Parties and Chess

[alt_padma]

Belinda and Morag and I met Lavender and Parvati (and Daphne) at Parkinson's little music party last night. It was loads of fun, even if Parvati wished more 3rd-years had been there. And despite Moon and Finnegan making fools of themselves! (Though Malfoy was really funny, did you hear the jokes he was telling, Lav?)

Perks brought some of the Strettons' jams and all and we got a couple tastes. But Perks! I dont really believe it but Stretton came and found me in the common room tonight. He asked me what I thought of you! I couldnt tell from his questions whether he was looking forward to having a foster-sister or not, but isn't it odd? I mean from what you said he already has more then enough sibs. Anyway I didnt know what to tell him, exactly, so I just said your teribly clever and sort of pretty in a peaky sad kind of way.

We had chess this afternoon, without Moon or Nott, and then halfway through, Hopkins quit as well. He was tired of losing, I suppose, and Perks had thrashed him rather soundly and then he found out his next match was Weasley, and he just said 'oh, forget it' and stalked off. Of course I wasnt supposed to play him today but it meant MacMillan and Bones didnt have anyone to play later. Oh and Weasley of course.

Im doing alright I guess, only I dont know what I was thinking when I was playing Marvolo. I let him take my bishop two moves earlier then I planned and Im not sure how that happenned. I was so shocked when he said 'Checkmate!' I guess I was too distracted by Hopkins having a sulk like that. I didn't think Hufflepuffs were quitters.

Comments

[alt_lavender]

Oh, Padma I'm Sorry--Parvati and I really Meant to stay Longer at the Chess Match and Cheer you on!

But watching people play Chess is like watching people Think--you simply Can't do it for long!

But you looked like you were doing Ever so Well when we Left!

[alt_padma]

Oh thats alright, really. I know its ever so boring to watch when you don't really know whats going on.

And I knew Id lose to MacMillan and something would of had to be siriusly wrong to lose to Longbottom or Jones. It's just Ha Marvolo that surprised me and its my own fault for loosing cons concentration.

[alt_lavender]

I think that would be the most Fun kind of Match--where you aren't Sure you'll Win or Lose!

You looked Fabulous in your choli lat

[alt_lavender]

I meant to say "last night" but my Quill slipped.

[alt_padma]

Thanks - I loved your hair. Did Parvati plait it like that for you?

[alt_lavender]

Yes! She's so much Better at it than I am. I guess it's because she's been practicing on you all these years.

[alt_padma]

You could practise on her, we always did each others at home (I kindof miss that, actually). Sometimes Belinda let's me do hers but shes not as good so I'm getting use to doing it myself.

[alt_lavender]

Maybe you and Belinda can meet Parvati and me somewhere, and we can all practice Together!

Id like to find out what I can do with different kinds of hair.

[alt_padma]

Parkinson's hair is shortish - what do you reckon we can do with that?

And I think jewel tones work for her complection, dont you?

[alt_lavender]

Well you can't really plait short hair--I think a Jewelled hairclip would look nice. And yes, jewel tones absolutely--because she is dark and pale and they would bring out the color in her Cheeks.

Daphne should come too! Her hair is so wild and curly that she really needs someone to help her Manage it.

[alt_padma]

Yes. Merlin knows Bulstrode doesn't know what to do with hair.

[alt_millicent]

whats wrong with my hair? mum taught me how to do my own plaits before i came to school and i think i do all right.

[alt_padma]

If you say so. Have you ever done the plait where you add to the strands each time? You don't get so many wispy bits.

[alt_millicent]

i dont know how to do that sort

[alt_pansy]

Strangely enough, I do. I can show you.

[alt_sally_anne]

Show me too, I've never been able to get it right when I've tried.

[alt_pansy]

Of course. There's a trick to it and it's really easy.

[alt_susan]

Honestly that isn't like Wayne usually--either to play so badly or to quit.

I'm a bit upset at him actualy since he did mess up my last round.

[alt_padma]

Well, it just ment you didnt have anyone to play, but you won by defalt.

[alt_susan]

I dont really care about that--I just think its rude to leave early and mess up the order for everyone. I'd expect it of a Slytherin but...

[alt_harry]

I didnt think I'd beat you either!!

[alt_padma]

Well, well done, Marvolo!

I mean seriusly, good on you. You really surprised me. I didnt think youd see my bishop just waiting there.

[alt_harry]

It was luck really.

[alt_zacharias]

Hufflepuffs aren't quitters. Hopkins is just a prat.

[alt_susan]

He isn't always! Even though I'm pretty angry at him now.

[alt_zacharias]

He is most of the time.

[alt_susan]

But he's been different lately. Remember how he used to be so quiet, and nice? Now he's practically silent unless all of a sudden he goes off like a mad person. Something is going on and I'm going to find out what.

[alt_padma]

Maybe hes worried about exams?

[alt_susan]

Maybe. But I don't think...

[alt_sally_anne]

Maybe his head still hurts.

[alt_susan]

I think it might.

[alt_ernie]

Yeah your right Sue. We should talk to him or something, find out what's up. I think he's in the dormatory sulking.

[alt_pansy]

Sometimes crucio can kind of mess with your head for a while. Maybe that's it? I mean, is he acting mental?

[alt_susan]

He's definitely not acting like his usual self.

[alt_sally_anne]

Stretton asked about me? That's a little scary interesting. I suppose it makes sense he was curious. I sent Mr and Mrs Stretton a letter when I found out they were going to be my foster-parents and then of course I sent them a thank-you for the package yesterday but it would be a bit odd to send Stretton an owl over at the Ravenclaw table. At least I know who he is now, Siobhan pointed him out for me.

[alt_padma]

I know, I was really surprised, usually he's not, well, he doesn't hardly notice the firsties. But then Morag was elbowing me in the ribs and I looked up and he was standing over our worktable. At first I thought he was just coming to speak to me, and I was going to tell Lav because he Chases and you know shes ever so keen for Quiddich players (even though Stretton's not very good-looking), and here was one of our team crossing the room practically to come and talk to me! But then all he wanted to know was if any of us knew you.

He didnt really seem to want to stay for the answer, either, because almost as soon as I told him you were clever he said "ok, thanks" and walked away.

[alt_megan]

Most Hufflepuffs aren't quitters. I didn't quit. Even though I'm not very good. It's fun anyway.

[alt_padma]

It helps if you dont try to tell stories using the chessmen.

[alt_megan]

Oh! But I don't. Only stories that go with where they want to move. And tragedies are so romantic. Like the poor king when the queen has been killed. I always feel sorry for him.

I pay attention to the rest too, though. Tactics, and all that. Like when I had the knight attack two things at once. That was very clever of him, and I was very sorry he got killed almost right after.

[alt_susan]

Sometimes it helps to tell stories! That's how I started remembering the moves at first--but I found out that you cant really do that in a tourney because the clock will run out and you'll lose a turn.

I lost two when I was playing Ron!