Within the book are the pages, and on the pages are the words.

[lupercusna]

I realise that by posting I once again violate the terms of service of these journals by not, at present, being drunk, French, a pompous overstuffed peacock, or a Malfoy. I also regret not making any grand, cryptic statements announcing yet another public divorce. One of those is quite enough for me, thank you.

And considering that it's water under the bridge, and I've recently celebrated my first anniversary, I'm not particularly inclined to follow current trends.

Today I returned to my old rooms here at the castle, which was a rather enjoyable experience in and of itself. Reshelving the books, arranging the bric-a-brac (which includes a slightly disheveled Sirius who has still not recovered from our celebratory alcoholic feast last night; I have installed him upon the sofa), arranging things with Gavin that he look after the shop while I am here during the week, and I will make the trek out to Hogsmeade at the weekend. I think it will work out well.

I admit that it's a bit dodgy getting around in here these days, but there's no shortage of aid from the house-elves. I suspect Sirius will be a particularly big help, once he's slept off the hangover. As it was, I had to help him up the stairs this morning. May have to get him a walking-stick of his own.

And of course, it's lovely to see you all again. I do miss teaching, but then again, I do not. I am enjoying being in the library, handing out books and hexing people who don't bring them back on time (am I joking? Find out!) and keeping Madam Pince company. She is considering a holiday, as it turns out - I believe she's looking into Majorca. She deserves it, the dear lady.

Of course, I will hold down the library in her stead. Victory is mine, ha ha!

It's not all fun and games. I want to know how Pettigrew got out of Azkaban. I want to know how he got into Hogwarts. I want to know what the Ministry plans to do about this. I don't understand why no-one is asking these questions. I don't understand how this could happen.

I'd also like a word with Percy Weasley.

All that aside, it's been a busy week, and it's late and I think I ought to go up and get some sleep. Sirius will likely stir sometime in the night, and he will be hungry and steal my blankets, and I shall be forced to kill him. I'd best save my strength.

In closing, Severus Snape is currently skulking behind a stack of 1001 Spores, Moulds and Fungi, looking for all the world like a malevolent bat.

Oh, I think he's spotted me.

Same to you, mate. Same to you.

Comments

[sinistra.livejournal.com]

I want to be the pompous overstuffed peacock please.

[lupercusna]

We must first find you an ugly cane.

[sinistra.livejournal.com]

I already have one actually.

[lupercusna]

Well!

Then all you need is an intoxicated trophy wife and a book of quotations, and you'll be set.

[divineparvati.livejournal.com]

Ooh la la!

[lupercusna]

Can-can?

[divineparvati.livejournal.com]

Oh, oui, monsieur!

[lupercusna]

Je n'ai pas su que vous parlez français, ma chère fille. Où l'avez-vous appris ? C'est une belle langue, oui?

[wehaveseven.livejournal.com]

Hello I am glad you are at Hogwarts. Please help keep my children safe. Although why do you want to talk to Percy, he is probably busy.

[lupercusna]

I will do my very best, Molly.

I merely want to ask Percy a bit about his old rat. He did say he was an expert on him.

[wehaveseven.livejournal.com]

Oh well he had Scabbers for years, he was Percy's before he was Ron's.

[missgranger.livejournal.com]

It's been lovely seeing you in the library, Professor. We've missed you terribly here!

[lupercusna]

It's lovely to be back, Hermione!

Did you find the volumes you were looking for? I wasn't certain if that stack with legs was you, or Peeves having a bit of fun.

[erniemacmillan.livejournal.com]

Professor, do you think it's possible that someone could let Pettigrew out of Azkaban using telekinesis?

[lupercusna]

Oh, most definitely.

Perhaps if we all think hard enough, we can put him back?

[erniemacmillan.livejournal.com]

Do you reckon so???

[just-harry.livejournal.com]

At least your walking stick makes this neat icon.

I don't understand, either.

[lupercusna]

You are a horrible child, and nobody likes you.

My walking-stick makes me look dignified!

Perhaps it is up to us to ask the questions, Harry.

[just-harry.livejournal.com]

I know. It wasn't nice to remind me though.

I don't know who to ask. Hermione and I had this funny idea but it won't work but it was really funny.

[perfectprefect.livejournal.com]

Yes, Professor? How may I help you?

[lupercusna]

How did Pettigrew escape?

[perfectprefect.livejournal.com]

I am afraid this remains a mystery to the Ministry of Magic. For all intents and purposes he should not have been able to free himself from his cell. As you may know, since Professor Black's escape, Azkaban's security has been increased. I daresay it was rather severe even prior to the changes. At this point it would take assistance from one who knows the lay, as it were, of Azkaban.

[just-harry.livejournal.com]

Hi, Percy. How are you?

[perfectprefect.livejournal.com]

I am quite well, Harry. Things have been quite busy at the Ministry, and while I likely hide it well, the truth is that I like things best when they are busiest. I was at the Ministry of Magic from half five this morning until eight this evening! It is all very exhilirating. It is an honour to be so deeply involved in a situation as delicate as this one. I have discovered the most interesting things about many people in our society.

It is most odd that you would happen to speak to me at this moment, actually. When I returned home from the Ministry this evening, I perused a well-worn copy of Heroes Through the Ages, and there is, as you may know, quite a section dedicated to you!

I trust you have been preparing for your N.E.W.T.s with the same enthusiasm as Ronald.

[wheresmytoad.livejournal.com]

Hermione's right; it is indeed lovely to have you back, Professor.

(9How long do you expect Professor Snape will be needing that book? I was looking for it early, for revising for Herbology, and, um, I don't really like to ask him directly. Is there another copy anywhere?)