(no subject)

[alt_harry]

I've learned a rather useful charm that makes filling out my forms much easier. It's a good thing that these charms fall under Section 1 of the Exceptions, so that I can use it outside of class.

All things considered, I've learned how to do quite a lot of things this term that I never thought I'd find useful before.

Comments

Private Message to Raz

[alt_harry]

we should talk.

soon.

It's important.

Re: Private Message to Raz

[alt_rabastan]

Just say when.

Re: Private Message to Raz

[alt_harry]

tonight?

Private Message to Linus

[alt_harry]

How are things going in Ravenclaw?

I've talked to Corner. He seems to think Capper will be okay for OWLs. Which is good.

Is anyone else in need of tutoring? How are Brocklehurst MacDougall and Li doing?

And that project you were working on. I got to see it. Well done.

Re: Private Message to Linus

[alt_linus]

Ravenclaw is not quite itself again yet, but we have at least achieved enough calm and composure to be going forward with -- but I am not the only one whose glance keeps straying to the Common Room chair that was Fawcett's usual perch.

Ah, well. We shall manage.

Brocklehurst and Li are doing quite well, actually. If one doesn't count the most recent sessions of revising with each of them (and it would hardly be fair to count them, given recent events), I should say that both of them are quite competent for taking their OWLs right now. (Brocklehurst will tell you differently, but some people always underestimate themselves. If it makes them study harder, I see no reason to disabuse them of that notion, personally. Truly, though, she should be fine.)

MacDougal is another matter, but we shall keep working. As she's not a halfblood, her potential consequences are not quite the same, though of course one hates to see any Ravenclaw do poorly. (Not that I think she's going to do poorly, mind; not if I have anything to say about it. No one in my House shall be left behind. Professor Siz has recalled me to my obligations to share what I have been given, and I am pleased for the chance to do so.)

As to the project, your kind words are much appreciated. One hopes that clearly laying the issue out by the numbers will do much to inspire rational decision-making by the relevant parties before matters get even worse. As the saying goes, "Here's the progression. You do the Arithmancy."

Re: Private Message to Linus

[alt_harry]

Thanks, Linus.

We'll make sure everyone does Hogwarts proud, yeah?

Private Message to Seamus Finnegan

[alt_harry]

Hello.

I wanted to know how you and Thomas are coming along with revision.

I figured you'd get tutors on your own, because of your foster-Fathers and all, and you've got friends in Ravenclaw to revise with too, which is why I haven't

Anyways. I was thinking about how people like you and me and Thomas and Finch-Fletchley, we've got a different sort of pressure on us, I guess. And expectations.

There are some people who have a lot more riding on their OWLs than others. Because they could get into really big trouble if they didn't do well. And I get that.

So.

I just wanted to say that when I want everyone to do as well as they can on their OWLs, I mean everyone. And if there's something I can do to help, let me know, yeah?

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

That is such an awesome spell. And Towler had a brilliant idea. He's filling out change of schedule forms, then filling out change of changed schedule forms times a million and it's just back and forth between a couple different things.

Like instead of staying in the Gryffindor common room all evening, 'I'm going to revise in the library', but then a change to 'I'm going to go have a look at Professor Siz's projection stones', and then a change to 'actually, I think I'll have a brisk walk up and down the southwest stairs because I'm feeling a bit sluggish and need to get the blood flowing before I can revise', only 'no, actually, I really need that book in the library, so I'll just go there.' And he's turning them all in using this nift spell his brother taught him that they use to send memos around the Ministry.

Do you know that one? It makes bits of parchment fold themselves up and fly like birds or butterflies or snitches. They'll go wherever you say!

Maybe you saw his flock of parchment pigeons last night, swooping down from Gryffindor to the HSC room? They were awesome taking off and whooshing out every time someone came in or left. I don't think the pink lady thinks much of it, though. The portrait that keeps our entrance, you know?

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_harry]

I think I've seen it before. At the Ministry, I mean.

That's brill. Maybe you could show me how it works.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

I can show you after Creatures, yeah?

Only, I think Towler got it wrong. We should cut out the HSC and all of us should send tonnes of parchment swooping straight into Umbritch's office. Maybe it'll suffocate her in there.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_harry]

We could always say we sent them there by mistake

I think if we flood the HSC, though, it'll keep them busy, and that's okay too.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

Oh, that's a good point.

We'll just have to generate enough parchment for both!


Only, did you know what parchment is, actually? Bundy said it's made out of animal hide. Sheep and goats, mostly. I never thought about it. D'you reckon they kill them just to make parchment or do they just make parchment out of them after they've been butchered for people to eat? I mean, what Bundy was saying is that it'd be really terrible if they were having to slaughter loads more animals because we're all of a sudden using a million-million times more of it for all these idiotic forms.

I mean, obviously Umbritch doesn't care about animals. Look what she did to all those kittens. And it's not like I've thought a lot about where my parchment was coming from ever. I mean, I didn't even know. But, well. It's sort of horrible, the way Bundy put it.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_harry]

I think it's only hide for the fancy stuff. I mean, I think some of it is paper.

I'm not sure though.

We'll be using a lot less of it in a week anyways. Hopefully.

Private Message to Daphs

[alt_harry]

How's Milli doing with her tutor?

She seemed a little out of sorts after hols. I mean, more than usual.

Re: Private Message to Daphs

[alt_daphne]

She says that having a tutor makes her feel daft and stupid.

So... not terribly well?

Re: Private Message to Daphs

[alt_harry]

Do you think it'd help if I told her that I got tutors for people who would get in trouble for not doing well, and it didn't matter how they were doing in their classes?

I mean, I got one for Corner and Capper, and they're both bright enough.

Re: Private Message to Daphs

[alt_harry]

I know she doesn't like to be reminded. That she's halfblooded.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_hermione]

I talked to the Headmistress. The real one. She said she'd tell the house-elves to take orders from me as if they were her orders.

I think I had better not go too far with that, though. I mean, I think it's just to make sure that you don't starve to death or anything.

Is there going to be a meeting for Sophie's Army to talk about it?

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_ron]

Excellent!

I think that must make you vice-Headmistress or something. We could make you a badge!

Could you ask them to make a bit more for supper? I know we don't want Umbridge noticing, but I bet they could get away with enough more to make a difference. Or do you think we just have to wait until we need them for the protest?