beforedawnworld

[beforedawnworld]

the maquerie island school is arguably one of the most secluded in the wixen world. known for its archaic methods, it sits south of tasmania, hidden to non-magical folk through use of a confusement charm that degrades over time, but has historically, and occasionally, appeared on human maps as “emerald island”, after the ship that accidentally came across it. its shores are made mostly of rhyolite cliffs, providing a reddish hue to the land year-round. its grass above the flatter mounds of the land also tend to stray closer to warmer tones year-round, with very sparse forests that make it easy to admire the stars and the ocean surrounding.

history

the island began as a refuge for the wix struggling to handle the mainland’s wildlife. the ‘fort in the ground’ it once was soon became closer to a city hidden by the rocky hills of an island. in time, space became limited, and dwellers decided to prioritise keeping children in the safe confides of the hill. by the late 16th century, the island would become established as a boarding school to ensure children would still learn the crafts their parents would have taught them, sending elders to the same safety to provide wisdom to their grandchildren. as the populations grew, so did the wix who attended, and maquerie made for an academy not unlike many others starting up in their time. unfortunately, with its isolation — the school didn’t exactly grow in the same way. once protection acts were safely put in place against humans and beasts, maquerie had long grown away from even its nearest neighbours. what was once a safe refuge eventually sung of a different chord. the remote and secured state of the land made it a feasting ground for magical beasts of the waters; surrounded in constant by serpents, ramoras and shrakes. the interior of the school had been left to be mostly maintained by the growing children in it; leaks and creature infiltrations a common find. not to mention, of course, the constant risk of fighting against nature itself. by the end of the 19th century, young children would no longer be sent to the school at all, with homes providing safer confides until sending them at the age of 15 instead. while the courses and knowledge shared across mentors and students were found powerful — there was no doubt maquerie lacked in areas of advancement or simple, easy living. introduction to new technologies meant other wixen folk could take inspiration and wisdom or shortcuts where maquerie had none. most importantly, those leaving the school, should they manage after graduation, could not match knowledge with any major institute making use of foreign diplomacy. as such, the 1950s made for an attempt to modernize what they could of their teachings, making alliances with foreign partnerships to establish new programs, hire educated professors, and translate what they could of student skillsets for use in international dealings.

core classes

the core of maquerie begins with eight primary classes, all mandatory to this day.

harvesting.  

a common favourite among students, letting students go up onto the island grounds to explore flora and deal with teachings of proper care in collecting ingredients and learning their purposes and chemistry.

crafting

all of potions, elixirs, spell weaving, and, recently, simple cooking and creation for the young wixes to follow for independent care.

prayers

spells at the school are nearly all archaic in tongues, often long and detailed and much too specific. recent years have made way of the shorter bursts of charms, but memorization of the power full stories can bring still get taught to students throughout all their years.

defense mana

seminars begin immediately, with practicals following two years after. defense harnesses both spells and instinctual magic into acting in moments of great danger, and make for the most useful classes to graduates planning to remain in the islands or forests of australia.

offense mana

offensive magic has been argued as a class to keep or not, but with the rowdiness the students show, most teachers agree that if they’re going to do it, they’ll be taught how to do it right and safely. thus, students still continue to learn offensive magic of age 17.

shifting

this class covers the wix art of metamorphosis; from simple changes in appearances to outright creature changes. maquerie has only ever taught the subject as being performed on themselves, and the concept of transfiguring another, whether they be an object or, forbid it, alive, is nearly blasphemous.

second sight

predictions and intuition are vital to maquerie students. for the first few years, no real branch is taught, with introspection practices instead being used. once older, true forms of prophecy from natural aspects (trees, rock formations, creature-speaking) are taught. students are expected to create their own prophecies in expected level of attainment; but most only pass the course from basic reasoning and deduction alone.

nature & disasters

this class works purely by seminars, a concept either loathed or loved entirely, with few in between. mentors often work through stories and tales of old, ensuring students are both aware of what the earth around them can do in both magical and scientific ways. students can be caught slacking when told to take stand in retelling a story, or when asked what to do in given situations.

other classes

additionally, maquerie has managed to integrate two new classes since 1950, each taught by foreign professors brought in from england and the united states of america, respectively:

wixen language & history

a stronger focus on refining the written word of the maquerie students, taking this class from a young age gains great help in any future work with heavy travelling, writing, or reading involved.

number applications

the class begins with simple math in applications to arithmancy, moving forward to concepts of statistics and algebra in later years. those who pursue the area will learn calculus and topology for invention or engineering application, especially.

neither class is mandatory in the existing curriculum. students may join and drop the classes at will, even in later years; unlike their cores. this often proves problematic when students who have never considered non-integer division try and understand the concept of integrals.

grading

traditionally, maquerie has never held formal evaluations for their students. they were expected to survive and make it home, and doing so marks their skill. most who attend or teach still hold the belief that only you can judge for yourself the true power of a wix, either through challenge or observation.

because of this, it’s with quite a bit of bitterness that the school put in place a grading system.

maquerie rates its students based on visualised performance, as mentors always teach in very kinesthetic ways. these rates rank students against each other, with three main broken categories when the student can achieve and maintain at least a large majority of teachings:

distinct iota - d𝜄 -  a maximum of 3 students can retain iota ranks nowadays, although it’s often still kept for a single stand-out.

distinct nu - dμ - a distinction above a simple ‘achieved’, often given to 4-6 students.

achieved - a - the student can perform, but stops there. this category naturally holds the majority of students.

failure - f - it’s very rare that mentors will let students fail. more often than not, students underperforming simply receive more attention from teachers and other, well-performing students to improve. however, some are simply too reckless or apathetic, often too stubborn to leave the premises and never encouraged due to the danger of it with their grades. often, they become anything from workers to ghosts within the school.

these grades are done twice: once, to determine a beginner obligatory wix level (b.o.w.l.s) exactly five years after joining the school, and again they test for their final obligatory wix level (f.o.w.l.s) right before exiting their tenth.

between wix levels, they test for their wixen expertise branding (w.e.b.s), a test with only two results:

yes - they determinedly excel in this subject, and may proceed to its mastery, or; no - whether they are unadvised to proceed in this area, or the wix themselves chooses not to pursue it.

to pass the webs is most often referred to as ‘weaving’ yourself into a course / specialty. there is no set number of students who can or cannot weave into a course. some years see all or no students managing to do so.

certifications

students are also offered to take the wix certificate after weaving their webs, rather than moving on to fowls; although they can also try for both.

crafting, prayers, defense mana, shifting, second sight, wixen language & history and number applications have all been approved by icw standards to pursue in a wix certificate.

students may only apply having met the following criteria:

woven in the core subjects approved of the wix examination, or;

woven in at least 3 core subjects, then performing an a-rank or higher in both non-mandatory classes.

[beforedawnworld]

rumors of isolated folk who practiced magic originated in africa several thousand years ago and served as the catalyst for the formation of the uagadou institute of magic. credited as the largest wizarding  school, uagadou generally accepts students from any country in africa with the majority of its students coming from uganda, kenya, tanzania, rwanda , burundi and south sudan as the curriculum is mostly taught in kiswahili. while there are students who may travel from other regions to attend uagadou, these are generally children of wealthy wizarding families  who have elected to raise their offspring having learned both english and kiswahili in order to gain admission into uagadou due to its prestigious reputation.

other wizarding schools in africa have tried to compete for attention but generally pale in comparison to uagadou’s stunning edifice carved out of the rwenzori mountainside in western uganda. it has gain its nickname as the mountain of the moon from muggle explorers who have attempted to locate the source of the nile river but instead come home with only mention of the snow-capped whiteness after being oblivated. the nicname has  since been adopted by school staff due to the grey walls of the school that are shrouded in mist so that it simply appears that the school is floating in mid-air.

acceptance

if accepted into uagadou, children at the age of eleven will receive their notice as they sleep through a dream messenger. the dream messengers were sent by either the headmaster or headmistress of the day and included important instructions. the next morning the child will wake  with an inscribed stone in their hand that served as proof of their admission to the school.

since students may originate from any country in africa, there is no centralized form of transportation to uagadou. locations of portkeys are made available to students a week prior to the beginning of the school year and first years are encouraged to visit the entrance that is at an undisclosed location along the length of the nile river.

education

uagadou students are famously skilled in astronomy, alchemy and self-transfiguration. cultural pride is at the root of the school chant , in the colors adjourned the dining hall and in the content that is taught to students. to excel is to be expected and anything less was shamed.

since 1650, the uagadou headmaster opened admission criteria to those that are muggleborn once concern of secrecy was dismissed. following this change, two headmasters were necessary due to the large influence of islamic and christian culture in the student body (most notably the muggleborns or those that lived in muggle-dense areas). therefore, both christian and islamic calendars are observed for holidays and exam schedules have been altered to accommodate those that require to say prayers. uniforms are free to be altered to include hijabs or any other religious wear.

core classes

astronomy

at uagadou, astronomy is taught to measure time, seasons, cycles, direction and naming rites. culturally embedded astronomical knowledge and observation are used to inform social forms, ideologies and behaviours in wizarding society as they believe searching the heavens provides insight into the meaning, order and understanding of their place as wizards.

alchemy

with influence from egyptian research , students at uagadou are taught alchemy with focus on the composition, structure and magical properties of the four basic elements and how they can transmutate. despite its heavy metaphysical speculation, professors also lend time in showing its application for mundane uses like the production of ink and dyes which are important to islamic culture.  if possible, sometimes a trip is arranged to the egyptian centre for alchemical studies but this is reserved for older students with high marks.

transfiguration

while professors do touch on the basics of altering the physical states of inanimate objects, self-transfiguration is strongly emphasized in uagadou curriculum. starting with transfiguring bodily extremities like arms and legs, students are extensively tested in full bodily transfiguration in later years. since this is a skill that every student exemplified at, students are not required to register as animagus as “it limits their potential”.

legerdemain

the skillful use of one’s hand when practicing magic. although wands were primarily an european invention (and many schools in africa were forced to adopt to these new customs due to outside funding and colonial influence), students at uagadou master the casting of spells simply by pointing their fingers or through other types of hand gestures. wandless magic is taught from the first year and is perfected throughout the years until there is very minimal use of verbal spell casting.

ancient folklore & sacred history

an elective for those that are interested in the integration of wixen and muggle history with emphasis on how non-magical folk practice witchcraft and vague mentions of how wizards have influenced muggle politics indirectly. tribal folklore from east africa is also taught with intention to accommodate some of the backgrounds of the students at uagadou along to reiterate the importance of having a general understanding of the politics in other countries as a form of respect.

advanced classes

advanced application of astronomy

a more in-depth study of how celestial knowledge can be used to chart seasons and to regulate agricultural cycles and ritual calendars in both the muggle and wixen context. celestial bodies have always been appreciated in the sense that they are used to coordinate both work and social activities. additionally, students are exposed to how astronomical objects play roles in divination, spatial design, and decision-making. a major role of the celestial heavens in general and the moon in particular is their embodiment of the pan-african sense of time—the moon’s predictable and regular phases inform, illuminate, and regulate their living experience.

analysis of alchemical studies

a complex look into the history of alchemy with the intention to bring clarity to students about the mysteries of matter, creation, and the life-balance as to harmonize them holistically with nature. this course draws upon influence from astronomy classes as it is believed that the sun’s physics is the factory for creating all physical matter and energies - most importantly, the nexus transformation of unshaped ingredients into shaped matter.

mastery of mental forces

for those interested in further research of the transmutation of one kind of mental vibration into others. traditional alchemy in the african context manipulates the four matter elements in order to discover the processes of nature and how to work with them. this is a popular course as it surveys the use of natural laws to manipulate someone else’s consciousness (also known in the west as legilimency).

grading

it is after a student’s fourth year can a student choose to enroll in advanced courses. students may only select courses with recommendation from a professor or with exceptional grades. at the conclusion of their seventh year, students must take specialized testing (sts) that cover core curriculum topics and any course content that they took in their fifth, sixth and seventh years. these exams were scaled using letter grading with the following distinctions: excellent (a) , very good (b), good (c), fair (d+), marginal pass (d), marginal fail (e), and clear fail (e-). each letter grade has a scaled weight which is summed at the end to give a number in the range 1-5. those with weighted averages closer to 5 had better job opportunities upon graduation.

[beforedawnworld]

durmstrang institute (written in cyrillic as дурмстранг) is one of the three great wizarding schools of europe, and it is the one most shrouded in secrecy. the requirements of students and staff in attendance placed on them by the school are known only to other durmstrang staff and student, both current and former. they do not share their experiences with other wixen from other magical schools, as there is a superstition among alumni that to do so would only damage the skills they learned there. tucked in the ural mountains of russia, pushed up against the arctic circle, the four-story tall castle is unplottable and cannot be found on any maps. it is known for its emphasis on the dark arts in its curriculum and in recent times has developed a reputation for producing dark wixen, most famously the dark wizard gellert grindelwald.

acceptance

durmstrang accepts students from around europe aged eleven up, including those as far west as iceland and as far south as bulgaria. as long as a student seeking acceptance to the school does not live in an area covered by the other two wizarding schools of europe, hogwarts and beauxbatons, there is a possibility durmstrang would offer them acceptance. it is never a certainty, however, as despite this wide geographic region, the school is rather selective in who is allowed to attend. first and perhaps most infamously, the student must not be a muggleborn. they must come from a family that has not spoken against the dark arts nor acted to limit education on the dark arts. the path to admittance can and has been smoothed by generous donations from the family members of those seeking acceptance, though such students have been known to get teased relentlessly at school upon arrival.

education

unlike many other magical schools, including hogwarts and ilvermorny, it is not the lighter magics such as charms and transfiguration at the core of the curriculum of durmstrang. while such subjects are indeed taught, their importance and standing in lessons is strongly undercut by the pervasive flow of the dark arts through the various programs offered. a student of durmstrang is far more likely to know how to transfigure another wixen than an object and can likely think of several… unconventional applications for a well-cast aguamenti.

as a nod to their founder, all durmstrang classes are offered in bulgarian, however the true lingua franca of this school is russian. for those unfamiliar with these languages upon their arrival at durmstrang, an eight-week intensive course in the cyrillic alphabet, as well as the russian and bulgarian languages is required for any first-year or transfer not demonstrating adequate levels of language proficiency. however, because durmstrang accepts students from an incredibly broad geographic area, professors also offer classes in their home languages, resulting in lessons being conducted in polish, romanian, and other languages. this has resulted in nearly every durmstrang student speaking a minimum of four languages, depending on their professors, their courses, as well as the origins of their fellow pupils. translation spells do not work on campus and no class is taught in english.

core classes

core subjects are mandatory up until fourth year with the exception of dark arts, which is mandatory through the student's entire time at durmstrang.

the dark arts

the core that runs through durmstrang. to any durmstrang professor or alumni worth their magic, there is no “dark” and “light” magic, it is all simply magic and like a tool, it matters only in how it is used. durmstrang has chosen to focus on what other schools would refer to as the dark arts, which is defined by the administration as: “the interaction and manipulation of organic matter through magical means via internal manipulation of magical pathways”. this seven-year course grounds students in the basics of such an approach, moving into simple spells and manipulation, both with and without a conduit such as a wand or a staff. unusual applications of more conventional “light” magic is discussed, as well as dark spell development, the definition of a curse and how to create a cursed object, and applications of jinxes, hexes and curses in practical, applicable settings.

zagovory

the study of verbal enchantments. students learn the precise pronunciations and necessary circumstances this method of magic requires and begin practice with a set of knives. as they advance through their lessons, they will eventually be required to gather a full set of teeth through their own, non-magical means in order to fuel the enchantments. the strength of the enchantment, as well as how long it lasts, depends on how much power the caster can produce, which is why a full set of teeth is crucial to actually advance in this style of magic, making the collection of those teeth what distinguishes advanced students from beginners.

magic of the body

“it is from the body that your spell must originate. the wand, if you choose to use it, is nothing more than the way it escapes. it all comes from within you.” - durmstrang headmaster katayeva leonidovna. this seven-year course examines how energy moves through the body, how circumstances can hinder that flow, and where magical energy and various kinds of magic originate within the wixen’s body. one of the slower courses offered at durmstrang, it is a basic building block in how durmstrang students and teachers understand magic. as the course continues, it builds on itself until nonverbal, wandless magic can be produced by any graduating student purely by the manipulation of the magical energies inside of them.

potioneering

students examine what a potion is, how one is made, brewing a potion with proper safety precautions, as well as the development of a potion recipe and the history of potioneering. a strong believer in the hands-on approach, durmstrang students are given access to a cauldron almost immediately and are allowed to access it whenever they wish, as long as they prove they can be responsible and follow all guidelines. as a student advances, potions will become more complex with more and more complicated effects on the body. the class is divided in half, with the first half being a lesson and the latter half being an opportunity to discuss what was applied in class. exams are given at the end of each week.

organic transfiguration

a study on the history of transfiguration, the dangers and benefits of organic transfiguration, as well as in-depth practical study of the subject. students may use plants, non-sentient magical beings, or themselves as subjects for practice. the idea behind organic transfiguration, as they teach it at durmstrang, is a simple one: you must reshape the internal magical paths of a living being to resemble something else. this results in students needing a good basic knowledge of anatomy, both human, plant, and animal, which is also offered in this course.

greenskeeping

the durmstrang version of herbology. this is the study of keeping plants alive and healthy in order to be able to harvest needed materials from them. students will interact with both magical and mundane plants, both poisonous and safe and learn how to best look after them all, as well as how to monitor their health and how to produce the best yield when needed. repotting strategies, health issues, and applications of all plants for a variety of measures and situations will be discussed. students are strongly advised to have thick gloves and warm clothing for this course.

ancient and modern runes

a study of runic meanings and their history, alongside potential divination techniques and uses for runes in academic, professional, and personal settings. runic linkings and charging will also be discussed at higher levels of the course. translation of runic texts and artifacts will also make up a portion of this course in order to gain a greater appreciation for the history of runic magic. fluency in runes, both in divination and as a form of writing, is a must in order to succeed in this course and will be taught but not elaborated on. students are strongly encouraged to seek out additional help if they are having problems reaching consistent divination successes or having problems reading the runes.

lower division electives

magical law

a study of magical law across many wizarding countries in europe and asia. laws involving regulation and condemnation of the dark arts will be examined closely and broken down to further facilitate student understanding. other laws, including travel laws, artifact laws, and laws regulating interactions with non-magical populations will also be covered in this class. students will be expected to familiarize themself with one law covering dark magic regulation from their home country and present it, arguing either for or against it.

use of magical creatures

the examination of magical creatures, including their diets, mating habits, and life stages as well as how these creatures can be used by wixen kind. proper care for these creatures will be emphasized, as well as examining unconventional uses that may not have been obvious upon first examination. students will be trained to find these atypical uses and capitalize on them as well. laws around magical creature care, movement, and reproduction will also be examined.

non-magical studies

the study of the non-magical world, including what the americans would refer to as “no-majs” and their societies, cultures, and laws. also present will be lessons on the development of the nature world, the existence and categorization of non-magical creatures, and non-magical ways of understanding internal processes and systems.. this class is only available upon request of ten or more students. to make this request, please contact the auxiliary headmaster.

homeopathy

the study of medicinal plants and animals, the development of modern medical practice, and introductions to modern healthcare with the opportunity for limited practical applications. medical spells and plants will be at the center of this course with lecture material supplemented by field excursions and guest speakers. for a student gleaned to have a great aptitude for this field, medical texts as well as great opportunities for practical applications may be available. not recommended for those below third year.

whisperings

similar to the hogwarts study of charms, whisperings is the opportunity for students to expand into a field similar to zagovory with a return to spoken magic designed to produce an effect. unlike zagovory, whisperings are used to accomplish a task, whether that be extinguishing a fire, moving an object, or polishing a shoe. students will learn both the traditional method of whisperings, which does not use a wand, staff, or other conduit, as well as the more modern method, which combines limited conduit movements with shortened words to produce a similar effect to the traditional method.

inorganic transfiguration

a study of the more popular part of transfiguration in schools such as ilvermorny and hogwarts, this class examines how to turn inorganic objects into other inorganic objects, as well as how to turn inorganic things into organic ones. durmstrang considers this a more difficult form of transfiguration as there is no flow of magic in the starting object and, in some cases, a student must imbue it with magic in order to bring about the change into an organic object. as such, this course can only be attended by those recommended for it via a letter of recommendation.

conjuration

one accio can bring an object flying across the room. conjuration teaches that but at a far greater level. as this course serves as the foundation for future studies in conjuration, it is primarily theoretical, with examination of several texts written about the subject, including an introduction to the subject, an examination of how conjuration works, traditional methods of conjuring, before moving into more modern ways of taking a great many things from there and moving them to here. towards the end of the course, students will have the ability to put their learning into practice with limited conjurations from around the castle.

sailing

a traditional and dearly beloved pastime of durmstrang students, this course teaches students how to sail without the use of magic. one of only two recreational classes offered at durmstrang, this course will discuss how to plot a course, navigate using the stars, operate rigging, steer a ship, and cast an anchor. hopefully, students will become proficient before the annual great sailing competition, a time when mastery of the water and of offensive magicks come together to prove just who is the best student at durmstrang.

flight

a popular mode of transportation among the greater european magical community, this course teaches students how to fly, including how to summon and maintain a broom, get off the ground, hover, move up and down, and how to land. after several accidents in the past, students are expressly forbidden from using magic on brooms until they have demonstrated sufficient mastery of how to control one via completion of a mastery course.

upper division electives

advanced whisperings

students interested in furthering their studies into whisperings at last have an opportunity with the addition of the advanced whisperings class, added less than a decade ago. there is a greater focus on non-traditional methods of whispering and students are encouraged to examine and explore how different conduits impact their success in whispering. traditional whispering methods will be further expanded upon by examining how many words and sounds are needed to properly whisper without it failing entirely. lessons will be supplemented with historical sources and lectures from experts in the field.

advanced conjuration

letter of recommendation required for entry into this course. after a firm grasp of the history and methods have been proven, alongside an ability to successfully conjure objects from around the castle, students now have the ability to experiment further with practical, hands-on work in conjuring. students are expected to demonstrate mastery of both traditional conjuring methods via a summoning circle as well as more modern means that do away with the ritual. the final portion of this course will involve the conjuring of organic material with a human subject capping off the class.

resurrection studies

a class focused on the history, legends, and practical potentials of the resurrection of the dead. students will begin by examining popular stories and traditional tales of wixen returning from the dead, analyzing similarities between these stories to see what, if anything, is the truth. from these individual observations, students will then present them to the class and as a group, the class will pick a few options and attempt to succeed in this most elusive of goals via experiments conducted on plant life and deceased magical creatures. durmstrang would like to remind its student body there has not been a success in this course yet and there is no reward for succeeding.

alchemical studies

a magical field as old as magic itself, students will be instructed and taught in this ancient form of transfiguration and the traditional study of the elements of nature (earth, fire, water, and air). students will learn the history of this subject, the successes and the many, many failures that have plagued this study, before trying their own hand at it, turning ore into a refined metal, conducting the elements to obey one’s whim, as well as attempting the impossible: turning lead into gold.

advanced flight

once one has mastered the basics of broom flight, that is when the fun can truly begin. this course teaches advanced techniques on a broom, including offensive and defensive moves for airborne combat. popular trick moves, including those most commonly found in quidditch matches are also taught in this course. at the end, there will be a demonstration of learning presented to student peers and faculty of durmstrang.

experimental potions

letter of recommendation required for entry into this course. for those interested in going beyond what the books teach about potions, this is the perfect course. students will learn how individual ingredients affect the outcome of a potion, how to make a potion reliably explode, and what boundaries are currently being pushed in the field of potioneering today. students will be required to attempt to create their own potions and their own recipes, as well as modify existing potion recipes to produce an entirely different effect. several course will take place with the students blindfolded, in order to teach them how to brew a potion from touch, smell, and sound alone.

advanced homeopathy

letter of recommendation required for entry into this course. for those students that demonstrated exception skill and talent in the field of homeopathy, this course is the next logical step for them and serves much more as an apprenticeship to a working mediwix than an actual class. students gain extensive hands-on experience in this subject, as well as an above average knowledge of the theoreticals behind it. students are almost guaranteed a place alongside the healthcare workers they have worked under upon successful completion of this course and upon graduation from durmstrang.

examinations

at the end of each year exams are sat in every subject with the exams that that determine placement and job opportunities coming fourth and seventh year. fourth rank oral guidance exams, or f.r.o.g's, are sat in forth year with the seventh year exams known simply as crowns, as they crown off the student's time and determine what jobs they can perform. certifications and final exams all in one.

grading

much like the non-magical russian academic grading system, grades for durmstrang are on a scale from one to five, with five being the highest and one being the lowest. 

5 (“excellent”) - shows highest distinction and excellent knowledge of the subject. equivalent to an outstanding and is a passing grade.

4 (“good”) - shows good knowledge of a subject. equivalent to an exceeds expectations and is a passing grade.

3 (“satisfactory”) - shows a credible or passing grade. equivalent to an acceptable and is a passing grade.

2 (“unsatisfactory”) - shows a limited knowledge of a subject and is below average. equivalent to a poor or dreadful and is a failing grade.

1 (“very poor”) - shows a complete failure. equivalent to a troll and is a failing grade.

extracurricular activities

while all students at durmstrang are strongly encouraged to participate and interact with their fellow students as much as possible, student involvement in extracurricular clubs is intended to advance their academics and complement their learning. therefore, most of the clubs found at durmstrang tend to be more academic in nature, or at least tangentially related. however, as is the case with many rules, there are exceptions to this.

choir

for a school with such a focus on spoken magics, is it any surprise that durmstrang is particularly proud of their choir? any student can join and will sing both modern wixen hits from around the world as well as traditional songs from russia, bulgaria, and other countries prominently represented in the student population of durmstrang. perhaps most exciting is the opportunity to learn traditional magical songs that the wixen of the past used in casting their spells. a true hit among the students, especially with the incredible contrast between their sopranos and the baritones and basses, who are the three most common vocal types in the durmstrang choir and are trained to provide a maximum amount of contrast between their voices.

conduit performance

a form of performance unique to durmstrang, conduit performance allows students the ability to become more comfortable with magical conduits outside of an academic setting. a student will choose a wand or a staff and will work with others in their performance group to learn how to use that conduit in art as an extension of their body. there are semesterly performances by this club to demonstrate what they can do, and the most popular are always routines that combine partial movement with particularly powerful use of a staff.

dark arts club

one of two school-required clubs, every student is a member of the dark arts club and as such, receives more exposure and experience with this style of magic in an informal, out-of-classroom setting among their peers. this is where students will discuss lessons, work on homework, and experiment with material learned in their lessons. however, as this is a school-required club, it meets daily for only forty-five minutes.

debate club

it is an odd idea for a school such as durmstrang, but the administration understands that there is only so far magic can take an individual and that sometimes battles must be fought in courtrooms, offices, and private buildings. this is why they offer the ability for students to practice arguing each other into submission. the topics are all chosen by the students and each debate is judged by the students as well. depending on their successes, they might advance to the next level of the club or stay to learn more about communication techniques they had not previously been aware of. there’s often a fair amount of yelling in the halls of durmstrang, but few rooms are louder than the one where the debate club meets.

duelling club

the world has entered uncertain times, but durmstrang has been expecting such an event for centuries and would even claim that this all is nothing new. any student of durmstrang is expected to hold their own in magical combat and duelling club is how this expectation is met. one of two clubs required by the school, every student in durmstrang is a member of the duelling club and as such, receives consistent, focused training in offensive and defensive dark magicks. this has led to a healthy environment of competition among students and it is believed that this school-sponsored fight club is the reason there are fewer fights between students outside of the duelling ring.

homeopathy club

a place for the truly gifted in the art of homeopathy, as well as those interested in learning more about the subject to meet, practice, and discuss their lessons in this truly crucial practice. there is almost always a steady stream of students seeking medical attention that don’t want to risk the wrath of the staff at a school like durmstrang, and this club is a place for the next generation of healers and mediwix of durmstrang to become even more familiar with healing and its many challenges. there is a joke among students of durmstrang that every friend group should have someone in homeopathy club in it as it is a near-certainty that their skills will be needed.

quidditch

a durmstrang student intends to win, in all aspects of their life, and nowhere is this more clear than among the quidditch players of their school. durmstrang has six quidditch teams, all selected from the greater student body, with the captain of each team being voted on by the team members. students are expected to have a natural aptitude towards flying, a remarkable level of fearlessness, and the willingness to win a game at all costs, which makes a durmstrang quidditch match a bloody affair, often resulting in many injuries. it is, of course, a favorite of the students and most dream of joining one of the teams.

rune reading club

one doesn’t learn an entirely new alphabet, each symbol with its own greater meaning, only to use it just in class. this is the thinking of the students in rune-reading club. these students often have a proficiency with languages or a particularly mischievous streak. students in this club are infamous for swapping their classmates’ notes for ones written solely in runes, if they don’t simply hex a student, resulting in that student seeing nothing but runes no matter what language they are attempting to read.

sailing

a classic pastime for the students of durmstrang. sailing has a long history in the school and much of this club’s time is spent preparing to win the great sailing competition, which occurs each year in the sub-arctic sea near durmstrang. students will customize their boats, practice racing, and engage in mock naval battles in preparation for the big day.

[beforedawnworld]

with a large country to oversee and plenty of wixen disputes to settle , macusa ( also know as the magical congress of the united states of america ) realised very early that a strong system had to be put in place to prevent accidents like the one in 1801 , where two wixen families’ feud over the ownership of a litter of kneazles led to three injured and a collapsed wall on a no-maj building . order was much needed , and the law system of wixen usa was born .

every state features one major courthouse where all cases are handled , all serving as the legal headquarters of the region . tall , white majestic buildings with three floors that appear as nothing but abandoned factories to no-maj , these courthouses are connected through floo network , all accessible to the general wixen public . if you’ve had any issues with the law , changes are you’ve been inside one — with it’s busy hallways and overworked interns .

when more important matters are at hand , or when state court cases get appealed one too many times , files are moved to the highest tribunal of the united states . located in the town of north hempstead , new york , this is the wixen equivalent to the supreme court . composed of 9 judges that are subject to general elections by the public every 10 years , this team of trained wix will handle the most delicate of matters , promising the upmost democracy and justice in the process . traditionally a team of only 8 , an additional member was added in 1862 after a young wix by the name of adam j. butler tried to appeal his rejected motion to use magic to aid union soldiers during the no-maj civil war . two days of fierce argument , one visit to a mediwix and a duel attempt later , it was decided a tie breaker would be most necessary .

wix who wish to take on a law career have a few options . they can finish their required schooling and study to take the detailed exam for the practice of law (DEP) and move on to intern at their regional courthouse or pass their dep exam with flying grades and go on to take the minute examination of the law (MEL) to be able to become interning judges .

those who wish to practice law in both the wixen and the no-maj world can request a special license from the department of magical law enforcement after they’ve earned their DEPs and be given accreditations that allow them to take the bar exam in the no-maj world . so long as they maintain secrecy , over the years plenty of wixen law firms have been allowed to operate in both worlds .

[beforedawnworld]

first introduced to the international magical community in 1956 the wixen international examination certificate (or wix certificate) was introduced by the international confederation of wix in an attempt to standardize the education wix received around the globe and to better enable cross border recognition of skills. hampered by a reluctance from schools to undertake such a drastic change to their curriculum its implementation has been slow although the few results produced have held great promise. a multiyear and multidiscipline qualification the ICW recommend a minimum of three years to be spent working towards it although the exact timings are left to each school.

a wix who has gained this certificate will have three grades to their name that together make up the wix certificate; practical, theory, and special project, each graded by points up to a maximum of 9. to receive a certificate the total amount of points awarded must add up to at least 14 of a maximum 27.

under the theory and practical units the student picks 5 subjects as recognised by the ICW that they then study, the subjects chosen to study for the practical grade do not have to be the same as the theory grade and vice versa although most schools do prefer this. the theory grade is assigned based off of multiple tests through the course of the certificate rather than a final exam. the practical grade, conversely, is assigned based off of a demonstration to an examiner from the ICW in the final year of the students undertaking.

it is the special project where the wix certificate becomes particularly unique as this is left almost entirely up to each school and indeed student to decide what this project ends. it is intended to help support both students who may be exceptionally academically gifted, by rewarding them for work and research above and beyond expectations, and also to support those less so by awarding success in studying languages, flying and even mathematics.

so far only smaller educational institutes have signed up to deliver the qualification but with public opinion only becoming more favourable, and with the promise of a home-schooling curriculum not being far off, the ICW has high hopes for the next few years.

[beforedawnworld]

founded in 1728 to further the education of young witches from prominent wixen families relocating to the new world, the salem witches’ institute has come far from its highly selective roots. still known to the no-maj’s of salem as miss miriam’s home for young ladies, the education provided focuses both on the magical abilities of the young girls under it’s care but also on a sense of community.

it was with the turn of the 20th century that the seismic change that shaped the salem of today began. first came the introduction of a day school, girls who were too young to yet board or to be trusted freely with a wand being able to attend classes each day, setting them up for the best possible start to their fully fledged magical education. then came the expansion of the school roll, becoming no longer invite only, instead allowing any girl who attended the salem day school to continue their education at the institute. of course the same old families of yore still got their invitations. 

and then, starting in the 1950s, the institute began to expand their day school program internationally starting first in london, then lisbon, then cairo and eastwards still to hong kong. in many places being the first (and still only) school of their kind in that location. now the institute has day schools on each continent, all teaching witches aged 5 to 13 and all extending offers to the girls that pass through their doors the opportunity to undertake their secondary education at the mother school. although the numbers that do take up the opportunity each year dwindle.

the institute was also one of the first to begin teaching the WIX certificate to its students, signing up to the international confederation of wix' scheme as early as its sophomore year, with the first witch ever graduating with such a qualification being anna aarons, of the salem girls class of '59.

with the mother school teaching girls aged 13 to 18 and still being housed in the original 1728 building in salem, massachusetts; the institute shares a healthy rivalry with nearby ilvermorny and boasts a small, but international, body of students.

[beforedawnworld]

UPDATED WORLD WIZARD SCHOOL MAP

Been gathering all the suggestions together for the FixtheMapProject (THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS GIVEN SUGGESTIONS)

Here’s what the World Map looks like now:

I’ve estimated that the Wizarding population in each country should be about .002% of the population if you go by Hogwarts/UK numbers. Now that means, for Uagadou to remain the canon largest, we need either more in India/China, or else assume the rest of those students are taking correspondence courses (because if we’re to assume the rate of magical births in each population is consistent across the world, India and China would each have over 20,000 school age magical children). 

NOW on to the details of what the stars represent:

Keep reading

[beforedawnworld]

As students transition from school to their careers the ministry has offered a new program to facilitate the training and number of applicants and new recruits. These apprenticeships span many different departments and allow the young recruits to have access to heads of departments, training and resources not previously available. The ministry is thrilled to offer this as an option to many students filtering out of Hogwarts and into positions that will benefit them and facilitate their upward movement in their departments. Each department is prepared to accept a certain number of applicants for these apprenticeship positions, which are paid with benefits available. The ministry wants to encourage young adults to choose a career with them, especially as the Wixen world deals with the complications of a budding war. There is an overwhelming pressure for the bureaucracy to shape up and overhaul many departments and these apprenticeships could lead to positions that would otherwise take many years to achieve.

These training programs accelerate the pieced together training offered normally, educating interns with more information and access than ever before. In tandem with other areas of the Wixen world as well as the existing entry level jobs available, the ministry is hoping to produce more prepared and better trained professionals who can be offered more respect and opportunity for advancement in their careers. Sold under the slogan ‘Building a Better Future Today’, how much of it is really an investment in the youth and how much is keeping a watchful eye on everyone?

The jobs listed here are meant as the main reference point for choosing a career for graduate characters. If you are having trouble finding a job for your character or have an idea not listed here we’re more than happy to help find a fit or create one.

Apprenticeships 

Preexisting training courses and those newly crafted, the following apprenticeships are designed to filter new blood into some of the most highly skilled careers on offer. You can enter a career both in the ministry or outwith through these apprenticeships and with the ‘Building a Better Future Today’ guarantee; you’ll earn as you learn.

Ministry Apprenticeships 

Auror Training Program — 3 years

The front line in fighting dark magic, while not always the first in the field their investigative forces in combination with their field prowess has solidified their reputation. The internship is now one of only two routes into this highly respected and competitive job, the other being a fully qualified Hit Wix retraining. Auror and Hit Wix training has recently relocated to Hogsmeade.

Rapid Response Division (Hit Wix) — 2 years

While the Aurors run the investigative side of fighting the dark side, the Hit Wix are the first responders after an incident. First in the field and first in the line of fire the Hit Wix are a highly trained and highly dedicated group of individuals. While their training program is less competitive than Auror training, as the one route into the Rapid Response Division it still draws a large number of applicants. Auror and Hit Wix training has recently relocated to Hogsmeade.

Accidental Magic Reversal Squad — Field — 18 months

The Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, while dull sounding, is incredibly important in terms of community safety. accidental magic accidents can happen to anyone, particularly younger Wizards and Witches who are not always in full control of their magic, especially those of muggleborn descent, whose families may not always understand what is happening. When this happens, they are on-scene to fix the situation before it can get out of hand, in keeping with the international statute of secrecy. While a lot of the work involved may appear basic, it is important that members of this team are ready for any situation, often including working in coordination with several other departments. This internship is for field operatives only an in the first few months overlaps heavily with Obliviator Field Training and as such applicants can swap between programs.

Obliviator Field Training — 18 months

Being an Oblivator is rarely any young Wix’s dream career but this vital role has so much overlap with other departments work and Obliviators are so in demand that the ministry tries to funnel as many graduates into it as possible. A good memory is key as they are required to remember the incredibly precise cover stories in order to only remove the necessary memories and nothing of importance. An inexperienced or ill prepared Obliviator can cause more damage than repair and so these team members are highly skilled. Whether in the field with Aurors or the accidental magic reversal squad or even cooperating with the Department of Magical Creatures, no day is ever the same.

Department of Magical Creatures — Consultants — 18 months

One could almost say the consultants are removed from the day to day operations of the Department of Magical Creatures; rather than being those with a drive to help (or police) the creatures of the Magical world these individuals are instead those with and intense fascination for said creatures. The Care of Magical Creatures nerds or those who always wanted a dragon for Christmas. The fact checkers, and the office bound members of this department, consultants are here to help the rest of their department be prepared for every situation. These consultants work very hard, lending their expertise and exhaustive research to ensure the safety and proper handling of not just their team members, but the creatures as well. A strong grade in Care of Magical Creatures is required to get anywhere near this apprenticeship.

Department of International Magic Cooperation — 1 year

The Department of International Magic Cooperation is the truly political side of the Ministry. These people represent the Ministry and act as its voice when travelling to other Ministries. These are people who have often been promoted from other departments, for varying reasons - being multilingual, elevated social status, mediation skills, and more. But more recently the Ministry has tried recruiting straight out of Hogwarts. The diplomats dream, the Department of International Magic Cooperation can be tricky to get into, but those who do tend to finish their careers here.

Apparation Education — 1 year

It is one thing to be able to apparate, it is another entirely to have mastered it to the point that you can educate others. Even completing this internship is no guarantee that you’ll one day teach as many years of training is required to one day teach. Instead most who follow through with this training program instead end up working in testing. Some mastery of charms is required for on the spot healing.

Quidditch League — 1 year

With the international attention on quidditch it’s no surprise that the training for future quidditch referees and officials is run by the ministry. Recruiting both quidditch fans straight from school and ex amateur and professional players, this program is surprisingly competitive due to the large amount of on the job training.

Department of Mysteries— 3 years

In the department of mysteries, even the research assistants have assistants, and interns in this department are here to support everyone, in whichever manner they can. While far from being an unspeakable with limited access to the dept of mysteries and everything contained within, every unspeakable started here. an entire department full of research and experimentation, coming into this apprenticeship guarantees you a lack of sleep, a dependency on caffeine, and probably a loss of social life, due to the hours you’ll be putting in. Those with a thirst for knowledge and strong work ethic will do well here, as long as they can handle the pressure. There is no option to apply directly to this department, instead applicants to other programs, and even entry level jobs, are invited to interview for an undisclosed job.

External Apprenticeships 

Cursebreaker, in partnership with Gringotts Bank — 2 years

A career in this field is an exciting one, the promise of danger and adventure is a true one. Once fully trained a cursebreaker can break into smaller specialities and find work in many different ways and places. Through the ministry and Gringott’s are two popular destinations for a comfortable and lucrative career. But one may also end up treasure hunting and freelancing. This is not a career for the faint of heart or anyone missing a few NEWTs, Gringotts is seeking highly driven and skilled graduates to be further trained and will not waste resources on anyone they feel is not cut out for the job. 

Wandmaker, in partnership with Hornby’s of Hogsmeade  — 2 years with further training required afterwards

When one thinks of a wandmaker, usually Hornby’s is not one that first comes to mind. For many years those makers, the likes of Ollivander’s and Gregorovich, dominated the industry while Hornby’s was quietly working away, creating and supplying wonderful wands to those who needed them at a lower price tag. Wands for the hard working witch or wizard, Hornby’s have a few limited wandmaking apprenticeships, a rare entry point into a very closed off industry.

Healer, in partnership with St Mungo’s — 3 years

St Mungo’s is pleased to offer this opportunity to any student that wants to become a healer, it is an accelerated and immersive program not for the faint of heart. The work is hard but important, especially as tensions rise, the need for healers rises. A healer for St Mungo’s will face challenges such as curse and hex removal, potion reversals, magical accidents and catastrophes, broken bones and all manner of other complaints. But going home at the end of the day with a full heart makes the hard work and long road to become a healer worth it.

Mediwix, in partnership with St Mungo’s — 2 years

Mediwix go through the same educational and training requirements as healers but find themselves in different scenarios and situations. Mediwix attend sporting events and are on scene to attend to any injuries suffered, they can be employed by the team itself, or by a dragonologists reserve or any number of other exciting positions that require on sight medical care. This also encompasses what muggles may call nurses, who assist the healers and may assist in on special magical treatment and surgeries. Mediwix spend more time with actual patients than most of their medical counterparts and the job requires a focus and tenderness unmatched elsewhere.

Mediwix, in partnership with St Mungo’s and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (Field Mediwix) — 2 years

In this specialised program mediwix are trained not only in field medicine and general practice but in trauma and combat. They are on the front lines of any conflict and help keep muggles and wizards alike safe. These mediwix work directly with aurors and hit wix and are on call 24/7. It is a tough job but someone has to do it and if you feel cut out for something challenging than this is the right choice for you! 

Broadcast Media, in partnership with Wizarding Wireless Network — 1 year

This area of media is for those with a voice, one that can be heard by the masses. Singers, comedians, sports broadcasting etc, this is the home for all of that. Wixen in this speciality are trained, voice lessons and appearances and interviews, ready to become the voices the wizarding world loves, laughs at and listens to in good times and bad. Professionals come out of this program ready to become professional performers, announcers for the national quidditch teams and more, so sign up today and make your voice heard!

Print Media, in partnership with The Daily Prophet — 1 year

If finding the truth is your calling then find your way into this program. Hands on experience in the newsroom and cutting room floor of the Daily Prophet is invaluable to anyone hoping to become a journalist. From beauty columns to investigative pieces and politics, there is intrigue and fascination in every word, on every page. Come be a part of one of the most important career fields the wizarding world has to offer, come find the truth! 

Security, in partnership with Hazim Droll: Security and Security Trolls — 1 year

The wizarding worlds most important jobs may often go unseen but protecting our places and people is beyond a necessity. Hazim Droll company is offering a course on protection, private and commercial to anyone with the presence to try. Fitness, stealth, combat magic and more is taught in this program and should attract the sort that finds strength vital. Come display your prowess and become a trusted member of this impressive service. 

Entry Level

Not everything can be revamped, not everything needs replaced, and not everyone has the NEWT grades needed to get onto a ‘Better Future’ course. That’s where the entry level ministry jobs come in, with a handful of middling OWL results the world is your oyster! Or at least the world of lower level bureaucracy. 

Improper Use of Magic Office

An office that is at once called a vital touchstone in the defence of the wizarding world and a vipers nest of needless bureaucracy, it would be an understatement to say the Improper Use of Magic Office is an odd place to work. Commonly referred to as a necessary evil, but evil none the less, this department is constantly flooded with paperwork and flying memos turn the room a stark purple with their whizzing and presence. Clerks here must sort through dozens of reports a day and decide which need to be addressed further and which can be tossed. If they are to be addressed further they must stamp and mark them in triplicate and pass them on to the correct department. They deal with a majority of the other departments and perhaps therefore experience the most varied social lives within the ministry, however they are not terribly popular due to them sending even more required paperwork to the various departments they work with.

Accidental Magic Reversal Squad — Office

The Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, while dull sounding, is incredibly important in terms of community safety. Accidental magic accidents can happen to anyone, particularly younger Wizards and Witches who are not always in full control of their magic, especially those of Muggleborn descent, whose families may not always understand what is happening. When this happens those in the Accidental Magic Office are there to ensure that a response can be decided and implemented before things get out of hand. Heavily involved in keeping with the international statute of secrecy, this department deals both with upholding the statute and logistics. In a fair number of responses heavy coordination with the Obliviator office is required so cross promotion between these two departments is common.

Wizengamot Administration Services

Perhaps the reason why the Wizengamot Administration Services has a higher percentage of muggleborns than most ministry offices is due to the fact it has the most direct muggle equivalent. With varied roles ranging from scheduling the Wizengamot and scheduling the daily calendar for the Wizengamot to providing individual secretaries for each member of the Wizengamot and those highly placed in the ministry;  the clerks and secretaries for the Wizengamot are the most valuable and highly skilled. They perform their tasks with speed and accuracy and are highly coveted by their chosen representative on the Wizengamot. This department is very competitive and among the highest paid, with opportunities to manage future campaigns for elected seats and sit on some meetings and cases. Clerks are those responsible for the entire Wizengamot, including some degree of input into the assignment of secretary. Current clerks interview and train their replacements and despite the title of clerk or secretary they are quite respected in the ministry.

Obliviator Office

Being an Obliviator is rarely any young Wix’s dream career and being one of those responsible for determining if an Obliviator is necessary even less so. Smaller than the departments they coordinate with, the Obliviator’s often just verify their services are required and then send field operatives to act on those departments orders. Of course they still have to devise the cover stories and be incredibly precise in order for the field operatives to only remove the necessary memories and nothing of importance. An inexperienced or ill prepared Obliviator can cause more damage than repair and so these team members ensure they are always prepared. A muggleborn once compared the art of obliviation to that of brain surgery, though this is not quite understood by most Obliviators.

Muggle Worthy Excuses Committee

This department deals with minor incidents that need a bit of explanation to muggles but nothing that might end up on the evening news, just page eight of the next mornings paper if anything. It is a very small department with perhaps a half dozen people who spend their days writing and cataloguing explanations or excuses and filing them away for future use or adding them to the files that come across their desks slightly regularly. It is a very relaxed office and one couldn’t exactly say it’s busy but it comes with the same full ministry benefits package and can be attractive to those needing a ministry job but lacking in ambition.

Beast, Being and Spirit Division Office

The Beast, Being and Spirit Division Offices are responsible for registering, protecting, and overseeing many groups, and as such there are many fields of expertise to be found within this department. Those who work in these offices are the first to investigate claims of sightings or disturbances, and will determine if action is necessary in their field, and if it is, will determine the appropriate response. It can certainly be dangerous, but those with a level of travel and affinity for creatures may do well here.

Pest Advisory Office 

Like any pest, those of the magical variety sometimes need specialist attention. The Pest Advisory Office is a service of the  Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and operates via an owl post helpline. Focused on assisting magical households with pest problems and supporting the relocation of such creatures, the Pest Advisory Office has many entry level opportunities available, whether your skills be in Pixie trapping, Chizperfles collection or simply allocating tasks to officers, the Pest Advisory Office could be for you. 

Floo Network Authority

A modest but highly important part of the ministry, the Floo Network Authority regulates, maintains and connects the Floo network within the UK. Regulation Officers have the job of making sure paperwork, and connection status’ are up to date while Connections Specialists get to travel in order to maintain and connect new Floo lines. Both office bound and field bound positions are exciting job prospects that can sometimes have you listening in to various private conversations while regulating lines or have you visit some interesting places. 

Broom Regulatory Control 

The Department of Transportation simply couldn’t function without this integral part of it. The Broom Regulatory control office has the important task of approving new broom models before they go out for purchase. They are also the ones to provide rules for broom use and are in constant communication with other departments when any broom or wix on a broom may endanger the statute. The position is an interesting one, that can certainly have you seeing any of the newest broom’s and accessories before they hit the market.

Portkey Office

When one embarks on a career within the Portkey Office, one does not do so lightly. It is a role of great responsibility and requires an eye for detail. The Portkey Office coordinate portkeys both in the UK and Internationally. Members of this office must keep their wits about them as they are responsible for who comes and goes, what objects are used as portkeys and (maybe even the most important task of all) Muggle Management, to be sure that no Portkey falls into the hands of a muggle. If you think you have what it takes to be able to perform these tasks up to standard, then the Portkey Office could promise you a career of both national and international travel and a lifetime worth of antiquing.

Hogsmeade Shops

An office job isn’t for everyone, enter Hogsmeade. A twenty minute walk from Hogwarts and 30 minutes on broom from Kyle of Lochalsh, the entirely wixen village lies on the north western slopes of Sgùrr na Lapaich in Glen Strathfarrar and is the shopping hub for all Scottish wix.

Ceridwen’s Cauldrons

Ceridwen’s offers skills and careers in smithing and metallurgy along with your standard sales focused roles. There is also the promise of innovation and invention, as the birthplace of the self stirring cauldron. Ceridwen’s is family owned and operated but are always looking for a few extra folks to come into the fold.

Dervish & Banges

A place for the tinkerers among us, a job at Dervish & Bagnes offers hands on expierence with the crafting and repair of the wizarding worlds most common magical objects and instruments. A wide knowledge can be gained of how things work, and how to both break and fix many useful things employed in every day life.

Dogweed and Deathcap

This shop is exciting in that it houses rare and unique, and often dangerous, magical plants and greenery. A herbologists dream, the anyyone who works here should be prepared to deal with both the international magical cooperation imports office, and a lifetime of grubby hands. 

Dominic Maestro’s

For the music savvy wix, Dominic has a lot to offer. The sell and repair of magical instruments, how to enchant and disenchant and your regular old tuning. Any wix who loves or plays music would find a happy match here.

Gladrags Wizard Wear

An exciting opportunity for any fashion forward wixen, Gladrags offers the chance to apprentice to those that not only design and make unique and interesting wizarding attire but the opportunity to travel to their sister stores in Paris, London and Diagon Alley. They’ve also chosen to supply both their trainee tailors and those who work the tills with unlimited unusual socks!

Hogsmeade Post Office

Though it may seem mundane, the post office actually houses two to three hundred owls who require care and training, so any wixen interested in working with magical creatures, or finding a good segue into that department in the ministry, may want to consider a job here.

Hog’s Head Inn

When the brightness and cleanliness of The Three Broomsticks isn’t quite your cup of tea the Hog’s Head Inn ins where to go. Despite it’s reputation the food is good and the limited rooms are surprisingly clean. A job here mightn’t pay as well as others but the interesting clientele does make up for it.

Honeydukes

Who wouldn’t want to work in a sweets shop? The chance to smell like sugar quills and bring smiles to the faces of patrons and students is one that should not be passed up. Working in a fast pasted a business like Honeydukes is invaluable and the perks are innumerable, better get on this quick before the spots all fill up!

Hornby’s of Hogsmeade

When one thinks of a wandmaker, usually Hornby’s is not one that first comes to mind. For many years those makers, the likes of Ollivander’s and Gregorovich, dominated the industry while Hornby’s was quietly working away, creating and supplying wonderful wands to those who needed them at a lower price tag. Wands for the hard working witch or wizard, Hornby’s have a several opportunities awaiting eager witches or wizards in retail positions within the store. 

J. Pippin’s Potions

Any aspiring potioneer should jump at this opportunity! J Pippin’s has branches throughout London and Scotland with plans to expand. A career making move, to own and operate your own apothecary, a franchise perhaps? Apply and find out.

Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop

If you love love, come work at Madam Puddifoot’s! With the chance to be a matchmaker, and to make and brew the best tea in British wizarding society, who wouldn’t want to work here?

Scrivenshaft’s

Though it may only appear to be a supply shop for all your parchment, ink and quill needs it could be so much more. The chance to write your own book perhaps while learning how a business is run, discounts on rainbow ink and the opportunity to innovate and add to the new idea of glitter ink? Apply now!

Spintwitches Sporting Needs

For the best quidditch and sporting good supplies come to Spintwitches. The chance to meet current, past and future sports professionals is high, along with access to the best equipment. Any enthusiast would love working here, especially those who love the sport but just aren’t inclined to make a professional team. Watch the British national team crush everyone, on a special television in the shop, while taking care of your favourite broom models.

The Magic Neep

A greengrocer, where the whole family can come and shop. There isn’t too much to say about The Magic Neep, but it could suit those who have some experience with muggle convenience stores, as the similarities abound.

The Three Broomsticks

The best establishment for food and drink, quiet conversation and the occasional tenant, come to The Three Broomsticks. There are many positions available and the pay is quite good for those coming in with little to no experience. A job here could prepare one for a career in wizarding food and beverage.

Tomes and Scrolls

A specialist bookshop, only the most avid and dedicated readers and collectors can be found within. Imagine collating the most unique and rare books found in the wizarding world, heading into muggle London to find books not sold anywhere else. It may sound dull but tomes and scrolls is offering intrigue and adventure leaping off every page.

Zonko’s Jokeshop

Zonko’s joke shop is the standard for all pranks and jokes for every Hogwarts student past, present and future. The lucky candidates chosen to work here would have access to the best products to demonstrate and market, as well as enjoy themselves. Who wouldn’t want to play with incredible products all day every day? Apply soon, before all the spots get filled by lucky, happy souls! 

Other

Wizengamot Seats

Note we will only be allowing applications for inherited or elected Wizengamot seats and we ask that applicants message the main before applying. See here for information on the Wizengamot.

Quidditch

Going professional in any sport is a tough thing, Quidditch is no exception. When best of the best can only make reserve, there’s no place for second best, can you make the team?

The Ballycastle Bats

Chudley Cannons

Holyhead Harpies

The Montrose Magpies

Teaching Assistants

With no guarantee of ever teaching at the end, teaching assistants tend to be those who want to gain extra experience in their chosen subject area. Taken on at each teachers discretion the roles and responsibilities vary by subject area.

Alchemy — Hermes Lille

A subject few take, it is rare for Professor Lille and his sole teaching assistant to be seen around the castle much spending many hours cooped up focusing on research and experiments.

Arithmancy — Bridget Wenlock

One of few wizarding subjects that involve maths and with calculators sadly not working at Hogwarts, Professor Wenlock’s two teaching assistants make up for this issue.

Astronomy — Flora McIntyre Ferré

With a nocturnal routine (and a noted fondness for firewhisky) Professor McIntrye delegates much of her daytime work to her two teaching assistants.

Care of Magical Creatures — Silvanus Kettleburn

No one could blame Professor Kettleburn for having some of the most assistants in Hogwarts, after all the man has less limbs than most. But it is true that Professor Kettleburns aides are much more assistants than teaching assistants, with the four of them being responsible for the care of many of Hogwart’s creatures.

Charms — Filius Flitwick

A job as teaching assistant to Professor Flitwick is vastly different than the other such roles in Hogwarts, in many ways more an option for further learning in charms than it is a chance to teach. Of course those lucky two assistants do have to pay their keep somehow… and no one likes to mark essays.

Defence Against the Dark Arts —  Annika van der Heide

Everyone knows that teaching defence is a one year gig, and the teaching assistant tends to be the same. One year in the assistants trenches, one year in the job and then you’re gone. So who’s next years professor?

Divination — Apollo Mospus

Deny it all he might Professor Mospus is getting on in years, there’s a reason why meany think he’s older than Dumbledore. No one can fault the man for leaving most of the day to day running of his classroom to his assistant, unlike others he does still teach.

Flying — Rolanda Hooch

Have you missed out on that spot on Montrose Magpies that you’ve dreamed of since you were a child? Or maybe you were rejected from the Quidditch League internship? Well fear not because after a year of helping Madam Hooch teach first years to fly you might just find those doors open again. No one can say her two assistants don’t work hard for their rewards.

Herbology — Pomona Sprout

There are only so many plants one woman can take care of, even with magic assistance, hence why Professor Sprout has two assistants helping her to maintain Hogwart’s greenhouses.

History of Magic — Cuthbert Binns

Does Professor Binns know he has teaching assistants? Many would claim he doesn’t, but that hasn’t stopped three people from claiming they have the job. And after all… a ghost can’t mark essays.

Muggle Studies — Gavin Janus

In muggle schools there is such a thing as ‘show and tell’, being Professor Janus’ teaching assistant makes ‘show and tell’ your job description. But hey! For one muggleborn it’s an easy paycheck.

Potions — Horace Slughorn

A recommendation from any teacher at Hogwarts can make or break even an international career, a  recommendation from a man with Professor Slughorn’s connections doubly so. And if you’re able to add having been his assistant for a year? No door is closed. But there is one thought that all three assistants share — is it really worth doing all of Sluggy’s job for him?

Study of Ancient Runes — Bathsehda Babbling

Wix from other countries are always surprised to hear Bathsehda Babbling called Professor Babbling, her reputation is her field is unparalleled and yet she still teaches? Much like Professor Flitwick, Professor Babbling’s teaching assistant is primarily there to study from her.

Transfiguration — Minerva McGonagall 

Perhaps the only teacher at Hogwarts who holds their teaching assistants to the letter of their job title. Teaching assistant, they .are there to help her teach; from wrangling classes of first years, to helping prepare students for their OWL exams, to helping her mark essays. Professor McGonagall takes her job seriously and she expects her two assistants to do the same.

[beforedawnworld]

With only fifty seats on the Wizengamot, the upper echelons of British Wixen governance are widely known and accepted as being some of the elitist in the Wixen World. Predating the establishment of the ministry by two centuries, the Wizengamot underwent some changes to integrate it with the newly established Ministry of Magic in 1707 and has not changed since. The few brave souls who attempted to pass legislation to change this have, over the years, always found their failure quickly followed by a loss of their seat. Serving as both the parliamentary and court system of wixen Britain there is no greater power than the Wizengamot. Of the fifty seats on the Wizengamot; twenty eight are hereditary, fifteen are elected, and seven are tied to ministry positions.

The set up of the Wizengamot is, like most aspects of it, archaic with only sixteen people who sit on it ever being put to the test of a ballot.

Heridtiary Members     The twenty eight most prominent pureblood families at the time were enshrined in the hierarchy of the Wizengamot but as family names died out the Wizengamot as a whole vote on which family should replace them. These twenty eight families do not match up with the names listed on the Sacred twenty eight papers, rather the list was one wix’s attempt at restarting the hereditary members ranks. Only a few families who currently hold seats can trace that back to the original Wizengamot. Succession with in families is not deemed a matter for the courts and instead it is up to each family. Seat holders do not have to bear the name of the seat they represent and in fact due to seats passing down female lines as well as male, many seat holders are currently there representing a name that their family has not gone by in generations. Additionally, due to marriages some families are is possession of more than one seat. Wizengamot seats are seen as a commodity to some and a career to others. Votes are bartered and traded like potion ingredients.

Elected members     Those elected to the Wizengamot hold their positions for ten year terms unless they stand down or are removed by the Minister. Candidates for election must pass a vetting process by the current Wizengamot before their names are added to the ballot. These members are elected to represent an area of Britain, something akin to constituencies with each region having their own ballot and returning one member. England has eleven of these seats, with one each to Scotland and Wales, and two to Northern Ireland. All votes are held through alternative vote.

The Minister of Magic     While normally elected by the members of the Wizengamot from within their ranks, there has been occasions where this has not been the case. To run for minister one must have the backing of six members of the Wizengamot in order to be listed on the ballot. These ballots go to the wider wixen world and are again held through alternative vote. The minister does not serve for a fixed term but instead elections must be held at least every seven years and calling one is at the Wizengamot’s discretion.

The Chief Warlock of The Wizengamot      Internally elected from the ranks of the Wizengamot to lead debate and courtly matters in a position roughly parallel to the muggle Speaker of the House of Commons. The Chief Warlock presides over the Wizengamot’s debates, determining which members may speak and which matters are selected for consideration. The Chief Warlock is also responsible for maintaining order during debate, and may punish members who break the rules of the Court. Unlike their muggle counterpart the Chief Warlock is under no obligation to be non-partisan in the fulfilment of their duties, as well as retaining their normal vote in supplement to their tie breaker vote. When the Chief Warlock is unable to attend the Deputy Chief Warlock fulfils the same duties. The title of Chief Warlock and of Deputy Chief Warlock are held in tandem with the Ministerial elections except at the end of which there is a ballot with the option to reopen either position, the position can also be challenged mid term if a majority of the Wizengamot vote to so. Despite this, the Chief Warlock position is a relatively secure one and uncountable to the Minister except for one technicality, if the Wizengamot seat the Chief Warlock holds is an elected one then the Minister can remove them from the Wizengamot but such actions are heavily frowned upon.

Appointed Members     Ministry officials at senior leadership positions are granted a temporary status within the Wizengamot for as long as they hold that post. If they hold a hereditary seat another in their family can hold the seat for their time in office, even if their families own creed would not otherwise allow for it. If they hold an elected seat that position is put to a by-election. The Head of International Magical Cooperation, Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Head of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Head of Magical Transportation, Head of the Auror Department, and Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic all grand a Wizengamot seat. All of these positions can be deputised by their direct successor without the need for further Wizengamot involvement, either long term or short.

[beforedawnworld]

The Wonderful World of Wizarding Idioms

“Don’t count your owls before they are delivered,” said Dumbledore gravely.

“Hold yer Hippogriffs, I haven’ finished me story yet!” said Hagrid indignantly.

“Instead you get to arrest me,” said Dumbledore, smiling. “It’s like losing a Knut and finding a Galleon, isn’t it?”

“Merlin’s beard!”

“The fire’s lit, but the cauldron’s empty,” as Ivor Dillonsby put it to me…

“Wasn’ room ter swing a Kneazle,” said Hagrid.

“How dare you!” said Ron, in mock outrage. “We’ve been working like house-elves here!”

“I’m only yanking your wand, I’m Fred really–”

“Well, it’s no good crying over spilt potion, I suppose…”

“[Invisibility cloaks] not exactly ten a Knut, you know,”

“[Mundungus] left to see someone about a batch of cauldrons that fell off the back of a broom!”

“…but the cat’s among the pixies now.”

“But old Dodgy Doge can get off his high hippogriff.”

“Gallopin’ Gorgons, that reminds me,” said Hagrid

“Galloping gargoyles!”

“Gulping gargoyles!”

“How in the name of Merlin’s pants have you managed to get your hands on those Horcrux books?”

“I wouldn’t come near you with a ten-foot broomstick,” said Harry furiously.

“Oh hurry up,” Ron moaned, beside Harry, “I could eat a hippogriff.”

“Oh, Aberforth is just the tip of the dung heap,” laughs Skeeter.

“No! So why in the name of Merlin’s saggy left –”

“Poisonous toadstools don’t change their spots,” said Ron sagely.

“There’s going to be hell to pay anyway, we might as well be hanged for a dragon as an egg.”

“And what in the name of Merlin’s most baggy Y-fronts was that about?”

[beforedawnworld]

Attisgalli Corrective Draughts:

Various spells and potions have been used to adjust a wix’s physical form for centuries (most famously the Iphisinstaurabo spell, still taught today in upper level Transfiguration classes for its elegant craftsmanship and historical merit despite the impracticality of its brief duration). Without question however, the most widely-used gender reassignment potion is the Attisgalli Corrective Draught – or to be more correct, draughts, because there are two distinct variations of this brew: one which alters the physical biology of those presumed male who are at heart female, and one which does the same for the corresponding situation.

The differences in recipe between these two variations are minor but crucial, and thus both variants are sold and prescribed under the same name with a simple notation indicating whether it is to be used by male or female-identifying subjects.

Both variants of the Attisgalli Corrective Draught are furthermore brewed in two distinct doses: the first is a weaker dose which must be taken regularly on a weekly or bi-monthly basis and which, over time, spurs a gradually-increasing psychical alteration in the subject in a process that in many ways mirrors the natural puberty that it often substitutes for. Colloquially referred to as the “Children’s Corrective Dose,” this potion is widely used by children and adolescents who are not comfortable with the gender their birth assigned them and who wish to adjust their bodies to better match the societal standards of the other of the two most common genders.

The second dose is a stronger, most lasting brew which is taken on gradually-increasing intervals starting at twice-yearly doses and building up to maintenance doses taken every five to seven years. This potion is colloquially referred to as either the “Adult’s Corrective Dose” or the “Permanent Corrective Dose,” but neither term is accurate; the potion is not permanent, and should furthermore only be imbibed by those who have previously completed a regular regimen of the weaker dose regardless of their age.

Taking the second, stronger dose without first acclimatizing the body through regular use of the weaker dose (mediwix recommend at least three years, although five is preferred) risk putting oneself under dangerous, potentially fatal strain as the intensity of the changes all at once is considerable. A body that has been acclimatized to the lower dose for several years and then temporarily deprived of the potion (as is often done for procreative purposes) is more adaptable and can transition to the stronger dose after a brief period of re-acclimatization, but all such dosage adjustments should be monitored by trained mediwix and potioneers.

There are occasional mild side-effects, more commonly experienced by those on the lower dose than by those taking the longer-lasting maintenance dose. These can include cramping, muscle or joint aches, sensitive skin, mood swings, light sensitivity, and/or headaches. All such side-effects are less intense when the potion is freshly-brewed, although the draughts may be safely stored for up to fourteen months before experiencing a significant loss of potency. Any side-effects crossing the threshold from slight discomfort to pain should be reported to a trained potioneer immediately as they can be a sign of improperly-brewed draughts or of more serious underlying medical issues unrelated to the Attisgalli Corrective Draught.

Despite occasional dismay from concerned groups (most often parents; most often those with strong ties to backwards Muggle ideas) there has been no evidence of any permanent damage or detrimental effects from the consumption of properly-brewed Attisgalli Corrective Draughts on either adolescent or adult bodies, and most reputable mediwix recommend starting children who express strong gender-disconnect on the low-dose version of the potion between the ages of ten and twelve. In rare cases, a half-dose may be given to younger children but it is not cleared for use by anyone under the age of six. The stronger version of the potion is not recommended for consumption by anyone who has not yet completed puberty, or by anyone who is hoping to become pregnant or to sire children in the near future. It may not legally be sold or prescribed to anyone under the age of seventeen.

The Attisgalli Corrective Draught is a stable and long-lasting potion that has few documented negative interactions with other spells and brews. Some of the those which it is known to react poorly with are: Polyjuice Potion, Full-Body Transfiguration, and Apparition (although in the latter case, this holds true only for the first month or two of dosage while the body adjusts; it is thus suggested that any student beginning their Apparition Lessons who has not already initiated treatment wait to do so until the lessons are complete and then to refrain from self-Apparition for a period of no less than two months). In most cases a regulatory half-dose is enough to cancel any ill effects, but it is best to consult a mediwix after any magical interaction.

Of course, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy provides regular doses to all students in need of the Attisgalli Corrective Draught, as should every reputable educational facility. It is considered a traditional part of a school Potion Master’s duties to brew the necessary draughts fresh, and any parent concerned that their child’s needs may be neglected should owl the head of their intended school immediately – or simply send their children to Hogwarts, which is after all the world’s premier source of magical education and which has a nearly flawless record with administering the Attisgalli Corrective Draught!

                                                                          {{ source: first appearance }}

[beforedawnworld]

W I X : noun. term for a magical person.       plural :  wix  or  wixes       adj :  wixen

Tired of the gender-binary imposed by witch and wizard and looking for a gender-neutral term to use instead? Consider wix. Plus substitute “the Wixen World” for all uses of the Wizarding World and defy both the gender-binary and sexist presumptions of masculine superiority!  

e.g. “The furious wix grabbed their wand and cast a jinx, and the next thing George knew he was dancing a frantic jig while his twin laughed uproariously.”