Belle rushed into the Arithmancy classroom, her mind still buzzing from her research session with Draco. She took the seat she took last time, grateful for some familiarity.
Professor Vector strode to the front of the class. "Today, we'll be continuing our topic of advanced spell analysis where we break down complex spells to understand their numerological underpinnings."
Belle's ears perked up. This was exactly what she and Draco had been discussing earlier.
"Let's start with the Patronus Charm," Professor Vector said, waving her wand to display a complex series of numbers and symbols on the blackboard. "Can anyone tell me what the base number for this spell is, and why it's significant?"
Belle looked around. No one raised their hands. Justin Finch-Fletchley was scratching his head absentmindedly.
"No one?" Professor Vector said, a note of disappointment in her voice. "I'll break this one down for you. This time. Next time, I'm calling on someone." She turned to her blackboard and wrote the number eight. "The base number is eight, which represents strength and power. A key phrase of the number eight is…what?"
Professor Vector looked around the room. Belle knew this. She'd just been doing her Arithmancy essay on the key principles of numbers 1-9. Seeing that no one raised their hand, Belle tentatively lifted hers.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Professor Vector said, looking a little surprised.
"A key phrase of number eight is harnessing strength," Belle said, trying to sound more confident than she felt.
Professor Vector beamed. "Excellent, Miss Granger." She looked around the room. "Can someone else tell me how that's relevant to the Patronus Charm?"
Demelza Robbins raised her hand. "Well, the Patronus Charm is about protecting oneself and harnessing strength from your positive emotions and memories."
"Well, done Miss Robbins," Professor Vector said, pleased. "20 points to Gryffindor. Now, let's break down how each component of the spell contributes to its overall structure…"
As the lesson progressed, Belle found herself genuinely fascinated. She scribbled notes furiously, her mind racing with potential applications to her own situation.
After class, Belle hurried to the greenhouses for her private Herbology lesson. She found Professor Sprout and Neville waiting for her, surrounded by an array of plants.
"Ah, there you are, Miss Granger," Professor Sprout said warmly. "Or, since we're alone, I suppose we can drop the pretense and call you by your name. I hope you're doing well today, Miss Belle. Mr. Longbottom and I have prepared a brief overview of some fundamental magical plants for you."
Neville smiled encouragingly. "We'll start with the basics and work our way up. Don't worry, Belle, we'll have you back up to speed in no time."
Belle nodded gratefully, trying not to show her nervousness. This was one area where she couldn't rely on past knowledge from her previous life or innate talent. She had a garden at home, but these plants in the greenhouse were nothing like the ones she knew at home. Many of them seemed positively dangerous.
"Let's begin with Dittany," Professor Sprout said, gesturing to a small, leafy plant. "Can you tell us its properties, Miss Belle?"
Belle hesitated, her mind blank. "I… I'm afraid I don't know, Professor."
Neville jumped in smoothly. "That's all right, Belle. We're just trying to see what you might already know. Dittany is a powerful healing herb. Its essence can be used to regrow skin over wounds."
As the lesson continued, Belle found herself relaxing. Neville and Professor Sprout were patient teachers, and Belle's natural curiosity helped her absorb the information quickly.
"You're doing well, Belle," Neville said as they repotted some Bouncing Bulbs. "Though I must say, it's strange to see Hermione uncertain about a subject. Even though I know you're not Hermione. I'm glad to be able to pay it forward and help you though. How are you feeling overall?"
"I'm fine, Neville," she said truthfully. "Just... a bit overwhelmed by it all."
Professor Sprout patted her shoulder. "Not to worry, dear. We'll get you up to speed in no time. Now, let's move on to the properties of Bubotuber pus…"
As the lesson wrapped up, Belle felt a mix of accomplishment and exhaustion. She was learning so much, experiencing a world of magic she'd only dreamed of. But the constant deception with the others weighed heavily on her. Experiences like this with Neville and Professor Sprout where she could be herself felt few and far between.
"We've just taught you half a year of magical education in one lesson," Professor Sprout said. "I must say, you're taking it all in exceptionally well. You're a natural."
Belle smiled in appreciation, "It's all so fascinating," she said. "It's exciting to learn about. I appreciate that you're taking extra time to do this. I know you must be busy and have better things to do."
"It's fun to teach someone so receptive and eager to learn," Neville commented.
"Agreed," Professor Sprout said. "It's no trouble at all."
Bidding farewell to Neville and Professor Sprout, Belle made her way back to the castle.
Her mind was a whirl of Arithmancy formulas and Herbology facts. She was more determined than ever to find a way back to her own world — but a small part of her couldn't help but wish she could stay just a little bit longer in this magical realm.