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Post by Professor Orwin Ames on Nov 12, 2009 22:42:56 GMT
The room had three sharp corners, triangular in shape. It was wide, so much so that the odd geometric shape was easily unnoticed by many students, and made even more obscure by the barren walls.
The desolate room, deserted by warmth and comfort, was stifling in its severity. The dark walls were a brown so deep they appeared black, and yet every so often through the corner of their eye, one would assume it looked red. Disconcerting in many ways, the triangular prism - or prison, really, as there were no windows - was not the best first impression a professor could make.
Though Orwin Ames never made a good first impression. In fact, he was doomed to make purely terrible last impressions as well - a fact both well-known and disregarded by the horribly strange man.
"A little to the left..."
Orwin, facing the chalkboard intently, raised a hand in acknowledgment without turning around.
"Your other left, Ames..."
With a rather awkward laugh, Orwin shifted the board in the right direction the second time. After his room was perfected - as in, a disarray of desks in the middle facing said chalkboard - the professor walked to the opposite end of the classroom where the voice had come from.
Eventually, he crossed over and was facing a painting of the late Mercutio Lovegood - a well-known lunatic that felt quite sane when next to Orwin Ames. Of course, Ames wouldn't have brought along the portrait if the hysteric man wasn't also the only man to have recovered Runes from the mummies of ancient Egpyt.
"How does it look?" Ames asked expectantly, shoving his hands in the pockets of his wrinkled robes.
"Just like you." Mercutio replied seriously. "Horrible."
It was a wonder to the first student to enter, seeing their professor talking to a portrait as if no one else existed.[/color]
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Post by Dania Dahl on Nov 12, 2009 23:10:44 GMT
You know, you should get a tattoo. The voice told her, and she scrunched her face up for a moment, grinning at the idea. Somehow the thought of her permanently stabbing ink into her skin made her shudder, then again it was rather chilly in the common room; someone had blown up the potted azaleas and in order to waft the smell out the head of house had opened a couple windows. Waking up early this time the Hufflepuff had braided her hair, and while it was a little messy as usual it never seemed to look bad, this fact pleasing her greatly as she slipped on her shoes and headed through the Great Hall. The reputation of this class was it was incredibly difficult, and while the only grade of hers that soared was Herbology Dania dearly hoped she wouldn't do too badly at Ancient Runes.
Gently knocking on the door to the room now she slowly popped her head inside, listening intently to the sound of the apparent professor speaking to someone. As she entered inside however she found his companion was not a person but in fact a portrait, and while to some this may seem odd she smiled happily, aware that portraits at times made the best conversational partners. Oh, the stories they had! It was as if the artist had dipped their brush in the ink wells of time and painted their pictures with history, the things the people seemed to know.. Either that, or they fibbed it on the spot to keep her amused. Apparently a few years ago a Hufflepuff with a temper had destroyed one of the frames nearby simply because the inhabitants present had insulted them. Hearing this a while back she had laughed at the thought of the student, very much like a rogue elephant, ripping hazardously at the canvas. Such a callous destruction of beauty..
"Hello." Dania greeted the man with a small smile, setting her book bag down as her eyes flitted around the oddly shaped room, aquainting themselves with the images set before her.
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Post by Kohana Engel on Nov 13, 2009 0:13:43 GMT
Whatever enthusiam Kohana had held for Ancient Runes had evaporated, replaced by a daunting though no less curious apprhension. After the events of the previous day involving rogue corridors, portalesque portraits and vanishing Seers, the hope of an ordinary school year was no longer on the agenda. She now approached the coming hour not with a readiness to learn but a question as to whether she really wanted to know. What was Professor Ames's secret, she wondered? Perhaps today she would find out...
She froze upon sight of the portrait, however.
It was not an easy existence, residing in a castle of living photographs that watched you and bade you good morning, especially if your fear happened to be just that, the lingering dead in any form – yet Kohana managed to avoid them nevertheless. It was thus a rather disconcerting surprise to see one waiting for her in her first lesson of the day, a double period to add insult to injury.
Her manners left her, replaced with uncivil disregard. ‘Is he staying?’ she pointed at the eccentric gentleman in the painting, though, saying that, there were indeed two in the room.
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Post by Professor Orwin Ames on Nov 13, 2009 1:02:45 GMT
"Oh?" Orwin glanced down at himself, surprised at his appearance. "Well, I suppose it can't be helped..." He trailed off, studying his robes perhaps too intently, until voices called for his attention.
"Lovegood, you mean?" The professor regarded Kohana with a flicker of familiarity. Smiling in a rather confused way, as if unsure whether or not his presumption was correct, Orwin continued, "Yes, indeed. Did you want to meet him?"
Orwin, unfortunately, was not very good on a social scale. He didn't notice that Mercutio was Kohana's perfect antagonist and thought he was doing exceptionally well thus far at being a wonderful professor. "Actually, that may have to wait. We're running late,"
They weren't really, and if Orwin was gazing at a watch instead of his bare wrist, he might've known. [/color]
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Post by Gemma Leigh on Nov 13, 2009 3:18:52 GMT
Gemma entered the barren room quietly with a studious glance toward their professor. He did look strange and was staring at his wrist with an expression that seemed all together too confused for such a mundane task. "Did he say late?" She asked Dania, alarmed. "There's still time..." Gemma had walked up to her housemate for the sake of finding a familiar face. They weren't exactly friends yet Dania seemed safe; happy and cheerful, but above all else, accepting.
Turning back to the scene in front of her, Gemma smiled nervously. What an awkward pair of men... and if Gemma was any good at reading body language, the Gryffindor seemed to think so as well. |
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Post by Lilliah Kane on Nov 13, 2009 14:59:51 GMT
Ancient Runes was her second lesson that morning, she just hoped it was more interesting than History. She couldnt help yawning in that lesson. Even if she was a Ravenclaw she liked things that challenged her mind and listening to the Professor just talk while they all took notes was not challenging in any sense of the word. The corridors were pretty full of students rushing to get to their next lessons, Lily was just trying to duck past most of them. She wasnt exactly tall to be quite honest and people often overlooked her. Not that she minded much, she didnt like being the centre of attention anyway.
Turning down a corridor, she stopped outside the door for Ancient Runes, nobody was standing outside so she figured they must already be inside. Pushing the door open, which creaked slightly, she walked into the room. Noticing straight away that people were already here. Smiling, she took a seat in the middle of the room and pulled out her Ancient Runes book. Though the Professor was already in conversation with one of the other students and when he said that they were running late, Lily raised an eyebrow. She was sure they had at least five more minutes before the class had to start. She looked at the painting and gently shook her blonde head. Whatever was going on here she was sure she could do without knowing.
There were already enough crazy Professors in this school. Surely it didnt need any more. |
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Post by Narcissus Drachen on Nov 13, 2009 17:55:54 GMT
‘Of course she wants to meet him’. Narcissus materialised at Kohana’s shoulder, rotten honey eyes sticky with intent. With one heartless shove she was up before the portrait, reeling under the scrutiny of Mercutio Lovegood. ‘What doesn’t kill us can only make us more wary of the next encounter, after all. What do you think, Professor?’ Though Narcissus’s antics were easily forgot these days, several private looks of grief glowed like lights across the room. ‘Get a grip, Koko. It’s just paint.’
Offering her an unsympathetic smile, Narcissus curled into a seat furthest away from the chalkboard, only now noticing the three-sided, blood-chocolate nature of room. ‘And what’s all this supposed to mean?’ He gazed eagerly at the professor, amused by such personal disarray.
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Post by Myles Bentley on Nov 13, 2009 18:31:27 GMT
At the start of term, Myles had no inclination at all to join Ancient Runes. The subject asked too much of him, and he'd never been particularly interested. It was just another course he'd never use outside of Hogwarts and sleep was, decidedly, more important.
Though walking into the room just minutes before the start of lesson, Myles couldn't help feeling at least a little curious about the professor - Especially after their first encounter in the dungeons. Being caged in the triangular room didn't feel like any normal lesson - it felt more important, like something was going to be revealed. The answer to questions Myles didn't even know were plaguing him.
His eyes swept over the surrounding students, noticing Dania immediately but also seeing her with another Hufflepuff girl. Without sparing another look, he seated himself furthest away from them. It was at the back of the classroom, near Kohana and the portrait - both of which Myles couldn't ignore even if he tried.
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Post by Dania Dahl on Nov 14, 2009 5:30:40 GMT
Angling her eyes back towards the door as Kohana burst out of the bustling hallway, she watched as the Gryffindor's face lapsed into silence, taking in the demure atmosphere as she flashed a look at the rather frazzled-looking man near the painting. She asked if he was leaving, and the fifth year merely replied with a small smile and a shake of her head--she was sure he was the professor, Hogwarts couldn't be that lax in the security department. The seating of Dania's housemate failed to stir much of a reaction save for a nod however, and she clasped her hands together, rubbing her fingers against the backs of her palms. "You arent late." She assured her, sounding distracted, staring past the girl as Myles walked into the classroom. He didn't even pause as he promptly ignored her, choosing instead the furthest seat possible without pressing himself into a corner. Their earlier encounter had been a day or two ago, and they hadn't really since each other since, though she had been sure they would meet again. Dania had woken something in him, she could feel it.
Confident in this the Hufflepuff glanced at her absentminded scrawlings, the sloping hills and strange creatures staring back at her as if willing words to her lips. If she kept this up there wouldn't be any room for taking notes. This was a petty distraction though, and she took mention of this now; glancing back at the Slytherin with a neutral look in her eyes, the girl was unable to hide the knowing glimmer that burned there. He would notice, and he wouldn't be happy about it. Probably silently demand that she turn back, ignore him completely. Their very conversation had smeared his reputation.
The moment was gone and Dania turned her back to him, refusing to make idle chit-chat to pass the time. If there was something she had to say, she'd say it, instead of asking about petty, meaningless things.
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Post by Gemma Leigh on Nov 14, 2009 17:30:08 GMT
"Oh..." Gemma trailed off when the girl seemed to look right through her. Though when she turned around she saw nothing but a few new students walking into the classroom. Feeling confused, Gemma looked back at Dania curiously with a question on her lips. But she noticed right away, somewhat demurely, that her housemate did not seem to want to talk to her, or anyone.
Well, Gemma never did make friends right away. The Hufflepuff crossed her arms as she waited patiently for the lesson though couldn't help but crane her neck to watch the show behind her. |
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Post by Kohana Engel on Nov 15, 2009 17:20:31 GMT
Kohana stared Narcissus down with frigid eyes, his tough-love encouragement lost on her – as it was on most people.
Adopting a polite though sickly expression, Kohana looked back at the Professor. ‘Late, oh dear! Well I’m sure we’ll all meet him soon enough. Let other’s have a good first,’ she replied breathily. A pulse of acknowledgment exchanged between Kohana and the Professor Ames at that point, its apprehensive circuit broken almost instantly by the Gryffindor’s retreat.
Kohana scurried to the nearest empty seat - nearly running into someone in the process - then glanced at the figure next to her. Myles. ‘Hi,’ she smiled sheepishly, affronted by their unplanned proximity. His response was a listless stare, fingers drumming upon the tabletop. No escape now, Kohana accepted with futility, suddenly imagining the three claustrophobic walls of the classroom as Myles, Lovegood and Ames. I should've sat next to Gemma!
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Post by Anthony Evans on Nov 15, 2009 18:12:53 GMT
"Bloody school... my life sucks."
Anthony trudged to Ancient Runes, a sour look on his face. He didn't want to join the class - it was too early and dreadfully boring, if he remembered correctly. But it was a requirement, according to his mother, for many Ministry jobs. She obviously didn't know Anthony was going to be famous quidditch player before a Ministry official - and considering his fear of heights and dislike for the magical sport, that was saying something.
When he entered the room, he had to stumble back as Kohana blindly ran past him and into a seat - only resurfacing his bad mood. "Oi! Careful!" His hair flickered over his eyes and bounced uneasily as he shook his fist. Combined with her disregard for his moodiness, and her choice of seat - next to a Slytherin it looked like - Anthony was feeling all the more put out.
Until he spotted Gemma. Dragging his bag with him, the Gryffindor smiled brilliantly. "Gemma!" He didn't know if she'd agree, but he'd classified them as friends now - though he did do that too often and too easily, it was true. "Good morning... did you bring breakfast?"
Anthony realised quite belatedly that he had forgotten to eat.
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Post by Professor Orwin Ames on Nov 16, 2009 2:34:08 GMT
Professor Ames glanced at his students, sensing the first manifestations of friendship and feeling extremely pleased with it.
Of course, he didn't notice Kohana's apprehension as she sidled next to Myles, who was glaring quite obviously at everything in his line of vision. He didn't sense Lilliah's solitary attitude nor Gemma's loneliness. Orwin's eyes glanced amiably at Anthony, though the boy's blatantly sour expression sat adjacent Dania's downcast irises. And Narcissus? Well, the only friendship blossoming there was the one with himself.
"Good morning," he began from next to the portrait. His tone of voice had not changed to become authoritative, yet he continued. "Welcome to Ancient Runes. I'm your professor, Orwin Ames," It ended in a question. Even Ames was doubting the validity of that statement.
He didn't move, instead continued to talk to his class in a way that they had to stare behind them. There was a gap of silence as though he expected the teenagers to be the ones to teach him. Then finally:
"Well, what's first?"
Ames waved a hand beside him and the flutter of thick pages was heard. In his palm a collection of parchment appeared, though it was as organised as the man who possessed them. "Lesson two... four... Daily Prophet? Ah! Here we go - Lesson One."
And then the most obvious question. Even Orwin looked at it somewhat alarmed. "So how much do you know about Ancient Runes?" He recited it word for word from what he'd written down weeks prior, and his eyes didn't leave the paper until he was done.
He paused and then looked up to face his class. Running a hand through his hair with a free hand, Orwin coughed awkwardly in the silence. [/color]
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Post by Myles Bentley on Nov 16, 2009 5:58:01 GMT
Myles had ignored Dania quite well he thought, but when he looked up to confirm this she was staring at him with a disregard for his privacy. He felt furious just returning the look, fingers clenching around his quill, and immediately dropped his gaze. What she thought she knew, and what knowledge she actually had about him were quite different. Dania provided everyone with her own story and then acted a saviour because of it, and Myles was determined to prove to her that there were truly vile people in this world - him included.
When his moment of his rage slowly dissipated, Myles felt the normal creep of boredom replace it. It was a familiar feeling while in lesson, and with a loud sigh the Slytherin reclined in his seat. Kohana's presence was met with the meager drone of fingertips against his desk, before he finally broke their silence.
"Hogwarts must be desperate for staff," He stated, his voice overshadowed by a hungry Gryffindor seated in front of him. Frowning, Myles flattened his fingers to give them a stretch just as the professor officially began the lesson - even though no one realised for the first half a minute due to his lackluster tone.
Deciding someone else would reply to the question, pining for housepoints surely, Myles pressed his lips together in his reluctance to answer.
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Post by Vanessa Malfoy on Nov 20, 2009 23:02:45 GMT
Vanessa was walking slowly down the long and narrow hallway, wanting to be as late for class as humanely possible. She hated the class whole-heartedly, and she hadn't exactly been herself lately. Looking a bit jumpy to say the least she held her leather messenger bag close to her side as if it was going to snatched by a passerby. She had grown strangely attached to the thing, or rather, what was in it.
Her actions were nothing short of abnormal, especially to those that knew Vanessa well enough to see the transition from giggly to anti-social. She hadn't attended a party held by her fellow Slytherins in quite a long time and hardly attended meals, if at all.
Vanessa would eat in solitude, studying the contents of her bag rather than those in a textboook and ignoring the massive ammount of letters she had recieved within the past month or so. It was obvious that she had something on her mind, but without her telling you herself it was incredibly hard to put a finger on just one thing.
She listened to her heels clap against the floor until she arrived at a door that had been assigned the name "Ancient Runes". Oh great, another class for her to dream though. By dream I mean day-dream of course, because classes themselves weren't on the top of her agenda at the moment. If only Nessa had done a better job of hiding it. She pushed the door open and glanced in a moment later, trying to tip-toe her way to a seat in the back. The load tapping of her shoes made it impossible, so a comment, as always, was extended to the teacher.
So how much do you know about Ancient Runes? She rolled her eyes at their newest professor, pulling her bag up onto her lap after taking a seat beside Myles. After all, he was the only other Slytherin in the room. "This is lesson one you know," she said with a hint of laughter, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs one over the other. "Didn't you even take the time to look over the assignments from last term?"
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