It had been a long time since Kiva had stepped foot onto the grounds of the school in any capacity other than a mother. She honestly had never really expected to come back in any other form either, but the staff was having a bit of an issue with illness or extended leave and since Care of Magical Creatures was her area of expertise, she saw no harm in coming in for the day and helping out the school while their Professor takes a personal day.
She was back from her holiday with her husband that their eldest daughter, Ayita, had bought them for Christmas. Their time in Hawaii had been so wonderful. They felt rested and relaxed. It had been difficult for them to be away from Harper and Angel for the week, but knowing that Ayita and Kiva’s mother were there to look after the both of them, had let them ease into their vacation a little better. Plus, she fire-called them every night to check in and say ‘good-night’.
Shortly after they returned home from Hawaii, Kiva received a response from the school asking if she could sub in for their Care of Magical Creatures professor. She was going to say ‘no’ simply because she was no longer a professor but a homemaker and she missed her kids, but Jeff convinced her that it would be good for her to sub in every now and again. On top of being able to teach again (something she missed greatly), she would be able to check in on Emery and Chloe. It was their most difficult year for examinations thus far and Kiva wanted to make sure they were getting on alright.
Kiva had sent notice early that morning that the Intermediate Care of Magical Creatures would be in the gardens that day, but in case people missed the notice on the boards, she also left a note on the classroom door. She had reviewed what the professor had been teaching them and found that there wasn’t a theme, which made being a substitute a little easier. She had a choice to do as she pleased when teaching them.
As the students began to come around the path to her, Kiva gave a large grin. Some of the older ones might remember her and she was sure her kids would freak at the sight of her. “Good afternoon everyone!” Kiva greeted. “I will be your sub for today and thought that a fun lesson was in order to break up your busy schedule. For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Jareau.” She dropped the ‘Kijewski’ part of her name just to make it easier on them. “Today, we will be treasure hunting. Throughout the garden are treasures buried in the ground. Now, normally, treasure hunting in general is great fun, but to make things a little easier, you get to have a friend.” Kiva moved aside to showcase the crate behind her.
“Inside the crate behind me are this nifty little creatures that find absolute joy in treasure hunting. I suggest to anyone wearing any sort of jewelry or anything shiny to remove them or cover them up because these creatures are attracted to such objects.” She waited for everyone to put their items away. Pulling out a creature, she held it up for everyone to see. They were strangely cute with their long-snouts and fluffy black fur. “These are nifflers. They are very affectionate with people and very gentle, but I would never recommend one as a pet for the simple reason as they will destroy your belongs while hunting for anything shiny. Hence why they make great treasure hunters.” Kiva explained while she cuddled the niffler.
“These creatures are native to Great Britain and have layers underground, sort of like moles, and can have up to 8 babies in a litter.” There was little else to really teach them about the creatures, so it was time to allow them to have fun. “I would like for you to get into groups of three for this assignment. Each group will have a niffler of their choosing. Once you are set, find a spot in the gardens and let the niffler find you treasure. The group who gains the most will win 25 points each. The second group will win 15 points each and the third group will win 5 points each.” Awards were the greatest motivator. “Go ahead, enjoy your adventure.”
OOC: Please remember the rules for the site. 200 word minimum per post. Be creative. The most creative and detailed posts in a group will be the winner. Enjoy the treasure hunting!
0Professor Kijewski-JareauTime to be a Pirate! (Intermediate)0Professor Kijewski-Jareau15
One of Oliver's favorite things about being in classes with the older students was not only did he get to see what the others his age were doing and outdo them, but he got to do the same with those in the next two years up. Beating a fifth year was extremely satisfying, especially if that fifth year was Portia.
Of course, he loved the challenge of doing the same thing that the fifth years were as well. Even when they were instucted to do different things depending on their age, Oliver usually at least attempted the harder lesson when he'd finished the easier one. Even if he had to practice outside of class. He couldn't think of anything he'd rather do anyway.
So, when the Aladren heard today's lesson, he groaned inwardly. So juvenile! It would have been more appropriate for the beginners' class. Honestly, though he loved to learn, he rarely found himself pleased with whatever method his professors were using. Oliver didn't even think this lesson was really teaching anything in the first place. Professor Kijewski had merely stated a few facts about the creatures and then turned them loose.
And the thing was, this wasn't his favorite class by any means. Oliver didn't mind learning about animals so much, but he didn't really enjoy the practical lessons. They often involved getting dirty and quite honestly, he didn't seem to get along with animals. For whatever reason, they just didn't seem to like him very much.
Of course, the lesson was made slightly more palatable by the competition aspect. While the third year didn't go looking for such things, when Oliver was forced to do so, he liked to win. He liked to assert his dominance over others. So, despite his contempt for most other students, he found someone who seemed to be decent with animals based on his observations and approached. "Will you work with me?" He asked.
11Oliver Ferguson II, AladrenI'd rather not.278Oliver Ferguson II, Aladren05