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potterobsessionist · 09-18-2017, 04:53 PM

Banner credit: Suziella

The flying instructor was not hovering around on his broom as per usual. In fact, he had both of his feathered coated boots firmly on the ground.

And he hated it.

Still, Haraldur walked back and forth on the pitch, waiting for the students to arrive. Next to the pacing professor was a large tent, containing the materials needed for the lesson. The entrance was closed off however, preventing the students from peeking. Scattered around the rest of the pitch were… A lot of stuff. Large black cauldrons sometimes used for Creaothceann, the hula hoops normally intended for flying basics as well as randomly acquired items Haraldur had found around the school. Lost your encyclopedia on mythical creatures? It’s probably out there somewhere on the pitch, aiding the flying instructor at a later stage of the lesson.

Once you arrive, have a seat in the grass. There are fur coats provided if the grass is too cold for your liking. Still, please try to avoid grass stains. Those coats are extremely expensive, after all.

OOC: Ho ho ho! ~~wut~~ Keep in mind that this isn’t the first IC flying lesson of the term. And no brooms needed for this one!

~~Class will start in approx 24 hours -- Tuesday 19th September 7pm GMT +2.~~ Class has officially started! While you wait, why don’t you freshen up on those flying rules? Yeah? Yeah! Ta ta <3

- Josie

Class progression:
Question 1

Question 2

Mini-activity

Main activity

NifflerFan · 09-19-2017, 09:36 PM

Okay, so mayyybeee Professor B. was a little too old to be having a mid-life crisis, BUT Emmeline was pretty sure that he totally could be having an old person crisis of some kind. She had just turned to ask Stasya what she thought about this theory when Miss Olivia P.'s dad showed up at the lesson with a clipboard!!! She recognized him from all of those days when she and Stasya had camped out in the hospital wing to be closer to Miss Olivia after the...thing that happened. Seeing him now made Emmeline miss the older lioness a LOT and realllly wish she was here.

But this also made the fourth lesson in recent weeks that a random old person had shown up at one of their lessons, and Emmeline was super curious. She didn't have to wait too long to find out, though, 'cause Professor B. broke with the tradition that the other teachers had made up and told them that Mr. Phillips was here to observe the class. Which still left the question of why? Had he taken a Bludger to the head during some Quidditch game fifty years ago and forgotten how to fly or something? But that didn't explain why those old ladies had been in Potions and Divination with their clipboards, or that other old man in DADA... The second year's forehead scrunched up in confusion as she STARED at the ~~intruder~~ old man. She was going to have to consult with Stasya, Derf, and Zoryn on this ASAP, mhm.

Sadly, Professor B. started the lesson before she got a chance to talk to them. Emmeline reluctantly pulled her eyes away from Miss Olivia's dad and fixed them back on the professor. Other means of magical transport? The first thing she thought of was Side-Along Apparition, which she had done LOADS of times with Cami over the summer, and which she did NOT like at all. She raised her hand and once she was called on answered: "There's Floo powder too! And I think brooms are used loads 'cause they're super more fun. AND 'cause lots of people don't like Apparating 'cause it makes you feel all sick and stuff."

DaniDiNardo · 09-19-2017, 09:57 PM

Oh Merlin. The booming return of her greeting sent the Ravenclaw cringing, her head now banging in angry fashion. The headache wasn't going anywhere, especially not if the entire lesson would be this booming. Without really meaning to, Jessa scowled at the man, unable to hide her discomfort with the way her head was now throbbing.

Hardly a glance was spared toward the BoGer who would be joining them for the lesson. She'd by now figured out that they would be attending a few lessons and while she didn't know just what they were looking, she couldn't say she cared either. The Professors were alright. Nothing glaringly terribly about them. They weren't the biggest problem at this school.

"There's also flight with creatures such as hippogriffs, winged horses." Again, her voice was just audible enough to be heard, lacking the typical strength and conviction of the young girl. Being sick was the worst. Everything hurt and she was sure her concentration was already half shot to hell.

"I agree with Skylar. They're super easy to hide even with muggles because they're otherwise such common household items."

sweetpinkpixie · 09-19-2017, 10:17 PM

Derf was still grumbling about this no broom business and was a bit too BITTER to offer the man a proper response - although he did try to give a grin instead. Or well...he WAS a bitter puffer until SOMEONE caught his eye.

"HOLYFLAMINGSALAMANDERS," he exclaimed under his breath, arm reaching out to clutch Zoryn's fiercely and even SHAKING her a little. "DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT IS?! THAT'S CARTER PHILLIPS! HE'S A QUIDDITCH LEEEEEEEEGEND!"

OF ALL THE DAYS TO HAVE A QUIDDITCH LEGEND IN FLYING CLASS AND THEY WEREN'T EVEN GETTING ON THEIR BROOMS! WHERE WAS THE JUSTICE.

But now the third year was DETERMINED to be noticed. Like...could he maybe get a high five later? So his hand was THRUST into the air as something clicked in his little overactive brain. "PORTKEYS!"

Ahem. Just sayin'....looking at all the random items strung about.

"Also..it's KINDA ironic that we use brooms, you know. Considering how all Muggle illustrations and stories with witches and such have pictures or talk about us riding brooms. Just kinda funny when you think about the Statute and stuff." Carpets too, but they were talking about brooms.

HELLO CARTER PHILLIPS. PLEASE NOTICE HIM. HI. HE WAS GRINNING IN YOUR DIRECTION WITH TINY LITTLE FINGER WIGGLING AS A SUPER SUBTLE WAVE.

ArianaBlack · 09-19-2017, 10:55 PM

Zoryn was SO excited to learn how to fly without brooms!!!! HOLY AWESOME!!! And her smile only grew WIDER when Derf came to sit with her. !!!!! “I’ll help you find it,” she nodded. Maybe they could even SCAN for it right now?!! That’s what Zoryn tried to do while she waited. Only, she didn’t exactly find a sock but she did meet Emmeline’s gaze just in time to notice that STRANGE look. Hm. Zor didn’t exactly understand what it meant, so she just shrugged and reciprocated with a wave.

“Hi Juni,” she greeted the newest addition to their SQUAAAAD. Something the Ravenclaw said got the wheels in Zoryn’s head all sorts of TURNING.“I’m missing a signed copy of Justine Javier’s biography,” she wasn’t actually, by the way. Just if all the other missing stuff was here, maybe it could hear her. Possibilities were endless with magic right? She was gonna have to remind herself to take a look for that biography before they left the pitch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by potterobsessionist

”Now, let’s get crackalackin’!” That was a new word he’d picked up the week before. ”We have covered lessons on broom control and flying both basic and advanced. But we haven’t really touched upon other methods of transportation yet.” He stopped his pacing to give the group a look. ”Magical transportation, that is.” Mentions of trains, cars and planes would result in a booored professor. ”Could you name a few? And what about brooms? Why do you think they’re so widely used here in Britain?”

Always, MORE DISTRACTIONS. This one came in the form of a strange guy who definitely looked like he wasn’t a seventh year anymore… How come so many random were invading their classes? Zor didn’t like it very much. It threw off their mojo.

And then HER ARM WAS BEING ALL SORTS OF SQUISHED. Derf??? "WHO THE HUH?" She turned to take a look at the old guy again…. Oh. He KINDA did look like he could be famous for Quidditch. This was SO exciting!!!!! “OMG. DO YOU THINK HE’LL GIVE US AUTOGRAPHS IF WE ASK????” This was important. Zoryn had NO idea who he was, but Derf said he was FAMOUS and that’s all Zoryn needed.

As for the question, Zor listened to some of the other answers before trying to offer her own. “Probably for the aesthetic, Professor,” she shrugged.

TakemetotheBurrow · 09-19-2017, 11:03 PM

Did Junia know who Carter Phillips was? Of course she did. Was she fan-girling over his attendance? Nope. Hassan was still her biggest Quidditch inspiration and unless he came by to make an appearance here at Hogwarts, she'd be keeping her excitement at bay.

...Why did he have a clipboard again?

Anyway, answer, she had one. "The Hogwarts Express, Professor. It's muggle in model but it surely has some magical modifications, as well." As for why so many used a broomstick as a mode of transportation, well, "I suppose if your family has always gotten around on brooms, you'd follow suit. Maybe it's because of tradition."

siriusblackliveson · 09-20-2017, 02:21 AM

Patrick listened to the other answers that his fellow classmates had mentioned, he supposed that they were all pretty true. He raised his hand before waiting to be called on,
trying his best to make a good first impression on the man from the ministry. "My parents personally prefer apparating because it is quick and no one really is the wiser. Which is another form of transportation."

He paused for a moment, "I suppose that I would enjoy flying more if I had seen my parents do it more than when the visited my grandparents." With a shrug he continued to listen to the other answers.

Ginevra · 09-20-2017, 05:48 AM

Daisy's mind was running through magical transportation options that hadn't been mentioned. She bit her lip as she raised her hand, hoping that her answer hadn't been mentioned already. "How about The Knight Bus, sir?"

Watson · 09-20-2017, 07:22 AM

When Mr. B suggested that she take a seat instead of go over and hang out with Ace, she chuckled a little and nodded. Vi suspected that he was probably worried about her giving his flying contraption a try and having her get injured. She stayed on the ground and did not try to have a go at the flying contraption. She knew her luck very well when it came to things that involved gravity...

Forms of magical transportation? Vi paused, listening to answers that her classmates answered. She liked the suggestion of a magical flying carpet. To the suggestion of thestrals and winged horses, she added, "A Flying car." Like a Flying Ford Angila.... Or... Hmm... Her blue eyes widened. "Dragons could work too. Not very conventional but it'd still work."

Lady of Light · 09-20-2017, 09:28 AM

Okay.. since they weren’t going to be flying, which was sad since the only reason she took the class was for flying reasons but she had no choice but to be prepared for a theory lesson. The girl waited for the professor to finish with his questions before immediately raising a hand to answer them.

Other methods of transportation.. hm. “What about Flying motorcycles, professor?” She’d heard they were rather scary but they were a mode of transportation, yes? As for his next question.. “Well, they are convenient to store.. easy to carry around and not expensive at all. They are ideal, really.” Heh. She kept it short and simple.

Moonhare · 09-20-2017, 10:09 AM

She was feeling less queasy now, and the coat was so warm. Besides, she had a wonderful view of the sky from here. Wait, class, right.

Maisie raised her hand. "Floo Powder?" Maisie wished her mother would take them to Diagon Alley by Floo Powder. She'd used some once, but her mother still didn't know. Dilys Dimple was a stickler for her broom. "My mum likes brooms because they're traditional and 'witchy'." She tried to hold back a grimace. "I think people like brooms here because Quidditch is so popular. They're traditional too, and Brits are known for traditional values. Hogwarts food is all traditional and there's no modern tech here." It was a good thing too. Maisie hated Youtube and the like. She preferred books.

hermygirl · 09-20-2017, 12:29 PM

Grimblehawk? Did that refer to who Sam thought it did? Anyways, the Ravenclaw did as she was told, and plopped herself down on one of the fur coats. No sense in getting a cold bottom. And the visitor to the classroom got a friendly smile, but no more. Nope, she didn't know who he was. The only quidditch she tended to follow nowadays was the type that her friends played, not the Pro leagues.

And transportation in general seemed to be the topic. Threstrals was her first thought, and probably would be her preferred form of travel after apparition, but that was already covering by the animals answer. "How about vanishing cabinets? Kinda limited in destination, but doable if you only want to move between a couple of places." And for the second question? They might been discreet and easy to get hold of, but weren't the original brooms super uncomfortable? "Flying carpets were banned for being a Muggle artefact for along time, which probably aided the broom's popularity too." Since a carpet could transport a whole family far more comfortably than a broom.

natekka · 09-20-2017, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by potterobsessionist

”Now, let’s get crackalackin’!” That was a new word he’d picked up the week before. ”We have covered lessons on broom control and flying both basic and advanced. But we haven’t really touched upon other methods of transportation yet.” He stopped his pacing to give the group a look. ”Magical transportation, that is.” Mentions of trains, cars and planes would result in a booored professor. ”Could you name a few? And what about brooms? Why do you think they’re so widely used here in Britain?”

Was this or was this not a flying lesson?

Why did they need to learn about other methods of magical transportation?

Rhea kept her answers short and sweet. Even her habit of giving long, rambling answers that never quite got her point across was absent today. She raised her hand. "There's the Floo Network, Portkeys.... Apparition?" They were probably the most popular types. And she supposed there was the Knight Bus too.

As for the second question. "Tradition and popularity through Quidditch."

potterobsessionist · 09-20-2017, 04:52 PM

Text Cut: Individual replies <3

Text Cut: Scarlett

Truth be tooooold, Haraldur didn’t really like any other transportation than brooms. And splicing due to careless apparition was one of the reasons why. ”Very true, miss Reynolds.” He nodded, frowning at the thought. ”That’s why it’s always important to practice apparition. And flying.” So like, don’t leave.

Text Cut: Skylar

”An important note, miss Diggory.” Haraldur nodded, waving a finger at her to emphasize her point. Because that’s what important people did. He’d seen it. ”One of the reasons why brooms are the main transportation method nowadays is because of their discretion from muggles.”

Text Cut: Emmeline

Quote:

Originally Posted by NifflerFan

Okay, so mayyybeee Professor B. was a little too old to be having a mid-life crisis, BUT Emmeline was pretty sure that he totally could be having an old person crisis of some kind. She had just turned to ask Stasya what she thought about this theory when Miss Olivia P.'s dad showed up at the lesson with a clipboard!!! She recognized him from all of those days when she and Stasya had camped out in the hospital wing to be closer to Miss Olivia after the...thing that happened. Seeing him now made Emmeline miss the older lioness a LOT and realllly wish she was here.

But this also made the fourth lesson in recent weeks that a random old person had shown up at one of their lessons, and Emmeline was super curious. She didn't have to wait too long to find out, though, 'cause Professor B. broke with the tradition that the other teachers had made up and told them that Mr. Phillips was here to observe the class. Which still left the question of why? Had he taken a Bludger to the head during some Quidditch game fifty years ago and forgotten how to fly or something? But that didn't explain why those old ladies had been in Potions and Divination with their clipboards, or that other old man in DADA... The second year's forehead scrunched up in confusion as she STARED at the ~~intruder~~ old man. She was going to have to consult with Stasya, Derf, and Zoryn on this ASAP, mhm.

Sadly, Professor B. started the lesson before she got a chance to talk to them. Emmeline reluctantly pulled her eyes away from Miss Olivia's dad and fixed them back on the professor. Other means of magical transport? The first thing she thought of was Side-Along Apparition, which she had done LOADS of times with Cami over the summer, and which she did NOT like at all. She raised her hand and once she was called on answered: "There's Floo powder too! And I think brooms are used loads 'cause they're super more fun. AND 'cause lots of people don't like Apparating 'cause it makes you feel all sick and stuff."

Haraldur listened to the young Gryffindor and bopped his head along to her words. ”Very true, miss Sparkes.” He said, once she was done. ”Although a very handy transportation method, apparition can make you a bit woozy.” Especially after 10 bags of peanuts. ”Floo powder doesn’t really have that same effect.”

Text Cut: Jessa

Haraldur nodded, not really expecting a reply about Hippogriffs but not really surprised since it was coming from Jessa. ”There… Is indeed flight with hippogriffs. If you’re lucky enough to connect with one and it lets you ride it.” He smiled. Well. Lucky was a loose term. Dealing with feathery and fluffy animals was Tristan’s area of expertise. Still, flew they did.

Text Cut: Derfael

THERE was the excitement the instructor expected from the little puffer. ”Portkeys are indeed a very valuable form of transportation in the wizarding community.” Haraldur agreed, oblivious as to exactly why Derf’s enthusiasm was back. ”It’s a little ironic that we stick to using brooms. Who knew we had a sense of humor?” Or, it had nothing to do with humor. Still, the instructor liked the trail of thought.

Text Cut: Zoryn

Haraldur chuckled, brushing off the feathers on his robe casually. He knew all about aesthetics. ”Interesting point of view, miss Spinnet. I still think there are some other objects that could be used solely for the aestetics.”” But don’t brainstorm on that. Stay with us, kiddos.

Text Cut: Junia

Although this was a mention of a train, it was actually an interesting one. Haraldur waved his two fingers in the air when she spoke. It would supposed to be an encouraging action, but he wasn’t sure what it exactly looked like. ”Yes, miss Botros, yes! The Hogwarts express is an excellent example.” Wizarding done right. ”And tradition is of course a big reason as to why brooms are used, very good.”

Text Cut: Patrick

Haraldur listened to the first year, letting him finish before replying. ”Apparition is quick and easy if you do it right, Mr. Dooley. Hopefully you’ll enjoy flying more after your year here at Hogwarts.” He added, giving the boy a smile. Not that they would be doing any broom-flying this particular lesson. Anyway...

Text Cut: Daisy

Haraldur gave the Hufflepuff girl a thumbs up. Because YES. ”Very good, miss Swann. A reply similar to miss Botros. Both the Knight Bus and the Hogwarts Express are muggle objects with magical modifications for transportation purposes.”

Text Cut: Olivia

Haraldur chuckled and nodded. ”Yes, dragons and flying cars. Preferably not used together.” Ah, jokes, jokes, jokes. He was on fire! Figuratively. ”Flying cars, along with the Hogwarts Express and the Knight Bus is another mode of transportation instead of brooms. Very good, miss Holden.”

Text Cut: Etta

Haraldur was glad someone mentioned flying motorcycles. Mainly because… Well. They looked cool. He gave the prefect a warm smile. ”I’m glad you mentioned the motorcycles, miss Kramer. Excellent mode of transportation.” Although he did agree with brooms being ideal though and he gave her a nod when she said it. ”My thoughts exactly.” Ideal.

Text Cut: Maisie

Haraldur nodded. ”Floo powder is an excellent mode of transportation. Especially if you can avoid the dirt.” He chuckled. Because no one wanted dirty feathers. Her comment on tradition lingered with him and he nodded thoughtfully. ”Well, professor Stewart has some modern technology in the fun room. But yes, tradition plays a big role in why we still use brooms, along with the popularity of Quidditch. Very good miss Dimple!”

Text Cut: Sam

”Ohh, vanishing cabinets! Interesting miss Tyler.” Haraldur was intrigued. ”Of course they count as transportation, although a limited form.” Then she mentioned flying carpets and the instructor was even more intrigued. ”Exactly, exactly, exactly, miss Tyler!” He clapped twice. Because excitement. ”Flying carpets were banned for a long time, surely spiked the popularity for brooms.”

Text Cut: Rhea

Haraldur listened to the young Ravenclaw, allowing her full reply before nodding at her. ”All three are very important and play a big role in the magical community.” He agreed. ”Quidditch and other sports did really make brooms more popular, you’re correct miss Durant. Perhaps a sport using magical carpets, for example would up their popularity.” Which ultimately brought him to the rest of the lesson...

With Rhea’s reply, Haraldur clapped his hands twice to get their attention. In case they were still giving the Board of Governors man curious looks. ”Very good everyone. There are a lot of different modes of transportation, each having a place in the magical community. It’s important not to forget about these.” He would still be flying using his broom but still, his job was to teach them there were options. Options they’d all mentioned.

”There are of course many reasons as to why brooms are used for flying. You mentioned tradition, which of course plays a big role and also the popularity of Quidditch and other sports. Miss Tyler,” He nodded towards the Ravenclaw, ”also mentioned the banning of magical carpets. They were banned for a long time, leaving brooms as an easy option for transportation.” He stopped his pacing and faced the group again. ”However, with magical carpets now legal again, we have a few more options.” Although the option to use magical carpets were still tightly regulated. And he knew just which Head of Transportation lady had written the legislation. Someone ~~that had harassed him~~ he’d had the pleasure of talking to over and over and over and over again during the summer.

”Do you know why magical carpets were banned, initially?” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. ”Can anyone tell me on which premises they’re made legal again?” He was also interested in the students’ opinions on this legislation. His opinion on it was quite straightforward. But he was a professor. And professors were objective and unbiased.

Most of the time.

OOC: Whoopdedoo here’s more questions for you! Why were flying carpets illegal? Do you know anything about the semi-new legislation for making them legal again? (Like on what conditions, are they regulated somehow etc). SHOULD flying carpets be legal or illegal? Sharing is caring, folks. So share your thoughts. We will be moving on in approx 24 hours -- Thursday 21st September 7 pm GMT+2. Smell you later! And by later I mean tomorrow. Peace out.

- Josie

Anna Banana · 09-20-2017, 10:50 PM

There were so many distractions around here...SO MANY. Maddie kept watching all the random items around the pitch, trying to picture what they might be doing with them today. Then there was the random visitor who was watching the class...for whatever reason. Maybe the visitor wanted to learn to fly, TOO. Maddie smiled and gave the observer a little wave. She was so focused on doing everything at once that she completely missed answering the first question. Err...oops. Gotta work on those attention skills.

So about those flying carpets... Maddie waved her hand in the air. "They were banned, because they were too Muggle-ish," she said. Uhhh... "And maybe they made them legal again, because they're FUN TO RIDE!" Suddenly, this lesson became not just exciting, but SUPER EXCITING! She was suddenly picturing a lesson full of magic carpet races!

LilFox06 · 09-21-2017, 02:17 AM

Carter was very aware of the looks he was getting. And being a Professional... ... it was taking everything in him not to wave excitedly back. He was here on official Board business and should act accordingly.

... after class though, he was back to full Carter mode. The answer was yes, autographs would be given if wanted, especially to any of his daughter's friends. (He was a cool dad, after all.)

Ahem. Now. Back to professional business. He glanced at the clipboard in his hand. He'd pretty much traced the same thing over and over. It was a trick he learned in school to look busy.

He tilted his head slightly to the side at the mention of carpets. That was... an interestingly political question. Any future politicians here? He surveyed the students. Alright kids. Impress him with your knowledge of current events.

Felixir · 09-21-2017, 03:23 AM

Abey was absolutely bundled up in one of those fur coats, because DUH. IT WAS FREEZING, AS per USUAL.

It was pretty well documented (read: evidenced in constant LOUD complaining from this young Gryffindor) that Abey HATED the cold, but it was also clear to all that knew him that he loooooved flying. Even flying LESSONS, which happened to be the best kind of lesson, probably because it was the only one that Abey was properly good at. Sooooo... he put up with the cold, for that. Sort of. But also it helped when they were provided with WARMTH.

Except WHY were they being asked questions more about history and government-y things and basically everything BUT the fun fun fun topic of flying on a BROOM.

... Okay, yes. 'Flying' technically probably did include non-broom type flying too TECHNICALLY but stiiiiiiill.

Not really having a proper answer to either question because he just didn't know, Abey was tempted to keep quiet again - as he had for the first question, though that was just because he didn't feel like speaking up - but a thought occurred to him that changed all that. He raised a hand, but kept his arm covered by the coat around him - BECAUSE IT WAS SO COLD - hesitated...... but ultimately blurted out his thoughts.

"Magic carpets weren't actually banned in every country actually. So some countries never had to un-ban it. So the law that was un-lawed was probably only un-lawed here too?" It was a total non-answer, really, pertaining to neither of the questions that had been asked, but... well, at least it was on topic. And MAYBE Abey just wanted to say SOMETHING related to the matter at hand so that he didn't look entirely clueless, even if maybe he actually was a little bit clueless.

Lissy Longbottom · 09-21-2017, 03:35 AM

Oooh, wait, Scarlett knew the answer to this one! She remembered her father saying something about it - was that when he had been in the Ministry again? Ugh, it was so hard to keep track. He had bounced around so many jobs when she had been growing up before he finally starting makin' BANK on his books. She raised her hand.

"Well, I think part of the reason they were banned was the historical aspect of it. People were looting ancient carpets and charming them to be magical to simply make a profit, so part of it was to try and curb that," she explained. It was a small reason, but still a good reason nonetheless.

DaniDiNardo · 09-21-2017, 04:01 AM

So....she didn't know much of anything about flying carpets. In all her wide reading, they had never come up and had never really peaked her interest. It was an unfortunate predicament when in a class that was apparently going to be on flying carpets.

Were she feeling a little less under the weather, she may have corrected the man's statement on needing luck to ride a hippogriff but right now, most of her energy was spent on not dying from this headache and fatigue that came with being sick. A potion or a trip to the Healer would definitely be in order.

Rather than make an attempt at something she didn't know anything about, the Ravenclaw kept her mouth shut, silently scribbling a few notes based on what her classmates were saying.

Given her lack of interest in this particular mode of transportation, it was unlikely she'd read them later but as she wouldn't be answering the question, she felt it important to let the Professor know she was still paying attention. Her hand moved listlessly across the parchment, the quill scribbling only a few words from every sentence spoken. In the end, the notes would probably be of little use but it was the best she could do under the circumstances.

NifflerFan · 09-21-2017, 04:07 AM

Magic carpets? They sounded like they could be fun, but Emmeline knew almost nothing about them. She kind of just knew what they were and that obviously loads of people could fly on one carpet. But she didn't know any laws or why they'd be banned. Still, she decided to take a stab at answering Professor B.'s questions, 'cause she liked him and wanted looooads of students to answer alll of his questions in front of Miss Olivia's dad. So he could show off his teaching skills, mhm.

"Ummm, did they ban them 'cause it's easier for Muggles to see carpets flying around than just brooms? OR or, was it 'cause the Ministry just likes banning fun things?", she asked hopefully. One of those was probably sort of right. She knew the one about the Ministry was definitely true, 'cause hadn't they banned Quidditch at Hogwarts too? And and, they made loads of silly laws about what kinds of creatures could be pets and stuff.

sweetpinkpixie · 09-21-2017, 08:12 AM

Sooooooo...were they going to go flying around on carpets then?

Derf ACTUALLY knew something about the topic today seeing as dad had been a department head for Magical Accidents and Catastrophes for like...EVER! So his little 13-year-old mind was trying to focus on recalling all these little factoids and things he had overheard his dad grumbling about at the dinner table with mum - cases of misuse and then when the Ministry was working on getting all those laws changed. You know, boring adult stuff. But it was HARD with Carter Phillips RIGHT THERE and Zoryn also feeding into his excitement.

"He's just GOTTA," he whispered to his friend while throwing the Chaser a pleading and meaningful kind of look. "I'll offer him all the chocolate frogs in my pocket if he doesn't."

Right. But back to the question and stuff. Since this was a class that Derf could pay attention to and MOSTLY stay on task, well, he had a few things to say.

"Waaaaaaaay back when carpets were banned in the UK...they were considered super neat and special muggle artefacts and not meant for wizardingkind to sell and make a galleon off of," he began, puffing out his chest a bit because he KNEW things. "Which...I dunno...we STEP on carpets so not exactly sure why they were thought of as special, you know?Remember dad telling me about some flying carpet symphony thingy where most people were concerned with magically modifying muggle items...but carpets made by manufacturers ONLY to fly were okay. Just like brooms, you know? No muggle is walking around with a Nimbus 2000 or Firebolt or anything like that in their kitchens and we don't fly around on any regular old brooms to play quidditch. But you gotta have a carpet license to fly on one."

Lady of Light · 09-21-2017, 11:37 AM

... WOW, okay. Etta knew next to nothing about magical carpets but she tried to come up with a sensible answer. She had to contribute, yeah? The girl looked thoughtful as a few of her classmates answered the questions before finally raising a hand to answer. She was going to try, anyway.

“Like Emmeline mentioned, they must be easily visible.. right? That could have been problematic.” ... Yeah. Not a very interesting answer but whatever. Not that this theory lesson wasn’t fun or anything but she was just hoping they could fly already.

*PhoenixRising* · 09-21-2017, 03:09 PM

Wait... Magic carpets?! Was the reason for the lack of brooms in that they were going to go on a magical carpet ride? Would he be opening their eyes, taking them wonder by wonder, over sideways and under? Eh, she was getting ahead of herself, but really though, the prospect of magic carpets was exciting and definitely perked the fifth year out from her slump.

"So as Derf said, magical carpets were banned because they were considered muggle artifacts, which is logic that makes absolutely no sense when you think about it. There's LOADS of muggle artifacts that are charmed to be magical, for instance, the hogwarts express or broomsticks. Which only leaves me to believe that there's a deeper motive behind the original ban on carpets..." Skylar hesitated a moment. "Perhaps something to do with the sheer value of them? Or misuse?"

As for the premises of the legislation; yes she'd read up about it, after all, it was only within the last decade where things changed. "Carpets and their passengers must be disillusioned, as well as sticking charm to prevent passengers to fall off and anti-roll charms. You also have to be 17 to operate a magic carpet and have a license; additionally, magic carpets must be inspected every six months. Truth be told, I'm not a fan of the anti-roll feature. Yes, I get that they're trying to make carpets the safer alternative to brooms, but part of the flair of carpets is the adventure. The whole new world."

natekka · 09-21-2017, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by potterobsessionist

”Do you know why magical carpets were banned, initially?” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. ”Can anyone tell me on which premises they’re made legal again?” He was also interested in the students’ opinions on this legislation. His opinion on it was quite straightforward. But he was a professor. And professors were objective and unbiased.

Most of the time.

Rhea knew nothing about magical carpets, ~~nor did she care to~~, so she stayed silent and made notes instead.

That Derf kid seemed to know his stuff, though.

potterobsessionist · 09-21-2017, 05:47 PM

Text Cut: Individual replies <3

Text Cut: Maddie

Haraldur nodded. ”Right you are, miss Kemp! They were classified as muggle artefacts.” Which, you know, was SILLY. But still. ”And they are fun to ride.” Which they would allllllllll realize soon enough.

Text Cut: Abey

Haraldur smiled at the ~~bundle of joy~~ young Gryffindor as he spoke his mind. ”That’s true, Mr. Botros. Flying carpets were banned by the Ministry and un-banned,” Un-lawed? Un-banned? He was confused. ”by the Department of Transportation.” Haraldur stood still for a second, before giving the boy a nod. ”Yes, Mr. Botros, very good.”

Text Cut: Scarlett

”A very valid point, miss Reynolds.” Haraldur mused, thoughtful. ”Which is also one of the reasons why the Ministry keep such a tight leash on the regulations.” Miss Purcell was looking into every little thing surrounding the legislation for carpets. Every. Little. Thing.

Text Cut: Jessa

Haraldur glanced over at Jessa after Scarlett’s reply. She didn’t look too well. Perhaps she would have to skip the practical part of the lesson. He made a mental note to make sure she visited River after class before calling upon Emmeline to answer next.

Text Cut: Emmeline

Haraldur laughed when Emmeline gave her answer. Not at her but at the obvious burn she gave the Ministry. He didn’t really like laws and usually didn’t abide them, of course that wasn’t something he would share with the group since the Board of Governors man was there. ”The Ministry does enjoy banning fun things, miss Sparkes.” He agreed with a smug smile. Lynley Purcell couldn’t hear him now ~~mwaha~~. ”Like Creaothceann for example.” He added, giving the young Gryffindor a smile. ”Very good, Miss Sparkes.” Don’t feel like you can’t bash the Ministry on Haraldur’s watch.

Text Cut: Derfael

”Very good, Mr. Ashburry-Hawthorne.” Haraldur nodded along to the young boy’s words. ”You need a magic carpet license and be over the age of 17 to fly one.” Rules, rules, rules. They bored him. But he had to tell the kiddos about them because that was the “agreement” with miss Purcell.

Text Cut: Etta

Haraldur nodded. ”Very true, miss Kramer. The ban was lifted once all the new regulations were put in place. One of which ensures that a disillusionment charm encapsulates the carpet and the passengers on it. So, it’s definitely a good point.”

Text Cut: Skylar

Haraldur nodded. ”There was a grave misuse of the flying carpets. They’re legal now because of the new regulations in place.” The regulations she then listed. He was silent, smiling encouragingly as she answered. ”Impressive, miss Diggory.” He of course knew she was a gifted broom flyer and they would soon find out if she could operate a flying carpet as well. He didn’t comment on the whole disagreement with the anti-roll charm. Not because he didn’t agree but because he did. And he was being watched. Instead, he decided it was time to move on with the lesson.

Text Cut: Rhea

Haraldur glanced over at Rhea and noticed her taking notes of what was being said. Which was good since Skylar and Derf was laying down the law. Literally.

”Very good, everyone.” Haraldur nodded towards Skylar. ”As miss Diggory and Mr. Ashburry-Hawthorne mentioned, there are new regulations put in place for flying carpets to be legal again.” And here came the boring part. The part he’d promised the Head of Magical Transportation Lynley Purcell to include; the laws. He would speed through them. He sighed as he picked up a crunched up note from his robe pocket. Unlike Skylar, he hadn’t memorized the laws. Because they were boring. And he was forgetful.

”In 2089 the legislation for the flying carpets passed. The new regulations include disillusionment charm on the carpet and all passengers, a sticking charm for the duration of the ride, an anti-roll charm for safety, speed restriction to keep them below 105 kilometers per hour.” He stopped here and let his eyes swoop over the kiddos. They still listened to him. Which meant he had to keep going. He squinted his eyes to read the rest of the notes. ”No person under the age of 17 may operate a flying carpet and no person without a magic carpet license may operate one. Safety tests are made by the manufacturers every 6 months…”

The last note was underlined twice by miss Purcell. It read:

Quote:

Carpet Racing is against the law!

To which he'd added a note in the side bar:

Quote:

... Is it though?

And then struck that particular line out.

Quote:

~~Carpet Racing is against the law!~~

He quickly crunched the note into a ball and threw it over his shoulder. He didn’t need to read all the laws. He could have just forgotten about the last one. How convenient.

”SO, now you’re all caught up. Let’s get down to business!” ~~To defeat the Hunssss~~. The instructor marched up to the tent and opened the front, revealing a neatly pile of stacked carpets. Freshly transported from the Ministry.

”Miss Purcell, the Department Head of Magical Transportation has kindly agreed to provide us with flying carpets.” “Kindly agreed to”. As if. ”Each of you will choose a carpet and practice with it. Then when you reach the age of 17, you might be ready for a license.”

He took a step into the tent and picked the carpet on top of the pile. Then he marched back out and placed it on the grass next to him. ”Up.” The carpet started to hover above the ground and he turned back to the students. You could also just climb on top of the carpet and then take off but that would take way too long to learn. He wanted to get to the fun part. Like… Now. ”The carpets does not have disillusionment charm on them but they are height and speed regulated.”

After dealing with miss Purcell ~~a few thousand times~~, she’d finally agreed to regulate the speed to 50 kilometers per hour. Which was still fast enough for the next part of the lesson. ”Please everyone, grab a carpet and command it to hover. Once it hovers, you may take your seat in the middle of the carpet so that you can grab the front and the sides.”

So like… What were they waiting for?

OOC: YUP. Mini-activity time. Grab a carpet, command it to hover and get readyyy, seeeet but don’t GO just yet.

Text Cut: Carpet info:

Questions? Don’t hesitate to PM me.

We’ll be moving on in 48 hours -- 23rd of September at 7 pm GMT + 2. Haraldur will be around of course!

- Josie

Steelsheen · 09-21-2017, 06:44 PM

Whoah ok that huffin puffin look on Professor B got the leonine lad a little worried initially, since hes been using his hoverboard for years and didnt anything about that was unusual anymore, but now he got an invite for tea... or rather peanuts. Ok he'll just make like Dumbo and nod his head.

He heard Vi saying something about an obstacle course and another nod of his head indicating she may be on to something. But now discussion was starting. He grinned at the suggestions of flying creatures for magical travel because heck he would definitely ride a dragon to Hogwarts when given the chance. Now flying carpets being banned --wait that happened? Might've been before his time or he wasnt paying attention to the nuances of things because as far as he knew, flying carpets were legit, spesh outside of the UK. He just didnt realize the connection between the rarity of flying carpets in the UK compared to its ubiquitousness elsewhere until now. Wow he was learning so much today mmhm.

Them regulations... he wasnt aware of the minutiae of such things, but its good to know these are what's allowed in this country. But the most important words have been spoken; Carpet LICENSE! Ohhh so today was a kind of Carpet Flyers' Ed. No wonder they werent asked to bring their brooms.

And with an eager bounce on his step Tenacius took one of the carpets from the pile and unfurled it. Oohhh.... now he gotta get this to hover. No wands right? He only saw Professor B utter the words. So he gave the carpet a stare and willed it with Up.

Did NOT budge. Uh oh, his nonverbals not working today? Or is he just not doing this right. He figured he better ask about this before he makes a fool of himself even further "Sir do we need stick our hand out to get the carpets to hover or should we use our wands or....?"

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