September 21st, 1895 - Ancient Studies Classroom

Benedict had a few classes with Millie, so saw her relatively frequently, but this was the only one where they sat together and would be study partners. He kind of liked it that way, not that he wouldn't want to spend all his time with her if he could, but it just meant he didnt have to feel like he was stealing her last years at school for his own.

This project sounded fun, and right up their collective streets as it asked of them to study history, funny that, but also to explore some of the stories and mystery around a figure that had been dead a long time, which to the bookworms was like candy. There were many figures that predated the statues of secrecy, even predating the times when muggles and wizards were seperated. So their task was to look into them and them present on a figure of Muggle history who, in their view, was a witch or wizard hiding in plain sight. Or not hiding, as their chosen figure seemed quite brazen in his exploits. In the first class they had chosen Xerses I of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. They had then had a few days to go away, do some research before reconvening here to prepare their findings for presentation to the class. Benedict had a couple of books on the table that he had partially read, and then some notes to discuss. He assumed Millie would do the same.

They didnt get straight into the academic side of their conversation of course, greeting each other warmly and sharing a few pleasantries, trying not to be noticed that they sat a just little too close together or were perhaps just a little too comfortable in each other's company. Dad had said to him, entirely unprovoked which was a concern, that once the edges between you and another person start to blur, you know you have found the right one. Did he know?

More time for that later as Millie nudged the conversation towards alleged Persian wizards so they could prepare. "So, I read these books, mostly anyway, and I definitely we got it right with this guy, there's just so much mysticism about him, and just look at him! I'd stick a galleon on it that he's got some giant blood in him." the drawing of a carving Ben pushed across first clearly showed the man standing on a platform carried by more slaves than could be counted, but even without the platform he towered over any of the other figures in the image. "I really like this drawing." he added.

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Millie Potts

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   Millie Potts

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She sat right next to him in Ancient Studies, or at least as close as the decorum at Hogwarts would allow them. The decision had proven difficult for Millie, who set her schedule for NEWTs with only a few thoughts as to a future. Their other shared class, Defense Against the Dark Arts, was one that she decided was critical to her career, whatever that might be. Whether she was busting open old temples, curating a museum, or juggling infants with only two hands and knees, the young witch figured knowing how to protect herself would only do good things.

Knowing the particulars of ancient cultures and their approach to magic, however, might only tickle her own curiosity at this point. Benedict being so close by in class tickled something else inside the young witch, something she should not have been thinking about right now. Their assignment took precedence, which meant she needed to be thinking about their chosen subject for the project. Not the way her hand rested on the fabric of his outfit, and not bridging the respectful distance she was keeping her head just where it should be.

Leaning close enough so Millie could read the material Ben had gathered about Xerxes.

"I believe early depictions of monarchs as being literally larger-than-life were rather common, Mr. Hunter," she said, with distance and address that would seem proper enough. With her tone, she said nothing of the kind. The notion of someone with half-giant blood becoming a notable ancient king should have come up in their textbooks at some point, but perhaps these scholars were being as kind as the carvers depicting his likeness. "Would that we might be the first to uncover an ancient king's most closely-guarded secret. Two NEWT students, who might have thought it?"

Pulling out her own notes, the young witch pointed to several she had made of the Persian king's demise. And at the hands of his own court, those magi advisors and guards he trusted most deeply. There was plenty of room between her lines for speculation, what with twenty-odd centuries between his time and theirs. No modern scholar could possibly know everything about an ancient monarch, leaving them free to apply their knowledge as it fit best. "Could that have been the reason for his assassination, then? Someone in his court found out?"

She had no carving or painting to depict the scene, though it might exist somewhere. Millie spread out her notes in an organization fashion so Ben could follow her line of thinking. Her notes gave him plenty more space to look at than she did, however. To the rest of the class they were partners, naturally that meant they would have to lean over to inspect the other's work at some time or another. Millie could really only breathe properly when Ben wasn't so near but she enjoyed his presence too much to pull away.

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   Benedict Hunter

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