Though December had settled over the castle, the section of the grounds reserved for today’s Defence Against the Dark Arts gathering felt touched by summer itself. Warm afternoon sunlight spilled across the Hogwarts grounds in soft golden waves, while a gentle breeze carried the faint scents of fresh grass and earth through the air. Any trace of winter’s chill seemed impossibly far away. Professor Khanna had evidently gone to great lengths to ensure the cold, dim weather would not interfere with the afternoon’s activities. Subtle warming charms lingered throughout the area, wrapping students in comfortable warmth and bathing the grounds in a bright glow.

As you arrive you will notice a few other curious things: an old, weathered wardrobe stood somewhat incongruously against the open landscape, its crooked doors shut tight for now, the wood worn with age. Not far beyond it, a line of enchanted training dummies had been arranged at intervals across the grass. They stood perfectly still at present but their presence suggested that the calm wouldn’t last for long. Further along the course, something darted briefly through the air. It was too quick to catch clearly, but a burst of shrill, mischievous laughter carried on the breeze. Whatever could that be?

At the far end of the field stood the unmistakable marker of the finish line: a pair of tall banners bearing the Hogwarts crest, planted firmly in the ground and fluttering proudly in the afternoon wind. Anyone who managed to reach them would know they had completed the mini obstacle course that had been planned for you.


OOC: Welcome to term 73’s DADA lesson! Just a gentle reminder to read the Rules and Guidelines, paying particular attention to the first rule about labelling your posts with your student's name and House. Please keep character chatter to a minimum.

Class will kick off in about 25 hours!