Darrell J. Pursiful

Dear Hermione,

To answer your question from your last letter: Yes, Malkin Academy is a lot like Hogwarts. In fact, Hogwarts played an important role in Malkin’s founding. Directly after passage of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy (1692 if you don’t know—ha ha!), wizards in America decided to start their own wizarding school. Apparently an old frontier witch named Eudora Malkin had already begun training the children of other settlers back in the hills, and she was asked to take the lead in forming a proper school. The British Ministry for Magic paid a lot of the start-up costs. (Remember, America was a bunch of British colonies back then.) For the first hundred years or so, many of the faculty were Hogwarts graduates. They even have a portrait of Dilys Derwent in their infirmary! (That’s what they call their hospital wing.)

So anyway, the curriculum is very similar what we had at Hogwarts and they use a lot of the same textbooks, only American editions with the spelling all funny. They even sort the students into Houses. The Malkin Houses are Fairgarland, Proudfeather, Quickfang, and Strongfoot, symbolized respectively by a laurel crown (or a chap wearing one—they’re not terribly consistent), a bald eagle, a mountain lion, and a buffalo. They don’t correspond exactly to Gryffindor and the rest, though. My supervisor, Mr. Corntassel, is Head of Proudfeather House. They’re a very bright lot all in all—very quick and intuitive, but a bit too ready to cut corners if you asked me. It’s like they figure out the answer and then go back and work out how they should have got there. For example, just last night this one girl, Kate Burr

“Hello!”

Neville’s quill slipped at the sudden noise. He quickly magicked away the mess as he stood to greet the solidly built man who was stalking into the Herbology classroom

“Good morning, Mr. Malleus,” Neville said.

“Is Mr. Corntassel around?”

“I haven’t seen him.”

“That’s not what I asked” the visitor glared. Then, talking to the air, he said, “Magi? Are you in here?”

“I think he had some business in Malkinville this morning. Something about a shipment of Carnivorous Chicory. Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Malleus?”

Malleus bit his lower lip as he sized Neville up. The Defense against the Dark Arts teacher was about fifty, with a neatly trimmed beard but no mustache. He furrowed his brow, and then said, almost resignedly, “Yeah. Just a question, really. Let me show you something.”

Only then did Neville notice the folded piece of parchment in Mr. Malleus’s hand. He unfolded it to reveal a very large square.

“I’m working on something,” he said matter-of-factly.

Neville cleared away several bowls of Dittany his students would be shredding and drying later that morning to make room for Mr. Malleus’s project. Once he got a good look at it, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“As you can see,” Mr. Malleus began, “this is a map of Malkin Academy—the classroom buildings, the grounds, the dormitories. Malkinville is up the road this way.”

Indeed, all of these features were expertly charted and labeled in Mr. Malleus’s bold, angular handwriting.

“It’s very nice,” Neville said. Knowing Mr. Malleus’s general wariness of students’ intentions he felt a grin growing upon his face. He bit the inside of his cheek to bring his face back under control.

“Now, I’ve already found a secret passage that leads from this closet across from the Potions classroom down to the broom shed. See? I haven’t blocked it because it might come in handy in an emergency. But the real idea is to track people’s movements over the entire campus. Have ‘em show up as tiny labeled dots. Maybe moving footprints even.”

“Yes, quite clever,” Neville said, his cheeks growing pink.

“I’ve got all the Charms all worked out. Nothing a seventh-year couldn’t do—if he took the time to do the research.”

Neville couldn’t help himself. “Perhaps even a group of gifted younger students working together?”

“Not likely, Longbottom. Most kids don’t have that kind of discipline. As I said, I’ve got the Charms worked out, but I’m running into problems with the Animated Ink. According to what I’ve read, the best recipe calls for Spanish licorice. Is there any chance Mr. Corntassel has some growing in the greenhouse?”

“None in the greenhouse, I’m afraid. There’s a small patch in the garden, but it won’t be ready until summer.”

Mr. Malleus pondered Neville’s answer. “I guess that will do. At least it gives me a chance to gather all the other ingredients. Thanks, Longbottom. I’ll talk to Magi about the licorice after Christmas.”

“You know, Mr. Malleus, I’m thinking…”

“Yes?”

“Well, it’s just that…. Have you ever thought of what could happen if a map like that were ever lost or stolen?”

Mr. Malleus fell silent, but only for a moment.

“Hmm. Good point, Longbottom. I’d better add some kind of security feature. I guess I could recopy the thing in Disappearing Ink. Make sure you can only read it if you know the password.”

“An excellent idea, Mr. Malleus.”

“Will you be here for Christmas, Longbottom?”

“Actually I’m heading home to London on Friday. I haven’t seen Hannah since July and, well….”

“Newlyweds!” Mr. Malleus stated, to no one in particular. “Well, I’ll see you at dinner tonight, then I’ll be off to Pennsylvania.”

“Be sure and wish your grandmother a Happy Christmas from me.”

Mr. Malleus stalked out of the Herbology classroom just had he had stalked in. Class would begin in five minutes—plenty of time for Neville to finish his paragraph.

For example, just last night this one girl, Kate Burroughs was sure Mr. Malleus, one of the other teachers, was up to no good. She and a couple of friends were about to try and break into his office. If I hadn’t stopped them, they could have all been in serious trouble. (Mr. Malleus is okay. He’s tough as nails and demands nothing less than perfection from his students, but he’s got their best interests at heart. Sort of like Professor McGonagall, now that I think of it!)

Just then a trickle of Strongfoot and Quickfang fourth-years began to enter the classroom.

“Good morning, Mr. Longbottom! Where’s Mr. Corntassel?” cried a bright-eyed African American student.

“Good morning, Elliot. And good morning to you, Greta, Jeremy, Jessica…. Mr. Corntassel had to be away this morning. But it looks like everyone’s ready for their last Herbology class before Christmas Holiday! Nothing terribly difficult today. I’ve got some Dittany that has to be prepared for use in the infirmary. Now, who can tell me the difficulties in preparing fresh Dittany? ….”

More…

Dear Harry,

Thanks for the letter and especially the picture of the kids. I can’t believe how big Lily is getting! It looks like everyone had a great time at her birthday party. Last month I went to New Orleans with two other teachers for some early Christmas shopping. Your packages should have got there by now. At least I hope so.

I thought you’d be interested to know I attended my first Quodpot match last yesterday. Quickfang beat Proudfeather 160 to 80. Mr. Corntassel was devastated! (I expect he had some sort of bet going with Mr. Malleus.) Anyway, Quodpot players are mad! Flitting about with an exploding Quaffle on the pitch isn’t my idea of a good time, I’ll tell you. But the students think it’s the greatest thing since Chocolate Frogs. I think I’ll stick to Quidditch personally. At least I understand the rules.

Speaking of Mr. Corntassel: I can’t believe how much I’ve learned the past five months. Professor McGonagall really knew what she was doing putting my name in for this fellowship. Next time you see Percy, tell him thanks for pulling strings at the Department of International Magical Cooperation to raise the funding. They’re doing the most amazing things with toadstools here

Angry children’s voices in the hallway captured Neville’s attention. He set down his quill and strode to his office door. Opening it a crack, he spied three second-years at the end of the corridor.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” It was Will Proctor, one of the Proudfeather students in Mr. Corntassel’s Tuesday morning Herbology class. Will was tall and gangly and not the most physically coordinated boy at Malkin Academy. Someone told Neville he had grown four inches since last summer, and apparently his brain still hadn’t figured out how to move all that height.

“Keep your voice down!” If the boy was Will Proctor, then the two girls arguing with him had to be Kate Burroughs and Dana Good. The three were all but inseparable. Kate, the redhead, was also in Proudfeather House. She shushed Will as her eyes darted right and left. Neville stepped back from his door, and then eased back to his vantage point.

“Listen, I thought we agreed,” Kate continued. “Mr. Malleus is keeping something in his office—something dangerous. And I’m sure it has something to do with the Quodpot game. You saw how that last Quod went off early. Someone could have gotten hurt. I mean seriously hurt.”

“C’mon, Will,” tall, dark-haired Dana Good interjected.  Dana was in Fairgarland House, but the two Houses took Herbology and Defense against the Dark Arts together. “You saw the smirk on Malleus’s face. He knew something bad was about to happen!”

“Look, Mr. Malleus was happy his team was winning. You can’t make him into some kind of, of Death Eater or something because of that! You’re just mad he took points away ‘cause you sucker-punched Bashari Parris when your Disarming Charm fizzled out. And anyway, we can’t go breaking into a teacher’s office! Do you want to get us expelled?”

“We’re in this together, Will,” Kate said. Even at this distance Neville could see the blue fire in her eyes.

“No, we’re not,” he sighed, pulling his wand from beneath his robes. Kate and Dana drew their wands as well. “You’re my friends. I’m not going to let you get in trouble.”

Kate sighed and glanced at Dana. “Sorry about this, Will” she said. All three wands were a blur of motion, then—

“Expelliarmus!” Neville shouted, and the three wands flew from the hands of Will, Kate, and Dana and into his waiting grasp.

“Mr. Longbottom!” They all cried at once.

“Good evening,” Neville said. “Funny place for dueling practice, eh?”

Kate seemed suddenly fascinated with Neville’s shoes. “Yeah, well…”

“I’d recommend the gymnasium. It’s really excellent, you know. In the morning I’ll see about reserving you a mat if you like. Although, this close to Christmas holiday I doubt you’d have any trouble—”

“M–Mr. Longbottom,” Will stammered. “We weren’t practicing dueling.” Kate and Dana seethed quietly.

“No?”

“No. I mean—well…” Dana curled her fingers into two white-knuckled fists.

“No matter,” Neville said. You’d best be off. Lights out in—” he checked his pocket watch. “Well, look at that, you’re already past curfew. Better move along now. Goodnight, all.”

“Good night, Mr. Longbottom,” they all said, and then scurried back to their dormitory.

“One minute, Will,” Neville called.

“Yes, Mr. Longbottom?” Will, now white as a sheet, began to tremble.

Neville sighed. “Will, you understand that I’m here at Malkin as a teaching fellow. I don’t have the same authority as a regular faculty member.”

“Yes, Mr. Longbottom?” Will’s voice cracked with stress.

“It is not for me to award—or penalize—a student’s House.”

Will’s eyes began to tear.

“Therefore, I’m going to talk to Mr. Corntassel about awarding ten points to Proudfeather House because of what I’ve observed here tonight.”

Now Will’s mouth fell open.

“Let’s just say it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. Someone very wise taught me that lesson long ago. Now, off you go!”

“Yes sir, Mr. Longbottom, sir. And thank you, sir!”

Neville scratched his head. Had it really been nineteen years?

“You handled that well.” An old man’s voice startled Neville back to the present. Before him a tall, regal-looking, figure materialized.

“Been here long, then, Mr. Corntassel?” Neville was only beginning to get used to the idea that his supervisor could become invisible at will, and often walked the halls in such a state. He pretended not to hear Neville’s question.

“Please, Neville, call me Magi. All the other teachers do.” He shifted his weight on his moccasins, turning his whole body to look in the direction the three students had headed.

“That could have been an embarrassing situation. Jacob Malleus treasures his privacy. He’s got more Dark Detectors in his office than I have gray hairs. Those three are a handful—and they’re only in their second year! I wonder, though, how different they are, really, from other youngsters of your sometime acquaintance…”

“I don’t think you want to know, Mr. Corn—Magi.”

“You’re doing good work here, Neville. I’ve expressed as much to Principal Towne. You’re a good student, and I daresay you have the makings of a fine teacher. Minerva’d be lucky to have you.”

“Thank you, sir,” Neville blushed. “I’ll be Apparating to London at the end of the week. If I don’t see you again, Happy Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas to you, Neville,” Mr. Corntassel said as he once again disappeared from view.

Neville returned to his office, a tear in his eye and a smile on his face. He sat down at his desk and resumed his letter.

Anyway, Harry, I just wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas. Malkin Academy is brilliant—but I can’t wait to get home. Remember me to Ginny and the kids, and Ron and Hermione if you see them.

Sincerely,

Neville

He reached in his pocket and pulled out what looked like an ordinary gold Galleon. He rubbed its edge with his thumb, feeling the ridges of the fake serial number placed upon it with a Protean Charm. Was it just his imagination, or did the coin grow warmer in his hand?

Then he took out two more sheets of parchment. On the first, he wrote,

Dear Professor McGonagall,

Having thought it over, I have decided to accept your invitation to become the new Herbology Professor at Hogwarts next September. I’ll be in London for Christmas Holiday and if you like I can pop up to Hogsmeade and we can work out the details. I’ll await your owl at the Leaky Cauldron.

Sincerely,

Neville

On the last parchment he wrote,

Dear Hannah,

In just a few more days I’ll be home for Christmas. I can’t believe how much I miss you. Thank you so much for understanding why I wanted to come to America.

Hannah, I’ve made a decision. I’m going to take the position we’ve been talking about. I know that means extra stress for you, and I’m sorry, but I hope—I believe—this is something we’ve both wanted.

All my love, my Darling,

Neville

PS: You should have received my Christmas presents by now. Rue Saint-Expédite in New Orleans is nearly as big as Diagon Alley! Mr. Rainey and Mme Glapion took me there for Thanksgiving. I probably spent more than I should have done, but you’re worth it! Just leave everything beneath the tree and we can open them when I get there.

Neville then stoppered his inkwell, but away his quill, and departed his office, locking the door behind him.

More…

Magical stones that can make me immortal
Triwizard prizes to use as a portal
Old haunted diaries tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

A Twelve-foot long snake, it’s a friend like no other
A Shiny gold locket I got from my mother
Dumbledore’s wand—it could make me a king!
These are a few of my favorite things

An Old lady’s cup in a vault down at Gringott’s
Thrills me far more than a pile of gold ingots
A Crown in Albania and dear Granddad’s ring
These are a few of my favorite things

When my minions
Always fail me
When the Boy won’t die
I simply remember my favorite things
And I’m not a sad bad guy