Sarah did not think about it for long, she said the first thing that came to mind, "Arithmancy is finding meaning and symbolism in words using numbers" she said upon her her hand shooting up.

Laura was glad to have her wand back even if it was still broken, she went and sat down next to her sister and then she took out a piece of parchment and looked at Professor Hadley waiting for her to tell them what they were doing first.

Laura listen to Professor Hadley and started to write what she thought Arithmancy was, she was writting something when she realised she had made a mistake, she took out her wand like normal. "Reverto." Laura had forgot it was broken.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!" Laura jumped up in suprise. "FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Okay so only the paper was on fire but still it was on fire, the wand had somehow caused the paper to go up in flames.

Laura still standing up sort of dancing around the flames, trying to stay away from it looked at Professor Hadley. "My answer was on the piece of paper but it was something like it is to do with numbers." See Laura was still trying to answer the question even though her wand had cause her parchment to go up in flames, it was a good job that she hadn't written too much on the parchment.

Sutton didn't really have an answer for the question, but she was excited to learn, and so she sat at her desk, busily taking notes of what all the other students said. Then she heard a scream from next to her and looked up to see that Laura's paper was fire. Taking out her wand while rolling her eyes, she pointed it at Laura's desk and said, "Aguamenti!" Splashing water on the girls desk to put out a fire.

There. All better.

Laura wasn't happy she was soaking wet though now, Sutton had put out the fire but she could have asked Laura to move, and saying that where was Sutton sat since her sister was sat next to her, she looked at herself and decided that she needed to get dry, she took out her wand and then suddenly realised she didn't want to get set on fire or anything so she just sat there annoyed all her things were ruined. "PROFESSOR HADLEY!!!!!!" Laura shouted. "My books and things are ruined." Laura held up her Arithmancy text book that was soaking wet and was totally damaged beyond repair. "Sutton you could have warned me you were going to use water, I would have moved everything else out of the way."

Okay, so Sierra hated Arithmancy. There was just no other way around it other than point blank saying the truth--she hated this subject. Professor Hadley, though, she'd decided she actually liked. True, the woman chose to spend her days hanging out with a bunch lowly Puffers, but there were good points, as well.

This professor had never annoyed Sierra.

Her mother had made her stay enrolled in this class, too, so Sierra endured it year after year, and here she was for yet another round of classes. Le sigh. She raised her hand in the year. "In my own words," she said, hoping nobody else had explained it this way just yet, "it's mapping out our future using numbers and their meanings. We can tell what's in store for us and what we can do to make the most out of what's ahead."

Milton didn't like numbers. So this was probably a strange place for him to want to be during the day, but he needed another class and he would rather take Arithmancy than Divination, so there he was. Plus, the whole seeing-the-future-with-numbers thing was kind of intriguing.

Plus, Hadley was nice and she had candy so he couldn't really complain. Milton popped the peppermint candy into his mouth while people answered the question. They basically said the exact same thing... but just switched around words.

So, 'his own words' would just be the same as everyone else's. So he just kept his mouth shut and nommed on his candy.

Sutton looked back at Laura. How had she gotten so wet? Sutton had just splashed a little water on the fire, and suddenly Laura was acting like she was soaking wet. Hmm... "Sorry... I didn't think about telling you to move. I didn't want you or your other stuff to get burned..." she said, sincerely sorry the girl and her book had gotten splashed with the water. Looking back to Professor Hadley, Sutton said, "I'm sorry I'm causing such an interruption, Professor Hadley. I was just trying to keep it from getting worse... Do you want me to dry Laura and her stuff off?" Sutton was embarrassed that she was interrupting class, but catching the room on fire hadn't seemed like a good option. She supposed she should have just left it and let someone else deal with it...

Sutton looked down at her desk as a sickly hot feeling creeped up her neck and into her face.

Professor Hadley seemed like a pretty cheery person, and Eliza liked that. After experiencing everything from grumpy, to snarky, to a bit loony, to somewhat neglectful, she was in the mood for a happy teacher.Let's hope it lasts... she thought to herself. There had been plenty incidences for teachers to get cross in her past lessons, so she was hoping this one would go smoothly.

She hadn't really known a lot about Arithmancy aside from that it dealt with numbers and descriptions of people, so she just listened and took notes from what the other students were saying.

She was mid-script when she saw a spark of flame and a student jump to her feet. What just happened?! Quickly, a girl near the fire, put it out and left the fire caster a bit, well, soaked. Eliza thought the girl, Sutton she heard, had done the right thing - despite getting the other one all wet. Better soaking wet than in the hospital wing with burn creams as your best friend, she thought. She could tell Sutton was getting embarrassed, but Eliza really didn't think she should be at all. She'd shown quick thinking in a time of need in her opinion. She hoped the girl would come to that conclusion eventually too. Anyway, a student who uses what looked to be broken wand was kind of asking for it anyway. She smirked a little as she watched the sopping wet student. No real harm done.

"Isn't Arthimancy sort of like Divination-only it uses numbers and mathimatical equations to figure out future stories and dreams and interpretations, right?" He answered quite unsurely, his hand slowly sinking down to the desk the further he got into his answer. Not that it was a brilliant or on spot answer, it was just a sort of 'can you confirm me that' type of answer.

Arthimancy was an evil subject that was created to confise Hannah! It never failed every year she would be lost and she hated having that feeling. She should be good at everything and it killed her when she wasn't. She really hoped that Elliot would get a firm grip on the subject so she could copy get help from her.

"It's supposed to be about finding meaning in words and letters." She made it clear that it was supposed to be like that because Hannah has yet to find any meaning in them!

Well, If Elliot knew WHAT Arithmancy was, she wouldn't BE here, professor whatever your name was...ugh. Hufflepuff professors...were just like their student counterparts..Merlin.

She spotted Hannah and gave her a bit an of eye roll. She was going to take good notes..because this subject seemed like it might be...difficult. Numbers were not friends of Elliot's. Words were. Hmph.

She had done a quick scan of her textbook last night, though...just so she wasn't completely lost...she raised her hand. "Isn't it...a type of fortune telling, or even divination, using numbers?" VERY simplified..but that's what she had gathered...and all.

And then...MERLIN! Elliot jumped up as Laura yelled...FIRE?! Elliot's eyes widened in fear...SHE WAS TOO PRETTY TO DIE SO SOON!!! And she sort of scooted her chair back, in case a quick flight would be necessary..."Merlin, Hyde! Watch what you're doing with that thing!" she snapped, unable to resist...if your wand was broke you shouldn't be allowed to COME HERE! ERGH.

Nigel had no idea what Arithmancy was . That is why he was in class, to learn what it was. Well he knew it was about math and stuff. So he raised his hand and said

"It has to do with numbers and math right?"

It was the best he could come up with. Everybody else basically said what it was. So Nigel was just going to be vague.

Josephina nodded. Telling of your future by using numbers; the most basic and rudimentary of principles. "Not find love, necessarily," Fina argued. Because if that were the case then it would be ten times easier to find love than it was. "But find out if you're compatible based on your names and birthdays, yes."

Fina smiled in amusement at the next comment over what Arithmancy was. A baby class. Stealing a look at her roster, she found something more ironic about the person who suggested that. The last time she had seen Genevieve (or Sophia) was when they were babies.

"Unique way of putting it, but yes," Fina nodded.

Fina nodded. "Very true, yes."

Order to chaos. Interesting point and why - though she was sure Calista would disagree - Arithmancy was an awesome form of Divination. "And amazing how orderly the subject can be." It made sense.

Divination by numbers. Basic. But then Ira went on to elaborate her definition about analyzing personality and behaviors, to which Fina simply nodded.

Magical properties of numbers. Yes. Also true.

And another who mentioned the organization of numbers. Fina nodded at the Lioness as she listened to the other answers.

Like Divination that used numbers instead of tea leaves; more reliable in her mind too, even.

Using numbers AND letters; because yes, it wasn't just numbers that mattered. "Good point, yes, letters matter too."

Numbers and their magical properties. Yes, again, to both Oakey and Vickers.

Structure; went along with the orderly comments that others had mentioned. Josephina nodded again.

And smiled at the mention of numbers having meanings beyond the simple calculation, addition stuff. And yes, some numbers were more magical than others; like some dark wizards liked to think that seven was more magical and powerful. And yet it was a Hufflepuff who discovered those properties. Whoever said Puffers were duffers, were seriously misled ...

Speaking of Puffers....... Logan was totally being smart right now! A branch of magic; how clever of him to say so and being the first one to mention and call it as such! "Numerical energies, yes, I like that."

Predict and reveal things about ourselves; all too true, as well.

As was finding meaning and symbolism in numbers, which was ultimately the point and principles behind Arithmancy.



Listening as some of the students started repeating, she was about to move on when all of a sudden she heard a shriek and her attention redirected over toward Laura, as she caught sight of flickering flames in HER classroom. Which were gone a moment later, thanks to Sutton. "Thank you Miss Pietek; five points for use of quick intellect in a moment of distress."

But what was Laura shrieking about now? "Please, Miss Hyde. Calm down and relax. Sutton was just helping so the fire didn't spread. Two points from you for overreacting instead of being appreciative. If you act like that, Sutton won't let you share her textbook while yours dries out. Now settle down and I would advise you put that wand away, as well." For now. She wasn't even sure they were going to get to wand usage in this lesson anyway.

Despite the momentary distraction, Josephina turned her attention over toward Sierra and blinked a moment in surprise at seeing her in her lesson still. Considering the girl was a sixth year, she was actually surprised she hadn't given up on the subject, but at the same time was pleased to see her sticking it out. Even if it was for the sake of someone else though she didn't know that.

"Yes, mapping our futures out using numbers. That's a good way to put it," Fina nodded and smiled at the Slytherin Prefect, as she made her way over to the board and wrote two words.

Number Characteristics

"So as many of you mentioned, Arithmancy is a form of divining. A way to reveal information about ourselves, our past, present, and future." She explained, her eyes meeting those of each of the students as she talked. "But no one talked about practical uses for the subject. We know how we can apply charms to everyday life. And even transfiguration. But what about Arithmancy? Sure we can calculate our character numbers or life path numbers, which tell a great deal of information, but how is that practical?"

She knew some students would probably agree there and relate that to muggle math. But it didn't stop her from pressing on. "So what I'm trying to say is that Arithmancy can and is practical. What are some practical uses for Arithmancy, given what you know about the subject? How can we use the orderly, systematic meanings presented in numbers in everyday life?"

He beamed. She SHOULD like that! She's the one that taught me about it! Nevertheless, he felt a certain sense of pride that he had given a correct answer. Who knows, it might just help me earn my first points for Hufflepuff! The thought made his grin grow even wider.

But it fell rapidly as he heard someone yell about a fire. "Where?!" he said quickly, snapping his head around to the source of the commotion. By the time he had found the bright, glowing flames, another student was whipping out their wand to fix the problem. Man. Lessons at Hogwarts are dangerous!



In his notes, Pao scribbled the header "Number Characteristics" to mirror his aunt. What do you use this stuff for in real life? Practically speaking? Why did it seem that people always felt that everything had to be directly applicable to daily life or it was useless? What's wrong with knowledge and learning.. just BECAUSE? He shook his head slightly to end his mental mini rant and began to determine Arithmancy's practical uses. With each point, he jotted down a quick phrase on his parchment.

Right. Time to share with the class. Hand up, he said, "Well, I think that the insights you learn about yourself can be very practically applied. Like... Say you find your Soul Urge or Personality Number. That gives you an objective look at who you are-- both your strengths and your weaknesses." He cleared his throat before continuing. "So rather than paying a lot of money for a counselor or having a friend say hurtful things, you can find out what areas of your life you need to improve in." So practical personality analysis, basically.

The first year still wasn't quite sure that she was grasping the concept entirely, but she raised her hand to answer the professor's question. At first the thought of picking certain types of people for certain jobs made sense to her, but she quickly saw how frightening and controlling of an idea that was. We are not ants or bees, Eliza! she scolded herself. Once she was called upon, she gave a somewhat better answer, "Professor, if we know more about ourselves based on our number, um, readings...we could be mindful of traits we have that maybe we want to work on." She wondered if this was at all what Hadley had meant. "For example, if someone had it spelled out for them they had a mean streak, they could make a conscious effort to soften it."

There were probably far better answers and she was a little sheepish about the thought that had come to her mind. She scrunched her face and almost winced as she waited to hear what the professor had to say. I really need to pay attention in this class, sheesh. She hoped she'd get the hang of the subject sooner than later.

Ella cringed when Laura's set of notes caught fire, her green eyes growing wide. EEP. That definitely wasn't good. She was thankful that another student had stepped up to help, not wanting Laura to get burnt or anything. That would have been bad.

How is Arithmancy practical? Hmm. Ella wasn't exactly sure how to answer this. Her specialties included making ice cream sundaes and giving out gummy worms, not numbers. She took a moment to consider the question though, wanting to give it a shot. "Well Professor, the Life Path number has to do with your talents and the path you're meant to take to find success..." Which Hadley already knew, yeah? "And this can be useful in everyday life because once you discover the number, you can maybe focus your attention in those areas that you know will help you succeed on that path." Yeah, yeah that didn't sound so bad, right? "Like if your path suggested that you would be good in the field of like...health or something...you could maybe spend more time studying that area." Yeah, so maybe not the best answer in the world but Ella hoped it made some kind of sense.

To be fair, Vivi thought that divination was pretty much bunk. She liked Arithmancy for the ways that it made sense and ordered things that generally didn't seem to have much order. She could see how it shed light on what already was, but it was the predictive quality she found fault with.

But still... Vivi raised her hand. "Having a basic understanding of Arithmancy will allow you access to understanding a person better - their motives, strengths, and weaknesses - needing only their name or birthdate or something."

Writing down some more notes, Kurumi's nose twitched when she smelled smoke...and then there was fire? Okay, the first thought was why Laura even needed to use magic in the classroom to begin with...but she simply bit her lip when she saw another Hufflepuff cast Aguamenti on the flames and Professor Hadley continued the lesson.

How was Arithmancy practical? Um...first of all it was number based, so that already made it practical in its own right. There were no dream dictionaries with wishy washy things like 'seeing a cup in your dream means that death is coming for you.' Because, you know, everything seemed to be some omen of impending doom or whatever. Numbers were solid, unchanging, PRACTICAL.

After waiting a moment, Kurumi raised her hand. "What has always made Arithmancy seem so practical to me is that it is numbers. Human error aside, no matter how you add or subtract them you are going to find an answer - a concrete answer," Kurumi began. "You can use it to not only find out more about one's strengths and weaknesses, but also the best date for certain events or times when you yourself should attempt to accomplish things. Like when we calculated our Personal Year, Month, and Day numbers." Kurumi could have kept going because she did have a lot to say about Arithmancy - seeing as it was one of her favorites - but she lowered her hand for the time being.

Well, Cassia hated how she was sitting there like a wallflower linking at what people were saying and raising eyebrows when hearing pieces of info for the first time.It was a good idea after all taking this lesson. But sitting there while doing nothing and saying nothing is so stupid. Professor Hadley may not even know that Cassia was here!

So she ordered herself to think hard in an attempt to say something. She must know anything about numbers and everyday life, Right? Everybody does!

The second-year finally raised her hand and spoke, "We use numbers all the day ." Eh...That's a start. "And considering Arithmancy is all about numbers so we might even be practicing it without realizing that." Hopefully she wasn't saying anything that didn't make sense."For example if we want to calculate time to see how much time is left for something....it's somehow about both numbers and the future.." She said. Well, she couldn't think of any other example.

Sutton was shocked when Professor Hadley had given her points. Literally shocked. She had been sure that she was about to lose points for disrupting class, but Professor Hadley must have thought tat Laura and her book getting a little wet were better than the whole desk catching on fire.

Smiling in an embarrassed way, Sutton raised her hand to actually answer this question now that she knew a little more about what Arithmancy WAS. "Professor Hadley, this is my first year of Arithmancy, obviously, but from what people were saying... Could these numbers maybe, like, help you understand your personality? And so in everyday life, that could help you a lot! Like... it might help you understand how you naturally relate to people, and so that could help improve your communication between you and that other person?" she sort asked/answered.

.........

Please help this poor soul!!

Cardigan was lost, and didn't have an idea in the world on what to say about this question. She should've payed more attention last year!!! Clueless, clueless, clueless...

Everyone else was saying stuff like personality and all that jazz, and the time. Humph. Why wasn't she more interested in this subject... She would just have to improvise of what everyone else said... Sigh.

.....WAIT.

"We have...birthdays, for instance. They use all different numbers! It's also kind of a future thing, because of zodiacs. You have to know your birth month and your birth day to get your sign. Then there are these things called horoscopes that use zodiac signs to tell you a little about yourself, a little bit of a prediction, maybe." Cardugan said, after raising her hand.

Not bad, Cardigan, not bad.

Jory raised his hand again. "When we calculate any Number, it tells us about our selves,'' he began. "If there are negative impacts on us, like a bad trait we haven't realised as yet but others have, we can try to get rid of it.''

Well, that's what he would have done, anyway.

Befelda is still new to Arithmancy. But she has a little bit of knowledge about the numbers and the future which she has read in her early years at home. She quickly raised her hand.

"Professor, what I know is that Arithmancy can be used thru knowing our numbers. By knowing them, we can use it in our daily lives. We can know what our future holds. Just like lucky numbers. Everybody has their lucky numbers everyday. Once we get to know them, we could use them for our daily lifestyle, and this will lead us to what our future will bring."Befelda was quite uncertain on how she constructed her reasoning but does know exactly what she wants to point out.

Cora was fascinated by the idea of Arithmancy. She knew about it, but couldn't decide. It was numbers, which she LOVED, and understanding people, which she did not. She could not decide how she felt on the subject, but as always was excited to learn more.

"Numbers are everywhere," Cora started quietly, twirling a curl of her brown hair like always. "There is so much that is practical about using them to discover futures and things. If you know when the best time for an event is, you can plan appropriately." Cora was not sure yet whether she truly believed that numbers were the key to figuring out futures and compatibilities. But she WANTED to believe, so she continued to listen to everyone's responses.

... Okay, Milton was lost already. He knew what the very basics of arithmancy was because he just so happened to read the class description, but he was already getting confused. And... awestruck. Numbers could tell you about certain people's personalities?

Kurumi's and Vivi's answers made him STARE. "Now hold on a minute," he said to both of them and looked at Hadley to confirm his suspicion. "You're telling me that with numbers, I can figure out the best time to spy on other quidditch teams AND figure out their tactics?" Because that was what Milton's brain filter said.

There was a match in a few days, he obviously had quidditch on the brain. And... nothing IN the brain.