Seventh Years: Lesson Five

Professor Nakamura knew that his class wasn't likely to be a favourite among those who favoured spells and charms. That was fair enough – if that was what a student was passionate about, Professor Nakamura had no problem with it. But it meant tonight might end up being something fun for those students, and he was looking forward to teaching the class. “Welcome back,” Professor Nakamura said, “tonight we have an interactive class for you.” He waved his wand, and text appeared in neat lettering on the board.

Astra Fero: An astronomical depiction from the memory of the creator displayed in 3D within the surrounding area Used to represent a large area of space.

“Does anyone know anything about this spell?” Professor Nakamura asked. He listened to the students who raised their hands, nodding along. “As some of you have noted, it is a spell other professors have used to teach astronomy. It is often attempted non-verbally to prevent younger students from trying it, as it is a rather complex spell.” Professor Nakamura got out his wand and readied himself. “The movements are not the most straightforward, but you should be prepared by this stage in your education to achieve it. Get out your wands, and we’ll go over the wand movements.”

"First move your wand straight up, make two circles clockwise, before moving your wand straight down, then make two anticlockwise circle motions. After, flick forward with your wrist before creating three anticlockwise loops with a slight flutter at the end. Remember that any slight wobbles in your circles will cause the image to be distorted or not show at all,” Professor Nakamura informed the students. He performed the motion slowly twice for the students to watch, then walked around to check everyone’s form.

“The incantation is ‘astra fero’ with the ‘r’s slightly rolled. Repeat after me – astra fero.” He listened to the students repeat the incantation, impressed with the quality. He knew they wouldn’t necessarily get it in their first lesson, but they were doing a good job so far. “Remember not to go too hard on the ‘r’s,” Professor Nakamura instructed before continuing.

“Now we put it all together. You’ll need to imagine the exact part of space you want to recreate. Think of your favourite galaxy, or simply our solar system, and imagine it in three-dimensions. Once in your mind, say the incantation while using the wand movements. Astra fero,” Professor Nakamura pronounced clearly, an image of Andromeda appeared before him. “The image you create will stay for a period of time but can be vanished by repeating the wand motions, stopping before the final flick.”

Professor Nakamura then let the students try out the spell. He walked around, helping out those who needed it, and giving advice that would help. He reminded some that using a telescope to see the galaxy they want to recreate could be useful. Overall, Professor Nakamura was pleased with his students’ progress. “If you need help, please don’t hesitate to visit me in my office. Next week will be our last class before exams so please, remember to keep up your studies. Good luck!”

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Extra points for any student who tries to answer the question.
Roleplay lesson for full marks – feel free to godmod Professor Nakamura helping if you wish, or tag Professor Nakamura if you prefer

 

[Emmanuel Okoye]

Emmanuel was focused on his studies, he needed to be. He wanted to do well in his exams, and he wanted to be on the next step of his education, but to do that, he had to be revising. He was working hard, doing a lot of work, making sure that most of the time that wasn’t dedicated to Kyon or his head boy duties, was dedicated to his studies. He hadn’t really ever failed an exam, or got lower than an EE, but this was the final set of Hogwarts exams he would do, and therefore to stumble now would be quite a feat. He grabbed the last bits and pieces he would need for the day and then headed out to class.

Emmanuel walked into the astronomy classroom and took his usual spot in the room. He was eager to know what they’d be doing and even more so as the professor told them they would be doing. Emmanuel looked to the board as the spell they’d be learning about appeared and then he looked to the professor as the man told them which spell it was. He nodded eagerly, and then took a few notes on how the spell was cast, and then more information on what it was about. They were then able to try the spell themselves. Emmanuel took a moment to look up with his telescope the galaxy and then took his wand. He did the wand motion as the professor had shown them and then cast. ”Astra Fero,” he had to do it a few times, and he could admit it was less than perfect, but he knew he just needed more time.

 

[Rory Styx]

Rory would be the first to admit that he just wanted Astronomy to be over. When Professor Nakamura informed them they would be doing an interactive lesson, Rory was disappointed. He had been hoping to just coast through the rest of his classes studying for his exams, he really didn’t want to be learning new things so close to the end of the semester, even if they were supposed to be fun things. He watched and listened carefully as Professor Nakamura demonstrated the astra fero spell and then how to cast it so they could do it themselves.

It was one of the more complicated spells he had been asked to attempt, even in his seventh year and he never would have expected that to have been the case in Astronomy class. He listened and and took in all the advice the professor gave them before trying the spell himself. He tried visualising the Andromeda galaxy before casting the spell. Rory had to cast the spell a handful of times before he got anything resembling a galaxy, it wasn’t perfect but it was a difficult spell so he was happy with his attempt. When the lesson came to an end he packed up and made his way out of the classroom.