Syllabus Day Two
Chapter 15
Hermione woke up around the same time as the day previous. She went through her morning routine, got ready for the day, then walked down stairs to meet her friends. The group went down to Great Hall for breakfast as they had the morning before. It was weird how quickly they could fall back into their old routines, no matter how little they wanted to be repeating their year. -
Today was a short day. Hermione only had two classes, Potions at 10:00, and Herbology at 13:30. After breakfast she was planning to stick around the Great Hall to write a few letters before classes. She told her parents she would write, and she wanted to send her first letter home before the weekend.
Breakfast passed quickly. She made sure to have her morning tea, in addition to her breakfast. Tea was now fully required for her to function everyday, or else she turned into a raging bitch. She was thankful the Great Hall was emptying so she could spread out and finally write home. She pulled some paper, and her favorite pen out of her bag, and began to write.
Mum & Dad,
I miss you guys. Things are different here. Sadder. It's like the castle is grieving, and we can feel it. Honestly, I've only been here two days and I'm over it. I'm more homesick than I've been in a while.
We haven't really done anything yet. They've only had syllabus days so far. It was fine enough, but I can't bring myself to care. I gave up so much of my life to fight for the magical world, and last year changed everything. The more I think about it, the more I just want to walk away from everything, and go to uni.
I'm sorry for my ranting. I'm just missing you guys, and the horses. I got used to being on my own, enjoying the quiet, and not having to deal with people constantly.
Mum, can you please send me the dates for the Dior show that John wanted me for. Could you also send me the Horse show dates. I want to get the Portkeys arranged.
I miss you both a ton. If anything more happens I'll be sure to write.
All of my love.
Hermione
She didn't know what to write to her parents. Her feelings were largely unchanged from how she felt at home. Right now, she was just upset. She was thankful there was a school out who had perched next to her in the hall. She offered the letter to the owl, who gladly allowed her to attach her letter to its leg before flying away.
Taking time to look at her watch again she realized she would need to start heading towards her potions class soon. Looking around she realized Harry, and Ron were nowhere to be found. She packed up her bag, and started in the direction of the potions classroom.
10:00am - Potions Classroom.
"Good morning." The new potions professor said to his class, who all responded in kind.
“My name is John Williams. You may call me Mr. Williams, or Professor Williams. I received my Potions Mastery, and a PhD in Chemistry from New York University - Magics Department.”
Hermione looked at the new professor impressed. He held his mastery, and a PhD in Chemistry, which is far more of a muggle study than the traditional masteries their previous professors had received. She turned her attention back to the professor.
“Before we start, I’d like to take a roll call, as this is my first time meeting you all. Hannah Abbot, Susan Bones, Terry Boot, Mandy Brocklehurst, Michael Corner, Tracey Davis, Hermione Granger, Anthony Goldstein, Daphne Greengrass, Sue Li, Ernest Macmillan, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Pansy Parkinson, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil, Harry Potter, Zacharias Smith, Ronald Weasley”
There was silence from the students as the Proffesor called their names. Everyone answered as their names were called, but largely remained quiet. There were a few names left unsaid as some of their classmates had not survived the year prior.
“I’ve reviewed the requirements for your N.E.W.T.S exams, and developed a core curriculum that will ensure you’re prepared for exams. In addition, I’ve reviewed the notes left behind from your previous professors and have decided to further bolster your theoretical potions knowledge. This will help you determine the best path in your brewing, and aid you in making alterations to your potions that will make them better.”
The new professor started handing out the class syllabus. “Now, rather than put the curriculum points in the syllabus, I’ve put the potion we will be working on that week. It is my expectation that you show up on lecture day having already read the recipe, and history of the potion for the week.”
He continued. “Our lecture period will include a discussion of the potion properties, and possibilities for improvement or customization. Following each lecture, you will be assigned to write your Potions Plan, which is what you will use to brew your potion during our double periods. I know this isn’t what you’re used to, but I want to help you all learn how to move beyond blindly following a recipe in a book. Does anyone have any questions about the curriculum?”
Draco Malfoy raised his hand.
“Yes Mr…”
“Malfoy, sir.”
“Ah, what is your question Mr. Malfoy?”
“I’ve noticed we have Potions and Herbology double periods on the same day. Will there be any correlation between what we learn in Herbology and Potions?”
“Good catch on that one, and fantastic point. 5 points to Slytherin. I think that’s how that works…” The class chuckled in response.
“There will be some correlations. Now I can’t say every week things will correspond, but I have worked with Professor Sprout to make sure we can correlate the two subjects whenever possible. We will even have potions where you will pick your ingredients fresh during Herbology, then use them in your Potions.”
“Thank you sir.” Draco looked impressed with the new professor's response.
Around the classroom the other 7th years were also impressed with Professor Williams' answer. Professor Snape hated explaining things, and couldn’t stand when students asked clarifying questions. While Professor Slughorn was quaint just sitting at the front of the classroom allowing students to blindly follow the book.
“If I have the time correct, the bell should be going off momentarily. Thank you all for your time today. I look forward to working with you, and getting to know you all better.” As Professor Williams finished his statement, the bell rang dismissing the class.
11:30 - Great Hall
The owl Hermione had sent off with a letter to her parents had already returned. He was holding her parents' response on his leg. As she saw the owl in question, she rushed over to it, excited her parents had already responded.
Mya,
We are sorry to hear how the mood is down all across Hogwarts. That must not help with lifting anyone's spirits. Please know we love you, no matter what, and we will always be here for you. I think what the ministry is asking of you all, following the year you just had is unfair. It’s like they’re trying to take complete advantage of the situation. Your feelings, and frustration are absolutely valid.
In regards to your questions about John & Dior, we actually received a letter from him yesterday. I've enclosed it for you to read. It was waiting for us when we got home from dropping you off at Kings Cross. Interestingly enough, it was delivered by Owl…
The show he wants you for is the first weekend in October at the British Museum. Read his letter, it should explain more.
As for the Horse Shows, here is what we are already signed up for:
October - 3rd Weekend Bicton
November 20 - 24 Le Pouget France
Dec 12-13 Geneva
Jan 2-4 Opglabbeek Belgium
Feb - Last weekend Montelibretti Italy
March - Last week WEF Myakka City FL
At least one or two of those shows I'd like you to ride some of my horses. Also, one of them is show jumping only. I figured it wouldn't hurt, specially if I have you ride one of my jumpers.
Let us know if these dates work for you.
XOXO
Mum & Dad
She read the letter from her parents again. They gave her the information needed to make sure Kingsley got the Portkeys set up. She would need to write to him after responding to her parents. First She wanted to look at the letter from John.
Emma,
It was great to meet you a few weeks ago. I hope that Hermione's event went well. I'm just writing to give you more information about the event I told you about.
We would need Hermione at the British Museum of Art at 3pm on Saturday, September 26th, and 27th, the event goes until 11:00pm. She would be compensated for her time consistent with standard rates.
If you could share this with her, I'd appreciate it.
John G. (Dior)
She looked the letter over and was confused. Mum had said the letter was delivered by owl, which would make sense if he was a wizard. Deciding to check the letter over, she pulled out her wand to cast a quick spell.
"Revelio." She said with her wand pointed at the letter. The letters on the page started to shift, and rearrange themselves into a completely different message.
Hermione,
I just wanted to make you aware of a few things, 1. I'm a wizard, Hogwarts class of 1977. 2. Dior is ubiquitous among the upper echelons of Wizarding society, and we would love to share the magical side of the store with you on the next visit.
As much as I'd love to chat, and share stories I'll save that for another time. I also wanted to thank you, on behalf of all of us with muggle heritage, for what you have done fighting for our freedom.
Like I told your mum, the show is at the British Museum of Art at 3pm on Saturday, September 26th, and 11 am on the 27th, the event goes until 11:00pm on Saturday, and 7pm on Sunday. We will make sure you're compensated properly. Do you want compensation via monetary means, or would you be interested in product compensation? Product compensation means I would handpick pieces for you.
Talk Soon!
John
Well that was certainly unexpected, but not unwelcome. Now it makes more sense why thought she had seen Narcissa Malfoy. She penned a quick response to John, thanking him for reaching out, and letting him know she would be honored if he would handpick pieces for her.
Hermione took a quick break from her correspondence to make sure she ate her lunch. She was happy to see the House Elves had started adding more light options to the lunch menu than they had in previous years. This year she wanted to ensure she paid attention to her health and fitness after everything she put her body through last year.
Just before 13:30 the Great Hall started to empty as students headed to their next class. Hermione didn't have Herbology until 14:30, so she had time to waste. She thought through her to-do list, which thankfully was still rather short. The last thing she needed to make sure she did was write to Kingsley, since he promised to make sure she had Portkey's to travel for events. She had time to do that now, so she decided to get it out of the way.
Kingsley,
I have a schedule of events in my personal life that I need help arranging excuses, and portkeys for. Remember you said you would help with no questions asked.
October 3rd, leave in the morning, 4th leave after 8pm. London, UK.
October 16-18.
November 20-24. Le Pouget, France.
December 11-13. Geneva, Switzerland.
February 26-28. Montelibretti, Italy
March 19-28. Myakka City, Florida, USA.
Days where I leave on Fridays, it will be best to leave after classes. Also, on days I return, it would be best for me to return around dinner time. If you need to share with Professor McGonagall that's fine. I figure someone here should know where I am.
Also, I think you should know the mood here is very somber. It feels like the castle is grieving from all the death that happened in its walls. Also, when we got off the train, and everyone walked to the carriages no one was prepared for the thestrals. So the mood here isn't great, and there are alot of people that resent the ministry for forcing everyone back so soon.
Just thought you should know.
Hermione.
Herbology was quickly approaching. Hermione was paying close enough attention to the time. She made her way to the owlery to send her letters off, then made her way to Herbology.
14:30 - Herbology, Green House 7
"Good afternoon 7th year. This year our curriculum is not restricted by anything other than your N.E.W.T. exam requirements. This year will be much different then the material we covered last year. That is in part to your new potions professor. He approached me about integrating some of our course material together." Professor Sprout said as she passed out the syllabus.
Professor Sprout had all of her students undivided attention. It wasn't often an established professor altered the way they taught their course, so no one wanted to miss a thing.
"This year we will focus on more then growing, and caring for magical plants, herbs, and fungi. Our goal will be to understand how different growing factors alter the magical properties of the plants, and analysis of the magical properties and potencies. In potions you will use that information to assist you in modifying your potions."
The class was still giving Professor Sprout their full attention. Hermione's mind was spinning. How come, in their final year, were they just starting to talk about correlations between their courses. If that had been discussed from the first year, many more students would've likely excelled. She looked over at Neville who seemed to be having a similar revelation.
"Professor, given the significant correlation between plant properties, and potions, why is this something we are just learning now?" Neville asked. "If the properties of individual ingredients correlate to the properties of a final potion and its potency, then why are we not first taught that?"
"I've never thought about it like that before, nor have I heard it discussed among my mentors. Neville, could you please stick around after class? I'd like to further discuss that theory with you." Professor Sprout requested, the bell ringing shortly after she finished talking.