dear old Hogwarts

[alt_linus]

As we come to the end of another term, it is appropriate that we take a moment and consider all that Hogwarts has given us. I am sure most of you will join with me in saying, "Dear old Hogwarts!"

I should like to keep in touch over the summer with anyone who is interested in doing so, particularly if they are pursuing any of their studies independently during that time -- although I quite expect some of you welcome a chance to put books and parchments aside and enjoy the pleasures of summer holidays. If anyone wants tips on excellent Arithmancy puzzle books, however, I have plenty to hand, so do not hesitate to ask. Likewise, should anyone wish tutoring over the summer in order to make their next year's studies a bit easier, I would be quite amenable to arranging study sessions, other plans permitting of course. For those who prefer correspondence, that is also quite arrangeable. (My compliments to those second-years who have already had the foresight to ask their Prefects for recommendations on supplementary texts and the like. I have no doubt that you shall be excellent upholders of the good name of House Ravenclaw, with diligence like that.)

What are your plans for summer, should you wish to share them? I am looking forward to assisting on some small tasks for the Guildmaster Bright of the Astronomy Guild, which I am sure will give me a fascinating glimpse of the workings of that august and venerable Guild. According to Professor Sinistra, Astronomy and Arithmancy fit rather well together, and the combination is used in all sorts of locational magics, area effects, and the like. The more I've learned, the more I'm interested in perhaps pursuing an internship with Magical Transportation in future years. Besides all that, I have various other recommended studies (thank you, Professors Vector and Dolohov). All in all, I expect it to be an exhilarating and informative summer.

Comments

Re: Private Message to Miss Parkinson

[alt_pansy]

Witches' matters? Ouch. That is rather serious. I thought you had friends who were girls? They should've taught you better by now.

Anyways. I'm sorry to hear that you've been going through a rough patch with Lavender, and doubly sorry that it started due to a favour you did for me.

Seeing as Draco and I have recently mutually broken things off, I'm not entirely sure I'm the best person to give relationship advice, and if one of the things she was hacked off about was dancing with me, her seeing that you're writing me probably won't help matters, but I'll do my best.

First off, lesson learned, blaming hurt feelings on a girl's monthly is a bad idea. It's like... oh, I don't know, blaming someone's crying on the onions they're chopping. They might actually be crying because they are sad, for a good reason, and if you say it's just the onions, it's like the reason they're sad isn't important or real, and it can make it seem like their feelings are ridiculous or not appropriate. And I know that might not be what you meant to do, but... let's just say it's never going to be a good move to blame the time of the month.

So to address that bit, what I'd do is to make more of an effort to recognise that what she felt was real, and important to her, and that you want to hear her talk about what she feels and why she feels that way, because even though you might not think it's because of an important reason, she does. And I know you tend to over-think everything, but sometimes just listening and saying that you understand can really help, because otherwise, you could come off as disagreeing.

I think your best bet is to tell her that you were wrong (even if you don't think you were), you were an idiot, and you realise now that you've had this row just how much she means to you, and how much you've missed her. And then tell her that you're going to try to listen better, and actually do it. Let her talk, and listen to what she's saying, and say that you understand her reasons for feeling that way, and that you're sorry.

Flowers always help too.

Good luck, Linus.

And thanks.

Re: Private Message to Miss Parkinson

[alt_linus]

Thank you for your kind words of guidance and good wishes. Particularly the bit about the flowers, because I think you are definitely on to something there. Well, and all the rest of it, too, but as you say, flowers always help.

I just need to find some small bindweed (for humility), some chervil (for sincerity), some columbine (for anxiousness and trembling), and something for devotion. (I am currently favouring Peruvian Heliotrope over Honking Daffodils, even if the latter are more traditional. One does not wish one's bouquet of abject supplication to provoke laughter if one can help it.

As to the words, those will take a bit longer. It's always so much more difficult to write something short, alas.