I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

This parchment for Divination is driving me mad. I mean to say, Palmistry? Complete bollocks.

For the first project after hols, we had to use palmistry to read our own futures in the short term, and she made us come up with three things we were going to follow between then and the end of February. So I decided to look into how much I'd grow, and whether I'd end up in the hospital wing at all, and whether my fantasy Quidditch side would improve its win-loss percentage. And my readings came out that I wouldn't grow at all, that I'd have to see Madam Pomfrey three times, and that my Quidditch side was going to have nothing but wins for the whole two months.

Obviously palmistry's bollocks. I've grown at least four inches, haven't got hurt at all, and my Hogsmeade Harriers lost both matches they've played since Hewett got hexed in that duel. If he's not back on his broom for next week's matches, I'm done for. We'll be bottom of the league for sure.

I don't know what I'm supposed to write about it now. Professor Carpenter'll just say I did the readings wrong in the first place and give me low marks for the whole project.

Potions was rubbish today, too. In case you were wondering. I mixed up when I was supposed to add the newt tails, and I had to throw the whole thing out. Another zero for me. Hoo-bloody-ray.

And I heard somebody say it's supposed to rain tonight--that'll make Astronomy just so much fun.

At least we've got Creatures tomorrow. It was dead hilarious yesterday when the Niffler went for Parvati's necklace. And after all the times he's told us not to wear anything shiny! So what does she say to Brown? 'I thought he just meant rings.' How daft can you be?

Comments

[alt_sally_anne]

I was wondering why you hadn't used a lengthening charm but if it's worn it might not take to it. I lengthened my sleeves last week but I made them a little too long and I keep getting the sleeve of my robe in my porridge at breakfast.

[alt_ron]

Er. Why haven't I lengthened them?

Well, mostly because I didn't want to fuss with it, I guess. I'd probably just put holes in it if I tried.

You could do it for me, I guess, if you know the charms to use. Is that something they taught you in those Sisters of Watsit meetings?

[alt_sally_anne]

No, actually, I learned from your mum. Not directly, but she sent me a book last winter when the Strettons were having me do all the cooking. It's called Mrs Blandifoote's Essential Household Spells Every Bride Should Know -- I think your grandparents gave her a copy when your parents first got married? It's simple household charms. The main reason she sent it was for the cooking section, it's full of really easy things you'd almost have to try to mess up, but it's got other useful spells and one of them is a lengthening charm for clothes.

I could try it but the book warns that if the clothes are nearly worn out, the lengthening charm might not take (or it might weaken the fabric so it wears holes faster).

[alt_sally_anne]

And she knew I wasn't a BRIDE of course but it's spells for housekeeping, and that's what the Strettons were having me do.

It's a really useful book. They probably SHOULD be using it at the Sisters in Witchcraft meetings, at least when they're teaching us household things. Mrs Catchlove's spells aren't nearly so practical, she's more about How to Set a Really Pretty Table. I couldn't have cared less about setting a pretty table last winter, all I cared about was getting dinner made so I would have something to eat and the Strettons wouldn't be cross with me.