Well done, team!

[alt_padma]

Effie, that tablespoon error was well-spotted. And Perks, good on you for recognising that there was far too much salt in the recipe compared to the amount of sugar. Donovan, good show with the maths. It's a good job the three of us know our way round a kitchen, though, because that really gave us an advantage. (And yes, 'cinnamon' is spelled like that.)

Pansy, you and your team did really really well. I wasn't sure we were going to break our code before you translated yours! Well done. It was close.

Marvolo and Weasley, I shouldn't feel too bad if I were you. Zach said the bit about blatching was really convincing and clever. I think you both ought to get points just for realising that the passage was incorrect! But that would be Quidditch game theory, wouldn't it, and not codebreaking. Still, it was a noble effort. And besides, finding codes where there aren't codes is actually pretty easy to do.

Still, this was loads of fun, and thanks, Professor Sinistra, for including it in the programme.

I hope everyone's ready for tomorrow's fitness testing!

Comments

[alt_justin]

Congratulations, Patil. It's just our bad luck that none of us knows much about cookery.

-Justin

[alt_padma]

Cheers, F-F.

[alt_zacharias]

Well, there could have been a code. I mean, why else would anyone talk about cobbing like that?

But I suppose they were trying to be clever and make us think extra hard.

The funny thing is, I didn't think there was any code to begin with. And then we started arguing about the rules which took a long time, and when we finally decided that they were dodgy, and that must be the key to the code, that took some time, too. But then trying to find a code that's not actually there? Dead bonkers, that is.

We'd've won in a hurry if we'd just said there was no code, and all.

[alt_padma]

I know, it's odd that it took even longer to prove there wasn't a code! But I think that's part of the point, isn't it: Sometimes you see what you're looking for.

[alt_sally_anne]

That was a really fun exercise, actually.

I'm just glad we had a code and not a badly written recipe.

[alt_padma]

Well, it's not surprising that it threw them off. We were told to look for codes! But it's interesting isn't it, that you find what you're looking for.

I mean, I thought once that there was a code hidden in someone's journal posts, but it turned out it wasn't at all. Did you ever read Mrs VanderBeek's posts? She's always talking about embroidery and beadwork and things like that. And I could have sworn sometimes the stitches she was naming didn't go together--or at least, didn't create the kind of pattern on the fabric that she was describing.

Turns out she's just half-blind. Mum knows her.

But it sure looked like a code.

[alt_umbridge]

Most nicely done, Miss Patil, indeed. And the rest of your team.

It was quite the excitement to hear you all present your theories this afternoon. I am so very glad this was included in your tasks for our little sessions together over the past weeks, and I'm sure you'll put it to the very best use going forward.

Now, do rest up, as I'm quite sure you'll all need every last bit of your energy for tomorrow, and for Saturday, of course.

[alt_padma]

Yes, thank you, Madam Umbridge! It was loads of fun and very educational. It was a lovely idea to make it a race, too.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

Ooh, er.

Kisskiss, Madam Umbridge! It was loads of fun listening to you clear your throat with that adorable high pitched little hem of yours. And so lovely to have you leaning over our shoulders the whole afternoon. It gave me chills to have you so close!

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_sally_anne]

Do you suppose she actually likes her? I really don't think it's possible. I think she's just kissing up.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_sally_anne]

YOU ARE SUCH A HIDEOUS USELESS BAT. I WISH HORNETS WOULD NEST IN YOUR NOSTRILS AND YOUR CATS WOULD PEE ON YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_hydra]

Ooh, I'd never thought about using the lock for this.

[alt_pansy]

Thanks, Padma! It was a really fun exercise, wasn't it? And congratulations to you too. Your team worked really well together, and it was a great idea.

[alt_sinistra]

You're quite welcome, Miss Patil, and I'm glad we were able to work out a way to include it that gave you all a balanced approach to the topic. It was most interesting hearing your different reasons and explanations the last two sessions.

Good luck to you all on the testing today (though you're all so well-practiced luck is scarcely a factor), and for tomorrow.