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Sunday, July 10th, 2005
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12:55 am - egli chi bugie, vivo
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Both Millicent and myself -- especially myself -- have endured nearly a week's worth of intense questioning and interrogation at the hands of Aurors and Wizengamot officials. I will not reveal here what was exchanged in these meetings, and will instead only say that that it is fortunate that I have an extraordinarily patient and, according to my interrogators, generous nature.
I suppose that some may call this negotiation. I would argue that one hardly needs to negotiate when one bears no tell-tale marks on their physical person. In addition, Millicent saved every last one of the letters I sent her from Azkaban, all of which clearly indicate my distress at being forced into a situation which tested the limits of my control. There was also a very kind wizard, an elderly gentleman who was a tragically misled follower of You-Know-Who in the first war, who provided details which convinced officials that nothing of these past few months has been enacted entirely of my own free will. I am told that this kind wizard has received the benefit of the doubt from officials for his valuable testimony, just as I have received the benefit of the doubt for what I have offered.
I would say that I am grateful, but truth told I see no reason why I have not earned the benefit of the doubt.
After all, there is no one who can say they ever saw me harm a single soul.
current mood:  satisfied
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(46 comments | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, May 3rd, 2005
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9:41 pm - uno mondiale poich‚ un altro
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My offering has been accepted as genuine, it would seem. There was some question of its validity, you see. I believe they were expecting something grander and more defined. Nuance is too often undervalued.
Those who know me well do not require an explanation on my current position. And I would not be so foolish as to believe that those who do not know me well are interested in any such explanation. I will therefore skirt the matter entirely. But on a more conversational note, Azkaban is not particularly comfortable to one such as I, and for that reason Goldstein and I spend the majority of our time elsewhere. For those who did not live amongst the dementors for fifteen years, Azkaban still feels more a prison than a home. Which is not to say that Signora Black is not an excellent hostess. I feel quite welcomed, indeed.
I imagine that my father has, by now, heard news of me. I imagine that he is unsurprised. I did tell him that I would one day disprove his belief that people lack an individual will. Separateness is but an illusion was his famous espousal. Not as famous as he would have liked, I am sorry to say.
My brothers, on the other hand, are likely to take it harder. To look at them, one can see how separateness just might be something of an illusion. Millicent could never tell them apart. Neither could my mother, now that I think back on it.
I hope that you, you, you, and especially you are doing well.
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(44 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, April 7th, 2005
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11:31 pm - il che cambia del marea
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I was just reading a book -- for I am one who does indeed enjoy the act of reading in my free time. I dozed off for but a second, as I occasionally do at this time of the evening, and the book fell from my hands to the floor. As I bent over to pick it up, I noticed that the book was more or less the exact same shape and size as the stone in the flooring. In a second's time I also noticed that the book's spine was the same width as the space between the stones. I am not typically one who is aware of the synchronisity between humans and their surroundings unless they announce themselves in a way such as this. I am reminded of how the Forbidden Forest seems nothing more than a chaotic riot of overgrown foliage from the ground, but asserts itself into a more uniform and sensible mapping of dark greens and browns when seen from above. Perhaps there is an order to all that surrounds us after all. It is a comforting thought to some, but reminds me all too much of my Father, who firmly believes that there is little use in attempting to change the order of things. My Father would rather read about change than attempt change himself. I do not know if this is the 'way' of all Ravenclaws, but it is surely the way of all Zabinis who are Ravenclaws.
My Father and I often disagree. I am not bothered by it.
I am bothered, however, by one Filch, Argus, who it seems has decided to hold a grudge against me for his lack of luck on Saint Valentine's Day. Thrice now he has accused me of having tracked mud into the Great Hall, and his cat has taken to trailing me as I make my way to the library, hissing and spitting at my perfectly clean and mud-less feet.
current mood:  calm
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| Tuesday, February 15th, 2005
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7:25 pm
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| Thursday, February 10th, 2005
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8:47 pm - un altro anno
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Yesterday was my 18th birthday, and I was well-treated by all of my friends and relations in Slytherin, who are nothing if not generous and extraordinarily well-meaning. Millicent and I spent the bulk of the day together in private, naturalmente, while still attending to those lessons and duties which required our attention. Pansy, ever creative, compiled a scrapbook of memories and photographs that represent the last seven years in Slytherin; I am particularly fond of the photograph of myself, Millicent, Draco, and Pansy, which was taken on the Aspir Paralia as we all drank retsina from large conch shells (wine glasses were nowhere to be found - Draco, I think it was you who said, at the time, that Professor Sinistra had likely stowed all of them under her bed). Draco himself provided me with italian-made, tooled leather wallet which has my initials emblazoned on both sides.
Gryffindor and Slytherin minds must think alike on occasion, for Creevey also gave me a wallet, one which fastens with an unusual muggle-made material called velcro. It is, I think, what the muggles envision as a magical way to keep a wallet closed so that none of the contents escape. Quite fascinating, though I do not care for the rude sound that it makes when opened. I put a silencing charm on it - I hope you do not mind, Creevey.
I received two gifts which had no attached cards and were otherwise unlabeled. One was a deluxe wand-polishing kit. I assume this to be from Daphne, as it bears the mark of her particular sense of humour. The second gift I can only assume to be from Tracey, as Tracey and Daphne are the sort of best mates who engage in a constant, unspoken contest of trying to one-up eachother. Tracey's gift was most certainly the super-deluxe grand wizard's wand-polishing kit.
All in all, a satisfying day. Though I am disappointed, Professor Malfoy, that my previously-promised gift seems to have been forgotten.
current mood:  content
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(60 comments | comment on this)
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| Monday, December 27th, 2004
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8:18 pm - verso onore il morto
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Another holiday, another reminder of how thankful I am that only one term of my education at Hogwarts remains. There is nothing quite like the freedom to travel and do as one pleases, visiting famiglia in Siracusa, and Millicent in Salisbury, followed by an enjoyable evening in the company of many friends, old and new, at Signora Malfoy's Christmas party. Of course I was expected to spend a portion of my abundent free time in Ilfracombe with fiery relatives of the parental and sibling variety, but it was not so bad as it might have been, as my brothers were rendered pensive and non-confrontational by news of Ravenclaw tower's destruction.
Much speculation and argument has been made as of late regarding the fates of Goldstein, Anthony and Boot, Terry. Goldstein has of course made his own fate by fleeing, while Boot's fate is to be decided today before the Ministry's Wizengamot.
It is unfortunate that the fate met by Spencer, MacDougal, Entwhistle, and St George seems to have been quiet easily forgotten by some.
My brother Ruffino has been romantically involved with Leslee's older sister Amanda ever since the two left Hogwarts, and Luca was Ravenclaw's seventh year prefect when Entwhistle was the first year who always lost his way in the dungeons. The St George family resides here in Ilfracombe, only just over the hill. Decades ago my Father shared a dorm with Morag's Father when both were Ravenclaw housemates.
Some, yes, but not all.
current mood:  contemplative
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| Tuesday, December 7th, 2004
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8:19 pm - amore viene verso tutto
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I believe congratulations of a sort are in order, Goldstein.
I would appear that our consultations have aided you in winning that which you've always wanted.
current mood:  impressed
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| Monday, November 29th, 2004
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4:12 pm - che cosa va mancare rinvierà
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I see the bucaiolo are acting out as they often do, yet again upon these books for all of us to witness. Tell me, Finch-Fletchley, do you never tire of being the resident bocchinara? Perhaps not, as it is becoming evident that it is a role you were born to play. I do not fault you this, as we all have our own roles which we were born to play. It is only that some of these roles matter more than others in the grand scheme of things. But all do matter--remember this. So yes, even the efforts your culo puts forth must amount to something that you can be proud of.
Draco, amico, though I do hate to suspect you of having helped yourself to a particular belonging of mine for the second time, I cannot think of anyone else who might have nicked a certain something from the bottom of my heavily warded wardrobe. Though yes, I do realise that we have decided upon co-ownership of this certain something, I do not understand why you would put your faith in it yet again, particularly when it proved useless in that regard to which you first thought to apply it. Forgive my cryptic words, but you of all people do know what it is that I refer to.
current mood:  aggravated
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(53 comments | comment on this)
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| Sunday, November 21st, 2004
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6:29 pm - tutto noioso
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Something strange and chaotic occured last night, and though I am not sure of all the pertinent details, it has come to my attention that the charming red-haired woman was in fact Potter's Mother, circa 1977. This is somewhat difficult to comprehend as to my mind they look nothing alike. I do not know who most of the others were, except that they closely resembled certain noisy puttana that often make their presence known upon these pages.
Many congratulations to the Slytherin quidditch team for their victory in today's quidditch match. I am concerned about Draco's manner of celebration, however. It is most unusual for him to follow a match, particularly a victory, by locking himself in the dormitory and proceeding to break things. At least, I believe he was breaking things, as that is certainly what it sounded like. I do hope that none of my own belongings were destroyed.
Nothing is as far away as one minute ago.
current mood:  restless
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| Monday, November 1st, 2004
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6:33 pm - Mannaggia!
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Last night falls under the category of memorable. Pansy returned, Millicent wore midnight blue, the puttana were kept at bay by the threat of belino attacking jack-o-lanterns, and I was introduced to the American delicacy known as the Oreo. The only thing of import to note on that is that it is entirely black and white, and cloying sweet.
No more on the event need be penned. Enjoyable as it was, it has ended. It is time to move on to that which next demands my attention.
Goldstein, if it is the future you find yourself presently concerned with, then I suggest you speak with me at once. I have happened upon a book that we share an interest in. I am sure that it is a book you will want to read for yourself at once.
current mood: restless
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| Tuesday, October 12th, 2004
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7:43 pm - e qui Ÿ un indovinello poich‚ tu
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Pansy, if you have declined Boot, Terry's smoking lessons and have in fact decided that the red cigarettes offend you, I would pay a decent sum to buy them back. I find that my stock-pile is more diminished than I had realised. If you would like a genuinely useful gift for your possible visit to Beauxbatons, I have something that may appeal to you more than tobacco.
I really do not think day-of-the-week knickers are particularly appalling. If anything, it at least implies that the knicker-wearer in question keeps the house elves on a reasonable laundry schedule. For that matter, does it really reveal anything about a person's skill at Quidditch?
I am, of course, not disagreeing with our captain... merely wondering aloud. On paper.
I've similar cause to wonder on this reading material you've lent me, Goldstein. These Songs of Innocence and Experience present such a black and white conceptualisation of the world, implying, it seems, that with experience all innocence is lost, and never regained. At first I wondered why Blake hoped to achieve by presenting such a drastic juxtaposition, but after some thought I believe he is positioning himself outside both perspectives, in hopes of recognising or correcting the fallacies in both.
The poetry itself is rather simple, but in a way which compounds the competing themes. The last song I read this evening was song 38, "Nurse's Song": Then come home my children, the sun is gone down//And the dews of night arise//Your spring & your day, are wasted in play//And your winter and night in disguise. The flow of these lines, in particular, linger with me.
current mood:  mellow
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(32 comments | comment on this)
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| Saturday, September 25th, 2004
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10:56 am - C'Ÿ un indovinello quello ha nessuno risposta
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I see little reason why solving riddles for recreation should be a good use of ones time. Life is itself a riddle, and for me the only one worth pondering.
And it is more solveable than one might think.
I have grown impatient with the fish bowl known as our school. There are better and more challenging waters to traverse.
Goldstein, I've finished with my copy of The Divine Comedy if you should still like to borrow it. As it is I still have Blake's book to return to you.
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(10 comments | comment on this)
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| Monday, September 6th, 2004
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10:26 am - Poscia, più che 'l dolor, poté 'l digiuno
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Yesterday afternoon was spent in Diagon Alley, predictably, where the necessary supplies and accoutrement were purchased for the impending Autumn term. Attempts were made to venture into Knockturn Alley, where myself and Draco learned we are no longer welcome at Borgin and Burkes. Unfortunate, but there are other shoppes equally worth our unique brand of perusal.
Millicent, Draco, and myself eventually met with Theodore and Pansy in Flourish and Blotts. Creevey, I took it upon myself to purchase a used volume of Prefects Who Gained Power for your own consumption, presuming correctly that you are in need of all the help you can get in order to properly take advantage of your recent windfall. I am not a prefect, nor ignorant of power, so therefore have no need for the book.
It was a pleasant surprise to discover that Flourish and Blotts had a rare volume of Dante's Divine Comedy for sale, one which had been penned in the original Italian. I purchased it for myself and have been reading it on the train as we make our slow approach back to the Castle.
I have skipped forward to the final Canto, where Dante and Virgil come upon Lucifer and his many mouths, all of which maw and tear viciously at the infamous traitors: Judas, Brutus, and Cassius. I've always found it most fascinating that in Dante's vision, the ultimate sin is fraud and treachery. Then again, this only makes sense. The positioning of fraud as the worst of sins helps us to define evil. Fraud, more than any other crime, acts in opposition to God's greatest gift to mankind. That is, love. A deed's degree of wickedness thus depends on the degree to which it opposes love. So-called ordinary fraud only breaks the natural bonds of trust and love that form between men; other categories of fraud reach an even greater depth of evil because they break an additional bond of love. Of these, frauds against kin, country, and guests constitute the lighter end of the scale, for they violate only socially obligated bonds. What culture does not expect us to love our family and our homeland and to be a good host? But fraud against a benefactor constitutes the worst fraud of all, for it violates a love that is purely voluntary, a love that most resembles God's love for us. Correspondingly, one who betrays one's benefactor comes closest to betraying God directly. Thus, the ultimate sinner, Judas Iscariot, was a man who betrayed both simultaneously... for his benefactor was Jesus Christ.
I am now wondering if it is irony or mere coincidence that Hogwarts is surrounded by a selva oscura--a dark wood. I can in fact see it out the window as the train makes its approach.
Is it also mere coincidence, then, that Dante's earlier work Convivio imagines the bewildering period of adolescence as a erronea selva... a meandering, dark forest where we need guidance in order to keep from losing our way.
"E quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle" (34.139)
current mood: thoughtful
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| Wednesday, August 11th, 2004
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8:43 pm - Non mi piace quando roba andare mancante
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Millicent and I have taken leave of Draco, Pansy, and Malfoy Manor, having both Apparated with precision to Siracusa, Sicily, the hearth and home of all Zabinis, even those who should happen to reside in Ilfracombe. Signora Malfoy, you would like Siracusa for it is built on an ancient Greek settlement, and still many historical structures stand even today. I myself am fond of the Temple of Apollo found in Ortegia; it has a calming atmosphere which is exceedingly well suited to acts of contemplation beneath the stars.
Now that I have established my whereabouts, I would like to ask my dearest amico Draco what has become of the shared treasure we procured only weeks ago at the Knockturn Alley shoppe known as Borgin and Burkes. Surely I would not leave such a thing behind, so I can only assume a most nosy and intrusive house elf took it from my satchel when I was not looking. As I am a Zabini and miss nothing, I would like to compliment the Malfoys on having house elves who understand their orders to never be seen and heard, but demand that my stolen goods be returned to me with haste.
current mood:  determined
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(43 comments | comment on this)
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| Wednesday, June 30th, 2004
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2:14 pm - trionfo a ultimo
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Draco, where have you gone to?
I am in front of our agreed meeting place, Fortescue's, and you have yet to arrive. Appear soon or I will partake of this offensive, faux gelato without you and thus will be forced celebrate the success of our mission solo.
You did manage to get away unscathed, I hope?
current mood: accomplished
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(34 comments | comment on this)
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| Monday, May 24th, 2004
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10:02 pm - Sono benissimo.
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Grazie, cara. I am sorry it took me so long to let you in earlier. You should be happy to know that the swelling has gone down and I no longer need to wear those horrid bandages. The quill is once more comfortable betwixt my fingers.
Pansy, turkey legs? I think not.
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(44 comments | comment on this)
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| Saturday, April 24th, 2004
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6:05 pm - Una volta un ladro sempre un ladro.
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I had thought that, with my archnemesis Thomas, Dean's untimely passing, life at Hogwarts would revert to being a bit simpler. After all, no longer must I hear uncouth shouts of "Cool" and/or "You Lothario, Zabini, Blaise!" reverberating off of the corridors. Gone should be words and noises and other assorted things that I associate with irritation.
However, I was wrong.
I was wrong about more than a few things, it seems.
I am a generous soul by nature, forgiving my friends when I think they deserve it. Unfortunately, I suspect I was too hasty in extending the proverbial olive branch this time.
Once again, I find myself to be irritated.
current mood:  annoyed
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| Saturday, April 17th, 2004
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4:17 am - Uomo avvisato, mezzo salvato.
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Games are everything and nothing.
I find merit in both.
I might be incline to say more on the matter but I have decided that less is more and therefore shall cease to expound upon my findings.
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(comment on this)
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| Wednesday, April 14th, 2004
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7:18 am - Uno chi fa il letto deve trovarsi in esso.
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Well, well. It seems that certain people have no tact whatsoever. How utterly crass.
Fortunately for me, those who dwell in the House of the Serpent would never act in so base and vile a manner. Thus, I have no reason to be ashamed of the house in which I reside... unlike others who shall remain nameless.
Pansy, if you have free time, I should like to discuss a few matters with you. I admit that in the past few weeks while we have been less than communicative that I have missed your presence. Perhaps you will join me in the near future for conversation and figs?
Draco, I believe we also need to have dialogue of a sort. Your patience is dissolving once more and I find that to be troublesome.
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(36 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, April 1st, 2004
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6:46 am - Uno chi fa il letto deve trovarsi in esso.
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Potter:
You had best scratch this out immediately. Procrastinate in fulfilling this order and you will find yourself limbless.
current mood: annoyed
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(7 comments | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, March 30th, 2004
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7:15 am - Facta non verba.
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Cara, I most certainly do understand the Gryffindor problem. Chi pecora si fa, il lupo se la mangia, effettivamente. One should not alter the rules before taking council with those who are superiour and should be consulted. I expect they shall learn in due time, however.
Dark are the days in Slytherin as of late. Fear not, for those who are comfortable in the blackness shall endeavor to guide those who have happened upon it.
For those of you who may be interested, I shall be staying at Hogwarts for Easter hols. My madre e padre will be travelling to Sicily to visit family and I have decided that certain parties remaining at Hogwarts are in need of my presence.
Draco, surely the tiara you have procured for Pansy will not stunt her stunning sense of sensibility. It would be a pity to mask such obvious brilliance.
By the way, Goyle has just begun to storm about the commons. He claims that toilet paper is missing from the loos. Curious. Upon further questioning, I have discerned (after taking time to decipher just what it is that Goyle is saying as he tends to mumble) that there is no paper in any of the loos in the dungeons or the first, second, and third floors. I have grown tired of conversation about toilet paper and did not inquire as to the paper status of the loos on the other floors.
Curious.
Curious and annoying.
current mood: accomplished
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(38 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, March 25th, 2004
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10:17 pm - Creepy
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Stay away from Millicent lest you have a strong desire to become hexed beyond recognition.
current mood: aggravated
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| Wednesday, March 24th, 2004
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8:09 pm - A ciascuno il suo.
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Those who are lonely would do well to reach out to those that can make the tides turn.
Those who have special ink ought to remain in need of it.
Those who are feeling poetical... should cease.
Those who use metaphors should continue to do so.
Those who have been kept unaware would do well to stand up for themselves and refused to be treated in such a heinous manner, for they are most deserving of things better.
current mood: accomplished
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(65 comments | comment on this)
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| Wednesday, March 10th, 2004
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7:51 pm - Cara
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Buon compleanno a te, Millicent.
I am most curious about your plans for the evening. Are you otherwise engaged?
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(13 comments | comment on this)
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| Monday, March 1st, 2004
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7:34 am - Chi ha avuto ha avuto e chi ha dato ha dato.
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Unacceptable.
The swelling and bruising on my face shall subside but I am not so certain that my new jumper shall fare so well. It is quite difficult to charm pumpkin juice out of cashmere.
current mood:  indifferent
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(15 comments | comment on this)
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| Saturday, February 28th, 2004
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9:52 pm - La pratica vale più della grammatica.
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As expected, I have passed my Apparation examination. Moreover, my proctor informed me that I am without a doubt the most confident and crispest Apparator he has tested in nearly twenty years. Such brilliance is not surprising as I am a Zabini.
I am staying at the Ashen Bones Inn on Knockturn Alley and will remain until Sunday as I have a bit of shopping to do prior to returning to school. Draco, Millicent -- if you have need of a few supplies from any shoppes stretching from here to Diagon Alley, do let me know and I shall pick things up for you. Pansy, I am sure that if you are in need of such things, you have other means of procuring such supplies and therefore my offer is not extended to you.
current mood: accomplished
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(66 comments | comment on this)
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| Sunday, February 15th, 2004
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10:50 am - A tutto c'è rimedio, fuorchè alla morte.
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Pansy, Millicent. Meet me before tea. We have much to discuss regarding the strange... comportamento... of one of our housemates yesterday.
current mood: predatory
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(5 comments | comment on this)
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| Saturday, February 7th, 2004
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11:42 pm - Ancora una volta sono perfetto.
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| Sunday, February 1st, 2004
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2:57 pm - Articoli di importanza.
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My face is almost completely healed and, thanks to several inventive potions and cremes gifted to me by certain housemates, I shall retain absolutely no scarring whatsoever. I know this may pain you to hear Creevey but you have failed miserably in branding me a victim of Gryffindor violence. Although I will always carry the emotional scars, I will not be bearing physical ones to remind me of your barbarianistic tactics.
Pansy, bella, I am quite pleased that you approve of the current state of your special chair. As I had told you before, you mouse would return to you. May he bring you the joy you so deserve. And yes, you are a princess.
Millicent, cara, where have you been as of late? I do so miss your biting wit and stunning company.
Draco, I believe we have much to discuss. Come find me after tea.
current mood: content
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(13 comments | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, January 27th, 2004
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5:48 pm - Stronzo!
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I have been viciously attacked by a GRYFFINDOR.
There I was, minding my own business walking out of the library after returning a few books when Creevey, Colin took it upon himself to LOB his CAMERA at me. As I was not expecting to be assaulted, I did not have time to defend myself using any means.
Therefore, MY FACE HAS BEEN MARRED.
When I find you, Creevey, Colin, you will rue the day you ever learnt what a camera is. Mark my words.
I will find you. I will find you and we will discuss this matter at length.
current mood:  enraged
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