HISTORY OF DURMSTRANG
The Durmstrang Institute for Magic is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected wizarding schools. It was founded near the end of the ninth century by Þórfríðr Hróðgeirrssdótter and Friðþjófr Hróðgeirrsson, siblings from what is now Scandinavia who not only wanted a specific school for those who lived in the Nordic countries, but also a place where they would have complete control over what was taught. They wanted to ensure that their history, and their Nordic magicks, would be carried throughout the generations to preserve their traditions and knowledge.
As time went on and the school's student body grew bigger, various headmasters and headmistresses began to change things. Perhaps the biggest change was which countries Durmstrang would accept students from, which was expanded to include the Eastern European countries in addition to the Nordic ones, as well as the inclusion of Germanic magicks into the curriculum. Another big change was the discontinuation of automatic muggleborn admittance to the school in 1304. When Voldemort started rising to power, Durmstrang was quick to join his side. The Dark Arts had already been taught at the school for centuries the headmaster and most of the teachers at the time agreed with Voldemort's agenda.
SORTING AND HOUSES
Durmstrang gives a clear priority to those from pureblood families, though they also accept halfblood students without hesitation. As a general rule, Durmstrang does
not allow muggleborn students, though with a bit of
persuasion, they can be convinced to accept muggleborns as well. The beginning of each academic year starts with the sorting of all the new first years. The new students are called up alphabetically to stand on a platform floored with special tiles, each of which have the school's crest etched on them. Each student is then given a specially carved
rune stone, and instructed to throw it as hard as they can onto the tiles. Upon hitting the ground, the rune shatters, causing not only the tiles on the platform, but the entire hall to light up with the colors of one of the four houses.
Those in
Valkyrie are often the social, outgoing type of folk. They enjoy being in groups and like people in general. They are also the most loyal of the four houses. Easily the loudest of the four houses is
Bukavac. This house is characterized by its superior cunning, and brash and impulsive behavior. Those sorted into bukavac are generally bold and unafraid, and known for never backing down from a challenge.
Aufhocker students are known by their ambitions. They often know exactly what they want and will do what they feel is needed to get it. Those in the orange house are highly independent folk, preferring to do things on their own rather than having it done for them and often dislike working in groups. Aufhocker students also tend to be ruthless and vengeful, able to hold grudges for a very long time.
Fossengrimmen is the house for the honest, and students in the teal house are often brutally so. Often vain and sometimes shallow, they typically care about appearances. In addition, Fossengrimmen students are also usually intelligent and possess a great deal of creativity
LAYOUT OF THE SCHOOL
Set in the far north of Norway, on an island called Mannskaðiøy, which is only accessible by boat. The Durmstrang territory is bordered on three sides by the Norwegian Sea. On the fourth side are mountains which are nearly impossible to pass except by the three tunnels drilled directly through them. The school itself is nestled into a mountain on the edge of the island, with docks to the east. The building is four stories tall, with two levels of dungeons underground. Half of the building is actually built into the mountains, and thus some of the older bits of the castle resemble caves more than actual rooms. These areas have, for the most part, been turned into classrooms. The furthest underground level houses the schools saunas, which are available for all students to use.
CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
Durmstrang's classes run on a strict schedule Mondays through Fridays. Students are expected to be up and awake by 6:00 a.m. however, those who want a hot shower may wish to rise earlier. Morning classes run from 8:00 to 11:20 with a ten minute break between each class. Once the morning classes are over, the students gather for their midday meal which lasts until 12:20, at which point afternoon classes start and last until 3:00. The students then have a couple hours of free time before their evening meal at 7:00. From 8:00 onward, the evening is theirs, though students are expected to be asleep by 11:00 There are several after school and weekend activities that students can take part in. A feature unique to Durmstrang is the use of an "A" and "B" day schedule, where "A" days and "B" days alternate throughout the week. Because of this, students will never have the same class two days in a row. Each student will have at least three classes per day, though with electives there could be up to five classes in a day.
HOUSE POINTS AND THE HOUSE CUP
To encourage competition and a bit of healthy rivalry, Durmstrang makes a big deal out of their house cup contest. Depending on the teacher, points are more difficult to get, though generally easier to lose. It is not uncommon for teachers to show favoritism to the students of their former houses.
THE TOWN OF OUTAKOSKI
The town of Outakoski lies directly on the opposite side of the mountains bordering the school. To get to the town, one must walk through tunnels drilled directly through the mountains. Despite the generally darker feel of Durmstrang, Outakoski is rather neutral and has an almost 'homey' feel. Outakoski is not the largest town, though it is quite decent in size. There are a great deal of shops in the town, and a large housing district as well. There are a number of festivals and holidays from all over Scandinavia and Eastern Europe are celebrated in the town. Students third year and older are allowed to visit Outakoski on the weekends.
