20 Jul 2018, 23:33
Group Projects
As far as magic classes went, Potions wasn't too bad. That was likely because it had just the right balance between being interesting and actually challenging. Charms was far too easy- simply string some Latin together and draw some simple shapes and presto- new spell learned. History and flying were quite trivial as well, at least to Ford. There was nothing they could tell the group of eleven-year-old students that the Wizard-born child had not learned years before in his father's private lessons. Historia Est Magistra Vitae. That had been his father's motto, and a slogan frequently thrown at Ford whenever he became bored of reading through old wizard texts. "History is the teacher of life"... it was certainly true to an extent. Yet the young Ravenclaw much preferred to look toward the future.
As for flying, he was lousy at it. Maximus Farquad had possessed quite a few "visions" for his son over the years. Head of the Ministry of Magic, Headmaster of Hogwarts, a professional Quidditch player... it was that last one that had been the bane of the boy's existence for quite some time. He was not nearly agile or strong enough to meet such expectations, nor did he desire to be. Yet from the time he could barely walk, he had been forced to fly. The insane expectations that had been placed on the boy were the cause of his hatred toward most of his classes. Yet there were a few he actually enjoyed. Transfiguration was fun, though h had no natural affinity for it. Herbology was interesting as well, as he was likely to develop some useful survival skills from it. Potions though... Potions had to be his favorite.
The blue-eyed student listened eagerly as Professor Valtome gave out their assignment. Ford liked him so far. The elf had a "no nonsense, get things done" attitude that the boy quite admired. If he were to become a teacher, that was the sort of teacher he would be. He found himself nodding in agreement Valtome spoke of his zero tolerance role for childishness. Good. Young Master Farquad was sick of his classmates being childish. They were here to learn after all, not to chat and goof around. In his classes, on the grounds, even in the study rooms all he had sen were children laughing and playing together. Honestly, it was sickening.
"Today we will have our first Practical Lesson." The professor spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "Find a group of four to work with. And don't go picking your friends! If I catch you goofing off I will fail you without warning, is that clear?"
Ford nodded and echoed along with the chorus of "Yes, Professor Valtome!"s. While he seemed perfectly compliant to those around him, the Ravenclaw was inwardly groaning. Why did it have to be a Group Project? He hated this kind of assignment. Ford disliked working with other people unless it was absolutely necessary. It was not so much that he was incapable of teamwork as that he simply didn't trust people. Any time his grade hinged on someone else coming through for the team, he could not help but feel on edge.
At least the instructions would not be hard to follow. Ford had no friends and certainly no intention of goofing off. If anything, he'd complete the project himself. His crystalline eyes darted from person to person, wishing he did not have to interact with any of them. Yet he doubted the professor would simply leave him to his own devices. As students scrambled to find partners. Ford leaned back a bit. There was no sense in rushing about- he didn't know anyone here anyway. He'd wait for others to come to him. Hopefully whoever did was at least somewhat competent.
As for flying, he was lousy at it. Maximus Farquad had possessed quite a few "visions" for his son over the years. Head of the Ministry of Magic, Headmaster of Hogwarts, a professional Quidditch player... it was that last one that had been the bane of the boy's existence for quite some time. He was not nearly agile or strong enough to meet such expectations, nor did he desire to be. Yet from the time he could barely walk, he had been forced to fly. The insane expectations that had been placed on the boy were the cause of his hatred toward most of his classes. Yet there were a few he actually enjoyed. Transfiguration was fun, though h had no natural affinity for it. Herbology was interesting as well, as he was likely to develop some useful survival skills from it. Potions though... Potions had to be his favorite.
The blue-eyed student listened eagerly as Professor Valtome gave out their assignment. Ford liked him so far. The elf had a "no nonsense, get things done" attitude that the boy quite admired. If he were to become a teacher, that was the sort of teacher he would be. He found himself nodding in agreement Valtome spoke of his zero tolerance role for childishness. Good. Young Master Farquad was sick of his classmates being childish. They were here to learn after all, not to chat and goof around. In his classes, on the grounds, even in the study rooms all he had sen were children laughing and playing together. Honestly, it was sickening.
"Today we will have our first Practical Lesson." The professor spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "Find a group of four to work with. And don't go picking your friends! If I catch you goofing off I will fail you without warning, is that clear?"
Ford nodded and echoed along with the chorus of "Yes, Professor Valtome!"s. While he seemed perfectly compliant to those around him, the Ravenclaw was inwardly groaning. Why did it have to be a Group Project? He hated this kind of assignment. Ford disliked working with other people unless it was absolutely necessary. It was not so much that he was incapable of teamwork as that he simply didn't trust people. Any time his grade hinged on someone else coming through for the team, he could not help but feel on edge.
At least the instructions would not be hard to follow. Ford had no friends and certainly no intention of goofing off. If anything, he'd complete the project himself. His crystalline eyes darted from person to person, wishing he did not have to interact with any of them. Yet he doubted the professor would simply leave him to his own devices. As students scrambled to find partners. Ford leaned back a bit. There was no sense in rushing about- he didn't know anyone here anyway. He'd wait for others to come to him. Hopefully whoever did was at least somewhat competent.
Last edited by Ford Farquad on 22 Jul 2018, 06:12, edited 1 time in total.
stm 1 | agl 4 | str 1 | ctrl 10 | arcp 7 | acc 7
21 Jul 2018, 01:29
Group Projects
Potions, the class that seemed boring for this student. It wasn't that it was hard to understand, it was that she didn't really like potions. But she did her best in the class. Though she didn't see why they needed to learn what each ingredient's uses were. She understood the importance of knowing what goes in potions, but still she didn't like it that much.
As the professor told them they would have a group assignment. He brunette enternally groaned. She worked better by herself, but nonetheless she waited till there were a few people who had no partners and she picked who she thought would be on task.
The brunette walked up to the Ravenclaw boy. She was going to ask him if she could be one of his partners. "Excuse me, I was wondering if I could be one of your partners?" Eri asked waiting for his response to her question. She didn't care if he said no, but if he did say no she would have to find another two people to be her partners. She stood quietly waiting to see if he would say yes to her question or deny her question. She would find out soon.
As the professor told them they would have a group assignment. He brunette enternally groaned. She worked better by herself, but nonetheless she waited till there were a few people who had no partners and she picked who she thought would be on task.
The brunette walked up to the Ravenclaw boy. She was going to ask him if she could be one of his partners. "Excuse me, I was wondering if I could be one of your partners?" Eri asked waiting for his response to her question. She didn't care if he said no, but if he did say no she would have to find another two people to be her partners. She stood quietly waiting to see if he would say yes to her question or deny her question. She would find out soon.
{"Mistakes are forgivable if one has the courage to admit them." Bruce lee} Eri Windstone.
21 Jul 2018, 02:16
Group Projects
Mary sat in the potions class staring idly at the professor in front of her. Mary had mixed about potions class, anytime she sat in professor Valtomes class she couldn't help but want get up and leave. Yes she enjoyed learning about how to make potions but when the professor drones on about how to clean the utensils just right, she couldn't help wistfully wish she were somewhere else.
Finally, nearing the end of class, professor Valtome spoke sternly "Find a group of three to work with. And don't go picking your friends! If I catch you goofing off I will fail you without warning, is that clear?"
This caught Mary's attention. Partners? she thought almost amazed. Who would have thought we'd get to have partners?
Mary couldn't help but to be excited that she could finally do something fun in this class. Her joy stopped short though, for she realized she didn't quite have many friends,not in this class anyway. Huffing she took a look around the classroom. Everyone was already scrambling to find their partners. Within what seemed like seconds it seemed like everyone had their partners,all for except two. Mary supposed she should go make an introduction to the two seeing as they were the only ones left for Mary, which wasn't a bad thing , just her only option.
Mary walked up to the two students and took notice they were also in Ravenclaw. Finally Mary though, it seemed she could never makes friends with any fellow Ravenclaws, she didn't know if she just didn't have the characteristics people were compelled too or if she just didn't belong in the house. Either way, she would be ,hopefully, making some new friends now.
She walked up to the duo and stuck out her hand "Names Mary Brown, you don't mind me tagging along do you?" She said offering a small smile whilst waiting to be introduced to the duo.
Maybe she was trying to add humor to the greeting or maybe she was just to nervous to say the proper thing,she didnt know.
Finally, nearing the end of class, professor Valtome spoke sternly "Find a group of three to work with. And don't go picking your friends! If I catch you goofing off I will fail you without warning, is that clear?"
This caught Mary's attention. Partners? she thought almost amazed. Who would have thought we'd get to have partners?
Mary couldn't help but to be excited that she could finally do something fun in this class. Her joy stopped short though, for she realized she didn't quite have many friends,not in this class anyway. Huffing she took a look around the classroom. Everyone was already scrambling to find their partners. Within what seemed like seconds it seemed like everyone had their partners,all for except two. Mary supposed she should go make an introduction to the two seeing as they were the only ones left for Mary, which wasn't a bad thing , just her only option.
Mary walked up to the two students and took notice they were also in Ravenclaw. Finally Mary though, it seemed she could never makes friends with any fellow Ravenclaws, she didn't know if she just didn't have the characteristics people were compelled too or if she just didn't belong in the house. Either way, she would be ,hopefully, making some new friends now.
She walked up to the duo and stuck out her hand "Names Mary Brown, you don't mind me tagging along do you?" She said offering a small smile whilst waiting to be introduced to the duo.
Maybe she was trying to add humor to the greeting or maybe she was just to nervous to say the proper thing,she didnt know.
Mary Brown~
Just returned to Hogwarts.io!
22 Jul 2018, 10:06
Group Projects
Piper couldn't quite decide how to feel about potions class. He loved the romanticism of the subject- that atmosphere of strange pickled who-knows-whats in jars next to caskets of fine powders, the complex perfume of sulphur and wood smoke thickening the air, the very idea of creating something magical, something miraculous, from a collection of odds and ends. He did not love the rather stifling learning environment.
Take now, for instance:
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Piper vowed to become friends with every single person in this room. Then he'd have to pick friends when they did group activities. That'd show the professor. Ha.
Piper may have spent slightly too long thinking up his devious plan. By the time he snapped out of it, it was looking like everyone had managed to find a group already. He looked around, trying not to appear frantic. There was one group over on the other side of the classroom that appeared to be down a person. Perfect.
Piper shrugged on his friendliest grin and headed over to their table. "Hey, I'm Piper. Everywhere else is full so I guess you're stuck with me!"
It was a good entrance. Confident, funny.
Maybe too confident?
Nope, no, he had to own it now. This was fine. He kept smiling and hoped for the best.
Take now, for instance:
Don't go picking your friends? What was the point of sharing lessons with other people if you couldn't have friends along the way?"Find a group of three to work with. And don't go picking your friends! If I catch you goofing off I will fail you without warning, is that clear?"
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Piper vowed to become friends with every single person in this room. Then he'd have to pick friends when they did group activities. That'd show the professor. Ha.
Piper may have spent slightly too long thinking up his devious plan. By the time he snapped out of it, it was looking like everyone had managed to find a group already. He looked around, trying not to appear frantic. There was one group over on the other side of the classroom that appeared to be down a person. Perfect.
Piper shrugged on his friendliest grin and headed over to their table. "Hey, I'm Piper. Everywhere else is full so I guess you're stuck with me!"
It was a good entrance. Confident, funny.
Maybe too confident?
Nope, no, he had to own it now. This was fine. He kept smiling and hoped for the best.
22 Jul 2018, 20:48
Group Projects
"Excuse me, I was wondering if I could be one of your partners?"
Ford examined the first girl to approach him. She was about an inch taller than he was, though that may have had something to do with the white high-tops that peeked out from under her robes. Her facial expressions were not exactly easy to read, though there was a glint in her emerald eyes that told the boy he wasn't dealing with a pushover. Not that there was any reason for conflict at the moment. "Be my guest." He replied in a formal manner, motioning toward the open seat beside him. He had already opened his book to the correct page, and pointed at the page number to indicate that she do the same. "Apparently we're making an Antidote for Common Poisons."
The boy smiled slightly as he thought of testing the brew. Someone would have to be poisoned of course- a small price to pay for such learning. He'd do it himself if necessary. But the boy doubted the administration would allow such experiments. Not really as practical a lesson as it could be... but it would have to do. It was fun to think about, but his amusement came to an end as another girl asked to join the group.
"Names Mary Brown, you don't mind me tagging along do you?"
"Sure." This one he recognized. She was in his house, and he'd seen her stumble into the common room on a few occasions. The button-nosed female certainly would not have been his first choice of partner. He didn't know much of her intelligence, but she had made a few rather awkward attempts at being social when he'd seen her before. Most people would probably find her personality cute, but Ford had merely been annoyed. People who were social and actually good at it were bad enough, but people who weren't and tried anyway? Could they not devote their time to better things. Still, he was not really in a position to pick and choose. Perhaps she would prove useful for something.
It seemed as though everyone had found a partner... perhaps this would be a group of three rather than four. That would be great. The fewer people Ford had to keep track of, the better. Yet a moment later he would discover that he was not so lucky. A boy with short brown hair and a wide grin came to join them. Great... one look at this boy told him that the assignment would not be as stress-free as he had hoped. This guy looked way too friendly- his smile was friendly, his face, his voice... even the way this guy walked was friendly. It would be impressive if it weren't so disgusting.
"Hey, I'm Piper. Everywhere else is full so I guess you're stuck with me!"
So that was the case, eh? Ford supposed he really didn't have a choice. He locked eyes with the boy, hoping to see some sign of intelligence under that inane cheerfulness. It was impossible to tell. Well, there was no helping it. They had their team. May as well try to keep things civil. "I suppose we are." Ford offered a false smile that looked incredibly genuine. He cast his eyes from one member to another, trying to size them up. "My name is Ford."
stm 1 | agl 4 | str 1 | ctrl 10 | arcp 7 | acc 7
22 Jul 2018, 21:47
Group Projects
Piper couldn't help but observe the other guy in the group for a second. There was something about him, something he couldn't place, that was just intriguing. The smile that Ford had offered him seemed perfectly friendly. It was the type of smile that was basically an invitation to become best friends, and yet... There was something else there.
Piper shook himself mentally. He was only feeling paranoid because, man, that eye contact had been intense as heck. Time to get it together.
The other two looked like they were worth getting to know. True, he hadn't spoken to either of them, but they didn't appear hostile, and that was as good a start as any. He waited to get their names before plopping his textbook open on the table.
"So, it's the common poisons antidote, right? Kind of weird that they're expecting first years to get poisoned. Guess I can try it out next time my dad tries cooking. Por dios, that man needs to learn a thing or two about salt."
Okay, good, fun personal anecdote nailed. Bond established. Now back to classwork.
"Anywho, we need to grind up a bezoar, right? That's fun. Except when you get goat dust up in your fingernails-"
Before Piper could continue his lament, he was interrupted by a voice from the front of the classroom. He winced, expecting to be reprimanded about talking too much, but discovered a second later that he had reacted without reason.
"Attention, everyone. Our current stocks of mistletoe berries are meagre. I'm sure you have identified that they are essential for the second phase of the potion. It could be that we have a sufficient supply, but, to be secure-" the professor looked in their direction, because of course he did- "Mary Brown, kindly collect some from the supply closet. I will issue you with directions."
Piper watched Mary leave with a sinking feeling. She'd seemed nice; hopefully she wouldn't be gone too long.
He turned to the others with a grin regardless. "And then there were three."
Piper shook himself mentally. He was only feeling paranoid because, man, that eye contact had been intense as heck. Time to get it together.
The other two looked like they were worth getting to know. True, he hadn't spoken to either of them, but they didn't appear hostile, and that was as good a start as any. He waited to get their names before plopping his textbook open on the table.
"So, it's the common poisons antidote, right? Kind of weird that they're expecting first years to get poisoned. Guess I can try it out next time my dad tries cooking. Por dios, that man needs to learn a thing or two about salt."
Okay, good, fun personal anecdote nailed. Bond established. Now back to classwork.
"Anywho, we need to grind up a bezoar, right? That's fun. Except when you get goat dust up in your fingernails-"
Before Piper could continue his lament, he was interrupted by a voice from the front of the classroom. He winced, expecting to be reprimanded about talking too much, but discovered a second later that he had reacted without reason.
"Attention, everyone. Our current stocks of mistletoe berries are meagre. I'm sure you have identified that they are essential for the second phase of the potion. It could be that we have a sufficient supply, but, to be secure-" the professor looked in their direction, because of course he did- "Mary Brown, kindly collect some from the supply closet. I will issue you with directions."
Piper watched Mary leave with a sinking feeling. She'd seemed nice; hopefully she wouldn't be gone too long.
He turned to the others with a grin regardless. "And then there were three."
Reducio
To be absolutely clear, Mary has given permission to leave the scene so that we can continue while she is away.
23 Jul 2018, 00:07
Group Projects
Eri looked at ford observing him to see if he was a threat. Finding that indeed he was not hostile she looked at Mary brown. She seemed friendly enough. Then she looked at piper who was also friendly looking. Eri shrugged and opened her book. "My name is Eri windstone." She said then immediately went to her book and started reading what they needed and what they needed to do.
Then the professor called Mary brown to go get supplies. Now there were three left. "Guys let's get to work. Become friends later." She wasn't one who didn't like making friends, but now was not the time they had homework to do. "Piper, do you want to crush the bezoar since you brought it up." Eri said as she walked over to the chair that ford motioned for her to sit in. She wanted good grades, but group projects aren't her thing. Since she is better at working by herself.
The brunette opened her book to the page they needed so she could get ready to start working on the antitdote to common potions. It wouldn't be that hard to make it if everyone focused on the task at hand.
Then the professor called Mary brown to go get supplies. Now there were three left. "Guys let's get to work. Become friends later." She wasn't one who didn't like making friends, but now was not the time they had homework to do. "Piper, do you want to crush the bezoar since you brought it up." Eri said as she walked over to the chair that ford motioned for her to sit in. She wanted good grades, but group projects aren't her thing. Since she is better at working by herself.
The brunette opened her book to the page they needed so she could get ready to start working on the antitdote to common potions. It wouldn't be that hard to make it if everyone focused on the task at hand.
{"Mistakes are forgivable if one has the courage to admit them." Bruce lee} Eri Windstone.
23 Jul 2018, 17:52
Group Projects
Ford watched as Mary left to get supplies for the class. Perfect. One less person to keep track of. Still, it seemed that their task would not be quite so easy with this Piper kid around. He seemed absolutely determined to befriend them, opening with a witty anecdote and even throwing in some jokes about their project. The guy was a regular socialite it seemed... how annoying. Though Ford did have to admit that this was far from the worst grouping he could have ended up with. There were several groups scattered about who seemed to be chatting and laughing, some with their textbooks still closed on their desks. Apparently few people had listened when the professor had told them not to pick their friends.
Eri seemed eager to get down to business. This in his opinion, was a positive development as well. The exchange of names had taken place now (though he did not see why he needed to know their names) so it was time to get to work. In fact, she even seemed to be taking charge. Ford had assumed he would be giving the directions during this project, but he certainly did not mind allowing her to do so. He always operated like that since he assumed everyone else was incompetent until they proved otherwise. The others seemed to be passing that particular test... for now.
"I'll go and get the Unicorn horns and Standard ingredient from the shelves." He offered. "Then we can get all our equipment set up."
Eri seemed eager to get down to business. This in his opinion, was a positive development as well. The exchange of names had taken place now (though he did not see why he needed to know their names) so it was time to get to work. In fact, she even seemed to be taking charge. Ford had assumed he would be giving the directions during this project, but he certainly did not mind allowing her to do so. He always operated like that since he assumed everyone else was incompetent until they proved otherwise. The others seemed to be passing that particular test... for now.
"I'll go and get the Unicorn horns and Standard ingredient from the shelves." He offered. "Then we can get all our equipment set up."
Reducio
Reminder of the posting order:
Without Mary for now:
Ford
Eri
Piper
Without Mary for now:
Ford
Eri
Piper
stm 1 | agl 4 | str 1 | ctrl 10 | arcp 7 | acc 7
23 Jul 2018, 18:17
Group Projects
Eri nodded at ford. "Good. Then I'll get the utensils that we need for the ingriedents." Eri said to the group as she walks over to the shelf to grab the mortar and pestle and a knife and comes back to the table. The brunette sets the mortar and pestle down for piper to crush the bezoar in, then she places the knife down into the table."Also I'll get the fire lit under the cauldron. If you see something we are missing let me know." The brunette says to the two boys.
They needed to get started because most of the other groups hadn't even opened their books and she wanted to be done so they wouldn't have this for homework. No way would she come back later to finish this after class. They need to finish this in class. So Eri started to light the fire under the cauldron so they could get started on putting their ingredients in the cauldron after they were done prepping them.
"Okay piper once you get back with the bezoar you can use the pestle and mortar to crush the bezoar." She said so he would know where the pestle was on the desk.
They needed to get started because most of the other groups hadn't even opened their books and she wanted to be done so they wouldn't have this for homework. No way would she come back later to finish this after class. They need to finish this in class. So Eri started to light the fire under the cauldron so they could get started on putting their ingredients in the cauldron after they were done prepping them.
"Okay piper once you get back with the bezoar you can use the pestle and mortar to crush the bezoar." She said so he would know where the pestle was on the desk.
{"Mistakes are forgivable if one has the courage to admit them." Bruce lee} Eri Windstone.
23 Jul 2018, 19:36
Group Projects
Piper was delighted. How lucky was he to have found a group of such helpful people? If they kept up this kind of pace, they'd be finished in no time.
He wondered for a moment why neither of them were taking the time to chat, but a quick glance at the instructions gave him an answer. The potion required a 40 minute waiting time to brew- obviously they were saving the socialising for then.
He looked up from the textbook when he heard his name again.
Piper couldn't contain a disgusted grin as he pounded the gut gem into a fine powder. Years of grinding up copious piles of spices to help his mum out with her cooking had given him a certain skill with the pestle and mortar. Looking around, he saw he was finished by the time most of the class had started to even collect their bezoars. He frowned. It would probably suck to be the first ones done- what if they got extra work?
On the other hand- no homework.
"Sweet, I'm done," he said, and then because why the heck not, he added, "has anyone goat the measuring spatula? We need four measures of this, and then we can add the standard ingredient."
The pun was subtle enough that they could miss it, but he really hoped they wouldn't.
He wondered for a moment why neither of them were taking the time to chat, but a quick glance at the instructions gave him an answer. The potion required a 40 minute waiting time to brew- obviously they were saving the socialising for then.
He looked up from the textbook when he heard his name again.
This didn't seem like the best time for a goat pun (though Piper was just waiting for a chance to replace 'have' with 'hoof'), so he opted for a wordless finger-gun and a smile before scouring the shelves for the bezoars. There was a jar of them, clustered up like bald, wrinkly hedgehogs. He resisted the urge to smell one before tossing it into the mortar. He was curious to see if it smelt like goat stomach- gross- but he was not curious to find out what Valtome would think about students sniffing the ingredients."Okay piper once you get back with the bezoar you can use the pestle and mortar to crush the bezoar."
Piper couldn't contain a disgusted grin as he pounded the gut gem into a fine powder. Years of grinding up copious piles of spices to help his mum out with her cooking had given him a certain skill with the pestle and mortar. Looking around, he saw he was finished by the time most of the class had started to even collect their bezoars. He frowned. It would probably suck to be the first ones done- what if they got extra work?
On the other hand- no homework.
"Sweet, I'm done," he said, and then because why the heck not, he added, "has anyone goat the measuring spatula? We need four measures of this, and then we can add the standard ingredient."
The pun was subtle enough that they could miss it, but he really hoped they wouldn't.