N.E.W.T. Lesson One

[EVANGELINA ALYSON LESEDI]

Transfiguration classes had gone smoothly throughout the year... no students accidentally transfiguring themselves to pin cushions (though there had been a close call to a second year Slytherin girl), no one blowing anyone up, and no irritating purist students giving her and her class trouble. There had been a greater interest and enthusiasm in her lessons that she'd noticed so far this year than any other year. The likely cause was the tournament. Students now had reasons to be interested in new spells, probably so that if a champion happened to use it they could brag to their friends 'hey, I can do that, too!', but Evangeline never complained about enthusiasm in students. If it helped them learn, she was happy.

Her NEWT class was generally her most well behaved class. It was filled with students in sixth and seventh years who had already proved their dedication to the class by achieving an 'Exceeds Expectations' in their OWL exams. Evangeline was not a teacher who accepted 'Acceptable' grades. If you wanted to get anywhere in the world and not end up killing someone else with a mistaken spell, you had to be dedicated to your studies and work hard enough to achieve an E. She had a fun lesson planned for the day, one that she hoped her students would enjoy quite well. Soon studies would have to pick up, since it was already over a month into the school year, but what was the harm in teaching them how to turn other student's heads into pumpkins? It was a rather difficult spell, with many dangers if taught to younger students, but sixth and seventh year should be able to manage it with maturity and focus.

Her NEWT class was the third of the day, so as the the last of her beginners class trickled out the door, Evangeline set to cleaning up the mess left from the class. There were quite a few minutes between classes, seeing as some students had back-to-back classes all the way across the castle from each other, so she had plenty of time to tidy up before the next lesson would begin. She wandered around the room, picking up pin cushions from he desks and placing them in a box. Here and there she had to change a hedgehog back into an inanimate object, but for the most part the young students had been successful in their spells. Once everything was collected she slid the box into the cupboard behind her desk.

When the first students wandered into the class, they found a snow leopard sitting on the desk at the front of the room, surrounded by piles of assignments the professor had yet to mark. It wasn't really an unusual thing to see. Evangeline was proud of the fact she was an animagus, and the surprise of seeing their professor in the form of an elegant snow leopard wore off for most students within a month of their first year. She remained perfectly still, watching each student file into the class and take their places at the tables scattered around the room, each of which could hold three students. For once there was nothing on the desks to indicate what the day's lessons would be.

When the last few students came into the room and took their seats, Evangeline jumped down from the desk and prowled around to the back of the room, where she returned to her human form. "Today we're going to have a bit of a different lesson," she informed the students. "More enjoyable than necessary, for once, though you might find it good for a prank or two." Evangelina may be one of the older professors in the school, but she did have a sense of humor and remembered what it was like to be a student, even if she had attended beauxbatons. "I'd like everyone to get into partner pairs. If you can't find a partner, I'll select one for you." As the students began to mingle and mix to find their partners, she waved her wands, and the now deserted tables and benches flew to the sides of the room, stacking themselves neatly on top of each other.

Students have ten days to respond, though the thread may last longer, before they are counted as absent. If a student 'skips' their grades will fall. All you must do is post once per character in order for them to be counted as present and have their grades raised. I suggest you participate, because, well, I think this will be a fun class. My next post will be Sunday evening. Any students who haven't found a partner by then will be given one randomly. No posting order.

[ALAYA SILANE TIAUN]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

It was afternoon and she was heading to Transfiguration. It wasn't her top favorite but she did enjoy many of the spells learned in the class. She walked to her seat in the front row nodding to the snow leopard in a greeting as she took her normal seat. She was slightly surprised that there was nothing that would tell what the lesson would be. But then again this was the N.E.W.T.s class so it was to be a bit more challenging. She waited as the other students arrived.

She was always impressed by the grace of her professors transformation. She knew that it was unlikely that she would ever become an animagus herself. But that was not of any real concern to her. When the professor stated that the students get into groups she lowered her head slightly. She really was not good with partners and group work. She decided to wait until the professor pared the left out people together. That was usually how things were done with her other classes.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

notes;; none

[shailene]

Glancing at the clock in the library Shailene muttered to herself as she quickly placed her books, ink, and quill into her polka dotted bag. She had been working on her Defense Against the Dark Arts homework. It required a lot of research after the class. She shouldered her bag and quickly replaced the three books that she had scattered around her at the table. She didn't want the librarian to get on her case about not putting the books back. As soon as she was done with that task, Shailene left the library in a hurry, trying not to disrupt any peace or run into anyone, but she did not want to be late for her Transfiguration lesson today. Shailene was hardly ever late and she wanted to keep her record clean, after all a prefect needed to be a role model not only for her own house mates but for the entire school.

Thankfully the library and the Transfiguration classroom were only two floors apart making it easier for Shailene to arrive on time to her class. As she entered the class room she smiled at her Professor who was sitting atop her desk in her animagus form. Snow leopards were very gorgeous and Shailene always had the urge to pet her professor because Shailene knew she would probably never get a chance at touching a real snow leopard. Shailene took her seat chuckling at the idea of petting her professor one day, she wondered how Professor Swanepoel would take it.

Shailene was sitting near the front of the class when the professor announced that the lesson for today would be fun, perhaps something they could use for a prank. Shailene was a bit excited even though she wasn't big on pranking people but whatever they were going to learn today Shailene knew she might be docking points after class because surely many of her fellow classmates would take immediate action with this spell.

The class was ordered to get into pairs and Shailene looked around wondering who she could pair up with for this class. Hopefully she wouldn't be a left over.

[/size][/justify]

[ethan]

Ethan grumbled as he realized it was time for yet another class. Transfiguration class was about to start and he knew professor Swanepoel was no joke. He could not afford to be late this time around or else he would receive another detention which he was not fond of the idea. So he gathered his materials before shoving them into his back and headed to the blasted class.

Transfiguration was not one of his favorite classes but oddly enough he excelled at it. But it was one of the few that he actually had a natural skill for. Ethan was rather surprised when he achieved an OWL for this class, he was sure Professor Swanepoel was thinking she would never have to see him again. Ethan had turned into a bad seed after his sister's death and became one of the people who gave the professors a hard time so he wouldn't be the least be shock if some of them were glad that he was out of their hair.

Ethan strolled into the class and saw the Professor in her snow leopard form. "Show off." He muttered before taking his seat. He wasn't all that enthused on being forced to partner with someone. Why couldn't he just work by himself? Where was the harm in that?

[/size][/justify]

[zmeyette]

Zmeyette sauntered into Professor Swanepoel's transfiguration class room without a care in the world. She really didn't feel like being here at all, her head was pounding, body was sore, and her attitude just wasn't in the right place; then again when was it ever? Zmeyette tossed her bag onto the table that held her normal spot, not caring if anyone was sitting there or not. She claimed her seat in the back row, unamused by their Professor's appearance. In all reality Zmeyette really hated animaguses, being able to transform when one wanted was not fair in her eyes. Zmeyette was only allowed to transform once a month, it was a bit tiresome. She wished she could come and go as she pleased but Zmeyette was not given that luxury.

Transfiguration was by far one of the easiest classes for Zmeyette, she had no idea why, it wasn't as if she had a passion for the class. She pinned it on the fact that she was a werewolf, something that changed forms just as spells in Transfiguration did but she wasn't entirely sure that was the reason. Or perhaps it was her wand. But that was neither here not there, she was good at the class, practically excelled at it and she was quite happy with receiving her Os in this subject.

[/size][/justify]

[domin]

Time for class! Dominique was ready for his transfiguration class that he walked very quickly, but he didn’t run. He followed rules to the dot even if he was a slight show off. He carried his book bag which seemed to bounce off his body as he walked to his favorite lessons. He was really good at Transfiguration and he was proud of it. He expected nothing better from himself he even figured he would get an outstanding on his N.E.W.T.s grade for the class. He couldn’t wait to get that O and show it off to his siblings. He got to Transfiguration and sat somewhere near the middle so he could be close to the professor, but not in the back. He watched the professor intently and listened to her words as if they were the voice that only mattered.

So they were going to pick partners for today’s lesson? Interesting indeed……Dominique looked around the class and felt a bit disappointed there wasn’t many he would be willing to work with, but he did notice a fellow prefect in the class. So feeling up to the task he walked over to her and asked, “Would you like to work together Shailene?” He said it with a slight arrogant air as if he was the best choice in a partner she could make. He was showing off and even if he didn’t realize he liked showing off especially in front of a bunch of slytherin.

[rose]

It was time for another class and if she didn't hurry she would be late. And being late was something that Rose couldn't afford to be. She just knew if she was late she would land in detention and there was nothing worse than being forced to scrub something without magic. It was bad enough when she had to do it at home because she wasn't allowed to do magic. And professors always seemed to find something that would take ages. Hurrying down the corridors she slipped into the classroom and looked around. She briefly recognized the professor in her animagus form and hurred to find an empty seat. Where was Aubrey? She hoped her best friend showed up soon. Classes were always more fun when you had someone you knew well with you and although she knew some of these people they weren't anyone she knew reallly well.

Rose groaned softly as the professor told them to pair up. As bad as it was she didn't care to really pair up with anyone. Sure none of these students were particularly bad but she hated to work with people. What could be wrong with working by herself? She was sure she would get much more acomplished that way. She was more efficient when working alone. Still she didn't want to be paired with someone the professor had chosen and she didn't want to be the last one without a partner. Standing she looked around the classroom. Who was she to pair with?

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[vasilisa]

Vasilisa strolled in to class glad to see that she wouldn't be counted as late. She held her Transfiguration book in her hand with a piece of parchment tucked into it. Her wand stashed in her pocket as well as a quill and she carried her ink bottle in the other hand. Vasilisa usually had a bag to carry her materials in but she had been in such a rush it was left on her bed. But there wasn't that much needed for this class, it all fit well enough in her hands and pockets.

Vasilisa took a seat in the middle of the class, not really noticing anyone she really wanted to sit near which would become a problem since Professor Swanepoel wanted them to work in pairs. Vasilisa looked around for her fellow Slytherins for she needed to stay in character of the pureblooded witch just in case anyone reported to her father. Vasilisa noticed the Greyback girl as well as Ethan Frost. Both were just as unlikely as the next. Perhaps she should hold out for a bit until more students arrived before making her choice in one of the two stated previously.

[/size][/justify]

[shailene]

Hazel eyes looked over all the people in the classroom searching for someone to pair up with. Shailene had spotted no one she really knew but that wouldn't stop her. Just before she was about to get up and head over to one of the Gryffindor girls, she was blocked by a tall blonde guy. His name was Dominique Macmillan; fellow Hufflepuff and Prefect. Now Shailene wasn't a rude girl so she wouldn't deny him but Shailene was pretty sure she might of picked one of the Slytherins rather than pair with this guy.

Dominique really seemed to believe he was the best thing around and it was noted in his tone when he asked Shailene to be his partner. "Yeah, sure. That would be great." She said with a bright smile even though she really didn't believe it would be all that great. Shailene was sure she could get through this class without having any problems with her partner, she just didn't like guys who were entirely arrogant. "How have you been?" She asked, trying to create conversation, Shailene really hated awkward silences.

[/size][/justify]

[molly]

Molly had obviously excelled her OWLS, or else she wouldn't be in this class. Everyone else had too, so stop mentioning it! Kidding, go ahead. Anyway, Molly Weasley was one of the last to walk into class, an odd thing, but at least she had not been late. She didn't want or need any detentions, with just one yeadr left to go before graduation. Her long legs walked her over to a seat she had never sat in before, without realizing that someone else was sitting at that table. After a minute or two, she finally saw that an empty seat was seperating her from another student. She turned slightly, to see who it was and her heart stopped for a minute. All she could think of in that one second was 'Elijah'. But it couldn't be because he was not in the class. The green tie gave away the identity of her 'table-mate', it was Ethan, not Elijah or Elias. Her blue eyes quickly looked away and she flipped her long, red hair back.

Professor Swanepoel was already starting the lesson when Molly looked back up at the front of the class. So she'd need a partner? She turned around, still in her seat, to survey her classmates. Shailene and Dominique were already talking to each other, so no. She turned back around, still searching and she saw flaming red hair just across the room. Now, Molly loved her cousins, but she wasn't so sure if partnering with Rose would be the best idea, besides, Aubrey was sure to snatch her up soon. That left Alaya, Greyback, Vasilisa and her boyfriend's identical brother.

Molly frowned a bit, then looked to her right where Ethan was occupying a seat. She softly cleared her throat before getting up to sit on the chair that was separating them. "Ethan, right?" Of course it was Ethan, she wasn't stupid. The problem was that besides meeting Elijah's family for a few minutes every summer, she and Ethan had never really spoken before. He just spelled out trouble to her. Still, she was in need of a partner and he was right there. "I was wondering, since, you know, you haven't really gotten yourself a partner yet.... maybe we can work together."

[domin]

So he was successful. He had procured a partner without the professor having to assign him one. He didn’t really want to work with a slytherin and knowing his luck the professor would assign him one. He stared at Shailene and thought about how pretty she was. She would make a lovely trophy wife to a lucky man, but she wasn’t his type. She certainly was attractive though and he wouldn’t mind going out with her, she would definitely make him seem like someone who could get whatever he wanted with her by his side. Yes she would make a perfect object to add to his publicity so to speak. Before he realized it he was looking at her eyes with a slight dreamy stare thinking about what they could do together.

He only awoke from this trance when she asked him how he had been. He shook his head at the slight shock of her talking to him before saying, “Well……” He was slightly taken back by the question as he wasn’t expecting it. He thought she was going to be quiet and not question him, but he recovered his stance. “Fantastic. I just have been scolding some first years that needed a good talking to before class started. Maybe now they won’t be breaking rules again.” This was of course a lie in fact he had been neglecting his duties as a prefect and been just longing around enjoying the slight power he had without using it. He wasn’t that responsible when it came to power and he knew this, but he didn’t care it was like putting him on a higher pedestal than some of his other classmates and he preferred looking down on them. “So what have you been doing lately?” He asked suddenly trying to see if he could somehow catch her off guard so he could ask her out later.

[shailene]

Shailene was completely uninterested in this guy who seemed to be staring at her quite intensely. She almost wanted to roll her eyes but knew it would be entirely impolite of her to do. Shailene was far from the type of person to be rude so she acted as if she didn't notice her partner checking her out. Even though she felt uncomfortable it was, after all, a confidence boost.

Propping her head up with her hand as her elbow was supported by the table she listened to Dominique sport this lie about how he was reprimanding first years for whatever they had done wrong. Well maybe he wasn't lying but it was a known fact that he was one of the lazier prefects that had been assigned to their house. "What were these first years doing that was so wrong?" Shailene asked. "I'll have to keep an eye on them since they've already been warned once." She added.

Shailene tucked back her hair behind her ears as to get it out of the way since class would be starting soon. She was contemplating tying it back but waited to see what Professor Swanepoel had in store for today's lesson. "I've been up to the usual. Studying my arse off to get top marks, staying on top of my prefect duties, singing in the choir and trying to keep that going." She told Dominique. Shailene was a busy little Hufflepuff hardly having time for anything else.

[/size][/justify]

[ethan]

Couldn't the class just end? Or perhaps his life? Ethan wanted nothing to do with this lesson or whatever possible partner he would be given because surely no one would pick him. Ethan was terrible to work with even on his best days. He would wait until time ran out and hopefully there wouldn't be enough classmates to pair him up with and would be the solo worker. A few minutes went by before a wave of brilliant red hair caught his sight. Molly Weasley had walked into the classroom, his brother Elijah's girlfriend. Ethan had to admit the girl was beautiful, he was quite jealous of his brother Elijah but Ethan was able to get almost any girl he wanted which would have to suffice. She looked over at him and for a second it seemed as if Molly thought he was his brother. For a moment Molly was looking at him with love but it quickly vanished for he was not Elijah and never would be.

Ethan adjusted his glance to the front of the class waiting for time to run out. Suddenly Molly was sitting next to him now on the chair that had previous separated them. "Who else would I be?" He asked, a bit annoyed. He hated that people would question which brother he was. He was Ethan and only Ethan. "I doubt my brother will like this, but whatever floats your boat." Ethan said with a shrug.

[/size][/justify]

[LORANA ALEXIS SMITH]

Random placement was Lori’s usual when it came to finding a seat during classes. So, the moment the she walked into the room she had plopped herself down in the first available seat, which happened to be next to a Gryffindor girl with raven hair. She was the quiet sort from what Lorana could tell, but seemed to be nice enough on the few occasions that she had given her a friendly wave or smile in passing while they were both in the common room. Alaya had also managed to get herself into the Tournament that year and Lori liked the fact that the younger girl was one of the less well-known competitors. Thinking about the dynamic between Alaya and James was pretty amusing, but only offering a smile and a cheerful greeting, Lori didn’t keep it on her mind long.

She was eager to see what Professor Swanepoel was going to teach them this lesson. Transfiguration had always been one of her favourite classes, despite it not exactly being a breeze for Lorana. As they were informed that they would need a partner for the lesson Lori didn’t think that there was a better person than the one that she was currently sitting next to. Alaya hadn’t made any move to partner up so Lorana leaned over to be heard over the murmur of other students chattering as they found someone to pair up with. “Hey Alaya, want to be partners?” Lori questioned in her usual chipper tone.