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Arcturus Black (arcturusfirst) wrote in compass_network,
@ 2022-02-05 13:53:00

Entry tags:

tom sully jr, ~arcturus black

I would like to ask if anyone has any of the following items that they would allow me to borrow or use, or if they know where I might find them. It is all for my education or my nephew's.

1. A copy of 'Elementary Potioneering' by E.M. Katril.
2. A magical telescope. Other types of telescope will not be suitable.
3. A very large roll of parchment, of the sort you could draw maps and charts on.
4. Plant pots of assorted sizes.
5. A copy of 'The Complete Book of Household Charms'.
6. Blank copybooks.

Thank you.

[Private to Darcy]

Dear Mr Darcy,

I do hope this is not a bothersome request, but I was advised recently that you are very competent in Latin. I am trying to improve mine, because I will have to sit an examination at home, but it is proving difficult without anyone to note the errors. Would you mind looking over a translation for me? It is from Valen's fourth book - the one with the Carthaginian wizards and the elephants.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Post a new comment)

	tom_jr 2022-02-05 03:57 pm UTC (link)
	I make all my own telescopes and I'm a mage. I can try and have a go at making one to your specifications if you want? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	arcturusfirst 2022-02-05 04:22 pm UTC (link)
	That's awfully kind of you. What sort of magnification spells do you use? I shall need it to be quite powerful. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	tom_jr 2022-02-05 05:15 pm UTC (link)
	They're my own, I work them into the lenses as I form them. And that's no problem, I have a couple of deep-space telescopes along the spine of the station. I can show you them next time I'm checking on them. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	arcturusfirst 2022-02-05 06:04 pm UTC (link)
	It's rather impressive that you invented the spells yourself! I'm looking for something small, really. It's for a little boy to use, for making star charts and examining the surfaces of faraway planets and such, so it needs to be easy to carry, and have a simple incantation for adjusting the field. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Darcy / Black mrdarcy_ 2022-02-05 09:50 pm UTC (link)
	Black, It is not bothersome in the slightest. It is refreshing to see a young gentleman still dedicated to furthering his education when far removed from the demands of the classroom. I cannot say that I am familiar with the text, but I am certainly happy to look it over. Yours, Mr Darcy (Reply to this) (Thread)

Darcy / Black

arcturusfirst
2022-02-06 12:50 pm UTC (link)

Mr Darcy,

It is all quite necessary. We shall be home before too long, and there will be trouble if I have falled behind. Further, I have my young nephew Sirius here, and as he hasn't the benefit of a proper tutor, but only me, I must try to set the right example.

It is one of the more interesting texts, I can say that much. I shall send it over, and I am very grateful for your help.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Darcy / Black

mrdarcy_
2022-02-07 04:05 pm UTC (link)

Black,

As someone who has been here, and then gone home, and then came back, perhaps I can offer a little reassurance. When I returned home, I was returned to the exact moment in time I had left. However, I do quite agree about Sirius, it is important to set a good example of scholarship no matter where he resides.

If it pleases you, I would be happy to act as a Latin tutor. I am not a particularly busy man these days. I have but the dog and social engagements to attend to.

Excellent, you are certainly welcome.

Regards,
Mr Darcy

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Darcy / Black

arcturusfirst
2022-02-07 04:44 pm UTC (link)

Mr Darcy,

I heard such a report from someone else, too, and it is a great comfort. I would not like to think of my parents worrying over my absence ~~although they would have presumed me dead by now.~~ It does present the problem that if I should spend a year here, then what seems like yesterday's learning to my classmates will have been a year ago for me, but that is a trouble more easily overcome. Far better that than the malady of losing one's memory, which I fervently hope does not happen when I return home.

I must ask, for clarity's sake, do you mean to say that you would like to act as my tutor, or as his? Either way it is a very liberal gesture and one I would be grateful for. Our household here is very quiet, with just the two of us.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Darcy / Black

mrdarcy_
2022-02-07 11:11 pm UTC (link)

Black,

Yes, quite. It is certainly reassuring to know that those left behind are not beside themselves with worry. You are right, it is better to be ahead of your classmates than behind, even if it will be a little tedious in the meantime. I retained my memory, although of course had to work hard to conceal it so that they did not think me utterly mad.

I had meant his, but can as easily act as both, if it is useful to you.

Kind regards,
Mr Darcy

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Darcy / Black

arcturusfirst
2022-02-07 11:32 pm UTC (link)

Mr Darcy,

I had not thought of it that way, but you are right, there will be much I have to conceal, and not only because I don't want to be prematurely promoted ahead of my friends. Before I came here, I spoke with a relative of mine from a later time, and she informed me of a certain family tragedy that has not yet come to pass. If I remember the warning, when I go home, I should be able to prevent it, but naturally it must be done with subtlety.

Let us see what you think of my translation, and whether my independent study seems to be sufficient. As for Sirius, would you care to come to visit us, so that he can meet you properly? He is just seven, and a sensitive boy. I think it would be very good for him to learn from you. May I ask that you avoid pointing out to him that you haven't any magic? It will prevent all manner of complications.

Yours sincerely,
A.C. Black

(Reply to this) (Parent)