Lesson 2 - Ancient Egypt, Part 1

[Dylan Cooper]

Acknowledging him simply by looking at him in response, Dylan’s mind briefly entered the realm of ‘what if’s. What if his head was still the same? If he hadn’t a great scar on the back, beneath the largely new crop of unusually straight, short hair. If he hadn’t had his scalp set on fire at the cause of entertaining another, sadistic soul? Perhaps things could be more normal; he certainly would have headaches as frequently, would still be able to do the simple things like nod in response to someone. Drawing himself back from within his own mind, his attention focused once more on Mallan and the words being emitted from his mouth.

Hearing of both his conquering and failing of spells, Dylan found it rather reminiscent of his own situation. Though, his current abilities tended to stray rather frustratingly toward failing. Summoning charms were giving him a great deal of difficulty, and while he had summoned a patronus on the night of the Masquerade, he had not been able to do so since. Knowing that such a thing was vital to their fight, their war, Dylan had begun devoting more and more secretive time to practicing his patronus. His efforts held a slightly draining effect, and he had pertinently kept his activities hidden from D’rorah. He wasn’t too sure that she would approve of him taxing himself so early. He realised fully, however, that they needed him back to full strength as soon as possible. Without being able to even conjure a patronus, he would be virtually defenceless against the Shadows. Of course, he had his elemental abilities. But from his attempts to see where his level of aptitude now stood with his elemental magic, though it was stronger than most of his spells, he would not be able to repeat sinking Keaira into the floor or anything equally as difficult.

Noting the word ‘Quidditch’, his ears perked up. Disregarding the form of Mallan’s question but not the outright answer, he spoke quietly, though one could easily tell with a slight enthusiasm. “You haven’t flown yet? Oh, it’s amazing. I’m into Quidditch, yeah, I was going to try out for Keeper this year…” he said, using the past tense quite deliberately. He certainly didn’t have much intention of trying out now; something that was slightly dampened by the fact that he had been selected as the Ravenclaw captain this year. He longed to play more than anything, but with everything that was going on, he honestly wasn’t sure how much time he would be able to devote to the sport. With such a major setback in his spellcasting abilities, he needed to spend as much time as possible training for the impending battle against the Shadows and the Mage. They never knew when the war would begin, but he needed to be prepared, and winning the Quidditch Cup would by no means aid him in battle.

[kailee]

Since her last class she had done a bit of research and found time to be outside of her little office, planning lessons. She had learned much about her students…. Like their names. She had what some called a photographic memory and was able to quickly put the names with the faces after some practice. The first boy to walk in was Dylan – one she did not need to track down, but was briefly made aware of by some fellow staff members. His voice was quiet and hollow has he explained the situation with his homework. Coming from any other student, it would be predictable. “Certainly Mr. Cooper. Journals are not due until the end of the semester, so long as all of your assignments are together by then, there will be no need for worry.” She smiled to him as he slipped into his seat.

The new Gryffindor student introduced himself and explained himself. It was an interesting approach, which Kailee noted to herself. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Baine. Knowledge is something that I plan for us all to acquire together. I look forward to you engaging yourself if my class.”

Kerridon walked in, homework in hand which she accepted and set on her desk with just one other notebook. He took his seat as Aimee entered. “Good to see you Miss Miller,” she said nodding her greeting. A small conversation about quidditch ensued, which Kailee pointedly attempted to ignore. Her brother, the quidditch player gave her quite enough of that.

D’rorah made her entrance and Kailee smiled to her. She was about to address the matter of homework when a frighteningly cheery voice rang out across the classroom. “Good to see you Miss Paisley.” She eyed the homework sitting on D’rorah’s desk and with a gentle flick of her wrist, summoned it. She added it to the rather small pile and glanced out the rain-streaked window.

It seemed as if it was days from when she had initially sat down at her desk (lol) and so she decided that class would begin.

“Good day students, a pleasure to see you all again,” her voice was calm, collected. “I am very much looking forward to reading all of the homework I have received. If you have not had an opportunity to complete yours, nothing in your journal is due until the end of the semester, though it will benefit you in the long run to do it as you go along instead of at the end.”

She took her position on her desk and made eye contact with each of her students. “I last left you with the prospect of analyzing yourselves in terms of magic, something I feel is important to discuss now that things have had time to --- coagulate.”

“So, I am curious to know what you thought of the assignment? For those of you who don’t recall….” She waved her hand and words sprang to life on the board behind her: Write about your own personal abilities and history of magic as it pertains to you… Particularly whether you feel your abilities have been affected more by the external, natural force of magic or the internal, genetic force of magic.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah watched as her homework sailed away, only really halfway paying attention to Dylan's conversation, which had moved onto the mundane subject of Quidditch. She did, however, note that he seemed to no longer be entertaining the idea of trying out for the position of Keeper. She would perhaps have to speak to him about that later. Instead, she turned her attention to the front of the classroom, ready for class to begin. For some reason, she didn't feel much like raising her hand to contribute, an odd state for D'rorah whose hand was usually one of the first to rise whenever a teacher introduced a question or topic for discussion. Instead, her hand remained resting on her desk, quill in hand and ready to jot down anything which might be of interest from the discussion.

[mallan]

Noticing that Dylan was not paying him much mind he began getting annoyed at himself; he hated it when he rambled. Mallan still felt like he had to finish for there was no sense in cutting himself off if indeed Dylan was paying him any mind. Proof was given against Mallan’s perception of Dylan’s lack of interest as he got to quidditch for Dylan perked up a bit. Mallan was glad that he wasn’t being completely ignored though it did occur to him that it would be odd for someone to jump into a conversation and then ignore it. Unfortunately quidditch was something that Mallan had not had much experience in and did not even know all of the rules. He still wanted to talk with Dylan but was unsure what to talk about now. However, to his luck Professor Faye interrupted their conversation by speaking to the class. He waited as the professor's eyes passed by each of the students before replying to Dylan.

Yeah, I haven’t flown but Aimee here just said she was willing to teach me. I’m excited about that. (Ignoring the obvious past tense Mallan returned Dylan’s rhetoric question) You would be awesome as a keeper! (Mallan said excitedly as he continued) You should try out! Hey perhaps after class some time you can show me a few tricks? (Mallan unsure if he wanted to hear a negative response gave Dylan an excited but end-of-conversation look as he turned to face Professor Faye)

Mallan knew he didn’t really know much about the kid but he also knew that Dylan had a fire for the sport whether it is as bright now as it was before. Knowing what it feels like to lose a passion for something Mallan tried to help instill some of it back in Dylan.

As the professor called upon the board the topic of the previous class Mallan’s attention was immediately drawn. With reading many fantasy books Mallan had actually pondered the topic before. This homework would be amazingly easy to catch up on. He already had many notes on the theories and workings of magic. Now though, he actually had experience with magic. Mallan began pouring over his mental notes and theories in his head while he waited for someone to speak up first. He had always thought magic to be an internal, genetically granted force that interacted with the external in a way similar to that of electricity and magnets; where activating one would cause the other to react.

[Dylan Cooper]

His attention returning to the professor, he felt slightly guilty about his own lack of contribution to the meager pile of homework stacked upon her desk. Unwilling, as of yet, to participate so fully in a discussion as open and controversial. Undoubtedly, many students and Professor Faye as well would have vastly differing opinions and Dylan himself was not quite up to arguing so strongly. Of course, such a discussion did not necessarily lead to an argument, but it was inevitable that so many strong-minded young people all stating their opinions were bound to create a decidedly heated conversation.

Noting that, strangely, D’rorah too kept her hand down, he found himself addressed once more. Turning back to Mallan, his mind re-focused on Quidditch, a topic of conversation that usually managed to stir and build excitement within him. Lifting his eyebrows in slight surprise at the Gryffindor’s comments, he lowered them almost instantaneously. Of course, the notion that this boy he had never met before considered that he would be great as a keeper and therefore must tryout was quite absurd. It made him realise that the boy was quite right, however, in stating that he would be a good addition to the team for the year. He usually managed to make a decent contribution, afterall, and he had yet to find anyone who wished to contest his position on the team.

Admittedly, being offered team captain for the year drew him strongly toward playing, but he was still reluctant. He needed to train, to use every spare moment. Not only were his spells weakened, and his homework extremely lacking in his usual finesse and level of performance, but Quidditch consumed a lot of time. There were trainings and games, and if you wanted to really do well you needed to put in that much extra. He couldn’t apply for the position, as well as accept the captaincy, if he knew that he could not put one-hundred-and-ten percent in. He would be letting himself and his teammates down, something he most certainly did not intend on.

Deciding on offering something that was neither an assurance nor an outright dismissal, he spoke up in response to Mallan’s suggestion that he might teach him some things. “I could, if you’re keen. But I do have a lot of things going on lately, so I’ll have to see,” he commented lightly, not wanting to obscure any further words the professor might come out with.

[kailee]

Kailee sat at the edge of her desk, frustrated yet again. "Does this mean it will be a constant battle to get us to discuss? I certainly hoped for a more active class this time around...."

She crossed her arms over her chest, clearly at a loss. "It's a very simple question, what did you all think of the homework assignment. For those who don't remember," she waved her arm in the direction of the board. "Take a look. You can feel free to comment, even if you did not complete the assignment."

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah finally raised her voice, prompted by the silence in the classroom. While she hadn't particularly felt like conversation at the moment, she had done the assignment and was prepared to contribute to the class.

"I found the assignment was particularly interesting. My research indicates there is much information to support either conclusion... There was even research to indicate that both are true concurrently. Magic is both an internal and an external force. Indeed, a large part of the authors' conclusions hedged on the authors' views of the world in general. Some see themselves as separate entities... those were more likely to posit that magic was either internal or external. Others view themselves and everything as a whole within the universe... those were more likely to posit that magic was both internal and external."

She took a deep breath, deciding to bring up an issue she had come across years previously and which was regarded as pure fiction by many respectable academicians. "I lean more heavily toward the idea of magic as an external force which only magical beings have the ability to access or manipulate. That theory explains most easily the fact of magical voids, areas in which one cannot perform or sustain magic." She waited for the rebuttal, almost certain she would be met with laughter. While she had witnessed the natural phenomenon of a magical void, their locations were not published and were kept secret. The Ministry had long ago disavowed their existence.

[mallan]

Mallan listened as D’rorah explained and reasoned her view of how magic works and was amazed that it was very similar to his own view. He was also glad that she spoke up first. Mallan did not want to speak up about a subject that they all may have turned to him and laughed at afterwards. He had not read any works that delved specifically into how it worked but he had pondered over the idea many times and tried reasoning out himself. Mallan couldn’t understand how someone thought that magic could be purely external or internal. No one else seemed to take up the conversation so Mallan rose his hand but was too anxious and just replied anyhow.

(Mallan turned to D'rorah and smiled as he began) That is truly fascinating Miss D’rorah. I have not researched the topic but I have poured over the idea many times. I would have to side with the idea that magic is both an external and internal force. (He turned to the professor as he continued) I believe that some creatures are born with a genetic code that allows their cells to carry the, pardon my lack of term but, “positive charge”. These creatures, which may be human, then have the ability to cause the “negative charge” around them to react. I believe they are caused to react by someone using specific hand movements, wand movements, words, and possibly mental command to direct their own energy in a way that causes the “negative charge” around them to react. In fact, depending on the genetics of the person or creature involved it may even be said that they can use their abilities without some of the before mentioned actions. (Turning back to D'rorah he finished) What is also interesting is that what I believe would also coincide with your beliefs. If in fact there are two separate aspects of magic, one being internal and one external, then it would be possible for there to be magic void areas.

After he was finished Mallan felt quite proud and only hoped that no one would shoot him down. He truly had not researched the topic but it still was quite fascinating. Mallan waited quietly with a small smile on his face for someone to respond.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah nodded at Mallan's continued discussion. "Yes, that would also explain why some are able to use wandless magic, while others are not." She thought it nice that the first person to speak up wasn't a dissenter to her controversial magical voids. "So then, as magical beings have been around for so long, do we see them as an adaptive genetic mutation? Or would we say that those who are not able to use magic are the ones who have adapted? Is it simply a genetic trait which surfaces occasionally?"

Now that she thought of it, a truly scientific study of this subject would likely be fascinating. The only problem was that wizards didn't use the sort of complicated equipment it would require. And of course, they would not... the very reason wizarding communities such as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley seemed to be so quainty and historical was that magic affected such instruments. She could well remember several microwave ovens having shorted out, fizzled, and once even caught on fire as her mother cooked dinner for muggle dinner guests. Eventually, she had given up on them altogether... but even the refrigerator had been a fit to use... they had eventually abanoned plugging it in and all and had instead used the insulated box part of it along with a periodic chilling charm for storing cold items.

She turned her eyes back to Professor Faye. "Has anyone ever scientifically studied such a thing? I mean from a genetic standpoint? I came across nothing in my research, but then, I did not think to look for anything of the sort."

[Keaira O'Connell]

(You know I was going to post earlier, but I’ve been sidetracked.)
Keaira sat in the back of the classroom, avoiding contact with any one there. Her mind had been plagued with what she should be doing to help find Dien. It had been several days since she had talked with D’rorah, and yet any efforts she had taken to contact Dien had been met with nothing. It was as if Dien had simply stopped thinking. It worried Keaira that something horrible might have happened to him, but she felt so helpless to do anything about it. Her mind occupied with thoughts of Dien, she spent all the time waiting for class to begin, by playing with a quill, twirling it around in her fingers.

Homework was not much of a concern for her, as she had given Professor Faye her assignment a bit ago. It was probably one of the few that the teacher had received earlier. Keaira thought of the way she had viewed magic. It had always seemed more genetic than anything to her. Even the way squibs and muggle borns were born the way they were. It seemed to be a normal genetic equation or at least that’s the way she understood it from what James had taught her of genetics, and muggle science.

As the discussion started she thought about adding her opinion, but simply remained silent, thinking about what was to come of her if they couldn’t find Dien.

[Kerridon Paradox]

Kerridon mostly ignored the conversations going on around him, just keeping an ear out in the unlikely occasion that someone mentioned something to do with Elemental Magic again. Unlikely, but it had happened last time.

As the lesson finally began, he was content to simply sit back and listen to the other responses that others might come up with. Apparently few people had much to add to the discussion - either they had not done their homework well enough to be able to expand on what had been said last lesson, or they just had their minds on other things. As no one else seemed keen to speak up, he decided it was his turn to add something to the discussion.

"I agree with D'rorah. It is highly probable that there exists both an external force, which we might class as pure, undiluted magic, as well as an internal force, which is what gives us the ability to affect this external force. I doubt that anyone has ever done a study to specify which particular gene mutation causes this forces, for the simple fact that most wizarding folk would not visit a muggle Healer, when magic is so much more efficient. Added to this how little many understand the muggle world and its technology makes such a study difficult to carry out." Pausing, he turned to D'rorah to comment on the magical voids. Likely she was expecting someone to disagree with her on that matter, not disagree with the Ministry. "As for the magical voids you mentioned, I cannot help but be suspicious of the Ministry's view that they do not exist. It is public knowledge that whenever something threatening appears, there are more than likely to ignore it or declare it non-existent. Just look at Lord Voldemort, or the situation in the forest now."

It was risky, hinting at the creatures in the forest, but hopefully it might promote some conversation on the matter from which he could glean some information. He kept his face as emotionless as always as he aimed these last few sentences at D'rorah. She knew that he had knowledge of the creatures in the forest, but he wasn't sure what her reaction would be at his revealing this to the rest of the class.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah was pleasantly surprised that the next response happened to be in support of the magical voids she had mentioned, rather than disagreement. And it made perfect sense that the possibility of a study for such a thing would be nearly impossible to carry out. "Yes, Wizardkind does not have the sort of technology it would take and does not have enough contact with muggles in general... not to mention that such a study would require collaboration from a university and would be published. It would be necessary to publicly reveal the existence of our society to the world at large. While there were times when Wizardkind and Muggles could exist peacefully with one another, the overwhelming experience indicates that, at some point, persecution of our kind sets in. We would be subject to their governments... and it would be unlikely we would be allowed to retain our own in any very meaningful capacity."

At his mention of the creatures in the forest, she decided there was little point in intejecting. Most of the students already knew about them... the curfews, the rumors, the attacks on fools who had wandered into the forest. However, for him to just mention it out loud in class like that... well. She couldn't help but wonder what sort of response he was hoping to elicit with that.

[mallan]

Mallan heard the other boy's response and was irritated to hear that the boy didn't even reference him as contributing anything on the topic. He only gave acknowledgment to D'rorah. It always annoyed Mallan when people ignored him or made him feel like he wasn't there and this was one of those moments. It didn't even occur to Mallan that the boy may have not intended it so. Right now Mallan just wanted to sit there. A little anger touched his cheeks as decided he wasn't going to speak for the rest of the class. He didn't even consider how immature that would be either. He would sit there listening but without speaking. He would not acknowledge the other boys existence for the rest of the class, at least until someone acknowledged his existence again or he forgot that he was angry.

[kailee]

Kailee listened to D’rorah’s answer with great interest. D’rorah was an intelligent student with wisdom and knowledge beyond her years. She had not been surprised that she had then taken the external stance on the debate. Curious as to what some of the other answers would be, the professor gave pause, as opposed to answering.

Much to her surprise, the first to speak was the new student, Mallan. It pleased her that Mallan and D’rorah were able to converse a bit on the subject; a sort of meeting of the minds. This kind of open discussion was something that the professor felt was necessary. When there was finally an ebb in the conversation, which carried on for some time, she finally spoke.

“In acknowledgement to everything that has been said here, I must say that I am impressed and thrilled that you all have such an active interest in magic and where it comes from. It is something that has fascinated me for a very long time, and therefore led me to have an interest in this course.”

“In answer to your question earlier D’rorah, about magical studies with genetics, though it has been discussed in circles which contain those individuals with an open, muggle-friendly mind, it has not been actualized. The study of genetics itself would be difficult on wizards and witches for many of the same reasons that you cannot bring your muggle electronics near to the school grounds. Before such a study could take place, tools would have to be developed and research beyond open-ended discussions such as these would have to take place. Kerridon, you were very good to mention this.”

“This idea of ‘charge’ or simply some way of being attuned to magic on a genetic level, as Mallan mentioned, poses the question of whether or not us magical folk are beings of a different matter all together than muggles or if perhaps there is some sort of evolution taking place. Could it be possible that we are, as a human race evolving to the point where magic is becoming the norm? Are magic genes the dominant ones? Is it not possible that at one time all human beings were magical and we are in fact devolving down to just a rare few? This second view makes little since, but still… It is worth a moment or two of your thoughts.”

She took just a small pause with a wave of her hand, filled a glass with water that had been sitting in a pitcher on her desk. Kailee took just a small sip before continuing.

“As far as magical voids are concerned, I think that you should all keep an open mind, despite what our Ministry tells us,” her voice was unwavering, though the thought did cross her mind that perhaps this would not be what the administration would want her to say. “I have instructed you in this classroom to keep an open mind, but also not forget your own views on subjects. Your knowledge us just as valuable as that of any elected or appointed official.”

It was not that she was some kind of separatist, nor did she want to create any kind of political movement through her students Kailee had in fact worked for the Ministry in some of the less political and more recreational aspects. This experience was enough to give her a basis of opinion.

“Unfortunately, our time is too short for such an endeavor. I have been informed that I am to be re-appointed as Herbology Professor instead of History of Magic,” her voice was a bit solemn. Truthfully, History of Magic was not something she was completely comfortable teaching, but it had been an amazing experience so far. “So, instead of beginning our study on Ancient Egypt, I think it would be best to focus on this subject of magic and where it comes from.”

“To return to our original subject, much of your viewpoint of ‘magic,’ this word that we toss around so flippantly in these hallways and classrooms, has to do with your world view, as D’rorah mentioned. Those of us who do not see ourselves in what I am tempted to call ‘the big picture’ tend to take either the internal or external force view. And typically, you have them on both ends of the spectrum. A great example of an Internal Force View is Tom Riddle, better known as Lord Voldemort. Voldemort, in his way saw only those with ‘pure blood’ as worthy of performing the art of magic and we all know what happened as a result.”

She hadn’t meant to stray this way, but conversation had led them there. It was still a controversial subject, not one that got thrown around a lot, but nonetheless.

“And a good example of External Force View would be many of the ancient civilizations that I had planned for us to study together this semester. By and large, these civilizations of people believed in magic that was just beyond their reach; Magic that they could not harness with a wand; Magic that required human or animal sacrifice; blood, sweat and tears…”

Her speech had been a long one and for now, she took a seat against her desk again. Hoping that they could focus on this subject of magic once more.

“What other examples might we be able to offer of believe if IFV or EFV?”


OOC: Yea, I know it's been awhile. You can fire me if you want. lol