Arithmancy, as described in the Harry Potter books, was a magical discipline that studied the magical properties of numbers, including predicting the future with numbers and numerology. In actual practice, it was a set of intricate rules that were more like a magical take on mathematics.
Arithmantic formulas were the basis upon which a spell was created. Each wand movement and incantation for a spell was a set of precise calculus calculated by Arithmancers. A deeper study of Arithmancy helped in understanding the nature of spells, which is why jobs like curse-breaking, spell research, and spell-making required a deep knowledge of the subject.
Professor Septima Vector, our Arithmancy professor, was a stern and strict witch who did not tolerate any nonsense. Our first class on the subject was a lecture on a basic introduction and the uses of Arithmancy in different fields.
Completing the class, I packed my things and made my way towards the Transfiguration classroom for my next class. I quickly entered the classroom and occupied an empty seat at the end of the classroom. Soon after all the students entered the class and settled in their respective places.
Professor McGonagall started her lecture on Animagi, but I wasn't paying too much attention, as I had already researched a lot about Animagi so that I wouldn't be blindsided by them. Taking out my Transfiguration book, I continued reading the fourth-year syllabus while taking notes in my diary.
I was pulled out of my reading by Professor McGonagall's loud question, "What happened to all of you today? Not that it matters, but that's the first time my transformation's not got applause from a class."
Hermione told the professor that they had just come from the Divination class.
"Say no more, Miss Granger. Who is dying this year?" the cat Animagus asked as they all turned towards me.
"Guessing by the look on your faces, I was the one whose death was predicted," I said in a resigned tone.
"I see," the professor said, looking right at me. She continued, "Then you should know that Sybill Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet. Seeing death omens is her favorite way of greeting a new class. So, I wouldn't put too much trust in her words if I were you."
"Now let's continue with the class."
After finishing the Transfiguration class, I was greeted by a notification from the system.
--Transfiguration(Novice) raised to Transfiguration(Apprentice)--
A small smile tugged at my lips—progress was always satisfying.
Finishing my lunch, I head towards COMC class along with Ron and Hermione. As we reached Hagrid's Hut, we saw him waiting there for the class.
"C'mon now get a move on" he said as the class approached "Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up. Everybody here? C'mon, follow me!"
We followed him to the edge of the forest towards a paddock. "Everyone gather round the fence and open yer books -"
"How?" Malfoy interrupted with contempt written all over his face, "How do we open the books?" Malfoy repeated taking out his book which was bound with a rope.
"Hasn' - hasn' anyone been able ter open their books?" Hagrid asked.
"Just stroke the spine and it will calm down" I decided to interrupt so as to not embarrass Hagrid any further.
"Of course, Potter! stroke the spine how could I not have guessed?" Malfoy replied with a scowl etched on his face.
"Oh, I don't expect you to be able to do anything on your own, seeing as you can't even wipe your own butt without your father's help—Daddy's little princess," I replied with a chuckle, causing all those near us to burst into laughter.
Before Malfoy could reply Hagrid came back with a Hippogriff in tow. "This here is a Hippogriff, marvelous creatures aren' they. Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' hippogriffs is, they're proud. Easily offended, hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do. Yeh always wait fer the hippogriff ter make the firs' move. It's polite, see? Yeh walk towards him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed to touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt. Now who would like ter volunteer for a display on how ter tame them?"
Seeing as no one was going, I decided to step up and head towards the Hippogriff. "Good lad, Harry" I hear Hagrid say as I calmly walk towards the Hippogriff and bow while making eye contact. After some time, the Hippogriff bowed back.
"Come now Harry, you can pet Buckbeak if yeh want ter." Hagrid instructs from the side. As I pet Buckbeak." He seems ter like yeh Harry, he would let yeh ride him." Hagrid said as he picked me up and saddled me on the Hippogriff.
Flying on a hippogriff was a very novel experience and I dare say one of the best I have had so far in this world. After my turn, the rest of the class took their turn and tried to tame a hippogriff with very few succeeding.
"This is very easy," Malfoy drawled, loud enough for just me to hear him. 'I knew it must have been if Potter could do it ... I bet you're not dangerous at all, are you?' he said to Buckbeak. 'Are you, you ugly great brute?'
Knowing what was coming I quickly took out my wand and shouted "Carpe Retractum" as an orange rope made of light came out of my wand and wrapped itself on Malfoy, as I pulled the idiot towards me before Buckbeak could harm him.
Hagrid quickly made his way towards the enraged Hippogriff to calm him down.
Once Buckbeak calmed down, Hagrid deducted 20 points from Slytherin and gave Malfoy a detention with Filch for not following instructions. He also awarded Gryffindor 30 points for saving a student's life.
After the class ended, I quickly rushed to the Ancient Runes class.
Ancient Runes was another subject that was downplayed in the books as just a form of writing witches and wizards used hundreds of years ago. In truth, Runes were the written crystallization of magic, which, when combined in certain sequences, could imbue an object with permanent characteristics or even create effects beyond typical spellcasting.
Its main uses were found in Enchanting, Curse-breaking, Warding, and Rituals. I couldn't help but imagine the possibilities—inscribing a rune of protection on my wand or even enchanting my robes to resist curses.