Seminar #1: Wizarding Photography
 

Wizarding Photography.

Ella wasn't all too sure that her choice to attend was a good one considering mom stuff. She assumed her mother was still working in photography not that she had anyway to know for sure. The badger still wanted to give it a try, though. She was starting to realize that not doing things just because they reminded her of her mom was only hurting herself and that wasn't right.

...Yeah.

Whatever the case, the eighteen year old arrived to the seminar and eyed things curiously. Lots of photos everywhere, that was for sure. The blonde couldn't help but think Mo might find this seminar particularly exciting. And that black tent...would be the dark room, yeah? Or something similar to that? Must be. Green eyes then rested back on the instructor and the corners of Ella's mouth twitched upwards into a small smile.

"Hello, I'm Ella." Ellasaurus. Ellaphant. Head Girl Person. "Cool camera."

Bean bags? Ella wandered over and took a seat. Then she continued to look around at the moving photos. Magical photography really was brilliant.

Cutty entered into the classroom reminding himself of why he had chosen to be there. He wanted to ask his mum for her old camera and see about using it for the nefarious purpose of stalking people lying to their significant others and using it for black mail. With the goings on in Diagon Alley alone, he thought he could make a cool couple hundred galleons in the summer alone.

He crashed happily down into a brightly coloured pouf seat thinking about the dosh he was about to bring home. Such thoughts made this sick little monkey happy. Ugh! For this reason, he took him a while before he noticed the black box. Curious. What was inside of it? His imagination pictured a hoard of billywigs as he recalled what the Headboy had told him about Sophie Newell. Siiiigh! That girl. She did so many nice things for him and he didn't even have to ask.

Photography was never Nigel's thing. He knew Mo liked it but that was his extent in the interest of photography. But it never hurt to learn about for a seminar. The pictures on the wall were pretty awesome. But that black tent was a tad bit out of place in this room.

Just a wee bit.

Nigel walked into the black tent thinking this is were the class would take place because why else it would it be here. Unless the person holding the seminar liked black tents. Never know. Looked it the Head Couple was already here. Nigel wished the had name tags. They were always fun. Plus it was easier to know her name.

"Hello.......Miss......."

Ms....something or another. That was a nice mysterious box though. That was for sure.

Wizarding Photography. This should be very interesting. Adi trailed after Ella towards the room feeling sluggish. He wasn't sure why he was moving a lot slower than his normal pace. Must be because of all the classes. He shrugged it off as he came to the room and found himself looking at a woman with a camera and a box.

"Hello!'' Adi greeted and smiled. "See you inside.'' And really didn't feel like standing around. So he wandered into the room, taking in the bean bags, photos and tent. Was the tent to develop the photos and make them move? He waved to Alec and Ella and took a seat next to Cutty. "Hi, Cutty. What's up?'' he asked.

PhotOGRAPHY????? Yes. Yes please. Toby was- yes. He was very yes about the whole thing.

Ever since he'd discovered the wizarding world, Tobias had always been so curious about wizarding photographs, but never to the extent that he ever realised there was no one teacher he'd think to go and ask. Now there was a SEMINAR, which had reminded Toby of that original curiosity, so now here he was. Ready and eager to learn.

The Hufflepuff allowed himself a moment or too to take in the sights of the room the seminar was to be held in, but not too long. Experience told him that there were a lot of students in this school who tended to arrive early, so he needed to go find a seat pronto.

Before too long, the third year found a comfy looking beanbag right near the front of the room and he flopped backwards into it, enjoying the way it moulded to his shape, not unlike the chairs in Culloden's classroom, except probably a lot more simple in engineering.

And of course he granted a grin to who he assumed to be the seminar leader, but completely missed the people he may have recognised, apparently rather easily distracted today.

........................ and before long, Toby quickly found himself fidgeting and tapping. Sitting still was unfun.

The moment saw the notice on the bulletin board he knew that he had to attend this seminar. He loved taking photographs especially of sceneries. All his memories of growing up and things he had done was kept in his photo album.

As he entered the classroom, the first thing he noticed was where was everyone? The second thing was a black tent in the corner of the room....the third, the Professor standing by a table in the front of the classroom. Walking up to her he greeted her."Hello Ma'am. Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Sander. That's a nice camera you have around your neck," he told her.

Then he wandered over to the pictures displayed on the wall, studied them. As he looked at his reflection in the glass, he noticed a strand of grey hair sticking right out in the middle of his head. Making sure that no one saw him, he discreetly yanked it out. He wondered why he was starting to find grey hair in his head. Did that happen once someone turned 18?

Laughing to himself he decided it was time to join the other students. He walked over and sat down on one of empty bean bags.

So people actually took classes that they didn't have to take. Really as cool as this school seemed to be there were plenty of lame things going on, but he decided to come to this anyway because of the photography stuff. Pictures were cool so maybe this class would do something interesting.

Hopefully was the key word.

He followed the rest of the students into the room nodding towards the woman, was she a professor? Well whatever she got a nod and that was it.

He moved towards the back of the room not wanting to be overly interested because it was a class even if it was a unique class. There better not be a book or this boy was out of here.

They had Wizarding Photography Classes at Hogwarts. When Ana had learnt that she was slightly more glad that she'd transferred this year. Photography was her hobby, it was maybe even something that she'd want to take up as a job. Probably taking pictures of animals, or she might just go into Divination or something. She didn't know yet. She had time. But photography was definitely something she was interested in.

That was why she practically skipped into the seminar. Giving the teacher a sunny smile Ana admired her camera. "Hello Miss, I'm Anastasia and I really love your camera!" Was that too enthusiastic? Probably. Meh, Ana was full of pep today so she couldn't help it if it was.

As if to prove that point Ana had a bounce in her step as she threw herself onto an empty bean bag and waited for the seminar to begin.

So in all seven years that he was here while technical six years Asher had not been to one of these Seminars before. Since it was during a free period he decided that he would go check this one it. It was about Photography. He like Photography. Well it was mostly taking pictures of Adeline, or the both of them. And other things.

So he walked into the room and smiled at the Instructor "Hello, Wow that's a nice camera." Really nice. He walked on by. He seen Alec and Ella sitting over there. He smiled and nodded to both of them. He took a seat behind Alec and offered him a fist bump it was there way of them greeting, you know.

Cool. Gwen wasn't super-into photography or anything, but she liked to take pictures while she was out somewhere fun. Now she was going to find out how to make the pictures move, right?

She had wondered about that since seeing her first moving picture. Was it a special camera that did it? Or a spell?

She stepped into the seminar and smiled politely at the instructor. She knew that these kids made a habit of introducing themselves to the teachers, but that was still a little too weird for Gwen, so she waved slightly and went to choose a beanbag to sit on.

Definitely this was going to be useful. Moving pictures could help you remember what mood you'd been in at the time, or what was exciting about that moment. She could even send one home in her next letter!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO. So maybe Mo didn't really need a photography seminar, since he'd already converted the closet in the Ravenclaw sixth year boys' dorm into a dark room and he'd started making his own developing solution in Potions lab last term, but STILL. It was everyone doing the one thing Mo liked to do most.

He'd have to endeavor REALLY hard not to be an obnoxious know-it-all. Instead, Mo circled and circled and circled all the pictures, taking in the subject matter and composition and lighting, before he made his way into the tent. Right up to their professor. Who had a smile AND a camera.

So basically his favorite person ever. "That's a great camera. I have one too." He rummaged in his satchel, presenting the smallest of his cameras. The only one he was willing to keep on him at all times, really. "Did you take all of these pictures?"

This girl. *rolls eyes*
 

Bri was very curious about this seminar. She loved taking pictures back home. So getting a chance to learn about wizarding photography, where the pictures actually move, made Bri very excited. So the young girl walked in to the room, buzzing with excitement. She looked curiously at the tent, not belienveing it would fit everyone, but she walked over towards at anyway. She should habe known better. Walking in to the tent she glanced around at the students and at the women standing up front. She smiled at the lady, whom she didn't recognized. "Good morning!" The young brunette said brightly "My name is Bri. Nice to meet you." She introduced herself, before picking a bean bag chair up near the front.

Oichi was rather excited for the seminar on wizarding photography. She was always curious about the magic that went into making a camera that produced moving pictures. Today was finally the day to hopefully learn the answer. She made her way into The Great Hall and saw the special add on room mentioned on the board in her dorm. She entered the room and her eyes popped open. There were moving pictures of just about everything imaginable. She then saw a lady up front with a camera and approached her, "Oh my gosh, wow, this stuff is so cool!", Oichi took a moment to catch her breath. "And you are the one giving this awesome seminar, wow! I'm Oichi by the way, and I really look foward to your seminar on magical camera's today.".

Ian had been bored, sitting in the common room when he heard some of the other students talks about a seminar. He'd heard his mum talk about seminars but they always seemed to be about selling stuff. Ian had also heard they included food. He thought he'd like to try some free food even if he had to try not to buy anything. He followed the other huffie puff students to the floor with the great hall. Good thinking so far. As he walked into the tent, he saw tables. It seemed to be looking up for him. Free food for Ian! He went over and sat close to that griffin boy, Bart hoping that Bart would take any pressure to participate away from Ian.

Kace saw a note in the common room about this seminar. Or it could have been somewhere else. Anyways...he decided he should check it out. He loved the idea of photography. He had done some muggle ones but he had never done Wizarding Photography. This was all new to him.

As he approached the room, he noticed chemicals were in there and this place was called the Dark Room. He smiled and saw the woman in charge. He smiled and said, "Hello...i am loving your camera. What kind is it?" he asked because he was interested.

Then he noticed bean bag chairs. This was soo cool! He took one and plopped right into it. He was liking this seminar already. Now the next big task would be movement when they have to do the activity. But right now he was sooo comfy.

Tessa walked into the room, her hand on her lower back. She must have done something in her Quidditch practice earlier to make it ache so much. She would have to see what she had to stop the ache... but for now, it was time to learn about Photography! After all, a future Quidditch pro should learn what might achieve the best shots, right?

Tessa smiled at the Professor as she entered. "Hello, I'm looking forward to the session today," she said with a warm smile. "I'm Tessa." She glanced at the box and instantly her curiosity was peaked. "Excuse me, what's in the box? Is it part of the lesson?" That was a logical assumption after all, but you never know!



Tessa smiled when she saw Sander in the class. Tempted to sit right on his bean bag chair, she thought better of it and took a seat in the one next to him. "I love these things," she murmured to him as she made herself comfortable, sitting across it instead of how one would normally sit in a chair. "Excited for this?' she asked, grinning.

And Sander too!
 

Lux had never been to a seminar before, but as soon as she had heard about this one, she had to attend. Photography was rather interesting, and she wanted to learn as much about wizarding photography as possible.

Stepping inside, she saw a lot of faces, but Tessa's hair was what really stood out to her. Making her way over to the older Gryffindor, she noticed that Sander was there. Not really a big surprise, since Tessa and Sander seemed to sit with each other all the time now. Sitting on the other side of Tessa, she beamed at them both. "Hey, Tessa! Hey Mr. Celery Stick!" Hehehe.

Tessa
 

Sander's face lit up and the widest smile appeared on his tanned face when he saw Tessa enter the classroom. He wanted to wave to her to catch her attention but he realized that he didn't have to because she had already seen him. As she walked towards him, his heart began to beat rapidly and his tummy did it's regular routine of somersaults. He was so familiar with that feeling now that all he did was smile.

As he looked at Tessa approaching he belatedly realized that his body was adjusting to make room for her on his bean bag. He quickly caught himself. Then she was sitting down next to him and he felt like everything was back in place.

"Excited?" Sander's voice squeaked out the answer. He immediately blushed, cleared his throat and tried replying again, this time the pitch of his voice lowered.

"Excited. Yes definitely. Remember those photos I showed you of the lake and the woods where I lived. I took those. I know it's nothing compared to those up there but I love taking photographs. What about you?" he asked her in return.

'Course Alice was there. She was interested in wizarding photography, on account of it wasn't something she didn't know much about yet, and the lioness had a desire to know practically everything. Plus she still had apron Ascanius pictures to develop for his Christmas gift and stuff.

As she entered the Great Hall for the seminar, the seventh year stopped right by the table at the front and began examining things. First off, the instructor. Alice inspected her right there, staring at her silently before moving her gaze to her camera, and then to the pictures that littered the room. Finally, her eyes landed on the box, then returned to the lady.

"Hi ma'am. Cool camera. What kind is it? Is it a magical one? Are there even magical cameras? What's in the box?" Head tilt. "I'm Alice."

Noticing motion, she turned her head to see Lux join them. She grinned at the younger girl. "Cucumber!" she greeted with a warm smile. "Welcome- please join us!" she said, as Lux sat down next to her. At Lux's name for Sander, she titled her head to one side in confusion. "Did she just call you..." she turned to look at Sander, fighting a grin. He must have told her about his experience being all green. "

"I guess you two have met," she said with a giggle, looking between her two friends.



Tessa felt her heart skip a few beats as Sander's face. It had had just lit up when he saw her... it was almost too wonderful to look at, and yet she couldn't look away. Focus, Tessa, she scolded.

She nodded at his reply, not realizing that she was combing her fingers through her hair as she did so. She stopped, suddenly conscious of what she was doing... and saw that some strands were coming away with her fingers. And... was one of them grey? She frowned, shaking her head. The coloring must be malfunctioning on of her many streaks. She would check them later.

"Very excited. I haven't take much photography, but I'd like to learn," she explained. "And..." she leaned closer. "This way I can see from behind the lens, what will make a good Quidditch photo," she explained with a wink. She wanted to look her best on camera, after all. Suddenly, realizing how close she was to Sander, she sat back- sinking into the bean bag chair.

Lux and Tessa
 

Sander smiled when he saw Lux walk up and join the both of them. But before he could even greet her, she beat him to it...only she didn't call him by his name. She had used Tessa's nickname for him. He first blinked in surprise and then the laughter broke from his lips and he began to laugh uncontrollably. He laughed until his sides ached.

When Tessa asked whether they had met before, all was able to do was nod his head in affirmative. He laughed so hard that he began sliding off his bean bag until he was leaning against Tessa's shoulder.

Sander waved hello to Lux and tried to compose himself. He wiped the tears from his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking. "Well I believe that you will make a great model in front of the camera," Sander smiled at her.

Why was his face so close to her? Sander looked down and realized that he was leaning against her shoulder. Could he just stay where he was? It felt nice leaning up next to her, but Sander reluctantly straightened up and settled back into his own bean bag.

Now sitting upright, Sander brushed back the locks of his hair that had fallen forward when he had been bent over laughing. He noticed there were some strands of hair lying on his lap and he has motioned to brush them off with his hand, he realized there were loose strands entangled in his fingers. Sander frowned at the sight and made a mental note to change his shampoo.

"Hey Cucumber it's good to see you here." Sander smiled over at Lux. He smacked the empty bean bag next to him. "Come, join us." he told the younger girl.

Guys they're not actually IN the tent, it's to the back for later
 

Lizzie stood by her table waiting eagerly for the little works of art to come streaming in. There was so much to cover in the time she was given, so many angles, she could get shots from. The lighting in here wasn't half bad. The woman had to tweak it a bit but that was minor. While waiting she looked to the black tent in the corner. Half the magic would happen in there a little later on.



With a clap of her hands she tried getting everyone's attention. This was a good turn out. Photos did that. They brought people together. "Good day everyone. My name's Lizzie Courwell and like most of you have guessed, I'll be your instructor!" Enthusiasm, they had it...for the most part anyway.

"Before we begin, you've noticed the moving photos around the walls." She shoved off the desk, bouncing slightly in anticipation and snapping a few photos here and there. "What else can we get up and moving." There was no WRONG answer given everyone here was capable of at least a little magic but she was looking for something in particular, something she'd never attempted but had just as much of an appreciation for as she did her own photos.

Hands? Yes? Answers?

Lizzie's eyes moved from face to face waiting and perhaps bracing herself for any completely far-fetched answers. They had those. She remembered her school days. Snap. Sanp. Snap..

Benjy wasn't usually one to attend the seminars. There hadn't been any related to increase adrenaline levels, and thus he wasn't bothered to spend his spare time attending it. This one has piqued his interest, however, when it was posted on the noticeboard. Firstly, because he owned a camera, and it'd be cool to know how to take better shots, and secondly because Mo had done something to the sixth year dorm closet, and the Benjy only knew that it was something to do with photography and generally to avoid it. Maybe this lesson would tell him what it was, and why it seemed so important to his fellow Ravenclaw.

He took a slow walk round the photographs hanging around the place, before plopping into a blue beanbag near the front. Just in time for the introduction and first question.

Unsure whether or not to be unnerved by the 'snap snap snap' of photos being taken, Benjy lifted his chin slightly and raised his hand. "Skateboards," he answered simply. "Well, me on a skateboard, if you want the up bit," he added, as he gave a quick look round the room for Lex. She was probably one of the only other ones at Hogwarts that could do tricks. Thinking of which, they needed to go learn tricks sometime. And talk. But mainly skateboard and do fun stuff.

It took every fibre of her being not to scream with excitement as she found a bean bag to sit in on the side with the good lighting. This was better than when she got the role of Amata in the Academy's production of The Fountain of Fair Fortune last term. Well, almost better. Having the most amazing role alongside her cutie patootie and those two other girls that she outshone was number one on Demelza's list of triumphs. But being one of the instructor's subjects (let's be real – it was so going to happen) was definitely high on her list.

And then she saw Captain Alice get the first shot of the seminar. What was this instructor thinking? Yes, Alice was pretty and all, but she just ... stood there and stared at everything. She didn't even ask to have her picture taken. Demelza dramatically did a hair flip and then raised her chin ever so slightly. Hello! Over here, camera lady!

"Well, the first things that I think of are magical portraits. The school has hundreds of them," Demelza said, raising her hand. She didn't keep her hand up in the air too long in case the camera was pointed at her. She had a number of poses that she was more than ready to try out. "Like magical photographs, they move and can be hung up on a wall." She smiled and tilted her head to the side so the instructor could snap away.

What?

No really, what? Did she want answers? That question though... what else they could get up and moving... up AND moving? Well... you could put a portrait on the wall (up) and charm it to life (moving) so...

The tall Slytherin put his hand up. "Portraits."

Sure. That was true. He was trying to participate see? And nobody needed to know that the only reason he'd come was to try to gain some understanding of something that was really important to someone else. So yeah. He fixed his gaze on the seminar lady and waited.

Sarah was looking forward to this... Her hand shot up just as the teacher asked the question. She waited patiently to be called on. "The other's said magical portriats, we made moving ones in a seminar a few years ago... Anyway, statues and suits of armors can move" She said. And chocolate frogs, which were animated to move.

Lizzie Courwell was an excitable one, it seemed. It was probably because she was so passionate about this subject. Ella would be the same way if they were discussing elephants today...or quidditch. Plus it was nice to see someone who cared so much about something. Their eyes lit up and they got all bouncy and really, it was fun to watch. Maybe someone should be snapping some photos of the instructor so she could see just how clear it was that she loved photography.

Lots of friends were here now too which was nice. Alec got a grin and Tobias too for reasons. Then Asher and others filtered in and Ella acknowledged people with a smile or a nod. It was weird knowing so many people and realizing that you wouldn't be seeing them next term. It was also not the time to be thinking about stuff like that so yeah, stopping that right now.

Anyway, questions. The first one was sort of confusing given the way it was presented. Was it rhetorical or? Ella waited for a moment to see if Courwell was going to give examples and when none came, she figured it was safe to offer suggestions following some of her classmates.

"We once did a project in Transfiguration where we animated little gargoyles. It took a lot of concentration but it was pretty neat seeing what you could get them to do." Tricks and stuff. Some more exciting than others.

Tessa's breath caught when Sander slid against her shoulder. Typically, she would give the person a shove with a laugh, but this time she froze. Would he get upset if he did that? Would he laugh too? Hundreds of outcomes swam in her head... Upset at herself for over-thinking it, she just remained there, with him against her. She liked that option best anyway.

Oh! The seminar was starting...

Tessa offered a sheepish smile when she realized she had asked so many questions. How could one explore without asking questions? The more you knew, the better prepared one could be! There could have been a boggart in the box for all she knew... although unlikely. Too small, right?

"Seminar, got it," she replied with a smile. "Well, I'm looking forward to the seminar- but my best pictures would be on the Quidditch pitch," she said with a grin before walking to her seat. It wasn't boasting, it was just true.

At the question, she raised her hand. "Many of the tapestries around the palace are also enchanted to move," she relied, thinking of the tapestry of the trolls in tu-tus. After all, an image like that stuck with you.

Ian's face popped up as the lady in the front with the camera started talking. It appeared that Ian had followed himself into some sort of photography seminar. Hmm. I wonder when they are going to feed us? he wondered to himself. She started talking about pictures and photographs and he began to look around the room at the different portraits that were there. He was hungry. His whole focus was on getting something to eat and so the only thing he wanted to see moving was a skillet or a waiter's tray.

He put his hand in the air and mentioned, Perhaps we could get some bacon moving, or maybe a chef or house elf serving some food. I always like the pictures of food. Making this statement only made him more hungry and he heard his tummy growl and it seemed to be getting louder.

So Hannah did not normally go to these types of things, but it was her seventh year and she would have some very important tests coming up before you knew it, and what could it hurt really? Well, it could hurt her, but she was just going to suck it up and try to go with the flow... try being the key word. She hoped nobody talked to her because she not in a particular good mood and she would be not be held responsible for that came out of her mouth.

She noticed the witch standing at a small table, and wondering for a moment whether or not she needed to check in or something with her? Were they getting any kind of credit for this? She went with an eyebrow raise to acknowledge that she saw the woman, but at the same time couldn't be bothered with introducing herself or saying a greeting. Whatever.

So what did she do now?

Sander sat back and listened as the other students volunteered their answers while he thought of something he could get up and moving.

Tapestries? Mentioned. Pictures? Mentioned. Animating objects to move? Mentioned. He was running out of answers.

Then he thought of something he had heard that did get up and move. So he raised his hand and answered, "Professor, perhaps a magic flying carpet?"

...................... Huh.

What can they get up and moving? She didn't KNOW. Plus, the question was so confusing and like... Merlin. Astrid stared at the seminar lady with wide eyes. So confused. She didn't know. She didn't know ANYTHING else that could get up and moving. So... yeah.

But... now she thought of something. "Pretty much anything you animate moves, yeah?" You can animate a toy doll and it'd move, but that was really scary and like... NOBODY wanted toy dolls to move. Oh Merlin. Nope. Forget she ever thought of that part. Yeah. Okay. Forgotten. Done.

annnd Benny before class ^_^
 

Adi looked around as someone greeted him. "Oh, Hi, Benny!'' he responded. "How's it going?'' But he couldn't say much more as the lady with the camera began to talk. She talked a lot.

What could they get moving? Anything, really. But Adi liked Ian's answer best. Yep. He raised his hand. "I agree with Ian. Anything that has to do with food.'' Because food was one of the best things ever even if they just looked at it in books or other media.

Gwen didn't quite understand the question. Did she mean which things they could make move? Because basically anything could move as long as a person moved it. Listening to the other students answer she raised her hand. "In Herbology Professor Bentley made the topiaries move." Maybe that was the sort of answer she was looking for.

Oh! She was taking pictures of them! Gwen smiled a little bit more, no need to look like a grump in a picture, however, she hoped that the last few pictures didn't end up on these walls, because who knew what sort of horrible face she'd been making without knowing it?

Nigel thought this was a tad bit confusing. So it had to be something moving like a broom or skateboard. Or was this just about pictures, since this was a photography seminar after all. But it all related to moving pictures so answering did seem best.

"Like a surfboard"

Movies and TV shows or anything like that was also true. So yeah.

Cutty liked the directions West and Caleb were going. Get those points for Slytherin, boys! Wait, would there be housepoints for this? Not that the promise of being able to take and develop magical blackmail photos wasn't enough, but hey...two birds. He had been thinking of less literal examples of up and moving. His hand went up in the air, "Ideas, Miss Courwell. You and get an idea up and moving." If you have the will to and resources.

Moving, huh? Well, Tobias had an answer for that. One he knew was right. He grinned and raised his hand, answering enthusiastically.

"Me!" And he wasn't just calling her attention, that was his answer. "Me. I can move. We can make me move." Didn't even need magic. Toby was doing it now, see? Wavewavewave.

He waited for her to start, but of course she was starting with questions. Couldn't anyone start with what they were doing and let them do it? Why all the questions and answers and lectures. It was just so lame and boring. He knew he shouldn't have come, this was just annoying already.


Listening to the other answers he had to chuckle at a few even book boy had something good. Bacon, but now he was hungry. Thanks so unless the boy was going to fix the bacon he needed to just shut it. Putting up his own hand Bart grinned, "Ourselves, when we shake our bums dancing. Want to see how I get mine up and moving?" He'd demonstrate his awesome dance moves right here if she wanted.

There were SO many pictures. So many Bev had trouble looking at just one. The bean bag didn't make it any easier. She was comfortable and could sit and gaze at every picture and try to decipher the message they were trying to convey. If they had any.

Eyes glued on a cruppy picture, Bev jumped a little when the professor woman clapped her hands. Attention. Right. No more gazing. But....

Focus!

What else could they get up and moving? Erm. Anything that magic could. The ideas were endless. Of course, Bev didn't say that. The moving pictures should have eased her shyness -- serving as a distraction and all -- but it didn't work. Why? 'Cause she knew close to NOTHING about picture taking and it made her nervous.

Not knowing, she didn't like that.

Mo grinned broadly as the woman admired his camera. If he'd really thought about it, he would have brought all his cameras to show her, since she was doing the rather pleasing thing of caring about the stuff he cared about. A lot. "That's my walkabout camera, just for during school hours. I'm Marcus Branxton. I like your pictures. I like how you use light."

Like maybe he was going to take note of that trick and try it himself. Mo scuttled over to squeeze in next to Cat on her beanbag. Hey, girlfriend person.

What else can they get up and make move? Like... with magic, they can get almost anything to move. Food, water, people... even air. Mo sort of liked that little Slytherin's suggestion about 'ideas', since it was at least out of the box.

There was no where else out of the box to be, was there? "I think we can make most anything move, really. Even other artwork, like photographs." Which, you know, his classmates had already said. "Professor Romanos has these cool metal sculptures that move just like the animals they represent. Which is awesome, but a little unnerving too."

..... lady was touching her face. Excuse her, Alice's skin was FINE without proper lighting too, thank you. Cheekbones? Who cared about cheekbones? What was wrong with her eyes?

And then came the flash. Merlin. She hated being photographed.

"Shoot?" Pause. "Can we be photographers instead of subjects?" Because that wasn't really her thing. No thanks.

Was this woman okay in the head? Up and moving? "Er... brooms move. And bludgers. And quaffles if you throw them. I move, too." She did a wave of her arms just for the loon's benefit. What was the point of this, again?

Even as the students thought the answer over and began raising their hands the woman found it difficult to put the camera down. Their expressions were precious. The mixture of confusion and deep thought. How could she say no to a few shots of that?? She couldn't! Consequently she didn't and took perhaps another three shots before lowering the camera finally.



Was that it for everyone willing to take a try at this? If so she supposed she could move on, the answer she wanted was mentioned and that was the most important...or second most important, the first being how photogenic they all were.

"Right. As we've established there are several things that can be made to move, some through spell work such as the portraits and other little oddities and some through manual force, such as skateboards and our own bodies. Whatever the case, the end result of movement can be achieved. Someone mentioned earlier doing a seminar on moving portraits? Real quickly I need someone to remind us of the spell that gets them moving and someone else to tell us how we get the photos moving."

Then they could move into the activity!! The thought nearly had her bouncing!! Were they as excited as she was? Probably not, they still didn't know exactly what was in store BUT they would be!!! she hoped.

Sander didn't know much about to make pictures to move but he did know that it had something to do with the developing solution.

Raising his hand he said, "Ma'am I believe to make the people move in the photos you need a special type of developing solution. I've heard of the Devomotion Potion which is said can be used for that purpose. When processing the film, you run them through this potion.."

Oh! Gwen was right! Sort of. And the lady was taking more pictures. Not that Gwen minded, really. It was a bit odd to snap shots of people while speaking to them, but to each their own. She would just continue to smile just in case her wild camera was pointed at Gwen.

How to make the photos move! That was what Gwen was here to find out! She looked around, waiting anxiously for the answer. Wait, anxiety was not attractive in pictures. She relaxed her face and leaned back on one hand, brushing her hair out of her face. Not that she was posing, she was just deliberately arranging herself to look like she would in a relaxed candid. That was okay, wasn't it?

Oichi was surprised how fast the seminar progressed once it started. They were already on the third question of the seminar. No matter, Oichi knew this answer from a book she picked up. Oichi raised her hand and said, "I believe the spell incantation for animating pictures is alacer. ".

Group mates? Ew. Alice didn't do people.

Or most people, anyway.

"What that girl said." Alacer. Yep. "The wand movement for it is something like a triangle in the air crossed with a five-pointed star. Except it doesn't work on portraits. Can you use the spell for photos and the solution for portraits?"

And she was only here to learn the potion way, just FYI. 'Cause spells she could learn on her own.

So could they do that?

Adi knew there was a Potion that got the pictures to move not a Spell. Was it the potion that Sander had said? He wasn't sure. And as he had noting proper to say in response to the woman's question, he remained silent and listened to the others.

There was going to be an activity for this lesson, right? That's what that tent was for? When could they get started? Adi wanted to get up and do something and not just sit here feeling more sluggish as time wears on.

Kace was spacing out during her first question but he remembered what it was. What things could he name that moved. He smirked and like Bart's answer. He was a smart alek for saying that. Then he heard her move onto moving portraits? Hold the phone....when did that come up? He must have REALLY dazes. Anyways.....

He heard the other students mention potions. He nodded with them since he had no idea how portraits could move. I mean that is why he was here right? He listened and doodled in the process. He was wondering if they were getting to make photographs that would be cool.

Toby GRINNED at the fact that his suggestion was well met and at the snapshot and EVERYTHING. Very enthusiastic, this kid was. Yup. And it made him all the more likely to continue answering questions.

Um. Except this one. Tobias hadn't been around for that particular seminar, so he kept quiet.

However, this lady's bouncing had HIM mirroring the bouncing and altogether exuding energy. His beanbag made that annoying beanbag-noise that always seems to happen when someone who fidgets too much sits in one. But Tobias was too absorbed in paying his full (yes, FULL) attention to the awesome lady and the seminar to notice.

Blink. Blink.

The professor woman snapped a picture of her. Mellow. That was fine. Perfectly fine. Bev knew she was a looker what with her kaleidoscope-like eyes - even if she tried playing it down - but...it was fine. Though, the woman probably captured the girl blinking at her like an owl on alert.

However, the woman seemed nice. Bev liked smiles. She watched as the woman interacted with the other students and then moved on to another question. She was excitable, wasn't she?

A spell that gets the portraits moving?!?!

Bev hasn't ever actually thought about it. There were dozens and dozens at her grandmother's estate. Other than taunting and poking them, she didn't consider the thought of how they moved. Simple magic had been her first thought. Just like breathing.

Interesting.

Benjy tilted his head at her reply. "Have you ever tried taking a photo from being on the skateboard itself, and everything moving past you?" That'd have some cool results, right? Capture the feeling of speed. Of freedom. Of the wind in your hair.

Oh, and she used his example! He gave her a small grin at that. Though it did make him wonder briefly if he'd rather be out on his board than here, something that was reiterated at the woman's next question.

A spell to photos and portraits moving? Benjy deadpanned. If he knew that, he wouldn't be here, would he? DUH. So he fidgeted around on his beanbag a bit, trying to get more comfy.

Uh.

They just moved?

Lucas made a face, thinking back to his house and all the Quidditch posters he had on his walls. He hadn't charmed them to fly around and score.. they just did it. But he did know, from his vague knowledge of the differences between the Muggle world his parents insisted on vacationing in that there was some sort of solution, or rather potion that made the pictures magical.

"Don't the camera's have to be magical before the picture is taken?" Otherwise, as far as he knew, the potion wouldn't work. The whole process had to be with magic. ...Right?

Uhm. Yeah, sure. Astrid just listened. She really just wanted to get to the point, you know? She wanted to head towards the photography or the activity part of the seminar because those parts were usually much more interesting than questions. Really. She didn't wanna damage her brain because she was thinking too much. Like, sorry but... no. So yeah.

Blablablabla.

OH ASTRID KNEW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION! YES SHE DID. Astrid enthusiastically raised her hand up. "You can animate or make photographs move by using a Devomotion Potion or a Developing solution on it. They work on Muggle photographs, yeah?" She grinned at the lady. Hehe. So... activity time, shall we? Pretty pleaseeeee?

These students really meant business with this quick thing. Good, they could keep on schedule then. There was a small glance at her watch to reassure herself they weren't behind on time.



"Okay!" Lizzie clapped her hands together again to get their attention once more. No one had said much about getting the portraits moving but it wasn't terribly crucial given they weren't the main focus of this seminar to begin with. It wasn't a big problem and she wouldn't turn it into one. Instead, with a smile on her face, she went into a bit more info giving. "Now despite the photos being able to move and their life-like appearance, it's important to remember the pictures are in no way sentient and are simply a recording, if you will, of a past event occuring in what can be classified as a loop." So they were on the same page here. She didn't want anyone trying to talk to their photos once this was all done. St. Mungos would not be getting richer on her account.

"Interestingly enough, the portraits are not sentient either even with all the conversations some of you have with them." She'd attended here long enough to know there were a few of them that did. "After being enchanted they are 'taught' to act like their subject. It's especially the case with past Headmasters who are taught to speak and behave like their subjects so even after they're gone the next will have some guidance."

But enough with all this boring stuff, they were most likely more eager to get to the activity, even she would have been more excited to get one with it.

With a new spark in her eyes, Lizzie glanced around at them. "Time to get to it. I'll need you all to get into groups as small as two and as large as you can fit inside the camera's range--but please, keep them reasonable, too many house elves spoil the pumpkin juice." Large groups could be fun but they didn't need to overdo it. "I'll need someone from each group to come up here and get the items needed from the box. Cameras...costumes...props, anything you might need to get yourself a decent shoot." Which was what they were having! WOOOO!!

"I'll also need volunteers to work with me? Those who don't end up in a group for whatever reason." Whether that be because they WANTED to work with HER instead or simply couldn't fit behind the camera. Lizzie wasn't picky, she wanted to participate too!! Then with a few waves and flicks of her wand she began conjuring up the basic necessities for a photoshoot, setting up little photoshoot stations around the large room each with it's own settings...to give them some variety. "Get to it!"

OOC: Photoshoot time guys, have your charries grouping up, getting what they need from the box and having a spree with the cameras in the box provided by Ms. Courwell. Have fun! We'll move into developing them in the tent later.

For Tessa, Alex, Adi and Lux
 

Sander breathed a sigh of relief when the instructor confirmed that his answer was correct. He listened as she replied to the answers before giving her own explanation.

....then it was practical time. Partners?? Sander looked around. Who could he ask? He smiled. The people sitting right next to him. "Hey Tessa, Alex, Adi, Lux would you like to form a group with me? I think the tent will be able to hold all of us." he told them as he gauged everyone's height and size.

anyone or will volunteer!
 

So she thought his shaking his bum was a good idea. See some of these people got Bart. His mind left the seminar to think about what epic moves he was going to use when it was turn to volunteer. He didn't hear the rest of the class talking nor did he hear any other questions. Thinking about if he should dance to the fox song or just shake shake shake your bootie. Hmm he just wasn't sure.


Brown eyes looked up as he heard her say about getting groups. Looking around well he knew some but not the others and he just wasn't sure who to work with. Hmm he thought it over for a second and got up. "I'll work with someone." He figured he'd throw it out there.

He started up to the front of the room to look at the props when he heard about volunteers. "I'll do it!! I'll be your volunteer!" That sounded fun unless someone wanted to work with him. "Now how goofy are we allowed to go with this?" because he could do goofy!

Ian was a bit disappointed that they wouldn't be doing anything with food. It was quite a chore for him to concentrate on anything now that he was so hungry. And the teacher's attitude didn't help. He pouted through the next question and wondered how to get something to eat. He wished he were a better wizard so he could accio a cookie or something.

When the opportunity to move around presented itself, he looked around. When she asked for volunteers, he raised his hand. I'll volunteer. I'm in the wrong place anyway since I thought there would be food involved. Maybe this will help take my mind off of eating.

It was time to group up and Hannah honestly didn't like working in groups and depending on others and all that went into group work. Oh well, she was just going to have to suck it up so she could get on with it. The seventh year wasn't even sure why she came to this in the first place. She would look fabulous on camera of course, but that was about it.

The woman did say that they could work with her and maybe that would be a better idea? "Can I work with you..err ma'am?" What was her name again? Oh... it really didn't matter anyways.

Caleb really didn't want to work with the photo lady, and probably be bored into a slumber, so he looked around for anyone who was looking to partner up. OOOH there was that Gryffindor kid - the one who wanted to jump off the treehouse and break every bone in his body. Yes. That kid would do. He'd probably have more fun with him anyways.

"I'll join you!" he said with a smile. UM. What was your name again, child?

Anyone can claim this guy :3
 

Kace saw the professor take a photo of them. He blinked his eyes to get the white dots from his eyes. He wasn't expecting that. But the professor smiled so he knew he wasn't in trouble. So apparently there was a potion used for this class. He wrote down in his notebook for later use. Then he heard the professor saying they needed groups for a photo shoot? He smirked and thought, this was gonna be fun!

He began to look around the room for a partner.

As he was looking through the props and decided which was cool enough in his book to use he heard someone say they would work with him. He looked around figuring the boy was talking to someone near him until he figured out it was him. He pointed to himself and mouthed me? surprised Not surprised at all that someone would get the chance to work with Bartman.

"Alright Dude" Oh hey he was the tree house guy that seemed to disappear. "What should we use for props?" He was still digging through the stuff not happy with anything he had found so far. Maybe the other boy would know what he wanted to use. He pulled out a red ball nose and stuck it on, "What about this?" He made a few faces with it.

"Oh we need to grab a camera too."

Anyone can claim her
 

Groups?! This was the part Gwen wasn't good at. The part that required having friends, or making friends, or any interaction with other people. She looked around nervously, trying to spot someone who looked equally alone, but she didn't see anyone.

This was not good. She needed to at least have a partner, and preferably be in a group because if they were going to be taking pictures, she did not want to be the sole object of one of them.

She raised her hand tentatively. "Does anyone not have a group yet?" she asked, calling attention to herself deliberately for what might have been the first time in her life.

Because even more embarrassing than asking people to be your group members was having to partner with the instructor because nobody wanted to be in your group.

Oichi was starting to think this professor, instructor, whatever she want to call herself as a bit cookoo. What on Earth. Why is she taking random picturs of some students. And saying they could be models. How is that appropriate. And now we are doing a partner activity with modeling. Whatever!! It's not hurting anyone. I might as well find a partner and play along. Oichi looked around and soon saw a young girl needed a partner. She was instantly remembered herself at that age and knew it would be fantastic to partner with the little one. Oichi approached the girl and said, "Hi, I'm Oichi and I would love to partner with you if you like.".

Gwen let out an audible sigh of relief when an older girl wanted to be partners. She smiled brightly. "Great!" What she wanted to say was "Thank you so much for saving me from complete embarrassment. I'm really glad someone wants to partner with me." But that might be more publicly embarrassing than not having a partner at all. "I'm Gwen. It's nice to meet you." See? Americans had manners. Some of them. Okay, Gwen had manners and she was American. Maybe she shouldn't generalize with a whole nation.

She glanced around at all of the other students. Most seemed to be in groups now, so they would be moving on soon probably. "Do you think she wants us in groups to take pictures of each other?" she asked aloud. The question was mostly to herself, but she wouldn't mind if someone who knew what was going on answered it.

Anyone? ^_^
 

for Kace?, Benny & Cutty ^_^
 

Oh they needed to get into groups? Adi looked around. Who would wanna join him? Of course! Two of his friends were sitting right next to him! "Cutty, Benjamin you guys wanna be partners?'' Or else he wouldn't mind volunteering. And Kace too was looking for a partner, wasn't he? "Kace! You wanna join us?''

While he was awaiting replies, he heard someone say his name. Turning he saw Sander. Er... "Sorry,'' the second year said. "Already got partners. Thanks though.''

Okay so maybe his idea hadn't really made that much sense. At least in the context of the seminar. Ben didn't mind all that much though he listened at the responses the others had gotten, getting a better clue as to what might be happening. What they would be doing for the practical portion of the unofficial lesson. Not that talking moving pictures was a thought that didn't come naturally given the subject of the seminar and the set-up of the room.

When they were asked to get into groups, Ben wondered just who he could work with. Though he didn't have to wonder very long for Adi called his name getting his attention. "Sure...why not," he answered, not minding to be paired up with his friend. Nor the other two boys tentatively brought into the mix. One less thing he needed to be concerned about finding and it should be fun.

"Nice to meet you too Gwen. And it's no problem. As for is this whole thing gonna be taking pictures of each other. I think it is. But we can learn a lot about wizarding photography from just that, and modeling will be fun. Now I'm gonna get the supplies, I'll be right back. Oichi walked over to the supply area.

Once there Oichi noticed a boy who looked about her age looking for a partner. She already had one but she hoped Gwen would not mind making their group a trio. Oichi approached the boy and said, "Hi, I'm Oichi, I am partnering with a younger girl named Gwen but if you don't mind we could make our group a trio".

So the instructor was letting them get to the fun stuff already. Huh. That was fast.

The prospect of volunteering for the Professor sounded interesting, but before she could even contemplate over whether she wanted to do that or ask people to work with her, Sander was asking her if she wanted to be on a team with him and a few others. "Of course I will work with you!" As if she would say no to that. "This is going to be so much fun!" As long as Sander and Tessa did not waste time with looking at each other vacantly, they could get this done!

ehehe :3
 

Toby liked this lady. She was bouncy and happy and enthusiastic and ON A LEVEL with him (not literally, of course). He had started looking around for people he'd like to group up when it was mentioned but as soon as he heard about volunteers to work with her his head whipped around again and his eyes shone. The second that 'get to it!' was uttered, Toby sprang up up out of the beanbag, throwing his hand up into the air.

"I volunteer!" as tribute. "I'll work with you!"

The Hufflepuff bounced slightly on his toes as if that would make him more likely to get the okay and BEAMED.

Anyone?
 

Ella had been listening quietly and thinking about photographs and her mom when the instructor said it was time to get up. Wait..what?

She'd missed a huge chunk of the discussion, hadn't she? So much for paying attention. At least it wasn't noticed, that was something to be thankful for. It wouldn't be a good look for the Head Girl to be reprimanded for zoning out during a seminar.

Standing up, the blonde watched as several people started moving into groups. Oh, okay. She'd just..."Um...Anyone want to start a group?"

Pretty please? She was paying attention now.

Bay got up from his chair and started to look around when more people were grouping together, he saw a girl and he squinted his eyes and saw that she was wearing a head girl badge. "oh she looks like fun to partner up with" he thought while making his way over to her. "ermm Hi.. Im Bay.. would you like to be in a group with me?" he asked her.

Anyone can grab her
 

Oh, a boy. Hello, there. Ella smiled at him as he approached, thanking Merlin that someone wanted to work with her. She always had this fear that she'd be that kid, the one left without a partner. She sort of always wanted to hug those kids and squish their faces for comfort but it'd be a little weird to do that to herself so yeah, partners were good.

"Hey, Bay. I'm Ella." Hand was extended and everything for a proper shake. "Yeah, of course. Any thoughts on costumes and props you might want to use?" Because honestly, Ella had NO idea. She liked snapping photos not being the subject of them.

oh her name was Ella, that was a very pretty name "nice to meet you" he said while shaking her hand, very formal as it was it was nice to meet someone new. "Hmm.. how about like cowboys in a western type of photoshoot?.. all riding on horses and what not" Bay just loved westerns, the riding the clothing. if he was born in a different era he would have picked the good old' west.

She could not help but giggle after Ms. Courwell got the shots she needed. Clearly the woman was impressed. But that didn't surprise Demelza at all. She was in her element, she was on fire, she had the eye of the tiger. Everyone was going to hear her roar. Rather, they were going to see someone who knew what they were doing own the stage photo shoot. Only those who knew a star when they were right in front of them would admire that. Thank Merlin Mrs. Courwell caught on quickly! "I'm going to be an actress," she said in full confidence. So she wasn't going specifically into modelling, but she would be getting to do her fair share of it without a doubt.

Blah, blah, blah. They were talking about how to make photographs move and that magical portraits were only enchanted to act like their subject. Borrrrrrring. Could they get back to taking photos of her now?

The very moment the instructor said it was time to group up, the Gryffindor jumped out of her bean bag and briskly walked over to the woman. Who better than to capture her essence than a professional? She seemed to have been enjoying taking photographs of her just as much as Demelza liked posing for them. "Here I am!" she exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips and looking directly at the camera with a smirk. Yes, she was striking a pose right then and there. Snap away!

Ella returned the hand shake and smiled, "Nice to meet you too." It was nice, working with new people in classes. Ella felt like she didn't know nearly enough classmates and group work was always a good way to change that. Seemed this seminar would be the start of that.

"Western type..." That was an interesting idea. Ella did like horses though the thought of cowboy/cowgirl hats messing with her hair was a bit frightening. No matter, she'd give it a go if Bay wanted to. "Sounds brilliant!" Nodnod.

The eighteen year old glanced around the room at the photoshoot stations, trying to find a good one for their theme. "Hey, that station looks like it could be a good backdrop for a western theme. How about I go snag it and you can grab the costumes and camera?" Good plan?

Lucas eyed the boy when he asked the question out loud.

Like YEAH HE DID. But that boy had a badge. And Isidora had kind of put him off people with any badges after the.. yodelling incident. But whatever. WHATEVER. He was brave. BRAVE.

"Um." And cleared his throat. Tapped him on the shoulder. "Hi. Hi. Uh. Yeah sure. I'll be in a group with you." Maybe this boy could dispel the hippo in a tutu rumour once and for all!

Kace looked around the noticed Adi. He smiled and said, "Yeah dude, i will join you guys!" and walked over towards them. He remembered working with Ben in potions and he was quite a cool guy.



Kace smiled when he saw Benjamin. "Hey dude." he nodded towards him and was glad to be working with them. Then he said to the two of them, "So...what do we do first?" he smiled.

Claim zis boy
 

Hmm... did Mo want to find a group, or did he want to volunteer to assist the photographer? If he had a group, he would get to take shots, albeit posed ones (NOT his favorite), but if he volunteered, he'd get a chance to learn something at the side of an honest to goodness photographer.

Honest. To. Goodness.

When he saw he had deliberated too long and a number of volunteers had already stepped forward, Mo decided just to find a group. This could be super fun too. Dress up and silliness and photos. It was almost not like class at all. "I still need a group," he raised his hand and glanced around."

Oichi seemed nice. At least she wasn't alone. She glanced up as the girl invited another person to their group. No, that was a good thing. That way Gwen would not be all alone in photos. She hated that because she never knew what to do. "Hey, yeah, come be in our group." she smiled.

Poor Mo was all alone too. She was sure he didn't want to be in her group. There were plenty of older cooler people who would probably invite Mo to work with them but she caught his eye and waved a little as if to say 'you can work with us if you want.'

Just in case. She didn't want to be leaving anybody behind.