Kendall was actually still thinking about gnomes when it seemed the lesson had started. Just because she couldn't really see why gnomes would be wandering around the pasture. There really wasn't anywhere to hide, and the only hole she saw was the one Professor Newlin made. Either way, seeing as she was close to the professor, she'd blinked as the woman had pulled a cage over and revealed its contents. Smoke, and lots of sparkly gemstones. She was half-tempted to reach out and try to touch it, but managed to stop herself halfway as the discussion began and people started listing off things about fire crabs.

"Professor, fire crabs don't really look like crabs. They don't have claws like crabs do, so they're more like big, sparkly turtles with too many legs. And they're on reservations because both Muggles and wizards go after them for their shells. The Muggles because of the gems on them, and wizards 'cause they can be used as cauldrons. But they can still defend themselves by shooting flames out from their backsides, so maybe they don't need claws," she said, shifting to raise the hand that she'd started to reach forward earlier, and kind of starting to ramble a bit near the end. "Oh, and I'm Kendall Lily Quinn," she finally added, giving the professor another grin. She'd seen the worm jar get hidden after all, so maybe there really weren't any gnomes around.

While Cassia's answer wasn't entirely wrong, Vanora shook her head and gave the cage that held the Fire Crab a little turn. "They don't actually breathe fire."

How many people would laugh if she said fart?

Turning away from Cassia, the smile she was wearing instantly faded when she glanced at.. Daichi? That was his name, right? He may not have introduced himself, but she had heard Kurumi talking to him. Not that she was really listening..

"Why?" her eyebrows raised slightly, "Because that's what we're going to be working with today?" Would he rather dig for worms!?

"Well, I've never heard of a Fire Crab burning off someone's nose." But then again, she didn't know anyone who would want their nose that close to its rear.

"But it will try to defend itself." So really, whichever body part was closest would be in danger.



That was a very good question!

Vanora shifted herself on the ground more comfortably, and was just about to get into a very long winded speech to answer when another student spoke up. Actually, it was that Ravenclaw who spoke up. Who.. wasn't all that wrong. "They're actually not dumb creatures." And if she was holding the Fire Crab on her lap like she wanted to, she would have covered his ears so he wouldn't have to hear such insults.

"Their shells are heavy, so yes, it does slow them down a bit. And while they can defend themselves to some extent, it's not enough. People who hunt Fire Crabs, poachers, they don't exactly travel on their own. And even if they do travel on their own, it's not that difficult to capture," or kill, "a Fire Crab. The shells are hard and impenetrable, but the rest of the creature is not."

And she didn't know what rear-mirrors would do to help, so she didn't even mention them. She gave the Hufflepuff a smile, though. That answered the question?

Scary!?

Vanora lifted the cage of the Fire Crab and moved her face closer. How could anyone think that? They were cute! And their shells were shiny. "That's just an opinion."

"That could go either way, you know. The Fire Crabs may have adapted to the heat and the fire, but no one really knows if they like it." Fire does come out of its rear.

Did the creatures really like that? Hmm.

Err..

Okay..

Vanora blinked up at the boy, and it may have taken her a moment to think of what to say. That was.. just wrong on so many levels. "There may be something wrong with you if you are comparing the looks and temperature of a Fire Crab to the girls of Hogwarts." She was going to talk to Cece about checking that one out.

That answer seemed oddly, oddly familiar. And it only took her a second to realize why.

"Right. No one should ride them." And if the girl was thinking it.. "The fire does not make it move faster."



Vanora listened to the rest of the students give their answers, even chuckling at the couple who mentioned the Fire Crab's 'bathroom' habits. Thankfully, the creatures that she had caged had already been fed and even did their stuff beforehand. That would have been quite a mess.

Anyway..

"Right. So, as the rest of you said, Fire Crabs are native to the islands of Fiji. And as you can see." she pointed to the Fire Crab in the cage before slowly opening the door of it, so she could grab him once he made his way out. If he ever made his way out, "Despite its six legs, it has more of a resemblance to that of a turtle. The jeweled shell, which a few of you said could be fitted with either rubies, sapphires or emeralds, is highly valuable for both wizards and muggles. Wizards use the shell as a cauldron because its much harder than any material and won't burn as easily. The muggles use it for the jewels." Both selfish. "There is something that neither a crab or turtle can do, but the Fire Crab can. If the creature feels threatened, or even annoyed," as Theodore said, "they defend themselves by shooting a jet of flame from their.. well, their butts." No laughing, please. "Also, I don't know how," and she didn't want to either, "but Rubeus Hagrid somehow mated a Fire Crab and a Manticore to create the Blast-Ended Skrewts." But enough about them.

"And while there is a reserve, which I worked at before coming to Hogwarts, Fire Crab poaching is still happening and the number of creatures decrease each year." Sad, right? "They shouldn't be kept as pets." Even if the Ministry says people could. "But that is just my opinion."

Picking up the Fire Crab once he was out of the cage, Professor Newlin held it gently in her arms as she stood from the ground. She pulled out her wand, flicking it in the direction of the rest of the cages and the table by the shed, causing all the covers to come off. She may have forgotten about the jar of worms..

"As you can see, there are enough Fire Crabs for each of you." She glanced over at Daichi, if that was his name, and Kai, giving them both a small smile. "But if you'd rather work in pairs, that is fine."

"If there aren't any questions, I'd like you all to grab a bucket, a brush and a washcloth from off the table, then stand by one of the cages. Don't let the Fire Crabs out just yet. We'll have to get the water ready first."

Yup. They were going to be cleaning a Fire Crab.

OOC: Okay! If your character doesn't have any question, have them go over and pick up their supplies then pick out a Fire Crab to stand by! This does not have to be done in one post, you can RP finding a partner if you'd like. Or just talking, whatever. We'll start the activity in about.. 36 hours. So you all have time to post. =D
Partners should have two Fire Crabs.

They didn't burn off noses? Theo made a thoughtful face but shrugged slightly. He knew that it could happen, and he had a feeling it would at some point in today's lesson. He needed a nose guard! Meeeeeep. "So cos they're kinda small, someone's feet are most likely to get burned off?" Good job he was wearing sturdy shoes today, then!

WHAT? They were.... cleaning Fire Crabs? That wasn't safe.

Theo made a faaace of terror and was glad that the partner option was offered to them. He looked around, trying to find a person that would particularly excel in this sort of activity.

Preferably an old person, please.

Terry was beyond excited for this lesson to get going. It was obvious that he loved Magical Creatures and his mother had encouraged him to do everything he could to impress the professor in this subject. She clearly wanted him to work with Creatures when he was older, Terry didn't mind where he worked but he knew he did want to try his best here.

Once the question had been answered, the Professor gave them the next instruction and he grinned as he wandered over to the nearest cage he could find.

He peered inside at the crab, raising his eyebrows as it stared back at him. He placed his quill and notepad down at the cage to save it for himself. Clearly the pair had a connection!

Terry was confident in this lesson and so he glanced around wandering if anyone wanted help. Or just some company, the twelve year old was willing to give that as well.

He spotted a familiar Slytherin who looked like he might want a partner and waved to get his attention. "Hi Spiderman plaster guy" he chuckled. It was Theo wasn't it but he preferred to call him Spiderman, it sounded cooler. "Do you want to partner up?" he asked.

Groannnn now they had to work and.. wait.. brushes.. buckets.. wash clothes.. they were going to have to TOUCH those things.. Oh no no no Ariana wasnt getting a 3rd degree burn .. Not today..

good they could partner.

Ariana stood up and of course saw none of her friends because they never ever came to classes.. grr who will she partner with..

she certantly didnt want to touch the thing if she didn't absolutely have too. "partner.. Anyone..." she said to no one specific and in a normal leveled voice

Yeah, anything that shot fire out of its butt Tag would not take it for granted. His eyes got big and he stood still in his spot as his head turned this way and that way trying to find a partner. This type of class-especially since the creature sounded sort of dangerous, and Tag's magical skills were not very top notch-he did not want to attempt this all by himself. If he was going to go down, another student would have to go down with him.

"Anyone want to be my partner?" He awkwardly as from where he stood as he saw students grabbed the required equipments and such.

There really wasnt much that would distract Vickers' attention from such an exotic creature such as a Fire Crab, but there was one thing that got him to shift his gaze when the Professor addressed the Slytherin called Richard.

*eyes*
Either he's still frustrated that most girls in Hogwarts have stupid boyfriends or the newbie!Slytehrin has a thing for multi-legged shelled creatures. Vickers shifted his gaze towards the Dylan and raised a brow. No wonder you called him Freak man.

But now the Professor starts with her next instructions and Vickers icy blue gaze could only stare at the supply table with trepidation. The bucket, the brush, the washcloth..... those are rather familiar from something they've done with Williamson....

... they were going to bathe the fire crabs?

He wasnt all too sure about this. Roro the dragon was young and couldnt breathe fire yet at the time they were bathing her. These crabs look to be able to singe his eyebrows no sweat. And although he collected the three items he dallied about picking out a fire crab, although he was staring at them.

Gotta pick one that looks too weak to fart....

Partnering time. Yay.

Though it wasn't Kat's FAVORITE part, due to her experiences in not finding a partner at all, Kat decided to partner up with another Slytherin younger than her. She just felt like it, though.

"Hey," Kat said. "Need a partner?"

Nope...no question at the moment for him.

As such, Gideon paid attention to what they would need for the task at hand that they supposedly would be doing, the items listed by the professor, before moving from his current spot to retrieve them. The seventh year walking to the table and grabbing one of each of the brushes, buckets and washclothes currently available for all of them to pick from. Then with them in hand, he moved over to the cages of firecrabs.

Different varieties meant different shells, he mused in memory. However they hadn't learned what each meant. Deciding not to be picky, Gideon simply stood near one of the nearer ones, setting the bucket holding the rest of the supplies down at his feet to await the next bit of instruction. Did he want to partner was the next question posed to him, but he wasn't quite sure of the answer so he left the situation open.

Annie grabbed the requested items and was about to move off to a crab but was admittedly not too sure what to do the first year figured that seeing the other guy she'd noticed at Gryffindor table back during the start of term feast asking for a partner she might as well offer... he could always say no if he wanted someone older, Annie wouldn't take much any offense if he did...

"Um... if you want I could be your partner" she said slightly awkwardly, before she put on a large smile tying her nice blonde hair back in another bun, she didn't want to have the ends singed off by that crab!

Whoops. Theo's been claimed by another one. Kat went to find another person to partner with. Then she saw a younger Gryffindor who was looking for a partner too. Great way to make friends right?

"Hello," Kat jumped. "I see you need a partner, me too..."

Daichi was squeezing Kurumi's hand so tightly that he was probably hurting her right at this moment. The Slytherin did not notice this though as his wide open eyes continued to stare at the Professor as she opened up the cages where the fire crabs had been in just a second ago.

He let out a squeak and shifted backwards on his behind , breaking the hand contact with the Prefect. What was he going to do when she graduated?! Who would protect him then? He hated this kind of classes because he always looked like a scared lost kid when he wasn't like that at all...okay sometimes he was.

Daichi's eyes immediately looked at Kurumi again when the Professor told them they could partner up as well and then to Juliet. Maybe...maybe they could work together? He didn't even ask for them for help as his eyes probably looked pleadingly at them both.

They were going to clean firecrabs? Wow. That was so much fun. Although Indy didn't really know how to do it. Maybe partnering up would be a good idea? Things were always good when you paired up. Although it would be cool to say she'd done it herself, but she didn't want to end up with a huge burn or something. That would be be good considering it was quidditch season. She had to be in tip top condition to ensure that Ravenclaw managed to get the championship again this term.

She chewed on her lip, looking around a little. Would someone like to partner with her? "Anyone need a partner?"

Hand flying over her parchment as she wrote down various notes about and added details about fire crabs, Kurumi was getting more and more excited at the prospect of already being able to get her hands on a creature. MERLIN how she had missed this subject, this class, this setting. It was just solidifying what she already knew - that she wanted to work with creatures after graduating. Sure, fire crabs were no dragons but it was hard to top a dragon in Kurumi's book if not impossible.

Question? Actually she DID have one. But it was more to appease her curiosity than one that really was directed towards learning more about the actual creature. "Professor, the rubies, sapphires or emeralds that are found on fire crabs' shells...are some of those used in the hour glasses?" The ones that kept tally of house points. Because THAT would be really neat. Maybe a little sad too since Kurumi did not know the extracting process of the jewels and her thoughts were more that the creature had to be killed in order to retrieve them, but if it had been because of natural causes....
*WINCE*

Okay....Kurumi had officially lost ALL feeling in her hand now thanks to the grip he had on it.She was about to say something ouch maybe when he suddenly let go of her hand. It was...erm...sort of white...and...had no feeling...

Kurumi ended up massage her hand with the other one for a moment, glancing at Daichi for a moment before looking at Juliet. Kurumi should probably leeeeeeeave them to work together, right? As a seventh year and as a prefect she should sort of look out for everyone, right? Just keep an eye on things and jump in when anyone needed some assistance?

Plus...she sort of selfishly wanted to work on her own with this one. This WAS her favorite subject and they didn't HAVE to work with someone....

"Daichi, why don't you and Juliet work together? I'll be right next to you guys in case you need me." Because Kurumi SAAAAAAAAAAAAW the connection between the two Slytherins.

Tehehehe.

But there was something lingering on her mind as well. "And...Daichi...about Jonathan and I...." She bit down on her lower lip for a moment as she tried to figure out just how to put this. "I...let's talk about this after class, okay?"

They're going to work with fire crabs. Juliet doesn't know the first thing about them except the fact about the jewels. That answer was completely luck. She sort of remembered it but she wasn't entirely sure whether what she said was correct.... and fortunately it is correct. Juliet really felt happy having to hear that.

Fire crab notes... six legs, looks like a turtle... jewels are rubies, sapphires, emeralds, high value to wizards... Use shell as cauldron, doesn't burn easily. Just jewels for muggles... shoots a jet of flame from their butts... funny... Blast-ended skrewt...

That pretty much covers the fire crabs 101. And since she doesn't have any questions, she will now have to move with the activity portion of the day. Taking the scrunchy on her pocket, she tied her brunette hair into a ponytail. It's easier to work this way. Plus, they're dealing with something that can move, she doesn't want her hair to be all over her face, literally.

Daichi, why don't you and Juliet work together?

Juliet's eyes widened as she stared back at Kurumi. And here she thought the two will decide to work together. Guess, she's wrong about that. She didn't oppose though, seeing as the seventh year could handle things on her own... but still.... "O-okay" she let out a smile as she looked at Daichi this time "Is it okay with you?" If he says yes then it's off for them to get a bucket, a brush and a washcloth.

Louisa was grateful for the distraction, and she listened intently - more intent than she ever did in this class. Once the professor announced their next step, Louisa jumped up to her feet and rounded on her two fellow 'claws. "Okay. So we can work in a group. But we're not going to, simply because you two are awfully silent and awkward. So.." She gave an apologetic smile to both of them, "I'm going to join my boyfriend over there." She gestured toward Vickers, staring at the cages, "And I suggest you two work together on this. It'll help ease the tension." Obviously Louisa had no idea why those two were like this, but her advice was genuine. "I do hope you work it out." She added gently before walking away.



She sneaked up behind him, a grin starting to spread over her face, and very carefully positioned herself behind him. Barely containing herself she threw her arms around his torso, squeezing, and pushing against him. "Hey there!" She giggled!greeted before unhooking her arms. "Wanna be partners?" Geddit? GRIN. Without waiting for an answer, coz, really, Louisa didn't find another person with him and she didn't think he'd refuse... right? D:

"Why didn't you choose a cage yet?" She headed toward the nearest one and started dragging it to the side, making sure to keep her distance from the creature.

See? It was easy to claim.

Cassia listened to what Professor Newlin explained about the Fire Crabs Cassia nodded keeping an eye on the cage just in case its temper had a swing and it farted fire which really wasn't any better than breathing fire. In fact breathing fire was cooler you know.

However, the second-year rose to her feet to do what they were told to do. Get those stuff. But wait they were cleaning the fire-farting creature? Like touching it? What's with cleaning creatures. Only last term they cleaned a dragon. Oh remembering that cute little dragon made Cassia sad as it got burned afterwards.


Dismissing those memories, Cassia raised her hand ," Professor how do we make sure not to make the creature lose its temper?" She asked. "You know in order not to be burned." She added. A trip to the infirmary was the last thing she needed. She was actually trying to spend her seven years without going there. The healer didn't have a very pleasant reputation.


So Cassia picked up a brush and a washcloth and dropped them in a bucket and carried the last. The second-year glanced to see if her friend Blue who was sitting next to her had gotten to grab the stuff as well.

Still lounging from his comfy spot on the ground, Dylan listened to all the discussion sparking up around him. Obviously some of these people had never before seen a Fire Crab. Really...you'd have to be the size of a toddler to be able to accomplish that...and even then, it'd probably be faster just to walk.

Gah, he attended this school with some slow peoples.

...Oh...They were going to actually work with these animals? Nice. Yes, yes...Dylan could imagine that owl now, writing out his detailed experience learning about the funny little creatures. Pure satisfaction...As soon as class was over, he'd zip up to the owlery...

...And they were being given the opportunity to work in pairs? Nice, again.

Of course, Dylan's first instinct was to work with his best mate sitting beside him...but Rich was in rare form today. There was no need to put himself in the line of fire...and then there was Ravvie!Odessa. The Captain could've asked her to work with him...but before he'd stood to do so, someone else caught his eye.

There was Beezus, sitting with Spook and Girl Almost on Fire...And she looked miserable. It might not have been openly noticeable...but as someone who knew her well, it was plain as day.

So, with his mind made up, Dylan smoothly got to his feet and made his way over to her. It was his duty to rescue his Honey Bee from an uncomfortable situation. It'd probably be a bit awkward...considering his past with Spook but really. Dylan couldn't be bothered about him. He knew things.

COUGH.

"Bee, come on."

Daichi looked apologetically at Kurumi when he took note of her rubbing her hand. He even mumbled a sorry for he felt really bad to have hurt his big sister. But when he caught sight of the Fire crabs again he gulped.

Work together with Juliet? Sounded like a good idea and at the same time it wasn't. Why? Because now Juliet would see what a scared kid he actually was. Not the brave kind that had helped her at the beginning of the term when they had used the portkey to the platform at Hogsmeade. He let out a sigh yet nodded his head at the same time.

"I-if that thing s-shoots f-f-fire i-i'm out of here!" the fifteen year old stuttered and moved to grab the supplies they needed with a shaking body. As he came back with quick steps, his eyes found Indy looking for a partner. His expression softened a little bit as he stared at the blonde and his cheeks flushed red. No. He had promised to partner up with Juliet.

Spiderman plaster guy?????

That was a mouthful just for one nickname! Theodore blinked at the guy that he knew as Terry? Eh, he would do for a partner. Though, he WAS initially looking for someone older with more magical experience. Those prefects were his first choice. But whatevs. "Hey, there..." Terry? Was it Terry? Did he really have to ask?

"Sure, we can partner up. Have you ever cleaned a Fire Crab before?" He asked quite seriously. Whilst he waited for an answer, Theodore got their bucket, brush and washcloth ready.

UGhhh, this was going to be HORRIBLE.

What was this Peeves was hearing from his nearby hiding spot? That professor lady was going to let the kiddies play with FIRE Crabs? Well now, he couldn't let an opportunity such as this one pass him by.

Zooming out from his spot in the trees he made his presence known.

"FIRE!

THE CRABS ARE ON FIRE! EVERYONE RUN! SAVE YOURSELVES!"

Flying around their heads he spotted a jar of dirt... and worms.

PERFECT!

"HAVE NO FEAR, PEEVES IS HERE! HE'LL PUT OUT THOSE FIRES!" Or maybe just feed the crabs.

Swooping down he snatched up the jar FULL of creepy crawlies and started dumping them all over the place. Worms were everywhere! On the ground, tables... on the students, in their hair, slithering down their backs...

Smiling at Daichi and Juliet, Kurumi went over to retrieves her things and was standing in front of the cages to select a fire crab, most likely one with rubies on its shell, when she heard something loud coming from behind her.

She knew THAT voice...

Only it wasn't the sight of Peeves that caught her attention. Nope. Dirt flying all over the place, Kurumi didn't have any time to react before some of the worm infested dirt had covered her head and there was something....squirming in her hair. Kurumi reached up for whatever it was...but it instead slid off her head and down her neck and...into her robes.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" she squeaked as she flailed her arms a little, trying to shoved her hands down the back of her robes while more dirt slid off the top of her head.

While she was flailing...she maaaaaay have hit something...or someone....

They were going to clean the fire crabs? Well, he wasn't surprised after Roro.That was a nice experience and he hoped no disaster would become of this.

He headed over to collect a bucket, washcloth and brush. "This is gonna be interesting,'' he decided. He stood looking at the Crabsand had just decided which cage to take when suddenly Peeves came shooting towards then yelling at the top of his voice.

He had hardly had time to repeat "Crabs on fire?'' when he felt something go SPLAT on his head at the same time Kurumi started to flail her armsand shout. Startled, Jory reached up, resisting the urge to also start shouting. Something was wriggling up there.

"Just worms,'' he thought relieved as he pulled them out of his now dirt covered hair. He thought it was something much worse though he didn't know what he thought it could be.

?!

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEVES?

Theo didn't know who this was, but he looked UP, and saw a kinda terrifying-looking Poltergeist. His heart rate quickened, because he was scared of ghosts, and as a way to dodge the worms flying his way, he squatted down low with his arms covering his head.

He needed protection.

And knock. Someone bashed him aside and because of his squatting position, he rolled along the grass a bit until he stopped in front of one of the cages. BY GOSH, PLEASE DON'T LET IT BE A FIRE CRAB CAGE.

"oWWWWWWwwwwwch."

His eyes flitted open and went WIDE there was indeed, a fire crab's BUTT staring right at him. Theo ducked his head down low and rolled along the grass some more. Safe? Was he safe? This felt like world war three.

Juliet wanted to laugh when he said that he'll be leaving when the crab shoots fire. But she did remember earlier about him and Kurumi discussing about fire and holding hands. So if her hunch is right, about him being afraid of fire then she's willing to try to help him out as much as possible. So no laughing there, fire and how it is to Daichi, that's something personal and sensitive. Juliet knows and feels what it is like to be afraid of something.

Her thoughts came back when she saw Daichi brought all the things they need for this activity. Such a fine gentleman. When she came nearer, however, she spotted him eyeing someone. Of course, to her curiosity, Juliet followed his gaze and saw, right from his direction, the same blonde girl that she met on the Hogsmeade platform. What's her name again... Indy???

On her tip toes, she leveled with Daichi's ear "She's really pretty." she said, hope that didn't startled him or anything. "Isn't she?" smiling, yes, she will definitely tease him about this. OR OR, the two are already dating... but then again, Kurumi was holding hands with Daichi and was all cute and stuff... OKAY, this is officially making her head all jumbled up and confused.

But before they could even start with the activity, someone out of the blue just shouted fire? Juliet's eyes snapped to see if there is fire. This is not good. She then immediately looked at Daichi. Worried. Where is the fi-----

Something landed on Juliet's head and it's crawling....

0_________________________0. Her heart skipped a bit. It's a leaf right? Right? Juliet slowly reached for it and GULP. "Oh my...." her hair, it's something crawling, something disgusting and something that she hates. She took Daichi's arm immediately as her eyes shut closed. "Take it off. Take it off. Take it off. Take it off..." please? Please? She can feel two whatever it is is crawling on her head? She doesn't really know...

Just ewwwwww...