for Miss Padma Patil

[alt_linus]

Are we still on for going to Hogsmeade on the upcoming weekend? I should relish the change of scenery, actually. Too much staring at the same revisions makes one's head swim. They've a book in, also, that I mean to get, as it's quite likely perfect for History Club: "The Hagiography of the Great Wizards." I am given to understand that they discuss why certain wizards are heroes and icons for certain times, and why such fashions may shift through the ages, in addition to other fascinating matters of how we tell and retell history, and separate fancy from fact. Shall we put that on the list for Club meeting soon?

Also, I have received my pocket money from my Father, so there could be butterbeer, if you liked. Bring Blaise and Seamus or whoever else is free. It'll be merry.

(Hello, Blaise! Hello, Seamus! This writing of messages in public form does encourage one to be friendlier -- which is all to the good, no?)

Comments

[alt_seamus]

That book sounds fascinating. Can I borrow it from you when you're done? I like the idea of a club meeting where we talk about 'heroes through the ages' and who's an icon during which period of history, although I'd stay away from the word 'hagiography' in the club announcement, no one knows what that means.

[alt_linus]

Excellent point. I hadn't considered that an unfamiliar word might put some people off.

Have you any suggestions as to what we might call it?

[alt_seamus]

'Heroes through the ages,' mate!

[alt_linus]

That does have a ring to it. And it ought to be less off-putting to the general Gryffindor public, or at least that sector of it which does not read dictionaries for personal amusement.

[alt_linus]

And certainly you may borrow it. Delighted to lend it.

[alt_padma]

Sure, that sounds interesting. I mean, it's probably to do with how powerful the wizard was, right? That would make sense, anyway.

Butterbeer sounds nice. I'm sure you don't mean to invite the whole school, though! Really, I don't know why you think Zabini would be interested! He's got much more sophisticated things to do than sip butterbeer, I'm sure.

But yes, it's always good to make new friends. Maybe we should invite some of the younger students? Let's talk about who might make a good addition to Ravenclaw Corner.

[alt_linus]

I believe the author's hypothesis is that certain ages are in need of particular virtues, either as inspiration, as recognition of important societal goals, or sometimes as the expression of undercurrents that have not yet swelled to the crescendo of realisation. His chapter on heroes during various times when wizards and witches were particularly oppressed is said to be quite groundbreaking.

And yes, Ravenclaw Corner. Quite. One must look to the future, after all.

[alt_blaise]

I take it you'd rather I didn't come along?

Fine, then.

One knows where one's not wanted. And never fear you've hurt my feelings: being uninvited for butterbeer is not the sort of thing worth feeling martyred over.

[alt_padma]

I didn't say you weren't wanted. Why are you always putting words in my mouth?

I just thought you might find it too childish or have better things to do.

If you'd like to come along, by all means, come along.