Mariel nodded enthuastically in response to Professor Shackleton's enthusiasm. She had had a great time and would be more than happy to share more about it later. Oooh, and the professor travelled as well? Those seemed like such exciting places and the third year really wanted to see the pictures the professor had. She'd make sure to take a trip to her office at her earliest convenience.

Noticing Lasca as she entered the room, Mariel gave her a cheerful wave as she sat down next to her, then she turned her attention back to the front of the room. Then the boy called Mr. Karsten spoke of his summer. Aw, boring? Mariel was all too familiar with boring summers as every holiday before this past one seemed to go that way. It was just lucky that Lasca had invited her or she'd have been condemned to days of cleaning out Sir Reginald's water dish.

And more people were arriving. Mariel glanced up at a few unfamiliar faces before turning her eyes back down to her book. She looked up yet again as Professor Shackleton addressed the class. Thinking for a moment, she shook her head 'no'. She had no problem with mathematical computations - especially in this class as it seemed to be simple adding to the third year.