"Why thank you Professor,” a proud smile crept onto Patroclus’ face; he knew that leather had been a great choice.

“I like the idea of using something organic, something wrought from the earth. This would represent the incredible interconnectivity all life has with the earth. Some especially powerful could be the use of indigenous materials of the rune creator’s origin, for example the wood of a tree that means something to the person or even rock found in our own backyard.” Whilst answering Patroclus’ mind wandered to his back yard, which was to him the world, he attending Hogwarts was the longest he had ever called anywhere home.

Iris looked up from her half finished pouch and cursed herself mentally for wanting to make it perfect. Sighing, she put it down, and would just finish it properly for the homework.

She listened to the professor, and rose her hand to answer "Well... You can use wood, crystals or stones... They'd be the best thing to use because they're natural products, soooo ... they are ... um ... " Iris paused, trying to remember why the naturalness was important, " Err.... I can't remember exactly why, but it's something to do with the magical properties that natural materials have, which would mean that your rune casting was more accurate ... Because you could make plastic runes, but they wouldn't be as good because they aren't natural materials."

Iris wasn't sure how correct she was, but it didn't matter. She'd said what she knew off the top of her head, and then guessed wisely a little over what she couldn't remember.

Nodnod.

Hummm. Celandine nodded, thankful for the answer. She was musing to herself about a replacement pouch, one to match her wand maybe. She looked at her wand, idly turning it over in her fingers. The black ebony was marked with Kenaz, Hagalaz, Perthro, Eihwaz and Laguz, in red of course, repeated along the length of the handle.

She was still sort of looking around to see if anyone needed help considering she wasn't making a pouch right then, but nobody seemed to need help. Maybe with the rune part then? Hum.

Oooh the making runes part would be the homework. So she'd end up with two sets. She put her wand down on her desk and raised her hand.

"Using natural materials such as stone, clay and wood are the best options, though mineral based runes, glass, crystal, metals and ceramics are fine too.I made my first set out of candy even.

Wood is closer to the original traditional material for runes, and this is because the elder furthark runes were supposedly created by the Norse gods, you can read about the discovery of rune magic in the Hàvamàl, which is part of the Poetic Edda. In that it says 'Runes you will find, and readable staves' which refers to using deadfall branches as the raw material, you shouldn't cut a branch from a tree for making runes." Celandine answered happily. She liked this particular topic.

"Ash and Elm are two of the most acceptable types of wood, Alder is good too. Lighter woods are traditionally best because the specific runemaking tools can wear out against harder woods. Also it should be fruit bearing trees that you use, because that helps give the runes life. Alternatively, if you used stone for example, river pebbles are good to use because the life force of a flowing river will have imbued it with life too."

That was a long detailed answer, Cela made an apologetic face and fell silent, lowering her hand.

Aya watched intently as Gold demonstrated how to make a pouch. It seemed much easier than doing it the muggle way and much faster. Twirling her wand, she looked at the finished pouch. "I think I'll keep it simple." Yup, no fancy designs for her, she just wanted to get it done first. Then maybe next time she would get more creative. Maybe.

Her eyes scanned the desk until she found the orange material. She levitated the material infront of her and taped it with her wand. "Fixate." And now for the scissors, she levitated her own scissors over and moved her wand in a circular motion before saying, "Cīsōria Incantatem."

Her cutting wasn't perfect and she moved it around the cloth, this was to be expected because it is her first time cutting magically. Once that was done and the cut pieces of cloth fell down she cast Finite on her almost done pouch.

And now for tha last step, she began to make the holes in her pouch carefuly and slowly. Once she had finished that, she picked up her gray string and strung it through the holes in her pouch. Now she was done. "Done. Does it look right?" Holding up her pouch proudly, she showed it to Gold with a smile. It wasn't perfect, but it was hers and that's all that mattered.

And they were moving on. Giving Gold a small Thank You as she turned to face the professor, she placed her pouch on the table and listened in on what materials would be best for her runes. She of course had no idea, so she took notes when she heard a few ideas thrown around.

Gold rested her hands in her lap, as Arya worked away. She did not stare or anything, mostly because she herself hated it when people eyed her when she was trying to practice something new, but she looked at Arya's handiwork every now and then, to make sure that nothing scary!bad happened. Scissors are, after all, a sharp tool.

When Arya finally held up the pouch, Gold could not help beaming. "It looks fantastic," she said, sincerely. "Especially given that it's your first time, using magic for such a purpose. G'job, Arya."

Then she fell silent, intently taking notes while people took turns to answer Professor Shackleton's question.

"thanks Professor, I really worked hard for this" Kate replied. The professor looked like she was quite enthusiastic about the sun and the moon "Professor, maybe you can explain to me why is so important the sun and moon symbolism. After class, of course, and if you have some time" She said, hoping a "yes".

"mmm maybe they are made of...." without hesitation, she raised her hand. "Professor, they could be made of a variety of stones, crystal, gemstones, wood...all materials that are made for last several years, maybe decades...and where the inscriptions, the runes symbols, wouldn't write away. I think that each material has it's own magical meaning too.." She said.
I hope I didn't said a nonsense...

Professor Shackleton listened to everyone's replies. She was pleased by how insightful many of the students' answers were and would certainly be giving some house points out. She confirmed what most of the students suggested, "Runes can be made from any natural material, including stone, clay, or wood and should be made by hand by the person intending to use them. If you select clay or stone, try to make the pieces as uniform as possible in size and color.

"Wood has historically been the preferred material for making runes, but the oldest runes in existence are made from bone. There is some controversy regarding the use of bones, due to the belief that the life force of the animal is still too much a part of the bone material to make the runes conducive to the vibrations of the individual symbols painted upon them. It is believed by many that no matter how well-cleaned with bleach, they are still permeated with the energies of death.

"But back to wood... Fruitwood trees were historically the most used by the Germanic tribes, as well as ash trees. No matter what wood is used, the source tree should have a personal meaning to the individual who will eventually be using the rune set. If choosing to collect wood, select a branch approximately three-quarters of an inch in diameter. If you collect a live branch, be sure to remember that you are taking something from a living being. You need to explain to the three what the branch is being taken for, ask its permission before you cut and thank it when you're done. Cut the branch into 25 pieces approximately 1 inch thick."

Professor Shackleton paused to allow for note-taking, then continued, "When choosing the shape and size of your runes, keep in mind that they all should fit in your cupped hands. Rough guidelines for numbers include no more than four centimeters of length, no more than three centimeters in width, and no more than 1 centimeter of thickness.

"The rune symbols can either be carved, if working with wood, or painted on. The more effort you put into this process, the more you will get out of your runeset. I'd recommend that you not use any wood stains or sealants on your runes, as stains change the color of the paint and sealants close off the pores of the wood and preclude touching the actual surface of the wood, thereby sealing off its energies.

"After you've gathered all your materials, then take some quiet time to meditate on the project before you. Take care as you make your runes. This is your homework for next time. You should also invoke your runes, which we will discuss at the start of the next lesson and do together. If you have any questions, feel free to linger behind and ask. If not, you all are free to go for today."

OOC: I am not going to have internet access until Sunday evening EST. Any questions asked will be answered at that time. Thank you for your patience.

Also, your HOMEWORK is to make a runeset. I would like for you to post your character somewhere within the threads of the School finding the materials, meditating, and making the runes. PM to me the link to the threads and the post numbers. Then include a drawn picture, much like we did with the pouch, showing your runes. If you ACTUALLY make runes at home, take a photograph and submit that.

If you did not include a drawing of your pouch during the lesson, you can submit it during your homework. Also, be sure to vote whether you'd like to study Runes as a language OR a method of divining future events OR a way to channel magic and life force. Assignment is due exactly two weeks from the time on this post. Good luck!

Lysandra waited until most of the class was out the door. She then went to Professor Shakleton to ask about bone runes. Professor, I have a question about the bone runes. You say that the animals' life force is still with them and that they are still permeated with the energies of death, right? Well, does it still considered that if the animals have been desceased for a while or that it is like that, no matter what?

Dianna took down notes as the Professor was speaking. When she was finished she raised her hand.
"Professor when is homework due?"

Alexandrie was confused, she could do the the whole Meditation thing but collecting the supplies? How would someone collect the supplies? She raised her hand and voiced the question out loud, "How do we collect the things to make the runes? I mean we need the wood, How do we collect it from the tree? How do we carve it precisely?" Alex was confused and wanted to make sure she did this right.

Hermione finished taking down the notes, and started to gather her materials. Making this rune set would certainly be a challenge.

Gah! Vashti knew this would be a complicated process, but not this complicated. Sigh. For education and house points, she supposed. But hey, maybe this would be a lot more fun than it sounded! So she tried to stay positive.

Making a note to make sure she finished her pouch for homework as well, she quickly scribbled down the process for making the runes themselves, making sure to jot down the specific measurements and guidelines for the size of the runes. Goodness, this was very specific. She'd have to make sure she did this correctly.

Closing her notebook once the professor said they were done for the day, Vashti raised her hand and hoped this didn't sound like a silly question, but it had to be asked. "Professor, a 'live branch' would be one that's taken off a tree that's still standing and growing and such, right? So...how exactly do you ask a tree for permission to use one of its branches? And how would you know if it gave you that permission or not?"

Boo Yeah!
They got to make their own runes for Homework. Patroclus snatched up his pouch and notes, and hurried from the class.
"Great Lesson Professor!", with that he was gone, all to find his runes.

Kate finished taking notes and then wrote their homework.
"This is going to be fun! I want to start right away" She thought.
"Have a good day Professor." She said to the teacher, and left the room.

Hermione had finally gathered all of her things. She better get working on this rune set she thought, it sounded pretty difficult to make. "Have a good afternoon Professor" she said as she left the classroom.

Jimbo took notes as the Professor spoke and wrote down his homework. He picked up his pouch and collected his things before getting up.
"Goodbye Professor. Thank you for the lesson."
Sometimes it was hard to be that cheery when he was so tired from the lesson. Plus, he knew he wasn't going to do good in the subject.
Sighing, he left the room.

Gold took a few notes, though she knew most of this already. She had five years of study behind, after all; and these were, for the most part, the basics. When she had jotted down everything she wanted to, the sixth year bottled the inkpot on her desk, packed up her belongings and rose to her feet. She watched most of the students leave and, when the class was relatively empty, walked up to Professor Shackleton.

"Professor, do you need any help with cleaning up the classroom?" Sewing is fun, but a place tends to get messy, when it's done. Especially when a lot of the people doing it, are doing it for the first time. Little bits of cloth and strings and laces and other stuff, get strewn all around. Gold gave Professor Shackleton a polite, little smile, before looking round the classroom. Sure, she wanted to help, but part of why she had asked was also because she wanted to busy herself, snap herself back into focus.

Though, of course, there was the chance that Professor Shackleton would rather clear up the place herself, or call in a house-elf. Gold hoped not, but she was mentally prepared for that answer.

Celandine raised her hand. "Professor I think that the oldest runes in existance are bone simply because bone lasts longer than wood. Thats the same reason there are still runestones standing and they are the reason the elder furthark was able to be transcribed. But in all the epic sagas and poems, it totally makes it clear that wood is not just preferred, but that its what runes were originally inscribed on." At least, thats what Celandine thought, based on all the extra reading she'd done. And she was always excited and eager to share her opinion. It was a shame the class was finishing because it was a fun subject to discuss.

"I think too, the other thing about bones, is they wouldn't just be permeated with the lingering death of the creature, but maybe the characteristics of the creature itself. Like spirit guides and stuff? And even like how we have symbolic animal representations of the houses; those characteristics might influence the bones too." Not that she thought that was a bad thing. After all, maybe some people might like to try and harness that influence.

"I have some questions professor; is it okay to use magic for the cutting and carving process? Or should we use traditional sorts of tools. Does it make any difference?" Cela packed up her things while she waited for the professor to answer and spotted Gold. Celandine smiled brightly, meaning to talk to the girl.


"I'll help you, Gold." Celandine offered and didn't bother to wait or ask the professor. She started to collect the leftover useable material and put it in a pile on Shackleton's desk. Cela beamed at Gold, recalling their conversation in the prefects bathroom. She liked her, she was deep and stuffs. "I wanted to talk to you! Can we meet in the library before dinner?" That'd be super if the Gryffindor was okay with it. Meantimes though, she wanted to arrange a meeting with Professor Shackleton too.

Celandine would totally be dropping by her office.

Oh. "Thanks," Gold beamed, as she gathered bits of messily cut swatches of cloth in her arms, and carried them over to Professor Shackleton's desk, after Cela. She was surprised, though, at what Cela said next. She could think of no reason why Cela would want to especially meet her. Of course, it might still be a normal, everyday conversation. Maybe they were going to swap shoes? Maybe. Gold didn't think that likely.

"Sure, why not."

She gave Cela a little smile.

"That is a good question, to which I can really only give you my opinion and the opinions of several prominent researchers. Those energies will be forever with those bones because those bones never cease to truly belong to that creature. Not to mention that they weren't given with permission, so they may never truly belong to the person who wishes to use them."

"Before the next class, dear."
OOC: If you look in the OOC part of my last post, you'll see that the homework is due exactly two weeks from the date of that post.

"You can either choose to find a branch that has fallen off the tree or you can ask the tree's permission to take a live branch from it. Then, since the branch is round, you merely cut it in 25 pieces cross-sectionally. Then paint or inscribe each runic symbol on the flat surface."

"That would be a live branch, yes. You simply explain to the tree why you are using it, meditate for a moment, and quite often nature will find a way to express permission."

"That would be quite helpful, thank you Gold." Professor Shackleton pleasantly began picking up pieces herself with a smile in place.

"Thank you Celandine for helping Gold. I appreciate your help, ladies.

"Now, as your for you opinions on the bone runes - you are exactly right. That is, indeed, the reason that the bone runes are the oldest currently in existence. The wood simply didn't endure that many years. But it is the preferred material, certainly it is my preferred material, though I do have a number of sets in materials from wood to river stones to amethyst and garnets. I used to like to take some of the findings from our expeditions and make them into rune sets. After doing all that hard work to break the curses and gain access to some of these things, I felt like I'd already had a connection with them." Professor Shackleton's eyes glazed over as she reflected a bit on her 'glory days' as a cursebreaker. How far she'd come since that point in her life!

"As for your question, you can use magic or traditional tools to make your runes. Play to your strengths. As long as you are putting in the effort to collect your materials and fabricate your runes, meaning you casting the appropriate spells or using the appropriate hands on approaches, your runes will be connected to you. Depending on my materials, I sometimes like to do it by hand, merely because I enjoy the craft. But magic has also served me well in the past."

"Awesome." Celandine was pleased at that. Cela vanished the scrappy little bits that weren't salvageable and looked up at Shackleton.

"No problem professor." Celandine shrugged and reholstered her wand.

"Oh that sounds cool professor. You were a curse breaker? Did you work in Egypt?" Cela had a bit of a thing about Egypt considering Copernicus was studying Wizarding Archaeology at the Cairo campus.

Well. Cela's strengths were definitely her magic, she nodded attentively, making mental notes.

"I did a stint in Egypt, yes. Then India, Madagascar, South Africa, Greece. The list goes on and on. I am fairly well-traveled on account of my cursebreaking days. It was the best part of my job."

"Do you mind if I come to see you and ask you more about it when I ask you about Rune stuff?" Cela asked. She intended to go see the professor in her office after all and there was SO MUCH awesome stuff to ask about and talk about.

Righto.

Now that the class was all tidy, Gold was ready to leave. "Thanks for the wonderful lesson, Professor," she said, hosting her schoolbag higher over her shoulder, before giving Cela a little smile.

"See you later tonight, Cel."

She waved to the Head Girl, before heading out of the classroom. Sooo much homework to tackle, eep! Thank God, at least, that none of it was boring. Gold liked creative stuff, no doubt. Loads.

"Oh ok! Thanks Professor and have a good day!" Dianna replied as she headed out the classroom door.