Holiday preparation

[alt_draco]

Mother sent me a book that's meant to improve my French before we go away on holiday. French used to be a part of my and Harry's lessons before we went to Hogwarts, but neither of us worked at it very hard and I've since forgotten a lot of it. This book actually speaks French if you hold your wand or your finger to the word, because accent and pronunciation is supposed to be important. And last night I fell asleep reading it, but soon woke up because it was squawking "je me rends!" in my ear, which made everybody else laugh.

And then Blaise told us that his Mother used to go to France a lot before, and that she says that all of the muggles there are naked. Not completely naked, but walking around with a lot of their bits showing, or with only a fan or a shawl to cover them. I said his Mother must be exagerating and then Teddy tried to join in and say that he'd heard the same thing, that the French muggles are all naked and also maniacs for sex. Even though Teddy is Welsh and hasn't been anywhere. If it's true and the muggles are all naked and maniacs, then I think that the French Ministry is doing a shameful job of handling them. I know that France has all the best food and robes and entertainment, but they obviously don't know how to govern.

Even if Blaise is wrong and they wear clothes, it will be odd to be around muggles the way they used to be, just out in the open. I know that Mother and Father will try to keep them away from me but still, it's strange to think that they won't know I'm a wizard and how to treat me with the proper respect. That's why we're leaving Dennis behind, because I don't want him to get confused or upset.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Muggles are particularly animalistic when it comes to bathing costumes, it's true. Especially in the southern climes; since they are unable to cast cooling charms, they instead strip layers. There is also a fashion for sun-bathing, which invariably leads to premature aging and disease.

All part of the evidence that muggles are much closer to apes than their religious sects would have them believe. They would rather go unclothed and undignified. However, if you observe anything like, it will be under ... controlled conditions, I shouldn't wonder.

I am glad you are using the book, at any rate. I have engaged a translator among your tutors but it is always helpful to be able to speak - and understand - a choice phrase or two when needed.

[alt_draco]

So you mean they really are naked?

[alt_lucius]

Nearly. And there are beaches where it is permitted for them to be fully unclothed, yes. Barbarous.

[alt_draco]

Are we going to those beaches?

[alt_lucius]

Is that a request?

[alt_draco]

Pansy said I should draw a picture.

[alt_lucius]

Pansy has an interesting sense of humour.

We'll see. It might be valuable to your education, at that.

[alt_pansy]

Naked?

Now I think I'm not sorry I wasn't invited to go with you.

But if you see any, draw a picture!

[alt_draco]

Why do you want a picture if you're not sorry you're not going?

[alt_pansy]

Curiosity? I dunno, it just seems like it might be funny. If it's not gross.

[alt_draco]

If it was in the style of Martin Miggs, maybe.

[alt_pansy]

Yeah, and you could maybe draw them getting pinched by giant sand crabs or something? That'd be wizard.

[alt_padma]

Ew.

Girls too?

[alt_padma]

Ew.

[alt_draco]

Everyone. Even old people. That's what Blaise says.

[alt_padma]

Double ew.

[alt_millicent]

doble ew? W????

[alt_padma]

Careful, Bulstrode, or people might think you are clever.

Or do you mean that you like thinking about old naked Muggles?

[alt_neville]

I never heard that before.

How did the French got to be the best at making robes if everybody just goes naked all the time?

[alt_padma]

French muggles, Longbum. m-u-g-g-l-e-s. Not the wizards.

At least I hope not.

[alt_neville]

Oh.

[alt_harry]

Allright I'm almost glad I'm not going to france now.