Accepted!!  Knox

About You, the Writer:
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Your Nickname: Mai
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If you have written other characters here, list them all: Mairead ó Fearghail, Cináed Tawse, Tulojow Nagde

Full Character Name: Sasha Rudolf Schlagenweit
Character Birthday & Age: February 21, 1993 - 15 years
City & Country of Birth: Parents citizens of UK - born in Munich, Germany; holds dual citizenship 
Pureblood, Halfblood or Muggleborn: Halfblood
House & Year: 4th Year Ravenclaw

Wand: Unknown - he retrieved it out of the lost and found

Physical Description: Sasha is a tall, lean, gangly young man who, especially with recent growth spurts comes across as rather scarecrow-y.  His body generally appears much too long and sinewy for his height.  He habitually holds himself tall and straight, further accentuating his gangly stature.  Sasha's germanic background is easily recognizable in his light dirty blond hair and pale blue eyes. 

Sasha is very fastidious about his appearance and could be interpreted as bordering obsessive when compared to others his age. Unfortunately, he's in a position where new clothes are not readily available but he puts considerable effort into making the second hand outfits as neat looking as possible. 

He is almost never seen without his hair precisely styled into place on his head and any imperfections or blemishes well concealed.  His standard attire of choice, when not in school uniform, is wool dress pants, a button up shirt, both ironed and starched of course, and a dress jacket, often under his school robes. Dressing casual for him would be pressed khakis, a button shirt and a blazer instead of a full jacket. His socks are carefully folded and his shoes well-polished before being seen in public.

Personality Description:

The impression of prickiness carries over into his general personality. His interactions with everyone, with the exception of close friends, is far more formal and proper than one might expect from a boy his age. Formal handshakes, rising as others sit and the persistent use of 'sir, ma'am, Mr. and Ms.' all not only come across as proper but distance-creating. Bowing, kisses on the back of hands, and excessive apologies are all common in his demeanor to both adults and classmates alike. He is often seen as being stuck-up, a brown noser or just a plain prick by his classmates.

Quiet and highly independent, Sasha has a tendency to wander off into woods and wilderness areas.  All of this formal behavior and insecurity masks as considerably bright young man with considerable potential, if he were ever to break out of his shell and develop a spine. With a little confidence, his respect for people, dedication, thoughtfulness and observational skills could take him a long way.

Sasha was raised with two distinct expectations and that led to two different classes of skills when he was a youngster.  Back in Germany, while his father worked full time for an international bank, his family kept cows and owned a dairy farm in the foothills of the Alps.  Growing up, the responsibility for the care of the cows and other livestock fell on him and, as a result, he has extensive knowledge and experience with farm husbandry.  Herding, breeding, raising cattle and horses are included in these skills.  Herding cattle in the mountains above the pasturelands would often lead him to spending considerable time in the mountains.  As a result, he has picked up on some basic mountaineering/camping skills such as fire starting, tracking, hunting and such.

After relocating to Britain, his parent’s focus shifted towards molding him into a proper, sophisticated young man, worthy of carrying on the family business.  He, was, therefore, introduced to many aspects of high society.  Opera, classical music were included in these.  However, his passion is still with animals and horses, though, fitting with the new expectations, he moved on to dressage and more “civilized” riding styles.

He remains quiet and on the outskirts of conversation and generally speaking only when spoken to. This distance-creating behavior often serves to cover up a deep-seated insecurity. If he were to list the most important students at the school, his name would be nowhere on the list. Though his formal presentation would never allow it to be revealed, Sasha would consider himself a general waste of the school’s efforts.  He divulges little about his history and past with other students or teachers.  Sasha has a tendency to let his mind wander off and daydream. This can often occur concurrently with his wandering off into the wild areas.

Many teachers and professors though would describe him as a model student. He is very bright and dedicated to his studies with his formal behavior spilling into the classroom, though he does appear nervous and cautious around the teachers themselves. He would never dream of speaking in class without raising his hand, being recognized and rising to stand next to his seat. He will usually keep to himself and will put hours into his studies, hiding in the back corner of the library.

Though his formal presentation does disguise it to some extent, Sasha is an extremely timid and cautious young man. He describes himself as a staunch pacifist and would neither raise a hand to enemy, friend, man or beast even in self-defense. If a bully comes to him and throws a punch, Sasha will take the punch long before raising a hand to defend himself. He can be a prime victim of bullies because of his unwillingness to stand up for himself. He is quite familiar with the roll of bully victim and accepts it as an unavoidable component of his life. In fact, as of late, this acceptance can somewhat unnerve bullies for they are surprised and unaware how to respond to Sasha's acceptance of their abuse.


History:

Sasha was born the middle child to a family with a long line of Weimar leaders and, in the 20th century, German nationalists.  The Schlagenweit family had been landowners in the Northern Alps of Bavaria for generation.  On both sides of his family tree, Sasha's grandparents supported or participated in the National Socialist regime in Munich.  Towards the end of the war, heavy bombing forced the family to relocate to Berlin where they, eventually, found themselves under Russian occupation after the war.   

Gerhard Schlagenweit met and married Marie Günther in 1984.  Four years into her marriage, their first child was born - a bright young girl.  The girl, unfortunately, proved to be a troublesome and headache of a child and disagreements between mother and father stressed their marriage.  While the surrender and the occupation of Germany much of their isolationist and discriminatory ideologies were kept quite in public, Sasha's father was raised in a very strict household and likewise raised his children in the same manner.  Jacoba was less than a year old when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the family chose to leave Berlin but, because of the family's history, found resettling in Bavaria difficult. 

With old family money as their savings, they chose to relocate to the United Kingdom and became even more quiet about their history.  They settled in the Kensington neighborhood of London where Gerhard Schlagenweit, initially, took a job at the Goethe German Community Center.  He, eventually, was able to take a corporate job at the London branch of the Deutsche Bank and, steadily, worked his way up the corporate ladder.  The challenge of their daughter continued to stress their marriage.  Gerhard chose to spend long hours at work to avoid dealing with the child and as the strain on their marriage grew, Marie's interests began to stray.  In the spring of 1992, Marie gave into a brief affair with a exotic young stranger that happened through their town on vacation.  Though the affair was brief, it left her pregnant and, in February of 1993, Sasha was born. 

Despite being the product of an affair, with both an older and younger sister, Sasha was given the role and 'family heir' and next man of the family by his father from an early age.  As a child, Sasha was taught that success was to be found in a proper and clean-cut young man. Any deviation from appropriate behavior was addressed immediately and firmly. To this end, as a younger child, Sasha was enrolled in Catholic school and had a full schedule of formal activities that led to such an end. In addition to his usual acedemic studies, dressage and fencing lessons were a part of his daily schedule. Creativity, free thought and exploration were all discouraged thoroughly.

Sasha's older sister, Jacoba, was his idol and he looked up to her all throughout his childhood. However, she was the preverbial black sheep and disgrace of the family. She frequently disagreed with her father's point of view and frequently stood up to him. Though intimidated by his father's influence and violence, through Jacoba, Sasha was exposed to multiple points of view. Through this contrast, he learned to be quiet, appear proper but remain thoughtful.  After a particularly fierce argument between Jacoba was sent away to a military boarding school in Germany.

After the disgrace of her sister, the efforts to keep Sasha on the straight and narrow increased. As the only son of the family, his father put particular importance in seeing that his son remained acceptable and straight-edged.  However, the disgraces only seemed to continue as strange things occurred around him.  Their perception of him and hope in his ability to carry on the family name in a proper, respectable deteriorated.  Believing fully in the idea of 'spare the rod and spoil the child' and by the school's recommendation, the educational and social expectations placed on Sasha doubled with reprimands for inappropriate behavior becoming common place. 

In the midst of all of this, an explanation for Sasha’s strange behavior came to him in the form of a man and a woman a letter of acceptance to a wizarding school to his residence.  It had become obvious, almost immediately, that it would be for naught.  Gerhard had reacted immediately and furiously to the accusations that 'his son was a wizard.'  Almost immediately, with a whisper of a word, Sasha's mother and Gerhard's face had grown vacant and the strangers offered a new story: Sasha had been invited to attend a prestigious boarding school.

Sasha started Hogwarts the following fall and was immediately sorted into Ravenclaw.  He has settled into the patterns of school though is careful to keep the reality of what he's doing away from home.  He also tends to be quiet and secret about his home life at school.  In the hopes that, somehow, it'd keep the two worlds separate Sasha carefully keeps school at school and home at home.   

How Do You Fit Into Your House?: Sasha is pretty close to a classic example of a Ravenclaw.  He is curious in a controlled and creative nature and is very focused on schoolwork.  He enjoys the company of close trusted friends but is far from a social butterfly. 

Writing Sample:
Show your character in a scene that illustrates the
 best and worst aspects of their personality. Include action, dialog and thought.

Sasha's eyes widened suspiciously and, after a moment's thought, he quickly pushed himself to his feet. He'd had enough experience with Slytherins. He hadn't been on the train more than half an hour his first year before some of them had pegged him. And, it hadn't been pretty. When he'd been back home in school in language classes, he'd always figured he had pretty decent English. He did well enough in class. But, it hadn't taken long to figure out how completely ill-prepared his English had been then.

He figured this would be a similar ritual. Like the others, he'd get his share of words in, perhaps a few threatening gestures, maybe even a jinx or two and then get bored and wander off. Most of the time, it was all pretty impersonal and, Sasha assumed, because they had little better to do. He was easy to find things to entertain themselves in and that was about it. Five, ten minutes and this kid would probably get bored and be on his way. After all, what could Sasha have really done to make him upset at him?

Glancing around, Sasha started to suspect there was more to it when the other spoke again. His tone of voice was quite cold and Sasha found himself immediately glancing around, figuring it was time to make another shameful, but safe, retreat. He didn't care how cowardly it looked, he never had. Better to run than get reduced to a pulp; he'd learned the lesson years ago. "Well, I'm glad I'm not out of bounds," he said simply and as unimposingly as he could. "But, I think ... you seem ... I'm sure you'd rather enjoy the tree on your own. I have to go ... get ... something."

He turned but froze as the other continued to speak. Missing member of his family? Another member of the Black family? They never seemed to end. But, the nature of the greeting was quite obviously much more similar to that Bellatrix woman than that Regulus. And certainly his own father. Color flooded Sasha's face and he looked down, uncertainly, at the snow. "I ... I'm sorry," he said quietly, hoping it would placate the other's obvious anger. "I ... I didn't know you ... were... I'm ... I don't know. I'm sorry."

Sum up your character in one paragraph: Sasha is, in many ways, a stunted young man.  He has a level of intuitiveness and compassion that, if properly directed, could make him quite a remarkable young man.  However, years of mental control placed upon him by his family has left him unsure how to stand on his own two feet and highly doubtful of his own, inherent worth. 

Accepted! ~Elle/Fauna
Demoted as an in character consequence by Professor Ignan Storm, November 2010 - Kit

[Character Name:] Sasha Schlagenweit
[Title Applying For:] Ravenclaw Prefect (upcoming year)
[Link to Accepted Biography:] Bio

[How Has Your Past Prepared You For This Honor?:]
Reliability, respectability, and accountability are among many of the traits that one thinks of when they think of a Hogwarts prefect.  The Hogwarts prefect is to be a model representative of his house and his school.  I believe that I have many of the qualities that make me an ideal candidate for a Ravenclaw Prefect.  I believe I possess the reliability and dependability that are essential traits for a prefect of any house but, even more so, represent many of the traits that Rowena Ravenclaw reveres. 

Since my first year, I've proven to be a strong member of the Hogwarts student body.  Even with a full schedule of electives, I've maintained consistently strong marks and I am always willing to offer academic help to my fellow classmates.  My record is clear of any disciplinary action.  I participate in a number of extracurricular clubs and am a chaser for the Ravenclaw House Quidditch team. 

In addition to being strong, academically, I possess other qualities which I believe make me a strong candidate for prefect.  I may not be the most popular student in a social aspect but many of my classmates will agree that I'm willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it.  It seems an increasing number of people are taking me up on that offer as well.  Since I was a child, I was raised to possess a strong sense of responsibility and to respect the rules. 

I also believe that, having been raised a muggleborn, I can relate to younger students that come from both magical and muggle households.  I understand what it feels like to be a newcomer to this school after years of muggle education and that provides me with an ability to relate to younger students that come from similar backgrounds. 

[What Do You Think the Most Important Aspect of This Job Is:?  The most important aspect of this job is to, non-judgmentally, promote and uphold the principles and rules of Hogwarts.  Being able to enforce the rules in a fair and non-confrontational manner is very important. 

[Tell a Story From Your Past That Has Proven Your Mettle:]
Eight years ago, I was still attending Gunnersbury School, a boys Catholic school in London.  We were getting close to the end of the year - our finals were only a few weeks away.  As long as I got first or second place in the science fair project, and got top marks on my final, I'd have the top grade again.  I knew that my experiment wasn't that exciting.  Not because it wasn't useful or valuable - I was looking at how color effected the melting and evaporating speed of water.  Really, it could be quite useful but ... well, it's hard to make it exciting to watch colored ice cubes melt.  The dark colored cubes did melt faster, but ... well, it wasn't like turbo melt.  My older sister, Jacoba, had recommended that I find a way to heat the ice cubes so they'd go faster but I knew that was cheating and ...

Alright, so this is a better example.  And, it doesn't require explaining what a science fair project is. 

The other day, this Slytherin girl approached me.  I didn't really know she actually knew I existed but, apparently, she asked me to help her with her studies.  Though perplexed, I agreed of course.  I had some extra time, so I agreed to help her.  Despite some interesting conversation, she asked me to attend a funeral for her cat.  The funeral was to be after hours, out in the forest, which I know is off limits and against the rules.  But, rules are not solid - sometimes, those that enforce the rules have to be flexible with them - sometimes, in particular cases, personal needs outweigh the rules.  Part of being a prefect means taking the responsibility of evaluating each case without judgment and with compassion. 

This story, apparently, is continuing as we speak.  I hope it will continue to prove my mettle as a prefect.

[Character Name:]  Sasha R. Schlagenweit
[Title Applying For:] President of Muggle Appreciation Club
[Link to Accepted Biography:] Here

[How Has Your Past Prepared You For This Honor?:] 
As a muggleborn wizard, I've grown up surrounded by muggle culture and traditions.  I attended muggle primary school prior to coming to Hogwarts and still continue to immerse myself in muggle culture outside of school.  Though it's not public knowledge, since my first year at Hogwarts, I've continued to study muggle academic subjects.  Each year, I find time to study muggle sciences and mathematics, history and literature.  When not at school, I still participate regularly in a variety of muggle activities and sports.  I play polo and football and still participate in a number of hobbies that are considered muggle-oriented.  I'm also a fan of muggle sports teams.  In addition, I've recently become more interested in the interrelations of the magical and mundane worlds and I believe leading the Muggle Appreciation Club would help foster that.

[What Do You Think the Most Important Aspect of This Job Is:?
Well, I think offering ideas and providing some guidance for the group is the primary focus of this job.  I don't want to dictate the group or make all the decisions, of course.  It's more of an organizational position - paying attention to the details of running the group.  Also, helping think of suggestions of group activities and, maybe, fostering some sort of collaboration with other groups.  Being supportive and helpful and and encouraging the group.

[Tell a Story From Your Past That Has Proven Your Mettle:]
Well, at the end of last year, one of my Muggle Studies classmates approached me and asked me to help her study for her exams.  I won't say who - she asked me to be discrete about it.  But, I helped her with her exams - it was mostly on muggle sports.  I told her all about football and American football and fencing and such.  But, to help her better understand, I invited her to come to one of my polo games over the summer.  It was fun.  Awkward, but fun.  I think she better understands muggles a little bit - I think with more activities like that, there'd be more understanding.[/list][/list]

Name

Name: Sasha Rudolf Schlagenweit
Reason or meaning of name:

• Sasha – The diminutive/familiar form of the Russian name Alexander, meaning a helper or protector of mankind
• Rudolf –  From the Germanic name Hrodulf, which was derived from the elements hrod "fame" and wulf "wolf". It was borne by three kings of Burgundy, as well as several Habsburg rulers of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria. Rudolf was the name of Sasha's grandfather.
• Schlagenweit – His step-father's family name composed of two words: schlagen meaning to hit; weit meaning far or wide.

Nicknames: At this time, none

Birth

Age: 15 years old
Date of Birth: February 20, 1993
Astrological Sign: An Aquarius / Pisces cusp
Nationality: The family is, originally, German and identifies themselves strongly as such.  Sasha's mother's and step-father's ancestory are both rooted in old German nobility and while nobility is no longer observed, they still identify themselves as such.  The Schlagenweits immigrated to England in late 1989 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Like his older sister, Sasha holds a dual citizenship.  His younger sister holds only a citizenship to the UK.
Birth Place: Munich, Germany

Family & Home

Step-father: Gerhard Hans Schlagenweit

• Age: 51 years (deceased)
• Occupation: CEO at one of the London branches of Deutsche Bank
• Relationship with: Prior to being granted a place at Hogwarts, Sasha strove very hard to live up to Gerhard's expectations but has always, consistently, failed to measure up.  Gerhard was raised in a stern household under the premise that coddling only weakens children, especially boys and, therefore failures on Sasha's part were always disciplined.  Due to the secrecy behind his wife's affair, Gerhard regards and continues to treat Sasha as his first born son and, therefore, the family heir.  As a result, Sasha is wary of and easily intimidated by the man but still always strives desperately for Gerhard's approval, knowing that gaining approval was generally better than gaining disapproval.  This arrangement hasn't changed much since he started at Hogwarts, though Sasha has grown continually more distanced from his step-father.  The need to perpetually lie to the man, though, has left Sasha a little more uneasy around him.  Subconsciously and habitually, Sasha still tends to make decisions based on what he expects Gerhard would approve of. 

Mother: Marie Waldgraf Schlagenweit

• Age: 46 years (deceased)
• Occupation: Housewife
• Relationship with:  Similar to his step-father, Sasha is respectful and reserved around his mother.  He often strives for her approval as well as an extension of trying to live up to his step-father's expectations.  Appearance, mannerisms and etiquette are generally the facets that she took a vested interest in.  Sasha does care for his mother but, because of the formalities expected in the household, the emotional facet of their relationship has always been the most neglected.

Sister: Jacoba Schlagenweit

• Age: 19 (almost 20)
• Occupation:  Unknown
• Relationship with:  Throughout his childhood, Jacoba was his best friend, greatest companion, and the biggest source of true, familial love.  He grew very close to his sister, despite Gerhard's attempts to prevent his eldest daughter from 'corrupting' the family heir.  Jacoba often took it upon herself to counter the closed minded and old-world viewpoints her father often tried to instill in Sasha.  Sasha took it very hard when Jacoba was sent to Military School and, again, when after finishing school, Jacoba chose to sever ties with her father and mother.  On occasion, she sends her brother a postcard.

Sister: Anna Schlagenweit

• Age: 13 years (deceased)
• Occupation: Student
• Relationship with: Sasha is friendly and big brotherly with Anna to the extent he knows how.  He used to spend a fair amount of time with her when she was younger but, since Sasha began attending Hogwarts, they've grown further apart.

Birth order: Middle child

Grandparents :

• Ewald Heinrich Schlagenweit - Grandfather (step-father); b. 1921; d. 1998
• Gabriela Mitten Schlagenweit - Grandmother (step-father); b. 1929; d. 2001
• Rudolf Wilhelm Waldgraf - Maternal Grandfather; b. 1920; d. 2003
• Katrine Anna Waldgraf - Maternal Grandmother; b. 1923; retired; lives in Berchtesgaden, Germany

Current Residence: 12 Downside Road, Guildford, Surrey UK.  Using family money, the Schlagenweits purchased a large equestrian estate shortly after moving to the UK.  The estate is located south of Cranleigh in Surrey, Southwest of London.  It is located along Vachery pond.  They regularly visit family in Germany and good chunks of the holidays are spent in Berchtesgaden.  When at school, Sasha lives in the Ravenclaw dorm, though his family believes he's at a selective, International boarding school in Appenzell, Switzerland.

Socioeconomic Level The Schlagenweit family is quite well off.  With the Schlagenweits being distantly descended from German Barons and the Waldgrafs being descended from Bavarian counts of ancient nobility, they are sitting on generations of family money.  In addition, Gerhard earns a healthy salary as an executive at an International bank.

Talents/Skills:

• Academics - Sasha is a strong student and excels at all of his classes
• Equestrian Sports - Including: Dressage, Three-day eventing, jumping, polo, competitive driving
• Muggle Sports - Especially football (soccer)
• Quidditch - preferred position is Chaser but he's quite capable as Keeper as well
• Basic Mountaineering skills - such as hiking, camping, etc
• Foreign Languages - fluent in German; working ability in French
• Drawing & Photography

Physical Characteristics

Height: 5'11
Weight: 132#
Race: Caucasian
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Dark Blond
Glasses or contact lenses? None - Sasha has decent eyesight uncorrected
Skin color: Pale caucasian
Shape of Face: Oblong
Distinguishing features: The general neatness to his appearance; other than that, Sasha works hard at keeping his appearance pristine

Health: Generally, Sasha is quite healthy.  When at school, he's vegetarian and is careful about what he eats; he's also quite athletic.

Speech patterns:  Sasha tends to speak slowly, carefully and formally.  Nervousness will create breaks and incomplete sentences.  He's also prone to apologizing frequently.

Disabilities: Since shyness and low-confidence are not considered disabilities, none.

How does he/she dress? Sasha has learned to dress very properly and pristinely.  He does have a relatively keen (though conservative) sense of fashion and dresses as such.  His school uniform is always wrinkle free, starched and well-fitting and shoes polished.  When dressing casually in muggle clothes, he dresses in a well-tailored suit or, at the most casual, khakis and a pressed shirt.  Only when he's jogging and exercising or playing sports, does he, really, dress casually.  Even then, his casual sweats tend to be wrinkle free and free of stains or fading.

Intellectual and Educational Background

Intelligence Level: Sasha is quite intelligent though, even more so, he has a strong work ethic.  He has a particular penchant for details and logic.  All of this combined allows Sasha to be very strong, academically. 

Any Mental Illnesses?: None

Learning Experiences: His family dynamics have always a profound impact on his learning experiences.  Intolerance and being critical of differences was a value often taught in the Schlagenweit household.  Much of this manner of belief was instilled in Sasha through his parents but, largely due to his older sister, he was able to avoid absorbing this perspective verbatim.  Jacoba was always a strong voice against her father's intolerance and, when she was still home, she attempted to open Sasha's eyes to other ways of thinking.  At times, the subconscious intolerance raises its head but, for the most part, Sasha has learned to recognize and question it when it does. 

Favorite Saying: "I'm sorry"


Personality Attributes and Attitudes

Mannerisms:

Especially when around strangers or casual acquaintances, Sasha tends to be a conservative and reserved young man whose behavior is quite clearly carefully calculated.  He rarely speaks out of turn and gives his physical appearance careful consideration.  Especially when compared to others his age, Sasha possesses a very tall and upright stature, accentuated by his own tall height.  Between his stature, careful dress and often overly formal demeanor, those that are unfamiliar with Sasha may consider him pompous and overly righteous.  On first meeting, he may even appear cold, distant and detached from others.

Amongst company Sasha is comfortable with, he frequently relaxes some and opens up, allowing a distinctly different personality to show through.  As he relaxes, a subtle though quirky sense of humor can show through.  While still careful and reserved, Sasha can become fiercely loyal and devoted to those he considers friends.  While he may be slow to learn to trust someone, he usually grows to trust someone wholly and unquestioningly.  Those few he counts as friends he holds to with full dedication.  While he may not appear the most courageous individual, there's very little he wouldn't do for those he grows attached to.

Sasha generally prefers activities that are of a quieter nature. He's, fundamentally, a pacifist and a vegetarian. Animals, both muggle and magical, are a distinct passion of his. Horses, cows, dogs, hippogriffs, any animal he can get to work with, he can. While uneasy with people, he shows no fear with animals, even aggressive ones. He enjoys a variety of more mundane hobbies, including sketching, drawing and other forms of artwork or photography. He also loves being outdoors, especially in wild areas and mountains.

Habits: Smoothing out his clothes when nervous; averting his gaze when feeling insecure; apologizing when he feels he has wronged someone or overstepped his bounds; checking his appearance before leaving his dorm / room

Hobbies:

• Studying
• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Drawing
• Photography
• Reading
• Studying
• Quidditch

Emotional Characteristics

Strengths:

• Academics
• Logic
• Resourceful
• Self-reliant
• Trusting

Weaknesses:

• Shyness
• Lack of Self-Confidence
• Insecurities
• Gullible
• Sometimes overly trusting
• Seeks approval too much in others

Introvert or Extrovert?: Strong Introvert - Sasha is often slow and reluctant to share personal information.  Having been taught showing emotions only shows weakness, Sasha  is hesitant to share his emotions with others. 
 
Optimist or Pessimist?: Neutral - Sasha would consider himself more of a realist.  If one were to ask him if the cup was half empty or half full, he'd answer half full but only because people aren't generally measuring the air.  He tends to have a realistic perspective on any given situation.

How does Sasha deal with anger?: It takes quite a bit to anger Sasha - he tends to, far too readily, accept fault for any misfortune that may transpire.  Like many emotions, he tends to internalize anger and practices avoidance a little too readily.   A casual acquaintance would be hard pressed recognize moderate amounts of anger in Sasha and, should the anger build to the point of being recognizable, generally, Sasha would simply turn and walk away.  Again, to internalize and avoid the anger.

With sadness?: As an extension of his tendency to avoid emotions, Sasha tends to isolate himself when he experiences sadness.  He won't, generally, elect to share his grief with others, especially if the other person hasn't specifically invited him to do so.   

In a crisis?: Sasha is very prone to the effects of surprise and is, generally, likely to freeze at the initial onset of a crisis.  However, once the initial surprise has worn off, Sasha usually handles crisis better than he gives himself credit for.  His loyalty, logic and selflessness as well as his willingness and ease in following can all service him well in a crisis.

With change?: Sasha, often, has more trouble facing the anticipation and prospects of change than he does the actual change.  While he, often, doesn't give himself enough credit, Sasha is often able to take change reasonably well in stride.

With loss?: Like with anger, Sasha tends to internalize loss in an unfortunately self-defeatist manner.  He, generally, will rarely address the emotions that accompany the loss. 

What does Sasha want out of life?: Thus far, Sasha is far too focused on satisfying others and living up to their expectations that he has yet to give any serious thought to what he, really, wants out of life.  At the current time, achieving approval of those he's around frequently is his primary goal.  But, if he were asked the question directly, he'd simply shrug his shoulders and announce that he doesn't have any idea. 

What would Sasha like to change in his/her life?: Not having to lie about his ability to do magic.  Sasha has never been comfortable with lying.  And, with so many decisions and so much effort is put into maintaining the facades both at home and at school that, on many different levels, his lies rule his life. 

What motivates Sasha?: Avoiding confrontation; seeking approval

What frightens Sasha?: Being labeled a failure. 

What makes Sasha happy?: Being outside, hiking, playing sports or, better yet, riding.  In addition, Sasha puts too much weight in being successful and allows it to dictate his happiness far too much.

Is Sasha judgmental of others?: A product of his upbringing, Sasha is prone to making quick judgments about others.  He hasn't been completely able to remain immune to his family's biased and bigoted principles though he puts considerable conscious effort into separating himself from their prejudiced view point.  While the well-imprinted judgmental perspective will rear its head at times when he isn't careful, Sasha is usually quick to correct himself.

Is Sasha generous or stingy?: Though his shyness and self-consciousness can, sometimes, interfere with his efforts, Sasha is a generally generous person.  Sasha will generally agree to almost anything those he cares about ask of him though, unless its an obviously critical matter, Sasha would be less inclined to approach a stranger to offer help

Is Sasha generally polite or rude?: With a strong sense of etiquette and keen manners, Sasha is usually quite polite.  However, especially to his peers, his politeness can be to such an extent that it comes across as pompous.

Greatest flaw: His insecurities

Best quality: His loyalty and sensitivity

Sasha's short-term goals in life: To survive the fifth year and get at least 10 OWLs

Sasha's long-term goals in life: Currently, he has none

How does Sasha see himself/herself?: Allowing his family's perceptions of him have far too much weight, Sasha tends to be quite intolerant of his own failures.  He tends to be critical and quite demanding of himself and frequently doesn't give himself the credit he deserves.

How does Sasha believe she is perceived by others?: Generally, Sasha believes he comes across as rather dull, boring, know-it-all brown-noser.  He's usually legitimately surprised when others show an interest in him.

Does the Sasha seem ruled by emotion or logic or some combination thereof?: Logic is, no doubt, rules Sasha.

What would most embarass Sasha?: Oh - embarrassing Sasha is no difficult feat.  Failing a class or ther such failure would be right up there.  Sasha believes his secrets getting out would be amongst the most embarrassing things that could occur, but chances are, his own fear exaggerate that situation. 


Spiritual Characteristics
 

Does Sasha believe in God?: Sasha was raised in the Roman Catholic church and, when he's home, is still expected to attend mass and observe religious holidays.  His parents believe he continues these observances while at school.  Despite all of this, after many years of self-reflection, Sasha has come to the uncomfortable conclusion that no, he does not believe in God. 

What are Sasha's spiritual beliefs?:   Sasha isn't sure what he believes, though he's continuing to explore this question.

Is religion or spirituality a part of Sasha's life?: Despite his disillusionment with the church, when he's home, Catholicism continues to play an active role in Sasha's life. 


Favorites

Color: Forest Green
Animal: Penguins
Food: Gingerbread
Drink: Wheat beer
Movie: Children of the Revolution
Band: The Beatles
Song: While My Guitar Gently Weeps
City: Zurich, Switzerland
Place: the Alps
Instrument: Violin
Piece of clothing?: His quidditch uniform


Additional Notes on Sasha

• The first thing Sasha remembers wanting to be when he grew up was a mapmaker/explorer.  Like all kids, his ideas changed frequently and included: a comic book writer, a professional footballer, a professional quidditch player and a writer.  At one time, Sasha also dreamed of being a sailor.
• Sasha does secretly dream of riding in the Olympics one day.
• An out of control fire is Sasha's boggart 
• His favorite subject to photograph are old animals: especially dogs and horses.  He would also love to photograph elderly people but he lacks the courage to ask their permission to photograph them.
• Sasha considers himself a pacifist and believes strongly in non-violence.
• He is usually happiest when he's out, riding in the mountains, especially if he has the time to take photographs.  If he could, he'd spend days up in the mountains.
• Though he believes himself heterosexual, the years of intolerance drilled into him by his family has left him unable to consider any other options
• Sasha's patronus would take the form of a narwhal
• Sasha hates his ears - he believes them far too big and, when he's particularly embarrassed, they'll show off his blush just as much as his face
• Secretly, Sasha is pleased about his tall height.
• Sasha's first memory is of sitting in his grandparent's living room, listening to his grandmother read Brother Grimm's stories in German
• At school, Sasha is a vegetarian.  Being a vegetarian isn't an option at home, but he tries to eat as little meat as possible
• Sasha's mother's family has kept dairy cattle for generations.  Both the estate in England and his grandparent's farm in Germany have a small herd.  Though, like Gerhard, most of the family have well-paying jobs, the cattle are symbolic of being land owners for generations.
• Sasha has no aunts or uncles.  Both his mother and stepfather were only children.
• Sasha can not see thestrals.
• Though Sasha has traveled extensively in the UK and continental Europe for horseshows, he's never been outside of Europe.  He longs to travel more, though.
• Returning to Germany for summers and holidays is always a mixed blessing.  Being around larger sections of his family isn't his favorite activity but he loves being in the mountains and he does love Bavaria at Christmas.
• Sasha's Amortentia would include fir trees, wood fire, alpine wildflowers and horse hair
• Though he currently has several horses and has worked with and ridden many horses, his Friesian stallion Wobias is and has been his favorite.  He dreads loosing him as much as any other part of his family if his family were to send him away should they learn his secret.
• In the mirror of erised, Sasha would find himself in the midst of a loving, proud family.
• Waldgraf translates, literally, to Wild Count or forest keeper.  This hereditary title indicated nobility of the rank of Count or Earl that had authority over large expanses of forest or wilderness areas - in the case of Maria's family, the Northern Bavarian Alps.  They were considered an Uradel family, ancient noble line that dates back to the 1400s.  The Schlagenweits were descended from Barons from the Black Forest region
• The Schlagenweits and Waldgrafs were, financially, well off leading into World War I.  While the repression following WWI did hit both families hard, they were able to regain much of their fortune during the Third Reich.  Towards the end of World War II, when defeat became inevitable, prior to ending up under Soviet rule in Eastern Germany, the Schlagenweits siphoned off their fortune to off shore banks through Swiss bank transfers.  The Waldgrafs were able to retain their family home but lost much of their fortune.  Throughout much of the Soviet occupation, the Schlagenweit money was untouchable but, following the fall of the Berlin wall, Gerhard was able to regain control of the accounts and transfer them to London and avoid any post-war reparations.
• Gerhard intentions are that by the time Sasha is of age, he will be able to gain employment in Germany once more and bring the family money back home, untouched
• As a result, Gerhard expects Sasha to marry someone of German or Austrio-hungarian background, preferably of nobility
• Outside of the wizarding world, there are very few outside the Schlagenweit family who are aware that Gerhard is not Sasha's biological father.  None of the extended family is aware of Marie's affair
• During the Third Reich and WWII, both the Waldgrafs and Schlagenweits were directly involved or supportive of the National Socialistic party.  His maternal grandmother was involved in German homefront efforts during the war and his maternal grandfather was SS.

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Pisceans possess a gentle, patient, malleable nature. They have many generous qualities and are friendly, good natured, kind and compassionate, sensitive to the feelings of those around them, and respond with the utmost sympathy and tact to any suffering they encounter. They are deservedly popular with all kinds of people, partly because their easygoing, affectionate, submissive natures offer no threat or challenge to stronger and more exuberant characters. They accept the people around them and the circumstances in which they find themselves rather than trying to adapt them to suit themselves, and they patiently wait for problems to sort themselves out rather than take the initiative in solving them. They are more readily concerned with the problems of others than with their own.

Their natures tend to be too otherworldly for the practical purposes of living in this world as it is. Pisceans tend to withdraw into a dream world where their qualities can bring mental satisfaction and sometimes, fame and financial reward for they are extremely gifted artistically. They are also versatile and intuitive, have quick understanding, observe and listen well, and are receptive to new ideas and atmospheres.  In their employment they are better working either by themselves or in subordinate positions.

They are never egotistical in their personal relationships and give more than they ask from their friends. Most Pisceans would want a relationship in which the partner's mind and spirit rather than the body resonated with their own. They are intensely loyal and home-loving and will remain faithful.



Aquarius/Pisces are often multitalented, both in scientific and creative endeavors. They are unique and rebellious people who are driven to change the world. However, they can be shy, quiet and sometimes elusive, refusing to show their true selves. They are modest and thoughtful, sometimes displaying remarkable musical talent. Their freedom is important to them, and they are often driven to help others become free, as well.

In their leisure time, Aquarius/Pisces are social animals. They may work to alleviate their emotional stress through contact with others and exercise. They greatly prefer team sports to solitary athletics, and they often have a fondness for swimming or water polo. In love relationships, Aquarius/Pisces is flirtatious, caring and romantic. Aquarius rules the ankles. People born under Aquarius may be more susceptible to sprains than those of other signs. Aquarius's colors are the colors of the water they carry: turquoise, aqua and silver.

The great strength of the Aquarius/Pisces is in their visionary nature and their compassion. They are the people who take the world to the next level; they make others see things in a new light. Their ability to break the rules and help others reach their fullest potential makes them one of the most understanding characters of the zodiac.


Ravenclaw Pisceans spend so much time dreaming or reading books of legends that it's a wonder they ever come down to earth. Care must be taken that they do not neglect their material needs, including those that involve sleep, food, and drink. These wizards are natural seers, and often specialize in things like horary astrology, cartomancy, dream interpretation, oracles, and the summoning of visions. Because they possess both intellectual acumen and emotional awareness, they are capable of great insight. They are quiet students, not always the best in their classes, but tend to be brilliant at subjects which they are personally interested in. Shy and nervous, they are easily bullied or intimidated, and need some looking after by more assertive students.

Physical Goal - To realize that actions echo in the cosmos as a stone cast into a pond creates ripples. Awareness of self and the world are interconnected and the effect of actions warrants careful consideration. Mental Goal - To learn that problems and questions are not exclusive to an individual...others also ponder. It is necessary to regard the question in a wider context and learn to ask opinions. Spiritual Goal - To become aware that all things are connected...to balance individual need with that of the Earth. Ogham Association - Nuinn Polarity - Feminine Color - Green Class - Chieftain Magical Properties - Prosperity, Protection and Healing

The Ash was a sacred chieftain tree, believed to "court the flash" since it was prone to be struck by lightning. The wood of the Ash was thought to be enchanted and was used by the Druids to fashion wands and spears.  The seeds of the Ash have long been used in love divination.  The "new moon" Ash individual tends to be more impulsive and demonstrative when it comes to emotional relationships. Although he or she may appear apprehensive, hiding beneath the surface is an immensely spontaneous person. In general, all Ash individuals tend to have duality in their natures. On one side, they are artistic with an aura of vulnerability...on the other side, they are quite pragmatic.

Being compassionate and sensitive, they understand the baser elements of humankind, as well as the spiritual aspect. The compassion of Ash individuals also extends to the animal kingdom and they have an innate ability to relieve suffering, both by physical nursing and the power of prayer. The faith of the Ash is rarely orthodox in a religious sense, but they are highly intuitive individuals, often possessing a strong deeper sense of spiritual matters. Ash people are highly adaptable and, despite a frail appearance, can recover from almost any emotional blow. On the negative side, theose governed by the Ash frequently experience trouble when handling the more mundane practicalities of everyday living. Often easily influenced by others, the Ash individual can be low on self-confidence and may become isolated.

They are gentle individuals and, though easily hurt, are able to cope well with the negative in addition to the positive. They make for kind and considerate friends, ideal sweethearts and caring parents. Being romantics and dreamers, Ash individuals frequently appear to have one foot in the "Land of the Sidhe" and strive constantly to keep order in their lives. On the negative side, Ash people possess a nebulous quality which can lead to an inability to cope with the practicalities of everyday living. They are also easily influenced by others and have a hypersensitive nature which can undermine their self-confidence and ambitions. It is important for Ash people to focus their mental abilities or they are inclined to become nervous and irritable.


The Life Path 8 suggests that you entered this plane armed to lead, direct, organize and govern. You are very ambitious and goal-oriented. You will want to use your ambitions, your organizational ability, and your efficient approach to carve a satisfying niche for yourself. If you are a positive 8 you are endowed with tremendous potential for conceiving far-reaching schemes and ideas, and also possessing the tenacity and independence to follow them through to completion. In short, you were born to be an executive.

A large part of your success in life comes from how hard you work. This Life Path is the most prone to producing workaholics. But your ability to spot good people and engage them in your endeavors is a special trait not to be overlooked. There is an inspirational quality in your makeup which allows you to become a great leader. In relationships, you are frank, honest, and steadfast. You may be very much in love, but watch that you are not too busy and preoccupied to show it. You have a great need for close personal relationships to mitigate and somehow soften your nature. You must find the time for love and keep it as an important project in your life.

Uncommonly resilient, you were born to bounce back. Even though your whole life is a roller coaster ride, a crazy quilt of successes and setbacks, high times and low, trials, tribulations and other emotionally exhausting or gut-wrenching experiences, you remain an irrepressibly staunch and plucky spirit. No matter the degree of despair, you simply pick yourself up, brush your feathers smooth and strut all over again. You emit enthusiasm rays. 

You will frequently occupy positions of authority.  You work very hard. Despite a sometimes cocky attitude and a tendency to be conceited, you cannot be accused of being either pushy or pedantic. You are a multi-talented, open minded yet conservative person. In love, you flip for elegance and class. Try dating a Snake, Dog or Dragon.


All Rationals are good at planning operations, but Masterminds are head and shoulders above all the rest in contingency planning. Complex operations involve many steps or stages, one following another in a necessary progression, and Masterminds are naturally able to grasp how each one leads to the next, and to prepare alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise any step of the way.

Masterminds are rare, comprising no more than, say, one percent of the population, and they are rarely encountered outside their office, factory, school, or laboratory.  Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists. 

In their careers, Masterminds usually rise to positions of responsibility, for they work long and hard and are dedicated in their pursuit of goals, sparing neither their own time and effort nor that of their colleagues and employees. Problem-solving is highly stimulating to Masterminds, who love responding to tangled systems that require careful sorting out. Ordinarily, they verbalize the positive and avoid comments of a negative nature; they are more interested in moving an organization forward than dwelling on mistakes of the past.  Masterminds are highly theoretical, but they insist on looking at all available data before they embrace an idea, and they are suspicious of any statement that is based on shoddy research, or that is not checked against reality.

Special Ability

Character Name: Sasha Schlagenweit
Age: Just shy of 17
Character Biography: Bio
Do any of your other Characters have Special Abilities?: Yes
If Yes, then Please provide their name and a link to their bio: Mairead ó Fearghail
Cináed Tawse (inactive - likely retiring)
 
Special Ability: Animagus Transformation

What level is this ability at?: Intermediate

At what age did your character gain this ability?: 16

How did they learn or hone this ability?:
Like many of his classmates, Sasha was introduced to the concept of animagus transformation in transfiguration class.  Until recently, his interest in the subject matter has been purely academic - he has always been immensely fascinated with the theoretical process and implications of the animal transformations. 

He'd never given the idea of becoming an animagus much thought until learning of Raine Almasy's abilities shortly after the first Tetra-wizard task.  It wasn't until the last few months, when he started to consider the full potential gravity of his situation involving Kronos Malvivicus, that Sasha asked Raine to help him learn the skill.  He has been, and will be continuing, to pursue the study of animagus transformation at school. 

Describe how the Special Ability influences their life.  What do they use it for?:
Sasha is still a bit of time away from his first transformation but, like most endeavors, he's thrown himself into the study with his usual dedication and perseverance.  His primary motivator for pursuing the study is safety: to have a versatile, useful (yet non-offensive) skill in his proverbial back pocket that few others know of or expect.  He's pessimistic about his ability to learn apparition and there are few magical means of escape, should he find himself in a tight situation.  Of course, he's aware the abilities' effectiveness for this is entirely dependent on the form he ultimately takes.  He's very much hoping his form is something useful, like a bird or bee, but is secretly anxious that it may turn out to be a slug or worm or something equally 'useless'.

Though he's not consciously aware of it, there's a secondary purpose or benefit to studying animagus transformation.  Since both taking his muggle exams and abandoning other extracurricular studies (like necromancy), Sasha has found himself with more 'free time' than he's used to.  While he's still not able to be idle, much of the study of animagus transformation requires centering, learning to relax and connecting with one's inner self.  An exercise that, many would agree, would be highly beneficial to the young man.  In that sense, the study has the potential to help Sasha move forward. 

Write a description of what happens when your character is exhibiting this Special Ability: Currently, the process of learning to find the mindset for transformation mostly results in a flair of impatience and frustration.  It is mentally and emotionally exhausting. 

When Sasha eventually changes, his animagus will take the form of the Alpine Ibex - a wild goat native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe.  Typical of a young adult male ibex, his coat is light, sealy brown and he weighs in at, roughly, 200 pounds. 

Career Change

Character Name: Sasha RW Schlagenweit
Character Biography: http://absitomen.com/index.php?topic=1416.0
Previous Job/Position: Hogwarts Student
Position Applying For: Scholar and Independent Researcher

Why have you chosen to change careers?:
Hogwarts wouldn't let me stay.  

Elaborate on your expertise in this new field:
The 2010 - 2011 marked a culmination of both a muggle and mundane secondary education for Sasha.  As of the summer of 2011, Sasha has completed 13 years of non-magical and 7 years of magical studies.  In addition, he has also successfully earned 13 NEWTs and 5 A-Levels with an emphasis on the natural sciences.  

Sasha is deeply fascinated with how the magical and mundane worlds interact on a natural level.  He's driven to research and pursue experiments that will allow him to explore and reconcile how muggles perceive the natural world through physics and biochemistry and how the wizarding community perceives the natural world.  

Contrary to what many might expect, Sasha's motivation is not to abolish the statute of secrecy.  He firmly believes that the separation of the cultures is necessary.  However, he believes that a better understanding of how the two worlds interact can help keep both worlds safer in the long run.

Describe your new job and how you go about doing it:
Sasha will be starting at Cambridge University in October of 2011.  Most of his job duties there include the typical scholarly activities: reading, studying, writing and exam-taking.  In addition, Sasha has started building the foundation of some free-lance experiments.