"That is a good place to begin in order to answer our problem..."

She turned to the class now and began walking up and down the rows. 

"There are seven types of spells. I shall be brief, in your studies here you will learn about all these in depth."

"Simply put, a spell is a magical [i]action[/i]. The act of performing a spell is called [i]casting[/i]. The most common elements of casting a spell is an [i]incantation[/i], a wand motion, and intent, in order to perform the spell."

"The seven basic categories of spells and their defining features." She was at the board again and began to write as she spoke.

"Transfiguration: Alteration of the form or appearance of an object."

"Charm: "Alteration of an objects qualities, behaviors, and capabilities."

"Jinx: [i]Minor dark magic[/i]. Effects are irritating, amusing, and a minor inconvenience of the target."

"Hex: [i]Dark magic[/i] that consistently affects the object in a negative manner. Major inconvenience to the target."

"Curse: [i]Major dark magic[/i] intended to inhibit the target in a strongly negative manner."

"Counter-Spell: Inhibit the effect of another spell."

"Healing Spell: Improves the condition of a living subject."

These were written under both lists on the blackboard.

"We have only begun to explore a rather advanced question on our first day... So, you will be given the whole semester to resolve this problem. I would like you each to try and devise a way that you might "curse" this faculty position. Keep it in mind through the semester. We can discuss this problem again through the term. I would like you to submit your plan to curse this faculty position at the end of the term. Whomever devises the best plan will be rewarded."

"I imagine that it will take you some time to navigate back through the dungeons. I shall end class early, but only today. Your homework is a written assignment due at the beginning of our next class. Describe again the seven types of spells, think of one example of how each might be used to the determent of a target. We will of course focus on the Jinx, Hex, Curse, and Counter-spell this semester, but that does not mean that a strategically placed charm can not be equally devastating to an individual. If you can not think of an instance simply write that."

"I will remain here for another hour if you have any further questions before you leave. You are dismissed."