Aurora had been wandering around Hogwarts and found herself in front of the new Arithmancy professor's door. She already knew most of the teachers in the school but hadnt met this one yet. Professor Shackleton Aurora thought to herself, I hope she can teach us something new and amazing this year.
Aurora's favorite subjects were arithmancy and History of Magic. Even though the two of them really didnt match together, she enjoyed them a lot.
Aurora knocked on the door of the office ready to introduce herself to the new professor...then waited.

Professor Shackleton looked up from her lesson plan for the first Arithmancy class of the term when she heard the knock on her door. Closing the textbook beside her, Professor Shackleton picked it and the parchment of the lesson plan up off the desktop and slipped them into one of her desk's many drawers. She then looked up to the door and called out, "Please, come in."

Aurora heard the professor shuffling around papers and the invitation to come in. Aurora walked through the door. She saw numbers flying around the room and a mischevious cat trying to catch them. She spotted the professor behind her desk, "Professor Shackleton, My name is Aurora Rissa. I am a 3rd year Ravvie. I just wanted to take the time to introduce my self to you before class starts. I really like arithmancy. Actually I love numbers.
Ok, stop babbling Aurora, she will think you are a brown noser.
Aurora looked around the room at the many books and other things there, but she didnt move from her spot.

Professor Shackleton smiled at the very first student to visit her office and introduce herself - and not just first for the term, but first for her career as an educator. Macadrian was quite pleased to meet new students, especially ones from her former house. Professor Shackleton spoke animatedly, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rissa! Please, come join me in my sitting area and we can get to know each other." Macadrian stood from the chair behind her desk and gestured toward the coffee table and comfortable-looking armchairs.

As Macadrian made her way toward the chairs, Cranberry, her Birman cat, ignored the floating numbers for the first time in several hours and stared at Macadrian curiously. As soon as Professor Shackleton took her seat, the cat leapt up into her lap and curled into what looked like a giant fluff-ball. Macadrian spoke to herself, as much as to Miss Rissa, with a laugh, "She ignores me all day but as soon as I decide to entertain company, she wants my undivided attention! Well, unfortunately for her, she's going to have to deal with having divided attention for the time being." Macadrian paused to scratch the cat behind her ears and then continued, "So, Miss Rissa, please tell me a little bit about yourself. You've told me that you enjoy numbers and Arithmancy, which is, of course, music to my ears. What is it about the subject that draws you to Arithmancy?"

Zoraida was wandering the castle not sure where she should go or what she should do as classes had not started yet. That was one thing she was thankful for as she was learning so much without any classes. She could only imagine what would happen when a teacher was around her mind may explode.

Then there was also figuring out what classes to take. From what she Arithmancy was numbers and puzzles both of which she found fun. But she wanted to know a bit more about the subject as it could be advanced math way above what she knew. Math was something she was good at but there was a limit to that being she was 11.

Zora walked up to the door of Professor Shackleton and knocked hoping she was not to early coming to see her. As it was morning or she was pretty sure it was. Plus hoping she would take time out of her likely busy schedule to talk to a first year. As she was feeling as if she knew less and less with each passing hour in the castle but figured numbers could not change right.

Professor Shackleton heard another knock on her door and replied with, "The door is open so come on in. Please, have a seat and join us. We're just getting to know each other better!" Macadrian gestured toward a vacant seat and continued to ask, "So, what is your name and what brings you to see me?"

Zora opened the door and looked at the professor and the other girl who was in the office. Then walked into the room and took a seat to join them. Zora was not sure what brought her to see the professor yes she wanted to learn more about the class and that was the reason. However that would sound really stupid to say.

Zora said looking at the older girl then the professor " Hi I am Zoraida" choosing to use her full name as she was talking to a professor. Then Zora said " I was just interested in the class Arithmancy and was wondering if the math was too complicated for an eleven year old. " Seeing as she was 11 she figured that would be good to know before walking into a class that could possibly have people as old as her house prefect.

Professor Shackleton smiled warmly at the girl, hoping to make her feel more comfortable and less intimidated by the potentially daunting situation of a conversation with a professor and a classmate that was a couple years older than her. She asked both girls, "Would either of you like a mug of steaming hot cocoa? I promise you it will likely be some of the best cocoa you've ever had!" Macadrian poured herself a mug and held up the pot of cocoa to entice the girls. Afterall, it really was good cocoa and there is something wonderful about cocoa that makes a person feel warm and fuzzy. At least, that's how Macadrian felt about her favorite drink.

In response to the girls questions and concerns, Professor Shackleton contemplated how best to answer the question and proceeded with, "Well, I will say that there are some calculations in Arithmancy that are fairly easy and others that are more challenging. But this subject is more than just math; it's really about what those numbers and calculations tell you about yourself, your life goals, the characteristics of the people around you, and so much more. It is the interpretation and application of these numbers that I seek to teach in my classroom. And I can assure you, that should you feel the math is a bit above your capabilities, my door is always open for assistance. I would be more than happy to discuss numbers with you til I am blue in the face and I won't stop until you understand each and every concept if that is what it takes."

Macadrian paused to take a sip of her cocoa and continued, "Half the battle in any course, no matter how difficult the subject, is taking the initiative to find out what the topic is really about and recognizing and evaluating your own strengths and weaknesses in that area. You seem to have done all these things and so I would not worry in the slightest, my dear. I'm sure you will be fine! I hope that puts you more at ease."

Zora looked up to the professor from her seat. Which she realized while it was comfy it was rather big for her. As most furniture was but still at least unlike her old school they did not seem to have the kiddie desks which were more often than not a bit small. Zora said " Sure I would like some " Then looked over to the others in the room expecting a chorus's of yeses after hers.

Zora listened as the professor explained the subject a bit more. Apparently her initial assumption about numbers not being able to change at Hogwarts was not correct. So apparently this Arithmacy was like math combined with the stuff in newspapers that linked things to various numbers and combinations of numbers in your life. Zora had never taken much stock in that things. Kinda like tarot cards that Astral did she never really believed it. Then seeing Astral she started thinking differently as she really knew what she was doing with those cards at the feast.

Seemed that the numbers here would change and this professor seemed really nice so she knew she would try her class. Zora said " Ok interesting , I never really thought of numbers in that context. I mostly did stuff with basic math and some stuff relating to math and how it was applied. I once did some math with shapes and how the numbers affected shapes but that is the closest thing I can think of. "

Professor Shackleton poured the girl a fresh cup of hot cocoa from the pitcher and placed it before her. She then took out her wand and offered, "Would you like some marshmallows in your cocoa? I do love them in mine." With a flick and the casting of a nonverbal conjuring spell, tiny little marshmallows suddenly appeared to be floating in Macadrian's mug of cocoa. She looked at them and smiled, quite pleased by the small addition, and then added, "Wait til it gets closer to the Christmas holidays. I make a fabulous peppermint hot chocolate. You won't want to miss that!"

Professor Shackleton nodded as the girl spoke and when she finished speaking, Macadrian responded with, "Your experience with the basics of mathematics will serve you well in the calculation aspect of Arithmancy. Honestly, the two basic operations we will encounter is addition and subtraction. The difficulty lies first in the manner and order in which we perform theses operations, keeping straight which letters convert to which numbers, and, as I mentioned before, applying the numbers to life. It really should be a wonderful term. The first class will take place in just under a week or so and I hope to see you there!"

Macadrian paused to prevent her cat, Cranberry, from pawing at the marshmallows floating in her mug. She chuckled and added, "For some reason, this cat loves things that float! You should have seen her chasing the floating numbers around the office earlier. I don't know where she gets the energy! But anyway, enough about Cranberry, tell me a bit more about yourself. How are you liking Hogwarts and the House you have been placed into?"

Zora sat there and nodded to the marshmallows as she did really love marshmallows after she took a first sip of her hot cocoa. It was really good and though she never had pepperment hot chocolate for some reason she thought that would be yummy as well.

So keeping the order was important for all this stuff. That would not be so bad and addition and subtraction she was the master. As for order that is why brackets and parenthesis were invented. Zora said smiling " Order that is why parenthesis were invented. " As for her house she did like it all the people seemed nice there. Plus she was making new friends. Zora said " I like my house the yellow one" Then she looked down at her robes and noticed the little patch. "Right it is called Hufflepuff" she said happy she could remember the name or at least look it up.

Then Zora thought some more about it all and found the whole house thing interesting. It seemed within the houses people seemed to get along with some clashing on the fridges. Zora said " It is fun making new friends and exploring or getting lost in the big castle. It is odd though with the green team having a go at the yellows but they are not all bad as I meet one that seemed ok. "

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemondrop13

Professor Shackleton smiled at the very first student to visit her office and introduce herself - and not just first for the term, but first for her career as an educator. Macadrian was quite pleased to meet new students, especially ones from her former house. Professor Shackleton spoke animatedly, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rissa! Please, come join me in my sitting area and we can get to know each other." Macadrian stood from the chair behind her desk and gestured toward the coffee table and comfortable-looking armchairs.

As Macadrian made her way toward the chairs, Cranberry, her Birman cat, ignored the floating numbers for the first time in several hours and stared at Macadrian curiously. As soon as Professor Shackleton took her seat, the cat leapt up into her lap and curled into what looked like a giant fluff-ball. Macadrian spoke to herself, as much as to Miss Rissa, with a laugh, "She ignores me all day but as soon as I decide to entertain company, she wants my undivided attention! Well, unfortunately for her, she's going to have to deal with having divided attention for the time being." Macadrian paused to scratch the cat behind her ears and then continued, "So, Miss Rissa, please tell me a little bit about yourself. You've told me that you enjoy numbers and Arithmancy, which is, of course, music to my ears. What is it about the subject that draws you to Arithmancy?"

Aurora took a seat near the Porfessor and smiled at the giant fluff ball. It made her miss her cats at home. "I dont know what exactly draws me to Arithmancy, Professor Shackleton. I like thought that i can learn about a person by just running their numbers. No indepth spirit searching or flipping through runes and Tarot. Its is all laid out right in front of you. I also use it to devise a minor sight of futuristic events....Aurora looked out the window for a moment. Her heart got heavy and she became sullen.I wished I had used ARithmancy to learn about him and what hes was really like. I gave him the benifit of the doubt and look where I am now. Aurora quickly snapped back to reality. I am sorry professor, where were we?

Professor Shackleton smiled when the girl described her house as 'the yellow one.' She thought to herself, 'How innocent! I wonder if she is muggle-born if she couldn't recall the house name right away...' As the girl discussed the personalities of other houses, Macadrian nodded and replied, "In each house there are students with vastly different personalities. You'll find that there will likely be a couple people in each of the houses, even your own, that you don't necessarily mesh well with. But just remember, each house also has admirable students and don't let what others say about a particular house deter you from making friends with those students. Trust me, I know from personal experience! I am a triplet and each of my sisters and myself were placed in completely different houses! And it was through them that I became great friends with a great number of students in each of their houses. So be sure to diversify your friendships and you'll grow to love Hogwarts as much I as did when I was a student, and still do now!"

Professor Shackleton nodded contemplatively as the girl explained why she liked Arithmancy. She agreed with most everything she said and could tell that this particular student seemed to really enjoy and have a good understanding of the subject for her age. She responded, "I agree that it is nice to be able to delve into a person's inner being through the use of numbers and to use them to explore the possibilities for the future, but I like to take my study of Arithmancy a bit beyond the pure calculations to the application to each individual. The numbers can only start us on the path to discovery, we must walk farther along that path in order to determine how the numbers apply to each person's life."

Macadrian paused to sip her cocoa and add more marshmallows, noticing that the girl's thoughts seemed to stray from the conversation and then wander back. Professor Shackleton asked, "So, shall I be expecting to see you in my class this week?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemondrop13

Professor Shackleton nodded contemplatively as the girl explained why she liked Arithmancy. She agreed with most everything she said and could tell that this particular student seemed to really enjoy and have a good understanding of the subject for her age. She responded, "I agree that it is nice to be able to delve into a person's inner being through the use of numbers and to use them to explore the possibilities for the future, but I like to take my study of Arithmancy a bit beyond the pure calculations to the application to each individual. The numbers can only start us on the path to discovery, we must walk farther along that path in order to determine how the numbers apply to each person's life."

Macadrian paused to sip her cocoa and add more marshmallows, noticing that the girl's thoughts seemed to stray from the conversation and then wander back. Professor Shackleton asked, "So, shall I be expecting to see you in my class this week?"

Aurora took a sip of her Cocoa as well. She was a bit embarrassed that she had drifted out of the converstaion for a moment. My mom is really strong in arithmancy as well. She taught me when I was a little girl. She doesnt like Tarot or runes much either. But my Grammy believes that you can use all of them together and get the same results with twice the work. It is hard to explain. I dont really understand much of what Grammy says or does. Mon calls her corky at times. Aurora took another sip of her cocoa and thought fot a moment. Yes Professor, I am anxious for class to start. Do you have any idea when that may be? I would hate t omiss this one cause of a conflicting obligation.

Zora had planned to do that as the teams besides those house points she had heard something about and the whole where they lived did not seem to have that much significants. Ok ok her reading of Hogwarts a History had told her certain houses had certain attributes but she figured a hat on your head for what all of a few minutes could not determine exactly who you were. It was a magic hat so it could likely tell a bit but from what she had read in that tome of a book most people had a bit of all those qualities. Or at least she figured she did as the hat talked about a few things like brains and bravery before saying something about loyalty and yelling hufflepuff.

Zora said " That was my plan. After all people are complex what are the odds of people being copys of traits in the Hogwarts History book anyways. Wow three you must have had fun pulling switches."

Zora was curious to when the class was but the other girl had already asked which was good. As she did not notice it on the board in the common room when she had left. But perhaps it was on there now. Zora said " I plan to try to come. " as she sipped some of her hot cocoa.

Professor Shackleton was doing her best to listen to what the girl was saying, but Cranberry kept pawing at a loose thread in her robes, making the snag worse and worse, and distracting her more and more. To solve the problem, Macadrian lifted the cat off her lap and placed her on the floor beside her feet. Cranberry looked up to Macadrian as if she was offended, stuck her tail straight up in the air, and made a bee-line for Aurora's lap. In a matter of seconds, Cranberry had leapt up onto the chair and curled up in her lap, just as she had in Macadrian's a bit earlier. Macadrian looked up to the girl apologetically and said, "I'm sorry about her, Miss Rissa. She's a bit sensitive and an attention hog. You can place her on the floor if you don't want her on your robes." Macadrian then took the time to reflect on what the girl had said, and replied, "I think it is wonderful that your family encouraged you to delve into these subjects from a young age. Better to cultivate the mind as early as possible, in my opinion! And to be honest, I tend to liken myself a bit more with your grandmother's approach. I think the Tarot and Runes are useful additions to the numbers. They validate and confirm a great deal of the information we learn from Arithmancy, not to mention that they often clarify and add information to our number profiles. Personally, I prefer to have as much information as possible, but not everyone shares my opinion. But at the same, at the end of the day, I would much rather be using numbers to gain information on a full-time basis, than Ancient Runes or the Tarot!" Macadrian looked at both girls and added, "Class will be held in 4 days, so I suggest using this time to read the textbook and prepare for the first lesson."

Professor Shackleton grinned and nodded as she reflected on her time with her sisters at Hogwarts. She laughed, "Yes, indeed we did. Although we couldn't switch places for classes, because we took all the same courses! And then as we got older, we started wearing our hair differently to help people distinguish between us, and that sort of ended our switching places." Suddenly a darkness came over Macadrian's eyes as she recalled a painful memory, but just as quickly as it appeared, so too did it leave - so quickly that it was hardly noticeable. She forced a smile and asked, "Can I help you with anything else dear?"

Zora sat there while watching the professors cat run on to the other girls lap listening to what the professor said about other subjects and how it related it arithmancy. The only one she had actually heard of or had any knowledge of was Tarot as they were the funny cards her friend had at the feast. Well they were really not that funny as her friend was quite serious with them which was odd in itself. This being Hogwarts in the short time she had been there she had accepted this as the normal course of events.

Having all the information she could get was why she had ended up speaking to the Professor. That as well as while she sat there drinking the hot cocoa Hogwarts did not seem as scary. Not that she was going to admit that but hot cocoa was normal. Zora said " So 4 days and there is a textbook to read. I am not sure if I got that one is there one in the library? Happen to know the Dewey for it? " The Dewey Decimal number was the one the teachers at her old school would always send her to the library with. Then she thought about it a bit more wondering if there even was a Dewey decimal numbers in the library here. After all the odds the Dewey dude was likely a muggle which meant what she had said probably was from left field.

Professor Shackleton looked quizzically at the girl who mentioned the Dewey Decimal system. Macadrian was a pureblood and has only ever really known the magical world. She thought she recalled behing taught about this library system in Muggle Studies many years ago but couldn't recall how it worked. She responded to Zora, "Well, my dear, our Hogwarts library doesn't follow the Muggle Dewey Decimal system. You should have purchased a copy of the textbook in Diagon Alley, but I am sure this is a copy in the library. For the time being, why don't you borrow a copy of my textbook and when your order from Florish and Blotts comes in, you can return it to me." Macadrian stood up from her chair and walked over to the hundreds of books lining the shelves in her office. Knowing exactly where the textbook was located, Macadrian removed the book from the shelf and handed it to the girl, "Here you are, my dear. This should serve you well. The first lesson covers chapters one through seven, so I recommend getting started soon!"

Zora noticed the professor look at her a bit confused. Then smiled appologtically figuring she had said something off the wall likely it was her asking about the Dewey number. Then it was confirmed when the teacher mentioned the library here does not use that system. So apparently Dewey was a muggle which was her thought right after she said it. While continuing to drink the cup of cocoa.

The teacher offered her to borrow one of her textbook while she ordered one from Blotts. It was something she would have to remember to ask one of the others about however she suspected that was the book store in Diagon Alley as the name sounded really familiar. Zora said " Thanks " when the teacher handed her the book.

Then the teacher mentioned chapters one threw seven. Zora was surprised and began to think what did I get myself into here. As this seemed like alot for a first class. But then just as quickly realized that she was very behind being for all practical purposes a muggle even though she was apparently a witch like her mother. After the initial look of shock Zora said "Ok, Thanks again, Umm I should get going and started on this reading. " Then Zora thought did I just say I was going to do school work. Wow I guess this wizarding school is really different. Zora then realized she did not know where to put her empty cup so she asked while holding up her cup " Umm, Do you want me to take this to the kitchen to wash it or is there a sink I should wash it in for you?" As she did not want to be rude and leave a empty dirty cup lying around.

Aurora was athrilled to death when the cat named Cranberry jumped on her lap. She knew just the right spots near her ears to make her purr loudly. Aurora listened intentlly to what her professor was telling her. Maybe she was right. Aurora liked the simple approach to things normally, Grammy always tried to confuse her by throwing extra things into the "pot" so to speak. Well professor, Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I should run along. I will get to weork on those lessons soon and hopefullly I can make it to class. Aurora gently set Cranberry on the floor who suddendly had quite an attitude for having her warm nap spot disturbed. I am sorry dear kitty, but i have to go, we can snuggle again at a later time. Aurora gathered her things and walked out of the class room.

Faye knocked carefully on the door, waiting with more patience to be beckoned inside, than she was known for. With History of Magic suspended, Arithmancy promised to be her favourite course this year, and she wanted to meet the Professor before classes began.

Professor Shackleton stood up to usher the girl out the door and replied, "Well, thank you for visiting with me. I do love meeting the students and I think this has been rather enjoyable. And you can leave the mug right on that table. There is a very simply spell to clean it so I will take care of it later. Have a good day, my dear." Professor Shackleton gestured toward the door and then turned to the next student...

Professor Shackleton smiled at the student and responded, "No, thank you for taking the time to come visit me! And hopefully, you will be able to make time for my classes. Good luck this year, Miss Rissa. Make Ravenclaw proud." Macadrian winked at the girl and gestured toward the door.

Just as Professor Shackleton was about to close her office door behind the departing students, she spotted a young Gryffindor waiting by her office. She smiled at the girl and asked, "Are you here to see me? Come in, come in! Please, take a seat by the table and make yourself comfortable. Would you like a mug of hot cocoa?"

oli walked down the corridor with Fred in his hand,Oli stopped at the Door as he knocked and waited for an answer.
"Professor M.C will look after you Fred" oli said smiling at him
"Really, she better" said the little teddy bear are he climbed onto olivers shoulder as they both waited.

Zora put the mug down on the table as the Professor ushered her out of off the office. As she was exiting Zora turned around and said " Thank you for your time." Then proceeded to walk out the door. The fact the teacher knew a good cleaning spell for mugs was interesting. It seemed these people had spell to do everything which was kinda neat.