A Fine Day for Quidditch

[alt_linus]

It is a splendid thing indeed, a spring afternoon of Quidditch here at dear old Hogwarts. So many remarkable students have played or watched, over the centuries, and then grown into remarkable witches and wizards, and it quite gives one an appreciation of history to think on the many celebrated names who have been where we are now. It gives us a great deal to aspire to. At the same time, it is sobering to measure ourselves by those who have gone before.

Personally, it calls one to mindfulness that one has not always been at one's best, and that when it comes to excelling for the glory of the Protectorate, one has sadly fallen short of the mark. One can but admit one's shortcomings and pick oneself up -- not unlike a certain player who had a bit of a broom-slip early on today -- and rejoin the fray, anxious to attempt to make up for one's insufficiencies. For truly, even we who are obviously not cut out for the highest levels of excellence in competition may still serve the Protectorate and Our Lord with our talents, even beset as we are by numerous personal flaws and faults.

I, for one, pledge to try.

Comments

Private Message to Padma

[alt_linus]

Esteemed Ravenclaw colleague, though who knows for how long, given my complete unsuitability to be part of this august House

There is something I must say, and it is this:

You were right.

I speak, of course, of your pronouncement quite some time ago that Miss Brown and I were unsuited to one another. Padma! Why could I not see it then? I should have listened to your wisdom, as indeed Professor Dolohov suggested to me lo these ages past, which is another of the many ways in which I have failed him.

Padma, I am not worthy of her. I am a blight and a canker and my mind has lost its force, my blood its fire. To deserve her I would need to raise higher my promethean spark! The lightning of my being has not been bright, pervading and far-darting! I am a sad old fellow, a dull boy, cumbered with books that he only half-understands. It is only a matter of time before she -- and indeed everyone -- sees what you so perceptively stated, and bids me adieu. The least I can do, in deference to what she should have and to how different to me such a paragon would be, is to withdraw with apologies from her presence and take care never to besmirch the edge of her shadow with my unworthy presence.

Please, by the friendship you once granted to this vile caitiff, could you explain to her? I dare not even speak to her.

My lance is unlifted! My trumpet unblown!

Re: Private Message to Padma

[alt_linus]

And now I have gone and apologised to her, and made a complete hash of it.

Dare I ask you to apologise for my apology?

No, that way madness lies....