*Morpheus pov*
Feeling the effects of the ritual I woke up refreshed and ready to begin my lessons for the day.
I strode down the halls taking my time to enjoy the ambiance of the castle. I could almost feel the castle becoming more and more alive ever since I visited the heart.
Instead of going to breakfast, I let Hogwarts guide me. The moving staircase was an idea suggested by Godric, his reasoning was if the castle was ever to be raided the intruders would lose themselves in the castle making picking them off easier.
The function has never needed to be used though and I don't think in the future it will be used either.
Walking down the steps that moved in the air I stepped off right when I reached another Hall. Walking down the hall I stopped in my tracks.
"Hogwarts, is this a joke?" I said softly
I stood in front of the entryway toward the garden, more specifically Helga's old garden.
Memories seemed to flash before my eyes, and I saw her trying to treat the darkness in my soul.
Her crying over the fact she couldn't help.
Then I saw her as a Valkyrie and my blood boiled.
"Don't take me back here," I said calmly while putting my Occlumency shields at full force
Instead of taking the stairs, I apparated to my classroom.
I won't be taking strolls like this any time soon.
***
I carefully marked which students resonated with what after the end of my third-year class. It was rather boring to teach as it was the first day and I was basically Retelling what I did last year.
My goal is to keep the content similar so the older years can provide useful insight to their housemates. But, at the same time, I want to add variation as I would get bored easily if I didn't.
As I finished up my list the fourth-year students walked in. Xenophilius showed up with a wide smile on his face like he was about to get the biggest present ever.
Watching the classroom fill I began to take roll, I memorized almost everyone's face that took my class last year so I just had to call for the people who were rather quiet and didn't participate that much.
Finishing roll I placed some jars on my desk in clear view of all of my students. The jars were filled with some herb samples, this year I want to really dig into some of the things that make divination truly unique.
"Good afternoon class, I hope you all had a good summer and are ready for another year. This year we will be discussing various spells and techniques that involve supplements. I hope you all continue to practice what you learned last summer as I will be checking periodically," I greeted while handing out some papers
I shook my head at the hand raises, "I will not take questions until I explain what you will be learning,"
Seeing them lower their hands I continued, "On the papers I passed out you will notice detailed drawings of plants and herbs. You might not think it but most if not all masters of divination are also masters in botany. Different herbs and plants can be used for various magical things for example you can use Artemisia vulgaris in hundreds of ways in divination alone,"
Seeing them take notes on the sheet I passed out I nodded, "Artemisia vulgaris is also commonly known as Mugwort. I'm sure this is a plant you all know and have seen. I want you to learn the Latin names of the plants and herbs we will be using. Of course, in some cases, the names will be in a language other than Latin. Throughout the year I will teach you the key aspects of each herb and plant I carefully selected for you all to study, in learning this I assure you a whole new world of divination will appear before your eyes,"
"Does anyone have questions about what will be happening this year?" I asked while taking a sip of tea
"Yes, Mrs. Black what is your question?" I called out at random
Narcissa asked, "What about group casting, will we still learn about it?" her tone seemed hopeful
I smiled and nodded, "Of course, you will realize this year will add upon everything I taught you the year before,"
"Yes, Ms. Helshire?" I called out
"Can you tell us any books we can read to help us self-study?" she asked
I nodded, "Yes I will provide a list of books you can find in the Hogwarts library that will help you find more information if you are curious. Of course, I am always an available resource,"
Most of my Ravenclaw students seemed excited to hear that.
"Now let's talk about the two main things herbs can be used for in divination. Of course, there are many different methods as I said before but these two are relatively simple," I began once more
I waited just in case someone still needed to get parchment ready, "The first method will be burning the herbs or plants. With a small amount of heat, you can burn these herbs and which creates smoke. It might seem obvious what I'm getting at but the herbs are magical and when treated properly the smoke that is produced can have many effects. Some divination spells use the smoke to create images, some sometimes the smoke is used to cleanse your mind in preparation,"
I continued to the other use, "Now I will talk about the second use because I don't want to overwhelm you on the first day. Keep in mind we will spend a long time on each of these methods so no need to memorize all of this right now. The second method is grinding the herb or plant into a paste, the paste can be used to spread it across your body in different patterns which can have effects like cleansing your mind and more. The paste method is mainly used as a supplement to a greater divination spell, while the smoke can be used for both,"
"What's the point of learning about the past technique when the smoke does both?" a voice blurted out
"Five Points from Gryffindor, if you waited for me to explain you would have learned the smoke has a lower effect than the paste in many cases. Most divination masters including me will do both to achieve maximum effectiveness,"
I spent the rest of the class talking about how we would be going over the smoke technique first and then I recommended some books they could read before class ended.
***
After everyone left I noticed Xenophilius stayed behind. I smiled shaking my head what could this kid want?
"professor~ when will you start personally teaching me it's the fourth year already~," he said almost absentmindedly as he practically skipped over to my desk
I honestly thought he had forgotten about that.
"Hm, I'm rather busy right now with classes just starting after a week or so once things settle down I will inform you of the times. I expect to see a greater magical control out of you than I saw at the end of your third year," I replied
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A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324 merry Christmas