Astronomy Tower - Description & Rules Informational

Blessed by being close to the moon and twinkling stars, the Astronomy classroom is the highest point of Hogwarts School, located in its own tower completely dedicated to the class. The long, spiraling staircase requires stamina and dedication to climb, though some students have been known to fly up on their brooms! The main classroom itself is open and uncluttered, with dark drapes and glittering silver tapestries on the few and far between stone walls. The remaining areas are of a clear, glassy quality, and shaped like a dome, so that when one looks up, they would see the dark sky with its myriads of stars. Along with the glass dome itself, there are a few orreries hanging overhead, in the same, condensed patterns as the actual planets. By lying down on the stage in the open area up front, you would see every minute detail in the silver and indigo sky overhead. Just beyond the outward windows is a balcony, used when the class is going outside in the cool night air.

Other smaller towers house various telescopes and specialised devices used either for astronomical or astrological observations.

In the classroom itself, there are large piles of cushions and bean bag chairs in the lecture area for students to grab and arrange themselves in the appropriate area for the lesson. The cushions have various patterns, mostly alluding to astronomical or seasonal imagery, and some where inspired by the four houses. On the days when vigorous note taking is required, desks are neatly ordered in rows of three, four desks deep, each of which hosts two chairs for a pair of pupils. The chairs themselves are stools, designed to make the student sit up, and they are cushioned with red velvet put on by a former professor of Hogwarts. Each of the tables themselves are made of black walnut, and covered with black tablecloths laced with silvery patterns constellations, the Moon in its various phases, and other astronomical phenomena.

Bookshelves neatly line the remaining walls, and in areas appropriate for literature to be found; many of the volumes are Astronomy texts, books, or charts. Among the books many knick knacks have been stashed by previous professors. Figurines and all sorts of sculptures can be found: The Thinker, Winged Victory, a long but small display of the planets, some amorphous shapes. A couple of odd muggle toys, action figures they're called, can also be found on the shelves. Once they were, as some of the Muggleborns might know, called He-Man; painted in a kind of orange and brown, but now they are pock marked and worn from the last couple years of being used as target practice. Two seemed special, sitting all the way at the top out of the way of the student’s hands. Several models can also be found on the shelves, left behind by previous professors and students. One was the Sydney Opera House, and the other was Parliament in London. A little model of Hogwarts, charmed to light up from within can also be found here. Professor Baird had placed some bins along the bottom of the bookshelves closest to where the students sat and Professor Starwise made sure they were filled with curious and useful items. Muggleborns might recognize some of these items, but not their magical counterparts. One bin was labeled Fidget Toys, and this was filled with neat little enchanted objects that kids could hold and manipulate as needed. Tiny models of magical creatures that moved about or geometrical shapes that changed their shape. Another bin was labeled Blankets. It was a bit chilly up in the Tower, and students often liked to snuggle up a cosy blanket as they watched the stars and listened to their lessons. There were also bins labelled Coloring Books & Utensils , and Pieces of Encouragement.

This last was full of small pieces of folded up parchment with handwritten notes of encouragement with ideas for how to destress and persever, and often just cool things about life. Each one had a mention of Professor Starwise’s office hours should they need someone to talk to. Students would be allowed to grab any of these items before or during class, and they were expected to return them at the end (except for the notes).

Lessons are rarely boring in Astronomy! Almost every session sees students making use of charmed objects that show the nature of the things they are learning about. These could be models of stars that are not only hot to the touch, but actually look like seething balls of glowing plasma! Others might be star maps that one can touch with the wand to move around and focus in on; or models of planets, showing their surfaces and weather conditions. Questions asked are answered enthusiastically, and wrong answers redirected to help the student come to the conclusion on their own if possible.

The Professor's office is also a wonderful place to gather! Older students often use it as a place to study or discuss their lessons. Tungol, Starwise's house elf, always keeps pots of hot chocolate and tea ready as well as a variety of snacks for students who stop by. Even other professors have been known to take over the place from to time!

Rules of the Astronomy Classroom (IC):
(These rules are posted outside the door to the classroom.)

1) Do not use your wands in class unless the Professor or one of the Interns states otherwise.
2) You may not be anywhere other than the classroom or my office without the professor's direct permission.
3) Love one another. Show respect for classmates, teachers and elves alike. Help whoever you can, whenever you can.
4) Love our equipment. Show respect for all magical and mundane equipment. Some objects are charmed to fight back if misused!
5) Don't be a class clown. We shall balance work with fun!

Failure to adhere these rules result in a single warning; further breaches shall result detention.

OOC Rules:

1) You may gently godmod Professor McCoire and Tungol the House Elf when writing RPs in the classroom. In the classroom, you can say that he is doing typical teacher things like lecturing or demonstrating something from the lesson, or answering questions, or discussing the topic with the class. If you would like for Rigel or Tungol to appear in your threads, just send me an owl so can work something out!

2) If you’d like to have a private RP outside of the Office thread, please owl me first. I want to make sure I have the availability to respond to you in a timely manner. If the Office is open you’re always free to post there without owling first.

3) If your character attempts to break into the Astronomy classroom after hours or attempts to misbehave, be aware that your character's actions comes with risks. You might be in for a detention! You might also be in for convivial conversation with the Professor!

4) Finally, follow site rules, and enjoy yourselves!