Private message to Rory
Dec. 16th, 2011 08:54 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_rabastanMorning, love. I think you should be up and about by now, or soonish.
Something happened yesterday, and it might've led me in the direction of pink-parchment girl. Maybe. I don't want to jump to anything resembling a conclusion, so let me tell you what happened.
I had the classroom open at three for any students who wanted to practise duelling before exams. I was supervising, of course, but it's rare that I ever have to step in. Most students are respectful about casting hexes at each other when they're under a teacher's watch- even if he's on the other side of the room.
Anyway, some shouting and screaming broke out between two girls, and when the smoke had cleared, one of them had something purple growing out the side of her face, and the other was in some kind of temper. It was Daphne Greengrass (and Miss Bullstrode her victim), who's usually a very level-headed sort, if a bit prone to dramatic flourishes. Sweet Circe, but she does have a sharp tongue on her when she's worked into a state! I ended up sending her to my office to re-arrange the books and calm down.
Just after four-thirty I cleared the classroom and headed up to my rooms to change. Now, you know that surveillance mirror in my office I've told you about? I had the receiving version propped up on the fireplace mantle in my sitting area, and as I passed it what do you suppose I saw? Not Miss Greengrass re-arranging my books, or even shuffling around with a glower on her face. No, she was instead very quietly and effectively searching through my things. She had the desk drawers open, and studied each and every bit of parchment within- nothing terribly revealing there. I usually chuck invitations and other bits of junk post inside them. After, she approached the trunk under the window and then, cleverly perceiving that it might be a good idea to leave it alone (there's a boggart in there), slowly backed off. So then she went over to the walls and the fireplace and started looking at photographs, even taking them down to study them. You've seen most of them- taken through the years at events and parties, and most of them pretty old by now. Lots from my Falcons days, some from Hogwarts.
Now, none of this by itself is terribly condemning. It just proves she's quite the little snoop. But what gave me pause was the look on her face. Remember how you described the pink-parchment notes as sounding "obsessed?" Well, there was a little of that to her expression, a sort of wistful longing, you might say?
(Needless to say, I went back down to my office and told her to leave. She had put everything back in order, mostly, but looked terribly anxious- and no longer wistful, I might add. But then I did burst in on her rather abruptly.)
And then I still thought it might be nothing, but I couldn't get the way she looked out of my head. So, I asked Harry a few questions and learned that Miss Greengrass does, in fact, have pink parchment. She also has a date to the ball - Barney Bole, one of my newts, who's also on the list for Ancient Runes and Dark Arts.
So, I thought I should ask you: what do you think of Ms Greengrass? Has she ever shown any malice or even displeasure toward you?
Something happened yesterday, and it might've led me in the direction of pink-parchment girl. Maybe. I don't want to jump to anything resembling a conclusion, so let me tell you what happened.
I had the classroom open at three for any students who wanted to practise duelling before exams. I was supervising, of course, but it's rare that I ever have to step in. Most students are respectful about casting hexes at each other when they're under a teacher's watch- even if he's on the other side of the room.
Anyway, some shouting and screaming broke out between two girls, and when the smoke had cleared, one of them had something purple growing out the side of her face, and the other was in some kind of temper. It was Daphne Greengrass (and Miss Bullstrode her victim), who's usually a very level-headed sort, if a bit prone to dramatic flourishes. Sweet Circe, but she does have a sharp tongue on her when she's worked into a state! I ended up sending her to my office to re-arrange the books and calm down.
Just after four-thirty I cleared the classroom and headed up to my rooms to change. Now, you know that surveillance mirror in my office I've told you about? I had the receiving version propped up on the fireplace mantle in my sitting area, and as I passed it what do you suppose I saw? Not Miss Greengrass re-arranging my books, or even shuffling around with a glower on her face. No, she was instead very quietly and effectively searching through my things. She had the desk drawers open, and studied each and every bit of parchment within- nothing terribly revealing there. I usually chuck invitations and other bits of junk post inside them. After, she approached the trunk under the window and then, cleverly perceiving that it might be a good idea to leave it alone (there's a boggart in there), slowly backed off. So then she went over to the walls and the fireplace and started looking at photographs, even taking them down to study them. You've seen most of them- taken through the years at events and parties, and most of them pretty old by now. Lots from my Falcons days, some from Hogwarts.
Now, none of this by itself is terribly condemning. It just proves she's quite the little snoop. But what gave me pause was the look on her face. Remember how you described the pink-parchment notes as sounding "obsessed?" Well, there was a little of that to her expression, a sort of wistful longing, you might say?
(Needless to say, I went back down to my office and told her to leave. She had put everything back in order, mostly, but looked terribly anxious- and no longer wistful, I might add. But then I did burst in on her rather abruptly.)
And then I still thought it might be nothing, but I couldn't get the way she looked out of my head. So, I asked Harry a few questions and learned that Miss Greengrass does, in fact, have pink parchment. She also has a date to the ball - Barney Bole, one of my newts, who's also on the list for Ancient Runes and Dark Arts.
So, I thought I should ask you: what do you think of Ms Greengrass? Has she ever shown any malice or even displeasure toward you?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 04:40 pm (UTC)What an odd story.
Honestly, Miss Greengrass has generally been quite pleasant to me. Not top in my class, but not bottom, neither overly aggressive or too passive with YPL work, and she's been amiable enough at the dance sessions this week as well. Certainly nothing that's stood out.
I'd also thought her arrangement with Bole was quite recent - since the letters started, I mean - but I'm certainly not up on all the possible gossip. (And there, there's been quite a bit I've overheard about how many people were shocked she wasn't going with Mr Zabini.)
But you're right, that is odd, and there's enough there to make one wonder. What would you suggest we do about it?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 04:49 pm (UTC)If I call her to my office after supper do you think you can be there?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 04:52 pm (UTC)Anything you'd like me to be ready for? Or say or not say?
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 04:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 05:03 pm (UTC)And in that case, I definitely had better plan on the nap, so I'm sharper than I feel at the moment. Fixed stars, I'm glad it's Friday.
I'd worry that she'd wonder something from my being there, but at this point, I think I'm finally settled over student gossip, too.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 05:06 pm (UTC)And if she's not, then she'll just have more reason to wonder than most.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 05:10 pm (UTC)Right. I've added that to my list. And however it goes, I don't need much time to set up for the evening tonight.
While I'm looking at my list, actually: Mum and Dad would love to see us on the 30th, Felix is a dear, Orion's trying not to be quite so overprotective, and I haven't heard a peep from Diane. Which I hope means she's actually thinking this time, and not just reacting. Nothing from Dai.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 05:14 pm (UTC)And your sternness must have Diane thoroughly chastised- either that or my looming and silent presence on the PM has her in quick retreat.
Dai will come 'round, I bet. It's a busy time of year, after all.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 05:19 pm (UTC)On Diane - perhaps. I'll believe it when I see it, though.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-17 02:08 am (UTC)I replied that you'd asked for my assistance with a matter that might be related, and that there are some situations where having two professors present is appropriate.
She did also hope that I didn't think less of her, or you.
I don't know. I don't think she's the Pink Parchment Girl, but there's something right odd.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-17 02:13 am (UTC)Could be she just has a crush, or, I don't know- is it too far-fetched to think a fifteen year old might be looking for information to send to reporters?
But still, crush seems more likely. Probably since hearing about me and Victoriana she's gotten all sorts of big ideas in her head, and knowing Vic, she helped to put them there.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-17 02:26 am (UTC)I've seen enough crushes go by - Lockhart trailed them by the dozens, for reasons I've never understood - but this seems a bit different.
You might have an idea with the reporters, but surely there's easier targets for her, unless she had some reason to focus on you in the first place? What with Krum and all in the common room, for a start.
I think your idea about her mother might have a bit more to it. I know I've heard others wondering about the romances of parents and aunts and uncles and all, the past few weeks.
Well. None of this is getting my marking closer to done, so I suppose we can only watch and wait.
I'd love to see you before you go tomorrow, but honestly, love, I'm hoping to sleep till at least noon, given the double sessions tonight and their exam nerves.
Do let me know how it goesI'll be thinking of you.