Workings of a new year (5th and 6th)

[PROFESSOR AVERY]

Sophia really did talk much too much. A lot of people around here did. Since when did students ever get the idea they were supposed to have such long and boring responses? Wasn't it the teacher's spot to give lecture? She sighed. Even Miss Beaument's statement was a bit redundant. Professor Avery had no interest in hearing anything about muggles.

Regardless, Professor Avery made her way back to Professor Lestrange and stood next to him now, side by side. She noted what he said regarding the students of the Gryffindor House. She placed her hand on the man's shoulder.

"Now, lets be fair, Professor Lestrange. It isn't polite to generalize, and it's only a select few members of the Gryffindor House who are speaking up against it. You cannot expect everyone to agree, no matter what you do," Professor Avery stated. She smirked. "At least, not without the Imperius Curse."

[DANIEL WILLIAMS]

Didn't like uneasy feelings. Well wasn't an ominous sort of thing to say. All Brave New World drug-addled yessir without the nosir. Telling a girl to leave the school for speaking her mind but cuddled in a little cutesy tea cozy of passive aggressive 'it's your choice to move a different country' - dick move much?

Daniel rolled his eyes as he slowly started to clap. It was a slow, measured rhythm that was meant to be taken as mockery rather than earnest appreciation for whatever speaker had just risen up to their soapbox. Well dang he had hoped to avoid this but looking back his involvement was pretty much inevitable. Written in the stars and all of that hocus-pocus googly eyed wizarding crap that even wizards considered wizarding crap. As the attention, surprisingly, shifted to him he decided he might as well set all the stories straight. Way too much irony in here even for him, he was barely able to keep up. But la piece de resistance would have to be what was essentially a muggleborn explaining this crap to the local bluebloods. Or at least the gullible ones.

"Since we're all on about how open and friendly we are lemme just add in a few choice words to this grindfest of pretentious pretend dialogue," Daniel said, cracking his neck for effect. Also, because it was seriously hinky: hopefully no one was hexing him at the moment, that'd be spectacularly un-cool. "As the stupidest Ravenclaw on this side of the passing grade I think I'm entitled to go 'whoopsy daisy' if it turns out I'm just talking out of my crack and misinterpreting all the key nuances of wizarding culture but hey, as I see it-" the boy steepled his fingers together, leaning forwards unconsciously, "this 'consultation' business is a nice honking pile of cow dung and the only ones too batty to see it are the Gryffindors. Sorry Griffs, gotta call you out on this one, it's pretty obvious. Fight losing battles, not useless ones."

Yeah, he wasn't making any friends with this speech. And risking detention. Oh welp.

"See, they suckered you into a shell game. Participate here and shucks buster you just got hornswoggled. Plenty of good solid reasons why we should learn the dark arts, not the least of them being that the only people who can learn the dark arts nowadays are those carrying around wizard bling and whoopsy daisy the muggleborn can't protect themselves because they learned normal horsepoo like making people vomit slugs for ten minutes." He shrugged. "Plus, someone sold it as practicing the dark arts openly in school and managed to get past all the high-fallutin' purebloods supremacists that they'd be sharing their arts with mudbloods and I'd kiss them on the face for that alone."

Daniel took a breath. This was getting kind of lengthy. Also, he had stood up at some point, apparently unconsciously.

"But no, we're not here about that. We're just here to see about those that disagree so that our dapper headmaster here can take the piss out of them and tell them to move to France or Germany. Isn't that right, sir?" He asked, addressing the man directly. "Because it's what you've been doing. And hey hey hey - wow, I could have freaking predicted that the Gryffindors would be unhappy with the dark arts classes I mean it's not like they haven't been complaining about it all year. And if all I had to say to those who disagreed was 'get out from under my roof you ungrateful ass'... knowing that I knew who would disagree with me well shit sherlock I wonder what that means."

"Hope that didn't make anyone 'uneasy' sir. We wouldn't want that now would we," he added, finally sitting down.

[MONROE MAGNUSSON]

Arms folded carefully over his chest, Monroe watched as another Slytherin took up his comment and elaborated. He'd not been expecting that, but her words were eloquent; he smiled, a rare bit of House pride blooming in his chest.

The conversation plodded on, and he was growing bored - he wanted to get back to his room and take a nap, yes, that would be wonderful. And while he hung on to Professor Avery's every word and very dearly looked forward to his time in class with her, that didn't alleviate the tedium-

And then the Ravenclaw spoke. With each word from the boy's mouth, Monroe's eyebrows rose yet higher on his skull, and before he was halfway done with his speech, the Slytherin was shaking with silent laughter. He couldn't contain it -- it was a beautiful speech, really -- and he covered his mouth in a vain attempt to block the muffled (and rather embarassing) squeaks that escaped his lips.

Unable to control himself, he covered the sound with a cough and moved to bury his face in his hands -- he wasn't laughing at such disrespect, no. That would be disrespectful in itself, and he didn't want to get detention, but. The kid was just too damn funny.

With the last "we wouldn't want that now, would we", Monroe snorted audibly.

It was too good.

[HARRIETT POTTER]

As more people spoke, and as Harriett expressed her support for Sophia with the occasional yes or that's right, it became clear that they were fighting a losing battle. They had in fact taken the bait, as that is what it was; bait that the professors themselves had laid out for them. The Headmaster went on to even insult Sophia by telling her to go someplace else, even though the classes were not even mandatory. She didn't understand that logic, but then again, she didn't understand many of their logic. It was hard to grasp that such a bad crowd had taken over Hogwarts at a seemingly peaceful time. I guess that is what happens when you turn a blind eye over a false sense of security. The threat of evil would always be there, and it would always be so as long as the light was also there.

There was one boy in particular from the House of Ravenclaw that spoke after everyone else. It was his slow and ironic clapping that took everyone's attention away from the last speakers. He was rather silly about the way he spoke. Harriett even overlooked his insults towards the Gryffindor house- if it even was an insult. He was, more or less, speaking the truth, in a rather humorous manner. Although her spirits were dampened by the fact that the Gryffindor house was being weighed and measured, Harriett couldn't help but smile. Though she did have some concern over some things he said. His clear disrespect for the professors would likely grant him detention! And she might have done such a thing if it were anyone else.... But she knew Daniel well. She would probably have to consult with him later, and warn him of the consequences of his actions.

[JESSICA GREEN]

Oh god. And there went that Daniel boy running his mouth too. Jess wanted nothing more right now than to leave the room and get on with her vacation. This really did seem like a waste of time to her, and with Daniel going on and making this argument even longer, she simply wanted to hit him. Regardless, she only hoped that something he would say would make someone realize how stupid this was in the first place.

It was simply a subject material, the dark arts, and it was optional at that. Other schools had the subject, even prestigious ones like Durmstrang. Why should Hogwarts be any different? And it wasn't like they were forcing it down their throats. Jessica wasn't even sure at this point whether or not she was going to participate in the classes which required unforgivable curses, but she certainly had no issues with studying the other material.

Jessica finally sat up, though she did not put her glasses on again just yet, after all, she would probably go back to trying to sleep in only a minute or so.

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar let his eyes roll over to the Ravenclaw boy that felt the need to speak. Finally, one of them had grown some balls. Though, the boy seemed to not know how to have regard for his elder and headmaster. Oh well, things will come full circle one day. For now, his red eyes took in everything the boy said. If he was not in his current position or held to hold up a certain standard, then that boy would of been thinking otherwise.

He folded his hands behind his back. Leaning over he would whisper into Professor Avery's ear. "Keep an eye on him. Also we remind me to talk to his House Head." Standing up right again, he would drift his eyes across the rows of students. "Well Mister Williams, I did open this up for open opinions and discussion, but I did not open this up for disrespect. I was only suggesting a means for people to not have to tolerate what I have planned for our great school. Thank you for voicing what you had to say, but at least the Gryffindors know how to represent their views in a more respectable manner."

"I am truly sorry that this has taken so long, but I really wanted to hear your views. What to possibly change or reiterate with the new study matter. Help some understand and as for me to understand the student body more." He let off a smile, a genuine smile. A smile to him that was of the extra changes he would have to make, but to others a smile of understanding. "Good wishes to you all and your respective families. Unless Professor Avery has anything else to add, you are all dismissed."

[PROFESSOR AVERY]

Upon hearing Professor Lestrange whisper into her ear, Professor Avery simply nodded. She removed her hand from his shoulder and crossed her arms in front of her. She honestly wondered if this meeting had had much impact at all on the students. Students who were against the Dark Arts being taught still felt the same way and vice-versa.

"Nothing to add, but Mister Magnusson, I would like to speak with you before you leave," Professor Avery announced. And no doubt, after this, the majority of students were already on their way out the doors.

[MONROE MAGNUSSON]

His laughter halted abruptly at the headmaster's words -- he didn't want to miss any of them -- but the delivery was disappointingly lacking in discipline. He let out a dramatic sigh, which was swallowed by the low murmur of the crowd gathered, and straightened out his cloak as he stood to leave. Not expecting Professor Avery to have many words -- she seemed like a very to-the-point person -- Monroe had risen with the rest of his class.

He was very much prepared to return to his dorm and take that nap he'd been thinking about; in fact, he was starting to look forward to it. He'd curl up under his sheets and that nice quilt his mother had made him, and then maybe later that afternoon he'd go outside and incite the most massive snowball fight (no, war) that Hogwarts had ever seen.

Yes, life was good.

"...but Mister Magnusson, I would like to speak with you before you leave."

He froze.

Torn between excitement and horror, the sixth year took a brief moment to flounder and force his expression back into one of acceptable curiosity. Was he in trouble for laughing? Or perhaps she wanted to speak to him about class -- he hoped it was the latter. Or maybe she wanted to ask him out to Hogsmeade, where they could spend a romantic afternoon --

Deadpanning as he forced errant thoughts from his mind, he absentmindedly smoothed down his hair and strode forward to meet her. "Erm, yes, Professor?" His normal propensity for words left him, and he stood much like a boy waiting to be reprimanded for stealing cookies from the jar.

[PROFESSOR AVERY]

"Good day, Mister Magnusson," Professor Avery greeted him kindly. She could tell simply by the boy's posture that he was afraid he were in trouble or something of the sort. It was a bit funny really. To think that he was that scared of her. Well, it made a bit of sense, considering she was the one with most authority over him aside from the Headmaster, being the Head of Slytherin House herself.

Professor Avery held her arms crossed. She was doing her best not to seem imposing, but that was somewhat difficult to do as she, in fact, was very imposing. She forced herself to smile, but said smile appeared very fake and lasted only for a brief moment before vanishing. It was replaced by a much more realistic smirk.

"Yes. As this is the first year that Dark Arts classes have been offered at the school, we are very much in need of a tutor for the course," Professor Avery explained. "A majority of the students do not understand the material well enough since they do not have a strong enough background in the subject. I simply would like to ask if you would volunteer to be my teacher's assistant. Of course, this will require some hours of individual training under me so that you can master the material. I am not sure of your plans for Winter break, but if you are leaving, I would like you to come back early, just after Christmas. What say you, Mister Magnusson?"

[HARRIETT POTTER]

Harriett released a sigh of relief when the Headmaster dismissed the students. Harriett gave Sophia an encouraging smile. She kept her voice soft and at a low volume so nobody but the people from her own table could hear.

"That was really brave of you, Sophia! I admire your courage. I'm sure Godric Gryffindor would be proud of you, too. Though you aught to be a little careful now. I think we might have a few new enemies!"

It was surprising for Harriett to say such a thing. She was only guessing. It's not like she payed any attention to any glares they received from any table, including the Slytherin table. Harriett gave Sophia a sudden hug and then ran off towards the Ravenclaw table. She had to squeeze in between some people to reach the person she wanted to talk to, and by then, they were nearly outside of the Great Hall.

"Daniel, wait up!"

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

Bianca was one of the first to stand, the various emotions creating a horrendous cacophony in her ears. From the Gryffindors to the Ravenclaw boy's so called "speech", she herself had seen enough. It was completely and utterly ridiculous; she could not blame Lestrange for getting irritated - she would have gone haywire had she been a teacher and a student talked to her in such a manner. Around her, she could hear some of her peers whispering thoughts along the same line.

"...I can't believe he..."

"...Lestrange should have..."

"...those Gryffindors..."

"...so disprespectful to Avery..."

"...simply don't understand..."

Bianca shook her head, her long tresses cascading to her shoulders. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught that one Potter girl giving Lancaster some compliment - like she really needed it. The girl had been nothing but an ignorant idealist living in some, perfect little fairy tale world. Oppressing the study of the Dark Arts would not promote evil; it would mre or less control it. Evil could never be eliminated, yes, but an understanding and accurate comprehension could prevent so many mishaps. It would be a waste to refrain from educating the students.

Anyways, it was optional.

One of the Slytherin girls said Bianca's name, so she turned her head to face one of her peers. She smiled, acknowledging the other girl as she immediately began to chat away about what had just occured. It was not like Bianca did not know - she had just been a part of what had nearly been a verbal bashing of each of the houses and their own personal views. Still, she nodded, giving and approving "yes" here and there. It was somewhat of a routine: one of the girls she associated with would see someone, and they would immediately come to reaccount the gossip for Bianca. At times, it was quite helpful.

With that, Bianca decided to clear out as many of the other students were, eager to begin break. She did not bother to send any more icy stares. It would do no good; the Ravenclaw boy and the Gryffindors were lost beyond hope. She did, however, glance back at the headmaster. An interesting, enticing character he was - she could not help what but wonder of his motives.

Without another word, Bianca looked back, once more smiling her doll-like smile, and left the hall.

[MONROE MAGNUSSON]

Tension bled from his stance as it became evident that he was not, in fact, being scolded - instead, a smirk to match Professor Avery's own pulled at his lips.

"Yes. As this is the first year that Dark Arts classes have been offered at the school, we are very much in need of a tutor for the course."

[/i]
As a general rule, Monroe maintained cool and collected. He didn't like others to be able to guess at his feelings, and he certainly didn't like to come off as anything other than composed -- and when he broke character, it was for clear reason. And yet, he couldn't help the slight flush that stained his cheeks, or the eager response that sprang -- unbidden -- to his mouth. "Y-" He cut himself off, not meaning to interrupt, and let the head of his house finish her explanation. She was asking him to be her TA -- she thought he was worthy of her extra attention --

His imagination raced ahead of him, conjuring images of late hours and hard-learned spells, of friendship with Professor Avery. He realized a moment late that Avery's voice had died off; the older woman expecting a response. "Yes, yes, of course, I would be honored," he replied, the smile lighting his features of a very rare sort. "I was actually planning on spending the holidays here," he offered, "Family issues and all that. ... When- What would you need me to do?"

He licked his lips, awkwardly, not wanting to ramble on and ruin her impression of him. This meant- This meant that he would most certainly learn new and interesting spells, and he would have the chance to get good at them. (That would show his parents to complain about how he spent his time at school.)
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[PROFESSOR AVERY]

"Excellent," Professor Avery hissed quite lowly. Of course, she was excited to take a pupil under her wing, especially considering that he was a member of her own house and she was very in need of a Teacher's Assistant and had been for quite some time. It was easy to forget how difficult it was to teach when there was only one teacher per each subject and many many kids. That was the reason there were tutors though, of course.

"We will begin tonight by working on the Cruciatus Curse. Meet me at 7PM in my classroom. Bring your wand," Professor Avery smirked at him. She then nodded and about-faced. Without giving him a chance to respond or ask questions, she was already heading out the door of the hall.

[MONROE MAGNUSSON]

"Excellent."

She'd called him excellent. ... Or maybe the fact that he'd agreed to help -- or -- well, he didn't really care why she'd said it; he was much too excited imagining what spells he might be learning. He'd certainly be hard-pressed to find a tedious moment in the upcoming year, what with his ongoing training with the transfiguration professor, quidditch, and his studies.

"We will begin tonight by working on the Cruciatus Curse. Meet me at 7PM in my classroom. Bring your wand."

The Cruciatus Curse? He nodded obediently, watching as she turned and left the hall. He stood rooted to the spot for a few moments more, mind reeling with the suddenness of his new position. He would most certainly be there that evening, wand at the ready. But before then, he would need to push his lingering worry from his mind. The Cruciatus Curse was a difficult one to learn - and for it to be effective, one had to wish for the target's pain. One had to enjoy it... and while Monroe certainly had his sadistic streak, he was rarely so invested in the misfortune of others.

He shook his head, as though to clear it of troubling thoughts, and finally left the hall, robes swishing about his ankles.