December 23, 2021 – 5:19 AM
Basil Foxwood — Played by Fox
Finally! A social event with
real purpose. Basil Foxwood was entirely in his element as he cheerfully made his way through Wellingtonshire. In is hand he held a snazzy invitational to the grand opening of the Flint Institute of Advanced Magic! He’d been anticipating this particular event for some weeks now. Not only was it his last academic refuge before the obligatory holiday social season, but it was an event where he had the potential to expand his network of respected colleges. He might even come across a fellow Transfiguration enthusiast! That said, he was also mildly interested in the facility itself and the courses on offer.
It had been a few weeks now wherein Basil had started to consider the possibility of study to become an animagius. It seemed the natural progression in his research, having just submitted his latest, nine month achievement (“Transfiguration Magic and its use in Hexes and Jinx over the last century”) to Transfiguration Today. He had been turning over the possibility in his mind of also beginning to host a monthly check-in of sorts, perhaps assisted tutoring, for the students he knew were also considering the path. There seemed to be a greater handful this year than in years prior, or maybe it had just escaped his attention previously. Whatever the matter, it seemed like the right time to embark upon the journey himself. How better to instruct them than from personal experience instead of theory, anyhow? (Honestly, he was surprised at himself that it had taken this long to realize it.) Perhaps in the next year or so he would devote himself to both greater research and study of the transformational process. The Flint Institute seemed like a fantastic place to start anyway.
Upon arrival, Basil presented his invitation and listened with intent through the opening ceremonies. The first speaker explained the history of the institute and its founding pillars, each of which resonated spectacularly with Basil’s own philosophies. When they broke for a reception, he had a much better understanding of the place and he was pleased with the general direction of the thing. Perhaps he could find someone to offer a tour later; he was very interested in seeing the facilities themselves in greater detail.
In the meantime, Basil moseyed about, glancing at the information provided where he could. He held a glass of champagne and refused a few canapés as they were passed. He was just about to settle in and read a shiny looking new plaque on the wall when someone approached from behind.
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Thaddeus Flint & OPEN (to those who fit the invitation for attendance)
December 31, 2021 – 4:58 PM
Thaddeus Flint — Played by Dante
It had been going swimmingly, the minister had cut the ribbon and taken all appropriate pictures, there were plenty of notable faces in the crowd, and there appeared to be plenty of students from sufficiently notable families appearing to be interested in their courses - or at least their parents were interested on their behalf.
'Mister Foxwood!' Thaddeus greeted as he approached the other man, with a tad more familiarity than they actually had, but the Hogwarts professors were well worth gettign on side, and if one had taken the time to attend the opening it was worth taking the time to answer any questions they might have. After all, they had the freshest supply of potential students and were themselves of the sort of academic intellectual bent that might be of use to an institution like his.
'Have you had the tour already?' He asked taking two very good fire whiskeys from a passing waiter and offering one to the Hogwarts professor, instead of the champagne which he viewed as for the masses. 'Can my humble institution serve you or your students in any way?' he pressed.
January 5, 2022 – 7:29 AM
Basil Foxwood — Played by Fox
Basil was pleased with everything he’d seen and heard thus far in his visit to the new institution. The Flint Institute seemed like a fine place for continuing studies, and one that he’d likely recommend to some of his star pupils lest they show any inclination of moving in more academic circles. Turning as his name was called, Basil appraised the face of none other than Thaddeus Flint himself as he approached. The two were not on familiar grounds per say, but Basil knew well enough who he was and admired Flint’s dedication to academic inclination.
Offering the man a smile, Basil tipped his head respectfully.
“Mr. Flint,” he greeted.
“This is a fine institution; I appreciate the invitation to such a marvelous opening ceremony.” The day that invitation had fluttered down over his breakfast in the Great Hall, Basil remembered opening it with mild curiosity. The stamp had seemed foreign to him, but upon inspection of the contents he remembered grinning and thinking this was the
only obligation he was desirous of attending around the holiday.
Shaking his head lightly at Flint’s following question, Basil hummed.
“Mm, not yet!” He accepted the fire whiskey and handed his half emptied glass of champagne to the server gratefully.
“I’d love to see more of the place, however. I do find it intriguing and would love to hear more about the courses on offer to see if there is anything I could bring back to the students for Spring term.”
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Thaddeus Flint & OPEN (to those who fit the invitation for attendance)
January 10, 2022 – 5:33 PM
Thaddeus Flint — Played by Dante
'why of course, we are in the same business, you prepare the minds of England, I only hope to build good works upon your strong foundations' he noted.
In response to the others indication that he had not seen much of the institute yet, Thad indicated an open door and the corridors beyond. 'We hope to offer the most advanced sorts of magical practice, both in theory, for those looking to learn rare spell forms, or build on their education at Hogwarts - or even to offer a safe place to research.' he explained, he had rather a view of his institution becoming like a magical Oxbridge where research and development could be done for the sake of research and development. They walked along a corridor of open doors. On the outside it was an ordinary house corridor - each room however held a full a [ur=https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxia9rFkQmNWxULXfkpJli-sgysT44-_0ECw&usqp=CAU lecture theatre [/url] to hold the classes that were due to start in the new year. 'Think of us as a muggle university' as much as he hated the analogy it was accurate enough, 'Advanced magical theory and practice, the sort of thing that would be useful if one wanted to be a potions master, or progress in a practical magical career such as the aurors office or the unspeakables.' They past a double set of stairs, one went to the second floor, a second, clearly magical set, went to the third and the dormitories for those who wanted to stay in the school. 'And a second chance for those who perhaps did not get the grades they would have liked to try to get their careers back on track.' he explained, being able to effectively take ones NEWTs again, or at least an equivalent, to not have to discount a dream for 1 day of nervous mistakes could be a game changer for many students.
'We will also offer some more day to day forms of practical magic' he indicated as their path through the house, took them to the second floor where the palatial library took up much of the floor, complete with the small 'offices' that were meant for those undertaking the most advanced forms of study. 'animagus transformations, wandless and non-verbal magic, even dueling for pleasure' he cast a sidelong glance to the other man, trying to gauge how his sales pitch was going over.
January 12, 2022 – 6:23 AM
Basil Foxwood — Played by Fox
Basil couldn’t help but grin appreciatively at the flattering comment Thaddeus made in regards to his work. It really was splendid to be in the company of one who recognized academia for the wonder it was, and someone who respected it as much as he.
As the tour began, Basil followed his companion closely paying strict attention to each passing hall. He was utterly enraptured with the place, the keenness very likely scribbled clearly on his visage. This was exactly the kind of institution he would chose to back, both through monetary investment and personal interest. It was even more fascinating to think he, himself, could be a student again or participate in the institution's invested research programmes! The temptation tickled his fancy. Currently, Basil was working quite independently at Hogwarts, funding his own investigations and research endeavors and working them quite alone (unless one counted a very apt intern of sorts; a seventh year student who shared his interest). It would be rather marvelous to work on a team with other professionals who shared his passion and within an institution that had a farther reach for assets to progress such endeavors.
As quickly as it had come, the thought was quashed. Basil couldn’t imagine working any other place than Hogwarts. He had such fond memories of the castle and he did
love teaching young minds; there was something to be said for being the first to introduce ‘practical magic’ as Thaddeus called it, to a first year who’d never so much as raised a wand before. Still, it was a fascinating possibility.
As Thaddeus continued the tour, Basil laced his fingers behind his back and followed along.
“It is a marvelous idea,” he praised.
“I’d very much like to find a way to get involved, circumstances allowing.” That bit about animagus transformation piqued his interest particularly.
“How do courses work then?” he asked.
“Is there an application process? Does one need to be admitted by a panel with proof of previous experience as well as declare intention?”
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Thaddeus Flint & OPEN (to those who fit the invitation for attendance)
January 12, 2022 – 4:55 PM
Thaddeus Flint — Played by Dante
'Well it would depend on the level of study' Flint explained, in response to his peers eager query.
'A student coming in to resit would simply make an application and likely get in as a matter of course. If they wished to continue their studies post-Hogwarts we will be looking for their Newt grades or a professors recommendation to ensure they meet the standard.' he gave a small gesture to the Hogwarts professor, indicating that that was were the school may provide a conduit to further classroom based study.
'For those wishing to pursue research or independent study the process will be more robust, in the form of a written submission and interview' - after all those undertaking independent study would need to assure the institute that they were neither lunatics nor idiots and capable of actually completing the work they were admitted to undertake.
'For the practical courses, they are also by simple application, although for the animagus course there will be an entry test to ensure sufficient skilll in transfiguration.'Their path, although not feeling circuitous had
magically taken them back to the grand foyer and the rest of the reception, where mingling and drinks were still underway.
'For the likes of yourself, we could certainly offer a Summer research refuge, when your Hogwarts duties are dispensed with you would be more than welcome to spend the Summer term researching and writing at the Institute'
January 20, 2022 – 5:48 PM
Last modified: January 21, 2022 – 10:06 PM by Basil Foxwood.
Basil Foxwood — Played by Fox
Basil was utterly fascinated with all the possibilities the institute presented, both for himself professionally and for his students! He made a mental note to mention some of these possibilities to a few of them: Ms. Ida Chang, Mr. Cadawalader Selwyn and a few others, specifically. If any of them were seriously interested in academia as a life-long pursuit, this would be the logical next step for them to advance.
Nodding along, Basil couldn’t help as his expression changed from one of pensive attention to utter delight at Mr. Flint’s suggestion. They had returned to the reception hall and he chuckled a little bit, lacing his fingers behind his back, empty glass of fire whiskey held delicately.
“I would be a liar if I didn’t admit the proposition is extraordinarily tempting,” he conceded, politely.
“How might one go about such an application, for curiosity’s sake?”
Basil knew his family, Atticus especially, would
hate the idea of his taking on additional work in the Summer months when term was off. That was his most obligatory social season, and the time of year that drove him almost to the mad-house for all the ridiculous, mindless dribble he had to endure day-in and day-out. Knowing this didn’t deter the professor, particularly, but he knew it was something he’d have to manage with care.
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Thaddeus Flint & OPEN (to those who fit the invitation for attendance)
January 28, 2022 – 9:37 PM
Thaddeus Flint — Played by Dante
Thad's easy and gregarious smile at the professors obvious interest, and he chalked it up mentally to a victory, he had noted a few Hogwarts professors in attendance, the old potions master had been spotted head and shoulders above the crowd at one point in the afternoon. With a bit of luck there might be some referential work from there too.
'And I a liar if I didn't pretend I wasn't hoping you might be interested,' Thad smiled, and procured them both another firewhiskey from a passing waiter. 'Since it's such early days, the decision is mostly mine.' he explained, and it was true, by the time the summer came around he would have hired more staff, more people who wished to associate themselves academically with the Institute, but it was certainly within his gift to organise the work of the next 6 to 8 months in the absence of an academic panel. 'If you would be interested, I won't press you for your pitch now.' He sipped the amber liquid, 'We might organise a drink in a few weeks, when you've have time to gather your thoughts, and think of what you might like to research?' he raised his brow portentously, the statement being more of a question.
February 18, 2022 – 5:06 PM
Basil Foxwood — Played by Fox
Basil listened with intent as Thaddeus Flint enlightened him on the prospects of joining the Institution. It seemed reasonable, by far. Accepting the firewhisky with tact, he nodded a bit as the gentleman spoke.
“I’ve actually been toying with the idea to invest some time into the study of the amalgamous animagus transformation for the foreseeable future,” he admitted.
“I’ve just published some work on transfigurative hexes and it seems an interesting change.” Taking a sip of the drink, Basil decided he
would think about it, seriously.
“I do have a few things to organize, both personally and professionally, but let’s set a date,” he conceded.
“Perhaps in the new year?”
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Thaddeus Flint & OPEN (to those who fit the invitation for attendance)
February 18, 2022 – 9:41 PM
Thaddeus Flint — Played by Dante
'Interesting work indeed' he acknowledged nodding and sipping the whiskey. 'Indeed sir, I'll write in the new year, and once you have an idea as to your topic we might talk again. Perhaps on one of the Hogsmeade weekend trips' Thaddeus raised himself on his toes looking over the heads of the crowd to spot his fathers head in the crowd. 'My father has a talent for transfiguration' he gestured with the hand that held his drink in the direction of his fathers grey head.
'Before you leave I might introduce you to my father - he is dab hand at transfiguration, he managed to tutor me through the Animagus transformation, he might be able to offer you some insight or assistance on your research.'
February 26, 2022 – 4:41 PM
Basil Foxwood — Played by Fox
Basil nodded in agreement to Thaddeus’ resolution of the matter. That sounded reasonable.
“I look forward to it,” he replied, sincerely. It would take some serious thought on his part, but the excited feeling in his gut was promising. Basil would likely find a way to make it work. He had a few thoughts on how and who he might ask along with him, if they were interested. But the chance to escape into a world of advanced research was too tempting to turn down.
As Thaddeus continued on to talk about his father, Basil felt his interest pique.
“How remarkable,” he replied.
“I would appreciate the introduction, thank you!” He said gratefully. Basil took a sip of his drink. He could sense a blossoming acquaintance with Mr. Thaddeus Flint. He hoped to make good on his half of it. There was yet much to explore in this great wide academic world of theirs.
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Thaddeus Flint & OPEN (to those who fit the invitation for attendance)
February 26, 2022 – 4:45 PM
Thaddeus Flint — Played by Dante
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'a pleasure sir' Thaddeus acknowledged and gestured with a sweep of his arm to the other side of the room.
'I believe he is speaking with one of his Wizengemot colleagues' and led the way to find where the elder Flint was engaged in some secretive conversation or other.
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