hogwarts and wizarding knowledge (h.a.w.k.)

Welcome Slytherins and Ravenclaws! I hope you’ve got your soil and watering can ready because this year we start out with a lot of practicals…but today we’re gonna cover some theory.

We don’t really have to cover grading because of course, every assignment is optional, but if you want to officially “graduate my class” and move up a year on the students page, I do want you to try and participate, and give it your all!

My name is Professor Truncus, and I hold every one of you to the highest academic standard that you hold yourself to. I will not be upset if you do badly as long as you tried your best. And only if you fail when you knew you could have succeeded, then I will be disappointed. But enough gloom- it’s the beginning of the year!

I don’t think we emphasize it enough, but I’m so glad you came to N.E.W.T. It’s disappointing that in-person schools just aren’t available for everyone and many muggleborns live their whole lives without access to their magic. So I just want to thank you for your academic initiative, and hey! it’s okay to swear in my class because I won’t be able to hear you.

Today we’re going to talk about safety. Yes, maybe you think it’s boring, but anyone who wants to skip this lesson can go ahead and get grabbed by the venomous tentacula and I won’t raise a finger.

So, you need dragon-hide gloves, they’re some of the strongest out on the market and some of the acidic materials we work with won’t corrode dragon-hide. I have a basket of earmuffs, but we probably won’t be using those this year. You’ll need your wand, obviously, but also you’ll find wands aren’t as useful in herbology as they are in your charms and transfiguration classes.

We wear smocks when we enter the greenhouses, if for no other reason than to protect your robes. Extra safety measures might be needed sometimes, but I’ll let you know before the lesson starts. We’ll also be doing some muggle gardening to get us warmed up in the first year.

This first week (or two) is an introduction to herbology. We’ll be covering the safety today, some history, some plants in theory and expectations of the class. But for now, your only assignment is to go outdoors and get some fresh air if you aren’t already!

Welcome Gryffindors!

Look, I know all of you probably want to get into Charms right away! Practicals are always fun. Since this is online and at-your-own-pace, feel free to skip ahead to tomorrow, we’ll have class during period two (same teacher, same place!). However, in order to get as much as possible out of the course, I’d suggest reading the lesson today! We’ll just go over a few basics.

If you wanna know what we’re covering, it’s all under curriculum. Apologies to the mobile users, but all the headings are easily accessible on the computer! The headmistress is trying to link them on the mobile site, but until then it is what it is!

Charms is a great spell because unlike the mostly theoretical subject of transfiguration, in Charms we’ll be learning at least one new spell each week which means you’ll have a lot of knowledge and magic at your disposal by the end of the year. It also means we’ll get to shoot a lot of water around the classroom... but more on that later!

I know that some pure and half bloods have a bit of advantage in this subject because we’ll definitely be going over some domestic spells this year, however it’s great that it’s online because you can skip the lessons you already know!

Participation is of course, as much as you want to do! I’d love to chat with all of you - even if you’re not hufflepuffs - feel free to drop me an ask and chat about whatever. We’ll also occasionally have extra credit assignments and essays if you want to flex your writing skills.

And as y’all are Gryffindors, I expect a tiny bit more of y’all. We’ll have a practical demonstration at the end of the year... I’m thinking a duel but haven’t made up my mind! For now, head off to defense against the dark arts and keep your minds open to the magic around you!

Cheers-

Hello Ravenclaws! 

I know all of you probably want to get into Charms right away, however today is going to be an introduction to the class- procedures and stuff. Of course, since this is online and at-your-own-pace, feel free to skip ahead to tomorrow, we’ll have class during period two (same teacher, same place!).

So to start, I would suggest reading over the curriculum where there’s a rough draft of spells that we are required to cover this year for your end-of-year exams...that doesn’t mean we also won’t go over some more fun spells.

Charms is a great spell because unlike the mostly theoretical subject of transfiguration, in Charms we’ll be learning at least one new spell each week which means you’ll have a lot of knowledge and magic at your disposal by the end of the year.

I know that some pure and half bloods have a bit of advantage in this subject because we’ll definitely be going over some domestic spells this year, however it’s great that it’s online because you can skip the lessons you already know!

Participation is of course, as much as you want to do! I’d love to chat with all of you - even if you’re not hufflepuffs - feel free to drop me an ask and chat about whatever. We’ll also occasionally have extra credit assignments and essays if you want to flex your writing skills.

And as y’all are Ravenclaws, I expect a tiny bit more of y’all. We’ll have a year long project about the history of a spell of your choice...but more details on that later! For now, head off to herbology and make sure you stay curious!

Cheers-

Oh darlings! Welcome to the subject you’ll never forget!! (xoxo)

My lovely Huffle-puffy fluff balls! Transfiguration is the art of magic! You’ll start seeing the colours and never go back! Just look at at Avifors! Electric blue light, you’ll never forget it!

Unfortunately, we’ve got a lot of practical we need to cover this year, as much as I’d like to work your magic, if you know what I mean!! ;)))

I’m going to teach you the language of transfiguration! Some say it’s a branch of math but I think of it as careless whispers and intense shouting of sounds you’d never understand... without this class, of course!!

We’ll start with the easy stuff, but the class gets just as hard as me! Write me letters sweethearts, and tell me how you feel about life <333

Anyway, we have loads of classes each week, so this is just an introduction!! Your first assignment is one of research... well, research about me!! ive got loads of books out, and then there’s the paparazzi of course! tell me what you find sugar pies!

Smooches,

I’m glad to see you all found your way to the dungeons and got here promptly, for we have a lot to cover. There is no need for your wands right now, take out your cauldrons (standard size two and pewter, I hope) as well as some paper and your quills.

Gryffindors and Slytherins, hmm? You seem like the group I can teach the dangerous potions this year. All of you seem mature enough to handle it...but we’ll see, of course.

Why were you assigned a pewter cauldron? It’s the slowest to brew and therefore the easiest for you to learn on. Brass are medium, then iron, steel, copper, silver, and then gold cauldrons-which are the fastest.

You may also encounter decorated cauldrons. These cauldrons are usually meant for demonstrations or displays as they are not nearly effective as plain cauldrons. If you see a “Deco” cauldron, make sure to ask to clarify, but usually they are made out of brass or copper. You may also encounter varieties called “etched silver” or “deco iron”.

Cauldrons also vary in size from baby cauldrons, then standard sizes 1 to 5. You have a size 2. These standard sizes are different outside of Europe, but we’ll cover measurement conversions another day. All cauldrons are enchanted to feel lighter than they actually are.

There are several special features you may see offered on a potion. I’m glad to see all of you stuck to the standard, however when you grow and improve in your potions skills, eventually you may consider buying a replacement potion.

The first feature we’re going to go over are collapsable cauldrons. They will fold up after use which makes them extremely portable and easier to transport. 

Next are hopping cauldrons. If any of you prove useless at potion making, a hopping cauldron might save you when you graduate Hogwarts. They will move or “hop” when adding ingredients which makes for much more precise measurements. However, in order to learn, I absolutely forbid hopping cauldrons in my class, they are considered under the same standards as cheating.

Speaking of cheating, let’s go over how I grade: every assignment is optional in this class, however to be considered for the valedictorian position you need to complete at least 5 assignments each year and complete the exam at the end of the year. I grade from troll to outstanding, assigning each grade a numerical value from 0-5, and then at the end of the year your grades are averaged and weighted based on how many assignments you do (this means someone who gets a 5 average and does 10 assignments will get a higher grade than someone with a 5 average and 5 assignments...owl me if you have any questions).

However, I know that the most important response is the actual feedback, so I will make sure to comment on your work to explain the grade you received. If anyone gets a troll, I will conference with your head of house...hopefully that is none of you.

Now, back to cauldrons: Rust Repellant Cauldrons do as the name suggests: especially helpful for iron cauldrons, as if you leave them in the rain they will not rust. Self-stirring cauldrons are also pretty simple as they assist the owner in stirring their potions, which makes it easier when there are large periods of time allocated for stirring (also not allowed here). Thick-bottomed cauldrons will hold more acidic materials and last longer than normal cauldrons.

Lastly, your assignment. I feel that it is useless for you to do work on something you’ve already been taught- for learning more is always the objective, and you’ve already taken notes on this lesson. Something I did not cover are the unique properties of each type of cauldron besides the brewing speed. So, for your homework, research the properties of a type of cauldron (pewter, brass, iron, steel, copper, silver, or gold) and type a summary of what you found in a reply/reblog of this post. I look forward to reading your responses! And just to motivate everyone to participate on this first assignment, every response will receive an exceeds expectations or an outstanding today.

Hello firsties,

The other houses as usual are a perfect example of unorganized tangle of confusion and disorder. Here in Slytherin we might be competitive but we support our house victories and work as a house to achieve greatness.

As soon as term starts up, we’ll start a list of highest academically ranking students, but of course academia isn’t everything. There are five awards you can work towards each year as well as valedictorian and making the quidditch team.

Model Slytherin: this goes to a student each year that exemplifies the traits that make up our house, specifically cunning and ambition.

Howler: Someone who does great things with words (written, spoken, etc.) Being eloquent is one of the pillars of our house.

Slytherin’s Locket: A student that honours tradition and works to uphold the values of the house

Dissimulator: Someone who excels creatively and artistically during this year.

Time-turner: A student that participates in clubs after school and excels in them.

Anyway, these are just some things for you to work towards, winners will go down in legend and be displayed (promos yay) in the common room for a whole year.

And just to talk about prejudice- none shall be tolerated. Anyone who needs further instruction than that will receive it in detention. Am I clear? Good.

Now, I absolutely detest talking too much in one post, so all of you are required to reply or reblog this post with a question that you think everyone would benefit from the answer. The password to the dorms is tradition, by the way.\

Hallo darlings!

My name is Professor Lepos if we’re gonna be formal (and in class), but in the common room feel free to call me Carol if you want! Every year I see the first year hufflepuffs form such a tight bond and that friendship lasts for years. I hope to guide you through these stressful years of your life because even though they’re stressful, it might be also the most rewarding period of your life! You’ll never forget the people you meet and the experiences you’ll have through hawk!

Our common room is really great. It’s right next to the kitchens, but please don’t bother the poor house elves too much! There are loads of plants and candles and it’s quite nice and cozy!

So, the only proper thing to do now is to introduce ourselves. It’s probably pretty overused, but as a professor I’m curious to what you’re looking forward to this year! I’ll go first: I’m Carol, and I’m looking forward to all the awesome goals you guys will accomplish this year, and guiding you on your journey!

So reblog this post with an introduction and I’ll respond! Maybe you can even look at your fellow ‘Puffs’ posts and reply to some of them! (If you don’t want to reblog, you can just reply to the post!)

Hello my little Gryffindors! The password is ‘Centaur’ and will change monthly. There’s butterbeer and hot cocoa inside so feel free to make yourself warm by the fire and introduce yourself to your housemates.

As your head of house (and herbology teacher), I’d like to know about an adventure you’ve had before starting hawk. It can be anything, but I always find it’s a good ice-breaker.

Also, stay out of the “don’t click” area if you want to keep your life. I know you’re curious now, so I’ll fulfill your curiosity without you having to go and put yourself in harm’s way. It’s a virtual container of secrets, passwords, and dark objects. Sometimes dangerous creatures are kept there as well. It changes when necessary. All are lethal and no use for you to be there.

So, tell me about your adventures! I’ll make sure to reply to your stories!

Hello Ravenclaws,

I see you found your dormitory, nothing less than I expect of you. Be aware that I will have higher expectations of you than the other houses because you’ve already proven your capacity for superior intelligence and/or wisdom through the sorting.

As I already stated, I will not reply to any of your frivolous “roleplays” so keep that between yourselves please. However, as tradition calls for, in order to enter the common room you must answer a riddle. The riddle will change sporadically (whenever I have the time to update it)

What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

As usual, I value creativity and uniqueness more than “textbook” answers. You all have the intellect to “think outside of the box”. Reblog this post with your answers and when I switch the riddle, I’ll post some of the best answers below for “eternal glory” amongst your house mates.

This is not a roleplay, and therefore I can speak to you openly without the unnecessary description. Some of my collegues may include it, but I think it’s a waste of space. A picture is worth a thousand words, so if you want a specific picture, send me an ask. I will not exert the immense time to draw every scene as your education is the priority here.

My name to you is Professor Venem (head deputy, head of ravenclaw, potions master) and anyone who uses my first name will find themselves in detention. I will model one of my history of magic lessons here, the format is rather simple. The first step is an introduction which is all that mess above. The second step is outlining the timeline for the lesson, which I will do shortly. The third step is being taught the lesson, and then we end with a project of some sort.

So, the timeline:

First, we will go over the sorting, listen to the sorting hat, and get you sorted.

Second, the headmistress will give a speech.

Third, you will get to explore your dorms. Again, roleplaying is optional and while your heads of houses may partake, I do not engage in such foolishness. Any Ravenclaws looking to partake should look to Professor Aurora, not me.

Fourth, you will sleep. You have a full day tomorrow (monday, september 2) so trust me, you will need it.

The sorting hat’s message is thus:

Every year September 1st, I'm called to do my duty. To attend the Hogwarts Welcome Banquet And show you all my inner beauty. I know you think I'm worn and ugly And should be thrown away, But I hold the key to your future here Starting from today. I have no easy task before me For alone I must decide. By looking into your deepest thoughts I shall tell you which house to reside. There are four houses to choose from: Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor. Four great wizards who once chose for themselves, But can no longer for they are no more. What Helga Hufflepuff valued most Was hard work, loyalty, and determination. And Rowena Ravenclaw believed Great knowledge should be their inspiration. Three words that describe Salazar Slytherin, Are ambitious, sly, and cunning. He thought they should stop at nothing To get what they are craving. And finally there's Godric Gryffindor, Courageous, noble and brave. He preferred that his students Stay chivalrous to the grave. Four houses great and mighty, All excelling in their own way. Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Gryffindor Would be proud if they were here today. So put me on upon your head, And lets get the sorting underway.

However, for you to be sorted, let’s be honest: you probably already know your house. If not, I suggest pottermore or searching up “sorting hat test” on google. And for those of you at Ilvermorny right now, no it’s not an exact correlation between houses! Stop saying that pukwudgie equals hufflepuff!

Second objective: headmistress’ speech: -venem

Thank you Professor Venem for the wonderful introduction. Hello new students! You may notice this is quite a large post, but that’s only because we have so much to tell you before you start term! Feel free to explore the top bar to your heart’s content-except of course, don’t click.The contents would be meaningless to most of you, and there’s a long term poison that sets in after clicking the link. 

My name is Headmistress Imperia, and I’m looking forward to stretching your minds and filling your souls and hearts with knowledge! But now, eat! Go and have a snack at least! -Imperia

Venem back. Thank you Headmistress, your wise words will be heeded. Now your project for tonight is to find your dorms, and sleep.

Hint: there is a link in the top bar

And of course, thanks for joining us on this crazy ride. Your continued support makes HAWK possible.