exhale and away

[alt_hydra]

The sense of festivity that was in the castle a month ago seem far, far away now.

Sometimes I catch myself gazing out the window of the library. The snow blows off the turrets like puffs of breath, if you watch long enough. I would like to go outside and find tiny, tiny tracks to follow into the forest. I would like to find a pond for ice skating. It would be lovely to skate on a pond in the forest, with the sunlight trickling through the overhead branches.

Well, that's just a daydream, and it's all there's time for. There's ever so much to do.

The Arithmancy study group would go better if it didn't always end with a row over vibrational algorithms.

Marjoram, Corey... I'm sorry, but I really don't know which of you is right. Corey, your method is faster, but Marjoram's is more like what Professor Vector had in her lesson. Effluvia, it isn't really fair to automatically take Marjoram's side just because she's in your house. Corey's in my house and I don't automatically take his side. I think it's best to explore all sides of an issue before making one's mind up. So, tomorrow I'm going to Professor Vector's office to ask her myself.

I was already in her office yesterday. She worked up a study schedule for me, so that I can keep up with the lessons a little better. But I was already studying MORE than what she put on the schedule I'm sure that I'll do better than an A by the end-of-term exams.

Other than that, there's not really much happening, is there? Well, not for most of the third-years. Some of them will be going to an event on Saturday, as it turns out. I thought it was for CCF but I suppose not. Beauxbatons will be there, and some different Hogwarts students, including third-years who of course aren't in CCF yet. Nobody really knows why some people were chosen and others weren't. I wish someone would say But I should use that time to study, anyway.

Comments

[alt_eloise]

I'm sure that you could attend the Saturday party if you wanted to. Just talk to some people and they're sure to allow it!!

[alt_hydra]

What do you mean? Who would I talk to? I haven't heard of anyone else being able to do that.

From,
Hydra

[alt_eloise]

Well of course no one else has been able to do it.

Isn't your Uncle dating Professor Sinistra? She's in charge of everything. So you might talk to him, or to her. Or your Mum.

[alt_hydra]

If Professor Sinistra was going to include me because of my Uncle then she would have done already, I'm sure.

Both of your dorm-mates are going, aren't they? It must be a little disappointing. Well, I know how you feel.

From,
Hydra

[alt_eloise]

No you don't!!

Maybe so, but if you asked her then she'd probably HAVE to include you, wouldn't she??

[alt_hydra]

I don't want anyone to HAVE to include me.

From,
Hydra

[alt_eloise]

Oh, yes, all right!! I'm ever so sorry, really. I'll be going now and I'll leave you alone, yes?? Bye!!

Private Message to Eloise Midgen

[alt_susan]

Hey, even though maybe it didn't go so well, I think it was pretty brave of you to come and comment on Lestrange's journal.

Re: Private Message to Eloise Midgen

[alt_eloise]

I don't know what I was thinking, really.

Only that it burned me that she acts like she can't get whatever she wants at any time. She must think we're all daft!!

Re: Private Message to Eloise Midgen

[alt_susan]

But see, nothing bad's happened, so all in all I'd call it a win!

Private message to Hydra

[alt_sally_anne]

Thanks ever so much for lending me PURE HUNGER. I can hardly put it down. I stayed up much too late last night reading (under the covers so I wouldn't disturb my dorm mates).

Can I borrow Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights next? (I knew that's what Justin got you for Christmas because the owl arrived when I was checking on him in the hospital wing.)

Re: Private message to Hydra

[alt_hydra]

I had to do the same thing. And then I got behind in my studies, too. Just a little.

Oh, of course. I didn't realise you knew.

From,
Hydra

[alt_padma]

I think it's particularly hard when we get so buried in snow and you know there's about three months before it'll all really go away, and before another long holiday. It just seems like that's when people start to grumble at one another more, as well.

But Valentine's is coming up! Which is a good thing if you've got a valentine (and not-so-good if you haven't, of course).

Oh, by the way, if you want help with vibrational algorithms you could come by the Corner and we'll help you settle it.

[alt_hydra]

That's true about Valentine's. I've never really done much for it before, so I wasn't even thinking about it.

Oh? That's very kind of your to offer. I know most of you are way ahead of us by now.

From,
Hydra

Private message to Hydra

[alt_padma]

Well, you've certainly got a valentine now, from what we can see!

And that's all right. If I can't help, I'm sure Tamblyn or one of the Prefects can. And being so far ahead means it won't even take them that much time.

Re: Private message to Hydra

[alt_hydra]

Yes, I suppose I do at that.

I'll see about stopping by, then. Thank you again for the offer.

From,
Hydra

Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_michael]

Professor Sinistra said she had to limit how many people to invite, but she hopes to even things out later. That's the good thing about Professor Siz, isn't it? She likes to be fair to everyone and give people chances when they might not get them otherwise.

Still, that doesn't make it easier to not get invited to things when other people are. Or when you used to get invitations and don't anymore.

Re: Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

I suppose she is fair, yes.

No, it isn't easy. Maybe the not-invited people should have their own party.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_michael]

Well, you could have a party. It's not that easy for some of us. The elves will make food, I guess, but it's different, you know, when parents send up hampers or whatever.

Not that I'm saying you should. I saw what you said to El. She's a fright, isn't she? You know Summers has been trying to break up with her since before the Yule Ball and she just won't take no for an answer? Maybe you should teach him how to scare her off!

Re: Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

Teach him to scare her off? What do you mean? Couldn't he just say he isn't interested in her like that?

I've really never had a party before. It's usually Draco or Pansy or Daphne who organise that sort of thing.

But maybe I could do.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_michael]

If you think that then you don't know Summers. OR Midgen.

Re: Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

I really don't know them much, no. They don't seem like they want to be friends, in particular.

From,
Hydra

[alt_ernie]

It's not meant to be exclusive, exactly, but Professor Siz chose people she thinks would get on well with the Beauxbatons lot and with each other. Or something. But you shouldn't be offended or anything, Lestrange. I don't think she meant anyone's feelings to get hurt about it.

And she probs didn't realise you and F-F

[alt_hydra]

But if it excludes some people and not others then it's exclusive, isn't it? Not that it means to be, or means to hurt anyone's feelings, but it still is exclusive, by definition.

From,
Hydra

[alt_ernie]

Well, technically, I suppose. But I think the word I'd use to describe it is 'intimate' or maybe, I dunno, uh, 'selective.' Not 'exclusive' like the way people mean it when they mean something ultra-posh or really really secret, that sort of thing.

[alt_ernie]

Besides, it's just tea, innit, and it's not like you and Marvolo and Malfoy don't have loads of special teatimes and they're really truly exclusive, no one else even gets invited.

I'm not sure it'll be all that fun, anyways. Loads of French people. Still, got to try, I suppose.

[alt_hydra]

Special teatimes? This is the first I've heard of them.

If you meant that sometimes there are students who have parties and they only invite their friends or house-mates - yes, I know. But it's different when the Professors invite some students and not others and they really don't say why some people were chosen and some weren't. It makes it seem as if the students invited did something to earn their invitation.

Professor Sinistra said they picked students who haven't interacted with the Beauxbaton's kids as much as others. I don't know how the Professors would even know who is interacting with who, though. I suppose they just guessed.

From,
Hydra

Private Message to Dux

[alt_justin]

I say, are you all right? I thought the revising group was helping, what?

You're not really very disappointed about Saturday, are you? I'm sure your Professor Sinistra just thought other people might benefit from the introductions more.

And you see what I mean, what, about being scary.

-Justin

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_hydra]

I don't know. All of the homework's gotten so much more difficult since exams. Padma Patil said I should go by Ravenclaw Corner. So the swots can sort me out, I suppose.

Just a little bit disappointed. It'll be all right. Only everyone else who waited with me in the hospital wing will be going. When you were hurt, I mean.

What's that about being scary?

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_justin]

Yes, I saw Patil's invitation. Perhaps you ought to consider it, what? Most of the Ravenclaw lot are all right and if they're offering to help, why not let them? They might be able to explain it in a way that's well understandable to you. And then at least you'd not get caught in the middle with the others when there's a bally old debate.

I thought about asking Professor Froissart if we could invite particular guests. But then I thought perhaps that might call too much attention to certain things, what? It seems to me that it must mean your uncle hasn't noticed or else at least Professor Sinistra hasn't done, yes?

You frightened Midgen away well easily, seems to me. Didn't even have to threaten her!

-Justin

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_hydra]

After hearing different explanations on algorithms from both Corey and Marjoram, I'm worried they'll just make me more confused. But I suppose that it's worth a go.

You're right, it would call attention to the way things are. And like I told Midgen, I don't want to be treated special. I reckon she thinks I'm spoiled, see. Maybe I am compared to her and others, but it's not exactly like she thinks it is.

And oh, was she frightened? I couldn't tell. She's so... boisterous.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_justin]

Well, they might tell you something different from your group but my thought is that if they're ahead, they're more likely to be right, Dux, and you may simply tell the others that to end any disagreements.

I know you don't want special treatment--at least, I know what you mean when you say so--the same way that Marvolo prefers to be treated just as anyone else. That doesn't mean I should't like to treat you specially, if you follow me. I do prefer spending time with you than socialising without you, what?

Speaking of which...I also saw what Patil wrote about Valentine's. Have you...any thoughts about that? There's a Hogsmeade day the Saturday before, isn't there?

-Justin

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_hydra]

That's true, they probably know better than my group. I will go see them, then.

I prefer things that way, too, but I think it's good that you've made other friends while you're here, too. Like with Ron and Sally Anne and all.

This is the first time I've ever thought about Valentine's in my life, really. Is there something special to do in Hogsmeade?

From,
Hydra

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_justin]

Yes, it's been good making all sorts of friends, what?

I've heard someone say there's a tea shop called Madam Puddifoot's but I don't know about anything else particularly special. I'll be sure to find out, though.

Goodness, look at the time. We should be shutting out the lights! It's no good staying up late reading and revising if one falls asleep in the bally old lesson, what!

Sweet dreams, Dux.

-Justin

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_hydra]

I'd already fallen asleep by the time you wrote this. I suppose that's what I get for taking my journal with me to bed!

I don't know how much you'll like Madam Puddifoot's. I've never been inside, but the older students say that it's very pink and frilly!

By the way, I did notice that you seemed in better spirits yesterday. So I suppose that means that whatever was bothering you a few days ago has passed? I'm glad, then.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private Message to Dux

[alt_justin]

Well, I'm glad you got your rest, then.

Pink and frilly? Sounds like just your sort of thing, what?

Oh, had I seemed depressed? Sorry about that, what, I wasn't cross or anything. And no, I shouldn't say that it's passed, precisely, only that I suppose one can only spend so long on a problem one can't fix. It sounds bally well heartless to put it that way, doesn't it? No, the problem's not gone away, but then it's not going to do, I shouldn't think. Not soon. Still, it's nothing for you to fret about, what? I'm all right. I shall try not to mope about in future.

-Justin

Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_sinistra]

Miss Lestrange -

First, I had a fearsomely hard time with Arithmancy third year and much of fourth myself. Sometime in fifth year, it got much better, and I did quite well on both my OWL and NEWT exams. (As, of course, it's quite crucial to some applied Astronomy work.)

If it would be of help, I have a few tutorial books that I found helpful in making sense those first two years. There are certainly copies in the library, or Professor Vector's office, but you'd be welcome to borrow mine and not need to worry about coordinating copies with others.

As to Saturday: I am sorry that we couldn't include everyone we'd have liked, but the hope is that it will largely give students who've not had as much chance to meet the Beauxbatons students a chance to do so. My understanding from M. Froissart is that there will be some other opportunities later in the term for those who couldn't be included this weekend.

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

I suppose I could borrow your books, thank you.

Well, maybe you didn't know this, but Luna Lovegood went to the Yule Ball with a Beauxbatons' student. And Ron Weasley plays chess with one of them all of the time. And Sally Anne's become good friends with one of them. And Pansy wrote in her journal about how much she's enjoyed getting to know Beauxbatons' students better. So maybe they should have been left off the list, too.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_sinistra]

If you'd like to stop by this afternoon, I've got them in my office, or I can bring them down to dinner. I glanced through: there's some old margin notes from my student days, but I think they might actually be a help. In particular, there's a different way to do the vibrational calculations that worked better for me, at least to double check my work.

On the party: I had known some of that, but not all of it. I am sorry for hurting you or making you feel left out, as that certainly wasn't my intention, and I know how horrid it feels.

Balancing a social gathering is quite tricky. (And I am certainly not a quarter as good at it as your Aunt Narcissa is!) In this case, it was trying to find a combination of people who'd benefit from more opportunity, but also including people - like Miss Parkinson and Miss Perks - who would be able to encourage everyone to mingle and put them at ease, precisely because they do know lots of people. I do hope that the future events will help even things out a little bit.

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_hydra]

I'm not hurt. I didn't understand the logic of how people were selected, but now that you've explained it it does make more sense. However I think there might be some people who are hurt, like Eloise Midgen, because both of her dorm-mates were invited and she wasn't. And she's already been through a lot with them.

The books do sound useful. I can come by and get them when I'm on my way to see Professor Vector.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_sinistra]

I've already spoken to Miss Midgen, too - though you're right, she's not very happy with me about it still. (And as you say, she has reason, and I can't blame her a bit.)

As to the books, I'll look forward to seeing you this afternoon, and I do hope they help you. I hated that feeling of not being able to sort any of it out in my head, and being so horribly confused about how to get the right results.