Quote:
Originally Posted by
lemondrop13
Professor Shackleton listened patiently as some students expressed their comfort with math, while many others conveyed their worries. Seeking to reassure them, Macadrian explained, "I want to assure those of you with concerns - this class is not a Math course. Our focus will not be so much on the calculations, although we will certainly need to calculate things in order to get to our true purpose - number theory. This class will focus more on interpreting and analyzing the numbers than the math involving them.
"All the math for this term is simple addition and I'm sure you're all capable of that. If you can stay organized and follow my directions, the adding part will be very easy. The challenge will come from analyzing the number you calculate, determining what that number truly represents for the person it applies to. That is the goal of this class. My course can teach you so much about the human condition; you can learn things about your friends, your family, yourself, that you wouldn't have known otherwise."
Professor Shackleton stood up behind her desk and continued, "With that out of the way, let me formally introduce myself and get our first lesson of the year underway. My name is Macadrian Shackleton and I have been teaching Arithmancy here at Hogwarts for, oh let's see, this is my sixth year. Before taking this post, I was a cursebreaker for Gringotts and also did number research, which I still do now actually. My most recent work on the number nine was just published at the beginning of the summer and is available in stores now. But enough about me, let's talk Arithmancy!" Professor Shackleton winked after her shameless plug for her published work and took a step away from her desk.
As she strode toward the front of her desk, Shackleton explained, "This term we are going to be studying the Core, the numbers that tell a person's story and represent a person's essence. Think of these numbers as pieces of your 'light.' When your 'light' is on, you express the positive aspects of a number. When your 'light' is off, you may have the tendency to live in fear and express the negative. Together, we're going to discover the meanings of each of the numbers in your life and discuss in depth the interpretation of each number. Then, it'll be up to you to let your light shine!
"Now, there are four numbers that make up the Core - what are their names? And I want just their names, no explanation about them just yet please."
Aaron listened intently and then realised Grace and Satine were next to him. He gave them each a head nod to say 'Hey'. When the professor asked the question, Aaron had no idea at all. He couldn't possibly guess. He looked around the room to see who raised their hand to answer the question. He decided to let one of them answer it.