Third Years Lesson Five

The third year students were set to continue their practice of mapping the skies tonight. They were heading to a Northern Hemisphere location to chart the constellations discussed the previous week. Each desk had a blank star map waiting for them. As voices approached from the stairs, Professor Percival Zephyrmoon opened the door, closing it after the last student entered. He let them settle in and examine their maps.

"So glad tonight is such a clear night," Percival began, pausing to see if any students would catch on. Outside the windows, rain and lightning raged. "Of course, I mean at the location we're headed to. That's right - another field trip! The weather report from my trip there earlier shows clear, dark skies, perfect for stargazing." He pulled out an old, coffee-stained cushion, and had the students gather around, each placing a hand on the fabric before they disappeared from the castle, reappearing in an open field.

After adjusting his footing, Percival began, "We are in the Northern Hemisphere and technically yesterday morning! Here in our past, we shall see stars," he said, pointing up. It was much later here than back at the castle. "You have an hour and a half to map as many constellations as we discussed last week - the ones visible in the northern hemisphere. If you finish early, feel free to map any other constellations you spot. Use your tools properly to get accurate distances between the stars. These maps will be graded, so accuracy is key."

The students began their measurements, and Percival kept a watchful eye on them. At the end of their lesson, he gathered everyone around the portkey. "Remember, the semester is almost over. Don't do anything stupid like wait until the night before your exam to study!" he called out as they returned to the castle..

--
For full credit, RP the lesson.

 

[Veronica Walden-Cade]

Veronica joined her classmates in Professor Zephyrmoon's classroom, ready for another practical astronomy lesson. As they settled in, Professor Zephyrmoon, known for his enthusiasm, prepared them for the evening's activity.

The storm outside rattled the windows, but inside, the professor's demeanour remained cheerful. He motioned towards an old, coffee-stained cushion lying on the floor. Veronica and her classmates gathered around it, each placing a hand on the fabric. With a flick of his wand, Professor Zephyrmoon activated the portkey.

In an instant, they found themselves in an open field under a clear night sky in the Northern Hemisphere. The stars twinkled above them, offering a perfect canvas for their lesson. Professor Zephyrmoon explained the task: to map out the constellations they had studied in the previous class. Accuracy was emphasized, with students instructed to measure distances between stars meticulously.

Veronica focused intently on her map, tracing the patterns of Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, and other constellations. Around her, classmates worked diligently, occasionally comparing notes and discussing their findings. Professor Zephyrmoon observed their progress, offering guidance and encouragement as needed.

After an hour and a half of stargazing and mapping, Professor Zephyrmoon gathered the students once more around the portkey. He reminded them about the upcoming exams and the importance of diligent preparation.

With a wave of his wand, they returned to the castle, leaving behind the serene night sky. Veronica packed her belongings, reflecting on the practical experience and looking forward to reviewing her maps for the exams ahead.

 

[Millie Walden-Cade]

Millie Walden-Cade entered the astronomy classroom with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. She loved studying the stars but wasn't quite fond of Professor Zephyrmoon's teaching style. As the third-year students settled in, each desk equipped with a star map, Professor Zephyrmoon entered and closed the door behind him.

Professor Zephyrmoon greeted the students and outlined the evening's activity: mapping constellations in the Northern Hemisphere using portkeys to transport to an open field for stargazing. He emphasized the importance of accuracy for their graded assignment.

Millie diligently began measuring distances between stars on her map, occasionally stealing glances at the sky, which was indeed clearer than the storm raging outside Hogwarts. Professor Zephyrmoon circulated among the students, keeping a close watch on their progress.

After an hour and a half of careful observation and note-taking, Professor Zephyrmoon gathered them around the portkey to return to the castle. Millie, feeling a sense of accomplishment from the night's practical lesson, quietly acknowledged that despite her reservations about Professor Zephyrmoon, the experience had deepened her appreciation for astronomy.

 

[Teddy Pirrip]

The school year was close to finishing and Teddy wasn't sure how much more he could take of the homework and study required for a full timetable. He wondered if next year he should drop a subject, and as he arrived for Astronomy, wondered if it should be this subject. Professor Zephyrmoon started by saying it was a clear night and Teddy rolled his eyes, too tired for jokes. Of course it was a trip they were going on.

Teddy touched part of the portkey and reappeared in an open field, blinking a few times as he adjusted to his new surroundings. Then he got started mapping the constellations and was as accurate as possible because it was being graded. Once they were back in the castle, Teddy handed in his sheet and left the tower, heading straight for the Gryffindor tower for bed.

 

[Dante Styx]

As Dante Styx entered the classroom with his fellow third-year students, he noticed the desks adorned with blank star maps awaiting them. The anticipation in the air was palpable as Percival Zephyrmoon, their somewhat eccentric professor, welcomed them with his characteristic flair. Dante settled in his seat, eyeing the maps curiously as Professor Zephyrmoon began speaking, hinting at a field trip under the guise of clear skies while rain thundered outside the windows. He couldn't help but smirk at the professor's subtle misdirection. Soon enough, they were all touching an old cushion, feeling the familiar pull of a portkey as they were whisked away to an open field in the Northern Hemisphere. The sudden change in scenery brought a chill to Dante's bones, but he quickly refocused as Professor Zephyrmoon started explaining the task at hand.

Dante took a moment to adjust to the new surroundings, marveling at the clarity of the night sky far from the light pollution of Hogwarts. With a glance at his map and the stars above, he began identifying the constellations they had discussed in previous lessons. Orion's Belt stood out prominently, and Draco's winding form was faint but discernible. Using his wand to measure distances between stars accurately, Dante diligently marked them on his map, striving for precision. Occasionally, he glanced around at his classmates, noting their focused expressions as they too navigated the night sky with determination. The hour and a half passed quickly amidst the tranquility of stargazing and mapping constellations. Back at Hogwarts, Dante headed back to his dormitory.​