Private Message to Linus

[alt_harry]

I've got a bit of a wager going on. I bet that you'd be able to tell whether the other candidates had a cursed pin or not based on your behavioural notes you've been taking. So here's a challenge for you -- does Teddy Nott have a cursed pin?

Comments

[alt_linus]

I can answer that through simple observation, without recourse to actual statistical analysis. One bears in mind, of course, that Professor Dolohov has many a time cautioned me that anecdote is not the singular of data. Nevertheless, one must at times be bold enough to splash out with a conclusion or an encouragement or an instance of leadership. This is something you yourself might take to heart, Malvolo. Certainly one would not expect the Lord Protector's son to be such an accomplished practitioner of avoiding the usual displays of position and power to which he is more than entitled. Other than having a mudblood, of course. But still, you're quite reserved. People might even mistake you for timid, though of course I would never do you that disservice. But you must admit you are a bit... retiring, perhaps I should say, and that you deftly shun being the centre of the lumos. No doubt you have deeply cloaked reasons of your own for doing so, which will be revealed in due time, of course. Forget I asked.

In any case, I think it quite obvious that Nott has a cursed pin. Given the unseemly belching noises emanating from his vicinity yesterday and today, odds are that he's under some sort of Gassification Charm. Either that, or he's very slowly turning into a frog. Either way, he seems to have gotten it under control at this point; I saw him in the corridor recently and there was nary a burp. None of his other charming mannerisms were in the least altered, I am sad to say, but at least the belching was gone. I was beginning to want to ask Malfoy and Parkinson to set it to music, as it was rhythmic enough for a plausible dance tune. Which might be the most useful thing one could do with him, come to think of it.

Does that answer your question? I'm honoured to be asked, of course. Feel free. Any time.

[alt_harry]

Looks like he switched it out for one without a hex, then.

Just wondering, do you think you have a hexed one?

Because if you do, you'd have a reason for saying the things you did just now, and I'd accept them as statements made under a hex, and wouldn't hold them against you.

If you don't, then you're not as smart as I thought you were, and I might have to take what you've said at face value. Which would not work in your favour.

If I ask you for other observations in the future, here's a word of advice: don't forget who you're speaking to. And don't forget your place.

[alt_linus]

It never

I hadn't considered

Oh dear.

It is quite good of you to mention

Considering

I believe Professor Dolohov would

Well. I think I will just not say anything at all for a bit. Yes. That seems prudent. And goodness knows

Pardon me. It behooves me to attend to something

[alt_harry]

Hope you get that pin problem solved, Moon.

We'll talk later.