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With the growing interest in learning how to cast various defensive spells outside of class time, Professor Hirsch has sectioned off another room just for this practice. A room not linked with any sort of class spells going on and a more guarded room than some of the others, save for his own office, of course.
This well lit, circular room is scarce of anything remotely normal for a normal classroom: meaning that you won't find any desks or chairs here. Instead, the room has been split up into a number of different sections where you can practice in the peace and privacy that the Dueling Arena doesn't provide. Want to practice in groups? The sections can expand to fit however many people you want to practice with. A number of dummies - surprised? - sits towards the back of the room, ready for you to practice your spells on. These could take the form of whatever you need it to be but be warned: they will NOT have the same effect. A dementor!dummy won't suck out your soul.
From time to time, Hirsch will hold practices in here in small groups outside of class hours. If you'd like to join in, you're more than welcome to. If not, be polite and try not to disturb anyone else practising in here. If you want to practice on your own here, you're welcome to do so. Just make sure to fix anything you break, okay?
OOC: Sooo this thread is a thread in which Hirsch/I will be holding out-of-class classes for those wishing to learn something extra. This room is free for people to RP around in if they wanted to do some practice in a more private environment ^^
Let your light shine || Be the sun || You're important. Always.
Noelle smiled happily as she walked into the private room. Her domain. Her space. She spent a good amount of time here in the last almost two years. This room had helped her regain her confidence. Professor Hirsch had helped her regain her confidence. It had turned her back into the person she used to be.
Before Dungeon Days................
Noelle was happy to be back. She slid her hand over the doorway a moment before heading for her favorite area. She would be meeting up with Henry for the first time ever in this room. It was kind of exciting. He wanted her to show him some things. He was joining the dueling club this term. This would be fun, maybe he would be her new partner.
Noelle left her wand in its holster firstly. Then she started to stretch and clear her mind. Just like Henric had taught her. She'd always be grateful to that boy.
__________________
You is kind You is smart You is IMPORTANT Farah Dubey Seventh Year Hufflepuff
Puff by day, snake by night | Mj's bestie | Always UP to Something...
She had passed DADA OWL by the skin of her teeth, but she felt proud of that. For the fact that it was her worse classes for reasons and she worked so hard to catch up. Roman was one of the biggest reasons she had done better. He had helped her practice and now she was standing in the practice room alone.
She looked at the room and held her wand up. What should she practice and how could she practice alone? Everyone was talking about dueling club, but there was no way she was going to even attempt that. She wasn't that good and didn't have the reflexes to think that quickly about spells. Looking at the dummy she pointed her wand. "expeliarmus"
Noelle smiled happily as she walked into the private room. Her domain. Her space. She spent a good amount of time here in the last almost two years. This room had helped her regain her confidence. Professor Hirsch had helped her regain her confidence. It had turned her back into the person she used to be.
Before Dungeon Days................
Noelle was happy to be back. She slid her hand over the doorway a moment before heading for her favorite area. She would be meeting up with Henry for the first time ever in this room. It was kind of exciting. He wanted her to show him some things. He was joining the dueling club this term. This would be fun, maybe he would be her new partner.
Noelle left her wand in its holster firstly. Then she started to stretch and clear her mind. Just like Henric had taught her. She'd always be grateful to that boy.
Henry had been interested in dueling club for some time, but never really found the time to join, let alone practice. Many of his friends were in it and it did sound like something he would enjoy, but now that he was a fourth year and others already had a head start on him, he was a little unsure about it now.
He was involved in many other physical activities, even if more on his own than in an official capacity, and he thought that this wouldn't be too far of a reach. But there was still the fact that he was afraid of not being as good as those who had been doing it the past three years. The Hufflepuff would need practice and thankfully Noelle agreed to practice with him.
Walking into the practice room, he noticed his friend was already there. "Hey, Noelle!" he grinned. "So, you ready to get started?" Stretching? Good thing he had some workout clothes on. He always thought that was a good idea before running or other physical training. Might as well do some of that here too.
__________________
started like a knight in a fairytale_______________________________________________
ended like a moth in flames______________________ ______________________don't you worry I'll be fine _________________________________________________you were good for the plot line
Mom says I have no sense of direction, so I packed my bags and right.
Torrance entered the Practice Room and walked over to the Dummies. He set his bag off to the side of the wall and stripped himself of his School Robe. he rolled up his sleeves and loosened his Gryffindor Tie.
The young Gryffindor was intent on actually dueling hard this year. More so than he had in his first two. He wasn't the Best, he was no Kettleborn, but he would certainly strive to get close to the top this Term. He had motivation now. Since talking to Paige over the Summer at St. Mungo's it felt good to let someone know about his goal. Of course his Goal would mean he'd need to be a Powerful wizard and what better way to achieve that than becoming this Term's Top Duelist in his Year...or as best as he could be.
He flicked his wand from his Wrist Holster and started working on the Disarming Spell against the dummies. trying his best to knock them back with the spell. Seeing no effect either meant he was just weak or that if the Dummies had Wands all that was doing was knocking Wands out of their dummy hands.
He stopped after a bit and sat down on the floor in front of him. He looked down at his wand. The stream of magic releasing from his wand was more of a white light and not the scarlet light he had seen some of his classmates casting. He wanted that Red light.
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
She had passed DADA OWL by the skin of her teeth, but she felt proud of that. For the fact that it was her worse classes for reasons and she worked so hard to catch up. Roman was one of the biggest reasons she had done better. He had helped her practice and now she was standing in the practice room alone.
She looked at the room and held her wand up. What should she practice and how could she practice alone? Everyone was talking about dueling club, but there was no way she was going to even attempt that. She wasn't that good and didn't have the reflexes to think that quickly about spells. Looking at the dummy she pointed her wand. "expeliarmus"
Hirsch was always in and out of these rooms, mostly to check that they hadn't been set on fire yet. Not that he didn't trust his students but come on. This was Hogwarts. Two years here had taught him that something was always bound to happen and constant vigilance was more than necessary.
It was on one of his usual check ins that he happened upon this sight. If there was something he liked more than tattoos, defence and coffee, it was the sight of a student getting to grips with a spell. So, when he saw the girl, poised and with her wand held up, he couldn't resist stepping further into the room to have a look. Curiosity. He watched as she aimed at a dummy and-
........ Hm.
"You might want to try that with a bit of a spiral at the end in the wand movement. And keep your intention clear: even the best wizards stumble when they don't have the intention to cast the spell."
Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ Moose
Torrance entered the Practice Room and walked over to the Dummies. He set his bag off to the side of the wall and stripped himself of his School Robe. he rolled up his sleeves and loosened his Gryffindor Tie.
The young Gryffindor was intent on actually dueling hard this year. More so than he had in his first two. He wasn't the Best, he was no Kettleborn, but he would certainly strive to get close to the top this Term. He had motivation now. Since talking to Paige over the Summer at St. Mungo's it felt good to let someone know about his goal. Of course his Goal would mean he'd need to be a Powerful wizard and what better way to achieve that than becoming this Term's Top Duelist in his Year...or as best as he could be.
He flicked his wand from his Wrist Holster and started working on the Disarming Spell against the dummies. trying his best to knock them back with the spell. Seeing no effect either meant he was just weak or that if the Dummies had Wands all that was doing was knocking Wands out of their dummy hands.
He stopped after a bit and sat down on the floor in front of him. He looked down at his wand. The stream of magic releasing from his wand was more of a white light and not the scarlet light he had seen some of his classmates casting. He wanted that Red light.
The Disarming spell was a popular one, wasn't it? Here was another student trying to use the very same spell against the dummies. It was a good spell to have in your arsenal but he didn't think it'd be this popular.
And so, the man watched as another student attempted it. He had to admit: he liked dropping in on these little sessions. The way it was being put to use was something that made him happy. Maybe this room was becoming more and more now that more and more people cared about dueling and winning the duels? No one wanted to practice out in pubic where everyone can see their signature dueling moves.
But first, Mr Spades. Huh. Tired? He wasn't surprised considering how many spells he'd tried to shoot at the dummy. If it wasn't an inanimate object, Hirsch might've felt a bit sorry for it. Might. as it was, he approached the young Gryffindor and on knelt down next to him. "Those were some excellent attempts, Mr Spades, but something's missing. Why do you think that spell's not working for you?"
Let your light shine || Be the sun || You're important. Always.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emjay
Henry had been interested in dueling club for some time, but never really found the time to join, let alone practice. Many of his friends were in it and it did sound like something he would enjoy, but now that he was a fourth year and others already had a head start on him, he was a little unsure about it now.
He was involved in many other physical activities, even if more on his own than in an official capacity, and he thought that this wouldn't be too far of a reach. But there was still the fact that he was afraid of not being as good as those who had been doing it the past three years. The Hufflepuff would need practice and thankfully Noelle agreed to practice with him.
Walking into the practice room, he noticed his friend was already there. "Hey, Noelle!" he grinned. "So, you ready to get started?" Stretching? Good thing he had some workout clothes on. He always thought that was a good idea before running or other physical training. Might as well do some of that here too.
Noelle had made herself comfortable on the ground, stretching, as she waited for Henry. Her mind was traveling to see what they could work on. She was actually really nervous to be helping Henry. She trained a lot but she didn't think she was good enough to be training anyone yet.
They would just have to see.
Noelle looked up as Henry walked in. She smiled at her friend. "well hey!" She started as she finished up stretching. Okay good. He was stretching too. "Im ready whenever you are."
Standing up, Noelle grabbed her wand. Ready when he was.
__________________
You is kind You is smart You is IMPORTANT Farah Dubey Seventh Year Hufflepuff
Puff by day, snake by night | Mj's bestie | Always UP to Something...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hermionesclone
[COLOR="#704343"]
Hirsch was always in and out of these rooms, mostly to check that they hadn't been set on fire yet. Not that he didn't trust his students but come on. This was Hogwarts. Two years here had taught him that something was always bound to happen and constant vigilance was more than necessary.
It was on one of his usual check ins that he happened upon this sight. If there was something he liked more than tattoos, defence and coffee, it was the sight of a student getting to grips with a spell. So, when he saw the girl, poised and with her wand held up, he couldn't resist stepping further into the room to have a look. Curiosity. He watched as she aimed at a dummy and-
........ Hm.
"You might want to try that with a bit of a spiral at the end in the wand movement. And keep your intention clear: even the best wizards stumble when they don't have the intention to cast the spell."
"AHHHHHHHHH"
Jumping about a foot when she heard someone's voice Nat turned quickly to see the professor standing there. [b] "Professor you scared me to death."[/]b Her wand still in hand now pointed at him. She took some much needed deep breaths as she kept an eye on the professor. "I wasn't expecting anyone in here with me." Without thinking she took a step back away from him.
Getting her head back to not panicking she looked at him a bit more calm. "Wrist... Right." Wait he didn't say wrist at all, did he? She thought a moment about what he really said, "Sprial. Okay.. Am I interrupting something?" Was there a note or something on the door saying he was closing the room?
She looked back at the dummy knowing it was fine if she couldn't practice anymore these types of spells were her worst.
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
"AHHHHHHHHH"
Jumping about a foot when she heard someone's voice Nat turned quickly to see the professor standing there. [b] "Professor you scared me to death."[/]b Her wand still in hand now pointed at him. She took some much needed deep breaths as she kept an eye on the professor. "I wasn't expecting anyone in here with me." Without thinking she took a step back away from him.
Getting her head back to not panicking she looked at him a bit more calm. "Wrist... Right." Wait he didn't say wrist at all, did he? She thought a moment about what he really said, "Sprial. Okay.. Am I interrupting something?" Was there a note or something on the door saying he was closing the room?
She looked back at the dummy knowing it was fine if she couldn't practice anymore these types of spells were her worst.
............ Well, that was quite the reaction, wasn't it?
Frankly, Hirsch was a little surprised but, on second thought, figured that it was something he should've seen coming. He'd hardly given her enough notice that he'd be in there, had he? He'd just appeared out of nowhere which might not have been the best tactic. As for having a wand turned on him, he hardly batted an eyelash. How many times had he had wands turned on him? Too many. [B]"Good use of constant vigilance. Well done on not letting your guard down."[B] It made him happy, it did.
"My apologies, I should've warned you in advance," he said, giving her a small bow of his head. And no, he hadn't mentioned wrist at all but he was glad that she was getting there. Considering the scare, it was enough of a sign to him that she was calming down and wasn't as scared as she was. Or so he hoped.
Interrupting something? "Not at all. I usually pop into the rooms to see if anyone's using it," And to see if it's still in one piece. "and I saw you practicing so I thought I'd come and have a look. I hope you don't mind." It wasn't a duel but he did like seeing how his students were doing.
Was she going to get back into practising? Good. Crossing his arms across his chest, the man stood there and waited. "Remember: intent and the spiral at the end." Let's see how this disarming spell worked for her.
Puff by day, snake by night | Mj's bestie | Always UP to Something...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hermionesclone
............ Well, that was quite the reaction, wasn't it?
Frankly, Hirsch was a little surprised but, on second thought, figured that it was something he should've seen coming. He'd hardly given her enough notice that he'd be in there, had he? He'd just appeared out of nowhere which might not have been the best tactic. As for having a wand turned on him, he hardly batted an eyelash. How many times had he had wands turned on him? Too many. [B]"Good use of constant vigilance. Well done on not letting your guard down."[B] It made him happy, it did.
"My apologies, I should've warned you in advance," he said, giving her a small bow of his head. And no, he hadn't mentioned wrist at all but he was glad that she was getting there. Considering the scare, it was enough of a sign to him that she was calming down and wasn't as scared as she was. Or so he hoped.
Interrupting something? "Not at all. I usually pop into the rooms to see if anyone's using it," And to see if it's still in one piece. "and I saw you practicing so I thought I'd come and have a look. I hope you don't mind." It wasn't a duel but he did like seeing how his students were doing.
Was she going to get back into practising? Good. Crossing his arms across his chest, the man stood there and waited. "Remember: intent and the spiral at the end." Let's see how this disarming spell worked for her.
Wow did she feel like an idiot for being scared, but the good news was the professor was aware of why she was scared. Not that she was happy professors knew why she was always more jumpy, but it did help. "Thank you Sir." She honestly didn't even realize she had pulled her wand on him and gladly took it down when she realized. He wasn't there for an appointment or lesson, which meant she was going to have an audience to practice. There was a reason she didn't duel, but she wouldn't ask him to leave either. It was his classroom.
"Oh I see, probably a good idea to know what's going on." A castle full of teenagers was probably interesting for most of the adults. Looking back towards the dummy she took a deep breath. "I'm not very good at it." None of the defense spells really.
Trying to concentrate and be more determined she thought about times she was mad to help with the defense side of things. Lifting her wand and did what the professor said as she said the words more clear, "expeliarmus" She watched as the wand flipped out of the dummies hands.
Noelle had made herself comfortable on the ground, stretching, as she waited for Henry. Her mind was traveling to see what they could work on. She was actually really nervous to be helping Henry. She trained a lot but she didn't think she was good enough to be training anyone yet.
They would just have to see.
Noelle looked up as Henry walked in. She smiled at her friend. "well hey!" She started as she finished up stretching. Okay good. He was stretching too. "Im ready whenever you are."
Standing up, Noelle grabbed her wand. Ready when he was.
"Have you been here long?" Henry glanced over at Noelle as he touched his toes, stretching out her legs. He'd guess that she was there at least a few minutes before him if she was done stretching and waiting on him now. He bent a leg behind him, pulling on his foot, still stretching his legs, and repeated the motion with his other leg. "I'll be ready in a minute," he grinned, moving on to pulling an arm behind his head. "Always a good thing to warm up, you know?" This is what he normally did before a run and if she thought different, she could tell him. She was pretty much the expert here, or at least more than he was. Henry knew she hadn't been in dueling club long, but she was already further along from him. But they could probably both benefit form the practice.
Once he felt he was sufficiently stretched and warmed up, he pulled out his wand and turned to Noelle. "Okay, I think I'm ready... What should we start with?" Hopefully something easy. Dueling wasn't his best thing. But that was why he was here, right?
__________________
started like a knight in a fairytale_______________________________________________
ended like a moth in flames______________________ ______________________don't you worry I'll be fine _________________________________________________you were good for the plot line
Let your light shine || Be the sun || You're important. Always.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emjay
"Have you been here long?" Henry glanced over at Noelle as he touched his toes, stretching out her legs. He'd guess that she was there at least a few minutes before him if she was done stretching and waiting on him now. He bent a leg behind him, pulling on his foot, still stretching his legs, and repeated the motion with his other leg. "I'll be ready in a minute," he grinned, moving on to pulling an arm behind his head. "Always a good thing to warm up, you know?" This is what he normally did before a run and if she thought different, she could tell him. She was pretty much the expert here, or at least more than he was. Henry knew she hadn't been in dueling club long, but she was already further along from him. But they could probably both benefit form the practice.
Once he felt he was sufficiently stretched and warmed up, he pulled out his wand and turned to Noelle. "Okay, I think I'm ready... What should we start with?" Hopefully something easy. Dueling wasn't his best thing. But that was why he was here, right?
Henry stretching was a sight. Noelle had seen him do it once or twice before due to Ning with him sometimes.... occasionally.... that was something she needed to work on. Only, it was running and running was never fun.
"No stretching is perfect." She said with a nod and a half smile. When it came to the training room, Noelle was different in here. She was determined, focused, merciless. She didn't like to give herself a lot of wiggle room to mess up. Becoming an auror was important to her. Very important. So anything that would get her in that direction, she took it way seriously. Just like animagus training, if she were allowed in.
"Okay, first things first. We clear our minds." Noelle had many teachers. Henric being her first. The first thing you do before anything is breathe. Clear your mind. That was instilled in her. "Leave everything off the training floor. Girls, guys, school work, Quidditch. We are here to train only. That's our focus." Noelle centered herself and took a few big deep breaths. Clearing her mind.
__________________
You is kind You is smart You is IMPORTANT Farah Dubey Seventh Year Hufflepuff
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
Wow did she feel like an idiot for being scared, but the good news was the professor was aware of why she was scared. Not that she was happy professors knew why she was always more jumpy, but it did help. "Thank you Sir." She honestly didn't even realize she had pulled her wand on him and gladly took it down when she realized. He wasn't there for an appointment or lesson, which meant she was going to have an audience to practice. There was a reason she didn't duel, but she wouldn't ask him to leave either. It was his classroom.
"Oh I see, probably a good idea to know what's going on." A castle full of teenagers was probably interesting for most of the adults. Looking back towards the dummy she took a deep breath. "I'm not very good at it." None of the defense spells really.
Trying to concentrate and be more determined she thought about times she was mad to help with the defense side of things. Lifting her wand and did what the professor said as she said the words more clear, "expeliarmus" She watched as the wand flipped out of the dummies hands.
This was polite, wasn't it? Not that the man had any complaints on the matter but it did help things. "You're welcome," he said, nodding his head at her. He hoped she'd keep the constant vigilance part alive in her brain as well. It was always going to be useful, after all.
"Exactly. Someone could be trying to practice the Expelliarmus spell and I wouldn't know." This was his idea of a joke. Was it working? Not that he couldn't dwell on that any longer, mind you. Not good with defence? "You might be better at it than you think you are. You just need some more practice." Besides, defence didn't stop short at magical means of defence, he hoped she knew that.
Standing well back, Hirsch observed the spell take place. It was a pretty simple spell so he had no doubt that she could perform it, especially against a dummy.
And he certainly wasn't disappointed, was he?
Smiling a wide dimpled smile, the man let out a small applause when the dummy'a wand flew up in the air. "Perfect! Excellent attempt, I have to say. Well done." Truly. "Next step, if you're ready to move on, is to try it when the dummy'a moving." It would give her a real sense of being in a dueling environment. Sort of.
Henry stretching was a sight. Noelle had seen him do it once or twice before due to Ning with him sometimes.... occasionally.... that was something she needed to work on. Only, it was running and running was never fun.
"No stretching is perfect." She said with a nod and a half smile. When it came to the training room, Noelle was different in here. She was determined, focused, merciless. She didn't like to give herself a lot of wiggle room to mess up. Becoming an auror was important to her. Very important. So anything that would get her in that direction, she took it way seriously. Just like animagus training, if she were allowed in.
"Okay, first things first. We clear our minds." Noelle had many teachers. Henric being her first. The first thing you do before anything is breathe. Clear your mind. That was instilled in her. "Leave everything off the training floor. Girls, guys, school work, Quidditch. We are here to train only. That's our focus." Noelle centered herself and took a few big deep breaths. Clearing her mind.
Okay, good to know that he had been on the right track with stretching. Henry figured that he should, especially as he saw a bit of Noelle stretching when he walked in. But as she was finishing up while he was just getting started, he wasn't completely sure how she did things.
His wand drawn, he was ready to work on his spells. Dueling spells were not his specialty and he wasn't even sure about strategy. There should be strategy when dueling, right? He was hoping he'd get that practice with Noelle and that she would share some of her tips for that as well. But he wasn't completely expecting what she said next.
"Clear my mind?" Did she have any idea how difficult that was for him? He always had something on his mind, every one of things that Noelle mentioned. It was just the way Henry worked. But he also wanted to be good at this. "Okay.. I'll try... but how do you do that exactly?" He watched her with her deep breathing then decided to try the same. Closing his eyes, he did his best to push things from his mind and took a deep breath.
__________________
started like a knight in a fairytale_______________________________________________
ended like a moth in flames______________________ ______________________don't you worry I'll be fine _________________________________________________you were good for the plot line
Puff by day, snake by night | Mj's bestie | Always UP to Something...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hermionesclone
This was polite, wasn't it? Not that the man had any complaints on the matter but it did help things. "You're welcome," he said, nodding his head at her. He hoped she'd keep the constant vigilance part alive in her brain as well. It was always going to be useful, after all.
"Exactly. Someone could be trying to practice the Expelliarmus spell and I wouldn't know." This was his idea of a joke. Was it working? Not that he couldn't dwell on that any longer, mind you. Not good with defence? "You might be better at it than you think you are. You just need some more practice." Besides, defence didn't stop short at magical means of defence, he hoped she knew that.
Standing well back, Hirsch observed the spell take place. It was a pretty simple spell so he had no doubt that she could perform it, especially against a dummy.
And he certainly wasn't disappointed, was he?
Smiling a wide dimpled smile, the man let out a small applause when the dummy'a wand flew up in the air. "Perfect! Excellent attempt, I have to say. Well done." Truly. "Next step, if you're ready to move on, is to try it when the dummy'a moving." It would give her a real sense of being in a dueling environment. Sort of.
"There is a reason I don't sign up for dueling club. " She summons the wand to her and then put it back on the dummy. Turning she looked at the professor. "I know and that's why I'm here. I was so behind at my old school. I worked really hard to even pass OWLs last year. I think I'm getting better, but I still have work." The learning gap between her year and her abilities was shrinking thanks to Roman last term. She thought about how much he had worked with her and smiled a little before realizing she was probably giving a goofy smile that she wasn't going to explain.
Turning back towards the dummy she widened her eyes. He was going to move the dummy? Ugh, could she put a face on it to focus better? She had a few in mind. "Okay we can try it." She looked at the dummy again and took a deep breath. It was the same smell so no big deal. She had done the spell many of times before, but in front of the professor she got extremely nervous. What if she wasn't good enough? What if she could never be good enough?
Let your light shine || Be the sun || You're important. Always.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emjay
Okay, good to know that he had been on the right track with stretching. Henry figured that he should, especially as he saw a bit of Noelle stretching when he walked in. But as she was finishing up while he was just getting started, he wasn't completely sure how she did things.
His wand drawn, he was ready to work on his spells. Dueling spells were not his specialty and he wasn't even sure about strategy. There should be strategy when dueling, right? He was hoping he'd get that practice with Noelle and that she would share some of her tips for that as well. But he wasn't completely expecting what she said next.
"Clear my mind?" Did she have any idea how difficult that was for him? He always had something on his mind, every one of things that Noelle mentioned. It was just the way Henry worked. But he also wanted to be good at this. "Okay.. I'll try... but how do you do that exactly?" He watched her with her deep breathing then decided to try the same. Closing his eyes, he did his best to push things from his mind and took a deep breath.
Noelle was in the process of clearing her mind when Henry's voice broke through her thoughts. It hadn't occurred to her that he wouldn't know how to clear his own thoughts.
Opening her eyes, she faced him again. "Sorry. Of course. The way I was taught was through breathing. You take a deep breath in. And then when you blow out, let go of everything that is troubling you or that you have to the front of your mind. It took me a good few minutes to do this my first time. That was at the end of second year. "
Trying to find something on common ground with him, Noelle decided to see if Quidditch would help "For instance, when you're getting ready to practice quidditch, do you let everything else go so you can concentrate on that?" She was sure he didn't just get into Quidditch. But then again, she didn't play quidditch herself. She'd practiced with Remy a few times. That had been fun. But, fun and practicing for something you are passionate about are two different things.
__________________
You is kind You is smart You is IMPORTANT Farah Dubey Seventh Year Hufflepuff
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
"There is a reason I don't sign up for dueling club. " She summons the wand to her and then put it back on the dummy. Turning she looked at the professor. "I know and that's why I'm here. I was so behind at my old school. I worked really hard to even pass OWLs last year. I think I'm getting better, but I still have work." The learning gap between her year and her abilities was shrinking thanks to Roman last term. She thought about how much he had worked with her and smiled a little before realizing she was probably giving a goofy smile that she wasn't going to explain.
Turning back towards the dummy she widened her eyes. He was going to move the dummy? Ugh, could she put a face on it to focus better? She had a few in mind. "Okay we can try it." She looked at the dummy again and took a deep breath. It was the same smell so no big deal. She had done the spell many of times before, but in front of the professor she got extremely nervous. What if she wasn't good enough? What if she could never be good enough?
A reason she hadn't signed up for Dueling Club? The man hoped she realised that the club wasn't exclusively for members who were perfect at Dueling; it was for those who wanted to learn as well. He wasn't about to mention it, though, and instead, concentrated on the learning aspect she was talking about. "Firstly, congratulations on passing your OWLs." He was pleaded she had done well with his subject, could he tell? "In that case, the room can stay open longer if you need the practice space. If we can bridge that gap, you could even pass your NEWT with flying colours."
Pause. "Which spells are you looking to working on?" Because some would prove to be more useful to her than others in the exams.
The wide-eyed look hadn't been missed by Hirsch, who looked on in slight confusion. Was she scared? Nervous? She didn't need to be if he was standing there. And the dummies were harmless as it is. He paused for a moment before taking out his wand and flicking it at the dummy.
At once, the dummy sprang to life. While it had no face, it was clearly looking directly at the Slytherin. Only small signs were given that showed that it had some life in it: a small twitch of the wand hand and even a tilting of the head. The biggest movement it made was shuffling a few paces here and there, as if it was a contender who was thinking about the best way to attack.
Noelle was in the process of clearing her mind when Henry's voice broke through her thoughts. It hadn't occurred to her that he wouldn't know how to clear his own thoughts.
Opening her eyes, she faced him again. "Sorry. Of course. The way I was taught was through breathing. You take a deep breath in. And then when you blow out, let go of everything that is troubling you or that you have to the front of your mind. It took me a good few minutes to do this my first time. That was at the end of second year. "
Trying to find something on common ground with him, Noelle decided to see if Quidditch would help "For instance, when you're getting ready to practice quidditch, do you let everything else go so you can concentrate on that?" She was sure he didn't just get into Quidditch. But then again, she didn't play quidditch herself. She'd practiced with Remy a few times. That had been fun. But, fun and practicing for something you are passionate about are two different things.
Letting out a long exhale, Henry opened his eyes when Noelle spoke again. Breathing, right. Of course he knew that he should take deep, cleansing breaths when he started an exercise regime or warmed-up. He did that kind of thing when he did his MMA stuff. But it was still really hard to completely clear his mind.
"Yeah, I mean, I guess I knew that... but usually I just try to focus on what I need to do." That was pretty much the same thing though and he took a few deep cleansing breaths. "Sort of?" He shrugged when she asked him about Quidditch. Again, it was more about focusing on the task at hand, and he did have to juggle a few thoughts then even, but he got the general idea. "I more meant that I always have something going on in my head," he laughed. "I kind of meant it hypothetically." He wasn't dumb and he probably sounded like he was for asking the way that he did.
Taking a few more deep breaths, Henry closed his eyes and tried to let everything go out of his mind. Of course, he still had things going on there but he did feel a little more focused. "Okay... ready?"
__________________
started like a knight in a fairytale_______________________________________________
ended like a moth in flames______________________ ______________________don't you worry I'll be fine _________________________________________________you were good for the plot line
Puff by day, snake by night | Mj's bestie | Always UP to Something...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hermionesclone
A reason she hadn't signed up for Dueling Club? The man hoped she realised that the club wasn't exclusively for members who were perfect at Dueling; it was for those who wanted to learn as well. He wasn't about to mention it, though, and instead, concentrated on the learning aspect she was talking about. "Firstly, congratulations on passing your OWLs." He was pleaded she had done well with his subject, could he tell? "In that case, the room can stay open longer if you need the practice space. If we can bridge that gap, you could even pass your NEWT with flying colours."
Pause. "Which spells are you looking to working on?" Because some would prove to be more useful to her than others in the exams.
The wide-eyed look hadn't been missed by Hirsch, who looked on in slight confusion. Was she scared? Nervous? She didn't need to be if he was standing there. And the dummies were harmless as it is. He paused for a moment before taking out his wand and flicking it at the dummy.
At once, the dummy sprang to life. While it had no face, it was clearly looking directly at the Slytherin. Only small signs were given that showed that it had some life in it: a small twitch of the wand hand and even a tilting of the head. The biggest movement it made was shuffling a few paces here and there, as if it was a contender who was thinking about the best way to attack.
"Whenever you're ready, Miss Franks-Mundie."
She gave a little smile. It was nice of the Professor to say something about her owls. "Thank you, I really worked hard on studying last term for it." Since coming to Hogwarts she really had tried to catch up in it and was getting closer, but she still had a confidence issue with this subject . She looked at him in a bit of a shock, "Really? Thank you Professor. Extra time in here would be great to get better." Maybe when he wasn't busy he could help her a bit. Though she didn't want to ask, because she didn't want to push her luck at the moment.
She thought for a moment, "All of them would be good practice for me, but lately I've been trying to get Locomotor Mortis, Rictusempra, and Tarantallegra." She'd love to start practicing a patronous to, but everything she read she feared she'd never do that one.
She watched the dummy move and even though it was just a dummy she felt anxiety hit. Breathing through the feeling she moved to fully face it and get ready. Nodding at the professors words she put all her focus on the dummy. Lifting her wand she watched the dummy move a bit, "expeliarmus". The dummies wand flipping out of his hand.
Let your light shine || Be the sun || You're important. Always.
SPOILER!!: Henry!
Quote:
Originally Posted by emjay
Letting out a long exhale, Henry opened his eyes when Noelle spoke again. Breathing, right. Of course he knew that he should take deep, cleansing breaths when he started an exercise regime or warmed-up. He did that kind of thing when he did his MMA stuff. But it was still really hard to completely clear his mind.
"Yeah, I mean, I guess I knew that... but usually I just try to focus on what I need to do." That was pretty much the same thing though and he took a few deep cleansing breaths. "Sort of?" He shrugged when she asked him about Quidditch. Again, it was more about focusing on the task at hand, and he did have to juggle a few thoughts then even, but he got the general idea. "I more meant that I always have something going on in my head," he laughed. "I kind of meant it hypothetically." He wasn't dumb and he probably sounded like he was for asking the way that he did.
Taking a few more deep breaths, Henry closed his eyes and tried to let everything go out of his mind. Of course, he still had things going on there but he did feel a little more focused. "Okay... ready?"
Okay, he was doing good with the breathing. She didn't expect it to last for a few extra moments. But, sometimes it was hard to get rid of all your thoughts. "i just tend to think of a white room and push out everything else.... and then focus on the task at hand." That is what worked for her.
Okay... ready? Oh yes.
Noelle nodded. "Yep!" Heading for the opposite side of the room, she continued to speak. "I think we should start with the basics? And not on dummies. On each other. I know you know the basics. You're smart. Brilliant In fact. But it's always best to go over them. So.... " Noelle turned and faced Henry, holding up her wand. "Expelliarmus first?"
__________________
You is kind You is smart You is IMPORTANT Farah Dubey Seventh Year Hufflepuff
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
She gave a little smile. It was nice of the Professor to say something about her owls. "Thank you, I really worked hard on studying last term for it." Since coming to Hogwarts she really had tried to catch up in it and was getting closer, but she still had a confidence issue with this subject . She looked at him in a bit of a shock, "Really? Thank you Professor. Extra time in here would be great to get better." Maybe when he wasn't busy he could help her a bit. Though she didn't want to ask, because she didn't want to push her luck at the moment.
She thought for a moment, "All of them would be good practice for me, but lately I've been trying to get Locomotor Mortis, Rictusempra, and Tarantallegra." She'd love to start practicing a patronous to, but everything she read she feared she'd never do that one.
She watched the dummy move and even though it was just a dummy she felt anxiety hit. Breathing through the feeling she moved to fully face it and get ready. Nodding at the professors words she put all her focus on the dummy. Lifting her wand she watched the dummy move a bit, "expeliarmus". The dummies wand flipping out of his hand.
"And it showed with your grades. Keep it up and I don't think NEWTs should be a problem either." That did depend on the person as well but he wasn't about to lower her self-esteem. Not now that it had risen up from what he assumed it used to be. "Consider it done. Although....." Cue a cheeky smile. "Next time, I'll try not to give you a scare while you're practising." Though he was going to be dropping by every now and then.
Hirsch nodded along as the Slytherin listed off the spells. "So you're better at the charms-based magic?" Not that there was anything wrong with that. "How are you with your shields? Proteg? Contego? The Silver Shield Spell?" That last one might not have been very important but the first two certainly were. "I think it's crucial to know one magical shield spell and one physical shield spell. Become confident in casting them and you can save yourself against almost anything, especially duels." After all, defence was a huge part of his subject.
When Nat geared up to take on the moving dummy, the Defence Professor stood well back. He wanted to see how she did it, after all, and the last thing she needed was him standing in the way. He pushed his glasses further up his nose and crossed his arms across his chest as the girl readied herself and........
....... "YES!"
Too excited? Probably. But he didn't care about that. Not now, when the dummy's wand expertly flew out of its hand, as if the Slytherin had been doing this for years. "Excellent! Very well done! I'd say you could easily disarm someone in any setting, maybe even during a duel." He was pleased!
Okay, he was doing good with the breathing. She didn't expect it to last for a few extra moments. But, sometimes it was hard to get rid of all your thoughts. "i just tend to think of a white room and push out everything else.... and then focus on the task at hand." That is what worked for her.
Okay... ready? Oh yes.
Noelle nodded. "Yep!" Heading for the opposite side of the room, she continued to speak. "I think we should start with the basics? And not on dummies. On each other. I know you know the basics. You're smart. Brilliant In fact. But it's always best to go over them. So.... " Noelle turned and faced Henry, holding up her wand. "Expelliarmus first?"
Henry watched as Noelle started for the other side of the room, not sure if he should follow her or not. But decided to just stay where he was. Obviously if they were going to oppose each other, they wouldn't be standing right next to each other. Across from each other made the most sense. Of course, it did, he knew that. He wasn't sure if it was he was nervous and that was why he felt like he was questioning basic things or what, but he shook his head a moment to clear it, then focused on what she was saying. He should know this.
Expelliarmus? Right, that was nice and basic. And yes, of course he wanted to practice on each other. Henry nodded as he considered her. He wasn't sure if she wanted to test him on his defense against it, or if she thought he should be on the offensive, but he decided to simply jump in and try to take her off guard. Without so much as a warning, he flicked his wrist, pointing his wand at her. "Expelliarmus!"
__________________
started like a knight in a fairytale_______________________________________________
ended like a moth in flames______________________ ______________________don't you worry I'll be fine _________________________________________________you were good for the plot line
Let your light shine || Be the sun || You're important. Always.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emjay
Henry watched as Noelle started for the other side of the room, not sure if he should follow her or not. But decided to just stay where he was. Obviously if they were going to oppose each other, they wouldn't be standing right next to each other. Across from each other made the most sense. Of course, it did, he knew that. He wasn't sure if it was he was nervous and that was why he felt like he was questioning basic things or what, but he shook his head a moment to clear it, then focused on what she was saying. He should know this.
Expelliarmus? Right, that was nice and basic. And yes, of course he wanted to practice on each other. Henry nodded as he considered her. He wasn't sure if she wanted to test him on his defense against it, or if she thought he should be on the offensive, but he decided to simply jump in and try to take her off guard. Without so much as a warning, he flicked his wrist, pointing his wand at her. "Expelliarmus!"
Henry wasn't acting his usual self. He seemed.... off. Noelle watched him curiously as he hesitated but stayed where he was at. She kept her wand up but wanted to see what he would do.
She was right. Noelle didnt move as her wand was knocked out of her hand. She grinned at Henry. "Very good. Let's try again." She went and grabbed her wand from across the floor before going back over and standing direct. "Okay. Go." Noelle said. She didnt plan on stopping him. Not yet. She was hoping if he disarmed her a few times, his confidence would grow.
__________________
You is kind You is smart You is IMPORTANT Farah Dubey Seventh Year Hufflepuff
Puff by day, snake by night | Mj's bestie | Always UP to Something...
Quote:
Originally Posted by hermionesclone
"And it showed with your grades. Keep it up and I don't think NEWTs should be a problem either." That did depend on the person as well but he wasn't about to lower her self-esteem. Not now that it had risen up from what he assumed it used to be. "Consider it done. Although....." Cue a cheeky smile. "Next time, I'll try not to give you a scare while you're practising." Though he was going to be dropping by every now and then.
Hirsch nodded along as the Slytherin listed off the spells. "So you're better at the charms-based magic?" Not that there was anything wrong with that. "How are you with your shields? Proteg? Contego? The Silver Shield Spell?" That last one might not have been very important but the first two certainly were. "I think it's crucial to know one magical shield spell and one physical shield spell. Become confident in casting them and you can save yourself against almost anything, especially duels." After all, defence was a huge part of his subject.
When Nat geared up to take on the moving dummy, the Defence Professor stood well back. He wanted to see how she did it, after all, and the last thing she needed was him standing in the way. He pushed his glasses further up his nose and crossed his arms across his chest as the girl readied herself and........
....... "YES!"
Too excited? Probably. But he didn't care about that. Not now, when the dummy's wand expertly flew out of its hand, as if the Slytherin had been doing this for years. "Excellent! Very well done! I'd say you could easily disarm someone in any setting, maybe even during a duel." He was pleased!
He was complementing her work.... in DADA? This was not something she was use to. It was very weird, but she couldn't help but smile. It was nice to have a professor seem so proud of her. Was that what he was? Plus he was saying Newts wouldn't be a problem. This was something she never thought she would hear. "Thank you professor." He was going to let her practice extra and he wouldn't startle her, well at least try. "If you are ever popping in and wouldn't mind I could use the extra lesson or two." She knew he was busy, but there wasn't many professor she was comfortable asking for help so it was a big deal that she could him.
He was asking her about shields, "I'm better at jumping behind things." She chuckled a little remembering her run in with Elise a few terms back. The common room couch had worked very well. "I'd have to say I'm probably better at Pretgo then anything else." She knew she needed to work on the others, especially the third he spoke about. "I'm not even sure I've tried the last one you said." As a sixth she felt kind of dumb not knowing it. "I'll practice them more." She nodded a bit making a mental note that it needed to be done.
"A duel? You can't be serious." There was a reason she didn't sign up for the club. "I don't think I'm quick enough for a duel." Her confidence wasn't there. "Maybe if I keep practicing this year.. " Maybe she could try it next year... maybe.
She looked at the dummy again thinking about a spell to try, but something else was at her thoughts, "Professor, do you think someone who hasn't had much good around them could ever cast a patronus?" She had never really thought about even trying one knowing good memories would be needed. She had some good memories in the past two years, but she wasn't sure they were strong enough for such an advanced spell.
urine trouble | Pat's Strong Confident Other Half | Pees Like a Champion Unicorn Racehorse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
He was complementing her work.... in DADA? This was not something she was use to. It was very weird, but she couldn't help but smile. It was nice to have a professor seem so proud of her. Was that what he was? Plus he was saying Newts wouldn't be a problem. This was something she never thought she would hear. "Thank you professor." He was going to let her practice extra and he wouldn't startle her, well at least try. "If you are ever popping in and wouldn't mind I could use the extra lesson or two." She knew he was busy, but there wasn't many professor she was comfortable asking for help so it was a big deal that she could him.
He was asking her about shields, "I'm better at jumping behind things." She chuckled a little remembering her run in with Elise a few terms back. The common room couch had worked very well. "I'd have to say I'm probably better at Pretgo then anything else." She knew she needed to work on the others, especially the third he spoke about. "I'm not even sure I've tried the last one you said." As a sixth she felt kind of dumb not knowing it. "I'll practice them more." She nodded a bit making a mental note that it needed to be done.
"A duel? You can't be serious." There was a reason she didn't sign up for the club. "I don't think I'm quick enough for a duel." Her confidence wasn't there. "Maybe if I keep practicing this year.. " Maybe she could try it next year... maybe.
She looked at the dummy again thinking about a spell to try, but something else was at her thoughts, "Professor, do you think someone who hasn't had much good around them could ever cast a patronus?" She had never really thought about even trying one knowing good memories would be needed. She had some good memories in the past two years, but she wasn't sure they were strong enough for such an advanced spell.
You know what he noticed? How much different her facial expressions had gotten from the start of this conversation. For one, she wasn't startled and or another, she was smiling a bit more. "You're very welcome," he said, very much glad for the change in expression, "Oh! Yes, of course. I'd love to." It was something he liked doing, after all. "Is there something you need extra practice with?"
Jumping behind things? That was an answer that earned the Slytherin a chuckle from the Defence Professor. "Not everyone likes fighting, which is fine. If it saves you in a difficult situation, it's not a bad move." Not his preferred move, mind you. If it was up to him, fighting would be his choice of action. "Protego is a good spell to use. Very useful. Do you know how to cast the stronger versions of it?" Because while Protego worked for most spells, it didn't work for all. Some needed a stronger magical shield. "The Silver Shield Spell creates a physical shield which might be useful in some circumstances." Shrug. "Try it. See which one of the spells you prefer."
"I'm very serious." Even if he had an amused smile on his face. "In that case, yes, you just need some practice. Build up some agility and add in some quick thinking. You'll be quick enough for a duel soon enough." She wasn't exactly dumb, after all.
.............
Oh.
Oh.
This was a heavy question. In fact, it was one that made Hirsch pause and blink at the young girl. It was such an innocent question but there was something much deeper and sadder behind it and he didn't like that one bit. "Well, uh......" How was he meant to answer this?! "I wouldn't say never, exactly. Something could happen later on to aid you in casting a patronus. But if you haven't had anything good happen in your life, it would be very hard to cast one." Pause. "Which isn't a bad thing: it's an advanced spell, after all. Most people can't cast it."
Private Practice Room 
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