[Divination] Term Six: Lesson I

[Dean Hogarth]

Two Gryffindor’s, typically strut their way into the classroom, on the fine line of being late and they still act as if they owened the place. The older and male of the two, known as Harrison Greg tried to charm his way out of everything as he put his feet up on a near by chair and the other one, Molly something or other, copied him! They were acting like this was their Common Room, Dean for one thought it was very disrespectful and if he was the Professor he would not stand for it, but then the chances of Dean being able to stand up in front of a classroom full of people were slim to non.

Soon the lesson was underway and Professor Edgecombe asked the first question to kick them off and for a moment the room was silent until Dean slowly raised his hand into the air; he did not look up from his table at first as he was concentrating hard on how he was going to word his answer. Once his arm was fully vertical the Hufflepuff then raised his head meeting the gaze of Professor Edgecombe.

“The stars and planets are meant to have powers, when they are in a set position it affects life on earth, muggles have them as Horoscopes.” Dean now turned to look at Professor Owen, his voice wavering ever so slight with nerves. “Although, now er…Astronomy is seen more as a science and over looks the old traditions of astrology.”

He brought his hand back down from the air and rested it on the table in front of him, nervously fiddling with a lose bit of thread that was on his sleeve. It was a very rare thing for Dean to speak out in the middle of lesson, but he wanted to try to impress Professor Owen, but he could not help but fear he did not answer the question as well as he could have done, he was simply scared of offending either of the Professors by saying something nasty against the subjects they taught.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

[[ sorry for the delay. totally spazzed about this thread ]]

Hannah seemed to agree that starting the class was the best cause of action to take. Dia turned around in time to see two more students taking their seats, Gryffindors but it didn’t matter all that much, students were students and if they were here it was to learn. The all important thing. They all took it for granted and she knew they did and that there was nothing she could do about that. Wisdom only came with age and experience, students had neither but they’d get there. Everyone did.

As Prof Edgecombe began the class Dia stood at her side, looking intently at her, showing the students how it was done. One of the most important things Dia had learnt while teaching was that you couldn’t taken anything for granted and that showing a good example was key to mutual respect and co-operation. When her own title was dropped Dia looked around the class, smiling at each of the students in turn, taking note of who was there already and making a mental note about how much she expected from them in this particular lesson.

Of course it was Dean Hogarth that answered the question first and Dia smiled brightly at him as he spoke. Keeping Hannah’s question in mind, Dia listened carefully to what Dean had to say on the matter. She knew how much effort he put into his work and that warranted some attention. “Well, I’ll give you that one, Mister Hogarth,” Dia said gently, “Most Astronomers fancy themselves scientists and shun the Astrology side of it but that doesn’t mean it’s any less a part of Divination then any other. Moreover, celestial placement plays a big part in Astronomy, correct, five points to Hufflepuff. Astrology is viewed to be a symbolic language, an art form as well as a form of divination.”

Dia had started pacing as she spoke, up and down the centre isle of the class; she’d always found this was a good way to get to look at each student as best she could, as though she was speaking directly to them. When Dia got to the front of the class, she gave Hannah a look as she said, “Now, Mister Hogarth raised a good point that I’d like to address now, if that’s alright?” Turning sharply to the class, Dia said firmly, “Zodiacs. The zodiac is the belt or band of constellations through which the Sun, Moon, and planets transit across the sky. Can anyone say what some are and with which constellations they co-inside?”

Dia hoped that Hannah didn’t mind her taking charge at this point. The last thing she wanted to do was tread on toes or hurt feelings.

[Prof. Hannah Edgecombe]

Hannah had it in her mind that this was going to be at least a little difficult both teachers trying to get their points across to the students. The students trying to listen to the both of them. She would admit she never thought this whole thing out the way she probably should have, but it was one of those moments when she had an idea and she chose to run with it. First class of the term she wanted to make it interesting and she could think of no better way.

Luckily for her Dia was an excellent professor and seemed to know just how to navigate her way through this combined lesson. She took charge when she needed to stepped aside to let Hannah take charge when she needed to and so far they were working very well together.

Dean Hogarth went ahead and answered her question and his answer gave way for Dia to go on. She did while Hannah stood by and listened. For the most part she wasn't the best at astrology though she knew it did play a large part in divination, but being an actual seer she didn't necessarily have to go through all those other channels in order to see what was to come. Though she would admit the astrology side of it did play an important part.

Dia went on taking hold of the point Dean brought up. It was good gave even Hannah a chance to learn a bit. Smiling she looked at Dia as if reassuring her it was ok to go on she didn't mind.

[Harrison Greg]

As much as this integrated lesson showed true spirit in the teachers joining forces to give the students the best possible lesson…Harrison was not buying it. On the few occasions that he saw his uncle, Nick had always told him to be cynical and take nothing at face value so as soon as the puff ball had finished talking and Ms Hubbles had verbally patted him on the head like the good lap dog he was Harrisons hand shot up into the air, ignoring the Professor’s next question.

“If it is what you and Hufflepuff boy over there say it is miss, how can the position of the stars and moons affect how I feel in the morning? I mean I don’t think, oh look Mercury and Venus are inline I must be kind to all.”

Turning around in his seat Harrison shot a wide grin at Molly knowing that a fellow Gryffindor would also enjoy that small outburst, it was just a shame Blake was not here to back him up. Facing the front once more the Gryffindors gaze flicked from one Professor to the other, a wide grin worthy of a toothpaste advert filled his face as he could not help but feel a small victory.

“Please don’t think I am disputing your teachings and the bases behind your subjects. I am just curious.”

[Dean Hogarth]

She smiled at him, oh lord she smiled directly at him. Dean could have sworn that his heart was about to stop beating. Then she said his name and he just whished he had the courage to grin over at her and go ‘Please, call me Dean’ but the problem was that as soon as he saw her he went as dumb as a Slytherin. As soon as he won Hufflepuff a few house points his head dropt down to look at the woodwork on the tables (one of his favourite past times) as he tried to avoid eye contact with anyone else and hide the fact his cheeks were burning red with embarrassment.

Normally he would use this time to regain his composure and focus on the next question that had been asked, but clearly he was the only one who was doing so as the arrogant, ‘popular’ Gryffindor had opened his air hole and, as normal for a member of the red house, was talking utter tosh. Dean raised his head and turned around with wide eyes to glare at Harrison.

“No you idiot. That is not what the Professor was saying.” His own voice sounded out around him and the problem was it was not stopping. “If you actually bothered to read a textbook or listen in class you would know that the foundation of astrology runs much deeper then the horoscopes from your muggle gossip magazine.”

With a frown Dean turned around to face the front of the classroom, his heart was pounding so hard and loud that he would not be able to tell if anyone else was talking. That had been the single most thrilling and forthright thing he had ever done and he had no idea where it has come from. Swallowing hard to try and keep down the bile that was raising in his throat Dean cleared his mind and tried to focus on the lesson once more but this new surge of confidence was still running through his veins and without even putting his hand in the air Dean spoke once more.

“To answer your previous question Professor an example would be Aquarius. The constellations of the zodiac normally bare the same name although, Aquarius is also know as the plough or saucepan, cause…well that is what it looks like…”

His confidence was wavering, the adrenaline was running out and with a nervously rub of the back of his neck his head dropt once more, the tips of his ears turning that ever so familiar shade of red.

[Julianna Farraday]

Normally she was prompt when it came to getting to her classes. Most of the times she was usually early. Most classes she thought were worth getting to, but on this day Julianna had been hanging out outside a discarded cigarette in her hand. A new habit she had taken up because it seemed to keep her calm and balanced. So far she managed not to get caught and she kept that streak alive when one of the prefects walked out and made a bee line for her. Quick wand work had the smell gone and any evidence she had been wrong doing disappeared.

She was reminded that it was time for class, and after uttering a half hearted apology she headed inside. 5 minutes late wasn't nearly enough but at least class would have already started that way she didn't have to endure the look of that teacher.

Stepping into the room she didn't even utter a word simply walked to an empty seat before focusing any attention to the front of the room. Her eyes finally turned to where all the action was happening, and there they both were professors Hubble and Edgecombe. There had been a rumor of a combined lesson but she thought it was just talk. The feeling that came wasn't surprise but relief.

With the two of them there maybe Edgecombe would behave. For the first time she had a smile on her face in Divinations. Even though she was probably going to get reamed for being late.

[Prof. Hannah Edgecombe]

Dia launched into her half of the lesson and was doing marvelously. Hannah could see why the students enjoyed her class as much as they did. The woman was captivating and seemed to enjoy her subject. As she left off with a question Dean answered her, and Vicky smiled because she knew something that she didn't think Dia did. Someone had a crush on his professor and it was rather cute. Hannah smiled but said nothing it wouldn't do to embarrass anyone. When he finished answering Hannah had been about to speak when someone walked into the room that she hadn't wanted to see.

Julianna showed up and took a seat. If there was a reason to growl or snarl Hannah would have said that moment was right now. Hard to imagine how she could still resent this girl, when the poor girl didn't have a clue why she was hated so much. Taking deep breath she forced herself to mellow out, her body once tensed now became more natural. Another year she knew would be difficult but getting through it without incident would be the hardest part.

Making herself ignore the girl she turned her attention back to Dean. "Good answer very well thought out I think 10 points to Hufflepuff would suffice. So can anyone else answer Professor Hubbles' question. Don't be shy participation is part of class and you'll be rewarded if your answers are good." Smiling she stood aside and waited for more answers wanting Dia to feel as if she were in her own classroom.