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*PhoenixRising* · 05-10-2008, 04:37 AM

[banner made by me]

Hello everyone! My name is Jessica, and this is my first time posting a fanfic to this site ~~or any for that matter~~. This FF is actually set up differently than most, as it is a history of a school: Durmstang. It was written back in 2006 for another website by myself (PhoenixRising - or known there as Hermione886/Hermi886) and my friend, Andrea (Chaosconductor - or known there as Starkitten513). All information is fictional based off what we created for Durmstrang on the other site. Enjoy!

Note: I will be posting the whole thing within two or three parts, as well.

***

It was her dream. After years of work choosing textbooks, finding and interviewing teachers, locating a premise, Katrina Zusammen had just finished addressing the letters to the first class of students to enter the newly established Durmstrang Institute of Magical Inquiry. With a flick of her wand the top letter floated into the air and an owl flew in through the door, grabbed it, and took off out the window. A whole pack of owls swooped out of the headmistress’s window, taking a letter to inform the very best students in the area that they were invited to attend the brand new Institute designed as an alternative to other schools in the area. Durmstrang was going to be the greatest institute of learning, Katrina was certain of it. It would be home to the most powerful wizards.

While other schools vowed never to teach the Dark Arts, for fear it would turn young wizards to the dark side, Katrina knew better. She was a self-taught witch, having been turned out of her entirely muggle home once her magical abilities began to surface. Dark Arts had attracted Katrina, not because of their inherent evil, but because of their power. There was no hiding it, she loved power. But, above desiring power, she desired integrity. She was always an odd girl, having difficulty lying or stealing when her classmates never did. Her sense of right and wrong was overpowering. This sense of morality grew as she aged, and the corruption that she saw in the world sickened her. So, when she began the plans for Durmstrang Institute, she was convinced that more than power, the young wizards and witches needed to have the choice between right and wrong. She was unwilling to send them out into the world having armed them only with good magic, knowing that the world was full of darkness. Her students, she vowed, would learn dark arts; even though exposing underage wizards to dark arts was frowned upon, she was adamant in her decision. Katrina then bent over and scribbled down notes on four pieces of parchment, in which she addressed one to each of her four most prized friends: Schlauwer, Reinwille, Starkend, and Glaezand. Katrina valued friendship as much as she valued power or integrity. Her dream could only be realized with the help of her friends, and she vowed her students would learn that lesson too.

One week later, as planned, the five friends met together in the Headmistress’s Office to discuss the rules of Durmstrang Institute and what was to be expected of the teachers and students when they arrived in just under a month. Katrina started crying out for, “Unity. If there is one thing I want most of all from this school, is that I want it to be united. I don’t want any of that house nonsense, which separates people, ruining potential friendships, power. Power is essential for all my students to learn. Without the knowledge of how to achieve power, there is no future for Durmstrang Institute. Integrity; as leaders of a new school, we must respect and honor our teachers and our peers. Through friendship, power, and integrity, Durmstrang can achieve great heights.”

Jessica Reinwille was staring avidly at Katrina, taking in and nodding at every word spoken. “Of course, I agree with all you say. You know my feeling about holding us together as a group. I would do anything for my friends and my students. I intend on teaching the same values.” Reinwille spoke with a strong Bulgarian accent, with the utmost pride and respect.

Suzanne Schlauwer shook her head and spoke in haughty voice, “I disagree. I do not understand this unity business. We should have separate houses to represent each of our views. All students are different, and we must accommodate them in order to grow.”

Tara Glaezand looked up from her vigorous note taking, and spoke in the most elegant French voice, “I am sorry to disappoint you Schlauwer, but unity is important for a new institution. Separating into houses would mean that we are not an equal opportunity school. Students would lose out on the ability to learn from others. We would miss out on the opportunity to really get to know students.”

Andrea Starkend sat quietly in the corner, listening to the others disagree, for they truly were too close of friends to ever really argue. She was fiddling with her wand; drawing a glittering dragon in the air and watching him fade away with a ‘puff.’

“Schlauwer, I know you are partial towards division, dark arts require the doubts and suspicions that inevitably come with dividing people,” she said, speaking slowly as to conceal her thick German accent as much as possible. “Of course, Katrina brought us here not as equals, but as teachers. She wishes unity. We must respect that. If that is to be the manner by which Durmstrang will prosper, I will go along.” The other women stared at Starkend, mostly because of her accusation that they were not equals in this endeavor, but rather subservient to Katrina and her plans.

“Of course, these things can be re-evaluated,” Starkend continued coolly. “For now, we do it your way Katrina. You have asked us here, and we come to you on your terms.”

“Thank you Andrea,” Katrina said, attempting to take what Starkend had said as a compliment. She waved her wand and conjured glasses before each of the women to make a toast. “To Durmstrang,” she said in a strong voice. “To Durmstrang,” the others repeated.

Jamers · 05-11-2008, 08:02 PM

First Reader.. Cant wait for more!
Jamie

*PhoenixRising* · 05-16-2008, 07:25 AM

Thanks Jamie!!

***

The school year was about to begin, and the teachers were eagerly awaiting the first group of students in the Grand Hall. Katrina had, of course, enchanted the castle such that it was entirely unplottable. The only way to arrive at the castle was by ship, and only one ship could pass through the waters that surrounded the grounds. Reinwille had been given the duty of bringing back the ship with the new students from the muggle harbor where they were picked up. They were a noisy bunch of students, all around the age of 11. This first class would go seven years through Durmstrang before graduation, to become the finest witches and wizards in the land. They were inevitably antsy, and during the voyage many asked Reinwille about the manner in which Durmstrang would be run. Reinwille tried her best to ignore some of the protests, and silenced the students when she told them of the plans she had for the Charms class she would be teaching. Then she warned them of Glaezand, who was an infinitely charming woman, but expected nothing short of brilliance of her Arithmancy students. She told them that Schlauwer was the Dark Arts teacher, who was more than willing to use her powers for whatever means necessary. The Divinations teacher, Starkend, she told them often acted aloof but was anything but.

And so the years went. For seventeen years, the four women taught their classes. Inevitably, students seemed to excel in one class. The most popular students soared through Charms with little trouble, and the success in Arithmancy inevitably depended on how many hours the students logged in the library. The most cunning students excelled in the Dark Arts classroom, and the most passionate students were best in the art of divinations. Most students managed to do sufficiently well in potions, transfiguration, dueling, history, and all the other classes.

But, after seventeen years, unrest was forming beyond Schlauwer and Starkend. The other teachers wanted students separated by their talents, to better suit their lessons to them. Katrina was forced to look more carefully at the issues of power, friendship, passion, intelligence, and most importantly, unity. Katrina decided it be best to call another meeting to order.

Maxilocks · 05-22-2008, 03:55 AM

Very nicely written, hun, I love the idea. Also, I adore the names you've chosen for the various characters. A vair lovely touch, there. =)

Keep up the good work, can't wait for more. <3

*PhoenixRising* · 05-27-2008, 11:07 PM

Thank you Maxie!! <33

And this will sadly be the last installment of the fic, finishing off the History of that Bulgarian School, Durmstrang.

Thank you all for reading!

***

Late one Thursday evening, Starkend, Schlauwer, and Reinwille regrouped once again in the Headmistress’s office. “Where is Tara?” questioned Katrina.

Timidly, Reinwille remarked, “She said she will be running late; she had to finish up some work at the library.”

“Never mind, we’re starting without her,” snapped Katrina. “I assume you all know why I am calling this meeting.” Reinwille looked confused, but Starkend and Schlauwer exchanged a malicious look at each other. It was easy to conclude that this was not going to be a fun or short meeting. “After seventeen years of observing students pass through this school, I must sadly admit that I was wrong in thinking that such drastic differences could be united. All of you have unique teaching styles, which help to bring students together, but yet separate them based on their strengths. It seems that by separating students into houses, students would be able to succeed in their lessons and find similar talents in their friends. However, because unity is so important I demand we not separate the houses into different tables in our dining hall. Also, I suggest that the classes remain mixed among the different houses, to allow students to socialize with those who are not exactly like them.”

“Outrageous! If we are to separate into houses, I want my house having its own table in the Dining Hall. If we are to separate, we must do so completely.” Schlauwer broke out.

“Calm down Suzanne. If we are to have houses as you so adamantly wanted for seventeen years, then we must compromise.” Reinwille explained.

At that moment, the door burst opened, and Glaezand hurried in panting, “Sorry about being late; what have I missed?” Reinwille motioned for her to sit next to her and filled her in on what had said.

“Fine. We will have our own houses, but can we at least keep those in the same house in the same class? Even if we don’t have separate tables in the dining hall, I think that separating the classes based on houses would play to their strengths. They’d learn better.” Glaezand insisted, and surprisingly the other teachers nodded in agreement.

Katrina stepped up, “Well, now that that is settled. We shall have houses, not separated in the dining hall, but separated in classes and dormitories. I think that each of you should create a house and name it according the principles you would wish your students to uphold. Judging by what I know of each of you; I suggest that you concentrate on friendship, power, passion, and intelligence. This sword hanging up on my wall will be used to sort the students, as it has tremendous magical properties.” Katrina removes the sword, and holds on to it as she waits for the new house names.

Starkend spoke first, decisive and strong in her words and her manner, “My house will be named Feuerherz, meaning fire hearted. Feuerherz will be the house of those who are passionate and active. The students will have focus and drive. A fervent desire to hone the special talents they possess is a mark of a Feuerherz student, though they may sometimes be seen as headstrong or impulsive. They will be guided by instinct rather than intellect, feelings rather than thoughts. Their power will be great, because they tap into parts of the soul that wizard-kind has always tried to subdue.”

“Excellent. You may now add those traits to the sword.” Katrina passed the sword to Starkend who said proudly, “Feuerherzen,” and the sword glowed bright orange.

Glaezand told of her decided house, speaking resolutely but in a quiet voice, “Eiskrieger, meaning ice warrior. Eiskriegers will be devoted to diligent study, and enjoy reading or recording observations. They excel in their schoolwork, and take great pleasure in learning everything they can. With a wide breadth of knowledge, they can weigh situations carefully and choose wise courses of action. They will be guided by intellect and knowledge, and only the most brilliant students will be right for my house.”

“Very nice Tara. Andrea, would you please pass the sword?” Starkend passed the sword to Glaezand, who took hold and elegantly said, “Eiskriegen,” and watched the sword become blue.

Reinwille hesitantly spoke of her chosen house name, “Renhartad, which means pure hearted, is the house of those true in spirit, who desire to protect and defend others. They will strive for enlightenment of the mind and spirit, and have a natural tendency to value friendships and loyalty above all. They study hard to equip themselves with any knowledge that may help them and others, but sometimes may take risks that endanger their own lives. Above all, Renhartad students put their feelings on the side to help a friend. They are willing to bend the rules when the situation dictates in order to promote the good of the people around them.”

“Excellent yet again. Tara, would you pass the sword to Jessica?” Glaezand passed the sword on to Reinwille, who just as the others did, took hold and said, “Renhartad,” and the sword became a royal purple.

Lastly, Schlauwer told of her house in a rough voice, a slight malevolent melody in her voice, “Drachefeuer, which means dragon fire, will accept students that are crafty and skillful. They have a great talent for learning and often acquire high levels of power, and apply all that they learn to aim of achieving their goals. They prize their own safety and desires highly, but in sustaining them, they may sacrifice those of others. Drachefeuer students tend to come from the most ancient wizarding families. My students will be determined and cunning, sharp of wit and tongue. Driven by their desires, Drachefeuer students will be the most formidable wizards that enter the institute.”

“Awesome. Now if you Jessica would just pass the sword on to Suzanne, our sorting mechanism will be almost complete.” Reinwille carefully passed the sword to Schlauwer and said, “Drachefeuer,” and the sword turned green.

“Thank you Suzanne.” Katrina took the sword from Schlauwer and held it tightly to add the last ingredient to a successful Institute: unity. Calmly, she said, “Einheit: mit ein Herz, ein Gedanke, gehen wir zusammen.” (“Unity: with one heart, one thought, we go together.”) --- And thus, Durmstrang had its houses.

The current students were sorted the next day, and while most had become accustomed to the unified front that Durmstrang had presented, they seemed eager and excited to be placed in this manner. The dormitories were shuffled so that each house now occupied a different tower of the castle. Despite the division into houses, Durmstrang remains unified. While there will always be gentle teasing between houses and friendly competition on the quidditch pitch, Durmstrang presents itself as one force. They do not squabble or hate each other because of the different houses they may be sorted into, but rather are able to celebrate their differences and find joy in the ways of others that may not be the same as their own.