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Private Message to Padma Patil
Sep. 8th, 2011 10:01 pmPadma, I'm very sorry to have let so many days go by without answering your note. It was lovely to hear from you and to remember how exciting the first days back at school always were. It all sounds rather wonderful.
Thanks for asking after my grandmother. I'm so very grateful to your brother and the other Healers who took care of her. They saved her life. But it seems there was much more to it than just the physical injury she suffered. It was really all so horrible that my Abuela Luisa is still in shock over it. She's slipping, I guess you'd say. We're all very worried for her.
Oh, to be honest, I think I'm still in shock, too, rather. Do you know, I've never been so glad I have work to pour myself into, and in the first days after the Cup I was pulled in to help on the investigation. On the office end of it, processing reports and coordinating information among the units.
But now I'm back to my intensive, which is with our very top specialist in Arcane Magics, but, Padma, I never thought I'd say this about a challenging subject, but it's just so lifeless. I can't find any part of it to enjoy. And I don't know whether it's because it seems so useless in contrast to everything that's just happened, or whether it's because Mustinal is dull--and, oh, dear, he really is--or whether it's because I've discovered that I'm really more suited to the active parts of investigation and there haven't been any matters that required him to actually be involved, so he's just working on writing his current book.
It's just really difficult to feel engaged, and it's so easy to think about things that I want to set aside and never think of again.
I keep hearing the roar of it, and it's as though I can still feel the way the floor and then everything else rumbled--even the air--and then I see that girder falling and the stone showering down in all those crumbled bits all around us. And on us.
I'm sorry. I know you remember it, too. Only, we just haven't any of us talked about it. Not at home and not at work, except the professional aspects of sorting through evidence.
And I know that's best. Really, it's the only way to get on with all the things that need doing. I only wish I were assigned somewhere I could actually be useful.
Well. That was more than you wanted to know, and I didn't mean to worry you or disappoint you when you think everything I've been doing has been exciting. It was. Really, it was up until this latest assignment, and it will get better again, so don't put much weight on what I've said here.
I hope you continue to have a wonderful fourth year. I rather envy you, having the tournament there and all the visitors. So do enjoy it. And write to tell me about it when you have a chance.
Thanks for asking after my grandmother. I'm so very grateful to your brother and the other Healers who took care of her. They saved her life. But it seems there was much more to it than just the physical injury she suffered. It was really all so horrible that my Abuela Luisa is still in shock over it. She's slipping, I guess you'd say. We're all very worried for her.
Oh, to be honest, I think I'm still in shock, too, rather. Do you know, I've never been so glad I have work to pour myself into, and in the first days after the Cup I was pulled in to help on the investigation. On the office end of it, processing reports and coordinating information among the units.
But now I'm back to my intensive, which is with our very top specialist in Arcane Magics, but, Padma, I never thought I'd say this about a challenging subject, but it's just so lifeless. I can't find any part of it to enjoy. And I don't know whether it's because it seems so useless in contrast to everything that's just happened, or whether it's because Mustinal is dull--and, oh, dear, he really is--or whether it's because I've discovered that I'm really more suited to the active parts of investigation and there haven't been any matters that required him to actually be involved, so he's just working on writing his current book.
It's just really difficult to feel engaged, and it's so easy to think about things that I want to set aside and never think of again.
I keep hearing the roar of it, and it's as though I can still feel the way the floor and then everything else rumbled--even the air--and then I see that girder falling and the stone showering down in all those crumbled bits all around us. And on us.
I'm sorry. I know you remember it, too. Only, we just haven't any of us talked about it. Not at home and not at work, except the professional aspects of sorting through evidence.
And I know that's best. Really, it's the only way to get on with all the things that need doing. I only wish I were assigned somewhere I could actually be useful.
Well. That was more than you wanted to know, and I didn't mean to worry you or disappoint you when you think everything I've been doing has been exciting. It was. Really, it was up until this latest assignment, and it will get better again, so don't put much weight on what I've said here.
I hope you continue to have a wonderful fourth year. I rather envy you, having the tournament there and all the visitors. So do enjoy it. And write to tell me about it when you have a chance.
Serena Laverty, if you're reading this, I have a proposal for you.
When Johns and I saw Professor Carrow today about our part of the Transfiguration project, he told us he's really pleased with the group's NEWT-level work, and--this is really brilliant-- he said that for the first time ever, he's got a large enough number of high achievers to push what we've been working on beyond the regular curriculum. He said we might even be able to take on a bit of really advanced research when we come back after Christmas. The thing is, he'd need at least six of us to commit to continue working on it for the remainder of the year, but he says it will be the sort of project guaranteed to impress when we're applying for work or trying to get into top training programmes. Professor Carrow is going to send something around to everyone preparing for NEWTs, inviting us to apply for a place. (The ones who don't take part or aren't accepted will just continue on with the standard NEWTs material.) Johns and I talked over lunch, and we decided that it does seem a seriously good opportunity, but it comes down to who'd be in the group, doesn't it? If you've got some time tonight or tomorrow afternoon, we want to tell you more about it. I think we all know we're top of our year, so if we'd all do it and could get the right three or four others in with us, it would be fantastic. Come find us in Ravenclaw Corner and tell us what you think.
I've had another bit of really good news that I want to mention here because some of you might wish to arrange something similar for your Easter hols. I had a letter today from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, offering me an internship with the Aurors for this coming holiday. My supervisor will be Bellatrix Lestrange, and I'm really chuffed about this, because she's the very best there is. It's amazing, really, to think that I'll get to spend three weeks working in her department, learning what a top Auror does from day to day. I couldn't be more excited.
***
Finally, and on another subject entirely:
Honestly, people. It's not only bad form and against school rules to duel in the corridors, it shatters concentration for all of us who take our studies seriously. We were not sent to school to practise turning one another's ears into chrysanthemums, nor would our parents wish to learn that rather than revising for exams, some of us are studying to ambush people with stumbling hexes as they leave the library. The Head Boy and I have practised restraint in dealing with these disturbances, but things have only grown more and more chaotic. Moran was quite right, therefore, to use the Cruciatus curse in the situation that confronted him yesterday, and you may expect that from here on, neither of us will hesitate to use the full range of disciplinary measures entrusted to us as head students. We will not allow the unruly elements amongst us to drag this school into utter chaos. I hope I have made myself entirely clear.
When Johns and I saw Professor Carrow today about our part of the Transfiguration project, he told us he's really pleased with the group's NEWT-level work, and--this is really brilliant-- he said that for the first time ever, he's got a large enough number of high achievers to push what we've been working on beyond the regular curriculum. He said we might even be able to take on a bit of really advanced research when we come back after Christmas. The thing is, he'd need at least six of us to commit to continue working on it for the remainder of the year, but he says it will be the sort of project guaranteed to impress when we're applying for work or trying to get into top training programmes. Professor Carrow is going to send something around to everyone preparing for NEWTs, inviting us to apply for a place. (The ones who don't take part or aren't accepted will just continue on with the standard NEWTs material.) Johns and I talked over lunch, and we decided that it does seem a seriously good opportunity, but it comes down to who'd be in the group, doesn't it? If you've got some time tonight or tomorrow afternoon, we want to tell you more about it. I think we all know we're top of our year, so if we'd all do it and could get the right three or four others in with us, it would be fantastic. Come find us in Ravenclaw Corner and tell us what you think.
I've had another bit of really good news that I want to mention here because some of you might wish to arrange something similar for your Easter hols. I had a letter today from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, offering me an internship with the Aurors for this coming holiday. My supervisor will be Bellatrix Lestrange, and I'm really chuffed about this, because she's the very best there is. It's amazing, really, to think that I'll get to spend three weeks working in her department, learning what a top Auror does from day to day. I couldn't be more excited.
***
Finally, and on another subject entirely:
Honestly, people. It's not only bad form and against school rules to duel in the corridors, it shatters concentration for all of us who take our studies seriously. We were not sent to school to practise turning one another's ears into chrysanthemums, nor would our parents wish to learn that rather than revising for exams, some of us are studying to ambush people with stumbling hexes as they leave the library. The Head Boy and I have practised restraint in dealing with these disturbances, but things have only grown more and more chaotic. Moran was quite right, therefore, to use the Cruciatus curse in the situation that confronted him yesterday, and you may expect that from here on, neither of us will hesitate to use the full range of disciplinary measures entrusted to us as head students. We will not allow the unruly elements amongst us to drag this school into utter chaos. I hope I have made myself entirely clear.
Beginnings
Sep. 2nd, 2009 07:32 amAs it is our Protector's wish that we practice the discipline of journaling, I shall begin today.
Welcome back to Hogwarts, fellow students. As you know, the Head Boy and I convened the traditional Prefects' meeting on the train yesterday, and we have all committed ourselves to maintaining the highest standards here at the school. This will be a proud year for Hogwarts, a year in which we, the young witches and wizards of the Realm, show our commitment to attaining the highest educational goals. I know we are all eager to show the Lord Protector that, though young, we are ready to take our places as leading citizens in this, the most progressive and powerful Realm of all.
To that end, I would remind each and every one of you of the school's rules, all of which were very clearly reviewed by the Headmistress last evening at the Feast for those who were in attendance. There are not over-many rules, nor are they in any way difficult to grasp, and surely each of us understands that they have been instituted not only to safeguard against danger but also to foster an environment in which each of us may live and study and enjoy the many benefits of these our school years to the fullest. All well-governed societies and institutions adopt communal rules in order to keep their individual members from encroaching upon the freedoms and security of the commonwealth. This school is and ought to be a model institution in this regard, displaying for all witches and wizards everywhere an example to be envied and emulated.
To this end, the Head Boy and I have asked that the Prefects of each House obtain the signatures of each of their House-members on a document, signifying our individual and collective assent to the following simple declaration of commitment to Hogwarts and its principles:
- We, the undersigned of _______ House, do proudly declare ourselves loyal citizens of the Protector's Realm, acknowledging our duty as pupils of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to uphold the honour of that ancient institution through our dedicated maintenance of its traditions, our earnest pursuit of excellence in our studies, and our obedient adherence to the Hogwarts Code of Discipline and to the laws of our most gracious Protector's Realm.
A personal note for my sister, Honoria: my dear, you mustn't worry about the shocking surprise of last evening. Orion and I will watch over you no less closely for your being placed in another House. Immediately following the Feast, I wrote Papa and Mama to explain what has happened, and this morning's post brought their reply. As you must know, they were not entirely pleased and nor, I must tell you, were they entirely surprised that you should have wrought this--I shall not say 'scandal'--this disparagement on our family, but we all agree, dear, that this situation opens certain opportunities provided that you handle yourself correctly.
You must come see me at the Ravenclaw table at the start of lunch and read for yourself what Papa has to say to you in his letter.
