| Subject: DADA (THE FEILD TRIP Part 2) |
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Date Posted: 03:11:48 08/12/02 Mon
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Menace in the Marsh
Hi everyone! Before I start I want to give a definition of the word marsh. I wanted it to be exact in this so I even looked it up and a Marsh is a tract of low wet land, often treeless and periodically inundated, generally characterized by a growth of grasses, sedges, cattails, and rushes. I just wanted to get that strait because while I knew what one was I needed to clarify it in my mind before I write about it.
I want to thank everyone for the homework and I am now going to make little comments as I re-read each one of them so bear with me. Rajah, I will owl you tomorrow because it is really late right now and I have a lot to write but I will I swear. I own “The Others” and I love it! After I read your homework I watched it again. I am going to try and put in a bit more of your characterization in this one.
Erin I went to the book store and they are sold out! I went looking for it for an hour, asked the guy at the counter and then went to another bookstore. I am still looking though and I will find it * Evil Cackle * I have to. I have seen Center Stage and Save the Last Dance but I haven’t seen a Walk to Remember yet but I will. Thanks.
Sam, those are some of my favorite movies! I love Sleepy Hollow and Pearl Harbor. Truth be told I kind of like Johnny Depp. I wish he was British, picture him as Sirius. Don’t worry about it I was just worried that you didn’t get it because I know your e-mail and computer weren’t running smoothly.
Becca, I just bought Lord of the Rings DVD and am currently reading the books. I, please don’t kill me everyone, didn’t like the Hobbit but Lord of the Rings the Fellowship of the Ring is much better in my opinion. Could the title be any longer? Peter Pan was on the Disney channel the other night! The Emperor’s New Groove is good; David Spade did an excellent job on it. Shrek was great! I love the Gingerbread man. That part was probably one of my favorites. Bridget Jones’ Diary is one of my favorite movies and Spiderman is also a great one. I wish it would come out on DVD already.
Drackam, I haven’t read that series yet but I am going to look into it. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves is a great movie. Alan Rickman is perfect in it and Morgan Freeman is great. Thanks!
Joanie, I haven’t seen those but I have read The Face on the Milk Carton by her and I loved it so I will look for those. Thanks.
Ok I think I got everyone (who did their homework) I know what I am writing but no idea on the length or if I will go off into something else so I am just going to dive into writing this. It also is mostly between Remus and Gwen (AKA Professor Figg) to establish their friendship.
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The class had started out early; there was no doubt about that. Close to seven in the morning was early to be hiking down and into the forest but she had never expected it to be this tiring on most of her students.
Neville Longbottom was shuffling, his feet never rising off of the ground. Amy Weasley yawned and a few of the other students followed suit. Looking at her watch she noted that it was nine, it had taken two hours to get everyone from the castle down to the forest but she did let them talk for a while before they left so it had really only been an hour or so and she also noticed that a small crowd was gathered around Becca. She was biting an apple, holding the small bag with one hand and pushing Eva back with her other. Apparently Eva had not had breakfast yet. Samantha Riddle, who Professor Figg had been looking after in a sense, was walking alone towards the back of the group. She was bending a pliable maple branch just to the point where it might crack but then released her grip starting over again. Draco kept looking back at her, ignoring Rajah who was telling him how it was his duty to listen to Sam about small matters such as robes. Harry was back as far as Sam, maybe even a bit behind her and Snuffles trotted next to him. Hermione and Ron were in a heated debate about the rights of elves while Joanie and Erin were busy keeping their eyes open. They all seemed tired and some hungry.
“I thought you were supposed to be able to this stuff at fifteen, not when you’re close to, well just let us say older.” Gwen said addressing Remus who walked next to her.
“I know how old you are Gwen, you are…” She placed her hand over his mouth and his words came out muffles, blurring the sound.
“I know very well how old I am but that’s not the point. Do they look tired and hungry to you?” Remus turned and saw Drackam almost fall over because his eyes were dropping shut.
“I believe they are but we can’t really stop here.” He motioned for her to look around, they were still near the edge of the forest but they were in more of a thicket, the trees and high grasses were all around them, it was best and safest to stop by the ponds that were scattered around the forest or a marsh, not here. “We’re stopping at the lake in the heart of the forest for lunch so how about a marsh for breakfast. I know there is one around here and then we should be far enough in for some action.” He rubbed his hands together and he had a glint in his eye, one that had evaded him for years but had been slowly returning. Copying his action of rubbing her hands together and making her eyes bug out she laughed.
“Ok, we’ll do that. I thought you preferred a quiet life Remus, not one of action. That was more of Sirius’ style.”
“There are different kinds of action Gwen and this is the kind I don’t mind, it’s when I leave Hogwarts that I have to go back to a more disliked form of action. We have to turn up there,” he pointed towards a tall maple tree. “It’s the quickest way to the marsh.”
“There isn’t a marsh up there. We have to go a quarter mile straight and then make a left.” She pointed in the opposite way.
“Trust me Gwen, there is a beautiful Marsh right where I told you,” She looked like she was going to argue but he continued, “I have explored every inch of this forest and my Marsh is better than yours so listen to me. Mischief Marsh is a great place to stop.”
“Mischief Marsh? You named it?”
“No, I didn’t name it. James,” his voice almost caught in his throat, “did.” Gwen patted his shoulder.
“Ok then.” She turned towards the class. “Class!” She watched as many sleepy looking eyes turned up at her, they were tired but still very happy to be out of the castle. “I have noticed that you guys,” Rajah coughed, “and girls,” Snuffles then barked and Gwen couldn’t help but smile, “and even the stupid, ugly dog are hungry and tired.” Remus gave her a look that seemed to show respect while Snuffles looked a tad put out. “We are going to stop at a nearby marsh, Mischief Marsh, and have a bit to eat and sit for half an hour or so until everyone wakes up.” This was met with smiles and a new vigor seemed to pass over the students. Snuffles ran ahead and towards the direction of the Marsh, he apparently remembered the way. The group sped up, following the dog.
“What are we eating Gwen? I though the elves were meeting us at the center.” Remus went on.
“They are Remus.”
“Then a, how are we going to get food and b, who is going to cook it?” He had a bad feeling even as he asked the question.
“I thought you knew me Remus. Don’t you know I always think ahead?”
“Gwen, I’m asking because I know you.” Remus replied, she scoffed at the remark.
“To answer your questions, first of all I thought of this already and set up baskets back at the castle. A simple accio spell will bring them right to me and for your second question I will cook it.”
“You don’t really want to poison them do you?” His voice was serious and she punched him in the arm. “Now you want to injure me as well? I’m hurt Gwen, I really am.” He put on a sad face and grabbed his arm as if she had really injured him.
“You are perfectly fine Remus and I am not a bad cook.” She said, putting her hands on her waist.
“No you aren’t a bad cook,” Remus began.
“Thank you!” she began to say but heard Remus as he finished and turned to scowl at him.
“You’re horrid.” He was saying.
“Fine, no eggs for you.”
“My stomach isn’t happy with that now but it will thank you in time.” He said. Turning slightly they came into the marsh. It was a flat landscape with patches of grass but for the most part bare. Four deadened logs were in a circle and caught Remus’ eye. “Wow, they’re still there.” His voice was low and barely audible. Snuffles was sitting next to them barking at Remus who took his cue and went to sit on one, if you looked at them closely you could see in the weathered bark names carved on them, Padfoot, Moony, Wormtail, and Prongs. Remus ran his hand over the worn letters. It was so log ago.
Turing from Remus she faced the class, the whole edge was lined with logs and there was a nice little spot for a fire. “Class, everyone please find a seat and rest while I make breakfast. Be careful though, we are now far enough into the forest that creatures are present.” They nodded and gathered in their usual groups. When Draco edged towards Sam she waved him off. “Accio Basket.” She held out her hand and moments latter a large basket was in her hand. Setting the fire she went through until she found a large slab of iron that she placed on top of the fire. It was fun to cool the muggle way. Not soon after the eggs and sausages were beginnings to burn to a crisp. Remus looked on knowingly and Rajah caught the scent and started over.
“Professor, do you want a hand with that?” She asked, motioning towards the not golden brown sausage but the charcoal black piece of meat.
“If you wouldn’t mind. I’ve never been a cook.” Remus burst out in laughter, something he hadn’t done in many long years.
“That’s just the tip of the ice berg Rajah.” Gwen shot him a rather murderous look.
“Don’t mind him,” she looked over the food, “what do you say we start from scratch?” She waved her wand and the slab was cleaned off. Pulling her hair back Rajah began to cool the sausages while the professor worked on the eggs, Rajah keeping a watchful eye. Some people could duel and others could cook, many couldn’t do both.
Hermione and Ron were walking away from Dean Thomas who wouldn’t stop talking about soccer. They debated going by Harry, he was sitting on the log next to Sirius and Remus. No doubt they were reminiscing because he looked like a scene filled with both laughter and tears, not that they would cry here. Harry would cry that night thinking about his parents. Everyone knew that Remus Lupin, former Professor was a large part of the Order and Harry was Voldermort’s main target so nobody thought anything odd about their conversation. Taking a seat on a tree stump Ron blew the hair out of his eye. Hermione looked around and found a dead piece of wood.
“I do hope everything is ok with Harry because AGGG!” She screamed jumping up. What they had both thought was a deaden piece of wood was now gliding towards Hermione who had jumped up. It had paws and very sharp brown teeth. It no longer looked like wood but a kind of forest daemon.
“What the bloody.” Ron was saying before Hermione ran behind him. Professor Figg and Professor Remus were there in an instant.
“Stupefy” Professor Figg yelled out clearly, the creature stopped and was pushed back until it hit a log, falling unconscious.
“Brilliant Granger.” Draco muttered under his breath. Ron, who heard it turned and gave him a menacing glare.
“It’s unconscious for a while. Before you sit down I would like all of you do perform the stupefy spell to the log, just to make sure. Does anyone know what this is?” Professor Figg began, pointing to the creature. She knew what it was but was curious to see who remembered.
“It’s a Dugbog.” Hermione said breathlessly. Half of the class was in amazement that she could discuss what it was after it nearly bit her and the other half had a sort of hatred for the brainy girl.
“That’s right. Very good Hermione. Now who can tell me something about it?” A bunch of students raised their hand, looking at the creature and hearing its name seemed to jump start their memories. “Yes Eva?”
“They are Marsh dwelling creatures found in Europe, North and South America.” She was saying.
“That is obvious isn’t it Goyle?” Amy cut in.
“I’d like to see you do better Weasley!” Eva shot back.
“My pleasure. Dugbogs resemble a piece of dead wood while stationary, though closer examination will reveal finned paws and very sharp teeth. It glides and slithers through marshlands feeding mainly on small mammals; it will do sever injury to the ankles of human walkers. The Dugbog’s favorite food, however, is Mandrake.” She finished with a smile at Eva.
“Very good! Both of you. I’m impressed. She noticed Rajah out of the corner of her eye and saw her signal that the food was ready. “Class, I believe breakfast is served.”
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Done for now! That was longer than the last one. Nearly 2000 words. The information for the dugbog was taken from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This was mainly to introduce the friendship between Remus and Gwen as well as to bring in a creature. Now I would also like to say that everyone is welcome to owl me if they wish at jediprins@aol.com (both Professor Figg and Arabella Peters are at this address) in the subject bar please put this (I get a lot of junk mail and delete it so I want to make sure I don’t delete your e-mail) Owl Post To: Professor Figg From: Your Name. Now I am giving another stupid assignment! Name a song or a singer that you like. If you don’t have one that you really like, don’t want to tell me etc. Just say so. If you have any ideas for the trip let me know and I will try to add them into the plot that I have so far. Until next week…
~ Professor Gwen Figg
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