I'm not your punching bag

“The shack is closed! Get out of here!”

“Grumpy as ever, huh?”

“You do realize that staying here is a threat to your life, no?”

“Sometimes you have to take a little bit of a risk when you’re doing what’s right, mate.”

“So this is really going to happen…”

Guess I really don’t. I try not to worry too much about stuff like this, but it keeps getting bigger.

Every time I think that all this nonsense might blow over, it just gets worse and worse. I’m starting to lose faith.

War? Really? I mean, I guess he did say Military school now and all, but still, war seems a little much.

You have no idea what this guy is capable of. I mean, things were already bad enough when he started gaining power, but this is just all kinds of awful.

Some of the kids here would probably have earned that title pretty quick. Hopefully we can keep up the magic tricks to a decent level.

I swear, I’m going to go stir-crazy with these new regulations. I feel like we’re being prepped for some kind of war rather than learning magic.

If I’d wanted to go to military school, I would have hitchhiked to Durmstrang years ago.

But, now we’re just some carbon copy of muggle schools where troubled kids are sent, only we have a couple of magic tricks thrown in here and there.

Who does he think he is? He just changed everything that made Hogwarts Hogwarts. 

Hence the reason he changed the entirety of the school’s name to something completely ridiculous.

What does he mean, closing down the kitchens? You can’t just lock people out like that! 

Believe me, I’m in as much of an uproar about it as you are. It’s an absolute crime, if you ask me.

Do something dumb. It is the best way to seem outgoing and fun, if you are willing to put yourself out there to climb and concur the womping willow, or play a prank on the headmaster, people will love you. It’s just the laws of that age. Have you not read my book?

Something dumb? Boy, I never thought I’d hear an adult say something like that to me; usually they say the opposite. Look, I’m all for doing something a little out of the box and a little whacky, but I’m not about to go and put my life or my place in this school at risk. I’m afraid I haven’t actually.

I guess, but it’s what you make of it! What people you spend time with and the adventures you have!

Alright, then what would you make of it? After all, you’re an accomplished writer, shouldn’t be too hard to think of something adventurous and creative.

I mean, I’m sure it’s possible. But why would you want to? There is so much to do! So many great things to see and do!

Because I’m done with the whole school deal. Besides, once you get down to it, there’s the castle and Hogsmeade to wander about in. Not a whole lot to do, Mr. Pippen.

Probably a good idea. No one really wants to see you around anyway.

Well, aren’t you just a charmer? Don’t be too sweet or I just might get a cavity.

N-no! N-no p-please don’t f-f-f-feel bad. 

Then, whatever could be weighing on your mind?

[shakes her head, unable to speak she’s so upset]

Oh, geez! What’s wrong? Is it something I’ve said? I feel awful!

I’m sorry. It’s been a stressful week.

Woah, there. Need an ear to hear you out?