Second Astronomy Lesson

[mallan]

Mallan was only a little surprised when he noticed D’rorah look up, raise her hand, and head over. He thought it rather commonplace that no one else raised their hand or paid much attention, as no one else knew him, much less met him or even seen him before. From his point of view it did look like she had already calibrated her telescope and arranged her notes. Was she always on top of everything? She really was most helpful and he greatly appreciated the friendly assistance. For a moment he realized that he actually looked up to her. For good reason he supposed. She was knowledgeable and from her comment dutiful. He truly was going to have to pay her back somehow. As she spoke he gave her a thankful smile.

(Looking at Dee and continuing to speak in a non-interruptive manner…) Thank you so much Miss D’rorah. (Returning his gaze to the professor…) May I Professor Archer?

Mallan stood there awaiting the professors permission to go back and join D'rorah. He was glad that he was a quick reader and smart. He did not want to interfere with D'rorah's opportunity to learn.

[Alexander Archer]

Shifting his attention to the newest entrant, he nodded slightly. “Headmistress LaPointe has told me of your circumstances, Mister Baine,” he commented lightly, intending for the other students not to hear but not particularly minding if they did or not, either. Seeing a hand raise from the corner of his eye, he switched his gaze to D’rorah who was steadily making her way over. Listening to her speak, he nodded silently, approving her comments. “Very well, Miss Philosophy, if you believe he won’t have a negative effect upon your own work in any way,” he replied quietly, his tone seeming to reflect the calm of night. “Alright, Mister Baine, head on over and work with Miss Philosophy.”

Turning back to the rest of the class, he spoke up once more, his voice this time loud enough to carry to them all, a task that was not too difficult on such a clear night. “So, after this comet collided with Jupiter in 1994, it provided great enlightenment about the planet and its atmosphere, as well as its particular role in reducing space debris in the inner solar system, which is thought to be a prerequisite for unbroken development of life. This comet provided a lot of information about Jupiter that might not have been discovered otherwise,” he said in a voice one might consider a bit too exuberant, especially given their topic of discussion. Leaving the way open for any questions, he moved around to check on Mallan and see that he was getting on alright. “Mister Baine… Might I request you to stay after class for just a moment?” he questioned rhetorically in a light tone when he was near to the boy. Moving back to his desk, he checked the time and noted the lateness… or early hour, rather, of the current day.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

With the Professor's approval, D'rorah led the way back to her work area. She offered Mallan the position in front of the telescope. "I have already observed the markings left by the comet, so you are welcome to look for yourself. The comet was Shoemaker-Levy 9. The pieces of the comet ranged in sizes of up to two kilometers in diameter and were believed to have been the pulled apart by the tidal forces of Jupiter during a particularly close encounter. The true collision occurred when the twenty-one or so fragments hit the southern hemisphere at approximately sixty kilometres per second."

She gestured toward her notes. "The impact between Shoemaker-Levy 9 and the planet Jupiter was the first impact between two bodies within our solar system to be observed. The impacts occurred from July sixteenth through July twenty-second, 1994. The brown spots in Jupiter's southern hemisphere mark the impact points. The seismic waves generated by the impact were observable on the surface of the planet for more than two hours following the largest impacts."

The notes obviously held more information in case he cared to read them. She however, was conscious of the fact that others were attempting to locate the remnants of the phenomenon on the surface of the planet Jupiter and was doing what she could to avoid disturbing them.

[mallan]

Mallan nodded at Professor Archer before following D'rorah back to her work area. He was glad that the professor did not make much of his tardiness and that D'rorah spoke up quickly. "Professor Archer must really enjoy his field if he talks with this much exuberance," Mallan thought to himself. While D'rorah and him were making their way back to her workspace Mallan inquired upon D'rorah by whispering...

Is he always this enthusiastic with his classes?

Mallan accepted the position in front of the telescope and peered through while listening to D'rorah recite and explain some of the information. Only after she spoke of Jupiter did Mallan recall hearing something of the comet.

(Speaking in a tone that would not bother the other students) I believe I recall something of this comet. Wasn't this the comet that caused the most prominent transient features ever seen on Jupiter other than the Great Red Spot? (Taking another moment longer to look at the comet before continuing) 'Tis truly fascinating. Marvels of space are always beautiful, aren't they?... I always found the stars a mystery. I've studied them for a while. Mainly to understand how they relate to us in the manner of astrology.

Mallan noticed her gesture towards her notes as she continued explaining the history of the sight before him. After another moment Mallan left the sight of the comet and took a look at D'rorah's notes. Quietly overlooking the notes Mallan took note of how precise, clear, and full her notes were. "She must not miss a thing," Mallan thought. Before he could express as much about her notes Professor Archer began walking towards them. Mallan was slightly confused at Professor Archer's request. "What could he want to talk to me about?" Mallan wondered. Mallan nodded as Professor Archer already began walking away towards his desk.

I wonder what he would want to talk to me about? (Mallan said absently before continuing) Thanks for helpin' me out by the way. I owe ya one. So what pulls you to this class? (Mallan asked as he continued to skim over and absorb the information written on the papers)

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"Yes, he enjoys his classes very much," replied D'rorah to Mallan's whispered question. She nodded with a small smile as he added information about the spots caused by the comet's impacts being the cause of some of the most prominent transient features seen on Jupiter. "Yes, exactly so, Mister Baine."

D'rorah caught Mallan's echoing thoughts regarding her notes and his wondering of what the professor would want to speak to him about. She winced slightly as his strange mental energy careened freely into her own. Obviously, he was accustomed to projecting his thoughts for some reason, rather than keeping them tightly under control. She made an effort to block them out from that point forward, but only succeeded in making them sound somewhat garbled... like a radio transmission scrambled and full of static. They caused his words to echo as the thoughts were in his mind mere seconds before he spoke them.

"I am certain it is merely that he wishes to help you catch up to the rest of the class," she reassured calmly. And you are quite welcome. I enjoy the physics and mathematics of the heavens. The eons of history represented by the lights we see in the sky are fascinating." She paused to write a new note that had just occurred to her in her notebook before continuing. "I have studied astrology from a historical perspective, noting the psychological effects that astrological predictions have had upon people in times past." She paused and looked over at Mallan. "What did you study in your previous education? I have a Master's degree in Linguistics from a muggle university, so I have some background in non-magical subjects as well as magical subjects." This was a bit unlike her--talking at all during class--but with her limited free time she wasn't sure when she would have the opportunity to indulge her curiosity in the mystery of Mallan's strange mental energies, so now was as good a time as any.

[Susan Matthews]

Susan eyed the new arrival to the class. The familiar Gryffindor colors caught her eye. It pleased her to see an addition to the Gryffindor House. It seemed their numbers had been lacking lately. She tried to make a quick count of Gryffindors versus Slytherin, but found she couldn't keep track of either numbers anyway and gave up.

It was no surprise to Susan that D'rorah would volunteer to help out the new kid. As bland as she often seemed, Susan knew that she was always there to help out. She smiled at Mallan Baine, he said his name was, as he walked past her.

Susan looked up again as Professor Archer continued with the lesson. She made quick notes as he spoke and made sure to underline the key words and terms that popped up as he lectured.

Finishing with the notation on the new discoveries on Jupiter, Susan set down her quill. Curious to know more, Susan hesitantly raised her hand into the air. The last time she had ventured to speak in this class, she had spoken out of turn and embarrassed herself in the process. This time she waited patiently to be called on. She glanced around the room, wondering if anyone else had the same question as her. In the end, she rested her eyes on Professor Archer, waiting to be called on.

[mallan]

[Previously] As D’rorah led Mallan back to her work station he noticed a girl from his same house smile at him and so he quickly shot a shy smile back as he continued following D’rorah.

[Presently] Mallan let a small smile come across his face at her confirmation of his recalled information. For a split moment Mallan thought he felt something but it was gone as quick as it came. He looked up to make eye contact for the smile and noticed that she seemed, for a brief moment, distracted and then she focused on him and the distracted look disappeared. Mallan made no note of it and just let it go. Some of the worry that had built up due to the professor’s request left once she mentioned that he probably only wished to help. As he listened to D’rorah continue, she brought up the topic of mathematics. Mallan always thought that the mystery behind mathematics was always fascinating but he was never that skilled in the area. He understood the basic premise of calculus but he always ran across people who were more skilled. He was fascinated that she had studied astrology. Not very many people even give astrology any credit.

(Still in a whisper as to not disturb anyone) I’m impressed to hear that you have studied astrology for not many people even give it credit. I find it humorous that some people believe number, names, and words can have power but alignments and patterns cannot. (Giving her a half eye roll with the previous statement) A Masters in Linguistics, I’m yet again impressed; shocked even. (Mallan gave thought to the fact that his language was taking on a more sophisticated tone; it seemed she was rubbing off on him) You must have been focused and with a goal or extremely talented in picking up languages. Myself? Well, school was not always my best point. I tend to like the more psychological and philosophical studies more than the academic ones. I'm not a fan of studying those however; I prefer to experience those areas. (As he said the next sentence his words carried a bit of awe which then leaves as he continues) Hogwarts is a much different case, for here, there is magic and something new; a power and mystery that I have not touched. It's much easier to stay focused and determined here. I have no degree background such as you though. I’ve actually spent the last few years focusing on more personal aspects. (Realizing that he may have said too much as he did not know the standpoint on telekinesis at Hogwarts, he quickly followed up with a question of his own) I'm a fairly skilled artist though I only do sketches. So, you have a degree in linguistics for your muggle background, (It was still strange using that word) what is it that you primarily study here at Hogwarts?

Mallan was sure though that D’rorah would not miss his cover-over but he also didn’t think that she would take too much care over it. He was still unsure of Hogwarts, and the magical worlds, view on telekinesis and did not want to fling around or flaunt his ability. Mallan wanted to make a secure friend before he revealed that information.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"More personal aspects?" queried D'rorah with a slight arch of her eyebrow. "Intriguing. I find that all academics become personal with enough time and attention. However, I suppose my primary focus has always been in Defense Against the Dark Arts--particularly in the realm of Unforgivable Curses." The publication of her Unforgivable Curse Theories while she had lived in New York had slowed her progress, and the shift of her attention to matters of the building Shadow War had taken away all of the free time and energies she would have previously devoted to her Unforgivable Curse research. Now her nights were spent buried in a pile of books, either in the library or Ravenclaw common room picking out anything that might be relevant and helpful to the Lightfighters as the prepared for this go-around with the Mage.

She kept her questions of his strange mental energies to herself. There was something familiar about it, though she couldn't quite place it. And really, she didn't want to exert herself too much in trying. Her telepathy was something she resorted to only with the other party's permission or in circumstances of dire need. Having not detected anything which could be called 'malicious intent' from Mallan, this was hardly an instance of 'dire need'.

"If you enjoy psychology and philosophy, you may perhaps be destined for a career in the International Council? What do you have in mind for yourself after graduation? Or..." she trailed off thoughtfully. "Will you graduate this year? If it is your first year... yet you are old enough to be in your seventh... how will that work, exactly?"

[mallan]

“Of course she would not miss it. You should be careful though as you do not know how these people will react to your ability.” Mallan warned himself. Glad that D’rorah did not push further on the subject he listened to her as she mentioned Unforgivable Curses. “What kind of magic would be titled an Unforgivable Curse?...” Mallan pondered. This place was full of new surprises. Mallan had not considered that Dark Magic and Unforgivable Curses would be so prevalent. That thought actually made him a little uncomfortable. Though as D’rorah continued the feeling subsided and disappeared.

International Council? Sounds political though I have to admit I know nothing of the group. Graduation…. I’m not sure I know what will happen. I suspect that I will most likely graduate with everyone; assuming that I’ve been able to cram multiple years of learning into one year. I probably would end up staying at the school as an aid to a professor until I’ve learned all the standard necessities that I did not pick up. To tell you the truth, I had not considered the situation. (Mallan shrugged) Well hopefully everything will work out.

Indeed Mallan had not thought about the situation; not one bit at all. The thought of being held back did not please him so he was hoping that it would end up like the situation he described above. At least that way he did not have the shame of staying back in the school, as a student, after everyone else graduated. He knew he had to work hard and this just motivated him more. He knew nothing of this International Council either. It just sounded like a political group to him and Mallan never had a desire to be politically involved. Most politicians didn’t actually help the world, just themselves. Mallan took note of the group’s name anyhow in order to look them up in the future.

Mallan enjoyed talking while doing work, even if it was schoolwork. For him it did not hinder his learning capability and helped the time pass with more ease. It seemed that he was running out of topics and could not think of one and so decided he would let D’rorah have another moment with the telescope while he thought about something.

Here, you may use the telescope again while I finish skimming over your notes. (Then it occurred to him as he was stepping away from the telescope) How long have you been studying Unforgivable Curses and the Dark Arts? (Mere curiosity on his voice)

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"There are politics involved, I admit," replied D'rorah with a slight nod. "Though I am not incredibly keen on political maneuverings, I do realize that it is necessary for countries to communicate with one another. You see, historically, different magical communities have been somewhat at odds with one another. As always, there is the need to hide ourselves from the attention of muggles. There have been periods in history when we worked together; however, those gave way to persecution of our kind. Our fear of such persecution as a collective whole makes working with non-magical beings somewhat problematic. Agencies like the International Council serve to facilitate communication and relationships between wizarding communities as well as between wizarding and muggle communities. It is my belief that there is much pain which could be avoided in this world if only people took the time to communicate more effectively. My father felt the same... he worked for the International Council as well," she remarked, using the past tense out of habit but showing no outward emotion to the painful memories that thinking of them evoked.

She gazed through the telescope once more as she waited to hear if the Professor would add anything else to the lecture, feeling all talked out for the moment.

[mallan]

At hearing that politics were involved with the International Council he immediately became less interested though he continued to listen; at least for a short while. Mallan stopped listening when it started to sound like a history lesson. He never enjoyed history. Everything in the past was in the past and most of it seemed like useless information. Rarely did he think that someone could learn something from history classes that you could use in real life. Mallan looked up at the stars and lost himself for a few moments. He found what he thought was the comet and began thinking about all the possibilities in front of him now that he had magical abilities as well as his telekinesis. He was thinking about what area he would want to focus in while he was at Hogwarts when he realized that D’rorah and become quite. Thinking back in his subconscious memory of the conversation he pulled out some part of her talking about her father. He noticed the past tense and even though she showed no expression assumed that she must have felt something due to her sudden silence. Not wanting to press the subject and now really knowing what to say Mallan just continued studying the stars in silence and waiting for the professor to continue his lecture.

[Susan Matthews]

Susan shifted impatiently in her seat as she waited to be called on. She shot a jealous glance in the direction of D'rorah and the new kid, Mallan. They seem to be getting on well, Susan mused by their continued conversation. Susan lightly fluttered her hand as she struggled to even remember her question to begin with. The wait had formed doubt in her mind, should she even ask it? The saying went that there were so such thing as stupid questions . . . But maybe her''s would be the first.

Susan considered returning her hand to her lap and to casually return her gaze to the heavens. If she did it swiftly, no one would notice it was in the air in the first place. She would all but be forgotten once more. Her hand wavered in the air and her arm was suddenly very heavy. She tried to catch Professor Archer's eye again before making her final decision.

[Alexander Archer]

Adding only a little more of what he could, he smiled at the class. “You may notice the significant scarring upon the surface of Jupiter…” he began happily, looking around to see if anyone could indeed view those particular features. “The scarring, by now, is quite minute and difficult to decipher from the already ragged terrain of the planet, but it is evident nonetheless.” Continuing on, he withdrew his wand once more from his right-hand sleeve and flicked it lightly. On the surface of the high-ceilinged roof appeared the surface of the largest planet of their solar system. Giving his wand a little twirl, the image zoomed in on a particular spot. “The collision disrupted the atmosphere of the planet, thus causing plumes and bubbles of gas and dark spots within the atmosphere,” he said, creating small circles with his wand which transferred to the ceiling to circle several of the points that gave examples of his words.

Quite content that D’rorah had taken the boy aboard, he watched them speak for a few minutes and allowed it; they didn’t seem to be disturbing anyone, and he would not be named as someone to disrupt the social interactions of a new student. Smiling at Susan, he finally noted her desire to speak. “Sorry. Yes, Miss Matthews?” he questioned happily, glad to see that she had pertinently chosen to raise her hand this time around.

[Susan Matthews]

As Professor Archer began to speak again, Susan let her hand slowly fall to her lap. As the professor supplied the new information, Susan simultaneously remembered her question. The anticipated question had been answered by default. She began to return to her notes, underlining and making new notations.

She looked up again at the sound of her name. Apparently, she hadn't returned her hand fast enough. Professor Archer had recognized that she'd had a question after all. "Oh, never mind. You've just answered my question," Susan said in way that she considered unintentionally stupid. She was embarrassed for drawing unneeded attention to herself. Normally she wouldn't have felt as bad, but the lack of participation from other students made her unasked question a little bolder than her usual self. Susan gloomily returned to her sketches of Jupiter and it's scarring.

[Alexander Archer]

“Good to hear,” he replied happily to Susan’s comments. “Alright, everyone, that’s it for tonight,” he added, checking his watch and noting the time. “Your homework is to compose a foot long essay on the effect that this collision had on the subject of astronomy, to be handed in next week.” Waiting for them to pack up, he retrieved his wand once more and flicked it in the direction of the board, where the homework suddenly appeared in white, chalky words.

Standing back beside his desk, his eyes surveyed the members of the classroom. The turnout was still poor, but despite the lack of students, those that were here all seemed very eager to learn about the subject and relatively intelligent. Waiting for Mallan to join him at his desk, he briefly went over what he wanted to say in his mind, turning the words over as he rested both hands, palm down, onto the desk and leant against it.