Arithmancy

[flying_ford_anglia]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C5372
From: flying_ford_anglia
Subject: Re: Arithmancy
Reply To: [Yahoo! #5370] Re: Wizarding school
Date: 7/30/00 2:11 pm  (ET)

<<Arithmancy. That's the name. So what kind of class is that if it
isn't math?>>

Sounds a *bit* like Numerology. 'Arith' is to do with numbers and '-mancy'
with prediction of the future. My guess is it's the use of mathematics
to predict future outcomes or probabilities. It could include things
like synchonicity (the study of coincidences) and the science behind
time travel and anything magical involving hard numbers.

In contrast (but in the same area), Divination is concerned with psychic
and clairvoyant abilities - instincts rather than facts. I can see why
Hermione would go for Arithmancy - it's a very nerdy-sounding topic.

Neil