3:00 pm Wednesday, September 3, 2008 First Floor, History of Magic Classroom Professor Jacqueline Lumpkin

Joshua Harcroft[P] Kit Branwell[P+5] Figaro Sellaphix[P] Mystique Ketteridge[P+2] Darcy Bloxham[P] Megan Ruiz[P] Adrienna Hayes[P] Sasha Schlagenweit[P+2] Elijah Grimlish[P] Amélie Clark[X] Jordyn Dimbleby[P] Neely Woolfolk[X] Evie Pascal[P] Ferguson Amherst[P+2]

House Points Gryffindor 15 Hufflepuff 17 Ravenclaw 17 Slytherin 17

*An 'X' indicates that the member has posted in the Member's Coming and Going thread and isn't required to attend.

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The day seemed to be passing quickly, but the hour between her seventh year class and her fifth year class seemed to drone on and on for an eternity. She had already tidied up the classroom, written on the chalkboard, and changed outfits-twice. What else could there possibly be to do? Overall, Jacqueline’s first day on the job went pretty well. She held her temper, for the most part, and could even get along with a couple of the quieter students. She had met most of the staff at the welcoming feast, and found a few that she liked, some that she could even see herself becoming friends with, though they were a select few.

Giving up, Jacqueline pulled a book from the shelf and took it behind her desk. She opened the large tome and her eyes glazed over, soaking up as much of the information as possible. Perhaps the time would go a little more quickly when she had things to do, papers to grade and that sort of thing. Maybe reading was making the time go even slower… how could time possibly ‘fly’ when you’re reading about Dreggie the Dark? The Goblin in question wasn’t really even all that dark; the derivative came from his skin tone. There was NOTHING at all interesting about the creature, so why was there even a book written about him?

Jacqueline would never have bought the book herself, it must have been left by the previous professor. They must have been pretty thick. Stealing a glance at the clock, it was mere minutes until students started arriving.

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NOTE:
Please post your character’s entrance, once a fair amount of students post, class will start.

Joshua walked into History Of magic with a little more trepidation than usual, though it didn't show. He had heard tales of this professor at lunch, and none were particularly good. Walking to his seat, he sat down, getting his textbook, parchment, quill and inkpot out.

The first day of class! It was refreshing and wonderful to know that she was getting the opportunity to go back to what she really wanted to do – being a student.   Though the summer had been absolutely wonderful (particularly in the small wizarding community on the coast of France), she had been ready to return to school for some time, particularly after the wonders of France ended and she had to return to their home in the English countryside.  It was just isolating and boring.

Now she had to go to class.  She never really had a problem with history of magic, but at the same time, it was never her favorite class either.  She was good at it though and looked forward to another year of success, particularly in regards to her OWLs.  If she could count on an O anywhere, it would be history of magic.  Goblins though… she sighed, so boring!  It was far more interesting to learn about wizards and witches of historical fame, not silly little goblins and their ridiculous rebellions.

Taking her seat near the front (she always sat in front), Jordyn saved a seat next to her with her bag which would be for Neely when she showed up.  In the meantime, she flipped open the top on her messenger bag and took out the parchment and quill she had brought as well as her textbook (one did not know when one would need a reference).  She removed the special deep blue ink she had gotten from France as well, particularly pleased that it was such a lovely acquisition to use.  Her mother had told her it was only for letters – but what mummy did not know would not hurt her. 

Crossing her ankles under the desk, Jordyn sat up, prim and proper as she finally realized the professor was indeed in the room. She would have approached the professor, but she was reading and Jordyn had been told never to interrupt, especially a person in an authority position.  She might have gotten mad and Jordyn didn’t want to get in trouble the first day.  Harcroft was also in the room, which didn’t even faze Jordy, as she didn’t care.  Sighing, she hoped someone worth speaking to before class would arrive!  Evie was also in the class if she remembered correctly and she glanced at the clock as well – only a few more minutes. 

It was an exciting day for miss Mystique Ketteridge.  She’d been enjoying her classes so far (Transfiguration, Divination and Charms), but wasn’t quite as excited for History of Magic.  That was probably because the professor tended to be a bit on the mean side.  But alas, that was something Mysti would have to deal with.  And she was a prefect, so that really meant she’d have to make sure not to do anything to make Professor Lumpkin dislike her.

Slowly making her way to the first floor classroom, Mysti looked around.  The same old castle, but something felt different...

Shaking off the feeling, Mysti went ahead and entered the classroom and took a seat around the middle of the third row.  There were a few people there already, as well as the teacher.  She did have a bit of a severe look to her.  Mysti decided she’d just have to make sure to do her work and not get on her bad side.  So for now, she would just sit quietly until either one of her friends got there, or until class started.

The quick patter of little feet soon confirmed the arrival of Miss Darcy Bloxham.  She was determined to be on time for her class, particularly for the first impression by the new professor (who seemed fairly intimidating but Darcy was hoping for the best).  Unfortunately a first year's new cat proved too adorable for Darcy to overlook, particularly when the creature had two paws on one foot.  She had never seen such a cat before and before she knew it, she was encroaching on lateness.

Gathering her bag, Darcy ran to the classroom, expecting to find it mid-way through the lesson.  Instead, it was barely full, containing only four persons enjoying an awkward pre-class silence.  Fortunately, one of those participants was her dear friend Misty.  "Misty!" she squealed, plopping into a seat next to her friend.  As she pulled a heavy book out of her bag, it released small cloud of dust.  Parchment, quill and inkpot followed, with the eager determination of a fresh-faced student.  "How was your summer, dearie?" she asked her friend, excited to hear all the details.

History of Magic was one of her least favorite classes, as evidenced by the book's condition.  Darcy dearly hoped the professor would make up for the subject's dull nature, but the professor's gray hair was telling otherwise.  Of course Lizzy would chastise her for such a judgment, but Darcy couldn't help herself.  If she were to be honest with herself, it was mostly because Professor Lumpkin sounded like a lump of a person and wasn't youthful, wide-eyed or friendly as Professor Gunnar or even the new Professor Fraiser.  She was still duplicating his fountain of Bertie's Beans every chance she could get for the first years in the common room.

Darcy and Mysti were already there when Figaro arrived, and he waved, but the mouthy kid made a beeline for Mr. Gryffindor.  He wrapped his arm around Joshua Harcroft's neck, giving him a rough hug.

Releasing him, Figaro said, "Met your brother on the train, mate! That kid's got a problem with authority.  There aren't more of you are there? I think two's enough.  Luckily I'll be out of Hogwarts before my brother Frank is sorted.  Feel sorry for everyone than.  People say Frank could talk the ears off a Gabbering Ghoul."

He sat then next to Josh, but didn't put his bag down.  Figaro never really liked staying in one spot and he almost never settled into one seat until he was directly ordered to.  He'd heard the new professor was tough, but she'd have to prove that to him.

Josh looked at Figaro Sellaphix coldly. " Charles already told me what you did, and you can count you lucky starts I wasn't there, only nearby.  Trying to scam money out of the first-years by alleging there are 'pet fees?' That's something I would expect from a  Slytherin, not a Hufflepuff." Josh said, meaning every word. Figaro clearly didn't know just how close the Harcroft brothers were. Josh protected his brother when Harcroft Manor was attacked, when his brother was almost a year old, they had grown up playing Quidditch ( or at least, what you can play of Quiddtich with only two people per side) together, he would not tolerate someone badmouthing his brother around him.

Outfit

Evelyn Pascal was actually quite excited for History of Magic.  Of course, she was mainly excited for most of her classes that day.  Just being back at Hogwarts, and with her friends was the main cause of her excitement.  Though she had her doubts about some of the professors (mainly due to their wardrobe), but she’d always hoped for the best.  Just perhaps a little sucking up and you’ll be good.

Entering the classroom, Evie first noticed the rather sever looking woman in the front of the room.  Of course sitting at the desk meant that would be Professor Lumpkin.  Evie, like Jordyn, decided it would be best not to bother her.  Instead, she made her way to the seat next to Jordyn, that wasn’t occupied by the messenger bag, and sat down.

“Good to see you again, Jordyn. Having a good day, I do hope.” Evie said as she sat down.

Now that she was seated, Evie put her purse on her lap and reached in and grabbed out what she’d need for class.  Book, parchment, and quill all accounted for on her desk.  She decided to keep her wand safely stowed in her purse, as this was a History class, not Charms.  Once her items were out, she placed the purse down under her chair and decided to wait for the rest of the class to arrive.  And of course for Jordyn’s response.

Figaro donned a look of indignation and gasped comically.  Josh was so uptight sometimes.  But then, on the other hand, Figaro had begun the school year by messing with his baby brother - a fellow is bound to feel a bit titchy.

 "Scam! No! We were just having a laugh.  They're good little munchkins - it'll get sorted out." 

Figaro looked up when the door opened, and the fashionable Evie Pascal entered.  He was up from his chair again and chatting up her and Jordyn Dimbleby.  Since they were sitting in the front, and Jordyn was saving seats, Fig just stood in front of that first row of desks, hands in his pockets.

"Want to see something dirty?" he asked them.  "Learned to do it over summer holidays."

And so classes tended to go for Figaro.  At the beginning of the year professors were still getting their bearings and there wasn't tons of busywork yet.  That time between classes could be spent socializing.  And being pretty isolated over the summer, Figaro was just craving human contact.  Seemed like he'd talk about anything to anyone.

Though he knew he had plenty of time, Sasha couldn't help wondering if he was late when he spied the professor already perched behind her desk.  His classmates, though, seemed to still be chatting casually with each other.  In with the little bit of time that Sasha had become acquainted with the professor during their brief meeting during the Woodcroft festival, Sasha was pretty confident it was unlikely the older woman's class would be talking had the class already commenced. 

"Madame," Sasha offered, nodding respectfully in the Professor's direction before slipping into an empty desk.  Glancing quickly around the room, Sasha didn't see any of his housemates.  He turned towards fishing some parchment and his quill and ink from his bag before arranging his implements on his desk. 

This was, thankfully, the last class of the day and it was still early enough in the fall for the weather to be conducive to outside studying.  This was always the best afternoon of school - it was the first time, after a long summer, that he could go and relax around the castle.  To settle back in. 

uniform

 Fergie stepped into the History of Magic classroom, and liked to think that a breath of fresh air wafted in with him. Or maybe it was just his (tastefully subtle) cologne. Pausing at the teacher's desk, he gave the woman there his most charming smile. "Good afternoon, Professor Lumpkin!" He greeted the new professor in the most sugary of tones. It was always his practice to butter up his professors as much as was possible without making them suspicious. "You are looking positively lovely this afternoon, I must say. The color of your robes just makes your eyes pop."

 Turning back to the classroom, he sauntered past his friend Jordyn, who he greeted with a smile and a finger wiggling wave, and took the seat directly behind her. His messenger bag he plopped onto his desk and flipped open, pulling out his supplies so that they could be arranged on the desk top. "We already see your face, Sellaphix," he piped up, having caught what the other student had said. "We don't need you to point out the smudges."

 Oh, he did amuse himself.

Figaro's grin fell for a moment, and he wiped at his cheek to remove any real or imaginary grime.  Fergie Amherst was a fancy little whippersnapper, but no more malicious than anyone else.  Didn't really bother Fig much.  

"Oh Fergie, you card!" said Fig, mimicking Fergusen's distinct cadence.  "No I've something better in mind."

With that, Fig untucked his shirt tails and pulled it up revealing his belly.  There was a crude drawing of a witch inked on, pointy hat and not much else.  Immediately, Figaro began contorting his stomach.  Rolling it all the way in so his ribs poked out and then inflating it so it bulged like his pregnant neighbor's.  In and out, in a waving motion so that his abdominal muscles were taking turns. In and out and rolling in waves, the belly witch danced and danced nearly trodding on his belly button.  

Soon, Figaro was laughing and looked to Jordyn, Evie and Fergie for what he hoped would also be laughs.  It was frickin' hilarious!

Eli wasn't one for being early. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy being early, merely that there was much too much other stuff going on for him to be completely interested in getting to class before everyone else. For instance, just moments previous, Peeves was spotted dropping balloons filled with suspicious liquids atop unsuspecting patron's wee heads, and that was simply something Eli couldn't ignore. Peeves interested Elijah and when Eli was interested in something, little could tear him away.

So, scattering down the third floor corridor as fast as his little legs would carry him, Eli finally reached the staircase at the end of the hall. Sure, taking the Grand Staircase would have been quicker, but that's where Peeves was, and he didn't want to be caught at the scene of the crime! So, with vial in hand, Eli rushed quickly down the stairs. Later he'd take the potion to Professor Gunnar to see what it consisted of, maybe it'd have something cool and dangerous!

Finally, Eli reached the first floor. When he entered the History of Magic classroom, he noticed that most of his classmates were already there. Uh-oh. He hoped he wasn't terribly late. Not for his first History class. True, History didn't hold much for Elijah, he was too interested in the present, but he HAD to take the class, so why not make the best of it? He took a seat in the middle of the room, near a gaggle of people that he didn't really talk to much. He didn't want to be overly distracted when he was trying to concentrate. Maybe the class would start soon.

The class was filling in nicely. Not that that was necessarily a good thing. Well, at least it meant she wouldn’t have to delve out detentions on the first day. Fifth years were a difficult class to teach, to be sure. Most of them were smack dab in the middle of the puberty stage and the squeaky voices were nearly as bad as the chirping first years. Nearly. The fifth year at Hogwarts held great importance, and Jacqueline was sure she wouldn’t be teaching some of these students come next term. History wasn’t an easy subject, not in the slightest, but if one could stick it out, one could manage a passing grade.

History was more repetition than anything. Wars were repetitious, tyrants were repetitious, and pretty much everything repeated itself somewhere along the line. It was all about memory. If you could remember what happened, when it happened, then you’d be good. Not many students had the patients or the willpower to commit dates and boring facts to their brains. It was for that very reason that Jacqueline knew without a shadow of a doubt that she wouldn’t be teaching at least a small portion of this class next year.

“Sit down, please.” She said, rising from her position of comfort. The way she said please made it sound more like an expletive than a gesture of politeness. “This is History of Magic, and I’m your instructor this term. My name is Jacqueline Lumpkin, and this year will be extremely difficult. I expect no silly wandwaving, no talking out of turn and tardiness is simply unacceptable. Breaking any of these rules will result in severe disciplinary action.” She looked menacingly out over the crowd of students.

“This year I expect naught but your absolute best, give that to me and I’m sure you’ll pass your OWL examinations.” Doubtful. “Fail to do so, and I’m afraid our paths will cease to cross this often. This year we’ll be delving into the bloody histories of creatures with near human intelligence. Please extract your copy of Little People, Big Plans and turn to page twenty-seven. The first twenty-six pages consist of an interesting introduction by author Ragnok the Pigeon-toed, read it on your own time. We’ll be starting the class with Goblin Rights and famous activists. Who can name some?” Finally she took a break, watching as the students struggled to find the correct page in their new books.

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* Students that aren’t currently in attendance may still post after this and not be considered late, simply state that your character was there previously.

** Anyone can answer this question! Feel free to make up a goblin or two. Give a name to a couple of activists! Two points for every answer!

 Well, then. Ferguson's eyebrows shot up as Figaro pulled his shirt up and started doing disturbing and odd things to his stomach, making the lewd drawing placed there appear to be dancing. Fergie didn't know what one was supposed to say to something like that, so he let his face do it for him, with an appalled expression. It was like a train wreck - one didn't want to watch, but somehow one couldn't look away.

 "That," he said at last, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, shaking his head as if to banish the mental image from his brain forever, "was disgusting."

 Fortunately, before this shocking display could continue, Professor Lumpkin stepped in and told everyone to take their seats. She seemed to be the kind of person who meant business, and Ferguson mentally filed that away along with a reminder to never get on her bad side. She seemed like she would be most unpleasant if one did.

 History, however, happened to be a subject that Fergie liked. You couldn't know where you were going until you knew where you'd been, could you? One could learn a lot from history, if you were interested in it. So when the professor spoke of OWLs, he merely looked smug. He, at least, would be one of those who passed.

 Flipping to the correct page in his text book, the fifteen year old leaned his chin on his hand. When the professor asked her first question, he lazily slipped his hand in the air. "Artok the Foul, in the mid sixteen-hundreds," he piped up, pleased with himself that he had an answer. "He was the leader of a small rebellion, and must not have possessed much intelligence. Squabbling broke out among the ranks of his supporters, and he was killed by one of his own men - er, goblins."