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Charely Potter · #1 (**permalink**) 08-26-2022, 09:43 PM

♦ ♦ ♦

The office of Professor Madigan is decored to the satisfaction of one who is looking for toasted comfort. A warm air greets one upon entry inside, neither stuffy nor too heated to make one uncomfortable or drowsy. Matching the tones of brown among the furniture and fireplace is the main source of heat. Decorated among the walls are his framed credentials in education and training. Followed by portraits of him with family and friends, and even former students during his Primary teaching years. Beside the fireplace are shelves of books and memorabilia.

The chairs and couch provided also add to the glow of comfort as well as the wall being magically charmed for a view of the outdoors. Behind the main desk is where the Professor is normally seated at per guests' arrival. Care to visit? Be sure you mind the office hours and then knock before he can grant you access inside. He will be with you shortly.

Freyr · 10-01-2022, 10:36 PM

Luther confidently walked to the door of Professor Madigan's office and knocked. He was mentally listing the questions he was going to ask. 'First of all, silent casting. Then, Occlumency. And then does it help silent casting? Mom wrote something about it, I am sure. Maybe I should bring back a journal next term.'

Charely Potter · 10-02-2022, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freyr

Luther confidently walked to the door of Professor Madigan's office and knocked. He was mentally listing the questions he was going to ask. 'First of all, silent casting. Then, Occlumency. And then does it help silent casting? Mom wrote something about it, I am sure. Maybe I should bring back a journal next term.'

Madigan was finishing up shelving his new set of books into the bookcase. Some were gifts, others were unfinished journals his parents had found in their attic. He would have to visit them again soon to see if there any other treasured items he hadn't looked at since childhood. Then there was a knock.

"Ah, Master Starriver. Come on in and have a seat," He had been expecting him and not a moment too soon was his arrival, "You need a drink or anything?" Considering his earlier question, he would want to feel comfortable and all.

Freyr · 10-02-2022, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Madigan was finishing up shelving his new set of books into the bookcase. Some were gifts, others were unfinished journals his parents had found in their attic. He would have to visit them again soon to see if there any other treasured items he hadn't looked at since childhood. Then there was a knock.

"Ah, Master Starriver. Come on in and have a seat," He had been expecting him and not a moment too soon was his arrival, "You need a drink or anything?" Considering his earlier question, he would want to feel comfortable and all.

Luther stepped inside and closed the door behind him. After saying "Hello Professor, thank you, may I have a glass of water, if that's alright?", he took in Professor Madigan's office. The books and various items of probably high sentimental value made the office look so warm.

Looking at the Professor again, Luther spoke "As you can guess, I have read a bit on silent casting. Mainly in my mother's journals. Well, what she wrote was embarrassingly above my level. However, I wonder, would focusing techniques, magical or not, help with silent casting? Also, it might be a bit unrelated but do you know any magical methods to improve one's recall? Maybe something like Occlumency." The curious fire was roaring in Luther's grey eyes.

Charely Potter · 10-04-2022, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freyr

Luther stepped inside and closed the door behind him. After saying "Hello Professor, thank you, may I have a glass of water, if that's alright?", he took in Professor Madigan's office. The books and various items of probably high sentimental value made the office look so warm.

Looking at the Professor again, Luther spoke "As you can guess, I have read a bit on silent casting. Mainly in my mother's journals. Well, what she wrote was embarrassingly above my level. However, I wonder, would focusing techniques, magical or not, help with silent casting? Also, it might be a bit unrelated but do you know any magical methods to improve one's recall? Maybe something like Occlumency." The curious fire was roaring in Luther's grey eyes.

Water it is, Madigan nodded before fixing up a cup with some cool water from the fridge. "Here you are," Setting it down for him before the Professor took his seat to listen to the young lad. One thing that was remarkable was the contents mentioned of his mother's journals and what they contained.

"Interesting," Madigan noted. "Well, in general focusing on techniques help with casting whether silent or audible," For a start, "When it comes to silent casting, there's another barrier involved. One with suppressing other thoughts and connecting it into a form of reflex." But he did ask for ways to improve, "My suggestion is to focus currently on where you stand with your magic abilities. In your first year many of your classmates as you noticed started off in different levels, some having an earlier advantage before coming to a similar level. This is definitely the time to figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps your strength is on the wand movement but are challenged with producing the spell or focusing. Whichever comes naturally is the one you must also spend equal amount of time on as well as improving the other skills," Madigan could imagine what he had shared was more or less the same as earlier expressed in his previous lesson. "It wouldn't hurt to try working ahead in your books from what's currently assigned. See how far you can reach and keep pushing. The easier the spells become, the easier time you'll have achieving wordless magic when the time comes."

Now for what was likely the more prominent subject, Occlumency. It did cause one of Madigan's eyebrows to raise. Before he could share though, he had to ask. "Ah.. well, what's your take on Occlumency?" It was important to know his thoughts on the matter if any before going further.

Freyr · 10-05-2022, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Water it is, Madigan nodded before fixing up a cup with some cool water from the fridge. "Here you are," Setting it down for him before the Professor took his seat to listen to the young lad. One thing that was remarkable was the contents mentioned of his mother's journals and what they contained.

"Interesting," Madigan noted. "Well, in general focusing on techniques help with casting whether silent or audible," For a start, "When it comes to silent casting, there's another barrier involved. One with suppressing other thoughts and connecting it into a form of reflex." But he did ask for ways to improve, "My suggestion is to focus currently on where you stand with your magic abilities. In your first year many of your classmates as you noticed started off in different levels, some having an earlier advantage before coming to a similar level. This is definitely the time to figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps your strength is on the wand movement but are challenged with producing the spell or focusing. Whichever comes naturally is the one you must also spend equal amount of time on as well as improving the other skills," Madigan could imagine what he had shared was more or less the same as earlier expressed in his previous lesson. "It wouldn't hurt to try working ahead in your books from what's currently assigned. See how far you can reach and keep pushing. The easier the spells become, the easier time you'll have achieving wordless magic when the time comes."

Now for what was likely the more prominent subject, Occlumency. It did cause one of Madigan's eyebrows to raise. Before he could share though, he had to ask. "Ah.. well, what's your take on Occlumency?" It was important to know his thoughts on the matter if any before going further.

"Thank you, sir." said Luther taking the cup of water and drinking it. "Hogwarts staircases must definitely be someone's torture devices."

Luther intently listened to the Professor's advice. While finding a shortcut was not what Luther wanted, a way to shorten this time would not be unwelcome. "I see, thank you, Professor. Umm, do you mind telling me the best place to practice? I wouldn't want to potentially set my bed up on fire or paralyse my housemates." said Luther with a mischievous fire in his eyes.

Luther thought about Professor Madigan's question. 'Should I share my actual goal or not?' Finally deciding, Luther answered "Well, I read that it is a way to protect one's mind. Against Legilimency. It is advised to empty your mind of emotions. That's kind of all I know." Sighing he continued quickly, "I encountered the information about Occlumency while I was searching for... ways to remember things better. And I thought clearing my mind would help."

Charely Potter · 10-09-2022, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freyr

"Thank you, sir." said Luther taking the cup of water and drinking it. "Hogwarts staircases must definitely be someone's torture devices."

Luther intently listened to the Professor's advice. While finding a shortcut was not what Luther wanted, a way to shorten this time would not be unwelcome. "I see, thank you, Professor. Umm, do you mind telling me the best place to practice? I wouldn't want to potentially set my bed up on fire or paralyse my housemates." said Luther with a mischievous fire in his eyes.

Luther thought about Professor Madigan's question. 'Should I share my actual goal or not?' Finally deciding, Luther answered "Well, I read that it is a way to protect one's mind. Against Legilimency. It is advised to empty your mind of emotions. That's kind of all I know." Sighing he continued quickly, "I encountered the information about Occlumency while I was searching for... ways to remember things better. And I thought clearing my mind would help."

An interesting comment, "Did something happen on the staircase?" Had Madigan's attention for sure. As for a great place to practice, "Ah... well, you'd definitely need a safe space. There's a few places around the castle.. I'd suggest outdoors near the lake or on the seventh floor in the left corridor for one. There's a multi-purpose room you'd be welcome to use during your free time." It was a great room to find, "But of course, I wouldn't spend all of your free time in there," A small smile just to encourage him to enjoy his time outside of studying as well.

"I see.." Remembering things, a deep topic, "It's quite interesting the subject of Occlumency. On the one hand, your memories will be safe, but on the other when one uses Legilimency on the target deep-seated memories can also come out even ones that the target didn't happen to know they had." Pausing for a moment to let it sink in, "If it's an important memory you're looking to recall, there are some alternative ways you could try as well. A lot of our memories are linked with sounds and smells, hearing a specific music track can bring out an entire scenario in your memory for example." Then adding, "I imagine you're looking for a better solution than a Rememberall?" Those items were nice but not completely helpful since they only shared if you have forgotten something and it was likely the young lad already knew or possessed one.

Freyr · 10-09-2022, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

An interesting comment, "Did something happen on the staircase?" Had Madigan's attention for sure. As for a great place to practice, "Ah... well, you'd definitely need a safe space. There's a few places around the castle.. I'd suggest outdoors near the lake or on the seventh floor in the left corridor for one. There's a multi-purpose room you'd be welcome to use during your free time." It was a great room to find, "But of course, I wouldn't spend all of your free time in there," A small smile just to encourage him to enjoy his time outside of studying as well.

"I see.." Remembering things, a deep topic, "It's quite interesting the subject of Occlumency. On the one hand, your memories will be safe, but on the other when one uses Legilimency on the target deep-seated memories can also come out even ones that the target didn't happen to know they had." Pausing for a moment to let it sink in, "If it's an important memory you're looking to recall, there are some alternative ways you could try as well. A lot of our memories are linked with sounds and smells, hearing a specific music track can bring out an entire scenario in your memory for example." Then adding, "I imagine you're looking for a better solution than a Rememberall?" Those items were nice but not completely helpful since they only shared if you have forgotten something and it was likely the young lad already knew or possessed one.

"Umm, no, Sir, no, it's just... don't you think there are too many of them?" said Luther, realizing how he might have sounded.

He then listened to the Professor's practice venue recommendations and said "I was usually practising next to the lake but due to winter I had to cut short those practices. I will definitely check out the room you mentioned."

Luther sat silently through the Professor's advice on his recall problem. He took a deep breath. Then he untied his hair and looked at the ribbon. Another deep breath. Then he spoke. "I... I talked about this with Professor Holden, too. My parents... I lost them when I was 5. And I... I sometimes... I sometimes cannot remember their faces. They are blurred. Or their voices are muffled." Luther stopped for a moment. 'It shouldn't be this difficult. It never is with Leo. I shouldn't have come here.' A whispery groan left Luther's lips and he continued talking, more composed than moments before. "Professor Holden suggested using a Pensieve if I can ever find one. I am going to check out my family's vault at Gringotts. Maybe great-great-great grandfather or someone had one and put it there. As for smells and sounds, sometimes they do help. But not for very long. I kind of wanted to learn Occlumency for this. If I can learn how to clear my mind, maybe I can focus on those memories better." While saying this, Luther's eyes never left the black ribbon in his hands.

As he finished, unshed tears started burning his eyes. Caused by slowly creeping suppressed desperation. By hopelessness. By longing.

Charely Potter · 10-11-2022, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freyr

"Umm, no, Sir, no, it's just... don't you think there are too many of them?" said Luther, realizing how he might have sounded.

He then listened to the Professor's practice venue recommendations and said "I was usually practising next to the lake but due to winter I had to cut short those practices. I will definitely check out the room you mentioned."

Luther sat silently through the Professor's advice on his recall problem. He took a deep breath. Then he untied his hair and looked at the ribbon. Another deep breath. Then he spoke. "I... I talked about this with Professor Holden, too. My parents... I lost them when I was 5. And I... I sometimes... I sometimes cannot remember their faces. They are blurred. Or their voices are muffled." Luther stopped for a moment. 'It shouldn't be this difficult. It never is with Leo. I shouldn't have come here.' A whispery groan left Luther's lips and he continued talking, more composed than moments before. "Professor Holden suggested using a Pensieve if I can ever find one. I am going to check out my family's vault at Gringotts. Maybe great-great-great grandfather or someone had one and put it there. As for smells and sounds, sometimes they do help. But not for very long. I kind of wanted to learn Occlumency for this. If I can learn how to clear my mind, maybe I can focus on those memories better." While saying this, Luther's eyes never left the black ribbon in his hands.

As he finished, unshed tears started burning his eyes. Caused by slowly creeping suppressed desperation. By hopelessness. By longing.

Did Madigan think there were too many stairs? "Well, I'd much rather prefer they didn't change as often." Especially when in his student years he had to find detours to get to a specific area when the stairs didn't want to cooperate. A small smile, "But then again I am a bit biased, since after enough time here the amount of staircases hasn't crossed my mind as often."

Professor Madigan could feel the amount of release the young lad needed to release. From the first mention of him not having too many memories of his family was a gut wretcher. Too much trauma for anyone, especially one so young in their formidable learning years to carry. He waited patiently for young Luther to express himself and take the time to regain some composure. One of his table drawers opened up to reveal a tissue box hopping over in front ready to be used. "I am sorry for your loss and what you're having to carry." It needed to be said as it was on his mind. "Have a chocolate coin," One of his special edible coins that helped with calming.

Then listening to what his colleague Simon suggested. "That is a valuable option from Professor Holden.. " Nodding as he delivered what he suspected, he was in no plans on delaying the task of learning Occlumency. Young Luther had plans already, "I won't discourage you from learning Occlumency, since it is a very grueling task that I have no doubt you have the determination to eventually master it in your future. It will take time, time that I imagine you wouldn't want to waste." Which then led to, "I must ask though if you had already spoken with Healer Mancini? Merely for your options to remain open should any of them change and in case an option is more beneficial."

First thing, "My suggestion would be to see a Healer specializing in memories in particular with your current guardian's permission. Not only in school here with Madam Mancini, but outside when away from school. I can provide you with some reference materials with mind-clearing for Occulmency prepping, given your age it'd seem like tedious but necessary work as it will be a gradual progression. It would also be best to have a Healer on hand since this will be involving your memories and the exhausting task at hand. Clearing your mind overtime can risk forgetting other memories incase you haven't documented your current ones." The Professor didn't pity the young man, since pity often signified weakness and young Luther Sterriver showed everything but weakness with his courage to find a solution. "How is that sounding with you Master Starriver?"

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