Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_blaise]

I've been thinking, of course, about groups for Noble Arts. I'd like it if you'd consider working with me.

I've been thinking of asking Moon, as well. His analytics are worth having even if he is a bit wet.

And then I think together we might make a case to Malfoy. Otherwise, he's likely to partner Daphs and Marvolo, and that would be a bit of a waste.

Of course, if you wanted to consider a wild card, we might ask Crabbe. He is an absolute natural at the arts. Mind you, we'd have to do all the writing, but if we're given adaptation assignments, he's able to adjust spells by touch. And if we've got to demonstrate, we could rely on his always getting full marks on that.

I'd rather avoid partnering Teds, so I'd like to get this sorted before he starts thinking what he'd like to do.

Comments

[alt_padma]

Crabbe's good but we'd spend almost all our planning time explaining. And explaining. Unless he's willing to keep his gob shut until we tell him 'Wands out' and just confine himself to casting. Oh, but what if everyone's research papers count to the whole group's overall mark? Or he expects us to help him because we're on a team together?

Lines would join us if we asked him but I'm worried he'll insist we carry Lav, too. I mean, this is N.E.W.T.s we're talking about. There's no one I'd want more if we were picking out robes or brewing a potion to keep nail lacquer from chipping but--well. It's just that if Lines feels he has to take care of her, that's his lookout and I won't have it bring down the rest of the team.

What would you think about asking Daphs ourselves? I don't mind if you want to make sure she doesn't go and do something daft like throw her lot in with Weasley or Parkinson. She's not brilliant but she's also better than most--she was good to have along on the CCF trip, too.

Oh, I think we should also promise that even if we're cross with one another (you know), we leave it outside for the purpose of coming in tops.

[alt_blaise]

We could ask Daphne, yes. But would that really help us keep from getting cross with one another?

I'd prefer we asked Draco, actually. Particularly if what we want is to top the standings.

[alt_padma]

Malfoy would be good. You, me, Moon and Malfoy.

We'd better act quickly or Malfoy will go with Marvolo. Do you think you'll be able to talk to him tonight?

[alt_blaise]

Yes. I've already told him I have something to talk over with him later.

Have you said anything to Moon?

[alt_padma]

I just wrote to ask him and

oh, bugger.

Seamus.

Would you.... I mean. Well, if you didn't mind, or if Lines insists on having Lav along, then, maybe, would you consider Seamus?

[alt_blaise]

Well. We're not having Brown, that's for certain.

But surely Moon knows to separate study from snogging, since he's chosen someone so unsuited to academics.

As for Finnigan? I'm not saying he'd drag us down. I know his marks are good. It's only that the two of you together can be    As long as you're really going to ask Moon first. Let's talk about it again if Moon's a no-go.

[alt_padma]

Did you see Harry just wrote to Lines?

I'm betting it's not to ask about his scintillating internship with Georg Bright.

On the bright side other hand, that means we don't have to worry about Lav, I suppose.

[alt_blaise]

You're sure he'll pick Marvolo over you? Maybe. Depends who Marvolo's got with him, don't you think? I mean, Moon cares about top marks as much as you. And, no disrespect intended, but Marvolo's gifts aren't necessarily academic. If you know what I mean. Mind you, he's an excellent wand, and I'd wager he's had more tutoring in the Arts than all of us combined. And I'm not saying he's a Crabbe, but as far as the theory and writing goes? He's not a match for you--or me. I'd expect Moon to take that into account.

[alt_padma]

Of course he did. All Marvolo has to do is smile in his direction and he begs after him like a puppy.

Just as well, in some ways. He's useful but lately he's a crashing bore. I don't know if I could take a whole year (or two!) of him waxing poetic.

So, should I ask Seamus? He's really worth having.

[alt_blaise]

Well, blast. Draco's going with Marvolo, so that's another reason for Moon to have gone with him. I didn't realise Moon was the sort to run after Marvolo. That is a bore.

Do ask Finnigan. And I'll ask Daphs, shall I?

And if that fails, well. What's Brocklehurst like academically? I mean, obviously she's nothing to look at and generally missable by other measures. But there must be a reason she Sorted into Ravenclaw, no?

[alt_padma]

Seamus is in.

What about Daphs?

I was talking to Seamus and he had an interesting suggestion. F-F.

I mean, I know he's sort of a drip, with all that honour and fair play nonsense. But. He can write, at least. And he's not bad at the spellwork.

If Daphs says she's already got a team, that is. I mean, if she's interested, then fine, F-F can take care of himself. But he might be a good alternative to Crabbe.

[alt_blaise]

Actually, Flinch-n-Fetchit's a good idea strictly because he's one of Antonin Nikolaevich's favourites. That could be really very useful when assignments get doled out: we'd be sure to get the extra interesting things.

Let's go with that. I can't find Daphs, anyway.

[alt_padma]

Is he? I've never noticed--but then Ravenclaw never had Noble Arts with Hufflepuff, either.

You're right that it'll be useful to have a teacher's pet, though.

Should you ask him or me?

[alt_blaise]

Sorry. Still looking for Daphne, but she's off somewhere.

I think you might do better asking him, actually. He'll be flattered. Obviously he'll think you want him because he's a top student.