Adrienne opened her mouth, and then closed it again. That was... an interesting idea. "I think that in part, it all comes down to basic intelligence. I highly doubt that knarls, left to their own devices, are actually mentally able to create a government." She couldn't help but laugh internally at the idea of all the little hedgehoglike creatures gathering together, wearing top hats and holding quills.

"But among species of higher intelligence, beast or being or otherwise, if possible they should have input in Wizarding Law, especially if it affects them. Like..." Adrienne said, faltering a bit as she tried to think of the words to get across what was in her mind. "The Statute of Secrecy, for example, is important, and if trolls were left to their own 'governing'," because she highly doubted they'd actually develop any government, "they'd be rampaging around killing muggles left and right. They don't have the capability to be reasoned with, though, so wizards need to make a distinction between them and beings. But then," this was harder than she'd expected, "in contrast there are goblins. They have to be kept out of sight of muggles also, but they're intelligent enough to have input on the decision and offer their opinions. Does that make any sense? Even if there were other governments, they'd have to be interconnected." That either made her sound really smart or really, really dumb.

Adelaide sat there taking notes as the class went on. Honestly she was really interested in learning about all of these magical creatures. And she could not wait to interact with them. That was going to be the best part.

What did she define a beast as? She listened as everyone prattled on, discussing different things. She raised her hand and spoke. "Adelaide Adams. And I think a beast has something to do with what she said," motioning to the younger Ravenclaw (aaetha). "If certain creatures were left to govern themselves, things would just get completely out of hand. Basically chaos. Especially when it comes to protecting the magical world from muggles and vice versa." That made sense right?

This should've been boring to an 11 year old pain in the behind like Cutty Mordaunt, but it was instead something he found interesting. I mean, here they all were sharing and elucidating their stances on other living creatures. This was useful information, he guessed even if he wasn't sure how just yet. It just felt revealing. Even that broodish Odessa kid was chiming in and it was the most Cutty had ever heard him say inside a class.


He leaned forward, expressionless and non-chalant as he released a silent but deadly in Sophie Newell's general direction. A slow, satisfied grin came upon him. Thank Merlin they were outside.

The definition of a beast shouldn’t be to hard. There were never any wrong answers right? As long as she participated that should count for something. She raised her hand into the air. ”Hannah Lockwood professor, and the definition of a beast is a creature that is not human.” Bam. There it was.


Hmmm… she did have to agree with the textbook to a certain extent. Professor, I think that the textbook definition is pretty just. I mean you can’t expect a Hippogriff to participate in lawmaking could you? I mean I get that people think that the laws can be strict as far as tolerance goes on beasts but I can’t say that I blame them too much.” she said with a raised hand. She turned her attention to everybody else to see what they thought about the situation.

Notes. Kat was totally taking notes, especially the ones about what a beast was. Not what they thought a beast was. Yeah, she was aware that it can be found in the Care of Magical Creatures textbook but apparently she could remember things better if she wrote them on paper. Easier to memorize. It was her studying technique or whatever you call that, a skill or her preference. But when it came for the opinions, Kat dropped her quill for a moment to participate.

What WAS a beast to her? "Katrina Hudson," she said her name because she didn't say it earlier. "They're vicious and really dangerous, and some of them could probably bite your head off in less than a second if they feel like you're invading their territory or if you annoy them." Have you ever tried annoying an acromantula? Of course not. You'd make a mountain troll seem like a genius if you even tried.

Kace agreed with Katrina. Kace was about to make a point but she made it for him. "Professor i agree with Katrina had to say. I mean if you do invade their territory they could get vicious and then they get the name the "beast" But sometimes the sweetest creature can be mean it just all under what circumstances it could be under." he shrugged. That is how he felt.

Ella had been listening quietly and thinking all the things. Subjects like this were so easily debatable because there were so many things you could argue for one side or another. When you tried to put things into a box based on their qualities, there was always a chance something was going to not quite fit. It's just the way things were.

"Hi, erm my name is Ella Bishop." Because she hadn't said that before. "I think the problem with labeling creatures, or anything actually, is that no matter what, there is always going to be an exception to your rule. I think it's dangerous to generalize and that's why this issue is still being debated today." Someone was always going to have something to say about it so it was sort of one of those subjects that would keep coming up.

Marigold completely agreed with Ella.

"Marigold McAlistor," she said, raising her hand. "And my definition is that beasts are vicious and also not as intelligent? Kinda? But I agree that there will always be exceptions. Like mermaids and centaurs... They're considered "beasts" right?"

She went back to her note taking. She was very interested in this class, and this teacher seemed to be a good one.

Minerva looked up as the professor asked her a specific question she thought for a moment, "I am saying that I feel there should be a different time of categorizing for these creatures. If they are capable of handling themselves in a civilized way and can make decisions that could help better society why not let them be a part of it, but there needs to be guidelines to allow this to happen."

She paused a moment as West answered, "That was along of the lines as I was thinking, you don't want just any of them having these freedoms for the reasons he had suggested, but just as Wizards have to get apparating license, why not have different standards like that for other creatures to see if they can live up to being a part of society and help with wizarding laws. If they break the laws just as wizards, they would have to have punishments all the same or even their classification taken away." Minerva hoped her thoughts were making sense she felt they were a little jumbled like she knew what she meant but wasn't sure it came out that way.

Sarah was listening very well, all while scribbling notes. Her handwriting was detoriating fast. She raised her hand "Sarah Edwards" she forgot to inrtoduce herself before. "I think that there should be a law in place that enable humans to intervene when they need to, as Humans are more intelligent, both socially and mentally then the others. I don't think that Beast really think like human's do, about consequences and reprecutions. Like when we went to Atlantis one lesson the merpeople there were quite violent, if left on their own... Look at the list of beings, some of them are dark creatures, we cannot have them preying on humans.. we need our security. Its not just the muggles I am worried about, its the wizarding world as well. There needs to be a system of justice in place, I don't think the trolls would be able to have a justice system of their own."

Okay, REALLY?!

What was the deal with eleven-year-old boys?! They were almost ALWAYS difficult to understand, and even when Sophie thought they were really trying to make sense, they still just...bewildered her.

In other words, she'd caught those looks from Adi and Cutty.

Oh, come on! She had asked an innocent question. She hadn't said the question represented her own personal beliefs. BOYS. "Not my personal belief," she said, raising her hands in an 'I surrender' pose. "I was just wondering if beasts actually get as offended over their categorization as we seemed to be for them."

She was suddenly picturing these wild creatures going around worrying about topics such as voting and justice. Was it really so?

Everyone was making some REALLY good points and all Alec could do was stare around from person to person as they spoke. How were these people so smart and good at raising good points while all he was good at was... asking questions. Sometimes dumb questions and sometimes good ones but questions nonetheless.

Was he going to try and raise a point, though? Or contribute to the discussion? ... Yeah, okay, he could... give it a go. The hand went UP in the air! "Erm... the thing with classifying between beasts and beings is... erm..." What was he trying to say? "... some people's ideas of what's violent and what's not might not be the same as someone else's. Someone might say that a creature can help to shape society and can be classified as a being while someone else says no. Which one is right?"

... He also had a question. As usual. "And... what do we do about creatures who don't... want to be part of the wizarding society?" he asked, "Would they... automatically be beasts even if... even if they're not dangerous but just want their own freedom away from wizardkind?" Were there even such creatures? And was this a good contribution to the discussion?

Oh hey, Adrienne recognised this one. She was in her year, right? Maybe. Another Puff. "Mermaids and centaurs are beasts," Marigold had that part right, "but as opposed to the others they chose that category for themselves. I'm pretty sure they were originally invited to be beings." But then the merpeople were angry they'd been left out of the first gathering, and the centaurs were offended on their behalf, so they both decided to rebuke the invitation and let land and sea be sanctioned off for them to stay in. Although Adrienne doubted how wizards defined them made much of a difference to merpeople, let alone centaurs.

Oh look, it was Hufflepuff boy from Astronomy. He hadn't even been that annoying at first, but now he seemed to be showing up everywhere Adrienne turned and it was getting to the point where the very sight of him made her want to punch something. Specifically, him. She sighed and tried to calm down- there was no need to get upset, and besides, she was trying to make a good second impression on Professor Roman, and breaking out into a fistfight in the middle of their first lesson would probably get her sent to detention instead.

"I mean, I'm sure some people have differing opinions, but there's a level of violence which just can't be tolerated, and that's usually where the line is drawn. Like with sphinxes; they pretty much only talk to you if they're telling you a riddle, so if they tried to help 'shape society' they'd probably end up eating everyone whose answers weren't satisfactory." Heh. Imagine if sphinxes taught classes here- they'd probably have massacred half the school by the end of the first day. Adrienne felt herself grinning slightly and forced herself not to laugh. "Yeah, that happened with centaurs and merpeople." Like she'd just said.

Raven just sat and listened to what her fellow students were saying, taking notes in her head and thinking of possible counter arguments. Eventually though she decided to add something. "I don't think the current system is fair because Wizards just allow creatures to chose for themselves if they are being and beast. Centaurs and mermaids are as smart as any human, and yet we allowed them to be defined as beasts because they were throwing a tantrum. If we were going to let emotion rule our definitions instead of reason, then what's the point?"

"As far as laws go, we need to be sure if they can abide by laws on their own, or if they need intervention. As many have pointed out, Trolls wouldn't be able to abide by our laws, including the Statute of Secrecy, in which Wizards take it upon ourselves to keep them out of sight of Muggles, and in their own community," Roman said, "Those who can abide in our laws, would probably like participation in them, to make sure that laws that effect even them, such as Goblins, are to their liking."

"I doubt that creatures who are unable to understand and participate in laws do care. Trolls, again, have their own communities that they seem quite happy in. And Knarls or Gnomes and such are probably none the wiser that they're missing out on them."

"Good," Roman smiled, "I think that was definitely the main - or one of the main - drives that led Wizards to make such classifications in the first place. To figure out what needs protection and guidance, to put it nicely, and what can keep themselves safe and away from Muggles."



Melanie nodded her head at a few students. "Despite participation in the discussion, it seems you all, for the most part, agree with the Council's decision - the textbook definition." Which was a fair thing to agree with. It is, after all, what Wizardkind has abided by for hundreds of years.



"And you two seem to agree that a beast is nothing more than something dangerous, or inhuman," she nodded at them, as well, to show that she was not judging them for their definitions. It was what she asked for, and quite enjoyed hearing.

"And you seem to be bordering between the two," Melanie smiled, "But I believe that is, in essence, the textbook definition. A beast is one either too vicious or lacking in the intelligent needed to help govern itself."

Melanie wasn't quite sure where Minerva was going with this. She pursed her lips and tried to understand. It seemed as if the young girl believed the 'being' status would be an award for meeting certain qualifications, and if that status was abused, they'd get bumped into a different classification as punishment. Which made her wonder if it would be the punishment of a single creature, or of the entire species for one's actions. Or if Minerva was thinking of something along the lines of a Goblin rebellion, where the entire species uprises and revolts. It was all very interesting.

For the sake of keeping the debate as it was, as a glance at her watch showed that Melanie needed to be getting the class moving, she mentally grouped Minerva with those who agreed with the textbook definition, but refrained from asking her questions.

"That is a very good point, as well. Would a Kneazle that bites be considered vicious, just as vicious, or harmless compared to a Troll or otherwise grouped beast? I'm sure many would have differing opinions on that, just as we have differing opinions in class right now. As Ella had said, there will never be a true consensus and without exceptions."

As for his question...

..."Adrienne is correct. Centaurs and Merpeople are not exactly considered threatening, as they understand their violent natures, but chose of their own accord to not participate in Wizarding laws. Which has worked out fine thus far."

Now this student, Roman didn't believe was properly informed. She received a smile along with her answer, "I believe that Centaurs and Merpeople weren't necessarily disallowed to be classified as beings. They simply chose to govern themselves, and, as you put it, being as smart as any human, Wizards were okay with following their wishes." Did that make more sense? They weren't barred from being 'beings', but were simply happier that way.

She also didn't think it was fair to say they threw a tantrum or were letting emotion rule definition. It was a logical compromise.

"Exactly. There are always exceptions. Some have chosen to be exempt, even." Ella, not only was aware of the textbook definition, but was able to recognize that not everything fit clean cut into it. And never would, most importantly.

"On that note, let's move on with the lesson." It had been a good ten minutes of discussion, but also ten minutes of precious time taken away from what they were really going to learn about. "If anyone would like to discuss this further, I'd be happy to do so in my office, during your own time." Now, was lesson time.

"My next question is also to find out how much you know about Creatures in general. So, what are the Ministry of Magic Classifications for beasts? And what does each level mean?"

Sophie nodded along as the professor explained the answers to all her questions. She still really didn't see the need to interfere with whatever it was the creatures wanted to do, though. As long as they weren't on a rampage and causing trouble with the humans, she'd just assume to let them be.

Ehh.

So onto Ministry classifications! Sophie actually knew a lot about this sort of thing. For one, her grandfather was the former Minister of Magic, and for two, her mom currently worked there. Not in the Creatures department, but still... She raised her hand. "The Ministry uses X's to classify the creatures, and the more X's it has, the more dangerous it is," she said. "If it only has one X, for example, it's considered boring."

Like a flobberwormmmmm.

Minerva watched as she didn't really answer so did that mean she was on the right lines or did the Professor not have a clue what she meant. Min shifted uncomfortable with this. She didn't like when there wasn't positive reinforcement, because then she just didn't know whether she was right or not and she always needed to be right.

*Sigh*

She moved on to the next person and Min decided to take some notes until the next question when she put up her hand, "The ministry has a few classifications they deal with all X's. There is one X that is boring, two X's mean Harmless" Did she want them to give all of them or let others talk as well. She didn't really say either way. Not sure Minerva stopped at three and let someone else take the rest.

She didn't think the professor understood what she said, so she sneaked a comment in before answering the latest question. "I know that they could be beings if they wanted to, but I don't see why we had to allow them to be classified as "beasts" in the first place. Because they didn't want to be compared to vampires, now anyone reading the book would see the XXXXX beside them. I think that might create stereotypes, because centaurs are civilized and it is not really fair to say that they are all very dangerous and need to be approached with great care. Centaurs and merpeople can easily just think of themselves as beasts if they want, but I don't see why that should get in the way of official labels." Raven didn't even get why they were so offended to be compared to vampires. Now instead they were compared to giant evil snakes and spiders.

But back to the latest question the professor had asked. She didn't know if you were allowed to read from a textbook, but she decided to try. Pulling the Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them from her backpack, she opened up to page xxii and began reading:

XXXXX Known wizard killer / impossible to train or domesticate

XXXX Dangerous / requires specialist knowledge / skilled wizard may handle

XXX Competent wizard should cope

XX Harmless / may be domesticated

X Boring

When she finished, she said "I don't think it is fair to call a creature boring." Just saying.

Adi shrugged at Sophie. He supposed the beasts would be offended...At least he would be, come to think of it.

This question Adi knew! Or at least part of it. He raised his hand. "The Ministry uses X's to classify, Professor,'' he said. "X is boring and XX is harmless. XXX is...'' The eleven year old trailed off. Ermm. Yup. That's about it. He didn't remember more.

Cassia sat and listened to all people discussing and giving their opinions, she had given hers earlier and didn't feel like repeating. Also, she shared the perspective of others so her point of view was presented. She took notes of what the Professor said. Interesting.

Then they moved on to classifications. She knew of this but also appreciated the review. Seeing that Minerva and the young Slytherin mentioned the first two, Cassia raised her hand and offered the third. "Three X's indicate that competent wizards should be able to deal with these creatures. Like Hippogriffs." Could they study about these pretty please? And maybe ride them? and take one home?.

Aha! Tag at least knew two of the classifications to two creatures. Thanks to himself. He wouldn't mention which creatures, leprechaun and unicorn but he would answer the classification of those.

"Professor I know that XXX means a competent wizard should be able to cope. And XXXX means the creature is dangerous." Tag was rather proud that he knew that right from the back of his head. All those other classifications- eh, his classmates could answer those. "Which means..." Tag started again, clearing his throat now, "That the ministry has classified this leprechaun and unicorn right here as XXXXXXX" He concluded pointing at himself and smirking. That classification wasn't even written down. That's how dangerous he was.

A second year eagle was trying to tell her stuff. Alice EYED it.

"... that part was included in the vicious and bloodthirsty bit."

Psh. Ravenclaws. So eager to make her look dumb.

The professor, too, apparently. And she hadn't even gotten a direct answer. A simple 'yes' would have been fine, Roman lady. West got a grin before her hand shot up again, in response to the next posed question. "Specifically in the Ministry, the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures sets those classifications." In caaase the class wanted the obvious pointed out.

Because Alice wasn't one to repeat answers.

And she always had to say something.

Kace was glad the professor saw his opinion. He smiled and the way she said her answer made him think about his answer. Once he was thinking, she moved on. She asked about the classification about the animals and what the X's mean. Kace raised his hand and said, "Professor the X's means what the ministry classifies as dangerous to the wizarding society."

This was now a question which only had so many answers, and everyone else was saying them before Tobias could even think of the answer. Eventually, though, he raised his hand and gave SOME input. Because he'd been quiet for ages.

"Some creatures can't really fit perfectly into the ratings, though," Toby pointed out when there was a gap in students giving their input. "Like phoenixes and merpeople and centaurs and unicorns are all rated XXXX but not because they're dangerous. It's more about respecting them, or like with phoenixes where you can just rarely find a domesticated one?"

Was that too much? Tobias felt a little bit like he was making up for not speaking earlier. Also, he wondered if he was meant to say his name first, but it was a bit too late now, oops.

Lookit, they were discussing classification now. She didn't really know all the animals that fell wherever they fell, just the more important ones. And by important, we mean the vicious ones. Everything else was probably just an X anyway. Anything not bearing fangs and the ability to rip you apart was boring. Lex raised her hand. "XXXXX refers to those creatures that have been known to kill wizards and you can't domesticate them." LIES!! ALL LIES!!!

There were so many little pretties that she wanted but NO, gotta go labelling them with 'X's!! Just imagine the discrimination that'll come with the X. NO ONE will wanna cuddle them. The love will be lost and she'll be told she can't have one. Rubbish.

"They say you can't truly domesticate a dragon Professor, how true is that?...and acromantula's have five 'X's too meaning they can't be domesticated but....didn't that guy keep one in the forest? Aragog, I think its name was? It never ate him. They were friends til he died. They're plenty smart, they simply choose not to play nice but can't they?"