Discussion: Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Divination

[Sara Metz]

No: HPFGUIDX 19212

Discussion Sketch: Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Divination

Ancient Runes
	Little is known about this class, which Hermione takes in both her Third
and 	Fourth years at Hogwarts. There is no set textbook, only volumes
about the 	various types of runes studied. Probable runes studied include
Celtic and 	Norse runes, and possibly Egyptian hieroglyphics, as we know
the Ancient 	Egyptians had powerful wizards.

Arithmancy
	More is known on this class than Ancient Runes, though we have never
seen a 	class in action. Hermione has taken this both her Third and
Fourth years; she 	tells Harry that this is her favorite class. It is
taught by Professor Vector, one of 	which indicates that words may factor
in this class along with numbers. The 	homework includes a variety of
complicated number charts, and probably 	corresponds to Muggle algebra
and calculus.

Divination
	Divination is one of the Hogwarts classes we have been able to observe
in the 	novel. Taught by Professor Trelawney, this class covers it all:
palm-reading, 	tea-leaves, crystal balls and more.  Logical Hermione quit
this class in the 	middle of her third year, while Harry and Ron continue
on, making fun all the 	while. Trelawney rarely leaves the tower where
her class takes place, saying it
	disturbs her "inner eye." Most Gryffindors find her class silly, though
Lavender 	Brown and Parvati Patil look up to the professor. Trelawney has
made two true 	predictions, one of which was at the end of Harry's Third
year. We don't know 	what the first was. The textbook is "Unfogging the
Future" by Cassandra 	Vablatsky, and you can find many more books about
divination in Flourish
	and Blotts

Discussion Questions
	1) What Ancient Runes do you think Hermione has studied in the class?

	2) What math form do you think Arithmancy is most like?
	
	3) Could Professor Trelawney's first true prediction have been about
	Voldemort?
	
	4) Does Dumbledore keep Trelawney around in hopes she will have
	predictions about Voldemort?

Sara
Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus
Proud of my **120%** Harry Potter Obsession Rating (Thank you,
fanfiction!)

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