Ancient Runes
Ancient Runes was taken over this term by Professor Flamel. He didn’t let the term's excitement get in his way and his lessons continued on as usual, focusing on Isa and Kenaz. Ice and Fire. While Runes certainly is not one of the easier classes out there, at least for me anyhow, Professor Flamel is always happy to help anyway he can. I was able to sit down with him for a few minutes and ask him some questions about his favorite subject: Ancient Runes.
Hello. Thank you for meeting with me and agreeing to answer a few of my questions. Let’s start with an easy one, hm? What’s your favorite rune or runes and why?
Not a problem at all, Miss Prichard. I am more than happy to answer any questions you have prepared for me. As for my favourite rune … hmm … I would have to say Kenaz is a rune that I have always been drawn toward. An excellent energy that, if controlled properly, can produce great insight and inspiration. As well as physical illumination, of course.
What’s the best thing about teaching Ancient Runes to a bunch of Hogwarts students?
I would have to say that, just like when I taught adults at Cairo Wizarding University before coming here, it is inspiring to see young minds pursue knowledge of runes and master how to use their energies for good. Focusing on Hogwarts specifically, it is quite exciting seeing a handful of the school’s population so willing and eager to take on the subject.
I heard you used to be a Curse-Breaker. Why the switch to become a Professor?
Yes, it is indeed true that I was once a Curse-Breaker. Though that was quite some time ago, right after I graduated from university. After five years in the role, I would have to say that I learned a lot about myself during those years and my interests changed. It is what led me to pursue research at Cairo WU, which resulted in being a guest lecturer and eventual professor at the university and then here at Hogwarts.
Do you keep any runes with you at all times and if so what are they? Why or why not?
For the most part, there are usually one or two runes that I carry around with me. Though which runes end up in my pocket tend to change, depending on what the current climate of the place I am is and which runes speak out to me. Today I am carrying Ehwaz and Dagaz, to invoke energies that aid in communication and prompt a positive outcome.
If you were creating a protection rune for yourself or someone you care about which runes would you use?
Without a doubt I would use Algiz, which does translate to “defense” or “protection.” Though, to supplement that run, I would combine Algiz with Uruz for strength and Isa to block any unwanted energy. The three runes combined would be quite a powerful source of protection.
Hello. Thank you for meeting with me and agreeing to answer a few of my questions. Let’s start with an easy one, hm? What’s your favorite rune or runes and why?
Not a problem at all, Miss Prichard. I am more than happy to answer any questions you have prepared for me. As for my favourite rune … hmm … I would have to say Kenaz is a rune that I have always been drawn toward. An excellent energy that, if controlled properly, can produce great insight and inspiration. As well as physical illumination, of course.
What’s the best thing about teaching Ancient Runes to a bunch of Hogwarts students?
I would have to say that, just like when I taught adults at Cairo Wizarding University before coming here, it is inspiring to see young minds pursue knowledge of runes and master how to use their energies for good. Focusing on Hogwarts specifically, it is quite exciting seeing a handful of the school’s population so willing and eager to take on the subject.
I heard you used to be a Curse-Breaker. Why the switch to become a Professor?
Yes, it is indeed true that I was once a Curse-Breaker. Though that was quite some time ago, right after I graduated from university. After five years in the role, I would have to say that I learned a lot about myself during those years and my interests changed. It is what led me to pursue research at Cairo WU, which resulted in being a guest lecturer and eventual professor at the university and then here at Hogwarts.
Do you keep any runes with you at all times and if so what are they? Why or why not?
For the most part, there are usually one or two runes that I carry around with me. Though which runes end up in my pocket tend to change, depending on what the current climate of the place I am is and which runes speak out to me. Today I am carrying Ehwaz and Dagaz, to invoke energies that aid in communication and prompt a positive outcome.
If you were creating a protection rune for yourself or someone you care about which runes would you use?
Without a doubt I would use Algiz, which does translate to “defense” or “protection.” Though, to supplement that run, I would combine Algiz with Uruz for strength and Isa to block any unwanted energy. The three runes combined would be quite a powerful source of protection.
Astronomy
I’ve written about Kalen Kennedy before. He’s a good professor, and a smart man mostly - except for last term when he tried to rebel against the machine. But that was last term. This term we’re back to the original song of student danger and long lessons.
Class was set for dusk on the grounds. It was October, and Professor Kennedy had opted not to have food or drinks this year. All of us were a little on edge as we dipped in, memories of last year coating the heck out of everything - but what could you do? Hogwarts was a landmine of memories - good and bad. It was best to keep your chin up. Not everyone was freaked out, the first years seemed more chipper than usual, including little Camilus Therble who practically crackled with energy. Head Girl (wild choice, but okay) Chloe Kettleburn piped in, suggesting Professor 2-K invite the Giant Squid along for the lesson (he said no). But obviously, the most charming presence was Abraham Botros Jr. He practically glowed in the setting sunlight - golden and warm, he offered the professor two greetings - a good afternoon and a good evening just to cover the law. A nerd if I ever saw one. Anyway? Anyway. I grabbed a spot near the back, so I could properly observe - distractions easy in a class this big - and while I love distractions, it’s NEWT year.
Kennedy didn’t bother messing around, he jumped right in with a question: What did we know about stars? I’ve never seen so many hands shoot up, people literally couldn’t wait to answer. Caolen Wilson got very technical, bringing up the fact stars are essentially just great big balls of gas. Gasses like Hydrogen. Natalie MAcHowever-you-spell-her-last-name brought up the (depressing) point that most of the stars we see at night - are - in fact - dead. Aaron Botros, seemed a fair bit of lost - but he brought up a point I still don’t get. Constellations are??? Apparently important in agriculture. Hedges. That’s it, that’s the tweet. Astrology was mentioned, nuclear fusion was mentioned… I lost track after that, there was a lot. As it turned out, we were to be studying the biggest star around (no, it wasn’t Justine Janvier, Alice Fischer or Noel Wallace… Or Charlie Black.), it was the sun, you heathens.
First things first, how did the sun factor into our lives- practically speaking?
Practically speaking: Sunlight, as pointed out by Sterling Calrissian some people -mostly muggles, use sunlight along with Solar Panels to produce their own kind of electricity. I’ve seen them before, and her theory checks out. Fantina Dantes sunlight’s used to kill bacteria in water (but it’ll take six hours). Abraham Botros Jr. (very cute, Idk him but I’d like to) Brought up the ancient art of heliomancy. It’s an act of divination which uses the shape of shadows and the sun’s rays to determine omens of good and bad. Pretty useful. A lot of answers were right, but not right in the academic sense. Like sunbathing (Maxton), or keeping one warm and toasty (Faith) or vitamin D (Drewett Slinkhard), or as Vita simply put it, the sun cheers ya up. After this little call and response session, Kennedy brought the class back to attention and hit us with today’s focus. Sundials. (Unrelated but, Maxton and Natalie have some intense energy) We needed a rock and a stick, which we were not to produce magically, but search through the grounds for. Neato. Class got down to it. Gathering, Searching, Foraging. Eventually we all gathered back around with our flat stones and long sticks and waited for the Professor’s next bit. Shocker! It was sticking the stick to the rock. Yeah, we got to decorate too, but that didn’t change the fact we were messing around with rocks and sticks. and that was it. That was the end. We all had our little sundials and we’d be using them over the next few months. I guess? Yeah, creativity.
Class was set for dusk on the grounds. It was October, and Professor Kennedy had opted not to have food or drinks this year. All of us were a little on edge as we dipped in, memories of last year coating the heck out of everything - but what could you do? Hogwarts was a landmine of memories - good and bad. It was best to keep your chin up. Not everyone was freaked out, the first years seemed more chipper than usual, including little Camilus Therble who practically crackled with energy. Head Girl (wild choice, but okay) Chloe Kettleburn piped in, suggesting Professor 2-K invite the Giant Squid along for the lesson (he said no). But obviously, the most charming presence was Abraham Botros Jr. He practically glowed in the setting sunlight - golden and warm, he offered the professor two greetings - a good afternoon and a good evening just to cover the law. A nerd if I ever saw one. Anyway? Anyway. I grabbed a spot near the back, so I could properly observe - distractions easy in a class this big - and while I love distractions, it’s NEWT year.
Kennedy didn’t bother messing around, he jumped right in with a question: What did we know about stars? I’ve never seen so many hands shoot up, people literally couldn’t wait to answer. Caolen Wilson got very technical, bringing up the fact stars are essentially just great big balls of gas. Gasses like Hydrogen. Natalie MAcHowever-you-spell-her-last-name brought up the (depressing) point that most of the stars we see at night - are - in fact - dead. Aaron Botros, seemed a fair bit of lost - but he brought up a point I still don’t get. Constellations are??? Apparently important in agriculture. Hedges. That’s it, that’s the tweet. Astrology was mentioned, nuclear fusion was mentioned… I lost track after that, there was a lot. As it turned out, we were to be studying the biggest star around (no, it wasn’t Justine Janvier, Alice Fischer or Noel Wallace… Or Charlie Black.), it was the sun, you heathens.
First things first, how did the sun factor into our lives- practically speaking?
Practically speaking: Sunlight, as pointed out by Sterling Calrissian some people -mostly muggles, use sunlight along with Solar Panels to produce their own kind of electricity. I’ve seen them before, and her theory checks out. Fantina Dantes sunlight’s used to kill bacteria in water (but it’ll take six hours). Abraham Botros Jr. (very cute, Idk him but I’d like to) Brought up the ancient art of heliomancy. It’s an act of divination which uses the shape of shadows and the sun’s rays to determine omens of good and bad. Pretty useful. A lot of answers were right, but not right in the academic sense. Like sunbathing (Maxton), or keeping one warm and toasty (Faith) or vitamin D (Drewett Slinkhard), or as Vita simply put it, the sun cheers ya up. After this little call and response session, Kennedy brought the class back to attention and hit us with today’s focus. Sundials. (Unrelated but, Maxton and Natalie have some intense energy) We needed a rock and a stick, which we were not to produce magically, but search through the grounds for. Neato. Class got down to it. Gathering, Searching, Foraging. Eventually we all gathered back around with our flat stones and long sticks and waited for the Professor’s next bit. Shocker! It was sticking the stick to the rock. Yeah, we got to decorate too, but that didn’t change the fact we were messing around with rocks and sticks. and that was it. That was the end. We all had our little sundials and we’d be using them over the next few months. I guess? Yeah, creativity.
Care of Magical Creatures
So, after the disaster that was last term, Professor Wayland was back where he belonged: at the front of the class. And his first lesson of the term? Zouwu, which are these awesomely huge cats with long, multicolored tails that move awesomely fast. Some people think these beautiful creatures are dangerous, but really they are just like a regular cat. Okay, obviously you don’t want to anger one of these creatures, not just because of the size, but also because of the fangs and claws. But as long as you avoid that you should be fine.
Anyway, as we learned from Professor Wayland, the best way to distract a zouwu is through cat toys. The shinier the better. Having a smell that is enticing to the creature also helps, as Natalie McKinley found out (lucky duck). But absolutely no singing, Lenora Bell, lest you scare the creature and cause it to attack. Luckily, there were cat toys hidden under our hay bales for us to practice distracting (and maybe petting) the big, lovely creature. Unfortunately, we weren’t distracting the Zouwu to ride her, but to groom her including trimming and filing her nails, brushing her fur and cutting any matting from it. Which was still cool, just not as cool.
The next lesson was on the leucrotta, which is a weird creature with a moose-like head; the neck, chest and tail of a lion and the hindquarters of a stag. Oh, and watch out when they open their mouths, because they are HUGE. Like, scary big. Something that Thadius Potter quite rightly pointed out. Another disturbing fact about the creatures? They can mimic sounds, much like a mockingbird and their 'teeth' are actually one large bone that can crush anything (so sorry, Professor Wayland, your assurances that they didn't eat humans didn't help, not this Hufflepuff anyway). Unfortunately, the lesson involved getting close to the large, disturbing things. First, we had to feed and brush them and try to get them to mimic us. Hanna Newton had the right idea in trying to stay as far away as possible. I mean, look at those things! Then came time to brush their teeth. Not fun, not when you’re afraid that at any moment, the leucrotta is going to snap it’s mouth shut and your arm is going to be lost in the chasm forever. Not to mention the fact that the leucrotta sometimes liked to spit the stuff back at you. I'm shuddering just thinking about it.
And that was Care of Magical Creatures for the term. We will truly miss Professor Wayland and the wonderful creatures he taught us about, and wish him (and his husband! What, didn’t think we’d notice? We notice everything professors!) nothing but good things for the future.
Anyway, as we learned from Professor Wayland, the best way to distract a zouwu is through cat toys. The shinier the better. Having a smell that is enticing to the creature also helps, as Natalie McKinley found out (lucky duck). But absolutely no singing, Lenora Bell, lest you scare the creature and cause it to attack. Luckily, there were cat toys hidden under our hay bales for us to practice distracting (and maybe petting) the big, lovely creature. Unfortunately, we weren’t distracting the Zouwu to ride her, but to groom her including trimming and filing her nails, brushing her fur and cutting any matting from it. Which was still cool, just not as cool.
The next lesson was on the leucrotta, which is a weird creature with a moose-like head; the neck, chest and tail of a lion and the hindquarters of a stag. Oh, and watch out when they open their mouths, because they are HUGE. Like, scary big. Something that Thadius Potter quite rightly pointed out. Another disturbing fact about the creatures? They can mimic sounds, much like a mockingbird and their 'teeth' are actually one large bone that can crush anything (so sorry, Professor Wayland, your assurances that they didn't eat humans didn't help, not this Hufflepuff anyway). Unfortunately, the lesson involved getting close to the large, disturbing things. First, we had to feed and brush them and try to get them to mimic us. Hanna Newton had the right idea in trying to stay as far away as possible. I mean, look at those things! Then came time to brush their teeth. Not fun, not when you’re afraid that at any moment, the leucrotta is going to snap it’s mouth shut and your arm is going to be lost in the chasm forever. Not to mention the fact that the leucrotta sometimes liked to spit the stuff back at you. I'm shuddering just thinking about it.
And that was Care of Magical Creatures for the term. We will truly miss Professor Wayland and the wonderful creatures he taught us about, and wish him (and his husband! What, didn’t think we’d notice? We notice everything professors!) nothing but good things for the future.
Charms
What can one say about Dolly Dopple? She was certainly an….interesting pick to replace former Charms professor Gaston Marchand. She fit the definition of ‘little old lady’ to a tee. Which, come to think of it, should’ve been our first warning as to what was coming. But let me back up a minute, back to the first Charms class of the term where we were introduced to the elderly Professor Dopple.
Upon first entering the room, your breath was taken away, almost literally, by the absolutely INSANE amounts of heat. Like, it must’ve been at least a thousand degrees in there. Now it would be easy to say ‘well, why didn’t you take your sweater off’, but some of us hadn’t thought we’d be visiting the sun that day, okay? Anyway, that wasn’t the only problematic thing that one would run into. At the front of the room, on Professor Dopple’s desk, was perched a kneazle which wasn’t the problematic part. No, the problematic part was that the creature appeared DEAD. Okay then, professor.
The zaniness continued when Professor Dopple didn’t notice that there was multiple Maxton Cardens in the class instead of just the one. No, seriously, there were five versions of Max, much to the surprise of even the Slytherin prefect himself. Another who wasn’t quite so amused? One Head Boy Derfael Ashburry-Hawthorne (one would think it would be Max’s girlfriend, but she seemed as oblivious to the shenanigans as Dopple), who went and fetched the Headmaster. It was then that it became obvious what was going on. Dopple was nearly as blind as a bat!* Honestly, between this revelation, the many Maxes and the heating charms, it was a miracle that anyone could focus on the lesson! What was it again? Oh yeah, that Charm that gets rid of hiccups, Singultus Fixus. A charm that I, for one, am very grateful for, since hiccups are no picnic.
It was this zaniness that probably caused what happened next. You know those creatures that had been popping up all over the castle (not us students that grew fur, but the actual creatures)? They ATE her. Whole. Rumor is they didn’t even chew, like so many little fluffy snakes.
Well then.
This made the next class a little awkward. I mean, an actual ghost hadn’t taught in the castle for a very long time. Not to mention, how was Professor Dopple supposed to hold a wand for demonstrations or write the class notes on the board? Luckily, Dopple found a way around that second problem with the help of the Head Boy and Daisy Swann. Also making the lesson awkward was the topic: the Beauty Charm, Pulchitrudo. At a time when a large part of the student population was covered in fur and our professor was a ghost. As this spell basically worked like a nice concealer and only covered pimples, warts and the like, it wasn't really useful for those of us who were fur-covered or living-impaired. Granted, Professor Dopple had no way of knowing all this when she made her lesson plans for the term. Didn’t make it any less awkward, though.
Everyone powered through, though. And what's more, everyone did so with aplomb. Though Ravenclaw Chloe McCarthy did bring up a good point, if, you know, you're one of those touchy-feely folks: that we should be focusing on uplifting those around us instead of encouraging them to get rid of flaws. A sentiment that Professor Dopple agreed with, in fact assigning an essay on all the things we like about ourselves. And so ended the term in Charms.
*Fun Fact: Bats aren't really blind, by the strictest definition of the word. They just have awful eyesight.
Upon first entering the room, your breath was taken away, almost literally, by the absolutely INSANE amounts of heat. Like, it must’ve been at least a thousand degrees in there. Now it would be easy to say ‘well, why didn’t you take your sweater off’, but some of us hadn’t thought we’d be visiting the sun that day, okay? Anyway, that wasn’t the only problematic thing that one would run into. At the front of the room, on Professor Dopple’s desk, was perched a kneazle which wasn’t the problematic part. No, the problematic part was that the creature appeared DEAD. Okay then, professor.
The zaniness continued when Professor Dopple didn’t notice that there was multiple Maxton Cardens in the class instead of just the one. No, seriously, there were five versions of Max, much to the surprise of even the Slytherin prefect himself. Another who wasn’t quite so amused? One Head Boy Derfael Ashburry-Hawthorne (one would think it would be Max’s girlfriend, but she seemed as oblivious to the shenanigans as Dopple), who went and fetched the Headmaster. It was then that it became obvious what was going on. Dopple was nearly as blind as a bat!* Honestly, between this revelation, the many Maxes and the heating charms, it was a miracle that anyone could focus on the lesson! What was it again? Oh yeah, that Charm that gets rid of hiccups, Singultus Fixus. A charm that I, for one, am very grateful for, since hiccups are no picnic.
It was this zaniness that probably caused what happened next. You know those creatures that had been popping up all over the castle (not us students that grew fur, but the actual creatures)? They ATE her. Whole. Rumor is they didn’t even chew, like so many little fluffy snakes.
Well then.
This made the next class a little awkward. I mean, an actual ghost hadn’t taught in the castle for a very long time. Not to mention, how was Professor Dopple supposed to hold a wand for demonstrations or write the class notes on the board? Luckily, Dopple found a way around that second problem with the help of the Head Boy and Daisy Swann. Also making the lesson awkward was the topic: the Beauty Charm, Pulchitrudo. At a time when a large part of the student population was covered in fur and our professor was a ghost. As this spell basically worked like a nice concealer and only covered pimples, warts and the like, it wasn't really useful for those of us who were fur-covered or living-impaired. Granted, Professor Dopple had no way of knowing all this when she made her lesson plans for the term. Didn’t make it any less awkward, though.
Everyone powered through, though. And what's more, everyone did so with aplomb. Though Ravenclaw Chloe McCarthy did bring up a good point, if, you know, you're one of those touchy-feely folks: that we should be focusing on uplifting those around us instead of encouraging them to get rid of flaws. A sentiment that Professor Dopple agreed with, in fact assigning an essay on all the things we like about ourselves. And so ended the term in Charms.
*Fun Fact: Bats aren't really blind, by the strictest definition of the word. They just have awful eyesight.
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Looking to get Headmaster Trent's attention? Hoping for a recommendation letter in the future? Well good news Hogwartians, now you can not only disappoint the man in charge in the halls, but in Defense Against the Dark Arts as well! Juuust kidding. We're sure you wowed our hunky head of hogwarts with your knowledge of hinkypunks and your ability to tussle with trolls this term, and if you didn't, we hope you learned a little something and gave your best effort anyway. One thing is for sure, you don't want to miss a moment of Professor T's classes because there's never a dull moment.
The first Defense lesson of the term found students in a dark bog, under a cloudy sky, and on high alert. Though there are many things that go bump in the night, this lesson had students focused on hinkypunks, those traveler-luring trouble makers who have fireballs at their disposal. To see first hand just how tricky those creatures can be, Headmaster Trent had students board boats and try and follow his lantern and voice through the bog, though the hinkypunks made that more difficult than some expected. The fireballs in this activity couldn't do any real damage, but they certainly still proved just how real a threat hinkypunks can be. Whether students stayed on the right path or not, eventually they arrived at the same point and back on dry land, ready for the last challenge. Solidifying the hinkypunks with a light charm and taking them out with a knockback jinx was their task and after seeing how hinkypunks could work against them, students were more than willing to try their hand at taking them out.
Hogwartians found themselves carrying clubs in another of Trent's lessons this term, and while some classmates were keen on using them to smack deserving kiddos on the head (Zoryn Spinnet, you violent little thing, you), the headmaster assured all that they'd be using them to target more appropriate opponents. Students would be whacking miniature magical trolls as they stomped and stumbled and hit back with their own mini clubs, still capable of leaving a mark if you weren't careful. Toes and ankles were common targets during this appetizer of an activity and while it was fun to dish out some payback on the tiny trolls, it wasn't as easy as it looked. The main course of the lesson was a big deal and required much more than the muggle tools they'd been using before. Armed with the bludgeoning hex this time, students faced magical mountain trolls up to twelve feet tall, and while they weren't the real thing, they still served up some very real fear. It was clear by the time the lesson was done that teamwork and spellwork were the best way to battle trolls, though our hope is no one ever has to.
The first Defense lesson of the term found students in a dark bog, under a cloudy sky, and on high alert. Though there are many things that go bump in the night, this lesson had students focused on hinkypunks, those traveler-luring trouble makers who have fireballs at their disposal. To see first hand just how tricky those creatures can be, Headmaster Trent had students board boats and try and follow his lantern and voice through the bog, though the hinkypunks made that more difficult than some expected. The fireballs in this activity couldn't do any real damage, but they certainly still proved just how real a threat hinkypunks can be. Whether students stayed on the right path or not, eventually they arrived at the same point and back on dry land, ready for the last challenge. Solidifying the hinkypunks with a light charm and taking them out with a knockback jinx was their task and after seeing how hinkypunks could work against them, students were more than willing to try their hand at taking them out.
Hogwartians found themselves carrying clubs in another of Trent's lessons this term, and while some classmates were keen on using them to smack deserving kiddos on the head (Zoryn Spinnet, you violent little thing, you), the headmaster assured all that they'd be using them to target more appropriate opponents. Students would be whacking miniature magical trolls as they stomped and stumbled and hit back with their own mini clubs, still capable of leaving a mark if you weren't careful. Toes and ankles were common targets during this appetizer of an activity and while it was fun to dish out some payback on the tiny trolls, it wasn't as easy as it looked. The main course of the lesson was a big deal and required much more than the muggle tools they'd been using before. Armed with the bludgeoning hex this time, students faced magical mountain trolls up to twelve feet tall, and while they weren't the real thing, they still served up some very real fear. It was clear by the time the lesson was done that teamwork and spellwork were the best way to battle trolls, though our hope is no one ever has to.
Divination
Divination, the only class anyone ever takes for fun, except for last year when there were exactly zero laughs to be had during the lessons, but Professor Sutton is a true delight, and learning new ways to divine the future using our jewelry was a real hit. Especially when everyone collectively gave Max Carden the weirdest look Max Carden has ever been given. The boy claimed moonstone was symbolic of CHEESE. Sometimes it really makes you wonder how he was allowed to graduate at all this year.
Anyway, everyone was talking about earth, wind and fire, and how they related to shiny stones, and then we learned how to cleanse our crystalware - with running water - and our crystals, which could be cleansed in various ways like bathing them in moonlight or burying them in salt or smudging them. Never thought smudging was something people wanted to do to crystals, but I’ve been wrong before.
Professor Sutton’s example question to her pendulum had us ALL hanging, especially since a “no “ from her pendulum would be extremely controversial if the pendulum had said she was not actually someone named Kassandra Sutton. Would definitely be extremely awkward. Don’t think anyone would know how to respond to it. Thankfully, she is who she says she is and there’s no more dealing with that sort of thing, at least for now. Hogwarts has enough trust issues for the time being.
We also had a little bonfire later in the year, and did some shadow-puppeting, dancing and singing. Sitting in the firelight and looking for shapes in the fire was definitely the best lesson this year -- it’s just too bad smores weren’t involved.
Anyway, everyone was talking about earth, wind and fire, and how they related to shiny stones, and then we learned how to cleanse our crystalware - with running water - and our crystals, which could be cleansed in various ways like bathing them in moonlight or burying them in salt or smudging them. Never thought smudging was something people wanted to do to crystals, but I’ve been wrong before.
Professor Sutton’s example question to her pendulum had us ALL hanging, especially since a “no “ from her pendulum would be extremely controversial if the pendulum had said she was not actually someone named Kassandra Sutton. Would definitely be extremely awkward. Don’t think anyone would know how to respond to it. Thankfully, she is who she says she is and there’s no more dealing with that sort of thing, at least for now. Hogwarts has enough trust issues for the time being.
We also had a little bonfire later in the year, and did some shadow-puppeting, dancing and singing. Sitting in the firelight and looking for shapes in the fire was definitely the best lesson this year -- it’s just too bad smores weren’t involved.