It is good to see...

[alt_linus]

... that the youth of today have not lost the powers of gallantry which heaped up treasure of reputation to those of old, nor that sense of honour which garlanded the brows of heroes ever.

"Awake! Advance!
Lo! Chivalry, your ancient goddess, cries...."

Learning to comport oneself as befits one fortunate enough to be living in Our Lord's Protectorate is a worthy endeavour, and to that end, the escorting of one's fellows to class and the practice of old-fashioned etiquette is a worthy task indeed for all of us at Hogwarts (and particularly for some I could mention). Yet even in these days where good behaviour sometimes seems conspicuous by its absence -- I will not name certain third-years, but you know who you are, and so does Mr Milland -- there are those who strive to improve themselves by practising the old-fashioned virtues. Speaking as a prefect, I should like to see more of the gentlemen in our younger set comporting themselves thus, and taking inspiration and instruction from the privilege of acting as attentive friends to those young ladies who grace these venerable halls with their presence and whose accomplishments in learning are an inspiration to us all.

(Speaking of which, Padma, I have got some amendments to proffer to the new schedule of revising in company that you have proposed. I trust we shall manage to accommodate your schedule, mine, and that of Miss Brown, with just a few minor adjustments.)

But it is not only in the one direction that good influence is bestowed! As the poets have sung, it is also possible for stalwart friends to safeguard and even redeem th'endangered blossom, which though it may spring from the mire, yet aspires upward to better things -- and should we not all encourage each other to make the most of our talents in service to the Protectorate, however great or small they may be? For certainly chivalry is a better invitation to excellence and right use of one's abilities and skills than are base taunts and rudenesses.

I trust my point is clear.

Comments

[alt_padma]

Finch-Fletchley's been 'escorting' Hydra Lestrange to her lessons for almost two years. Why start praising him now all of a sudden? And I don't know about you but I wouldn't call her an 'endangered blossom' either.

(Seamus needs the revising timetable as it stands because he'd been missing at least one session because of History Club. So it can't change all that much. But what did you have in mind?)

[alt_linus]

I am not speaking of Finch-Fletchley, Padma; I am referring to a young Ravenclaw who is showing his worth. And certainly cultivating all of the Protectorate's garden, as it were, despite the unfortunate and hostile environs from which certain plants have sprung, as it were, is the duty of all of us, hmm?

(As to the timetable, I was just hoping for a few little shifts. I'll show you what I had mapped out. But by all means let us not discommode your precious Fin But if it cannot be altered, then it cannot.)

[alt_padma]

I don't think it's all that worthy to play copy-cat to a French import, even if he is one of the cleverest in our year. And Ross's choice is hardly worthy of praise--or protection. (Yes, I heard him talking about that in the tower. Honestly, if she can't look after herself then what's she doing in Gryffindor?)

And besides that, what's Ross meant to do if certain people--who have a perfect right to be upset, by the way--decide that a Longbottom ought to be held accountable for what another Longbottom is said to have done? I think you're losing sight of the fact that McLaggen lost his brother, who was a Councilwizard, quite probably at the hands of a traitor. Some of us know what that's like.

I'm not saying that McLaggen should take it out on Longbottom--I mean, it's not her fault her father's a madman--but I hardly think Ross would be able to stop him if he did something rash. (Not to mention the fact that McLaggen's a Prefect and Ross isn't. And a Gryffindor, and he isn't that, either.)

Private Message to Linus

[alt_padma]

And another thing: You know Draco Malfoy thinks that Neville Longbottom has been putting on an act all these years, and isn't nearly as thick as he wants people to think. Draco thought that Longbottom might actually be in contact with those traitor parents of his. He used to say that Longbottom was learning Defence outside of school and who do you think would be teaching him?

So you might not want to seem all admiring of the Longbottoms. If you know what's good for you.

Re: Private Message to Linus

[alt_linus]

Merlin's levitating toastrack, Padma! I'm hardly admiring Longbottoms qua Longbottoms; I am speaking of the prudent and sensible cultivation of a young student who seems to have something of a gift for Arithmancy, and the channeling of her talents and associations into those pathways which lead to greater loyalty and service to the Protectorate. Besides which, honestly, I thought you had better sense than to mistake Malfoy's japes as serious suggestions. Perhaps it is true what they say about certain Ravenclaws being unable to recognise a joke when it apparates right next to them.

Also, anyone who discerns the outlines of a traitorous mastermind in Neville Longbottom is flat out barking, I must say. The only things to which he could be an effective danger are the populations of aphids and bore-beetles in Professor Sprout's greenhouses -- but if it makes your day more exciting to imagine him as an operative for the forces of evil, by all means proceed with your fabulising.

[alt_michael]

Moon, do you imagine we'd use our talents in something other than service to the Protectorate? Or that we'd use anything other than our talents in its service?

I'm just asking for clarification cuz it could probably be either one.

[alt_linus]

I only imagine the best for all of my fellow students, and I trust that all of us will encourage one another along the way.

As long as you are doing your best and also accepting guidance from those appointed to assist you along life's often challenging paths, Corner, I am sure you will not go too far wrong. Excelsior!

Private Message to Linus

[alt_lavender]

I don't suppose my favourite Ravenclaw gentleman is available for some private revising time this week?

I'm sorry I wasn't more social last week--I simply didn't want you to see me at my most wan and ill.

Re: Private Message to Linus

[alt_linus]

Ah, fairest creature, nothing could dim your radiance to the truly discerning eye, as the poets say. I trust the owl found you to deliver the basket of sweets last night. Aren't the marzipan princesses and dragons cunning? Professor Siz gets all her treats from them, and she told me the bakery are doing some owl orders now to get ready for the Yule rush, so I thought I'd have some delectables sent to my favorite Gryffindor.

Yes, I think some private revising time could certainly be arranged. It would be a shame to neglect the joys of mutual learning, as it were.