June 23rd, 1890 — Whizzhard Books, High Street, Hogsmeade
*This thread takes place in the morning before he heads off to the Beautiful Beast Boutique*

Archer wasn't one to enjoy shopping, but book shops were an exception. The smell alone could calm his frayed nerves. Of course, he would have to keep himself from lingering too long, or he'd forget entirely to visit the shop he had specifically floo'd to Hogsmeade for.

Then again, stopping at the bookstore had also been part of his plans. His mother wasn't accompanying him, and he had a very specific journal he wished to pick up that he knew she would not approve of.

Zachariah Binns kept relatively new titles on a rather large shelf at the front of the store. It was very difficult to miss, even for a directionally challenged boy. Of all the new books, the spring edition of New Research for Wizardkind seemed to have the most copies. Some might think it was because the journal was so unpopular. Really, it was because Zach was quite proud of one of the contributors, and he'd purchased extra copies. Not that anyone knew as much.

Archer had to stand on tiptoes to tug down a copy. Once it was in his hands, his expression suddenly shifted to one of guilt. He was quite sure he wouldn't run into his mother or sister today, but it was best to be safe rather than sorry. The young Ravenclaw wandered further into the shop and up to the second floor where he found a nice, tucked away seat that wasn't occupied by a cat.

Once he was comfortable, he opened the journal and thumbed through the pages until he located the research of Marlowe Forfang titled On the Habits of Werewolves. He had been itching to read what the professor had say ever since he saw a scathing letter from the editor about it. Having been only in second year, it wasn't as if he could just pop over to Hogsmeade and pick it up. No, he had to wait until summer break, and for him to have an excuse to go retrieve it without familial company.

He'd barely gotten a few paragraphs in when a shadow fell across the pages. Someone was hovering over him.

Open to anyone who might have a particular interest in the research he is reading. Positive or Negative.

The following 1 user Likes Archer Belby's post:1 user Likes Archer Belby's post
   Ophelia Devine

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MJ is the best!

The summer had been dull thus far. Part of Ricky really just wanted to get back to work. It always felt more interesting. Perhaps in addition to the zoo, she would take a page from the potions professor's book and create an internship that she could be more involved in. Something to give a good light on Ministry hopefuls. Until then, she had to find some way to pass the time.

Some reading was a good start, she supposed. Not her biggest source of entertainment, but she could find lots of information. Perhaps something that even she didn't know about creatures that she was teaching about. While she might not teach DADA, she did have some area of teachings on werewolves. So when she saw the latest article in the hands of a slightly familiar face, she couldn't help but look.

He had soon noticed and she gave a sheepish smile. "My apologies, Mr. … Belby, was it? This new article seems to be all the rage, both good and bad."

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Magic by MJ

Archer was somewhat surprised that he recognized the woman who stood before him. In fact, he was meant to begin attending her class come fall. Of the people who could have grown curious about the subject matter he'd delved into, she seemed like the most benign candidate. At least, he hoped so. Though, he did seem a bit worried that she already knew his name.

"I-It's alright, Professor O'Connell." No harm done, really. "Y...yes. It's very interesting. I'm impressed with h-how many research subjects he was able to...to interview." He stuttered out, shyly. Archer just hoped she would be more on the pro-werewolf front, or at least hovering somewhere in neutral territory. It would be an awkward next few years, if she wasn't.

"H...Have you read it?"

  

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Staff at Hogwarts did their own fair share of gossip at some time or another. Especially when it came to who was a positive or negative student to keep an eye on. Several members of the Hogwarts faculty mentioned to Ricky how she might very well see Mr. Belby in her class come this next year. A quiet one, though also one to keep an eye out for when it came to academics in her field. If he played his cards right, he might even take over her position when she felt ready for retirement. Though that would be some time from now.

Alas, who really knew what the future would bring. He might not make it in other fields of his study. Or his interests may simply change. He was young. They would all see what he did moving forward. Particularly with that shy demeanor. She may have to work extra hard to get him out of his shell.

"I have indeed. His amount of sources is quite remarkable. In all my studies, we have never crossed paths. For all I know, this might be a pen name. It makes sense, given the subject he has chosen to study." Goodness, she was beginning to go into lecture mode. Not in a stern way, but in a way that showed just how much a certain topic fascinated her. The lack of contact with such a well researched expert was nagging at her endlessly.

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"You...you think it could be?" It certainly made sense that the author could have taken up a pen name. Maybe they were actually a werewolf doing research on others of their kind. That would be a more than logical reason not to want to reveal their true name.

"I-it's nice to see more...more positive research a-about it," he admitted. Much more positive than the likes of Emerett Piccardy. He'd read some of his works, mostly because it seemed sensible to view the issue from both sides. Most of that man's writing was racist drivel, however. He not only targeted werewolves, but half-breeds, vampires, veelas, and goblins. It just wasn't right.

"Wh...which side do you support?" Archer suddenly asked. A bold question for the likes of him.

  

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Perhaps the true identity may never be known of this academic scholar. Or perhaps the identity is true enough, but the researcher is a recluse of some sort. An interesting mystery indeed. "It is quite possible."

"Indeed. Unfortunately, these are times in which many have closed minds on particular matters. And those that don't are forced into silence. This Forfang is quite brave in giving the stance offered on this subject." Many were to ridicule and try to dismantle such research, whether these close-minded people are right or wrong.

"Support? To be honest, my opinion on the matter is to always keep an open mind from all points, especially as an academic. To try and remain as neutral as possible. With that said..." She looked around briefly, not really wanting to be a professor judged by how her views were. "these are people that are being studied. It would be a crime in and of itself to dehumanize them." She continued more quietly.

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Archer nodded solemnly, absolutely understanding how close-minded people could be on the subject. He liked to keep an open-mind, to believe that werewolves, as well as quite a few other beings weren't as people said. They were still people who deserved respect.

Archer's face stretched into a grin, glad that Professor O'Connell thought as much. ""Y-Yes, it would. I...I think the author d-did a wonderful job making them still...still appear h-human."

He looked around and then back up at the woman. "I-I hear there may be speakers c-come August. I...I don't th..think that Forfang shall be one." Which was disappointing.

  

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MJ is the best!

To see a young mind eager to learn and grow, to be willing to be open-minded in a world full of the close-minded? Well, it made Ricky truly love the fact that she would be able to teach such a brilliant young mind. It would be an honor. She hoped to see him in her classroom come September.

"Perhaps if not this August, I may be able to attempt to locate our dear author for a speaking in my class? A further discussion on this matter would be a welcome addition to the curriculum." It wasn't all too likely, but perhaps they may get a letter from the writer for their troubles. Not as good, but it might be good enough.

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Archer raised his eyebrows, appearing hopeful. It would be a miracle if Professor O'Connell could locate the author and convince him to speak at the school. His research was impressive. Either way, it would be something to potentially look forward to.

"Y-you think so?" He squeaked out in excitement. "That...that would be wonderful."

  

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It certainly would be something to look forward to. But was it possible? Well, she could certainly try. "One can always try. Even so, I do hope to bring in more researchers than I had last year. Especially with the new club that I have started, in addition to my class." Would Mr. Belby be interested in such a thing? It wouldn't be out of the question. "Will I be seeing you in my class, Mr. Belby?"

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Researchers appearing in class sounded far more interesting than what occurred in most of his other classes. "There will be a creatures club?" Perhaps, he would have to check it out. "Y-Yes. You shall. I...I will be taking your class a-and Ghoul Studies."

  

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If there was one thing Ricky knew for sure, it was that she really did try to make things interesting. "Indeed, and I will look forward to seeing you in that and my class."

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