The Things You Learn

The things you learn . . .

Part 2: Astronomy and Muggle Studies

Posted in the second floor corridor, next to the House points hourglasses:

I have recently been made aware of the true reason Gryffindor House has suddenly acquired 250 house points. Disappointingly, it was not in fact a reward for turning Miss Patil's ears into bat wings. If you would like to find out the real explanation for this largess, and discuss the best method for sharing said reason with our fellow students, meet me at the stairs to the Astronomy Tower this evening.
-- Draco Malfoy.
P.S. Miss Weasley-- Potter and Riddle? I am so disappointed in your taste. Why was I not included?

No worries, Draco darling. It's usually all three of you together. But I thought I'd already given Harry enough flak about that particular fixation. I wouldn't want to scare him off you. Cheers ~ Ginny.

One word, Weasley: Ick.
Mind you, at this point wild Nundus couldn't keep me away from this meeting.
Be seeing you there, then, Blaise. -- M

I am intrigued by this, as well. I may be compelled to offer my assistance.
JFF

What help could you be, mudblood?

You might be surprised, Ferret Face.
I'm still coming.
JFF

Excuse me, Malfoy? "Mudblood"? Who had to kiss a Creevey in order to acquire this information over which you are gloating so unbecomingly? See if I ever do you a favor again. And I'm not talking to you. --qg

Queenie, you know I would never refer to you that way. Slytherin Mudbggleborns are exceptional, they're nearly worthy of being wizards. It's only those of inferior houses who deserve our derision. If I've unintentionally offended you in any way, I offer the sincerest of Malfoy apologies. Please do attend my meeting, at least. --Malfoy

You still owe me a butterbeer, Malfoy. No, under the circumstances perhaps a Guinness shall be more appropriate. I'll even loan you the Muggle cash to buy it with. With interest, of course. --qg

I don't mind, Greenglass, the squid's a better kisser anyhow.
~~Dennis

---

Collected over a period of two days from the staff room bulletin board

Can anyone inform me as to how the Gryffindors managed to earn 20 points each simply for participating in an idiotic study of Sybill's?
-- SS

Minerva had a bet on with Sybill that no-one would volunteer, Severus.
She lost. -- FF

Ah. Yet another catfight? I'm sorry I missed it, then. -- SS

Flattered, are we, Severus? What I'd like to know is why Miss Granger was rewarded for interfering with other students' projects.
-- MM

Ooh, definitely catty, Minerva. Jealous much? That veridication enchantment required real-world conditions. I am quite proud of Hermione for taking the opportunity to help her friends acquire accurate results, which, might I say, I doubt they could have gotten otherwise. She very efficiently accomplished two objectives with one spell, and clearly deserved a reward.
-- V.V.

Why, pray tell, would I be in any way "flattered" by anything in this sordid affair? -- SS

I don't think he's actually seen the report, yet, Minnie.
How -- amusing. -- MM

Do enlighten me, if you find the prospect so entertaining. -- SS
Never mind I found out

As has most of the school, by this point, I imagine. Would someone care to enlighten me as to how they managed to project Miss Patil's fascinating chart onto the ceiling of the Great Hall, which is heavily warded against magical tampering and situated in a building where Muggle technologies don't work? -- MM

It was ingenious, if I do say so myself. A cleverly mocked-up projector based on Muggle designs, the lightbulbs replaced by carefully situated Lumos charms. It is rare for students to combine the technologies so effectively. Even rarer for them to visit my tower at night because they're interested in the telescopes. I have awarded each of those involved ten house points for initiative and inter-house cooperation.
~sinistra~

You were behind that debacle, Sinistra? I am appalled and disappointed that you would in any way condone such a cowardly and humiliating attack directed against a particular House. However, it has had the side effect of making my Gryffindor girls thick as thieves again. Some of your students might go well with a warning, Severus. You as well, Sinistra.
-- MM

For once, I find myself in agreement with you, Minerva. I have already informed my classes that should somebody find it necessary to retaliate, I would consider such action as just punishment. Neville Longbottom. Honestly. I've never been so humiliated in my life. -- SS

Severus, it occurs to me that a display of bipartisan cooperation might be useful in these trying times. Would you care to meet with me in private to discuss the options toward a more official reprimand for said troublemakers? -- MM

Nothing could possibly give me more pleasure, Minerva. My quarters, after dinner tonight? -- SS

I'll bring a bottle of that scotch you were admiring. -- MM

Shall I inform young Longbottom that you're taken, then, Severus? I'm sure he will be devastated. -- Professor Sprout, who is extremely amused.

I've no idea what you're implying, miss. --MM
That goes for me as well. -- SS

---

Found crumpled on the floor of the Arithmancy classroom

You're toast, Malfoy. In case you wanted to know.
HG, PP, and LB.

Ohhh, I'm so scared. The swotty mudblood and the airhead twins are after me. Perhaps I shall die of boredom fear.

Rather vicious, coldblooded toast, you must admit, though -- SF