alt_sally_anne: (Default)
Sally-Anne Perks ([personal profile] alt_sally_anne) wrote2011-11-22 02:40 pm

This autumn so far

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.)
alt_justin: (De rien)

[personal profile] alt_justin 2011-11-23 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
No, quite right, it's too bad that Krum's method caused the dragon to trample some of the eggs. Aside from the harm to the poor creatures, they're quite valuable, aren't they?

I don't think that was on, rather, since he lost points for it. Though one would think the handlers might have taken that possibility into account, what?

I say, have they told you about the holidays yet? What's planned for those of us who are staying? P Froissart said it was going to be bally marvellous but he wouldn't say just what's to happen.

-Justin
alt_hydra: (and bending down beside the glowing bars)

[personal profile] alt_hydra 2011-11-23 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
Some of the eggs got trampled? I didn't see that. I was trying not to look They are worth a rather lot and yes, the handlers might have thought to put some kind of spell on them so that they would be protected. But maybe you can't do that with dragon's eggs.

I haven't been told much, but there will probably be a feast, because there was for those of us who stayed last year. It's nice to be in the castle at Christmas. I didn't mind it. Maybe I'll see if I can stay here instead of going home this year, too.

From,
Hydra
alt_justin: (Quoi?)

[personal profile] alt_justin 2011-11-23 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, dash it--I haven't upset you or anything, have I? I know you're quite an animal lover.

What is Christmas like here? I've never stayed at school over holidays. My mother always wants me home. That's not possible this year, of course.
alt_hydra: (and dream of the soft look your eyes had)

[personal profile] alt_hydra 2011-11-23 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
I do like animals, but I'm not upset.

The castle feels quieter, and larger, and you can really explore it if you want. And since it's Christmas it feels cheery and cosy because they put up decorations and play music, and all the fireplaces have great roaring fires. Sometimes you end up talking to people you normally wouldn't, too, because there are much fewer people than usual.

From,
Hydra
alt_padma: (Happy)

[personal profile] alt_padma 2011-11-23 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Not this year, there won't be! I'll be surprised if everyone doesn't stay!