Natalie smiled politely at the professor when he greeted her, but her eyes moved to a familiar face at the sudden outburst. Derf's outbursts didn't surprise her anymore. She looked at him and smiled sadly at his response, also hoping that they would be able to sit with each other in their next class.

Onto astronomy and constellations... Natalie liked looking at stars, but wasn't very good at finding constellations. Other than that, she did know of a few that were rather popular. She raised her hand in turn. "I like Draconis, because it's a dragon with a thousand heads." And that was wicked cool.

Sky blinked when Flynn took a seat next to her... huh??? She knew there were assigned seating, but she also knew Vivian sat on one side of her (clearly even Kennedy knew better than to separate them). And on the other side of her was someone she couldn't recall, but it definitely wasn't Flynn. Nonetheless she smiled politely at him and then a smile when Hattie and Felicity had made it in.

Oh, 42 was the answer? Look at that! Lesson hadn't even started and she already knew the answer. So she can go back to her dorm and return to her studies now then? Maybe? Or not, because lesson was starting and he wasn't going to tell them what was through that mysterious door just yet, because of course not. He wasn't Stewart or Hawthorne; he had to buy a little time and mystery.

Favorite star or constellation? That was like asking to pick a favorite child! Surely the librarian knew better than that? She was fifteen and knew better than that. "All of them are unique and wonderful in their own way, Mr Kennedy, so I think asking to choose just one would be irrational." And again with the mister; it wasn't lack of respecting his professor title, but she didn't want to acknowledge it in hopes it could break the curse. Maybe.

Patrick glanced around the room taking it in. He liked Astronomy it was always a pretty cool subject with the stories behind the stars as well as all of the actual stars to look at. It blew his mind that they were always showing, just hidden by the son. He raised his hand to answer the question that the professor had asked, "I've always been partial to the big and little dipper because they were the first constellation that I could point out myself."

It was too bad that there wouldn't be a Venus sighting tonight, but the disappointment didn't last long. After all, there were many nights to catch the planet and a few others to boot in the year. As he sat down, he raised a head and soft smile acknowledging back Dorian and the younger Slytherin near him, Natalie, wasn't it? Along with the other nearby classmates of his. His eyes did remain for a bit on the younger guy with Jessa who had an objection to something. Interesting.

Hmm.. favorite constellation and stars.. Kirk did enjoy reading over the life stages on stars in particular. Noting how they can end up as black holes. That was intriguing to the sixteen-year-old. But he couldn't really name a star that peaked his interest the most, unlike constellations. He had watched a few muggle animated shows that detailed a number of them. Some of the characters did clash with how easy it was to spot the constellations though so it took a bit of debating with Kirk before he rose his hand, "Scorpius, it has a cool shape and some bright stars connected like Antares." Plus, it was close to his zodiac sign, for Astrology side fun.

Ah, yes, it was indeed quite cloudy tonight. While Clara was partial to non-sunny weather in general, it was a bit disappointing to not have a clear night sky for an Astronomy lesson. Hopefully next lesson the weather might be a bit more suitable.

Clara thought about Professor Kennedy's question. She felt a wave of nostalgia take over as she was flooded with memories of looking outside before bedtime, at nothing in particular. Not every night, of course, but every once in a while. Sometimes she'd see sparkles in the darkness and she'd feel so very small.

She personally couldn't say she disliked any constellations; she was positive they were all important and beautiful in their own way. But that wasn't really giving a direct answer. Clara raised her hand and said, "A great starting question, Professor. I'd say that Lyra is my favorite constellation of them all. Sure, it's not the biggest constellation, far from it, actually... but still, it is so stunningly bright."

Yes, in a vast sea of emptiness, there were tiny spectacles of beauty that humans could see with their own eyes. Amazing.

Zoryn cared exactly 0 percent about Librarian calling him Professor was giving him WAY too much respect Kennedy's sarcastic reply. She'd get back at him with GREAT revenge, but for the moment she'd behave. Sort of. Instead she focused her attention on Philippa, who was making her way towards their shared desk. "Hi," she smiled back at the girl. They were BOTH wronged by the play, so they were friends. Friends in solidarity.

Anyways, class was starting and Zor had to make sure that she gave the Librarian some run for his money and in doing so the Gryffindor actually had to pay some attention.

"My favorite star is Justine Janvier."

And yes, she did know that wasn't what he meant.

Well, at least they were starting with a super easy question. Emmeline pulled her robe sleeve over her mouth to cover a hastily-stifled yawn. She had barely noticed the cloudy weather when she was playing with her cruppy earlier in the evening, but one glance out the tower window proved the professor right. Not that she doubted him or anything, but you know... Adults were crazy.

The second year soon had her Astronomy notebook open and became super absorbed in it, her quill a constant scratch against the parchment. Emmeline curled her free arm around the edge of the notebook to block its contents from view -- 'cause she was drawing creatures again and not paying annny attention at all to her classmates' answers. She'd take proper notes when Professor Kennedy started his talking bit. Maybe.

Also, she was totally, 100% sure that Zoryn had the best answer out of everyone (even though she had nooo idea what most people had said), and Emmeline tried to suppress a fit of giggles. It was only funny 'cause she knew that the older girl was just getting back at Professor Kennedy for taking points off her earlier in the year, but it was still a silly great answer, mhm.

As soon as she could manage a straight face, Emmeline put her hand up and said, "Mine is Sirius, 'cause it's a dog and that's my cruppy's name too." Which was sort of somewhat because of the constellation, but yeah... Anything that shared her crup's name was bound to be awesome and stuff.

Hattie was secretly pretty glad she was sat by a friend. Whilst she didn't mind making new friends, it was just so much easier this way. As long as they didn't distract each other. But Harriet liked this lesson, so she knew that she was going to concentrate well anyway. She looked up as the professor began talking, and smiled. Oh. There favourite constellation? That was hard. She had a couple, so she really needed to think about this one. She listened to her class mates, trying to see what they liked, before she eventually put her hand up into the air.

"I like the Andromeda constellation" She murmured with a smile, before shaking her head at Sky's answer. Silly girl. Was it really that hard to pick one you liked the most?

Aw. No Narnia. Etta was a a little disappointed. Not that she had expected it in the first place.. but that had been a really fun lesson. So, what was the other door for then? Hmm, curious. She glanced at it once more, knowing that the professor would tell them soon enough. The girl raised a hand to answer the question.

“Maybe.. Delphinus. Because it’s a nice-sounding name and it’s Latin for Dolphins.. and I like dolphins.” Simple enough, yeah? The professor didn’t ask for any additional information so she sat back against her seat, absently doodling a dolphin on her parchment.

Philippa was already bored. Their favourite constellation? Puh-lease. She wanted to show off how much she knew, not hear everybody's totally wrong opinions on constellations. Like, Orion? Really? Total lack of imagination.

She did snort at Zoryn though, and nodded enthusiastically at the professor in agreement. Who, by the way, she was really never going to greet because she thought it was weird. She didn't get why everyone said hello to the person who was responsible with making their lives miserable for the next two hours. Sorry Professor. She only greeted teachers in subjects she was really bad at, like Defense or Herbology. Made much more sense.

Also what was all that about Narnia? Did the professor know Narnia wasn't real? Someone ought to tell him. Poor professor. Read too many muggle books as a kid.

"I think Cassiopeia is the best one," she said with authority, hand raised. "It's officially the prettiest constellation in the sky."

Even with her attention fixed on the door, Jessa didn't miss the way Flynn opted out of the seat next to her. Did she care....? Not particularly. His leaving didn't add or subtract value from her life and it wouldn't put her out of her own seat. The Ravenclaw returned her attention to the door, only to have it snatched by one Derfael Mitchell Ashburry-Hawthorne.

She knew that look all too well. He was coming up with another conspiracy and she could only imagine what this one entailed. Was the suggestion of the door that led to another universe too much for him?

Jessa kept watching him until the man assured the door was not as she thought. It was a little disappointing if she was being honest--especially accompanied by the warning of cloud cover making it impossible to see the stars tonight. No portal and no stars, the 15 year old was already uncertain of this lesson but it wasn't as if she could walk out. She had no reason to.

Hesitantly, she raised her hand at the question. "What if I don't spend enough time considering constellations or stars so I don't have a favourite? Should I just name one randomly?"

Didn't wanna lie about it. Just....she didn't have a favourite.

Derf was on edge and there was just no pretending otherwise...and the Slytherin sitting next to him was NOT helping. Although the question being asked was open ended enough that the Hufflepuff felt a little better because, well, it was vague enough that he really could say whatever he wanted, you know?

Waiting a bit to hear what his classmates were offering up, Derf's hand went up as well. Although he partial to LOADS of constellations, there was one that always sorta stuck out because of dad. "It's not exactly my FAVORITE...but I like the the Southern Cross! And like...one of the stars is super close to the Coalsack Nebula...which is a really super dark place where stars are BORN! Which is kinda fitting, you know? Like...coal...coal mines....diamonds...twinkle twinkle little star...like a diamond in the sky! And it's kinda like the North Star too!"

Flynn was enjoying his non-assigned seat until puffboy showed up and sat down right next to him. He heard the tiny greeting, and instead of saying anything back, he gave the boy the side-eye. He proceeded to prop his elbows up on his desk and rested his head on his hands, turning his attention towards the front of the classroom.

Hearing talk about the door, he glanced back and - WOAH! Where did that come from?! He had been so preoccupied with finding a seat away from Jessa that he didn't even notice it! Huh, odd.

and now class was starting. He also let out a yawn. Oops.

He looked back at the front of the room towards the Professor. Favorite constellation? He thought for a moment then raised his hand and said, "Lupus." He loved wolves, so it was only natural that his favorite constellation would be of that animal.

"Yes, monsieur," was his answer when Professor Kennedy asked him if he was comfortable. If he didn't want people bringing blankets to class, he shouldn't have made the classroom so cold. Also, Ronan was normally one to share, but not his precious coffee, nope.

"I also don't have a favorite constellation." He preferred the science-y aspect of astronomy to the more elementary one. Not that the elementary aspect didn't have its uses, like as some form of primitive GPS (or wooing people). Just wasn't his cup of coffee tea.

Favorite consolation...favorite...
"I'd say my favorite is Libra," he said. "Mainly cos' it's my star sign," Jonas said after raising his hand.

Kalen smiled at all the answers, he was pleased with the variety they had come up with, part of him wondered if it was going to be all the same answer. But thankfully that wasn’t the case. “Great answers everyone, I’m glad to hear that you all seem to have some knowledge of the Stars.” Kalen finally stood up and made his way to the front of the class.

“So, my favorite constellation is Orion, which is what we will be talking about today.” He said with a smile. “Now Orion is the 26th largest constellation and one most recognizable in the skies today. It’s also fairly easy to pick out due to the three stars that form Orion’s belt.” He said as he looked around. “Not to mention Orion is also visible throughout the entire world due to being located on the celestial equator. Orion is also brightest in the months of January through March but it is especially bright in January, which is why I was so sad that it was cloudy tonight, because the view last night of it was so incredible.” He said with a soft sigh. Hopefully his solution would work out well.

“I remember when I was a boy, I thought Orion was just a guy mid way through doing a cartwheel in the sky. I also thought his name was “Oh, Ryan.” Kalen grinned, ”Oh it’s just Ryan trying to do cartwheels again. That’s what I would picture in my mind. It wasn’t until later that I learned that the bright stars weren’t his arms and legs but his shoulders and his legs. And I leaned the proper spelling of its name.” He chuckled softly at the memory.

“Orion is actually named for a Greek hunter who was the son of Poseidon and Euryale, he was supernaturally strong and he apparently tended to run his mouth, for on a hunting trip with the Goddess Artemis and her mother Leto, he threatened to kill every animal on earth. Naturally that didn’t sit well with Mother Earth and she sent a giant scorpion to kill him. Since Orion couldn’t put his money where his mouth was, the giant scorpion killed him and then the goddesses begged Zeus to make him a constellation, which he did.” Kalen said with a shake of his head. “That’s one of the stories anyways. Another involves a fight between Apollo and Artemis, but whatever the stories, he died and now is a constellation.” He said with a shrug.

“Now before we get too much farther into the lesson, and I bore you to tears with Greek Mythology. Orion has seven highly visible stars that form its unique hourglass pattern. Can anyone tell me the name of one of these seven stars?”

OOC: Thanks everyone for answering! Thia question is simple “Name one of the seven stars that make up the more visible part of Orion!” Just one star please! Not all seven! We will be moving on in about 36 hours.. ish!Thanks!!

Shay listened as her classmates shared their favorite constellations. She was surprised to hear that her favorite was also the professor's favorite. Well that was cool. Even better was the fact that they would be learning about Orion during today's class. As Professor Kennedy gave the mythological history of Orion, Shay took notes because.......well you never knew what might come up during NEWT's.

When the next question was asked, Shay raised her hand immediately. She knew this and was determined to reply before all of the answers were given."One of the stars of Orion is Bellatrix." That one was easy to remember because of its evil namesake Bellatrix Lestrange. Shay supposed that her family must have been big Astronomy fans, given the celestial names that were frequently found among its members. Yeah, she paid attention in History of Magic. Continuing on, Shay added, "I believe that that star is located on Orion's left shoulder."

Patrick listened as Professor Kennedy explained Orion to the class. He had remembered his mother talking about how you could always find him because of his belt. He looked up to the sky, noticing all of the clouds that Professor Kennedy had mentioned being in the way of seeing the stars. He was a bit disappointed because he was really hoping to see it, that was his favorite part of astronomy class, gazing at the stars.

He raised his hand, "I know one is called Rigel. Isn't it one of the really bright ones?" he wasn't sure about his question, but he did remember the name of the one star, otherwise he was completely lost.

Natalie beamed when the teachers said that he liked Draconis too. Besides, that word was in the Hogwarts motto. Draconis ticklandus something or other, blah blah. All she knew was that tickling a dragon was a bad idea. Anyway...

So, they were talking about Orion today. Natalie had sort of been hoping for a cooler constellation, like something less well known. That being said, Natalie didn't really know the answer to the teacher's question. "All I've ever really paid attention to is the belt... but I don't know what they're called." Actually, she didn't even know what the rest of Orion looked like, so...

For the record, her remark was NOT disruptive. It was the straight truth. Did the man want her to lie and make up some constellation when the REAL stars were on the big screen? He needed some culture, just sayin'. Zoryn wasn't about to hop on this train any time soon.

This man was way too sensitive. He kept getting all sorts of butthurt. Zor almost pitied the grown baby.

So with this in mind, she chose not to answer the next question. 'Cause he would probably find some way to make it about him again. And honestly, Zoryn payed no attention to his story 'cause who did he think she was? Ain't nobody got time for this stupid class that had no real life application. Why the heck would she need Astronomy in the real world!?!? It made NO sense. Both the subject AND the class requirement. Neither made sense.

So instead, she just sat quietly, a first, but desperate times y'know?

Oh, good, she wouldn't have to wrack her brain to name the first star or constellation to come to mind. The concept itself sounded easy but was she the only one who noticed that you remembered things only until the moment where you absolutely needed them? Chances were she'd draw a blank.

Just like now. The stars in Orion's constellation? Maybe she did know it at one point but not currently.

Blue eyes shifted to the window. With a cloudy sky, all she could see was darkness but it would serve as a distraction all the same. She would simply wait for the question to change to something she knew the answer to and if she didn't know the answer to the next one either...well....the Ravenclaw was about to get a whoooole lot quieter.

Idly, her thoughts drifted back to the door and her gaze followed shortly after. What WAS that door meant to do? Where would it lead? How did it relate to Orion?

How much longer would she have to wait to know?

Ooh, she knew this one! Kitty had studied the stars a lot more this term than in previous ones, but even if she hadn't she would have known this one.

"Betelgeuse is my favorite star of Orion. It forms the shoulder and is pronounced Beetlejuice. It sounds beautiful, doesn't it? I learned about it when I was five, and I've always felt a special connection with Betelguese."

She'd been stargazing with her parents. When she first heard the name she fell in love with it. And then there was a certain old Muggle movie that had the same name which she also felt a connection with.

Clara sat quietly in her seat, listening to her classmates talk about their favorite constellations. It was fascinating to get a different perspective. After all, everyone knows something you don't. As Professor Kennedy discussed Orion and its history, she jotted down a few notes here and there about "Greek hunter" and "threatened animals" and "death by a giant scorpion".

The next question was about Orion's stars and Clara began wracking her brain for something. It was awfully familiar and she was sure she had read it in a book somewhere. She squinted her eyes in concentration, trying very hard to remember.

Orion, Orion...what are your stars?

She rubbed her stomach lightly as it gave an odd grumble, remembering the Peppermint Toad she had eaten earlier that day. Maybe that wasn't the best thing to get from Hogsmeade. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off inside her head and she raised her hand high as she responded, "Mintaka is one of the stars of Orion, right? I think it might be part of Orion's belt, but I'm not sure..."

She knew Astronomy wasn't her strong suit. She always struggled with the little details of everything. Fortunately, the word "peppermint" led her to "Mintaka". Thank you, food.

The.......what?

No...that was NOT what Derf had said...which now left the Hufflepuff blinking in confusion for a moment and the gears in his head unnecessarily spinning into overdrive and he sat in his seat ruffling his hair quite a bit. WHAT had dad said about it? Derf could really only remember the mythology and stuff behind it at the moment, which really did not help much with what he was trying to clarify. Or was HE also confused and the mythology was more for the Crux than the Southern Cross? WERE they the same thing?! He THOUGHT one had more stars than the other...but maybe not and o many things seemed to have two words to mean the same thing, you know? Language was fascinating and confusing and using common names for other things was something completely normal. Like... Triturus cristatus and Great Crested Newt. Which meant he was now thinking about Scamander inside hia pocket. Eventually something DID click ...something about a word that started with A...but Derf couldn't remember the word at the moment and he was already feeling kinda awkward for being so loud earlier soooooooo he just nodded his head to the man as he spoke and moved things along.

He didn't really know what he was talking about in this class anyway. Shoulda picked a constellation with a creature rather than a shape, clearly.

As for the question, again, the Hufflepuff became crestfallen because he did not know. He supposed he could flip through his textbook though and find the answer there? Which was what he started to do...only to get distracted reading about Serpens and Ophiuchus.

Ryan trying to do cartwheels hey? Vi glanced at the constellation, trying to picture the image that Mr... No.. Professor Kennedy had constructed within her mind. Interesting.

But before she could think anymore of it, they were moving on with the lesson.

The names of Orion's seven stars? She listened to several other students suggest names of the stars and she paused for a moment. Okay so Mintaka, Bellatrix, Betelgeuse, Rigel.... Didn't one begin with S...? Sh.... No. Se. No. So? Not even close. She continued running through potential combinations... Sa.... No.. Wait. Actually.... maybe. "Saiph?" she said more to herself before raising her hand. "Saiph is one of the stars Professor. It's the one at the south east corner..." She thought. Or was it southwest corner...? Hmmm... One of those two for sure.