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Post by Gertrude Prewett on Nov 26, 2006 18:47:59 GMT
Setting (Location, Weather, Time): By the Black Lake, sunny and warm afternoon Status (Open/Closed/Preffered Characters): Open Rating: PG? First Post Summary (A brief summary of your first post, stating what the thread is all about): Gertrude ponders about anything she's been taught and wether it's the right thing General Plot (What story do you wish to impart?): Gertrurde begins to gather information on both sides ideology as to make a decision. Gertrude walked quietly through the grounds of Hogwarts. It was a peaceful afternoon, with nothing to do. She had already finished schoolwork, had no catching up in any classes and was just returning from sending a letter to her family. Deciding that the afternoon was too delightful to let it past by, the youngest Prewett decided to take a stroll before dinner. Little First Years boys ran around playing childish games, while girls giggled and played their own games. Gerty gave them a thorough look, making sure no one was being bullied before continuing on her way. Eventually, the group of playing children and gossiping young girls was left behind and Gerty moved onto a more quiet place.
She had always found the Black Lake rather relaxing and it had became a sort of sanctuary for her over the years. It was here where she'd often come when she was in need of peace of mind for reflexing about things or just sorting out her thoughts and ideas. Here she felt she could laugh and cry openly, leaving the proper ways aside if only for a while. She sat down in the soft grass, caressing it's vivid green leafs with her left hand, plucking a few leafs here and there. Her gaze diverted towards the smooth surface of the Black Lake , and she admired the cristaline waters. She had always wondered what it'd be like under that peaceful waters, and she promised herself to maybe return in the Summer and dive in with the help of the Bubble Head Charm. She had so many questions about so many things that Gery seriously doubted she'd find the answer for all of them, and instead even more questions would arise from them.
Lie, for example it was the unsettling events that had been unfolding in the Magical World. Everyhing seemed to indicate that there was someone who wanted to end with Muggleborn witches and wizards. This she had come to cocnlude after reading the Daily Prophet for a long time. She had owled her father in hopes to be enlightened on this affair, but he had replied that it was not of the incumbence of a society lady such as herself. She had thought to write one of her brothers, but they would probably try to overprotect her and hide the truth. Her mother was out of the question, as anything that didn't include fashion or the latest society gossip didn't catch the attention of the french witch. So she was left to her own devises to figure out what was going on and what would be her stand on the subject.
She had grown up with the thought that muggleborn were nothing more than despicable and mean persons, but throughout her years of schooling she had begun doubting that dogma. Wether that was true or false, she'd have to form her own opinion in the matter. Her trail of thoughts was interrupted by the sound of steps coming nearer, and she turned around to welcome the newcomer.
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Post by Viktor Walden on Nov 29, 2006 9:39:43 GMT
It was one of those afternoons that felt so long. After hours of teaching, Viktor grew tired of the classroom he was in and found himself fancying a small stroll by the lake. He walked past the throng of students, stopping shortly at the Slytherin Dungeons before he left the castle.
In the Slytherin lounge, he found quite a few students milling about, showing off and bragging about their father's latest venture, or the newest addition to the family treasures. He watched unsmilingly, but inside he felt at peace, for it seemed like everything was in place, and that nothing could ever change the way the world spun around.
He then proceeded and took the walk that he wanted to take, enjoying the silence around him and the nature he could see. He took the path toward the Black Lake, as it was there that he could think clearly.
His life had been one straight line. Everything he did was done according to his principles, and he was quite happy with what he had achieved, though he knew that he yearned for something more. However, nothing could persuade him to act upon chasing this dream of his. He had his share of adventures, and he was in no way willing to risk everything that he had worked for to go after some fancy of his.
He saw by the lake his student, Gertrude Prewett. She was a witty girl. Quite bright, to say the least. Whatever lineage the girl might be from, be it pureblood or muggle born mattered little to him. All he required in his classes from boys and girls alike was the quality of the work they turned in.
However, outside the class, he found it pleasant to learn more about his students. After all, he was fifty-one, with his daughter already working. He missed having a family, having children to raise and teach. He walked toward Gertrude with a slight smile. "Good afternoon, miss Prewett." he said. "Such a fine afternoon it is, do you not agree? Tell me, dear child, how is your father doing?" he inquired in his usual businesslike tone, though a warm look was on his eyes. He had met Gertrude's father back in his Auror days and has been out of touch with the man for a few years already.
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Post by Gertrude Prewett on Nov 29, 2006 16:28:00 GMT
Gertrude realized it was her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor walking up to her. Any student would've been uncomfortable with the presence of a teacher, even more, the Head of House of the House that traditionally rivaled her own. This mattered little to Gertrude, as she had friends in Slytherin as well. She was absolutely against of holding a grudge against anyone just because they happened to been sorted into another house, and many Slytherin didn't really saw her as a target for bullying because she was a pureblood just like them. Professor Walden also was a very condescending teacher, as he didn't really showed favoritisms in his class based on lineage and House. He appreciated wits and hard work, both qualities Gertrude possesed.
"Good afternoon Professor Walden" Gertrude replied pleasantly an motioned to stand up. After all it wasn't educated to remain seated while a superior was standing up. "My father is doing quite well. He got promoted to Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department earlier this year. He doesn't write as often as he'd used to, maybe because of how things are going as of late" Gertrude replied, her gaze darkening a little. It had been of her knowledge (mainly through the Daily Prophet she had affiliated to) that there had been some seemingly random attacks on muggles and muggleborns, an being the later in the jurisdiction of Cyrus Prewett she thought that was keeping him busy.
But, truth be told he had been acting more distant the past time. He had been leaving the estate at odd hours and spent more time with high functionaries of the Ministry. Gertrude had asked her father if something was wrong, but her father had made it clear that it wasn't women's business and that Gertrude was in no place to be asking questions. There wasn't much that Gertrude could do anyway, seeing as she was to be proper at all times and never question her parents, and she had been having a hard time with that as of late. Women in her family had traditionally been placed either in Ravenclaw or even Slytherin if they weren't sent abroad to study in Beauxbatons. So, when Gertrude got sorted into Gryffindor of all the Houses it caused a small commotion in her home. Gryffindor was traditionally a house of men to be placed into, not some 'proper lady' like herself. And unlike Salazar Slytherin or (to a small extent) Rowena Ravenclaw, Godric Gryffindor had no grudge against blood whatsoever, and the idea of poor defenseless Gertrude having to live with halfbloods or even muggleborns was disastrous (Prewett men were usually placed in Slytherin, Ravenclaw or even Gryffindor as one of her brothers but it was more acceptable for a man to be in Gryffindor than a woman). So, with many prejudices embedded in her head, Gertrude only befriended other pureblood children like herself, staying clear out of trouble in her parents's eyes.
"Though on his last letter he sends you his regards." Gertrude added, the words written by her father coming clearly to her. She remembered that professor Walden had gone, along with his family, to dinner with the Prewetts a couple of times in the past. "Also wrote that he'd appreciate if you were able to join him for dinner one of these days." she finished, wondering if Professor Walden might help her as to make her mind in which cause to support. He seemed like a man of principles and very direct, and Gertrude admired those qualities.
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Post by Viktor Walden on Nov 30, 2006 8:41:00 GMT
"Dinner with your old man, I'd be quite delighted." Viktor said with a slight smile. "Yes indeed, I had heard about his promotion. I do not know if you remember her since you might've been quite young when you girls met, but my daughter, Andrea, is now working under him at the Auror office." he said, just the way a proud father would. He walked a while, waiting for her to follow him in his stroll. "Do take a walk with me, Gertrude, we have much to talk about."
"Word is that your father is having trouble containg the murders of muggles going on around." he said. "I do not know if he has informed you of the matter, but from what I hear, the person to blame is quite elusive. It bothers me that a man of your father's standard cannot catch this 'perpetrator', but at the same time, I am amazed at the genius of this person they call a criminal." he paused, looking out at the lake.
"You are old enough, I presume to be enlightened on such matters. Especially since you are leaving the protective walls of this school quite soon. Once you are out in the world, you must choose a side. Why, even here and now, you must know where you stand on this issue against muggles. Your grandfather, the great man that he is, has asked me to give you the necessary information that you need, as he has stated that your father wishes for you to be clean of all involvement. Your grandfather does not seem to agree, however, so here I am. A little side-lesson, you might call it. Though of course, none of it is to be on the record." he said.
"You were born to a pureblood family, from what I understand. And your family has worked hard to keep that line clean. Muggleborn wizards are and always will be outsiders in our world. In class, I am unbiased, for I do not want any political matters getting along the way of education--for education is a gift that must be granted to all. However, I do have my stand on this matter of blood lineage. I have long believed that though muggleborn wizards are capable of magic, they do not belong in our world. Muggles have their place in the muggle world, and they should stay there." he toyed with his wand that had a silver snake for a hilt.
"Needless to say, your grandfather isn't very happy with your father chasing after this man who has taken it upon himself to cleanse the wizarding world. You have a very wise grandfather and father, but they both have different ideals. Your grandfather loves you very much to want you to learn all this. He says that protecting you will do you no good, and that sooner or later, you would be confronted with matters of such and you will be forced to choose a side. So it would be better for you to learn all you can now." he looked at Gertrude, "As of now, I can give you very little advice for I do not know your sentiments on the matter. Perhaps you would be so patient as to tell me what you think of muggles and muggleborn wizards, miss Prewett."
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Post by Gertrude Prewett on Nov 30, 2006 14:44:32 GMT
"Oh Andrea! I surely remember her! she was a very talented witch from what I ercall, and it would've been a waste of talent if she decided to pursue another career than Auror" Gertrude commented, her eyes lightening up. She used to play with Andrea when professor Walden and his family went over for dinner. It did surprise Gertrude to hear of an Auror woman, as mostly those profession were taken over by men. "Of course professor, It'd be a pleasure to take a walk with you" She answered politely, secretly wondering what was that he wanted to speak with her.
"My father hasn't directly told me anything, but I've been having my suspicions for a while now. "Gertrude confessed "I acquired a suscription to the Daily Prophet, and while it's not the best way to be informed it's still better than dwelling in ignorance."she told her professor. "There had been a few articles on some attacks and killings of both muggles and muggleborn wizards. And I certainly believe that any person that is able to elude's my father's grasp deserves more than to be called a common criminal"
Gertrude nodded in understanding. "Don't worry I won't mention this conversation to anyone. I do wish to learn more of the affairs that are happening in the magical world, and my father seems keen on leaving me out in any conversation regarding this particular subject. He says it's because he doesn't believe this should involve women, but I know better sinve even my mother seems more tired as of late. He probably does it in order to protect me, but he can't keep me in the dark forever. I'm really glad that my grandfather thought of that, and I'm very grateful to you for allowing me access to information you hold."
Gertrude kept silent for awhile before she finally started talking. She had a very vague opinion on muggles and muggleborn wizards, and most of it wasn't even based in her own experience. "I'm afraid I don't have much of an opinion on both. From what my mother told me, she and her family had to flee from France because of some muggle revolution that was getting out of hand. To me, muggles seem like silly violent children. Too enthralled in their own superficial matters to be able to realize of the grander things surrounding them. But as far as muggleborn wizards are concerned I'm afraid I have yet to sort my thoughts. I grew up with my grandfather's idea about them, believing them to be unworthy of living among us purebloods. My father, on the other hand while he thinks that they're magical just like us, still always advised me to not get involved with them. Probably it was something he saw in his Auror days, though I've never questioned him on the subject. While I know that in my House and Year there are many halfblood and even muggleborn students, I always avoided them, preferring the company of pureblood children like myself. What I have seen, though, is that some of them can be as capable as some of the finest pureblood students. But I've never crossed more than three words with them, so I don't really know how they are. You worked along with my father as an Auror. Surely you must have much more experience in dealing with muggleborns." Gertrude said
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Post by Viktor Walden on Dec 1, 2006 0:59:20 GMT
The afternoon air was warm and the sun still brightly shone down upon Viktor and Gertrude, though not in a glaring way. It was what many would call perfect weather. And perfect weather as such was not supposed to be ruined by the matters that they now were discussing, but it could not be helped. These matters were those that were pressing down on the wizarding world, and such matters needed to be discussed.
Viktor moved along, watching the water move as he listened to Gertrude speak, keeping in mind a few points that he would address soonafter. When she finished, he took his time before answering her. "My dear girl, muggles are anything but silly little children. They are cunning and have their own sort of genius, which they put to waste. The history books of our world have painted the muggles as stupid beings. But think of it, child. They have felt the presence of our world, no matter how hard we do try to hide. They have even taken up to persecuting our people. Unsuccessfully, you might argue, but they know enough to realise that we exist. And therein lies our weakness. No matter how hard we try to conceal our world, time and time again, muggles will find ways to learn about it."
What he just said was probably the most unbiased thing he had uttered regarding the issue. He had addressed only the facts about muggles and wondered what good it would do for Gertrude, certainly her grandfather would not be too pleased with such words, but Viktor thought it only fair to present the girl with such.
He continued, looking over at the enthralling scenery that was Hogwarts. "I am, to say the least, glad that you have taken up to avoiding the muggleborn. They do need some treatment of the sort. The muggleborn here have absolutely no respect, and even think themselves better than the pureblood students here." He shook his head in disappointment. "I would not address this issue if they were better, but they simply are not. They are mediocre, and need to learn their place. However, I am not in a position to do such. I am a mere professor whose job is but to teach and not to implement any sort of politics in the school." His voice had a hint of bitterness in it. He would have wanted to teach those insolent muggles a lesson, but he lived his whole life based on principle, and such prevented him from doing what he really wanted.
"From my Auror days, I caught a great many pureblood and muggleborn wizards waging wars against each other. I would have let the pureblood wizards kill off the muggleborn, but those wizards were fools. They were harming the innocent pureblood bystanders, and we need not lessen our kind. The muggleborn were persecuted immediately and sent to Azkaban, whilst the pureblood wizards were given a warning and let off." He paused, marvelling at how biased everything was. "On principle, I would have wanted a fair trial for both, but again, it was up to the Wizengamot to decide. It was not my choice, but I am not to complain about their desicion. Thinking of it now, I find it just."
He looked fondly at Gertrude, "The fact is, my dear girl, that there is a war going on. Bear in mind that though there are muggles and muggleborn who are kind, many wizards of pure ancestry have been killed by them. They have taken out of position the families who have long been in our world and placed themselves on the top, not caring about our history. They simply want power, and in wanting so, disrespect everything that our forefathers have worked for, along with our heritage. The pureblood wizards you see who are reckless, are very little. This man who is responsible for the muggle deaths is not one of them. I can tell that he is a man who plans and schemes meticulously, and for that, I applaud him. The only reason why this issue has made it to the press is because the publisher of the Daily Prophet is a blabbering half-blood who knows little of the value this man is doing the world. I have taught my daughter that the only side she is to fight for would be herself. Her own principles. You will find in you what is right, and that is the side you must choose." He smiled at her once more and straightened up the buttons of his coat, preparing to leave.
"I leave you with those words, Gertrude. If you need to speak about this, or anything else for that matter, my office is always open. Your grandfather and I are in touch frequently, and he is quite glad that you have turned out the way you did. Do not hesitate to ask me anything, my dear. I am not only your professor, but also a friend of your family, and I owe you the proper guidance that you will need."
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Post by Gertrude Prewett on Dec 2, 2006 20:44:24 GMT
Gertrude looked slightly in awe at Professor Walden. She has never as much as given a seconf thought on muggles, but everything her teacher told him made sense. "Now that you mention it I can't help but think you're right. We may laugh of muggles, but they do sense that there's something going on in front of them. But by underestimating them it only makes us more vulnerable" Gertrured pondered aloud
Gertrude kept silent, listening to what Viktor was saying. She didn't really knew what to say. In her own experience, the first places in grade swere always occupied by pureblood (herself among them) and the lesser places generally muggleborn and halfblood, with some purebloods as well. "But there are also some purebloods with bad grades, and some of them have even taken to bullying First Years or other younger students. I believe this very behavior only worsens any attitude muggleborn may have against us purebloods. By bullying them, purebloods are stepping down to the same level and I think they only denigrate themselves. We have to show our grandeur by being magnanimus."she voiced her thoughts
Gertrude again fell into a deep trail of thought. She wondered how many lives had been lost to this grudge between pureblood wizards and muggleborn. From what she had heard from her father, Azkaban was an awful place that was capable of driving any men insane. He described it to be worse than death itself, and Gertrude pitied any soul convicted to that prison. But she couldn't help but feel bad to think that the same crime had different punishment for different people. In the end she foun Walden to be right; she had to find what was right inside herself and fight for that. "You're right. I'll find within myself what to believe in and I'll fight for it. Nothing is ever absolute, but rather many sides of it. I just have to find whatever ideology I can most relate with." Gertrude said
It was then than Gertrude realised how quickly time had past by. She was invited to a ball and she had to write to her home to see if they could owl her one of her ball dresses. "Thanks, Professor Walden. I am most relieved to have your guidance and I'll approach you should I find myself in doubt." Gertrude said with a grateful smile. She curstsied in a polite way and turned around, heading towards the Gryffindor Common Room
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Post by Nikolas Vogel on Dec 3, 2006 13:33:42 GMT
Thread title: Pride & Prejudice Persons Involved: Gertrude Prewett, Viktor Walden Brief Summary of the Thread: Getrude takes a stroll with her professor. They talk about the issue regarding blood purity and Viktor gives Gertrude some information to help her decide which side she will choose.
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