Chapter 118 - ??? Ghoul Studies (2/2)
”Good, good,” Professor Kettleburn said as he placed the stack of his photographs on the teacher's desk. Glancing around, Professor Kettleburn seems quite pleased as he says, ”Well, it looks like there are more of us this year than last year. Now, then shall we get started?”
They all nod their heads in response as Professor Kettleburn starts. ”Now who can tell me what a ghoul is?” Instantly Pandora's hand goes up in the air as the rest don't raise their hands. Ghouls, ghosts, and poltergeists generally were not to be studied at Hogwarts until about their fifth year in the general curriculum.
Professor Kettleburn points at Pandora and she answered, ”A ghoul is a magical creature that resembles a slimy, buck-toothed ogre, and generally speaking resides in attics and barns, surviving on spiders and moths. It tends to moan and occasional throw objects in haunting it is essentially simple-minded. If it not it can be removed by the Ghoul Task Force.”
”Ten points to Ravenclaw!” Professor Kettleburn said in approval. ”And though a Ghoul is generally non-violent it can evolve into a murderous form, which is why a Ghoul Task Force still exists. Not only to prevent muggles from inheriting them but to protect an unsuspecting wizard or witch. Now, who can tell me, what a poltergeist is excluding Miss Ravine?”
Pandora wilts a little as a Gryffindor's hand instantly shoots up. ”Yes, Mr. Vespucci.”
The dark-eyed boy with light-colored hair flashes Professor Kettleburn a pleased smile making his attractive Italian face that much more appealing. ”A poltergeist unlike a ghost, who once was a former witch or wizard, a poltergeist is a non-human spiritual apparition that came into existence from a collection of emotions or belief. Sprits of chaos, tend to be rather mischievous much like our own Peeves.
And though strictly speaking, a Poltergeist does not have a corporal body it possesses the capabilities to some extent. They are able to move things, to feel pain, and are even subjected to some spells. Though we still don't know why given the fact that they are not physically in existence.”
”Excellent response,” Professor Kettleburn said, before asking the last question. ”And who can tell me, what a ghost is?”
Instantly the rest of the Ravenclaws hands go up as Professor Kettleburn points to a shaggy-haired witch with large wire-rimmed spectacles. ”Yes, Miss Cabot?”
The shaggy-haired witch solemnly answers, ”A ghost is an imprint left behind by a once-living witch or wizard. Unlike apparitions, they are not solid nor can move things but do leave an ectoplasm secrete overtime in a frequented area. Their presence is still felt as icy cold by muggles and wizards alike. And though unable to touch, they can create disturbances in the natural elements, such as flames burning brightly blue and so forth.
However, most importantly a ghost still retains all its past memories and knowledge of when he/she still lived. But unlike the living, a ghost can no longer feel joy or the simple pleasures of existence. A ghost is more like that of a living portrait of said witch or wizard. And like a living portrait, a ghost no more knows the secrets of death than we do.”
Professor Kettleburn happily beams as he places his hands on his hips. ”I am glad to see such enthusiasm this year. Now, let us, by viewing some famous examples,” Professor Kettleburn turned around to grab a handful of photographs.
In quite interesting terms, Professor Kettleburn begins to show the captured photographed images of famous Ghouls, Poltergeists, and Ghosts. The entire class fiercely jots down notes including Rowan. Having understood that her soul research was lacking in a firm foundation, she had signed up to gain more of the basics. It was like trying to run before even knowing how to walk. But more importantly, it might also give her an entirely new perspective on Horcruxes.