Yes, the story of Hannah's dad was very sad. Pretty much everyone in this story has suffered in one way or another at some point. Hannah's dad had a very tragic end not even getting to be buried in his human form. Though at least he lived long enough to be able to name his daughter. I can't bear the thought of any baby being named by anyone other than his or her father.
I like the name Skyward School of Practical Sorcery because I feel like it gives off a vibe of magic.
Over the next few days, Heather noticed a trend that she did not like: Harry, Amy, Susan, and Hannah had all taken to wearing their bright vivid yellow dresses every day.
On Friday, February 7th, 1992, with Sirius, Remus, Amelia and Heather already seated at the breakfast table, Harry, Amy, Susan, and Hannah all appeared at the breakfast table wearing these yellow dresses for the fourth consecutive day.
Heather realized she needed to speak up on this issue.
"Harry, Amy, Susan, and Hannah, " said Heather in a calm but instructional type of voice, "This is now the fourth day in a row that the Yellow Quartet has worn those same yellow dresses."
"We have more than one of these vivid yellow dresses each and Topsy does the Landry daily so we're never wearing dirty clothes, " explained Hannah.
"I understand that, " explained Heather, "And it's not a big deal here at Abbott Manor. But, once you all start at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery, I don't want you giving off the appearance that you never change your clothes. That's just not a good look. Teachers and classmates will think you never change your clothes and that you are wearing dirty clothes even if you aren't. If the four of want to wear dresses every day, then pick some different colors. If the four of you want to wear yellow every day, then maybe wear the dresses one day, polo shirts the next day, tank tops the next day, tee shirts the next day, and so forth. Even though it's not such a big deal while we're at Abbott Manor, I don't want the four of you getting into the habit of wearing the same thing every day. You may keep the vivid yellow dresses on today, but tomorrow I expect to see the four of you dressed differently,"
Harry, Amy, Susan, and Hannah nodded in understanding. All four of the Yellow Quartet were very fond of their vivid yellow dresses but understood the point that Heather was making.
A minute and a nanosecond later, Topsy appeared and brought out the day's breakfast of pancakes, sausage patties, and Jack Daniels to wash it down with.
As the eight of them ate, Heather piped up, "I might as tell you more about my plans for Skyward School of Practical Sorcery."
The others listened intently.
"My next priority is to find a Transfiguration teacher, " continued Heather, "Also, I told the Yellow Quartet a while back that I want each of you to join a different school club so as to each make some different friends apart from each other and expand your horizons. I have made the decision that every student at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery will be required to join at least one school club."
"So, " realized Harry, "You're emphasizing the social side of Skyward School of Practical Sorcery as much the academic side."
"Spot on, Harry, " smiled Heather, "I want Skyward School of Practical Sorcery to a whole, complete, fulfilling and rewarding experience for all students. Being involved in school clubs will allow the students at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery to develop their social skills while engaging in fun and enjoyable activities at the same time."
"Are you sure students will have time to be involved in school clubs while also having the needed time to do their homework?" inquired Susan.
"That won't be an issue, " said Heather brightly, "Because Skyward School of Practical Sorcery isn't going to include homework. Skyward School of Practical Sorcery is going to be a practical school and not a book study school. Homework mostly just proves whether you can understand and remember things from books. At Skyward School of Practical Sorcery, instead of homework, students will demonstrate what they have learned by actually doing the practical work in front of the teachers. For example, instead of writing essays on how Transfiguration works, students will earn their grades and their exam scores by actually demonstrating how well they can do the Transfiguration in question. That's what Skyward School of Practical Sorcery is going to be like."
"Is Skyward School of Practical Sorcery going to have a library?" asked Amy.
"Oh, yes, " answered Heather instantly, "Students will still be able and encouraged to do further reading on academic topics that are of particular interest to them. But there will be no homework or essay writing. "
"End of year exams are going to be entirely practical?" Hannah asked her mom to confirm.
"Yes, " said Heather in a businesslike voice, "That's what proves how well you've learned and how much you can do."
"What kind of schedule will Skyward School of Practical Sorcery have?" inquired Harry.
"Same type of school year as Hogwarts had, " said Heather simply, "It will be a ten month a year boarding school with summer vacation in July and August. Students will also be allowed to go home for one week each at Thanksgiving and Easter and two weeks at Christmas if they choose. However, Skyward School of Practical Sorcery will have its own holiday activities: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter will have various celebrations at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery. There will be no Fourth of July celebration at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery because the school will be closed at that time."
"What about class schedules?" wondered Hannah.
"My plan is to have classes five days a week like normal, " revealed Heather, "Your schedule will vary based on your year, but you will have each class two or three times a week. You will receive more information about your specific schedule on your first day at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery."
"Three meals a day at typical times?" guessed Amy.
"Indeed, " confirmed Heather matter of factly, "With no house system at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery, students can sit with whoever they want during mealtimes."
"That'll be nice for everyone!" smiled Harry, "But may I make a request?"
"You don't need to Harry, " beamed Heather, "Part of my plan is to set up one small table for only four to be reserved for the Yellow Quartet."
Harry, Amy, Susan, and Hannah all gave Heather glowing looks.
"Finally, all students at Skyward School of Practical Sorcery will be REQUIRED to use firsthand wands that have chosen them. If anyone wants to use an old wand for sentimental reasons, the answer is no eleven out of ten times. The best results can only come from using a firsthand wand that has chosen oneself so that's non-negotiable, " emphasized Heather.
Harry, Amy, Susan, and Hannah all nodded. The things that Heather had just told them about Skyward School of Practical Sorcery made sense to them and they all felt comfortable and confident with knowing what to expect when the time came.