Two weeks ago, in time-honoured tradition, hundreds of Hogwarts pupils and their parents stoically endured tropical temperatures as they sat and watched a succession of small and not-so-small boys and girls troop up one by one to collect their end of year prizes.
For some, there was the consolation of a brief moment of vicariously lived glory as a son or a daughter, a brother or sister, perhaps even a best friend enjoyed his or her fifteen seconds of fame.
For others, the tedium, time-honoured or otherwise, was unremitting.
"And what of the Boy Wonder ?" the PO hears you ask.
Well, as it happens, the Boy Wonder... wasn't there.
No, in view of the particularly long and hard term he had had - and in view of the fact that the DPs in their infinite wisdom, despite his outstanding performances in the scholarship and end-of-year exams, and despite his excellent end-of-term report (more of which shortly), had decided to attribute to him not so much as a single prize - the Mother Superior took an executive decision and informed the BW that his summer vacation would be beginning a day early.
Of course the BW was as sanguine as ever about this latest snub.
"So, which would you have preferred ?" the PO asked him on the phone a couple of days later. "An armful of prizes, or getting off school a day early ?"
A second or two passed before the BW answered, the time perhaps for him to shout from his chaise-longue to the Mother Superior and ask her to peel him another grape.
"On balance," he said gravely, "I think I'm pretty happy with the extra day's holiday," before adding without a hint of triumphalism, "Of course, Button and Schmoo aren't very pleased, cos' they've still got another week to go."
The fact is that the PO considers that - yet again - the MS and the BW have got it absolutely right. After all, who needs prizes when he has just received his best ever report, with no fewer than 7 1As, as well as 2 2As and A grades in both his musical instruments ? Here, for those of you who insist on such things, are a few highlights :
English (1A) : "Superb all year [...] Magnificent exam [including] a poetry comprehension exercise in which he contrived to lose not a single mark : no mean feat. [...] A pleasure to teach."
Greek (1A) : "He has applied himself with a will to mastering the fine detail [...] Adept at applying his knowledge when confronted with a linguistic challenge. [...] Sets his sights commendably high and [has] convincingly demonstrated his potential. [...] A pleasure to teach [...] extremely impressive."
Latin (1A) : "To be congratulated on coming top of this very able and competitive set. [The exam] shows that he is very close to being able to read Latin in original authors."
French (1A) : "Reliable [...] adventurous on occasion [...] serious-minded. [...] Performed very well across the board. [...] Very pleasing. [...] Well done and have a lovely summer."
History (1A) : "Positive and constructive. His outstanding [exam result] provides clear testimony to his ability. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching him."
Maths (1A) : "I am confident he will continue to excl in this subject."
Chemistry (2B) : "His top mark in the set [...] showed a very good knowledge and a thorough understanding of the concepts."
Geography (2B) : "I am sure [the BW] would be the first to admit that Geography has not been at the top of his list of priorities in what is obviously a hectic schedule but [...] I am sure he will rise to the challenge of more intellectually demanding work next year."
Music (1A) : "Has so much potential in this subject. The challenge for him is to maintain his efforts and set his standards high in all his musical endeavours since he has the makings of a very fine your musician."
Art (3B) : "He has been great fun to teach and I have enjoyed his company in lessons a great deal."
Drama (2A) : "Has shown great leadership and directorial qualities while remaining gracious and amiable."
Tutor's Report : "Another extremely busy Quarter. [...] He has coped with it all with remarkable and admirable aplomb, setting himself high standards and managing his time most effectively. [...] Refreshingly candid and straight-forward. He is modest about his achievements and talents and is unfailingly good-humoured and courteous. He enjoys the company of his friends but possesses the independence of spirit to pursue his own goals in a resolute manner. Very well done indeed."
Head of Gryffindor's Closing Statement : "Outstanding as ever."
As fine a selection of comments as one could wish to hope for, the PO is sure you'll agree. As for the phrase "he enjoys the company of his friends but possesses the independence of spirit to pursue his own goals in a resolute manner" - is this not an epitaph that any man would be proud to have earned ?
One thing is certain : the BW, currently living the high life in a château somewhere near Anjou, has earned his break. Only seven (sic) weeks to go...
Well done BW - a fantastic report! We look forward to celebrating with you very soon x
Posted by: The Lovebirds | July 19, 2006 at 07:10 PM