alt_padma | Entries tagged with sanji

Thanks for coming with me to the Hospital Wing last night. I'm feeling much better.

I do wish we could have one Healer again, though, it's so hard to go already but it's worse when you don't know who you're going to get. But anyway, the Healer gave me a week's supply of Dreamless Sleep in case I need it. I'm to try not to use it too much, though.

It's just...there was a boy. Sanji's age. I mean, Sanji's age when he died, you know. And I keep seeing Sanji instead. And I realised I've thought of him more this week than in five years. That's terrible, isn't it.

I dunno. I'm sure it'll go away.

Anyway. I've got the potion now, so I shouldn't have to wake us all up with my whinging.

Brocklehurst take advantage of Leap Day and pop the question, or not?

I was reading in Dish! that Mr Cooper's putting up a monument for the games, which I think is well respectful.

And at History Club tonight, we talked all about times when people have had to sacrifice for a greater purpose and how duelling has always been a matter of honour and privilege. I hope it helped give some perspective to people, even though of course, it's terrible to lose friends or family.

I keep thinking about my brother and how he died, and how it wasn't the same sort of thing as Mr Warrington or the others at all. Because he didn't have any way to defend himself and even if it wasn't supposed to happen, I think it's important, what Auror Crouch said about being ready anytime, just in case. And culling the weak, I think that's something to think about, too. Wizards being weak is part of why we let the Muggles push us aside in the old days, and it's because of the Lord Protector's strength that we were able to push back.

I guess He thought we needed a reminder.

And I've been thinking about all our CCF training, last year, and how we've sort of fallen off over the winter. So I'm starting again. Daphne, if you or anyone else wants to join, we're starting with conditioning exercises again this Sunday. Parvati and I will also lead yoga if anyone's interested.

Thanks for yesterday.

It's been really hard this week. I mean, the CCF stuff was good because we were so busy, you know? But since I got back home and we've started getting ready to go back, it's like all Mum can think about is how Sanji was supposed to start this year. I feel bad to Parvati because she's been dealing with her alone while I was gone. Mainly, Mum just throws herself into the studio and keeps designing. Sometimes she forgets to make dinner.

And Dad's not helping, not at all. Haruman says he just needs to get over losing Sanji in his own way. But I just don't understand how moving out helps him get over losing Sanji! It's almost like he thinks if he just pretends he doesn't have a family he can pretend he never had a son either.

I dunno.

Did you talk to Hooper any more about his brother? I know his mum's still upset about it, so that's bound to upset him as well. It's just too bad that someone nabbed Horatio right after he got fired, or Mr Malfoy might have noticed sooner that he was missing. But even when people notice, sometimes that's not enough. I guess even in the Protectorate, bad things happen.

The main thing is that I don't think there's much you can do, apart from just keep being his friend. It's hard when the best thing to do is nothing. Well, not nothing, exactly, but you know, just paying attention to what he might want and respecting whatever that is.

What do you think about that Finch-Fletchley boy? Are you going to meet him before the Cup? You'll meet him there, though, right? Why do you reckon they're just trying to convince him to move to England now and not before he started school?

I'm glad I caught you at supper last night.

And that we talked to Bobolis and Pennifold so no one bothered about us being out on the late side.

It's weird, isn't it? I mean, what happened last year, that's the kind of thing that could have made us absolutely hate each other--well, not hate, but you know what I mean, not be able to be round one another about now. But instead it seems like no one else can really exactly understand about it. Well, anyway.

I reckon every owl in England was delivering Easter baskets to the Slytherin table this morning! Was that big basket from your mother or from Mr Malfoy? I guess it helps knowing he'll look after you, even if your mum is sort of...starting over. Or if it feels like that. I'm not so sure, though--what you said last night? I mean, parents can get sort of...wrapped up in their own lives, and forget about us up at school, but that doesn't mean they don't love us anyways. They just might not be the best at showing it.

And I think sometimes parents get embarrassed just like we do, when they get overwhelmed by stuff. Like--they're supposed to have the answers, aren't they? But if they don't, well, I think they feel, maybe not ashamed, but--well, you know how Corner gets when he knows he's got an assignment due and he hasn't really done it properly? And he's not happy with what he's got, but he just gets a block about how to fix it? So he sort of...gives up and just waffles until he has to turn in what he's got? I think parents maybe feel helpless the same way. Which is really not on, because they're parents, but I guess they're people too.

Anyway--all I wanted to say was that I'm sure your mum cares, deep down, even if she gets sorta carried away with her own projects and all.

By the way, did you mean what you said about Diggory? Only I think just about everyone thinks he's fit so he's rather got his choice, hasn't he? I don't know what you see in Baddock, but then, did you know I used to have a crush on Xi Chang? Sort of silly now, when I think about it. On the other hand, I don't blame you finding that Chadwick bloke well dashing. (Perks has it wrong, by the way, I don't know why she thought he was in 7th-year when we were firsties. He's even older than that!) I mean, it's hard enough keeping the interest of boys only a couple years older than us, and then they're like Page and want something improper. So I guess in a way it's easier to fancy someone who's completely impossible to get. But I hope next year there are some boys who manage to fall between utterly oblivious and far too interested.

I can never figure out whether Thomas is being cheeky or trying to kiss up.

Oh, Lakshmi. He doesn't fancy me, does he? I hope not.

He put this box in my pocket. It's carved with Indian designs. And inside there's a carved figurine of a little puppy. The collar has SP on it.

I mean, I don't think he'd go to that sort of trouble just to take the mick, do you? Still. It's sort of...weird, innit?

I dunno. Mr Peakes is nice, and most of the time lately Thomas seems to be sincere. I just hope he doesn't think I'd fancy him back.

I haven't heard back from Sandoval. I expect she's really really busy.

How was the week without the Lunatic? I'm sorry she's coming home soon. But do you think your parents might have us, anyway? I know Parvati wrote to you yesterday. Have they said ~~yes~~ anything yet?

Lav, they had such a row last night! Mum's all upset with Dad because he's been playing in the orchestra more and more and producing less. And it doesn't pay as well, first off, and it's not as responsible, second, or influential. No one notices a cellist but a producer is important, you know? And she's got this idea that if he made himself 'indispensible' at the second wireless station, the one Mr Malfoy mentioned? Well, she's got this idea that if Dad made himself one of the people really running things there, he could 'make something of himself.' Ooh, Dad got so cross at that! He said a good deal about how he provides fine for us, and it's not her place to tell him how to make money. Mum said she made more in a month than he does in a year, and without her they'd never be invited to snitch parties and we'd never have been able to go to Harry's birthday, and all. She said it's down to her and he's shirking. He didn't like that at all.

Then he said...he said that she needn't bother trying to make so much because we've enough now, and it's not like they've got a chance at the Repopulation Rewards anymore. And that if she didn't work so hard at the studio or try hobnobbing with Narcissa Malfoy so much, perhaps the house would be in better order - and they could work on having another son.

Mum looked like he'd slapped her. He didn't really, of course, but she looked gobsmacked. And she said that as far as she was concerned they'd never have more children since he couldn't hold on to the last one they had.

Then Dad Apparated out. And Mum just...she started cooking. At ten at night. This morning she told us to clean all the house and Dad's still not home. She said he'd gone to work but I don't know if that's so.

Lav. I think Haruman wants to get his own place so we can stay there with him instead of Mum and Dad. They're both going mad, I think.

So will you ask your parents? I'll try Belinda next, if we can't, but I think her whole family are sill on holiday at that country house in the Cotswolds.

How did your first week go - it was this week, wasn't it?

I was also wondering...you know how you mentioned you'd see if maybe some of us could come and look at your photographs from your party? ~~Could that be soon~~ Well, I just wondered if you had any idea whether that will happen or not. Before school starts again, I mean. And maybe could Parvati come too? She'd love to ~~get out of the house~~ hear about it all.

the most exciting birthday party ever - even more than Draco's, and that's saying something.

I mean, we knew it was going to be fun. Getting facials and manicures and sleeping over at the Browns', and all - that was bound to be completely stupe. But it was so much more than anyone expected!

For starters, there were fireworks and little celebrations going on all over New London last night. Mr Brown even sent up sparklers from his wand in the garden for us all. And Mrs Brown gave us ice creams even though it was after bedtime. And we listened to the wireless reports and then we started comparing the bracelets my Mum made (oh, you should see them! They're like the ones Sally-Anne made all the Slytherin girls at end of term, only they're pretty and they've got spells on so they can do nift things, as well as useful spells like anti-loss and one type even has a direction charm on it).

Well, the party wasn't all overshadowed by Sirius Black's capture and then the excitement while we were all waiting for him to get caught again and then Mrs Lestrange saying she'd killed him and then looking for his body (which is sort of ghastly if you think about it, but honestly he was a menace, so it's too good for him, in some ways) and all that. I mean, the Browns let us listen to the wireless nearly all night, and we all fell asleep in the sitting room and finally Mr Brown told us all to go on up to bed, but then we sort of all woke back up again and we stayed up telling stories about Mr Macnair and the other escaped convicts (they say Dippet can conjure lethifolds and that's how he gets his victims!). And then we started talking about Mrs Lestrange and how the Auror who was injured was the one who we met - the one who worked on Sanji's kidnapping, I mean - and how we really hoped she'd be okay because she was really nice, and she tried hard to find out what happened even though it turned out...well, the way it did.

Did everyone listen to the Minister's address? My Dad was there when he came to give it, he said it was completely nift. Well, he said it was a huge honour, but that means it was nift. And the Minister even said something to him about Sanji, and he asked how we're getting on (we're fine, is the answer. I mean, it's weird being home and not having him about, but it's not as awful as it was when it first happened).

And now there's more celebrating again tonight. I guess there's a big party going on at Buckingham, because we can see the fireworks from the garden. I wonder if Mrs Lestrange is going to get a medal or anything? She ought, even if she couldn't bring him back alive to stand trial. Though I'm not sure how he could have - I mean, I can't think of anything he could have said that would have possibly made up for all the trouble he caused. And he doesn't seem like the type would would have apologised, even though he was dead wrong about so much.

Anyway, Lavender, even without the news keeping us all glued like a sticking charm, the party was snitch and Parvati and I just wanted to say we love you, and happy birthday, and you know we'll never, ever forget it.

Oh, and I can't wait for the party your parents are going to throw for the YPL trip, but this was really stupe to be just us girls. I mean, I know you and Parvati get to stay up in your dorms all the time, and I can with Belinda and Morag, but this way we were all together. And I'm sure we'll be together for the YPL, too!

for the year. It's really hard to think that exams are next week, and then we'll be done. And in third year next year. I'm still trying to catch up on the week we missed because of Sanji.

And I'm thinking about Sanji a little more today. Parkinson came to the table this morning to ask if we could talk somewhere, before lessons. And she wanted Parvati, too, so that we'd be together.

I guess I'm really not sure what to think about what she said. I don't think she'd have any reason to lie - I mean, it's clear she was telling us the truth, she was way too upset for it to be anything else, and plus everyone knows Mr Malfoy met with her again yesterday, so I guess he told her so she'd know, and she wanted to tell us. Which was very decent of her, really, even though it was a terrible thing to have to say.

But Parkinson, we know it's not your fault. I don't think you'd ever have told him to do something like that, it's too awful. I guess...if there's anything I will say, and please don't take this the wrong way, but it always did seem as if he was a little...wrong. In the head, I mean. Not just because it seemed like he'd rather tell jokes that were old and stupid when we weren't even firsties. But all those weird things he wrote, and all the time he spent being, well, you know, sort of creepy. And the fact that he even talked to his brother. I mean, I know you considered him a friend, and all, but...well, maybe it will make you think twice about making other friends like him, is all.

And I don't mean that to sound cruel. It's sad, really, that he was so sick, and that hurting himself was the only way he could keep from doing those horrid things. And I know you're sad that he's gone. But I'm not. And I hope that doesn't mean we're going to start quarrelling again, but I think you can understand why. I just wish...I wish that if they'd known about it, they could have stopped him before. It seems like someone should have been able to stop him.

So, yeah, it's a lot to think about. And I'm really not sure how I feel about it all right now. I think I can't really worry about it until exams are over - which really is rather unfortunate, because it's going to be hard to concentrate on revising with something like this hanging over our heads.

Mum, Dad, I'm sending you an owl, so this'll make a little more sense when you get it. At least, Pansy didn't say it was a secret, and she even said that Mr Malfoy told her so that she'd know before everyone else did, so I figure it's going to be public soon enough. But someone ought to tell you both, too, and not in the papers.

Anyway. I guess I'll go revise after lunch. Maybe outside for a while, since it's nice out. Morag, Su Li, Belinda and Linus are coming, too. Anyone else want to come along? Finnigan? Malfoy? Marvolo? We'll probably be out by the big rock most of the afternoon, it's nice and shady there.

and it's sort of hard to think that it's been that long. It doesn't feel that long at all.

Our birthday is coming up next week, but now all I can think of is it'll be a month after. I guess it'll always feel like that, now. A little. My aunt says her grandfather died on her mum's birthday, and ever since her mum could never be one hundred percent happy about her birthday, because she had to think about her father, too.

Lav, I know what you mean about things changing. But I guess that's what things do. And it'll be all right, you'll see. Trust me, you don't know her well because she's not in your common room all the time, but Lovegood's not that much bother. No one pays her much mind in Ravenclaw, that's for certain.

The Model Wizengamot is really interesting, though. And what's really amazing is, I think they had planned that we'd be doing it basically on our own, you know, because of the quarantine. But since it's been lifted they told us that some real Interrogators are going to watch later this week and tell us what they thought of how we did the job. Yesterday was opening statements (each side gets to make a speech). Today we're hearing testimony from the witnesses - and the Interrogators get to try to poke holes in their stories or make them remember details that help prove guilt. The defenders also have time to try, but they don't have the same kind of latitude that the Interrogators have. I know that in the model, we're switching sides - I mean, there are two cases, so in the next case, the people being Interrogators will be the defenders - but I think it's much better to be an Interrogator than a defender no matter what the case is. It just seems like most people who face Wizengamot charges are guilty, anyway.

Though there are different kinds of cases, of course. This one's a pretty simple one.

It's based on the trial of a wizard named Stalk who was found guilty of ~~imbe~~ ~~embezl~~ embezzling a lot of gold from the Daily Prophet in the 1850's. And it was really clear that he did it, once he got caught.

But the case we're starting tomorrow is a little more complicated. It's about a witch who used to lure muggles to her cottage and then made them work for her. And when she was done, she used them for potions ingredients and things. And when she was caught by a bunch of muggles, they wanted to burn her, but she got away, but then the Aurors told her she had to stop because it was making all the muggles hunt for the rest of us. Well, obviously, that part's not a problem anymore. But then this all happened for real in 1690, so we've updated the case a little. Now she's stealing muggles from the camps, you see, and there's a part of the case where - well, I don't want to give it away. You'll have to come on Thursday and see.

Meanwhile, Ravenclaw Corner is mostly back. There aren't many fifth-years and the ones who do go there have been keeping themselves scarce this week, with OWLs. I guess Sandoval feels pretty good about her NEWTs, though, but she's probably just more relieved that it's over. Johns says she never wants to go through that again.

Oh, and Orion Sandoval says he's heard that they are allowing the Apparition instructors from the Ministry to come up next week, after the Wizengamot is over, to teach the sixth-years who are eligible for their tests. Troy says he reckons Sandoval's worried he'll splinch himself, but Dames thinks he's just excited.

I know you asked Parvati about that enormous owl over by Ravenclaw this morning. Well, I got a letter of apology from Ms Post - the witch who was writing all those things in Madam Pomfrey's journal?

(Sounds like your Mr Rosier and Director Selwyn went at her quite a bit. Oh - but I don't think I'm supposed to say things like that in my journal, as it would be gossip.)

Anyway, she was pretty much falling over herself apologising for implying that you and me talking about Sanji was what led to him getting kidnapped. Then she went on to talk about all the ways her office can help us be better witches and wizards and I think you can guess what that was all about. Actually, I think it's clear she wrote some of the pamphlets. Pity you've given yours back, we could've compared the letter to the leaflets to see if she actually quoted any of them.

I was thinking of going to an undisclosed location at a time later than now, because it's a little tense over in Ravenclaw Corner this week and I'm not much in the mood for silent contemplation. Though I have a lot to catch up on - even though all the professors told me I didn't have to make up the homework from last week, there are still the discussions and such to catch up on. Maybe you'd want to meet me and I can add to Belinda and Linus' notes?

Tell you one thing, I think I'm just as glad that Professor McGonagall will be teaching Transfiguration. Not that Mr Professor Carrow was a bad teacher - because really, in lessons, he was actually quite good - but I dunno how I'd feel seeing him face to face after what he said to me last week.

Oh - and I expect everyone's already talked about that as much as anyone cares to, but do you think it's really true he was behind the attacks, all along? (Oh, that would be gossip again, wouldn't it?) Well, Ms Post said to go on writing whatever we like in our journals, just as Director Selwyn said, so I guess it's all right. Although of course I wouldn't want to upset Miss Professor Carrow, either. It's just hard to believe that was happening at the same time as Parvati and me were going home - we missed nearly all the excitement.

we can start washing our hair again (none too soon, either, let me tell you!). If you ever want to really appreciate having clean hair, just go through a ritual where you can't wash it for a whole week. Ugh.

I can't really believe we've been home for a whole week. We're not really supposed to be going out, and Mum and Dad and Haruman haven't gone to work, but I think everyone's getting rather fussed because of it. We still can't cook for ourselves or share with anyone who visits, and that feels weird. Besides, it's hard to sit round with nothing to do, and yet not be allowed to be sad, either. But we want Sanji to go to Shiva, so it's important not to cry or carry on.

It doesn't stop Mum blaming Dad a little. She doesn't say it, not right out, but I think she thinks he ought not to've let him go to the park alone.

We saw in the papers this morning that Mrs Black talked to a reporter at St Mungo's and said that her son in the hospital had just Splinched himself really, really badly. But they say he's going to be okay. They tried to ask her about Sirius Black and I guess she hexed the reporter. The papers said that the MLE are asking for recordings of all Cullenden's matches, anything the International Quidditch Federation has got. Dad says that's because there are things he'd have said in his commentaries that might help them figure out where he's gone.

And did you know there was more trouble in the camps? Some of the mudbloods, they put up a struggle because they heard Sirius Black got away from the Aurors who've been after him, you know, after he wrote in his brother's journal the other night. Haruman says the camps are going to be a problem until Black's caught and executed.

and at least we're moving forward. I do think it's helping, really. Haruman's still being amazing and heroic and taking charge of everything. I'm so proud of him! And I think Dad was better today, too. Not as cross with everyone.

So, Haruman went and talked to Mr Ashton-Scripps and his funeral home is going to help, on account of how Sanji's body really wasn't the kind of sight Haruman wanted Mum or Aunt Sirvati or Dadi or anyone else to have to manage it. They're, er, prepanng

(oops, sorry about that blot)

They're preparing him today in a new set of robes Mum made for him, and we'll have the cremation tomorrow. That way we can observe seven mourning days instead of ten, and Parvati and I can still come back next Sunday and not miss any more school. (And Mum and Dad and Haruman will continue into the week after.)

But some people from the WWN and the Ministry told us that there are so many people wanting to pay respects they're not sure what to do with it all. I guess the coverage on the WWN, because of Dad, has sort of, well, it's got everyone interested. So they're asking if they could have public hours tomorrow before the cremation. Well, the cremation is at sunset, anyway, so I guess it's always possible people could come before then. They want that at the funeral home, but Dad says no way.

So there's still some arguing. But not as much.

I'm really sorry I didn't get back to everyone who commented yesterday. There were so many of you - I think almost everyone at Hogwarts must have left some kind of note - and please don't take this the wrong way, but I really didn't feel like writing 'thanks' over and over and over. I tried. I must have opened up my journal about fifty times, looking at what everyone wrote. I even picked up my quill a load of times, but I just couldn't bring myself to write anything.

Lavender, Parvati and me really, really wish you could be here too! But your mum sent flowers and she said she's coming to the ceremony, she's even going to wear the traditional robes Mum made for her three years ago, remember? And ~~Finni~~ Seamus, Mr Rosier sent over a big basket of fruit from Sainsbury's, including two pomegranates. That was awfully kind of him. Draco, your mother had some things delivered today, too - including Sainsbury's curry with basmati and hot naan for lunch. It was so good! (Better than Cousin Nindira's curry, she always puts in too much mustard oil.) And there were a lot of people to feed, so it was good we had extra. Oh, and Johns, your parents came and they're helping to prepare the site and your brother offered to be one of the bearers.

So, anyway, Parvati and I are hanging in there, and we're doing okay, I guess. Mum's still sort of...numb, I guess. Dadi had to make her eat. And there's still all kinds of family and friends around.

I guess everyone's really wondering what's happening with the search for his killer. Well, the Aurors don't have a lot to tell us. Eventually Dad let them examine Sanji more completely for clues, but they couldn't find anything new. They searched the funeral home all day Wednesday and they said it looked like the person Apparated in and out. He did touch things, so they had a Diviner come yesterday to see if she could pick up any traces, but all she could get was that the person was 'broken,' whatever that means.

They're not giving up, though - that's what Auror Zuckerman says. She says they have places to look still. But she told us not to say too much because the ones they're looking for will just pick up and move somewhere else and it could be months before they catch anyone then.

But I hope they do find who did it. Hydra, I agree with you: someone should pay.

Can you collect my homework assignments for the rest of the week? And most of next? And take notes too? (Linus and Morag, you too?)

We're home for a while. I just came upstairs for a bit because everyone's all over the house and my aunts are crying and Dad's

Well, it's sort of crazy here. I needed some quiet.

I thought the Headmistress maybe wanted to talk to us about what Lavender tried, you know, estral projection.

But it was much worse.

They....

They found Sanji. This morning, I guess.

Well, not found, exactly. I mean, yes, someone found him, but because he'd been left to find.

I have to go back downstairs in a few minutes. I think Parvati's going to sneak up here for a bit, too, when she can.

It's just hard to believe.

I really miss him.

Not the good kind, anyway. I know everyone's trying to be really supportive, but stop asking, all right?

I mean, thanks to everyone who's been really understanding this week. Bones, MacMillan, Thomas, Li, Capper, Parkinson, Perks - I could keep going but just know that I appreciate everyone who's offered their sympathy.

I'm really glad owls are allowed again, now, because I'm sure Mum and Dad will send one right away to let us know how things are going. Haruman has been managing the journals for the family because he says they're just not up to it. He put up a big long post today just to keep us informed.

First, most important, he said the Lord Protector's office issued a statement this morning about Sanji! They said that He was disheartened to learn of our tragic circumstances and hoped it reached resolution soon. I know He had already met us personally before, last year, you know, when Parvati was chosen for the unicorn hunt, but imagine Him thinking about and caring about what happens to us, personally. It's really awe-inspiring, but it makes me sad that it's because of something like this.

Haruman also said Mum and Dad went in to the WWN to record an, um, an appeal. The Aurors found his lunch sack, it was a special one Mum made, and it had a charm on that kept the cold things cold on one side and the hot things hot, and it'd never spill. Well, they found it and they took it to a Diviner, right away. Saturday, I mean. She said at the time that he was still alive, but scared. They didn't find anything else anywhere nearby, though. They searched the whole park, and all the neighbourhood. People even loaned their mudbloods to the operation, so they could go through the whole area inch by inch.

So they haven't found anything yet to suggest that he's been

Well, they think he's still alive, anyway.

And I guess they've been looking into the man the kids said they saw. There wasn't anything remarkable that they remembered, he was just a man in a plain set of robes. They don't think he's an escaped muggle or mudblood, because they've been interviewing every servant in the area and they all were where they were supposed to be at the time. No one's missing or anything. (So Finnigan, I don't think it has anything to do with Irish terrorists, which is good news!)

But the problem is that if another wizard took him, then he probably Apparated away or used a Portkey, and the Aurors say that's mostly impossible to track. The only way to find out where he is is if someone issues a ransom demand. But they're still not at all sure why anyone would do that in the first place, or why they'd pick Sanji.

I've been thinking about it since I read Haruman's post. I think, if no one's asking for a ransom, that it must have been a wizard or witch who doesn't have children, or who only had Squibs, or something, and wants a child of his own. Like the Raja in the story, who prayed and prayed to Sivitri for a child. Only in this case, he didn't wait.

So. I guess I just want to say to that person, that I'm really sorry if you don't have your own children, but please give Sanji back. He's really not all that good. He whinges and he'll just annoy you, so you might as well bring him home. Plus, he's our brother. And even though he's a pain, we love him and we had him first. So give him back. Please?

but sometimes I wish I were in Gryffindor.

Not because I want to be a Gryffindor. But because Parvati and Lavender are there.

Belinda and Morag, of course, they're trying. But it's not quite the same.

So, Finnigan, I know I told you I'd be in the library tonight and we could work on History Club. I guess Troy was a little short with you when you came to Ravenclaw Corner looking for me.

What happened was, Sandoval said the Headmistress wanted to see me. Me and Parvati, in fact.

I didn't know what to expect, so I thought at first maybe we were in some kind of trouble. You know, I think that's what everyone thinks because you never think it's going to be something so

Sorry. It's sort of hard to write it all out.

Um.

Professor McGonagall had an open firechat going and it was our parents. Mum was crying and Dad's voice sounded sort of scratchy.

They said Sanji's missing.

I guess he didn't come home from playing, or something. So when it started to get dark, Mum and Dad got really worried and they called MLE. And they're out looking for him. There's a bulletin or an alert or something going out on the wireless in case anyone's seen anything. And the Aurors are organising a sweep of the parkland.

Including the ponds.

So, they said they'd keep Professor McGonagall informed about it and the Auror in charge of the search will let them know through the night what's going on, if they find any evidence of what happened, or what.

Oh, I didn't say, I guess the neighbourhood kids were all at the park near our house, where we usually play. And they said they saw a man, and then later they found this puppy. It's kind of sad because you know Sanji ~~wanted~~ wants a puppy so badly. They made sure he wasn't transfigured or anything, but it's a real puppy, not Sanji turned into a puppy. So I guess they're also trying to find out whose puppy it is. And who the man was.

But in the meantime Dad said they'd keep the puppy for now. In case Sanji gets back.

So, yeah. I guess I just wish Parvati and me could be together tonight.

Although we're still having to use that horrid shampoo, but only as a precaution now. At least it's the weekend, and Sandoval said at breakfast this morning that as we've been generally spared the invasion of insects ever since putting up the runes, she's reopening Ravenclaw Corner today.

And Morag, honestly, it's nothing personal. If you had the chance to revise with Troy and Sandoval and Johns and the others, you'd take it too, you know you would. And if you'd make a little more of an effort, you might be invited next year, and then you'd see for yourself it's really so much more fun than revising with - well, well people who aren't as much help to you as you are to them.

Anyway, I still spend loads of time with you and Dunstan and Moon, and anyway it'll be summer soon and we'll get together plenty at the holidays. And Parvati and my birthday is coming up, too! We've asked Mum and Dad if the quarantine is lifted, if they'd send up a real traditional meal and we'll invite all our friends. That'll be nift. And it looks like the quarantine will be lifted soon enough, so I think it's not even a waste of time to think about it.

Oh, and Mum, if Sanji keeps whinging about getting a puppy, tell him he'll just have to leave it home when he comes to school, anyway. It's too bad he's already thinking about his birthday - it's ages away. I guess it's unavoidable whenever we start planning for ours.

Mum has had us cooking all day. We've got the curry on and we just finished rolling sweet dough in sesame seeds for dessert. We still have to make the naan, but the dough is rising now so I had a little time to see what everyone else is doing. Tomorrow the whole family is coming over to see me and Parvati and we're supposed to be the hostesses. It's not that I mind, but we brewed Potions just yesterday (and I KNOW I did REALLY WELL) and now it's like we're brewing all over again. I guess if I'm going to be a Potioneer I'll have to get used to it!

Sanji keeps asking when you're coming, Lavender! He doesn't understand that you've got Christmas and we don't. Everyone in his village school has been talking about presents and he wants some, so if you have extra sweets, bring them so he doesn't make a noosance of himself.

Oh! And the most important part! I think Haruman has a girlfriend! But he doesn't want Mum to know. When you come, we'll have to see if we can figure out Who She Is!