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Post by PROFESSOR LESTRANGE on Dec 19, 2011 23:33:23 GMT -5
There is no posting order
Alistar had called for all the 5th and 6th years to come to the Great Hall. He wanted to have a talk with them before majority of them left for the winter break. It was the last Friday before the weekend would set them free to their homes. Yet, he had to get his message across to the few that would listen, but not be so blatant about his wanting to have no Muggleborns in his school.
He stood atop the steps that normally lead up to the professors table, but for now it was not there. The tables for all the students were still placed in their respective places, each house present for his little send off to them. The hall lit by the floating candles, but the ceiling not animated to show the outside conditions.
His piercings red eyes looked out across all the children in front of him. They were spread out a little as he had let them converse amongst themselves. His voice would echo through the hall, a voice that sounded like it could command a dragon. "Good evening, students. Hope everyone is ready their time of rest and relaxation." He smiled out over them, knowing that a few would be happy to go home and get away from all the studying and see their parents.
"Well, I have called you all here to inform you all of the things to come next year. I would speak to the 7th years too, but they are on their way out the door and still have the words of the old headmaster in their head. Yet, you all, you still can receive longer guidance as my pupils. I hope within these past months, I have earned respect from each and every one of you." He started to walk down the steps and walk between the tables.
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Post by SOPHIA LANCASTER on Dec 20, 2011 0:12:02 GMT -5
Sophia was anxious for the commencement of their long-awaited winter break, and had managed to unceremoniously stuff most of her belongings into her suitcase before she was informed that the Headmaster had requested the attendance of all fifth and sixth years in the Great Hall. It came as something of a surprise, seeing as the summons was of such short notice and only select age groups had received the invitation. Of course, she wasn't one to defy the Headmaster either, and grudgingly followed the other girls from the dorm and down the long, spiraling staircases to the first floor.
Almost immediately, upon joining the congregation, Sophia felt as though what they were about to hear would not entail customary well-wishes. The Lestranges had always been treated with respect, yes, but such admiration was generated through fear and uncertainty. Needless to say, the Headmaster was viewed no differently. He'd always unsettled her in some way, although she would never admit to such things aloud. Perhaps it was the manner in which his eyes swept the room, as though he could sense deception simply by looking at someone. Sophia herself shivered involuntarily as she examined his severe features and knowing expression, attempting to pass it off as a chill from the cold air.
He began to speak as she slid on to one of the benches lined up against Gryffindor's designated table.
There was that word again. Respect. Something that he commanded whilst daring someone to refuse. Sophia's eyebrows knitted together then as she watched him, full lips pulled into a disapproving frown as the Headmaster moved to pass through the long aisles. What was this really all about? Was anyone else feeling a bit confused by the meeting? But it was too late to leave now. All she could do was sit quietly and hope that it ended sooner rather than later.
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Post by HARRIETT POTTER on Dec 20, 2011 0:24:23 GMT -5
"Well, that's strange. The headmaster calling a meeting with us fifth and sixth years so suddenly. I wonder what this is about!"
The Potter girl would whisper into Sophia's year as they walked down the staircase towards the Great hall. Harriett wasn't going home for Christmas, choosing to stay behind to watch over the other students who would not be going back home, and there were surprisingly quite a few. As they entered the Great Hall, Harriett habitually glanced up at the ceiling in awe. She loved the ceiling which was enchanted with magic.
She shook her head and realized she was spacing out. She sat next to Sophia and she laid her eyes on the headmaster. For some reason, he always gave her the creeps, but she didn't know why. If there was no reason behind it, then there was nothing to worry about! She smiled, oblivious to Sophia's scornful looks towards the Headmaster.
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Post by BIANCA BEAUMONT on Dec 20, 2011 0:30:44 GMT -5
When she first heard that all fifth and sixth year students were to assemble in the Great Hall, Bianca felt a wave of annoyance. Partially, this was because winter break would soon begin and Bianca was already anxious to wind down and eventually head back to Paris - she would not be leaving that exact weekend, but once the hustle and bustle began to mellow out she would depart to her childhood home. She wanted nothing more than to go to her family's manor and curl up in her room on her soft, silk sheets where she would not have to bother with studies for some time; it would be a mental break, if anything.
At the same time, Bianca also could not help but feel that going to the Great Hall was nothing more than a trifle nuisance. Typically, she would not mind. However, considering the time and all, Bianca highly doubted that she would learn anything of value in this meeting. What could the headmaster possibly inform the fifth and sixth years that was genuinely important? Bianca internally scoffed at this notion, and for a few brief moments felt the desire to persay "skip" the meeting; of course, her senses quickly overcame her mild irritation. She was one of a great number, but she would not had put it past Lestrange to look over her absence. She did have an image to keep.
Sitting with the rest of the Slytherins, Bianca crossed her angles keeping her hands in her lap. She always made sure to sit with proper posture - no one would take her seriously if she slouched like a lazy bum all the time. Also, since it was the headmaster who was addressing the students, she would definitely be sure to show him respect, even if she would rather be taking an afternoon stroll.
For the first few moments, she bid a "hello" to her typical group of friends; they chatted for a brief few seconds, but ceased when Professor Lestrange began to speak. Immediately, Bianca's large, doe-brown eyes looked in his direction, her expression calm and controlled. As he began his speech, she wondered how trivial his words would be. As he continued on, she then began to wonder what prompted this meeting. Bianca most certainly respected the man; he was quite powerful and remarkably well-known. She remained quiet, politely listening to his words.
After a second, however, Bianca could not help but glance around the hall. She noted the Gryffindor table - and she spotted a dark-haired girl with glasses and a fiery red-head beside her. Potter and Lancaster - not Bianca's favorite combination of personalities. She noticed Sophia's scornful look directed at Lestrange and felt a tinge of irritation. Bianca did not hesitate to send a small, cool look of disapproval in the Gryffindor's directions before turning her attention back to Lestrange.
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Post by JESSICA GREEN on Dec 20, 2011 0:47:58 GMT -5
Jess found it a bit peculiar that they were having a meeting just for the fifth and sixth years. To her, it seemed as though the seventh years would be allowed to participate as well. Considering that this meeting was supposedly intended for the older students and the younger students were not to be a part of it, the Seventh years, she would assume, should at least have had the option to attend should they desire.
Of course, this lead Jess to the assumption that this was most likely something to do with OWLs or NEWTs. It had to be. After all, Seventh years had already completed those exams and no longer needed to take tests in those subjects. Jessica nodded at her brilliant deduction, though almost immediately after doing so she realized that her eyelids were quite a bit heavier than usual and that her head was acting as an unnecessary weight for her neck to carry. Thus, she crossed her arms on the table and lowered her head to rest on them. She didn't need to look up at the Professor as he spoke. After all, she couldn't see him well from the back row anyway.
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Post by SOPHIA LANCASTER on Dec 20, 2011 1:17:21 GMT -5
Harriett seemed to be thinking along exactly the same lines as Sophia, and the two of them weren't alone in their confusion. The majority of the student body that had gathered in the Great Hall all seemed baffled as to the reason they had been rallied. "I'm not really certain as to what's going on,"
[/color] she whispered in response to the fifth year girl beside her. "The Headmaster does like to surprise us. At the very least, whatever this is about ... it should prove to be interesting."[/color] Her words were meant to be lighthearted and reassuring, but instead they remained full of contempt. It wasn't as though she had a reason to be personally offended by Professor Lestrange, it's simply that he hadn't given her a real reason to trust him. Once he did that she'd be more than willing to consider what he had to say more seriously. Turning her attention briefly to the Slytherin table to see what they made of the meeting, Sophia was met with a disapproving frown from none other than Bianca Beaumont. Her look was so spiteful that she swore she could feel the sting of it. Sophia of course rolled her eyes theatrically in response and combed through the remaining crowd before turning back to Harriett, heaving an exasperated sigh. She just wanted winter break to start already.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font] |
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Post by HARRIETT POTTER on Dec 20, 2011 1:25:52 GMT -5
Her green eyes looked up as she thought about her words. Interesting? What made her think it would be interesting? Ah, well, it didn't really matter, did it? Of course, a meeting that was called so suddenly must certainly hold some form of importance.
"Interesting? Hmmmm! You know, we prefects have a lot of meetings, and not all of them are interesting."
Harriett found herself whispering lowly about something that was completely irrelevant to the situation at hand, but as such were her habits, as Sophia would surely be accustomed to by now. She did not notice the hateful glares from the Slytherin table and kept her attention on the Headmaster. He looked like he was preparing to say something. All of that time, he was probably just taking in everyone's reactions.
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Post by PROFESSOR LESTRANGE on Dec 20, 2011 1:28:55 GMT -5
Looked over all the students in the hall. Noticing a slight exchange of looks between a Slytherin student and a Gryffindor as he made his way through the rows. This made a grin play across his face. Slowly wiping it away he would continue walking down to the end of the tables that sat the last students. He had arranged for the tables to be able to seat only the number of students of each house for the two years.
Staring to the left he would make his way between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaws. Looking at a student with their head down, he could only shake his head but continued on. "Ok, so on to business. The short notice of this meeting was because I have just been given authorization for the Dark Arts curriculum to be added. I've been rather curious as to how this has been effecting you all. I would like to hear from you all about this, whether you are attending it or not, please."
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Post by BIANCA BEAUMONT on Dec 20, 2011 1:57:46 GMT -5
So, this meeting was relating to the Dark Arts. Bianca should have seen that one coming.
Regardless, she felt her pale pink lips curl into a delicate smile, eyes glistening. She had been sure to enroll in the course the moment it was made available. Bianca was fascinated with the dark arts in so many ways - the concept alone was enticing. Being such a strategist, she ran into the theory a large amount of times when reading essays on strategies, and politics even. Interestingly enough, the Dark Arts was something that could considered fairly relevant. Any sort of competition usually had something relating back to the Dark Arts...after all, was one not supposed to disarm their said opponent?
Bianca silently gazed around the hall, waiting to see if anyone would bother to respond to the headmaster. It was a bit intimidating, speaking out in front of so many peers, and even in front of Professor Lestrange. And on the subject of the addition of the Dark Arts course for that matter! Bianca was even hesitant to vocalize her own opinion. However, he requested it, did he not? Bianca felt a pinch of excitement as she considered voicing her own mind, being in the spotlight. A part of her had always been somewhat of a little diva.
She waited several more seconds, however when no one responded she compelled herself to speak. "More than anything, the addition has only been helpful," she said, her voice cutting through the pause, "before we only had Defense Against the Dark Arts - although that class is fairly informative, it can only be so helpful. How can we ever defend ourselves without studying the material in greater depth itself?" Bianca's articulation was clean and direct, also making a valid point. By studying the Dark Arts, one could be more aware of what they were up against...and Bianca could cure her own personal desire for knowledge.
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Post by HARRIETT POTTER on Dec 20, 2011 2:15:56 GMT -5
The Dark Arts? Is that what the meeting was about? Oh, goodness...
Harriett's smile slowly turned into a frown, her eyes narrowing in uncertainty. Harriett always had an affinity for Defense Against the Dark Arts, as was every member of her family, but she alone avoided it. She did not like the Dark Arts, and she did not like fighting. She would only resort to defending herself and others if it came to it. But never had she liked the dark arts. They were unforgivable, evil magics that did not belong in the school, and as such was her opinion. Why should students have magics available that tortured, caused pain, and even killed people? It was a terrible thing. Harriett stared holes into the table as she thought about it, but she was not afraid to speak, not at all.
"With all due respect, Headmaster Lestrange, I don't particularly like the Dark Arts. Defense Against the Dark Arts teaches us enough about them. We learn about all Dark spells in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and how to counter them, but not how to use them," Harriett was of course saying this in response to what Bianca said, but never would she lay her eyes on the slytherin girl, "But why should we even want to use them? The Dark Arts are just that. Dark, evil, twisted, and unnatural! Some are indestructible, and cannot be defended against. Why is an Art that is used to cause harm to others be allowed here? Students who don't like one another would try to kill each other, even for something as simple as house points. The Dark Arts calls for blood! The school would be turned into a war zone...."
Harriett's speech was a bit more emotionally driven than Bianca's while still making good points herself. Harriett was actually surprised with herself! She has never stood up for something like this before. The way she so boldly stated her opinion on the matter, without fear, would have shocked her on any other occasion, but she felt that this was far too important to ignore.
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Post by SOPHIA LANCASTER on Dec 20, 2011 2:24:04 GMT -5
Ah yes, Sophia had heard that the Headmaster had been entertaining the idea of implementing a Dark Arts regime into the current school curriculum. Of course she'd initially laughed it off as a silly joke, but eventually a few Slytherins had begun murmuring of its inevitable integration and she'd become far more wary, especially once she realized the sort of background Headmaster Lestrange hailed from. It wasn't as though she'd been nosy! Her curiosity had simply gotten the best of her. In any case, this didn't seem like the most practical time to be discussing such matters. And why was he simply addressing the fifth and sixth years? That question alone had yet to be answered. Not to mention the rest of the staff was missing. Had he even bothered to inform them that this was taking place? Something wasn't quite right, and Sophia was determined to figure out what he was up to.
But then the invitation to voice their opinions was made and the redhead couldn't help but jump at the opportunity. The chance that anyone else would state their views on thee subject was slim after all, unless of course their name was Bianca Beaumont. The other girl's exaggerated praise was enough to have Sophia raise her hand high into the air, tossing the Slytherin table a long, meaningful look before focusing her attention entirely upon the Headmaster.
If none of her housemates was willing to announce how inappropriate this idea was, then she would. The subject had remained unteachable all of these years for a good reason, why did he not understand that?
"If I may, Headmaster?"
[/color] she began, tone calm, but loud and assertive. "I understand why so many of us would find ourselves both excited and intrigued by the idea of becoming more aware of the use of Dark Magic. However, the subject itself has been kept out of reach of the students here for the very reason that, that particular branch of magic is extremely unpredictable and difficult to control. It's based entirely on the intent of the witch or wizard commanding it and frankly ... most students have neither the skill nor the level of maturity to be able to cast such magic without the strong possibility that harm may be accidentally inflicted."[/color] She paused, swallowing hard. "Simply put, I believe it's too dangerous and the risk factor too high to be worth introducing it."[/color] She glanced briefly in Bianca's direction again, this time her expression serious. "We learn mild hexes and curses already, and quite a few of us have enough trouble with them. Of course the older students may find the subject useful .. so if the Dark Arts are to be practiced here. It should be restricted to the seventh years alone."[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font] |
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Post by PROFESSOR LESTRANGE on Dec 20, 2011 2:41:19 GMT -5
Stopping at the foot of the stairs leading to where the faculty table would be he would turn back around. He listen intently to each and everyone of the students answer. Miss Beaumont had seen his intentions on doing so, but of course the Gryffindors would all be against it. The self-righteous lot of them. He would have something special for them later, but he was more curious as to what the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs felt about this additional knowledge coming their way.
Turning his eyes over to Miss Lanchaster, he would tilt his head towards her. "Will you yourself not be a seventh year next year? Why hold back the knowledge for others that want to learn about it?" Turning his attention away, he would look out to everyone else again. "I mean, if such things were true, then why would the Board of Governors and the Minister give approval for it to be added? We are taking precautions for things not to go into get out of hand. Using certain spells within the school without approval or supervision would consequent in being sent to Azkaban. I'm sure no one would like to attend that at such a young age. Regardless, the Board and Minister think it is better for students to learn these things in the safety of the school instead of out in the world."
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Post by SOPHIA LANCASTER on Dec 20, 2011 2:59:24 GMT -5
Sophia had no doubt that Professor Lestrange had somehow manipulated the board into agreeing to make the subject available in Hogwarts, if in fact he was being honest about that admission. Why would such responsible, cautious individuals - who already had so much liability resting on their shoulders - suddenly decide that it might be a wise idea to have young children practicing a very dangerous brand of magic? Supervision or no, it was foolhardy ... anyone in their right mind could have seen that. Except for those blinded by a thirst for power. But she could never say as much, else she'd find herself quickly expelled and sent off home. That uneasiness in the pit of her stomach remained, and despite knowing it would be better to admit defeat, she wasn't ready to submit.
"Sir, Defense Against the Dark Arts teaches us more than enough to be able to protect ourselves if the need were to ever arise. That is what the subject was meant for, to be able to defend ourselves. It's also both an informative and practical class without having to actually delve into the darker and more uncontrollable levels of magic. There are too many people here who would take advantage of it, regardless of the consequences. And by then it would be too late. Someone might have already been accidentally hurt or worse. Is it really worth the risk?"
[/color] She paused again, taking Harriett's words into consideration. "And it's already been said that students here feel uncomfortable by the sheer thought of having to practice it. In all honesty, I'd be interested to hear what the rest of the staff and parents thought about this proposition."[/color] That final statement had been meant to pose as something of a challenge. Whether he took it that way or not, she would soon find out.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font] |
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Post by JESSICA GREEN on Dec 20, 2011 3:01:56 GMT -5
Jessica remained there with her head down. She could hear what everyone was saying, but at this point she really didn't care that much. All that really mattered to her was her grades, and since she wasn't failing Dark Arts and wouldn't have to have any bad grades sent home to her parents, she didn't really care to have the class removed. Jessica listened to what the rest of the class had to say nonetheless. To her, it seemed as though the students had brought up better points than the headmaster. Or at the very least, they had given better answers. The Headmaster hadn't answered why the Dark Arts were worthwhile, he had only alluded to the plausible fact that there was an answer.
Jessica held her glasses and lifted them from her face. She folded them and set them aside her on the table before resting her head in her arms once again. This time, she closed her eyes. This was such a waste of time. It wasn't like what the students said would make any difference in the long run anyway. She felt they should really just go with the flow.
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Post by PROFESSOR AVERY on Dec 20, 2011 3:19:59 GMT -5
"Your argument is beyond ignorant," the sound of Professor Avery's voice was emitted from just behind the Headmaster before Professor Avery was even in sight of any of the students. However, soon after her voice, the sound of a poof was also heard, and Professor Avery appeared just behind Professor Lestrange. Apparition.
"Have I done such a terrible job reinforcing the reasons for which these arcane arts must be practiced?" Professor Avery questioned. Following this, she began pacing back and forth in the isle between the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables. She strutted, so sure of herself with an smug swagger.
"I worked many many many years as an Auror myself. It is a difficult task. Capturing many dark witches and wizards. Losing comrades. Getting new ones. Losing them too," Professor Avery explained. "What you do not understand is that the Dark Witches and Wizards will not cease their practicing the Dark Arts simply because you do not wish to study them."
Professor Avery halted in her steps and turned. She now faced Sophia. Her eyes were fixed on the girl. A Gryffindor. Professor Avery mentally rolled her eyes. She could have guessed that it would be the Gryffindors arguing this so vehemently. It was actually quite annoying.
"There are some cases where the Dark Arts can only be defeated by the Dark Arts. And Dark Witches and Dark Wizards will be using them. If you take up a position such as becoming an Auror, then you may need to use them as well," Professor Avery exclaimed sternly. She then looked away from Sophia and continued her pacing.
"Of course, it is up to you to weigh when it is appropriate to use said dark magic. In addition, no one is forcing you. If that time comes and you choose not to use these resources we have gifted you with, you may die. But that is your choice. We are only here to prepare you for what may come, not to tell you what to do with your lives."
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Post by SOPHIA LANCASTER on Dec 20, 2011 3:43:13 GMT -5
"So, what you've basically just admitted to us is that sometimes evil is necessary to defeat other forms of evil? That in and of itself acknowledges that the Dark Arts is dangerous and twisted magic. It should not be tampered with by inexperienced students! Especially since your words are meant to pressure them and manipulate their decisions through fear."
Sophia narrowed her eyes at the unconvincing speech from the newly arrived Arianna. If she were being honest, she'd never taken this particular Professor very seriously. Not only was she extremely young in comparison to the rest of the staff, but she was also excessively arrogant. Of course it didn't surprise her that the woman was in favor of the Dark Arts, she was the one teaching it after all. So it was only to be expected that she'd side with both the Slytherins and Headmaster. Her narcissistic and overbearing demeanor would be her undoing someday, however.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts provides us with the knowledge we need to be able to defend ourselves. Not to mention that Witches and Wizards are encouraged - on their own time - to seek out extra training at the Ministry if we so feel the need for it. The resources are there without having to risk causing havoc by practicing it in the school. We have finally settled into an era of newfound peace, why promote the use of black magic now? I understand you believe that it's a precautionary measure, but in the long-run it could very well cause more harm than good. Restrict it to the seventh years. Because, haven't you forgotten? Students involved in Dark Magic often become completely absorbed by it and succumb to its temptation. If you introduce it now, you might be setting these children up to take a more sinister interest in it later."
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Post by DANIEL WILLIAMS on Dec 20, 2011 9:36:27 GMT -5
Welp. This was getting pretty intense.
Daniel stifled a yawn and ever so subtly cracked his neck. No doubt there was some douchebag out there crying tears of impotent rage that a fellow dude could be so unmoved by the sight of pretty ladies about to get their fight on but honestly, chillax babes. All of this upholstery was just for show: Head wizarding honcho was about to do whatever he freaking took to his fancy, that's how the system works y'know. Ask peeps what their opinions are and then do whatever the hell you feel like now that you have their 'support'. Bam! Democracy at its finest.
Okay so maybe the teacher that belonged on the cover of Vogue or Cosmopolitan or whatever the hell British equivalent was was just greasing the wheels, trying to make it look like this wasn't just one big setup to an elaborate prank with deadly consequences. If Daniel had learned anything in his years at Hogwarts it was that wizarding douches only differed from non-wizarding douches in that they had this weird finicky obsession with plotting. If muggles had wheels within wheels these dumpasses had freaking clocks within clocks within one giant sauteed chicken's cloaca. All of this was no doubt part of a political power play that involved a little cafe in Paris, two cute orphans in downtown Manhattan that were actually prophets of a doomsday sort and a brobdingnagian wishing well in the heart of Kathmandu.
And holy fudge how he wished that could be sarcasm once again.
Man, wizards. Couldn't they just not go through all the tedious motions and just shoot people with their boomsticks like everyone else? He had it on good authority that it was pretty effective most of the time.
But hey he was chill, he was cool with this. And ironic as well given his careful consideration to all the words being vollied back and forth with such amazing speed most of it had to be BS just on principle.
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Post by MONROE MAGNUSSON on Dec 20, 2011 9:38:17 GMT -5
Monroe had been sitting quietly through the entire dialogue, resenting having been brought down to the hall to talk about such boring things as classes when he could be... Well, when he could be doing something more productive with his time. He wished to show no disrespect to the headmaster, however, and obediently kept his attention on the task at hand. He did not speak up, choosing to lean back and listen with growing amusement as the topic quickly and predictably became heated.
The two Gryffindors, also predictably, took a stance against the teaching of Dark Arts -- though the red-head had a good point, in suggesting that only seventh years be taught. In fact, if he were to remain objective and thoughtful, he would side with her.
But objectivity and thoughtfulness were so very boring.
With a sharkish grin, he carefully formed his words before speaking them, raising his hand politely as soon as the girl was done speaking. "Excuse me, professors, if I may -- learning the Dark Arts does not necessarily precipitate darkness, and," he paused for effect, "The open censorship of knowledge would be something of a slippery slope. What next? I, for one, thank the headmaster for expanding our cirriculum."
He sat back, obviously very amused with himself -- he knew full well the faults with his argument; the rebuttals he would undoubtedly draw. (And that was all the fun of it.) Truth be told, the real reason he was so excited about his Dark Arts class was the chance to learn powerful new spells -- something he could show off with, something he could use to his advantage should he ever need it. It would certainly prove an interesting class, if nothing else.
He cast a glance at Professor Avery, having appreciated her words, and wondered how she would be as a teacher.
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Post by BIANCA BEAUMONT on Dec 20, 2011 9:55:52 GMT -5
A surge of venomous hate shot through Bianca, as the two Gryffindors immesiately countered her first comment. Sophia's quick glance in her direction did not escape her eyes; Bianca was more than generous in shooting back an icy gaze. The ignorance of some of the Gryffindors never ceased to displease her, but then that was why they were Gryffindors and she was a Slytherin. Bianca was not so much concerned with righteousness, but more so ambition. Ambition and cunning was what got you through life, not bothering to be ethically correct.
She noticed the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs had yet to comment on anything said. One girl in particular at the Ravenclaw table had her head downcast, clearly disinterested in the conversation. Bianca wondered what she was thinking - was she thinking of her grades? Her classes? The heated conversation that could possibly escalate into a verbal attack between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at any given moment? Well, the last theory may have possibly been a tad more far-fetched, but at this rate Bianca would not have been caught off guard if it happened. She was certainly annoyed enough.
Naturally, Bianca agreed with the points made by Professor Lestrange and Professor Avery. At this point, it was not even because she was partial to the Dark Arts, but more so that what they said was basic common sense. Not that Sophia was making a somewhat adequate argument - Defense Against the Dark Arts taught some decent information to the students. However, at the same time it was not the same as studying the theory. In many ways, it was similar to a vaccine: a prep for defense.
It wa not until Sophia spoke once more that Bianca felt a startling amount of anger. How insolent could one student be? Her expression did not show the lividness developing underneath her porcelain skin, but her gaze was one that could freeze the brightest of fires. Dangerous and twisted? Evil? Now Sophia was just using stereotypical information with not statisical background. Bianca glanced up and down her table. She did not see any other Slytherin about to speak, and if Sophia was going to go down that path, then Bianca would be sure to go down it as well.
Then someone spoke.
Bianca turned her gaze to the Slytherin who adressed something she had noticed: that the Dark Arts does not entirely perpetuate darkness and evil. Once more, Bianca smiled, the sweet, perfect facade once more apparent. "I thank you for bringing up such a valid point," She said, partly to the other Slytherin - what was his name? she couldn't recall - who had spoken, and partly to the rest of the hall, "As darkness only signifies the absence of light and illumination. It has no real association with 'evil.'" Saying this, her voice remained level and cool. At the same time, there was a melodious sound to it - sickening, sweet. It was a sly charismatic sort of voice, one that many Slytherins gravitated to. Bianca could feel the approving looks from her own personal social circle.
"Honestly, I see no reason for there to even be any controversy," she continued, "The last time I checked the course description said nothing of the sort about practicing the Dark Arts - we were only to study it." That was true, was it not? The class was not one that talk the usage of dark magic. "The muggles have this procedure, called a vaccination: they inject some sort of virus into a patient so that the individual may develop an immunity to the ailment," Bianca slowly added. She was not unaware of some of the confused glances she received from the students, confused as to why she would use a muggle example. "In a way, that's what the course is. A vaccination. A prep for what could possibly come."
Bianca then glanced in the direction of the Gryffindors, a smile still on her face. "Besides," she added, "I think I would feel much better if people who were to succumb to the Dark Arts actually knew what they were doing as opposed to inexperienced, hormonal children waving wands like a childish game."
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Post by PROFESSOR LESTRANGE on Dec 20, 2011 10:32:17 GMT -5
Professor Lestrange stayed at the foot of the steps. Then hearing the voice of his newly appointed teacher and the air shift behind him. She finally had made it. He wondered if the Defense against the dark arts professor would be attending this, as he had also sent them an invitation of joining this discussion also. "Ay, Welcome Professor Avery, glad to see you made it."
He listened as the discussion was starting to escalate. It seemed that only the Gryffindors were the only ones who didn't appreciate what he was offering them. Well this was his will as it was the Board of Governors and the Minister for this to be taught. If they really disagreed, along with their parents, he had another option for them.
"Well, Miss Lancaster. If you honestly disagree and feel your parents do too. You could attend Durmstrang Institute or Beauxbatons Academy of Magic . I'm sure they both might accept you. As I said, precautions are being taken into those who attend the class. We are giving Psychological Evaluations to those that will participate. That and because of the actually study of it is why we ask for a permission slip. Since it is currently an elective, you aren't forced to attend it. It is just there for those who wish to have a better understanding of what they are defending themselves against. Defense of the Dark Arts only takes a minor look at it. The study of the Dark Arts is it as a whole along with its more in-depth history. What Miss Beaumont says is also true. Though, some of the curses categorized as Dark can kill, it doesn't necessarily mean its evil."
Turning his attention over to the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, he would then speak again. "It seems that the Gryffindors are the only ones who disagree with this. I'm sure if the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs are quiet then they either don't care or agree with my decision. I would have asked the seventh years about this decision but as you see, they are only a few months out of the door. Next year is about the current sixth years, and that's when the class will be more settled into. Some of the fifth years, I am sure, are currently attending the course and will be able to have the full scope of it by their seventh year. I'm just wanting everyone to be on the same page with this. I don't like to have people disagree with my decisions, only makes things uneasy, and I don't like having an uneasy feeling."
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