(Tuesday) October 8, 1894 - Hogwarts Grounds
As far as eventful classes went, Basil was quite looking forward to his sojourn into co-teaching with Gus this week. They’d discussed the idea a few weeks into term when it came up randomly at the staff table, and after some much needed coordination and planning, the event was finally coming together. He was rightfully thrilled as he walked across the Hogwarts grounds, followed by a rather curious, chattering group of first and second years. They were all excited to see where they were going, vague as he’d been when ushering them outside with nothing more than a note on their ‘special lesson’ for the day. He and Lissington had agreed to meet with their respective introductory classes in a predetermined location central to the general grounds. It was neither too far from the castle to risk real danger, nor too close to be distracting. Tucked into his Ravenclaw scarf, Basil grinned at something he overheard one of his first years muttering.
It wasn’t long before he paused and Gus came along with the remainder of the group. Then, with an exchanged glance in his friend’s direction, Basil clapped his hands and beamed out at the group that fell silent. “Good afternoon to both our introductory Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts classes! Professor Lissington and I are happy to welcome you all to our first joint field study venture of the year.
You may notice we have relocated from the typical indoor classrooms you have become accustomed to. That’s because today we will be testing both classes on practical application of the theory and spells we’ve been learning this term so far. For my transfiguration students, remember our discussions on Gannt’s Law and our color changing buttons? All of these will be of use to you today.” Basil paused to grin in Gus’ direction in case he had anything else to add before continuing on with instructions.
“Our objective for today will require each of you to formulate your own groups of two or three and set out to retrieve one of the many flags just like this one,” he pulled a piece of purple fabric from in his pocket and held it up “that have been spread across the grounds. There are, of course, obstacles preventing easy location and/or summoning of these flags, so you will need to think creatively and use all the skills we have mastered so far this term to accomplish your goal. The first team to retrieve a flag and return it to Professor Lissington will win a small prize.”
Basil flashed Gus a teasing smile. They hadn’t discussed the prize beforehand but, well, the moment seemed to call for a little competition. He’d pick up something in Hogsmeade next month for the winning team. “Each group is required to retrieve a flag however to receive passing marks. When time is up, you will hear a bell echo across the grounds that sounds like this,” Basil paused to lift his wand and a loud chime, somewhat like a gong, resonated amongst the group. “At that time, please return to the castle and be off to your next lessons. Any questions?”
Eilish McCarthy, Charles Hutton, Ramona Pendergast, Zackary Carter, Kaatjie Spaans, Desmond Shacklebolt, Pip Manwaring, James Callum, Philippa Rowle, Toby Seacoal, Hester Frey, Regina Pendergast, Margaret Wallace, Stella Pendergast, Lilibet Meadows, Nathaniel Gallivan II, Phineas Black II, Jameson Potter, Georgianna Shacklebolt, Chloe Greene, Caroline Weasley, Miriam Hitchens, Ignacio Sidonia, Caspian Pettigrew, Gideon Riley, Ellen Ilkin, Connor Sinnet, Morgan Valenduris
Linked are class examples from previous years that would have been repeated by this point in the term and may be of use to your students. Also, please see the overview post for more details on flag locations and potential obstacles!