The Misadventures of Callum C. Gallagher

Hexed Private from Staff

It has recently come to my attention that I have a cluster of freckles in the shape of a starburst on the inside of my left upper arm. I discovered this during an especially boring Defense lecture (Professor Greene was droning about the theory behind some protective spell, I don't even remember). Having left my collection of Quidditch parchment in my dormitory, I had to come up with something else to keep myself from dying of boredom, so naturally, playing connect-the-dots with the few freckles I have on my body floated right to the forefront of my mind. Logical way to pass the time, right?

Anyway, I came across this concentration of them on my arm and even though I've long since washed the ink off, I am still perplexed by how much these freckles resemble a starburst.

I have therefore come to the very obvious and evident conclusion that I am a star. I mean, I've always been convinced of this, but now I have proof.

Hexed Private from Staff

One question. Terry Davies, do you do anything besides docking points?

Hexed Private from Staff

Has anyone noticed how hypnotic that bloody Divinations room is? And I don't mean in the oh-I-can-see-the-future sort of way. I mean in the sense that whenever I walk out of it and into the clear air, I always feel like I've been in a coma for months and I don't know what day or time it is, despite the fact that I have class on set days and times. Shouldn't all that rubbish cloud the inner eye? Granted, not that I've ever seen a damned thing in the classroom or in the clarity of our dormitory, but perhaps all the mundaneness of everyday life is obstructing a beautiful gift I never knew I had! And if that is the case, think of how many true Seers have graced the halls of Hogwarts, never knowing what sorts of amazing talents they had! All because of a little incense...

Right. On to more practical matters. You'll all be pleased to hear that my costume is finished. I expect to be thoroughly admired and praised on Saturday when I put it on. Not too much, mind you, as I don't fancy being the center of attention all night. But just long enough to boost my poor bruised ego a little. What're the rest of you lot dressing as?

Hexed Private from Professors and Administrators

I have a Very Important Question. Who is throwing the Halloween party this year? I am downright ashamed that I have heard nothing about it yet. If I have to plan it myself, it is going to happen and it will be EPIC. Katherine and I have a wicked costume duo planned, and I frankly want to make sure there's a costume contest.

On an unrelated note, I seem to have misplaced my Transfigs notes, and I recall something about an essay being due next class? Can I borrow someone's? I'll trade you some help on your next Runes assignment.

Third point: who told the third years that the Ravenclaw Common Room was an appropriate place to practice brewing...you know what, I don't even know what it is they're brewing, but it smells like a troll's nest.

8 February 2023

Congratulations, Anton. Well done, mate. And cheers to you, Gen. You both did smashingly well. Only one more, eh, and this bloody thing is all over. We don't get a clue for the third, do we?

On a side note, would anyone care to bring me my knapsack? I've got a bunch of work to do in there, and I'd like to keep myself busy. Also, anyone who manages to smuggle me in some sweets gets extra points in my book. And thank you, whoever sent the flowers, they're quite cheery.

It would be my luck that my injuries aren't easy to fix with magic. Pomfrey mended my left arm in a heartbeat, but I guess I broke my wrist too, and apparently there's something much more tricky about fixing a joint. She forces this truly terrible stuff down my throat once every three hours (makes for a wonderfully restful night, let me tell you) and she says she hopes I'll be well enough to be released in time for classes on Monday. Needless to say, I thanked her profusely for her impeccable timing. I guess the bruised ribs, though, she can't do much for. She puts a soothing salve on it about the same time she gives me my medicine, which takes away most of the pain, but it's still achy and tender to the touch. She told me it could be as long as three weeks before they're fully healed. Lucky me.

[Hogwarts]

I'm sorry I let you all down. I really thought I had this one. I guess I just choked when I saw Noah...and he was being smothered...dear God, it was awful...would never wish that on anyone.

Can someone check on Noah for me? Pomfrey let him go on Friday, and I think she was a tad premature, since he was still coughing up a storm. I just...I need to know that he's really okay.

30 Jan. 2023
Heavily Hexed Private to Seventh Year Ravenclaws Plus Katherine

Does anyone know how to conjure a Patronus? This is a matter of some importance.

I'm going to need all the help I can get, mates.

13 Jan. 2023
Private to Katherine

Can you please tell me what the bloody hell happened with Carter? He's acting all confused and upset.

Katie, he likes you. As in he fancies you. And goddamnit, I know what a broken heart feels like and I hope to hell you're not going to do that to him.

[backdated to:] 31 Dec. 2022
Hexed Private to Close Friends

[Entry is splattered with water marks that smear the ink; handwriting is shaky and sloppy.]

I need some help don't think I'm going to make it to the festivities tonight, mates. I'm staying right here in this classroom.

I have to stay late in the library, have a lead on the Second Task clue. I'm such an awful liar. But you all will have a lovely time without me, don't try to convince me you won't. There's no way I can face you all.

Please don't ask

See you in the new year.

[OOC Note: "Close Friends" include basically anyone who received a Christmas gift from him, with the exception of Audrey. Feel free to have your characters respond or not, as they would.]

24 Dec. 2022
Private to Audrey

Audrey, I know you're nervous about dancing in the opening dance of the Yule Ball tomorrow, but I just wanted to reassure you that you shouldn't be. You're a beautiful dancer and a beautiful person, and everything will be just fine. I'll lead, and I promise I'll make it fun. And then the whole thing will be over before we know it and we'll be surrounded by friends and just having a good time. And you, you have absolutely nothing to be concerned about. You are gorgeous and brilliant and witty and charming and everyone thinks so. I am by far the luckiest bloke in the castle to be bringing such a lovely young woman to the Ball as my date. Really, just take a deep breath, relax, and try to see yourself as I see you. In my opinion, all you need is a little bit of insight as to how wonderful you really are.

On another note, how are you feeling? Gavin mentioned that he thought you were acting a little withdrawn, is everything all right? I told him that I thought it was just this deal with the ball, but I wanted to double check with you.

21 Dec. 2022

Private
I don't understand what the hell is going on. Liz is mad at me. Liz. She thinks that I'm taking my jokes too far? I don't even know what that means. It's not like me bantering with people in my journal or theirs is going to affect my performance as Champion or my grades...or anything else, for that matter. I mean, I have been busier this year than I have ever been in my life, what with trying to balance everything. My schoolwork was suffering during the weeks leading up to the First Task, and now that it's over and I'm trying to catch back up, all anyone wants to know is if I've figured out the clue yet. No, all right? I bloody haven't, and I'm the thickest person in this entire ruddy school. On top of all of that, my girlfriend was attacked by a troll and is nervous about opening the Yule Ball and I haven't been able to spend time with her because of her injuries and because I have a stack of homework I had to get extensions on, so I have to finish them before the beginning of the Winter Term.

I am a right mess and my best mate is turning against me. Maybe I shouldn't have put my name into the goblet, after all.
/Private

I am delivering everyone's gifts to the fireplaces in each respective Common Room. I haven't charmed it to be unopenable until Christmas, so feel free to open and enjoy whenever you wish. Audrey, I'm hand-delivering yours to Rosie so she can put it by your bed. Just want to make sure it stays safe -- and I thought maybe you could use it before Christmas.

( He's got a bag that is filled with toys for the boys and girls again )

9 Dec. 2022

I will show all of you lot how to dance at the Ball, don't worry. I'll be your dancing Champion in addition to the Tournament Champion. Speaking of, we never properly celebrated my victory, did we? If we don't fix that, my feelings shall be hurt.

Private to Ravenclaw Students
I've put the clue in the Common Room so that anyone who wants a crack at it can have a look. Audrey and I have charmed it not to leave the Common Room, though, so don't be thick and try to take it. Also, don't let the Beauxbatons students know if you figure something out!

Private to Liz
Lizzie, will you go to the Ball with Gavin? I've given him an ultimatum: if he doesn't find someone else to take to the Ball or on a date, he has to take you. I suppose I should have run it by you first...

25 Nov. 2022
Private to Audrey

Umm...can we do something not task-ish in the Common Room?

I'm just a little terrified nervous about tomorrow.

12 Nov. 2022

A little overdue, but: I'M THE HOGWARTS CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!! To my competitors - I look forward to an evenly matched contest. May the best witch or wizard win.

Warded to Hogwarts Students Only
If ANYONE hears anything about possibilities for the task, please don't hesitate to send them my way. As I told my Ravenclaw housemates, I would like this to be a team effort. After all, we all want Hogwarts to come out on top, don't we?
/Wards

Warded to Audrey
Have you gone into hiding? I miss you. I don't really feel like going to Hogsmeade tomorrow - want to hide in the Tower or the library and play chess or something? Cuddle, maybe?
/Wards

On another note, how is it supposed to be possible to concentrate on coursework when the First Task is taking all of your energy?

6 Oct. 2022

Hello Hogwarts! Meet your new Champion!

Or, er, I hope, at least. I'm putting my name in, anyway. What about the rest of you lot?

29 Sept. 2022

Thank you, Bren and Brax, for immediately demonstrating the need for my journal entry.

29 Sept. 2022
Warded to All Seventh-Year Boys

It has recently come to my attention that a number of you may require a reminder about how to speak to ladies. Therefore, I have decided to take this burden upon myself in the hopes that you will start treating those of the female persuasion with a little more class.

I have come up with several general rules to guide your behavior. It would be best to abide by these rules until you come to know the ladies well enough to adapt these guidelines to their specific personalities.*

1) Never use a pick-up line. While we often find them amusing in a pack, let me assure you that the ladies do NOT. These are more likely to hurt your chances than help them.

2) Avoid sexual innuendoes at all costs. Women are not objects. They don't want to hop into bed with you as soon as they see you. Period. And if you suggest otherwise, at least before you know them, you cut your chances down to about 20%. And if I hear that any of you are purposefully making these suggestions at the innocent ones, you will have me to answer to.

3) Look them in the eyes. Most of them have something intelligent, witty, or otherwise interesting to say. Try actually listening instead of ogling.

4) Don't assume she thinks you're funny. Or attractive. She doesn't. And it just makes you look like a douchebag.

5) Don't play all your cards at once. You'll come on too strong.

If you have any further questions, you may direct them to me.

* Please note that if the female in question treats you like the scum on the bottom of her shoe for no good reason, none of these rules apply.

2 Sept 2022
Warded Private from Professors

Well, it figures. I lost my old journal, and had to be issued a new one by Flitwick (who was none too pleased with me, let me tell you). And to top it all off, he chose my name and, well... could you get any more boring? Or formal? Not even close to the name I picked (and Callum?).

Anyway, my 18th birthday is this Friday, mates! A right good celebration is in order, particularly to celebrate my legality - you know, for the purchase of certain beverages. Can we plan something please? It will be a grand welcome-back/happy-birthday shindig! And y'know, if the Head Girl agrees, perhaps Ravenclaw may even be able to host? Or we can find some other venue. Plan amongst yourselves. Just throwing out the hint.