Ceremonial curiosity

[heirtothearcane]

In the past few years the Nexus has become more of a home for Viatorus than his own world, despite its strange and changeable nature. So then perhaps it is not so odd that he finds himself feeling more comfortable here than there, able to talk to strangers with nary a stutter. Mostly. Though whatever nerves remain they're still a far cry from how he was when he first came here. Now he can sit and think, his head clear and undisturbed by the passers by.

He sits and watches the crowd flow through the streets, shuffling the ring on his ring finger in slow circles. For once he's without a book in hand, not even with a tea nearby. In fact, he looks quite composed for someone so easy to fluster. Perhaps it's the distraction of speculation, for he certainly sounds like he's been mulling over this a while.

"Do you think that ceremonies hold power? Do they influence anything or do you think they're purely symbolic? Are they an expression of hope, or a way of channelling power?"

Comments

[mudblood_andproud]

"Do let me know when you want to go. Minerva is very open to visiting dignitaries these days. We are both wanting the best for the school, especially after the war."

"Hmmmm…."

"Oh. How about birthday ceremonies? I do not observe them anymore. But I know for some people, they are important."

[heirtothearcane]

"I, ah, would need to bring my sister. Or you would need to discuss security precautions with her. She's my patron, my guard, and every visit I make to another world has to be run by her." Especially with all these mentions of war.

Birthday ceremonies. Alright. "Do you think they're done just out of tradition?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"I would be happy to speak to her. And arrange a suitable arrangement."

"Yes. I do." Hermione tilts her head. "I don't observe birthdays anymore myself, because when I was younger... I had use of a Time Turner, to allow me to attend a full course of studies in one year. And I aged by a year in that time, even though my friends didn't. So I was older then them, without their knowledge."

[heirtothearcane]

"A time turner?" He doesn't recognise the term, but he can speculate to its use. "You had access to time magic? As a child? That allowed you to age by a year? And your teachers allowed it?"

Excuse Viatorus, but he's pretty horrified by the notion. How could people with so many children in their care give out such dangerous magic so recklessly?

[mudblood_andproud]

"I was 14 at the time. And had to qualify for special permission from the Ministry of Magic." It is not like they were handing them out to everyone.

"Only my Head of House knew I had permission to use one."

Of course this is a world where young wizards and witches had to learn some other dangerous magic during their classes.

[heirtothearcane]

Viatorus squints at her. "Does that make it better? They still gave time magic to a child-a teenager. With only one person in the school aware and overseeing you. That's dangerous."

"In my world time magic is universe altering at the best of times. Even seers who only peer into timelines can be driven mad if something goes wrong." And that's the best case scenario... "It even sounds like it left you with a trauma because of it. How can you be casual about its use?"

[mudblood_andproud]

"I think perhaps it was the least traumatic thing of my time at Hogwarts. I found it a high honor to be entrusted with something of that nature." Hermione noted softly.

"I was a Muggleborn witch who first channeled her powers at age three. And there were so many times when my capability was questioned by others around me."

"And we slowly realize, that we were children fighting a war. We had to learn dangerous spells to survive."

"It does sound like things are different in your world. I would like to learn more, if you are willing to share. Perhaps there are things we can learn from, to ensure future generations don't find themselves in a similar situation."

[heirtothearcane]

"Honour doesn't make it any less dangerous, or more suitable for a child," he points out in return. This topic is one of those rare occasions where he's firm and certain. Magic is not to be treated casually, even by mages.

"Well, for one we don't give children universe altering items." His cheeks redden a shade as he realises how sharp he sounds. A poor mimicry of his sister. Staring at his hands as they gesture, he continues, "Everyone has to sit down and study hard like everyone else. In fact young mages in my world rarely use powerful artefacts at all, and even then only under strict supervision. We have to focus on basic learning and build up core foundational studies for years."

[mudblood_andproud]

Hermione is thoughtful for a moment. His tone of voice definitely tells her that he would not like hearing about the other artifacts that the 'Golden Trio' had to handle.

It was different for them. Since they basically became generals in the Second Wizarding War. And yes, things should have been different. They should have never had to deal with any of the War. And her childhood was a lot different because of it.

"Sounds lovely. I enjoy basic learning and building the strengths of my abilities, and the studies I had taken. Even though school is over, I still find opportunities to learn new things."

[heirtothearcane]

Viatorus allows himself a long, slow exhale to put all thoughts of dangerous time magic being in the hands of children out of his head. Once he's calmer, he nods.

"With something like magic, you're never really finished learning. I don't know how any mage could stop trying to learn and improve. It's… not really in my nature. Or in the nature of any mage I know."

[mudblood_andproud]

"That is the beautiful thing about the Nexus. Learning about different magic. And visiting the Grand Library to enhance my own education."