This autumn so far

[alt_sally_anne]

I realised the other day I've hardly written in my journal this year. It's because I've been so busy, of course. But I thought I should set down what I've been up to, because I quite like looking back at old entries.

I'm taking all my required courses this year plus Ancient Runes, Dark Arts, and Care of Magical Creatures. There've been a number of changes, though, because the teachers got a bit moved around after Mr Professor Carrow left. Miss Professor Carrow still teaches Dark Arts, of course, but Professor Brutka (who used to teach Creatures) is teaching Transfiguration, and Professor Grubbly-Plank (who is Susan Bones' aunt, I think!) is teaching Care of Magical Creatures.

I already liked Professor Brutka. He's a foreigner who moved here a few years ago -- I think Draco met him on his trip to France. His English is quite good, though (thank goodness, I had no idea until all the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students came here just how difficult it could be to understand a heavy accent!) Anyway, I thought I'd miss having him teaching Creatures but I quite like having him teaching Transfiguration and I like Professor Grubbly-Plank quite a lot and she's also an excellent teacher.

I like Ancient Runes in part because we've gotten into quite a bit of historical information. And history really is interesting, when it's not Binns teaching it. Learning about how ancient wizards lived and the earliest developments in magic is really quite interesting, and runes sometimes come in handy even now. (For instance, there's a rune against losing things that I tried inscribing on my book bag and I don't think it's just my imagination that I've had an easier time keeping track of my quills.)

Getting to know students from the other wizarding schools has also been quite interesting. The Durmstrang students are staying in Slytherin, so our common room has been quite full in the evenings. I played some cards with one of the young men from Beauxbatons, Justin Finch-Fletchley -- no language barrier there, fortunately!

The First Task for the Triwizard Tournament was over the weekend. Each of the challengers had to steal an egg out of a dragon's nest. I knew the tasks would be difficult but I didn't know they would be quite so dangerous. Harry was brilliant! The others, well, everyone got their egg but I thought Harry's way was the most impressive (he used his broom. BRILLIANTLY.) I can't wait to see the second task! (Though I imagine the challengers are glad enough for the gap between tasks, to prepare.)

Comments

[alt_justin]

It was jolly fun to play cards, Perks. Thanks again for inviting me, Weasley.

I say, I rather think I've picked up more than a word or two of German, with all the Durmstang students but they do seem a rather serious lot, don't they, what?

Have you been working with Hydra on languages, then? Only I know she and her cousin got hold of a German book at the start of term and I believe you two get on, what?

Those dragons, though - now that I see what sorts of surprises they have in store for the champions, I'm well content to sit on the sidelines and watch, eh! I say, it's bally well for the older ones but I'm well impressed with Marvolo--well, everyone is, of course, coming up with his broom like that--and when Krum didn't even consider it.

Perks, have you someone to walk down to Hogsmeade at the weekend? Only I thought it might be jolly to go with someone who's been before. JP wants to come as well, so you needn't think I'm asking you out, or anything. Well, that is to say--not that one wouldn't. Ask you, I mean. If one wanted to do.

Oh, bother. I've muffed it, haven't I? Well. It's all right if you don't want a couple of foreigners tagging along, I quite understand.

[alt_sally_anne]

Well normally I walk to Hogsmeade with Pansy but you'd certainly be welcome to join us. JP too. Hogsmeade is brilliant, you'll love it.

As far as languages go let me think, what have I learnt to say in German? 'Drachen,' I figured that one out over the weekend. Also 'besen.' Oh and 'hexenmeister,' I quite like that one, it sounds like 'master of hexes' which sounds pretty sorcerous.

I may just be bad at languages. Maybe I should see if Hydra would let me have a look at her book.

[alt_justin]

'Hexenmeister,' yes, that's 'warlock,' what?

Right, well, perhaps Saturday then? We could meet in the entrance hall, I suppose. Does anyone else usually accompany you? Only that would be fine, I mean, we could all go in a group, do you see.

[alt_sally_anne]

Of course it is, I just like that it sounds like what a warlock is, is a 'master of hexes.' It makes it sound like wizardry's all about the duelling.

The entrance hall is probably easiest. It's usually just me and Pansy when we set out, though sometimes we fall in with others on the way, it all depends.

[alt_justin]

Well, that's the way with German, isn't it, what? They have a funny sort of way of compounding loads of words together to make one bally long word that means just what it says.

Saturday in the entrance hall sounds smashing, see you then!

Private message to Justin Finch-Fletchley

[alt_sally_anne]

I'll actually be at loose ends for part of the time in Hogsmeade, because Pansy and Draco are going for butterbeer and I think they might like to do that on their own, at least if Harry and I can take the hint and find somewhere else to be! They're meeting in Hogsmeade, though. I can show you and JP Zonko's -- Pansy doesn't much care for it (it's where all the jokes and tricks come from) and I don't usually spend my pocket money there, but you'll at least enjoy seeing it, I'm sure, and I don't mind taking you.