DADA-101 Lesson 6
Year 1, week 6
On this February morning, everyone was bundled up as they made their way through the chilly halls to the classrooms. Professor Gount was no different, as, for once, he wasn't already in his classroom awaiting his students; he seemed to glide toward the door of classroom 3C. His cloak billowing behind his athletic frame, his stubbly face shadowed by the hood, he wasn't exactly a reassuring sight to see approach. He unlocked the door and pushed it open to a few early birds. The first-years flitted in shyly. They found that all the desks had been moved against the walls. An old suit of armor was standing guard by the door. The teacher followed them inside and left the door standing ajar behind him. He gave them a slight approving smile in greeting and stepped over to his desk, before taking his hooded cloak off and tossing it across his chair. He looked around to the students who now hurried to be done settling down.
"Today, as you may have guessed, will be a practical lesson. I am going to introduce you to the basic spells Vermillious and Verdimillious. Is there anyone who can tell me what those are for?"
It was a sudden question meant to verify if some of the students would have read ahead in their spellbook, thus identifying those who showed a genuine interest for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Seeing Carina Johnson raise her hand high and wave it enthusiastically, he smirked. Of course. What else to expect from a Slytherin girl eager to learn the art of dueling?
"Yes, Miss Johnson, go ahead."
"These are charms that will emit a bright red or green color, and from that color, red or green smoke will appear as well. It can be very useful in duels."
"Good answer. Ten points to Slytherin. But it could have been fifteen, as there is something more these spells can do, and it would have been twenty had you told me their exact effect in the context of a duel. No one else can tell me? No? It doesn't matter. We're here to learn that. All right then, I'll have you partake in a small demonstration so you'll find out. It won't be too tough as guesswork, with the precautions I am going to have you take. Accio armor."
At the beckoning of his imperiously pointed wand, the suit of armor blundered clankily over like a clumsy but eager servant. The teacher stood by it and held his wand like a conductor's baton to provide his students with further instructions:
"Before we begin, take a moment to check the blackboard while you still can."
He smirked at their puzzled faces.
"Note the spelling of the incantations on the blackboard. Second, the pronunciation. 'Vehr-ME-lious. Vehr-DEE-me-lious. Repeat those to yourself while you await your turn. We don't want you to blow everything up. Third, the wand movement."
He crossed his arms and gave the students a moment to examine the sketches more closely. There were two of them: one seemed direct and simple, aimed at its intended target; while the second movement was more elaborate, as it implied a circular motion overhead without aim and, from the word « slowly » written in a cartoon bubble, it implied that the incantation had to be pronounced thus.
"You will find all three spells detailed in your spellbooks, from pages 27 to 31. But the only way to learn those spells properly is to try them out yourselves. You'll find out that they have numerous uses, and it'll be part of your homework to find out what those are. Now, I'm setting you free one by one on the dummy. Please form a row, take turns, keep a safe distance from one another and - whatever you do - don't point your wands towards each other. I want you to practice Vermillious first. Don't get started with Verdimillious until you've got Vermillious right. And to add to the challenge..."
He paused and swished his wand.
"Fumos", he intoned. The room filled with a thick cloud of black smoke.
"Each one of you will try the spells on the dummy - aim your best - and push your way through the smoke to make it to me. Don't worry about your spell hitting me, I'll be shielded. All right, LET'S GET GOING!" he encouraged them by clapping his hands once like a sports coach.
Assignment
Write an RPG about Vermillious and Verdimillious.
Part one: Vermillious
What does Vermillious do, and how do you cast it?
• When is this spell most often used?
• What are the two other variations of this spell, and what is their effect?
• What happened when you did the spell (did you succeed? How did it go with the armor? Did you reach Professor Thorne through the smoke? How many attempts did you need? If so what was the outcome?).
• Explain what this spell is also useful for.
Part two: Verdimillious
What does Verdimillious do, and how do you cast it?
• When is this spell most often used?
• What is the other variation of this spell, and what is its effect?
• What happened when you did the spell (did you succeed? How did it go with the armor? Did you reach Professor Thorne through the smoke? How many attempts did you need? If so what was the outcome?).
• Explain what this spell is also useful for.
Requirements
Writing style stated above.
Each question should be answered with at least one complete 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.