A general lull

[alt_draco]

Bit of a quiet weekend 'round Slytherin - socially, I mean. Always plenty of homework to be had. I suppose it's owing to that Thursday night party that there were no other parties going on. Cheers for that, Hydra - a good time was had by all. And many happy returns again, Finch-Fletchley.

Say, has anyone had time to write an essay for that YPL contest? You know, the one on the topic of the Lord Protector's Greatest Achievement. I've been so focused on managing quidditch, homework, and Prefect duties that I almost forgot about it entirely. It's a shame, really, because I reckon I'd do a spiff-up job on it if I put quill to parchment. There's so much to say about the Lord Protector's greatness that it's hard to know where to begin, and how to keep it to the length-limit. And then there's the question of just how to put all my thoughts into words... still, I might give it a go if I can make time this week.

Shouldn't be too hard to find a quiet spot, anyway. Some of the NEWT-level students must have found a new place to practise spells and revise, because the group staking out the far end of the common room (like they usually do on Sunday nights) was a bit thinner than usual. Just Samantha and some of the other girls, talking about Charms theory.

Oh, and Teds - you really planning to go 'round with your sleeves hacked off like that? If so, you might want to use a severing charm to get rid of those bits of ragged fabric on the edges. It doesn't really look like a fashion statement so much as the work of a rebel house elf at large in the laundry.

Right then. Who's going to be next to be rid of sleeves?

Comments

[alt_blaise]

It was a bit of all right Thursday night, I agree. I especially enjoyed the French music, Hydra. It's always good to have an excuse for dancing.

If you want someone to read over your essay before you submit it, I'd be happy to give it a once over. I'd rather thought it was the younger years that was meant for, and hadn't thought it fair to put my oar in. Still, I agree that a contribution from you would raise the standards for the contest and lend distinction to all who enter.

[alt_draco]

I haven't even written it yet, but since Madam Umbridge asked me about it specifically I was giving thought to it - the fact that she brought it up with me at all serves as evidence that it's not just for the younger years, I guess.

No worries, though, I'm sure they've already had plenty of entries come in.

[alt_hydra]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, both you and Draco. Thank you for coming.

From,
Hydra

Private Message to Draco

[alt_blaise]

Very noblesse oblige of you about that contest. Careful how you make it sound we should all be doing it, though!

Agree it's quieter in the common room. I expect they aren't off writing essays for Umbridge. But if it gives Teds something to do other than sulk, that's all to the good. I rather thought Greg and Vince would take up with them. Do you think they asked and got sent away? Or do they just need one of us to give them the hint?

Wonder if the elves all are down the laundry punishing themselves? That'd be a laugh.

Re: Private Message to Draco

[alt_draco]

I could give a two knuts for that contest; Umbridge has been after me to submit something so I thought it would be a good idea to at least look as if I'm considering it. Who knows, maybe I'll cobble something together. I can spice it up with some personal narrative about the time Teds and I drew the council-member mark on our arms when we were eleven, then rolled up our sleeves and showed it to the Lord Protector, proud as proud can be.

I suppose that Greg and Vince haven't been admitted to the secret whatever-it-is because their arms, when bared, look like sides of swinging ham. Whatever they're up to, Pucey had better watch the reigns closely. Montage could barely stay up on his broom in practice - he was nursing his side like he'd been kicked by a hippogriff.

[alt_ernie]

I wrote for it and have been wondering how many others did.

I haven't heard too many people talking about it. I suppose that stands to reason, though. Probably no one wanted to talk it up too much, since the chance of winning goes down the more people who enter.

I guess I shouldn't give away what I wrote about if you're not finished with yours. Wasn't the deadline today, though?

[alt_draco]

That's right, the deadline's today.

I suppose I'll have to write fast. If I decide to do it.

[alt_padma]

It really was sweet of Lestrange, wasn't it, to put on a spread for F-F. Too bad the dancing hadn't really started when we left for our pre-meteor revising.

On the essays, I did one and so did Lines, I think. And possibly Corner? And a few of the 2nds and 3rds (they came round Ravenclaw Corner asking advice). Hardly any 4ths, though, I don't think.

Are Slytherins really going round without their sleeves? Dames said he was thinking of doing it and I told him it would be the most ridiculous thing to remove his sleeves just as it's getting colder! If they're going to adopt it as fashion, they ought to at least wait until spring, at this point. But then Samuels told Dames that if he does it, he'll start sporting his robes sleeveless, too.

Daft. Summer, perhaps but winter?

You're lucky, though, if you can find quiet places to sit and do your work. The Corner's only getting more crowded, with certain people bringing whomever they like along. I think we're going to have to enforce some guidelines, soon, about people who come there only to hang about and not to actually do homework.

[alt_michael]

Yes, I'm copying mine out again. I had to change something I thought of this morning and then it was too long. So I had to write smaller shorten up another section.

But I'll get it in before the end of the day.

[alt_draco]

I think Daphs said that she did one, too.

And it's not just Slytherins. McLaggan and Sloper have got their arms out, and I thought I saw Hooper without sleeves as well, but then when I spotted him again at supper he had the regular long-sleeved robes on again.

Anyway, it'll probably no longer be the fashion once Spring comes around. Plus, it's all about showing masculine virility in the face of the oncoming frost, I reckon. A sort of "I don't give a toss" to the illogic of it. Right?

[alt_blaise]

Such a shame you didn't stay. But I suppose the musical selections would have been wasted on you.

You're quite right that it's best to go on if one can't appreciate the nature or quality of an entertainment.

Of course, the mix on the punch improved as the evening went on, so you missed that as well.

[alt_linus]

Professor Dolohov said something about learning to apply knowledged gleaned in one area to another. Since Professor Sinistra instructed me several times both last year and this that it is not approved form for footnotes to sprout footnotes of their own, I have taken her lessons to heart and duly improved my YPL essay. They were rather challenging edits to make, particularly considering the need to finish them today, but I was ruthless and turned in my essay well before the final minute.

[alt_linus]

As for sleeves and the lack thereof and those who wear them, or don't wear them as the case may be, they had better be dab hands with warming charms is all I have to say about such matters.

[alt_padma]

Well, I'm glad you came to your senses about it, Lines!

[alt_pansy]

There would be rather a lot of things to choose from, wouldn't there?

If it's not for a specific purpose, and only for the sake of fashion, I think the sleeveless look is rather ridiculous. What will the next silly fashion trend be? Let's anticipate so we can be on the cutting edge. What about berets? Or kilts! I'd bet we could convince at least half a dozen people that kilt wearing is just the best.

Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_pansy]

Has Harry talked to you yet about his ideas regarding Cedric? It's not a half-bad plan, really, to be seen working with him on a project in order to make sure people don't assume they're at each other's throats. And I really do think the masks will go over well if we get the spells right on them.

But it is so very typical of Harry to come up with things to take responsibility for and then stress about them.

I quite enjoyed our quiet Sunday. Although I'm behind on Potions now, thanks to you. You'll just have to help me with revising later. And have it actually involve revising this time.

Re: Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_draco]

I mean, on one hand, I feel like if Diggory's a champion then he ought to be able to stand up to a few rumours, right? On the other, I reckon it's something that Harry feels like he can control and manage a bit, and since so many other things are outside of control, then why not?

Anyway, the masks sound cool. Don't make me a hippogriff one! Maybe a dragon, hey?

Yeah, actual revising might be in order. Those non-revising revision sessions don't leave me with much time or clear headed-ness to even resume actual revising afterward, when I'm back up in my room. That meditation's coming in useful for lots of reasons, in fact.

Re: Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_pansy]

A dragon it is.

And yes, I can see how it's about time he had a bit of a victory that was due to something he did, because he wanted to. On Saturday, when we summoned spider silk and Fred got just absolutely covered in it, he actually looked quite happy.

I'm sure Professor Dolohov would be so pleased you're applying his lessons to other purposes. Only I wouldn't tell him, not after his start of term. You didn't have to That reminds me -- we ought to ask him to tea sometime soon.

Re: Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_draco]

Thank you. You're amazing, you know? Like some kind of brash idiot I didn't even say please. I'm sorry.

I'd also be happy if I saw one of those twins covered in spider silk - it'd help me tell them apart, for once. Ha.

Well, I'm not telling Professor Dolohov about the multiple applications for meditation, either. Though it does make me think about those weekend remedial meditation lessons in a brand new and hilarious light.

Tea, eh? Does that mean you're already wanting new books?

Re: Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_pansy]

And you're sweet. Just for that, I'll make sure yours is the only dragon mask we make.

They do tend to blend together, don't they? I don't even think they have a separate journal.

Of course I want more books. And I very much want to hear a brilliant conversation about international politics between my rather clever boyfriend and the current expert on the subject.

Re: Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_draco]

Brilliant. Cheers, you.

Don't they both date Angelina Johnson or something, too? Or is that just a rumour I heard? Completely naff mental image, in any case.

I don't know if it'll be a conversation so much as me asking questions and him answering - in that really resplendent, much-detailed way of his. 'Course, if that's the sort of thing you like to listen to, who am I to deny?

Re: Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_pansy]

But you ask such clever questions!

I think just one of them does. But I'm not sure which one. I certainly hope she knows.

They really are quite sharp, you know, when it comes to charms and things. I suppose two heads really are better than one in their case.

[alt_draco]

We? There's no way I'm wearing anything that Scottish. I'm an Englishman first, even if I spend most of the year in the Highlands.

I think we'd have to convince Professors Lestrange and Dolohov to wear them first, anyway. That seems to be the origin of the missing sleeves. Unless you think Moon more responsible for it.

This is all a ploy to get me to show off my legs, isn't it?

[alt_pansy]

Naturally.

If it'd be less offensive to your English sensibilities, I could have one made with an Ouroboros pattern instead of tartan. I'm sure our Headmistress would thoroughly approve.

I can't say Moon is one of the people I'd label as trend-setting, but one never knows. We shall have to pay close attention to him just in case.