Hogwarts Excitement

[alt_lucius]

Well, one thing about these jaunts to Hogwarts: They have certainly become eventful! I am not certain this is a good thing, however. If circumstances keep on as they are, I shall begin to dread any visit, however innocuous it is presented.

So here I am yet again part-way through the week before I can possibly pause to reflect on the occurrences of the week-end.

Hm. Friday evening was the Hogwarts Board of Governors' meeting. As one might imagine, the Old Business was conducted with speed and minimal discussion in order to focus on the New Business. The appeal, I'm gratified to say, met nearly universal denial. That left the proposal to introduce Muggle Studies to the first- and second-year curriculum. It has become evident that students' education on that front has been highly inconsistent, even among those whom we thought would have had proper instruction on the subject. It was a productive, if inconclusive, discussion, one that shows promise of rapid improvement within the school year, or at least before the next influx of first-years arrive.

Saturday's Quidditch match has, by now, been adequately reported in the Prophet and less formally in countless Hogwarts students' journals. All I have to add on the subject is that while I am quite relieved and not a little proud that Mr Marvolo comported himself so well on the pitch, I am nonetheless equally grateful that the Lord Protector was right at hand to protect His son had anything gone awry. I daresay there were at least half a dozen wands that followed His to the ready in case Harry needed a net.

But this brings up a disturbing pattern, not lost on the Lord Protector. Two attacks upon Him and His son in as many weeks - I don't think even Sirius Black could be that foolish! Our Lord called His councilors with all haste to deliberate on the meaning and purpose of these incidents, and to advise what to do in response. Foremost in His mind is not His own safety - anyone would be daft to challenge Him openly! - but Harry's. It is sad indeed, but true that there are those who would seek to harm Our Lord through the pain of loss rather than through physical damage. If Harry has become the target of violent insurgents, how best to balance the boy's own growth and his need for security?

It was a topic, among others, that requires considerable diligence. If, indeed, these two incidents are related, then there are several questions in need of answers. If they are simply coincidence, brought on by ill timing or even a case of Bonfire Night pranks extending into the next week-end ... why, then, there should be no cause for alarm. But if someone is seeking to do the boy a mischief, then we must with all speed discover the identity of the terrorist who would stoop to such levels and bring him to justice.

Well, as I say, Our Lord sought our meagre counsel and will make His decision in His wisdom. I for one should like Cuthbert to examine the broom himself, as he would know best whether anyone had tampered with it. There was certainly nothing wrong with it when Harry showed us his flying after I had arranged to have it sent up; the damage must have occurred while the broom was taken out of Harry's possession last month. Minerva conducted a brief but thorough inspection herself, and says that the werewolf too was questioned and found to have looked over the broom for any obvious flaw. However, we know how reliable his testimony is.

Draco, I know I told you I would not pry into your writings, but did I see you say that you believe you captured someone speaking an incantation during the match? I should like to see your Omnioculars as soon as possible, if so. I have too full a schedule this week, trying to make up for the time spent on this dilemma, to come for them myself, but I can send Crispin up to fetch them, or perhaps the elf. They're much too heavy for even Valerian to carry.

(Speaking of Crispin, must remember to have him move Skeeter to next week, and reduce her appointment from an hour to a quarter-hour. I know what she wishes to complain about, anyway.)

Comments

[alt_draco]

So the Lord thinks that someone is really trying to kill Harry?

[alt_lucius]

It is not something we dare rule out, at this point. Draco, you must make sure that Harry does nothing foolhardy or ill-advised. Do not let him go off on some expedition of fancy and forget to protect himself.

Did the Omnioculars capture anything suspicious, on second examination?

[alt_draco]

Neither Harry or I can tell what he's saying, it must be a jinx or hex we don't know.

I did try to keep Harry from going after the troll. He's bigger than me now, though. And he does things without thinking, too.

[alt_lucius]

I am not casting blame and I realise the delicacy of your responsibility towards him. Only be careful: Recall that if he comes too close to the precipice, you may be the one to tumble. That is not something I wish to see under any circumstance.

Crispin will come to get the Omnioculars to-morrow after your Transfiguration lesson.

[alt_draco]

What can I do to stop him, Father? I can't use magic against him, he's my best mate.

[alt_lucius]

You oughtn't need to use force, no. (That would be unwise in any event.) You say he often acts without thinking - could you not merely keep him back long enough to think through his action?

Emotions are no way to determine a course, Draco. Like chess, one must understand the implications of one's action before engaging. Perhaps if you could convince him to hold off and consider, you would not find yourselves at the centre of so many adventures.

If you cannot, then you must find help for both of you as quick as ever you can.

Harry's safety is important to the health of the State, son, but your safety is just as important to me.

[alt_draco]

I will try, Father. It would help if there were trolls running about or brooms going mental.

Why is everyone talking about chess today?

[alt_pansy]

Could you modify a translation spell to read lips? I don't know if that's even possible but it popped into my head.

[alt_lucius]

'It would help if there were trolls running about or brooms going mental.'

Were not, you mean? Ha - That is undoubtedly so! I quite agree you've had enough excitement already to see several young lads all the way through school.

I know you cannot be expected to keep Harry out of all harm's way, but you have resources there to help you. Prefects and teachers, of course, and other things you can use as a shield between you and whatever threatens either of you.

In my case, chess because I've been talking to Mrs Parkinson about sending Pansy her father's old chess set. And because it's apt.

When you let emotion cloud judgement, Draco, you put yourself onto a defensive that invariably wavers. Chess requires calculation and progressive thought.

[alt_draco]

I meant were not, yes. Stupid quill.

I don't understand what those other things are, but I'll do my best to figure them out. Also, is there a way to get rid of emotions? Maybe Auntie Bellatrix would know.

[alt_pansy]

Never mind. I don't think it would work.

[alt_pansy]

It's easy to get rid of emotions. Just smush them down inside you and pretend you don't feel them. Eventually, you don't.

[alt_sally_anne]

I've read about a potion that does that but the notes said you shouldn't use it for very long. It's supposed to be for wizards who need to do something that would ordinarily be very upsetting, so they can get on with it. If you take it for more than a day it sometimes backfires and causes hysteria.

Also there are calming draughts and draughts of peace and potions of clear-headedness, but they don't completely get rid of emotions the way the Draught of Fire and Ice does.

[alt_draco]

I wasn't asking either of you.

[alt_lucius]

You take me too literally, son. I mean merely that one's emotions should not cloud one's judgement.

After all, if you were to completely deprive yourself of emotions, you would no longer feel joy or love, either. I cannot imagine that would please your mother.

As to the other things, read the note Crispin is carrying for you.