Sparky vs. the World - Samuel Chamberlain

[josebatista]

-- Sparky --

Friday, August 12

So today I got my pygmy puff from Professor Baker. He's a cute little fellow, bright orange and named Sparky. As I was heading back to the Gryffindor dorm to play with him, I spotted a classmate in the courtyard. Her name turned out to be Gwen, and our two pygmy puffs began to hit it off.

These puffs seem to really enjoy being scratched above the ears and under the chin, since they start to do what sounds like purring. However, as I unfortunately learned, these things are troublesome. Sparky jumped off the table and ran into tall grass when I wasn't looking, and Gwendolyn's puff ran off with it.

So apparantly, these puffs enjoy being with another one of their kind. After Pride (Gwen's puff) and Sparky ran off, we discovered them 'cuddling' in a bush. I thought it was pretty cute, but Gwen sure didn't think so. She snatched Pride up like she was getting a disease or something. Oh, well. Can't please everyone.

After the whole 'running-away' affair, I experimented with Sparky. I gave him a large red delicious apple to do what he pleased with, and suprisingly enough, he took a huge chunk out of it. I never thought such a small thing could have such large jaws. I guess that while being a scaevenger, he likes treats too.

Well, I think that's probably enough for today. I wonder how Sparky would enjoy pancakes and syrup... Nah.

Til' next time,

Sam Chamberlain

[josebatista]

Saturday, August 13

Woke up this morning and Sparky was still asleep. I needed to get ready for the big day. Hogsmeade would be opening this weekend and I was so excited. I smuggled some of today's breakfast back to Sparky. He seemed to enjoy it. I didn't watch him this time, but he definitely ate it all up.

So I guess I'm a rebel or something... I managed to sneak Sparky along with me to Hogsmeade. To say the least... He was disturbed by the loud noises. However, he did enjoy the treat I got him from one of the shops.

Then, I left him in my knapsack as I walked over to Three Broomsticks. There I met three other Gryffindor kids. We had a great time, and I was introduced to butterbeer (which in reality, I knew about, but I didn't realize that until I was drunk). I know that you really can't get drunk off butterbeer... but I don't have alcohol that often. I poured a drop into Sparky's water bowl... He coughed it back up.

I was tired when I returned from Hogsmeade, so I immediately went back to the dorms. I gave Sparky yet another apple to tide him over until morning. That thing has one large appetite.

Til' next time,

Sam Chamberlain

[josebatista]

Sunday, August 14

Woke up early to practice some flying for Quidditch tryouts. I am sorely striving to become Gryffindor's second beater, so I started to plot ways to smuggle a bludger to use for practice.

Anyways, I strapped Sparky to the front of my broomstick as I flew, and he was scared out of his mind. He screamed as much as his lungs could bear. Then, once he got used to it, he started to giggle and enjoy the ride.

Unfortunately, that's when disaster struck. The strap that bound him to the broomstick came loose, and he plummeted to his death. Fortunately, I was quick-witted enough to save his life. He snuggled up to me, and I put him in my robe pocket. I felt like a seeker...

Sparky stayed up late tonight looking out the window. I think he was missing the open air.

Til' next time,

Sam Chamberlain

[josebatista]

Monday, August 15

Today was very uneventful. Had a case of the usual Mondays.

Took Sparky to class with me today. Bad idea. Mandrake day in Herbology, and Sparky did not like that one bit. I had to rush him out with the excuse that I needed to use the restroom. He stayed outside until class was over.

In Charms, I accidently made Sparky super rubbery and bouncy. I couldn't get him to stop bouncing off the walls. I was really in for it when he slammed into Professor Catherwood's head...

Transfiguration was the best, though. Instead of focusing on today's task, I spent my time turning Sparky into all sorts of things. A bar of soap, a bottle, a hat, and at one point I turned him into a recliner and sat in it. Professor Claudia caught wind of that one, and told me to get back to work.

All in all, it was a fun day for me and Sparky, and he dozed off quickly.

Til' next time,

Sam Chamberlain

[josebatista]

Tuesday, August 16

So today I decided to practice some dueling spells with Sparky. I showed him the ropes, with disarming and some basic jinxes. He seemed to be listening.

Sparky, the dumb furball, then wandered into my firing range. I was casting a knockback jinx at the time, and he flew into the shrubs. It took me forever to find him.

After the whole searching escapade, I decided that maybe it was for the best that he stay in his cage for the rest of the cage. I hope the spell didn't do much damage...

Til' next time,

Sam Chamberlain