NationStates Jolt Archive

To test power is to be corrupt. To test time is to be foolish. To test law it to be rebellious. But to test one's self is to be strong and weak, naive and bold, clever and foolish, wise and dumb, humble and hubristic, but most importantly it is to be Human.

"Welcome," an eerie voice echoed off of the dungeons walls in greetings to all those that dared venture down into the depths. The dungeons were a constant source of mystery and terror in the school, though this was only the first level with many more below it. There were four doors ahead on landing-esque room and stairs leading to the right. Between each door there was a torch that provided the only source of light to the small stone area; however, a blue light emanated from and reflected up the dungeon stairs. Ironic that it was the beginning of the dungeons where the brightest and cleverest of students would attempt to begin their path in advanced teachings...

"When you are ready, enter the appropriate door ahead of you and begin the test. Remember to be prepared for you may only take each test once."

The four doors were marked visibly with the names of the classes that required a student to pass a test to enter. On the far left was black writing that read "Curses," followed by "Unknown Magics Studies" in the door next to it, "World Beyond Studies" in a door that seemed to have a silver light emanating from behind it, and finally on the far right on a plain door were the words "Advanced Studies."

"If you are here to make multiple tests, you may enter the next door after you finish a test or you may return later after resting," the voice added.


[OOC: If you have signed up to take one or more of the "Test-In" classes, you must come to this thread and take the corresponding tests. I have set them up so you can RP yourself entering and beginning the test, but if you want I will do some RPing too. All four tests have written portions, but Curses and Advanced Studies also have practical exams that will occur after - I will be RPing the teachers in those. As for the tests, I would like you to keep a couple things in mind. While I am not looking for a perfect score, if I determine your answers are unsatisfactory, you may well fail and not get into the class. As for answering the questions, some answers will be easy and are found in the Harry Potter lore, while others are harder and require more thinking. Generally, while I have some things in mind, I am not looking for any specific answer - if you bullshit it well, then you can get it right. Finally, and this is an important point, the answers are supposed to be coming from your character, not you... so just because you know the answer, doesn't mean your character has to or should get it right. These will be hard tests for kids, especially young ones, so RP accordingly. If you have any questions, post them in the Main OOC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=537142) thread.]

Curses
"Take a seat and begin the test. There is no talking," Professor Vincent Black said stoically upon entry into the Curses room.

There were twelve desks in three rows of four lined up perfectly. Each had a quill and a parchment on it that presumably held the test.

On the top of the parchment were the words "Written Potion - Curses Test, Level 5," and beneath the test lay...

Question 1: Name the Unforgivable Curses and their effects.

Question 2: What is the killing curse's appearance and what mark does it leave on its victim?

Question 3: What happens when a ghost is struck by a curse?

Question 4: How long does the Imperius Curse last?

Question 5: Why does it matter little that the killing curse most be spoken verbally?

Question 6: What requirement does the Cruciatus Curse carry when casting it?

Question 7: Why are wizarding coins protected from the Gemino Curse?

Question 8: When was/is it legal to use the killing curse?

Question 9: What are the differences between the Reducto spell, the Confringo spell, and the Expulso spell?

Question 10: True or False, all curses are dark by nature?

Congratulations, you have just finished the written portion of the exam. Proceed through the redwood door to the practical portion. Be prepared.

Once finished, the test floated through the door opposite the one that you entered through. A hand snatched it out of the air and then beckoned you in for the practical portion of the exam. "Wand at the ready…" a voice called.

Unknown Magics Studies
Professor Andreiz Miskin was waiting patiently inside for this year's round of tests to get into the Unknown Magics Studies class. In a reassuring and comforting voice, he said, "When you are ready, do the best you can," and gave a little wink.

There were twelve desks in three rows of four lined up perfectly. Each had a quill and a parchment on it that presumably held the test.

On the top of the parchment were the words "Unknown Magics Studies Test, Level 3," and beneath the short test lay...

Question 1: What constitutes unknown magic?

Question 2: How do we go about learning unknown magic?

Question 3: What are the dangers involved in studying unknown magic?

Question 4: True or False, Unknown Magics Studies is the least repetitive of all classes, even year to year.

Question 5: Why do people seek to learn the unknown?

Congratulations, that is the end of the test. Please wait outside for your results.

World Beyond Studies
Behind the door with the silver light creeping underneath the frame stood, or rather floated, Nicholas Nickleby, ghost extraordinaire. With a grin of his face - just in case anyone was exceedingly surprised when they entered - Nickleby pointed to a desk and then floated through a wall...

There were twelve desks in three rows of four lined up perfectly. Each had a quill and a parchment on it that presumably held the test. However, right in front of the desks, where the other door was in the Curses room, lay a giant mirror with rippling glass and a silver coloring...

On the top of the parchment were the words "World Beyond Studies Test, Level 4," and beneath, the short test lay waiting...

Question 1: What does the phrase "World Beyond" mean in this context?

Question 2: Why are there ghosts?

Question 3: Where do ghosts remain?

Question 4: What is it to be immortal?

Question 5: What influence does the "World Beyond" have on ours and what influence can we have on the "World Beyond"?

Question 6: What happens when a ghost touches a physical object?

Question 7: What other examples of the "World Beyond" do wizards see besides ghosts?

Question 8: How many states of life and death are there, and what are they?

Congratulations, you have completed the test. Please wait outside for your results.

Advanced Studies
Perhaps a surprise to those who did not know, when the door swung open, none other than the Headmaster, Professor Alexander Sagieux Barbelanc stood plopping jelly beans into his mouth. "Hello there!" he greeted kindly from behind his long white beard and spectacles. "Good luck..." And with a wink at the student, the test appeared on the nearest test.

Unlike the other three rooms, this room has only one desk, one quill, and one parchment.

On the top of the parchment were the words "Advanced Studies Test, Level 10," and beneath the words were the questions...

Question 1: Why do you belong in this class?

Question 2: If asked about you Question 1, what would your teachers and peers say?

Question 3: Write a paragraph on the nature of magic.

Question 4: List one spell from each of the category types, and write a brief analysis about it including its effects, its appearance, its use, and more.

Question 5: What animal can cause blinding as well as healing?

Question 6: How does an animagus choose his or her animal form? Why are known animagi so rare? What changes in the wizard when taking on animal form?

Question 7: Write a paragraph on the Blood Wars.

Question 8: Why is currently existing Ancient Magic so powerful?

Question 9: Who chooses the Minister of Magic?

Question 10: Name three uses for dragon blood.

Question 11: How does the blue blood disease apply to the wizarding world?

Question 12: Muggles use manufactured medicines. What is the equivalent in the wizard world and list their similarities?

Question 13: Why are giants feared by and fearful of Wizards and yet intrigued by them?

Question 14: When I look in a mitigating mirror, whose face do I see?

Question 15: What is your name?

Congratulations, you have finished the written portion of the exam. Please enter the next door for the practical portion of the exam.

The Headmaster who has been humming and eating jelly beans throughout the testing period is now standing by the door waiting gleefully...

Reserved

Question 1: Name the Unforgivable Curses and their effects.

The Unforgivable Curses are Avada Kedavra, The Cruciatus Curse, and the Imperius Curse.

Question 2: What is the killing curse's appearance and what mark does it leave on its victim?

The Killing Curse's appearance is a green shot of light, and it leaves a lightning bolt on the person's forehead.

Question 3: What happens when a ghost is struck by a curse?

When a ghost is struck by a curse, it doesn't usually affect them.

Ryan remembered an incident from his first year and smiled.

Question 4: How long does the Imperius Curse last?

Question 5: Why does it matter little that the killing curse most be spoken verbally?

It matters little that Avada Kedavra must be spoken verbally because only one person has ever survived the curse. And it is of unknown reasons.

Question 6: What requirement does the Cruciatus Curse carry when casting it?

The Cruciatus Curse carries the requirement, when you cast it, of extreme hate towards the person. Ryan took a wild guess.

Question 7: Why are wizarding coins protected from the Gemino Curse?

Wizarding coins are protected by the Gemino Curse because reproduces the coin. Ryan had a feeling he wouldn't make the class.

Question 8: When was/is it legal to use the killing curse?

It was legal to use the killing curse when the Dark wizard Woods appeared. Around 200 years ago. The Ministry of Magic wanted him dead so quickly, that they legalized it temporarily. But with a struggle.

Question 9: What are the differences between the Reducto spell, the Confringo spell, and the Expulso spell?

The differences between the Reducto spell, the Confingo spell, and the Expulso spell are that Reducto disintegrats objects, the Expulso spell causes the object to explode violently (Ryan remembered how his mom died. It was just him and his dad now.), and the Confringo spell mearly just explodes everything. Not violently.

Question 10: True or False, all curses are dark by nature?

I believe the answer is yes. Unless, you are using it in self-defence.


Congratulations, you have just finished the written portion of the exam. Proceed through the redwood door to the practical portion. Be prepared.

Ryan looked at the question sheet when he had finished. he thought to himself. But, the Cruciatus question? [I]Jeez, these were hard. But I think I got most of them, he thought to himself. But, why did they put on of the answers to #1 down at the bottom of the page? That had been the only one he hadn't known. He immediately walked through the redwood door.

~snip~

Ryan looked at the question sheet when he had finished. he thought to himself. But, the Cruciatus question? [I]Jeez, these were hard. But I think I got most of them, he thought to himself. But, why did they put on of the answers to #1 down at the bottom of the page? That had been the only one he hadn't known. He immediately walked through the redwood door.

As Ryan was about to step through the door, a raised hand followed by a body blocked his way. "I am sorry," the professor said without looking at the students. His eyes were busy scanning the page that had just twisted through the air to him. "But you have received a mediocre score on your exam, so much so that we do not feel it warrants further examination in a practical exam. More so, we feel it may even be dangerous to yourself to proceed..."

"I'm sorry, but you have failed..."

[OOC: See OOC Thread.]

Angela entered and sat down; to her surprise she was the only one currently sat down at the desk; oddly she expected more people to be taking this class. She took out her quill and some paper as the exam was handed to her she read over it quickly and nodded more to herself. It was certainly not an easy exam but she was quietly confident in her ability to pass the test as she started writing.

"Question 1: Name the Unforgivable Curses and their effects" she read then started writing out the answer. An easy one any witch worth her black salt knew the answer to; it paid to know so you didn't accidentally end up in prison; "The Killing Curse, the Torture curse and the mind control curse. Specifically The Avada Kedavra Curse, Crucio Curse and the Imperio Curse respectively. They do pretty much what it says on the tin; with the Killing curse killing and leaving behind no apparent cause of death or marks on the body; the Torture curse causes great pain in the victim and can with repeated use be fatal or course mental instability. The last curse; is a mind control curse that takes over the victims body making them serve you like a slave however you wish. To use the unforgivable curses you have to want to cause harm to the user for harm sake and have a very strong will; wanting it with every fibre of your being." She mouthed as she wrote down.

"Question 2: What is the killing curse's appearance and what mark does it leave on its victim?" Angela had to think about this one; she knew what the curse looked like she'd seen enough of them even in her life to know but the mark…that she was unsure on and as far as she knew there was no mark. Only one documented case in history of a wizard being marked by a killing curse but he was also the only one to ever survive a killing curse she started to write her answer out. "It appears as a green pulse from the casters wand; to the victim; the bolt can be blocked by other solid items such as table and chairs; as far as I know the killing curse leaves no mark or apparent trace on its victim. The Killing curse with sufficient power can break through all magical blocks; shields and repelling spells"

"Question 3: What happens when a ghost is struck by a curse?" She read and thought about it; a ghost was already dead and not of this world; so why would they be effected by magic of this world; "It would pass right through them. I believe and they would be unaffected" she wrote though uncertainly she was fairly sure on her answer.

"Question 4: How long does the Imperius curse last?" Angela was starting to see all that reading was paying off. "As long as the caster requires; however there are documented cases of the victim building up a kind of immunity to the curse over prolonged exposure and some documented cases of being able to resist the curse with a strong will and mind." She wrote out with a smile quite happy with her answer for Question 4

"Question 5: Why does it matter little that the killing curse must be spoken verbally?" Angela wasn't sure on this one; and her answer was based more in opinion than fact she hoped it sounded good enough to impress the teacher marking; "Because; there is little chance the victim will survive. The killing curse cuts through all known magical barriers, shields and repelling charms without even breaking a sweat" she wrote

"Question 6: What requirement does the Cruciatus Curse carry when casting it?" she read and smiled; knowing the answer to this one; she hoped for more opinionated questions than factual ones to judge her as a person more than purely her knowledge as a witch but she wrote the answer to this one quite quickly knowing it without uncertainty. "That you wish to cause pain simply for pains sake; or to but it more bluntly to hurt people just for fun and giggles and to want it with every fibre of your being" she wrote; repeating part of her answer from question 1.

"Question 7: Why are wizarding coins protected from the Gemino Curse?" she read and almost laughed as she wrote out her next answer; "Because it would easily create duplicate coins; which are fake; it would crash the economy and cause a flood of counterfeit coins to go public." she shook her head with a sigh at the simplicity of that question though wondered if she'd gone into enough details.

"Question 8: When was/is it legal to use the killing curses?" she read; magical history she thought to herself; "During the blood wars; it was legal for a brief time to use the killing curse" she wrote carefully it was all she knew not entirely sure on the circumstances and wishing she'd paid more attention to history class she added to her answer. "it's also legal for an Aurora to use a killing curse as a last defence against a Dark Wizard or in self-defence when absolutely necessary" she finished.

"Question 9: What are the differences between the Reducto spell, the Confringo spell, and the Expulso spell?:" she read; she smiled a rather easy question she wrote out her answer "Reducto; disintegrates and destroys objects in the casters path; where as Confringo causes everything the spell comes into contact with to explode; Expulso is like Confringo however makes things explode violently " she finished.

"Question 10: True or false, all curses are dark by nature?" she smiled; this was the kind of question she liked; something probing of the witch's mind and nature not just magical ability. Angela believed to succeed you needed to be taught how to be a good person not just how to use magic well. She started to write out her answer "No; I don't think any magic is dark or light by nature; all magic is grey; magic is a tool; just like the quill I write with. The quill can be used to write and communicate or to poke someone's eye out; no magic is dark or light by nature; it is how magic is used that makes it and its user dark or light; I believe that curses are destructive but not evil"

Angela finished her exam and stood up packing away her quill and gathering her things she headed to the teachers desk to hand over her exam paper to the teacher and stood waiting for the aged man to tell her if she'd passed or not.

snip

Professor Black to the parchment and scanned it over quickly with his eyes. "Proceed through the door for the practical portion. Wand at the ready, be prepared. You may stop the test at any time, but you will fail if you do so."

The redwood door that stood aside the desk creaked opened, revealing a dark stone room behind. Its dimensions were immeasurable in the darkness, but there were definitely presences in the room.

Inside, a pumpkin sat on a plain wooden stool. A voice from within the shroud of darkness spoke, "Perform the following tasks: duplicate the pumpkin and cause both two explode by different curses.

All the while, a black cat stood slightly off to the side, howling erratically. "Then," the voice continued, "stop the noise and bind the cat. Then prepare to defend yourself," it added ominously.

Angela smiled; happy to be done with the written part of the test, she always did well with 'doing' than 'writing' about things; she figured that was always the best way to learn. She stepped into the dark room; it was empty or seemed to be but she remembered the words of her mother 'nothing and no one is ever what they seem; not them, not you and certainly not me' Angela smiled.

Angela quickly drew her wand; "Geminio" she said pointing it at the pumpkin and causing it to duplicate exactly so now two pumpkins stood on the plane wooden stool. Angela smiled and pointed her wand again at the duplicate first; "Confringo" she said with the correct flick causing the wand to shoot the spell out making the pumpkin explode. She then pointed her wand at the original pumpkin and said "Expulso" the spell shot from her wand towards the original pumpkin and it exploded violently covering the room with bits of pumpkin.

Angela withdrew to a defensive stance ready for whatever part was next; as she said " Silencio" casting the silencing charm to stop the noise as instructed followed by "Petrificus Totalus" towards the cat petrifying it in a full body bind. Angela did feel a twinge of guilt for binding the cat but kept her defensive stance waiting for whatever was next in this exam.

Mathieu took his seat. A quill and ink were provided. "Probably to prevent cheating." he muttered. Dipping his quill in the ink, he began the test.
Question 1: Name the Unforgivable Curses and their effects.
Avada Kedavra-Instantly kills the victim
Crucio (Cruciatus)-Causes intense pain
Imperio (Imperius)-Allows the user to control the victim
Question 2: What is the killing curse's appearance and what mark does it leave on its victim?
A green flash of light, but no mark
Question 3: What happens when a ghost is struck by a curse?
A wizards curse does nothing, but certain creatures, such as a basilisk, can curse (in this case petrify) ghosts
Question 4: How long does the Imperius Curse last?
Until it is removed or the victim manages enough will power to shake it off (though it may leave a side effect for up to half a day after being shaken off)
Question 5: Why does it matter little that the killing curse most be spoken verbally?
Because there is no known way to block the curse and it will cause instant death
Question 6: What requirement does the Cruciatus Curse carry when casting it?
The user must mean to cause pain simply for the sake of causing pain
Question 7: Why are wizarding coins protected from the Gemino Curse?
The Gemino spell duplicates an object and protecting against this prevents forgery
Question 8: When was/is it legal to use the killing curse?
Never
Question 9: What are the differences between the Reducto spell, the Confringo spell, and the Expulso spell?
Reducto-creates a burning kind of effect to remove an obstacle
Confringo- similar to Expulso, but smaller and less volatile
Expulso-Is what it sounds like, causes a fair explosion to destroy the object
Question 10: True or False, all curses are dark by nature?
False, some curses are defensive or simply harmless pranks

"Hmm, if that's all the harder the entry test is, this class should be easy." He stood up to hand in the test.

snip

As soon as he finished the last mark on the paper, it swirled through the air and landed on the professor's desk.

By the time Mathieu was at the door, the professor was already marking it up - some red marks or corrections here and there - though the score would not be given until after the practical.

"Step through...for the practical portion. Wand at the ready, be prepared. You may stop the test at any time, but you will fail if you do so," Black said as he moved to the side of the entryway.

The redwood door that stood aside the desk creaked opened, revealing a dark stone room behind. Its dimensions were immeasurable in the darkness, but there were definitely presences in the room.

Inside, a pumpkin sat on a plain wooden stool. A voice from within the shroud of darkness spoke, "Perform the following tasks: duplicate the pumpkin and cause both two explode by different curses.

All the while, a black cat stood slightly off to the side, howling erratically. "Then," the voice continued, "stop the noise and bind the cat. Then prepare to defend yourself," it added ominously.

snip

When Angela had completed the first of her tasks, the pumpkin remains, the stool, and the black cat disappeared into colored speckles of dust.

Without a word of warning or alert, the second half of the practical began. "Impedimenta!" came a cry from the darkness followed by a streak of light directed at the girl. It was quickly followed up by the incantation of the Flagrante curse and its streak of energy.

However, a third spell came streaking out from the darkness spaced in a slightly quicker interval from the second than the second was from the first. It was an orangish-yellow streak of light, but no voice came with it...

Angela thought on her feet; quickly throwing her hand out that contained her wand out she said "Protego!" erecting a shimmering blue shield around her which repelled the first spell; the third spell was coming in before the second. Once again she cast "Finite!" as a counter spell to nullify the effects of what Angela figured to be a Relashio charm to try and disarm her but a quick cast saved her. The last spell though actually the second cast she countered with "Aguamenti!" to counter the frangrate spell sending a jet of water out of her wand to douse the flames shooting towards her.

Angela was wondering if she should counter attack or not but then this was a test not a duel so she stood her ground in a defensive stance but it was clear she wanted to attack from the look in her eyes. Angela loved a challenge.

snip

As the final spell dissipated, the darkness disappeared revealing the caster of the spells - short middle-aged man who worked for the Ministry. Without a word though, he disappeared.

Professor Black stepped in a moment later. "Congratulations, you have passed both tests and are now eligible to enter Curses should you still wish it. That is all."

Unknown Magics Studies
Professor Andreiz Miskin was waiting patiently inside for this year's round of tests to get into the Unknown Magics Studies class. In a reassuring and comforting voice, he said, "When you are ready, do the best you can," and gave a little wink.

There were twelve desks in three rows of four lined up perfectly. Each had a quill and a parchment on it that presumably held the test.

On the top of the parchment were the words "Unknown Magics Studies Test, Level 3," and beneath the short test lay...

Question 1: What constitutes unknown magic?
Unknown Magic is any magic, spells or passive, that is not known to the Wizarding Community in general. This does not include elf or goblin magic.
Question 2: How do we go about learning unknown magic?
We must study the theory of the magic, then, under controlled conditions, attempt the said magic.

Question 3: What are the dangers involved in studying unknown magic?
Quite simply, anything could happen. One could suddenly be missing limbs, or kill themselves, or much worse. For instance, even well known charms and spells, if said wrong or with the wrong wand motion, could have disasterious results.
Question 4: True or False, Unknown Magics Studies is the least repetitive of all classes, even year to year.
True, new magic is being discovered all the time. While the same magic will be gone over in every class, new magic will always be done as long as there is people to invent or discover it.

Question 5: Why do people seek to learn the unknown?
Curiosity or Hope. Curiosity in finding out what magic does for the sake of knowing, and Hope to do something with it. Many witchs and wizards have been known to attempt unknown and dangerious magic to try to bring back the dead or a certain object.

Congratulations, that is the end of the test. Please wait outside for your results.

Having finished, Foxfire got up and calmly waited outside for his results.

Curses
"Take a seat and begin the test. There is no talking," Professor Vincent Black said stoically upon entry into the Curses room.

There were twelve desks in three rows of four lined up perfectly. Each had a quill and a parchment on it that presumably held the test.

On the top of the parchment were the words "Written Potion - Curses Test, Level 5," and beneath the test lay...

Question 1: Name the Unforgivable Curses and their effects.
Avada Kedavra is the Killing Curse, the Cruciatus Curse is the Tourture Curse, and the Imperius Curse, which puts the Victim under complete control of the User.

Question 2: What is the killing curse's appearance and what mark does it leave on its victim?
The Killing Curse is a jet of green light, and leaves no marks on it's victims, save one notable person. It cannot be blocked nor dodged.

Question 3: What happens when a ghost is struck by a curse?
Ghosts are unaffected by Curses.
Question 4: How long does the Imperius Curse last?
The Imperuis Curse lasts for as long as the user wishs it to, but even those of weak mind will eventually begin to become self-aware and attempt to break free of the Curse.
Question 5: Why does it matter little that the killing curse most be spoken verbally?
Foxfire wasn't sure about this one. He thought for a while, then finally wrote:
Because the user must only think, with much hate, about killing the person in question, and have a wand (usually).
Question 6: What requirement does the Cruciatus Curse carry when casting it?
The caster must really and truely hate the person he/she is cursing.
Question 7: Why are wizarding coins protected from the Gemino Curse?
Because in the absence of Goblins to see the difference, a worthless duplicate looks and feels the same as the real coin. Anyone who could use this curse would be rich- For a short while. Then the Goblins would catch up with him.
Question 8: When was/is it legal to use the killing curse?
It was never, at any time, legal to use the Killing Curse, though it was encouraged about 200 years ago during Dark Wizard Wood's regin of terror.
Question 9: What are the differences between the Reducto spell, the Confringo spell, and the Expulso spell?
The Reductor curse destorys all objects in the casters way, while the Confringo curse literally blows whatever it touchs apart in a blast of heat and light. The Expulso curse is like the Confringo curse, but the former merely takes the object apart, instead of blowing it up.
Question 10: True or False, all curses are dark by nature?
True. All curses are centered around power, death, destruction, wealth, harm, ect.
Congratulations, you have just finished the written portion of the exam. Proceed through the redwood door to the practical portion. Be prepared.

Once finished, the test floated through the door opposite the one that you entered through. A hand snatched it out of the air and then beckoned you in for the practical portion of the exam. "Wand at the ready…" a voice called.
Foxfire got up and walked over to the door, wand held before him.