'The Fair-y Debate&quot; PV Julian Pritchard

19 Jan 2022, 02:15

@Julian Pritchard

November 22nd, 16:30

It took Hunter a while to arrive in the Courtyard, but he eventually found his small little corner unoccupied and open for himself and his books. He retrieved "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them" along with his personal journal, a quill with a bottle of ink, and a few notes he had taken from DADA. Hunter always had a fascination with magical creatures, but for reasons that people would find unorthodox. He found that many students enjoyed spending time and taking care of magical animals, while also studying them from close to safe distances. Hunter was of course the same, an 11-year old who was fascinated and enjoyed being near animals (whether they were magical or not). It was more of the fact that Hunter wanted to follow more in his father's footsteps, and that involved the process of wanting to collect parts of animals for the use of potion brewing.

In Potions class, Hunter could recall the snake fangs, pufferfish eyes, unicorn hair, and a few other items retrieved from magical and non-magical creatures. Hunter always dreamed of getting to go on an adventure with his father, collecting and discovering new ingredients. He recalls a few stories his father told him such as traveling through jungles inhabited by acromantulas, or the other story in which he disturbed the nest of 500 murtlaps, or the one in which his father transversed through a graveyard of dragons. Some of these stories were of course exaggerated when they were told to Hunter, but he believed every bit of them due to his young, curious, and isolated mind.

Hunter dreamed of the big catches his father had, but for now, he needed to start small. He took out his journal and opened his book in order to begin what he felt was considered "small." In his journal, he drew two rather decent humanoid-shaped figures. They were rather similar to drawing mannequins, small dolls with little to no features. To one of the figures, he drew a pair of wings, similar to butterflies, and wrote the term "Fairy" above it. The second figure was much more different, as it had an extra set of arms and legs for a total of 8 appendages and wings that were closer to a bat; above this figure, Hunter wrote "Doxy."

Hunter took out his notes from DADA and flipped through "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them," in order to write his own personal notes within his journal. He began to write the descriptions, nature, and typical locations for both the fairy and doxy beneath the appropriate figured drawings. His drawings weren't very spot on, but his note-taking was much more detailed and easy to grasp around. If anything, just the descriptions would have been enough to visualize a fairy and doxy without the crude drawings. Hunter took this into consideration for the next time he was to take notes in his journal. Nonetheless, he continued till he felt satisfied that each had enough notes about them. What Hunter really wanted to stand out, was what he aimed towards the two creatures. On the fairy drawing, he circled their wings, and wrote "Fairy wings, utilized in beautification potion." On the doxy drawing, he drew a pile of dots and made a note next to it saying, "Doxy Eggs, poisonous but useful in brewing the Girding potion."

Now Hunter wasn't very interested in the potions themselves, he just enjoyed a good challenge and wanted the experience of what it was like to gather materials straight from the source, and what it was like to brew difficult potions. Essentially, the only reason he would brew a beautification potion or a girding potion was to test his skills, not to look beautiful or increase his endurance.

The drawings and notes he wrote so far fit on one page. On the next page, he titled it "Capture methods." He began copying his notes from DADA about how doxycide is utilized against Doxy's, and that it only paralyzed them. He made a note that since faries and doxy's are so similar that perhaps it would also work on fairies. Hunter wanted to write a few more notes, but needed a bit more information. He dove deep into "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them," reading at a pace that only occurs with his entire focus. He blocked out his surrounding sounds, and as if in a trance, focused everything on reading what he wanted to know. (WC 752)

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.

Julian Pritchard

Seventh year, Hufflepuff

251 61

31 Jan 2022, 05:29

@Hunter Argentum

When it came to studying and schoolwork, Julian rarely ever ventured outside the castle. He much preferred his bed or an out of the way table in the library. There was something neither location could provide, however, and that was air brisk enough to keep him awake and alert as he worked on a Charms essay after having stayed up reading for far too long the previous night. He hadn't really meant to get so little sleep, but he'd just received a pair of books on sharks from his mum and it had proven too fascinating a subject matter. And now, if he had any hopes of getting his homework done in a timely fashion, he had to venture outside. Not that he usually minded the outside, but it was impractical for reading. He hated it when the wind blew the pages of his books every which way.

Normally, once at the courtyard, Julian would've simply picked a spot out of the way to sit down and lay his books around him, as far from other students as he could muster--lest their conversations distract him--and as sheltered as possible from any sudden gusts of wind. This time, however, as he stepped out into the chilly November air and gazed around to try and find just such a spot, his eyes fell on a very familiar book.

Now, Julian's first year at Hogwarts had been marked by what might've been charitably described as an all-encompassing enthusiasm for magical creatures. He'd always loved animals and finding out, after he'd learned he was a wizard, that there was a whole host of creatures that he'd never even heard of before (or that, if he had, he'd always thought to be mere myths and storybook fodder), that didn't seem to work like regular animals did, and that he might be able to learn about them, and maybe even see them one day and and take care of them... well, it was one of the best parts about being a wizard. As a first year, he hadn't been able to take Care of Magical Creatures yet, of course, but he'd made his level best to get himself as prepared for the subject as he possibly could. And the best source to start learning about any creature? Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. The very book he'd just seen, and which he still carried everywhere in his backpack.

Before he knew what he was doing, he was striding, a dimpled grin on his face, towards the book and its owner. "Can I sit here?" he asked the boy, without further ado. "I was looking for a spot to do my Charms homework. But I noticed what you're reading and I don't think you're a third year, right?" Julian figured he might've recognised the Ravenclaw from his last year if he was. "Do you like magical creatures? What are you reading about?" He was halfway through his enthusiastic barrage of questions when his gaze fell on the notebook next to the boy, his attention drawn by what looked like fairies and doxies drawn on their pages.

"Does that say 'capture methods'?" he asked, a slight frown now creasing his brow as he tried to make out what was written on the page. It suddenly occurred to him that reading other people's writing without their permission might be a tad off-putting. "Sorry," he said, feeling the telltale heat of a blush creeping up his cheeks. "I just--- I think fairies are quite interesting, don't you? I'd really love to see one one day. I wonder if there's any on the grounds."

Last edited by Julian Pritchard on 18 Feb 2022, 03:41, edited 1 time in total.

3 Feb 2022, 20:59

Reducio

@Julian Pritchard

Hunter, as always, felt secluded and safe within his small spot out in the courtyard. The gentle breeze and fresh air really calmed him and allowed him to reach a point of no return. Well, at least for a while with his head buried in his book. It took him a few seconds, but he eventually warped back into reality as another student approached him. He didn't quite look up at first, he was recording a bit more into his book, but he left an ear out to hear what this other student had to say, and why were they interested in talking to Hunter?

This wasn't the first time another student had walked up to Hunter to question his reading; he wondered if he should find a new spot to read since apparently reading in the courtyard can actually attract attention. He didn't notice the other student throw on a frown and crease his brow, but he could hear him apologize for some reason. Hunter wasn't fully sure what the other boy was apologizing about, but he just let it slide and would bring it up later. "If you'd like to sit here you certainly can. If you are requesting a Ravenclaw to help with your charms homework, then I don't think I can help unless you are also a first year. You are right, I'm not a third year." Hunter usually wasn't incredibly surprised when someone could tell his age or year typically because of his height at times. He was slightly surprised that another student would just come to talk about a book though. With little interaction, he didn't quite grasp how to start a conversation, or what kids his age usually talked about. He usually just talked about school and gave quick answers to other first-years who had questions about homework.

"I-I suppose I like magical creatures, they are rather interesting," Hunter's voice had gone a little meek at responding to that question. He eventually looked up at the other student and tilted his glasses slightly, "Hufflepuff" he said in his mind. This was surprisingly the third time a Hufflepuff had interrupted his reading in just this month. He could slightly recall the other two, Enrico and... Aaron? Hunter was questioning his memory on who he's talked to so far. He's never had to remember so many names before and typically left room for only classes. Three times in one month by the same house. Yup, Hunter needed a new spot.

"It does say capture method. Is there a problem with that?" Hunter's question was genuine, there was no malice or sound of disrespect out of his voice. It actually sounded slightly concerned as if he made a mistake in his spelling or utilized the incorrect term. He stopped writing for a moment and looked at the Hufflepuff boy while straightening his back. Hunter presumed he could take a small break and have a bit of conversation like anyone his age should. He gave a rather mellow or neutral look with little change in expression, but with a slight look of being naive: "I suppose they are interesting. Their magical beast and yet they have similarities to bugs when you think about it. My best guess would be somewhere out in the forest around Hogwarts. Look for bowtruckles, the book says they tend to eat their eggs before they hatch. You may be able to save them, raise them, and take their wings." Hunter didn't have an issue with anything he said. That last sentence may catch some students off guard, but Hunter thought it was normal to say. "Or are you more the kind of person who would capture them in glass balls as decorations?"

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.

Julian Pritchard

Seventh year, Hufflepuff

251 61

19 Feb 2022, 03:49

@Hunter Argentum

When the boy in front of him first ventured a guess as to why Julian might've approached him, Julian couldn't help but give him a quizzical look. Of course, the boy was a Ravenclaw, and Julian knew that the prototypical Ravenclaw was supposed to be quite smart, but that didn't mean that all of them would be. Certainly not necessarily smarter than Julian himself, who considered himself to be reasonably intelligent, or more knowledgeable of Charms, which happened to be one of Julian's favourite subjects. Entrusting his homework to a total stranger without knowing that at least one of those conditions were being met would've been quite silly.

He shook his head. "Oh no. I got my homework. It's not especially hard. Anyway, asking for help without first trying to do it myself would rather defeat the point, y'know?"

He gave a small shrug and, having gotten permission to sit down, he dropped to the ground, crossing his legs and busying himself digging into his bag as the other boy started replying to his earlier questions, looking for his Charms notes, his textbook and the scrap of parchment where he'd jotted the requirements for his assignment as the other.

He'd been nodding along his assent as the first year Ravenclaw brought up the similarities between fairies and regular insects--Julian thought that was fascinating too! It was hard not to wonder if all magical creatures (the ones that weren't a product of magical breeding and hybridisation at least) and regular animals did not have some sort of common ancestor and had been the same species at some point--and as he brought up places where he might find faeries--Julian agreed that the forest would be the obvious place, but he wasn't about to break the rules--when the boy suddenly said something that had him blinking and looking up.

"Um, take their wings?" He frowned, before shaking his head emphatically. "I don't want to hurt them. Or keep them trapped anywhere, really, though I suppose you might have to keep them contained if you're going to raise them, to keep them from wandering off and getting lost or hurt, but I would never keep them trapped just for decoration. I just want to catch one to have a closer look. I'd let them go after. Trapping them like that for no reason... it just seems cruel." Not as cruel, though, as taking their wings.

"Why did you think I wanted to take their wings?" He levelled an appraising look at the boy in front of him. "Is that--is that what you were planning on doing?" Julian hadn't had any problem with the idea that this boy was researching capture methods for fairies (which he'd signalled earlier with a jerky shake of his head); capture could be humane and you often needed to capture a specimen if you wanted to examine and learn more about it. Capturing a fairy just to maim it, though... well, it made Julian feel faintly ill.

22 Feb 2022, 17:35

@Julian Pritchard

Julian's tone was slightly off-putting for Hunter. The mention of "capture and set free" a fairy was a bit odd as well. Hunter was unsure if what he said was odd or weird, he wasn't sure how to respond back to Julian. "W-well, I wouldn't do it for fun, I-I-I would do it to test my potion skills. Fairy wings are required for a b-beautification potion or a girding potion. S-Some q-quidditch players would probably want the girding, and some students here would probably want the beautification... I-I just want to see if I'm capable of brewing them. They're both considered rather complex, and the ingredients seem rather difficult to obtain; I was just trying to plan ahead... d-d-did I say something wrong?"

Hunter's voice was a bit swift, nervous, and was attempting to justify himself. Julian was making him nervous in a way he was unsure of. Speaking with other students always brought the worst in Hunter's anxiety, and he never knew if what he said was right or wrong. All he could do was justify and explain his way of thinking when questioned, "F-fairy's are like bugs as we discussed. Students and even adults step on bugs and harm them on a daily. T-the book also explains that removal of their wings typically just conducts annoyance rather than pain in fairies. Thus, i-is it that wrong to take a fairy's wings?"

Hunter looked back down towards his readings, still attempting to justify what he said. He was also trying to figure out what he said that seemed wrong, do wizards his age usually don't enjoy pulling the wings of fairies? Does that mean they don't enjoy collecting the parts of other magical beasts for magical uses? Hunter didn't know, but a part of him wanted to. He decided to take a deep breath and resume a few more notes in his book, this time he added: "Fairies are well known for their own vanity. Perhaps they reside close to rivers as to narcissus in greek mythology... would a mirror be useful?"

Even in a time of slight panic, Hunter wouldn't allow conversation or a small break to stop him from new thoughts or ideas he wanted to write down. He worked in two directions of which one led down a path of his thoughts and knowledge while the other dealt with anxious small talk and conversations. With a mere flip of a switch, he could be seen switching between the two paths. He was at first being anxious when talking, then went to a rather calm state of writing, and then back to conversate with a nervous tone. It was very odd as if the young Ravenclaw was living between two worlds that he thought he could keep separate. Hunter looked back towards Julian while straightening his back and stretching his arms, "D-do you think a mirror would work in luring a fairy?" Like always, Hunter was nervous but always looking for information.

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.

Julian Pritchard

Seventh year, Hufflepuff

251 61

24 Feb 2022, 03:37

@Hunter Argentum

Julian raised his eyebrow as Hunter explained what he'd been thinking, and the reason he'd been researching capture methods in the first place. The uneasy feeling at the pit of his stomach only intensified, though it wasn't all horror at the thought of taking any living thing and plucking its wings. He was also torn. After all, Hunter did make some good points. Unsure quite what to say, he drummed his fingers on his leg a couple of times before repositioning so that his arms were hugging his legs to his chest and he could rest his chin on his knees as he looked at Hunter.

"I--don't know," he said finally. "I guess if it's just annoying to them..." It should be okay. But it still felt profoundly wrong. At least without a good reason. And beautification potions and girding potions didn't seem like a great reason. They seemed more like small conveniences. Learning was a somewhat better reason, and Julian was keenly aware that he'd used a number of ingredients that ultimately came from magical creatures and the like during his potions lessons. Still, it was one of the reasons it wasn't his favourite subject, and the thought of having to harvest any of those ingredients filled him with dread. He found it hard to believe that Hunter wouldn't feel the same way, even if he knew it was irrational to make a moral distinction around harvesting the ingredients versus just shopping for them. After all, the creatures got hurt anyway.

He sighed. "How do they know that it doesn't hurt them?" Julian faintly remembered reading that faeries without wings would be annoyed, since they wouldn't be as beautiful, but he found it hard to believe that the act itself wouldn't hurt them beyond that. Certainly, it didn't match his intuitions if he were thinking about plucking a bee's or fly's wings.

Hunter's last question took him by surprise; it seemed so detached from the central point of their discussion. Still, Julian answered, his automatic response when confronted by an interesting question (or, even, really a boring one). "Probably. I mean, they're supposed to be quite vain, right? Though maybe food would be a more effective b--" He trailed off as something occurred to him.

"Wait. I know we said they're a bit like insects, but doesn't it make sense that they're smarter than insects? I mean, I know the book says they're quite dim, but if they're really vain... doesn't that mean they're at least more aware than insects?" And didn't that make taking their wings less comparable to accidentally squishing a bug?

He gave Hunter a helpless shrug. Julian could not categorically say that what Hunter was planning was wrong, but it certainly didn't seem right to him.