| scotchtartan @ 2002-08-05 22:12:00 |
A lovely evening- Mostly
The Lantern Festival this past Saturday was mostly enjoyed by all. Miss Chang took First Place, and deservedly so. Her lantern was quite beautiful, and something of an engineering marvel. Though all of the students did work hard, with a few obvious exceptions. Poor Mister Finch-Fletchley lost his to fire, as did Mister Weasley, though his was hardly missed. The lantern show over the lake and the fireworks afterward were, of course, spectacular.
I received a note in a mooncake that was obviously not intended for me (really, the whole mooncake business was quite illogical, baking a love-note into a cake you aren't at all sure will reach your intended recipient) which read, 'YOU WILL PAY, LONGBOTTOM!' I think I'll just tuck it away should it ever be needed for handwriting analysis. I do rather recognise the penmanship, though it appears as if the author took pains to mask it. I shall have to ponder on it a while longer.
The uncharacteristic lack of vitriol from Sinistra was unsettling- she sat right next to me during the judging, and didn't so much as whisper the first unkind word. Perhaps the poor dear was tired from all of the organising she did for the festival. The jolly mood was shattered, though, when Professor Black and Lucius Malfoy broke out into a scuffle, over Ja. Ah yes, must remember this is a public entry. Nevertheless, they came to blows, and I had to drag Professor Snape away from his drunken rosebush-blasting to break them up. He toddled off to do so, as I took his place in hunting snoggers. Pity, I bagged only a pair of third-year Ravenclaws, hardly worth mentioning. Most of the older students were on good behaviour for the entire evening.
I don't envy Professor Snape the headache he must've been sporting Sunday morning. I do hope my predawn hunting didn't disturb him- there was a Niffler rooting about his door that led me on the most merry chase! I did leave the corpse on his doormat though- the nasty things give me the most awful indigestion. I only hope he was coherent enough to recognise the beast, and to remember Niffler skin boiled in red-wine vinegar makes a lovely hangover remedy.
I really must speak to Professor Sprout about her Hufflepuffs- that MacMillian has got them all het up into paranoia (I *do* wonder if he's been speaking with Sinistra), and that must be nipped in the bud. We all know, I'm sure, the story of the Boy Who Cried Werewolf too many times (and no offence intended, Professor Lupin). It wouldn't do to become lax in our vigilance due to the imaginings of one teenaged boy.
Speaking of Professor Lupin, I do hope his transformation was not too taxing this month. I shall have to send him a tin of chai and a cranberry biscotti.
Comments:
 wheresmytoad @ 2002-08-08 11:50 am UTC |
...Do you suppose I should be worried about that note, Professor.
| scotchtartan @ 2002-08-11 07:23 am UTC |
Mister Longbottom, have you by any chance been speaking with Mister MacMillian?
Worry not- my superior olfactory talents have unmasked the author of this dubious 'fortune' to me. Rest assured that if you are placed in the slightest peril, Steps Will Be Taken.
Be of good cheer.
~M.McGonagall
| lupercus @ 2002-08-11 01:22 am UTC |
The chai and biscotti were most appreciated, Professor. As Pomfrey may well attest to, since the parcel arrived opened and your owl looked decidedly manhandled. Next time you might want to send things through with Harry; at least he can defend himself.
I trust that you're well, and a certain mongrel hasn't been chasing you around the castle at night. If he has, do inform me; I've a rolled-up Daily Prophet ready at hand. Though, after hearing of his conduct during the Lantern Festival I'm tempted to hand him over to the dogcatcher anyway.
I've sent your owl back with some chocolates, and a rather cute little toy mouse I found in Hogsmeade that I thought you might enjoy. No offence taken, of course.
| scotchtartan @ 2002-08-11 07:39 am UTC |
Professor Lupin-
I have already begun the noisome task of fetching out the party or parties who molested my owl on her delivery rounds. She's been quite hysterical this week and appears to be molting. Do you suppose an holiday week in the Owlery might put her back on her game?
As for Professor Black, it was decided long ago who was the better in challenges of the bestial form. He will not soon forget my front claws- nor will his pert nose. I suspect he has limited his tiresome chasing to the Forbidden Forest, as he has not, in his enthusiasm, threatened my feline alter-ego in some time.
I thank you for the sweet and the diversion. I shall add it to my collection. Mrs. Norris will be particularly pleased; she does so love chasing mice about- alas, her ancient knees no longer allow her the speed required to catch them. I send thanks on her behalf as well. Your gifts have earnt you the position of Most High Favourite in my regard from now until 17:47pm this coming Wednesday.
Might I add that it pleases me to see the effort expended to regain your true bearings? I must admit I often merely skimmed your prior journalling efforts. It really was too painful to read musings laced with such despair. Should you feel the need for company, you know where to find my office.
Cheers.
~M.McGonagall
p.s. To avoid a parasite infestation such as this in the future, you might want to Owl Doctor Elttilod on Hogsmeade. He's developed an injection with an effective vaccination duration of six months. I should think your lycanthropy would not interfere with the effects of the prophylaxis.
| lupercus @ 2002-08-11 10:37 am UTC |
My dear Minerva,
I would indeed suggest that a week in the Owlery would be good for your owl. You may have lend of one of mine if you wish, to spare you the trouble of using a school owl (they can be somewhat unreliable as I once had the misfortune to learn, when a rather . . . enthusiastic message intended for Sirius wound up in the wrong hands - Severus still can't look me in the eye). I'm sure you'll find that Ajax is quite an agreeable and affectionate little barn owl - especially if you ply him with shortbread.
Ah, you know, I always wondered where those faint little scars on Sirius's nose had come from. I commend you on your aim. I would ask, though, that in three weeks' time you refrain from using the corridor outside my rooms for your nightly rounds; I hate to inconvenience you, but during a transformation I occasionally catch your scent, and the last time my favourite chair was the unfortunate victim of the resulting conniption fit. It's nothing personal, Minerva, I'd just rather not sacrifice any more pieces of furniture to my unfortunate wolfish instincts. I believe there is another hall at the south end that would serve you just as well on the occasions of the full moon.
Poor old Mrs Norris. I fear I may have passed on my bothersome infestation onto her. Filch will have my head. I did not realise she was getting on in years, so my next visit to Hogsmeade I will pick up a few more amusing little whatnots for her. I saw the most interesting item at Pavlov's Precious Pets Emporium: a toy bird enchanted to flop around as if it had a broken wing. A cat's delight, I understand. She would like that, I expect?
I don't blame you for avoiding my previous journal entries. Don't know what was wrong with me. Perhaps Severus was being a little too generous with the St John's Wort in my Wolfsbane potions. Shall have to speak with him about that. I believe I will also pop by your office at some point during the week, if that is alright?
And thank you for the heads-up on the vaccination! I shall be owling the good doctor immediately; Poppy and her flea powder are making short work of my sanity.
Now, I'm off to class. I will see you soon.
~RJL