank of Kappas, then a tank of Grindylows. She could not decide which she should work with. Both had their pros and cons, and both had more cons than pros. Gaahh, she hated decisions. As she looked back and forth from one tank to the other, someone completely stationary caught her attention from the corner of her eye.

Juniper turned and snickered as she saw anti-nature girl sitting and looking disgusted. Well, anti-nature girl was a Ravenclaw. And she was a whole year older than Juniper, after all. Perhaps she would be useful.

“Want to work together?” Juniper asked quietly as she walked over to Kovac. It was a logical solution, after all. Juniper knew about magical creatures, and she wasn’t afraid of them. Kovac, on the other hand, likely knew useful tidbits that Juniper hadn’t been exposed to.

All in all, the two working together was a logical way to gain the most points for Ravenclaw.

This was utterly ridiculous. Why should she deal with Kappas or Grindylows for extra credit? Why couldn't they just learn to-- Oh, well. This was Care of Magical Creatures, and obviously, they had to deal with Magical Creatures. Grrrr... She was not only feeling fear, now. Anger had taken over Willow, as well. At least things couldn't get any worse.

How wrong she was

The least person that she would've wanted to see, or talk to, was addressing to her. Juniper "Nature freak" Goodwin, was talking to her, and Willow was definitely not in the mood to deal with her. Actually, to be deal with anybody. Stupid creatures

However, Willow had to accept that Juniper's help would be really good. Goodwin loved animals, so she was most likely to know how to deal with Grindylows or Kappas. She on the other hand, would probably chuck a rock at them, if for some reason she ran into either of those creatures.

"Sure, sure" She said, rather indifferent. "Do you know how to deal with this--"Absolutely pointless creatures "Animals?"

[Waddles]

This was utterly ridiculous. Why should she deal with Kappas or Grindylows for extra credit? Why couldn't they just learn to-- Oh, well. This was Care of Magical Creatures, and obviously, they had to deal with Magical Creatures. Grrrr... She was not only feeling fear, now. Anger had taken over Willow, as well. At least things couldn't get any worse.

How wrong she was

The least person that she would've wanted to see, or talk to, was addressing to her. Juniper "Nature freak" Goodwin, was talking to her, and Willow was definitely not in the mood to deal with her. Actually, to be deal with anybody. Stupid creatures

However, Willow had to accept that Juniper's help would be really good. Goodwin loved animals, so she was most likely to know how to deal with Grindylows or Kappas. She on the other hand, would probably chuck a rock at them, if for some reason she ran into either of those creatures.

"Sure, sure" She said, rather indifferent. "Do you know how to deal with this--"Absolutely pointless creatures "Animals?"

Juniper examined Kovac from the corner of her eye. “Yes, I do,” she said bluntly. “Do you want to work with Grindylows or Kappas?”

See. Being polite really was not such hard work. At least, it was easy to be polite, even to Kovac, when the subject matter was magical creatures. Juniper thought back to what she knew about Kappas and Grindylows. She really had no preferences. It was up to anti-nature girl to choose.

[Angie]

Juniper examined Kovac from the corner of her eye. “Yes, I do,” she said bluntly. “Do you want to work with Grindylows or Kappas?”

See. Being polite really was not such hard work. At least, it was easy to be polite, even to Kovac, when the subject matter was magical creatures. Juniper thought back to what she knew about Kappas and Grindylows. She really had no preferences. It was up to anti-nature girl to choose.

Willow could not help but to feel relieved, over the fact that Juniper, was familiar with the creatures they were supposed to deal with. This was a good start, and so far, nothing that could be mark as "impolite" had escaped from her lips. Her mother would be proud.

"Er-- I don't really care, you pick one" Willow replied, wary. Really, as long as none of those things decided to play with her, or something like that, everything would be fine.

Ravenclaw needs the points, Ravenclaw needs the points...

[DeathEater24601]

Xana drew out her wand and quickly cast 'Incarcerous', binding the small creature. For good measure, she stunned the creature again and it was still. "Are you alright?" she asked Diabolica, a bit worried. How did they manage to get the fiesty ones? Crikey.

"Yes... I'm alright. He wasn't quite so bad..." she grinned.

[Waddles]

Willow could not help but to feel relieved, over the fact that Juniper, was familiar with the creatures they were supposed to deal with. This was a good start, and so far, nothing that could be mark as "impolite" had escaped from her lips. Her mother would be proud.

"Er-- I don't really care, you pick one" Willow replied, wary. Really, as long as none of those things decided to play with her, or something like that, everything would be fine.

Ravenclaw needs the points, Ravenclaw needs the points...

“Grindylows then.” Once Kovac had declined choosing, Juniper wasted no time in selecting a creature to work with. She could not hide a smile, for anti-nature girl was actually being nice. Now to get the grindylow out of the tank…

Juniper tapped her foot, her hands both jammed into pockets and a cautious expression on her face. “Ko – Willow, can you stupefy?” she asked. Hopefully the older girl would be able to. “If you can, you could stupefy one and then summon it from the tank.” Just so that neither of the two would have to stick a hand into a tank full of angry grindylows.

“I just can’t stupefy yet.” Erk. Had she seriously just told anti-nature girl that? What a mistake…

Still. Surely the two of them would get plenty of points if they worked together. Well, hopefully. If they could work together without arguing. Which, of course, was questionable.