nexus_crossings | (no subject)

(no subject)

As the temperature keeps dropping in the Nexus, a certain elderly Vulcan just keeps adding more cloaks to his attire. Some people may find humor in his excessive bundling but he and the cold are not overly fond of each other. Luckily there are ways to keep warm even in the increasing chill. The Plaza has no shortage of those little outdoor heating lamps set up alongside many of the couches that somehow manage to remain free of snow and frost despite the dip in temperature.

He could swear it was a might bit warmer here in the Plaza than it is anywhere else in the Nexus.

Spock only hesitates a moment before unsnapping the collar of his hooded coat so that he can speak and be heard properly. His bulky mittens don't seem to get too much in the way of that at least.

"What is an adequate gift to give someone you've not seen in a very long time?"

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Crookshanks is just waiting for Spock to sit down. Then he jumps up, and gets in the Vulcan's lap. Here, more warmth for you, good Vulcan. Purr purr.

"There are a few people in the Nexus who are artists, perhaps if you are unable to make something appropriate, you could speak to one of them?"

"When I recently stayed with Hunter, an artist friend of mine, I learned how much artists appreciate a commission that have sentiment."

Hermione smiles, sitting close by Spock to continue the conversation. "I am very grateful for the Nexus. It provided many good friends, who helped me out of a difficult situation."

"And of course, the new learning opportunities are always welcome."

Ah, there is a thought that had not occurred to the elderly Vulcan. A sound justification for this trek out into the cold clutches of the Nexus proper and he's only just arrived. Spock smiles to both Hermione and the handsome cat curled up on his lap.

Runs one mittened hand along the cat in a gesture of contentment with the current situation.

"This place is exemplary for such things, it is true. I have met many new faces here that would otherwise have never crossed paths with me." His smile warms every so slightly with the mention of learning new things.

"I trust you are educating yourself to your satisfaction?"

"I am! I just starting to learn about how to use a computer. They are quite incredible little things..." Hermione smiles.

She watches him for a moment. And notes the fact that he does not remove the mittens from his hand to pet Crookshanks.

Hermione reaches down to her side, pulls out her wand, and with a flourish casts a Hot-Air Charm on their vicinity, so Spock could be more comfortable.

"No matter which era of computer you are beginning to learn, I must admit they are quite useful. My job once entailed using one nearly constantly."

There are days he misses his position on the Enterprise as the chief science officer something terrible. He's done so much with his life though. There is pleasure to be found in the here and now as well. Like the cat sitting nicely in his lap.

The Vulcan's eyes watch Hermione retrieve and use her wand with intense scrutiny. His immediate thought is to look up, but the heating lamp above their seat is no warmer than it was before. Besides, this warmth is permeating from all sides. Impossible to achieve from one of these archaic devices.

"Fascinating. May I inquire what it is you just did?" He has to look down at his hands to properly remove the mittens but is warm enough with the charm in place to set them aside and give Crookshanks some proper pets.

"We never used computers at Hogwarts, so I am excited to learn how to utilize the device." Hermione smiles.

"I cast a Hot Air Charm." Hermione explained. "By using a magical incantation. In my world, a witch or a wizard uses a spell, potion or charm to manipulate the world around them."

"What is the fuel source for such a...'charm', as you would say? And how is such different from a 'spell'? It would be my assumption that a potion contains physical ingredients and must be administered internally in order to work."

But to call such things magic? Spock has never seen such a thing. Nor does whatever kinetic ability she's used just now trigger anything with his telepathy. How strange. How curious.

"The fuel source is the magical energy within myself. And I can channel that magic by using my wand..." Hermione holds up her wand again. "There are a few wizards who can do wandless magic. But the magic is always more powerful with a conduit."

"A charm focuses on altering what the object does as opposed to what the object is. In this case, the Hot-Air Charm altered the air around us, changing it from cold to hot."

"A charm is also different from a spell, since it can be done quickly. A spell requires three main factors to be properly accounted for in order to succeed: wand movement, incantation and intent. If one does not move their wand in the correct way, does not speak the incantation properly and/or cannot retain their desired outcome in their imagination during casting then the spell will fail or backfire." Hermione explains.

"And yes, a potion is physical ingredients, one must use specific recipes and use various magical ingredients to create the potion. Some potions are administered internally, but some can be used as salves... like a healing balm."

"You created a means for altering the kinetic energy in the air around us, yet did not alter any of the molecules in either us nor the cat. All with a heretofore unnamed energy source you manifest and channel through a conduit?"

It doesn't seem feasible, yet Spock can feel for himself how much less uncomfortable the air around him is. He wishes he had means to record the phenomena so he could show it to Jim later. Truly fascinating.

"So potions are medicines."

"I was a very studious student during my schooling." Hermione smiles.

"Young witches and warlocks attend a Wizarding School, where they are taught the many different facets of magic, so they can control their abilities and powers."

"In our fifth year of study, we all take the Ordinary Wizarding Level tests, or what we call OWLs. The score made by a student on a particular O.W.L. determines whether or not he or she will be allowed to continue taking that subject in subsequent school years."

"The OWLs also determines what type of career students will be able to obtain once their education is complete."

"Then in our seventh year, students have the option of taking their A Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test, or what we call NEWTs. They are subject-specific exams. I went back to Hogwarts for seven NEWT exams, after the Second Wizarding War was fought and finished."

"So I am a very practiced and accomplished witch. A younger witch might not have the same level of control that I do."

"Potions can be used as medicine, lethal poison, or give the drinker any effect from strength enhancement to immunity to flames," explained Hermione. "Potions have a distinct advantage over typical spells in that they could be used even by the non-Magical, provided that they have the potion itself at their disposal."

So much of Hermione's explanations are going right over Spock's head considering this system of schooling and testing doesn't match up at all to what formative educational years are like in his time (and even that is laughably outdated by now considering his age). It doesn't stop him from listening and trying to follow along though.

He can understand the basic concepts.

"You have skills in more areas of study than your peers."

"I like learning." Hermione smiled. "My peers teased me a little when I was younger, calling me a bookworm. But all those skills came in use during the Wizarding War."

"It is illogical to fault someone for an enthusiasm in education. Knowledge of all kinds has its uses and its place."

Spock is glad that Hermione did not let such childish frivolity stop her from pursuing all that she could in her studies.

"It is regrettable that someone as young as yourself had to be involved in a war."

"It was a difficult time for all of us. Harry and I had spent most of a year on the run. But I always carried my books with me." Hermione taps a small beadless bag at her side, that doesn't look big enough to hold any books.

"So who are you gift looking for? Maybe I can help?"

Perhaps books are smaller in Hermione's world? Or are stored on data pads. Her purse seems large enough for one of those, certainly. Actual paper books are a bit of a rare thing in Spock's time so he does not jump to conclusions about that.

"An old, old friend. He was the captain of the ship we were both stationed on for many years. We were separated due to a situation beyond our control, but I've recently discovered him living here in the Nexus."

"Oh. That is exciting that you have reunited with him."

"What are his interests?"

"Indeed." And Spock smiles just a little bit. It's not much of a change to his face, but it's practically ear to ear grinning for a Vulcan.

"Jim has many interests. Chess, exploration, reading, puzzles, adventure. Meeting new people. Model ships. Antiques. His is a curious insatiable mind."

"Jim?" Hermione tilts her head. She knows two Jims that are Captains of a certain Starfleet Ship. And the interests that Spock describes matches some of the things that both Jims are also interested in.

So she just has to equate what they might like, plus add the factor that this is an older version, and she could make an educated guess on what he would like.

Hermione reaches into her beaded bag, and pulls out a book (that is larger than the bag itself). The title is "The Tales of Beedle the Bard". "This is a Wizarding classic. And is full of puzzles, adventure, and learning new stories. I think he would enjoy it. A lot."

Well, now. There is a sight Spock had not intended to see. His previous assumptions about the books she carries are quite incorrect. He did not see her use her conduit device this time, nor did she appear to be rummaging around in the small bag. A transporter?

Surely not, if she's only just learning how to use a computer.

The book itself is also curious. It's not written by anyone Spock has heard of, and the binding has an air of quality to it that would be very rare and valuable indeed in his time.

"You...do not mind giving me this? I'm afraid I haven't anything to offer in exchange."

"Not at all. That is not the original copy. I keep the First Edition in a safe place..." Hermione taps her beaded bag. "It was bequeathed to me by Albus Dumbledore, former headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"During the War, I spent sometime translating the original copy, since it was written in runic. And that copy is written in Modern English, with an introduction, notes, and illustrations."

"It should make for a great gift for your friend."

"I will handle this with care, as will Jim I'm certain. Thank you."

Such a generous woman. Spock makes a note to try and find a way to repay such kindness to her and to Crookshanks. Knowing how much Jim loves books and adventure, Spock is certain it will be a good gift for his t'hy'la.

"I will let you know how he liked it once he's read it."

"Here..." Hermione writes out her PINpoint contact information. And holds it out to Spock.

"If your Jim would like to meet me, I would be happy to make his acquaintance. As I am sure Crookshanks would enjoy finding another lap to lay in."

Crookshanks twitches his ears at his name. He looks up and chirps. Are they leaving? He is comfortable...

"Thank you Hermione. Crookshanks." Spock gives the witch a grateful nod but makes no move to get up.

"I think I will stay here for a while longer and enjoy the warmth you've created here. It would be a shame to waste it."

Crookshanks gets off Spock's lap, stretches, and then gives him a fond rub goodbye.

"Certainly. It will last about three hours." Because Hermione knows how it feels when a Hot Air Charm warns without notice.

"Have an excellent day." And she heads off, towards the Grand Library.

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