Private Message to Horace Slughorn

[alt_poppy]

Horace, if you would be so kind, I could use a word with you. I've been made aware of a matter that requires our attention, yours and mine.

I shall be here all afternoon.

Comments

[alt_horace]

Terribly sorry, Poppy, that I am only just seeing this. I was completely engrossed in some reading all day and neglected to check my journal before nipping down to Hogsmeade for a swift pint.

Well, I should say I'd intended it to be swift.

At any rate, if this is regarding Warrington, the situation is quite contained. And if it's to do with Miss Pummel, that's been sorted as well.

[alt_poppy]

This time of term takes its toll on us all. My evening was similarly consumed by situations that were not as quickly dispatched as one might have hoped.

Fortunately none of those was a Slytherin matter.

This, I'm afraid, concerns Miss Daphne Greengrass, fourth year. A delicate matter, as the young lady seems reluctant to own the serious and injurious nature of her circumstances.

[alt_horace]

Dear me, Miss Greengrass, you say? Am I to understand you've discovered the cause of her concerning slide from the height of her social circles?

But it sounds as if you think the problem is something she has the means to reverse. I'm glad to hear it! Such a promising talent ought not to be wasted.

Well. I'm most curious as to the 'circumstances' you have unearthed, Poppy. Most curious indeed.

[alt_poppy]

Horace. I'm sorry we were interrupted this evening. You were quite right to go on: it took a good while to reverse the hexes and check them over for unintended effects.

As for Miss Greengrass, I do believe that the solution must include her accepting that Mr Bole's behaviour is untoward and ought not be excused let alone borne with.

That said, I do not believe that Miss Greengrass is equipped to deal with the situation on her own. As I said earlier, I do believe you must intervene to stop Mr Bole's unacceptable treatment of her. Surely this is not the first such case you've seen.

[alt_horace]

I'm glad you got them all sorted. Expect no less, of course.

But no, indeed, indeed it's not, though one could wish it were the first case I've seen. Or you. You know I try not to involve myself directly in these romantic squabbles; at that age every word, every glance, every raised eyebrow seems to have such powerful meaning to their naive little hearts. I've generally found that it's useless to fight such storms of passion; they calm themselves best when left to rage out at sea. One finds that intervening often only throws young lovers more steadfastly into each other's arms.

Naturally, I trust your assessment implicitly. I'm merely pointing out that if the situation is as drastic as you say then any course we mere adults may attempt could just as easily fail as succeed.

[alt_poppy]

I do not disagree that the love affairs of the young are inconstant and unpredictable. However, when they are damaging and violent, it is incumbent on adults to exercise their authority and intervene.

It is your duty to make the effort, Horace. I trust you'll find that you have more sway over your pupils than you expect.