prologue:
tales from professor taradiddle

 Dear Readers,

You don't know me, but I know you. Allow me to introduce myself, for I am known as the brilliant Professor Taradiddle, and I am here to illuminate all of the possibilities (and secrets) that Hogwarts has to offer.

Take, for instance, the illustrious Black family. This year we, the interested parties of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, are supposed to bear witness to the union of two powerful families, the Darling-Astor's and the Black's.

But for the newly engaged, Sirius Black and Moira Darling-Astor seem to be anything but in love. After all, if they were devoted soon-to-be spouses (as their families would like us to believe), they would be spending more time with each other, would they not? As we all know, that is anything but the truth. Mister Black seems to spend more time with the Potter Family and his little squad of Marauders than with his blushing bride. And Miss Darling-Astor, the powerful socialite, seems to speak to everyone except for her intended. No, this author believes that there is something more amiss between Miss Darling-Astor and Mister Black, and it is only a matter of time until the truth reveals itself. (And be assured, dear readers, the truth will come out.)

It would seem that the Darling-Astor last name lends itself to scandal. Mister Michael Darling-Astor, coming off of a summer of partying and pleasure, has graced us with his presence once more (after seemingly flunking out of his sixth year because of his improper ways). This author can only wonder, to whom he will attach himself next, and for how long will it last this time? Hog warts' most eligible bachelor seems always able to surprise, but this year it seems that the only surprise from Mister Darling-Astor would be to see him in a committed relationship.

Speaking of committed relationships, in a surprising turn it seems that everyone's favorite couple has lasted through the summer heat. Of course, I speak of none other than Gwendolyn Monroe and Gideon Prewett. Sixth year's "It" couple, this author can only hope that Miss Monroe and Mister Prewett last throughout the rest of the year. Relationships can be hard, but especially so when both parties do not hold the same standing. (I am, of course, referencing Miss Monroe's muggleborn status.) Best wishes to the happy couple, and good luck.

If we're talking about couples, it would only be right to discuss the obvious not couple: James Potter and Lily Evans. Yes, dear readers, you heard that right, despite Mister Potter's best efforts, he has yet to win the heart of the girl. (That is not to say without many efforts, including recruiting one of Miss Evan's own, Vivienne Moore, into his attempts to persuade the charming redhead.) This author wishes Mister Potter the best of luck in his attempts to get the girl (although I must wonder if maybe, it's time to look towards other, more willing, people to pursue).

Mister Potter is not the only Marauder unlucky in love. Remus Lupin and Petter Pettigrew seem to be equally unlucky in love, or at the very least, perpetually single. Our scandalous fivesome seems to only have two romantic hopes about them. (Mister Black and Mister Darling-Astor, as mentioned above have relationships, although it is uncertain if there are hopes between them.)

However, to speak of the elephant in the room, one Mister Tadashi Schreiber, the rake of Hogwarts himself. A rival to Mister Darling-Astor with his senseless romantic ways, one can only hope that Mister Schreiber finds it within himself to settle down for the year, before it is too late. After all, we only have one year left at Hogwarts, and if he wants his mediocre newspaper to take off (nothing like the scandal sheet you see before you, dear readers, believe me), he might invest in being less scandalous and more focused on his professional life.

In the case of Mister Antoine Dubois, who comes back to us from summer with a newly announced engagement as well. This came as quite a shock to this author, who has it under good word that Mister Dubois was seen cuddling up with some very, improper, folk in the past year, but it is good to see that the young Mister seems to be settling down. As one of our many pureblood elite to start off this year with an engagement, it seems as if some of their families wish to present to us a unified front. Uniting the large pureblood families always seems to do that, but this author must confess that the whole notion of merging pureblood families feels both incestuous and vile. Best of luck to Mister Dubois with his upcoming nuptials, as this author is quite excited to be invited (as it is well known that pureblood gatherings provide the best of gossip, with this author will with great joy, report out to you, dear readers).

On a more positive note, Miss Adora Mash was seen sneaking around the Hogwarts express with a mysterious stranger. (Unfortunately, not named nor known to this author at the moment.) And while this may lead to nothing, should Miss Mash choose to pursue this mystery man, this authors wishes her all of the best. I do have a heart, after all, and it only seems fair to hope for the best for all of you students at Hogwarts, including Miss Mash.

And although this author does wish to go on, it seems as if I have exhausted all of the most scandalous topics to float through the cabins of the Hogwarts of express. (That is not to say that there is nothing more to say, but merely that there is more yet to be covered, and all good things come to those who wait.) I'll be looking forward to seeing what scandalous details I will be able to cover in my next column, but for now, I must wish you my best and bid you farewell.

Yours,
Professor Taradiddle

AUTHOR'S RAMBLINGS:

meet your first introduction to season of scandals, and the gossip that will be spreading about your characters (and others), during their time at Hogwarts! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and I'm excited to start writing this story!

that being said, I am very busy in my personal life at the moment, and so updates might be a little slow until things get settled! I will try to keep up the motivation for this fic (I'm working on plotting out the chapters as we speak since i am such a plotter lol), but i also need some patience from y'all to make sure i still want to update this fic. hopefully, the next chapter should be out by the end of this month!

i hope you are all having a great day!

love,
parker <3