DADA-101 Lesson 4

Year 1, week 4

"No one can accuse me any longer of being a sour grape for not decorating my classroom on special occasions like Christmas and Hanukkah", said Professor Gount as a word of greeting to his first-years.

He had a point; still, his choice of "decorations" - as he called them, was peculiar to say the least: two cages were sitting at each end of his oak desk; both of them had their brass rounded tops adorned with a big red bow knotted in a twig of evergreen; each cage played host to one small creature of about eight inches long, different in color, but of similar size and shape. The teacher stepped behind his desk as the students settled down. Once the classroom door was shut, anyone coming in now would be considered late. The creature to Severus's right chattered angrily at him while the one to his left stared broodingly.

"This is a Doxy", Severus introduced as he showed the cage to his right. The creature, although bearing some human-like features, looked more like a big insect or a spider than a little human: it was covered in coarse black hair and had an additional set of arms and legs; it also possessed a pair of beetle-like wings. It snarled at Severus's hand, baring a double row of sharp venomous teeth.

"They are considered a household pest. They are mostly found in Europe and North America, as they prefer cooler climates. They are known to infest homes and take up residence in drapes like mine over there", he pointed out to the heavy drapes that blinded the windows, and looked at the fidgetting Doxy: "Too bad you're stuck in this cage, don't you agree?" he said, teasing the captive Doxy. The creature's chatter sounded like curse words in its own language.

Professor Gount pointed out the second cage. "An Imp. As you can see it is dull in color to better integrate its favored habitat which are the marshlands of Britain and Ireland. You won't find them anywhere else."

He lifted the cage and turned it around to show its back to the students. The brooding Imp moved around, but they still had time to see what was meant to be shown, as the teacher confirmed:

"No wings."

"You will undoubtedly be confronted to either one of those fairly harmless creatures, so it is proper that you learn how to deal with them. You may also hear about them in Care of Magical Creatures, so this is why I am keeping this lesson short. Your assignment today is going to be an essay about both Doxies and Imps. It also is your homework for the Holidays. Consider it a treat on my part. You are authorized to approach the cages with caution if you wish a closer look."

He flicked his wand and the lesson appeared on the blackboard.

"You may begin.", Professor Gount said, before taking back his seat framed by the two contemptuous little beasts.

Assignment

Write an essay about Doxies and Imps.

Part One: Doxies

1. Why are Doxies considered pests: what are their breeding habits?

2. What should you do if you get bitten by a Doxy?

3. How do you get rid of them?

Part Two: Imps

1. What makes Imps irritating to humans?

2. What are their breeding habits?

3. How do you get rid of them?

Requirements

Each question must be in at least one sentence.

Creativity and details are encouraged. Take your time to read, feel the lesson and don't hesitate to interact with its contents.

You must answer all the prompts to receive full credit.

State your sources, including your own imagination.

Copying is frowned upon and will result in a "Troll" grade.

LESSON 4 TEST: https://forms.gle/ETmhXNeL8ZYSyiff7