Thursday, September 2nd, 2117
Defense Classroom
2pm, First years, Defense Against The dark Arts

Professor Hael Shurley


The old classroom was rather empty at the moment. Not a soul to be seen. Outside, the halls bustled with the sound of laughter and shouting. Children's voices. Inside the room, silence. Except for one lone clock. A rather large grandfather clock stood against the wall. The first thing one would see when entering. The desks were pushed against the wall on the right. leaving the majority of the floor space clear. Instead of the regular wooden floors seen throughout the Castle, this room had what appeared to be gym mats covering the open space. off to the left, sat a lone desk. Rather messy with books, quills, ink pots, and other knickknacks. One would wonder how this particular professor found anything. Most would be surprised to find who it belonged to.

This particular room belonged to Professor Hael Shurley. A rather stern woman, one would be surprised to learn she kept her desk such a mess. She strides into the room just as lunch began. After all, it was the first day of class! How could she be expected to sit around eating and wasting time on such an important day?! No, no. No time for that. She'd grabbed a small sandwich in the Great Hall, saying hello to her colleagues, before making her way to her classroom. Much to the amusement, and disapproval, of some of the others. Though, by now, they were all used to her antics.

She takes a look around the classroom, studying it as she prepared for the day's lesson. she'd already taught the second and third years that morning. Still, first year was different. And, as such, her favorite. In addition to seeing the students' awe and wonder at all magic could do. At all they could now do, she was able to see them put it to practical use. And for the more rambunctious, she was able to help them better focus that energy. After all, who could resist the lure of being encouraged to stun or jinx a friend (or, enemy, as the case may be). Others disapproved of this. But, honestly! It was bound to happen anyway. She'd at least give them a safe place to explore this.

Deciding on a spell to teach the youngsters, she pulls out her wand. Waving the white and almost gold aspen wand, she began to create the tools they needed. Each desk, began to transform, as it did, it would move to the center of the classroom, lining up in rows. Each one became a training dummy. Perfect, and, appropriate for first years to practice on.

These were different than muggle contraptions. No, these were much different indeed. They would each be enchanted to react to the student's spell. They would react as any body would to each spell cast. They could even move, dodge, walk, jump. She, unfortunately, had to draw the line somewhere. And so, they would not actually attack the students. At least, not with first years. . .

As she began preparing the classroom, and transforming each desk, the room began to fill. A gaggle of young, excitable students stood along the back wall. They would be able to watch as she finished.

She then grins, and walks towards the front of the classroom gracefully. Turning to face her students as she stood in front of the section of dummies. "Everyone, pick a dummy and stand beside it. Quick, Quick!" She exclaims, not hiding the excitement in her voice.

She began talking as they took their places. "This is Defense Against the Dark Arts. A very important class. I will expect each of you to apply yourselves. To excel. Here, we will learn, and explore, ways of defending ourselves. And others, against anything and everything that can be thrown against us. You may question why this is needed. After all, we have not had any real danger since Voldemort. Or, for you muggle born, you may wonder why such things are necessary. Can't magic do anything?

You'd be right. Magic can. If you know how to use it." She pauses, looking over each student before her. Then, continuing. "It is true that we have not had a major war since what is fondly known as the Battle of Hogwarts, the Second Great Wizarding War. But, this is precisely why this class is important. That final battle was decided by students just like you. Students were called upon to defend this very school. I am sure you've even met a ghost or two that fought. Perhaps you've talked to the portraits of professors who fought that day?" She asked them curiously. Eyeing each one for several moments.

"I can assure you. None of them thought they would need those skills that day. All of the magic community thought Voldemort had been dead for seventeen years or so. I am here to make sure, if someone tries to harm any of you, you will have the tools you need. You will not be caught unaware. You will know how to duel, and you will know how to win. No matter what. We learn these tools, hoping to never use them. Prepared if the time does come."

With the end of this speech, she waved her wand, creating another dummy beside her. Matching those among the students. "Each of these dummies will react as any witch or wizard would. They will become your new best friend in this class. Every spell I show you, you will try on your own with these. Today, we will be learning a rather fascinating spell. We will be locking the legs of your dummy. Stopping them from walking." Here, she grins at a few confused faces. "Don't worry, you'll understand soon enough!"

With this announcement she turns to her dummy. With a flick of her wand, it comes to life. Running in place. The sight rather comical. She gracefully waves her wand again. Down, to the left, down again, and to the right. "Locomotor Mortis" With this, the dummy stops in mid stride, falling over in place.

"Now then, your turn! let's see what you can do, hmm?" She flicks her wand, bringing each of their dummies to life. . . .