Hippocampi

[alt_macnair]

If anyone looks out a castle window toward the lake, or ventures near the shoreline, you can see the family of Hippocampi that were featured in the Care of Magical creatures exam this week. They're a bit shy of people, but curious, too, and sometimes they like to show off with some formation swimming if they think they've got an audience. Don't try to touch them and definitely don't try to feed 'em, though. There's plenty of fish for them to eat in the lake.

The two big ones are the parents, Triton and Corinth, and the smaller, deep green one is their son Aegeus.

Never did have any critters in my storage, but I figured if I made a fuss of it, no one would see me trying to lure out a hippocampus from the lake. Not sure how they ended up so far North, when you usually find them in the Mediterranean, but they make a curious, musical call at night that I would hear sometimes, and I knew they were out there, sure enough.

Anyway, hope someone thinks to look after them down the road. And Eithne, too. Oh, and Gryffindors, there's some cauldron cakes and treacle tarts and some other sweet things that have been set up for you in the common room, once you've finished with your last exam. Enjoy. And clean your ruddy teeth when you're done.

Comments

[alt_pansy]

Down the road? Does that mean you won't be back next year, Professor?

Sally-Anne was really looking forward to Care of Magical Creatures.

[alt_macnair]

Who said anything about not being back?

[alt_pansy]

Sorry, sir. It just looked like...

Nevermind. Forget I, er, inferred anything.

[alt_ron]

Thanks, sir! For the sweets. They're great!

I tried to go out and see the hippocampuses, but I guess there were too many people out there. Are they around more at night?

[alt_macnair]

They are most active between the hours of midnight and sunrise, but you can find them surfacing now and again during the daylight hours.

[alt_lucius]

Fascinating.

And what, then, is your opinion of the spectral character the students have reported seeing about the grounds?

Clearly not any relation to hippocampi.

[alt_macnair]

Whatever that is, it's no creature of mine.

[alt_ron]

So, um.

There really is something out there, then?

I wasn't just seeing things?

[alt_macnair]

Let's just say its best you don't go looking for a hippocampus at night, Mister Weasley.