Chapter Ten

Facts and Friction

When Quintin and his classmates came in for their double Defense class the next morning, they were a little surprised to see Aurelius sitting behind the desk.

"Is Laura alright? Professor Laura," Quintin corrected. Aurelius glanced over.

"Yes, she just needed to see Sagittari about something. She'll be taking over in a little while," Aurelius assured him, waiting until everyone had found their seats. Taking a quick attendance, he looked up. "Everyone may go ahead and start looking through the newspapers and magazines for a defense article. I don't expect any of you will have any problems since you're second years now, but if you have trouble making up your mind whether an article you've chosen is good for an essay or not, feel free to ask."

"I'm actually starting to like this part of class," Pete said when they got up. "Although some weeks are harder than others when it comes to finding something really good."

"Anything can be a good defense article, if you know how to spin it," Jeremy said.

"You mean like embellish it?" Pete frowned.

"No... really, you don't have to. You just have to think of all the ways a situation could have gone wrong, and how it applies to the article," Jeremy explained.

"I don't like thinking about all of the things that can go wrong. It gives me nightmares," Oscar admitted as he picked out some papers to take back to his desk.

"Well they should give you nightmares, unless you are actively trying to find ways to prevent them," Aurelius told him as he got settled into place. "You can use those fears as a tool, Mr. Donovan, to try and prevent those situations from happening or to make plans for what to do if anything does happen. Have you ever had a nightmare and woke up, and then used your mind to make it have a better ending?"

"Yes, my Dad suggested doing that," Oscar admitted.

"Same idea, only put it into practice," Aurelius said. "You'll find that people in the LE department, especially Aurors and Enforcers, understand those dark thoughts and fears very well, along with all other masters of Defense. The main difference is that instead of letting those dark thoughts bring them down, they use them to take preventative measures. In fact, Professor Snape is particularly good at this, and it's one of the reasons the school... not to mention this entire planet... is still here. So don't let your fears eat at you. Find solutions," he concluded, glancing around to see that he had the full classes attention. "You can turn those fears into a position of strength if you learn how to control them."

"Well, what if you're afraid of aliens from another universe invading in the middle of the night wanting to kidnap and replace all of wizardkind, and what if they can do it because no magic works on them at all?" Oscar asked seriously.

There were a couple of sniggers on the Gryffindor side of the room.

"I have three defense suggestions on this. You might want to write them down," Aurelius said, seriously. Oscar quickly pulled over his notebook. "First, you should learn how to defend yourself without magic in case of magic not working." Deciding that made a whole lot of sense, Oscar wrote it down. "Second, you should get yourself a nocturnal familiar who can keep watch while you sleep so that you're not abducted," he added. Oscar put down the note and nodded solemnly. "And third and most important of all..." Aurelius paused, holding up a finger for emphasis, "buy a red Night Candle to stave off nightmares, and no more sugar after six p.m.! Don't stare, just write it down... and follow it."

"Oh, um... yes, Auror Snape," Oscar said ruefully, writing it down. Jeremy laughed silently at that and turned his attention back to the newspaper, glancing at Quintin.

"So have you found anything yet?" Jeremy asked.

"Yes, there's another article out about the Dashing Doppler," Quintin said.

"Oh, no. Not him again," Jeremy said with exasperation, picking up the New York paper instead. "I want something a bit more interesting than that... and something more dangerous, since it's obvious that there's really nothing dangerous about him. Surely there's a Dark Wizard capture in there that'd work better."

"Not dangerous?" Quintin repeated.

"No, not really," Jeremy said, looking through the newspaper.

"The Ministry has declared him Public Nuisance #1," Quintin said.

"Exactly my point. That's all he really is, he's a public nuisance," Jeremy complained, taking the Daily Prophet out of Quintin's hands and finding the section for Crime Notices. "'Wanted by the Ministry for crimes against the Ministry and endangering the Secrets Act,'" Jeremy read. "'Ten counts of impersonating Ministry officers and fifteen counts of Espionage. Ten counts of impersonating Muggles. Twelve counts of using magic in front of Muggles. Six counts of 'compensated food appropriation', whatever the hell that means," Jeremy said. "I can see how impersonating officers and espionage has your big sister in a tizzy, but he doesn't seem to be all that dangerous."

"I suppose it depends on whatever information he's gotten hold of," Quintin said, "and what he does with that knowledge. I mean, potentially, it could harm a lot people."

"Indirectly, yeah," Jeremy replied.

"Just what is your idea of 'dangerous', Mr. Miller?" Aurelius asked as he stepped over to their table.

"People that would really cause you harm... like injuring you, cursing you, or killing you... that sort of thing," Jeremy said. "But this guy doesn't seem like the type."

"From what little you've read from a handful of papers," Aurelius said critically.

"More than a handful, considering he's been in the papers over here since before we were Sorted," Jeremy pointed out. "I mean, there's a good reason everyone calls him Public Nuisance #1 instead of Public Enemy #1, isn't there?"

"That title's already taken," Quintin explained to Jeremy. "Ludovic Bagman is Public Enemy #1."

"Oh, yeah... he definitely fits my idea of what dangerous is," Jeremy agreed. "Just not this guy."

"Then make a case for it," Aurelius said, Jeremy looking at him in surprise. "Instead of doing a normal essay this week, I want you to write an essay on why you think the Dashing Doppler isn't worth defending against."

"Oh, I wouldn't call him not worth defending against, just that he isn't dangerous," Jeremy backpedaled.

"Then make a case for that," Aurelius said with a shrug. "I'll let Professor Laura know you have a special assignment when she arrives, and until then, I suggest you hit the newsstand, since you're going to need a lot of evidence to speak in his defense."

"Yeah, I guess I'd better," Jeremy realized.

"Can I help?" Quintin suggested.

"Sure," Aurelius said. "You can make the case as to why you think he might be more dangerous than we know."

"Is that helpful?" Quintin wondered.

"It's similar to one of the assignments in Auror Club," Aurelius said. "Debating different sides is important to get different viewpoints based on the facts. Just having the facts isn't enough, because people will interpret facts differently depending on their perspective, and will come to different conclusions based on those facts."

"We learned that after my paper was published last term," Quintin replied solemnly.

"So you did. Now it's time to learn how to defend your ideas," Aurelius said.

Glancing at each other, Quintin and Jeremy went over to the newsstand to see what they could find out.

Jennifer went down the back stairs and into the Potion Lab just as Arcadia's second class let out. She said good morning to the students as they walked by and stepped inside once they were all out of the room. Arcadia was behind the desk in her human form, her beautiful golden hair bound in a ponytail that went down her back in a way that made Jennifer envious over how long it was.

"Good morning, Arcadia!" Jennifer said cheerfully, taking a moment to roll her cart into place so it could be filled up. "How did your first two classes go?"

"Alright for the first day," Arcadia replied.

"Then why do I sense there's a 'but' in there?" Jennifer asked, and the centaur became thoughtful.

"It's the Maxen girl... Cancer of the Hidden Moon," Arcadia explained. "A strong sign in an of itself, ingenious and attentive to detail with strong leadership qualities. She was one of the few people who knew what time of day she was born, and when it's factored into the mix, it's quite negative, actually. Star-crossed, ill-favored... her worst traits heightened, making her devious and contrary... she has the potential for great darkness if it's not tethered somehow." Jennifer's shoulders went down with exasperation.

"Arcadia, as much as I believe that Zelda is likely to be a challenge, I'd like to point out that my husband also had a very ill-favored reading when he was born. He also had the potential for great darkness, but as you can see, he came out perfectly well," Jennifer pointed out.

"Yes, because he was tethered," Arcadia said instantly. "Your presence counterbalanced him in a positive way that helped to contain his negative aspects."

"Perhaps we should find someone from her then," Jennifer said mischievously. "She's a bit young to be seeking out that sort of relationship though, isn't she?"

"A tether personality doesn't have to be a romantic relationship, just a very strong one," Arcadia explained. "It can be a friend, a family member, and even an adversary... anyone she's close to who can counterbalance the negative influences in her life."

"I understand now," Jennifer said thoughtfully. "For some reason, I can't see that coming from her family, especially now that Mari's moved on and Eben's not at the school. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens, I suppose," she decided. "If it's any consolation, Severus recommended to her father that she take Divination I from the start and her father signed off on it, so if you have any concerns, you might speak to Ick about it."

"I am interested. Do you know when he has her in class?" Arcadia asked, and Jennifer leaned into her office to ask the Rogue Painting.

"Just after lunch today, it would seem," Jennifer informed Arcadia.

"Thanks, Jennifer! It'll be interesting to hear what he has to say about it," Arcadia said, then picked up her books to take them to the Healer Studies room.

When Douglas and Zelda cut their lunch short to head up to the Divination room, they had been certain that they were going to be the first ones there. Instead, it was Dawn and Mickey Pyther, taking the front center seats and chatting about what classes they had so far.

"I thought they were still eating when we came up," Zelda said in annoyance.

"They probably took brooms up, since we're allowed to use them to get up here," Douglas explained quietly.

Zelda pointedly went to the first table in the front row and sat down with Douglas right next to her. But Mickey and Dawn weren't really concerned by their attempt at showing dominance; continuing their conversation without even acknowledging them.

"I'm so glad that Grandmother is going to let me take Items I this year," Dawn said happily. "In fact, she was so impressed with my first lab that she told me I could do Dabblers if I liked."

"Those lessons you had with Uncle Corey this summer really paid off," Mickey agreed. "Maybe I should take lessons with him next summer."

"He'll put you to work," Dawn warned with a grin. "I thought you told me you were allergic to hard work."

"My ultimate goal in life is to be lazy and do nothing," Mickey declared again, putting up a finger. "But when I was talking to Truman about how I want to invent stuff so I don't have to work around the house, he told me that I have to put in a lot of hours learning about stuff before I can turn any of my blueprints into a working prototype."

"Blueprints?" Douglas repeated, making a face. "Do you mean all of those stupid robot pictures you keep getting trouble for drawing in class when you should be paying attention? "

"They're not robots, they're designs for an autonomous cleaning device," Mickey corrected.

"It's a robot," Douglas said. "You Pythers always seem to have your head in the clouds instead of paying attention to the world about you. No wonder you're so hard to read. There's nothing in there but air."

"Shut up and mind your own business!" Dawn snapped at him. "My brother is a genius."

"A genius at getting the bottom scores in class, sure. Stop dreaming!" Douglas sneered.

"Stop dreaming?" echoed a voice, and the students looked around until they saw Icarus Ravenclaw manifest in front of the teacher's desk. "What terrible advice! Especially in this class. Dream Interpretation is part of the curriculum, you know."

"I didn't mean that sort of dreaming, Professor," Douglas replied. "I meant the fact that Mickey Pyther daydreams in class."

"Ah! I see. Then I understand the problem," Icarus said, floating over to Mickey who looked up curiously. "Being a Leo with a heavy pull towards the fifth house, your lust for life can dominate if you feel you can't express those needs to your satisfaction. My advice to you is to find a proper outlet for it. Once you've efficiently satisfied your creative needs, it will no longer pull your attention so strongly away from less desired tasks. If you have any open schedule slots, which more than likely you do considering your current apathy, I suggest you take Janus Craw's sculpting class or some other artistic or musical expression."

"I'd love to take sculpture!" Mickey said enthusiastically. "I would have taken it this year, but it's in this time slot, and I promised my sister that I'd take this class with her."

"I see," Icarus said, glancing at her. "Does that mean you would object to my rescheduling your brother to a different time slot, Dawn?" he asked. Dawn sighed.

"No, of course not. Not if it's what's best for him," Dawn said reluctantly. "Especially if you're right and it'll help his marks a bit."

"Very well, then. Mickey, I will help you transfer to a different time slot and will write out a recommendation for sculpture to Professor Weasley. And you, in turn, will honor your sister's generosity by promising to bring your marks up this year," Ravenclaw decided.

"I'll try," Mickey promised with a sigh. Icarus smiled and nodded, going back to his desk.

Rolled parchment floated off the shelves and drifted down on each desk, and the students who had come in picked it up curiously to look at it. It was a questionnaire with a second piece of blank parchment rolled up in it. A large group of students came in together and found seats, and Ravenclaw counted heads to see how many he was missing.

"Go ahead and get started on the questionnaire while we wait on the dawdlers," Ravenclaw told them.

"Professor?" Zelda asked, raising her hand but not waiting for permission. "I notice that you have time of day in here when asking about our birthday, along with our middle names."

"If you know them, yes," Ravenclaw said. "Although I assume most know the latter."

"Does that mean this other piece of paper is an introduction to Astrology and Numerology? If it is, may I work ahead?" she asked.

"Yes, if you like, but leave the bottom half open," Ravenclaw replied. "Your father told me in correspondence that you've already had some classes in the subject."

"Yes, Professor. It would seem that the Ministry has very strict rules about teaching children magic before a certain age, and it was the only magical course other than my Truth Seeking lessons that they would approve," Zelda said.

"My sister is the family prodigy," Douglas explained.

"So I understand," Ravenclaw acknowledged. "As for you two..." he looked over at Rich Weasley and Markus Brim, who were attempting to slip in and sit in the back row. "I'm certain you've both heard that I'm rather lenient when it comes to being punctual, but that only applies to classes that do not follow lunch, and for students in classes who have a legitimate reason for being late, such as coming from the Potion Room. I also overlook being late on the first day, but I won't do it again."

"Yes, Professor," Rich said sheepishly, and the two boys sat down.

"Please start on the questionnaire in front of you if you haven't, so that we can get to know one another better. I will then show you some Divination tools that will help you discern a person's nature... although not necessarily their nurture," Ravenclaw said.

"What does that mean?" Mickey asked.

"It means that while the stars the night you were born may indicate that you have a creative, restless spirit, it doesn't tell me anything about your upbringing," Ravenclaw explained. "You were born at five minutes after six in the evening, by the way, and Dawn, you were born at six fifteen in the morning."

"I knew mine, but I'm surprised you know ours," Dawn admitted with a smile.

"Of course I know them, I'm your godfather," Ravenclaw said.

"Whoever heard of having a ghost as a godfather?" Douglas said with such indigence that Dawn glared at him viciously.

"I'll admit it's unusual, perhaps just as unusual as being Mr. Pyther's best man, but I am quite honored to have the privilege of being the godfather to all of them," Pyther replied, then floated to the next row. Zelda's hand went up a moment later, and Ravenclaw went over to see her work.

"What's next, Professor Ravenclaw?" Zelda asked confidently, knowing that he wouldn't find any mistakes in her work. He pondered it thoughtfully, noting that she put in a great bit of detail that he normally didn't even cover until later classes.

"I think, Miss Zelda, I'd like a better assessment of your knowledge in this course," he decided. "Come sit at my desk, and I will give you a comprehensive test while I'm give the rest of the class their introductory."

"Yes, Professor Ravenclaw," she replied, quite enjoying the fact that she had been singled out.

Dawn and Mickey attempted to ignore her smugness, taking some heart in the fact that Douglas didn't know any more than they did, although it was evident straight away that the three of them were ahead of some of the other members of the class that were only taking it to get the requirement out of the way.

Halfway through the hour, Zelda presented her test. Ravenclaw had the rest of the students work quietly on their Numerology and reading the first chapter while he marked it.

"It is just as I suspected, Miss Zelda, this class is much too basic for you. I recommend that you attend one of my more advanced classes instead. I have some that are late enough in the day that you should be able to find an empty place in your schedule for it," Ravenclaw informed her, and a note floated over. "Here is a note for Professor Brittle so that you can be transferred."

"Thank you, Professor," Zelda said with a sinister smile, accepting the note.

"And since that's the case, Miss Dawn, I suggest you pair up with Mr. Douglas for the second half of this class, since you will need a partner. The two of you who need a transfer may sit together for now," Ravenclaw said.

Sighing, Dawn got up to switch seats, noting that her brother was no more thrilled about sitting next to Zelda than she was sitting next to Douglas. But the moment she sat down and they began on their Numerology lesson again, she gasped and held up her hand.

"Yes, what is it?" Ravenclaw asked, a bit annoyed that he had been interrupted when he was just about to explain Life Path numbers to them.

"Can I have another partner? I can't sit next to him! His middle name is Stephen!" Dawn immediately protested. Ravenclaw sighed with exasperation.

"His name is a 9 and yours is a 2. You are both water signs. There are worse combinations for partners. Unless anyone in here wants to switch because of a more problematic clash?" Ravenclaw asked, but everyone shook their heads.

"There are other problematic clashes other than Numbers and Astrology signs," Dawn said impatiently. Douglas frowned at her name, spotting at once that her middle name was Matilda.

"Not in this class," Ravenclaw said unconcernedly. "I'm sure you'll both learn to compromise so that you can do your best work, since you're both driven to high marks. Shall we continue?" he suggested, then began his lecture again.

"Anarchist," Douglas murmured at her.

"Usurper," Dawn hissed back, and the two of them ignored each other for the rest of the class.