Outfit

INSTRUCTIONS

• Put away your books and leave all bags in the spare cupboards at the south end of the classroom.
• As per learned laboratory safety regulations, roll up sleeves, tie back hair, and secure laces, buttons, and eyewear. Put on your dragon-hide gloves (and aprons of needed).
• Partner up with ONE other student.

Juliette flourished her wand in the direction of the board, promptly pressed it into the lining of her cloak, and folded her arms behind her back as the students filed in. Today’s experiment was also a benchmark, though the children did not know this. Juliette was ready and determined to gauge their expertise, beginning with the basics-- raw ingredients.

She said nothing, neither smiled nor frowned, as they floated by. Instead, she let them choose their seats, believing it to be as much an indicator of character and drive as anything else they would do in her class. The random partnering might very well prove disastrous, and might easily be the first and last time she allowed them to choose for themselves, but the students deserved the chance, if nothing else.

As most of the class seemed present, and Juliette mentally counted them, comparing the number with the roster, she gave a curt nod and stepped forward, hovering in front of her desk. “Each of you will be given a casket of test tubes. Each tube contains one raw ingredient mixed with two parts pure baking soda,” she explained, eyes moving glassily and carefully around the lab. “You will blindfold your partner, and he or she will use his or her sense of smell to determine the contents of each tube. You will record you partner’s answers, and then switch roles. Use your knowledge of common ingredient properties to guide you in your observations, and be prepared to persuade one another if your answers differ-- I will collect one answer sheet per pair."

Drawing her wand again, the woman pointed it at an array of test tube racks in one corner of the room, and sent them flying at the pairs of students.

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OOC NOTE: If you have a specific partner in mind, please arrange this via PM with that person before you post. If you do not have a specific partner in mind, to make this easy, it would be ideal if you simply partner with whomever posts directly before you (assuming they haven't been claimed). If that person has a partner, wait for the next partner-less person to post and partner with him. Thanks!

POINTS Attendance, two points each. Intelligent questions, two points each. Correct answers, five points each. Best evaluation results, five points each. You will not be penalized for not attending class, but you are encouraged to do so. Points will be tallied at the conclusion of the thread.

The back of the classroom was a strange place to see Madeline Pratt. Normally she was the type to sit right up front, hand ready to be raised and her opinions, as well an occasional answer, ready to be heard. But after being suspended, Maddie had endured enough glares and whispers just walking to class to no longer wish to be in the front and center. Sure she had her friends there to stick up for her if things got too sticky, but Maddie didn't want that to happen. She just didn't want to deal with this shite any longer.

Toying with her pencil and drawing little swirls on the corners of her parchment, Maddie only half-listened to the professor. It was yet another new one and while Maddie was not one to disrespect a professor, she couldn't help but feel that forming any kind of opinion on Ms. Vaillancourt was a moot point, as she would probably be replaced in a months time. They all left or got sacked for some reason, Gunnar left because of idealogical differences and Lane probably got sacked because Snark didn't like her taste in shoes or something. It was always something with that woman and Maddie knew that once this Halloween mess blew over, she could go back to finding out what that was.

“You will blindfold your partner, and he or she will use his or her sense of smell to determine the contents of each tube. You will record you partner’s answers, and then switch roles. Use your knowledge of common ingredient properties to guide you in your observations, and be prepared to persuade one another if your answers differ-- I will collect one answer sheet per pair."

Maddie sighed and eyed the test tubes as they floated down between her and the person next to her. As they gracefully clinked into place, she finally turned to her tablemate, who she hadn't taken the time to notice before. "... You or me, who should go first?"

Erin was not surprised to see the new professor standing at the front of the room when he slouched into the Potions room. She'd been here long enough to be spotted at the staff table every meal now, and there'd been no chance of overlooking her. That head of hers, flaming red right next to his brother's pale one.... no. No chance of missing her. She was a fox, too, which gave Erin mild interest in a class he usually didn't care much for.

Well, but she was a stone-faced sort of lady, wasn't she? Erin didn't met her eyes when he came in, instead going immediately to the back of the room, but after he'd sat down he had time to watch her watching the other students. She didn't so much as crack a smile. Probably for the best - it meant she'd decided against the bullshite "oh, I'm here to be your friend!" attitude some professors adopted, and which Erin couldn't stand.

Chin cupped in one hand, he listened listlessly to her directions. Merlin, what was it with partners? Just once, he'd like to be able to do something on his own. And... blind-folded. The faintest furrow showed in Erin's brow, his lips turning downward at the thought. Well, that narrowed his options quite a bit.

Quickly, when she wasn't looking, Erin slipped from his seat into the open one next to Madeline Pratt. She seemed less likely to hand him something poisonous while he was blinded than the majority of the people in the class. Nice girl, and she'd kissed him once - that meant Erin liked her.

"Doesn't matter," he replied, and flicked a glance up at the unlabeled tubes flying through the room. Reaching up, he grabbed a test tube one-handed from the air, then turned back to Madeline, his expression blank. (Well, he was the Slytherin seeker for a reason.)

Peyton was terrified of being late for class. He had been trying desperately to be better at school and with the help of a few friends he had managed to do rather well in the first term, at least he was doing better than he had last year. The last thing he needed was to be on the bad list for yet another new teacher. He slipped into class praying he wasn't as late as he thought he was and settled into the nearest open chair pulling out all the supplies he usually needed for class. Then he read the instructions on the board and just as hastily put away all of his things except the gloves and tossed his bag into the back cupboard. When he returned to the seat he had been settled in he turned to look at who he had inadvertantly partnered himself up with. A frown creased his lips as he realized he had sat down at an empty table.

His cool grey blue eyes searched the room for a familiar face. Perhaps he could partner up with Sasha or Ally or even Sophie. He caught a glimpse of his half brother and his frown worsened. Anyone would be better than being partnered up with the brooding Slytherin which meant he needed to find a partner fast. Xavier wasn't well known for playing with others and hated getting partnered up. If he didn't pick soon he'd run the risk of that new Professor pairing him up with Xavier.

"Oi!" He called out ot the class in general, "Anyone still need a partner?"

The words faded quickly, nearly before they fell from her lips, when she saw who her partner was. Harper? Why was Harper sitting next to her?! Especially considering how half the school still considered her the one who ruined their Halloween and the half that didn't hate her belonged to SAWS, and she knew Harper didn't belong to the latter. The only reason she could think of why he would be her partner, aside from the teacher assigning him to her out of some sadistic pleasure,  was because of the incident at the festival kissing booth. But surely he didn't think that she had planned on kissing him or that she enjoyed it!! The idea that perhaps he did made her both embarrassed and flustered, both of which caused her to flush and look away from him quickly, suddenly very interested in the frayed binding of her potions book.

"Doesn't matter,"

Maddie chewed on her bottom lip as she considered this. Unlike him, She didn't know that she trusted him enough to not poison her when she blindfolded herself. He was Callum's friend. Perhaps this was all a plot to embarrass her. On the other hand, she didn't know that she wanted to be able to look at him right now, especially not considering the fact that their kiss was still bouncing around in her minds eye. Poisoning sounded much more pleasant then humiliation, so she grabbed the blindfold before he could and promptly covered her eyes. Tying it in a neat knot, she turned towards where she thought he was and gave him a weak smile "Well uh... let's get this over with..."

Sasha cast a wary, uncertain glance around the classroom as he crossed the threshold.  He'd known before getting back to school that there'd been some staff changes but his first Defense Against the Dark Arts class had had a distinctly ominous feel to it.  Mainwaring was gone; Gunnar was gone.  Mainwaring had been replaced with Storm.  Was that Snark's trend?  Who had she chosen to replace Gunnar? 

He regarded Professor Vaillancourt cautiously for a moment before turning his attention to the board.  He was determined to make as good a first impression as he could in hopes of counteracting any rumor-inspired preconceived notions she might have.  He stashed his bag in the cupboards, gathered his necessary supplies and scanned the room for a safe, reliable partner.  Peyton, it seemed, was as good a choice as any - assuming the other Ravenclaw wasn't upset about any sleep loss from any lingering night terrors. There were few safer alternatives, though. 

"I - do you mind if I join you?" Sasha asked, quietly, his attention on slipping the dragon hide gloves over his hands.  "I pity anyone who has a cold."

Kit was punctual for class as always, taking a seat near the front of the classroom. Her hair was already tied up- she certainly didn't need any reminders for that, but it was good of this new professor to remind students. Especially considering how irresponsible some of her classmates could be.

The dragonhide gloves were hardly the lovely little lace numbers she preferred, but Kit couldn't deny their safety. The same with the apron and goggles. At least safety equipment insured everything was properly covered. Unlike the fashion choices of some student she could mention (but wouldn't because ladies didn't do that sort of thing)

Kit watched the new professor give out instructions. She seemed a bit young, although serious and direct enough. And although Kit wasn't too thrilled about being blindfolded and smelling strange substances (didn't this go against the school's drug policy?)

She turned to the student that was seated next to her. "Do you have a preference for the order?" she asked politely. Just because ladies should be allowed to go first did not mean that a lady couldn't extend an invitation otherwise. It was, after all, only polite. 

Josh was on-time to class, sitting  next to Kit Branwell. the girl might be old-fahsioned, but she was ok to work with. he made sure his drgaonhide gloves were on  (he'd forgotten a time or two) along wiht the other safety gear, and answered Kit. " I'm not bothered, really. You can go first if you want." Josh said, ready to note Kit's answers.

Xavier skeptically regarded the red haired woman that was to be their new teacher. He didn't trust her but at least she was leagues beyond their last Professor in manners, appearance and professionalism. For a fleeting moment he wondered what had happened to the eccentric texan. Perhaps Snark had sacked her once she got a load of the woman's horrible taste in clothing. Headmistress Snark was an elegant well dressed woman, he doubted she would stand for the personal grooming standards 'Professor' Darling had put forth.

With his bag stuffed away and his safety equipment in place - the dragon hide gloves were a little awkard to put on over the bandages but at least it kept them out of sight and kept others from asking any stupid questions about them. He settled into the nearest work table oblivious to the partner standing next to him. At Wentworth's shout he glanced up with a flare of annoyance but was satisfied to see that his 'brother' was well on the other side of the dungeon from him. He was avoiding the older Ravenclaw like the plague.

He glanced at his partner as he fiddled with the rack of test tube vials Vaillancourt had sent their way, "Suppose we should git started then?"

Ah, Maddie grabbed the blindfold first. That was good - Erin still wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of that, even though he knew they'd have to switch roles eventually. Something about the weak smile she gave him from under her blindfold struck him as amusing. He'd seen how hasty she was to put it on, and he wondered if he'd reminded her of the kissing booth. He'd certainly not forgotten it, if only for the sheer shock in the idea of quiet little Pratt pulling him nearly over the counter by the shirtfront.  Unseen by her, a small smile flitted over his lips before he turned a critical eye to the rack of unlabeled test tubes he held in his hand. Around them, people were pulling on gloves; Erin screwed up his nose in annoyance but dove for his school bag. He dragged his gloves out one-handed, the other still preoccupied with holding the tubes in the air, then dropped the gloves in his lap.

"Hold this," he said, pressing the rack into Maddie's hand and folding her fingers around the wooden edge since she couldn't see to take it. He quickly pulled on his gloves and took it back, then with a quiet muttered curse went to rummage through his bag again for some parchment and ink to write down the guesses.

He didn't pay much attention to the students around them, who was pairing up with whom or the brief shout he heard from Wentworth. What was the point? Maybe the new Professor was secretly a soft touch and would let them out if they finished early. If this was all she had planned for the entire class, Erin thought he could breeze right through it.

"Right," he said, looking down into the tubes balanced in his lap. "Try this one." He drew the first one out of the rack, waving it around a bit under Maddie's nose. "Don't smell it directly, mind." Not that they usually smelled their ingredients in class, but that was one rule that'd stuck with Erin since his very first year. Waft the smell, don't stick your nose directly over the test tube - oh yes, he'd remembered that all right. It was hard to forget after getting some powdered billywig stinger up his nose first year and floating all the way to the Hospital Hut.

Peyton looked up to Sasha with a smile, he still hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Sasha in private to share their holiday woes but he was glad it was him that had answered his call and not anyone else. He could use his best friend right now and he was sure Sasha wanted to make a good impression as well. He had no idea what Gunner or even Darling had told Vaillancourt about the fifth years. Hopefully she was a little more forgiving towards her students than the other new additions like Storm, Austerlitz and O Morain.

"Not at all mate, pull up a seat." He gestured to the empty chair next to him while Sasha busied himself with putting his safety equipment on. For a moment he gave his fellow Ravenclaw a bewildered look before comprehension dawned on him and bewilderment gave way to a goofy obliviated grin, "Oh right, the whole smelling ingredients things." If it had been anyone else Peyton probably would have been embarrassed about being so dense but Sasha knew him well enough - probably a lot better than most - to know that Peyton had always been a little more on the dense side. As quick as his reflexes were on the pitch his mind was almost as equally slow off of it. He wasn't stupid by any means just a little dense.

"You want to go first then, or should I?"

Figaro had been staring goofily at the new Potions master since he bustled into class.  Figaro seemed to be loud, even when he wasn't saying anything, tromping in, slamming doors against their frames, throwing his back into the cupboards and pulling out his chair.

He'd jumped right in next to Xav Tawse.  For all apparent purposes whatever beef Figaro had with Xavier per their November death-wished escapade seemed to have left.  It was a new year and he'd know Xav since they were little kids.  If the subject came up, Fig might go sour, but he was mostly through holding that grudge, or so it seemed.  Fig wore his emotions on his sleeve and they came and went quickly.  He tended to live in the present.

Figaro greeted Xavier with an amiable punch in the side and grabbed for the blindfold first.  "Oi, let me have a go first," he said, tying the black cloth around his face.  "C'mon," he snapped his fingers at where Xavier had been when he last saw him.  "Let's have it."

Then in a hissed whisper, "where are they getting these new Potions masters? PILF yeah?" He made a kissy face and snickered.  "She looks like she's twenty."

Kit was pleased to be partnered not only with another Gryffindor, but a prefect. It meant she could count that Harcroft would do his share of the work and contribute in a helpful manner. Of course, there were those student Kit would never understand why they had been made a prefect (Ms Dark for instance).

And he was being a gentleman and allowing a lady to go first. And alright, that's not what what he said, but Kit was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that's what he meant.

Kit tied the blindfold around her face (another reason she wanted to go first is that it lessened possibility of gram spread through blindfold), being sure it was secure and properly impeded her vision. The entire lesson would be pointless if she neglected the blindfold.

"Alright," she said. "I'm ready when you are Mr. Harcroft."

Maddie had mixed feelings about the mask covering her eyes. On one hand, it meant she couldn't see all the eyes that she was sure were burning into her, staring at the two of them together in abject horror. That was what she assumed they were doing anyways, since that is what she probably would have done. On the other hand, though, it meant that she also couldn't see what Erin was doing. He could be staring down her shirt or pantomiming dirty things in reference to the two of them or what have you. He was a Slytherin, so she didn't put anything past him. Hell, he could even try to slip her a love potion! The idea was a bit terrifying and Maddie couldn't help but tighten up and flush when his hands touched hers, carefully curling her fingers around the tray of vials. She wanted to say 'I can do it...I don't need your help' but nothing came out.

"Right, Try this one. Don't smell it directly, mind."

Normally someone having such calm professionalism and even concern for their partner would give the blindfolded one at least a little confidence. In this case, however, his apparent concern for her just made her more paranoid. Why did he care? What was he planning? She couldn't decide what was more worrisome: him actually caring about her well being (IE him liking her) or him just messing with her head as part of some nefarious plan.

Licking her lips, she chewed on the bottom one as she tried to figure out what to do. She could easily just remove the mask and tell the teacher she wasn't going to work with a guy like Harper, but that meant a Troll on this assignment and she really could use a better grade considering her missing midterm grade. She could also try to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he honestly wasn't as bad of a guy as she originally thought. Neither idea sat well with her, but she decided on the latter in the end. After all, if he did something to mess with her in class, it would be him leaving with the troll.

Taking a deep breath, she leaned forward hesitantly and waved the fumes towards her. The smell was both a bit acrid and a bit musty, obviously animal related, but yet it made her cluttered thoughts suddenly a bit crisper and clearer. Pondering it for a moment, she tentatively offered "Is it... armadillo...bile?"

Xavier had been hoping that his girlfriend would eventually decide to sit with him but the blonde and blue haired Slytherin was on the other side of the room with her twin. She was still avoiding him, or was it that he had been avoiding her? He didn't even know any more. He had avoided her and pretty much everyone else on the Hogwarts Express, he figured it was only fair since she had avoided him during the entire holidays. He hadn't been expecting to be joined by Figaro Sellaphix of all people.

He peered at the young man curiously. Fig hadn't spoken to him since he had left him stranded in Knockturn Alley. He had actually been rather hurt when his friendship with Fig had dissolved and despite himself a ghost of a smile crossed his lips. Thankfully Figaro had been blindfolded before he could see it.

He chuckled lightly when Figaro punched him and grabbed the vial. He took one that was holding a rather toxic looking green mucous and held it in front of the smaller man to see if he could properly identify it. He let a small short bark of laughter escape his lips, mostly from shock. He had missed Fig more than he realized.

"Definitely betta than tha' yank they threw at us las term." He wafted the tube in front of the other man's nose, "Wha ye think?"