Lesson 3: Thestrals (All Years)

Guest

Aimee stood in the same clearing she had the entire term, a nearly three month old girl strapped to her chest. The baby was asleep, as she always was and for the most part, had it not been a huge bump on the front of her, the baby wouldn't have even been obvious. It was a nice cool, spring day. Had it not been for the eery feeling around Hogwarts, it would have been beautiful, the smell of flowers filling the air as they pushed through the still cold ground. She wrapped her arms are her daughter and waited for the students to show.

She had requested a used classroom, which would had been perfectly okay if she wasn't giving them a lesson after their test. Since she had another lesson planned, she just stayed outside and moved her class to a day with no wind. As her students began to show up, she handed them a piece f paper with questions on it and wished them luck.

1. How should you approach a Hippogriff?
2. Describe the appearance of a Hippogriff.
3. What is the Ministry classification of both a Hippogriff and Niffler?
4. What are the main uses of Nifflers?
5. Where do Nifflers prefer to live?
6. Describe the appearance of a Niffler.

When they had all turned in their assessment, she began to lead them back into the forest where they first met the Hippogriff. Dylan had been standing there with a creature she could only guess the appearance of. However, he could see it perfectly fine because of an incident he had a few years back.

When the entire class had gathered around, she motioned towards where the creature was. "Can anyone see this and tell me what it is?" She spoke loudly, looking to where the creature stood. For the most part, it looked to be a space of blank air, however, the indentations in the ground from where it stood told them that there was, in fact and animal there.

Guest

Naomi walked to class with Finley as usual, though this time they headed to an actual classroom instead of just outside onto the grounds. As soon as they entered, they were immediately handed a test and Naomi's eyes lit up at the challenge. Pausing only for Naomi to catch a better glimpse of Professor Valentine's daughter, they moved to seats in the front and Naomi instantly went to work.

1. How should you approach a Hippogriff?
That was easy. Slowly and respectfully, hold eye contact, bow, and wait for return bow before approaching fully/touching the hippogriff.

2. Describe the appearance of a Hippogriff.
Winged, front half eagle, back half horse, usually in complimenting colors.

3. What is the Ministry classification of both a Hippogriff and Niffler?
Hippogriff: XXXX (Handled only by a professional/with a professional present.) The classification for a Niffler stumped her for a minute, but eventually, she went with Niffler: XXX, though she couldn't remember what exactly the classification meant.

4. What are the main uses of Nifflers?
Gringotts goblins keep them to help in treasure hunts.

5. Where do Nifflers prefer to live?
About 20 feet underground in lairs.

6. Describe the appearance of a Niffler.
Ugly was the first thing that came to mind and Naomi repressed a giggle before scribbling Covered in black hair, long and narrow snout, sharp claws and handing in her test.

After the rest of the class had also finished, Naomi happily followed the professor outside. She could guess what the object of today's lesson was, but kept her theory to herself, since she couldn't see them.

Guest

Finding out that their class would actually be in a classroom this time had been a surprise to Finley. They were always out in the grounds, but he embraced the change as he followed Naomi to class, talking when necessary and staying in their comfortable silence when it wasn't. Stepping through the door, they were handed a test, and Finley was close behind Naomi getting ready for the test. Printing his name at the top of the page so nobody could say he hadn't done it, Finley began.

1. How should you approach a Hippogriff?
You should approach a Hippofgriff slowly, whilst maintaining eye contact with the creature. When close enough, but not too close, you should bow to the creature, still maintaining eye contact and wait until it bows to you before approaching.

2. Describe the appearance of a Hippogriff.
It has the front legs, head and wings of an eagle, and the body and back legs of a horse.

3. What is the Ministry classification of both a Hippogriff and Niffler?
XXX

4. What are the main uses of Nifflers?
Finding buried treasure. Possibly to cause chaos too.

5. Where do Nifflers prefer to live?
Underground..? They're native to Britain...

6. Describe the appearance of a Niffler.
It's a small creature with a long nose (good for burrowing), it's brown and known to have slightly longer claws for digging, but not always.

With the test done, Finley handed it in and was right by Naomi's side when they walked out. "H-how did you f-find it?" He asked in reference to their test, knowing his best friend would likely have done well.

As they got to a clearing, Finley looked around for some inclination of their lesson, but he couldn't see anything. A frown formed on his features at the professor's question, looking around to try and see what she was talking about.

Guest

Sebastian couldn't help but let out a soft groan as he was given the test that day. For a Ravenclaw, he hated tests - not so much studying, but he hated the pressure of the recalling everything they had learnt over the past term. It was, in his opinion, an unfair way of gathering information on intelligence.

After completing the test to an average standard, Sebastian had handed in his paper before following the professor out in to the grounds. He noted the two younger Ravenclaws but made no attempt to speak with them because they likely wouldn't be interested in him.

As they moved in to the clearing, Sebastian could see their lesson in an instant, and his body went cold. Averting his eyes, a flashback hit the Italian boy hard in the chest. The last few breaths his father had taken had been terrifying for the boy, and knowing these creatures sparked it back to the forefront of his mind.

Turning his eyes to the trees, Sebastian stayed silent.

Subject: Re: Lesson 3: Thestrals (All Years) Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:11 pm

Victoria had been excited for the last lesson of Care of Magical Creatures - as she was with any class that she went to - until the news of her brother had hit her. Now, what should have been the last term, a magical term, at the school had been clouded with bad news. She didn't blame anyone for what had happened, it was Jake's job, but she didn't feel quite right as she moved around the school knowing she wasn't going to see him.

Upon reaching the classroom, however, Victoria had taken up the test with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. Her answers came out in lengthy paragraphs in textbook style answers. She left absolutely nothing to chance, and when she'd handed it in, the witch was confident she was going to get the highest grade on offer. Call her big headed, if you like, but Victoria knew she would do well because of the vast effort she put in to her studies. Victoria would never, ever, leave such things to chance.

When they were told they would be heading outside, Victoria followed the professor wondering what delights they would see. However, as they entered the clearing, Victoria took a moment to notice what they would be studying. With her breath catching in her throat, and tears pricking at her eyes from the memories she had believed to leave in America, Victoria raised her hand.

"Professor..." The witch started, her voice a little thick as she looked at the creature before her. "These... these animals are Thestrals. Only people who have seen... seen death can see them." Victoria explained, swallowing hard to try to hold the tears back.

________________________________________________

~ Profile ~ Vickson Playlist ~
~ Slender ~ 30 ~ Bookworm ~ 5' ~ American ~

Guest

Aimee felt her heart sink when one of her students actually raised their hand. It was disheartening to know, that at such a young age, they had to witness such harsh things already. "That is correct Ms. Newbury," she stated, "and I am extremely sorry for what you and any others here may have seen." Her voice was solemn as she spoke, looking to her other students. It was possible that some of the others could see Thestrals as well and just not want to bring attention to it. After all, if she could see the creatures she wouldn't want to explain why to someone.

"For those of you who cannot see it, a Thestral is winged horse, that stands taller than a normal horse, with a skeletal body, reptilian looking face, and wide, leathery wings that resemble a bat's. They are black in colour and have white eyes with no iris or pupil." Aimee looked in the general direction of the creature. "They are very rare, and are considered dangerous by the Ministry of Magic, their classification being XXXX. Thestrals are known as omens of misfortune and aggression by many wizards because they are visible only to those who have witnessed death at least once, and fully accepted the reality." She paused once more allowing the new, or old information to sink into the brains of the students.

"Thestrals are insanely clever animals who are capable of understanding actions they receive from their rider's. They can be found in dark places, such as this forest, she motioned her arms for them to look around her." The forest was dark in places, however, where they currently were, was a safer clearing that wasn't incredibly lit, but it was more lit than the rest of the forest. "Thestrals are loyal creatures and they communicate with shrieks. Thestrals are carnivorous and they're attracted to the smell of blood. However, the ones that live here, in the Forbidden Forest, are properly fed as not to harm any of the other creatures or any students." She wasn't actually sure who fed them, other than maybe the grounds caretaker.

Aimee once again, allowed the information to sink in, debating whether or not to explain about the Thestral's tail hair. However, she decided she would only continue if any of her students had questions.

Guest

Magical creatures. Aliens where magical creatures. Maybe aliens really did exist and now professor valentine was just going to show them a real life alien! That would be so cool and Hailey would probably cry tears of joy, and Laughed in the faces of all who doubted her. That would be the day that Hailey would love to see. But when the professor handed her the piece of paper, they were sadly about hippo griffs and nifflers. All animals known to Wizarding beings, and deffenently not aliens. Though to muggles they would be considered alien like because they didn't know about them. If only it was legal to show a muggle the animals. She would die. Hailey answered the questions, and gave the paper to the professor. They where soon let outside.

Hopefully to see a Hippogriff or a nessler, but the professor started going on about a.. Theastral. Hailey had never heard of such a word and it was completely alien to her. She giggled to herself at her use of vocabulary. She could not see the alien like animal, and was glad she couldn't when the professor described it. She said it was endangered, and looked like a horse reptile thingy. Hailey tried to wrap her head around why she couldn't see it and the older girl could. She raised her hand and spoke anyways, "why can she see it, but some of is can't?" It was a valid question that deserved answer.

Guest

Finley couldn't help but feel some what sorry for the Head Girl as he found out the lesson was on Thestrals. That meant she had seen death, and that was why she could see the creatures. Morbid curiosity was the only reason Finley wanted to know what they looked like, but he wasn't sure that he wanted to pay the price to see them.

Listening to the professor's explanation on the animals, Finley nodded along, remembering reading about the beasts a while back. It was good to have a refresh though, for that much he was grateful. However, Finley was a little irked when Hailey asked the question she did. Hadn't she been listening. Instead, Finley motioned to Naomi that he would be back in a moment, and moved to Hailey's side. She might be weird, and so very outspoken, but Finley liked her.

"Y-you can only s-see them if you've s-seen someone die." Finley told the Slytherin, reiterating what Victoria had said only moments before. "If y-you can't see t-them, you're lucky." Finley summarised, before moving back to his best friend's side. He wasn't looking for points, just trying to help his friend.

Posts : 1364 Join date : 2015-12-20

Admin Closure of Class.

Thank you to those who have posted in this class - unfortunately the professor cannot finish up the class, so an admin will close it. Points will be given as follows:

10 points for attendance
5 points for any question being answered
Up to 15 points for participation

Thank you for your participation - this will still count as one of your three classes.

If you have any questions in regards to the points being handed out (either as a student or professor) please contact myself or another admin via PM to discuss them.

House Points
Victoria Newbury = 10 points for attendance + 5 points for answering question = 15 points.
Finley Allen = 10 points for attendance + 10 points for participation = 20 points.
Naomi O'Hare = 10 points for attendance + 5 points for participation = 15 points.
Sebastian Aquila = 10 points for attendance
Hailey Cavanaugh = 10 points for attendance + 5 points for participation = 15 points.

TOTAL:
Gryffindor: 0
Hufflepuff: 15
Ravenclaw: 45
Slytherin: 15

» Care of Magical Creatures: Lesson One - Thestrals (All Years)
» Flying Lesson - Lesson Three (All Years)
» Lesson Three: New Years, New Spells (All Years)
» Lesson 2 (4th-5th Years)
» Lesson 2 (6th-7th Years)