Professor Henry Flatt

November 13, 2009 2:30 PM
As he had with his last group of first years, Henry made a point to draw attention to the entrances of the Labyrinth Gardens, the Library, and a few of the more notable portraits lining the walls. At the bell tower, he reassured the group that the various flights of stairs they were forced to climb up and then down would be easily memorized by the end of the first week. "Until then," he told them, "don't be afraid to ask for help from your fellow Teppenpaws, prefects, or myself."

His feet finally came to rest over a nondescript piece of stair, the only difference marking the stone from the rest of the tower's many being a small, diamond-shaped chip in its center. "Remember this stone because right across from it," and he placed a finger on the unremarkable stretch of wall, "is the entrance to your common room. To gain entrance involves a little bit more effort, though--"

And, lifting his trousers so that his black dress socks and plain brown shoes were full displayed, Henry broke into the fifteen second jig necessary to gain access. Once his right heel finished its last tap, the wall moved aside and through the opening, the flickering glow of firelight flowed through. One of the first years made a move toward the entrance, and interceding, Henry motioned for the door to close. "Not just yet. I want each of you to give it a try and ensure you have the movements down. Brishen, you're first."

One by one, he watched and corrected as each of the students attempted the requisite movements, and once the last had managed it successfully, Henry stepped aside to allow them entry. "Remember, both the location of Teppenpaw's entrance and how to gain it are to be kept secret. No sharing information with the other houses."

The brief entry way led into a domed room, circular in shape and decorated in varying shades of maroon and gold. The fireplace brightened with the addition of the new students, and Henry gave the seven a chance to gap a bit before leading into the laydown of the rules.

"This is your common room. Behind you the two stair cases lead, respectively, to the male and female dormitories. Tobar Brishen, rather than force you to room alone, I've decided to have you join the second year boys, David and Andrew. You'll find a free bed and dresser waiting for you, along with the your trunk." Henry saw no point in penalizing the Tobar for being the only boy in his house and year. "There are separate stair cases for a reason: boys are not to go into the girls' side, and girls are not to go into the boys' side. Should you try, you'll be rather unpleasantly surprised. The recoil can be a bit painful."

Henry drew even with the room's notice board, its surface emptied from the previous year's many advisories and social events. "In the upcoming week, you'll find a notice here for Quidditch sign-ups. First years are encouraged to try out, but please don't be too disappointed if you're not picked. Your house captain is Hannah Laurent, and your prefects are Eavan Valentine, Josiah Ashwood, and Lucie Dupree.

"All right, so a few additional ground rules. Curfew is at 10pm; if you're caught breaking it, expect to lose points for your house. Points are given throughout the year and can be earned by in-school participation, accomplishments in class, Quidditch, and just about any thing else your professors might want to consider in giving them out. Don't forget, though, that you can lose them just as easily." Henry could tell attention was waning and so he hurried through the last portion of the spiel, his own weariness starting to grow heavier. "Breakfast starts serving at 6am, and-- Dulce, if you would, please hand these schedules out to your housemates-- here are your class schedules. If you ever need anything, I'm right behind that door there. For right now, though, I'm all ears: any questions or concerns, please ask away."
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0 Professor Henry Flatt HoH Welcome Speech Continued 0 Professor Henry Flatt 1 5


Tobar Brishen

November 13, 2009 4:01 PM
Tobar stood up with the girls and for the first time he realized he was the only boy in his year for Teppenpaw. This didn’t cause him any panic he was used to females and enjoyed being with them. The old males had all been a bit rough when they found out he was being sent to Sonora. As they made their through the school he tried to memorize everything.

Finally they got to the area he chuckled when Professor Flat did the jig but wasn’t so happy when he was the first to be called to do it, damn his last name. He didn’t mind performing in front of people but he was used to dancing to the music and how he felt, having to learn steps felt a bit odd for the gypsy boy. After three tries Professor Flat had finally said he had done it perfect.

Once everyone else had gone they entered Tobar in the lead, he wouldn’t follow the girls it felt like a cop out to him. Men were suppose to be the brave ones. He listened intently as the Professor spoke and was pleased that he wouldn’t have to stay in a room by himself but instead join the second years.

Finally the professor turned allowed them to go and Tobar turned towards the person standing next to him. “Ah it’s very nice here, cozy.” He said with a smile. He had never lived in a place like this, large tents and wagons had been where his family had stayed this actually had walls and a fireplace it was delightful.
0 Tobar Brishen The cheese stands alone 152 Tobar Brishen 0 5


Kameyrynn Prinzo

November 13, 2009 11:07 PM
Kamey rose from the table when Professor Flatt called for them and was near the front of the group rather eager to see her new home for the school year. As he introduced himself with all of his duties mentioned she groaned inwardly. She truly hoped that it would not be as bad as being under watch from the Headmistress back at the orphanage; she would just have to remember to keep under the radar, not do anything too outrageous.

As they continued down the halls Kamey continued to add more braids to her hair and paid close attention to the landmarks pointed out by the professor. When he stopped in what seemed to be the middle of a random staircase she was confused until he pointed out the stone on the floor.

“To gain entrance involves a little bit more effort, though—“he said in reference to the hidden door of the common room.

Kamey turned to look at him just as he started a jig; this brought a smile to her face. She made a move to enter the room but was blocked by the professor.

“Not just yet.” He said, “I want each of you to give it a try and ensure you have the movements down.” He then called on Brishen to proceed. He seemed to be calling them in alphabetical order and Kamey was somewhat glad to go last she managed to get through the jig without any problems, showing true talent at dance.

Half listening to his speech as they entered the common room she looked around her hands still busy in her hair; the room was warm and inviting, she could see herself spending time hanging out down here. No, she thought, this is going to be so much better than the orphanage, though I’m still going to have to find somewhere and some time to practice. She tuned back in as the schedules were mentioned. The professor finished off his speech and asked if there were any questions.

Kamey raised her hand and when it caught his eye she asked in a hoarse whisper. “I have a few...” she paused for a moment making sure that he heard her properly before she continued. “Isss there a ssstudio or gymnasssium where I can practissse dansssing? And other than Quidditch, are there other sssportsss asss well?” She settled at just the two questions figuring any others could always be answered later or by one of the prefects.
0 Kameyrynn Prinzo New School, new home, new dances to learn. 0 Kameyrynn Prinzo 0 5


Professor Flatt

November 15, 2009 10:51 AM
Kameyrynn Prinzo; Henry knew a few key details, such as the fact that she was a ward of the state, and by extension, now of the school. There had been some mention of a background in dance, and he knew of at least two other students who were attempting to keep up their training while away at Sonora. Perhaps he should pull one of them aside after class on Monday, ask if they might be willing to include one of the first years in their practises.

"I'm afraid we don't have any rooms designated specifically as a gymnasium or studio." Henry continued on, hoping to allay the presumed disappointment. "But you'll find that there are plenty of un-used rooms, corners, and passages that can easily be turned into the sort of space you'd like, if you're persistent enough."

Despite its much newer age than some of the magical schools overseas, Sonora nevertheless shared the tradition of hidden rooms, passages, and other mysteries that its counterparts did. He remember this one particular wall, in the Gardens, that if you pressed on a particular stone just so, the most fantastic little glen appeared. . .
0 Professor Flatt New is convenient that way. 0 Professor Flatt 0 5